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Victoria Harbor not only provides Hong Kong with amazing views, but also amazing seafood. Much of the city’s delicious cuisine includes fresh fish from these waters.
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The typhoon-shelter crab dish served at Hee Kee is made in a cooking style called Bei Feng Tang, which combines chilies, garlic, scallions and the perfect crab.
A bowl of Mui Kee's signature dish, a favorite Chinese breakfast called congee, features fish, fresh meats and broth seasoned with ginger and mandarin peel.
Situated along the lake that shares its name, Zurich is a wealth of great food. From chocolate to cheese, you can always find something rich and delicious in Switzerland’s largest city.
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The traditional Swiss meal Alplermagronen consists of macaroni, potato, onion, cheese, cream and apple. It’s like mac-and-cheese casserole with a Swiss twist.
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Raclette cheese is heated until the top has melted, which is then scraped off over potatoes to create a gooey but delicious dish.
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This Gateway to the West has come to represent St. Louis since it was completed in 1965. The monument was not initially greeted with a lot of public support, but the promise of new jobs to help construct the arch quickly changed opinions. The arch sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis and is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere.
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You may have heard of New York- or Chicago-style pizza, but there is another city that lays claim to its own spin on the tomato pie. In St. Louis, pizza is built on cracker-thin crusts made without yeast and includes Provel cheese, which is a combination of provolone, Swiss and white cheddar cheeses.
St. Louis natives love barbecue, so it’s no surprise that they take the same cut of meat typically used for pulled pork (pork shoulder) and cook it like a beef steak. This slow-cooked dish is a staple in any St. Louis BBQ restaurant.
Usually made from pork, schnitzel is tenderized, battered and fried before being served with a variety of sides, such as potatoes, peppers or a cream sauce. The dish is so popular in Germany that it has found its way into kitchens in other countries via German immigrants and is now enjoyed around the world.
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The pretzel is one of the most iconic foods in the world. Be it from a street vendor, ballpark or bakery, this knotted dough can be found almost everywhere. But despite its global accessibility, the pretzel got its start in seclusion, most likely originating in German monasteries during the Middle Ages.
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You can find a heaping bowl of ramen almost anywhere. But you won’t get the real deal unless you are in Tokyo, where the dish has been mastered over centuries.
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Known for its electric energy, Tokyo features some exquisitely unique cuisine, from crispy, elegant shrimp tempura to sushi made with jewel-like precision.
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At Bird Land restaurant in Tokyo, chef Toshihiro Wada serves up beautiful displays of various yakitori dishes, including skewered chicken parts of all types.
A slice of the legendary spanakopita, made from a 100-year-old recipe, at Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki in the Psirri area of Athens, Greece.
Fresh fish and chips are fried and ready to be devoured at Toff's of Muswell Hill.
New York City is a food lover’s paradise. With so many cultural influences, there is always something new and delicious to satisfy your appetite.
Nisian Hughes / Getty Images, Nisian Hughes
The pizza from John's of Bleecker Street is a New York treat —arguably the best pizza in the city.
The legendary pastrami sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen is a must-try for foodies young and old. The New York landmark is the oldest working deli in the United States (since 1888!).
Dusk falls over Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. While generally known for its outrageous nightlife (especially during Mardi Gras), NOLA is a food lover’s mecca, with Cajun cuisine inspired by unique local flavors.
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The muffuletta from Central Grocery is a sandwich with layers of salami, ham, cheese and olive salad that looks almost as good as it tastes.
The Creole gumbo made by James Beard Award-winning chef Tory McPhail at Commander's Palace in New Orleans is loaded with seafood, sausage, rice and deliciousness.
Ever reached into your toiletries case and met the wrong end of a razor? Ouch. Place a ten-cent binder clip over the razor head to prevent any nicks.
Akemi Hiatt
Running late with a hot curling iron or hair straightener? Cool it down quickly with a cold, wet washcloth. Just be careful not to touch the hot part. If the tool is still warm, use an oven mitt as a sheath to insulate heat in your bag.
