TravelAwaits

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Bay Saint Louis: 5 Reasons Not to Miss Out on This Coastal Mississippi Gem

Bay Saint Louis: 5 Reasons Not to Miss Out on This Coastal Mississippi Gem

When you think of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, cities like Biloxi and Gulfport are top of mind.

Not only do they offer scenic beaches and plenty of ways to get out on the water, but they’re also home to some of the state’s top entertainment venues. Biloxi is all about large casino-resorts, which dot its waterfront. Gulfport, on the other hand, has more family-friendly amenities, from its grand aquarium to its large marina.

Together, Biloxi and Gulfport make up the Riviera of the South. Like many other Gulf beach towns, they’re known for their slow pace of life and delightful coastlines.

But they aren’t the end-all of must-visit Mississippi beach towns.

Only a short drive away waits Bay Saint Louis.

It’s accessible as a short day trip from Biloxi and Gulfport, in case you want to really dig into the Gulf Coast, Alternatively, you can also stay in Bay Saint Louis if you want to truly soak up that slow pace.

Regardless, here’s what you can’t miss in Bay Saint Louis. 

Things to do in Bay Saint Louis

Take to the water

Bay Saint Louis has a beach; unfortunately, it’s not the best stretch of sand for sunbathing and swimming. Instead, Bay Saint Louis’s beaches are perfect for long strolls (with Fido, if you want, as they’re also dog-friendly). Uniquely, there are also ‘blueways’ that you can enjoy.

Blueways or water trails are routes you can take on kayaks or paddleboards, which are available for rent around town. Bodega Adventures is one of the easiest to find, as it’s located in Old Town Bay Saint Louis. (More on Old Town below.)

Additionally, Bay Saint Louis is ideal for fishing and boating. You can fish directly in Bay Saint Louis, or head to a popular bayou like Johnson Bayou or Mallini Bayou. But keep in mind that this area was affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2019, which means some areas might still be off-limits for fishing.

If you’re interested in boating, I suggest referencing Waterway Guide. They have a pretty solid introduction on where to anchor around Bay Saint Louis.

Explore Old Town Bay Saint Louis (OTBSL) by day and/or night

Fantastic water adventures aside, one thing Bay Saint Louis has that nearby locations don’t is a charming old town district that you’ll want to spend hours exploring, similar to small cities like Bardstown, Kentucky.

Old Town has a long list of interesting shops, restaurants, bars, and more to get lost in. From vintage and second-hand stories to children’s boutiques to French bookstores, the shops alone could take up an entire afternoon. In terms of dining, you can go high-end, mom-and-pop, social-and-loud, and just about any other way you prefer for a night out.

My favorite group in Old Town Bay Saint Louis is probably the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, a historical and vibrant non-profit that regularly throws charity events and fetes that locals and visitors to join. Keep a lookout for the Pirate Day in the Bay event!

Stop by the local museums & historic sites

If you’ve been paying attention so far, you might be picking up on the fact that Bay Saint Louis has a slight edge—a funky one, too. That being said, this area is home to historical sites and unique museums that will capture your attention.

I suggest checking out the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, which is located inside another acclaimed museum, the L & N Train Depot. The L & N Train Depot is another must-see; there’s even a Mardi Gras museum located inside the defunct train station.

In terms of history, don’t miss out on Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church; this area remains heavily influenced by its Cajun history, including Catholicism. Additionally, check out 100 Men Hall, a historic Blues venue that was part of the Blues’ Chitlin’ Circuit from the heyday of the genre.

Soak up the culture with Art Walks on the Second Saturday of the month

If you’ll be in the area for the second Saturday of the month, make sure you visit Old Town. Every second Saturday, the main drag comes alive (even more than usual) with unique community events, special pop-ups, and much more.

Here’s a quick rundown of the lineup for summer. In June, you can enjoy a Caftans & Cocktails Second Saturday; in July, a celebration of Frida Kahlo’s achievements; in September, it’s tailing season!

I also want to point out that Cruisin’ the Coast stops off in Gulfport near Bay Saint Louis (though it’s not on a second Saturday). If you’re into car swaps, it doesn’t get any better than Cruisin’ the Coast (seriously, it’s billed as America’s Largest Block Party.)

