travel Archives

Kim’s picks to save your vacation

ChatGPT

Traveling soon? Don’t leave your common sense at home. These safety gadgets aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re the kind of gear you’ll wish you got before your bag went MIA (or worse).

Before you say, “Kim, I already took my summer vacation,” perfect. This is your last shot to snag these deals before prices head north for good. Let’s get you prepped.

✈️ Jet-set tech

Juice on the go: This pocket-sized power bank (26% off) has built-in cables and a wall plug.
Spot the spy: Sniff out sketchy devices in your hotel room with a hidden camera detector (43% off).
Power without borders: Don’t be that guy caught without a plug adapter (20% off) abroad.
Privacy, please: Turn unsafe public WiFi into your own safe, encrypted network with a travel router (25% off).

💸 Outsmart digital pickpockets

Trackable & stackable: Built-in AirTag holder, RFID protection, this men’s smart wallet (33% off) feels like peace of mind.
Safety meets style: This women’s RFID wallet (24% off) is slim enough for your smallest bags.
Don’t lose your identity: An RFID blocking passport holder (6% off) is equipped for the long haul.
Hackers hate these: These data blockers ($13, four-pack) let you charge safely at public ports.

📍 Track it or lose it

Find it fast: Lost your bag? Not with an Apple AirTag (10% off). Open the Find My app and follow the dot.
Ditch the hide-and-seek: Android crew, a Tile Bluetooth tracker (7% off) is your “where’d I put that?” fixer.
Wimpy wires? Braided fast-charging cables (35% off, two-pack) won’t fray. 4.6 stars and 32,000+ reviews.
Traveling with the fam? These kids’ AirTag holders ($10, four-pack) keep track when they invisibly wander off.

🔒 Lock it down

Mini safe, big relief: Toss your valuables in a portable lock box (17% off). Set the combo and relax.
Clip it and zip it: An anti-theft backpack lock (7% off) is a must-have on busy streets.
TSA MVPs: These spill-proof toiletry bags (10% off, two-pack) let you breeze through security.
Double the defense: A portable door lock & alarm combo (16% off) is your travel-sized security system.

🧳 Pack more, stress less

Need options? I got you. This five-piece luggage set (14% off) has 4.4 stars and 27,000+ reviews.
Bye, paper tags: Hello smart QR code luggage tags (10% off, two-pack) that work with GPS.
Weigh before you go: Repacking at the check-in counter? Skip the embarrassment with a luggage scale ($11).
Buckle up: These adjustable straps ($12) add a layer of TSA-approved protection.

Continue reading →

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

The great iPhone rapture

ChatGPT

It starts like any typical night out. You’re sipping something overpriced and half-listening to your friend’s relationship drama. Then, you check your pocket. Empty. You think maybe it was a pickpocket. But the reality is far stranger.

Continue reading →

Plane easy

🌎 I’ve got fixes for the most annoying travel problems.

👔 Wrinkled outfit? A travel steamer (18% off) puts that rusty hotel iron to shame.
🎧 Tune out the world: Grab these noise-canceling headphones (37% off) for peace and quiet.
😴 Total blackout: You + Manta’s sleep mask ($40) = out cold, even on midday flights.
✈️ Red-eye ready: This travel pillow (36% off) is soft enough to make the middle seat bearable.
🧳 Overpackers, rejoice: These smart cubes (44% off) let you squeeze more into your carry-on.

🛡️ ICYMI: Click here for 25 must-haves you need to stay safe, secure and prepared for the worst on your next trip.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

GPT-5: Everything you need to know

Open/download audio

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman compares it to a PhD. in your pocket. Hotels use AI to spy on you, a creepy Instagram update, and three smart travel tech hacks. I also talk to Adrian from Arizona who got fined after leaving a bad review. Don’t miss it!

🧴 Your shampoo’s big break: TSA may finally drop the 3.4 oz liquid limit. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says it’s “the next big announcement,” but there’s a catch: The tech that makes it possible (3D CT scanners) won’t be in every U.S. airport until 2040. For now, that travel-size mouthwash isn’t going anywhere.

2.8x

More likely Gen Z is to treat travel like a dating app. Priceline’s 2025 Trend Report says Gen Z’s rolling their suitcases straight into romance. If you’re going to be single, might as well do it somewhere with cocktails, not push notifications.

🚐 Hitting the road? Try Sēkr, a travel planner made for road trippers seeking a great van life destination. You’ll find scenic routes and reviews for campsites off the beaten path. Plus, there are even van life events to meet fellow travelers.

Change of plans? Sell your trip instead

ChatGPT

You planned the dream getaway. Flights? Booked. Hotel suite? Paid for. Maybe you even splurged on a poolside drink package because hey, you earned it.

Then bam, life throws a wrench in it. A surprise meeting. A fever. The worst part? That pricey reservation is nonrefundable.

