A grand Kennebunkport Inn reopens, and a belt breezes through TSA

6 days ago

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Step into a world of 16th-century elegance at Casa Carolina, a luxury wellness retreat housed in a fully restored colonial mansion in the heart of Cartagena Colombia's historic Walled City.
Courtesy of Casa Carolina
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THERE:
TRANSFORMED CASA IN CARTEGENA
Step into a world of 16th-century elegance at Casa Carolina, a luxury wellness retreat housed in a fully restored colonial mansion in the heart of Cartagena, Colombia's historic Walled City. Formerly the site of the city's first cathedral presbytery and the legendary Café de la Nueva Granada, the 55-room and suite boutique property blends history and contemporary design with a focus on holistic well-being. Key architectural features include original Coralina stone, hand-painted frescoes, high ceilings, balconies, and artisanal finishes in rooms and public spaces. For wellness amenities, guests can access the spa with Ayurvedic treatments that combine ancient and modern techniques; and Yoga Shala, a space dedicated to practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and various types of yoga classes. Breakfast and flavorful afternoon bites can be had at Just B, a quiet space overlooking an interior courtyard serving a plant-forward, organic menu free from gluten, dairy, additives, and GMOs. Or head to the Rooftop Gastro Bar for a dip in the pool — with city views — and craft signature cocktails, shareable dishes, salads, sandwiches, and main dishes that focus on authentic flavors of the Caribbean. Those venturing into the Walled City will find cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings and squares. Offshore islands with white sands and palm trees are reachable by boat. Summer rates from $300.
+57-605-654-3330,
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Simplify the TSA process with Arcadia's stylish Atlas belts, performance stretch belts with a metal-free, contoured, low-profile A2 buckle that breezes through screening without setting off alarms.
Courtesy of Arcadia Belts
EVERYWHERE:
METAL-FREE BELTS BREEZE THROUGH TSA SCREENINGS
The TSA recently updated its policies and is no longer requiring passengers to remove their shoes at airport screening checkpoints. However, the new changes do not apply to belts, which still have to be removed and put in a bin, a procedure that causes an awkward scrambling to put your belt back on while gathering your remaining items. Now you can simplify the screening process with Arcadia's stylish Atlas belts, performance stretch belts with a metal-free, contoured, low-profile A2 buckle, which breezes through TSA screening without setting off alarms. More precise than holes, the micro-adjustable buckle offers an exact fit that follows the curve of your form for maximum comfort. Each buckle is molded with durable and lightweight high-density plastic designed to endure tough outdoor adventures. Webbing is made of 85 percent post-consumer recycled polyester (using repurposing post-consumer plastic bottles) and 15 percent rubber. Machine washable and dryable. Available in 13 colors in standard and slim widths. $39.95.
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You Can Now Wear Shoes Through TSA Checkpoints—Here Are 10 Hacks for Making the Security Line Go Even Faster

Travel + Leisure

2 hours ago

Travel + Leisure

You Can Now Wear Shoes Through TSA Checkpoints—Here Are 10 Hacks for Making the Security Line Go Even Faster

