3 Best eSIMs for International Travel: Airalo, Firsty, and Saily

International travel is more accessible than ever before, and much of that ease is ode to technology.

One of my favorite advances from the last decade are eSIMs.

These virtual SIM cards make it easy for Americans to extend their cellphone plans when traveling abroad. To use an eSIM, all you need to do is download an app from an eSIM provider, select the plan that works for you, and then make sure your eSIM is ready to activate when you arrive at your destination.

Sounds like an easy setup, right? In reality, getting the hang of different eSIM providers and options takes a bit of time. I’ve used Airalo for over a year with great success, but other names are constantly popping up on the market.

If you’re new to eSIMs, start here. I’m breaking down three of the best eSIMs for 2025, along with what makes them unique. Here’s your guide to Airalo, Firsty, and Saily.

Best eSIMs for international travel: at a glance

Airalo: Easiest setup
Firsty: Best free plan
Saily: Most secure option

Airalo: Easiest setup

I use Airalo because it’s really easy to set up and has been used by over 10 million travelers around the world. That’s an insane number that showcases just how straightforward the platform is.

Plus, Airalo is the very first eSIM, which means they’ve got plenty of experience in fine-tuning their app. For me, the positive experience using Airalo boils down to how the app lets you shop for data plans, which is by selecting your destination country.

Just click on the country, then you’ll see a handful of plans. Each plan comes with a country of coverage, data limit, validity period, and price. Just click on the plan that suits you, then you can read through the details.

As a cherry on top, Airalo is also very affordable.

Firsty: Best free plan

Firsty stands out thanks to its free plan. (Airalo also has one, but it isn’t quite as attractive.) Their basic free connection still lets you send Apple and WhatsApp messages, along with emails.

Considering that’s about all I need when traveling, Firsty is a great go-to for budget travelers. But there’s another appeal with Firsty: it’s border-crossing capabilities.

Using a single eSIM plan, you can cross borders without switching to another provider. And even their paid eSIM plan is as cheap as €1 per day (around $1.10).

Saily: Most secure option

Saily comes from Nord VPN, a virtual private network provider. That means you get one huge benefit when you use Saily: peace of mind.

Saily has boosted security features that let you browse worldwide securely. You automatically join the network that includes over 80 options for joining a secure network—which also lets you do things like access Netflix from your home country.

Similar to Airalo, you use Saily by first selecting your destination. That makes Saily both easy to use for first-timers and secure for those who don’t know about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi.

As an added bonus, Saily also protects you from intrusive ads and trackers.

Lone Star Shortlist: 5 Reasons to Visit Houston

From the outside looking in, Houston is just another massive city, albeit with Lone Star inclinations.

But there’s a lot brewing beneath the surface in Houston.

Surprises abound, from daring new culinary ventures to memorable specialty museums. There’s a pleasant surprise in store for travelers of all ages, too. In terms of infrastructure, things to do, and accessibility, Houston has everything a traveler could want.

Despite how well-rounded the city is, it doesn’t often pop up on domestic travel radars.

With no beaches, iconic national parks, or famous skylines in reach, it’s often brushed under the rug with other land-locked metropolises like Chicago and Boulder.

Though not nearly as sexy as a coastal town like Miami or as trendy as a new destination like Nashville, Houston is one of the most reachable, affordable, and re-visitable places in the United States.

Here’s why you should visit Houston – or at least keep it on your short list.

5 reasons to visit Houston

Reason #1: Its list of free attractions and museums is long

Houston Arboretum (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Like other major cities, Houston is home to a handful of organizations that work hard to make public artworks and museums accessible to the general public. For travelers, that means you’ll have plenty to do without overspending.

The city is home to a whopping 38 specialty museums, which let you explore the unexpected in more than a few ways.

While you probably know about museums like Space Center Houston and The Houston Museum of Natural Science, there are dozens of other options. My favorites are listed below—they’ll keep you busy for more than a few lazy afternoons.

