The average hotel room contains the same old gadgets we’ve all seen before — an alarm clock from the 1990s, a remote control that only sort of works, and a hair dryer that blows way too hot. But there are plenty of other useful items you can (and should) bring to elevate a hotel stay. These nifty products include easy-to-install safety mechanisms, tools to keep your room clean, and other convenient items that promise to make time on the road much easier. Check out these five handy gadgets for your next trip.

Portable Lock

Not every hotel door locks automatically when you close it, but even those that do are still at risk of being jimmied open. The Addalock can help you sleep soundly by keeping that door firmly shut and providing much-needed peace of mind in your hotel room. To install this device, insert the metal “claws” into the strike of the door and then close the door to hold the Addalock in place. Then, grab the dangling red handle and insert the moving metal rod into the portion already attached to the door. Once installed, the door will be securely locked from the inside without any way to open it from the hallway, even for people with a key.

Virtual Private Network

Many hotel Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to cyber attacks, which puts your personal data at risk. This includes your name, credit card information, passwords, and other sensitive information. To protect against these potential attacks, it’s worth using a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt sensitive information on your computer so that it can’t be accessed by hackers. Plus, they are easy to install. Just go to your device’s network settings, search for the specific VPN you want to use, enter a username and password, and hit “connect.” Some of the most popular VPN services include NordVPN and Private Internet Access.

Travel Adapter

Travel adapters are especially useful when staying in a hotel abroad, as they’re compatible with a wide range of unfamiliar outlet shapes. But this device is also great for domestic travel, just in case you need a USB-C outlet or another connection the hotel may not have. For instance, this adapter works in over 200 countries and includes USB and USB-C slots, in addition to a slot for more traditional power plugs. You can also plug in multiple devices and charge your computer, smartphone, and tablet all at once.

Personal Toiletry Holders

Complimentary hotel toiletries can be hit-or-miss, and you may wish that you had the personal care products you use at home. Thanks to LiquiSnugs, you can. These tiny silicone bottles are easy to fill with any shampoo, conditioner, soap, or other squeezable toiletry. This allows you to bring a small portion of your preferred shampoo with you on the road rather than lug around the whole bottle. LiquiSnugs are also TSA-approved and are designed to prevent any leaking in your luggage. Plus, they aren’t just for personal care items — you can also fill them with your favorite condiment to spice up that room service order.

UV Light Sanitizer

Door handles, telephone buttons, and the remote control are some of the most germ-covered areas of any hotel room. This portable UV light from LivePure helps clean these touch points by killing 99.9% of invisible germs and bacteria. The light easily fits into any bag or purse so you can take it with you on your next trip. It’s also great to bring when you leave the hotel and use public transportation, go out to dinner at a crowded restaurant, or stop off anywhere else that you may be concerned about germs.

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While flying on an airplane, following directions, limiting loud noises, and not making a mess (hopefully) goes without saying. Still, there are plenty of other things passengers do that make flight attendants’ skin crawl — and they might not even realize they’re doing it. Here are some of the most annoying things airline passengers do, according to flight attendants. 

Talking During the Safety Demonstration 

It’s not just that flight attendants want passengers to pay attention during safety demonstrations — the Federal Aviation Administration requires it. You never know when you might need this vital information during an emergency. Wearing headphones is one thing, but flight attendants say it’s incredibly annoying when passengers talk loudly during the safety presentation. Not only is it evident that they aren’t paying attention, but they’re also distracting nearby passengers and possibly preventing them from hearing potentially lifesaving safety information.

Special Requests During Trash Time 

A simple way to make flight attendants’ lives easier is to let them handle one task at a time. During trash collection, try not to make any extra requests requiring them to return to the galley. This is especially true when asking for drinks or snacks while flight attendants are collecting trash — they can’t write down orders with both hands on the trash bag, so it’s all from memory. As one flight attendant pointed out on Reddit, “How am I going to remember that 6B wants a Coke, 10A wants coffee with three creams, 12F wants a vodka soda, 13F needs headphones, and 20D wants a beer by the time I’ve finished doing trash for 30 rows?” 

Of course, flight attendants are there to assist you, but they’re primarily focused on safety. Any other needs are secondary and should be addressed while they aren’t preoccupied. For example, try not to ring the bell for trash collection (unless you’ve made a big mess and need assistance). Flight attendants come around at least once before the flight is over. 

Invading Their Personal Space

It may seem obvious, but unfortunately, this is one of flight attendants’ most common complaints: Never poke or tap airline staff to get their attention. Instead, politely wait until they’re done with their task. You’d never poke a bus driver, waiter, or retail employee to get their attention, but for some reason, passengers don’t seem to honor personal space on planes, according to many flight attendants on Reddit. Similarly, customers should always respect crew members’ personal space in airports. 