Continue reading →

Travel MVPs: Must-haves under $50

ChatGPT

Traveling doesn’t have to feel like an episode of Survivor crossed with a rom-com gone wrong, and you don’t need to drop a fortune to travel like a pro.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane, hitting the open road or planning a weekend getaway, the right gear makes all the difference. Think of this as your custom packing list so you can focus on the fun.

Continue reading →

Prime Day must-haves

🛒 I’ve sifted through the fake reviews. Here are the real winners.

🍽️ Chopped price: From veggies to charcuterie, these bamboo cutting boards (29% off, four-pack) got you covered.

🫒 Oil be back: Spritz your favorite foods with a sprayer bottle (20% off). No Skynet needed.

🫖 Tea-riffic kettle: This electric kettle (15% off) boils fast, is BPA-free and has 4.4 stars and 63,000+ reviews.

🔌 You’ve got the power: Playing outlet Tetris? A wall charger (29% off) gives you six outlets and three USB ports.

🪛 Just screw it: A pocket-size electric screwdriver (33% off) with a set of 12 metal bits? Yes, please.

More recommendations →

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Travel the world without paying for hotels

Open/download audio

Want to globe-trot like a baller but on a budget? Try home swapping: the Airbnb alternative that doesn’t cost a mortgage payment per night.

27 leap seconds

That’s how many extra seconds we’ve added to our clocks since 1972 to keep up with Earth’s slow spin. It’s like adjusting a watch that never quite ticks right. But Earth’s speeding up, and for the first time, we might have to take a second away. So we might all time travel on a technicality.

Resell your ruined trip

Open/download audio

Non-refundable travel plans don’t have to mean lost money. These sites let you recoup some of the cost.

China’s spherical spybot is terrifying

Open/download audio

It rolls like a tire, fires nets, and sprays tear gas. Plus, NASA lost pricey footage, Hertz nickel-and-dimes with tech, and McDonald’s big password problem. What’s your childhood home look like now? Google Maps lets you time travel. Let’s go!

It's now or never for Kim's 'Prime' picks

Amazon.com

⏰ It’s the final countdown! Prime Day ends at midnight. If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger, you’ve still got time to score big bargains. I’ve saved some of the best for last. Let’s get into it.

⌛ Don’t wait another minute! Your cart and your budget will thank you, unless saving money isn’t your thing.

Continue reading →

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Phones keep vanishing: TSA bins are the Bermuda Triangle for your electronics. A travel pro’s now-viral advice? Never put your phone straight into the tray. Thieves can (and do) swipe them while you’re still retying your shoes. Instead, zip your tech into a bag pocket unless an agent tells you otherwise.

Upgrades for everyday relief

😴 Feel like a human pretzel by 2 p.m.? Let’s fix that.

🪞 Mirror, mirror on the wall: This smart travel scale (19% off) doubles as a makeup mirror. It slides right into your bag.

🍑 Cheeky support: Your back and booty will thank you after grabbing this seat cushion (14% off).

⌨️ Wrist assured: An ergonomic keyboard and mouse rest (28% off) cradles every click and scroll.

💆 So satisfying: Two scalp massagers (10% off) + zero batteries = 4.6 stars and 33,000+ reviews.

👣 Heel, yeah: These stick-on callus pads (6% off) act like little bodyguards for your toes.

🕯️ Smell that? Ah, it’s a 45-hour candle (11% off) that comes in 18 cozy scents. Eucalyptus Orange is a fan fave.

🛍️ Bag it all: From feel-good finds to everyday essentials, my Amazon storefront has you covered.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🚨 Booking.com warning: Speaking of travel, scammers will email or message you claiming your reservation is at risk. They’ll say it’s urgent and you’ll lose your spot unless you click a link to “verify” or “pre-authorize” your card. Don’t fall for it. If you’re worried, contact customer service.

Keep calm and carry-on (luggage)

✈️ Your trip just got a first-class upgrade.

🪫 Phone dying? No biggie, grab a portable fast charger ($28.88) with built-in cords. No more digging through your bag.

💊 Chill pills, organized: This pocket-size organizer (30% off) holds all your meds. 4.3 stars and 25,000+ reviews.

🧳 Bye-bye, bulk: Fit everything in your suitcase with these vacuum storage bags (25% off). More room = more outfits.

💨 Steamer on standby: Skip the sketchy hotel iron. This handheld steamer (8% off) is ready in just 30 seconds.

💅 Your portable vanity: Grab a makeup bag ($24.99) that folds flat for your luggage and hangs tall in your hotel bathroom.

🧼 Soap on the go: Public restroom out of soap? Whip out one of these soap sheets (23% off). You get 300 in one pack.

😎 This is just the first stop: Explore my Amazon storefront for extra travel goodies and more.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Don’t miss rewards: From groceries to travel, Clark.com has a list of the best credit cards to help you maximize every dollar you spend. Subscribe to Clark.com’s free newsletter to receive more must-have money tips every day.