Latest news with #travelwriter
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Genius Travel Products You'll Wish You Had 10 Trips Ago—From $7
Many pieces need to fall into place to make a travel day run smoothly, but while so many factors are out of your control, there's one thing you can take into your own hands: your packing list. Having the right gear can make the stresses of the day fade away, and while seasoned travelers may already have a collection they swear by, there are a few key items you may be missing that you'll wish you'd been packing all along. In preparation for the rest of the summer trips and adventures you have planned, we've rounded up the 10 travel essentials your repertoire could be lacking, with everything coming in under $35 and many of them being tested and vetted by this travel writer. From items to keep you comfy to packing hacks that will maximize your storage space, these travel must-haves will change your trips for good, with prices starting at just $7. After an hours-long train ride in a car with no air-conditioning, I was delighted that I'd remembered to pack my Jisulife Handheld Portable Fan—and was even asked by another passenger how much I would sell it to them for. If you're not already traveling with a portable fan, this handheld beauty will be a lightweight and long-lasting addition to your personal item; it's not only a game-changer for travel days but also for summer sightseeing excursions, hikes, long attraction queues, and more. It's programmed with five speeds that are whisper-quiet and impressively effective, and it can even provide up to 16 hours of cooling on a single charge. Best of all? It's now on sale for under $20. You may have already hopped aboard the packing cube train, but if you haven't tested out compression cubes yet, get ready to free up an unfathomable amount of space in your luggage. This set of six bags from Bagail comes with five cubes of varying sizes, as well as a designated shoe pouch to keep everything neatly tucked away. Mesh exteriors make it easy to determine exactly what's packed inside, so you don't need to unpack entirely to find your outfit for the day, plus they're fitted with durable handles at the top for smooth removal from your luggage. Now on sale for under $4 per bag, your packing experience will never be the same. Portable chargers have long been a travel must-have, but if you're aiming to do away with the tangle of cords in your carry-on during your next trip, a power bank with built-in cables should be the next addition to your shopping list. Seeing as more than 10,000 people picked up the Sabani Portable Charger in the last month alone, you'll be in good company after snagging this power bank while it's on sale for 32 percent off for a limited time. It's loaded with unbeatable features like the capacity to charge up to six devices at once, a compact design, and a three-times-faster charge than other devices, according to the brand. During long travel days, sightseeing excursions, and even everyday life, this charger is a must-have. Airplane seatback pockets are one of the least sanitary places on a plane, but skipping them also means leaving yourself with limited storage space—until now. If you aren't already traveling with a hanging organizer, consider this your sign to pick one up before your next trip so you can store your devices, beverages, and snacks in a sanitary, neat compartment. The compact hanging pouch simply attaches to the knob of the seatback tray table, and it's made with a slip-resistant design to stay firmly in place throughout the flight. It's machine-washable to keep everything clean and ready for your next vacation, and it's great for kids and adults alike. Staying organized really is the best way to keep your travels as stress-free as possible, and once you pick up a designated pouch to store your charging cables, you'll find your personal item to be much easier to navigate. The Fyy Travel Cable Organizer is made with a water-resistant exterior affixed with a handy carrying strap, while the interior is fitted with several mesh pockets perfectly suited for storing charging cords, portable chargers, headphones, and more. The slim design will hardly take up any space in your bag, plus it'll make everything far more accessible in-flight. A best-seller at Amazon, this $10 pouch is one thing you'll wish you'd been traveling with for years. It's time to do away with airline-issued headphones once and for all—instead, pick up the Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter before your next flight so you can enjoy in-flight entertainment through the comfort of your own headphones, without cables attached. The compact device plugs into the headphone jack beneath your seatback screen and connects to your Bluetooth headphones with up to 20 hours of charge on a single use. It can connect to up to two devices at once, so you can enjoy a movie with your seatmate, plus it'll do away with excess cords for a tidier travel experience. Whatever you choose to pack as your personal item should be spacious yet compact and easy to keep organized. For this, a backpack is your best bet since it'll keep your hands free while walking through the airport, and this clam-shell Taygeer bag that opens like a suitcase is the roomiest pick. While it's small enough to slide under the seats of most commercial airlines, this bag will provide so much space to store extra clothes and travel essentials, plus it comes