Not Obeying the Fasten Seatbelt Sign

When the “fasten seatbelt” sign is on during periods of turbulence, both passengers and flight attendants should be seated. This isn’t a good time to ring the call bell for a drink or to get up and go to the bathroom — you could hurt yourself and others. After all, turbulence accounts for around 75% of annual weather-related incidents on commercial planes. A good rule of thumb: If flight attendants are in their jumpseats, you should be in your seat, too. 

Not Properly Disposing of Diapers 

Flight attendants work to make you more comfortable while flying with your little ones, but they ask you to extend the same common courtesy to them. Passengers should take used diapers to the lavatory and dispose of them in the trash can, and never try to flush them. And please, don’t hand the diaper to a flight attendant (yes, it happens) or try to put it in any other onboard trash bag aside from the one in the bathroom, because doing so can result in a smelly cabin. The same goes for changing diapers: Always take little ones to the onboard lavatory for that task. You might be surprised at the number of flight attendants who have witnessed parents changing diapers on a seat or tray table.

Swapping Seats

Only move to an empty seat after checking with a flight attendant first. Chances are, that seat is taken, and the passenger with that seat assignment hasn’t boarded yet. Plus, there’s often an extra charge to reserve specific seats, explains one flight attendant, who says their biggest annoyance is “seat problems.” When someone sits in a seat they didn’t reserve or pay for, it “causes a huge delay during boarding because we have to figure out who’s sitting in the wrong seat.” 

Another flight attendant adds that passengers often move to an upgraded seat, and “they get angry when they have to move to the correct seat.” Of course, flight attendants are happy to work with you if you’re separated from your children on a flight, for example, but the best course of action is to determine seating with the gate agent before you board (if you didn’t already pick out your seats during booking).

Poor Lavatory Etiquette

If you need to use the lavatory during your flight, always wait until the seatbelt sign is turned off. If you try to use the restroom before the plane takes off, you could delay the flight because everyone needs to be seated while the aircraft is taxiing. “People don’t realize we have to wait for everyone to be seated before we can taxi,” a flight attendant explains on Reddit. 

Many flight attendants have also seen passengers walking to the bathroom in only their socks — or worse, bare feet. This is not only unsanitary, but it also wouldn’t be considered normal behavior anywhere else in public. And remember to lock the lavatory door while you’re in there to avoid any in-flight mishaps and shut it on your way out. Flight attendants spend most of their time near the bathroom during flights, and they say it can get smelly if the door is left open.

Baggage Blunders

Large carry-ons such as roller bags and duffel bags go in the overhead bins, but smaller items — purses, jackets, hats, and small backpacks — belong on the floor in front of you. This is especially important on fully booked flights or smaller planes where overhead space is limited. Takeoff can be delayed while attendants reorganize overhead bins.

“When the flight is completely sold out, and we know we’re gonna run out of bin space, people will fill the overhead bin with their jackets and purses and small things that could go under the seat in front of them,” a flight attendant explains, adding that people do this even when they are specifically asked to move small items under the seat. For safety reasons, flight attendants aren’t supposed to help you lift your bags, either, so keep that in mind when putting something in the overhead bin.

What Flight Attendants Love: Courteous Customers

The best gift you can give a flight attendant is simply following their directions. This makes their job easy and keeps things running smoothly. But perhaps the second-best gift you can give them is a smile. Sadly, one of the biggest annoyances of flight attendants is that plenty of passengers don’t say “hello,” “goodbye,” or acknowledge them at all — so sometimes, simply asking how they’re doing goes a long way. Some flight attendants feel extra special if a passenger goes out of their way to give them a small gift, such as candies, a Starbucks gift card, or even a thank-you note. After all, it’s always nice to feel appreciated.

Losing your passport on vacation is a stressful scenario no traveler wants to find themselves in. Fortunately, there are measures in place to help you remedy the situation and get home quickly from your trip abroad. Follow this step-by-step guide for what to do when you lose your passport on vacation. 

Don’t Panic

Sure, it’s easier said than done, but remember that panicking will not bring your passport back. It’s important to take a deep breath, think back to where you last saw it, and retrace your steps. If your passport still doesn’t turn up, stay calm and know that, while inconvenient, there are processes in place to help you obtain a new one.

