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Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
I Never Check a Bag, and These 16 Carry-on Essentials Help Fit Everything in a Single Suitcase—on Sale From $9
There's an art to packing a carry-on bag: everything has to be accessible, organized, and serve a purpose. As a carry-on-only traveler, I'm big on packing my personal bag with intention and keeping my luggage as streamlined as possible; as such, there are a few tried-and-true products I always pack. Luckily, Amazon Prime Day is here and is always a great excuse to stock up on those travel essentials that make all the difference. Whether you're planning a multi-leg summer trip or just looking to make your next flight feel a little more seamless, these products are tried-and-true favorites that I've personally packed, tested, and relied on over the years. Think: the luggage scale that lets me avoid baggage fees, the headphones I always keep in my belt bag, and the comfortable sneakers I've worn straight off the plane into a full day of exploring. Below, 16 Amazon Prime Day deals on carry-on essentials worth grabbing while they're on sale. No matter your destination, I always recommend packing a portable charger in your carry-on. This Charmast power bank is slim enough to fit into any pouch, powerful enough to charge my phone twice, and has saved me during many layovers and delayed flights. Plus, the built-in charging cables mean you don't have to worry about remembering yours before heading out to explore. At $20 during Prime Day, it's a no-brainer buy. I love wearing a cross-body belt bag or fanny pack whenever I'm headed to the airport. It allows me to hold all of my essentials (wallet, phone, etc) and easily access them whenever necessary. Plus, I can also easily stash it in my carry-on bag while keeping those items neatly organized in one place. This Pander belt bag is similar to my beloved Cotopaxi fanny pack—and right now it's on sale for $13 this Prime Day. If you've ever had your luggage go MIA—even temporarily—you know how much peace of mind these little Apple AirTag trackers offer. I always recommend dropping them in a checked bag; I'll even include one in my carry-on just in case I have to gate-check. They're a smart investment for any frequent traveler, especially right now when they're 34 percent off for Amazon Prime Day. I've been packing these Nisolo Flatform Sandals for all my spring and summer travels this year, which include Japan, Turkey, Austria, and Big Sur. The platform sole on these sandals offers ample support, and they feel more substantial than your standard slide (plus, they're easy to dress up or down). I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw they're a whopping 60 percent off on Amazon right now as part of Prime Day promotions. Get them before they're gone—you won't regret it. The Bagsmart compression packing cubes have totally changed the way I pack. They're super lightweight and impressively compress your clothes into neat, little packages that are easy to stack in your luggage. Plus, the different sizes make it easy to separate outfits or categories (underwear, swimwear, workout clothes, etc.). I bring these on every trip, from long weekends to multi-week escapes (especially when I'm trying to stick to just a carry-on). I used to travel with a small stack of paperbacks, until I finally gave in and got the Kindle Paperwhite. It's lightweight, waterproof, and can go weeks between charges. It's especially handy for long travel days when you want to toggle between a beach read and something more literary without taking up precious space in your bag. Courtesy of Amazon I started wearing compression socks like this pair from Physix on long-haul flights a few years ago, and it's honestly a game-changer. They help reduce swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs, especially on red-eye flights; even if you're not prone to circulation issues, they're a solid choice for overall travel comfort. Grab this pair on sale for $17 now. If you've ever done the airport floor shuffle to redistribute your belongings and avoid overweight fees, this tiny Travel Inspira luggage scale is your new best friend. I make sure to bring mine on international trips where airline baggage rules vary. I'm picky about my body wash and haircare, so I always pack my own. These soft, leakproof silicone bottles are the best I've found—they don't crack, spill, or take up unnecessary space. Plus, they come with a TSA-friendly clear bag for a breezier experience through security. Staying hydrated while traveling is key, and this Platypus collapsible water bottle makes it easy. It folds down to fit in even the smallest carry-on pocket, doesn't leak, and is perfect for filling up after security. It accompanied me throughout a backpacking trip across Europe, and now I never travel without it, especially for international flights where water access isn't always guaranteed. I've worn my Apple AirPods on flights up to 16 hours, and I've consistently been impressed by the quality and comfort. The noise cancellation is excellent; they essentially