Eating 12 Grapes

In Spain, the last moments of each year are spent eating grapes—one for each chime of the clock during the countdown. These final seconds are often filled with laughter as Spaniards struggle to chew and swallow one grape after another, a task made even more difficult depending on how many drinks they’ve already celebrated with.

Make a Wish on Your Suitcase

Hopeful travelers can learn a lot from this tradition that occurs in many Latin American countries, most notably Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. Many believe that taking an empty suitcase for a walk around the block (or even leaving one by the door) will bring travel in the coming year. You might feel a little odd when your neighbors see you taking your suitcase for a walk, but they’ll be totally jealous when you’re on your way to the airport.

Baking a Coin into the Bread

In Greece, New Year’s Eve is celebrated by baking a traditional bread known as Vasilopita that comes with a special surprise: a “sweet coin” baked into the bread (or cake in some cultures). It’s a coin wrapped in tin foil and dropped randomly into the bread; whoever gets the lucky piece will have good luck for the next year. The tradition honors St. Basil, who came up with the idea to bake coins into bread when he knew the poor people of his church would be too proud to accept charity.

Throwing Stuff Out the Window

Heads up! If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in Italy, you might want to find some cover because Italians like to ring in the new year by chucking dishware, appliances, and sometimes even furniture out the window. But it’s not just a lot of ruckus; the act symbolizes letting go of the past. By chucking their possessions out the window, Italians cast out the old troubles and welcome hope for a new year.

Wearing New Underwear

If you intend to welcome the new year in Brazil, you’ll have to follow a dress code. Brazilians traditionally wear white on New Year’s Eve, but that’s not all. They also believe you should wear brand new underwear and that the color of the underwear will represent what you wish to attract in the new year—yellow for money, green for health, and red for love.

Breaking Dishes

This tradition is best celebrated in its native countries, as it involves breaking plates against your neighbors’ doors. In countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, it’s popular to throw dishes against other people’s homes as a sign of good luck and camaraderie. In fact, the more pieces of broken glass you have on your door-step, the more well-liked you are!

Eating Seven Times

New Year’s Eve in Estonia never ends on an empty stomach. In this small Baltic country, they eat seven times to celebrate the new year. Eating so often is a wish for abundance and strength in the coming year, and seven is one of the country’s lucky numbers.

Dropping Ice Cream on the Floor

If your ice cream falls to the floor in Switzerland, there’s no need to be upset. In fact, the Swiss purposefully drop their ice cream on the floor on New Year’s Eve to bring on a year of abundance and (hopefully) more ice cream.

Ringing a Bell 108 Times

In Buddhism, it’s believed that there are a total of 108 earthly desires that cause suffering. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve in Japan, temple bells will toll 108 times—one for each desire. This ritual is called Joya-no-Kane, it’s all about purification and encouraging a fresh start for the new year.

Everything Is Round

In the Philippines, the new year is celebrated with roundness. Part of the fun of the day is coming up with 12 different round fruits—one for each month of the year. For Filipinos, roundness is a symbol of health and also signifies prosperity and wealth (because coins are also round). Women will often wear polka-dot dresses to add even more roundness to the big day.

Predicting the Future

On New Year’s Eve in Finland, people have a tradition of fortunetelling. They’ll melt small tin horseshoes in a pan and then pour the liquid metal into a bucket of cold water. The tin solidifies instantly when it hits the water, resulting in random shapes. The shapes are then interpreted to predict their future for the coming year.

Hitting the Walls with Bread

In Ireland, bad luck must be driven out of the house before midnight, and the quickest way to get bad spirits out of the house is apparently with a loaf of Christmas bread. The Irish will smack the walls and bang on the doors with bread to chase out the bad and welcome in the good spirits.

The post 12 New Year’s Traditions from Around the World appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Cityscapes and Neighborhood Light Displays

Rockefeller Plaza, NYC

Arguably the most famous Christmas tree in the world is at Rockefeller Center in New York, with a display of angels that’s just as iconic. 

Baltimore, Maryland

The “Hampden Maryland Miracle on 34th Street” is a neighborhood where you absolutely have to decorate with Christmas lights: each house on this block in Baltimore is more decorated than the last. 

St Augustine, Florida

Downtown St. Augustine is renowned for its Nights of Lights display, featuring millions of tiny white lights strung along historic Spanish Colonial architecture spanning 20 blocks.

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

After checking out Rockefeller Center, head to Brooklyn where the neighbors in Dyker Heights string lights on every branch of their trees and fill their yards with hundreds of nutcrackers.

Koziar’s Christmas Village, Pennsylvania

In the town of Bernsville in Pennsylvania, a family began decorating their house and yard in 1948 so much that it became known as the “Christmas House,” and now it’s transformed into the incredibly elaborate Koziar’s Christmas Village.

Clifton Mill, Ohio

More than four million lights decorate the historic Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio, which includes a Santa Claus museum and a light show synchronized to music over a covered bridge.

