Sure, Disney may be marketed as “the happiest place on earth,” but that doesn’t mean the entire state of Florida is happier than the rest of us. In fact, according to a recent analysis compiled by the team at WalletHub, the happiest state in America is one you would never expect. And as it turns out, that state doesn’t physically have very green grass

Read on to learn which state leaves its residents smiling, plus the top 10 states to live in for a happier life.

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The happiness metrics

To determine the happiest state in America, WalletHub evaluated each state with 30 relevant metrics in three major categories: emotional and physical well-being, community and environment, and work environment. The analysis used research from previous data and studies on happiness published in the past decade.

WalletHub graded each metric on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing maximum happiness. Some of these metrics included physical health, mental health (depression), life expectancy, suicide rate, social well-being, unemployment rate, job security, work stress, commute time, volunteer rate, ideal weather, divorce rate and average leisure time.

So which state is considered the happiest? Surprisingly enough, the happiest state in America isn’t home to the most popular city to live in or even the best place to retire. But it does offer a better chance at a content life.

The happiest state in America

Using those metrics, WalletHub calculated each state’s average to land on its overall happiness score (out of 100). When all the numbers were crunched, the team reported that Utah ranks as the happiest state in America, with a score of 69.79.

Looks like you have a very good reason to finally head out on that Utah road trip. (We promise: It’s one of the best road trips in the country.)

The top 10 happiest states in America

Utah may come out on top, but there are other states with high total scores for measures of well-being, work environment and community. If you’re trying to be happy, these are the states for you:

1. Utah (69.79)
2. Hawaii (69.42)
3. Maryland (64.62)
4. Minnesota (62.82)
5. New Jersey (61.98)
6. Connecticut (60.68)
7. California (60.53)
8. Florida (59.31)
9. Idaho (59.31)
10. Nebraska (58.92)

Utah is rated No. 1 for both its work environment and its community and environment. But it isn’t exactly at the top of the emotional and physical well-being list, scoring a 16 in that category. The second-happiest state in AmericaHawaiiearns the top slot for that metric.

The least-happy states in America

WalletHub’s study didn’t just rank the happiest states in the country; it ranked allthe states. That means we have an idea of the unhappiest states as well. According to the data, these 10 states have the lowest scores in terms of overall happiness:

1. West Virginia (35.08)
2. Louisiana (35.86)
3. Tennessee (38.30)
4. Arkansas (39.72)
5. Kentucky (40.58)
6. Alabama (40.82)
7. Mississippi (41.42)
8. Alaska (42.20)
9. New Mexico (43.49)
10. Oklahoma (44.09)

Compared with the rest of the nation, the 10 least-happy states scored lowest for emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. They also have some of the highest rates of adult depression, lowest rates of adequate sleep, highest divorce rates and even lowest rates of overall safety.

All in all, the old saying does ring true: The grass really is greener where you water it. But based on this analysis, we won’t argue that it may be harder in some states to keep your grass green and your attitude rosy.

Source:

• WalletHub: “2023’s Happiest States in America”

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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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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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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.

@chefmikeharacz Replying to @miquelwhitcomb Former #McDonalds corporate chef explains why 10:30 is the worst time to go to McD. #mcdonaldssecrets #mcdonaldsdrivethru #mcdonaldsworker #mcdonaldslife #mcdonaldsbreakfast #mcdonaldsbreakfastallday #mcdonaldslunch #BigMac #QuarterPounder #McMuffin #McChicken #McNuggets #McGriddle #McRib #McRib #FiletOFish #fastfoodworkers #FastFood #FastFoodLife Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

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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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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The post New Survey: This Is the No. 1 Cheapest Airport to Fly from in the U.S. appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch passed away on Sept. 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, just a little over a year after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. And while it was notable that she reached the age of 96, it wasn’t simply her long life that interested the public. Like always, they were fascinated by all things royal. Case in point: Elizabeth’s funeral turned into a global TV event watched by millions, as did the day her son Charles became king.

So it isnt surprising that the non-royals among us were curious how the family would honor her death a year later. The anniversary prompted more than a few questions, including what King Charles III and the rest of the royal family would do to honor Elizabeth. Would there be a public engagement or a church service? Or would they grieve in private? And what about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Here’s what to know about the first anniversary of the late monarchs death.

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What are the royal family’s plans for the anniversary?

There had been much speculation as to whether Charles would make a public appearance or if there would be an official family gathering on the first anniversary of the queen’s death. And a spokesperson for the royal family confirmed beforehand that there wouldn’t be a big public to-do. Britain’s monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, are spending most of the day in private at Balmoral Castle, where Elizabeth died and Charles regularly vacations during the summertime. But they were also spotted at a private memorial service at Crathie Church near Balmoral Castle on the anniversary of Elizabeth’s death.

To commemorate the day, the king released a photo of Elizabeth that Cecil Beaton took in 1968, an image that had previously been seen only in an exhibition. Addressing the public on the royal family’s official social media accounts, he honored his late mother with these words: “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majestys death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us. I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

As for Charles’s son Prince William and his wife, Kate, Princess of Wales, they’re honoring the late queen in Wales with a private service at St. Davids Cathedral. They’re following that up with a meet-and-greet with community members who met the queen when she visited the area, The Guardian reports.

An announcement from the palace that there won’t be an official family event put an end to speculations as to whether Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, would be invited to a more public affair. That was a smart decision, according to Fitzwilliams. “The last thing the royal family needs on that very significant day is more headlines speculating about dramas within the family,” he says.

For his part, Harry returned to Britain to attend a charity event, but he also paid his respects at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel, where the queen is buried.

The family isn’t guided by strict royal protocol today but instead a fond remembrance of their beloved queen.“There is no formal protocol [dictating] what the royals should or should not do to mark important death anniversaries; it’s up to them,” explains Buckingham Palace insider Richard Fitzwilliams.

Will the British people honor the anniversary?

The queen’s death prompted an outpouring of grief in the U.K., with a quarter of a million people queuing for up to 24 hours to see her coffin as she lay in state for four days at Westminster Hall in London and millions more traveling to the British capital from all corners of the country (and the world) to watch the funeral procession up close and lay flowers in front of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and other royal estates.

The first anniversary of the queen’s death, on the other hand, is a much quieter affair. “The whole nation will pause, reflect and remember a truly amazing reign, but it won’t be done in a formal way. There are no public events planned,” says Fitzwilliams.

