Note from Twist

I not only love travel, I need travel; I wouldn’t be me without it. Ninety countries on six continents later, I started this blog to share my passion with everyone who wants to explore another part of the world, be it five hundred or five thousand miles away.

 

When you’re planning your next trip, let TRAVELS WITH TWIST‘s tips, hacks, practical how-to, and product/service reviews help you travel better.

Rain Check

These companies let you hedge weather risk, refunding you the cost of your trip if it rains or gets too hot.

How to stay safe

The chances of being caught up in a terrorist attack or natural disaster when traveling are slim. But if the situation arises, these 13 steps will help you stay safe.

Do the bump!

If you’re hoping to get bumped off your next flight in exchange for compensation, here are seven tips to increase your chances and maximize the experience.

No more 3-1-1?

Travelers will no longer be restricted when packing liquids in carry-ons, thanks to this new technology.

My latest travel-gadget finds

These four things make it easier to detect hidden cameras in your Airbnb, watch movies in-flight, disinfect your airline seat, and soothe achy muscles.

Ahoy, maties!

These ten cruise booking sites will help you save money, get the features you want, and (maybe) help you score free extras.

Four for flying

These four flight apps can keep you ahead of the curve—and gate/pilot announcements—on your flight status

IDP? IDK!

Is an international driving permit required to drive in a foreign country? Here’s what you need to know.

Thirsty pup?

This portable dog water bottle will save your pup on hot summer hikes and road trips.

Fore!

Heads up on the 7 best golf travel bags to keep your sticks safe...and scroll down for a travel golf story.

Happy campers

Avoid crowds, planes, and hotels this summer with an RV rental; here’s everything you need to know.

Wine Wednesday

The rules on flying with vino, plus how to pack it in your suitcase, whether a bottle or a case.

Mask on

All major U.S. airlines require face masks for travelers two and older, but the fine print isn't always the same.

Old-fashioned indulgence

Nothing says luxury to me like bread baskets, little jars of jam and ketchup, fluffy eggs, and a silver pot of tea served on a breakfast-in-bed tray. Here’s what you need to know about room service.

Show me the money!

Passengers are entitled to increased compensation for denied boarding and lost luggage, plus no more involuntary deplaning.

No baggage?

If not, here’s a quality rollaboard plus a checked bag on sale for $50 total.

Getting cold feet?

Next time your feet get cold on a plane...or ski slope...or bare wood floors at home, pull on a pair of heated socks! Six options that will suit every preference.

Steal vs. Splurge

Pricey and budget versions of five popular travel-related gifts: mini crossbody bag, travel robe, laptop backpack, travel scarf, and black leggings.

Know your rights! (European version)

Passenger rights on flights to/from Europe are different than ones applicable to USA-only trips; check out what you’re entitled to if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’re bumped, or your luggage is lost or missing.

Steal vs. Splurge

Pricey and budget versions of five popular travel-related gifts: universal adapter, daypack, packing cubes, wireless noise-canceling earbuds, and spinner carry-on suitcase.

Snakes on the plane…

plus dogs, ponies, turkeys, ferrets, spiders, and pigs. Are US planes becoming Noah’s Arks of emotional support animals—some legitimate, some less so? Find out how the airlines and DOT are tightening the rules on critters in the cabin.

All aboard!

Thirty things you may be surprised to learn the TSA will let you take through airport security.

Bag it

On the hunt for a backpack you can use as a shoulder bag or tote, too? Here are a polished and a casual option, both under $50.

Know your rights!

Delayed or cancelled flight? Bumped? Lost or damaged luggage? Here’s a summary of your rights on U.S. flights.

Show me the money!

With travel on hold, credit cards that give you cash back (instead of miles or points) may be a good option. Here are eight of the best no-annual-fee choices.

Switch it up

If you play Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, this accessory will give you the full-size controller experience.

What’s bugging you?

If it’s mosquitos, these sprays, lotions, and wipes—plus a don’t-laugh-it-works device—will keep the critters at bay.

Give peace a chance

This noise-reducing, sleep-inducing white-noise machine fits in your luggage and helps you work in a noisy environment or fall asleep at home or on the road.

Show me the money

When an airline cancels your flight and doesn’t offer you a refund, here are four ways that may get your money back.

Best seat in the house…I mean, plane

About a third of my flights are in economy; getting a good seat can mean the difference between a decent flight and an awful one. Depending on your travel style and priorities, here’s my take on where you should sit.

Can you hear me now?

If your cell phone isn’t in Airplane Mode during take-off and landing, can it really interfere with the plane’s electronics?

Stamp of (cleanliness) approval

Concerned about the safety and hygiene protocols of your airport, airline, hotel, restaurant, cruise line, tour operator, or destination? Look for this organization’s stamp of approval.

Navigating in the time of coronavirus

How crowded will the train be? Are there checkpoints on the road? Get around more safely by public transport or car in the time of coronavirus with this popular app’s new features.

Can I go there?

With tourist season approaching, more countries are opening their borders to foreign visitors. This free website helps keep you up-to-date on current immigration regulations, including Covid-19 restrictions.

You have $80 to spend…

Do you choose 1) half of a one-day ticket to Disneyland or 2) admission for you and a carload of family/friends to 2,000 places across the USA for a year?

De-mist-ifying sleep

This $25 fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand device makes sure you’re breathing clean, moist air for a good night’s sleep, whether at home or on the road.

Not your father’s neck pillow

Want to sleep on the plane or in the car? The U-shaped neck pillow isn’t the only—or best—choice. Here are 40 (yes, 40) options for better ZZZs, including my top choices.

Hands off!

The TSA has upgraded their screening procedures—find out what they (literally) won’t touch and the 12 ounces of liquid you can now carry on.

Map your trips

This website allows you to plot your flights on a global map and compute distances along the flight paths. And it’s free!

Avoid this legal rip-off when abroad

When you travel, you may fall victim to fraud, such as an unlicensed taxi or pickpocket. There are plenty of legal tricks that will cost you, too. Here is how to avoid one practiced by nearly every shop, hotel, restaurant, and tourist attraction.

Note from Twist

I not only love travel, I need travel; I wouldn’t be me without it. Eighty-two countries later, I started this blog to share my passion with everyone who wants to explore another part of the world, be it five hundred or five thousand miles away.

 

When you’re planning your next trip, let TRAVELS WITH TWIST‘s tips, hacks, practical how-to, and product/service reviews help you travel better.

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All content is independently created by Travels with Twist.