Think twice before making that call!

Cellphones have infiltrated every facet of our lives, butcellphone etiquette is still somewhat elusive. After all, isnt talking on your phone just like talking to someone whos right next to you? The short answer is no. Just think about hearing someone in a store negotiating with their kid in a one-sided conversation or folks on the subway navigating a breakupon speakerphone! Things can get weird fast, not to mention potentially dangerous.

“Cellphones can be unsafe distractionsmostly because theres a loss of situational awareness when you interact with your phone,” says Bob Otter, a retired fire department captain with 26 years of experience and the founder of CitizenAID. “The cellphone has single-handedly made our general public more vulnerable than at any time in history.

Talking on speakerphone in public is even worse, in terms of both etiquette and safety. Using your speakerphone can lead to those around you learning more about you than they ever wanted to,” notes Chris Hauk, a consumer-privacy expert at Pixel Privacy, “and if any bad actors are in the crowd around you, they may seize the opportunity to overhear your personal information.”

So where shouldnt you talk on your cellphone? We talked to safety, tech and etiquette experts to settle the debate once and for all.

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Coming in hot with all the tasty tips is former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz, who recently took to TikTok to let his followers know what to order (and what to skip) at the popular fast-food chain. As it turns out, one of your favorite burgers may not be the best bang for your buck. Read on for a smart tweak that’ll help you save on your next order.

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Insider info that’ll save you money

In a recent TikTok video, Haracz tells his followers, “Don’t order a Big Mac.” Then he offers up an alternative that will save you about $2a decent amount of money considering how cheap McDonald’s meals are.

What should you order instead? “A McDouble like a Mac,” he says. “It is so much better and cheaper.”

So what’s the difference between these two orders, and how much can you really save? We’re breaking it down so you can order wisely.

McDouble vs. Big Mac

How exactly will a McDouble satisfy your Big Mac craving? It turns out, the two items are shockingly similar. By ordering a McDouble “like a Mac,” you’re asking for a tiny tweak that’ll land you a Big Mac dupe.

A classic Big Mac is assembled with two 100% pure beef patties seasoned with salt and pepper, a slice of cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles, a middle bun and the famous Big Mac sauce.

A McDouble also has two 100% beef patties and comes with pickles, onions and a slice of cheese. But instead of Big Mac sauce, it comes with ketchup and mustard.

According to Haracz, if you order your McDouble “like a Mac,” the restaurant will layer it similar to a Big Macsans middle bunadding in the lettuce and subbing in the signature Big Mac sauce instead of the typical ketchup and mustard.

While Haracz is confident that you will be able to order your McDouble this way, if a restaurant won’t do it, he says, “maybe don’t go to that onego to a different one, because this is the superior way.”

How much you’ll save by ordering a McDouble

Not only is the “Mac-style” McDouble highly praised by this former McDonald’s chef, but as he points out, it’s also much cheaper to order this McDonald’s burger. Thankfully, the prices don’t lie.

According to McMenu, a site unaffiliated with McDonald’s that collects the price of the fast-food chain’s menu items across the country, the cost of the average McDouble is $2.41, more than $3 cheaper than the typical Big Mac, which currently averages around $5.58.

While ordering a McDouble “like a Mac” may be cheaper than buying a Big Mac, it will limit you a tad. You can’t order a combo meal with it like you can with a Big Mac. So what will the price come out to if you’re pairing the burger with a medium fry and drink for a DIY combo meal?

Luckily enough, even if you order a side of fries and a drink, you’ll still save money compared with a Big Mac meal. The average medium fry costs around $1.80, and a drink cost $1.25, so your makeshift “McDouble Combo Meal” will total close to $5.50. This is still more than $3 cheaper than a Big Mac meal, which costs an estimated average of $8.64. The simple swap could also save you a lot of money if you find yourself at the most expensive McDonald’s in America, where a Big Mac meal costs a startling $18.

All in all, if you’re not a fan of that soggy middle bun and you’re looking to save a little cash, skip the Big Mac order and try Haracz’s McDouble-like-a-Mac hack instead. Just be sure to avoid hitting the drive-through during the worst time to go to McDonald’s.

Sources:

• TikTok: @chefmikeharacz
• McMenu: “McDonald’s Lunch menu and prices in the US”
• Statista: “Global price of a Big Mac as of July 2023, by country”

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Imagine sitting in your breakfast nook having a cup of coffee when all of a sudden you see someone about to die. What would you do? Last Christmas, John Gelinne found out.

On Dec. 26, Gelinne, 60, was gazing out the back windows of his home in Edgewater, Maryland, at frozen Beards Creek. Children and grandchildren bustled around the house. Thats when Gelinnes daughter, Aimee DeMayo, spotted the Piper Cherokee.

Look! she cried. Gelinne looked up just in time to see a small aircraft a few hundred yards away, losing altitude.

As the plane disappeared behind the trees, Gelinne, a former Navy commander and current cybersecurity expert, realized it was going to land in the creek. He flashed on a moment from more than 20 years earlier: Sept. 11, 2001. Gelinne was at work in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., when terrorists crashed a jumbo jet into the building. He fled the chaos but has always wondered if he could have stayed inside and helped.

To the right was the crisis, and to the left was escape. I dont even know if I couldve gone right, but I went left, he recalled. I always second-guessed myself about that decision.

On this day, Gelinne didnt hesitate. He ran down to the waterfront. The plane had skidded to a stop on the broad, frozen creek, far from shore. It was now sinking. The pilot was standing on the wing. Gelinne knew from his Navy training that even a few minutes in the icy water could kill the pilot.

Gelinne tested the ice with his foot and decided not to take any chances walking on it. So he and his son, John Jr., 37, pulled two kayaks out from under their back deck.

I figured, if it can float on the water, it can slide on the ice, Gelinne says.

The kayaks paddles proved too flimsy, so the pair tried using shovels to push the boats along. Their first attempts left them spinning in circles. But with some muscle, they made progress.

The two men set off, pushing their boats across the ice. It was exhausting work. When Gelinne reached the plane, it had broken through the ice and sunk; only its tail was visible. The pilot was standing on a tail wing, submerged up to his chest, surrounded by open water. Gelinne nudged his kayak off the ice and into the water, paddling toward the pilot and thinking, What if he panics? What if I flip?

With his son nearby, Gelinne focused on keeping the pilot calm, joking, Just hang on to the boat as if you were hugging your wife. The pilot grabbed the kayaks bow. Now the two men were floating together, but Gelinne knew he had to get the pilot out of the water and up onto the shelf of unbroken ice behind him before the man lost too much body heat. But each time Gelinne tried to land atop the ice shelf, the kayak broke through. He needed the other mans help.

I said, Im going to push real hard, and you kick real hard, and damned if we didnt get up onto the ice, Gelinne says.

By now a police officer had arrived and radioed for help. A boat from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources appeared, breaking through ice as it arrived. It picked up the pilot, Steve Couchman, 71, and whisked him to safety; he would be treated for minor injuries. Later the boat returned to help Gelinne, now exhausted, to shore. John Jr. made his own way back after salvaging a bag containing vital flight logs, which the pilot had thrown onto the ice.

The cavalry had arrived just in time, Gelinne recalled. Im 60 years old, he says. There was no way I could get him to shore. Still, he was satisfied hed gone the right way that day.

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But recently, we’ve come across a viral TikTok that has shown us something we’ve never noticed before. Most major pickle-packing companies don’t seem to have the word “pickle” anywhere on their beloved jars. What’s up with that?

Why don’t jars say “pickles” on the label?

TikTok user @jessebanwell came across this interesting tidbit while talking to his son. Banwell says his son “couldn’t find the word [pickle] on the jar anywhere.” He did some digging and found that neither his Claussen nor Mt. Olive pickle jars featured the word anywhere. He even googled a photo of Vlasic pickles to check out their label game, and sure enough, no “pickle” in sight.

Watch on TikTok

Banwell took to the internet to seek out information, but he couldn’t seem to find an answer. We didn’t want to leave the poor man hanging, so we did some research of our own. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t all that intriguing.

According to most major companies like Vlasic, Claussen and Mt. Olive, it comes down to effective usage of space on the label. Carolyn Goldberger, the brand manager from Vlasic, says, “We use the limited label space to clearly communicate the form and flavor inside each jar. That way consumers can easily find their favorite Vlasic. But no matter the style, it’s definitely a pickle!”

Are you a true pickle lover? See how Vlasic, Claussen and Mt. Olive rank in our pickle taste test.

How many kinds of pickles are there?

There are upward of a dozen different types of pickles for you to try and enjoy. Dill chips, bread and butter chips and kosher spears are just a handful. Not all pickles are the same, and each person has their own preference. My favorite pickle has got to be a large jar of kosher spears. Lucky for me, my dad made sure to have one in the house at all times.

And while cucumbers are the go-to for the pickle chips and spears we know and love, that’s not the only vegetable you can pickle. You can pickle avocados, radishes and even fruit. There’s no stopping the pickling trainit’s a vintage cooking skill that will never go out of style!

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The dreamiest Cabo all-inclusive resorts

Why is Cabo San Lucas so amazing? Lets start with its stunning beaches, beautiful blue seas, sunny weather, striking rock formations and abundance of bars, restaurants and entertainment offerings. And if youre on or near the West Coast, its a no-brainer, since this Mexican hot spot on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula is just a three-hour plane ride from major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix and Denver. Oh, and did we mention the vast array of dreamy Cabo all-inclusive resorts? Well, we should have! Not only do they look like they belong on a postcard, but since everythings included in your rate, they will make budgeting and planning incredibly easy.

So, have we officially convinced you to book your next trip to Cabo? If the answer’s yes, then you’ll want to keep reading to find our top picks for the destination’s best all-inclusive resorts!

What’s the best time to go to Cabo?

Cabo has year-round warm and sunny weather, which means there’s not really a “bad” time to visit. High season is generally between November and April, which also overlaps with prime whale-watching season (early December through mid-April). That said, keep in mind that this is also when Cabo will be more crowed and costly.

Low season, July through mid-October, brings fewer crowds but also the hottest temps and the rainiest weather. That said, you’ll also find lower hotel rates, which may be a draw for those on a budget. Shoulder season (May through June, and mid-October through November) serves as a happy medium, with fewer crowds and great weather.

How we chose the best all-inclusive resorts in Cabo

We sifted through hundreds of TripAdvisor reviews and consulted with travel pros to bring you the best of the best. The accommodations we chose all have private balconies or terraces, and most also have all-suite accommodations with amenities like bathtubs and water views. We also looked for resorts with bonus features, such as included non-motorized water sports, free spa access and state-of-the-art kids clubs, to name a few.

Just keep in mind that while all the best Cabo resorts on this list are located along gorgeous swaths of sand, not all of the beaches are swimmable. Unlike other warm-weather vacation destinations such as the Caribbean, which have warm, calm waters, some Cabo beaches have rough, strong currents. With this in mind, only some of these resorts are situated on swimmable beaches, but most are just a short walk or drive away from other excellent swimmable beaches.

Now, without further ado, scroll on down to see the 10 best Cabo all-inclusive resorts. And don’t forget to check out these all-inclusive resort tipsso that you can make the most of your trip!

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We’ve all been sucked into tourist traps at some point during our travels. It usually happens by accident, of course, and with the best intentions. Maybe your uncle recommended it as a “must-visit” attraction. Or you’d seen countless photos of a famous destination and felt like youhadto see it in person. All too often, though, these spots end up not being the highlight of our trips: The tourist-heavy restaurant doesn’t have very good food, or a popular destination has long lines, endless visitors and inflated prices.

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How did these studies identify the biggest tourist traps?

Two different studies, two different methodologies. And before we get to the details, we should note that they looked at tourist traps around the world, but we’re focusing on the United States for this article.

The first study, from Casago, relied on tourist feedback from TripAdvisor. Its analysts searched for the number of times the words tourist trap were mentioned in a TripAdvisor review of a particular sight. They also made sure that each destination had at least five of these mentions and that the phrase “not a tourist trap” didn’t count toward this number. It’s also worth noting that four of the biggest tourist traps in the world are located in the United States, according to Casago’s analysis.

The July 2023 USA Today Blueprint study, on the other hand, was based on 23.2 million Google reviews for the world’s 500 most popular tourist attractions, which spanned 65 countries. This analysis took into account the frequency of words including tourist trap, overrated and expensive, and measured the relative frequency of those mentions compared with the total number of reviews for a particular attraction.

What are the worst tourist traps in the United States?

The two studies by Casago and USA Today Blueprint each produced different results, though one hot spot does appear on both lists. (More on that later, but how’s that for a dubious distinction?) And the “winners” are …

Fisherman’s Wharf

Casago’s study identified Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco as the biggest tourist trap in the United Statesand the world. Its analysis found 1,049 Trip Advisor reviews with the words tourist trap for the California city’s iconic waterfront business district that sees around 12 million visitors annually.

