No one wants their vacation ruined by theft — so it’s understandable that many travelers will seek to reduce the risk of it happening while on the move. There’s something to be said for the peace of mind that can come from choosing luggage that makes it more of a challenge to steal valuables and vital documents. Though these bags can be on the pricey side, if you travel often, they may be worth the investment. Indeed, more travelers are choosing anti-theft bags than ever before. Interested in joining them? Here are the key features to consider and our picks for the best anti-theft bags for traveling with peace of mind.

Anti-Theft Bag Features to Consider

Thieves can use a range of different techniques to steal your possessions. Though it might be obvious, it’s worth reiterating that an open bag is the easiest target. Choosing one that can be securely closed, such as with a heavy duty, lockable zip, is a smart first step. Crossbody bags can help avoid thefts caused by distraction scams or drive-by snatches. You should also consider luggage that features extra durable fabric and a hidden lightweight steel mesh (these are typically marketed as anti-theft bags). Finally, look for a bag with plenty of internal pockets so you will know where everything is, and you won’t need to leave the bag open for long to rummage around.

Pacsafe Citysafe Square Crossbody

Now that you know what to look for, we’ll share few of our favorite pieces of anti-theft luggage for traveling. First up is Pacsafe, one of the industry-leading brands for anti-theft bags, from fanny packs to backpacks. This crossbody bag is ideal for travelers who are sightseeing in busy cities and other crowded places. Available in three colors, it has a number of anti-theft features, including an embedded mesh that prevents the material being cut, interlocking zippers that attach securely to an in-built bar, and a reinforced shoulder strap that’s long enough to be worn across the body. With plenty of pockets for essentials such as wallets and cell phones, it’s a good choice for day use.

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Bag

This roomy anti-theft bag from Travelon, which comes in several colors, is both stylish and practical. Two easy-to-access external pockets can be locked for security, while the slash-resistant body and straps offer peace of mind. The fabric is water and dirt-resistant, making this bag an attractive option while exploring in all types of terrain. Its padded sleeve is large enough for a 10-inch tablet, and there’s a tethered key clip with LED light. This bag also features expandable pockets that can accommodate bulky items such as a water bottle or collapsible umbrella.

Wander Plus Anti Theft Slim Sling Bag

Those who like to travel light will appreciate this slimline anti-theft bag from Wander Plus, which is surprisingly spacious yet fits close to the body. The sling-style design means it fits under a jacket or hoodie, while the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit. The invisible zipper makes it tricky for potential thieves to access its contents, and there are multiple places to store items, including a secure internal pocket. Plus, it’s a good budget-friendly option.

WENIG Anti-Theft Travel Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for an affordable anti-theft backpack with lots of capacity, then this laptop backpack from WENIG is hard to beat. Multiple pockets and compartments help keep your things organized, while the bag’s in-built USB charging port and charging cable can be combined with your own power bank to ensure you stay connected. Lockable zippers and a hidden inside pocket give you the confidence to carry your valuables inside. The water-resistant fabric helps also keep your belongings dry in showery weather, while the padded shoulder straps are comfortable on the go.

Arden Cove Victoria Tote

The Arden Cove Victoria Tote is an expensive option, but if you’re looking for an anti-theft bag that is as beautiful as it is functional, you may consider this worth the investment. This weekend-ready tote is made of microfiber faux leather that is hard to scratch, scuff, or stain. It’s lined with slash-proof fabric and is fully customizable — just switch out the straps to turn it into a backpack or a messenger bag using the bag’s handy D-rings. The large compartment will accommodate a laptop, while an internal water bottle loop keeps bottles upright, reducing the risk of spillages.

Most hotel breakfasts, while delicious, feature simple, tried-and-true favorites like sausage patties, scrambled eggs, and steaming pots of coffee. But then there are certain hotels whose extravagant breakfast platters stand out above the rest — ones serving up indulgent morning feasts worthy of any five-star restaurant. Even if you’re not a hotel guest, it’s worth checking out these lavish hotel breakfasts across the United States.

Provisional Kitchen at the Pendry – San Diego, California

Provisional Kitchen at the five-star Pendry San Diego is the perfect place to start your day before heading out to explore San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. No matter what day of the week it is, the Provisional Kitchen serves up regionally inspired breakfast fare like chilaquiles and omelets made to order. And on weekends beginning at 7:00 am, diners can opt for a curated five-course brunch experience for $65. 

