Located in Manhattan’s trendy NoMad neighborhood and housing one of the city’s hottest cocktail lounges, guests at The James can be in the heart of the action in just seconds.

The Location

The James is located in the NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) neighborhood, an area that’s lively without being overly touristy. The property is within one block of multiple subway stations, and just over half a mile from Pennsylvania Station, making it easy to get around the city. 

A number of charming restaurants, bars, and shops await just outside the hotel’s doorstep.

Amenities

The James offers a number of wellness-focused amenities, some of which guests can experience without even leaving their room. As part of the hotel’s Four Bodies wellness program, in-room smart televisions feature complimentary on-demand workout sessions that can be performed without any equipment (exercise bands are available upon request to up the intensity). 

The James has partnered with SLT Tread, a local-favorite fitness studio that’s just around the corner from the hotel. The intense classes combine strengthening exercises on Megaformers with running intervals on Woodway treadmills.

Additional amenities include:

• 24-hour fitness center
• The Botanist and The Chemist toiletries 
• Complimentary WiFi
• Custom robes and slippers
• Free coffee, tea, and fresh fruit in the mornings
• Nightly wine and bites happy hour

Four-legged guests aren’t left out of the amenities. The pet-friendly hotel can provide dog beds, food and water bowls, and all-natural baked treats. The James is the rare New York City hotel that doesn’t have any restrictions on dog sizes or breeds.

The Rooms

The James features 337 guest rooms, 28 suites, and 2 penthouses. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with pillow-top mattresses, Turkish cotton towels, dimmable lighting, and stylish design accents. 

We stayed in a Corner King Deluxe, a surprisingly spacious (300 sq. ft.) room. Despite the prime location on 28th Street, the room was completely quiet at night. Combined with the comfortable beds topped with natural linens, it made for a great night’s sleep.

Dining

In a city with as many dining and drinking options as New York, it can be a challenge for a hotel to create something worth staying in for. However, The James manages to accomplish just that, with two hot on-property spots that draw in both locals and guests.

Scarpetta, the hotel’s main restaurant, is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday brunch. The elegant dining room serves gourmet Italian-inspired dishes that change frequently depending on what’s in season. Our personable Italian waiter steered us towards the dishes that reminded him of home—the market strawberries (served with basil granita and fresh creme), burrata with fresh heirloom tomatoes, and the seared tuna, all of which were impeccable. 

Guests should make a reservation if they hope to visit Seville, the hotel’s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. During our Thursday night stay, there was a line down the block to get in to this buzzy bar. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $230 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels. 

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Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by The James New York.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: The James New York – Nomad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

FlipBelt Running Shorts

Explore a new running route hands-free when you wear FlipBelt’s Athletic Running shorts, which allow you to carry everything you need at your waist. The shorts feature a built-in waist belt that’s roomy enough to hold a phone, hydration bottle, and more. The unique design mimimizes bouncing, making the shorts comfortable to wear even on long runs. 

A rear zipper pocket and internal key ring secures small valuables so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out.

Bluffworks Travel Pants

Cargo pants are great for carrying lots of stuff, but terrible at helping you blend in when traveling. Instead, pack Bluffworks’ Travel Pants, which look like regular chinos but feature nine hidden pockets (including two phone pockets and five zippered pockets.)

The pants are surprisingly lightweight, and although they look dry-clean only, they’re actually machine washable. 

Sanuk Men’s Pick Pocket

Need somewhere to leave your cash while you’re at the beach? Designed by California surfers, Sanuk’s Sidewalk Surfer shoes feature a concealed pocket that can hide cash or a hotel room key.

The comfortable shoes slip on and off easily, making them a good travel day choice as well. 

Belt With Hidden Pocket

Moneybelts don’t have to look like one. This belt by Yoder Leather Company looks like a regular belt, but has a zippered pocket on the inside that can hide cash, keys, or other small items. 

The belt is made from a quality leather and can hold up to 24 bills. 