(Tiki) cruise into the sunset—literally

Who passes up a chance to join a tiki cruise? When you stop in Bay Saint Louis, you have one can’t-miss chance to enjoy the coast: Cruisin’ Tikis. It’s not like other cruises thanks to one amazing amenity: a fully stacked tiki bar.

This company offers four ways for you to get onto their floating tiki bars. Most are 1.5-hour bay tours with plenty of drinks. There’s a simple bay cruise, a bay and island cruise, a sunset cruise, and a morning ‘Bloody Mary’ cruise. Choose wisely, my tiki-friends.

Travel Tips for Nordic & Scandinavian Countries: Culture, Currency, & More

Scandinavia is one of Europe’s most alluring regions.

While fans of beaches and endless sunshine are usually wooed by the Mediterranean, the opposite pulls people toward the Nordic countries of Northern Europe.

From spying on the northern lights to speeding through the powdery snow on a dog sled to sampling delicious treats with never-before-tasted berries, Scandinavia offers charm and thrills in equal measures. It’s not hard to see how some nations end up on the list of the world’s happiest countries year after year.

That being said, Scandinavia is more diverse than many think. Each country is home to its own idiosyncrasies, traditions, must-see destinations, and cultural practices.

Aside from more intangible characteristics, they’re also different when it comes to currencies, language, and other important topics.

In other words, before you plan your trip across Scandinavia and Northern Europe, you might want a little breakdown of each country in the region. First up, let’s cover the difference between terms like Scandinavia and Nordic, then we’ll dive into country-by-country fact sheets.

Nordic vs. Scandinavian countries

Let me start off by saying the terms Scandinavia and Nordic are a hot topic for Northern Europeans—just take a look at this Reddit thread for proof. I’ve personally heard many different takes on what is and isn’t Scandinavian and Nordic, and I’m sure the same will be true for you when you head to these countries.

As always, locals are the authority on who they are and aren’t, and I’m not Scandinavian or Nordic—but let me humbly attempt an introduction here.

Scandinavia is a geopolitical term that describes the countries of Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, which are also part of a shared language group. Finland isn’t technically considered a Scandinavian country because it’s not part of the Scandinavian peninsula or the language group.

That being said, these five nations share the same Nordic cross on their flags, which makes them easy to identify. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are Danish territories, so they’re sometimes included as part of Scandinavia—but that’s not always the case, as with Iceland and Finland.

The term Nordic, by contrast, describes the shared culture in this region. Nordic is often used when discussing history and religion, as well. Norse mythology, for example, was widespread around Scandinavia—but also bled into areas like Scotland and Northern England, which is why we use the term Nordic instead of Scandinavian. (Scandinavia is geography, making it ‘fixed’.)

Nordic peoples originated in mainland Europe before crossing the Baltic Sea into Northern Europe. Originally, the far north regions were occupied by the Sámi people.

Sami people still live throughout Scandinavia and Finland (and in Russia), but are not Nordic. Instead, they’re the region’s indigenous peoples—and Europe’s only official indigenous group.

Other important information for Scandinavian countries: sockets, currencies, & the EU

Culturally, it’s easy to get turned around when talking about Scandinavian countries, Nordic countries, and Northern Europe. Again, a trip to any of these countries will give you hands-on experience on how to differentiate the region based on a variety of factors.

For now, let’s zero in on what’s going to impact your trip the most: knowing which currencies and electrical sockets these countries use, along with whether they’re part of the European Union.

Here’s the good news: in terms of electrical sockets, all Nordic countries use the F Socket, which is standard throughout most of Europe. You can also use the C Socket in many places.

Here’s the bad news: all Nordic countries have a different currency, which I’ve listed below. They’re easy to change as you move between countries, but still a bit of a pain.

On top of that, not all countries are part of the EU, meaning you might need to go through customs. That’s probably not the case because the Nordic countries share a Nordic Passport Union and all Nordic countries are part of the Schengen Zone, meaning the borders are kept open.

At-a-glance breakdown

Denmark (including overseas territories of Faroe Islands and Greenland)

  • Capital city: Copenhagen
  • Currency: Danish krone (DKK) but some businesses in urban areas also accept the euro
  • Member of European Union: Yes

Finland

  • Capital city: Helsinki
  • Currency: Euro
  • Member of European Union: Yes

Iceland

  • Capital city: Reykjavik
  • Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK)
  • Member of European Union: No

Norway

  • Capital city: Oslo
  • Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
  • Member of European Union: No

Sweden

  • Capital city: Stockholm
  • Currency: Swedish krone (SEK)
  • Member of European Union: Yes

Sink Your Teeth into These Acclaimed Dallas Steakhouses

When I travel, I have two approaches to mealtime.

