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Last Updated 10 seconds ago

While most people are trying to get a sneak peak of Black Friday deals or making last-minute preparations to avoid Thanksgiving disasters, travel nerds like me look forward to the so-called “experts” listing the next big “it” destinations.

The Points Guy just released their 2025 list of ‘The 29 best places to travel‘ and there are some real humdingers!

Ranging from trendy islands, places you’ve never heard of, and some outright surprises, one Northeast city falls under the latter.

This side of the States is teeming with incredible cities dotting the map, but this one is rarely discussed as a top-tier getaway unless it’s football season.

One reason being you may want to avoid winters here as it’s known for unbearable weather, but hey, there’s 3 others seasons to enjoy all the surprising delights of Buffalo in 2025.

New York’s Biggest Surprise

What do you know about Buffalo?

If you’re like me, if you’ve heard anything at all, it’s that it’s drab, cold, and the Bills are forever cursed after 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses in the 90’s.

Other than that, it’s somewhat of a question mark for most travelers. Heck, even nearby Niagara Falls has its own airport to bypass stepping foot in Buffalo if you want.

But what if we’ve had the wrong interpretations all along? You know what they say, “don’t judge a book by its cover”…

Buffalo is neighbors with some pretty cool places. While eyeballs never seem to lose sight of our southern border, one could argue Buffalo is America’s most underrated ‘border city’. Sorry, El Paso.

Hugging Canada’s iconic city of Toronto and under half an hour from world-famous Niagara Falls, Buffalo seems to behold prime real estate, so why the negative reputation?

It could be a lot of things, but it’s mainly that it’s simply overshadowed by Toronto, Niagara Falls, and since it’s a New York zip code, it’s way off the radar for those magnetized to Manhattan.

But here’s the thing – locals love their city. Not to make this a sports article by any means, but here’s an example:

Now retired NFL Quarterback, and former Buffalo Bill, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is what’s known as a career journeyman, playing for 9 teams over 17 years.

When asked his favorite city to play for his answer was simple, but spoke volumes. He said, “It’s Buffalo. That’s why, because it’s Buffalo.”

Welcoming people, gorgeous architecture, surprisingly cool neighborhoods, great food, intriguing museums – what’s not to love besides the sub-zero wind chills?

New York’s Other Cultural City

Despite being overlooked, one reason Buffalo’s proud residents love their city is there’s something fun and unique going on all the time.

As highlighted by The Points Guy, one of the most anticipated events of 2025 (other than the Bills being Super Bowl contenders), is the 50th Juneteenth Festival, one of America’s oldest and largest festivals.

Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Buffalo’s fascinating history and sample the culture through a surprising array of diverse cuisine, such as Jamaican, and even Egyptian.

Another awesome place to visit is reopening its doors at the turn of the new year. Don’t skip out on the Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, the longest running Black-owned music venue in America.

Beyond events and top-rated museums like Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the city is great to explore 3 seasons out of the year before it’s blanketed in snow.

Lake Erie’s waterfront is a great hangout spot to get a feel for the city, but one place that can’t be missed is the Westside Bazaar, a buzzing market and groundbreaking concept where all walks of life no matter of status have equal opportunities to showcase their products or services.

Great Places To Stay & Eat

You might be too chicken to brave Buffalo’s winters, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on some bird in the birthplace of Buffalo wings.

Legend has it Anchor Bar is the go-to spot to try the world’s first Buffalo wings, but the city’s food scene goes well beyond messy bar food.

Food trucks are commonplace, and there’s a thriving brewery scene. Keep an eye out for local staples Beef on Weck where it’s equivalent to Philly’s cheesesteak battle – everyone has their own secret spot.

Buffalo will soon be much easier to navigate with the opening of a new light-rail station coming to the action-packed Cobblestone District.

Better yet, there’s some great places to rest your head at night, but perhaps no more than the historic century-old Statler.

But if you’d like something recently revamped, check out The Richardson set in a former State Asylum, which that fact alone sounds like it will soon be added to Buffalo’s ghost tours.

See? There’s always something to do.

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Last Updated 8 months ago

Tired of overpacking on trips?

I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries around the world (sometimes for months at a time!) with just a carry-on suitcase, and I’m going to let you in on my best tips.

Some people have been absolutely shocked when they hear that all I have is a carry-on suitcase for a multi-month trip around Europe or South America.

But I honestly can’t imagine packing any other way!

Here’s how I do it, and how you can too.

Why Travel Carry On Only?

First of all, let’s talk about why you would even want to travel with just a carry-on.

One of the perks of traveling with a carry-on suitcase for me is that it’s simply less hassle.

As a solo traveler, I don’t want to get stressed out because I have to lug around an enormous suitcase and maneuver it through airports, train stations, bus stations, public transportation, city streets, and more.