Akemi Hiatt
Going on a short trip and don’t want to pack large bottles? A contact lens case is great for storing concealer, foundation, lotions, lip color and more.
Akemi Hiatt
No one likes to floss, so it stands to reason that no one will steal dental floss. The innards pop out easily and make a great place to stow valuables in your suitcase.
Akemi Hiatt
Save money by packing your own wine. Keep it safe with a water floatie. We recommend this for road trips and cruises, not checked luggage.
Akemi Hiatt
Arriving at your final destination to find your necklaces tangled or broken can ruin the best of vacations. Before embarking, unlatch, string half the necklace through a drinking straw and re-clasp on the outside. Small ones work for thin gold chains while smoothie straws are great for thicker strands.
Akemi Hiatt
Smoothie straws also make a great sheath for both eye and lip liners, which frequently lose tops in handbags. Just use the bendy part of the straw to cover. If the pencil is narrower than the straw, clog the end with a little tissue.
Akemi Hiatt
A pillbox is great for medications, but it’s also a fine place to store and pack jewelry while traveling. The separate containers keep your bling organized, easy to see and not in one pile.
Akemi Hiatt
A simple padded mailer envelope gives your tablet or phone extra cushion and protection in a suitcase. Some are even waterproof.
Akemi Hiatt
If you’re traveling with the intent of shopping, consider packing a suitcase within a suitcase. If you don’t, you’ll end of buying another (probably overpriced) suitcase for the return flight. And chances are you won’t use it again. We packed a week’s worth of clothes that fit into one carry-on bag within a 22-inch rolling suitcase.
Akemi Hiatt
Reuse sunglass cases for packing jewelry and other valuables. The hard shell absorbs shock and the ordinary item thwarts would-be thieves.
Akemi Hiatt
Trying to stay healthy on your road trip? Protect fruits that are easily bruised or punctured with a Koozie. Plus, you’ll have an extra koozie for drinks when you get to your destination.
Akemi Hiatt
Reuse a cloth wine bag for delicates, like lingerie and bathing suits. And if you need a hostess gift at your destination, consider it the gift bag that just keeps on giving.
Akemi Hiatt
Save real estate in your bag by leaving the Bluetooth speaker at home and using your phone. All you need is a glass from the mini bar. Place the phone inside and the sound amplifies.
Akemi Hiatt
Cord catchers are great for your tech gear but they're also great for organizing all the random things at the bottom of a purse or carry-on.
Holly Aguirre
Signing up for TSA PreCheck can save time via dedicated lines where shoes stay on and laptops remain packed. Fast Track Global Entry makes sense for jetsetters with disposal income who don’t want to stand in the customs line. Both require advance paperwork and fees.
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Signing up for TSA PreCheck can save time via dedicated lines where shoes stay on and laptops remain packed. Fast Track Global Entry makes sense for jetsetters with disposal income who don’t want to stand in the customs line. Both require advance paperwork and fees.
Pros pack with clothes at the bottom and oddly shaped items such as a hair dryer and shoes on top. Pack all the jewelry you will wear that day in an outside pocket of your carry-on, and then put it on once you pass through security so you don't have to take it off and put it on again. This enables the screener to work faster, saving time and keeping you moving. Savvy travelers also carry nothing on their person: no wallet, no keys, no gum.
Many security checkpoint wait times are accessible via an airport’s website. Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta uses Trak-a-Line and will even email you when a line gets longer. MiFlight does the same for 50 major airports. Traffic jams can also put the brakes on smooth sailing. Check your drive time on an app like Waze, which gives you an ETA and reroutes you if there’s heavy traffic.
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Many security checkpoint wait times are accessible via an airport’s website. Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta uses Trak-a-Line and will even email you when a line gets longer. MiFlight does the same for 50 major airports. Traffic jams can also put the brakes on smooth sailing. Check your drive time on an app like Waze, which gives you an ETA and reroutes you if there’s heavy traffic.