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

Built-in shorts and secret pockets—Outdoor Voices’ Exercise Dress has it all. The sporty dress is made from an ultra-lightweight performance fabric that dries quickly and won’t wrinkle, but still looks more pulled-together than most workout outfits. 

Underneath the dress, a shorts liner (with two side pockets big enough to fit your phone) are built in, and sticky grippers help keep them in place.

Scottevest Vest for Men

The king of secret compartments, the brand Scottevest specalizies in pocket-packed clothing for travelers. The Scottevest’s vest is their original (and best) product, featuring 26 hidden pockets. 

The vest also has built-in RFID-blocking to keep your cards safe, as well as a water-repellent fabric to protect you from the rain. 

Zero Grid Infinity Scarf

Zero Grid’s Infinity Scarf has snaps at both ends, so you can wear it as a scarf, wrap, shawl, hoodie, or blanket, making it an essential item for your carry-on. Two zipper pockets are hidden within the scarf, so that you can keep your passport and other valuables close while you sleep on the plane or wander through crowds.

DailyShoes Boots With Hidden Pocket

Keep your valuables safe from pickpockets with these unique boots that feature a hidden zipper pocket. Available in a variety of colors and styles, the boots’ 2.5” x 4” zippered pocket is large enough to hold cards or even headphones.

Tomboy X Cutout Racerback Sports Bra

Don’t worry about finding a place to put your phone next time you workout. Tomboy X’s sports bra has a hidden pocket in which you can keep it safe. The medium-impact support bra is great for travel, with a mesh lining that helps you stay dry.

The post Secret Stash: Accessories and Clothes with Hidden Pockets appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With hundreds of rolling suitcases on the market, how do you know which one is the best? Choose an inferior bag and you could end up struggling with a wonky wheel or a zipper that won’t stay closed. We consulted our team of expert travelers at SmarterTravel to find out which wheeled suitcases are the best for every type of traveler.

Roam Luggage Carry-On Front Pocket Expandable

Hardsided suitcases are great, but if you need something inside (like your laptop or boarding pass) it can be annoying to have to open the entire bag up. Roam Luggage’s Carry-On Front Pocket Expandable solves this problem, offering the durability of a hard-sided shell along with the convenient front pocket design of a soft-sided suitcase.  

The suitcase is expandable (in case you buy too many souvenirs) and can be custom-designed, allowing you to choose the colors for every part of the bag, right down to the wheels. 

Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 Carry-On Spinner

Many international airlines will weigh your carry-on suitcases, so choosing a lightweight wheeled bag can go a long way towards ensuring you’re actually allowed to bring your bag with you in the cabin. Samsonite’s Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 Carry-On Spinner weighs a mere 3.7 lbs, making it one of the lightest wheeled suitcases on the market.

The Cosmolite integrates helpful features including a TSA-approved lock, ID tag, and zippered divider on the top compartment for extra storage space. 

Amazon Basics 30” Hardside Spinner

If you plan on checking your luggage, maximize the amount you can bring with Amazon Basics’ 30” Hardside Spinner Suitcase. This bag is an affordable option for a suitcase of this size—and it even expands for up to 15 percent more packing space. 

The four double-spinner wheels make this suitcase easy to pull, even for a bag this big.  

Beis Soft-Sided Collapsible Carry-On Roller

Beis’ Collapsible Carry-On Roller is perfect for people with limited storage space at home, or for trips like cruises where you may not have a good place to stash your suitcase in your room.

When you’re not using the suitcase, it can be condensed down to be nearly flat. The suitcase includes a pouch set to keep dirty clothes and shoes separated, a padded laptop pocket, and a detachable compression flap. 

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Frequent flyers fear the dreaded gate checking of bags after the overhead bins have run out of space. Maintain full control over your bag with Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus, a wheeled suitcase that fits under your seat, classifying it as a personal item for most airlines.

Despite the bag’s small size, it can still fit a 16” laptop plus enough clothing and shoes to last you at least through a weekend trip.

