These 10 Countries Listed Travel Alerts for the United States

Politics and travel intersect quite a bit.

I’ve always found that interesting because, as a traveler who left her home at age 18, I’m not one for politicking. Neither are my international friends.

As an immigrant living outside the US, my border-hopping lifestyle is based on the notions of freedom, cultural exchange, and global unity. (I have hugged a few trees in my time—why do you ask?) Though national borders aren’t up for debate, travelers often seek to move fluidly between them, like little political chimeras.

But international relations, social movements, and similar political topics impact how we travel and where we go.

The US Department of State has a long and clear list of travel advisories for Americans. These are designed to protect us as we head abroad. Recently, the US also updated its list of travel bans, which will affect how non-Americans visit, study, and work in our country.

Topics like these also move in reverse.

Last year, I covered the ACLED listing the US as a conflict-ridden country thanks to our social climate. We weren’t the only Western country to earn a spot; Canada and France wound up on the list for the same reason.

Recently, however, ten countries have launched new advisories for citizens heading into the United States.

Which countries have released travel alerts—and will they impact the future of travel in the United States? Let’s dig in.

These ten countries just listed travel alerts

In March 2025, these ten countries issued official state travel advisories for citizens heading into the United States:

Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Ireland
Germany
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
United Kingdom

Why did they post travel alerts about the US?

I’m not a politician; I’m a traveler. If you want to dive deep into the motivations behind these travel advisories, I suggest you let the great minds at BBC or a similar publication do the teaching.

Here’s the gist: the US is rolling out a strict border enforcement approach that has seen Canadians and European travelers detained upon arrival or exit. Detentions have been questionable, even for travelers who have the necessary entry requirements and permits.

The UK’s official warning, for example, reads, “You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.”

That’s a fairly tame warning, in my opinion. As an international traveler, I assume the same is true for every country I set foot in. I must follow their requirements to the T or risk being sent home.

Here’s my takeaway: many countries that were once lenient about travel requirements are starting to buckle down. The same is true in Mexico, which is now requiring Americans to fill out FMM forms upon entering the country.

Are travelers canceling their plans to the US?

Some reports from Statistics Canada have found that border crossings from Canada into the US have dropped by 20% as of February 2025.

That being said, canceling a road trip across the border is a lot different than axing a vacation from Scotland to Los Angeles, for example.

In other words, it’s too soon to tell whether travelers heading to the US will cancel trips that are already planned and paid for. However, the travel sector is economically bracing for a dip in travel figures, with Tourism Economics predicting an overall decline of 5.5%.

7 Packing Hacks for Winter Trips & Arctic Travels

I know—the weather just turned warm.

Who cares about packing for winter when the flowers are finally blooming?

I have two motivations. First, more and more travelers are packing their bags to head to the Arctic Circle (that’s in the north) and Antarctica (that’s in the south). Some are heading off on wilderness expeditions, while others are sticking to picturesque Arctic outposts like Longyearbyen.

Second, just because it’s warming up in the north doesn’t mean it’s springtime everywhere. In the Southern Hemisphere, autumn is just beginning. If you’re heading to countries like Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa in the coming months, you’ll be heading straight (back) into winter.

My point is this: even if it’s warm at home, you might be flying into a cold front, and there’s nothing more difficult than packing for winter. Trust me, I’ve tried and failed. (Many times.)

Looking for more advice on how to pack your bags like a bona fide master? Use these packing hacks for winter trips and Arctic travels.

7 packing hacks for winter trips and cold weather

Hack #1: Wear your heaviest gear on the plane

Let’s start with the obvious: you should be wearing your heaviest boots and winter coat on the plane to free up space in your bag. (You’ll also need to wear these on your return flight.)

Most planes have a small hook on the seatback in front of you for you to hang your coat. If not, wait until everyone has loaded their carry-ons and backpacks into the overhead bin, then stuff your coat in.

Because those flights will be a bit more cramped due to your boots and coat, I suggest splurging for an economy plus seat—if not for the flight to your destination, then at least when you’re heading home.

Hack #2: Use compression cubes instead of packing cubes

Packing cubes are performance art; there’s no reason to use them unless you’re prone to losing things in a suitcase or need help organizing your final list.