Coolest museums and free attractions in Houston:

Reason #2: Houston’s culinary scene is one of the best in the country

The Burger Joint (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Houston is a cultural melting pot where close to 150 languages are spoken. Fans of culture know that means one thing: you’ll eat well in Houston. In fact, you might actively struggle to narrow down which eateries to stop at during your trip.

Not only can you find James Beard-caliber chefs in town, but many offer drool-worthy fusion foods. Or, if you want to keep things more casual, you won’t be disappointed by local favorites like The Burger Joint (pictured above).

Here’s where I’d stuff my face in Houston:

Reason #3: Its boutique hotel scene is worth splurging over

I’m a huge fan of boutique hotels for two reasons. First, they’re not always pricier than chains—even though they offer a more specialized and tasteful setup. Second, they add even more immersion and intrigue to any trip, letting you settle into a space and feel cozy with a detail-oriented approach.

Though you can absolutely find budget hotels and hostels, I vote you upgrade in Houston. The three options listed below are worth every penny.

My top picks for boutique hotels:

Hotel ZaZa (best location)
The Lancaster (most historic)
Hotel Granduca (most upscale)

Reason #4: When you visit Houston, country fun isn’t far away

ATV Rentals in Houston (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Whether or not you actually leave the city limits, Houston’s more country tendencies are at your fingertips. The Arboretum & Nature Center (pictured in the first section) is one option, along with the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the city’s free Port Houston boat tour.

But don’t forget about other more hardboiled adventures, from ATV rentals to golf cart tours. If you’re looking for a little country fun, start with the options below. Some are day trips, while others can be packaged into an afternoon in the city.

Get buck wild here:

Reason #5: Big events turn the city into a block party

What’s better than a citywide celebration? Given Houston’s size and diversity, it’s no surprise that the city hosts larger-than-life gatherings at least once a month, from Chinese New Year to Fourth of July celebrations to massive rodeo events.

I recommend taking a look at the latest events on the calendar and booking a trip that overlaps with an event that piques your interest. (I’d probably head to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show.)

6 Best Airports for Day Trips in the US (Plus, Where to Go)

Nobody likes a long layover.

Even if you know the tricks of organizing a comfortable layover, and even if you’ve booked your long layover at an airport with top-tier terminals, there are certain stretches of time that seem to drag on and on and on.

If you have a layover longer than seven hours at a major airport, you might want to consider jumping ship—at least until it’s time to check (back) in for your next flight.

The big question is… which airports are close enough to major landmarks and attractions to justify exiting security?

If you’re planning on saving big on plane tickets by opting for a hefty layover, then do so at one of the airports listed below. They’re close to major attractions, and they’re (usually) not difficult or pricey to get to.

Ready to book a layover over seven hours and be happy about it? Stick to the best airports for day trips in the US.

Best airports for day trips in the US (plus, where to go)

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP): Mall of America
Las Vegas (LAS): the Strip
Los Angeles (LAX): Santa Monica Beach
New York City (JFK): Lower East Side
Miami (MIA): South Beach
Orlando (MCO): Universal, Disney World, and more

Best airports for day trips in the US

Minneapolis-St. Paul: Mall of America

A general view of the Nickelodeon Universe theme park at the Mall of America (Getty)

Though it might not seem like a likely candidate, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport can take you straight to the country’s largest and most well-known mall: Mall of America.

Every 7.5 minutes, a lite rail leaves the airport, which includes a stop at the Mall of America.

In only 12 minutes, you’ll find yourself in one of the US’s grandest and most iconic destinations. Whether or not you want to shop, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs before a long flight.

Las Vegas: The Strip

View of the New York New York hotel and casino (Getty)

Las Vegas International Airport is located close to the Strip—in fact, this airport is one of the closest to its urban center in the US.