To be fair, there are some cool things to see here, such as sea lions sunbathing near the shores of the San Francisco Bay and two cable car lines to ride. But you can get that California-coastline experience elsewhere in San Fran, and the “world-class dining, shopping, hotels and endless entertainment opportunities” touted by the city’s tourism board aren’t quite what they’re cracked up to be, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. The issue? If you’re looking for an authentic San Francisco experienceand one without overpriced tourist trinketsyou probably won’t find it here, according to Steve from North Carolina. Another reviewer, Bert, called it a “mini Vegas” for its many mediocre restaurants and T-shirt shops.

Still feel like you need to visit Fisherman’s Wharf? By all means, stop by, says San Franciscobased travel agent Andrey Zakharenko … but then quickly move on to another site. “If you want to go to Alcatraz, it does depart from Pier 39, so you’re close to the Fisherman’s Wharf area,” he points out. “And just a little to the left of it, you’ve got Ghirardelli Square in Fort Mason, where there are more local vendors and more interesting places to visit.”

Four Corners Monument

The Four Corners Monumentlocated right at the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexicotopped USA Today‘s list. Situated in Navajo Tribal Park, it certainly has some intrigue, since it’s the only place in the United States where four states meet. If you’re on a quest to visit every state in the country, you can stand right on the spot and check off four!

But it’s hours from other big vacation destinations, so between that and its $8-per-person entry fee, many tourists didn’t feel it was worth the effort or expense. “It’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid,” Loana Grado acknowledged in a Google Review, adding she was glad she visited but that it “wasn’t a big whoop.” She adds: “I’d do it once in your lifetime, and that’s enough.”

Reviewer Joel Kermis likewise called it “a fun spot to visit if you’re already in the area … but it has little additional value beyond the novelty of being in four states at the same time.” Translation: It’s a great quick stop on a road trip or a possible must-see if you’re a geography nut, but it probably shouldn’t be your sole destination.

Other top tourist traps

So, what else should you avoid? Here are the other spots that rounded out Casago’s top 10 for the U.S. portion of its list:

• Dole Plantation (a historic pineapple plantation in Wahiawa, Hawaii)
• Times Square in New York City
• Caf Du Monde in New Orleans
• Navy Pier in Chicago
• Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
• Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
• San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas
• Cannery Row, a waterfront district in Monterey, California
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California

Meanwhile, USA Today‘s analysis called out these popular destinations:

• The Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts
• Calico Ghost Town in San Bernardino, California
• Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer County, South Dakota
• International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico
• Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, Oregon
• Pike Place Market in Seattle
• Navy Pier in Chicago
• Preservation Hall in New Orleans

Should you visit anyway?

Maybe. After all, you might really want to get a photo at Chicago’s Navy Pierwhich was, by the way, the only attraction that appeared in both Casago and USA Today‘s top 10. You also might want a beignet and a cup of coffee from Caf Du Monde in New Orleans. (Those beignets really are delicious!) It’s just that you should adjust your expectations and plan your visit strategically.

Zakharenko frequently works with clients who want to experience local culture when visiting a new place but might also want to throw in a popular tourist spot or two along the way. “If they want to see the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and stuff like that, then I say, ‘Let’s see if there’s a better date to do it when it may be less crowded,'” he says.

After all, planning a trip with a mix of photo-worthy spots and cool hidden gems can often make for the best trip. It all boils down to what you’re looking for. “It’s always good to ask why you’re doing it,” Zakharenko says. “Is it because someone told you or because you’re actually interested in the destination?”

About the expert

• Andrey Zakharenko is a travel agent based in San Francisco.

Sources:

• Casago: “The Biggest Tourist Traps Worldwide (2023 Data)”
• USA Today: “Top 100 biggest tourist traps worldwide”

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Whether you’re considering a short weekend getaway for fall foliage or a weeklong family vacation to sunny shores, the fall season is one of the best to hit the roador the skies. The question is, where should you visit this fall? Lucky for travelers, Trip Advisor recently compiled a list of the top trending destinations for fall travel in 2023. Get ready to book!

How were the top trending destinations determined?

This is not a list of the mostpopular destinationsthose are what you’d expect: Las Vegas, New York City and Orlando. On the contrary, Trip Advisor wanted to identify the top trending destinations for fall 2023, lesser-known or surprising places people seem to be booking this year.

To do that, analysts gathered site data for travel between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30 and identified the places seeing the biggest booking growth, year-over-year. And there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the town seeing the biggest spike in interest for autumnal travel.

What is the top trending vacation destination this fall?

Little Torch Key, Florida, is the top-trending destination, according to TripAdvisor’s report. As the name suggests, it’s one of the Florida Keysthe chain of islands in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Florida’s mainland.

Located along the iconic Route 1 highway connecting the keys, Little Torch Key is located near the larger Big Pine Key, and near Middle Torch Key and Ramrod Key. If you want to drive, it’s about 133 miles (about a two-hour-and-43-minute trek) from Miami International Airport. It’s a much shorter 35-minute drive from the southernmost (and perhaps best-known) key, Key West.

What does a vacation in Little Torch Key, Florida, look like?

Once you get to the island, you’ll find that it’s a fairly small residential and beach community. At around three miles from one end to the opposite, you could drive from the northernmost point to the southernmost on-road point in around seven minutes.

Wondering where to stay? Don’t bother searching for major hotel chainsit’s not a heavily commercialized island. However, you will find some smaller, boutique resorts, such as Parmer’s Resort or the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, which describes itself as a tranquil paradise among white-sand beaches. You can also look for some beach house rentals on the island.

It’s not far from a great snorkeling site at one of the biggest coral barrier reefs in the world, Looe Key Reef. It’s also very casual when it comes to your dining options. Instead of well-known chains, you’ll find places like Kiki’s Sandbar and Grill, a waterfront dive featuring fresh seafood, nightly live music and the option to dine at tables on the sand.

Is it safe to visit the Florida Keys in the fall?

As you might expect, perhaps the biggest obstacle for visiting the Florida Keys in autumn is hurricanes. After all, Atlantic hurricane season technically stretches from June 1 to Nov. 30. The local government in Little Torch Key does caution: Hurricanes can hit anywhere in the keys or Florida, with the most active part of the season falling between mid-August and mid-October.

For that reason, if you’re planning an early autumn (or even a future, late-summer) trip to Little Torch Key, you may want to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy shortly after booking that will allow you to cancel and get a refund if a major storm develops.

Other popular fall 2023 destinations

Little Torch Key wasn’t the only destination Trip Advisor identified as trending this fall. Other locations seeing strong growth this year compared with last include several areas in Florida, a Pennsylvania lake town and other warm-weather destinations out west. Some of these trending spots are great romantic weekend getaways and might even have domestic all-inclusive resorts.

The list includes:

• Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
• Miami Springs, Florida
• Hawley, Pennsylvania
• Carefree, Arizona
• Reno, Nevada
• Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Holmes Beach, Florida
• Rutherford, California
• Indio, California

Considering a trip this fall? Since these destinations seem to be getting a lot of attention right now, start looking soon, especially if you want to get the best deal for your travels.

Sources:

• Little Palm Island: “My Story”
• Monroe County: “Hurricane History and Info”

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Betrayal at The House on The Hill

Frequently featured in board game deals on Amazon, Betrayal at The House on The Hill is one of the best cooperative horror board games. Band together with other players to explore the house on the hill and reveal its rooms, monsters and secrets. Each game features a different mansion floor plan and monsters, so even after dozens of plays it still doesn’t feel stale. Because it starts slow and moves faster as the players explore the mansion, playing it feels like starring in a haunted house flick!

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Dream Cloud Faux-Suede Chelsea Bootie

What’s not to love about these casual but eye-catching boots? Featuring the chic Chelsea bootie style, these plus-size boots for women have a lug sole with a heel, and they have elastic goring at the sides. This helps them stretch to easily slip them on and off quickly. Also, they have a true wide width that goes from the sole to the upper shoe for greater comfort.

The light color goes with everything from warm fall pantsuits to spring florals. If you’re thinking of wearing these for some hiking, check out these photos of the national parks for some extra inspiration.

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This idea originally came from a viral video from chef Jos Andrs over on TikTok. The video is of a conversation with James Beard awardwinning cook and author Tamar Adler in an interview for a podcast, where chef Andrs shares his desire for eating peeled strawberries. He says peeled strawberries were meant “to be loved by you,” that they “fit perfectly with beautiful lips” and “if you’ve never had a peeled strawberry, you don’t understand.”

So how would you go about peeling them? We broke it down so you can fully understandAndrs’s obsession with peeled strawberries.

Should you peel strawberries?

Watch on TikTok

Wondering if it’s worth the effort to peel strawberries in the first place? ChefAndrs admits in another TikTok video that in his house, they always peel their strawberries because of the “mouth feel.”

The skin of the strawberry also contains some bitterness, which tends to be common in all different types of berries. Without the skin, however, peeled strawberries contain all the sweetness without the bitterness, making them even more pleasant to eat.

So after cleaning strawberries, maybe you should also consider peeling those berries for an even more elegant eating experience.

What’s the best way to peel strawberries?

While it isn’t required for you to peel these little fruits anytime you’re whipping up some kind of recipe with fresh strawberries, if you’re looking to upgrade the elegance of the dish you’re working on, peeled strawberries could do the trick.

Here’s how to peel strawberries: Using a paring knife, carefully scrape off the peel of the strawberry until you’ve removed the skin and the seeds from the top. You don’t want to cut off a chunk and lose some of that sweetness, which is why carefully scraping it will do.

Chef Andrs does this by holding the strawberry in hand while he carefully peels it. However, if you’re nervous about using a knife while holding a small piece of fruit, you can hold the strawberry in place with a fork instead. Simply use the fork to pierce the strawberry at the top near the stem, peel from the fat end of the strawberry down to the tip, then turn. Then remove the leaves and the stem at the top and you have a peeled strawberry ready for your dishor to devour on the spot!

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To get the skinny on the dining etiquette and tipping etiquette you should follow in these situations, we spoke to experienced etiquette experts. Keep reading to discover how to approach paying the bill in a manner that’s civil, polite and respectful to everyone involved, and to make sure you aren’t engaging in a polite habit restaurant staffers dislike.

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Paying a restaurant bill: Etiquette tips

There are a surprising number of situations you may find yourself in when you’re out at a restaurant, bar or coffee shop, and all require a certain amount of finesse when it comes to picking up the tab. By following proper paying-a-restaurant-bill etiquette, you can avoid being annoying in the following situations.

Out with friends

Meeting a few friends for a meal is likely a splitting-the-bill situation, says Lisa Mirza Grotts, a certified etiquette expert who’s been offering tips on etiquette rules for the past 23 years. “If there is no host, then it is assumed that everyone will split the bill unless one person offers to host,” she adds.

Say you have a weekly standing lunch date with a few girlfriends. Instead of splitting the bill every time, you could rotate who the “host” is and who picks up the tab.

A birthday meal

“The birthday girl or boy never pays, unless ahead of time they offered to host a party for themselves,” Grotts says, adding that it’s best to make a plan with other partygoersbefore the big eventregarding who is going to cover the birthday person’s meal or drinks, and how.

Since this may be a situation in which everyone is paying for themselves except for one person, it’s likely easiest to have one friend cover the guest of honor and then have the others pay them back later.

Out with your parents

No two families are alike, which is why one household may make proper table manners a priority, while another may turn dinner into a free-for-all. Likewise, when paying a restaurant bill, etiquette that works for your family dynamics may not work for another. Tricky as the situation may be, the key is to figure out what works for you and your parents.

In my family, if it’s a pre-planned dinner, my parents usually pay, though they appreciate that I still pull my credit card out every time. “My dad does the same,” says Grotts. “But we have a rule that when he comes to our house, we pay, and when we go to his house, he pays.” Once you’ve established these rules in your family, they’re easy to stick to.

Meeting for an interview

“If you are conducting an interview, and you extended the invitation, you are responsible for picking up the tab, regardless of what they order,” says Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and owner of the Protocol School of Texas.

As an interviewee hoping to put your best foot forward, this is one less thing you need to worry about. You can save your strategizing for what to say in an interview.

A meal with colleagues

“If you are out with peers at a friendly lunch, everyone should pay for their own meal,” Gottsman says. “Likewise, if you are at a restaurant with equal-level colleagues and you are all ordering comparably, there is nothing wrong with splitting the tab.” Things change if one person starts to order high-priced cocktails or an expensive dish like a plate of oysters.

If someone does this, they shouldn’t expect their colleagues to cover it, explains Gottsmanwith equal-level colleagues or peers who are all pulling in roughly the same salary, that’s unfair.

A meeting or reunion

A friends or family reunion or a book club meeting may be handled differently than a casual meal out with friends, primarily because there will likely be a designated host or organizer. When it comes to paying the restaurant bill, etiquette typically dictates that the host pick up the tab. But Grotts says that hosts don’t necessarily need to pay, provided they communicate the situation ahead of time. “It’s important for the host or organizer to make this clear when the invitation is being sent out,” she explains.

