Alchemy’s New Short-Travel 29er – Sea Otter 2019

Alchemy

Alchemy has added another member to the Arktos family, with the 29ST being, you guessed it, a short-travel version of their Arktos 29 platform. The Colorado brand says that the 120mm-travel 29ST is designed to be ”Shorter, quicker and more playful than its elder,” and that it’s intended to run a 140mm-travel fork.

You can still get a US-made frame from Alchemy (the Arktos Custom and their road frames are manufactured in-house) but it’s not going to be the 29ST as it’s born in Asia. That’s also why a frame and Fox Float DPX2 shock will sell for $2,999 USD when they’re available in three weeks time, which is much less than what it’d cost if they were made in Colorado.

Interestingly, they are planning to eventually offer a custom paint program where the Asian-made frames will be done up to the customer’s desires at Alchemy’s HQ. One past custom job saw them paint to match a well-heeled owner’s Singer-fied Porsche 911; as you can imagine, this won’t be an inexpensive option.

Arktos 29ST Details

• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Rear wheel travel: 120mm
• Fork travel: 140mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Tire clearance: 2.5”
• 157mm hub spacing
• Frame MSRP: $2,999 USD
• Bike MSRP: starting at $4,899 USD
• More info: www.alchemybicycles.com

 

Alchemy
 By changing the links and running a shorter-stroke shock, the 29ST gets 120mm of travel versus the standard bike’s 140mm.

If you’re thinking that the Arktos 29ST looks a helluva lot like the Arktos 29, it’s because they share the same front and rear triangles. Think of the ST as a variant of the standard Arktos 29 rather than a completely new bike. What is new, though, are the 29ST’s aluminum links and its shorter-stroke shock that delete 20mm of suspension travel compared to its older brother.

Alchemy calls it Sine Suspension, and just like on the other Arktos models, the 29ST is said to have a suspension curve that’s regressive up to the sag point to combat the inherent seal friction of air shocks and to help with traction. From there, it’s progressive until you get to the last 15-percent of the stroke where it turns regressive again to play nice with said air shocks. As you might guess, this makes the bike a no-go for you coil lovers.

Remember how the 29ST has 20mm less rear-wheel travel than the standard version? The normal 29 gets a 160mm-travel fork, but Alchemy puts a 140mm on the front of the 29ST, and the result is geometry that’s pretty dang similar.

Alchemy
They’re both nearly hidden, but Sine Suspension is a dual-link design.

The 29ST sits closer to the ground (41mm of drop VS 34mm) and is also a touch steeper (66.1 head angle VS 65.5), but the reach and seat tube lengths are essentially identical across the board. At 5′ 10”-ish, I’d be on a large with a 454mm front and a long-for-2019 483mm seat tube. The extra-large sees another 31mm up front.

Alchemy ARK Ti
 The ARK Ti is a burly hardtail with a $3,499 USD price tag. For the frame.

 

Alchemy
Alchemy
 It’s funny how the riders who drool over titanium hardtails the most usually also have a carbon bike or three in their garage.

And now for something completely different. Alchemy has been doing titanium for ages, but the ARK Ti is an all-new model that’s meant to be a rough-and-tumble hardtail, and run either 29” or 27.5-plus wheels. The US-made frame goes for $3,499 USD and completes start at $7,199 USD.

The bike’s geometry is designed around a 120mm or 130mm-travel fork, with the former delivering a 68-degree head angle and 74.5-degree seat angle. It has all the things you’d expect to see on a fancy carbon frame, including 148mm hub spacing, internal dropper routing, and the fact that you’ll never get a front derailleur to work on it. The bottom bracket is threaded, too.

Weight? It probably weighs some. Angles? I bet it has those, too… I can’t say that I’d spend a ton of time riding it (or any?), but that doesn’t change the fact that I want one.

Denver travel mess: 750 flight cancellations and counting

Airlines canceled more than 750 flights into and out of Denver Wednesday ahead of aspring blizzard, and the travel pain is expected to spread to other cities as the potentially historic storm moves into the upper Midwest.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, which have major operations at Denver International Airport, each canceled about 200 flights to and from Denver, according to flight tracker FlightAware. That’s about half of their scheduled Wednesday flights. Regional airline SkyWest, a feeder carrier for United, canceled 158 flights, about half of its scheduled flights. Frontier, which is based in Denver, has canceled 39 Denver flights.