It’s possible, however, that even more people than usual might make their way to Windsor, because that’s where Elizabeth is buried.

How did Elizabeth mark the anniversary of her father’s death?

With its long and storied history, the British monarchy is no stranger to royal deaths. The late queen herself spent time grieving the previous monarch, her father, King George VI, who died when she was just 25 years old. She used to spend each anniversary of his death at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk in the East of England. If you’ve been following the British royals’ lives, Sandringham might ring a bellit’s also the place where the family traditionally spends Christmas.

“Queen Elizabeth’s father died at Sandringham, so it made sense that she wanted to remember him there,” explains Richard Fitzwilliams. “She would remain there until the anniversary was over every year and spend the day reflecting in private, away from the public eye.”

Charles and Camilla are now following her example by marking Elizabeth’s death anniversary at Balmoral.

About the expert

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

Sources:

• The Guardian: “King Charles marks anniversary of mothers death at private church service”
• @TheRoyalFamily on Instagram
• Reuters: “‘We all miss you’: UK royals pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth on anniversary of her death”
• Reuters: “No public event to mark first anniversary of the Queen’s death, palace spokesperson says”
• Washington Post: “Epic queue for Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin had more than 250,000 people”

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If you struggle to keep up with online slang or think terms like GRWM (get ready with me) sound like total gibberish, don’t fret. We’re breaking down the internet’s new favorite acronym, IJBOL, so you can spend more time interacting on social media and less time googling “IJBOL meaning.” And TBH (to be honest), using it is so much easier than you probably imagine. It’s a fresh way to convey stomach-busting amusementIYKYK (if you know, you know).

So goodbye, ROFL. You and the image you conjured will be missed. And hello, IJBOL.

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IJBOL’s meaning

So what does this snazzy new slang term mean? IJBOL stands for “I just burst out laughing,” a trendier way of letting whomever you’re messaging know that you’re laughing hard at their joke. While it takes a few more taps on the phone to write it out, it’s certainly trendier than a “face with tears of joy” emojiaccording to the kids, using one is a telltale sign you’re an uncool millennial.

Beyond IJBOL’s meaning, there are a few other things you need to know about this on-the-rise term. Like, for instance, the fact that it’s actually pronounced when used in an audible conversation. (Yep, it’s one of those funny words that sound fake.) Instead of spelling out each letter like you would when saying, “IDK, my BFF Jill,” you’d simply say “eej-bol” when speaking the term, making it two syllables instead of five.

Given the similarities in how it sounds to Korean words such as chaebol (a family-owned business conglomerate) and shibal (a curse word), plenty of people have confused IJBOL for a Korean term. Others have even assumed the acronym was a cute name for a Korean pop group, only to google it and find out it’s just a catchy phrase for laughing hard.

Laughing out loud online

Terms to express laughter online certainly have evolved over the years, from popular acronyms such as LOL and LMAO to LMFAO (who could forget the “Party Rock Anthem”), ROTFL and so many more. Then there are the different emoji trends that are used to convey laughter, graduating from the “face with tears of joy” emoji to the skull emojito signify you’re “dead” from laughter. Or you can simply write “dead” or simplify it with its trendier cousin, “ded.”

With so many options for how to express your laughter through technology, you can really pick and choose what works best for the conversationand, quite honestly, what would be the funniest in context. A skull emoji would make sense if someone was being hilariously sarcastic. The use of IJBOL would work well if you did, quite literally, burst out laughing in a situation where you maybe weren’t supposed to. (Texting during that meeting, now are we?)

Again, it’s all based on what works best for your current conversation. And hey, if you’re texting millennial friends who can’t help but shuffle to “Party Rock Anthem,” then you can send your “face with tears of joy” emoji or your tried-and-true LMFAO without judgment from the Gen-Z crowd who thinks older slang words need to end.

The origins of IJBOL

Another reason IJBOL is often misidentified as a Korean word has to do with how it was popularized. Although the origins of this popular slang term could date back to 2009, when an Urban Dictionary user originally posted the definition, avid followers in the K-pop community started using it in 2021 as they posted videos of their idols.

The term became particularly popular as its use spread on X (formerly Twitter), where the K-pop community has always been active. From there, it picked up steam across the world, including in the United States.

IJBOL’s meaning really lends itself to use on social media, but you can easily use the term in text conversations as well. Still, the most popular time to use it is when you share a funny video or meme online and want to express the fact that it made you, well, just burst out laughing.

Using IJBOL like you know what you’re doing

It may seem like capitalizing IJBOL would convey a stronger reactionmuch like capitalizing LOL indicates stronger laughter, while adding a lowercase “lol” after typing literally anything downplays the humor (cue millennial anxiety). But it isn’t exactly the coolest thing to write out IJBOL in all uppercase letters.

Instead, if you’re really looking to fit in with the Gen-Z crowd, writing “ijbol” in lowercase letters is the way to go. Sure, the technical term is meant to signify that you are bursting out laughing at something, but the use of lowercase shows that you are also not obnoxious online. Capital letters only seem necessary for IJBOL when you’re expressing something that is also completely and utterly shocking, like if something hilarious and mind-blowing happened to your favorite celebrity.

Here are some examples:

• If you’re posting a meme or a funny video, simply captioning it with “ijbol” will do.
• If your kid is doing something funny, you could start writing your story with “ijbol” before diving in.
• If your favorite celeb does something ridiculous, like Nick Jonas falling into a hole on stage during one of his tour performances, you could caption it with “IJBOL POOR NICK” and then maybe throw in a skull emoji, because why not?

As with all new internet terms, there’s a period of buzzy excitement when we encounter a new way to express ourselves. But will IJBOL stand the test of time or turn into one of those overused slang words we really can’t stand? You’ll have to stick around online to find out.

Sources:

• New York Times: “What Is IJBOL?”
• Urban Dictionary: “IJBOL”
• CNN Business: “Sorry, millennials. The emoji isn’t cool anymore”

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The post IJBOL Is the Internet’s New Favorite Acronym—You’ll Want to Know What It Means appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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About the suites

The suites, created in partnership with designer Steffy Degreff, are the stuff of PSL dreams: think pumpkin-shaped pillows, PSL-scented candles, faux fall florals and wreaths, all in delicious hues of pumpkin, cinnamon and cozy cream set against a sage green accent wall with a faux fire roaring on the TV screen. I selected an assortment of pieces that embody the feeling of warmth, autumn and sipping a piping hot pumpkin spice coffee while leaf peeping, says Degreff of her inspiration.