You may also save money traveling with a carry-on suitcase because you won’t have to pay checked baggage fees on airlines.

I also like that I just feel lighter when I travel with a carry-on — literally carrying less baggage!

Now let’s talk about how to pack with just a carry-on suitcase.

Plan Your Outfits

If you’re packing for a short trip of 10 days or less, packing in a carry-on only should be really easy because you can pack enough to wear every day without even needing to do laundry while you’re gone.

If you’re traveling for longer, you will want to pack clothing that you can easily mix and match into multiple outfits.

And yes, you’ll have to be okay with repeating outfits frequently!

I find that it’s easier to pack for warm weather in a carry-on suitcase because it’s lighter clothing that takes up less space.

For trips to cold weather climates, you might be more limited in how much you can pack because winter sweaters obviously take up more room than summer sun dresses.

Packing Cubes Are Your Friends

I absolutely LOVE packing cubes. I used to roll my clothes when I packed it, but then I discovered packing cubes and it was a game-changer for me.

Packing cubes save even more space than rolling your clothes and they help you stay organized.

You can use one packing cube for all your tops, one for all your bottoms, one for pajamas and underwear, and so on.

Limit Your Footwear

This might be tough for the shoe aficionados out there, but if you want to successfully pack in just a carry-on suitcase, you’ll need to limit your footwear.

Shoes are bulky and take up a lot of space, so this is the first thing to go for me.

I have traveled for multiple months with just one pair of sneakers and then one pair of boots (if it’s somewhere cold) or one pair of sandals (if it’s somewhere warm.)

Pack And Then Pack Again

Before a big trip, I never pack just once.

I will lay out everything I want to bring, with the knowledge that I will end up removing multiple items, and then start packing.

As I go, I’ll determine what I really need and what gets cut.

Choose A Practical “Personal Item”

For most airlines, you can bring a carry-on suitcase and a small “personal item” for no extra charge.

The personal item might be a handbag, tote bag, small backpack, or briefcase. I personally love my sturdy Longchamps canvas tote bag — I traveled with one for over 10 years and only recently had to replace it with a new one.

This bag is super lightweight and it’s what I use as my daily handbag as well as a tote bag for travel days where I keep my laptop, laptop charger, and other essentials.

You could also bring a small backpack as your personal item instead of a tote bag.

Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes On Travel Days

One tip for packing in a carry-on suitcase only is to wear your bulkiest clothes on travel days.

For example, if you need a winter coat in your destination, be sure to wear it to the airport rather than trying to pack it. This also goes for footwear — wear your bulkier pair of boots or sneakers while traveling and pack lighter footwear.

Yes, you might be a little warm wearing your heaviest clothes and shoes, but it’s worth it!

Think Wisely About What You Really Need

Before you pack, think about where you’re traveling and what you’ll actually need there.

You might want to do some research and look for packing lists online for the destination(s) you’re visiting.

Don’t let yourself pack things “just in case” if you’re not 100% certain you’ll wear or use them.

Ahem… looking at myself when I packed multiple heavy sweaters and sweatshirts for a multi-month trip to Central America where I was extremely warm almost the entire time.

One single sweatshirt for the occasional chilly evening would have been just fine.

Do Laundry

Finally, let’s talk about laundry! Obviously, there’s no way I could travel for months at a time with just a carry-on suitcase if I wasn’t frequently doing laundry.

If I’m staying in one place for a week or more, I usually stay in an Airbnb, and I always make sure that it has an in-unit washing machine (a dryer is a nice bonus, but these aren’t very common in most countries around the world.)

When I’m moving around and staying in hotels or hostels, it requires a bit more effort to get laundry done. I always look for nearby laundromats that offer a wash and fold service.

This is usually pretty affordable, and sometimes even includes free delivery to where you’re staying. I never get laundry done at a hotel because the rates are always exorbitant.

And if I can’t find a laundromat with a wash and fold service, my last resort is a self-service laundromat.

I hope these tips for packing in just a carry on helped you!

If you’re looking for more, check out this ultimate travel packing guide.

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There are 2 things digital nomads always seem to be drawn to when planning a relocation, either temporarily or permanently: a higher quality of life than their former morose, Stateside suburban existence and great weather.

In other words, most nomads are flocking where the nearest beach is––just look at places like Playa Del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta, for instance.

With so many workcation hotspots to choose from in the Global South, however, you may be wondering which tropical locations offer the best infrastructure (and minimal bureaucracy) to aspiring nomads.

Well, thanks to the experts at Nomad Capitalist, a community helping entrepreneurs build a ‘freedom lifestyle’ anywhere in the globe, now we have the 4 best picks:

Dominica

Not to be mistaken for the Dominican Republic, the home of Punta Cana and La Romana, Dominica is a lesser-known island––still in the Caribbean––except it’s not somewhere you go primarily for all-inclusive resort stays and bachelor parties.

