The excursions, tours, performances, and other activities you experience on your travels can make or break a trip. No one wants to be disappointed when an activity booking doesn’t work out or turns out not to be what you though it was—so you’ll want to be able to search offerings, and preferably to compare ratings of them. Plus, it’s essential to make sure you’re booking with reputable ticket websites offering reasonable prices. 

The Best Excursion Ticket Websites for Travelers

Here are seven ticket websites and providers that won’t let you down. Click to read more.

Viator
GetYourGuide
Tripadvisor
StubHub
Airbnb Experiences
Atlas Obscura
Tiqets
Groupon

Viator

Owned by TripAdvisor, Viator is a vast activity and excursion ticket website; one of the largest out there. Travelers can book anything from airport shuttle service, to guided tours, to skip-the-line admission at attractions all over the world. And because it’s similar to TripAdvisor, travelers can also browse reviews of the activity they’re eyeing. Most listings include comprehensive details about the tour and a generous cancellation policy (usually 24-hours prior to the activity with no penalty).

Viator does not operate the tours it sells. Rather, it’s a search engine of things to do. As such, its offerings tend to focus on cities and better-known travel destinations, although that includes excursions out of those places into the surrounding areas; like tours from Boston to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, tours of the Dutch countryside from a departure point in Amsterdam, etc. This makes Viator a great option for travelers who want to headquarter themselves in one hotspot but still experience the broader region. 

GetYourGuide

Another day-tour-heavy option, GetYourGuide overlaps somewhat with Viator, but is focused more solely on experiences and tours (Viator includes services such as airport and in-town transportation services). Functionally, the sites aren’t very different; both offer an opportunity to compare tours and prices. And on that last note, it can be worth checking both: I found the exact same Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto on both sites. GetYourGuide allowed guests to book the base tour without the optional lunch and boat cruise for just $79, while Viator required guests to book the entire package for $138.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor leverages its massive inventory of user generated content to roll the research and booking process into one. Users can access all the standard tour information—such as age range, duration, start time, and language—while also browsing reviews and real-life photos from travelers who have actually booked the activity. The experience pages also feature what percentage of travelers would recommend a given activity, based on the “percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.” The authenticity of the one-to-one style recommendations and opinions of fellow travelers can help give users the confidence to book.

Travelers without a specific landmark or tour in mind can also search for activities organized into top destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington D.C.

StubHub

For more event-focused resale ticket website StubHub is a useful last-minute option for verified tickets to everything from sports and concerts to comedy shows and theater seats. For the uninitiated, StubHub is a resale marketplace for ticket holders (and, let’s be honest, scalpers) to unload tickets they can’t use. This means shopping on StubHub is a double-edged sword: You’ll likely pay well above face value for high-demand or sold out events, but you can also find great deals at the last minute if the opposite is true. In the former case, StubHub (or similar initial-sale and resale option Ticketmaster) may be your only viable option. And in the latter case, StubHub can be a savvy way to save or even make some money; keep that in mind if you’ve ever bought some event tickets and then couldn’t attend.

Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb is all about living like a local, and Airbnb Experiences is no different. The emphasis here is on small or even private tours led by locals rather than tour companies, with an eye toward unique experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. Sometimes these experiences can be tailored to your interests: I booked a private bicycle tour of Berlin through Airbnb Experiences a few years back, and the guide all but ditched his preset itinerary and improvised based on my interests. As a result I got to see parts of the city I might never have found on my own. 

One important consideration to remember: These are often regular folks, not full-time professional guides or tour operators, so it’s a good idea to bring a go-with-the-flow attitude on your excursion. Your experience may not be as polished or precise as a traditional tour, even if the host has been doing this for a while. Of course, the point of these experiences is to forgo those cookie cutter tours in favor of something different. AirBnB includes reviews and makes it easy to communicate with the experience host beforehand, so don’t hesitate to ask questions prior to booking.

Atlas Obscura

Speaking of forgoing the cookie cutter experience, Atlas Obscura focuses, as its name implies, on all things obscure: The bizarre, forgotten, and hard-to-reach corners of a given city or destination that you wouldn’t normally find on excursion ticket websites. While nowhere near as robust as the other entries on this list, Atlas Obscura also offers a curated selection of tours and experiences. It’s currently in a half dozen U.S. cities, with more to come. Think: A guided wine-and-bug (yes, insects) pairing experience in Los Angeles, or a trip inside a holographer (maker of holograms) laboratory in New York. The tours are offered through Atlas Obscura, but AirBnB handles the booking. After all, anyone can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right? So why not be different and check out a … Sewage Garden? 