Austin Trail of Lights, Texas

Austin decorates its Zilker Park with more than two million lights for the holidays as part of the Austin Trail of Lights, and the drive-through route is so bright it’s practically visible from outer space.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Drive through Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans’ City Park and see historic oak trees covered in over a million twinkling lights.

Zoo Light Displays

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo’s holiday festival Christmas at the Zoo goes back to 1967, and besides twinkling lights, there’s “Santa’s Barn” with reindeer and a chance to meet and greet with penguins.

San Diego Zoo

Often ranked one of the best zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells holiday display brings in a Twinkle Light Trolley to explore lit-up animal habitats, including a Northern Frontiers Holiday Forest.

Cincinnati Zoo

For Cincinnati Zoo’s PNC Festival of Lights, four million LED lights are strung up around the zoo, along with a light show on Swan Lake and strategically-placed oversize animal lanterns. 

St. Louis Zoo

St. Louis’s historic zoo established in 1910 gets dressed up for the holidays during the St. Louis Zoo’s U.S. Bank Wild Lights festival, featuring animal-themed light displays and a chance to go in the zoo’s Sea Lion Sound Tunnel.

Dallas Zoo 

Drive through a mile-long route of holiday lights at Dallas Zoo Lights, including high-tech projection mapping and a holiday village to explore at the end of the ride.

Botanical Gardens

Descano Gardens

In Los Angeles, take a one-mile walk through Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light display, featuring dramatic lighting in an ancient forest and stained glass creations from sculptor Tom Fruin.

Longwood Gardens

This botanical garden near Philadelphia is one of the most famous in the U.S., and for Longwood Christmas, find half a million twinkling lights, illuminated treehouses, a colorful fountain display, and a “frozen” succulent fountain.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden 

New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show is the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden’s River of Lights, with 600 holiday displays.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Illuminated sculptures light up the night at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, including a Glowing Grove along the garden’s flower walk. 

The Morton Arboretum  

Each year, 50 acres of tree groves are awash in color during Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum near Chicago, with s’mores stops along the walking route.

Amusement Parks and Pop-Ups

Busch Gardens, Virginia

Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia puts up a whopping 10 million lights during the holidays, making the Christmas Town festivities one of the largest light shows in North America.

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

Naturally, this amusement park has a sweet theme for its light display: Hersheypark. Christmas Candylane boasts more than five million lights and a Santa display with reindeer.

LuminoCity, NYC and D.C.

LuminoCity, an immersive pop-up light show in Vienna, Virginia and Manhasset, New York, revolves around larger-than-life illuminated sculptures.

Silver Dollar City, Missouri 

Over six million lights illuminate Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas display In Branson, with a parade every night featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Disney World, Florida

At the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, rides like Jungle Cruise get a holiday makeover during Disney Very Merriest After Hours and there’s a “magical snowfall” to see on Main Street, U.S.A.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 23 Best Christmas Light Displays in the U.S. appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Likewise, some holiday traditions that are celebrated in Europe may seem a little bizarre to outsiders. Here are some of the strangest holiday traditions from around Europe.

Krampus, Central Europe

In case the thought of a stranger (Santa) breaking into your house through your chimney weren’t creepy enough, Austria and other central European countries have given the mythological man a sinister friend—Krampus. Krampus tags along with St. Nicholas, and while St. Nicholas doles out candy to the good kids, Krampus’ job is to punish the naughty ones.

This demonic-looking character beats bad children with birch branches or kidnaps them in his sack and takes them away, never to be seen again.

If you want to experience the true terror of Krampus, watch this movie about him (after the kids are in bed).

Mari Lwyd, Wales

Knock, knock. “Who’s there?” A horse skull puppet, and it’s challenging you to a rap battle. This is the standard scene in Wales around the Christmas season, when groups accompany a person dressed up as a horse’s body with a (hopefully) fake skull on top and go door to door asking to come in via a rhyme. The people inside the house must come up with a better rhyme response in order to win. After the battle, the Mari Lwyd (which translates to “gray mare”) and group are allowed inside and given food and drink before they head off to the next door.

The Yule Cat, Iceland

I hope you’re not trying to roll up to your Christmas celebration in last year’s clothing. If you do, prepare to be eaten by the Yule Cat. Icelandic tradition says the Yule Cat (aka Jólakötturinn, if you’re on a first-name basis with the cat) will eat anyone who hasn’t obtained new clothing by Christmas. Imagining being nibbled at by an adorable kitten for your fashion crimes? Think again: The Yule Cat is a giant beast, one that’s large enough to see into the upper windows of your house (so he can check on your clothing).

Grýla, Iceland

In case the Yule Cat wasn’t terrifying enough, Icelanders also have to contend with Grýla, the Christmas witch. According to legends, Grýla lives up in the mountains, and her hobbies include taking advantage of the dark winter days to show up in villages and steal naughty children.

It’s not just children who should fear the Christmas witch—she allegedly also ate her husband when she got bored with him.