The main reason why the Nomad Capitalist has handpicked Dominica is the fact it’s a tax-free haven where foreigners making money from abroad are essentially exempt from paying contribution––not to mention they can get citizenship by buying state-approved property at over $200,000.

That’s good-enough an incentive already, but we’d argue Dominica’s greatest strength is the fact it’s a wonder of nature: picture a mountainous island dotted with hot springs, criss-crossed with hiking trails that lead to monumental waterfalls, and honey-colored sands lapped by teal-colored seas.

Additionally, rent in Roseau, the colorful capital with timber houses, can be as low as $916 a month, and the cost of living is probably the lowest among the destinations on this list: based on Numbeo estimates, you can live comfortably on the island on $927 (not including rent).

Saint Kitts and Nevis

A dual-island state nestled between the azure Atlantic and the turquoise Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the perfect alternative to the jam-packed Jamaica and Dominican Republic, with its unruffled beaches lined by select few hotels, peaceful atmosphere, and lower crime rates.

It is also popular for hiking: in Saint Kitts, the most sought-after climb is a cloud-enveloped Mount Liamuiga, home to a crater lake, whereas in Nevis, the Nevis Peak Trail hike rises 1,200 feet above sea level, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding greenery.

If you’re a culture buff like us, you can’t skip Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 17th-century St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest in the Caribbean, and Hamilton House, a plantation where Alexander Hamilton––yes, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury––was born!

With so much to offer, Saint Kitts and Nevis is definitely not just another long weekend getaway, so we guess it’s a good thing Basseterre, its 17,000-people-strong capital boasting a high concentration of colonial landmarks and museums, has Airbnb stays for as cheap $1,052 monthly.

Antigua and Barbuda

This one’s for the crowd-adverse nomad who’s looking simply to unwind, bask in the balmy sun, and get themselves a cozy nook to work by the beach with ocean vistas: a Caribbean country comprising two namesake islands, Antigua and Barbuda is the answer to all your prayers!

It’s one of the westernmost sovereign states on the sea, right at the point where it meets the open Atlantic.

It’s best distinguished for its reef-fringed beaches, lush rainforests, and yachting clubs for the super-rich.

As a nomad who’s based here for longer than a week, your needs are likely to be met in the small capital of St. John’s, away from the resort zones, where there are fully-furnished Airbnb apartments starting from an acceptable $1,219 a month, and a seafood dish in a no-frills restaurant costs $9.25.

Other than the warm climate and abundant nature, one of the biggest appeals is the fact that U.S. citizens are granted a 6-month stay, with no requirement other than nationality, provided they can prove they have sufficient funds to cover expenses and will be leaving at the end of said period.

Cayman Islands

Elected best beach destination in the world by the Nomad Capitalist, the Cayman Islands are best known for their stunning swimming sites––the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach has powdery white sands and aquamarine waters––colorful reefs, and laid-back resort towns.

Beautiful Caribbean scenery aside, the Caymans have a charming, surprisingly well-equipped capital in George Town, a relic of the British colonial period, where nomads will find a lively social scene and laptop-friendly eateries with reliable WiFi (check out AROMA in Camana Bay).

Cayman Islands are the darling of millionaires who are looking to invest in real estate, and indeed, a USD$ 2.4 million investment in real estate offers an easy pathway to citizenship, but that doesn’t mean small business owners on a tighter budget aren’t welcome.

It’s definitely not the cheapest nomad hub in the Caribbean, but according to Numbeo, you can still eat affordably in local restaurants for around $30, and you don’t need to make millions of dollars to qualify for a long-term stay: all Americans get a six-month leave to enter traveling as tourists.

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Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and snow will blanket much of the U.S. before we know it.

The good news is that there are still plenty of places to visit for winter sun, and perhaps no type of traveler knows this better than digital nomads.

This newfound travel trend of recent years has quite literally taken over the globe, where remote workers bounce around the world with their laptops in tow.

Chances are not many digital nomads have Iceland, Norway, or Sweden in their sights for the coming months, but the Caribbean is another story.

Why suffer through a frigid winter with such a flexible lifestyle?

While Cancun, Punta Cana, and even Curacao make for great bases, there’s one little-known island welcoming digital nomads for a full year – and the ‘Remote Workers Stamp‘ is a straightforward process to get approved.

Montserrat: A Blip On The Map Ready To Make A Name For Itself

Ever heard of Montserrat? Most people would say no.

This tiny island between St. Kitts & Nevis and Guadeloupe, a pair of other lesser-known gems in their own right, sandwich Montserrat in the open sea.