There are plenty of TSA-friendly concentrated waterless products and collapsible refillable water bottles so that flying through security is a breeze. For example, Lush Cosmetics offers dry shampoos and conditioners, toothpaste in tablet form and solid moisturizing bars that are great for an in-flight refresher. Silicone Bubi Bottles roll up, fit in the palm of your hand and come in many sizes.
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There are plenty of TSA-friendly concentrated waterless products and collapsible refillable water bottles so that flying through security is a breeze. For example, Lush Cosmetics offers dry shampoos and conditioners, toothpaste in tablet form and solid moisturizing bars that are great for an in-flight refresher. Silicone Bubi Bottles roll up, fit in the palm of your hand and come in many sizes.
Don’t check bags unless you’re going on a month-long adventure. You’ve already waited around at check-in, don’t create even more opportunities to wait in lines.
Flio connects you to airport WiFi connection and helps locate amenities like power outlets, play areas for kids and connecting gates. If you’re delayed or have some extra terminal time, FlySmart has reviews of terminal restaurants and shops by fellow travelers. The directionally challenged will love iFly, which uses GPS to help you reach that connecting gate without walking the way wrong.
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Flio connects you to airport WiFi connection and helps locate amenities like power outlets, play areas for kids and connecting gates. If you’re delayed or have some extra terminal time, FlySmart has reviews of terminal restaurants and shops by fellow travelers. The directionally challenged will love iFly, which uses GPS to help you reach that connecting gate without walking the way wrong.
Invest in a “plane outfit” consisting of classic items in dark or neutral colors made from breathable fabrics like cotton and cashmere. A nice poncho, like this one from Mini Rose, subs as a blanket and is easily packed. Shorts, flip-flops and warm-ups make you look like an amateur. No gate agent is going to randomly upgrade a passenger wearing anything that makes noise when you walk.
Scott goldberg
Don’t skimp on your luggage. Look for pieces that keep all your documents and devices in one easily accessible place. Quality bags will hopefully last a lifetime; a cheap one could fall apart on an unexpected layover in Toledo.
If you think you’re stressed, think of the men and women who do it every day. Should an emergency occur, they’re the ones who will help keep calm and even save lives, so show some respect. Treated with courtesy, a flight attendant might even slide you a free beverage or extra peanuts. One polite gesture can go a long way, on that long 2,134 mile route from ATL to LAX.
A duffel bag or large backpack or other soft bag is the preferred choice for frequent travelers because it can be easily crammed into the overhead bin and is far less likely to be taken away from you to be checked at the gate.
Sherry Kennedy, founder of Cruise Maven, says some lines will allow a bottle or two in your cabin, but be sure to check the cruise line’s alcohol policy in advance. Most lines only allow it during embarkation day. Also, don’t forget to bring a bottle opener, or choose wine with a twist-off top to avoid paying a corkage fee.
Conversely, Kennedy says the least expensive wine package can be worth it, especially “if you don’t want to spend the $20 corkage fee on a $10 bottle of wine.” Even better, the waiter can save any leftover wine by noting your name and room number, and you can enjoy it at another meal at any of the ship’s dining venues.
Experts agree that independent operators are often cheaper and can provide a more in-depth experience. Stewart Chiron, founder of The Cruise Guy, even advises leaving the ship for a night in order to experience a city. For example, on a Mediterranean cruise, he advises getting off in Livorno in order to spend a full day and night in Florence. From there, one can take a train to Rome to catch up with the ship. “It saves an hour and a half return from Florence,” he says. Of course, book the hotel in advance.
Carolyn Spencer Brown, the editor in chief of Cruise Critic, also suggests connecting with other passengers beforehand in order to save money on an independent tour. Her site offers a section called Roll Call, which allows passengers who have already booked a cruise to chat up to a year before the sailing. Doing so facilitates finding others to share excursions, like chartering a catamaran from St. Thomas to St. John. “I think those experiences tend to be more special than getting on a catamaran with 50 people you don’t know,” she says.