Tiqets

Launched in 2014, Amsterdam-based company Tiqets is a comparatively newer ticketing platform that emphasizes flexibility and convenience. Optional free cancellation polices are available on all bookings, allowing travelers to cancel tickets up to 11:59PM the night before the event. Tiqets also offers last minute deals on activities and events like palace tours, broadway shows, and city sightseeing tours. Browse by location or get inspired by their list of Most Popular Places to Visit. Tickets can be managed through their app (iOS | Android).

Groupon

With a broader focus than the other sites on this list, Groupon can find great deals on everything from guided tours to restaurants at your destination. To search specifically for event tickets and travel activities, enter your destination in the search bar and browse their Things to Do category, which includes subcategories like Kids’ Activities, Nightlife, and Sports & Outdoors. From there, travelers can filter by price range, distance from the main destination, rating, and season.

Users can also browse via their Hotels & Travel section to book an entire trip via Groupon Getaways.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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These hot travel gadgets can help you do just that—and more. Pack these travel tech toys on your next trip for an even smoother journey.

Ray-Ban Stories Sunglasses

Smart glasses have frequently been portrayed in movies as a futuristic technology, but the real-world innovation hasn’t quite caught up yet—until Ray-Ban and Meta launched their new Stories Sunglasses.

The Ray-Ban Stories look like the brand’s normal iconic sunglasses (available in classic frame shapes including the Wayfarer, Round, and Meteor styles) but hide dual 5 MP cameras in the corners of the frames. Equipped with voice control, these sunglasses let you snap a photo or record a video hands-free. 

Hidden speakers let you listen to music or take calls, all without pulling out your phone. The Ray-Ban Stories’ battery lasts up to six hours, and when you need to top up the battery, the glasses case doubles as a charger. 

Smartish Crown Joule Charging Cable

Tired of packing separate chargers for your phone, tablet, and headphones? Smartish’s Crown Joule Charging Cable helps you streamline things with three built-in chargers that will fit Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning ports. 

The cable is a lengthy 6 feet long, which comes in handy for hotels that don’t have outlets near the bed or airports where you have to sit far from a charging port.

Google Pixel Fold

Want to work, read, scroll, and stream all on one device when you travel? You might want to upgrade to Google’s new Pixel Fold, a new gadget that can be used as a phone with a 5.8” screen when folded, or unfolded to be used as a tablet with a huge 7.6” display. 

The 10.8 MP ultrawide rear lens is great for snapping travel photos without a tripod—simply fold the phone to act as its own stand, pose, and say, “Hey Google, take a picture.”

Apple Air Tag

This summer has been a record-breaking season for air travel, and there are plenty of nightmare stories about lost luggage. Keep an eye on your bag from afar with an Apple Air Tag. Slip it in your suitcase, and you can see where it is at all times using Apple’s Find My app.

GoPro Hero 11 Mini

When you’re on an extreme adventure, you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy camera, pack the new GoPro Hero 11 Mini. This tiny camera takes the powerful technology found in the Hero 11 and makes it smaller, lighter, and easier to use. 

Although the downsized Hero 11 Mini weighs just 5.4 ounces, it’s still extremely durable. It’s waterproof and even features a battery designed to hold up in below-freezing temperatures. 

Portable Apple Watch Charger / Power Bank

The batteries in Apple Watches die notoriously quickly, so if you’re relying on yours for a long travel day, keep it charged with this portable watch charger and power bank combination.

This multi-functional charger can power up a watch or phone and has a built-in iPhone charging cable to keep things easy. The powerful battery can charge an Apple Watch up to 20 times and a phone up to two times so you never have to scramble for an outlet again. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The Hottest Travel Tech for Summer 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With a timeless, understated style, these quiet luxury travel items will look classy no matter what country you’re in.

Randolph Aviator Sunglasses

American-made eye wear brand Randolph’s sunglasses are designed to last for a lifetime—and look stylish no matter the decade—thanks to the timeless styles. It takes over 6 weeks and 200 individual steps for every Randolph frame to be handcrafted, and then they’re topped off with durable lenses that have been used by military pilots for decades. 

