Latest news with #vacationers
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Europe Pushes Back Against Carry-On Bag Fees
Airports in summer are a tale of two travelers: the seasoned business people, who have their trip down to a science, and the occasional vacationers, who do not. Aviation reporter Kate Duffy writes today about protecting those in the latter group against fees charged by budget airlines for bags that exceed their rules. Plus: Scottish wind farms overcome Nimbyism, and the European Union strikes a deal with Trump. If this email was forwarded to you, click here to sign up.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
Use These 7 Methods to Find Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb Rental
Hidden cameras and spying have become rampant in recent years. We've seen it happening in Texas and California, with one host secretly saving over 2,000 images of guests and read reports of instances where couples have found themselves vacationing in a romantic Airbnb only to discover that someone is watching them via voyeur cams. There are also Reddit discussion boards where vacationers are sharing tales of it happening to them. It's a proven international problem, too, with stories ranging from Ireland to Malaysia. However, if you're preparing for a vacation this summer, don't let the idea of being spied upon ruin your vacation. For one thing, you can instantly report cameras to Airbnb, which guarantees you an automatic relocation if you do happen to spot any. And spotting them will be significantly easier once you check out our guide on how to catch hidden cameras around your rental. Read on to learn more. A guest-friendly router may deserve a closer look. Netgear 1. Check out the local Wi-Fi network Most Airbnbs offer some kind of guest Wi-Fi. Log into it and hop into your settings to view the Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all the connected devices. Use the provided login and on-board router passwords or app to look for a section about connected or attached devices. Or if these options aren't available, you can try out a third-party app like the Wireless Network Watcher. (Note for the techies, the arp -a command line won't work here, because it displays only your own computer's cache of connected device info, and the Airbnb owner probably didn't leave their laptop behind.) Now look for any unexpected online devices that don't match up with any of the technology in the house. You may think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cams to local Wi-Fi networks, but that's giving them too much credit. Watch for surprise online devices and see if you can track them down or tell what they are. 2. Bring up your Bluetooth If cameras aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you can still pick them up with your Bluetooth. Just set your Bluetooth to its pairing mode and see what devices it can pick up. Disregard TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices that you can't otherwise identify. Seeing strange devices on Bluetooth when you're at an Airbnb? They may be worth a closer look. CNET If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they're a camera product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a couple of minutes to pick up all available devices and walk from room to room with your phone to see if any surprises pop up. 3. Do a pass with a flashlight Even the sneakiest cam still needs a lens to watch from, and where there's a lens there can be a reflection (as well as LED indicator lights). So one of the most effective ways to look for hidden cams is to shut down all the lights in a room, switch on the flashlight mode on your phone and do a careful sweep. Watch for any unexpected glints or flickers of light in strange places that could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little weird, but this old-fashioned method of spotting cams is still one of the most effective. To save a whole lot of time and patience on this step, focus on rooms where spy cams are more likely to be, basically any room where you'd take your clothes off. Look for spots and angles that offer a high, wide field of view -- there's a reason that smoke detectors are such a popular hiding spot. Other popular spots include plants, books and lamps. Your own eyes and a camera flashlight can do a lot of good work if you're worried about hidden cameras. Freemixer/Getty Images 4. Scan for infrared eyes Many cams use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they aren't on a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. That's the same kind of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can't see infrared light, but the front-facing camera on many smartphones doesn't have an infrared filter, or at least not a perfect one. That means you can use your phone cam in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected dots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere. Apps can help you take a closer look at your Airbnb, but we suggest using them with other methods. CNET 5. Use a camera-spotting app A slew of apps can help you with the above steps. They're far from perfect, but they may be able to save you a bit of time if you're serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are apps that attempt to sense unexpected magnetic fields, catch reflections when scanning a room and some that even combine multiple options. These apps are typically free or cheap, but we suggest not relying on them entirely when your own naked eye can do so well. 6. Inspect the vents People have found hidden cameras in all kinds of places, but we suggest getting up close and personal to any wall vents. Vents can often hide the signs of an infrared light or reflection unless you're at just the right angle. So