with a built-in wet bag and shoe pouch. If you're tired of lugging around a heavy weekender on shorter trips, this backpack is a genius alternative, and right now it's on sale for an impressive 40 percent off. Apple AirTags are one of the most valuable pieces of technology to add to your travel packing list to keep track of checked luggage, but now the Bluetooth tracker can serve another purpose: locating your passport. The Pascacoo AirTag Passport Holder is not only a secure and easy-to-locate place to store your essential travel documents—it also comes with a built-in pocket for your AirTag so you'll always know exactly where it is at all times. The exterior is fitted with RFID-blocking technology to keep your cards and personal information safe from hackers, and it doubles as a wallet with a large pocket for cash and smaller slots for cards. With six colors to choose from, this luxe faux leather passport holder may just become your new favorite travel accessory. When traveling with a personal item and a carry-on, you may find yourself wishing you had the option to eliminate the weight from your shoulder and stack your bags instead. Fortunately, this handy bag bungee does just that—and it's flight attendant-approved. Affixing your smaller bag to the handle of your roller suitcase, this luggage strap will make it easier to navigate through the airport and to your lodgings with your items stacked neatly without risk of the top bag falling off. It's super stretchy to suit luggage of all sizes and ultra-durable, so you don't have to stress about it breaking, either. Tangled necklaces and lost earrings are now a thing of the past because the one item you've been missing in your travel gear collection is a handy jewelry box designed to keep your favorite accessories in place and intact. Currently on sale for 44 percent off, this cleverly designed jewelry organizer is complete with necklace hooks, ring cushions, suede-lined compartments, and even a place to store dainty stud earrings. It zippers shut to keep everything securely tucked away during transit, and it'll take up minimal space in your suitcase thanks to its compact size. Once it's in your collection, you'll wish you'd been traveling with it for years. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Insider tricks to save you a fortune at Center Parcs. The cheapest parks, exact time to go for each one and the hack that can halve the cost exposed
Ask any travel writer what question they have been asked most often and they'll say: 'What's your favourite place for a holiday?' My answer may surprise you. My favourite place – where I've been most often with my family – is Center Parcs Woburn Forest. We go every year. Your browser does not support iframes.
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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Flowy Amazon Dress Has Earned Me Compliments Around the World—and It's Only $25
Like many women, I'm a sucker for a dress with pockets. That being said, I have standards; I won't wear just any old potato sack that happens to have built-in pockets. As a travel writer who averages around 10 countries per year, I'll only pack travel dresses that are also stylish, comfortable, versatile, and relatively wrinkle-free. I know, I know—it's a tall list. But fortunately, expensive is the one thing it doesn't have to be. This best-selling Misfay Spaghetti Strap Tank Dress from Amazon checks all of my boxes. Plus, it's just $25. I purchased it in February for a trip to Costa Rica, and since then, I've worn it everywhere from the islands of the Maldives to South Africa's wine country. In fact, if I were a cartoon character who only ever wore one look, it would probably be this dress. So if you, too, have been searching for a dress you can live in this summer, congratulations: You've just found it! With nearly 8,500 five-star ratings, the Misfay Spaghetti Strap Tank Dress is featured on Amazon's list of Best Sellers in Women's Swimwear Cover-ups. And that's precisely why I bought it; I was planning a trip to Rio Perdido, Costa Rica's only resort with a thermal river, and I knew I'd need something cute and comfy to throw on in between soaks. It also won me over because it's a practical rayon and spandex blend. I wanted something I could easily wash (the thermal river has healing mud pots), on top of something that could stretch to accommodate any bloating. In addition to floating, I knew I would be doing a lot of eating! Besides the fabric, I'm also a big fan of the fit and flow of this dress. Despite not being form-fitting, it's so flattering, I kept getting compliments, both in English and Spanish. And when I wore it on a dolphin sunset cruise at the luxurious InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, a few of my fellow passengers—all dressed to the nines in name-brand designer dresses—asked me where I got it. The Misfay Spaghetti Strap Tank Dress is currently available in more than 35 colors and prints at Amazon. I first got it in the eye-catching rainbow tie-dye print. I usually wear it with my OluKai Ohana flip flops and my Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat on sunny afternoons. However, you can easily elevate it with a pair of heels, diamond studs, and a slicked-back updo (I'd recommend the darker shades and patterns for such an occasion). In addition to wearing this dress as a swimsuit cover-up and as a date night dress, I sleep in it, too. Even with the slight bulk of the pockets, it's as soft and comfy as a nightgown. I also love that it's not clingy, and there's no need to iron it. This tank dress is 'easy to pack in a suitcase because it doesn't get a million wrinkles,' wrote one shopper who owns four different colors and patterns of this dress. It's also breathable—a must for sticky outdoor summer excursions. 