The first: try something new to dig into local culture. The second: keep it simple and fill my stomach with a no-frills steak.

The humble steak has done me right on every continent I’ve visited, giving me energy and iron when I need it most. One of my most troublesome travel symptoms is a lack of appetite, which can lead to fatigue and poor sleep. (If you’re in a similar boat, I highly recommend sticking to high-protein foods until your appetite returns.)

In honor of the humble, reliable steak and all it’s done for me over the years, I’m heading to one of the US’s meccas of red meat: Dallas, Texas.

Though Texas isn’t short on meat-loving cities, from Austin to San Antonio to Amarillo, Dallas steakhouses regularly appear on foodie lists around the country.

If you’re going to stop by and if you’ve got a taste for red meat, don’t miss out on these eateries. They’re some of the best Dallas steakhouses, having won over the public and critics alike for years running. In some cases, even decades.

Acclaimed Dallas steakhouses for the carnivore in you

Bob’s Steak & Chop House (est. 1993)

The original Bob’s Steak & Chop House on Lemmon Avenue should be top of your list if you’re on the hunt for delicious steaks.

Though ownership has changed hands multiple times since its opening day, the 90s-style ambiance remains the same. Most importantly, so does its dedication to its tried-and-true menu. Go for the prime steaks, which are always cooked to perfection and served with a single carrot.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (est. 1981)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse comes from one of the founders of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, which was formerly Bob and Del’s before Bob got hit with a felony charge and had to (re)start anew. (Very Wild West of him.)

That means you can expect all the experience and taste of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, but from a slightly different perspective.

For example, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse picked up an award from Zagat for being one of the Sexiest Restaurants in the US. That win is a callback to the lush décor and dress code more than the food—but they wouldn’t hand out the award to a subpar steakhouse.

Del Frisco’s has also nabbed culinary awards from Wine Spectator, Business Insider, the New York Times, and more.

Dakota’s Steakhouse (est. 1984)

With an extensive wine list and a list of prime steaks that have been painstakingly perfected over the course of forty years, it’s hard to go wrong with Dakota’s Steakhouse. The proof here is Dakota’s near five-star rating on OpenTable.

As a writer who once manned an OpenTable line back in the day, I can assure you that OpenTable users don’t pull their punches when it comes to reviews. At the time of writing this article, Dakota’s Steakhouse has a 4.8 rating based on over 5,000 reviews.

In case that hasn’t sold you yet, buckle up for a fine dining experience that takes you 15 feet underground to the restaurant’s stylish and moody main floor.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (est. 1976)

As a perennial favorite for local publications like D Magazine, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is a Dallas staple. It’s polished, reliably delicious, and the staff are highly acclaimed for their professionalism.

Consider it a golden standard among Dallas steakhouses—one that set the pace for the city’s future steakhouses, which are listed above. For almost half a century, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has steered Dallas’s taste for great steak.

Al Biernat’s Steakhouse (est. 1998)

Aside from a funky interior, there aren’t any big frills at Al Biernat’s. The Italian-style setup is juxtaposed with the austere, Old World menu, including dishes like artichoke ravioli.

But don’t forget to indulge in its steak offerings, from aged strips to light filet mignon to the latest buys from the local farmers’ market.

Knife (est. 2014)

If you’re looking for a relatively new steakhouse, head to Knife. This Dallas steakhouse took the red meat world by storm when its doors opened, thanks to its hardcore take on dry-aging its steaks.

The menu is also imaginative, taking risks like a Michelin-star restaurant would thanks to its simple-but-thought-out dishes. Just be sure to check the menu before you book a table; it’s seasonal and constantly evolving.

Must-See Alaska Beaches: Black Sands, Wildlife Sightings, & More

With its near year-round low temperatures and rugged stretches of untouched wilderness, few travelers associate Alaska with beaches.

But let me hit you with a surprising fact: Alaska tops the list for total coastal miles of all US states.

With almost 34,000 miles of coast, it’s got nearly three times as much as Florida, which has only 8,400 miles of coast. That’s a pretty hefty gap, especially considering how much we love a beachy vacation in Florida.