Anna Bryukhanova
In order to avoid spending 75 cents a minute to get online, Kennedy suggests buying a package to save money. For example, Carnival offers a social media package (which includes access to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more) for just $5/day. While in port, she recommends asking (or following) crew members to find the best Internet cafes.
The odds of getting seasick on a large cruise ship are low, but it's good to be prepared just in case. Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy to treat nausea and motion sickness. Kennedy says that many ships, including Norwegian, Holland America and Princess, will provide it for free in their restaurants. (Although some ships will charge you.) Luckily candied ginger and gum are also easy to find at many supermarkets if you'd rather bring it with you.
If you suspect you might need something stronger, consider bringing Bonine, Dramamine or motion sickness patches to avoid paying higher prices at the infirmary.
Chiron notes that agents can score upgrades that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars. He says they can also help select the best cabin location, such as a quiet room in the forward of the ship instead of below the pool deck. Kennedy adds that agents often have access to discounts and perks that cruise line reservations don’t know about, such as onboard credits, a free bottle of wine or bathrobes, and even complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant.
Yuri Arcurs
Both Spencer Brown and Chiron recommend doing this in order to guarantee a spot. Online scheduling is available for spa appointments, entertainment options, restaurants and shore excursions.
Since the ship will be emptier, Spencer Brown and Kennedy note that you’re more likely to find a deal. Kennedy advises checking the daily planner for specials. Just avoid succumbing to any product pitches, says Spencer Brown.
Yuri Arcurs
Kennedy says that most lines offer a flat rate for doing laundry toward the end of a cruise — think as much dirty laundry as you can stuff in the bag provided. However, if you need to do laundry sooner, both Holland America and Cunard offer free self-service laundry machines and detergent.
Kennedy says this is when you get the best shopping deals onboard a ship, especially if it's at the end of a season. For example, on a past cruise she bought sweatshirts that were reduced from $59 to $7.
Sabine Lubenow
Kennedy says this is another great way to save money. For example, Cunard will provide up to $300 in onboard credit to spend on your next cruise. Don’t forget to ask about any available promotions at the time of booking.
Kevin Emert, chief information security officer of Scripps Network Interactive (Travel Channel's parent company), especially recommends this step for international travel. Change passwords before you leave and again when you return home for the accounts you know you’ll use while traveling.
Before leaving on your trip, Emert advises backing up the devices you’re bringing, and then removing any sensitive data, such as financial statements.
Courtney Keating
Check that antivirus, malware and operating systems are up to date with security patches and features, says Emert. Password-protecting your devices is also another layer of security in case they're stolen.
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While it’s important to take precautions against cyber hacking, Emert notes the most common problem while traveling with devices is theft. “Leaving it unattended for a matter of seconds could potentially lead to theft,” he says. Emert also cautions being mindful of those around you, since someone might be watching as you enter passwords.
Tim Robberts
Emert warns there’s a growing trend of “juice jacking,” where criminals can gain access to information on your device via the USB cable since it contains two wires—one for power, and one for data transfer.
Criminals can also use the USB cable to install ransomware, which allows them to hold your device ransom in exchange for money. Instead of using a USB port, Emert suggests using the AC power brick that plugs into a power outlet.
960 1280Emert warns there’s a growing trend of “juice jacking,” where criminals can gain access to information on your device via the USB cable since it contains two wires—one for power, and one for data transfer.
Criminals can also use the USB cable to install ransomware, which allows them to hold your device ransom in exchange for money. Instead of using a USB port, Emert suggests using the AC power brick that plugs into a power outlet.
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This includes airports, hotels, trains and public spaces, regardless if the network is free, paid or password-protected. “If you’re on it, so is a would-be criminal,” says Emert. He also strongly cautions against connecting to financial institutions over a Wi-Fi network, particularly when abroad, whether through an app on your device or directly from the institution’s website. “You should assume that someone is probably watching you,” he says.