On the other hand, compression packing cubes have something to offer. These bags actually zip up, and then shrink into a smaller, more compact shape.

A standard packing cube will make your suitcase pretty and help you stay organized as you pack, but a compression packing cube can minimize the size of your heftiest winter gear. From ski gloves to thermal socks, toss them into the compression bag, then watch them halve in size.

Hack #3: Pack less and clean more

If you will have access to a washer-dryer on your cold weather adventure, then let me save you tons of time, effort, and headaches. Pack less, wash more. This trick has saved me a few times when on vacation in Poland in winter.

By using my rental’s washer-dryer or relying on the hotel’s washing service, I’ve saved myself critical packing space in my suitcase. Not only that, but I could pack nicer pieces because I knew that I’d have access to washing services.

Hack #4: Rely on smaller items that are heat-smart

If you won’t have reliable access to washing services or your own washer-dryer, then I recommend you shop smarter before packing.

Dozens of brands specialize in heat-smart layers that keep you warm in frigid temperatures while also protecting you from sweat and dampness. For more rugged explorers, I highly suggest investing in this type of equipment.

Not only will it pave the way for a great vacation by keeping you comfortable, but these specialized items of clothing are usually thin and easy to pack. Think about Uniqlo’s famous heat-tech shirts. They’re affordable and functional, and they fold up into tiny shapes.

Hack #5: Use your coat as storage, if needed

If you’re on the cusp of overpacking your suitcase, I’ve got a tip: use the winter coat that you’re bringing onto the plane as extra storage. Usually, winter coats have all types of little pockets and zipped hideaways. Don’t let them go to waste!

If you’ll need gear like hand warmers, for example, use your coat’s storage space. The same for other small pieces like gloves, socks, and even hats.

Hack #6: Consider checking a bag

Here’s the rub: you might be locked in a losing battle with your carry-on if you’re traveling over winter.

One of the best decisions that I ever made was sharing a check-in suitcase with my partner during one of our trips to Scandinavia. Instead of overstuffing two carry-ons, we decided to split a check-in.

When it comes to winter gear, we can actually share a few items, like thermal socks and hats. By packing a check-in together, we could more easily see our total gear haul, and then split the difference where possible. The secret win here was being able to bring a carry-on bag full of souvenirs with us on the way back.

Hack #7: Don’t forget the little things: gloves, sunscreen, socks, hats

When we think about winter, we think big—big coats, big scarves, big boots. But don’t forget about all those smaller items as you work out how to pack the big stuff.

I’ve forgotten socks before, along with my favorite beanie. My all-time favorite winter packing tip is this: don’t ever forget about sunscreen. The glare of snow will burn your skin like it’s mid-summer.

What Are Wi-Fi Hotspots? 5 Examples of Travel Uses

Hotspots, eSIMs, and VPNs—it’s an increasingly complex world of travel-centric tech.

If you’re anything like me, it’s probably been an uphill battle figuring out which gadgets, apps, and products are actually worth your time and money.

Then, there’s the part about learning how they work.

Luckily for me, I live with a dusky user-experience designer who’s always willing to explain, and re-explain, the idea behind new tech releases, how to use them, and whether they’re worth the effort.

One of the latest topics I’ve harangued him about is hotspots.

Hotspots are mobile Wi-Fi devices, which let you connect from anywhere in the world. Sounds simple, right? In reality, hotspots run a huge gamut.

There’s Starlink, for example, a well-known hotspot that’s used by major brands from Subaru to Hawaiian Airlines. Then there’s the most basic form of a hotspot: an eSIM.

Let’s take it back to basics.

What are hotspots—and should they be on your radar if you’re a regular traveler?

Like I just outlined, hotspots are solutions that let you connect to the internet remotely.

Starlink beams internet service down from a satellite that orbits our planet; other solutions rely on local service providers and their magnificent towers.

For the average traveler, a standard eSIM will give you more than enough data to do what you want.

So, here’s the short answer: if you’re heading to a beachside resort, a historic European city, a bustling town in South America, or a similarly familiar vacation, you won’t need a hotspot.