Entertaining clients

This one is pretty straightforward. “The overall goal of a client meal is to build a relationship with the client,” says Gottsman. “If you extend the invitation, you pay, and you tip.”

But if the client protests, don’t put up too much of a fightthis is a polite habit most people dislike. “If the client insists on paying because they extended the invitation, you would not argue … simply say thank you,” Gottsman adds.

After-work drinks

When you’re at a bar and people are ordering drinks and food as they want them, it can feel like the Wild West. Should you wrangle the group into splitting the check or play lone cowboy and start your own tab?

“You can either start your own tab or know that you may be splitting the bill and the orders may be imbalanced,” says Gottsman. “It’s up to your personal comfort level as to whether or not you determine to ask for a separate check.”

If you’re not drinking alcohol or have dinner plans and you’re only staying for one sip, no one will bat an eye if you order separately or ask for your own check. But if you arrive and leave with a big group and you’re all drinking and sharing appetizers, splitting the bill or paying someone back with Venmo or Zelle may be the way to go. Just don’t ask the bartender to itemize a split billthat’s one habit bartenders really don’t like.

On a first date

“Whoever initiated the event should pay,” says Grotts. “So if a woman has asked a man out, she should pay, and vice versa.” This rule even covers online or app-based situations where two people may be chatting for a while before meeting in person. After all, someone has to propose the idea to get together.

On later dates

A second date is a good chance for the invited party on the first date to reciprocate, Grotts says. From there, it’s up to the couple to determine how they want to handle paying going forward.

One smart strategy: If you suggest a particularly pricey restaurant for a date early on in a relationshipespecially before you know much about the other person’s financesbe prepared to cover the tab. You don’t want to put them in an uncomfortable situation where they have to politely decline an invitation because you really wanted to eat lobster.

At a coffee shop or fast-casual restaurant

These days, plenty of people meet for romantic dates or friend meet-ups at coffee shops or fast-casual restaurants that require you to order and pay at the counter, which can create a bit of a gray area. “You can still have a date at a coffee shop and pay, even though the price might be less,” notes Grotts. “But if you’re not sure of how to handle this, one way to deal with it is to get to the coffee shop early and order your drink and be seated, which nonverbally says that the other person should also get theirs.”

On the flip side, if you want to pay, ask the other person what they would like to eat or drink while you are at the table, which implies you will then go up to the counter to place and pay for both orders. And while you’re ordering, be sure to avoid those so-called polite habits baristas really don’t like.

Paying a restaurant bill: Etiquette FAQs

Read on for answers to some of your more general questions about paying-a-restaurant-bill etiquette.

How do you politely ask who’s paying for dinner?

Everyone is thinking about it as soon as the dessert is cleared, so you might as well come out and say it. A simple “How are we handling the bill?” should suffice. And no, you shouldn’t make an Irish exit immediately after this conversation.

What is the etiquette for getting the bill?

You should ask for the bill at the end of a meal in the same manner as you’ve handled all your other interactions with your server: with patience and respect. You wouldn’t yell your order across a crowded restaurant, and that’s not the best way to ask for the check either.

That said, if you’re planning to pay for the whole group and want to skip this step entirely, you can. “Get to the restaurant early and give your credit card to the matre d’ ahead of time with instructions of how much to leave for a tip,” suggests Grotts. “That way, there will be no argument when the bill comes.”

Is it rude to ask for separate checks at a restaurant?

Never! But there is a polite way to do it. “When it comes to splitting the bill, there’s nothing wrong with letting the server know at the beginning of the meal that you would like separate checks,” Gottsman says. This way, the server can enter the items into the system accordingly, which will make it easier to produce separate checks at the end of the meal. If you wait until the meal is over to mention separate checks, the process is much more complicated and time-consuming for your server.

How do you split the bill in dining etiquette?

If you’re planning to go Dutch on the bill, these general rules are helpful to follow.

When someone isn’t drinking

If the majority of your party is drinking alcohol and only one or two people are not, they shouldn’t be expected to pay an equal share to cover their friends’ cocktails, says Gottsman.

When someone’s meal is much cheaper than the others

The advice for this one is a little foggy, and it comes down to why you’re ordering a cheaper meal. If you just really feel like a salad though everyone else is ordering a steak dinner, you may need to accept that you’re splitting the bill evenly. But if your reasons are financial, it may be worth mentioning to the server and to the rest of your party at the start of the meal that you are trying to save money so you’re going to get your own bill.

How to tip on a split bill

Tipping etiquette doesn’t offer hard-and-fast rulesexcept this one: You need to tip on your portion of the restaurant bill.

“When you split a bill, everyone tips on their own portion of the bill, and different people may tip differently,” says Gottsman. “You can certainly suggest that you all tip a certain amount or ask what others are tipping, but you want to be fair and make sure you’re tipping [at least] 20%.”

How to split the bill

Asking for individual checks is fine, as long as you tell your server at the start of the meal. Ditto for splitting the bill just two or even three ways.

But avoid overcomplicating the matter. Let’s say you’re dining with seven people, five of whom want individual checks and two who want just one check. That’s going to get a lot more complicated for your server. Try to keep it as simple as possible.

Should a man always pay for dinner?

Not anymore. Free yourself from following outdated etiquette rules on dates. These days, the person who asks the other one out should be the one to pay, says Grotts.

About the experts

• Lisa Mirza Grotts is a certified etiquette professional and public speaker with 23 years of experience helping people navigate social situations with confidence and poise. She is a past member of the International Society of Protocol and Etiquette Professionals and the author of A Traveler’s Passport to Etiquette.
• Diane Gottsman is an internationally renowned etiquette expert, speaker and owner of the Protocol School of Texas, a company that specializes in professional etiquette training. She has a master’s degree in human behavior and is the author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.

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Unlike many riddles that challenge your smarts, this head-scratcher becomes a bit more simple when you see that the answer is in the riddle. While some riddles (like “If I had four eggs…”) test your math skills, the “There’s a woman in a boat” riddle is more of a mystery to your cranium’s creativity. Good luck!

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“There’s a woman in a boat” riddle

There is a woman in a boat, on a lake, wearing a coat. If you want to know her name, it’s in the riddle I just wrote. What’s her name?

The hint

Read the riddle a few times, and the answer will appear. It’s not a long riddle, so you can look at it in small parts. Focus on the beginning of the riddle. Don’t overthink the teaser. The woman’s name is not a common one and could be replaced with your name or your best friend’s name.

The answer

“There” is the woman’s name.

“There’s a woman in a boat” riddle revealed

The viral “There’s a woman in a boat” riddle achieves the primary goal of a good short riddle: It leaves you confused and hunting for the solution in places that take you further away from the answer. While “There” is not a traditional moniker, it serves the purpose of having you swimming for answers in faraway waters. Once you figure out the riddle, it seems super silly, but you’ll probably ask a few friends to try to solve it.

Did you enjoy this riddle? If so, you’ll love our other viral riddles and brain teasers. And if you really want to give your brain a workout, try our more challenging riddles.

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Mabel’s cat body languagemakes you wonder why cats act out this way when a new human or pet enters their kingdom. Could it be the cat is mad at me for allowing this strange pet into her world? Or is her jealous-like behavior due to stress and cat anxiety? We asked cat behaviorists to unravel this meow mix of emotionsand help us better understand what to do about it.

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Do cats get jealous?

Cat behaviorists can’t be sure our little lions turn into green-eyed monsters and feel the jealousy emotion the way humans do, but cats are continually adapting to their surroundings, investigating and interpreting the underlying factors around them as being neutral, positive or aversive. So when cats act out by hissing, hiding or biting as a response to your friend’s dog visiting, it may look like jealousy, but they’re likely just feeling anxious or stressed.

Research found that when it comes to stress, felines have two common triggers: physical and psychological. Interestingly, psychological triggers (a change in routine or a new person in the house) are more potent than physical triggers, such as an illness. Psychological triggers are the most likely to cause jealousy.

“Cats are all about their space and their pecking order,” says Michael Thompson, DVM, lead veterinarian and cat behaviorist at Pets Food Safety. “Imagine they’re like little lion kings and queens ruling their indoor jungle. When a new pet or even a piece of furniture comes in, it’s like an unexpected guest in their kingdom, and they may act out to assert their royal authority.”

What do cats get jealous of?

Two things are certain with cats: They thrive on predictability, and they think they own everything in their kitty kingdom. In the cat’s mind, possession isn’t 9/10 of the law. It’s 10/10 of the law. They can get a royal cattitude and bring out their claws when something or someone threatens that.

“Cats are like little guardians of their own personal treasure chests, which include food, the perfect napping spot and, yeah, even you,” says Dr. Thompson. “They want to make sure they have first dibs and will do what it takes to stake their claim.” Your cat may guard their food or block another human from getting too close to you. But they’re basically saying, “Hey, this is mine!” Here are some things a kitty might become jealous of.

A new pet

There are cat breeds that get along with dogs. And cats can be chummy with other types of furry friends too. So do cats get jealous upon the arrival of a new pet? Likely. “Bringing another pet home is like throwing a curveball at your cat,” says Dr. Thompson. “They see the new guy as competition for food, space and your love.”

A new baby

Cats love baby talk when you speak to them, but how do they feel about an infant sharing your unique love language? When a new baby arrives, it’s the baby that takes center stage. Suddenly, humans are devoting every moment to the care of this new person in the housewho also cries and smells funny. “A new baby will soak up a lot of your attention, and your cat might feel a bit left out. It’s a big change for them too,” Dr. Thompson says.

A new piece of furniture

Do cats get jealous of inanimate things? As crazy as it sounds, it’s a weird cat fact that they can become jealous of a piece of furniture. “It’s kind of amusing when you think about it,” says Dr. Thompson. “You might not think your new coffee table is a big deal, but your cat might see it as an invader in their territory.”

The same does not apply to new cat scratching posts, cat condos and other feline furniture. However, once your cat has accepted their cat furniture, they may become possessive of it and get jealous, especially if you have multiple pets. “At that point, they might display behavior that we’d interpret as jealousy if another pet tries to use their beloved tree or bed,” says Dr. Thompson.

A new friend or partner

It’s not a stretch to see why a new baby could upset the kitty kingdom, but do cats get jealous of a new friend or partner that wants to be friends and treats the cat kindly? Even with the best intentions, a cat may still sense a disturbance in the force. “Cats can be little attention hogs. If you’re spending time with someone else, whether it’s a friend or a romantic partner, don’t be surprised if your cat tries to steal the spotlight,” Dr. Thompson says.

How do cats show jealousy?

Do cats get jealous and act out in obvious ways? Not always. Cats are notorious for sending mixed messages. One minute, they’re lovey-dovey, purring in your lap. Seconds later, they’re doing zoomies and knocking stuff off the coffee table. To figure out if your little lion is acting out in jealousy, you have to look closely at their behavior and check for emotional clues indicating jealousy.

“At the root, jealousy in cats is about their territory being threatened,” says Joey Lusvardi, a cat behaviorist and the owner of Class Act Cats in Minneapolis. “They worry that they may be cut off from an important resource like cat food, a litter box or even a human.” You might see jealousy in action when cats try to monopolize someone or attempt to get rid of rivals for affection, attention and resources. Here are some behavior clues to look for.

Swatting and blocking

Cats may voice their jealousy with an angry meow, while others prefer the silent kitty ninja approach. “Cats may swat at an invader in their space, or they may physically try to block off a resource by laying between another cat or animal and the resource,” says Lusvardi.

Showing more affection

Affectionate behaviors could be a sign of jealousy. “For example, your cat may rub up against you more to get their pheromones all up on you,” says Lusvardi. Or your cat may be uber-affectionate and snuggle up close to you when another animal or human is nearby. In reality, they could be just trying to squeeze out the competition.

Attention-seeking behaviors

“Cats are really, really smart, and they’ll figure out a way to get your attention,” says Lusvardi. They might start to jump onto counters, groom themselves more or become more vocal than usual. They may also act out in weird ways you haven’t witnessed before.

Peeing outside the litter box

Since jealousy stems from territorial issues, cats might mark outside of their litter box to send a clear message: This kingdom is mine. But there are many reasons cats don’t use their litter boxes. A new pet may have blocked access, the box is too close to another pet’s stuff or it could be a sign your cat is sick.

Are some cat breeds more jealous than others?

Do cats get jealous if they are of a particular breed? Not really. Although Siamese cats (known for being one of the friendliest cat breeds and notably super smart) tend to be very particular about their territory. “Siamese cats are some of my favorite cats, but they tend to be very attached to their humans, so they can see any invader into their space as a threat,” says Lusvardi. When it comes to degrees of envy, it’s more about how the cat was raised and if there have been enough resources to meet the cat’s needs. “For example, if a cat was living on the streets and didn’t have food for the first part of their life, they may be jealous when there is any threat to a food supply.”