Though there’s no public transportation option to get into town, it’ll only cost you around $20 to get a taxi or ride share onto the Strip. From there, a world of unforetold entertainment awaits.

Los Angeles: Santa Monica Pier

Portrait of a mixed race family of Californians enjoying a day on the beach.

Similar to Las Vegas, you might be shocked at how little time it’ll take you to get from LAX to hotspots like the Santa Monica Pier.

If you want to save money, you can spend less than $15 to take the Line 3 bus from the airport to the Pier, which takes about an hour.

If you’re okay with spending a bit more, you can get there in 20 minutes with a taxi that costs around $45-50. Best of all, Santa Monica is a hub for train lines, so you can easily take off to explore other parts of the city if you have time.

New York City (JFK): Lower East Side

The A Train runs straight to JFK—and it’ll take you anywhere you want to go in the city. If you grab an Express Train, you’ll be in downtown Brooklyn in 20 minutes.

Or you can ride it straight into Manhattan. I’d suggest taking the A Train to Fulton Street, then transferring to the F Train and taking it to East Broadway.

You’ll climb the stairs into one of the most iconic, busy, and explorable NYC neighborhoods. (I vote you head to Tompkins Square Park, then have a drink at a dive bar like Welcome to the Johnson’s.)

Miami: South Beach

I know, I know—it might sound weird to go from an airport to a beach and then back again. However, South Beach is within reach, and who doesn’t want to spend the day soaking up the sunshine?

So long as you have a swimsuit in your carry-on, you can swap your boring airport wait for a beach day. You can reach Miami Beach from the airport in 50 minutes via the Express Bus (Route 150), which costs less than $3, or pay a private taxi around $35 to get there in 20 minutes.

Orlando: Universal, Disney World, and more

A food court in the ‘Toon Lagoon at Universal Studios Orlando (Getty)

Let me be clear: I don’t recommend visiting Disney World or Universal Studios during a long layover in Orlando, though it’s technically possible thanks to their non-stop shuttles.

In my opinion, what makes Orlando one of the best airports for day trips is its range of alternative options, from SeaWorld to Fun Spot Orlando to LEGOLAND.

If it’s off-season and you can afford to pay for skip-the-line tickets at Disney World or Universal, go for it. However, I think SeaWorld might be your best bet given the shows are scheduled by the hour and you don’t need to wait in long lines if you already have a ticket.

3 Reasons I’ll Never Go Back to Regular Luggage: Carl Friedrik Carry-On Review

I’m in the middle of a suitcase revolution.

For years, I’ve faithfully stuck to my Muji carry-on. It’s slightly smaller than other models, so it fits in just about every overhead cabin. It’s also deceptively smooth and reliable despite its budget-friendly price tag.

I usually recommend travelers stick to a carry-on over a checked suitcase for reasons like ease of transportation, saving on checked luggage fees, and avoiding the risk of lost luggage.

Still, there are plenty of reasons that you might want a reliable check-in.

If you plan on doing a lot of shopping on vacation, you might want all the spare room you can get. If you’re traveling during winter, it might not be possible to pack all the necessary layers in a carry-on. The same if you have kids with you.

Regardless of why you’re flirting with buying a piece of check-in luggage, I have one piece of advice: it’s worth it to splurge.

Just like I’ve started paying more to fly with legacy airlines over budget competitors, I’ve seen the light when it comes to luxury luggage—and I won’t go back. Here’s why I’m avoiding cheap check-in luggage from here on out thanks to my shiny new Carl Friedrik carry-on suitcase.

[Carl Friedrik provided me with The Check-In in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

About me, about luxury luggage, about the metrics

Let’s discuss price points first.

When I say luxury luggage, I’m talking about check-in pieces from established, well-respected brands that cost over $500 per piece. While that probably seems exorbitant, many budget luggage brands hit the $300-400 and might go up to $1,000; by contrast, high-fashion brands like Louis Vuitton list their check-ins at $3,500.