You can use an eSIM to connect while you’re on the go, and then connect to Wi-Fi at your hotel or a restaurant. An eSIM will connect to the nearest service provider’s towers, letting you use more basic apps.

That being said, you might not always be a regular traveler heading off on a familiar vacation. In some cases, you might want to consider a more robust hotspot solution.

5 times you might need a wi-fi hotspot

Nine times out of ten, I don’t need a Wi-Fi hotspot for my travel needs—but when I do, it’s pretty critical to the success of my trip. These are the types of vacations when I’ve relied on a hotspot or actively wished I had one.

Road trips & RVing. If you want a reliable internet connection (I’m talking about video streaming and video calls) on a road trip, you need to have a hotspot solution. Even if you’re on a populated, busy route, you might run into pockets where service is absolutely dead.
Camping trips. The same idea with road trips, except you’ll most likely be camped out in an even more remote location. Most of the time, campers avoid hotspots because there’s no way to charge devices. However, I’ve seen more long-term campers (especially those who work remotely) use hotspots to stay on the clock while they travel the countryside.
Working on trips. If you need to get work done reliably anywhere, I’d recommend using a hotspot. While hotels and private rentals worldwide are aware that travelers want reliable, fast internet, they can’t always provide it. (Sometimes, they zhuzh up how strong their connections are, too.) If you need to get work done—from taking video calls to uploading large files—then don’t leave it up to chance. Bring a hotspot with you.
Even working on your phone. This category fits into the working section above, but I think it deserves its own section. Even if you only plan to work on a mobile device like a smartphone or a tablet while you’re on vacation, you might still need a hotspot to get the job done. I’m thinking specifically about content creators and influencers who need to edit and upload videos from mobile devices, but I’m sure there are more cases, too.
Open-ended adventures. Are you hitting the road with no return flight? Good for you, my friend! You’re ascending the ranks of the travel world—hopefully, with a hotspot in your bag. That little hotspot will give you the freedom to take on more remote and unexpected adventures, especially if you’re planning to travel the world as a digital nomad.

Looking for a great hotspot? Start here.

10 Great Free Museums in Washington DC

Though you’ll pay high rates for lodging and meals, there’s one thing you’ll get for free in DC (in spades).

Museums.

Though you can find world-class free museums and galleries around the country, Washington DC offers over a dozen to choose from. (If you’re okay paying for an entry ticket, you can also find a few of the US’s coolest and most obscure museums.)

Why are most major museums in DC free? Tax dollars and private donations.

Though some galleries and exhibitions inside free museums cost a small fee to enter, most museums in the city have been free since their conception. It’s tradition, in other words, to provide education and entertainment to visitors regardless of their economic status.

Though it looks like the Smithsonian Institution is in for some major changes, it’s likely to remain free to the public. If you’re heading to Washington DC, it’s a must-visit—but it’s far from the only one.

The next time you’re in the capital, pencil in time to visit these free museums in Washington DC.

10 best free museums in Washington DC

Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History in Washington DC

Washington DC is home to 19 Smithsonian Museums, which are collectively called the Smithsonian Institution. (A few museums are in other cities.)

In DC, you can explore 19 distinct museums and galleries that are near the National Mall. They run on a one-mile-long stretch, making it easy to bundle a visit to multiple museums.

These are the most notable Smithsonian Museums that I recommend visiting:

National Air & Space Museum
National Museum of American History
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Zoo (not a museum—but still cool)

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art takes you on a grand journey of Western pieces—all the way from the Middles Ages into the contemporary era. In fact, it’s the only place in the Americas to house a Leonardo Da Vinci painting. Aside from pieces that harken back to the Old Masters, you can also find modern hits like those from Mark Rothko and Kerry James Marshall.

Aside from its impressive collection, the National Gallery of Art also hosts numerous revolving exhibits. Personally, I would plan to see Dario Robleto’s Small Crafts for Sisyphean Seas. The exhibit includes large glass cases filled with dreamy, elegant, and mind-blowing sculptures.

But don’t forget to stop at the store on your way out. You can purchase custom prints along with other items perfect for art lovers, from sketchbooks to journals to totes with famous pieces on them.