Perhaps the real highlight from the menu, though, is a platter simply called “the Ostrich Egg.” This one-of-a-kind breakfast serves three to four hungry guests, requires advance reservations, and costs a whopping $135 — but each ostrich egg is roughly equal to about 16 chicken eggs. The eggs are surrounded by other delicious breakfast staples like crispy bacon, plump sausages, fresh tomatoes, avocado, and pieces of artisanal bread that you can dip into that gooey, tasty yolk.

The Americano at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel – Atlanta, Georgia

The Americano at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta serves up breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes smothered in maple syrup and rich plates of eggs Benedict. But on Sundays, this eatery in Atlanta’s trendy Buckhead neighborhood seriously elevates the morning meal with their special Sunday brunch. Diners can enjoy a selection of decadent dishes like seafood towers, steak and eggs, as well as bloody marys presented tableside with a variety of toppings according to preference. 

The seafood tower comes with shrimp, oysters, a daily market selection, and an ounce of caviar for an additional $60 if you’re feeling extra fancy. But for many diners, the highlight of the menu is the steak and eggs, which features two eggs prepared to your liking along with a choice of filet, porterhouse, or ribeye along with truffle jus. Adding to the elegant ambiance, the hotel’s Sunday brunches are accompanied by live jazz music.

The Buffet at Wynn – Las Vegas, Nevada

The Wynn Las Vegas is one of Vegas’ most popular buffets, and for good reason. The restaurant opens its doors every morning at 8:00 am, though you may want to arrive even earlier as there’s often a line out the door. Once inside, diners have dozens of gourmet options, including a newly installed made-to-order eggs Benedict station. You’ll also find items such as unlimited biscuits and gravy, red velvet waffles smothered in Nutella, and birthday cake-flavored pancakes made right in front of you.

Such a high-quality buffet does come with a steep price tag, however, and adults can expect to pay at least $60 per person (or $30 more for unlimited mimosas). But if the popularity of the Wynn buffet is any indication, the dining experience is well worth it.

The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel – New York, New York

Located at the southeast corner of Central Park, the Plaza Hotel is one of New York City’s most famous hotels. It’s also where you’ll find the equally lavish Palm Court restaurant. The dining room features ceiling-high palm trees and custom furnishings, along with an elegant stained-glass dome that’s reminiscent of the original one that was installed in 1907.

Only hotel guests can make breakfast reservations, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Once seated, you may have a hard time choosing from the wide variety of popular dishes on the breakfast menu. Highlights include the Arabic breakfast, which contains eggs, roasted tomatoes, and Mediterranean fare such as pita, hummus, labneh, and halloumi. The Palm Court’s signature dish is Dungeness crab cake eggs Benedict — a rich and delicious, start to any morning.

Amangiri Restaurant – Canyon Point, Utah

Located amid the spectacular reddish terrain of Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri encourages guests to reconnect with nature and enjoy relaxing activities such as desert yoga. And there’s no better way to kick off a stay here than with one of the more lavish breakfasts in the country. Amangiri’s breakfast menu draws inspiration from the American Southwest and incorporates many unique regional ingredients. Even better, the restaurant is located in a spectacular poolside setting enclosed by the surrounding rolling hills. 

Start your breakfast at Amangiri with a refreshing juice cleanse; there are several energy and immunity-boosting juice options on the menu. Then order one of the restaurant’s signature benedicts, which include a classic option with Canadian bacon, one topped with lobster and caviar, and another containing elk and boar sausage. For the diner with a sweet tooth, Amangiri serves pancakes that are made in a cast-iron pan inside a wood oven, which are then topped with maple syrup and fresh berries. Or, you can enjoy some French toast topped with locally made prickly pear compote. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a treat.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Booking a flight — especially if you’re on a budget — can seem daunting. It can feel like each time you look at the fares advertised on airline websites or online travel agencies, the price changes — sometimes by a considerable amount. No one likes missing out on a great fare or paying more than the passenger seated next to them. So, we took a look at the data about whether there’s really a perfect time to book a flight — and here’s what we found out.

Ask the Experts

Airline ticketing is a dynamic process, and fares change constantly. That said, data-based reports from industry experts that analyze overall trends in data can help considerably as you embark on the purchasing process. For example, Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report helps potential bookers make evidence-based decisions about the flights they select. Its findings take into account a wealth of data in conjunction with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and data specialists OAG. 