double as earplugs, blocking out crying babies, cabin noise, and even chatty row-mates. They're ultra-compact (especially when compared to over-ear headphones), but still deliver incredible sound quality, making them perfect for travel. I've tested the Dore & Rose luxe sleep mask on various trips, and I truly swear by it for long flights and hotel stays. It blocks light beautifully and feels gentle against the skin, even if you're sensitive or prone to irritation. If you're trying to sleep on a red-eye (or tackle jet lag when you arrive at your destination), it's a worthy addition to your kit. Or, for something a bit more budget-friendly, you can try this highly rated Amazon silk sleep mask (which is currently on sale for Prime Day). A crisp button-up is arguably one of the most versatile pieces in any travel wardrobe. You can wear it as a blouse, a swimsuit cover-up, or even an overshirt during travel days. I personally love this classic one from Levi's, which is currently available on Amazon for just $27. I've raved about these standout Allbirds sneakers in the past, as they're one of my go-to, ultra-versatile travel shoes. I've worn them all over the world (most notably, fresh out of the box during a trip to Hawaii) and have firmly cemented them in my travel wardrobe lineup. A true Amazon Prime Day miracle: they're currently on sale for 32 percent off, bringing the price down to $92—snag them before they're gone! If you don't want to pack a combo of brushes, curlers, and a travel hair dryer with the hopes of having a good hair day—I've got some great news for you. This T3 multi-styler tool is an absolute game-changer when it comes to styling hair both at home and on vacation. It combines multiple hair tools into one (saving precious packing space) and styles hair in no time at all (so you can get out the door faster). I cannot say enough about this product, which leaves my hair looking shiny and put-together even after a long-haul flight. The best part? It's currently marked down to $226 for Amazon Prime Day. Let's get practical for a second here: I always pack a change of clothes in my carry-on, and that includes a pair of underwear. You never know when you might be stranded during a layover and in desperate need of a clothing swap, after all. You can't go wrong with these Gap Body cotton pairs—especially when they're on sale for $25 for five pairs. They're breathable, stretchy, and comfortable, ideal for a long flight or heading straight into an activity upon landing. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- The Sun
I've visited Florida 50 times – here's how I get a US family holiday for LESS than an all-inclusive in Europe
FLORIDA is a big destination for Brits - but family adventures stateside don't always come cheap. As return visitors to Florida, we save thousands on our family trip every year with these clever holiday hacks. It's so easy, you could do the same. 7 7 7 It often easier to keep it simple and book a package holiday to Spain, but this doesn't mean it's the better - or even the cheapest option. As a travel blogger and USA expert, I have been to the SUNSHINE STATE over 50 times and you may be surprised how frugal Florida can be if you know a few tips and tricks. People don't believe our last trip to Florida cost me £268 per person for return flights and car rental for seven days. And no, we didn't have to stuff everything in small backpacks for the journey - the price also included a suitcase each. Over the same dates, the average cost for an all-inclusive holiday in Costa Brava, Spain with a splash park and water slides was over double this price, at £850 per person. There were cheaper options in Spain, but they didn't offer much for kids to do during the day, so I knew we would end up spending extra money leaving the resort and paying for extra attractions. We saved £400 before we left the UK I got this great price by booking the basic Florida Fly Drive package with TUI. Included in the fare, you get unlimited mileage, an intermediate-size hire car and fully inclusive insurance all in a package with your flight. The deals are always really good, with packages around £400 per person. But when I booked last minute, around two weeks before the trip, I got this even better, bargain price. I was one of the first people in the world to visit Universal's new mega theme park – one attraction took my breath away It was over £100 cheaper per person than if we flew the week after, saving £400 before we'd even left home! Flying from London Gatwick to Melbourne Airport on Florida's east coast, it's an easy nine-hour flight. Economy prices include a 20kg suitcase in hold luggage and 10kg hand luggage to carry on board. You also get two meals on board. One is served a few hours into the flight and then you get a light lunch before landing in Melbourne. Melbourne airport is on the Atlantic coast of Florida, just below Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach, where you can find the NASA Space Facility and Kennedy Space Center. If you plan to go to Orlando, where Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are located, the airport is an hour away. However, the terminal is so small, we cleared customs in less than 20 minutes, which is much speedier than immigration at Orlando International Airport. 