Grýla has been around since the 1300s, but according to Terry Gunnell, the head of the Folkloristics Department at the University of Iceland, she’s still out there living her best life in the mountains. Gunnell told the Iceland Monitor, “There’s a rumor concerning Grýla, that she’s dead and has stopped eating children. I think that’s nonsense, and that she’s living a great life in the mountains still eating her human sushi.”

Perchta, Germany and Austria

In America, if you’re bad, Santa brings you a lump of coal. In Germany and Austria, though, things get more punitive.  If you misbehave, Perchta, a two-faced witch, will put on her terrifying visage and slit open your stomach, stealing your organs and filling your belly with rocks and straw. If you’re good, she’ll put on her nice face and leave you a small silver coin and your organs intact.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The 5 Creepiest Holiday Traditions in Europe appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Bookmark this page—we’ll be updating it frequently with can’t-miss Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 sales as they’re announced.

Travel Gear Deals

Amazon: Amazon’s mega-sale will run November 17 through November 27, with great deals on travel gear including luggage, clothing, and electronics. 

Carl Friedrik: Luxury brand Carl Friedrik is offering 30 percent off sitewide from 11/22 – 11/27.

Korres: Get 40 percent off sitewide and 50 percent off select items during this skincare sale (which includes travel-size).

Nordstrom: Nordstrom is heavily discounting traveler-favorite brands both in-store and online Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Target: You don’t have to wait for Black Friday to save on travel gear from Target! The retailer is offering a “holiday price match guarantee” and will offer a refund for the difference in price if something you purchased sells for a lower price. The match is valid on items purchased between October 22 and December 24.

Unbound Merino: Save up to 40 percent off sitewide during Unbound Merino’s only sale of the year, which runs until November 28.

Travel Deals

Alto: Luxury rideshare company Alto is offering 50 percent off an annual membership during its Black Friday Sale. Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY between November 24 – November 27. On Cyber Monday, Alto is running a gift card promotion. Give an Alto gift card and receive Alto credit for yourself. Purchase November 27 through December 1.

Booking.com: Save up to 25 percent off selected attractions on Booking.com from November 16 through November 29th, for attractions taking place within three months of booking.

Priority Pass: Save up to 30 percent on an annual Priority Pass, giving you access to hundreds of airport lounges throughout the world.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): Budget airline SAS is discounting flights between the US and Europe, with fares starting as low as $375 round-trip. Book between November 21 and November 28 for travel between January 15, 2024 and April 30, 2024 to score the cheap rates.

Vacation Deals

Brendan Vacations:  Get up to $250 off per person for Private Chauffeur and Lux Self Drive trips or $200 off per person on Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail experiences in Ireland and Scotland.

Contiki: Get up to 25 percent off more than 60 trips across six continents. The sale runs from November 17 through November 30.

Costsaver: Save up to 15 percent off trips worldwide from November 16-December 5.

EF Go Ahead Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale runs for more than a month, from October 24 through November 30. Various destinations will be discounted each week. On November 11, in honor of Singles’ Day, there will be free private rooms on limited departure dates and all solo tours will be on sale. EF will offer $100 off all tours on Black Friday, plus surprise lightning deals and extras including free excursions.

Exodus Adventure Travels: Save up to 20 percent off all of Exodus’ guided trips through Nov. 30, 2023, with the code BF2024. The offer applies to departures between Dec. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024.

FTLO Travel: Save up to $200 off all 2024 itineraries with FTLO Travel. This discount is valid through November 30.

Insight Vacations: Get up to 15 percent off select 2024 itineraries when booked between November 16 and December 5.

Trafalgar: Save up to 15 percent on select 2024 departures during the sale that will run November 16 through December 5.

Great Wolf Lodge: Rooms starting at $24/person (minimum of 4 people) for bookings made on November 24 for stays November 24, 2023 through February 29, 2024 when you use promo code FRIDAY. Save up to 50 percent with rates starting at $99.99/night for bookings made on November 27 for stays November 27, 2023 through February 29, 2024 when you use promo code CYBER.

Cruise Deals

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises will offer 75 percent off a second guest plus up to $300 in onboard credits for nearly all itineraries through April 30, 2026. This sale will run November 10 – December 5.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: During Uniworld’s 12 Days of Christmas Event, a new deal will be offered every day starting on Black Friday.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean is offering 30 percent off, and kids sail free on all cruises booked through December 4.

Hotel Deals

Expedia: Expedia is offering 30 percent off member prices for bookings made through November 29. You must sign up for One Key, Expedia’s free membership program.

Booking.com: Booking.com has deals on hotels starting at 30 percent off for hotels booked November 16 through November 29.

Flight Deals

French bee: Affordable transatlantic carrier French bee has launched their first ever Black Friday fares, with discounts on routes from Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to Paris and San Francisco to Tahiti. Offers are available for bookings made between November 20th and November 27th for a travel window of November 20, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

Southwest: Southwest is offering 30 percent off when you use code CYBER30 on bookings made November 27th through November 30th for select continental U.S. flights for travel between January 9, 2024, and March 6, 2024, and select flights to Hawaii and Puerto Rico for travel January 9, 2024 through May 22, 2024.