The Denver cancellations are already spilling into Thursday, with 175 flights to and from the airport canceled as of 6:45 p.m. EDT, according to FlightAware. That number is expected to grow as the storm develops.

You don’t have to be flying to or from Denver to be affected. Southwest and United connect a lot of passengers through Denver, so travelers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Airlines have been allowing travelers to change their flights to avoid the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Wesley.

Policies vary by airline, but in general the waivers allowed affected travelers to change their flights without penalty.

Passengers whose flights are canceled are eligible for a refund even if they bought a nonrefundable ticket.

Airline travel waivers for spring blizzard

Southwest Airlines: Covers Denver flights scheduled for April 10 and 11 and Minneapolis flights April 10-12. Milwaukee flights on April 10 also included.

United Airlines: Covers Colorado flights and flights in Minneapolis and cities in the Great Plains from April 10-11.

American Airlines: Covers Colorado and Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Frontier Airlines: Covers Colorado, Minneapolis, Wisconsin and other Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Delta Air Lines: Covers flights to and from Colorado and Upper Midwest cities from April 10-11.

12 Places Around the World That Are Weirdly Popular on TripAdvisor

a group of people in a field: Carhenge, a replica of England's Stonehenge located near the city of Alliance, Nebraska

We’re talking about places that make you look at their high ratings and think, “Really? There?”

For example, one of the highest rated tourist attractions in Cornwall, England is a tunnel leading to a supermarket. Another highly rated attraction, this time in California, is an alley were people have stuck used gum over the years. Or, there’s the Prada store that’s literally in the middle of nowhere. Even better, there’s a room full of dirt in New York City that people apparently really enjoy.

These places may not have obvious appeal to the casual TripAdvisor user. But for those who’ve gone to these places, it’s easy to see why they’re so special. Just take a look at the reviews and you’ll see that there are people in the world who go gaga for the seemingly everyday, mundane, or just plain odd attractions that you may not even have bothered to stop for.

They may not be world renowned restaurants, important, historical landmarks, or prestigious museums filled with fine art, but these places might be good to put on your travel bucket list. Especially if you’d like to go off the beaten path once in a while.

Don’t take our word for it, check out the reviews.

a view of the side of a road: Getty Images©

Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world — Dunedin, New Zealand: 4 stars

Move over, San Francisco. You’ve got nothing on Baldwin Street. This road actually still holds the Guinness World Record title for the steepest street in the world. So, if you’re a world record enthusiast, it’s easy to see why this place has four stars on TripAdvisor. One reviewer who rated it five stars, said, “It is what it says. It’s steep!”

Bude Tunnel — Cornwall, England: 5 stars

With over 480 five-star reviews, this tunnel is the highest rated attraction in Cornwall. It’s not a special tunnel at first glance; It just connects a supermarket parking lot to a main road. But occasionally (especially at Christmas) it is decorated in colorful lights. Reviewers have called it the “8th wonder of the world” and an “amazing, magical experience.” Plus, it’s free to experience.

a group of stuffed animals sitting on top of a grass covered field: Adam Evans / Alamy Stock Photo©

The Gnome Reserve and Flower Garden — West Putford, England: 4.5 stars

Nature lovers can easily enjoy this beautiful garden that’s perfect for walking around on a nice, spring day. But what makes it special (maybe even a little strange) is that it’s also a gnome “sanctuary,” where dozens of little gnomes populate the grounds. It’s quirky, to say the least. “I defy anyone to come here and not to smile. It is a little oasis of happiness and innocent joy,” said one reviewer. It also has a TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence.”