How can you prevent jealousy in cats?

Don’t be surprised if you witness some stress-induced and resource-guarding behaviors, like hissing, swatting, hunching up their back or blocking. It’s normal for a cat to warn other animals and humans to back off by doing these things. Help prevent those jealous-like behaviors by providing stress-free access to fulfill their basic needs of scratching, climbing, lounging, eating and using the litter box. And since cats are creatures of habit, it’s a good idea to stick to their normal routine. Here are some steps to help cats adjust.

Set up the purr-fect environment

You might be inclined to give your cat their own private domain by putting all their resources (litter box, toys, food) in one location. But cats actually like their stuff spread around multiple locations, which can also help pave the way to more harmonious relationships. “Mixing their resources in with things that belong to other pets or humans is the way to go, as it will help the cats feel like their whole space is theirs,” says Lusvardi. If the source of jealousy is another cat, each cat should have their own set of resources, Lusvardi says.

Provide plenty of playtime

Routines are bound to change when a new human or pet enters the household. You may spend more time with the new person or pet, but it’s essential to maintain playtime and snuggle time with your cat. Predictability eases their anxiety. If you’re introducing a new pet, spend equal amounts of playtime with each cat a couple of times a day.

Teach voluntary sharing

“Voluntary sharing is a pattern game you play with your cat as an exercise to help them realize that others getting something is a good thing,” says Lusvardi. This activity is ideal for cats that have already had some cat training and learned some tricks, such as sitting up or a high five. Usually, the cat gets a treat when they perform a trick. But when you’re playing the voluntary sharing game, they don’tat least not immediately. Instead, you give the first treat to the other pet or person the cat is jealous of, and then you give the jealous cat their treat. “This teaches the cat that others getting something is a signal that they get something, so sharing is a good thing!”

Praise good behavior

“When they have any interaction with the object of their jealousy that you want, make sure they get praise and attention for doing so,” says Lusvardi. For example, when your cat encounters the source of their jealousy and ignores them instead of acting out, praise them with affection and/or a treat.

How long will it take to make your cat less jealous?

That depends on your cat and the circumstances. Once you set up the proper environment, it may take a week or two to adjust. However, suppose your cat developed a negative association with another cat or pet due to a heated clash. In that case, it may take longer to undo than if there were just a few minor spats. If you’re not seeing any improvements or there is a serious danger of biting and violence to humans or another pet, get in touch with a feline behaviorist right away. Or if you’re frazzled and at your wit’s end, reach out to a pro. “We can help make the process easier and help you get things right quickly,” says Lusvardi.

About the experts

• Michael Thompson, DVM, is the founder and lead veterinarian and cat behaviorist at Pets Food Safety in Austin, Texas. Dr. Thompson has a lifelong passion for animal health, specializing in pet nutrition. He created Pets Food Safety to help parents navigate the saturated pet food market by providing science-based and comprehensive guides on the safety of various food items for dogs and cats. He lives harmoniously with his cat Nimbus and dog Jax, a Jack Russell terrier.
• Joey Lusvardi is a certified cat behavior consultant and the owner of Class Act Cats in Minneapolis. He’s always been an animal lover, but when he faced cat behavior challenges with his adopted cat, Zoloft, he decided to become a cat behaviorist to help cats and their humans lead more harmonious lives. He also works as a psychiatric physician assistant and trains cats to become therapy animals. Sadly, Zoloft, the first chief purr officer, recently passed away. His successor, Prozac, is a former stray Siamese cat enjoying his new forever home and lots of love and treats.

Sources:

• Frontiers in Veterinary Science: “Dealing with Stress in Cats: What Is New About the Olfactory Strategy?”

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Love birthday celebrations? If so, the British royal family might make you slightly jealous. And it’s not just because money concerns over presents and parties are probably nonexistent for them. It’s that the reigning monarch also gets to celebratetwobirthdays every year. Just think about how many birthday celebrations that added up to for Queen Elizabeth over her 70-year reign! But what does this mean for King Charless birthday now that he’s in charge? There have been some changes in the monarchy since the queens death, so will he continue this tradition?

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When is King Charles’s birthday?

King Charles III was born on November 14, 1948, which means he will turn 75 this year. That said, this will be just his second birthday as king, since he took the throne following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022. Charles was the oldest person in British history to ever become king (or queen, for that matter). His mother, by contrast, was just 25 years old when she became queen in 1956.

So how will the king celebrate his big day? “The monarch’s actual birthdays are traditionally private events,” explains royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, adding that he expects Charles to spend the day with his family, without any fanfare or public appearances. “It’s a decision of the king what he wants to do for his birthday. Only when there’s a big one, like someone turning 70 or 80, might the details be officially announced.”

Why does King Charles have a second birthday?

Birthday No. 2 for King Charles comes on the first or second Saturday in June, and it is the “official” birthday celebration of the reigning monarch. Also called Trooping the Colour, this spectacle is broadcast by the BBC live to millions of households. It is also a military paradecomplete with soldiers in uniform and more than 200 horsesfollowed by an appearance by the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Celebrating the monarch’s birthday and Trooping the Colour on the same day is a centuries-long tradition that goes back to King George II, who reigned from 1727 to 1760 and was concerned that his birthday might be spoiled by bad weather. Like King Charles’s birthday, his big day was in November. “[King George] wanted to celebrate in good weather and decided that June was the best bet,” says Fitzwilliams. And so, the tradition of the monarch’s two birthdays was born!

Charles already celebrated his first Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023, and the next one will take place on June 8, 2024.

How did Trooping the Colour get its start?

According to the official website of the royal family, Trooping the Colour likely originated in the early 18th century, though possibly even earlier. Back then, colorful flags of the battalion were carried (or “trooped”) down the ranks to remind the soldiers what they looked like and make sure they would recognize them in case they got separated from their unit during a battle. So, unlike today, the military parade wasn’t originally a celebration but a necessary practice of the armed forces that could potentially save lives. The term colours itself was implemented because the flags also displayed the uniform colors and insignia of the British Army.

Since 1748and King George II’s decision to beat the British weatherTrooping the Colour has also marked the monarch’s official birthday.

What happens at Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is one of the highlights in the royal calendar. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians gather to show off their military precision, their horsemanship and, most of all, their strong bond with the royal family. The spectacle starts and finishes at Buckingham Palace, from where the senior royals (including the king and queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne)some on horses, others in carriagesmake their way down the Mall to nearby Horse Guard’s Parade for the official display, a simulation of a march to the battlefield by working soldiers. Around the parade square, 8,000 members of the public can watch the display up close, alongside the royal family.

Royal fans who don’t win a seat in the annual ballot (at least 250,000 try their luck every year) can still be part of the celebrations by joining the tens of thousands of flag-waving spectators along the Mall and on the edges of St. James’s Park. Trooping the Colour lasts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ends with a Royal Air Force fly-past, watched by the royal family from the Buckingham Palace balcony. Costs for the event are roughly $70,000.

Was Charles’s first Trooping the Colour any different than previous celebrations?

Royal watchers might wonder if King Charles’s birthday parade is any different from Queen Elizabeth’s, especially since he has promoted the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy. In terms of the pomp and circumstance, that doesn’t seem to be the case. “Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition with a purpose: to show the very close relationship the monarch has with the armed forces,” Fitzwilliams explains. “It has iconic status and remains unchanged.”

There was, however, one notable difference at Charles’s first Trooping the Colour. He revived a tradition that Queen Elizabeth gave up in 1986 when she was 60 years old: He appeared on horseback, riding next to Princess Anne and Prince William.

That said, Trooping the Colour might change once William becomes king. Britain’s future monarch is, as Fitzwilliams says, in a “slight dilemma,” as his birthday is on June 21. That’s not only the same month Trooping the Colour currently takes place but also usually around the Royal Ascot Racing Weekend, another noteworthy event in the royal calendar. “He might decide to just have one birthday, or he might celebrate earlier,” says Fitzwilliams. “It’s up to the monarch if they want to continue the tradition or not.”

About the expert

• Richard Fitzwilliams is one of Britain’s most prominent royal experts. He has followed the lives of the royal family for decades and regularly shares his expertise in media outlets around the world.

Sources:

• Royal.uk
• The British Army: “What Is Trooping the Colour?”
• Ministry of Defence
• Reuters: “First ‘Trooping the Colour’ parade for Britain’s King Charles”

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For sentimental types: Minted Custom Map Filled Foil Art

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The best names are personal and fit both you and your pal. One of your buddies might prefer funny names, while your other may appreciate something more sincere. However casual these aliases are, deciding on nicknames for friends isn’t a task you should take lightly. After all, the name will likely last your pal for years.

Coming up blank? Don’t worry. Just as we’ve given you some truly great nicknames for boyfriends and girlfriends, we’ve created the ultimate list of nicknames for friends. Settled on a favorite and want to show off your friendship to the world? Look to our list of best friend captions for Instagram and get ready to post all those adorable photos with your ride or die.

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What should you consider when choosing nicknames for friends?

The most important thing to consider when deciding on nicknames for friends is whether your pals feel comfortable being called by a nickname in the first place, according to psychologist and friendship expert Irene S. Levine, PhD. Some people don’t like being nicknamed, and that’s fine.

Take the time to reflect on a friendship before making the choice to nickname someone. “You also want to make sure your relationship is close and intimate enough that you can call someone by a nickname,” she says. “If you see your friend cringing, you know you’ve chosen a name that is annoying.”

Which leads us to the next tip: You need to make sure the nickname you’ve chosen is one that your friend is OK with. Levine recommends running a specific nickname by your friend before using it for the first time.

If you really want to nickname someone but none of your friends seem like a good fit, try a romantic partner. “Because many people associate nicknames with romance, it may be easier to [bestow] a nickname on a romantic partner than a platonic friend,” Levine says. If all else fails, scratch your naming itch by giving yourself a new funny username online.

Classic nicknames for best friends

If you’re lucky enough to have a BFF you’ve known foreveror you’re so close that it feels like you’ve known each other for agestry one of these classic nicknames for lifelong besties. And speaking of humor, your best pal will really appreciate a few funny friendship quotes as well.

• BFF
• Buddy
• Bestie
• Forever Friend
• Pal
• Chum
• Sister
• Brother
• Ride or Die
• Sport
• Buster
• Day One

Funny nicknames for friends

Giving friends funny nicknames is a great way to make them feel specialand make them laugh. Want to make the whole gang giggle? These funny group chat names will have them in stitches.

• Brother from Another Mother
• Sister from Another Mister
• Party Animal
• Marshmallow
• Goofball
• Goober
• Chuckles
• Cheeky Monkey
• Cheeseball
• Long-Lost Cousin
• Baddie
• Air Bud

Cute nicknames for friends

Level up the wholesome vibes with one of these adorable nicknames for a best bud. And if your BFF is covered in fur? There’s no shame in loving your peta dog is a person’s best friend, after all. Check out our list of pet names if you’ve recently brought home a new furry or feathered family member.

• Boo
• Kiddo
• Munchkin
• Darling
• Lovely
• Scout
• Giggles
• Bumblebee
• Cowboy
• Cutie Pie
• Babycakes
• Chickadee
• Dimples
• Smiley
• Smoosh
• Squish
• Bubbles
• Button
• Buttercup
• Bug

Food-related nicknames for friends

Food might be one of the biggest inspirations for nicknames everywhere, and for good reasonfood-related names are totally fun and adorable. Maybe one of these will suit your taste. Or give your pal a nickname based on some (totally real!) funny food names.

• Bean
• Pumpkin
• Noodle
• Peanut
• Cookie
• Honeybun
• Cupcake
• Pudding
• Dumpling
• Sugar
• Gumdrop
• Nugget
• Sprinkles
• Muffin
• Hot Sauce

Nicknames for guy best friends

Nicknames can be a great way to lighten up a bromance or any other kind of friendship. Use one of these traditionally male nicknames to hype up your guy friendor poke fun at him (harmlessly, of course!). Want to make him laugh the moment he walks through your door? Use one of these funny Wi-Fi names and subtly show your sense of humor.

• Dude
• Bro
• Amigo
• Chico
• King
• Champ
• Chief
• Boss Man
• The Kid
• Mister
• Tank
• Absolute Unit
• Lad
• Mate
• Ace
• Prince
• Duke
• Coach

Nicknames for girl best friends

No one has your back like your best gal pal. Treat her like royalty and call her Queenor one of these other fun choices. Need another way to tell her how much she means to you? Turn to the words of others and send her some friendship quotes.

• Sis
• Girl
• Girlie
• Gal
• Hun
• Amiga
• Chica
• Queen
• Queen Bee
• B
• Doll
• Barbie
• Soul Sister
• Sassy
• Diva
• Blondie
• Princess
• Duchess

Funny pop-culture nicknames for friends

Another way to get your friends to laugh (and simultaneously show them you care) is to reference an inside jokeor a pop-culture icon you know they’ll appreciate. Try one of these well-known references to beloved books, TV shows, movies and more. And speaking of pop culture … Once you’ve determined the best nickname for a friend, it’s time to name your book club or TV-bingeing crew.