'While everyone else around me is complaining about the heat, I am feeling cool as a breeze,' shared another five-star reviewer. The only disclaimer about this dress that I have to share is this: You'll probably end up purchasing more than one. I certainly did, and judging by the dozens of five-star reviews I read, most shoppers were so satisfied with it that they became repeat purchasers, too. Of course, if you want to shop around to make sure you find a travel-friendly summer dress that checks all of your boxes, that's understandable. Below are a few more great options from Amazon to consider, starting at $20. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
13-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
12 Travel Items You Never Need to Spend a Fortune on—and the Budget-friendly Hacks That Do the Trick Instead
From travel locks to passport wallets, it feels like there are a million things to remember before heading out the door and to the airport. But you don't need a million different travel accessories to fly comfortably and have a good trip. As a travel writer, I've flown enough to know what's worth taking with you—and what you can leave behind. So, I put together a list of 12 best budget travel hacks that will solve a ton of trip woes, from a phone with a dead battery to a noisy flight. From the best eye mask for travel to the best neck pillow, every item on this list is under $40. This mix of accessories can be used in-flight, on a train or bus, and even long after you've arrived at your destination. So, make sure you put all of these Amazon budget travel hacks into your carry-on travel backpack the next time you head out. If you want to avoid a stiff neck during long flights, train rides, or road trips, a neck pillow is a must. One of the best travel neck pillows is this Napfun option, which is unique because it's designed with a flat back that helps keep your head in a more neutral position while you're sleeping. Round necks tend to push your head forward and can lead to neck strain for some. Its memory foam fill also feels cloud-like for ultimate comfort. It may feel more convenient to buy travel-sized versions of your go-to toiletries every time you're going on a trip, but it's worth it to spend a few minutes putting the products you already have into these travel bottles instead. Not only will you save a few dollars, but you don't have to worry about whether what you bought is TSA-compliant. Plus, these bottles are color-coded to make it easy to find what you need quickly. The set comes with four bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, scoopers, a funnel, a brush, labels, and a bag. Dubbed our best weighted sleep mask, we love that the Barmy mask applies light pressure to specific points on your face to help you relax. That's in addition to blocking a fair amount of light. The mask is cozy-soft against the skin, and cooling, too, so your eye area won't feel too hot as you sleep or decompress. Sure, you could use the plane's outlet, but why do all that bending and maneuvering around when it's probably easier to use this sleek and slim power bank? It's designed with four different cables, making it a workhorse for charging all your electronics, no matter what kind of cable they require to juice up. It's probably a good idea to keep the portable charger in your purse during your travels, so that you're not stuck trying to find the nearest outlet while out sightseeing. After I got stuck watching a movie with subtitles because I refused to buy the airplane-offered headphones I'd likely only use once, I never travel without a Bluetooth audio transmitter. The Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Audio Transmitter plugs into the plane's headphone jack to allow you to wirelessly connect to your AirPods, Beats Studio Buds, or other compatible headphones. It can handle 20 hours of audio on a single charge, and it's also smaller than your palm, making it easy to travel with. It can be easy to experience restless legs on a flight, especially if you're sitting in economy. This foot hammock is a fun and relaxing way to kick up your feet when a quick walk to the bathroom to get your legs going just won't cut it. You can hang the hammock from the tray table in front of you and adjust it to one of three lengths to make it the perfect height for your legs, so even children can use it. Whether you don't want to hear the conversation your neighbors are having or need complete quiet to fall into a deep sleep on your next red-eye, Loop's Quiet 2 Ear Plugs can block out noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable, which is why we named them our favorite earplugs of 30 pairs we tested. They're made with flexible silicone that molds to your ear shape, so you never feel like you have to force them in. It also helps that they're much more stylish than your average earbuds, which makes them fun to use. There's no better way to remember to keep hydrated than by keeping a water bottle on hand, but they can be a little annoying to carry around. Vapur's collapsible bottle (the most durable on our best collapsible water