Carhenge — Alliance, Nebraska: 4.5 stars

Anyone who has driven through Nebraska knows there isn’t too much to see. But, there is Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge, only made with cars. While it seems like a typical roadside attraction, it’s actually a pretty impressive sight to behold. Carhenge is actually created with old, vintage automobiles, and looks like a fascinating piece of art in the middle of the Plains. “Carhenge is a wonderful take on Stonehenge. Sure, it is a tongue-in-cheek take, but it is kind of impressive,” said one reviewer.

a man walking down a sidewalk: Lisa Kimberly/Getty Images©

Bubblegum Alley — San Luis Obispo, California: 3.5 stars

This one is just what it sounds like: an alley filled with gum. But it’s not exactly a candy store. Bubblegum Alley (rated 3.5 stars, so it’s very good but not for everyone) is famous in San Luis Obispo for being a place where people have been sticking their used gum for years. But the result is actually pretty fascinating (and colorful). “Yes it’s an alley with gum. That’s it. Would be interesting to know history. That being said I found it colorful, interesting and strange. Of course I took some gum and stuck it on the wall,” one reviewer said.

a rocky mountain: Michael Weber/Getty Images© Michael Weber/Getty Images Michael Weber/Getty Images

Hole N’ The Rock — Moab, Utah: 4 stars

Hole N’ The Rock looks like it might be a natural wonder (aside from the big, painted sign) when you’re driving past, but it’s actually a unique home that was carved into the rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country. Now, it’s a nice little gift shop, petting zoo, and trading post where you can take tours all year. One positive reviewer called it “ultimate hokiness,” which we’re going to assume is a good thing.

The Thing — Benson, Arizona: 3.5 stars

What is The Thing? Well, you’ll probably have to stop there for yourself. This decades-old attraction has apparently been renewed and improved over the years, according to reviews, so it’s been getting some higher reviews recently. Even if you don’t figure out what The Thing is, you can still shop in the massive gift shop for something unique. One very recent reviewer called it a “mandatory” stop for them on their trip.

a train traveling down a dirt road: Jo Hunter/Shutterstock© J

Prada Marfa — Valentine, Texas: 4 stars

You probably didn’t expect to see high end fashion in the middle of the Texas desert. Well, you’re not alone there. Plenty of other TripAdvisor users were surprised by this highly-rated Prada “store” about an hour from Marfa, Texas. You sadly can’t buy any shoes or handbags there, though — it’s just an art installation. Those who visit can leave a memento like a lock on a fence nearby. “It’s simply a storefront in the middle of nowhere but that’s what makes it so unique. I love random things and this fits the bill,” one reviewer said.

a row of houses in a garden: Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo© Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo

16 Avenue Tiled Steps — San Francisco, California: 4.5 stars

Who thought a staircase could be such an attraction? It helps when it’s covered in a beautiful mosaic. Even though this attraction in San Francisco is just a set of steps in a residential neighborhood, they are completely Instagram-worthy. One reviewer said, “Maybe this is too far away from the wharf for your typical tourist, but these fun, arty steps open up to one of the best views in SF.”

a person sitting on a rock: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images© Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images

Fremont Troll — Seattle, Washington: 4 stars

You’ve probably heard the tale of the troll under the bridge. Well, Seattle actually has one. This 18-foot tall stone carving looks like a troll under the Aurora Avenue Bridge, and it’s a pretty popular tourist site. The sculpture is considered a good spot for “selfies” according to one reviewer. Another reviewer said, “Leave it to Seattle to place a sculpture of a massive troll that looks like it’s emerging from the ground with a real VW bug in one of its hands.” Not bad for a sculpted piece of rock.

The New York Earth Room — New York City, New York: 4 Stars

Out of the dozens upon dozens of well-reviewed attractions in New York City, here is one that is a solid four stars: a room full of dirt. But it’s an important room full of dirt, because it’s a quiet and peaceful place in the city (one of few), and it is actually an indoor art installation by Walter De Maria, created in 1977. Reviewers have noted the smell of the soil in particular. And despite it having four stars, the reviews are diverse and remarkably complicated. “I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this, but honestly…it was amazing,” said one reviewer. “I think if I lived in NYC in this concrete jungle, the smell, the quiet and the energy of this installation would appeal. For me however, I live in a beautiful, wild, nature-filled place, so to me it was just a room full of dirt,” said another.

Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo© Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers — High Point, North Carolina: 3.5 stars

With furniture like this, you’ll probably never have to worry about storage again. American roadside attractions seem to have a fascination with overly large things (big balls of twine, giant bricks, large dog statues, etc.), and one of these attractions has got to be one of the most ordinary of them all: a chest of drawers. While one reviewer was disappointed by the “what you see is what you get” aspect of this attraction, another described it as “furniture galore!”