If it weren’t for all that pesky snow, Alaska would be the United States’ premier summer vacation spot.

Unfortunately, most of the state’s coastline is impossible to reach, frigidly cold year-round, and home to grizzlies, bald eagles, and other great beasts.

Most of the coastline, anyway.

What Alaska beaches lack in warm sunshine and piña coladas, they make up for with drool-worthy views and wildlife sightings.

Ready to take on some of the coolest and most scenic Alaska Beaches on your next visit? Here’s where to go.

Best Alaska beaches

Black Sand Beach (Barry Arm)

Prince William Sound & Coxe Glacier (Getty)

East of Anchorage, Alaska, waits Prince William Sound, which is renowned for its dramatic views of the mountains and forests.

During the warmer months, water cascades downward from the glaciers, trickling down toward a black sand beach in the Barry Arm area. You can enjoy walks along the beach, along with kayaking out on the water.

In fact, by kayak, you can even explore tidewater glaciers in the water, as the waters here are partly fed by the Coxe glacier.

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area (Juneau)

Alaska United States Of America, receding tides at Eagle Beach State Recreation Area (Getty)

Juneau has one of the best beaches in the state, which offers mind-blowing views of the surrounding mountains, many of which stay snow-capped year-round.

While the actual recreation area is pretty bare-bones (including primitive campsites), you can expect to spot wildlife during the warmer months, from whales to sea lions to bald eagles.

Homer Spit Beach (Homer)

Seagulls in feeding frenzy flying past Homer Spit point in the Kachemak Bay near Homer Alaska United States

Homer Spit is an oblong peninsula that extends into Kachemak Bay in southern Alaska, rising only around 19 feet above seawater. As such, it experiences very high and low tidal shifts, letting you enjoy cool beach walks and even take advantage of beachcombing.

The area is also home to a large harbor with many vessels. Many are commercial, but plenty are also available for rent, letting you get out on the water if sticking to the beach isn’t enough. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, they’re a common sighting!

Pro tip: Head over to Bishop’s Beach if you enjoy your time on Homer Spit Beach. It’s located nearby and has plenty of low-tide pools that you can explore, full of jellyfish, plankton, and other marine life.

Surfer’s Beach (Yakutat)

Courtesy of Patagonia

Yes, you can surf in Alaska—though I imagine you might want a wetsuit… or two. While you’ll find a handful of beaches that are great for surfing, I recommend heading to Yakutat, located on Alaska’s coast between Anchorage and Juneau.

The area is renowned for its surfing, which is best experienced at Surfer’s Beach. Even if you don’t dare venture into the water, you’ll still enjoy your time. The beach is surrounded by mountain views and thick, emerald forests, similar to Black Sand Beach near Barry Arm.

Anchor Point Beach

Anchor Point (Getty)

Anchor Point is an area located on the Kenai Peninsula, not far from Homer’s Spit. Unsurprisingly, those dramatic tidal swells make it a top spot for fishing, beachcombing, and bald-eagle spotting.

As an added bonus, you also have fantastic views of Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt, two of the state’s most commanding peaks.

Rotary Beach or Bugge Beach (Ketchikan)

Scenes from Rotary Beach, Courtesy of Trip.com

If you can surf in Alaska, then it’s not a stretch to recommend swimming. If you want to take a dip in the ocean, head to Rotary Beach… just know that it’s artificial.

The city created a unique cement causeway that draws up the seawater and lets it warm up in an artificial pond. And don’t expect calm waters; as the tide rises, small octopus, eelgrass, clams, mollusks, sea urchins, sea anemones, and more enter the artificial pond.

My Top 20 Luggage Picks for Carry-Ons, Check-Ins, & More—Plus, Shopping Tips

You’ve got money to spend and travel dreams to make happen.

All you need now is a reliable suitcase that’s easy to carry, easier to pack, and full of all the right features and made of all the right materials.

But finding the right suitcase isn’t as simple as nailing down whether you want a carry-on, backpack, or duffel.

You also need to think about the types of trips you take most often, the amount of wear-and-tear your luggage will face, and how long you expect it to last.

Ready to take a few shortcuts? Welcome to your one-stop shop for all your luggage needs, tips, and recommendations.