File a Police Report

Whether you suspect your passport was stolen, lost, or misplaced, your next step should be to file a report with the local authorities. Reporting the situation is less about the police locating your passport and more about you obtaining official documentation. However, this is not a mandatory step. If circumstances prevent you from doing this or your travel itinerary doesn’t allow for it, you can still apply for a new passport without an official report. 

Contact the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Next, contact the nearest U.S consulate or embassy and ask to speak to their consular section to report your passport lost or stolen. You will need to make an appointment to appear in person at the nearest location to apply for a new passport, and it could take some time to get there. Depending on the situation and urgency, the consular section may issue you a limited-validity emergency passport, which can usually be ready within one day and is good for up to one year. If there’s sufficient time, you may be issued a fully valid passport good for 10 years. Both passports have the standard $140 fee attached (as of 2024). 

Apply for a New Passport

To apply for a new passport, you will need to bring the following items with you to your in-person appointment at the embassy or consulate: a passport photo, another form of valid identification (such as a driver’s license), proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate or photocopy of your passport), your flight itinerary, a completed DS-11 Passport Application, and a DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. (In the event you can’t provide all these documents, the State Department’s website notes that consular staff will do their best to assist.) 

Given these requirements for obtaining a new passport, it’s critical that you keep a virtual copy of your passport on your phone, as well as a photocopy. It’s also advisable to carry your driver’s license with you as a second form of identification. Remember to store these important documents in a separate place from your passport and avoid tucking them into the flap or pages of your passport.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

Keep in mind that embassies and consulates typically do not issue passports on weekends or holidays. If you happen to lose your passport during these periods and have an upcoming flight, you’ll likely need to reschedule. This will ensure sufficient time to obtain a new passport before your departure. (Travel insurance may be able to offset some of these costs.)

Exchange Your Passport at Home

If you were issued a limited-validity emergency passport, this can be exchanged for a fully valid one when you get home. Complete the DS-5504 form along with another DS-11 Passport Application form and submit by mail. If you’ve already paid the $140 passport fee abroad, you won’t need to pay any additional charges, unless you opt for expedited processing, which costs an extra $60.

If you’re off on a big trip, chances are you’ll have a suitcase that you’ll want to check. But even so, it’s important to give some thought to what’s going on the plane with you, especially if you’re flying long-haul. After all, you don’t want to be stuck on a delayed flight or arrive at your destination lacking important items to make you comfortable. Here are eight things you should always pack in your carry-on.

Passport and Other Important Documents

When traveling abroad, you certainly can’t get far without your passport, so keep it with you at all times (and preferably in a wallet so it doesn’t get lost within a larger bag). Along with your boarding pass (if printed), travel insurance details, and a small stash of emergency cash, you might also want to keep the booking reference for your first night’s accommodation with you. Carrying a paper copy is a good idea — if you’re delayed and your cellphone battery is perilously low, you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to charge up until after you’ve checked in.

Essential Medicines and a Hygiene Kit

Health and hygiene products are the next group of items you should always pack in your carry-on. It’s vital that any prescription medicines are carried with you on the plane so they don’t get lost in transit. And depending on your destination, you might also want to carry a copy of the prescription itself to satisfy officials of their purpose. A small first-aid kit and some antibacterial wipes or gel will also give you peace of mind while you’re on the go. Other products such as a folding toothbrush and toothpaste, stick deodorant, lip balm, and moisturizer will keep you feeling fresh, even on a long journey.

Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

On flights where you’re hoping to sleep, it’s worth slipping a travel pillow and eye mask into your carry-on. Ensuring your neck is properly supported will help you rest, and wearing an eye mask means that open window blinds or bright cabin lights won’t bother you. Just be sure to test these items before you leave to ensure they’ll keep you comfortable. Then, all you’ll need to do to catch some z’s is to buckle up over your blanket so that the flight attendants can see you’re safely strapped in if the plane encounters any turbulence.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

We’ve come to rely on in-flight entertainment to keep us occupied while we’re in the air, whether it’s the airline’s seatback offering or shows downloaded onto your personal device. Whichever you prefer, using noise-canceling headphones will help you block out background chatter so you can concentrate uninterrupted on the music, movies, or games you’ve selected. These high-quality headphones are designed with comfort in mind and are more effective than the freebies the airlines hand out, so you’ll be glad you saved space for them in your carry-on.

Phone Charger

We forget how much we rely on our cellphones — until the battery’s almost dead. Consider carrying a multicountry adpater and topping up at the gate while you’re waiting to board. And if you’re changing planes along the way, it’s worth packing a cable with a USB adapter so you can keep the battery topped up during your flight if the airline provides outlets. Alternatively, throw a portable power bank into your carry-on and recharge that way.