Quince Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase

Quince’s Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase is a dupe of more expensive suitcases, but costs just $129, making it one of the best affordable spinner suitcases on the market. The suitcase is equipped with interior compression panels that allow you to pack between six to nine outfits inside, plus a removable laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate. 

This suitcase comes in eye-catching colors, like green or bright blue, so you’ll always know which bag is yours.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

For extra-long trips (or chronic overpackers), Away’s The Truck is designed with extra capacity in mind. This 31” suitcase can hold over 20 outfits, and the 360 degree spinner wheels create a smooth glide, no matter how heavy you pack it.

The unique 30/70 lid opening helps keep you organized, allowing you to separate essentials like toiletries and chargers in the slimmer top compartment and your shoes and clothes in the larger bottom section.

The post The 7 Best Rolling Suitcases According to Travel Experts appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. This gorgeous region is made up of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

What’s there to do in the Bay of Islands? Get on or in the water! Try scuba diving with Paihia Dive‘s intro-to-diving course. You will be ferried far out into the bay to explore a whole new underwater world.

Or get up close and personal with the marine life in the Bay of Islands on a Fullers GreatSights Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. On a good day, you’ll see both whales and dolphins on this cruise.

The cruise will take you to one of the Bay of Islands’ most famous sights, the Hole in the Rock. You can sail through this unique opening in a rock formation when the tide is right.

Where to stay: Spend a night at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which has the distinction of holding the oldest pub license in New Zealand and is located on a peninsula that sticks straight out into the middle of the bay.

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Milford Sound, New Zealand

Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world,” and if you visit this region of New Zealand, you’ll see why. Formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, the landscape around Milford Sound still bears evidence of its creation in the form of epic scenery: Cliffs rise from fjords crowned by mountains and waterfalls.

The best way to see Milford Sound is via boat. Take a sightseeing cruise on the fjord to see waterfalls and wildlife such as dolphins and penguins. Or navigate the waters under your own steam on a kayaking tour.

Once you’ve experienced the water from the surface, go underneath with a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. This is the only floating, underwater observatory in New Zealand, and visitors can go more than 30 feet deep (while staying dry) and get 360 degrees of the underwater environment.

Where to stay: There are not a lot of places to stay close to the Sound, but if you’d rather not drive the three and a half hours from Queenstown, consider The Milford Sound Lodge. The lodge offers several packages for hiking and boat tours, and there really is no beating this spot in terms of access to the Sound.

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Auckland, New Zealand

As both the largest city in New Zealand and its international air travel hub, Auckland is one of the best places to go in New Zealand. Many international flights arrive in New Zealand through Auckland Airport, which makes it an ideal city from which to start your exploration of New Zealand.

Spend at least a day or two in Auckland to get over your long flight and explore the vibrant metropolis before venturing farther afield in New Zealand. Here are our suggestions for what to see and do in Auckland:

• Get some culture by visiting one of the many museums in Auckland, such as the Auckland Art Gallery. This is the largest art institution in New Zealand, featuring more than 15,000 works of historic, modern, and contemporary art.
• If the weather is nice, take a stroll through the 185-acre Auckland Domain park. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, include a stop at the nearby Parnell Farmers’ Market, which sells fresh produce in the morning.
• Auckland is also home to a host of multicultural bars and restaurants serving up all types of cuisine, so be sure to dine in downtown Auckland (and go out for a cocktail or two to check out the nightlife).
• If you’re looking for adventure activities in Auckland, consider the Auckland Bridge Climb. And if you’re really brave, try the Auckland Bridge bungee jump.
• If you’re looking for guided trips in Auckland, book an Auckland City Tour or an America’s Cup sailing experience on Waitemata Harbour.

Where to stay: Just a 10 minute drive from many of the city’s main attractions, Poenamo Hotel is a great option for travelers who value their peace and quiet but still want to stay in a central location.