• Old Sport
• McLovin
• Captain America
• Smelly Cat
• Doc
• Superman
• Wonder Woman
• Sherlock
• Rambo
• Rocky
• Miss America
• Goofy Goober
• Smooth Operator
• Hercules
• Zeus
• Atlas
• Jedi Master
• Flash
• James Bond
• McDreamy
• Romeo

Silly and sarcastic nicknames for friends

Channel your inner Chandler Bing (and that sardonic sense of humor) into funny nicknames for friendsjust make sure they won’t take it the wrong way! As Levine notes, it’s always a good idea to check with your friend before debuting the new nickname to a crowd. The last thing you want to do is offend your bud. If you’re worried, go with something a bit more silly, like Stinky or Clown.

• Smarty
• Stinky
• Silly
• Shorty
• Menace
• Troublemaker
• Punk
• Firecracker
• Charmer
• Houdini
• Weirdo
• Funnyman
• Shawty
• Smartmouth
• Smart Alec
• Einstein
• Clown
• Joker
• Knockout
• Rebel
• Loverboy

While you’re dishing out the LOLs, share some of these funny friend memes with your besties.

About the expert

• Irene S. Levine, PhD, is a psychologist, award-winning journalist, friendship expert and the author of Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup with Your Best Friend. Through her Friendship Blog, she gives advice for navigating friendships at every stage of life.

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The worst time to visit McDonald’s

In a recent TikTok video, McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz said the worst time to hit the fast-food monolith is around 10:30 a.m. While it may seem like an odd time to be slammed, it’s when the fast-food chain is in the middle of switching between their breakfast and lunch service, which can have an affect on the speed, the food and the staff.

“The issue is all of the equipment is all the same, and things are switched over from the breakfast menu to the lunch menu,” says Haracz. “That means the fryers are no longer cooking hash browns, they’re cooking french fries. The grills have a different time and temperature. [And the] crew are switching over sometimes.” Additionally, he says the breakfast items need to be removed from the holding cabinets and lunch items need to be added.

Longer wait times occur because it takes a lot of effort to transition between food menus and machine temperatures to prepare for the next offerings. All these moving parts are happening while it’s also getting busier at the restaurant. And while that may take extra time, some commenters pointed out that this is also when lunch offerings are at their freshest.

Watch on TikTok

Breakfast-to-lunch transition at McDonald’s

The breakfast-to-lunch menu transition requires a lot more coordination than you might think. One YouTube video posted by user Stephen Patula shows the level of effort and organization it takes to transition to lunch. Beyond turning over warmers and fryers, workers are also doing quick math to tally the breakfast items they have lefteggs, sausages, ham, pancakes, McMuffins, biscuits, burritosso they know what they can still sell to customers out front.

At the same time, shifts are often starting or ending for crew members. The video shows the process looking like a well-oiled machine, but it does require a good amount of communication among the staff, all while still serving customers.

Does McDonald’s serve breakfast all day?

While there are a few select McDonald’s locations that offer a limited all-day breakfast menu, not every McDonald’s location is required to. Across the country, McDonald’s serves their breakfast menu between 5 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., but depending on how many breakfast items they have left, some restaurants may keep selling until 11 a.m. or even noon.

And the same goes for the lunch menu. McDonald’s doesn’t sell burgers in the morning because the demand simply isn’t high enough to warrant running the burger grills in the a.m. There isn’t enough room to cook all the foods needed (such as eggs, sausages and hash browns) and also have room on the griddles and fryers to cook burgers and fries as well.

What happens to the extra breakfast food?

While some McDonald’s restaurants will sell what they can past 10:30 a.m., if there is extra food, the restaurant is likely to toss it. Some McDonald’s workers on Reddit have confirmed that the restaurant throws it away, a common practice to ensure that there is no risk of contamination or health hazards.

Sources:

• QSR Magazine: “The 2018 Drive-Thru Study”
• Reddit: “What do y’all do with leftover breakfast food when y’all switch to lunch?”
• YouTube: “McDonald’s POV: Breakfast to Lunch Transition”

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One of the many little-known facts about cats is that most of them are quite lactose intolerant. So does that mean even a tiny piece of Brie should be banned? Or that you can’t sneak Fluffy’s daily thyroid pill into a pinch of provolone? We asked the experts about the best diet for cats and whether it’s OK to treat your favorite feline to an occasional cheesy treat. The answers may surprise you!

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Why do cats like cheese?

Cats like cheese for much the same reasons humans do: It’s delicious. “They’re attracted to the creaminess of it,” says Ashlie Saffire, DVM, a veterinarian at the Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic in Dublin, Ohio. “Cats don’t taste sugar the way we dothey don’t have the taste buds for sweet. But they do like things that are creamy, so [experts suspect] it’s the texture of cheese that they like. And they really love cream cheese.”

Can cats eat cheese?

Yes … but only in small amounts. While cheese isn’t toxic to cats, it can give them an upset belly if they consume too much of it. It’s the same reason cat’s shouldn’t really drink milk. “They don’t have the enzymes in their stomach to break down the lactose that’s in the milk and cheese,” says Dr. Saffire. “So if they have too much, you’re probably going to see some GI problems.”

Interestingly, young kittens do have those enzymes because they need them to digest their mother’s milk. But after they are weaned, cats stop producing them.

The reason for this lactose intolerance? Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they depend only on meat to survive. “In the wild, when they’re hunting, they’re mostly feeding on birds and miceso mostly protein,” says Dr. Saffire. “They may also be getting small amounts of grain, but they’re really not getting much dairy at all. So it’s just not something that they need by nature to be able to digest.”

What happens if cats eat too much cheese?

When people who are lactose intolerant consume dairy products, they get upset stomachs, gas or GI discomfort, and in cats, it’s a similar thing, says Dr. Saffire. Here are some of the symptoms cats can develop as a result of eating too much cheese:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Constipation

“There might be a handful of cats where it doesn’t bother them at all, but [in most cases], it will probably cause some significant GI issues,” says Dr. Saffire. “For the most part, it’s best to just avoid large amounts of milk or cheese.”

How much cheese is too much for a cat?

For an average-size cat, the max should be a dime-size amount. “Just a little dollop,” says Dr. Saffire. “It’s enough to be a treat but not too much.”

Sometimes owners might want to hide a pill in a little piece of cheese and “that’s totally fine,” says Dr. Saffire. “It’s a great way to get medication into your cat. Even if it’s a pill you have to give every day, it should be fine as long as you use only a little piece of cheese.”

In fact, Dr. Saffire sometimes uses a dab of cream cheese when treating cats in her office. “I’ll smear it onto the exam table and it keeps them busy licking away at it, and they don’t even notice I’m doing an exam or giving a vaccine,” she says. “So it’s really helpful as a treat that way. It’s really all about moderation.”

Should certain cats avoid cheese altogether?

While most cats are fine with occasional cheese treats, it’s important to note that some cats can’t tolerate even small amounts. This is true of cats with a dairy allergy, whose skin breaks out anytime they consume cheese, milk or yogurt. In those cases, avoid cheese completely, says Dr. Saffire.

Owners of cats with weight issues might also want to avoid giving cheese as a treat because of its high fat content, but if it’s the only way to get the cat to take a pill, says Dr. Saffire, it’s worth the trade-off. “If you need to use something for an overweight cat that needs medication, it would probably be fine to use a small piece of cheese to get the medication in them,” she explains. “When you’re looking at what’s the bigger problem, it’s more important to get the medicine in them.”

Of course, if your cat has any chronic medical conditions, it’s best to talk to your vet before giving him anything not on his prescribed diet. “There’s not really any contraindication to cheese, but there are much safer treats out there, like the little crunchy Temptations,” says Dr. Saffire. “Or if you wanted to give your cat a human-food treat, something like canned green beans are an excellent choice. For some reason, cats really like them! Feeding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin would also be another good option. It’s safe to give, and it gives you the satisfaction of feeding them something fun.”

Which cheeses are better for your cat?

Although too much of any cheese is likely to cause stomach upset in a cat, some varieties of cheese have lower levels of lactose, which can make them easier for cats to digest. A general rule of thumb? Hard and semi-hard cheeses tend to be the way to go.

• Cheddar
• Swiss
• Provolone

FYI, Swiss cheese is also low in sodium and fat, so that may make it your top choice if your kitty is a fan.

Which cheeses are worse for your cat?

Experts suggest keeping your cat away from the following varieties of cheese, even in small amounts.

• Ricotta, mozzarella and burrata: These delicious Italian cheeses tend to be high in lactose. According to Dr. Saffire, they’re probably still fine in small doses, but you may run more of a risk here.
• Blue cheeses: That colorful veining in cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort is actually mold, which can be dangerous to cats. “You want to avoid anything that has cultures in it,” says Dr. Saffire.
• Raw milk cheeses: Some soft cheeses, like Brie and Camembert, are traditionally made with raw milk, which could contain bacteria and lead to GI problems and possibly even neurological issues like seizures. Though most varieties you see in U.S. supermarkets now contain pasteurized milk, it’s best to check before giving it to your cat.
• Cheeses blended with onions and garlic: While the cheese itself may be fine, onions and garlic are among the foods that can be toxic to catsand dogs as well.

What should you do if your cat has eaten too much cheese?

While you may be willing to limit the amount of cheese you give to your cat, odds are he won’t show the same restraint if he comes upon an open container of cream cheese on the counter. So what do you do if your cat eats too much cheese? First off, don’t panic. Some cats will digest the cheese just fine. Others may suffer a bout of gastric distress, but the symptoms should resolve themselves as the cheese passes through their system.

“I would expect to see some gas, some diarrhea and maybe some vomiting,” says Dr. Saffire. “But it wouldn’t be toxic. They’ll be OK.” Of course, if the symptoms continue, consult your vet.

About the expert

• Ashlie Saffire, DVM, DABVP, is a veterinarian and the co-owner of Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic in Dublin, Ohio. She also serves as a director of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

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Sweet treats you can’t resist

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Feng shui flora

An ancient Chinese practice, feng shui is all about cultivating spaces so the energy of the person living there can thrive. This means the positioning of furniture and even indoor plants matter when creating a flow of harmony that matches the natural order of the world. And according to feng shui experts, there are certain good luck plants that are believed to naturally attract good energy into the space.

Depending on the plant you choose, you can bring different kinds of luck into your life and into your home, says feng shui consultant and author Carole Hyder. The lucky bamboo plant, for instance, can attract financial luck, while others are known to bring romance, harmony and health. If you are seeking more good luck, celebrating the Chinese New Year, acquiring good luck charms or staying away from unlucky things, consider also adding good luck plants to your home.

An important note about good luck plants

They need to be well cared for. Obviously, a wilted plant won’t bring your space good luck or clean air. In fact, a dying plant may even cultivate bad luck because it drains the space of energy. Every plant needs water and sunlight to thrive, but the amount varies, so continue reading to learn which good luck plants might best fit your lifestyle and location year around.

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Luckily for you, we have one more trick up our sleeves: Consider the airport you fly from. According to a Smart Asset study on airfare increases over the past year, some airports have managed to keep costs lower than others. Before you start planning your next trip, read on to find out which U.S. airports made the list of the cheapest in the country and which ranked as the most expensive.

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How was the cheapest airport determined?

Narrowing down the list of airports to find the cheapest in the nation is no small task! Smart Asset sourced data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and zeroed in on the average cost of airfare for flights originating at U.S. airports that saw 100,000 or more passengers during 2022. The researchers then compared data from the first quarter of 2023 with data from the first quarter of 2022 to find out the percentage increase in fares for each airport.

What is the cheapest airport to fly out of in the United States?

At the top of the cheapest-airport listwith an average ticket price of $269.92 in the first quarter of 2023is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. It’s ranked the 19th busiest airport in the world, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, considering Las Vegas is one of the most frequently visited destinations in the nation.

So why is the airport so cheap? There are more than enough flights to meet the demand, which drives prices down. Flying in and out of Las Vegas is often far more affordable than traveling out of less-popular destinations.

The low prices at Harry Reid International are also the result of so many carriers flying into and out of the airport. All of America’s major airlines use Harry Reid, and the sheer nature of competition makes prices even cheaper.

The top 10 cheapest airports in the United States

Harry Reid International Airport may be the cheapest in the country, but it isn’t the only airport that offers affordable airfare. The following 10 airports all offer pretty great prices, and if you can fly out of any of them, you may be able to save on your next trip. They may even give you the permission you need to finally plan that vacation to Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

Here are the top 10 cheapest U.S. airportsand the cost of an average domestic flight in the first quarter of 2023:

1. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: $269.92
2. Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, Hawaii: $271.69
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, Florida: $274.08
4. Metro Oakland International Airport (OAK) in Oakland, California: $275.86
5. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Burbank, California: $285.53
6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: $288.53
7. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in San Jose, California: $306.68
8. Luis Muoz Marn International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $309.74
9. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago: $313.72
10. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, New York: $325.76

The top 10 most expensive airports in the United States

On the other end of the spectrum are the country’s most expensive airports. At the top of the list is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.