This British Overseas Territory is a stunner, though. Boasting postcard landscapes from black sand beaches given its volcanic past, along with lush jungles, and vivid blue waters, this place doesn’t sound too shabby of a work environment, does it?

Recently hyped up as one of the world’s ‘top 25 beach destinations for digital nomads’, local publication Montserrat Focus backs the claim that their beloved island is an ‘ideal spot’ and could be your ‘private paradise office’.

Before and after Zoom meetings, you can shut your laptop and swim in crystalline waters, explore numerous hiking trails (including ancient sites), kayak hidden coves, and join local community events like group yoga classes.

Don’t let size be a deciding factor; Monserrat packs a punch and is ready to become a digital nomad hub.

Montserrat’s ‘Remote Worker Stamp’

Sometimes digital nomads find loopholes in certain countries without an official digital nomad visa.

Oftentimes countries allow tourists to stay within their borders 30, 60, or 90 days, but are a little behind the times with the new digital nomad craze.

Montserrat is already with the program, launching their ‘Remote Worker Stamp’ program back in 2021, so no need to try to “sneak in,” so to speak.

Applying is super easy. You simply go to this website and fill out a brief form, submit it, and you’ll hear back within 7 days.

The cost is $500 to apply for a single individual for a 12-month stay. There are some requirements to be considered:

• Must prove $70,000 income
• Must prove you work for a foreign company*
• Must carry valid health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
• Must provide a police record
• Must provide passport and photo (passport size)

*To bypass the requirement of a foreign company, you may also offer freelance/consulting services.

Being on the low end of Caribbean crime statistics, you couldn’t feel more at home with friendly locals and being able to go out and about without feeling like your head is on a swivel.

For those who prioritize speedy wifi for their work tasks, Montserrat’s average speed is 20Mbs.

Affordability

Montserrat ranked 26th on VisaGuide’s 2023 Digital Nomad Index – not too bad for such a microscopic island.

While income requirements are higher than the average digital nomad visa, living in Montserrat is quite doable.

According to the same report just mentioned, cost of living won’t deter you as there are far more popular digital nomad destinations with higher costs across the board.

For example, rent is about $1000 (slightly more for serviced apartments on Airbnb) in the capital, Brades.

Many of which are spacious with designated working spaces, but towns like Brades have great cafes like Saje Cafe, where iced lattes and sandwiches are under $5.

Obviously, rent is the highest expense, but there are so many free things to do outdoors, as Montserrat’s astounding nature is practically begging to be explored—paddleboard through Little Bay, read a book at Spanish Point, or visit the free Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

The only other high-cost option might be a flight since there are no direct connections from the U.S. For a full list of flight options, click here.

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Last Updated 20 hours ago

If you ever considered visiting a trendy El Salvador for its lush jungle, unspoiled Pacific beaches and vibrant capital city, but you’ve always been taken aback by how dangerous it is––was?––as a destination, we’ve got great news for you.

For the first time since records began, the U.S. State Department has added the Central American country to its list of moderately safe destinations, known among travel geeks as Level 2, on a par with Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

In other words, El Salvador is no longer off-limits to U.S. citizens, and they can plan their trip knowing it’s now (far) less likely harm will come their way:

El Salvador Finally Gets Its Level 2 Status!

On November 8, 2025, the State Department downgraded El Salvador from Level 3 to Level 2, finally acknowledging the significant improvement in security across the country following months of pressure of deliberation.

Prior to 2022, El Salvador was known as one of the homicide capitals of Central America, with staggering levels of violent and petty crime plaguing a majority of its cities, especially San Salvador, the capital home to over half a million of the country’s 6.3 million inhabitants.

In only two years, however, it went from a crime hotspot to one of the region’s safe havens, largely due to the tough stance on organized crime taken by incumbent President Nayib Bukele: it’s not been without criticism, but it seems to be paying off.

In March 2022, Mr Bukele announced a ‘State of Exception’ across the territory that made incarcerating criminals and traffickers a lot easier––some would argue arbitrarily, with critics pointing out the due process was not always observed, but the numbers don’t lie:

El Salvador went from a shocking homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015 to only 2.4 per 100,000 in the latest count: either the usual murderers have had a change of heart since, or they ended up in jail following Bukele’s mass incarceration program.

We’re banking on the latter.

How Safe Is El Salvador In Reality?

According to the Global Security Report, 88% of El Salvadorians feel their country is now safe to live in, helping it place number 8 on the overall chart, ahead of exceptionally-safe countries like Canada, Iceland, Finland and Japan, even.