Best Time to Book Domestic Flights for Cheap Airfare

What do those reports tell us? According to the 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is currently 28 days before you are planning to depart. Data compiled for the online travel agent’s latest survey suggests that you might save as much as 24% on the cost of your ticket when compared with waiting to book last-minute. 

Travel agency CheapAir’s survey had similar findings. It concluded that the prime booking window fell between 21 and 74 days before departure — and that 42 days out was, on average, the cheapest for domestic flight purchases. However, it also found that the average fare changed a jaw-dropping 49 times between the date of release and takeoff. Because of this volatility, you might wish to sign up for frequent flier programs and email newsletters that enable you to jump on promotional deals as soon as they are launched.

Cheapest Time to Book International Flights

When flying internationally, travelers tend to book further out. Long-haul flights tend to be more expensive, and locking in a deal earlier can be beneficial when budgeting the rest of the trip. Expedia’s findings indicate that, in order to secure savings of around 10%, you should try to make your purchase approximately two months ahead of departure — and usually no more than four months in advance.

However, other travel companies had different findings. For example, in November 2023, Kayak said that their data indicated booking eight months ahead was the ideal time for travelers to pin down their flights to Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, or the South Pacific for 2024 travel. They predicted that travelers doing so could save an average of between 8% and 18% on the cost of their airfare. This discrepancy only reinforces the fact that prices fluctuate, so knowing in your own mind what constitutes the kind of deal you’d be happy with is important. 

What’s the Cheapest Day to Fly?

It’s not just when you book — there’s also a huge variation in prices according to the days and times you choose to actually fly. Obviously, traveling outside peak holiday periods and popular vacation times is a must for deal seekers. However, the day you choose to fly can also noticeably impact the fare even during low season. 

A good tip is to try to predict when many others will want to fly and choose a different time or day. For instance, when most travelers plan a weekend away, they’ll set off on Friday and return late on Sunday, as this minimizes disruption to the workweek. So instead, try flying out on Saturday and back on Monday.

Flying midweek — on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday — can also make a big difference to the cost of your airline ticket. You can also save by flying very early in the morning (one of the best times to avoid flight delays) or by taking an indirect route with one or more layovers. In general, it helps to be flexible. If a routing is less convenient, fares will be discounted — sometimes considerably so.

Is There a Perfect Time to Book a Flight?

Ultimately, because of the many variables involved in ticket prices and each traveler’s specific set of criteria, it’s virtually impossible to say with absolute certainty the best time to book a flight. Plus, future fares will be influenced by demand going forward, which is uncertain due to the large number of factors that come into play. But as long as you’re happy with the fare you’ve settled on, then you can consider that a good deal.

Anytime you’re on an airplane and getting ready to push back from the gate, you’ll hear a familiar set of instructions. Your seatback and tray table should be in their upright position, belongings should be safely stowed under the seat in front of you, and mobile devices must be switched to airplane mode. But about that last one… have you ever stopped to wonder why we have to switch our phones to airplane mode, or even what it really means? Here’s everything you wanted to know about airplane mode and if you really need to use it on your next flight.

What Is Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode was introduced because of potential concerns that cell phones could cause interference with aircraft instruments during flight. The basic function of airplane mode or flight mode is to block cell tower reception so the phone cannot send or receive wireless communications — while still allowing users to access the rest of a smartphone’s features, like Wi-Fi, music, podcasts, and games. Because many of the same signals that are used for communication by pilots are the same used to connect phones to cell towers, there could be interference if an entire flight full of smartphones were trying to connect at the same time as the plane’s computer system.

Potential Risks of In-Flight Cell Phone Use

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned the use of most cell phones and wireless devices during flight. Air traffic control needs to have a constant, direct line of communication with pilots, and there were concerns that cell phone signals could interfere with the ground networks used for communication. While it’s not currently thought that they cause serious harm, there’s a risk that they could create delays and cause confusion for pilots. 

The most crucial time for pilots to have this connection to air control is during takeoff and landing, when signals and communications are coming in rapidly and time is of the essence. Even the potential for a cell phone signal to interrupt a pilot during this window is what initially led to regulators requiring that their customers switch to airplane mode.

What Happens if You Don’t Turn on Airplane Mode?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft manufacturers like Boeing conducted a series of tests in the 1990s about the potential interference caused by cell phone signals with an aircraft’s communication and navigation systems. While there wasn’t conclusive evidence either way that these signals do, in fact, interfere with critical aircraft systems, the ban has been left in place out of an abundance of caution. Those who choose not to turn on airplane mode will not only be defying FAA regulations, but they’ll also probably be disappointed to know that most cell phone signals aren’t powerful enough to reach your phone while airborne.