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Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Just a little more than 30 minutes by boat from downtown Auckland is Waiheke Island, one of the best places to go in New Zealand for wine lovers. For a small island in the middle of Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island sure is home to a lot of vineyards. To sample as many of them as you can on your visit to Waiheke Island, you’ll want to find someone else to drive. Our pick is Waiheke Island Wine Tours, whose expert local guides will shuttle you around to three vineyards to sample several different wines.

All that wine from the vineyards of Waiheke Island will make you hungry. When it’s time to eat, book your lunch or dinner at the Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant, a gorgeous eatery with sprawling views of the vineyard and the sea. For a really special meal, book the Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant’s tasting menu, a seven-course event with wine pairings.

Of course, there’s more to do on Waiheke Island than just drink wine! Waiheke Island is also famous for its vibrant art community, beaches, forests, and olive groves. We recommend booking a culture tour, scenic flight, or hiking trip while you’re there to really see why Waiheke Island is one of the best places to go in New Zealand.

Where to stay: It’s definitely worth staying overnight on Waiheke Island, too. Choose the Delamore Lodge, one of the best-reviewed Waiheke Island hotels on Tripadvisor. The hotel also offers some great packages featuring everything from wine and food to spa treatments for couples.

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Christchurch, New Zealand

Despite being rocked by four large earthquakes between September 2010 and December 2011, Christchurch has made a true comeback. Visitors to Christchurch will see evidence of the city’s rebirth everywhere, including new buildings made out of old shipping containers and other unique materials like the Cardboard Cathedral.

Of course, many of Christchurch’s original attractions are still standing. One of the best places to visit is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a sprawling network of conservatories, walking tracks, and horticultural displays. The gardens also feature some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in New Zealand.

Take in the new and the old of Christchurch from above with a journey on the Christchurch Gondola. This cable car lifts you on a scenic ride to the top of Mt. Cavendish.

Where to stay: Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch overlooks Lake Kaikainui, offering a glimpse of the beautiful nature the rest of the region has to offer. Located under 10 minutes from Christchurch Airport, resort amenities include an 18-hole golf course, on-site bar and restaurant, and conference rooms available for large events.

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Queenstown, New Zealand

Located on the southwest side of the South Island, Queenstown has a well-deserved reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand. During the winter and spring months (June to October), Queenstown is known for world-class skiing. Of course, there’s plenty to do in Queenstown year-round. Adventure activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and river rafting will let you experience the region from dizzying heights and at breathtaking speeds.

Queenstown is also home to the world’s highest cliff jump, the Shotover Canyon Swing, where you can hurl yourself off a cliff in a number of different ways—including backward or tied to a chair.

If you haven’t lost your appetite (or your lunch) on these adrenaline-pumping activities, enjoy the dining scene in Queenstown—it’s one of the best in New Zealand. As locals and tour guides alike will tell you, one of the best places to eat in Queenstown is Fergburger, which CNN says “may be the best burger joint on the planet.”

Where to stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is located on the edge of town, giving easy access to the restaurants and other shops but also letting you sleep in relative peace away from the hub of activity.

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Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, New Zealand

No list of the best places to go in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute located in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At this Maori heritage center, you can learn about the nature and rich cultural history of the valley with a Te Rā Guided Experience during the day and experience a Maori welcome ceremony and traditional song and dance performance in the evening.

The Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is also home to a number of active geysers, including Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. Mud pools are another natural attraction in the geothermal valley: These boiling pools reach temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to stay: Located close to the city center and near the Whakarewarewa Forest, the Distinction Hotel Rotorua is a great jumping off point for your Rotorua vacation. Amenities include free WiFi, a heated swimming pool, on-site spa, four dining options, and a hotel bar.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms, are among the most unique places to go in New Zealand—and a visit to the caves is one experience you’ll be hard-pressed to duplicate anywhere else. You can take a boat ride through the caves to learn about the history and science behind the phenomenon.

Or, if you really want a unique adventure, try black-water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, which will float you on an inner tube down a subterranean stream. It will be pitch-dark (except for the glowworms), and you’ll get to do everything from jumping off waterfalls to rappelling down cave walls. Choose your own adventure when you book the tour.

