Connected Traveler
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Latest Stories
Airbnb Just Made a Big Change to Its Fees. What to Expect on Your Next Trip
The roughly 15% service fee renters usually pay at checkout will now be handled by the hosts. They can eat that cost or just make their rentals more expensive.
Alaska Airlines Cancels Hundreds of Flights After IT Outage
Many other flights have been delayed since Thursday. Alaska Airlines has not revealed what caused the problems, but says it's not due to any cybersecurity incident.
Use Starlink Mini on a Plane? SpaceX Says Not So Fast (Literally)
SpaceX will impose a miles-per-hour restriction on Starlink Mini use in the air, potentially forcing people to pay for a very expensive Starlink Aviation plan.
Traveling Soon? Here’s How to Add Your Digital Driver’s License to Apple Wallet
Tired of pulling out your ID at the airport? A handful of states now let you add your driver's license or ID to Apple Wallet, which you can scan at TSA checkpoints and other supported locations.
The Best Instant Cameras for 2025
Just like the classic Polaroids your parents used, the best modern instant cameras we've tested let you snap an impressive photo and watch it develop instantly.
The Best Action Cameras for 2025
If you want to capture outdoor sports or underwater excursions, you need a tough and portable action camera. I've been testing action cameras for more than a decade and am here to help you pick the best one.
The Best Battery Life Laptops for 2025
We've tested hundreds of laptops to find the ones that last the longest between charges. These battery-life champs will easily take you through a day of work or school, plus an evening's entertainment.
The Best Portable Monitors for 2025
Whether you're a traveling exec, a gamer, or a graphic designer, a portable second monitor can add an extra dimension to your work or play. We've tested most of the major models. Check out our top picks.
I Tested the Wi-Fi on Amtrak's NextGen Acela. Bad News: You No Longer Have an Excuse to Skip Work
On several rides between New York and DC, the Wi-Fi on Amtrak's newest trains handled simultaneous YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify streams with ease.
Delta Now Lets You Watch Some YouTube Videos on Seatback Screens
Delta's new partnership with YouTube was first teased at CES 2025. It’s now available on Delta flights, but you can't watch everything.
The Best Unlocked Phones for 2025
Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that often come with new cell phones? The best unlocked phones we've tested aren't tied to a carrier, give you more freedom to roam, and carry less bloatware.
Passport Support on iPhones Expected to Launch in the US Later This Year
The feature was expected to launch with the first iOS 26 update. However, a new change to Apple's website says it will be available to US users before the end of the year.
SpaceX's Starlink Can Deliver 10Gbps on This Cruise Ship
The Star of the Seas is the first confirmed cruise ship outfitted with a Starlink Community Gateway, which costs $1.25 million to install.
Frequent Flyers Can Soon Score Free In-Flight Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines
No-charge connectivity for members of the airline’s Rapid Rewards program takes off on Oct. 24 courtesy of T-Mobile.
Not Starlink? JetBlue Picks Amazon's Project Kuiper for In-Flight Wi-Fi
JetBlue is the first airline to sign up for Amazon's Starlink rival, even though it has yet to launch.
3 in 4 Americans Fear Data Risks While Traveling: Take These Simple Steps to Stay Safe This Holiday Weekend
Our survey finds 75% of US adults worry about privacy while on vacation, but few are using tools like VPNs, ad blockers, or password managers.
Google Translate Enlists AI for Live Translation and Language Lessons
Duolingo’s green owl may be coming up with a lot of foreign words for 'exasperation' right now.
Alaska Airlines to Switch to Starlink Wi-Fi Starting in 2026
Wi-Fi will be free to those who sign up for Alaska’s Atmos Rewards. A partnership with T-Mobile means the carrier's customers can skip the ads; everyone else will have to sit through a few.
Warning: Watch Out for This Japanese Character in Your Booking.com Email
Unusual file names and links are common signs of phishing attacks. But hackers are now using visually similar characters from foreign alphabets to trick even tech-savvy users into clicking.
The Best Portable Projectors for 2025
Need a compact, capable projector you can take with you for presentations on the road—or just to tote outside for backyard movies? Here's a look at the top-rated models we've tested.