JetBlue: JetBlue is having a Cyber Monday sale on bookings made through November 29 for travel from January 9, 2024, through March 27, 2024, for Tuesday and Wednesday travel.

Alaska Air: West Coast giant Alaska Air‘s Cyber Monday sale has fares for as low as $39 one-way when you book by November 29, 2023.

Allegiant Air: Get up to 40 percent off of flights on Allegiant Air for one day only, November 27, 2023.

Breeze: Budget airline Breeze is offering up to 60 percent off when you use code CYBER for travel from December 1, 2023 through September 1, 2024. The sale ends on November 27, 2023.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Happy holidays—and, of course, happy travels from all of us at SmarterTravel!

Clothing

Make sure what you’re packing matches the climate of your destination—the fluffy hats and cozy sweaters that are a hallmark of the season won’t do you much good visiting family in Orlando. Some trips will require hats, gloves, winter coats, and snow boots while others will require swimsuits, sunblock, and sandals. 

In addition to the weather, keep your itinerary at front of mind. That glittery holiday jumpsuit in the back of your closet is perfect for attending a high-class New Year’s Eve soiree, but will realistically eat up valuable luggage space if the only event you have lined up is brunch at Grandma’s. Items that can be reworn and dressed up or down are key.

Lastly, don’t forget any holiday-specific garb like your classic matching PJ sets and Christmas sweaters.

Toiletries

Keep toiletries travel-sized and tucked away neatly into one compact dopp kit or toiletry bag. Having everything in one spot will keep you from leaving anything behind, especially if you plan to split your time between different houses or hotels during your travels.

Holiday Essentials

From beating the traffic to finding the best flight deal, holiday travel requires even more forethought than a typical trip. Take the guesswork out of what extras you’ll need to pack by throwing the items below in your suitcase.

Gifts and Gear

If you’re traveling for a holiday get together, you’re likely bringing along (and bringing home) some extra baggage in the form of gifts. Make sure to have enough space in your luggage, and note that gifts passing through the security may be unwrapped by TSA agents during screening, so its best to leave the decorating until you reach your destination.

Staying With Family

If you’re staying with friends or relatives, you may want to pack a few extra items for increased privacy and comfort, like a pop-up bed tent or noise-canceling headphones.

For more strategies to survive staying with family over the holidays, see our handy guide.

Miscellaneous

No matter where you’re traveling, there are a few things that are convenient to have on hand. A laundry bag helps keep your clean and dirty clothes separate in your suitcase, while a laundry kit with travel detergent allows you to wash items in the sink at your hotel or when the family washing machine is occupied.

Download Our Holiday Packing List

Download our editable holiday packing list for a stress-free holiday travel season.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Ultimate Holiday Packing List appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Nite Ize Waterproof Phone Case

Take your phone with you anywhere you go (even underwater) with Nite Ize’s Waterproof Phone Case. This roomy protective case will fit pretty much any smartphone, and keep it dry even underwater. Made out of a clear, touchscreen friendly material, the case allows you to use your phone normally (including taking pictures with the front and back cameras) without taking it out of the bag. We love this waterproof case in particular because it features an easy-to-use zipper and the touchscreen actually works smoothly while inside (which is not the case with all cases).

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Beis The Dopp Kit

Any frequent flyer would be thrilled to receive Beis’ Dopp Kit, a spill-proof bag that will keep all your toiletries safely contained and organized. The bag’s best feature? A handy loop that lets you hang it from towel hooks in the bathroom—perfect for tiny hotel sinks. 

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Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

When would a backpack be considered a stocking stuffer? When it’s Matador’s Beast18 backpack. Despite its 18 liter size and supportive frame, this backpack is able to be folded down and packed into a small carrying case for easy travel. The unique flexible frame allows the backpack to maintain its shape, but can be twisted, folded in half, and zipped into a compression sack. 

The portable backpack still has all the features you’d look for in a daypack—a removable hip belt, gear loops, multiple pockets, breathable mesh straps, and a waterproof coating. It’s also incredibly lightweight (1lb 5oz) so it won’t add to your load on the trail.

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Nomadix Bandana Towel

A microfiber travel towel can come in handy in a surprising number of situations while on the road. Nomadix Bandana Towel’s wearable design makes it even more versatile. It’s sun-protective, odor-resistant, quick-drying, and lightweight, so you can bring it from the beach to the mountains and be ready for anything. 

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Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle

Outdoorsy travelers will love to find a Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle in their stocking. Made from a BPA-free, lightweight material, these bottles are significantly lighter than most water bottles. They can hold super cold or boiling beverages, and can even double as a hot water bottle for cold nights during camping. 

The Suistan line is made with 50 percent recycled material, so travelers can feel good about using these instead of plastic water bottles. The bottles are leakproof and have a wide mouth that’s easy to fill, and best of all, they’re dishwasher safe. 