Ezra Bailey
A personal hotspot is a secure way to connect to the Internet via your wireless carrier's data plan if you lack Wi-Fi access—which is often the case when traveling. “Where a hotspot through a trusted carrier is available, that is a more secure method than choosing a public available wireless network,” says Emert.
Petar Chernaev
Traveling to a remote location isn't the only reason why you would turn off wireless capabilities. Emert says that services such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are designed to connect to available networks unless you have security features enabled. “Criminals can use those wireless connections to track your movement through an airport.”
Jordan Siemens
Cyber security also pertains to debit and credit cards. Emert says it’s safer to select the credit card option when making a purchase with a debit card since it requires a signature instead of a PIN number. It’s still debited from your account, but the signature requires a three-day waiting period before charging the purchase, whereas debit is instantaneous. The credit card feature is also insured in case an unauthorized purchase is made, and Emert notes it’s easier to recoup those losses from a credit card company than from your local bank. However, the safest method is a credit card with chip technology combined with your signature.
The exception would be using your debit card at an airport ATM, especially if it’s with a well-known banking institution. “The risk of your information being compromised at that ATM are relatively low.”
Chronis Jons
Finally, if you can manage without your laptop, phone or tablet, Emert says the safest place for them is at home. He also advises leaving behind any personal identification you don’t need, such as additional credit cards. Or if you’re traveling abroad, there’s no need to carry a driver’s license in addition to your passport. “When you’re traveling, assume, from a personal identification standpoint… that it’s not a safe environment,” says Emert.
JGI/Tom Grill
Many people suffer anxiety while flying, leaving them exhausted upon arrival. Mosaic Weighted Blankets offers a refreshingly low-tech solution. Weighted blankets simulate the effect of a reassuring hug, which increases serotonin, producing a calming, sleepy feeling, as if you were napping under Grammy's homemade quilt.
There are ways to do yoga on a plane that do not end with an air marshal and handcuffs. Yogi Ramesh Padala has devised YogaTailor a personalized yoga and meditation guide with suggestions for air travellers by which he swears. Teri Meissner teaches the Japanese practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu, a touch-based relaxation technique that can be applied even within the confines of an airplane seat.
Genaro Diaz fotografo
If you find it impossible to tune out the carnival in your brain prior to an early flight, the DreamScience Brainwave Oriented Sleep Companion is your own personal off switch. 20 nature-themed soundscapes and hypnotic mood lighting will drop you into a blissful dream that the gradual wake setting will lift you out of in time to make your connecting flight.
The only thing worse than not being able to sleep on a plane is being too good at it. The GoSleep Travel System is a car seat for your nodding noodle. It combines a memory foam neck pillow with a sleep mask that wraps around the seatback keeping you in the upright, locked position for the entire flight. We love the cool retro-aero designs.
Four out of 5 scientists agree that listening to the windbag next to you doubles flight time. SleepPhones are headphones in a headband form that comfortably and cordlessly evict the outside world from your headspace. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles, so when you glance out the window at that swirling vortex of trash in the Pacific, you’ll rest easy knowing you had little to do with it.
When you want to feel fancy even when you're sitting by the aft lavatory, slip these tony Symphony 1 cans over your ears and let the vulgarians speculate as to the aristocrat in their midst. These premium Definitive Technology Bluetooth headphones feature 50mm drivers for high-quality sound and pack a battery with 10 hours of run time, although these leather and chrome babies should score you an inflight upgrade to business class before that ELO playlist blows your cover.
If you’re not a fan of bulky, neck pinching, swim camp looking travel pillows, the Travel Halo may be the answer to your prayers. While the oversized eye flap blocks out light, the two stabilizer pillows on the back of the headband keep your dome upright, balanced and comfortable. The Travel Halo packs into a tiny bag that fits neatly into your purse or pocket.
Using a mobile device before trying to sleep is like Red Bull for your eyeballs. The blue light from phones and tablets inhibits the production of melatonin. Enter WaveWall Sleep, an affordable blue light filter and screen protector for Apple and Android devices. Now you can use your mobile device until the sun comes up, secure in the knowledge that it won’t keep you from losing sleep.