The brand’s Aviators are particularly iconic and can be customized with a range of sizes, polarization, or even a hidden engraving. 

Unbound Merino Men’s Polo

A polo shirt that will hold its shape and not become threadbare after washing can be hard to find, but Unbound Merino’s Polo will last through years of wearing. Made from a durable Merino wool and Polyester blend, the polo features just the right amount of stretch while still delivering the benefits of Merino wool—anti-odor, anti-wrinkle, and temperature-controlling.

Pack this polo and wear it for days on end—you’ll still look pulled together.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag

Spotted on the shows that sparked the quiet luxury trend, Succession and The White Lotus, Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Weekend Bag is the most elegant way to pack for a short trip. The surprisingly spacious main compartment can fit enough outfits for a weekend getaway, and three open fabric pockets help keep everything organized.

A unique curved design and upright construction helps the bag keep its shape through numerous trips (and makes it easy to pack).

Made from Vachetta leather, the Palissy is painstakingly assembled by hand in Italy, where no detail is too small to be overlooked. Every tooth in the zip, for example, is individually polished before added to the bag. 

Gobi Cashmere Dress

A classic black dress never goes out of style, and a 100 percent cashmere fabric elevates Gobi’s V-Neck Tunic Dress to quiet luxury status. This dress can be styled a number of different ways so you can wear it multiple times on a trip—with tights, cinched in by a belt, or with sleeves rolled up.

Made from the finest cashmere, Gobi’s clothing will resist the pilling and fading that can be a common problem with cheaper fabrics. 

Urbanista Phoenix Earphones

Even first-class flyers aren’t always near a power outlet. Fortunately, you can still drown out loud passengers around you with Urbanista’s Phoenix Earphones. These solar-powered earphones come with a streamlined charging case that continually recharges when exposed to light (even artificial light).

Available in a sleek black or pretty rose color, the earphones feature active noise-canceling technology that will help you block out any sounds you don’t want to hear.

Unbound Merino Travel Dress

We’ve finally found the perfect travel outfit. Unbound Merino’s Travel Dress is made from an ultra-soft and stretchy Merino wool/nylon/spandex blend that’s comfortable, anti-wrinkle, odor-resistant, temperature regulating, and fast-drying.

Available in classic quiet luxury colors like camel and black, this dress features a high scoop neckline and midi-length that’s appropriate for practically any occasion.

The post The 6 Best Quiet Luxury Pieces for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

In case you’re unaware, here’s what Prime Members get for free year-round:

• Fast, free two-day shipping
• Same-day shipping (in eligible zip codes)
• Unlimited movie and TV streaming
• Unlimited, ad-free music streaming and offline access to playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos
• Access to Prime Gaming
• Early access to flash sales
• Free monthly book download with Prime Reading
• Get two free audio books when you sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible
• Ability to purchase subscriptions to premium cable networks like STARZ and Showtime
• Prime Now deliveries (free two-hour delivery or scheduled delivery on select items)
• Free grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh (over a certain order threshold)
• In-store discounts at Whole Foods

Amazon will be having prime-member exclusive sales leading up to July 11th, as well as big sales on the day. So is it worth it to sign up now? Well, if you’re not already a Prime Member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now to get all of the deals. Travelers can start shopping now for deals on everything from SmartTVs from just $64.99 to up to 60% off various other Amazon devices.

As a prime subscriber and frequent traveler, I think that a Prime membership is worth it for travelers. I love being able to order a last-minute item right before a trip and having it arrive in time. And the offline access of movies/shows/music/books really sets Amazon Prime apart from most other media subscriptions.

The post Is Amazon Prime Day Worth it for Travelers? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Filtered water bottles can be a little more expensive than regular reusable bottles and may involve a little more maintenance, but they’re worth it for the peace of mind you’ll have with every sip. Here are some of my favorite water bottles with filters for traveling.

LARQ

If you’re the kind of person who would buy a filtered water bottle but never get around to changing the filters, a LARQ could be the bottle for you. Instead of filters, this bottle purifies water using a UV-LED light hidden in the cap. The light is powerful enough to kill germs, and the same kind of light is even used in hospitals to disinfect surfaces. The best part? It’s as easy to charge as your phone, with a universal charging port that will plug into any USB port.