Best of all, the fall vibes dont stop with the decor. Included with the suite are bottomless pumpkin spice lattes served up steaming hot from Great Wolf Lodges’ coffee shops, plus guests of the suite will receive a daily pumpkin-themed amenity service that includes warm cinnamon buns with pumpkin cream cheese frosting.

How to book a PSL suite

Five nearly identical PSL suites were created in total. Theres one each at the resorts properties in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Gurnee, Illinois; Grapevine, Texas; LaGrange, Georgia; and Garden Grove, California. Reservations are available on GWLs website starting Aug. 21, for stays from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31. Rates start at $399/night.

Dont live near one of the PSL suites? GWLs Howl-O-Ween celebrations will be taking place at all 20 of its properties throughout the month of October. The festivities will feature spook-tacular decorations such as 30-foot-wide balloon spiders throughout the lobby, a costume parade for guests of all ages and special Howl-O-Ween crafts and storytime. Happy sipping!

Source:

The post This Hotel Room Comes with Bottomless Pumpkin Spice Lattes appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Because dogs will lick just about anything, the items in and around your home that aren’t safe for canine consumption are cause for concern. The last thing you want is for your four-legged friend to get sick on your watch. Luckily, if you know where the biggest risks hide, you can create a safer environment for your precious pal.

Not sure where to start? You’re in luck. In honor of National Dog Month, the expert question-and-answer website JustAnswer reviewed nearly 200,000 discussions between pet owners and JustAnswer veterinarians and pet experts. The sessions took place via online conversation between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023. In the review, the team looked at the most popular answers to this question: “Help, my dog ate ___.”

These are the top nine answers, ranked by the total number of chats. (And no, “my homework” isn’t No. 1.)

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9. Gum

When your dog swallows gum, it’s worrisome for a couple of reasons. For starters, some types of gum contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which can cause liver damage and hypoglycemia, a health condition that occurs when blood glucose levels drop dangerously low. “If your dog’s hypoglycemia is left untreated, this can lead to seizures and even death,” says veterinarian Charles D. McMillan, DVM, owner at GoodVets in Atlanta. “The damage caused to the liver is usually reversible over time with proper therapy.”

Gum that doesn’t contain xylitol can still wreak havoc on your dog’s health. It might not be toxic, but it can give your pup an upset tummy or intestinal blockage.

What to do if your dog eats gum: Get your dog to a veterinarian, stat. Hypoglycemic seizures may occur quickly following xylitol ingestion. Your veterinarian will initiate decontamination by inducing vomiting, begin symptomatic treatment and monitor your dog’s blood glucose and liver values.

8. Cookies

“Cookies can be especially dangerous when they contain certain types of sugar alcohols and chocolate,” says Dr. McMillan. Pay especially close attention to the sugar alcohol xylitol. Aside from gum, it’s often found in sugar-free foods, and it’s the only sugar substitute known to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which dogs can’t metabolize the way humans can. They accumulate in the body, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, hyperactivity or even more severe symptoms, such as seizures and irregular heart rhythms.

You’ll also want to keep cookies with raisins out of reach, as they are toxic to dogs too.

So what can you give your dog when he’s been a very good boy? Stick with dog treats or even whip up a dog-friendly cake instead.

What to do if your dog eats cookies: Call your veterinarian or pet poison hotline and share as many details as you know about how many cookies your dog ate, the ingredients in them and when the dog ate them. The ASPCA Poison Control number is 888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

The first order of business when dogs eat xylitol and chocolate is to induce vomiting. Your vet might also use activated charcoal to bind the chocolate and keep it from being absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. And if the cookies contained xylitol, the doc may monitor your pet’s blood glucose and liver values for a few days.

7. Chicken

Chicken is actually one of the human foods dogs can eat. The danger lies in how it’s prepared. Raw or undercooked chicken (and any animal-sourced protein) may be contaminated with various pathogenic organisms, such as salmonella, Escherichia coli (aka E. coli) and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. And then there’s the issue of secondary transmission: Dogs can transmit foodborne pathogens to humans.

Cooked chicken with no sauce or seasoning may be OK under the guidance of your veterinarian. But it’s very risky to give your dog chicken bones. “Pet owners should refrain from feeding chicken with bones because ingestion of bones can cause upper and lower gastrointestinal disturbances or injuries and may become a choking hazard,” says Dr. McMillan.

What to do if your dog eats chicken: Some dogs may tolerate raw chicken, while other dogs show signs of sickness. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, call your veterinarian. “It becomes a public safety issue if pet parents are consistently feeding raw or undercooked chicken due to pathogens being shed in the environment through the pet’s feces,” he says. “Some dogs that are chronically fed raw diets can also shed pathogens in their hair coat.”

6. Bottles

No, this isn’t about dogs eating bottles, although it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of weird dog behaviors for your pup to chew up a plastic bottleespecially since some dogs eat dirt and munch on grass.

Instead, panicked pet parents regularly exclaimed, “My dog ate a bottle of___!” What they’re trying to convey is that their dog ate a significant quantity of a specific drug.

“Any bottle of these drugs would be a huge risk, with the exception of some less-toxic issues. Vitamins, joint supplements, etc., could fall into less-concerning status, depending on the type and the amount,” says Grant Little, DVM, a veterinarian with JustAnswer.

What to do if your dog eats a whole bottle of something: Call the pet poison hotline or your veterinarian with all the information you can gather about the contents so they can advise you on the next steps for treating your dog.

5. Raisins

One thing veterinarians would never do? Give a dog raisins. Of course, that doesn’t mean your enterprising little pup won’t help itself. And whether your dog gets into those tiny boxes of raisins you toss into your kid’s lunch box or gobbles up an oatmeal raisin cookie, you may be looking at a trip to the vet. Raisins are toxic to dogs.

“Some dogs may develop symptoms after ingesting raisins (or grapes), while others may not,” says Dr. McMillan. Experts still don’t know why some dogs skate by with minor symptoms while others experience serious illness, but research suggests a possible connection between tartaric acid and its salt, potassium bitartrate, which are found in higher concentrations in grapes.

