Just back from vacation and ready to create a family movie? You don’t need expensive editing software — these free tools will do the trick!
8 ways travelers can save time and travel safer
Many people shelved their wanderlust during the pandemic. Now that things are back to normal, it’s time to start exploring life again. If you’re dreaming about a big vacation, you’re not alone.
A study by Expedia says 37% of American travelers are planning international and domestic trips next year. As they say, go big or go home — but no matter where you go, you should prioritize your safety. Tap or click here for five tips to keep you safe while you travel.
If you plan to hit the road next year, prepare to be flexible. Things are still a little shaky, which is why you should do more advanced planning than usual. Luckily, we put together a quick to-do list: Check off each of these to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
1. Know what you’re getting into
Before you pack your bags, research your destination. You want to know if you’re entering a highly contagious area or not. You can get a scope of the situation by checking out an official COVID-19 data tracking map.
These maps can help you figure out if you’re entering a potential danger zone. Ever since South Africa identified the Omicron variant, the new strain made headlines and spread like wildfire. NPR reports that 19 U.S. states have detected the omicron variant.
Stay safe by using the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker. This comprehensive tool gives you valuable information on community transmission on the county level.
Once you’ve gotten a handle on the situation, it’s time to follow step two.
2. Back up your data
If you’re taking important devices while on vacation, you need to take precautions. There are many opportunities for you to lose your gadgets, from your Uber ride to the airport to your hotel stays.
Say you use a device during your flight. If you find out later that you left it on the airplane, you could be in big trouble. Calling up the airline might reveal that your device is in another country!
Hitting the road? Here’s a money-saving change you should make before your next vacation
© Fabio Camandona | Dreamstime.com
Summer is here, which means it’s high time to plan a vacation to get away from it all. Maybe you’re picturing a sun-drenched beach, or perhaps your mind wanders to a cozy cabin away from the hustle and bustle.
Many people are turning their vacation dreams into reality this summer, while also trying to stay on budget. But oftentimes, a hotel or rental, plane tickets, a car when you arrive, food and drinks, gas — can all add up fast.
😱 Airbnb nightmare: A couple on vacation found a hidden camera above their bed after a steamy evening. Turns out it was disguised as a smoke detector, complete with night vision and remote access. When they opened it, they found an SD card full of other people’s, uh, vacation memories dating back to 2020. No surprise they’re now suing Airbnb. This hidden camera detector ($39.97, 20% off) is essential.
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Vacation mode: If you’re on vacation for a week or more, hold your mail, so it doesn’t pile up. Log in or create a USPS account and verify your identity. On Amazon, go to Your Orders, find anything pending and click Reschedule. Choose a new date on the calendar and hit Confirm.
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🤩 I’m a Barbie girl: For $129, you can have your very own hot pink flip phone that looks just like Barbie’s. Manufacturer HMD (the folks who own Nokia) call it a vacation, as in no social media apps — just calls, texts and a 5MP camera. Accessories include stick-on charms, vintage Barbie stickers and a beaded strap. Preorders open Sept. 23. People want it so badly that they’re lining up in a Barbie queue.
Stop annoying political texts
Cyber crooks are hiding behind legitimate-looking political messages to lead you to dangerous websites. I also get into online job scams, five signs your phone might be tapped, and how to rent a pool for your summer vacation.
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Everyone wants to look back at their vacation photos and feel great. Do you know your best selfie angle? Here’s how to find it.
Airbnb, Vrbo and fed up Americans
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Planning a vacation? Here’s your plan for getting the cheapest airfare, in 60 seconds.
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As you head out for vacation, you can bet that scammers are working hard to snag your hard earned money. Here are the most important things you should do before booking a rental.