There are other (non-glowworm) caves in Waitomo, too. Aranui Cave features ancient cave decorations; Ruakuri Cave has an awesome spiral entrance and unique limestone formations—and, okay, more glowworms, but in this cave, you can do a walking tour rather than a water-based excursion.

Where to stay: The Waitomo Caves Hotel is minutes from the famous glowworm caves. It offers a spa as well as cave tour reservations through its website.

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Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

You can hike an actual glacier in New Zealand. The Franz Josef Glacier plays host to both guided walks and jaw-dropping helicopter tours. Tours offer everything from ice climbing to a more relaxed hike on the 6.8-mile-long glacier.

Won’t you be freezing on top of a giant glacier? Nope! The Franz Josef Glacier receives a lot of sunlight, and temperatures on the ice are usually only a few degrees colder than in the nearby town.

Cap off a day touring the Franz Josef Glacier with a soak in the Glacier Hot Pools. The pools are fed by the waters from the Franz Josef Glacier, and you can use one of the three warm pools or get a private pool.

Where to stay: Franz Josef is a small enough town that the precise location won’t make too much of a difference (you’ll be close to everything no matter where you are). Consider the Aspen Court Franz Josef, which has received some of the best ratings in the area.

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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

See New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking here, no matter what your skill level. For experienced climbers, there are 23 peaks over 9,800 feet. For those looking for something a little more low-key, there are lots of walks along paved trails or boardwalks that still offer spectacular views.

Make sure you stay past sunset for a visit to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled for amazing stargazing opportunities.

Where to stay: Located inside the national park, The Hermitage Hotel will put you close to everything you want to see and do. Splurge on a room with a view of Aoraki/Mt. Cook—it’s worth it.

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

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2014. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 10 Best Places to Go in New Zealand appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Pack a Portable Wash Bag

When you want your clothes to be washing machine clean, pack the Scrubba. This little, lightweight (five-ounce) bag is a more portable version of a washboard: It has flexible nodules built in to help scrub your items clean. Simply fill the bag with water and detergent, toss your clothes in, rub them to cleanse, rinse, and hang them (and the bag) to dry. The whole process takes just three minutes.

Similar to the Scrubba, the Laundreez is a dry bag for laundry that has a clip closure. To use, fill the bag with water and add a few drops of detergent along with the clothes you’re washing. This portable washer can also be used as a dry bag or cooler. Favorite features include the cap nozzle for easy rinsing, as well as the removable mesh bag interior for delicates.

Use a Ziplock Bag

Stuck without a Scrubba on hand? In a pinch, a ziplock bag will do the trick. Simply add some detergent to a gallon ziplock, work the soapy clothes to a lather, unzip, rinse, and hang to dry.

Use Dry Detergent

Don’t mess around with messy liquid detergents when traveling. We recommend Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets, which start as solids and dissolve in water. Unlike liquid detergents, these don’t need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule when flying, and you don’t have to worry about suitcase spills.

Do Laundry in the Shower

Wash yourself and your clothes at the same time by taking an item or two in with you while you shower. You can even substitute shampoo for laundry detergent in a pinch.

Bring a Travel Clothes Line

You don’t want to spend all that time cleaning your clothes and then have to pack wet items when you leave in the morning, so you’ll need to be strategic about drying. Wash your clothes at night, and if possible, do it when you’re staying in a place for more than one night.

Pack a travel clothesline (this one has clothespins attached) and hang it near an open window, fan, or radiator in order to dry your clothing quickly.

Pack a Plain Stain Stick

In case of a laundry emergency, like a food or drink spill, pack a stain stick. These will instantly remove most stains before they have a chance to set and make any lingering spots easier to launder out, even if you have to wait to wash the item until you get home.

For Long-Term Travel: The Wonderwash

I wouldn’t pack this in my suitcase, but if you’re on a long trip in a boat or RV, the Wonderwash could be a great washing machine alternative. This gadget weighs five pounds and is powered by a hand crank. Your clothes will emerge clean after just a few minutes of work.