So, though I’m discussing high-quality and luxury luggage, the price points are justified.

Specifically, I’m comparing my experience traveling between Barcelona, Spain, and St. Louis, USA with two pieces of checked luggage: Samsonite’s Framelock Max Large Spinner ($237) and Carl Friedrik’s The Check-In ($646).

The Samsonite piece was my own, while The Check-In from Carl Friedrik was gifted in exchange for an honest review. To be blunt, I was a little worried that I’d accept the offer and then be forced to write a subpar review. Instead, the Carl Friedrik suitcase made me feel things. (Good things.)

The experience made me wonder… why haven’t I splurged on luggage sooner?

3 reasons I’m sticking with luxury luggage

Reason #1: The handling experience was smooth—but also rugged-ready

From the outside looking in, the Samsonite and Carl Friedrik products don’t look too different. Samsonite is a trusted luggage brand that’s been around for a century—they know what they’re doing, and I love how accessible Samsonite pieces are.

Samsonite suitcases expand to let you stuff them to the brim, they’re hardy enough to handle a few hits, and they’re usually on sale at an outlet store.

They’re also made from quality materials… but not necessarily high-end materials. By contrast, luxury luggage from Carl Friedrik is made with textiles like vegan leather, aluminum, and German-engineered polycarbonate. Plus, state-of-the-art wheels.

The silent wheel spinners were a surprise hit in that they were actually silent. I’m not joking—I live in the center of Barcelona’s old city with cobbled streets dating back decades.

When heading home from my cab, I was worried that the weight of my Carl Friedrik suitcase would harm the suitcase or compromise those wheels.

Not only did the wheels manage to survive, but they were almost silent even on an ancient cobblestone street. That’s elevated handling at its finest, and its thanks to those high-quality materials.

By contrast, my Samsonite suitcase also made it… but woke up my neighbors on the way.

Reason #2: The Carl Friedrik suitcase keeps everything nice and tight

Let’s move on to the experience of packing. My Samsonite suitcase had standard zipped compartments with a few spare pockets. By contrast, my Carl Friedrik piece had one zipped side and a removable panel to cover the other side.

Neither setup left an overly strong impression on me. (I like to think I’m a very savvy packer.)

Once again, however, I wondered how my Carl Friedrik piece would fare without those expandable side seems. Samsonite’s luggage has a two-inch grace limit so you can stuff your suitcase to the brim after a long vacation—but the Carl Friedrik Check-In doesn’t.

In reality, the packing experience was a lot better without the clumsy two-inch expandable seems. Not only did it make handling the suitcase much easier, but this was the point that I started to realize just how secure the Carl Friedrik Check-In is.

With two TSA-approved locks connecting the bag, there was no awkward seem, just a perfectly zipped check-in suitcase that could manage its weight well.

And let me tell you, both the Samsonite and Carl Friedrik suitcases were stuffed to the brim.

Thanks to its high-end construction, the contents in my Carl Friedrik piece barely moved throughout the journey.

Though my Samsonite bag kept my belongings safe and secure, the suitcase felt ‘loose’, if that makes sense.

Reason #3: The difference in price is proportionate to the difference in experience

After reviewing my experience with these suitcases, I felt surprised that the Carl Friedrik Check-In isn’t more expensive.

On top of its expert handling and high-quality materials, I was happy that the suitcase felt and looked nice without overtly advertising its price—in my head, that minimizes the chances that someone will steal it.

My one critique is that the Carl Friedrik Check-In did get a little dinged on the multi-leg journey across the Atlantic. However, the small black mark doesn’t bother me—and I also went with the lightest color option available. If you’re worried about small dings, go for a darker color; I doubt you’ll notice it.

Here’s my conclusion on luxury luggage thanks to my experience with the Carl Friedrik Check-In: if you’re an avid traveler who struggles to get your current check-in suitcase from the parking lot to the check-in counter, then start saving for your next purchase.

