These flights are most likely to leave you stuck in an airport for the holidays
Traveling for the holidays? AirHelp's new study looks at the best times to fly, the best times to book, and the flights most likely to experience delays. The busiest travel days vary by airport, but a look at the study can help passengers avoid the busiest travel days over the holidays.
Which landmarks are searched for most by creatives? This list has some surprises
What popular landmark video and images are creatives looking for most? A recent study by StoryBlocks analyzed search trends to dig up the most requested landmarks on the stock platform. While some are expected, other results are a bit surprising -- like the major city that didn't breach the top 10.
This gadget lets you sleep on airplanes without snuggling a stranger
Odd gadget, or a hug for your face? The Napup Fly+ is a travel pillow, sleep mask, and personal speaker system all rolled into one. The ergonomic support attaches to the back of the headrest and holds your head up, so you don't wind up sleeping on the shoulder of the passenger next to you.
Singapore reclaims longest flight, but could you sit on a plane for that long?
Singapore Airlines has reclaimed the record for the world's longest commercial flight with a 19-hour service between Singapore and New York. Aware that few people would want to sit in economy for almost a day, it's done away with cattle class entirely and instead offers only business and premium economy seats.
Domio aims to dethrone Airbnb with new group travel accommodations
A New York-based startup called Domio is bypassing the fierce competition in the traditional hotel industry as well as the hospitality market dominance of Airbnb by targeting group travelers with new "asset-light" accomodations with 2 to 4 bedrooms, dubbed "apart-hotels."
Stay warm and cosy in the backcountry with the Kammock Bobcat quilt
Kammock's Bobcat camping quilt is designed for use on the trail or while traveling, keeping users warm and cozy no matter where they wander. The Bobcat packs down to a small size, yet can be used as a top or underquilt by hammock campers, a sleeping bag for traditional campers, or as a blanket for travelers.
Hasselblad’s widest lens turns medium-format X1D into sublime camera for landscapes
Hasselblad's new XCD 21mm f/4 lens turns the medium-format X1D into a travel photographers dream camera, albeit a pricey one. We took one with us to Europe to put it through its paces, and found it to be the perfect combo.
Flying could feel more like going to the movies with VR headsets and headphones
How do you make air travel feel like not flying at all? Put a screen on your face and noise-canceling headphones in your ears. Alaska Airlines is now testing virtual reality headsets for in-flight entertainment. The airline isn't making promises for a big rollout, but is trying the gear out this week.
Will your carry-on fit in that overhead bin? Kayak’s new AR tool can tell you
Don't break out the tape measure just yet -- a new augmented reality tool inside the Kayak app can help determine if your bag meets carry-on requirements. After measuring the bag with the device's camera, the app compares it to your airline's requirements.
The flu is a bad souvenir. Here’s how a pilot stays healthy while flying
Want to avoid getting sick when flying? A pilot explains the culprits and offers some tips to stay healthy when traveling by air, from nose spray to skipping the alcohol and doing aerobic exercises.
Couple finds hidden camera pointed at bed at a Toronto Airbnb
A couple visiting Toronto made an unpleasant and creepy discovery during their stay. They found a hidden camera in a clock that was pointed directly at the bed they were sleeping in, presumably placed there by the home's owner. Airbnb is aware of the incident and is investigating further.
Google’s ‘Touring Bird’ can make it a whole lot easier to plan a trip
When you next settle down to plan a trip, take a moment to check out Touring Bird, a new web-based travel tool from Google that aims to surface fun stuff to do and make booking activities easy in famous cities around the world. At launch, Touring Bird includes 25,000 activities from 400 local contributors in 20 cities.
Photo op: This interactive foliage map will help you plan your fall adventures
If the summer heat has been causing you to sweat more than you'd really like to, then the good news is that fall is just around the corner. If you're planning to get out and about, then this cool interactive foliage map can help you enjoy the fall colors at their very best.
Biometrics scanner catches impostor at U.S. airport on just third day of use
Well, that didn't take long. The US Customs and Border Patrol says that a new biometrics system flagged a man using a fake passport on the third day that a biometrics was in use. The program flagged the man when his biometrics didn't match the ID he presented -- his real ID was found in his shoe.
The top 10 most-Instagrammed locations are bound to give you the travel itch
Looking for inspiration for your next destination? Here are the top 50 destinations in the Americas, according to Instagram hashtags anyways. From Disney to Yosemite, these are some of the most Instagrammed locations to visit (or to avoid for something more original).
Hilton doubles down on construction trends with a San Francisco hotel
Modular construction is a booming trends in the hotel industry and Hilton is embracing with construction strategy, recently breaking ground on a new Home2 Suites by Hilton build in South San Francisco that will use modular construction to cut costs and retain quality.
Airport’s low-tech solution to digital chaos involves the humble whiteboard
A U.K. airport has suffered a major computer error, caused by data connection problems, which has stopped flight boards from showing crucial passenger information including flight gate numbers. The solution is wonderfully low-tech, proving the old ways of doing things still have a place.