First, I’m laying out my favorite luggage brands, then listing out recommended pieces from these brands across a range of products, from carry-ons to weekenders. Lastly, I answer FAQs for all your most pressing luggage needs.

Luggage brands I use

At the moment, I have two pieces of luggage in my arsenal.

The first is my Muji hardshell 36L Carry-on. Yes, it’s from a Japanese stationery-turned-lifestyle brand. I highly recommend checking out Muji’s carry-ons; not only is my carry-on lightweight and the wheels functional, but it’s also highly affordable.

The second piece of luggage in my arsenal is the Carl Friedrik Check-In (69 L), which is an ultra-luxurious check-in suitcase. I opted for a lighter color, meaning you can see a few scuffs on its beautiful polycarbonate shell—but she’s otherwise lightweight, easy to maneuver, and largely ding-proof.

Luggage brands I trust

I’m all set with my Muji and Carl Friedrik pieces. If that wasn’t the case, I’d shop for luggage picks from the brands listed below. They aren’t the only ones I reference in my list of recommended products, but they’re trusted luggage brands that you should know about.

  • Away. Founded in 2015 with the promise of revolutionizing suitcase construction, Away has helped steer modern luggage design. Away pieces are a bit pricier, but they’re made from world-class materials and usually include a few techy gadget features.
  • Monos. Another newcomer with big luggage dreams, Monos makes fantastic suitcases for a range of travel purposes. With Monos, you also get the added benefit of ethical production standards and a fully carbon-neutral production process.
  • Beis. Young, hyper-trendy, and designed to be fashionable, Beis offers a lot more than the standard range of great suitcases. You can also find amazing weekenders, beach totes, cross-body purses, and much more.
  • Samsonite. As the oldest luggage brand in the industry, you’ve got over a century of experience helping put together every Samsonite release. Best of all, you can choose between more luxury options and very basic, beginner-friendly suitcases.
  • CALPAK. Similar to Beis, CALPAK pays close attention to the market to release hyper-trendy prints for many of its products. If you want style with your suitcase, you can expect bright and fun pieces from CALPAK—without compromising on quality, of course.
  • Tumi. My preferred luxury luggage pick is Carl Friedrik—but I think Tumi is a great alternative if you don’t like the designs of the Carl Friedrik pieces. Similar to CALPAK and Beis, you can shop a huge range of products on Tumi, from umbrellas to backpacks to sunglasses.
  • Amazon Basics. Cheap but reasonably reliable, Amazon Basics suitcases are an ideal choice if you’re brand new to travel, aren’t sure how often you’ll travel, and don’t want to spend a lot on your first luggage pieces.

Top luggage picks according to suitcase type

Picks for carry-ons

Every traveler needs a solid carry-on. Though carry-ons come in all shapes and sizes (including duffels, weekenders, and backpacks), this section is dedicated to classic rolling carry-ons.

A rolling carry-on should be your go-to for a few reasons.

First, the limited space will teach you the importance of packing mindfully. Second, rolling carry-ons are easier to lug around with you as you take trains, taxis, and more. Third, you’ll never risk losing one in the cargo haul of a plane. As an added bonus, hard-shell carry-ons will protect even your most fragile belongings.

These are my favorite carry-on luggage picks at the moment:

Picks for checked luggage

I swore off checked luggage for years after a few handling mishaps, but having a solid piece of checked luggage in your closet is never a bad idea. Personally, I’ve leaned on them for long trips, along with weddings (it’s easier to pack heavier garments into spacious checked suitcases).

When it comes to finding a solid checked suitcase, look out for two important features.

The first is the suitcase’s shell. You always want a solid polycarbonate shell to keep your packed items safe. You can, of course, go with a soft-shell variety—but remember that your checked luggage will be handled with the least amount of care.

The second is weight. While you don’t want a heavy carry-on, either, weight is particularly important for checked bags. Remember, they need to come in under 50 pounds in most cases, or you’ll be paying an extra weight fee.

These are my favorite checked luggage picks at the moment:

Picks for backpacks

Worried about whether or not your carry-on meets airline regulations? You aren’t alone.

The only thing more frustrating than shrinking carry-on specifications is the fact that every airline has a different approach. Backpacks are almost always a sure bet when getting on a plane, so if you’ve been burned by a slightly-too-large carry-on, go with a backpack.