These are the world’s best cities according to TripAdvisor

Slide 1 of 3: The popular travel site chooses top destinations each year using an algorithm based on millions of reviews over a 12-month period. These ratings are written by millions of people from all around the globe and they're mostly reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Slide 2 of 3: For the first time ever New York wasn't included in world's top 10 cities. Traveler's long-time favorite destination was ranked this year as the 13th best-rated destination by TripAdvisor. This comes as a suprise because New York has always been rated as one of the top choices for tourists in recent years. Destinations like Prague, Barcelona and Istanbul have been ranked higher than the famous Big Apple.

Slide 3 of 3: If you need some inspiration for planning your next vacation, here's the full list of top 25 best-ranked destinations in the world, according to the 2019 TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Award: 1. London, United Kingdom2. Paris, France3. Rome, Italy4. Crete, Greece5. Bali, Indonesia6. Phuket, Thailand7. Barcelona, Spain8. Istanbul, Turkey9. Marrakech, Morocco10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates11. Prague, Czech Republic12. Siem Reap, Cambodia13. New York City, New York14. Jamaica15. Hanoi, Vietnam16. Tokyo, Japan17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico18. Lisbon, Portugal19. Kathmandu, Nepal20. Jaipur, India21. Hurghada, Egypt22. Hong Kong, China23. Cusco, Peru24. Sydney, Australia25. Tel Aviv, Israel

Carnival’s Mardi Gras will Feature Premium Suite Options, Family Feud Live

Carnival Mardi Gras Corner Balcony Suite Rendering

Mainstream cruise operator Carnival Cruise Lines will feature an expanded selection of premium accommodation options aboard 5,200-passenger Mardi Gras, scheduled to debut in August 2020.

The new ship will offer more than 180 suites in 11 individual styles, including a new premium category, Carnival Excel suites, which will offer passengers exclusive amenities and access to Loft 19, a “resort-style, open-air enclave,” said company officials.

Mardi Gras’ premium suite level will feature two Carnival Excel Presidential suites on deck 17, with large living, dining and sleeping areas and balconies, plus sunbed and lounging areas, and private outdoor hot tubs and showers. The suites also include access to the spa’s thermal suite and Havana pool area.

Twelve Carnival Excel Aft suites will offer separate living rooms and bedrooms, large wrap-around balconies, and private outdoor hot tubs and areas for al fresco dining and relaxing.

Another dozen Carnival Excel Corner suites, on the ship’s port and starboard sides, will feature separate sleeping and lounging areas, a wet bar and wrap-around balconies with lounging and dining areas.

“As we continue to announce details on Mardi Gras, guests will see that this ship is going to have more choices to stay and more choices to play,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“All of our accommodations have been designed to exceed our guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra special Choose Fun vacation.”

Guests in all Mardi Gras suites will receive amenities packages including priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival.

Guests in the 32 Carnival Excel suites will receive standard suite amenities plus unlimited access to Loft 19, a dedicated concierge phone line, guaranteed specialty dining times, complimentary soda package, room service and laundry, sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival and upgraded bathroom amenities.

Loft 19 will be located on Mardi Gras’ highest deck and offer guests a secluded retreat featuring full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and spacious cabanas which guests can reserve.

Cabanas will be stocked with beverages, robes and chilled towels, fresh fruit, lunch delivery and concierge service. Carnival Excel suite guests will receive priority when reserving Loft 19 cabanas.

Mardi Gras will also feature Family Feud Live as an onboard entertainment program through a partnership with the distributor of the long-running television game show. The onboard show will feature the TV show’s format and signature set, with two five-person teams battle it out to name the most popular answers to survey questions.

The first episode aired in 1976 and featured actor Richard Dawson as host. The syndicated version features entertainer Steve Harvey and host and has more than eight million viewers. In 2015 Family Feud surpassed “Wheel of Fortune” as America’s most-watched syndicated TV game show, according to Variety.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe on August 31, 2020. The ship will then reposition to New York for a series of voyages before continuing to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.

You Can Dive to Never-before-seen Ancient Shipwrecks in Greece

underwater view of a swimming pool: Diving Ancient Wrecks, Peristera, Greece - 07 Apr 2019

Travelers with a love for archeology will soon have an entire new world to explore under Greece’s waters, as some of the country’s most fascinating ancient shipwrecks will open to the public for the first time.

