Image used with permission by copyright holderPacking for a trip can be daunting, especially if you’re going away for an extended period time or need to bring a lot of things, and with airline baggage check-in rates going through the roof, there’s always that risk of paying extra dollars that you don’t want to. Why oh why can’t we go back to the days of free luggage check-in? Unfortunately, that’s no longer a possibility. Also, after hearing all those stories about airport employees who steal luxury goods from passengers’ suitcases, it’s not easy to assume that your baggage will be in safe hands once you hand it over to the people working the front desk. Also, with all those baggage mishaps, it’s pretty easy to lose your suitcase. We have a feeling that’s what the folks who invented Bluesmart, the world’s first connected carry-on that you can track with an app were thinking.
Here’s how they describe this miraculous contraption:
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“Bluesmart is a high-quality carry-on suitcase that you can control from your phone, like a boss. From the app you can lock and unlock it, weigh it, track its location, be notified if you are leaving it behind and find out more about your travel habits. You can also charge your phone 6 times over with a built-in battery. Isn’t that awesome?”
Being that we here at The Manual are a bunch of travel-loving people who are always on the go, this suitcase sounds like it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for. Going through airport security can be the most annoying thing ever, and thanks to Bluesmart, we will be able to take out our electronics with ease, track our suitcase down, and weigh it to avoid those overweight baggage charges. Why didn’t somebody think of Bluesmart sooner?
This Southern city just beat all others for the best Christmas experience — find out why
The Big Peach came out on top.
With 119 million people expected to hit the road this holiday season, the question on everyone's mind is: where are they heading? WalletHub has just released a study on the best cities for Christmas, ranking the 100 largest U.S. cities based on 28 key factors, including holiday traditions, shopping options, and affordability. The results are in, and the city that took the top spot might surprise you – Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta is feeling the holiday cheer
While Atlanta may not be the first city that comes to mind for a traditional Christmas getaway, this Southern gem is full of holiday spirit. WalletHub reports that the "Big Peach" stands out for its impressive number of bakeries and holiday decoration shops per capita, making it a perfect destination for festive treats and gifts. Additionally, Atlanta offers a high number of affordable restaurants and Christmas tree farms.
Forget juice cleanses: this retreat mixes mindfulness, mezcal, and margaritas
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this retreat.
As we approach 2025, wellness retreats are still one of the hottest trends in travel, but not everyone is ready to commit to a week of detoxes and silent reflection. Enter FTLO Travel’s new Mindfulness and Margaritas Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico, designed for those who crave the benefits of a wellness retreat without giving up indulgence or adventure.
This five-day trip offers the perfect blend of accessible wellness practices, cultural exploration, local flavors, and just the right amount of fun.
What to expect from the experience
10 essential tips for first-time flyers (that everyone can benefit from)
Learn what you can do to have a stress-free travel experience
If you're preparing to take your first flight and want to feel as ready as possible, you've come to the right place. From deciding what to pack to navigating the airport and handling security lines, there's a lot to think about. Flying can be stressful, even for seasoned travelers, and that stress can be magnified if it's your first time. But here’s what I’ve learned: everyone starts somewhere, and flying isn't nearly as intimidating as it may seem once you get the hang of it. Here are some first-time flying tips to help you make it through your first air journey.
10 tips for first-time flyers
1. Give yourself extra time
Airports are busy places with lots of moving parts, and things can feel hectic when you’re not familiar with the process. Arriving early gives you a buffer to handle anything unexpected, like long lines at check-in or finding your way through the terminal.