Backpacks are most often preferred by more rugged-ready travelers… or backpackers, you might call them. Still, whether or not you’re planning to pack into hostel after hostel on a tour of Southeast Asia, you might want a great backpack as a carry-on for shorter trips. (You might prefer them to weekenders for weekend getaways, too.)

These are my favorite backpack luggage picks at the moment, including one rolling option:

Picks for weekenders

A weekender bag is a duffel that’s designed for short two or three-day getaways—hence the name. They’re ideal for last-minute escapes, short road trips, train and bus rides, and other short-distance destinations.

Just know that they’ll challenge you to be ruthless with your final packing list, as they’re often small enough to carry.

That being said, you might rely on your weekender beyond the scope of travel, such as using your piece as an office bag with added storage. Many weekender bags have shoe slots that make it easy to toss in gym clothes, for example.

These are my favorite weekender luggage picks at the moment:

The best of the rest: alternative luggage picks

Not all luggage pieces fit neatly into the above categories. There are also under-seat carry-ons, luggage sets, cross-body bags, barely-there totes, and plenty more.

If you didn’t find your perfect luggage champion above, keep shopping.

These are some of my favorite alternative luggage picks that can help you pack and trot around the globe more efficiently:

  • Under-seat carry-on from CALPAK. Looking for a tiny hard-shell carry-on that will fit under the seat back in front of you? CALPAK nailed their approach with their Hue Mini Carry-On, and they’re a treat for the eyes.
  • Compression cubes from CALPAK or BEIS. Either option will let you maximize your packing capabilities, as this type of compression packing cube literally shrinks down. (Don’t waste your time with regular packing cubes.)
  • Beis and CALPAK also offer fantastic luggage sets that aren’t too expensive.
  • Cross-body bags from Tumi Voyageur. These types of travel-ready cross-body bags make it easy to keep your valuables in reach without putting them in danger of being stolen. Its durable nylon exterior is also ready to battle the elements… and dirty tourist areas.
  • Super packable totes for adding packing capabilities from Baggu and BAGSMART. I have a big thing for mini totes that you can easily bring with you to pack more when needed—or do some grocery shopping in your destination.

FAQs

When is it worth it to buy expensive luggage?

The decision to fork over hundreds of dollars (if not thousands) for a great piece of luggage is a tough one, even if you have years of travel under your belt and a destroyed suitcase to show for it.

I recommend splurging on luggage when you start to notice these five changes.

  • Your trips are starting to get longer and more elaborate—higher-quality luggage is easier to unpack and repack
  • You’re good at packing and want a few perks, like charging banks and other tech
  • You know how to use that tech
  • You aren’t showing up late to the airport all the time, ensuring you can take better care of your luggage
  • You didn’t entirely destroy your last piece of luggage even though you had it for years

Should you check your luggage or bring a carry-on?

It all depends on the length of your trip and type of trip you’re heading on. I almost always recommend sticking to a carry-on when possible, but these are the factors you need to consider when choosing between a checked piece and a carry-on.

Signs you should use a carry-on:

  • If you’re relying on public transportation to get to your hotel or rental, carry-ons are way easier to handle than larger checked bags
  • If you’re on a tight budget, you won’t pay as many checked bag fees
  • If you’re worried about losing an important item (and especially a medical device) then don’t check your bag

Signs you should check a bag:

  • If you plan to do a lot of shopping, maybe you want added space, making a checked bag ideal
  • If it’s winter (or just cold as hell), a checked bag will let you pack for the weather more easily

What type of luggage should first-time travelers buy?

If you’re a first-time traveler with limited experience flying internationally, I recommend buying a cheaper hard-shell piece.

If you think you can handle less space, go with a carry-on. If not, there’s no problem starting out with a larger checked bag—so long as you don’t mind paying for added baggage fees.

You can find highly affordable but reliable hard-shell luggage from Amazon Basics, as well as TravelPro. No need to go all-in when you’re just starting out.

How should you decide between hard-shell and soft-shell luggage?

I’m a big fan of hard-shell luggage because it protects whatever you pack a lot better than a soft-shell suitcase. Additionally, they’re easier to clean after interior spills and protect against exterior stains.

Don’t underestimate how physically dirty travel is—from cargo holds to city streets to taxi trunks, soft-shell luggage absorbs a lot of nastiness while in transit.