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Apple Air Tag

Give a traveler peace of mind with an Apple Air Tag, which they can pack in their checked luggage and track all the way to baggage claim. The Air Tag is such a popular stocking stuffer that you might want to stock up with a 4-pack (so you can maybe keep one for yourself as well). 

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Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

Know someone who needs total darkness in order to sleep? Gift them the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask which provides blackout conditions even on brightly-lit planes or vacation rentals with sheer window curtains. Made from 100 percent mulberry silk, this mask will deliver comfort alongside a great night’s sleep.

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Goldbelly Gift Certificate

For that traveler who can’t stop raving about that bagel they had in New York City, a Goldbelly gift card will let them relieve a taste of past journeys. This gourmet food delivery company offers specialty foods from around the United States, so your giftee can choose from deep dish pizza from Chicago, Philly Cheesesteaks, seafood gumbo from New Orleans, and more.

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Travel USB Charger 

Become the most popular person in the airport with this travel USB charger that turns one outlet into seven. This small wall charger can charge USB devices, double prong plugs, and triple prong plugs simultaneously. It’s perfect for hotel rooms with only one outlet near the bed, cruises, or places that don’t have USB outlets. 

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Airplane Seatback Organizer

We’ve all seen fellow flyers use the airplane seatback pocket as a trash can, but there’s nowhere else to easily store your in-flight essentials—unless you have this seatback organizer. This organizer hangs from the existing seatback pocket and keeps everything you need easily accessible (and protected from the seatback pocket’s germs.) Multiple pockets (including a zippered one in the front for valuables) help keep everything easy to find.

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Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sunscreen

Good travel-sized sunscreen is a must-have item for every toiletry kit. Clearstem’s You Are Sunshine sunscreen is specifically formatted to be used on the face. Loaded with antioxidants and botanicals the tinted cream offers a blurring effect along with SPF 50+ that means travelers can skip packing foundation as well.  

Shop Now

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 11 Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are our top picks for travelers from Oprah’s 2023 Favorite Things list. 

Rebecca Allen The All-Weather Boots

Oprah says she loves Rebecca Allen’s boots to go with “jumpsuits, long skirts, dresses.” These versatile boots pair well with any outfit, making them ideal for light-packers. Featuring a cozy flannel lining and rubberized leather mudguard, these boots live up to their all-weather name. 

Sterling Forever The Perfect O-ccasion Earring Case

“This isn’t so much a travel case as it is a treasure chest” says Oprah. This portable case keeps your jewelry safe and organized within your suitcase. With slots for studs, hoops, and dangling earrings, this organizer will fit any accessories you pack. 

Take Off Luggage Personal Item Suitcase

This unique suitcase has been all over social media for its brilliant design that maximizes airline personal size restrictions. Simply pop off the wheels to make it fit in the baggage sizer—the bag will fit the 18” x 14” x 8” limit. 

Mali + Lili Lola Beauty Bag Duo

Oprah says, “This vegan leather set is ideal for travel.” The small bag can be used for makeup, and the larger one easily fits a variety of accessories—and the cinchable top means it can pull double-duty as an evening clutch. 

Lunya Organic Pima Wide-Leg Pant

We can’t imagine a more comfortable pair of pants for travel than these from Lunya. Made from 100 percent organic pima cotton, these loose and flowy pants have an elastic waistband that will help with jet bloat.

32 Degrees Lightweight Recycled Poly-Fill Shirt Jacket

This packable jacket is warm without being bulky, thanks to the synthetic down recycled polyester fill. There are plenty of pockets (including ones with secure snaps, making it a great jacket for a travel day. The affordable price tag means you can get one in every color.

Beats Studio Pro

If you prefer wireless headphones over earbuds, Beats Studio Pro is just what you need. These noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for flights to drown out engine noise (and fellow passengers.) With up to 40 hours of battery life, they’ll last through any long-haul flight.

Amazon Kindle Scribe

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is an e-reader and digital notebook all in one. Read books, write, sketch, or journal on the go without packing separate pens, paper, and books. 

Hairbrella Waterproof Sun Hat

Never suffer from hat head again with the Hairbrella Waterproof Sun Hat. This smart hat is lined with satin (and an omin-wicking sweatband) to protect your locks. Wear this hat in good weather and bad—it offers both sun protection and waterproofing. 

Wanderfull Crossbody HydroBag

If you can’t leave the house without your water bottle but hate carrying it around, you need Wanderfull’s Crossbody HydroBag, which allows you to tote your bottle and essentials hands-free.  The main pocket fits most reusable water bottles, while a smaller zippered pocket keeps cellphones and credit cards secure. 

Asutra Silk Eye Pillow for Sleep

Filled with lavender and flax seeds, this eye pillow will help you block out light and fall asleep, whether you’re in a hotel without blackout curtains or a brightly lit plane cabin. Made from 100 percent silk, this eye pillow is gentle on your skin.