That’s not to say El Salvador is safer than those countries: as we pointed out previously, a majority of El Salvadorians may feel their livelihoods have improved, thus contributing to a positive turnout, but a Swiss or Icelandic person is probably less likely to feel as safe in El Salvador.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Regardless, the country’s success in tackling crime and becoming low-risk by Central American and Latin American standards is truly unprecedented, not to say mind-blowing.

This Is Why The U.S. Has Changed Its Position On El Salvador

The United States Department has 4 main categories to categorize countries when it comes to safety:

• Level 1: normal precautions must be taken
• Level 2: increased caution should be exercised
• Level 3: travel should be reconsidered
• Level 4: travel is strongly discouraged

In the years it battled the surge in crime, El Salvador was placed at Levels 3 and 4, at different periods of time, and even throughout 2023, when it had already become clear the security situation had changed, Washington refrained from revising its advisory.

The fact that it now features at Level 2 sends a strong signal to Americans their own Government recognizes the El Salvadorian administration’s effort in quashing crime, but feels confident they will continue upholding their promise to citizens and tourists alike.

They have noted ‘crime remains a concern in El Salvador‘, while adding ‘there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years’, with a noticeable drop in violent crimes and murders.

The State Department mentions the ‘State of Exception’, which continues to be in place, citing the suspension of constitutional rights for prisoners, and the fact that several U.S. and foreign citizens are currently detained under ‘harsh’ conditions.

We do not know whether these individuals are involved with crime, though that is very likely, and again, as long as you have a clean record, and you’re not coming to El Salvador with malicious intent, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

When it comes to Europe, it’s almost impossible to pick just one place to visit.

It’s a beautiful, culturally diverse continent where almost every city has its own unique look and feel. 

Europe is also a destination with a reputation for knowing how to get your wallet out of your pocket! 

But visiting Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to choose the right destination!  

Spending time in London, Paris, or Copenhagen isn’t going to come cheap.  

But according to new research from Omio, the best low-budget destination for travelers in Europe is the beautiful and historic Spanish city of Granada.  

Free Things To See And Do 

One of the main reasons Granada ranked so highly in the Omio report is the abundance of free things to see and do in the city. 

In fact, the report states that there are a whopping 112 free attractions in the city. This includes 10 free-to-enter museums.  

The best of these include The Federico García Lorca Center, which is an arts and culture center hosting regular events and changing exhibits.

The center also includes a permanent exhibit of one of Granada’s most famous sons: The poet Federico Garcia Lorca.  

Close to the Alhambra you will find the Carmen de los Mártires which is a beautiful building with an orchard and European-style garden. A great place to take a moment of calm and relaxation.  

The Outstanding Alhambra

The most significant thing to do in the city is visit the iconic Alhambra: by far the most famous building in Granada.  

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex. It is built in Islamic style, and is the best and most well-known example of Islamic architecture not only in Spain but in Western Europe.

There is an entrance fee to see the main palace complex in the Alhambra (with prices starting from 10.60 euros or $11.50 per person) but if you only visit one sight in Granada, this should be it!  

The Palace is famous for its stunning fretwork, perfectly maintained courtyards, and numerous fountains.

But the Nasrid building, which is considered the heart of the complex, is where the royals actually lived and is the most ornate as a result.  

If you want to visit the site without spending a penny, then you can visit The Palace of Charles V, which houses the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts within the Alhambra complex, completely free of charge.  

Incredible Architecture 

The architecture in Granada is so outstanding that it should be considered an attraction in its own right.

Granada was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 so many of the buildings here have a distinctive Moorish influence.

In fact, you’ll wonder if you’re in Europe or in North Africa at certain points!  

Be sure to see the Catedral de Granada, even if you only admire the exterior architectural details.

Then go inside the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, which was built in a Renaissance style and is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  

This was the first Christian monastery to be constructed after the reconquest of the Catholic Monarchs and it exudes a spirit of celebration.  

You will need a ticket to enter, which you can buy in advance and each ticket is priced at 6 euros ($6.50) 

Granada isn’t the most walkable city in Europe. But the good news is that you can get a sightseeing bus tour ticket for just 6 euros ($6.50), meaning that you can hop on and hop off between all the city’s main attractions.

This is one of the most affordable sightseeing buses in Western Europe.  

Granada’s Nightlife 

Finally after all that sightseeing, it’s time to hit the town. Because Granada has a very active (and affordable) nightlife scene. According to Omio, there are a whopping 86 bars and nightclubs in the city where you can buy a beer for just over $2.  

What’s more, there’s no need to fork out for a pricey meal before you hit the bars.

Granada has a long-standing tradition of offering free tapas with each drink ordered, adding to the value of your night out even more!  

In most bars, you won’t have a choice of the tapas you are offered: a small plate will just be brought to your table with your drinks.

Other bars will have a chalkboard on a bar, and you can choose from several options, which often change on a regular basis.  