And what makes these so pricey? As with the cheapest airports, it all comes down to supply (of departures) and demand (from passengers). When the demand outpaces the number of available flights, prices increase. When you take these factors, along with location, into consideration, you can begin to predict which airports are likely to be the most expensive. Far fewer people travel through Alaska than they do Las Vegas, which is why you’ll spend almost twice as much on flights out of Anchorage.

Here are the top 10 most expensive U.S. airportsand the cost of an average domestic flight in the first quarter of 2023:

1. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage, Alaska: $508.85
2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia: $487.49
3. MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport (MSP) in St. Paul, Minnesota: $455.65
4. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina: $453.89
5. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City: $448.55
6. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Detroit: $447.64
7. Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City: $431.85
8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in DFW Airport, Texas: $430.12
9. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan: $427.97
10. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Norfolk, Virginia: $427.85

Traveling on a budget

We get it: You can’t always control the airport you depart from. If you live near one of the top 10 most expensive airports, you may have no other options nearby when it comes to flights. If that’s the case, you can lower the overall cost of your trip by flying a budget airline like JetBlue, using Southwest’s Companion Pass to travel for free (for real) or focusing on cheap vacation destinations instead.

Source:

• Smart Asset: “Where Airfare Increased the Most Year Over Year 2023 Study”

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When it comes to vacation, I’m a “listen to your heart” kind of gal who eschews travel listicles and rarely even uses a guidebook, relying on word of mouth and intuition. So when I saw an AI travel planner and other tools making headlines this year for helping people save money and plan trips, my first instinct was to write them off as hype. I’ve found the whole idea of artificial intelligence more than a little scary, and the last thing I wanted to do was hand over control of one of my favorite activities to what I thought was just a fancy calculator that reads the internet.

The way I saw it, I didn’t need an AI assistant to tell me how to travel. And the prospect of ChatGPT advice was about as appealing as letting ChatGPT create my grocery list. In other words: unappealing.

But when I heard that an AI travel planner or other travel tool could save me money? I’ll admit that my ears pricked up. You could say that travel has been a lifelong obsession of mine, and since my pocketbook has never matched my ambitions, traveling on a budget has become an equally big obsession. When I was studying abroad in Europe in my early 20s, budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair were emerging, so I was one of those people who would sleep in a random European airport to take dirt-cheap flights if it meant saving a bit of cash.

It just so happens that I have a very expensive trip looming in my near future: a transatlantic voyage to New York City for a 10-day stay. So I decided to see whether the latest online travel tools could scratch my cheapskate’s itch for deals, anda big step for meI even put my fears aside and took an AI travel planner (or seven) for a test drive.

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How to save on flights

I decided to take the plunge right away and try out Microsoft’s Bing, an AI chatbot that runs on ChatGPT-4 technology. It’s free as part of the Microsoft Edge browser, whereas ChatGPT-4 requires payment. (Google Bard is another free option, though it runs on different technology.) And unlike the free version of ChatGPT, Bing has access to the internet.

I asked it to find me the cheapest flights between my country (all major airports are within a few hours of me) and New York City for a range of departure and arrival dates. And I was stunned: Bing claimed it had found a round-trip flight for just $380.

Maybe I had been wrong about AI all along?

Unfortunately, while Bing gave me a link to the aforementioned flight, when I clicked, it showed up as $947. I even asked Bing for the flight numbers and airlines so I could try the airline websites directly, but to no availthe actual price was still $947.

While the smart bot had let me down, I knew that the dumb ones had my back. I’m talking about flight search engines: Instead of opening 70 browser windows and manually searching for my flights on different airlines, I relied on tech to do that for mefast. These sites’ bots query zillions of airlines and display the results in a way that’s easy to navigate.

After testing out Kiwi, Expedia, Skyscanner, Momondo, Google Flights and much-hyped Hopper, I went back to my old standby: ITA Matrix, which you may not have heard of. Developed by an MIT AI researcher in the early 2000s, it was the original flight search engine.

It’s not as user-friendly as the newer engines, but in my experience, it finds hidden deals. This time, while the other flight search engines threw me flights of $700 or more and encouraged me to buy now, as flights weren’t likely to go down, ITA Matrix found a real cheapskate’s flight: $570 round trip, departing from a nearby city (a $5 train ride from me). Searching on my own through major carrier websites turned up flights of $1,100 or $1,300.

Total saved

I saved a whopping $530, paying $570 instead of $1,100 for my flight.

How to save on hotels

Even breathing can feel expensive in New York City, so I was extremely skeptical about AI’s ability to find me cheap places to stay for a week in the Big Apple. A quick check on Booking.com turned up $672 for a room with a shared bathroom in a hotel with a 3.8 rating, or $851 for 10 nights in a hostel rated 8.3that’s $85 a night for a bed in a room with 10 other people, folks.

I asked Bing to find 10 hotels that cost less than $100 a night. It helpfully provided a list, but it also turned up several articles from niche blogs that answered the same question. I went down the rabbit hole, but much like my experience with the flights, the information turned out to be wrong, perhaps because it’s outdatedsome decent-looking hotels that were promised to cost less than $100 a night ended up costing $250 or even $400 when I checked their websites. Google’s Bard gave me different options, but they were just as inaccurate ($300 a night instead of the promised $100).

Back to my old friends the bots and some hotel search engines. WayAway (more on that below) somehow found me the same hostel bed for $65 a nighta total of $250 in savings. I’ll take it.

Total saved

I saved $250 using WayAway, paying $65 a night instead of $85 a night for 10 nights.

How to save on sightseeing

To plan a cheapskate’s getaway in New York City, I turned to Expedia’s ChatGPT-powered AI assistant to come up with some free activities to do during my trip. AI trip planners ride on ChatGPT’s technology; trained on large pools of text, ChatGPT has learned how to parse natural-sounding sentences for what the user wants to know. Then it gathers and summarizes information accordingly.

I was impressed by Expedia’s ability to plan a seven-day itinerary, and as someone who has lived in New York City, I can vouch for the quality of its suggestions. It suggested some NYC hidden gems and even came up with free museums I wouldn’t have thought of.

It wasn’t 100% accurate, however; while it correctly stated that the Brooklyn Museum allows you to pay what you wish (including nothing, if you want), it erroneously claimed the Whitney Museum and Metropolitan Museum of the Art offered the same option. (The Met changed its policy in 2018.) I liked the fact that when it suggested the Tenement Museum, an attraction I haven’t visited, it was easy to ask how much the tours cost and then ask for a different suggestion. When prodded for more free museums, it gave me information on specific days and times when the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum are free.

Bing’s AI chatbot didn’t create as detailed an itinerary (it presented a bullet-point list rather than a narrative) and erroneously said the Bronx Zoo is a pay-what-you-wish facility (it’s free on Wednesdays, according to the website). But I liked that it also pulled up a few real, researched itineraries from niche blogs across the web that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own.

Switching back over to Expedia’s AI assistant, I was impressed by how easily it generated a list of 14 budget restaurants in New York City that covered a variety of ethnic foodsit also gave me five cheap Japanese restaurants when I prodded it for more. And it gave me several options for finding Broadway tickets and flagged some free street festivals during my trip.

Total saved

While it’s hard to calculate exactly how much I would have spent without AI’s help, let’s assume the intel might have saved me 50% on a Broadway ticket ($60), along with the $16 I would’ve spent on a Brooklyn Museum ticket, $30 on a Whitney Museum ticket and $25 on a Museum of Modern Art ticket. Overall, I’m spending $60 instead of $191so my AI travel planner trio of sites saved me $131.

In this case, the savings are really in time: I could have probably gotten all this information myself if I’d set aside a few hours, but it took me only a few minutes to compile all the information, thanks to AI.

My grand-total savings

Using AI and other platforms to plan my New York City vacation, I saved a grand total of $911. But I’m less impressed by AI than I wanted to betrue AI contributed only $131 in savings. The remaining $780 in savings came from booking sites.

The future of AI may be bright, but for now, AI chatbots are less helpful when it comes to landing deals than their less-intelligent counterparts.

Travel-planning tools

Eager to try out AI and other online travel tools for yourself? Use the tips below as you approach each part of the trip.

Tools for finding flights

AI chatbots are good for general research about flights, while flight search engines should be your go-to when it’s time to buy. Read on for more.

Bing Chat and Bard

Find them: Bing Chat is free with Microsoft Edge, and Bard is free with a Google sign-in.

Pros:

• You can ask them to research cheap days of the week to fly.
• You can ask them to research cheap times of the year to fly.

Con:

• They don’t seem to give accurate real-time information.

Flight search engines

The sites below are some of my go-to’s, but Skyscanner, Kayak, Orbitz, Expedia, Momondo and Hopperwhich additionally uses past data to predict future faresare all similar tools. (Bonus: Many of them offer a useful flight price tracker feature as well.) My advice is to take your time and try all of them to find the best deal.

ITA Matrix

Find it: ITA Matrix is free online.

Pros:

• It allows for extreme flexibility with departure and arrival cities, and some flexibility with travel dates.
• It seems to find hidden deals.

Cons:

• You can’t book the flight directly from the website. When you find the itinerary you want, plug those dates and cities into Google Flights or visit the airline’s website.
• It’s more labor-intensive to change the window of travel dates.

Google Flights

Find it: Google Flights is free online.

Pros:

• You can pick your departure city and a time range, then look at how much it will cost to fly to different destinations on a map.
• If you’re looking to fly to a specific destination, after your search you can easily scan through more dates around your desired departure date.

Con:

• It may not find a lower fare that would show up on ITA Matrix.

Kiwi

Find it: Kiwi is free online.

Pros:

• It offers extreme flexibility on dates.
• The tool can shuffle two destinations to find which order gives you the cheapest itinerary.
• It can show you deals from your city in a given month.

Con:

• It may not find deals that turn up on ITA Matrix.

Tools for booking hotels

In general, use AI chatbots to research the cheapest season for your chosen destination, then use the following hotel search engines to find the best hotel deals for specific dates.

Expedia

Find it: Expedia is free online.

Pros:

• It looks across platforms, including Vrbo, a site similar to Airbnb that allows people to rent out their homes.
• The mobile app version has an AI assistant that can recommend hotels to suit your specifications.

Con:

• It may not give the cheapest options, and the hotels recommended by the chatbot may not be as cheap as suggested.

WayAway

Find it: WayAway is free online.

Pro:

• WayAway searches multiple reservation sitesin my case, it turned up a lower price than Booking.com for the same hotel on the same dates.

Con:

• It doesn’t search for other types of stays, like homestays.

Bing Chat

Find it: Bing Chat is free with Microsoft Edge.

Pro:

• It allows you to do general research on the cheapest months to visit a given destination. For instance, you can ask it for the cheapest time to visit Hawaii if you don’t have set dates in mind.

Con:

• Price information for specific hotels seems to be inaccurate.

Bard

Find it: Bard is free with a Google sign-in.

Pro:

• Bard gives different answers than Bing, so you can get a second opinion by using two AI travel planners.

Con:

• As was the case with Bing, the price information wasn’t accurate at all.

Tools for planning activities

There are many AI tools out there for creating travel itineraries; if you search your phone’s store for travel apps, you’ll find both professional and homegrown models. It’s still early days, but here are the ones I’ve tried so far.

Expedia’s AI assistant

Find it: The Expedia app is available for free.

Pros:

• It easily whips up suggestions for budget restaurants and activities of different types.
• You can easily tweak the itinerary according to your tastes.

Con:

• It’s not 100% accurate.

Bing Chat

Find it: Bing Chat is free with Microsoft Edge.

Pro:

• Bing provides answers, as well as sources and articles for additional information.

Cons:

• It’s not 100% accurate.
• It offers less-detailed responses.

Trip Planner AI

Find it: Trip Planner AI offers a limited free version or a pro paid version for $7.99 a month.

Pros:

• It shows the cost of attractions.
• You don’t have to bother with writing prompts.

Cons:

• The free version doesn’t let you specify your tastes or budget.
• It didn’t catch the fact that some museums are pay-what-you-wish places.

Wanderbot

Find it: Wanderbot is free online.

Pros:

• It allows you to make changes to the itinerary via the chat.
• You can book activities directly.
• It provides a map with the activities already marked.

Con:

• It appeared to be buggythe activity descriptions didn’t always match the titles.

Iplan.ai

Find it: Iplan.ai is free online.

Pros:

• There’s no need to write prompts.
• You can select your interests and budget.
• The itineraries are organized by day and come with photos, maps and suggested times.
• You can decide which hours you’re available each day.

Cons:

• The itinerary doesn’t make sense geographically, sending you from one side of the city to the other.
• It sent me to the same restaurant for every meal (I chose the budget option).