Brita Filter Bottle

Fans of Brita, rejoice: You can take the 36387 Premium Water Filter Bottle on the road. The 26-ounce bottle is sleek enough to slip easily into car drink holders. The BPA-free hard plastic bottle has a carrying loop and an enclosed straw for ease of use. The chlorine-reducing filter improves the taste of tap water, and the filters are easy to replace.

The Escape

Glass isn’t necessarily travel-friendly, but at the same time, every drink tastes better when you’re drinking it from a glass. Why else would airlines go the extra mile to use them when serving their first-class customers? If you like glass but are worried about it breaking, check out The Escape, a glass water bottle that is protected by a silicone sleeve and uses a multi-stage filtration process to keep your water clean and tasting good.

GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier

If you will be spending time outdoors and might need to drink from a fresh water source, consider the GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier. With its press-down filter design, this travel water bottle can filter particulates as well as chemicals and waterborne pathogens without leaving an aftertaste.

LifeStraw Go

LifeStraw is one of the most trusted brands for water filters. Its LifeStraw Go bottle has a heavy-duty filter built-in, making it super easy to filter your water on the go. It is also available with a one- or two-stage filter, so you can choose the one that fits best for the trip you’re planning.

The Outback

If you have an affinity for Nalgene water bottles, The Outbacks’ collaboration with the company might be the best choice for you. This is a sturdy water bottle with a filter that will last, and it has a 100% money-back guarantee.

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Find her on Instagram @jamieditaranto.

The post 6 Must-Have Filtered Water Bottles for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Which of these would you be most willing to travel without?

— SmarterTravel (@SmarterTravel) April 24, 2019

These five smartphone essentials will protect and improve how you use your precious phone on the road so you’ll never lose it, break it, or run out of battery life again. Here’s what I always travel with.

Smartphone Essential # 1: Phone Lanyard

I recently invested in a phone lanyard and it has been one of my favorite travel-accessory purchases to date. Amazon offers a large selection, with most costing under $10. Not only does the phone lanyard help protect your phone from theft or accidental drops, but it also keeps your phone handy so you’ll never miss the perfect photo opp. Note, this is especially helpful on active or adventure trips.

Shop Now

Smartphone Essential # 2: Backup Battery

Unless you keep your phone in Airplane mode all day, your phone battery will most likely be dead from usage at the end of your vacation day. That’s why I like to travel with a phone case that comes with an internal battery, so I don’t have to worry about extra items to carry around. CASELY offers their powerful charging cases in a variety of popular designs starting at just $37.

If you’re looking for a portable charger that isn’t a case, I recommend the Ventev Powercell or one of these tiny-sized options.

Shop Now

Smartphone Essential # 3: Protective Shield Glass

There’s nothing worse than a shattered screen. A scratch-resistant, tempered glass screen protector is a traveler’s best friend. I use InvisibleShield for my phone and it comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

Shop Now

Smartphone Essential # 4: Phone Grip or Stand

Whether it’s a PopSocket, LoveHandle, LoopyCase, or something else, a phone grip helps steady your hand when taking photos and video on vacation. There are many options on the market; I like the CLCKR phone stand and grip.

If you don’t want to attach an adhesive grip to your phone case, but still want to shoot steady photos and video, I recommend traveling with the Ubeesize smartphone tripod.

Shop Phone Grips

Smartphone Essential # 5: Extra Memory Storage

How many times have you needed to delete old photos or apps to make room for new photos on your device? Probably plenty. Invest in an inexpensive phone storage plan (I use iCloud’s $3 per month storage plan) so you never have to waste time deleting photos again.

Alternative storage options include Amazon (free for Prime members!), Dropbox, Google Drive, or a good old-fashioned external hard drive.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post 5 Smartphone Essentials You Should Never Travel Without appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What is Juice-Jacking?

“Juice jacking,” as the travel scam is called, targets desperate travelers in need of a charge. Daniel Smith, a security researcher at Radware explains how this works. “Attackers can use fake charging stations to trick unsuspecting users into plugging in their device. Once the device is plugged in the user’s data and photos could be downloaded or malware can be written onto the device.”

Hackers can download anything that is on your phone, since the charging port is doubling as a data port. We’re talking passwords, emails, photos, messages, and even banking and other personal information via apps.

There have been several campaigns to increase public awareness about the scam since 2011, when the term juice-jacking was first coined by investigative journalist Brian Krebs. This past April, the FBI Denver official Twitter account tweeted a warning stating that “bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices” and that travelers should avoid using unknown charging cables and plugging directly into public USB ports. 