The post Oprah’s Favorite Things 2023: The 11 Best Gifts for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

We’ve pulled together unique gift suggestions for all types of travelers, from techies to adventurers, so you can complete your shopping list and get back to the fun stuff (like holiday travel planning). 

The Adventure Traveler

If you’re shopping for someone whose vacations always involve an adventure activity like a long hike or bike ride, gift them Helly Hansen’s Verglas Micro Shell Rain Jacket. This lightweight, weatherproof jacket packs down into its own pocket, so it will always be available for protection in case the weather changes. 

The jacket is available in a women’s- and men’s-specific version and a variety of eye-catching colors. It features an adjustable hem and hood, so your gift recipient can customize the jacket to be the perfect fit.

The Urban Traveler

A pair of versatile boots is a great gift for someone who’s always jetting off to a new city. Danner’s Logger Moc 917 GTX (click here for the women’s version of the boot) is the ideal mix of urban style and outdoor function. 

Made from a full-grain leather upper and lined with waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX, the Loggers can handle rain, snow, and sunny days—and they weigh just 26 ounces per pair, making them perfect for travel. With a refined design, these boots can work for casual or dressy occasions. 

The Techie Traveler 

The Suunto 9 Peak Pro can track 95 different activities, from running to snorkeling, giving the tech-obsessed traveler plenty of data to work with on their next trip. The watch can even offer insightful training tools, such as recommendations around recovery time and sleep habits. 

A lack of cell service won’t stop the Suunto—routes can be pre-loaded and followed (with turn-by-turn directions) using GPS. There’s even a back-to-start feature that can help you find your way back to your hotel (or wherever you started), which is a huge help for exploring an unfamiliar trail or city. 

The Family Traveler

Everyone has a better time on a family trip when the kids are entertained. Amazon’s Kids Fire Tablet is the best way to keep children from melting down on a long road trip or flight. The tablet can be used to play games, read books, or stream videos, and it features lots of parental protections so kids won’t be able to stumble upon any inappropriate content.  

The kids’ tablet is encased in a durable bumper that will survive accidental drops and tantrum throws.

The Luxury Traveler

Nothing says luxury like cashmere—this fabric delivers a lot of warmth in a lightweight package and is perfect for travel since it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase—plus, it can go for many wears without being washed. 

For women, Krimson Klover’s Chalet Cashmere Blend Hoodie is the perfect blend of coziness and style for long plane rides. Made from Merino wool and cashmere, this sweater is ultra-soft and comfortable.

For men, Nordstrom offers a very affordable Half Zip Pullover Sweater made from cotton and cashmere. This luxury gift is priced under $60 and won’t blow your entire holiday budget. 

The Backpacker

When carrying everything you own on your back, you want to ensure it all stays dry. Blunt’s Classic Umbrella is the perfect gift for budget travelers, as it’s an item they’d never splurge on themselves but will come in handy hundreds of times throughout their travels.

This travel-sized umbrella has a patented design that helps it to withstand winds (so no more dealing with an annoying flipped-out umbrella). It comes with an over-the-shoulder carry sleeve that can be easily attached to a bag or carried hands-free.

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Make Your Bed More Comfortable 

Relegated to a futon, air mattress, or pull-out couch? There are a few things you can do to make your sleeping arrangement more comfortable. Air mattresses get colder than real beds (the air inside cools overnight, making you chilly). Pad it with extra blankets, or use a sleep sack, which is easy to pack and provides a ton of warmth.

Push the air mattress up against the wall if possible so your pillows don’t fall off while you sleep, and put a blanket or a yoga mat underneath the mattress to make it less noisy when you move around.

For futons or rock-hard mattresses, an inflatable sleeping pad is easy to use and will save your back.

Even if you’re staying in a great guest room, most normal bedrooms don’t come with blackout curtains like those you’ll find at hotels, so be sure to pack an eye mask that will block out light. This mask is contoured to allow for eye movement during sleep, but still prevents light from getting in.

Earplugs are also essential if you’re a light sleeper (or just go to bed earlier/get up later than other people in the house). Or bring a travel-sized white noise machine if you really want to drown out the world.

Stuck in the living room? You could go all out and pack a privacy pop-up indoor bed tent if you want to make a statement about the importance of alone time.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

Getting stressed? Take a deep breath to help relax. If you’re staying in an environment that you’re not used to (for example, sharing a house with smokers or pets when you’re allergic), bring along a tiny travel air purifier for your room. This can make a big difference and help you breathe easier.

Get Some Quiet Time

Spending time with other people 24/7 can be tough. But you’re going to be a better guest and family member if you take some solo time to decompress each day. Take a walk, or excuse yourself to take a nap and use the time to sleep or read. If you’re coming home to a deadline-driven family, you could appear busy while also carving out alone time by offering to run errands on your own.

Stay Charged and Connected

If a big group is staying at your family’s house, the Wi-Fi will get overwhelmed quickly. If it’s important to you to stay online, bring along a Wi-Fi hotspot so you avoid the frustration of slow internet. A travel-sized power strip can also save the day if everyone is fighting over one outlet to charge gadgets.