The first of the shipwrecks to open will be the Peristera shipwreck, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. and leaves remains of historic artifacts for divers to admire, including thousands of centuries-old containers believed to have been used to transport wine.

The shipwreck, located roughly 1.5 miles away from Alonissos island on the barren island of Peristera, is believed to have most likely been an Athenian cargo ship that sank to a depth of about 30 meters. It remains today the largest cargo ship of its time to have been found.

An excursion held last weekend was the first to showcase what awaits the public under the new plan run by the European Commission-funded BlueMed initiative.

“The goal is in the next two years to make the country’s shipwrecks visitable, but also to provide important information and raise awareness about underwater monuments,” Konstantinos Stratis, deputy minister of culture and sports, said at the event.

a group of people on a boat in the water: Elena Becatoros/AP/REX/Shutterstock©
While the country is teeming with underwater artifacts and shipwrecks waiting to be discovered, many of them have remained closed to the public and have only been accessible to archeologists to ensure their protection. Scuba diving was banned through most of the country for several years until locations slowly began to open to divers starting in 2005.

With the new project, three additional shipwrecks in Greece will open to the public. There are also plans to open similar shipwrecks in Italy and Croatia, with a goal of having the sites open to recreational divers starting in early 2021, according to AP.

 

“It was an amazing opportunity … to dive at last on an ancient wreck,” Kostas Menemenoglou, a 39-year-old recreational diver from Volos, told AP. “It’s really like diving into history.”

After exploring the shipwrecks, visitors can also spend time in the the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades to see the monk seals that call the area home or explore one of the many caves that await in Alonissos thanks to its rocky coastline and terrain.

While divers will be able to see the ships and their artifacts in large collections on seabeds, those who don’t want to get into the water will also be able to explore the historic finds through virtual reality experiences that will be set up on dry ground.

Business traveller: What you need to know about roaming charges

Few expenses sneak up on you as deviously as international cellphone charges. But telecom rates don’t have to be exorbitant if you do a little homework before you travel.

Start by talking to your own provider to see what’s covered. As companies update their phone plans, features get added and changed, resulting in benefits to current customers that they might know nothing about.

If you have an iPad with an Apple  SIM, you can browse cellular data plans from select carriers in almost 100 countries and regions worldwide. You might be able to buy a SIM card for a specific country before making your trip.

Here are options while travelling.

U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Germany, China and Japan

For business trips of five days or fewer, using your cell service provider’s roaming plan might be most convenient. For longer trips, it’s cheaper to buy a local SIM card. If you go to European Union countries, you can get a local SIM card in one country and roam freely in other EU member countries. In all cases where users buy a SIM card, their phone must be unlocked.

Roaming with your Canadian service provider starts at about $5 a day depending on the provider. With Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) Roam Like Home, for example, most subscribers on a consumer plan can use their normal Canadian rate plan for $5 per day in the U.S. and $10 per day in more than 100 other international destinations.

Roaming charges will max out after a certain time period in each month, after which there are no charges. With Rogers and Fido, after 10 days of payment, subscribers can roam freely for the rest of their monthly billing cycle. Telus (TSX:T) caps its charges at $100 per month in the U.S. and $150 per month internationally; Bell (TSX:BCE) applies daily charges up to 20 days.

U.S.

All four major U.S. carriers – AT&T (NYSE:T), T-Mobile (Nasdaq:TMUS), Sprint (NYSE:S) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) – offer monthly plans with unlimited data starting at between $30 and $40. As with almost every data plan offered in the U.S., pricing increases depending on how much high-speed data the consumer wants. The most intriguing offering comes courtesy of T-Mobile, which offers a three-week tourist plan. Priced at $30, it includes 1,000 talk minutes, two gigabytes (GB) of LTE data and Wi-Fi hot-spot functionality.

There are also a variety of low-cost mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that call the U.S. home. FreedomPop, for instance, offers a US$19.99 per month, unlimited talk, text and 1 GB data plan. With Roam Mobility, travellers can buy the SIM card for $9.95 and pay $4.95 a day for talk, text and data.

Internationally

AlwaysOnline Wireless sells data SIM cards for US$14.99 with a variety of plans by the hour, day or megabyte in more than 90 countries. In the U.K. and France, for example, travellers can get 3 GB of data over 30 days for US$60, while in Italy and Germany it’s US$90 and in Japan and China it’s US$120 for the same plan.