Some of the best free tapas dishes to try in Granada include calamares (squid), gambas (shrimp), Jambon iberico, or croquettes.  

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Last Updated 2 months ago

As someone who took 106 flights in 2023, most of them with a carry-on bag, I would consider myself both a travel and luggage expert. 

I’ve gotten super picky about my luggage, as I’ve realized it’s one of the most important factors of a smooth trip, and I’m not in the mood to compromise.

Low-quality luggage is a nightmare and there’s no way I can grit my teeth and bear it with a cheap bag. 

I’ve been a die-hard fan of TravelPro bags for the last decade, because I truly believe they have the best bang for your buck, but they’re not the most stylish kid on the block. 

However, Carl Friedrik caught my eye, with their 007-type design, masculine and handsome, but I wanted to see if they were also as functional as my TravelPro Elite carry-on bag. 

Straight up, it’s a dang sexy suitcase, but I’m finding it’s lacking in a few small but important areas. 

To inform the reader, the team at Carl Friedrik gifted me a carry-on bag, a perk of being a CEO of a travel news site, but my review below is completely unbiased and my own.

While they gift the bag hoping I will ultimately love it, they have zero say in my published opinion, and I always give our readers both sides of the story. 

Carl Friedrik Carry On X

• Exterior surface texture option: Dotted
• Color: Grey/Chocolate 
• Overall rating = 8/10 

I will break down everything I love, plus the details I think need redesigning. 

Looks & Style

10/10

The Carl Friedrik carry-on X bag is undeniably the best-looking piece of luggage I have ever owned. 

It’s as good-looking as they get.

It oozes luxury and wealth and looks like it has a designer-like price tag of 4-figures plus. 

I simply cannot fault it for anything style-wise. It’s absolutely flawless. 

The shell is German polycarbonate, the framing is aluminum, and it features a beautiful leather trim detail by Vachetta. 

Space

10/10

It’s a wide bag and the space is wonderful for someone trying to get the maximum allowance into a carry-on.

I was able to pack for a two-week trip easily, even though it was to 3 different cities with very different weather. 

I have been using a traditional bag for a while, so I’m hyper-used to the ‘lid on a bucket’ style, but the ‘clam shell’ style was a great way to keep things organized without packing cubes.

Functionality 

8/10

The overall functionality of the bag is good. 

I thought I would dislike the old chest-style clasps, but they are efficient for getting the bag open and closed fast. 

Where it lost 2 points:

1 point was lost for not having many interior pockets. There are two small pockets on the interior spine of the bag, but only large enough for a super tiny item, like a few business cards worth of space. 

There is another interior pocket in the compression pack which flattens and contains clothes on the one side. It’s larger of course, but only for long flat items, like a notebook or perhaps a few undergarments.

The other point was lost for the exterior laptop sleeve.

I’m sorry C.F., but TravelPro does this best. I can unzip and grab my laptop easily with one hand, as the other hand is always busy with TSA people yelling at me.

To be clear, this luggage was not poor for this specific function, but it could be better.

The exterior laptop flap is ‘hard shell’, making it a bit harder to open wide with one hand, plus the lined pocket and little velcro strap is not as smooth and flawless as it could be.

It’s a two-hand design for sure, slowing down my security experience by a few seconds. 

Wheels

9/10

The wheels are really smooth, which is nice on a fully packed case, as it tends to glide nicely on hard floors. 

The sales site mentions they are 360-degree Hinomoto silent wheels, which I’m not sure what that means, but they worked well on tile, hardwood, and concrete. 

I took off one point because they don’t roll as well on carpet as my other luggage. 

Handle 

3/10 

The handle is my biggest issue with the bag.
The luggage set Itself is so luxurious, sturdy, strong, and durable, but the handle feels like it was made by an entirely different brand. 

It’s a kind of hollow plastic that feels very cheap, very light, and it wobbles quite a bit. I imagined them using a kind of titanium or super heavy plastic with chrome or carbon-fiber detailing, but alas it’s just underwhelming. 

The button you push to make the handle go up and down also rattles, adding to the cheap feeling.

I also don’t love the shape of the handle when it’s in my hand and I’m walking with the luggage. Sounds like crazy attention to detail, but as I mentioned above, I’m on a flight at least 2x’s per week, so these little experiences add up for me. 

I have a feeling they may redesign this handle, because I cannot be the only one who has made this complaint. The bag would be PERFECT if they could make an adjustment to this one area. 

Does it fit?

When I packed this bag for the first time, I noticed it was a little wider than my TravelPro, and I got worried about it fitting in the overhead bin. Obviously, a luggage company would check that sort of thing, but I had doubts just by eyeballing the bag. 