along with smoke detectors, put these up-high vents on the top of your list if you're worried. Thermal cameras are only for the most serious when scanning Airbnbs. CNET 7. Bring out an infrared scanner If you're feeling especially anxious about hidden cams and don't mind investing some dollars, an infrared or heat scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and the more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost around $150 to $200. These sensors can detect the small heat signatures produced by hidden cameras. You can use them close to walls, mirrors, shelves and anywhere else you want a close scan to watch for unexpected electronics. It's more time-consuming than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a complete look. Bonus tip: Be careful plugging your devices in Satechi's 145W 4-port USB-C travel charger Satechi Finally, be wary of any included chargers, ports or charging stations in your Airbnb. They're usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can house malware that could seep into your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take control of your own camera or hold files hostage. When using an Airbnb, stick with your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug directly into power outlets when they are available. OK, what about security cameras outside the Airbnb? Currently, Airbnb is banning only cameras indoors on participating properties. So having an outdoor security camera or a video doorbell is still entirely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners worried about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There's not really anything you can do about the presence of these outside cameras. You can complain that they make you feel uncomfortable, but they probably aren't going anywhere. However, be wary if any outdoor cams are pointed toward windows so they can see indoors, which is a legal issue just like an indoor spy cam. Since you're finished, now is the perfect time to review the spots to never install your own home security cam, the best places to put a security camera, and if it's legal to record video or audio in your own home.
Arab News
13-07-2025
- Arab News
Prince Mashari Park in Bani Hassan
(Photos by SPA) Nestled in the heart of Al-Baha's mountainous landscape, Prince Mashari bin Saud Park in Bani Hassan governorate has emerged as one of the region's most captivating tourist destinations. It offers a tranquil escape through its lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and mountain views, particularly during the summer months when the climate is refreshingly mild. Spanning more than 1.89 million square meters, the park is a natural sanctuary that appeals to nature lovers and vacationers alike. Its trails wind through pristine valleys and ravines dotted with juniper trees, creating a serene environment for those seeking relaxation and a break from the fast-paced rhythm of daily life.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Revealed: How much it costs to visit Royal Caribbean's new private Bahamas beach club
Royal Caribbean has revealed how much cruise passengers will need to pay to access its new private beach club area in the Bahamas, including a $10,000 (£7,329) private cabana. Passengers visiting Nassau during a Royal Caribbean cruise from late December 2025 will be able to purchase all-inclusive day passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Prices start at $169.99 (£125) for a day pass that gives you unlimited drinks, including alcohol and dining, but is only available to guests over age 21. There is also a day pass for non-alcoholic drinks and dining from $129.99 (£96) for guests aged 13 and older. The price drops to $109.99 (£81) for ages four to 12 and is free for passengers aged three and under. Guests can also bundle their day pass with a beverage package on board or pair it with destination experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay during a stop on Royal Caribbean's private Bahamas island. The passes give you access to two private beaches and three pools. These include The Deep End pool for a relaxed and laid back area or you can enjoy the DJ at The Floating Flamingo, the world's largest swim-up bar. You can rent your own cabana on the beach, which comes with a personal attendant service, upgraded amenities, as well as day beds with dedicated beverage service, an umbrella, storage space and towels. Cabana prices range from $2,199.99 (£1,618), which includes day passes for up to eight people. There is also a two-storey family cabana to rent for the day at $9,999.99 (£7,361) which includes up to 12 day passes. It comes with its own whirlpool, frozen drink machine, waterslide and private bathroom. Guests can eat and drink across three beach grills and 10 bars, and there will be Bahamian-inspired live music, entertainment and local artisan shops. The price also covers round-trip water transportation, beach games for the whole family, wifi, umbrellas and lounge chairs, lockers and towels. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be available on sailings from December 2025 aboard ships such as Utopia of the Seas. Prices start from £623 per person.
The Guardian
07-07-2025
- The Guardian
'It's killing me': Texas residents devastated by flood deaths in local summer camps
As the death toll continues to rise after deadly flash flooding in central Texas, a frantic search is under way for missing campers, vacationers and residents. Hunt resident Macon Ware's five granddaughters had just finished a summer camping session at Camp Mystic, the all-girl camp where dozens of campers were swept away in the flood. 'Some of their friends were there for the second session and my heart goes out to all those little girls,' he says