How to use online travel tools to save money

What did I learn from my high-tech travel plunge? That technology has changedand improved!since I was a college student hopping around Europe and spending more than the occasional night on the cold, hard floor of an airport.

As hesitant as I was to use AI to plan my trip, the tech really shone when it came to asking for recommendations about cheap and free activities. I liked the ability to probe options, reject them and explore additional possibilities as I began to collect information.

For example, asking about cheap Broadway tickets got me onto the topic of free staged readings, which is a terrific way to experience the New York theater scene. It was also easy to ask for prices or more detailed information about specific attractions, although, as is the case with everything ChatGPT does, I had to check its work manually. While the experience with the Expedia app’s AI assistant seemed to be more seamlessand it saves the information about activities in one convenient placeI liked that Bing pulled up relevant articles from niche publications that I could check out later if I felt like learning more.

Also, I tested these tools on a trip for which the destination and dates weren’t flexible. It seems to me that I would have saved more if I’d used AI to research the cheapest destinations and dates and then dreamed up my trip from there. Of course, when buying flights or booking hotels for specific dates, I would still switch over to more traditional (but still powerful) flight and hotel search engines.

And cheapskate that I am, I’ll admit that I’m tempted to begin my next vacation by firing up an AI chat assistant and typing, “Where’s the cheapest place to visit right now?”

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Your home’s most overlooked (dirty) items

We all know we should wash our dishes, vacuum our carpets and mop the kitchen floor, but some things tend to get left behind. Maybe it’s because we’re busy, we aren’t sure how to clean these items or we secretly don’t want to clean that stinky trash canfor whatever reason, we just don’t put these items on the cleaning schedule.

But just like washing dishes is an important part of knowing how to clean your kitchen and scrubbing the toilet is key to how to clean your bathroom, it’s important not to neglect even the most forgettable of tasks (especially how to do laundryugh!). If you have a sinking feeling there are things you probably aren’t washing enough, we’ve got expert advice to help you get your house in order.

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One-stop cleaning solution

Right now, theres probably a bottle of Windex in your cabinet alongside dozens of other cleaning products. Maybe you only reach for it to clean your glass, mirrors or crystal. But did you know Windex has myriad other cleaning uses beyond these traditional ones?

From repelling bugs to unsticking zippers, the cleaning powerhouse is far from a one-trick pony. These 10 unexpected uses for Windex will revolutionize your cleaning routine and save you valuable money on single-purpose cleaning products.

Just remember: Dont use Windex on any of these household surfaces, as its ammonia-based formula can damage them. Happy cleaning!

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“Gift giving can be tricky, especially when it comes to weddings,” agrees Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. To take the stress out of finding the perfect presentor notfollow these expert-approved rules.

1. Consider your relationship to the couple

Gift giving takes thought and care, says Nikki Sawhney, director and founder of the New England School of Protocol. “Be mindful of what and who the gift is for,” she says. “Wedding gifts are given based on your relationship with the bride and groom.” If you are close to the couple, you might want to get them something more personal, such as monogrammed towels or bedding, adds Whitmore.

2. If a couple has a registry, use it

A couple takes the time to pick out exactly what they want from a store to help take the guesswork out of wedding gift confusion for their guests, says Sawhney. Is the registry picked over? Send the couple a gift card to the same store, since they obviously like it. Popular registries include department stores and housewares and home decor retailers, as well as home-improvement stores.

3. Spend what you can afford

While a recent Bankrate.com survey found that most guests plan to spend an average of $180 per wedding present, you should always gift what falls comfortably within your budget. “Who says you have to spend big? Don’t get hung up on dollar amount,” says Whitmore. The golden rule of gift giving still applies to weddingsit’s the thought that counts. Case in point: One of my most cherished gifts from my wedding is a handmade quilt from my aunt. It didn’t cost a lot, but my husband and I still snuggle under it on our sofa and always think of her.

4. Budget for other wedding-related events

Are you invited to an engagement party, bridal shower and the wedding? Create a budget and prioritize the gift based on what you think is most important, says Sawhney. “The 20-20-60 rule suggests that you spend 20% of your budget on the engagement gift, 20% on the bridal shower and 60% on the wedding gift,” she says.

5. Remember other related expenses

According to the same Bankrate.com survey, wedding attendance costs are adding up: In 2023, guests plan to spend an average of $611 per wedding, including the gift, travel-related expenses and attire. If you are in the bridal party and have already reached your gift-giving threshold because you contributed toward other expenses, such as hosting a bachelorette party or buying a bridesmaid dress or groomsmen suit, then you can give a small token gift for the ceremony. “You don’t have to break the bank or take out a loan to buy the bride and groom a gift,” says Sawhney. If you find your budget is close to being tapped out, it can be helpful to set real expectations up front with the bride and groom in an honest, polite and respectful manner.

6. Send a wedding gift ahead of time

While you should bring a shower gift to the actual shower, it’s easier for the couple if you send a wedding gift to their home. Think you’ve got up to a year to send a gift? “While that was the rule for years, it’s now considered proper etiquette to send a wedding gift before the wedding or within three months of the couple getting married,” says Whitmore. Why the change? The world moves faster than ever now, and online shopping and overnight or two-day shipping are now fairly standard. Plus, you dont want to risk running into the couple six months after the wedding and they wonder why you never acknowledged their wedding, she explains. Make sure you have it gift-wrapped and include a cardand a gift receipt if possible. “Don’t rush through it or just scribble your name on the card. Take your time and put in some care and effort,” says Sawhney. Not sure what to say? Take inspiration from these lovely wedding wishes.

7. Consider the couple’s lifestyle

If the couple doesn’t have a registry, finding the perfect gift make take a bit of detective work. If you don’t know them well, ask their friends or family what they might like, or scroll through their social media feeds. Does the couple love to travel? Perhaps a gift card to their favorite hotel, airline or luggage company might be appreciated. Are they homebodies? Bedding or home decor might be perfect for them. Are they foodies? A gift card to their favorite restaurant or bottle of wine might be a treat.

8. Fund the honeymoon

That said, many brides and grooms today also have a dedicated website where you can find out more detailed information about their wedding, including gift options. “Often, the couple will list a preference on receiving cash or contributing to a fund that will help pay for their honeymoon or a down payment on a home,” Sawhney says. Some couples even suggest a contribution to a charity of their choice in lieu of a gift.

9. Send something even if you don’t go

“If you cannot attend a wedding, it is not a requirement that you send a gift,” says Sawhney, “however, it is a nice gesture, especially if you are close to the couple.” Choose a token gift of nominal value from their registry or for their new home. “Pretty photo frames to show off their wedding photos are always a good option,” says Whitmore. At the very least, send a card of heartfelt congratulations. As for my own dilemma, I sent my far-away friend a gift card to Williams-Sonoma (where she had registered). I placed it in a pretty wedding-themed box and mailed it off with a clear conscience and joy that my old pal found love.

10. Cash is still king

“Many couples today prefer cash,” says Sawhney. While it’s common to bring a card with cash or a check to the wedding, consider popping it in the mail ahead of the wedding day. “A box of envelopes full of cash at the reception can be a disaster waiting if it gets misplaced,” warns Whitmore. Prefer to write a check? If you’re not sure who to make it out to, it’s best to use just one name so it’s easier to cash. (Tip: Use the bride’s maiden name, because it can take a few weeks for any name changes to become official.) Then write a memo on the check and be sure to address both people on the card and envelope. With your gift safely sent ahead of the big day, you’ll be able to focus on what really counts at the weddingcelebrating with the happy couple.

About the experts

• Jacqueline Whitmore is an international etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. A member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), as well as the Protocol Diplomacy International Protocol Officer’s Association (PDI-POA), Whitmore is also the bestselling author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work and Poised for Success.
• Nikki Sawhney is the founder and director of the New England School of Protocol. Sawhney is a graduate of the American School of Protocol in Atlanta, where she earned a certification in corporate, business and children’s etiquette. She has also trained under William Hanson, a British etiquette expert and tutor for the international protocol and hospitality consultancy firm The English Manner.

Source:

• Bankrate.com: “Survey: Americans can expect to spend over $600 to attend a wedding in 2023”

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“It all depends on how well it was cooked, how long it stayed out at room temperature and how fast it cooled,” says Keith R. Schneider, PhD, a food safety professor and researcher at the University of Florida. Don’t worryit’s not nearly as confusing as you may think.

Here, we’re getting to the bottom of the fridge organization tips that will best preserve your rice (remember, rice is actually a nonperishable food), the steps you need to take to avoid fried rice syndrome and more. Read on to find out.

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How long does uncooked rice last?

Dry, unopened, uncooked rice will last for quite a while in your pantry. Dry white rice (which includes varieties like arborio, basmati and jasmine rice) will last almost indefinitely in an airtight food-storage container, with studies having found that it maintains its flavor and nutrients for up to 30 years. After you open white rice, provided that you continue to store it in a sealed container and in a cool place, it will keep for one to two years.

Brown rice, on the other hand, lasts for only six months or so, thanks to its higher oil content.

How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?

Under optimal conditions, cooked rice will last four to six days in the fridge, says Schneider. But the length of time leftover rice will last in your fridge has to do with a variety of factors: its cooking method, how long it stayed out at room temp, how quickly it cooled, which food-storage container you choose, how crowded your fridge is (refrigerator organizers can help with that) and how much rice you have.

“Did you make an entire rice cooker’s worth of rice and toss it into the fridge in a large container with limited airflow, or use a shallow container with lots of airflow? It has an impact,” Schneider says.

Keep in mind that the answer to “How long does rice last in the fridge?” applies to healthy people who are not at an increased risk for food-borne illnesses. “If you’re in an at-risk group [such as older or pregnant people], I’d be more conservative and say two to four days,” he says.

How do you know if rice has gone bad?

When you’re trying to determine how long rice lasts in the fridge and if it has gone bad, many of the same rules apply as when you’re seeing how long milk lasts or how long chicken lasts. If it’s slimy, smells bad or has visible discoloration, it’s best to toss it. Likewise, if you take it out of the fridge and it is hard, dry and crunchy, the rice is past its prime.

What happens if you eat leftover rice that has gone bad?

If you eat leftover rice that is noticeably bad, you may just suffer through a nasty bite of foodor you might get seriously ill.

Gross food

If you try to eat rice that has been stored in the fridge for too long, it might simply mean that the rice no longer tastes rightand this can affect the flavors of the other foods on your plate too. Likewise, the texture of rice is going to deteriorate the longer it is stored in the fridge, going from light and moist to dry and crunchy. And nobody likes crunchy rice.

Fried rice syndrome

This is the most common cause of food poisoning from eating leftover rice. The result of a contamination of the bacteria Bacillus cereus, fried rice syndrome becomes an issue only when the rice doesn’t go straight from the pot to your plate.

“The vast majority of rice is eaten immediately after cooking,” says Schneider. “You need a lot of hours for it to become problematic.” But if rice is left out at room temperature for too long or a large portion of warm rice is stored in the fridge in a deep container, these bacteria can proliferate and cause problems.

The most common types of illness from fried rice syndrome are vomiting and diarrhea, but in very rare cases, if rice contains an abnormally high amount of B. cereus, it can cause a more serious sickness.

While making sure to throw out leftover rice after six days, or a week max, is a smart way to stay safe, the bigger key to avoiding these issues is to make sure you are storing the rice properly.

How to store cooked rice in the fridge

How long does rice last in the fridge? Longer if you get it in there fast and in the right container. To maximize the shelf life of your cooked rice, follow these tips from our experts.

Get it in the fridge fast

Schneider recommends heeding the two-hour rule when it comes to rice: Leftovers should not be left on the counter at room temperature for longer than two hours. If they are, you risk the food entering the temperature danger zone, where bacteria can grow.

Use a shallow, airtight container

“A large pot of rice will stay warm in the refrigerator,” Schneider explains. “It may take five to seven hours to cool down if you don’t pack it in a shallow container.”

That’s a problem because the rice will stay in the danger zone for bacteria growth. If you’re filling an entire container with rice, use one that’s no deeper than 4 inches. Glass storage containers, especially those with clasps on the lids, are airtight and microwave safe, making them a smart choice. Better yet, use a resealable bag.

“To save room in the fridge, I love storing rice in a reusable silicone bag such as the Stasher brand,” shares meal prep expert Taylor Stinson, founder of the healthy-eating blog The Girl on Bloor. “Just make sure to squeeze out all the air.”

Consider the freezer

If you’re not sure whether you’ll eat your cooked rice within five or six days, consider popping it in the freezer instead of the fridge. “You can keep frozen cooked rice on hand for three months and easily reheat it for a minute or two in the microwave for last-minute dinners,” Stinson says.

Can you freeze it after it’s been refrigerated? You bet! If your leftover rice reaches day four or five in the fridge, that’s a great time to transfer it to the freezer.