I had a few legs on my flight, one with luxurious Emirates on a 777 and one with super low-cost airline Vueling on an A321. 

I knew it would fit on the 777 in business class, but I had doubts on the super low-cost leg. Thankfully it fit like a dream, proving it was just my eye reading the bag wrong, its measurements had been well-researched 

Am I sold? Will I continue to use the bag?

I once said I would NEVER stop using my TravelPro Elite for any reason, but this bag has convinced me to rotate in and out. My TravelPro is more functional, but if we’re being honest it’s a bit of a dog. 

• When I need more style, I will reach for the Carl Friedrik. 

• If I am on 1-direct flight, I will like use the C.F.

• When I am taking multiple legs, let’s say 2-3 flights, I will rotate back to my TravelPro, as it’s just superior for travel smoothness and functionality (mostly because of the amazing handle and one-handed laptop sleeve) 

To conclude, the bag is a gorgeous, show-off piece for a refined traveler, almost perfect really, but it just needs a few small tweaks to have ultimate bragging rights. 

Disclaimer: As I mentioned above, Carl Friedrik provided me with the piece of luggage so I could review it, but my opinion is entirely my own. No payment was made for this article and no affiliate links are used in this article, making it a completely independent and unbiased review.

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Last Updated 7 months ago

Are you planning an Alaska cruise this year?

Cruises to Alaska are extremely popular right now, and 2024 is expected to be a record-breaking cruising season according to Cruise Industry News.

Alaska is a unique and beautiful destination that is well-suited for exploration via cruise.

This is because it’s difficult or impossible to travel between many destinations in Alaska except by boat or by air. It’s a huge state (larger than California, Texas, and Montana combined) so a cruise is a great way to visit multiple destinations in a limited amount of time.

I took my second Alaska cruise last May, and these are the common mistakes I saw many travelers make. Be sure to avoid these mistakes to make sure you have a great Alaska cruise experience!

Choosing The Wrong Cruise

One common mistake that many people make is not considering the itinerary, dates, or cruise line for their Alaska cruise.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through early October, but July and August are the warmest and sunniest months for visiting Alaska.

If you want to see lots of wildlife like whales and bears, the best time to go is June through August. If you want to go salmon fishing, that window of time is also your best bet.

When it comes to itinerary, you’ll need to decide if you want to cruise the Inside Passage (usually a week-long cruise starting and ending in the same port) or see more on a Gulf of Alaska cruise (which usually starts or ends in Anchorage.)

As for cruise lines, I went with Holland America, which I really enjoyed — it’s more of an adult crowd (although still family-friendly) and focuses a lot more on the culture, history, and nature of Alaska.

Holland America along with Princess Cruises are considered the two best cruise lines for Alaska cruises.

Packing Poorly

Obviously, an Alaska cruise is nothing like a Caribbean cruise — you’re going to a destination that gets COLD, even during the summer months.

While summer is certainly the warmest time to visit Alaska, it can still be very chilly.

The key to a successful Alaska cruise is packing lots of layers. I often started the day wearing a base layer, a light jacket or sweater, and then my heavier winter coat. As it got warmer, I was able to shed a layer as needed.

One thing you should not forget? Lots of rain gear! I saw so many people who weren’t prepared for the frequent rain in Alaska.

Be sure to pack an umbrella, a rain poncho (this was a lifesaver!), moisture-wicking wool socks, and water-resistant boots or sneakers for your Alaska cruise.

You can also leave most of the formalwear at home. While your cruise might have one or two dressy nights for dinner, Alaska cruises tend to be a lot more casual overall.

Booking Same-Day Flights

A HUGE mistake that first-time cruisers make is booking a same-day flight for arrival day.

You might see that your cruise doesn’t officially depart until late afternoon and think that you can get away with arriving on a flight early in the morning and then heading straight to the cruise port. Wrong!

If your flight is delayed or canceled for any reason, you’ll miss your whole cruise. It’s not worth the risk. Arrive in your departure port city at least a day early.

For Alaska cruises, this will most likely be Seattle or Vancouver.

You can book your departure flight for the same day because you will most likely have to be off the ship early in the morning on departure day. But for arrival day, don’t even think about it!

Not Booking A Balcony Cabin

The temptation to save money and book an interior cabin or an exterior cabin with only a window might be strong, but I highly recommend booking a balcony cabin for your Alaska cruise if you can.

I normally don’t mind just having a window-view cabin on cruises, but I was extremely glad to have a balcony on my Alaska cruise.

This is because a LOT of what you do is scenic sailing. It’s not like your typical cruise where the only view for miles on end is the ocean.

On an Alaska cruise, there will be many times when you’re cruising past jaw-dropping scenery, like in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Yes, you can watch this from the public upper decks of the cruise ship, but it gets really crowded since everyone has the same idea.