bottles list!) is incredibly light and easy to carry. When not in use, it can also fold down to barely take up any space in your luggage. Another hack: This is perfect for feeding water to your furry travel companions, too. If you want to give your overstuffed suitcase some help staying shut, a luggage strap can help it keep closed and secure. This Samsonite one even comes with a TSA-approved travel lock to prevent anyone from tampering with your belongings. You can also use a luggage strap to attach multiple items, like a duffel to your rolling suitcase if it doesn't have a trolley sleeve. This phone mount can attach to almost anything—an airplane tray table, your luggage handle, a desk, and more. It's the perfect accessory for watching something on your phone on the go since it can fold down to be just about palm-sized. When open, it uses a clamp to keep secure to whatever it's attached to, too. The mount rotates 360 degrees, so you can always achieve the perfect viewing angle. It may be nearly impossible to survive those early-morning flights without coffee, but you can make sure you don't accidentally spill it all over your luggage again. This cup caddy attaches to the handle of your rolling suitcase to hold up to two drinks. It also has an extra pocket where you can store your phone or other small essentials to keep your hands free for those other important tasks, like holding a child's hand. If you're traveling abroad for the first time, you'll soon discover that many places don't use the outlets we're used to here in the U.S. Packing a universal travel adapter will ensure that you can keep all your gear charged no matter what outlet you encounter. We named it our best travel adapter converter because it can charge six devices at the same time, and it's ready to use in more than 150 countries. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
12-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Writer From Rome, and Wearing These 10 Things in Italy Makes You Look Like a Tourist Without Fail
Growing up in Rome, I've naturally spent a lot of time around tourists. After all, the Eternal City is one of the world's most popular cities, and I've gotten used to sharing my home with the millions who visit it every year. That said, it's easy to spot the first-timers when I'm out and about, as they're usually making the same packing mistakes over and over again. While every Italian city is unique in its own ways, there are a couple of ways to avoid being marked as a tourist on your next trip to sample La Dolce Vita. To help you prepare for your next trip to the boot-shaped country, whether it's to Rome or elsewhere, I've compiled a short list of the 10 things not to pack, and what to bring instead to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable trip. Luckily for your vacation budget, these travel writer-approved picks start at just $28. Buon viaggio ! Wearing oversized backpacks is a big no-no in Italy. Aside from being uncomfortable (particularly in the scorching months), it also makes you a bigger target for potential pickpockets since locals don't typically wear them. Plus, some monuments like the Vatican Museums don't allow larger bags inside. I love a good and compact tote bag, especially in the summer, and this affordable yet chic option from Amazon strikes the right balance between fashion and function. It's mini, but don't let that fool you. It features a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, an external pocket, an internal zippered pocket, and two internal slip pockets that can hold all your essentials, even a small water bottle, which can be refilled at one of Rome's nearly 2,500 free water fountains. Best of all, its main compartment is zippered, which is great for warding off pickpockets on public transport and outdoor dining hotspots in major cities like Rome. It's pretty common in the United States to wear shirts repping your favorite team, university, or hometown, but this isn't exactly common in Italy, with the exception of soccer jerseys. On your next trip, skip the logos and opt for something neutral yet breezy (psst: the easy-to-match tone makes it versatile to wear multiple times on your trip). Linen is the unofficial fabric of the summer, and both Italian men and women wear linen clothing during the hottest months of the year, whether they find themselves at the beach or in the city. This flowy option from Uniqlo is bound to keep you cool when sightseeing, and it doesn't hurt that it's pretty stylish, too. Running shoes may be comfortable and provide needed arch support, especially when sightseeing, but they're not exactly the most stylish option. Instead, you should opt for a more chic alternative that will still give you the proper support needed to walk 10,000 steps or more. Podiatrist-approved and TikTok-famous brand Dr. Scholl's has the ultimate travel shoe style in its Madison Lace Platform Sneakers. They are a great alternative to the sporty look. Not only are they sleek and chic, but also very supportive thanks to their anti-odor insole technology and plush algae-infused sole that offers next-level support and cushioning. Best of all: they're currently on sale for just $70. Leggings may be comfortable, but they're often worn out in public in Italy, outside of athletic situations. Plus, they can be restrictive, especially in the warmer months. To stay cool while still looking chic, consider a pair of wide-leg pants. This breezy option from