US Botanic Garden

Living Arbor at the U.S. Botanical Garden in Washington, DC

Want to learn a pretty mind-blowing fact? The US Botanic Garden is overseen by Congress—which makes it a bipartisan success. (Refreshing, isn’t it?) As the oldest botanic garden in the US, curators have had almost two centuries to nail its layout and exhibits.

The result is a truly satisfying and intriguing botanical adventure. The museum is divided into different rooms that simulate habitats, from orchids to desert plants to jungle species to medicinal plants.

I like to think it’s fun for everyone—whether or not you usually stop to smell the flowers.

US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Founded in 1993, this museum has welcomed over 40 million visitors from all over the world—including foreign officials from over 200 countries. Whether or not you have an interest in dark tourism, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum also has exhibits exploring human dignity, democratic strength, and other socially relevant topics.

Personally, I like its more ineffable sectors, such as the Committee on Conscience, which is a think tank that takes place inside the museum with the goal of advising American institutions on the impact of genocide.

US Capitol Visitor Center

You can explore the US Capitol for free via tours, programs, and activities provided by the visitor center. But there’s also a separate exhibit in the visitor center that you might want to visit.

The exhibit includes Exhibition Hall. This small area lets you learn about how the Members of Congress work, how the capitol building has changed over the decades, and how a bill becomes law. It’s designed for kids, which I love—it makes learning about politics slightly less dry.

House of the Temple

I grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri where Free Mason Lodges are abundant. (My soccer team used to rent out a huge gym in a huge lodge.) Despite having plenty of exposure to the existence of Free Masons, I have little to no understanding of how the organization runs and why.

Is it a cult? Is it a religion? Is it just another boys’ club? All three?

I’ve been eager to visit the House of the Temple, a free museum that includes old Masonic artifacts, meeting rooms, and even libraries for years. I’m sure it would answer my questions, and then some.

Officially, this museum is called the ‘Home of The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Washington D.C., U.S.A.’ I think that paints a pretty good picture of the type of highly involved and complex structure of Freemasonry.

6 Best Boat Rentals in Myrtle Beach, SC for Summer

If you’re heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, then chances are you’re looking to get out on the water.

From jet skiing to parasailing to kayaking to new ventures like cable wakeboarding, there’s a watersport for every interest and level of athleticism. Whether you want a workout or just another way to enjoy your time on the beach, getting in the water is usually a pivotal component of any successful Myrtle Beach vacation.

Unfortunately, unless you know someone with a vessel or know of a local company, it’s not nearly as easy to get out on a boat.

At least, it hasn’t been in the past.

On TripAdvisor, you can find Myrtle Beach water adventures like watersports companies, pirate-themed cruises, river tours, and more. Many are themed, like the happy hour cruises, while others are geared toward fishing excursions.

But if you want a more direct way to get out on the water (and if you want more options in terms of the vessel you board) there’s a new booking platform that I want all water lovers to be aware of: GetMyBoat.

It works just like a traditional booking platform, letting you select dates, group size, and similar filters. From there, you’ll see a list of options—from pontoons to sailboats to catamarans to little twin-engine sea hunters.

A quick intro to GetMyBoat

GetMyBoat mostly offers chartered boat rentals, meaning you won’t actually be manning these vessels yourself. Rather than sign up with a boat rental company, you’re booking directly with the owner or owners. Then, they provide the captain and any other staff required for your charter.

(There is an option on GetMyBoat under the filters tab to select vessels that don’t come with a captain, so if you have your boating license, you can be the literal captain of your own adventure. Just make sure you have the right license for the vessel, and that you’re licensed in the right state.)

I’ve yet to see another platform offer the same—and definitely not with such hefty stamps of approval. When it comes to the best boat rentals in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find the creme of the crop on GetMyBoat.

For example, one of the rental options, Stingray Deck Boat (listed below), has a perfect five-star rating after 38 reviews, while another top pick, Myrtle Beach Party Boat, has a perfect five-star rating based on 14 reviews.

6 best boat rentals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

For adrenaline junkies: Jet Boat Ride

Max capacity: 21 persons
Type of vessel: Jet boat

This custom-built boat was made to go fast, so make sure you buckle up. This short tour takes only 45 minutes, but you’ll see some of the best sites around the Myrtle Beach area—at lightning speed, no less.