SIM stickers – which customers affix to their existing SIM card – are another option. KnowRoaming sells a SIM sticker option and an unlocked SIM. The sticker costs US$30, while the unlocked SIM is priced at US$10. Once consumers have a KnowRoaming SIM or SIM sticker, they can either buy an unlimited data pack, valid in more than 80 countries, for US$8 per day, or stick to pay-per-use rates.

U.K., France, Italy, Germany

Major European carriers include EE, O2, Vodafone and Orange. U.K. carrier Three offers its Three Essential Plan, which comes with 4 GB of data as well as unlimited calling and texting for 10 British pounds ($18) per month. As in the U.S., inexpensive MVNOs are also an option, including the U.K.’s Giffgaff, which offers plans starting at 10 British pounds.

China

The three major telecom players in China – China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom – offer special prepaid plans for visitors. China Unicom, for instance, offers prepaid SIMs with 1 GB of data for US$25.

Japan

MVNO service providers are the way to go in Japan. Many offer cheap data SIMs, but only one, Mobal, offers the ability to make and receive calls. Mobal’s SIM card costs $35.25 and there are 15-day, 7 GB plans for $47 and 30-day, 7 GB plans for $70.50.

The Key to Cheap Internet Service: A Local SIM Card

Want cheap data and phone calls when you’re abroad? Here’s how.

There’s an easy way to get zero roaming fees, inexpensive internet service and cheap phone calls when you travel. The trick is the SIM card, a tiny, removable chip, inside your phone.

Subscriber Identity Module cards are roughly the same size, and indeed look like, the microSD memory cards you’d find in a digital camera. (Some phones actually have both microSD and SIM cards, but most just have the latter.) The main purpose of a SIM card is to store a small amount of data that lets the closest cell tower know, among other things, what wireless company you’ve subscribed to. For example, if you’re on Verizon, the SIM card will let Verizon’s tower know that, yep, you’re on Verizon.

When you’re traveling, this creates a problem. When your phone connects to the tower in a different country, the tower effectively says “I don’t know you,” and either denies you service, or tells Verizon you’re roaming. If the latter, you get whatever speed Verizon and that provider have determined is acceptable, and you get charged exorbitant roaming rates. AT&T works similarly, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Google Fi are different, but we’ll get to them later.

If you’re wondering if you can just get a different SIM card that will work on a different network, you can.

For years that’s how I’ve gotten cheap data in dozens of countries all over the world. I’d arrive in a city, head to a local cellphone company store (like Vodafone, 3, or Orange), and buy a SIM and a month of service. These would have different names, like “pay-as-you-go” or “prepaid.” but in every store I’d just say I was traveling and wanted a SIM for a few weeks, and they all knew what I was looking for. Put the new SIM in your phone (make sure you don’t lose your old one, you’ll need it when you go home!) and you’re all set. If you’re not sure how to do that, the store will probably do it for you. You can be in and out with cheap high-speed data in less than 30 minutes.

The prices vary depending on country and provider, but on average I’ve paid around $20 for a month’s worth of 4G data and calls in that country. You read that right. Most roaming packages charge that for a few days, and are slow and data-limited as well. Most companies want to look at your passport, so make sure you bring it. A handful of countries have other requirements, so a quick Google search before you go is a good idea.

The catch, and you knew there’d have to be one, is that your phone has to be unlocked. This means your cellphone company has to enable a setting on your phone that allows you to use it on a different network. The process to do this varies, but in most cases you need to have paid off your phone. The actual unlocking process is free, though. I wrote about how this works over at Wirecutter, the product review site owned by The New York Times Company.

Not every phone will work in every country, but most new phones should be fine. Best to check with your current cellphone company to verify that your phone will work, and if it needs to be unlocked.

A handful of phones have dual-SIMs, which is exactly what it sounds like: two SIM card slots. This lets you keep your home SIM and your “away” SIM in the same phone. Not necessary for infrequent travelers, but for anyone who regularly goes to another country, quite handy.

The 10 Most Scenic Airports, Happiest U.S. Cities, Best Middle East Hotels and More

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Forbes Travel Guide recently announced the winners of its  2019 Star Awards and once again the Middle East’s shining cluster of Five-Star properties continues to grow, both in established luxury destinations such as Dubai and in newly awarded cities across the peninsula.