7 7 Accommodation is not included with the TUI package but since we had a car with the deal, our plan was to do a mini road trip and explore the coast. Knowing we wouldn't be spending a lot of time at the hotel, we opted for the basic Best Western chain, which is similar to our Travelodge hotels, and has different locations across the USA. This budget chain was only £85 per night. The Melbourne Florida outpost was a five minute walk to the beach and even had its own pool, gym and 24-hour reception. Plus, breakfast was included. Even better, our room had a fridge and a microwave, so after a quick trip to the supermarket, I was able to make an easy mac and cheese or tomato pasta for lunch before a dip in the pool. My kids loved it and it saves loads of money! One evening, we had pizza at a restaurant for dinner and it was so big, there was loads left. I heated it up in the microwave the next day and it fed us all for lunch too. Swap theme parks to save money Since this was a budget holiday, we didn't plan to visit Walt Disney World on this trip. With tickets for the week over £500 per person, a trip to Orlando would have totally blown the budget. However, the brilliant Kennedy Space Center was a 20-minute drive from our hotel. This museum-theme park was only £49 per person for the day. As well as real-life rockets, informative galleries and the opportunity to meet a real-life astronaut, there are also a few immersive attractions too. The best bit was the massive planet-themed soft play, which kept the kids entertained for hours while we enjoyed some much needed aircon. The rest of the week was spent exploring the coast, playing on the beach and watching surfers ride the waves at Cocoa Beach. It was easy to keep the kids entertained along the busy beach path and we hardly spent any money. The £7 body board from Walmart was a hit. I even got time to sunbathe and read my book. Better still, both kids said it was their favourite holiday yet. For dinner most days, we grabbed a quick bite at one of the many beach bars. 7 7 Kids' meals were massive and only £7 each. My children, who are eight and five, were easily able to share. Adult meals, such as freshly-caught snapper and rice, or a burger and chips at Grills Seafood that has views of the rocket launches, were around £15 each. There is no shortage of Happy Hour cocktails at bars like Coconuts on the Beach, where a Margarita is only £8. Since our hotel had a fridge, we were fully stocked with cold drinks and fresh fruit and we bought a cheap cooler for the car to take along to the beach. We even went bowling one night and that was only £26 for the whole family to play. Overall, our week's holiday to Florida was a brilliant budget trip. We spent around £3000, around £750 per person. The all-inclusive to Spain was more expensive, at £858 per person - and that was before extra activities, such as amusement arcades and water parks. Plus, our Florida trip felt like a little adventure. The kids loved having a car and getting to experience a mini road trip along the coast. We also got to spend quality together as a family, instead of the kids disappearing into the kids club every day. It was so good, I'm already searching for another irresistible deal so I can go back. The small towns and cheap cities that you can visit on the cheap Cocoa Beach: This laid-back strip is lined with beach bars that lead out onto the sand, surf shops and food trucks serving delicious grub that you can take away and eat on the boardwalk. Crystal River: Home to the largest manatee population in the world, this beauty spot is spoiled with winding waterways, green forests and an abundance of warm swimming spots with clear water from the Gulf of Mexico. Essentially a small, local town, Crystal River has lots of locally-owned restaurants and bars, serving reasonably-priced meals without the glossy price tag. Key Largo: When people think of the Florida Keys, they imagine the party town of Key West at the end of the archipelago. However, Key Largo in the Upper Keys, closest to the mainland, is a far more laid back affair. Lunch can be fresh fish caught that morning off the Gulf and sold at market price and the vibe here is snorkelling or beach and not much else in between. Orlando: You may be surprised to see Orlando as a budget destination, but the sheer amount of hotel rooms and restaurants in the city mean competitive prices and lots of deals. There are also lots of local attractions in Orlando, such as Gatorland and Old Town Kissimmee which make for a great day out and for a fraction of the cost of Disney World. New Smyrna Beach: This charming beach town is only an hour from Orlando, but has managed to retain its small town charm and community spirit. As well as a truly stunning beach, there is a colourful seaside village and a sprawling nature reserve that stretches right down to the beach. Think body boards on the waves and spotting dolphins and turtles swimming along the shore.