Will We Ever Be Able to Use Cell Phones In-Flight?

In 2023, the European Union ruled that airlines can start allowing passengers to use 5G cell phone service in flight, just as they would on the ground. However, Americans might have to wait a little longer — the 5G frequencies used in the U.S. are much stronger than Europe, and there are still potential safety concerns. 

That said, most airlines in the U.S. now offer in-flight Wi-Fi coverage, and some — like Delta or JetBlue — even offer it to all passengers for free. That allows passengers to stay connected in the skies, even if they can’t make voice calls. Plus, you might find it easier to relax on a flight if there aren’t 150 other passengers around you talking on their phones — at least for now. 

When staying at a hotel, sometimes ignorance is bliss — it’s probably best not to think too much about who slept in the room before you or what kind of mess they made. Thankfully, hotels have top-notch cleaning staff who tidy up the room and get it ready for each new guest. But with so many rooms to clean each morning, even the most talented cleaners may miss a spot here and there, especially if the staff is stretched thin. This begs the question: Should you clean your hotel room when you check in? There are definitely a few reasons why it’s worth considering — here’s what you need to know.

Bring Supplies

Some people might argue that cleaning your hotel room after check-in is more out of an abundance of caution than anything else. Even so, there’s no harm in doing a quick wipe down after arriving for a little added peace of mind. Rather than bother the front desk for cleaning supplies, consider traveling with a few small items that can easily fit into any travel bag. Some of the best products to travel with include Clorox disinfecting wipes, Windex pre-moistened wipes, and even microfiber cloths to do a quick dusting. And you can always bring a few more products if you’re feeling particularly germ-conscious.

Wipe Down Common Touch Points

Think of all the surfaces in each hotel room that are repeatedly touched during each stay, like light switches, door handles, the TV remote, the sink faucet, and the phone — the list goes on and on. While the cleaning staff may have quickly wiped down these areas with a wet cloth or duster, it doesn’t hurt to give them one more clean with some disinfecting wipes. Be sure to get down in the cracks and crevices that are harder to reach in order to ensure a thorough clean.

Swap Out the Bedding

Even though it’s cleaned after every stay, hundreds upon thousands of guests share the same sheets and pillowcases. Furthermore, hotels use harsh detergents to clean sheets, which may cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you’d rather not risk sleeping on this type of bedding, consider bringing a set of sheets in your luggage. Just take note of the bed size when you make your reservation, and pack some sheets and pillowcases accordingly (there are also ultra-light travel versions you can buy). Then when you arrive, swap out the bedding for the sheets you brought from home that you know and love. 

Wash Glassware

Many hotels offer disposable drinkware to make cleaning up easier, but some still include drinking glasses in every room. If your hotel has actual glassware, it’s worth running each cup under the sink before drinking out of them. Just because there aren’t any visible stains or smudges doesn’t mean that the glass has been recently cleaned. For instance, a previous guest may have picked up a drinking glass, changed their mind, and put it right back in its original place. Nobody really wants to drink out of a glass that’s been touched by somebody else, so it’s best to just take some added caution.

Clean the Coffee Maker

Coffee makers can be some of the dirtiest items in a hotel room — you never quite know when the machine was last thoroughly cleaned. Before using the coffee machine to brew coffee, run several cycles with plain water to flush out any leftover grounds or other bacteria that may have formed. If there’s a nearby convenience store, pick up some distilled white vinegar and run it through the coffee maker for added cleanliness. Once you’ve done two or three cycles of plain water or distilled vinegar, you can sip your cup of joe with peace of mind. Alternatively, you can grab your morning coffee from the lobby, as those urns are typically cleaned more thoroughly and frequently.

Avoid Tracking in Dirt

Lastly, don’t forget about the germs you might be bringing into your hotel room. You’ll want to first take off your shoes in the doorway and keep them there for the duration of your stay. You never know what dirt you may have picked up at the airport or while walking around town, so it’s best to decide upon a dedicated spot for your shoes close to the door. For similar reasons, avoid putting your luggage on the bed. Again, you’re never quite sure what germs your luggage may have picked up at the airport, so avoid tracking them in at the risk of contaminating where you’ll be sleeping.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.