“Tartaric acid contents vary depending on the ripeness of certain fruits and could explain the inconsistencies of the development of signs following grape and raisin ingestion,” says Dr. McMillan.

What to do if your dog eats raisins: Take your dog to the veterinarian right away so the doctor can induce vomiting. Beyond that, your vet will provide supportive care and likely measure and monitor kidney values for several days. “The good news is the overwhelming majority of dogs that ingest grapes or raisins don’t develop any clinical signs,” says Dr. McMillan.

4. Grapes

Dogs are more likely to eat grapes than raisins because people drop them on the floor or little kids pluck a few off to share with the dog, not knowing that certain fruits and veggies are toxic to dogs. Currently, veterinarians don’t have a toxic dose for the fruit. Various reports provide a range of potential toxic doses for a dog, from a single grape to dozens.

“Because of this vast range in dosing, it’s been determined that the process that causes this toxicity is an ‘idiosyncratic reaction,’ which is an unknown reaction that appears to be more associated with the individual pet as opposed to the dose itself,” says Dr. Little. In other words: You shouldn’t test how your dog handles grapes by feeding it “just a few.”

What to do if your dog eats grapes: Call your veterinarian or pet poison hotline as soon as possible. “Most dogs don’t seem to get toxicity from it, but the toxicity can cause severe acute kidney injury and be life-threatening,” says Dr. Little. Depending on the severity, treatment might include anything from decontamination therapy with induced vomiting to hospitalization with aggressive fluid therapy.

3. Medications

Oops! You spilled a few pills on the floor while trying to pry the lid off the bottle. And because your dog follows you everywhere, it’s quick to snatch one up and eat it. The scenario plays out more often than you might think.

“Any drug that would be commonly used in people to treat common diseases, especially chronic issues, is a common drug to be ingested by a pet,” says Dr. Little. Usually, the meds are the ones that people use daily, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Bayer, Motrin and Aleve; blood pressure medications; thyroid medications; and vitamins, especially vitamin D.

“These drugs have more noticeable toxic windows in pets because the dose is much stronger for them, or their ability to clear these medications is not as effective as in people,” says Dr. Little. For instance, medication meant to manage human hypothyroidism would provide an excessive amount of thyroid hormone for a dog.

As marijuana has become a popular alternative to traditional medication for treating diseases and illnesses (and now that it’s been legalized in more states for recreational and medicinal use), more and more pet parents are worrying about their furry friends accidentally eating marijuana and CBD gummies and edibles. In fact, questions on the topic have tripled since 2019, according to the JustAnswer report.

What to do if your dog eats your medicine: Whether your dog got into your stash of cannabis edibles (or canine CBD), baby aspirin or prescription cholesterol-lowering medicine, any small dose could be life-threatening. Call your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately and give them all the information you can about the medication. That includes the name, dosage, strength, how much your dog ingested and how long ago it ate the drugs. “This will help them determine the next appropriate step, and in some cases, the dose may not be an issue at all, depending on the amount ingested,” says Dr. Little.

2. Rat or other household poison

Dogs tend to be attracted to the things we find revolting (dog poop, remember?), so it’s plausible that they may find the scent of certain poisons tempting. At the very least, they may be curious about the container and ingest it. But considering the label contains the word poison, it’s probably no surprise this is a bad thing.

The toxicity from pesticides used to repel and kill insects and control plants or animals such as rats and mice can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the substance and how much your doggo ate. “This is a broad classification that can include poisons that cause bleeding disorders, neurologic destruction of the brain, vitamin D toxicity leading to kidney disease and others as well,” says Dr. Little. “Pets can come in having seizures, they can be in complete kidney failure, or we can see pets bleeding into their chest or abdomen and completely in collapse.”

What to do if your dog eats rat or household poison: If possible, grab the label from the poison container so the poison control hotline or your veterinarian can analyze it. It’s also very helpful if you know how much your dog ingested to determine the level of toxicity. Early diagnosis and immediate medical care are essential and can save your dog’s life. Your veterinarian may be able to treat the illness with a decontamination process, but if your dog ingested a lot and the poison is particularly toxic, your sick pup may need to be hospitalized and treated with IVs and other medications.

1. Chocolate

You would be hard-pressed to find an American household without even a little bit of chocolate hidden somewhere. But given dogs’ propensity for sweetsand getting into things they shouldn’tthere’s a good chance your four-legged companion is stealing your stash for itself. We get it: Chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But it’s also dangerous for dogs.

Chocolate contains compounds called methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, which aren’t dog friendly. Your pup can’t metabolize them as effectively as you do. “Theobromine causes an overall stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to rapid and strong contractions of the heart, increased gastric secretions [vomiting and diarrhea], drinking and urinating, seizures and eventually death at a high enough dose,” says Dr. Little.

Its toxicity isn’t exclusive to dogsit can be poisonous for all kinds of critters. Still, chocolate is one of the most common foods that are toxic for dogs, so it’s important to store yours out of your pet’s reach and pick up any spills right away.

What to do if your dog eats chocolate: Call your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately, as your dog will likely need to begin a decontamination process as soon as possible. Treatments vary depending on the size of your dog and how much chocolate it woofed down. Your vet may want to treat your pup at the clinic, but if the illness isn’t too severe, the doctor may give you options for treating your dog at home.

About the experts

• Charles D. McMillan, DVM, is a veterinarian and the medical director and owner of GoodVets in Atlanta.
• Grant Little, DVM, is a veterinarian with JustAnswer. He answers pet owners’ questions about their dogs and cats, along with other veterinary questions.

Source:

• ASPCA: “Animal Poison Control”

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While early arrivals help to avoid the stress of travel and navigating security lines, all airports are not created equal. Some have a reputation for zipping passengers through security in under five minutes, while others are just considered slow. Which U.S. airports have earned the title of the country’s worst for security wait times? We’ve got the info.

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The 10 worst airports for security wait times

According to a comprehensive report by Planet Ware, an online source for travel guides, these 10 airports have the longest average security wait times, so plan ahead if you’re departing from these destinations.

1. Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City, Michigan, 28.10 minutes
2. Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, California, 26.70 minutes
3. Lihue Airport, Lihue, Hawaii, 23.60 minutes
4. Monterey Peninsula Regional Airport, Monterey, California, 23.40 minutes
5. Lynchburg Preston Glenn Field Regional Airport, Lynchburg, Virginia, 22.70 minutes
6. Midland International Airport, Midland, Texas, 22.10 minutes
7. Tri-Cities Airport, Blountville, Tennessee, 21.50 minutes
8. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans, 20.70 minutes
9. Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, 20.50 minutes
10. Central Illinois Regional Airport, Bloomington, Illinois, 20.30 minutes

The 10 busiest airports with the longest security wait times

Some airports are more likely to be visited than others, so Planet Ware also narrowed down the list of the longest wait times to the airports with the most passengers on average each year. These are the busiest airports with the longest average wait times.

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, O’ahu, Hawaii, 20.5 minutes
2. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, 19.5 minutes
3. Midway International Airport, Chicago, 18.4 minutes
4. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, 17.1 minutes
5. Tampa International Airport, Tampa Bay, Florida, 17.1 minutes
6. San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, 16.4 minutes
7. Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia, 16.3 minutes
8. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, 14.5 minutes
9. Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida, 14.5 minutes
10. Logan International Airport, Boston, 13.2 minutes

How were the longest security wait times determined?

The website’s travel experts collected data from more than 150 airports across the country. They gathered data each day for one week during the busiest time, which happens to be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. From there, they ranked the airports from the longest to shortest wait times.

Tips for getting through security faster

No matter which airport is the starting point for your next trip, getting through security can be a hassle. Here are a handful of tips that will help you zip through the line quickly, so there’s no need to rush to your gate.

Sign up for Clear, TSA Precheck or Global Entry

Depending on where you plan to travel, any combination of Clear, TSA Precheck or Global Entry may help you save quite a bit of time when getting through security. A Clear membership is a faster identification process that allows you to skip to the front of the line. TSA Precheck provides an expedited screening program for flights originating in the United States. And Global Entry gives prescreened, low-risk travelers the opportunity to pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection faster when returning to the U.S. from an international flight.

Know the TSA liquid limit

If you plan to pack your toiletries in your carry-on, it’s important to know about the TSA liquid limit and exceptions, as well as TSA food rules. For instance, liquids under 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on luggage; larger liquids must be packed in a checked bag or they will be confiscated by TSA agents.

Book the first flight of the day

The earlier your flight departs, the less likely there is to be an overcrowded security line. If you book the first flight of the day, you are bound to zip through security quickly, and you’re far less likely to experience flight delays.

Pack carry-on luggage properly

It’s not just larger liquids that can’t go in your carry-on. Familiarize yourself with the TSA’s carry-on rules in advance of your flight and pack accordingly. If you need to pack items that are not permitted in a carry-on, arrive at the airport early in order to check your bag.

Make sure your license or passport is up-to-date

TSA agents are responsible for verifying your identity before allowing you through security, which means you’ll need an up-to-date license or passport. If you arrive at the airport with expired identification, you are likely to spend far more time navigating security, and in some cases you may not be permitted to board your flight at all.

Sources:

• TSA: “What Can I Bring?”
• Planet Ware: “Analysis: The U.S. Airports That Keep You Waiting”

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The post Traveling Through These 10 U.S. Airports? Better Arrive Extra Early appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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What is the TikTok dish soap hack?

In an attempt to make their white sheets and clothes even brighter, TikTokkers are adding a tablespoon of dish soap to a rag and tossing it in the laundry with their other items. The results show users with crisp, white sheets and clothes so bright, you’d think it is the most genius hack on earth.

@gillaleighhome.designs Dawn Dish soap in laundry #laundryhack #bestkeptsecrets #dawndishsoap #dawn #fyp Mr. Clean – Yung Gravy

But while this laundry solution may seem tempting, experts advise against trying it at home. Rick Rome, CEO and founder of WashClub, an eco-friendly commercial laundry service, says it could cause you a handful of problemsand major issues with your washing machine.

“Washing machines are designed to be used with specific types of detergent, and dish soap can cause an excessive amount of suds that could cause your machine to overflow,” he says. “The high-sudsing action of dish soap could also damage the internal components of your washing machine over time.”

Can dish soap clean my clothes?

Unfortunately, no. Dish soap might be helpful with stains, but if you’re relying on dish soap and not other types of detergent to clean your laundry, your fabrics won’t get the thorough wash they need. It’s likely dish soap won’t rinse out completely from your clothing, which means it’s trapping dirt or other grime in the fabric.

Rome also points out that dish soap isn’t meant to clean skin, unlike detergents that are skin-safe and used for clothes that you wear. “Because it isn’t made for human skin, dish soap can cause skin sensitivities like dryness, itching or even rashes.”

How to get whiter clothes

While Rome would suggest against this TikTok dish soap hack, he does have a few simple tips you can follow to learn how to wash white clothes and sheets.

Separate clothing

To start, the best thing you can do for your white clothes and sheets is to learn how to separate laundry properly. “Try to wash white clothes separately from colored fabric, and use in-wash dye catcher sheets to catch any dye that might bleed,” Rome says.

Use the proper settings

To keep clothes white and bright, use a cold water wash cycle, says Rome. White clothes should also be line dried or dried using the air-dry cycle on your dryer, if you have one. Learn more about the best dryer settings here.

Be smart about storage

Once your whites are cleaned, Rome says it’s important to focus on storage options. Bright lights and moist, dusty conditions could cause the fabric to change over time, so make sure your organized linen closet is protected from both. “Ensure your clothes are completely dry before putting them away in storage containers that protect from dust and light. Avoid storing your clothes in humid areas, which can lead to yellowing or mildew.”

How to remove yellowing

If your white clothes or sheets still aren’t as bright as you hoped (everyone hates those yellow-stained pillows), Rome says you could always rely on a whitening agent to remove stains and give them that shine you desire. Soaking them in a solution of water with a whitening agent, such as oxygen bleach or distilled white vinegar, should do the trick. “The length of time you should soak your clothes will vary, depending on what whitening solution you use,” he says. “So be sure to follow the instructions for the agent you are using.” You can also learn how to whiten your clothes without bleach.

About the expert

• Rick Rome is the CEO and founder of WashClub, a wash-and-fold laundry service in New York City.

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Considering the things Google knows about us, this was a welcome move. The feature empowered users to manage their personal information, such as phone numbers, street addresses and emails, that appears in search results. But having to check for new results and request their removal was enough of a slog to make us want to disappear from the internet altogether.