Follow Caroline’s travels on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post How to Do Laundry on Vacation (No Laundromat Required) appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel.

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back (just please, do it the right way) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

The post The 7 Most Controversial Travel Opinions appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Download Our Ultimate Camping Packing List

Be prepared for the great outdoors with the editable version of our Ultimate Camping Packing List.

Camping Packing List: Gear

Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is the most essential piece of camping equipment—without the right one, you’ll be in for a cold and uncomfortable night. Many sleeping bags are “mummy style,” which can be way too claustrophobic for a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.  Sierra Design’s Backcountry Bed 700 / 20 Degree sleeping bag has a unique design that feels more like sleeping with a comforter on your bed at home than a sleeping bag. It doesn’t have any zippers; instead, there are insulated hand and arm pockets to help you completely cover yourself, plus a self-sealing foot vent so you can regulate temperature. The bag has an minimum temperature rating of 16F, which is very impressive considering that it only weighs 2.5 pounds.

Sleeping Pad (Backpacking): Thermarest’s NeoAir XLite is a favorite of many through-hikers, and it’s easy to see why. This three-season air mattress will keep you warm and comfortable even on the rockiest ground, yet it packs down to the size of a water bottle and weighs a mere eight ounces. I love that this mattress doesn’t skimp on comfort despite the light weight—the fabric is super soft, and it uses a patented reflective ThermaCapture technology to trap your body’s warmth and minimize heat loss.

Sleeping Pad (Car Camping): If you’re not hauling all your camping supplies on your back, comfort is more of a concern than weight, and you can go for a plush model like Sea to Summit’s Comfort Deluxe S.I. Sleeping Mat, available in a double size that’s perfect for couples camping together. This mat has an R-value of 5.2, so you can use it even in the winter, and it has 10-centimeter vertical side walls that make it feel like a real mattress. Best of all, this sleeping mat is self-inflating, so you don’t have to waste your breath trying to blow it up before you can finally go to sleep.

Pillows: After a long day in the woods, you’ll want to rest your head on something soft. Short on space? Sea to Summit’s Aeros Pillow Ultralight lives up to its name, clocking in at 2.1 ounces, and is small enough to fit in a pocket when deflated. The pillow is covered with a polyester stretch knit fabric that’s cozy enough that you won’t miss a pillowcase. Got a little extra room in your pack? For just 0.5 ounces more, the Aeros Pillow Premium uses an even more plush fabric covering and is extra comfortable. Both pillows have a thin synthetic fill layer that wicks away perspiration, as well as a curved design that cradles your head. Each pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates in under a minute.

Tent: Unless you truly want to sleep under the stars (and deal with any inclement weather that comes your way), you’ll need a tent. An easy-up tent, like this one, is quick to assemble or to tear down.

Chair: Relaxing, eating, and sitting around the fire are all better when you’re not on the ground. The CLIQ Chair packs down small for easy transport, but assembles into a comfortable seat in seconds.

Light: Goal Zero’s Crush Light runs off of solar power and can last for up to 35 hours on one charge. It collapses nearly flat, so you can use this on backpacking trips—hang it from your tent as a reading lamp or carry it to light your way on a dark trail.

Solar Charger: If you can’t bear to completely disconnect in the wild, pack a solar charger (like this small foldable one) to power up your phones and other gadgets. Even if you don’t plan on using your phone, this is good to have in case of emergency, as it has a built-in LED flashlight, compass, and whistle.

Camping Packing List: Food and Drink

Bear Bags: If you’re bringing food, you need to also bring a way to protect that food from wildlife. Even if you’re not in bear country, you’ll still have rodents and other animals after your stash. A bear-resistant bag, like this one by Ursack, is made from a bulletproof fabric that can withstand a bear attack and doesn’t need to be hung off the ground (but must be tied to something secure, like a tree trunk). Or go for a lighter-weight odor-barrier bag like this one from Base CampSource, which eliminates any food smell and won’t attract animals to your camp. These should be hung off of the ground in bear country.