Work Out

There’s a reason the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is so popular. Whether you head out in the morning for a quick run or get a day pass to a local gym, working out can give you an excuse to get out of the house for a bit. Exercise is also a proven stress reducer and mood enhancer, and will also make you feel less guilty about eating all that home-cooked food.

Knit running shoes like Nike Frees are lightweight and easy to pack, so bring a pair with you. You can also use them to go for a walk with the family after a big holiday dinner.

Can’t get out of the house? Pack exercise bands, which take up minimal space and can be used for an easy at-home workout (or to stretch after a long travel day or a rough night on the couch).

Don’t Dominate the Bathroom

Chances are, you won’t have a private bathroom while staying with family, so don’t leave your toiletries scattered all over the sink and shower. This innovative bag is a great solution, as it lets you lay out all your toiletries on a flat surface to use; when you’re done, simply fold it up and take it back to your room.

Be Your Own Climate Control

Unlike at a hotel, you don’t get control over the thermostat when staying with family. If you know the house is going to be cold, pack extra layers. In shoe-free houses, travel slippers keep you comfy. Merino wool sweaters are easy to layer without looking out of place, and a pashmina can double as a blanket. House too hot? A portable fan can be a lifesaver, and also act as a white noise machine at night.

Pack Modest Pajamas and a Robe

You probably don’t think twice about what you pack for sleepwear at a hotel, but you might want something a little more modest if you’re staying in someone’s home. Don’t forget to pack pajamas and a robe you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in, for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Bring Board Games

Worried about being bored? Pack travel-sized games that are fun for the whole family. Family Feud, UNO, and Scrabble are all good choices (depending on how competitive the crowd is).

Offer to Grocery Shop, Cook, or Buy Dinner

Try to make your visit as easy on the host as possible. Just because it’s your family doesn’t mean they’re responsible for cleaning up after you and cooking every meal. Show up with a restaurant gift card to let them know a few meals are on you, or offer to go grocery shopping and cook for everyone while you’re there.

Be Appreciative

Your presence is not your present. Make sure to show appreciation to your host for putting you up. A thank you note is never a bad idea. Some good gift ideas include: a bottle of wine and a wine chiller, a gift basket full of tasty treats, an easy-to-care-for plant, or a framed family photo.

Caroline Morse Teel is a Managing Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 10 Strategies to Survive Staying with Family Over the Holidays appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Waterloo, New York

In 1966, 100 years after the first Memorial Day ceremonies, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation recognizing Waterloo, NY, as the birthplace of Memorial Day. What better way to celebrate than visiting where the holiday began in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York?

Waterloo will hold its annual Celebrate Commemorate event over the holiday weekend, complete with a 5K run/walk, live entertainment, and a Freedom Parade. You can also pay a visit to the American Civil War Memorial and there’s even a National Memorial Day Museum in town.

How to Get There

The closest airports to Waterloo are Rochester (ROC) and Syracuse (SYR). After landing at either airport, you’ll be about a one-hour drive from Waterloo. All major airlines fly into both airports including Southwest and JetBlue. There is also limited competition from ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier. You’ll find the most flight options flying into Rochester but it’s always best to check both to find the best deal.

San Francisco, California

There’s plenty to do over the long weekend in San Francisco, from exploring the city’s vibrant Pier 39 to visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. Several Memorial Day services are held throughout the city, including the annual commemoration at the Presidio National Ceremony, held this year on May 29th. For naval history and aviation enthusiasts, pay a visit to the USS Hornet Museum, housed in the former navy vessel that recovered the Apollo 11 crew after splashdown following their famous lunar landing. 

San Francisco Carnaval celebrates its 45th anniversary on May 27th-28th. Since 1978, this two-day festival has been celebrating “the diverse Latin American, Caribbean and African Diasporic roots of the Mission District and the San Francisco Bay Area” with musical performances, food vendors, educational resources, and more. The celebrations culminate in Grand Parade, which this year features more than 3,000 artists.

How to Get There

Skyscanner data shows that the average per passenger price for a round trip ticket to San Francisco over Memorial Day weekend is just $217. There are three major airports in and around the city—San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norma Y. Mineta San José International Airport (KSJC), and Oakland International Airport (KOAK). San Francisco International (SFO) is the closest to downtown and the most popular option for travelers staying in the city. United and Alaska Airlines have hubs at San Francisco International, with American Airlines and Delta also offering several domestic flights.

Arlington, Virginia

A visit to the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia is a great way to pay tribute and remember those who have served. There will be several remembrance ceremonies at the Memorial Amphitheater where thousands of visitors are in attendance each year. One of the most moving memorials in the cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which overlooks Washington D.C., providing a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified service members from World War I.

Directly across the Potomac River, you can also explore our nation’s capital by visiting several famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, or one of the Smithsonian Museums.