If you can relate, you’ll be happy to learn about an upcoming update. Soon, Google will take privacy control further by notifying users when their private information surfaces in searches, enabling them to promptly take action and regain control over their digital footprint. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of Results About You alerts and avoid potential identity theft.

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Privacy in the internet age

In today’s always-online world, it’s astonishing how much of our personal information is scattered across the web. There’s a good chance that Google knows a lot about you just by virtue of it being the internet’s default search engine. Almost all your online activities, interactions and transactions leave behind digital footprints harvested by data brokers and companies for various purposes. This information can range from innocent contact details to more sensitive data, such as financial credentials.

The presence of this information online can not only compromise your privacy but also opens you up to potential risks, including identity theft, online scams such as phishing, and unsolicited marketing (the dreaded spam email and annoying robocalls). An easy and effective means for average internet users to manage and control their online footprint has never been more necessary.

How Results About You helps

Google heeded this call in 2022 with its Results About You feature. This tool was designed to address online privacy concerns by allowing users to have some level of control over the personal information that is available and shared via internet searches.

It initially required you to actively check and request the removal of unwanted information from Google’s search results. While undoubtedly a step in the right direction, this approach still relied on users being proactive about monitoring their online presence. For many of us, remembering to check and taking the necessary steps is a lot to ask.

How to get alerts when your personal info appears online

With the coming update, Google has shifted the paradigm by allowing you to receive notifications when your personal information surfaces on the internet. This new alert system will act as a guardian, informing you about instances in which your private details have become public. And it sidesteps the biggest barrier to using the Results About You feature: the need to hunt down the info yourself.

The feature covers a range of personal data, including phone numbers, residential addresses and emails. Depending on your preferences, you can receive these alerts through various channels, including via push notifications on your device or email alerts.

When the notification feature becomes availablethe latest post from the company set a timeline of “the coming days”you’ll need to use the Google app to opt in to alerts. Also, this will only be available in the United States initially, though the company has plans to roll out the feature in other countries soon.

Setting up the alert system is straightforward and will allow you to receive push notifications on your mobile device when Google detects your information online. You’ll start in the Google app (available on Android or Apple devices). Simply click on your Google profile icon, select “Results about you” and follow the on-screen prompts to opt in to alerts.

Considering the alert feature is still in the rollout phase for both Android and Apple devices, you’ll need to try another tactic if you want to remove your personal info from Google right now. Thankfully, you can still make requests via the regular Results About You feature (more on that below).

Is the Results About You feature worth it?

As someone who values privacy and has an active online presence, I found the current Results About You tool helpful. And I definitely plan on setting up alerts as soon as they become available. They’re a reassuring layer of passive protection, and I imagine they’ll be a welcome addition to my digital security toolbox. Being promptly notified when my personal information appears online will make it easy to spot privacy issues and take any necessary action to request its removal.

One thing to note, however, is that removing information via the Results About You feature (using either the current version or the forthcoming alert tool) affects Google search alone. If an item is removed there, it doesn’t disappear from the internet as a whole.

How to remove your personal info

You’re now familiar with the Results About You feature, and soon you’ll be able to receive notifications when your personal info lands in Google’s search results. If you’d rather not have all those private details floating around right now, however, then it’s time to take action. But what, exactly, are your next steps?

Once the new alerts become available, Google will send a notification when your private details appear in search, and you can request its removal directly in the Results About You tool. Yet even without receiving an alert about your personal information appearing online, you can still delete yourself from Google search. Bonus: The process is dead simple.

In the Google app, or on a computer or mobile web browser, you can request that Google remove a piece of information manually within the search results. Let’s say you searched for your name (or something else related to you) and want a result removed, click the three vertical dots next to it. At the bottom, you’ll see a button that says “Remove result.” Click on it and follow the instructions to submit a removal request to Google. If and when Google approves the request, this specific information will no longer be readily accessible to anyone who conducts a search.

Empowering privacy in a digital world

With this coming update, Google’s Results About You feature will become an even more powerful tool for enhancing privacy and giving people more control over their personal information. In a world where digital security and privacy are increasing concerns for average internet users, this feature is an invaluable and easy-to-use weapon against cybercriminals and online snoops.

By alerting you to the presence of your private information online, Google’s Results About You will enable you to more easily remove unwanted details. Furthermore (and just as important), it can give you some extra peace of mind when navigating today’s vast and often unpredictable digital landscape.

Privacy is important to me, so I’ve used Google’s Results About You feature to keep tabs on my online presence, making it just a little easier to safeguard my personal information in the online realm. And with the upcoming alerts feature, it will be even easier to do so.

Source:

• Google: “New privacy tools to help you stay safe and in control online”

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We already love Target and Starbucks for many reasons, and yet they find ways to make us love them even more. Now these two powerhouses are teaming up to bring us drive-up coffee delivery, and we’re here for it.

How does Target Drive Up work?

If you’re a Target shopping fiend (or a grocery pickup lover), you may already have an idea how this will work. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Start by using your Target app to create your order. Along with your regular Target pickup order, you’ll be able to place a Starbucks coffee order from a complete Starbucks menu.
2. While you’re on the way to pick up your Target order, Starbucks baristas will be preparing your coffee order.
3. When you get to your Target location, you’ll pull into a Drive Up spot and use the app to alert the Target employees that you’ve arrived.
4. A Target employee will bring out your Starbucks order along with your Target Drive Up order.

Yes, it’s absolutely genius, and just one way grocery shopping online continues to evolve and help us stay sane in our busy lives.

Where is the service available?

Right now, 240 Target locations in California, Minnesota, Delaware, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia have this service available. Target will be rolling out the service, which they’ve been working on since 2021, to all 1,700-plus locations with both a Starbucks Caf and Drive Up option. Look for them in early October. Drive Up coffee, here we come!

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So, just where are people looking? According to a new study by real-estate site Redfin, one of the most popular places homebuyers are perusing also happens to be one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Read on to find out what it isand if it could be a good fit for you.

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How did the study determine the top cities of interest?

To pinpoint which cities were getting the most attention from potential homebuyers, Redfin’s analysts sifted through 2 million web searches between April 2023 and June 2023. The company homed in on members who viewed at least 10 for-sale houses, including at least one outside their current metropolitan area. In other words, it tried to focus on people who seemed to show serious interest in relocating to an entirely new place.