Cooking Set: Unless you’re doing ready-to-eat meals, you’ll need to bring utensils and pans for cooking. This one from Bulin has everything you need, from pots and pans to a dish sponge for scrubbing, for an affordable price.

Camping Stove: This gas camping stove from Coleman packs down small when not in use and is lit with the push of a button so you don’t waste time fumbling with matches. The cover unfolds into a set of wind-blocking panels to keep the flames alight.

Instant Coffee: If you’re used to starting off your day with a nice hot cup of coffee, don’t deprive yourself of that in camp. Instant coffee, like these sachets from Tandem Coffee Roasters, are easy to pack and prepare in minutes.

Cups: These collapsible cups are made from a food-grade silicone that is lightweight and packs down small, but can hold hot beverages without scalding your hands.

Water Bottle: If you’re staying at a campground with potable water, where keeping your drink cold is more of a concern than water quality, pack an insulated bottle like this one from YETI. Headed to the backcountry? The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle will give you safe drinking water fast.

Meals: Don’t feel like cooking while on vacation? There are plenty of tasty ready-to-eat meals these days that just need boiling water to eat. Check out our editors’ taste test of Good to Go meals here.

Camping Packing List: Hygiene

Wet Wipes: If no shower is in sight, these Surviveware biodegradable wet wipes are designed for “no rinse bathing and showers.” Thankfully, they’re unscented and hypoallergenic.

Dry Shampoo: Similarly, a small container of dry shampoo can help remove sweat, smells, and oil—no water required.

Hand Sanitizer: Hygiene is really important while camping, especially if you don’t have a clean water source for hand washing. Use hand sanitizer before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom.

Camping Shower: Can’t go that long without a shower? A small solar shower bag can be filled up and heated by the sun to give you a quick hot shower.

Quick-Dry Towel: This microfiber towel dries up to four times faster than a regular cotton towel, and packs down very small.

Biodegradable Soap: Coleman’s Camp Soap comes in spill-proof sheets that are biodegradable and can be used for hand washing, showers, and dish washing.

Biodegradable Shampoo & Conditioner: This eco-friendly 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo and body wash from Stream2Sea is biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reef safe.

Toothbrush and Paste: Make sure you use potable water when brushing your teeth, and pack a small toothbrush and toothpaste set like this one.

Camping Packing List: Miscellaneous

Trashbags: Always pack out what you pack in (even trash), so don’t forget the trashbags.

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Badger offers both sunscreen and bug repellent made from natural ingredients in easy to apply packaging.

First Aid Kit: Don’t go camping without a first-aid kit—even if you just use the bandages for blisters, you’ll be glad you have it.

Caroline Morse Teel is still working on her camping packing list. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from camp.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

The post The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Shark Attack Facts

Although it may seem to be the opposite, there was actually a surprising decline in shark attacks in 2022, according to the International Shark Attack File. This database is maintained by scientists at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida and measures shark attacks over the years, dividing them into unprovoked and provoked incidents, broken down by country and fatal vs. non-fatal. Keep in mind that your risk of being killed in a shark attack is miniscule—approximately 1 in 4,332,817.

Shark Safety Tips: How to Avoid Attacks

Sharks aren’t out to get you—in fact, they aren’t really interested in humans at all. Most attacks occur when a shark mistakes a human for a seal or other food source, so you want to avoid looking like a snack in the ocean. To avoid attacks, follow these shark safety tips:

• Swim, surf, or paddle in groups, as most shark attacks target a solo person.
• Stay close to shore in case you need help, but also know that sharks often hunt in shallow water.
• Avoid being in the water at dusk or dawn, as these times are when sharks are more active and visibility is low.
• Don’t make yourself ultra-visable: Sharks are attracted to contrasts. The International Shark Attack File scientists discourage wearing shiny jewelry (which can resemble fish scales), entering murky water, wearing bright-colored clothing, or showing off tan lines.
• Do not enter the water near fishermen, as the sharks may be attracted to the bait.
• Keep dogs out of the water.
• Avoid areas near sandbars or steep drop-offs, which are where sharks tend to congregate.
• Do not swim near seals or large schools of fish.
• Try to avoid erratic movements, flailing, or splashing in the water.
• Always listen to lifeguards and heed all signs and warning flags at a beach.
• Check shark activity in your area before entering the water.