Sounds scary right? While it never hurts to be protective of your personal data while traveling, how worried should you really be about juice jacking at the airport?

How Common is Juice-Jacking?

With all the official warnings cropping up over the past decade, it’s easy to assume that hackers are draining your data every time you enter the terminal. However, it seems that anxious travelers can breathe a small sigh of relief. 

“There are no documented cases of juice jacking ever taking place in the wild,” says Dan Gooden, Senior Security Editor at Ars Technica, “Left out of the advisories is that modern iPhones and Android devices require users to click through an explicit warning before they can exchange files with a device connected by standard cables.”

Even though the likelihood of becoming a victim of juice-jacking is low, there are easy ways to eliminate the risk altogether.

How to Prevent Juice-Jacking

If you find yourself always on low battery and relying on public charging stations, there are products out there that will protect your phone data while charging in public spots.Consider purchasing a super tiny data blocker, which is a “USB defender” that protects any data from being stolen off of your phone.

Avoid public charging stations altogether by investing in your own personal portable battery pack. You won’t need to fight for space at the charging station or hunt down an errant outlet in the terminal. You can also charge your phone on the plane, bus, train, car, or while walking around outside where outlets are not readily available. 

Best Portable Cell Phone Chargers

The best portable battery packs are lightweight, hold at least one to two full smartphone charges before needing a recharge, and are TSA-compliant (operating below 100 watt hours or 27,000mAh).

Biolite PD Charge 20

The Biolite Charge 20 PD is the smallest model from the Biolite Charge series. It charges via USB–C (in/out port), features two USB-A charge-out ports, and will charge a standard smartphone 1.5 times. 

iWalk Small Portable Charger

This ultra-small portable charger is perfect for iPhone users with limited luggage space. It fits easily inside a pocket or small purse and is compatible with iPhone model 6s through 14 Pro Max.

Anker Portable Charger

Despite its small size, the Anker Portable Charger packs a powerful punch, charging a smartphone up to 2.5 times (make and model dependent) before needing to be recharged.

Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post How Worried Should You Be About This Travel Scam? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Download Our Ultimate Hiking Packing List

Don’t hit the trails without our editable hiking trip packing list.

Hiking Essentials: Gear

Backpack: A good backpack is key to a comfortable hiking trip. The right backpack for you will depend on personal fit and the length of your trip (along with how much you’ll be carrying.) For a short hike, pick a backpack that’s lightweight and big enough to hold all your hiking essentials, but not so big that you’re tempted to overpack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is one of the lightest daypacks out there, weighing in at just 1.26 pounds. The light weight doesn’t mean that important features are skimped on—it still has comfortable padded straps, a hip belt that can be stashed away, a water-resistant exterior, and a padded back panel. Keep your backpack organized with Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Stuff Sacks  which are equally lightweight. Bonus: All Hyperlite gear is hand-made in Maine.

For a longer trip, we love Osprey’s Eja backpack, which comes in a variety of sizes. This backpack can hold a ton without adding extra weight (it weighs just over 2.5 lbs.). The Eja features Osprey’s trademarked AirSpeed suspension system that allows for maximum airflow between your back and the pack, keeping you cool instead of sweaty.

Water Bottle: If you don’t want to carry a ton of water on a long hike, or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, the Lifestraw Peak Series is a good choice for a water bottle. The included filter removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, so that you can safely and quickly drink from any water source you find. The soft bottle is lightweight, easy to pack, and collapsible when not in use.

Portable Battery: Don’t be stuck with a dead phone in an emergency. The Biolite Charge 80 PD won’t take up too much room in your pack and can charge anything from a smartphone to a 13″ laptop.

Trekking Poles: A good set of hiking poles can help save your knees from strain on the descent, and prevent slips and falls on tough terrain or muddy trails. I like LEKI’s Cressida FX Carbon poles, which quickly break down to a packable size, making them easy to store in your backpack when you’re not using them. With a hollow shaft made from a lightweight carbon fiber, these poles won’t weigh you down, coming in at a mere 8.64 ounces.

Hiking Essentials: Footwear

Hiking Shoes: Low-top hiking shoes are lighter weight and more nimble than hiking boots. Danner’s Trail 2650 GTX shoes are designed to comfortably carry you no matter what distance you’re hiking. Even though they weigh just 18 oz. per pair, they are still waterproof, so you can trample through mud and streams without worry.