One caveat: The study didn’t track actual home purchases or moves after people showed online interest. And while those potential homebuyers might not actually pack up and head to another city, they are definitely moving-curious and likely to do so.

Which town do people most want to move to in the United States?

The city that came out on top in Redfin’s study is … Las Vegas. Yes, that Vegashome to the world’s most famous stretch of casinos, resorts, thrill shows, tourist attractions and debauchery. It was the first time Las Vegas ever topped this particular list for Redfin.

Now, there’s a good chance Sin City has never crossed your mind as a place to live and that you’ve instead considered it as a fun weekend getaway. But for a lot of folks, that’s changing.

Why do so many people want to move to Las Vegas?

Tourists know Las Vegas for its bright lights, gaming and star-studded shows. But like a lot of cities, the experience for the locals is far different. “There’s a lot more to Las Vegas than just the Strip,” says realtor Michael Bondi, who’s lived in the area for almost 20 years. “The only time I go down to the Strip as a local is if there’s a concert, a sporting event or a restaurant I want to go to.”

World Population Review recently identified Nevada as one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. Here are some of the top reasons for that.

Affordability

One of the biggest reasons to consider Las Vegas, especially for those in large metropolitan areas: cost of living. Someone who lives in San Francisco and makes $115,000 would need to earn just $62,683 to maintain their standard of living in Las Vegas, we found using a cost-of-living calculator from NerdWallet.

Plus, the home prices here are far more affordable than some of the big West Coast cities where, Redfin found, a lot of the people eyeing Vegas homes currently live. Redfin reports a typical home in the Vegas area costs around $412,000. Compare that with around $975,000 in the Los Angeles area, about $1.4 million in San Francisco and around $826,000 in Seattle.

Also appealing? Nevada doesn’t have state income tax.

Job opportunities

Nevada ranks as one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. Interestingly, at some points this year, the state reported higher unemployment rates than the country as a whole, but there are still a lot of job opportunities in the area. Just think about all the touristy businesses downtown!

The opportunities are only growing too, Bondi points out. Las Vegas recently added a few new professional sports franchises, and it may soon be home to a couple major motion picture studios … which will translate to thousands of new jobs.

“We’ve got so many projects coming here that are going to transform Las Vegas,” Bondi says.

Quality of life

Ultimately, it’s not the Bellagio or the Venetian that Bondi likes having close to his home in the Vegas suburbs. It’s the two Home Depot stores within a five-minute drive, along with the calm traffic. It’s that type of convenient suburban environment that many of his clients from big cities have been searching for. “It takes me 20 minutes to go from one side of town to the other,” he says. “We have traffic, but it’s manageable.”

Plus, there’s the weather: Vegas’s dry desert climate means comfortable temperatures much of the year as long as you can brave the summer heat.

And, of course, if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, you can always venture down to the Strip!

Where else are people looking to move?

Las Vegas isn’t the only city getting attention among Americans looking for a new place to live. Redfin’s study also looked at the nine other top cities drawing eyeballs from would-be movers. One thing nearly all of them have in common: They’re located in the Sun Belt, keeping with the recent trend of Americans moving to warm-weather places. (And yep, a few Florida beach towns made their way onto this list.)

Here are the other cities in the top 10:

• Phoenix, Arizona
• Tampa, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Sacramento, California
• North Port/Sarasota, Florida
• Cape Coral, Florida
• Dallas, Texas
• Miami, Florida
• Houston, Texas

The top cities residents are looking to leave, according to Redfin? San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Hartford, Denver and Detroit.

Is now a good time to move?

Of course, any potential homebuyer should be aware that average nationwide mortgage rates in June stood at 6.7%, versus 3% in early 2022. That’s thanks to the Fed raising interest rates at a historic pace to tame inflation. And it means your monthly mortgage payments could be higher if you do choose to move.

Bondi notes this has actually kept home inventory low in the Las Vegas region. So if you want to move there or to another in-demand city, it’s a good idea to start your search early. “If you’re thinking of relocating within the next year, you need to start looking now,” he says. “It’s getting to be a really competitive market.”

About the expert

• Michael Bondi has been a full-time realtor in the greater Las Vegas area for 19 years. He holds a Certified Residential Specialist designation and works with clients in Las Vegas and its surrounding suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson.

Sources:

• Redfin: “Las Vegas Tops List of Popular Homebuyer Destinations for First Time, with West Coast Migrants Drawn to Cheaper Homes”
• World Population Review: “Fastest Growing States 2023”
• Fox 5: “First look at Las Vegas Media Campus: One of 2 film studios potentially coming to Las Vegas”
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Nevada had the highest unemployment rate in February 2023”
• United States Census Bureau: “QuickFacts: Las Vegas city, Nevada”

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What does it mean when there are coins on a gravestone?

When you see coins on a gravestone, this signifies that the person buried there was a member of the military. Similar to gold stars on license plates, these coins are a meaningful way for people to convey their pride in a loved one who is no longer with them. People who visit the deceased service member can leave a coin on the headstone so when loved ones come to the cemetery, they’re aware that others have been to pay their respects, too. This moving sentiment can make a tremendous impact on the family of deceased military folks, which is why it’s a special tradition.

It’s also important to take note of the type of coin on the stone. For instance, different coins hold different meanings.

What do individual coins on a gravestone mean?

As you may have guessed, the different coins have different associations. If you notice a quarter on a headstone, for instance, the past visitor is trying to convey something different than if they’d left a penny. Let’s walk through what the individual coin types mean.

If you notice a penny on a gravestone, this signifies that a person has visited the headstone. It’s an act of gratitude for the person’s service. Anyone can leave a penny, whether they are a family member, friend or fellow service person.

If there is a nickel on the gravestone, this means that the visitor who left it went to boot camp with the person buried.

Next, if you see a dime on their gravestone, that signifies that the visitor served with the deceased military member.

Seeing a quarter has a particularly heavy association. If you notice a quarter, this signifies that a previous visitor was present when the soldier passed away.

Now that you understand what each coin means when you see it, you’ll have a better idea of what it means when you see this emotional item left behind at a gravestone. And more importantly, you’ll know the proper way to leave a coin.

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Flight attendants rely on their special shorthand for effective and clear communication with one another. Don’t understand what they’re talking about? There’s no reason to feel left out! Your flight attendant may not reveal these industry terms, but Bobby Laurie will. He’s a former flight attendant and the current co-host of the travel show The Jet Set, and he has the inside scoop.