For partiers: Myrtle Beach Party Boat

Max capacity: 6 persons
Type of vessel: Pontoon

Small but mighty, this party pontoon is ready to take you out for a day on the water that you won’t forget. (And maybe not, depending on how much you have to drink.) With rave reviews and a friendly, accommodating captain, I’d say this is a solid pick even for crowds that don’t want to turn the volume up.

For people who like to go slow: Sailing Charters in Little River

Max capacity: 6 persons
Type of vessel: Sailboat (monohull)

Take this scenic (and private) sailing tour to explore the most stunning ocean views around Myrtle Beach. Because it’s a private tour, only your party will be onboard.

For romance: Sunset & Dolphin Tour

Max capacity: 6 persons
Type of vessel: Sailboat (monohull)

It’s easy sailing on this sunset and dolphin tour. You can bring food and drinks onboard before you set off into the sunset—literally. Along the way, the captain will showcase the most scenic spots around town, including dolphin hangouts.

For all types of adventures: Stingray Deck Boat

Max capacity: 6 persons
Type of vessel: Deck boat

Go on waterway tours, head to Bird Island, enjoy a pub crawl, or go fishing. The world is your oyster onboard the Stingray Deck Boat.

For big parties: Private Catamaran

Max capacity: 34 persons
Type of vessel: Power catamaran

From company outings to bachelor parties to spreading the ashes of loved ones (seriously, read the reviews), this private catamaran is ready to make your cruising dreams come true. This massive 42-foot vessel can hold up to 34 guests, making it perfect for any event that involves a small crowd.

Google Maps Offline: How to Get Around Anywhere—Even Without Service

We’ve all been there before: trapped with a map that won’t load and a dying phone battery.

If you’re in a busy city center, maps that won’t load are usually an inconvenience at best. But when you’re in a more remote area, and especially when you’re driving, it can be a nerve-wracking experience.

What happens if you can’t find your destination? If your phone doesn’t have service, can you still make an emergency call? And what the hell should you do if the sun goes down before you’ve found a solution?

That’s why I recommend using an eSIM. Just download an app, purchase a plan for your country, and have access to data when and where you need it most.

Still, an eSIM isn’t a cover-all. Even when you have all the data you could ever hope to use, and even public wi-fi to connect to, spotty coverage persists. Plus, searching for service is one of the fastest ways to drain your smartphone’s battery.

There’s another solution that can save the day: knowing how to use Google Maps’ offline feature. It lets you access a map regardless of whether or not you have cell service.

What is this new feature from Google Maps?

Google Maps is one of the world’s most popular map apps—and for good reason. The app comes with all those necessary features that you need for a great vacation, letting you share locations, drop pins, and leave reviews.

But it’s also got an offline feature for smartphones and tablets. The offline feature lets you download maps for certain areas, which you can access on your phone immediately—no coverage necessary. Not only does this allow you to explore any place without a live map, but it also lets you save on battery.

Just keep in mind that offline maps aren’t available in some cities and regions due to contractual limitations, language issues, address formats, and more.

Before you bank on being able to download an offline map, be sure to double-check that it’s allowed.

On top of that, I want to make this clear: you need a solid Wi-Fi connection or service to download the maps. They’re pretty comprehensive—so they’re a bit bulky and take a lot of bandwidth to download.

How can you use Google Maps offline?

To download an offline map, navigate to your destination, then hit the ‘more’ tab.

From there, you’ll see the option for ‘download offline map’.

Click that, then select ‘download’. After that, you can refine your map area using a zoom-in, zoom-out feature.

Again, it will take a bit of time for your map to download. I selected a large zone that includes Barcelona, plus L’Hospitalet and Badalona. It took a few minutes to finish downloading—so don’t try to do this when running out the door.

After you have completed the download, you can use your Google Maps app like normal. Whether or not you have service, you’ll be able to look through any downloaded sections. Or if you get turned around, click on your profile picture, then select ‘offline maps’.

It will have all of your offline maps saved in order of downloading. Each map is automatically saved to your Google account for a year.