Hiking Boots: Opt for hiking boots over shoes when you’re facing a longer, tougher hike, or for those times when you’ll be carrying a heavier pack—like on an overnight trip. Hiking boots offer more ankle support, as well as additional protection from bites, scrapes, and water. I love Salewa’s Pedroc Pro Powertex Hiking Boots which focus on three important factors: comfort, protection, and lightness. Weighing an impressive 290 grams per shoe, these boots won’t slow you down on the trail.

Hiking Essentials: Clothing

Hiking Tights: Tights are a tempting choice for hikes. You probably already own something similar to these super-flexible leggings in your wardrobe for running or yoga, but a hiking version are designed to withstand the rigors of an intense hiking trail. Fjallraven’s Abisko Trekking Tights are tough enough for hiking thanks to a super durable four-way stretch fabric that has extra reinforcement over the rear and knees to protect your skin when you’re scrambling over rocks or sitting on the ground. Plus, unlike most leggings, these trekking tights come with plenty of pockets and are available in a men’s version as well.

Socks: Good socks are the key to comfortable hiking. They keep your feet dry, prevent blisters, and provide cushioning and warmth. These socks from Smartwool are made from upcycled nylon and merino wool, with a padded sock cushion for extra relief.

Hiking Pants: For serious backcountry hikes you’ll want some heavy-duty hiking pants, like Arcteryx’s Gamme LT Pant. These pants are lightweight, durable, and wind and water resistant. These pants are specially designed for women with a lower adjustable waist and a slim feminine silhouette.

Base Layer: For cold weather hikes, add a layer underneath your hiking pants with lululemon’s Fast and Free Tight, which are made from patented Nulux fabric that’s quick-drying and sweat-wicking, yet designed to feel like you’re not wearing anything at all. For trail running or less-intense hikes that don’t involve scrambling these can be worn alone.

Sunglasses: Enjoying the view at the summit means protecting your eyes with sunglasses like these options from Maui Jim. Opt for their wrap-around frames for full eye protection and scratch-resistant lenses to handle whatever the hiking trail throws at you.

Hiking Underwear: Your favorite delicates might be comfortable, but they aren’t immune from the wear of lengthy hiking trips. Look for underwear that’s moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, like these pairs from ExOfficio for both women and men. For women, Patagonia’s Switchback Sports Bra is a soft and supportive option that’s also quick-drying and won’t cause chafing.

Hiking Shirts: Smartwool’s Merino 150 Base Layer Micro Stripe Short Sleeve tops for both women and men can be worn alone or layered for cooler days, and merino wool fabric means it won’t smell, even on a longer backpacking trip. For warmer days, Patagonia Capilene Lightweight T-Shirts for women and men are an ultra-light option that’s moisture-wicking, breathable and features patented Polygiene for odor control.

Hiking Tanks: For ultra-hot days (or hikes where you want to look good in the summit photo), Krimson Klover’s Cora Sleeveless Graphic Top is a fun option. Made from a cooling cotton/spandex fabric, the tank is available in a variety of fun colors and graphics (we like the Explore mountain option).

Hiking Shorts: For hot trail days, Helly Hansen’s Technical Trail Shorts are designed to keep you cool and dry, thanks to a moisture-wicking fabric. These lightweight shorts offer plenty of stretch so you can scramble over anything in your path, and a zippered back pocket keeps your valuables secure.

Jacket: Even if it looks like it’s going to be a warm day, packing a jacket is always a good idea on hikes, especially ones with a summit above the tree line (where it can be significantly colder/windier than it is  at the base). The weather can change quickly: Prepare by bringing along a lightweight jacket like the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, available for both women and men, which delivers an impressive amount of warmth and wind-resistance for the weight.

Hat: You’ll want a hat to keep the sun off of your face, but a regular ball caps can get very sweaty after a while. Get a hat that’s made for activities and wicks away moisture, like Arc’teryx’s Calvus Cap.

Gloves: On chilly fall hikes or cool summer mornings, a pair of lightweight, waterproof gloves are essential. These picks for both men and women will keep you warm and dry, even in a sudden downpour.

Gaiters: Although not very fashionable, gaiters, waterproof covers that slip on over your boots to protect your ankles and calves from rain and mud, are very practical. I like this pair from Outdoor Research which easily slip on and off.