Times
09-07-2025
- Times
Alila Villas Uluwatu hotel review — possibly the most photogenic stay in Bali
Float above the Indian Ocean in a fantastic, open-walled bar cantilevered off a cliff edge, listening to the waves shushing the perfect empty beach below as the warmth of sunset pours in on you — and try, for a few seconds at least, to just enjoy the moment and not attempt to capture it on film. Alila Villas Uluwatu, perched high on the southernmost tip of Bali, is so lovely to look at — all clean modern lines and open-to-the-ocean vistas — that you might think it couldn't possibly be comfortable too. In fact, though, the rooms are deliciously loungey (and blissfully private), and the food and drink is first-rate too. Try as you may, your pictures won't capture the half of it. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10Each room comes with a private garden and pool; and not just a plunge pool — it's big enough for a few strokes, untypically. Around it you'll find loungers, chairs and a swish semi-open cabana. Half of the glass wall of your villa slides away for full-on indoor-outdoor living, so you can flop straight off the sofa into the pool, and the aesthetic inside is equally cool, with a pale palette and low-slung furniture. Everything has been considered, though, right down to a discreet rack of magazines beside the hi-tech Japanese loo in the bathroom, where you'll also find double vanity mirrors and your choice of indoor and outdoor showers. Score 9/10It's the film-star good looks of that cliffside Sunset Cabana Bar that first grab the attention, but the food and drinks shouldn't be overlooked. The cocktails are particularly fantastic — try the tamarind mango margarita. Dinner at the Warung, a few steps away, is an Indonesian feast, though you'll have to wrestle with yourself not to fill up on the prawn crackers and zingy, chilli-laced sambal sauces brought out with the menus. Meanwhile, Cire serves organic, locally sourced Mediterranean food and a breakfast that marries superfood Buddha bowls, authentic local dishes and a triple-chocolate waffle. Service throughout the hotel is incredibly attentive and each villa is assigned a personal butler. • More of the best hotels in Bali• Best luxury villas in Bali Score 7/10There is plenty of room to roam, with the resort big enough to warrant a fleet of borrowable bikes — great fun whizzing down the hills; less so sweating up them. Wheels won't help you get to the beach, though — the only way down to it is via 600 steps (not so flip-flop-friendly ones, either). But it's not as hard as it sounds, and when you get there you'll likely have the whole half-mile to yourself. When you do get back up you'll be ready for a local craft beer by (or in) the huge main infinity pool — or, even better, a treatment in the tranquil spa. Also on site is a slightly incongruous whisky and cigar bar. Score 8/10Uluwatu, the temple from which the resort nicks its name, is 20 minutes' drive along the coast and one of the biggest draws on Bali — partly for its spiritual significance and partly for its photogenic (but pesky) monkeys, but mostly for its nightly traditional Kecak dance performances and stirring sunsets. Not much further is Padang Padang beach — great for beginner surfers, and pretty good for just lounging too. The hotel has an excellent surfing package, but also offers tours and experiences to lesser-known temples and secret beaches, among other places. Padang Padang has its fair share of boho boutiques and bougie coffee shops, but if you want noise and nightclubs, the island capital Denpasar is a 40-minute drive away. Price B&B doubles from £539Restaurant mains from £12Family-friendly YAccessible Y Ed Grenby was a guest of Alila Villas Uluwatu ( • Best luxury villas in Bali• Best affordable hotels in Bali under £150
The Sun
08-07-2025
- The Sun
The dangerous mistakes you're making before a holiday including what shoes NEVER to wear on a flight – from a travel pro
A TRAVEL whizz has warned holidaymakers to steer clear of airport charging stations and it's not just to avoid a dodgy socket. Pollyann Giffin, 40, says 'juice jacking', a sneaky form of hacking, could ruin more than just your holiday. 4 The scam sees hackers use public USB ports to access your phone, swipe your data or infect it with malware and you'd never know until it's too late. Pollyann, who's racked up over two decades of travel experience, shared her top travel tips with her 14,000 Instagram followers and the clip has already notched up more than 37,000 views. She said: 'I used to be a very anxious traveller and love to be prepared. 'I research a lot and I've also learned a lot through personal experiences- good and bad. 'As a teacher I love to help people learn and be prepared for their own travels. 'If they can learn from my mistakes and not have to make them themselves, great!' Here are Pollyann's top tips. She said: 'It's called juice jacking - a sneaky way hackers can access your data through public USB charging stations. 'Once connected, they can install malware or steal personal info without you even knowing.' BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK Pollyann said: 'Avoid carbonated drinks mid-flight - lower cabin pressure makes gas expand, leading to bloating and discomfort. 'I'm jumping with joy' say Dublin Airport passengers as another new food spot 'officially lands' in Terminal One 'Also avoid gassy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts before your flight. 'These fibre-rich foods ferment in your gut and produce gas, which expands even more at high altitudes thanks to cabin pressure. 'The result? Bloating, discomfort, and a not-so-fun flight. 'Opt for easy-to-digest snacks like bananas, white rice, or yogurt before boarding to keep your tummy happy and your flight comfortable.' APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR The expert said: 'Don't wear sandals on the plane. 'And closed shoes protect your feet from germs, dropped items, and spills - plus, they're safer in emergencies.' BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER PEOPLE Pollyann warned: 'Be aware of your surroundings. 'Whether it be in the airport or in a new city, be aware of your volume, body and others who are trying to navigate in the same space.' DO NOT OVERPACK She said: 'Don't overpack your carry-on. 'If you can't lift it into the overhead bin yourself, it's too heavy - a bag that's too heavy puts you and others at risk and flight attendants are not required to help.' Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." ENJOY EVERY MOMENT Finally the expert dropped her most crucial tip: 'Put the phone away sometimes. 'You don't need to document every moment - being present is what makes a trip special. 'Do at least one thing off the beaten path. 'Skip some Instagram suggested spots and find something that feels like your discovery.' With summer travel in full swing, Pollyann's tips are a handy reminder to stay smart and prepared and to fly safe this season. 4 4