By spending only a few hundred more dollars, you’ll have a bona fide ride-or-die suitcase at your side—one that probably comes with an attractive guarantee. (And make sure to check out the Carl Friedrik Check-In when you do!)

The 7 Coolest Canyons in Utah

How many canyons can you name?

Off the top of my head, I know a few of the US’s most famous rock formations: the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. And I more or less know where to find them; our greatest canyons dot states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

But if we’re taking a closer look at the coolest canyons the US has to offer (instead of the largest), then we might need to wander a bit farther off the trail map—and straight into the wild frontiers of Utah.

From gulches to falls to slot canyons, the state is home to dozens of lesser-known gems that only experienced outdoorists would know. If you’ve got a thing for red rocks, deserts, and millennia-old rock formations, Utah is your new mecca.

Don’t miss out on its most memorable, stunning canyons.

7 of the coolest canyons in Utah

Buckskin Gulch

Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness near Kanab, Utah

Red Cliff Walls of Bucksin Gulch in southern Utah (Getty)

Welcome to one of the deepest slot canyons in the United States: Buckskin Gulch. This unique and narrow formation is usually accessed via wire slot canyon—which is narrow enough that permits to enter are capped at 20 per day with groups maxing out at 10.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

Near Goblin Valley, Utah

Sandstone walls of Little Wild Horse Canyon (Getty)

Similar to Buckskin Gulch, this narrow, deep slot canyon requires you to walk sideways to pass through some spots. But the Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon hike will also take you to Bell Canyon, showcasing other unique formations in the area. At only eight miles, it’s a solid starter hike for travelers.

Kanarra Falls

Kanarraville, Utah

Unlike other canyons listed here, you need to pay to experience the wonders of Kanarra Falls—this is private land. That being said, it’s worth the $15 entry fee.

You can explore the stunning slot canyons, which include waterfalls and ladder climbs, then loop back out through the gallery. Though private, the land is well-maintained; there is a permit system in place to prevent overcrowding.

Zebra Slot Canyon

Near Escalante, Utah

Named after its iconic striped sediment layers, Zebra Slot Canyon is a hugely popular destination for state hikers.

Plan on running into other hikers as you navigate this lovely slot canyon, which has a looped trial that only takes around two hours to complete. (You can bundle a visit to Zebra Slot Canyon with Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch, below.)

Peek-a-Boo Gulch & Spooky Gulch

Near Escalante, Utah

Peekaboo Gulch in Escalante National Monument (Getty)

It’s a two-for-one deal in the Dry Fork area outside Escalante, letting you explore two of Utah’s coolest gulches in a single-loop hike. (The loop hike takes around three to four hours.)

Peek-a-Boo is a corkscrew and slot canyon composed of gorgeous red rock. Spooky Gulch, on the other hand, is named for its incredibly narrow slot canyon—one that you might need to suck in your gut to squeeze through.

Red Hollow Slot Canyon

Near Orderville, Utah

If you’re heading to Zion National Park, don’t forget to set aside time to explore Red Hollow Slot Canyon. This formation is known for its red-and-white walls. Uniquely, you might even see green grass growing between the trees, depending on the season. Unlike some other slot canyons, Red Hollow is beginner-friendly.

Zero Gravity Slot Canyon

Inside the San Rafael Swell, Utah

Near Goblin Valley State Park in San Rafael Swell (Getty)

Last but not least, Zero Gravity Slot Canyon is one of the coolest but most difficult canyons to navigate in the state. In fact, it’s often labeled a ‘technical’ canyon, meaning you need to know a few things about canyoneering.

Unlike others on this list, Zero Gravity Slot Canyon has pockets of water dotted the formations. Experienced hikers only!

5 Top Restaurants in South Carolina from Chef Ambassadors

South Carolina hits just about every marker of a great vacation destination.

There are beaches galore and charming coastal towns ready to host you. There are national parks and wildlife refuges in the mountains and near the ocean. Plus, there are cities to explore and quaint towns to disappear in at your leisure.

Even during winter, there’s plenty to do.

But let’s not forget about South Carolina’s culinary prowess.

This state’s unique position means local dishes carry traces of New England traditions, southern tastes, and even Appalachian practices. There’s even a bona fide barbecue tradition that you won’t find in other states.

The big question is—which restaurants shouldn’t you miss on your next trip to South Carolina?

This year, I’m leaning on the recommendations from the top state authority: Discover South Carolina. They’ve named three South Carolina chef ambassadors for 2025, and these are their restaurants.

First, meet the minds behind the top restaurants in South Carolina

Discover South Carolina selected Chef Shuai Wang, Chef Darren Smith, and Chef Jeanne Koenigsberg as its official culinary ambassadors.

Born in Beijing, Wang immigrated to New York City at age 9—and went on to flunk out of high school before finding his calling as a cook. After reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, Wang began dreaming of his own culinary adventures—ones that blend his cultural roots with his American identity and eventually landed him a place on Top Chef Season 22.

Smith, by contrast, got his start opening a bistro with his wife in the mid-1990s. Smith’s current focus on locally sourced ingredients began when his landlord, a local farmer, agreed to bring his produce for Smith to prepare. Over 30 years later, Smith remains dedicated to sourcing the best South Carolina has to offer for his dishes.

Koenigsberg always knew she wanted to be a chef. When she nailed a job as a dishwasher at her dream restaurant, she quickly stepped up to line cook—and never looked back. Today, Koenigsberg blends her love of cooking with her focus on building community and showcasing South Carolina’s rich agricultural history.

Top 5 restaurants in South Carolina in 2025

Jackrabbit Filly (Wang)

North Charleston, SC

This edgy family-style restaurant serves up ‘heritage-driven Chinese’, which means you can expect flavor profiles common to areas like Beijing—all the way in Charleston. But that doesn’t mean it’s only traditional Chinese on the menu at Jackrabbit Filly.

Along with American favorites like krab rangoon (served in a cheese ball style), there are also unique fusions like spicy Korean pierogis and house-made scallion pancakes. Think of it like an elevated, imaginative take on Chinese-American food—one that leans more into its Eastern influences.

King BBQ (Wang)

North Charleston, SC

Named one of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants in 2024, King BBQ also serves up a perfectly balanced blend of US barbecue tastes and Chinese barbecue flavors.

You can order dishes like smoked sausage, crispy roast pork belly, and chopped smoked pork a la carte. Or you can dive into its most celebrated fusions, like BBQ noodle soup, BBQ meats on noodles, and BBQ meats on rice. Simple and delicious.

Rivertown Bistro (Smith)

Conway, SC

This classic American bistro offers a contemporary twist on beloved dishes—and that twist is all about hyper-fresh ingredients. Though the menu isn’t necessarily imaginative, it doesn’t need to be at Rivertown Bistro. Smith has nailed his approach to every single dish available, from ingredients to cooking, and you’ll taste the perfectionism in each bite.

Bonfire Taqueria (Smith)

Conway, SC

You might see this establishment listed as Bonfire, a Smokin’ Taqueria—which should clue you into one of the most important ingredients: smoke.

Meats are slow-cooked and often infused with smoky flavors, which makes each bite a complex and iconic combination of South Carolina ingredients. You can also find classic Mexican dishes like burritos and chimichangas, along with more imaginative dishes like Jamaican quinoa.

Swamp Rabbit Café (Koenigsberg)

Greenville, SC

Part grocery store and part café, Swamp Rabbit Cafe is all about bringing locals together—and feeding them, of course. Along with local products and produce, you can also order small items from the bakery and coffee from the bar.

However, the focus is also on wholesale food and meat, so don’t be afraid to bring your shopping bag with you at Swamp Rabbit Café.