After more than 20 years, the long-standing 'Shoes-off' TSA policy was nullified in hopes of streamlining the airport security process. Now, even travelers without TSA PreCheck will be allowed to keep their shoes on at security checkpoints, with the exception of those traveling without a Real ID. However, while this cumbersome rule may no longer be enforced, travelers are still expected to adhere to the three-ounce rule when packing toiletries, and, for those without PreCheck, electronics must be removed from personal items and placed into the tray for scanning. Since one of the biggest stressors of airport security is removing your items in a timely manner and repacking your bag without getting in the way of other travelers, we've rounded up 10 handy backpacks complete with countless pockets and electronic-friendly storage that'll make TSA checkpoints a breeze. Each bag is under $40 at Amazon (with many of them on sale), and all are guaranteed to save time and anxiety as you navigate through one of the most stress-inducing parts of the airport. Best Backpacks Overall Matein Travel Laptop Backpack Amazon Fitted with a number of accessible pockets, this shopper-adored backpack will make your experience getting through TSA run as smoothly as possible—and right now it's on sale for a whopping 45 percent off at Amazon. A padded laptop pocket is a secure (and functional) place to store your electronics so you can grab them in a hurry in the security line, and the roomy front compartment is the ideal place to store your clear pouch of toiletries. Just take it from this shopper who said they 'like the front small pocket for putting all [their] personal items in when going through TSA.' The convenient luggage strap at the back means you can stack your backpack atop your rolling suitcase to give your shoulders a rest, and with nearly 20,000 five-star ratings, you'll be in good company among other happy travelers. Volher Business Travel Laptop Backpack Amazon Going on a work trip? This well-crafted backpack may just become your go-to companion since it's large enough to hold your electronics and other in-flight essentials, plus it's designed with a multitude of pockets that will make getting through TSA a breeze. In fact, one shopper raved that the 'pocket for your laptop is easily accessible to pull out for TSA screening.' The laptop compartment is padded, effectively protecting your electronics from damage while you're on the go, and the zippers open wide enough for easy access to anything you need to take out. Even if you tend to pack your bag to the brim, you'll still find the organizational capacity of this backpack will optimize your TSA experience. Bagswan Laptop Backpack Amazon Slim, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, the Bagswan Laptop Backpack is a dream for travel—and it's practically a steal at just $21. It's loaded with a whopping 26 pockets, including a zippered front compartment for your phone and other small electronics, while the cushy laptop pouch has slots to store two larger devices. Tuck your carefully packed toiletry bag into one pouch and your electronics into the other, and you'll be ready to load up the security trays and head through the metal detector in a flash. It even boasts handy anti-theft features like locking zippers and a concealed side pocket that's ideal for storing your passport and essential travel documents. Plus, one shopper noted that it 'sits perfectly on top of suitcases while rolling through the airport with the handle strap.' Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack Amazon Slightly more stylish than traditional laptop backpacks, the Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack is a practical pick for air travel that contains all the pockets needed to remain organized and aware of the location of all your belongings. The back of the primary compartment is fitted with a laptop sleeve that'll make it a cinch to locate your devices in a hurry while heading through TSA, and the large secondary pocket is tailor-made for toiletries and smaller electronics. It even has padded shoulder straps so you'll feel comfortable wearing it when it's fully packed, and one customer shared that they 'traveled outside of the country with it' and had 'no problems with TSA.' Lenovo Laptop Backpack Amazon It stands to reason that you can trust a brand that crafts high-quality laptops to also make equally valuable backpacks to travel with your electronics, and the Lenovo Laptop Backpack is truly a testament to that fact—and now it's marked down to a mere $16. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and it even converts into a duffel with a convenient side-carry handle. Its padded interior protects your belongings from the natural bumps of traveling, and a number of accessible pockets make it a cinch to quickly locate anything you need to remove in the security line. In fact, one enamored shopper noted that the bag has 'just the right amount of pockets, making it super easy to find everything I need.' Duslang 17-inch Laptop Backpack Amazon Water-resistant and spacious yet compact, this handy travel backpack is designed with electronics in mind so it's both protective and the perfect choice for a personal item. Each compartment is fitted with several smaller pockets to help you stay organized, and the thoughtful design makes this backpack ideal for navigating the stress of the airport security line. One shopper confirmed that it not only 'travels well through the airport' but also 'fits a ton of stuff and is really comfortable on your back'—plus, it has an elasticized mesh water bottle pocket to store your (empty) bottle until you can fill it once you're through TSA. Shrradoo Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack Amazon Overpackers will be happy to learn that the Shrradoo Extra Large Travel Laptop Backpack just went on sale for 41 percent off for a limited time, and no matter your destination, it'll make every moment from the second you enter the airport as stress-free as possible. Positively brimming with pockets, you'll find storage space for your toiletries, electronics, in-flight entertainment, and more, not to mention it comes with a built-in USB charging port to connect to your favorite portable charger. The bag is so popular that more than 10,000 shoppers have snagged one in the last month, and one customer even revealed that 'going through the airport checkpoints [has become] faster because the bag is TSA-friendly.' Light Flight Travel Backpack Amazon Small enough to easily fit beneath the airplane seat in front of you, this lightweight laptop backpack is intentionally designed with three roomy pockets to keep your belongings organized and accessible, effectively streamlining the TSA process. The laptop compartment is multi-tiered to keep your other electronics ready to drop into the security tray, and the corners of the bag are padded to keep your belongings safe through typical travel wear and tear. And as a testament to its travel-friendly design, one shopper shared that the bag 'made it quick and easy to get my computer out without the usual Tetris struggle of pulling it out/repacking,' after the security line. Kroser Laptop Backpack Amazon Perfectly compact and laptop-friendly, we've found a top-notch travel companion for trips of all sorts—particularly when you need your belongings to be easy to remove in the security line. The Kroser Laptop Backpack is water-repellent and designed with a large primary pocket that'll fit all your travel essentials without a second thought, and the back laptop pocket is well-padded with foam for an extra layer of protection. Plus, the primary compartment unzips wide to slot in your toiletry kit right on top. Just take it from this traveler who noted that the 'segmented storage' provided 'easy laptop access for TSA security checks.' Victoriatourist Laptop Backpack Amazon This slim, understated backpack will take up minimal space in the security line bins, and with its built-in laptop pocket and compact main compartment it'll help you downsize your in-flight essentials to get through TSA without a hitch. It comes fitted with a USB port that attaches to your portable power bank for use on the go, not to mention the straps are padded to make them far more comfortable during long travel days. Shoppers especially love the luggage straps at the back of the bag, which they say makes it 'easy to cart with [them] at the airport.' Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