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Keen traveler reveals how ignoring 'red flags' at her hostel resulted in terrifying brush with police
She has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling An avid traveler has warned about some of the simple mistakes that she's made while exploring the globe that almost cost her life - as well as thousands of dollars. Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, from Asheville, North Carolina, has visited more than 20 countries over the years. While most of her trips have gone smoothly, she has unfortunately faced a few mishaps along the way... including one that put her in severe danger. Thankfully, she has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling over the years so that others can learn from her mistakes. During an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, she revealed that she was almost thrown in an Italian prison after a hostel she had booked ended up not being what it had seemed. And she admitted that she had completely overlooked a major red flag, which ultimately resulted in the dangerous situation. She explained that she and a friend were traveling to Rome, Italy, and had booked a hostel to stay in. After getting off their flight, however, she said they noticed that the location of the hostel had changed since they first made the reservation. An avid traveler has warned about some of the simple mistakes that she's made while traveling the globe that almost cost her hundreds of dollars... and her life Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, has visited more than 20 countries over the years. And while most of her trips have gone smoothly, she has unfortunately faced a few mishaps along the way Thankfully, she has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling over the years so that others can learn from her mistakes Despite the 'red flag,' Ahmedina said they didn't think too much of it and decided to stay there anyway. However, upon arriving at the hostel, they felt so unsafe by the location and accommodations that they began to fear for their lives. She said they had to put a desk in front of the door in their room to act as a barricade in case someone tried to get in. 'The next day, we returned to our hostel and found seven Italian policemen searching our room,' she revealed. 'Come to find out, the hostel was illegally operating, and we had to pack our bags and be escorted out. 'Moral of the story: If you are ever sent to a place that is not the exact location, do not stay. 'Trust your gut. Safety should be your number one priority, not a $ 20-per-night hostel budget.' She revealed that she also almost had to fork over hundreds of dollars once after she brought a common item through customs that she didn't realize was not allowed. During an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, she revealed that she was almost thrown in an Italian prison after a hostel she had booked ended up not being what it had seemed She revealed that she also almost had to fork over hundreds of dollars once after she brought a common item through customs that she didn't realize was not allowed: an apple She explained that she found herself in big trouble because she had an apple with her while returning home to the US after a trip to Amsterdam. 'I went to baggage claim to retrieve my checked bag and to go through security again,' she explained. 'I was standing there waiting when a Customs and Border Protection Officer approached me, saying his K9 was detecting food and asking if I had anything. 'Shoot… I forgot I had an apple on me from Amsterdam that I was supposed to declare at customs.' She said the officer asked for her passport and told her that he would let her off with a warning, but she could have been slapped with a $300 fine if she lied about the apple and another $500 for actually having it. 'Be sure to declare these upon arrival: purchases over $800, cash, including travelers checks, over $10,000, and ALL food, plants, and animal products,' she stressed. The full list of restricted items can be found on the US Customs and Border Control's website. 'When in doubt, declare it to avoid fines and confiscation,' added Ahmedina. 'Be sure to declare these upon arrival: purchases over $800, cash, including travelers checks, over $10,000, and ALL food, plants, and animal products,' she stressed Ahmedina also warned against getting too comfortable at airports while waiting for flights In addition, the travel buff shared some tips to staying safe while traveling, which included using an 'anti-pickpocketing backpack' and always being alert of your surroundings 'Thankfully, I was given a warning, as this was my first offense, but it served as a reminder to take it seriously.' Ahmedina also warned against getting too comfortable at airports while waiting for flights. 'I once missed a flight with my friends because we got distracted eating guava and cheese empanadas in the Miami airport,' she shared. In addition, the travel buff shared some tips to staying safe while traveling. She recommended using a fanny back or an 'anti-pickpocketing backpack' to ensure your belongings are protected in crowded cities, and suggested putting a lock on your bags when checking them on flights. '[Always] stay alert/be aware of your surroundings,' she added. 'Don't zone out on your phone, but also be aware that eye contact can be culturally sensitive.' She also said you should always be 'mindful' of your 'alcohol limits' while partying abroad to ensure you never put yourself in a 'vulnerable state.' She concluded, 'If something or someone feels off, trust your gut.'