Do Shark Deterrents Work?

There’s no shortage of products out there that claim to be able to protect you from a shark attack. You can purchase bracelets, chemical pouches, and electric devices if you want to feel safer in the water. But according to Tyler Bowling, Manager of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, these products are not effective 100 percent of the time: “Many of the shark deterrent devices on the market have been shown to have an effect on larger species such as white and tiger sharks. Additionally, these products are not tested on a large number of species. So what deters a tiger shark might not deter a cookiecutter shark and so on.”

How to Survive a Shark Attack

Most shark bites are accidental—the shark has mistaken a human for food and will let the victim go after the first bite. If the shark continues to attack, here’s what to do:

• Fight back by hitting the shark in its most sensitive areas (the eyes, snout, or gills).
• Get out of the water as soon as possible, as a shark may return for a second attack.
• When swimming away, keep your movements as smooth and calm as possible to avoid attracting the shark’s attention again.

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

The post Shark Safety Tips: Everything You Need to Know to Prevent or Survive a Shark Attack appeared first on SmarterTravel.

In case you’re unaware, here’s what Prime Members get for free year-round:

• Fast, free two-day shipping
• Same-day shipping (in eligible zip codes)
• Unlimited movie and TV streaming
• Unlimited, ad-free music streaming and offline access to playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos
• Access to Prime Gaming
• Early access to flash sales
• Free monthly book download with Prime Reading
• Get two free audio books when you sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible
• Ability to purchase subscriptions to premium cable networks like STARZ and Showtime
• Prime Now deliveries (free two-hour delivery or scheduled delivery on select items)
• Free grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh (over a certain order threshold)
• In-store discounts at Whole Foods

Amazon will be having prime-member exclusive sales leading up to July 11th, as well as big sales on the day. So is it worth it to sign up now? Well, if you’re not already a Prime Member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now to get all of the deals. Travelers can start shopping now for deals on everything from SmartTVs from just $64.99 to up to 60% off various other Amazon devices.

As a prime subscriber and frequent traveler, I think that a Prime membership is worth it for travelers. I love being able to order a last-minute item right before a trip and having it arrive in time. And the offline access of movies/shows/music/books really sets Amazon Prime apart from most other media subscriptions.

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Prime Day, Amazon’s biggest sale of the year will run July 11th through July 12th for 2023. To help you make the most of this mega savings event, I’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you get the best deals.

If you’re not already a Prime member, now is a great time to sign up. If you haven’t been a Prime member in a while, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and cancel after Amazon Prime Day with no charge.

Now you’re ready to shop. Here are a few Amazon Prime Day secrets to consider:

1. Download the app to see the “sneak peek deals” and add your must-haves to your list to get notified when they go on sale during Prime Day. (Here’s how to do it.)
2. Monitor Amazon’s deals page for the latest discounts.
3. Enter the daily giveaways leading up to Prime Day through the Amazon app.
4. Shop early deals from small businesses leading up to Prime Day.
5. Clip digital coupons to save even more on purchases.
6. Split the cost of a Prime membership by adding multiple people to your “Amazon household,” which allows you to share the benefits of your membership.
7. Check out new Just for Prime deals that are exclusively available to Prime members.
8. Easily find the best Prime Day deals by asking Alexa, “Alexa, what are my deals”?
9. Amazon Prime users can get one year of free delivery with GrubHub
10. Prime Members can earn a $15 Amazon Credit when uploading their first photo to the Amazon Photos app.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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