Does the type of rice affect how long you can store it?

“To my knowledge, all rice lasts the same amount of time in the fridge and freezer,” says Stinson. “I haven’t noticed a difference in quality or texture based on rice variety.”

The only exception is if you make a rice dish like risotto or a casserole with something mixed into the rice. These dishes have a shorter shelf life.

How long does rice last in the fridge when it’s incorporated into a dish? “If you end up using arborio rice to make risotto and cheese is mixed in, it should be eaten within three days to avoid the cheese getting a slimy texture,” Stinson suggests.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rice?

As with any time you reheat leftovers, an extra step or two can transform your rice from cold and dry to moist and fluffy. “I prefer to sprinkle a little bit of water over the top before reheating rice in the microwave to prevent it from drying out,” Stinson says. “Just 1 to 2 teaspoons are all that’s needed to revive rice to its former glory.”

If you have a bit more time or want to add flavor, you can use the stove. “You can also reheat in a skillet on the stove with a bit of cooking oil or butter,” Stinson shares. “And again, I’d recommend adding some water just so it doesn’t dry out.”

Keep in mind that neither of these methods is likely to kill any bacteria that has developed in the rice. It’s also smart to avoid reheating rice too many times, as this merely provides more opportunities for illness-causing bacteria to flourish.

Now that you’re an expert on how long rice lasts in the fridge, brush up on meat-storage guidelines and learn the foods you should never eat past the expiration date.

About the experts

• Keith R. Schneider, PhD, is a food safety professor and researcher at the University of Florida. The primary focus of his research is food safety and, in particular, produce safety and food defense.
• Taylor Stinson is the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where she shares healthy meal-prep recipes for busy people.

Source:

• Utah State University: “Storing White Rice”

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I usually wake up multiple times at night, flinging off my lightweight comforters when I’m sweating or scrounging for more covers when it gets too cold. Unfortunately, I don’t exactly have the ideal bedtime setup for a hot or cold sleeper.

My bed doesn’t boast a luxury cooling mattress. My mattress is cheap memory foam that traps body heat and barely breathes. That’s why regular cooling blankets just won’t cut it for meand I’ve tried at least half a dozen.

Imagine this light sleeper’s shock when I successfully slept through an entire night with zero interruptionsno pricey bed cooling systems necessary. My new fix for tossing and turning? The Sleep Number True Temp blanket.

What is the Sleep Number True Temp blanket?

Despite its cooling capabilities, the Sleep Number True Temp blanket isn’t a cooling blanket. Instead, Sleep Number calls it “temperature-balancing bedding.” Because of the light weight and ability to regulate body temperature, the Sleep Number True Temp is like the “Goldilocks” of blankets. It’s perfect for hot sleepers, cold sleepers and folks like me who flip-flop between the two.

Durable stitchingsimilar to that on weighted blanketsmakes it a perfect choice for folks who prefer to machine wash their bedding. The sleek, satin-like material feels cozy and expensive. It looks elegant on my bed when paired with throw pillows, and I love that the comforter is available in five different colors.

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True Temp blanket features

Sleep Number’s True Temp blanket uses active-particle technology to regulate the bed’s temperature. Instead of “cooling” the body, the blanket actively relocates heat and humidity. Because of this, it’s ideal for balancing bed temperatures in both warm and cold seasons. Despite the lightweight feel, this distinction makes it more like a cooling weighted blanket than a traditional summertime cooling blanket.

Unlike the editor-reviewed Dangtop blanket that feels cool to the touch, the True Temp blanket continuously adapts to help keep your temperature just right throughout the night. Those who need extra cooling properties should consider pairing the blanket with other True Temp products like pillows, sheets and mattress covers.

How we tested it

I put the True Temp blanket to the test over the course of several nights. The first night, I used the blanket without altering my bedroom temperatureit ran about 73F. That’s just hot enough to make me sweat under my usual down comforter.

At first, the shiny material reminded me of a sleeping bag. It was cool to the touch and I wasn’t sure whether I’d like the sleek, cold feel of it during the night. However, after settling into bed and allowing the blanket to adjust to my body temperature, I noticed that I didn’t feel hot or cold. Instead, I was perfectly centered between the two extremes. Even better, I slept through the night with zero instances of night sweats.

The second night, I used a cooling fan in tandem with the Sleep Number blanket to test out its temperature-balancing properties. Despite the relatively chilly 60F temperature in my room, I slept comfortably. Again, I didn’t feel too hot or cold. The blanket retains heat without turning my bed into a sweaty mess.

After a few nights with the True Temp blanket, I was pleasantly surprised. The blanket delivered on its promise of balancing my body temperature in both warm and cool climates. As someone who likes to sleep with the feeling of a blanket draped over me, even in warm weather, I can’t emphasize how giddy I was that I stayed mostly sweat-free over the course of testing it.

The best part? I can use it during every season, so I don’t have to stuff it in a linen closet for half the year.

Pros

• Active particles move heat away from the body
• Slim and lightweight
• Retains ample heat in cooler temps
• Machine washable and dryer-friendly
• Comes in both queen and king sizes
• 300 thread count cover
• Sleek satin feel
• Hypoallergenic
• Moisture-wicking
• Labels help discern short and long sides of the bed
• One-year warranty
• 100-night trial
• Free shipping

Cons

• Some reviewers report pilling
• Slippery fabric can slide around
• Makes some noise during movement
• May not sufficiently cool extremely hot sleepers

What other reviewers had to say

Rated 4.7 out of five stars on Sleep Number’s website, the True Temp blanket has thousands of five-star reviews. Like me, shoppers seem to enjoy the lightweight feel, temperature-regulating abilities and overall look of the blanket.

“When our True Temp Blanket arrived our first reaction was ‘Gee this is very light for a blanket’,” writes a verified purchaser. “It covered our split king well and has a nice soft look. The proof was in the using though. We find that it works as promised.

It is light and comfy AND provides great sleeping comfort and temperature control. It keeps us warm and comfy on cold nights as well as warmer nights (we live in Florida). I have an issue with night sweats and this combination of sheets and the True Temp blanket ensures that my previous issues are on a decrease.”

Product Comparison

While I enjoy cozying up under my True Temp blanket, it’s not the only product out there that helps hot sleepers. Those looking for a true cooling blanket may prefer the editor-tested Dangtop blanket. It’s a more lightweight option that’s cool to the touch for those who prefer snoozing under a chilly throw.

Both the Tommy Bahama blanket and Cozy Earth’s cooling blanket are also good options. The Tommy Bahama version offers more heft and a traditional cotton feel, whereas the Cozy Earth blanket is made with viscose from bamboo which gives it a soft, slippery texture.

While I love the lightweight feel of the True Temp blanket, there’s also a weighted blanket version for those who prefer more heft to their covers.

Final Verdict

As I mentioned earlier, the True Temp blanket isn’t a cut-and-dry cooling sleep product. Those who are expecting to feel like they’re sleeping in a polar vortex will be disappointed. However, those seeking a multi-season blanket that looks pretty, lasts years and feels expensive will love snuggling up underneath. It may not offer cooling properties, but the active particles do an outstanding job of keeping the night sweats (or shivers) at bay.

After trying out the Sleep Number True Temp comforter for several nights, I definitely see why it’s one of our readers’ favorite products. From the durable construction to the luxe feel, I’m head-over-heels for my True Temp comforter.

Where to buy the Sleep Number True Temp blanket

Available on Sleep Number’s website, the Sleep Number True Temp blanket rings up at a relatively modest $160. It’s also frequently on sale, currently 20% off for a savings of $32. Despite not being a traditional cooling product, I’ll choose the True Temp over a cooling blanket any dayit truly is the “Goldilocks” of bedding!

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It’s actually not to make themselves famous on YouTube. And it’s not just one of those weird quirks of dog behaviorlike the way dogs sniff butts, eat poop, hump pillows and put their nose in your crotch. “It’s usually a sign there’s something going on with your dog,” says Dr. Hawkins. That’s right: This seemingly silly behavior is usually telling you something important about the health of your pet.

We asked vets your dog-scooting questions: Why do dogs drag their butts? And most important, how can you stop it?

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Why do dogs drag their butts?

In short, dogs scoot because they’re uncomfortable. “They do it because their butt is itchy or sore, and it offers them a little bit of temporary relief to rub that area,” says Dr. Hawkins. “They’re telling you something is not quite right.”

But the trick is figuring why your dog is uncomfortable that way, and it usually comes down to a handful of issues.

There’s a problem with their anal sacs

Anal sac issues are by far the most common reason why dogs drag their butts. The anal sacs are two small glands on either side of a dog’s rectum that contain a foul-smelling fluid dogs use to mark territory and ward off predators when they feel threatened. Normally, the glands empty naturally when the dog defecates, but sometimes the fluid can thicken, and the glands become inflamed.

“The full, impacted anal glands act like hemorrhoids that are itchy and painful,” says Amy Tate, DVM, co-owner of Riverview Animal Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. “It causes the dog to drag its bottom in an attempt to alleviate the pressure.”

Left untreated, anal sacs can get so full or infected that they can rupture, which can cause your dog a lot of pain. So it’s important to visit your vet if you see your dog routinely dragging its butt on the floor.

What to do: If your dog’s anal sacs aren’t emptying on their own, your vet will need to express the sacs manually. Some animals need their anal sacs expressed routinely. “I usually tell people, If you notice your dog scooting every six weeks, go in every five weeks and ask a staff member to express the anal glands for you,” says Dr. Hawkins. “Or if you’re feeling really brave, you can ask the staff to teach you to do it yourself.”

They have allergies

Sometimes dogs drag their butts simply because they itch. Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to environmental factors, like grasses, pollen and foods. And in dogs, the reactions tend to manifest on the skin.

“Where we get sneezing or runny eyes, dogs get inflamed-feeling skin,” says Dr. Hawkins. “It’s why they sometimes chew at their toes and lick their bellies. And it can be a reason they drag their backsides too.”

What to do: “Wipe their skin down when they come back in from being outside to try to reduce the contact with allergens,” says Dr. Tate. “And discuss allergy-management options with your veterinary care team.” Your vet might want to prescribe antihistamines or other medication for your pet and may recommend a special dog food for allergies.

They’ve got a parasite

A tapeworm or other intestinal parasite might also cause your dog to drag its butt across the floor. “If they’re being passed in the feces or wriggling out of the rectum, it can be itchy,” says Dr. Hawkins. “The worm fragments can be small, and you don’t really notice them back there, but they can be a reason for some itching or discomfort.”

What to do: Bring a stool sample for your veterinarian so they can check for parasites.

Something else is bothering their backside

Why do dogs drag their butts if they’re not dealing with a medical issue? It may be a matter of irritation in the area.

For dogs that get groomed, “a recent shave can leave a little clipper irritation,” says Dr. Hawkins. “Or if they have loose stools or diarrhea, it can cause some irritation to the rectum. That can be another reason to drag or rub their bottom on the carpet.”

What to do: Most minor irritations will clear up on their own. Just keep an eye on the area and look out for other signs your dog might be sick or in pain.

When should I worry about dog scooting?

A dog dragging its butt across the floor isn’t always cause for concern, but you don’t want to overlook a potential health issue. So when should you bring your bum-scooting pet to the vet? “I encourage patients to be checked when the scooting behavior is consistent or there is pain associated with the activity,” says Dr. Tate. “So if your pet does not stop scooting or is repeatedly scooting, then it should be checked out.”

What can I do at home to stop dog scooting?

If your dog is routinely dragging its butt across the floor, it’s important to see a veterinarian to make sure you address any serious health issues, like allergies or anal sac problems. But there are also some things you can do at home.

Keep flea treatments up to date

“Ensuring that the pet is up-to-date on their flea and tick prevention protects against flea allergy dermatitis,” says Dr. Tate.

It can also help protect the dog against tapeworms. “Fleas are how dogs get tapeworms,” says Dr. Hawkins, “by digesting a flea that’s carrying part of the tapeworm lifecycle.”

Feed your dog a high-fiber diet

Some dogs that are prone to anal sac issues can benefit from a high-fiber diet. “Dog foods with a little more bulk can help make the stools a little more firm so they do their job and press on the anal sacs as it passes through,” says Dr. Hawkins.

Dog foods that contain probiotics might also be helpful. “If scooting is a recurring problem, something to discuss with your veterinary care team is the use of probiotics to manage any imbalance of gut bacterial flora,” says Dr. Tate. In fact, you’ll want to discuss the best diet for your dog with your vet.

Keep an eye on its behind

Dog parents should also make sure there is no physical obstacle preventing the anal glands from working normally. “If there is hair stuck to the rectum or feces stuck in the hair, then the rectal opening can become obstructed, preventing normal defecation behavior and, most important, the inability to express anal glands fully,” says Dr. Tate.

About the experts

• Jennifer Hawkins, DVM, is a veterinarian and the executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.
• Amy Tate, DVM, is the co-owner of Riverview Animal Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama.

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