Colby Brown isn’t afraid to fail (or fall) in pursuit of the perfect travel shot
Colby Brown has photographed Iceland more than two dozen times, captured (on camera) Jaguars in Brazil, lead National Geographic expeditions in South America. But what advice is does the travel photographer have for the photographers just starting out? We sat down with Colby Brown to talk photos, travel, style, and editing.
How to take travel photos with just your smartphone
If there's one time when the size of your camera matters, it's during travel. But is a smartphone camera enough to capture travel adventures, from start to finish? Here are the smartphone travel photography tips we've learned after a cay in the Caribbean with just a smartphone.
Try before you travel — Kayak launches virtual reality exploration tool
Not so sure exactly what destination to head to next? Kayak VR is a new Google Daydream app designed to help travelers scope out a new destination ahead of time and pre-plan trips. The app includes travel tips and an audio tour along with a 360 view of hotspots at the destination.
U.S. Customs says biometric entry and exit is coming first to this airport
While around a dozen airlines in the U.S. are testing biometric boarding and exit on international flights, a new agreement has the Orlando International Airport slated to be the first U.S. airport to use the technology for both entry and exits. The airport is working to implement the system using facial recognition.
The Bivystick uses satellite technology to send messages from anywhere
The Bivystick comes our way from outdoor adventure website bivy.com and is a satellite messenger that gives users the ability to send text messages, share their location, call for an emergency evacuation, and post their whereabouts to social media. The device doesn't require a subscription and can be used to charge another device on the go.
Alexa, order room service: Amazon brings its voice assistant to hotels
Travelers may soon be able to skip the call down to the front desk and just ask Alexa to send up amenities, order room service, or book a spa appointment. Alexa for Hospitality is an Amazon Echo designed specifically for hotels and other travel destinations, with custom travel-based skills.
Plan group trips without annoying group texts with Kayak Trip Huddle
Do you find planning a group vacation stressful? Kayak just launched an online tool that helps groups of travelers narrow down their options, including destinations, dates, and accommodations. Instead of annoying group texts, Kayak Trip Huddle asks users to vote on the different options.
Travel safely and protect the ocean with Pacsafe’s Econyl fabric
For its 20th anniversary, travel gear manufacturer Pacsafe has introduced two new products -- a portable safe and a backpack -- that use Econyl fabrics made from recycled materials taken from the ocean to keep our valuables safe and secure on the road, while also protecting marine life.
Kayak now notifies delayed air travelers of compensation with the Service app
Airlines will compensate travelers for flight delays and now Kayak will notify users when a potential claim is available. The major travel platform just partners with a start-up called Service that automatically files travel claims for users. The change means Kayak users will now be notified of a potential claim.
Wherever the road takes you, the Pivt app will make you feel at home
Home may be where the heart is, but a new app can make it such that home is where you are. Meet Pivt, intended specifically for expats, travelers, and other folks abroad just looking for a community to call their own -- even if only for a short while. It's available on both Android and iOS.
Stock your travel bag with these gadgets for gaming on the go
One of the best ways to pass time while at the airport or in flight is relaxing with games. With the portability of smartphones, laptops, and dedicated devices like the Nintendo Switch, gaming on the go has never been easier.
‘Truck Hotel’ is an amazing double-decker pad for surfers
A truck converted into a hotel? Whatever will they think of next? The Truck Surf Hotel does exactly what it says on the tin, transporting vacationing surfers to new beaches every day while offering all the comforts of a regular hotel. The four-bedroom pad is currently tootling between sites in Portugal and Morocco.
Incase’s ProConnected smart carry-on is a rolling power station for hungry devices
Incase has a new smart luggage series, called ProConnected. At launch is the 4 Wheel Hubless Roller, a carry-on with a large-capacity battery that can recharge a USB-C laptop. It also has Bluetooth tracking.
Lifeproof wants to protect all your gadgets with its new backpack line
Smartphone case manufacturer Lifeproof has jumped into the backpack market with four new packs designed to keep our gadgets well protected while traveling, commuting, or hiking. Features include water resistant fabrics, tech-friendly pockets, and pass-through ports for headphones and charging cables.
Electronic locks in over 40,000 hotels worldwide compromised, says security firm
Security firm F-Secure has uncovered a massive security vulnerability in electronic locks sold by the world's largest lock manufacturer, Assa Abloy. Using the exploit, researchers were able to circumvent the lock system used in 40 thousand hotels worldwide by gaining master key access.
Virgin America, the ‘airline of Silicon Valley,’ takes its final flight
Virgin America has flown for the last time. Flight 1947 departed Los Angeles at 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, bound for San Francisco. Judging by the response on social media, the airline that brought us funky mood lighting, comfy leather seats, and jazzed-up safety videos will be sorely missed.
Airbus’ latest A350 aircraft to break record for longest commercial flight
Airbus has started testing an aircraft that can fly more than 20 hours without needing to refuel. The A350-900 XWB will go into service for Singapore Airlines next year, flying passengers between Singapore and New York City on a 19-hour trip — nearly an hour longer than the longest current flight.