Refillable Water Bottle

Air travel can be dehydrating, and cabin crew members don’t always have the time during a busy flight to deliver drinks on demand. Instead, pop a large reusable water bottle into your carry-on and fill it up at an airport water fountain before you board your flight. Over time, this will save money on the cost of buying bottles of water at the airport, and you’ll also be doing your bit to save the planet by cutting down on single-use plastics.

Snacks

On a long flight, you might also consider throwing in a few healthy, nutritious snacks to keep up your energy levels. Plus, if you’re stuck waiting for an extended period on the tarmac before takeoff, you won’t be worrying about a rumbling stomach on top of the delay. It’s a good idea to be mindful of the needs of other passengers by avoiding peanuts or other foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. Also, note that spreadables count as liquids when going through airport security. Finally, depending on your destination’s customs rules, you might not be able to deplane with certain leftover snacks, so bear that in mind when working out how much to take.

Change of Clothes

While most checked bags arrive at the same time you do, there’s always a chance that you’ll arrive at your destination to find your luggage has been delayed or lost in transit. Fortunately, the majority of mishandled baggage is reunited with its owners eventually, but in the meantime, a missing bag can still have a big impact on your vacation. So, be sure to always pack a change of clothes, especially a spare set of underwear, in your carry-on. This will buy you time until the shops open or the rest of your belongings show up. Be destination-ready: If you’re heading to a beach resort, throw in a pair of flip-flops and a swimsuit; for a city break, don’t fly without a fresh pair of pants, a clean T-shirt, and some comfy waterproof sneakers in your carry-on.

Finding out the airline lost your luggage is a headache that no traveler wants to endure. While lost or delayed luggage cases are still rare, they are unfortunately on the rise. That’s why it’s important to take matters into your own hands when possible. Thankfully, there’s an affordable gadget that can help track down your missing bags and provide peace of mind on your next trip. Even better, it takes up barely any luggage space at all. We’re talking about the Apple AirTag — a tiny, yet essential device that every jetsetter should own.

How Apple AirTags Work

AirTags, which are a little larger than a quarter, allow the user to track the device’s location using a technology called ultra-wideband, which sends out signals every two nanoseconds. These frequent signals provide information about the exact location of the AirTag and whether it’s on the move or stationary. This is then communicated to any nearby Apple devices, and that data is then relayed to the larger Apple network. The location details are kept private and can only be seen by the owner of the Apple account connected to the AirTags themselves. Of note, AirTags only work with Apple products and are not compatible with Android devices.

How To Set Up Your AirTag

To set up an AirTag, pull the tab out to activate the device. Then, turn on your iPhone or iPad’s Bluetooth setting and follow the prompts to pair the AirTag with your Apple ID. Once setup is complete, you can track the AirTag’s location using your Apple ID on any Apple product, including Macbook laptops. Just open the Find My app to do so.

Why AirTags Are Useful for Travel

If you slide an AirTag into any luggage that you’re planning to check, you can easily keep tabs on your bags throughout your journey. Often, it can help you figure out where your missing bags are before the airline does. Keep the AirTag in an interior compartment if possible, as leaving it hanging on the outside may result in theft. If you arrive at your destination and notice your bags are gone, open the Find My app. The AirTag should connect with any nearby Apple devices no matter where it’s located. This can help you figure out if your luggage was left behind, or perhaps loaded onto the wrong flight.

How To Track Down Lost Luggage

Once you’ve figured out where your luggage is located, speak with a customer service representative and show them what you’ve found. Some airlines will work with you to track down the baggage and get it to its intended destination, while other airlines may not be as helpful. In rare cases, you may see your AirTag located at a private residence, suggesting the bag may have been taken by another traveler accidentally or stolen by someone at the airport. If this happens, immediately file a claim with the airline in order to initiate an investigation.

If you notice your luggage is somewhere nearby, open the Find My app, where you can prompt the AirTag to play a sound. You can also mark your AirTag as “lost” and list a phone number or email address where people can contact you. That way, if someone finds the AirTag, they’ll have no issues getting in touch.

Useful AirTag Accessories

AirTags are small circular devices that can be easily misplaced. To help keep them safe, you can purchase a secure key ring that you can affix to any loop within your luggage. Another useful option is this stick-on AirTag holder that you can firmly adhere to the interior of any bag or suitcase.

Apple AirTags are often sold as a four-pack, which is ideal if you’re traveling with several checked bags or wish to share them with your travel companions. However, you can also buy a single AirTag. Either way, they are well worth the cost, especially if you consider how expensive it’d be to replace your luggage and its contents.