TSA issued an important warning to smartphone users: Packing one of these power banks can keep your data safe.

Yahoo

2 hours ago

Yahoo

TSA issued an important warning to smartphone users: Packing one of these power banks can keep your data safe.

I spend a whole lot of time hanging out in airports. This is partially because I tend to err on the side of being overly cautious and will arrive several hours before my flight and then just sit at the gate and work for the interim. I make good use of what could be wasted time, but I often find myself needing all my devices charged before even officially embarking on my trip. It's tempting to use those power ports set up around the airports and at the gate – the ones that actually work, that is – but the TSA is warning to think twice before doing so. The TSA has issued a rather ominous phone charger warning for airline passengers, telling them not to use those airport public charging points. 'When you're at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.' This is due to the ever-increasing risk of juice jacking, which is a way that hackers can steal your identity and hack your phone or install viruses, malware, and spyware by compromising those charging points. You think you are charging your phone, but you're actually putting yourself at serious risk. What can you do instead? According to the TSA's warning, bring your own power: saying 'bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.' So, if you are stocking up on travel gear for your next trip, maybe the first thing you can invest in should be a power bank! Here's some great ones to try, all on sale right now on Amazon: Belkin

Passport Stamps Are Disappearing Across 29 Countries This Fall—Here's What Travelers Need to Know

Travel + Leisure

20 hours ago

Travel + Leisure

Passport Stamps Are Disappearing Across 29 Countries This Fall—Here's What Travelers Need to Know

There's nothing more exciting than examining a passport stamp after entering a new country, seeing the barely-dry ink on the page and creating a tangible memory you can hold in your hand. But that experience will soon go by the wayside as countries across the European Union switch to biometric and electronic border systems, forgoing the physical stamp. In Europe, 29 countries will soon replace passport stamps with a new Entry/Exist System (EES). The policy, which has been delayed for years, will now go into effect starting Oct. 12 and be introduced gradually with the full implementation expected to be complete by April 10, 2026. The electronic authorization is an "automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system," according to the European Union. The policy, aimed at modernizing borders, will collect data listed in travelers' documents, the date and place of each entry and exit, a facial image, and fingerprints. Europe isn't alone in moving toward a digital border. In January, the United Kingdom implemented its own electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee, which is now required for most travelers arriving in the country, including from the United States. At the time, the long-anticipated fee was called a step toward "a modern immigration system." Even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started expanding its facial recognition technology at airports across the country and programs like Clear Plus, which uses fingerprint, eye, or facial scans to speed through security, are gaining in popularity. Other countries are moving away from stamps as well. Australia, for example, stopped issuing passport stamps as far back as 2012, according to the country's ABC News . Destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Argentina have similarly eliminated them. Even the U.S. has started to phase out the use of physical stamps, Harvard University noted. But while travelers may lament the loss of that tangible reminder of a trip, one thing they should never do is put a souvenir stamp in their official passports. That's because the document warns the holder that "only authorized officials of the United States or of foreign countries may place stamps or make notations or additions." This is the full list of countries where the EES will be implemented on a gradual basis: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland