If it seems like you and everyone you know have been getting sick after vacations or business trips, you’re not imagining things. And we’re not just talking about COVID-19. There has been a recent uptick in colds, flus, respiratory syncytial virus, and the norovirus.

While isolation and social distancing were necessary to stay safe from COVID-19, there was an unexpected downside—it kept our immune systems from discovering other harmful organisms and learning how to fight them off. So it’s a Catch-22: exposure to germs and viruses might lead to illness, but that same exposure can help build immunity.

“Coming in contact with new organisms from different environments diversifies the immune system’s registry, thereby expanding its range of efficacy,” says Christine Kingsley, an advanced practice registered nurse and the health and wellness director of the , an online resource for health news and information. When we aren’t exposed to new organisms, Kingsley adds, “the body may develop a hypersensitive immune reaction to unfamiliar germs and viruses, making it easily overwhelmed in new settings and under varying circumstances.”

The first time șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű editor Mary Turner flew after the pandemic, she got the stomach flu. “I felt like my immune system was starting from scratch after being hunkered down for so long and that I was susceptible to every germ out there,” she says.

Flu and cold activity, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dubbed “” in 2020 and 2021, came roaring back in 2022, when people started traveling again. Which makes sense, because we’re around more people and more germs. “We are seeing more cases of respiratory illness and greater number of flu cases than we have in the previous three years,” says , a board-certified internal medicine, infectious diseases, and preventive medicine physician in Orlando. “There is good evidence that we are going to see a pretty severe respiratory season.”

The stomach bug is raging these days, too. According to CDC data, there were 225 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S. between August 1, 2022 and January 8, 2023, a 30 percent increase in cases compared to the same period the previous year.

Journalist Jill Schildhouse travels at least once a month and hadn’t been sick in years—until this past September, when she caught a nasty cold that turned into a bilateral pneumonia. “I was doing outdoorsy activities in Alaska, but I got sick in the middle of the trip and ended up with three rounds of antibiotics, four-times-a-day albuterol nebulizer breathing treatments, and weekly chest X-rays,” she says. “My primary care physician almost hospitalized me. I was sick for over a month.”

Carrie Smith, a home health care aid and national parks enthusiast, was en route from Los Angeles to Atlanta to visit family when she got sick. “On the plane ride there, I felt congested and my ear got very clogged and painful,” she says. Over the next few days, she got progressively worse and ended up with a sinus infection. “Before the pandemic, I never used to get sick when I traveled.”

While travel increases the likelihood that you might get sick, health professionals like Kingsley see traveling as an undervalued immunity-boosting trick. “Exposure to new surroundings during travel strengthens immunity as unknown variables trainÌęthe body to push harder and resist better against sickness-causing germsÌęand viruses,” she says.

We all have individual health concerns to consider when traveling. Before you head out on your next adventure, here are some steps to take to minimize your risk of getting sick.

Choose a window seat on planes.

funded by Boeing, researchers found that passengers were more likely to catch a virus while located in an area with increased interaction, like an aisle seat or when getting up to go to the bathroom. The scientists observed that people who sat by the window got up from their seat the least, limiting exposure to germs.

Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose.

You’d be surprised how many times a day a person touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, prime entry points for germs. Some studies says it’s as often as 23 times an hour. Be conscious of this when going through airports and using public restrooms, and avoid rubbing your mouth, eyes, or nose until you know your hands are clean.

Take care of your body.

Your immune system improves with a balanced diet, plenty of hydration, and restful sleep. “These provide the body with the nutrients and energy necessary for stimulating immune cellÌęactivity and keeping the bodily systems and organs functioning properly,” says Kingsley.Ìę

Get vaccinated.

A record number of people got flu shots in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in unusually low flu rates. In contrast, a recent found that only 49 percent of U.S. adults planned on getting their flu shot in 2022. That vaccine fatigue has also extended to COVID-19 booster shots. To date, only 5.3 percent of the eligible U.S. population have gotten the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. COVID-19 variants are different around the world. “If you travel to different places, there might be different strains,” Hsu cautions. “That could put a person at greater risk of becoming ill.”

Wear a mask in crowded areas.

“These days, masks are optional, but you can reduce your risk by wearing one,” says Hsu. For maximum protection, opt for N99 or N95, which has a 90.5 percent and 54.1 percent filtration efficiency respectively. In contrast, found that penetration rate for cloth masks was 97 percent, more than double the 44 percent penetration rate for medical masks.

Clean surfaces with a sanitizing wipe.

While it’s now been established that the risk of contracting Covid-19 from touching something is very low, the influenza A and B viruses have been known on nonporous surfaces. So, bring a packet of alcohol wipes to clean things like your seat’s tray table and hotel remote control before using.Ìę

Don’t get lazy.

We all have pandemic malaise—we understand. But if keeping hand sanitizer readily available, wearing a mask in airports and on planes, and avoiding overly crowded places is the small price we have to pay to stay well while traveling, we’re all for it. Plus, very few of us want to get sick on our dream trip or have to isolate somewhere far away from home for five days if we pick up COVID-19 while traveling.

Find a travel clinic at your destination.

This is key information to have when the going gets rough. “Travel clinic doctors or travel clinic specialists are available throughout the world,” says Hsu. “If you’re going to a different country, you should research the type of clinics available ahead of time, so you don’t get caught off-guard.”

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Whenever I go on a long road trip, whether that’s traversing expansive roads in the Southwest or snowy thoroughfares in New England, I always stop by a Chinese restaurant. This could be a humble Taos strip mall eatery or a simple-but-elegant mom-and-pop spot in Bar Harbor, Maine—always, I’m greeted by familiar aromas of garlic and ginger and warm chatter between the waitstaff in Cantonese or Mandarin. I’m at home as I dig into Mongolian beef slicked with soy glaze or a silky egg drop soup. In the U.S., than McDonald’s and Starbucks combined. Their ubiquity is a testament to immigrant families’ resilience and documents the evolution of a thoroughly American cuisine.

The new cookbook The Woks of LifeÌęoffers a glimpse into one such Chinese American family: Bill, Judy, Sarah, and Kaitlin Leung. Bill was born in Liberty, New York, while Judy lived in Hubei and Shanghai before immigrating to Monticello, New York, in 1983. “For both Bill and me, food was a life raft that connected our families to where they came from,” Judy writes in the book. A love letter to the experiences of the Chinese diaspora, The Woks of Life features 100 recipes inspired by food from the Leungs’ travels to Taiwan and China, as well as dishes from their home and family’s restaurant.

Bill learned to cook from his parents, while Judy brought the tastes of her hometowns to her new American home—together, they imparted their food heritage and epicurean wanderlust to their daughters, Sarah and Kaitlin, who are 32 and 30 years old. “Our family cares a lot about food,” Sarah writes. “Like, a weird amount.” When the then-college-bound Leung sisters started to make their favorite home-cooked meals, they struggled to understand their parents’ vague “a little of this, a little of that” instructions, often communicated over long-distance phone calls. That’s when Sarah and Kaitlin started documenting their family recipes, launching in 2013. It quickly acquired a loyal fanbase; was awarded Best Special Interest Blog in 2015 by Saveur; and was featured on PBS, NPR, and in șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű magazine.

Part family memoir, part cookbook, The Woks of Life expands on the website, inviting readers into the Leungs’ kitchens and recounting treasured memories, like Billy and Judy’s early dating years and family camping trips. Each member—and their culinary talents—is represented equally: Judy recreates the Scallion Pancakes of her childhood, Bill shares his family’s restaurant’s signature Garlic Fried Chicken Wings, Kaitlin details her Shortcut Dan Dan Noodles, and Sarah reinvents the Chinese Bakery Cream and Fruit Cake, a staple at every Chinese kid’s birthday party. Each dish receives meticulous instructions—including a step-by-step photo guide on making Cantonese Roast Duck—with QR codes sprinkled throughout that direct readers to their blog for more in-depth techniques.

While some dishes, such as Bill’s Mother’s Cantonese Zongzi (glutenous rice dumplings), can be complicated and require a few rounds of practice, the labor is so worth it. Most recipes are easy to replicate, though, making for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a bowl of white rice, like the Liangban Pressed Tofu with aromatic sesame oil and Three-Cup Chicken with dark and light soy sauce. “Chinese cooking seems intimidating and complex, but once you know the ingredients to stock in your pantry, as well as a few tricks, you’ll be totally surprised at what flavors you can pull off in your own kitchen,” Sarah says. And what a delicious surprise it is: like my passing visits to American Chinese restaurants, The Woks of Life led me on a culinary road trip from New Jersey to New York, all the way to Taiwan, Shanghai, Xinjiang, Hubei, and Hong Kong.

Beyond the kitchen, the Leungs love exploring nature and cooking outdoors. Their Hong Kong-Style Crispy Rice Skillet is designed for the stovetop but can also be made over a campfire. You can find the recipe here.

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Dotted with luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and pristine beaches, Maui draws nearly three million visitors each year—despite being the most expensive of all the Hawaiian islands. The average daily rates of hotels in Maui are more than $500, while in the upscale resort town of Wailea, rooms are even pricier. In addition to accommodations, transportation costs can also add up since you’ll need to rent a car to navigate the 728-square-mile island—that since the pandemic. Throw in food and activities, and a week in Hawaii costs around $5,000 on average. Thankfully, access to Maui’s most treasured gems—from its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to its cascading waterfalls and rainforests—are free. So it’s entirely possible to go on a budget vacation to Maui if you know where to look and are willing to rough it a little. Here is our guide to spending a week (including travel days) in Maui for under $2,000.

Airfare: Book Your Trip During the Winter

The amount you spend on airfare obviously depends on what time of year you book your flights for, where you are flying from, and how far in advance you buy them. Winter is one of the most affordable and least crowded times to visit, with average temperatures still in the 70s (and lows rarely dipping below the 60s). Right now, a round trip flight from O’Hare International Airport to Kahului Airport on Maui in December or January is somewhere around $500, according to Google Flights.

Estimated budget for airfare: $500

Transportation: Rent a Camper Van

The best way to save on lodging and transportation is to combine both by renting a campervan. rents out Jeeps equipped with four-person Tepui tents, pillows, sheets, comforters, a five-gallon solar shower, a couple of beach towels and chairs, dinnerware, a propane two-burner stove, coolers, and toiletries for $179 per day. also offers a selection of two-person campervans and roof-top tent setups, stocked with camping items like coolers, linens, pillows, and lanterns, starting at $139.

Estimated budget for six-day camper van rental: $900

Lodging: Find a Campsite

In Hawaii, it’s illegal to sleep in cars in public areas that are not permitted for camping, so you’ll need to do your due diligence before the trip. On the west side of the island, in Hana allows campervans with a $30-per-night permit. Non-resident visitors will have to first make an entrance ($5 per person) and parking ($10) , which can be done 30 days in advance. Over on the east side of the island, is a 700-acre private campsite in Lahaina with four options: tent camping, car camping, “tentalows” (tent bungalows), and cabins. Car camping amenities include bathrooms, hot water showers, WiFi, charging stations, fire pits, and barbecue grills. Rates for campervans are $26 plus tax per night. In 2022, guests who volunteer with the conservation group to plant native plants, remove invasive species, or help restore a taro patch, can receive 10 percent off at Camp Olowalu.

If you prefer something a bit more adventurous, check out the on the slopes of the famed Haleakala volcano. There’s a communal picnic table and grill, as well as a water station and vault toilets, but no showers or electrical outlets. The campground sits at just below 7,000 feet, so it gets chilly—between 32 degrees and 65 degrees. Campers with reservations also get a slot to view the spectacular sunrise from the summit. The entrance fee for Haleakala National Park is $30 (and is valid for three days), and it costs $5 per night to camp.

Estimated budget for five nights at a campsite: $180

Activities: Explore the Ocean and the Forest

Maui has dozens of jaw-dropping waterfalls, lush forests full of challenging hiking trails, and the most miles of swimmable beaches in Hawaii. The go-to surfing and windsurfing spot is Hookipa Beach, near the historic town on Paia. The beach is also a resting spot for sea turtles and the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Another popular surf break is Lahaina Breakwall, on the southside of Lahaina Harbor. The gentle waves are perfect for beginners and longboarders, while larger summer south swells and winter north swells appeal to more advanced surfers. Rentals for surfboards range from $20 to $35 per day, while stand-up paddle boards are around $30 to $40. Note: Hawaiian Airlines charges $100 each way to check in a surfboard, while United Airlines charges between $100 and $200, depending on the weight of your board. So, depending on how long you’re staying and how many days you want to surf, it might be cheaper to rent on the island.

It’s tempting to want to spend your entire time in Maui by the beach, but you’ll be missing out on some of the most amazing hiking trails in Hawaii. features more than 30 miles of trails that meander through native shrubland, mystical bamboo forests, cloud-shrouded summits, and stark volcanic landscapes. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle or $15 per pedestrian and is valid for three days.

West Maui Forest Reserve’s is one of the most popular hikes in Maui—the four-mile round trip trek gains more than 1,500 feet of elevation. Hikers are rewarded with views of the ocean, the deep green valleys, and a 270-foot in the Makamakaole Falls. Entrance and parking are free.

Estimated activity budget: $100

Food: Eat Out for Cheap

There is plenty of affordable ono grindz (delicious food) in Maui. If you’re in south Maui, try the refreshing salads, hearty grain bowls, and sandwiches at in Kihei and Kahului (near the airport), where prices range from $10.25 to $15.25. Also in Kihei, the family owned offers a daily plate lunch special for only $12.95, while its filling flatbread with toppings, ranging from kalua pork to garlic and mushroom, are priced at $11.95 to $14.95. is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a small menu of sandwiches with fresh-baked bread, farm-fresh salads, and sweet and savory pies. Pick up a chicken pot pie for $10 from the restaurant and some fresh fruit from the farm stand next door, then head to the nearby Olowalu Beach for a picnic. In the historic town of Lahaina, the cash-only is a hole-in-the-wall breakfast and lunch spot with one of the town’s best loco moco ($13.95), a house-made beef patty topped with mushroom-onion gravy and two fried eggs over rice. Some of the tables at the outdoor patio have views of the ocean. And in Kaanapali, specializes in Hawaiian-inspired Filipino dishes such as the pork adobo fried rice ($11) and garlic chicken ($16) with sweet soy glaze, Sriracha aioli, served with a side of macaroni salad and rice.

Dining out for three meals a day can get expensive quickly, so stock up on groceries at a local supermarket chain called , with locations in Lahaina, Kihei, and Kehalani. The stores have a great selection of fresh poke, Spam musubi, ready-to-eat bento boxes, and rotisserie chicken. Or head to the in Kahului, where you’ll find hot chicken or pork buns and dim sum for less than $2, as well as a range of sushi rolls, sandwiches, and bento boxes.

Estimated food budget (eating one meal out per day): $300

Total: $1,980

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Mushrooms are having a moment right now. The formidable fungus has frequently topped food trend lists in the past few years and was recently crowned the 2022 “Ingredient of the Year” by The New York Times. And for good reason: earthy, savory, and cute-as-a-button, mushrooms are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And they’re the epitome of umami, with a meaty texture that makes them great plant-based substitutes for vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks. From mushroom jerky to mushroom chips, here are six of our favorite mushroom-centric products to pack for your next outdoor adventure.

Popadelics Crunchy Mushroom Chips ($30 for three bags)

These vegan, vacuumed-fried shiitake mushroom caps are surprisingly filling and have a satisfying crunch. Popadelics come in three flavors—“trippin’ truffle parm,” “twisted thai chili,” and “rad rosemary + salt”—that complement the subtle mushroom essence. Each packet of mushrooms contains eight grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber. As a bonus, a portion of the company’s profits supports health and wellness organizations.

Beehive Cheese Queen Bee Porcini ($35 for two 12-ounce wedges)

This organic, porcini-dusted cheddar from Utah’s Beehive Cheese Company beat out thousands of worldwide entries to receive the top prize at the 2021–22 World Cheese Awards. The cow’s milk cheese is smooth with a hint of mushroom umami flavor and pairs well with herb-flecked rustic bread or salty nuts.

Confetti Snacks Mushroom Chips ($6 per pack)

Confetti Snacks bakes whole shiitake mushrooms at low heat to retain their essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. In an effort to reduce food waste, the Singapore-based company sources “imperfect” produce to create their mushroom and veggie chips. Flavors include Green Curry and Black Truffle, and there are plans to launch Tandoori BBQ and Sea Salt in the future.

Somos Smoky Chipotle Mushrooms ($11 for two pouches)

Elevate your camping meals by packing a couple of pouches of Somos’ Smoky Chipotle Mushrooms. This white button mushroom dish is simmered with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and traditional chipotle adobo sauce. Heat up the mushrooms in a cast-iron pan over a campfire and serve with rice—or stuff them in burritos for a hearty meal.

Country Archer Plant-Based Jerky ($7 per bag)

For their plant-based line, Country Archer swaps out signature dehydrated grass-fed beef for king oyster mushrooms, a meaty substitute that delivers the same smokiness and savory taste. The king oyster mushroom’s texture is more tender than regular jerky—and just as satisfying. It’s available in three gluten-free flavors: BBQ, Teriyaki, and Spiced Bacon.

Laird Superfood Hot Chocolate with Functional Mushroom ($25 per bag)

Co-founded by Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece, recently launched a line of mushroom-centric coffee, creamer, and blends. Their hot chocolate combines organic maitake, chaga, and reishi mushroom extracts with organic Peruvian cacao powder and coconut milk powder. have found that adaptogens found in these mushrooms may help your body fight stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Stir three and a half tablespoons of hot chocolate powder with eight ounces of hot water or milk for a soothing beverage.

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Sarah and Kaitlin Leung still remember one of their favorite outdoor meals. It was 1998, and their dad, Bill, had carried two raw, marinated Cornish game hens in his backpack for a hike at New York’s Bear Mountain State Park. During a break, his daughters, wife Judy, and niece Jen collected sticks to fashion a rotisserie spit and then roasted the birds over an open flame.

The meal wasn’t a one-off novelty. The Leung family, who now run the popular online food blog, , which chronicles their preparations of a wide variety of dishes and their adventures cooking on the road, have made everything from spaghetti carbonara to beef stew at beaches, docks, national parks, even in a roadside ditch just outside Olympic National Park. “My earliest memories of camping circled more around food than nature,” says Sarah. “There were times when we would go on a three-to-four-hour hike and we’d bring ingredients to make a full meal after.”

After Sarah and Kaitlin, now 31 and 29, reached adulthood and started planning their own trips, food continued to be a priority. “When I went camping with my friends for the first time, they were expecting to eat hot dogs and cold sandwiches,” Sarah says. “I was like, Actually, we’re having seared salmon and a salad and pasta tonight.” The sisters typically reserve extravagant dishes for dinners as a reward for an activity-packed day. But with adequate planning, every meal has the potential to be a feast. Here, they share some of their best culinary advice, . For more, pick up The Woks of Life cookbook, out in November.

Bring the essentials.

Sarah and Kaitlin always pack a multitool equipped with a knife and a can opener, various spices, a frying pan, an MSR WhisperLite stove, a bamboo spatula that can withstand high heat, and a collapsible cooler to keep perishables cold. They also favor tools that have multiple uses, including a set of nested stainless-steel pots whose lids can double as plates, or measuring cups that can be used as mugs and soup bowls.

Don’t skimp on flavor.

“When you are packing spices and seasonings, you want your core foundational stuff and a few wild-card items,” Kaitlin says. The sisters’ go-tos are garlic, onion, and curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. One of Sarah’s newest discoveries is Japanese curry roux, which resembles a chocolate bar and is sold at most major grocery stores. She adds a square to a pot with vegetables and protein to make an easy and hearty curry dish.

Professionalize your provisions.

In addition to staples like ramen, dried pasta, rice, and beans, the Leungs pack sturdy, long-lasting vegetables like carrots, potatoes, cabbage, ginger, and onions. They also like to shop at Trader Joe’s for precooked meat like carnitas and pulled pork, along with frozen steaks, pork, and fish. (Pro tip: frozen food can serve as a good ice substitute in a cooler.)

Think in succession.

Whenever the Leung sisters come up with a camping meal plan, they take into consideration each food’s shelf life. “It’s key for keeping your food safe and for adding variety when you’re out in the wilderness,” Sarah says. “So we would have a salad at the beginning of the trip to use up delicate leafy greens, and then a heartier stew with root vegetables at the end.”

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Hawaii is known for its miles of powdery white, otherworldly black, and even red- and green-sand beaches. Kamilo Beach, on the Island of Hawaii’s southeast coast,Ìęboasts blue, green, purple, and pink hues. But the colors here are not natural—they come from plastic fragments mixed into the grains of sand. This stretch of shoreline is a magnet for marine debris, thanks to ocean currents, strong winds, and its proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a trash vortex between the West Coast and Japan. Each year, volunteers from the nonprofit remove 15 to 20 tons of fishing nets and lines, straws, utensils, cups, plastic bottles, toys, and disposable lighters from the remote beach. But the garbage keeps on coming.

Kamilo Beach is not alone—visitors to even the most famed beaches inÌęthe state, like Oahu’s Waikiki, Maui’s Kaanapali, Kauai’s Hanalei Bay, and the Island of Hawaii’s Hapuna, will encounter marine debris that’s floated ashore, along with trash left behind by day-trippers. “People think beaches in Hawaii are clean until they participate in a beach cleanup and start to notice all of the straws, cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, hair bands, flip-flops, and microplastic,” says Shelby Serra, a conservation advocate at the (PWF).

The PWF and Hawaii Wildlife Fund are just two of a number of environmental nonprofits attempting to address the state’s seemingly never-ending trash problem, which only worsened during the pandemic with an uptick in take-out-related waste and masks showing up on beaches. To counter Hawaii’s plastic crisis, state and local lawmakers have passed legislation in recent years banningÌęsingle-use plastic, including ordinances enacted this year in Honolulu and on Maui prohibiting the sale and use of disposable plastic and polystyrene foam food ware. But just because laws are passed doesn’t mean people will abide by them. On-the-ground efforts are needed to raise awareness, too. “Actual policy advocacy is merely one facet, passing the law is just one step,” says Serra.

Case in point: Hawaii banned cigarettes in state parks and on beaches in 2015, yet three years later, when the PWF requested to see the Maui Police Department’s records, they found that zero citations had been issued. Serra believes that if people knew how harmful their butts were for the environment, they might think twice before flicking them into the sand. “Many people don’t even know that a cigarette filter is actually made of tightly packed plastic fibers,” she says. “Couple that with the toxins that are being filtered out of the cigarette itself, it can be a very harmful piece of debris if ingested by birds or marine life.”

Perhaps no group needs this education more than the legions of tourists descending on the islands in even greater numbers since the state lifted its COVID restrictions in March. During the lockdown-induced lull in visitors early on in the pandemic, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) started working with local organizations to address the impact of vacationers through an initiative called the Malama Hawaii Program. One of the goalsÌęis to enlist visitors in the fight against the island’s trash by connecting them with area nonprofits working on the issue.

The HTA recruited hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in Oahu, Kauai, Maui, the Island of Hawaii, and Lanai to start offering discounts and free nights of lodging to tourists who participate in beach cleanups or who volunteer to plant native trees, clear non-native plants, and fish for invasive tilapia to restore ancient fishponds.ÌęSome hotels require proof of the trash collected or hours volunteered, while others just trust their patrons to follow through. At theÌęÌęon MauiÌęand theÌę on the Island of Hawaii, for example, it’s all on the honor system: guests just need to pick up a cleanup kit during their stay and visit a beach to comb for plastic before they leave. Meanwhile, on Oahu,Ìę guests can get a night comped by signing up to plant native trees with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.

When the program was introduced in 2020, it was a huge help to community groups who didn’t have the resources to recruit and take on volunteers on their own. “Participating Malama Hawaii organizations, like the Pacific Whale Foundation, have made beach cleanups easy and accessible for visitors by providing the necessary materials,” says John De Fries, HTA’s president and CEO. The kits for the self-directed beach cleanups, comprised of recycled grain bags and data sheets to document the debris, are stocked by local nonprofits and left at the resorts’ front desks or tourist-friendly locations nearby. In Maui, PacWhale Eco-șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűs, an ecotourism outfit run by the PWF, started placing them at the Ocean Store at Maalaea and Lahaina, as well as at theÌę, , and farm-to-table restaurant . The Hawaii Wildlife Fund has been carrying out similar efforts on the Island of Hawaii and inviting visitors to organized beach cleanups like the one on Kamilo Beach.

So far it’s been a big success. In the past couple of years, tourists have contributed thousands of pounds of trash pickup from dozens of beaches around the state. “We have found that many visitors to Maui want to learn and give back while on the island,” says Serra. “If only a small percentage of them participated in a program like this one, we could easily have enough people to clean every beach on Maui every day of the year.”

The increase in manpower is particularly helpful for smaller islands like Kauai, whose population of 70,000 is dwarfed by its tourists—more than 1.3 million people visited in 2019. Many of the island’s hotels, like the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay and the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, are offering free nights for participating in self-directed beach cleanups as well as for signing up for organized volunteer outings, like hikes to remote bays to pick up marine debris led by the the local chapter of the nonprofit . “It’s an adventure for people who come clean with us, because we typically take them to places that most visitors never see,” says Barbara Wiedner, education and outreach chair of the Surfrider Foundation’s Kauai chapter.

These cleanups are also enabling visitors to have a more meaningful connection to the Hawaiian community and the environment. “When people physically see, remove, and record the debris they find, there are connections made that carry into their behavior moving forward,” says Serra. While beach cleanups help solve the immediate problem, the bigger impact might be in the lifestyle changes visitors make afterward to reduce the amount of plastic trash they produce, like packing a Hydro Flask, using a bar of soap instead of a bottled version, and saying no to plastic utensils when getting takeout. “We need to stop opting for convenience and selecting the cheapest option,” says Megan Lamson, president and program director of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund. “We must combat the ever-increasing problem of plastic pollution across our planet, not just for the health of our oceans but for the health and wellness of humanity and our chance at maintaining a livable planet into the future.”

The post Hawaii Is Cleaning Its Beaches with a Renewable Resource: Tourists appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Flight cancellations are a traveler’s worst nightmare. And the perfect storm is brewing this holiday season with bad weather, a shortage of airline staff, and a post-lockdown surge of fliers (airline bookings for Thanksgiving were up over 2020). Unfortunately, in the U.S., airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled. Their only obligations are to get you on the next available flight in their fleet (not a competitor’s) or refund your ticket. While some companies might offer a hotel or meal voucher (and you should always ask), and travel insurance or a premium travel credit card might provide some protection, you’re generally on your own until your next flight.

We believe you should be prepared for any survival situation, and that includes being stranded at the airport—there’s no need to shell out for a hotel when you can just camp, right? We’ve collected our best advice for making it through a night in a terminal, and the gear to make it bearable.

Find Your Campsite

Some airports have dedicated rest zones with comfy chairs, nap areas, and even shower facilities for passengers who have long waits at the airport. However, that can’t be said of most airports, and a few make things really difficult—in 2018, London’s Stansted Airport went as far as implementing an outright ban on sleeping in its terminal. Fortunately, says Molly Fergus, vice president and general manager at “most airports will try to accommodate or at least tolerate passengers who are stranded overnight.”

If you’ve already cleared security, you can explore other terminals to determine where the quieter spots are. If you’re feeling fancy, look into getting access to premier clubs or airport lounges. “Many lounges have comfortable couches, showers, and relaxation rooms,” says Fergus. “Premium credit cards often provide lounge access, while other lounges allow you to purchase day passes.” A peaceful place to rest might also include meditation, yoga, and exercise rooms, as well as business centers. “Denver International Airport, for example, has a business center that’s open to all travelers,” says Fergus. “It has several cubicles, benches, and lie-flat chairs that could work for sleeping.” Another overlooked area is airport churches. “Many airports have chapels that can be quiet and relaxing,” says Fergus. “Just check the operating hours before you settle in for the night.”

Tread Lightly

“Use common sense when staking out a comfortable spot to sleep in the airport,” says Fergus. Avoid stairwells, doorways, and areas with high foot traffic. You might even consider asking an airport employee or security guard about a quiet, out-of-the-way spot that won’t be disruptive or unsafe. Be respectful, and don’t take up too much space by spreading out your luggage. If you opt to sleep near a store, check its opening hours so you’re not blocking potential customers from entering the business. “Early-morning foot traffic will both interrupt your sleep and could increase the likelihood that something is stolen while you’re snoozing,” Fergus says.

Be Prepared with the Right Gear

There are a number of things you should always have on hand in case you’re stuck slumbering at the airport. Here are our go-tos:

Coalatree Evolution Hoodie ($77)

The is so soft, you wouldn’t even know the fabric is made from recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles. Hidden zipper pockets can easily stash your plane ticket, ID, and phone. Best of all, the Evolution stuffs into the zippered kangaroo pocket to become a handy travel pillow.

Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket ($99)

This lightweight downy weighs just 11 ounces and its polyester shell and insulation are made of recycled materials. It’s stain- and water-resistant and rolls up to the size of a water bottle.

Poseidon Pro Portable Charger ($120)

In a crowded airport, it may be difficult to find an open socket to charge your phone. The Ìęsolves that problem and is waterproof, drop-proof,Ìęand crush-proof to boot. It charges fast and can keep your device charged for up to 36 hours.

Goodwipes Really Big Body Wipes ($10)

These 9.5-by-11.5-inch provide a convenient way of freshening up after a night camped out at the airport—or in the woods. They’re hypoallergenic and infused with natural tea tree oil, peppermint, aloe, and ginseng. Each individually wrapped wipe is biodegradable.

Astrea One Premium Filtering Water Bottle ($25)

This Ìęproduct filters out lead, chlorine, and other contaminants and toxins from that sketchy airport tap water. It’s the only water bottle with the highest NSFÌęcertification—assurance that it meets strict standards for public-health protection.

Lewis N. Clark Triple Security Lock ($13)

Secure your luggage before your sleep with the TSA-friendly Triple security lock. This keyless contraption locks zipper pulls and luggage handles and can fasten your bag to a fixed object.

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After a year of fantasizing about post-pandemic adventures, millions of travelers took to the skies and roads to live out their “summer of freedom” in June and July. , 47.7 million people traveled for the July Fourth holiday weekend, an increase of nearly 40 percent compared to 2020. The surge in travelers resulted in long lines at national parks, sold-out tickets to attractions, and sticker shock at rental car counters. Dubbed the high demand for and limited supply of rental cars led to consumers paying double or even triple the amount they usually cough up. And those were the lucky ones: some unfortunate travelers were stranded without a car for their much-anticipated trip. Desperate vacationers in Hawaii even to get around.

Prices have since dipped, but the demand for rental cars is already rising again for the upcoming holidays and winter breaks, and with vaccinated for the first time since the pandemic began. Don’t panic just yet: there’s a wide array of conventional and unconventional options available if you know where to look. Here’s what to consider when you’re researching your next rental car, whether it’s for a winter escape to Moab, a ski trip to the Rockies, or ice fishing in the Midwest.

Skip the Airport Car Rental Kiosks

Though convenient, the airport is not the only place to find a rental car. “You can often find better deals by renting a car away from the airport, such as on the outskirts of town or near your hotel,” says consumer savings expert . “Ask your hotel if they have a free shuttle, which could get you close to the car rental office, or just book an Uber or Lyft, which still may end up being cheaper in total than renting from the airport center.” Some car dealerships, including Toyota, Audi, Subaru, and Nissan, offer short-term rentals of a variety of their latest models at select locations. “In a pinch, you can also Google for off-the-radar options like non-chain local rental outfits, since those don’t show up on the major booking sites,” says Jonathan Weinberg, founder and CEO of , a website that helps consumers find deals on car rentals. When weighing the pros and cons of renting from a non-airport location, you should factor in the cost, time, and effort of getting to and from the airport. For example, if you have an early morning flight, will you be able to hail a taxi or rideshare to get to the airport in time, and will there be a surge charge? Or, if you’re traveling with bulky sporting equipment, will your surfboard or skis fit in the rideshare vehicle?

Try an App

Peer-to-peer car rental services like t and let you skip the wait at the rental car counter and slide right into the driver’s seat. “These apps allow you to book a car from private owners who have their own cars available for rent, similar to a vacation rental,” says Zander Buteux, a senior leader at the search engine . These peer-to-peer apps lets you chat directly with the car owners to ask specific questions about their vehicles. “I used the chat function several times, and each time the owner was able to give me their advice on whether or not their car would be a good fit for my road trip,” Buteux says. If you’re dreaming of a #vanlife vacation, check out peer-to-peer sharing RV platforms like and , which enable travelers to rent from RV owners when their vehicles are not in use.

With peer-to-peer rentals, the quality and condition of the vehicle—as well as the rules and restrictions—differ depending on the car owner. Some will deliver the car to you, while others require guests to pick up the vehicle from a designated location. Sixt, Turo, and charge cleaning fees and require guests to fill up the tank before returning the car. (Some have prepaid options.) Insurance is offered through these companies, but make sure to call your personal insurance company or credit card to see if they cover peer-to-peer rentals. One downside with peer-to-peer services? If the owner flakes or if the vehicle is in an unacceptable condition, you’ll have to find an alternative ride, so check owner reviews carefully. That might be difficult to do at the last minute during peak travel season—a problem you’re less likely to encounter with major companies that have a large fleet of cars.

Find a Specialty Company at Your șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Destination

A lot of major car rental companies do not allow drivers to take their cars off paved roads, so if you’re going on a rugged expedition, consider renting from specialized companies that cater to adventure travelers. “Some famous excursion towns—like Moab, Utah, for example—will have boutique adventure vehicle rentals like Jeeps and side-by-side RZR rentals,” Buteux says. In Salt Lake City, rents fully decked out Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 vans with off-road suspension, wheels, and tires. And in Fairbanks, Alaska, ’ vehicles are allowed on unpaved gravel roads and include a satellite phone, a warmth kit with an emergency sleeping bag, and an engine block heater to warm up the engine and fluids before starting the car.

Rent a Pickup Truck

SUVs or station wagons that have four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) are prime choices for outdoor adventurers. But don’t overlook pickup trucks. “They’re often cheaper than SUVs and may be more likely to have 4WD,” Weinberg says. Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz, as well as Turo and Sixt, offer pickup truck rentals at select locations. has a fleet of pickups available at its 20,000 rental locations throughout the United States and Canada. Rates start at $19.95, and you can drop off the truck at any location. Large home improvement stores like and also have trucks available for rent.

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From Hobbit-inspired abodes to secluded treehouses to beachfront cottages,Ìętravelers can live out their fantasy vacationÌęat an AirbnbÌęrental. However, a dream retreat can easily turn into a nightmare when your chosen property falls short of expectations. The last Airbnb I checked into was an adorable yurt tucked deep inside a rainforest on Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island). The property itself was clean and quaint, but the road leading to the yurt was unpaved and nearly impassable in a rented convertible. Located at an elevation of 3,000 feet, it was a lot colder than I expected, and the yurt itself was not heated or soundproof, which meant three sleepless nights of hearing singing coqui frogs, crowing roosters, and distant sounds of gunshots. have run the gamut from moldy bathrooms and unsafe neighborhoods to aggressive hosts, neighbors, or even pets.

“Most of the complaints we receive about Airbnb come from travelers who have a misunderstanding about what Airbnb is and what it isn’t,” says Michelle Couch-Friedman, executive director at , a nonprofit organization that helps mediate consumer complaints. “Airbnb does not manage any of the properties it lists, nor have these properties been inspected by Airbnb,” she says. That means it’s up to consumers to do their own due diligence and properly vet the lodging and the host before booking. I asked eight frequent Airbnb users for their best advice on how to do that. Here are some of their tips.

Read the Listing

This might seem like a given, but people are often so charmed by a property’s photos that they overlook essential details in the listing. When you’re searching for accommodations, Airbnb pulls up a mix of results that include entire houses, private rooms, hotel rooms, and shared rooms. “You should carefully check what type of place you are booking before actually booking,” says , a travel blogger and Airbnb superuser. That way, you won’t accidentally book a shared rental space when you were looking for a place of your own. In addition to reading about the amenities and check-in and check-out times, you should also make sure you understand what the cleaning fee covers. When travel blogger first started using Airbnb, she assumed it was just like a hotel. “I found out that wasn’t the case after being charged a cleaning fee for not doing dishes,” she says. In fact, the host determines what’s included in the cleaning fees, and some , such as dumping dirty linens in the washer or putting away the dishes before departure; failure to do so can incur an extra fee.Ìę“Read the entire listing to avoid these types of issues,” Barwig says.

Don’t Skim Over the Cancellation Policy

Travelers should pay particular attention to the cancellation policy, which is set by the host. “There are Airbnb listings where you can cancel last minute, while there are others you can’t cancel at all. And sometimes you only get a refund for a percentage of your booking costs,” says Mensink. Couch-Friedman cautions that the listing is a legally binding contract. “Failing to review or completely understand the cancellation policy of an individual property is not a foundation to break the contract,” she says. “In my experience, especially during the pandemic, the one thing travelers overlook and then regret later is the cancellation policy.”

Go Through the Reviews

Reviews can help provide a fuller picture of the neighborhood, the quality of the amenities, the accessibility of hosts, and any other potential red flags. Travel blogger relies heavily on reviews when she chooses a place to stay on Airbnb. She looks for things that a host might not include in their description, such as street noise and strength of Wi-Fi. A listing with only a few reviews can be a red flag. “The one time I didn’t follow my own advice and booked a place with a solitaryÌęreviewÌęthatÌęlackedÌęany realÌęfeedback, the place turned out to be extremely sketchy,” says Chang. “I made sure my ownÌęreviewÌęon Airbnb would be more helpful to future travelers and tactfully ward them off.” Look for consistency in the reviews. “It’s normal to have an off review or two,” says family travel blogger . “But if several reviewers comment on something that would bother me, I move on.” It’s also worth noting that Airbnb reviews often do not appear in chronological order, so it’s important to scroll through all of them to make sure you’re finding the most recent testimony, says Couch-Friedman. If a property has changed owners, new guests might have complained of a subpar experience at what was previously a well-reviewed rental. Conversely, a formerly struggling Airbnb might have made improvements in recent months.

Talk to the Host

Travel blogger encourages travelers to get to know their hosts prior to making a transaction by clicking the Contact Host button and sending them a message. “You should ask the host all of your questions, and don’t be hesitant to inquire about the specifics of your stay,” he says. The way a host responds to your initial questions could clue you in on how likely they’ll be to handle any issues that might arise during your stay. Some hosts are hospitality experts, while others are just trying to earn a side income by renting out their property. Digital nomad and podcaster checks to see if the hosts are staying near the property. “I generally prefer the owner to be somewhere close, so the response time is quick if something is wrong,” he says. “It’s also good to have access to local help if anything comes up while you are overseas.” Suen prefers booking with , a designation given to those who fulfill requirements such as a 90 percent response rate and an overall rating of 4.8 or higher; he believes it “provides an extra layer of social proof that the experience will be a good one.” While a superhost badge is a plus, it doesn’t guarantee that your stay is going to be a trouble-free experience. “Travelers need to understand, the superhostÌębadge applies to the host, not a particular property,” says Couch-Friedman. “Many superhosts have multiple properties, and a host earns that badge by achieving a certain number of five-star reviews by former guests.”

Study the Photos

When Couch-Friedman books an Airbnb property, she looks at the photos carefully. “If they don’t look recent or appear to be screenshots, I scroll to another property,” she says. Family travel blogger takes the time to notice the details. “It might be a ‘family friendly’ listing, but does it actually look family friendly?” she asks. “Are there cords everywhere, are there glass tables, are there a lot of stairs, is there an open space [children] can play?” To avoid being scammed by a nonexistent Airbnb rental, Couch-Friedman vets the property by dragging the photos into a Google Images search, to determine whether the photos exist elsewhere on the internet.

Don’t Leave if Your Airbnb Has Problems

If the property is not up to snuff when you arrive, do not reject the property on sight or hastily find an alternate accommodation. “A common mistake of novice Airbnb users is they’ll arrive at the property, take a look at it, decide it isn’t what they hoped for, and leave, expecting a refund,” says Couch-Friedman. “This isn’t how Airbnb operates.” Travelers who decide the property is not as advertised should immediately alert both the host and Airbnb. Then they should document everything by taking photos and videos of the issues, such as stained bedsheets or an unhygienic kitchen. The host is typically given 12 to 24 hours to fix any problems that are correctable, for example, sending a cleaning service or replacing a mattress or broken TV. “If Airbnb determines that the problem is not fixable, then it will make an attempt to reaccommodate the guest with a comparable Airbnb property,” says Couch-Friedman. “Airbnb will only require a refund from the host to the guest if the property significantly deviates from the listing—for example, a property with three bedrooms instead of the advertised five—and there is no way to correct the problem.”

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Seasoned globe-trotters and road-trippers are adept at planning and logistics, from what to pack and where to gas up to when to make reservations far in advance. But sometimes all the research that goes into what to do once you’ve arrived at your destination can be overwhelming. With the right travel app, you can immerse yourself in an unexplored destination without having to suffer through pre-trip information overload. Download these apps for up-to-date information on the location’s weather, directions to off-the-beaten-path attractions, lists of events, and traffic conditions. Most of them work offline, so you won’t be left stranded when you’re stuck with no signal on your phone.

Getting Around: Maps.Me

While Google Maps is many people’s go-to navigation app, it’s not always reliable, especially when you’re driving through a remote landscape or walking around in a foreign city with no data plan or Wi-Fi. Plan ahead by downloading detailed maps and travel guides on . These free open-source maps offer turn-by-turn walking, driving, and cycling navigation in hundreds of cities in more than 70 countries. In 36 of those countries, the maps display points of interest, ready-to-book hotels, outdoor activities, and traffic conditions.

Learning the History: HearHere

Co-founded by actor Kevin Costner, ($50) is an audio app that automatically narrates the history, geography, and culture of the region as you drive through the continental United States. Unlike the typical cheerful guidebooks, HearHere does not shy away from stories about America’s violent past, like or the displacement of Indigenous people. These oral vignettes are narrated by various voices, including Costner, actor John Lithgow, and legendary basketball coach Phil Jackson, who tells listeners stories about sporting venues like the Staples Center and Madison Square Garden. Each story lasts around two to three minutes—just enough to pique your interest and inspire you to take the next off-ramp and explore. You can stream the audio or download to listen offline.

Seeing the Sights: Roadside America

For a dose of quirky Americana, download ($2.99 per region; $5.99 for all regions). The app provides guides, phone numbers, directions, and hours of operation for offbeat roadside attractions like in Maryhill, Washington, and in Scarborough, Maine. Save the destinations and directions on your phone for offline use. Re-create your own National Lampoon’s Vacation by taking a detour to the , or have breakfast in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,Ìęat the somewhat alarming Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe, where 100 animatronic chickens song like “Sweet Caroline.” Don’t forget to take a picture on the app. These experiences are what road trips are made of.

Communicating: iTranslate

If you don’t have months to devote to a Rosetta Stone course, you can justÌędownload , a popular app that can translate more than 100 languages. The free version includes a translator and a phrase book. The pro version ($5.99 per month; $50 per year) allows users to verbally converse through it, translate text from a smartphone photo, and instantly interpret texts on messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Language packs and offline translationÌęare available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin. To avoid losing anything in translation, communicate concisely and avoid idioms.

Preparing for the Weather: Clime

is the most reliableÌęway to ensure that your meticulously planned trip won’t be rained out. Upgrade to the premium service ($2.99 per week, $6.99 per month, $19.99 per year), and you’ll get 14-day weather forecasts, hurricane trackers, wind-speed readings, severe-weather warnings, and daily weather updates. Real-time radar images show cloud movements, snow, and other precipitation. Check the app’s lightning tracker before heading out to surf, and familiarize yourself with the locations of wildfires and which direction they’re advancing before a hike in the dry season.

Urban Strolling: Street Art Cities

Use to explore vibrant street art in more than 600 cities worldwide, including Paris, Madrid, Copenhagen, and Los Angeles. After you select a city on the app, you’ll see a map with a list of works in the area. Tap on any of the circle icons for a closeup picture of the artwork, the artist’s name, the title of the piece, and its address. You can also search by artist, including notable names like Banksy and Craola. On-the-ground contributors make sure the urban murals featured on the app and on its website are up-to-date. The free app also includes walking and biking routes to see the artwork and a list of coming art events.

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