That being said, there’s no huge difference between them. If you aren’t one to pack a lot of fragile items or liquids, then a soft-shell suitcase should be just fine. I’ve also seen some travelers switch to Team Soft-Shell after having their hard-shell suitcases cracked by particularly careless airport ground crews.

Do you need luggage straps, luggage locks, and geolocators?

I don’t personally use any of these gadgets. Instead, if I’m checking a bag, I fly with a reliable legacy airline like Delta. In February, they lost my checked bag, then found it without a single phone call or push on my part; I just tracked my bag via their app while they solved the problem.

That being said, if you fly with whatever airline is cheapest and head to airports with less than sterling reputations, tools like luggage straps and locks can provide a little added security for your bags.

On the other hand, geolocators let you hunt down your suitcase after disaster has struck—but knowing where your bag is doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get it back.

What should you do if your luggage is lost?

If you’re able to track your luggage via an airline’s app, do so. Otherwise, buckle up and strap in. If any airline loses your checked bag, you should be in immediate contact with the airline to follow up on the bag’s location, along with the airport’s luggage crew (which handles the baggage claim area).

Together, they should be able to provide you with actionable next steps. However, it’s always possible that an airline could lose your bag—and owe you zero compensation. (See why I always push for carry-ons?)

Peru Set New Rules for Machu Picchu—Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve said it once this year, and I have a feeling I’ll say it again: It’s a big year for travel updates.

From new travel form requirements to big questions about visiting the United States, the global routes of tourism are being disrupted. But it’s not just the minutiae of travel requirements that are evolving; I’m also noticing a new approach to tourism from popular destinations.

Two of the biggest updates have come from the world’s most popular destinations: Venice, Italy, and Machu Picchu, Peru, which have launched brand new travel rules in 2025.

I’ll get to Venice in the next week or two—for now, I’m focusing on what new rule changes in Machu Picchu mean for your upcoming travels, and how you can ensure you have a great trip to one of the world’s greatest wonders. (I mean that literally—Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which were announced in 2000.)

Here’s what you need to know about the new rules for visiting Machu Picchu.

Meet the new Machu Picchu

Getty

The new rules for visiting Machu Picchu come from Peru’s Ministry of Culture and are pretty straightforward. You might recognize similar rules in other high-traffic, ancient, and highly regarded destinations, from the Taj Mahal to Le Louvre.

The new rules are:

  • All visitors must enter with a licensed tour guide
  • Tour group sizes cannot exceed 10 people
  • Visitors must purchase tickets for a certain time slot, and can only enter Machu Picchu for that given time slot
  • Specific sites within Machu Picchu, including the Sun Temple and other areas, are also limited by time slot
  • When you purchase a time slot, you also purchase a route; each route has a distinct time slot, and some may only be available seasonally
  • Nearby peaks like Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu are also only accessible during certain time slots for ticketholders
  • You must purchase all tickets before arriving; they are also non-transferable
  • No more than 5,600 visitors may enter Machu Picchu per day during high season (June to August); during the low season (September-May), no more than 4,600 visitors may enter
  • No more than 2,400 visitors may be inside Machu Picchu at the same time
  • Visits can last between two to seven hours
  • No visitors may go ‘off-track’

Here’s a TL;DR version: You can only get into Machu Picchu by buying a ticket to visit during a certain time slot and heading there with an officially licensed tour guide.

Why did Peru create new rules for this site?

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Over the last decade, overtourism has threatened the integrity of Machu Picchu, putting its architecture at risk.

To put it simply, there have been too many visitors, too many defacements, too many accidents, and too many off-trail scams that put tourists and the landmark at risk.

The rule changes are designed to preserve this ancient site while making sure that tourists in future generations can enjoy this World Wonder.

I live in one of these high-traffic tourist zones: Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, one of the world’s most popular destinations. I can tell you firsthand how tough overcrowding from tourism is, even with the most polite and well-intentioned tourists.

To be blunt, I would love for the local Ajuntament (aka city council) to release a set of regulations like this for certain parts of Barcelona. First, because it standardizes what is and isn’t allowed; tourists can’t obey the rules if they aren’t clear. Second, it ensures the safety of the destination; in this case, Machu Picchu. Third, it also provides a framework for local guides to work sustainability.

In other words, these rules won’t negatively impact your trip to Machu Picchu. If you’re dead-set on spending more than seven hours at the site, you can buy a ticket to return sometime over the next few days.