Tips And Hacks - Explore

Woman reading in bed inside a cruise ship

Are Interior Cruise Ship Cabins Actually Worth Booking?

By Camila Pérez B 8 months ago

Looking to finally book that dream cruise vacation? Read this before deciding whether to reserve an interior cabin or splash out on a luxury suite.

Woman holds a pile of laundry in her hands

The 'Handiest Of All' Hotel Laundry Service That's Always Worth It, Per Rick Steves

By Robert Isenberg 8 months ago

Need to do laundry on your trip but not sure where to find a laundromat in Europe? Rick Steves has some advice for getting your clothes clean while abroad.

Overhead view of a TSA security checkpoint at an airport

TSA's Rules For Bringing Razors Through Airport Security

By Christine Dulion 8 months ago

Unsure about whether you can take your razor through airport security? Here are the TSA's rules on certain types of razor blades and how to pack them properly.

Packing Rules You May Not Know For Staying Cool In A Hot, Humid Tropical Destination

By Camila Pérez B 8 months ago

Enjoy your tropical vacation in comfort and style with these packing tips. Choose the best items for looking your best without breaking a sweat.

Tourists pointing something out from a guidebook

Traveling Outside Of Europe? Here's The Guidebook Series That Rick Steves Swears By

By Nikki Wentling 8 months ago

Check out Rick Steves' favorite guidebooks for venturing outside of Europe. From Frommer's and Fodor's to Lonely Planet, Steves thinks there's a clear winner.

The Unexpected Item That You Should Always Remember To Pack For Your Travels

By Robert Isenberg 8 months ago

When it comes to protecting yourself and your identity, it's recommended that you pack this small item just in case you run into issues during your travels.

A woman carries a backpack through an airport

The TSA-Approved Travel Essential Every Outdoor Enthusiast Needs

By Robert Isenberg 8 months ago

Discover the one travel essential every outdoor enthusiast needs. The best part? This handy tool is TSA-approved, so you can bring it next time you fly.

A traveler eats a sandwich at an airport.

The Secret To Surviving Ultra-Long Flights Starts With What And When You Eat

By Camila Pérez B 9 months ago

Dreading that upcoming ultra-long flight? It may surprise you to learn that surviving the trip comfortably comes down to what foods you eat, and when.

Rick Steves' Money-Saving Tip That Helps Avoid Culture Shock On A Trip To Europe

By Laura Jones 9 months ago

This travel tip from Rick Steves is one of our favorites, not only saving you money, but gently easing you into unfamiliar places, minimizing culture shock.

Shocked woman looks into suitcase on conveyor belt

TSA Lets You Bring This Living, Breathing Item Through Security (If You Pack Right)

By Robert Isenberg 9 months ago

You might be surprised to find out that you can bring this living creature through TSA. Here's how you should prep so you can get through security easily.

RuPaul's High-Style Clothing Travel Hack Transforms Hotel Room Lights That Are Too Bright

By Bareerah Zafar 9 months ago

Take it from the legendary RuPaul, this stylish and versatile item can make your hotel stay more comfortable and won't take up much room in your suitcase.

A woman checks to see if cool air is coming out of the AC unit.

What To Know Before You Book A Hotel With 'Air Conditioning' In Europe, Per Samantha Brown

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

If you’re traveling to Europe in the summer, expert Samantha Brown has some good advice for managing your expectations around hotel air conditioning.

Avoid These Types Of Shoes When Packing For Europe, Per Rick Steves' Son

By Camila Pérez B 9 months ago

These common shoes might be perfect at home but are a mistake to wear in Europe. Here's what to wear instead to explore the cobblestone streets and beyond!

The Clever Clothing Tip You Never Want To Forget While Traveling By Plane

By Bareerah Zafar 9 months ago

Several packing tips out there aim to help you pack clothes more practically for plane travel, and this hack especially is a life saver in a sticky situation.

A woman eyes a man as he enters his PIN code at an ATM.

How To Avoid The Popular 'Shoulder Surfing' Scam While Traveling, According To Rick Steves

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

Travel expert Rick Steves is a font of knowledge on traveling in Europe. Here, he explains how to avoid the popular shoulder surfing scam often used at ATMs.

Rick Steves' Must-Follow Jet Lag Rule For Your First Day In Europe

By Madison Scrivano 9 months ago

Travel expert Rick Steves has all sorts of great advice for traveling, including this must-follow jet lag rule to do on your first day in Europe.

A woman inserts coins into a machine at a laundromat.

Rick Steves Has A Warning For Tourists Using Washing Machines In Europe

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

Rick Steves always has great advice about traveling in Europe, including basics like doing laundry. Tourists should heed his warning about washing machines.

A couple holds hands as they walk through an airport with wheeled luggage.

The Unexpected Travel Companion TSA Will Let You Bring Onboard

By Bareerah Zafar 9 months ago

While the TSA has some strict rules about what you can carry on a plane, you'll be glad to know the agency does allow this unexpected travel companion.

A Popular Packing Method Might Get You Into Trouble At TSA

By Bareerah Zafar 9 months ago

If you use this popular packing method for your carry-on, it might actually end up costing you time in the security line.

Samantha Brown Shares Her Unexpectedly Helpful Hotel Soap Tip

By Eva Johnstone 9 months ago

It is the little things that make the biggest difference. Before you start wrangling with that hotel bar of soap, take Samantha Brown's advice to heart.

Samantha Brown's Last-Minute Jewelry Organizer Hack Is A Packing Game-Changer

By Hillary Louise Johnson 10 months ago

Never untangle a necklace on vacation again. Samantha Brown shares her no-buy jewelry packing tip for perfect organization while you're on the go.

The Simple Hack To Find Free Water Locations That Tourists Visiting Paris Need To Know

By Amanda Morgan 11 months ago

Learn how tourists can save money and help the environment by not buying bottled water in Paris, as the city is full of public clean drinking fountains!

An old-fashioned public toilet in Prague.

The Common Feature Missing From Many Public Bathrooms In Europe, Per Rick Steves

By Lee Adams 11 months ago

According to Rick Steves, there is one common feature in American public bathrooms - one we won’t do without - that you won’t always find in Europe.

Woman smiling and packing suitcase on bed with pillows in the background

An Easy Pillowcase Tip Will Change The Game On Your Next Hotel Visit

By Nada Kabil 11 months ago

Instead of losing sleep over hotel pillow hygiene, you might want to try out this pillowcase travel trick. Here's how to implement it and a few must-know tips.

Nighttime fireworks over Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park.

Sneak Out Of Disney Parks With These Clever Tricks To Avoid End Of Day Crowds

By Sarah Gilliland 12 months ago

No one wants to wait in huge lines of people just to get home after a wonderful day at Disney parks. Here are the best ways to avoid the end-of-day crowds.

The Accessories To Avoid Having Loose In Your Bag While Going Through TSA

By Camila Pérez B October 13th, 2024

Here's everything to know about how to pack these accessories effectively to avoid any TSA stress when you're moving through the airport on your next trip.

Lessen The Stress Of Lost Luggage With Samantha Brown's Game-Changing Family Packing Hack

By Brie Schmidt October 12th, 2024

As a mom to twins, Samantha Brown knows a thing or two about packing for a family trip. Here's her genius advice for avoiding stress if your luggage gets lost.