It’s so much nicer to have your own balcony where you can relax on lounge chairs and watch the scenery glide by in comfort and privacy.

Waiting To Book Shore Excursions

One big mistake that many Alaska cruisers (including myself) make is waiting too long to book shore excursions.

I booked my Alaska cruise pretty last minute (about one month in advance) and most of the shore excursions through my cruise line were already sold out.

While there are some cruise destinations where you can wait to book your shore excursions, Alaska is not one of them. There’s limited inventory and many of the most popular excursions sell out in advance.

This goes for excursions offered by your cruise line and third-party shore excursion operators. So don’t wait to book excursions!

Overlooking DIY Excursions

Okay, now that I’ve talked about the importance of pre-booking your shore excursions, let’s talk about another option — DIY excursions.

Many cruisers don’t realize that it’s possible to visit many places independently in Alaska, saving you a lot of money compared to booking through your cruise line.

For example, in Ketchikan, I knew I wanted to visit Totem Bight State Historical Park. A guided tour booked through my cruise line would have cost $60 per person, but to visit it independently, it was a simple 25-minute bus ride on the local bus for $2 per person and $5 per person for the entry fee.

Similarly, I paid $45 per person for the Glacier Express bus in Juneau to visit Mendenhall Glacier, which included a round-trip bus ride from the cruise port and the glacier entry fee — a big savings compared to the $80 excursion through my cruise line.

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Last Updated 1 month ago

They say there are two sides to every story, and in some cases, two sides to every town.

But this one is truly a unicorn!

Nestled along the California – Nevada border lies a gorgeous getaway packed with fall splendor and ritzy resorts.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat.

Home to crystal clear waters, even Californians find themselves “stay-cationing” inland away from the Golden State’s renowned coastline, especially as the surrounding backdrop begins to blooms with fall colors.

It’s time to wave goodbye to the ocean, and say hello to the magical mountain town of Lake Tahoe, a rare multi-state destination whose beauty and luxury will leave you speechless this fall.

The North Side Is All The Rage This Fall

No need for another California turf war.

With Tupac gone (or living his best island life) and the Kendrick-Drake beef subsided, let’s just say there’s no need for Tahoe to spark a North vs. South battle.

If anything, Outside Magazine has stoked the campfire, so to speak, claiming Tahoe’s North side is all the rage this fall, and they’re right!

While there’s certainly more to California than pristine beaches and bustling cities, many travelers are seeking out the best spots to ‘leaf-peep’.

For the West Coast, one of the best is surely Lake Tahoe. Already boasting dreamy blue waters, the allure increases tenfold back-splashed by the vast Sierra Nevada mountain range showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors September to winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans across both Nevada and California, and I bet you can guess which side beholds the ‘nude beach’!

While you’re free to show off whatcha mama gave ya, so is Lake Tahoe, as Mother Nature gifted this region with some astounding sites to explore.

There are 12 delightful towns dotted around this side, all offering their own unique flair. Many visitors love going for scenic hikes, with over 100 trails to choose from, or enjoying the pristine water by kayak or SUP.

Outside Magazine calls fall the ‘secret season’ for Tahoe; one key reason being how festive it becomes with fun events like a pair of different Oktoberfests and the Made in Tahoe Festival.

Cozy Cabin Or Ritzy Resorts: Lake Tahoe Has You Covered

For what it’s worth, don’t sleep on the South side, figuratively speaking. But, hey, you literally can sleep in South Tahoe – and in style, too.

There’s a variety are cozy cabins, lodges, and luxurious stays to choose from wrapping around the gorgeous lake.

As you surely may have guessed, Nevada is the side of the lake where you can visit casinos, such as famous names like Hard Rock and Golden Nugget.

The California side is just as splendid but lacking the neon lights and cheesy, over-the-top decor.

Here are some of the most noteworthy luxury stays in Lake Tahoe (all 4-star accommodations or higher):

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
• Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe
• Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
• Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
• Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

And this is just a sample size!

Keep in mind, during the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland where hordes of tourists visit to hit the Palisades’ slopes, many of which are marvelous ski resorts too, like Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Reaching Lake Tahoe

For some, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate road trip destination to explore the scenic, winding California back roads oozing fall splendor.

For others, we just like to hop on a plane and get there when we get there.

Either way, Tahoe is easy to reach, with ample flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Offering 23 flights through 9 different carriers, the airport is located under an hour away from your next fall escape.

These two providers offer shuttles from the airport, as well as Uber:

• North Lake Tahoe Express
• South Tahoe Airporter

Travel Tip: Warm up from the breezy mountain air by visiting Lake Tahoe’s top hidden gem – Travertine Hot Springs. Free to enter, and no permits required, take a dip surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.

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