Hiking Essentials: Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Emergency kit
• Blister bandaids
• Lipbalm with SPF
• Hair tie

Snacks: Peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, and trail mix are also good options for packable sustenance.

Caroline Morse Teel loves to hike, especially in New England. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from the summit.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

The post What to Pack for Hiking: 38 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to this problem—a Bluetooth audio transmitter. This tiny gadget plugs into the headphone jack on most planes and then connects to your wireless headphones to play audio from the in-flight entertainment system. All you have to do is plug the transmitter into the headphone jack (usually found on your armrest or at the bottom of the TV screen) and pair your Bluetooth headphones.

The Best Bluetooth Audio Transmitters for Flying

Eppfun Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

Most modern airplanes use single-prong, 3.5 mm audio jacks but some aircraft still have the old two-prong style plugs. 

The Eppfun is one of the few transmitters that will work on both styles—it has two prongs, one of which can be folded down to use in single prong jacks. 

Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter

Concerned about using an off-brand product with your headphones? You can buy a transmitter directly through Apple. Designed for AirPods or Beats wireless, the AirFlys can pair with two sets of headphones so you can watch a movie with your seatmate. 

The AirFlys can also be used with a car’s AUX IN to allow you to wirelessly connect to speakers that don’t have Bluetooth built-in. 

1 Mii Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

The transmitter from 1 Mii is one of the easiest to use, thanks to a simple on/off switch that automatically enters pairing mode, so you can just plug it in and start watching.

The 1 Mii also has a longer battery life (15 hours) than some other comparably priced models.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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Here’s everything you need to know about online check-in. 

What Is Online Check-In?

Online check-in allows you to check in for your flight from anywhere in the world. Simply log-on to the airline’s website or app and input your name and booking confirmation number to start the online check-in process. 

Note that if you booked your flight through a third-party site, like Expedia, you’ll likely have two numbers: a confirmation number from the booking site as well as a record locator code from the airline. You’ll need the record locator code to check-in on the airline’s website. 

During the online check-in process you can choose a seat, add meals, opt for an upgrade, and more. After checking in, you’ll get the option to print your boarding pass, have it emailed to you, or save your ticket to your Apple Wallet. You can also opt to print your boarding pass at the airport at one of the kiosks and still skip waiting in the check-in line.

Should I Check In for My Flight Online?

Checking-in online allows you to check in for your flight earlier than if you waited until you got to the airport, which means there will be more seats available to choose from. 

By checking-in early and reserving your seat, you’ll also have less of a chance of being involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight compared to someone checking-in at the last minute. 

When Should I Check-in for My Flight Online?

Most airlines allow online check-in beginning 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. Some international airlines open check-in 48 hours before the flight, so always check with your airline. 

Set a reminder in your phone to check-in as early as possible, so you can snag the best possible seat if you haven’t been able to reserve one ahead of time. 

Why Can’t I Check-In Online?

Sometimes, you’ll be unable to check-in online. This typically happens on an international flight where the airline needs to verify your passport, visas, and other travel documents in person before allowing you to board. 

Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:

• Being selected for secondary screening by TSA
• Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you’re traveling with
• Traveling in a large group

What to Do After Online Check-In

Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you’re traveling carry-on only. If you’re checking a bag, you’ll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

Why Can’t I Choose My Seat During Online Check-In?

If you bought a basic economy ticket, you might not even be able to choose your seat at online check-in. You’ll either have to pay extra to choose a seat or ask the gate agent to reassign you to a better seat if possible when you arrive at the airport. 

Why Didn’t I Get TSA PreCheck When Checking-In Online?

Make sure your TSA PreCheck number (your known traveler number) is saved in your profile with the airline before checking in. If it is, and you still didn’t get TSA PreCheck on your ticket, read our story here to find out why else you might not have gotten PreCheck and what you can do about it.

How Early Do I Need to Get to the Airport if I’ve Checked-in Online?

You don’t need to get to the airport three hours early if you’ve checked-in online and have your boarding pass, but you should still leave plenty of time to get through security. 

If you still need to check-in a bag and you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you might want to get to the airport two hours early so that you have plenty of extra time in case of lengthy lines.

If you are not checking a bag, and you have TSA PreCheck, you could arrive as close to an hour before your boarding time. However, you may want to leave more time as a buffer if you’re traveling through a notoriously slow airport or during busy holiday periods. 

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