Quince is crafted from European linen and is available in a wide array of neutral hues, including a fun striped option, for just $40. I've worn these around Rome and while temple-hopping in Thailand and Cambodia, and they've always kept me cool and comfortable, even after prolonged hours of wear. Pro tip: as linen wrinkles easily, pack a portable wrinkle-release spray to try to get some of the more stubborn creases out. Italians only really wear shorts when they're by the coast, so wearing them around cities to sightsee will automatically mark you as a tourist. While the summer months can be positively scorching in Italy, there's also a practical reason not to wear shorts when out and about. Italy is home to thousands upon thousands of churches, many of which hold beautiful pieces of art and sculpture, and you will not be allowed in while wearing shorts or clothing above the knee. To still stay cool and be allowed into certain monuments, consider packing a breezy maxi dress, like this drop-waist option from Gap, now only on sale for $62. Its chic, minimalist silhouette can easily transition from day to night, offering the kind of versatility that will save you some much-needed packing space. Just remember to pack a lightweight shawl or an oversized silk scarf to wrap around your shoulders when you go church hopping. Athleisure is still a relatively new concept in Italy, and while it's growing in popularity, it's still often associated with tourists. To stay comfortable and cool, consider investing in a matching set, like this super simple yet chic linen option from Banana Republic. Available in four neutral colors, it can be dressed up or down with a pair of strappy sandals, strategically-placed jewelry, and a nice handbag. For a similar look at a more budget-friendly price point, look no further than this Amazon alternative for just $50. Many of the streets in Italy are simply not conducive to wearing high heels. Rome's historic center, for example, is loaded with cobblestones that will gobble up a heel right up. If you're going for an elevated look while in Italy, consider grabbing a pair of friulane , colorful velvet flats that are worn around the country by both men and women for both casual and sophisticated events. I love Italian brand VibiVenezia, which ships to the United States, and the flats are available in a rainbow of vibrant hues that add a pop of color to any outfit. I have five pairs of friulane, and I love to mix and match them with all of my outfits. You can also shop the look for less with these flats from Coach Outlet, now just $60. While there are pros of bringing a checked suitcase to Italy (namely, for shopping purposes), it can be a massive inconvenience. If you're staying in the historic center of an Italian city, chances are the taxi can only take you so far, as many areas are considered pedestrian-only. This means you'll likely have to drag your larger suitcase over cobblestoned streets and up and down hills and stairs. That's why you should consider investing in a reliable and expandable carry-on suitcase to make the walk to your accommodation easier. And, it's worth mentioning that packing a carry-on is also smart if you plan to fly domestically within Italy, as many low-cost airlines like Ryan Air charge extra for checked suitcases. My favorite carry-on for international adventures is the Monos Expandable Pro Plus. I've brought it on 10-day trips to Ireland, Portugal, home to Rome, Thailand, and Cambodia, and have always been surprised by how much I could fit within. It features compression straps, a zippered front pocket to hold smaller items and a laptop and tablet up to 13 inches, and comes with a vegan leather luggage tag, protective jelly cover, laundry bag, and shoe bag (don't forget to use a pair of handy packing cubes to really maximize your precious luggage real estate). There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they're not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option. If you're traveling to Italy, you're going to want to invest in a compact yet stylish bag that can be worn both during the day and at night. One of my favorite handbags is the Ayoma Bag from sustainable and Travel + Leisure -loved brand Lo & Sons. The buttery-soft sheepskin leather bag is featherlight and can be worn three different ways: by a shorter top handle, over the shoulder, and as a crossbody. It has plenty of internal organizational features, including a zippered exterior pocket large enough to store an iPhone and even a small water bottle for easy access. The purse is also spacious enough to fit a smaller, compact digital camera, perfect for when you're sightseeing. Its sleek look is an elevated option to wear when sipping on a spritz at a rooftop or going to a nicer trattoria for dinner. In winding cities like Rome, you're going to want to have access to Google Maps on your phone to avoid getting lost. If you need service to stay in touch with friends and family or to navigate the city you're visiting, I recommend investing in a portable hotspot. The Simo Solis is one of T+L's favorite portable hotspots that we've tested for a couple of reasons: it includes a life plan of 1 GB of global data per month, works in more than 140 countries with no SIM card required, and features a compact and travel-friendly design. I've used this hotspot in Ireland, Cambodia, and Thailand, and it's always been reliable and speedy. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