 

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PRIVATEFLY

Most travelers can’t wait to escape an airport, but some are worth flying into just for the beautiful approach. According to a new survey by PrivateFly, these are  the 10 most scenic airports in the world for 2019 .

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Why Yokohama Is the Fastest-Growing Asian Cruise Hub

Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is opening two new cruise ship piers in 2019. Here’s what else is on deck for the country’s cruise industry.

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Want to travel where people are already having a good time? WalletHub recently released its survey of the 20 Happiest Cities in America.

A New Blockbuster Exhibit in Paris Reimagines Van Gogh

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ATELIER DES LUMIERES

Ever wanted to step inside a Van Gogh? The Parisian art museum  L’Atelier des Lumières brings the Dutch master’s paintings to life —projecting them onto walls, ceilings and floors, accompanied by music—in a new immersive digital exhibition that runs through December.

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SORELLE AMORE

Meet the YouTuber Making $300,000 a Year Traveling the WorldSocial media star Sorelle Amore has built an empire on sustainable living and travel. Using her photography skills, she shoots YouTube videos in remote locations, advocating for a minimalist, zero-waste lifestyle—or explaining how to take the perfect selfie.

5 Best Countries for Solo Female Travel

With each passing year, more American women (and women in general) are choosing to travel solo. Traveling alone as a woman can be daunting for first timer’s, but also thrilling and memorable.

If you’re not a seasoned traveler and are considering setting off on your own for the first time, you’re probably wondering where to go. Here are five of the safest countries in the world for women traveling alone, whether you’re traveling on foot or by plane.

australia

Australia

Australians are strong supporters of the “gap year.” The “gap year” is the year after graduating college that is dedicated to traveling around the world. Other countries have this custom but Australia really takes it to heart. It’s never too hard to run into young Aussies, especially women, traveling abroad.

By the same token, Australians can readily empathize with others who travel to their country. The people down under are very relaxed and laid back. Women are well respected there and usually have few problems. Consider looking into a car hire and doing a road trip on the Great Ocean Road.

netherlands

The Netherlands

The Dutch are very well behaved and quietly classy people. They believe that women should be independent, thus there’s very little harassment that takes place. English is widely spoken in larger urban areas and to some extent in rural areas as well.

The Dutch are quite friendly folk and there’s no better way to interact with the locals than by joining one of their favorite pastimes: bicycle riding. There’s nothing like riding along a dyke path, through tulip gardens, as windmills loom in the distance.

canada

Canada

America’s neighbor to the north has far less crime. The exchange rate is about even and most of Canada is pretty affordable. Canada may not be the most exotic location, but its proximity to the United States and shared culture make it a safe, comfortable place to visit. Cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are cosmopolitan and offer a wide variety of culture.

If that doesn’t suit you, try hiking along the breath taking trails of the Canadian Rockies. In years past, Americans have been known to travel abroad with maple leaf and Canadian flag stickers or patches on their personal belongings to avoid trouble. That by itself tells you everything you need to know about Canada.

ireland

Ireland

The Irish made their reputation by being extremely welcoming and very hospitable. Their friendliness, iconic landscapes and heartwarming pubs where the Guinness perpetually flows isn’t the stuff of lore. That said there’s no stigma attached to women drinking in Ireland like in other countries. Combine that with the gregarious nature of the Irish and you’re bound to find a memorable time.

If you’re a bit shy, try doing a bed and breakfast circuit. The Irish relish the opportunity to introduce you to their culture, but also to their people. Staying at a bed and breakfast will allow you to meet locals, as well as other travelers, so you won’t ever be alone, unless you want to.

costa rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army. Do you need another reason to go? Despite many Latin American countries suffering from men who are too forward, Costa Rica refreshingly stands apart. Costa Ricans are calm, cool people that enjoy pura vida, or “the good life.”

Women can shop at the markets there without fear of being scammed or ripped off. Aside from the endearing nature of Costa Ricans, the country boasts some of the best ecotourism in all of the Americas. With a number of different climate zones, you’ll never be bored as the flora and fauna is astounding. The country also offers a dizzying amount of sports, from whitewater raftingscuba diving, horseback riding, zip lining, surfing and many more.

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