There’s nothing more dashing than an aviator scarf, but they haven’t been functional flight wear since the open cockpit era. The Voyager Travel Pillow Set by Happy Luxe resuscitates the classic accessory by including two removable pillows that can be configured as neck support or a sleeping cushion. There’s even an air-activated warmer in case cabin temps dip below your comfort level.
The Znzi Travel Pillow instantly turns your porthole into a headrest. The plush, adjustable pillow has two suction cups that attach to your window, enabling you to make the most of a limited space. When you arrive, the pillow folds into a small slipcase that slides onto your luggage handle for quick deplaning.
These days we think nothing of travelling with several thousand dollars worth of personal technology, not to mention the invaluable data that sits on our laptops, tablets and phones. You wouldn’t carry that much cash around in a Trader Joe’s bag, so why would you toss your devices into a backpack with shampoo and flip-flops? Tech luggage is no place to cut corners. Your first tech-packing tip: Inventory all your tech items and decide which ones you can do without.
Need a device at the bottom of the bag in midflight? Everything has to come out. With the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag your gear is thoughtfully compartmentalized: Cameras are packed in the middle, while your laptop fits in the rear with separate access to get you through airport security quickly. Color-coded internal pockets allow you to locate accessories instantly—there’s even a clandestine side pocket for your phone. If Batman took vacations, he’d carry one of these.
GoPro cameras are accustomed to extreme conditions: they’ve gone up Everest, surfed Mavericks and leapt out of airplanes, but even a sturdy adventure camera is no match for a careless baggage handler who’s having a bad day. GoPole has an entire line of GoPro accessories including mounts, cases and chargers. The Explorer Bundle organizes everything a YouTube daredevil could possibly need in a convenient and secure carrying case.
Gravity has a way of turning your backpack into a mystery grab bag. The Crisscross Caddy is a two-sided organizer that eliminates wanton burrowing by keeping your necessities within easy reach. One side secures your tablet in place while the other arranges smaller items like your phone, charger, lipstick and pens. The woven elastic straps make it easy to organize all your important items, regardless of size and shape.
If you must leave your laptop or tablet in your suitcase, make sure it is suffiiciently padded. If your current luggage won't do the trick, you can even use leftover bubble wrap from home. The SkyRoll Spinner's interior has a padded sleeve located in the back of the case as extra protection for your laptop or tablet.
Don_Chernoff
Conventional backpacks are among the worst ways to tote your tech and provide almost no isolation for your expensive devices. If you don't have individual cases for each one, invest in a backpack designed to protect them. The Drifter Energy backpack from STM has fleece-lined pockets that are situated above the bottom of the bag to prevent damage and there’s an on-board battery charger to keep you juiced.
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SD cards are the size of postage stamps, but lose one and say goodbye to a universe of memories. Even worse, someone else might find them. Pelican’s flash card case holds six memory cards in a shock absorbing, water-resistant shell that’s harder to lose than that last 10 pounds.
Throwing caution to the wind along with loose toiletries in a bag is never a good idea. The Travel Flex bag is a tri-foldable accessory bag with a mesh laundry pouch and six clear pockets with reinforced zippers that will prevent your moisturizer from getting intimate with your iPad. If you're still nervous about leaking liquids, double up and pack them in Ziploc bags.
Noted travel writer and photographer James Kaiser knows a thing or two about travelling with expensive gear. He once took a shortcut in packing his camera equipment and learned a costly lesson. Now, he never leaves home without the tools of his trade secured. Don’t arrive at your destination with shattered hopes and lenses. Be like James.
James Kaiser
Pack your devices so that each has its own dedicated space. Should you need something in a hurry you'll know where it is. And, if that space is empty you'll know you left it behind. Tortuga backpacks makes cube inserts designed specifically with this in mind. Into saving money? You can also use thick upcycled plastic bags made for bed linens.
Queen Victoria Assassination Attempt, Lucky Lindy, Affair of the Poisons
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