How to Get There

The Washington D.C. area has three major airports. For the most convenient option, you’ll want to look for flights into Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is the closest to downtown D.C. (and has its own METRO station). United has a hub at Washington-Dulles Airport (IAD) and if you’re looking to fly Southwest, you’ll find the most options into Baltimore (BWI).

Savannah, Georgia

Head down to Savannah this Memorial Day Weekend and enjoy relatively moderate temperatures before the heat picks up during the peak summer months. Take a stroll around the historic district and enjoy its scenic cobblestone streets, elaborate architecture, and over 20 squares and parks full of ancient oak trees.

If you’re looking for a beach day, head over to Tybee Island where you’ll find expansive, sandy beaches in a family-friendly environment. It’s just 20 minutes east of downtown Savannah.

How to Get There

Flights to Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) have increased in recent years. Delta still carries the most passengers—primarily via its hub in Atlanta—however, budget carrier Allegiant has been a major factor in lowering fares to this regional airport with year-round and seasonal service from up to 13 different cities. Avelo Airlines also operates cheap flights out of New Haven to Savannah every Friday. As always, be sure to check Southwest when comparing prices and be flexible with travel dates as many budget airlines only fly on certain days of the week.

Chicago, Illinois

From kayaking along the Chicago River to enjoying fireworks at the Navy Pier, there’s plenty to do in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend. You can dine at waterfront restaurants or hit the beach along Lake Michigan with the city skyline providing a magnificent backdrop. Chicago will also host a Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony and parade on Saturday, May 27.

Around two and a half hours west of Chicago, Summer Camp Music Festival will take place in the small town of Chillicothe, Illinois, from May 25-28. The 3-day festival features dozens of musical acts, including Willie Nelson & Family and Umphrey’s McGee. Don’t forget to stick around for Field Day, where attendees divide into teams to duke it out over tug-o-war, dodgeball, and more to win a special “Victory Party.”

How to Get There

Flights to Chicago are plentiful with all major airlines flying into Chicago’s O’Hare Airport (ORD). United, which is headquartered in Chicago, has the most market share, but American is close behind with a hub of its own at O’Hare. Spirit Airlines also flies to Chicago from over 20 cities across the U.S., making all airlines compete with its ultra-low fares. Chicago’s Midway Airport (MDW) is where you’ll find flights on Southwest and, as of April 2022, Frontier has been operating low-cost flights into Midway. According to Skyscanner, average airfare per seat to Chicago is just $221 round trip over Memorial Day weekend.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Well-known for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, New Orleans is also a great place to spend Memorial Day Weekend. The National World War II Museum is often rated the top attraction in New Orleans and it can be a great way to learn about the American experience in the war that changed the world.

Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the French Quarter and the many tastes and sounds that make New Orleans one of the most cultured cities in America. If you’re a fan of festivals, The New Orleans Greek Fest will take place over Memorial Day Weekend with over 20 traditional homemade Greek pastries to try.

How to Get There

When looking for flights into Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) make sure to check what’s available on Southwest Airlines as it is by far the largest carrier flying to/from New Orleans. Spirit Airlines helps to keep fares as low as possible with flights from up to 50 different cities and one of the newest airlines to hit the U.S. skies, Breeze Airways, offers low-cost flights from up to 16 cities across the nation.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Race car fans flock to Indianapolis over Memorial Day Weekend to experience the famous Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The main event takes place on Sunday, May 28, and is preceded by a kick off Miller Lite Carb Day concert on Friday, May 26.

If you’re bringing the kids, you can visit the expansive Children’s Museum, which recently opened a revamped Dinosphere exhibit in 2022 where you can learn all about the largest animals to ever roam the earth and be immersed in their prehistoric environment.

How to Get There

As with many airports in this list, Southwest is the largest carrier in Indianapolis (IND) so you’ll want to be sure to check its website to compare prices. Other than Southwest, you’ll find regular service on all three legacy carriers, American, Delta, and United, with Spirit Airlines and Allegiant providing the most service in the ultra-low-cost category.

Seattle, Washington

Travel to the Pacific Northwest this Memorial Day Weekend and experience the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle. The community-powered festival celebrates diversity and cultural expression and there is no admission charge—it runs purely on donations. The theme for 2023 is Lagom: Not Too Much, Not Too Little, But Just Right, drawing on the Scandinavian term “lagom” to celebrate people’s journey toward finding balance in life.

While in Seattle, you can also visit some of the city’s top attractions including The Museum of Pop Culture, a hike in Mt. Rainier National Park, or, one of my personal favorites, The Museum of Flight, where you can have a look inside a Concorde jet and a former Air Force One.

How to Get There

There’s no question which airline dominates in Seattle (SEA). As Alaska Airlines’ largest hub, you’ll find the most flight options on this Oneworld alliance member. However, Delta has been making a push in Seattle over the past several years and has brought competitive pricing with its ability to connect travelers from all over the country. You can also find Alaska Airlines flights into nearby Paine Field Airport (PAE) in Everett.

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