We asked him to decode the key terms flight attendants around the world use in the air and on the ground. Keep reading to learn the meanings behind some of their most common code words, and look out for them on your next flight.

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Takeoff and landing

Flight attendants may toss around the following words as they ready the aircraft to launch into the air or land on the ground.

Red-eye

Here’s one you’ve probably heard before, but in case you need a refresher: A red-eye is usually an overnight flight that arrives early in the morning.

“It can be a good option when you don’t want to use a day of precious sightseeing time getting to your vacation destination,” says Laurie. Instead, you can sleep on the plane and start touring as soon as you check in to your hotel.

Pink-eye

Nope, we’re not talking about conjunctivitis here. A pink-eye flight takes off earlier than a red-eye (even if only slightly) but still occurs late at night. The difference: It’s not an overnight flight.

Holding pen

The holding pen is the area surrounding the gate where passengers wait to board, often standing around or milling about.

Runner

A runner is a passenger who is late to the airport or late from a connecting flight and is quite literally running to catch their departing flight.

Spinner

A spinner is a passenger who arrives without a seat assignment and stands in the middle of the aisle, confused and likely spinning to find their seat on the airplane.

Cross-check

A cross-check “refers to one flight attendant or two double-checking that the aircraft doors are armed or disarmed correctly before departure or before opening the door,” Laurie explains.

All call

“Generally, after a cross-check, there’s an all call, where all of the flight attendants get on the internal phone system and verify with each other that the aircraft doors have been correctly armed or disarmed,” Laurie says.

Jump seat

You may have noticed the special seat that flight attendants use at takeoff, landing and any point in the flight when they must be seated. This smaller seat may not be the safest seat on an airplane, but it makes it easy for flight attendants to jump to attention. The seat itself practically jumps into a folded position when the flight attendant stands.

Specials

According to Laurie, the term specials refers “to passengers who require special attention, such as those with mobility issues. But it also includes passengers who may require any sort of extra assistance.”

In flight

Just as flight attendants have specific terms for takeoff and landing activities, they have flight code words to use once you’ve reached your cruising altitude.

Privo

Privo is “an all-encompassing term that references the provisioning on the aircraft: for the flight drinks, snacks, meals, etc.,” says Laurie.

U.M.

A U.M. (say each letter, not the filler word um) is an “unaccompanied minor traveling alone who is in the flight crew’s care,” Laurie says.

Blue room

Flight attendants often call the bathroom the “blue room” among themselves. The term is a reference to the blue liquid used in aircraft toilets.

Service

The term service “refers to any time the flight attendants put the beverage and meal carts together to go into the aisle and provide snacks or drinks to the passengers,” Laurie explains.

Galley

The galley is the aircraft’s small kitchen. Here, flight attendants prepare food, snacks and beverages.

Galley queen

This is a slang term for a flight attendant who is particulareven territorialwhen it comes to the galley. The galley queen often prefers others stay out of their space.

Flight attendant life

Flight attendants don’t leave behind their secret language when the plane lands or they leave the airport. They use certain terms to talk about the flight attendant lifestyle.

RON

“If you’re flying on a late-night flight, during deplaning you might hear the crew asking if this is a RON, or a Remain Overnight,” Laurie says. “They’re asking whether or not the plane is done for the day and spending the night. In other words, it’s not going back out that evening. Sometimes it’s also called a terminator.”

Originator

An originator is “the first flight of the day from an airport,” says Laurie. “Airlines are very interested in making sure the originators depart on time because a delay on that flight would cause every flight that airplane operates for the day to be behind schedule.”

On that note, the best time of day to fly to avoid delays is first thing in the morning.

Turn

“A turn is a flight pairing that the flight attendants work where they depart from a city, fly to another, then go right back to the city they departed from,” Laurie explains. “In context, a Los Angelesbased flight attendant can do a D.C. turn, a San Francisco turn [or] a Seattle turn.”

Pairing or trip

“This refers to the one-, two-, three- or four-day schedule the flight attendant is currently operating,” says Laurie. You may hear a flight attendant talking about their “pairing of flights” or the “trip they’re on.”

Commuter

According to Laurie, a commuter is “a flight attendant who lives in a city other than the city in which they’re based with the airline, such as living in Las Vegas but working flights out of Los Angeles. They would fly to workor ‘commute’ to workbefore flying for work.”

Crash pad

A crash pad is an apartment that a group of flight attendants share. “It’s just a place to crash in between flights,” Laurie says. “It’s usually used by commuters who need a place to sleep between shifts when they don’t live in the same city they work in.”

It makes sense when you consider that commuting flight attendants wouldn’t want to shell out for a motel or hotel on days when their shifts don’t leave enough time to commute home for sleep.

About the expert

• Bobby Laurie is a former flight attendant and the current co-host of the travel show The Jet Set.

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Yup, you heard that correctly. After you inspect your hotel room for any hidden dangers, safely hide your valuables in a water bottle. Of course, not all bottles are created equal. So before you book your next hotel stay, learn why you should reconsider using the hotel safe and how to use a water bottle to hide important items.

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The problem with hotel safes

A hotel safe seems like the (ahem) safe place to store valuables. And admittedly, it’s a smarter option than leaving items strewn about. Still, using the safe is one thing smart travelers never do in a hotel room.

There are ways a thief can gain access to your locked-up goods, such as by using a master key or safe code that can override previous codes and open the safe. Considering this is one of the first places thieves will check for valuables, the existence of a workaround isn’t good news for you.

Why a water bottle is the perfect place to hide your valuables

We know what you’re thinking: A water bottle really? We’ll admit to some initial skepticism. But the concept makes a lot more sense when you consider the type of bottle you’ll be using and the fact that it’s a less-obvious storage solution.

Avoid grabbing the Dasani you bought at the airport. If it’s see-through, this won’t work. An opaque, reusable, wide-mouth water bottle works well if you don’t plan to fill it. (You don’t want to soak your valuables!) Even better is a reusable water bottle with a twist-off bottom for hidden storage.

“You’d be amazed at how a simple water bottle can transform into a hidden treasure chest,” says Jaume Ros, a travel expert and founder of New.to travel experiences. “All you need is a bottle with a removable bottom where you can insert your valuables. Then refill it with water to make it seem like just a regular water bottle. This not only disguises your valuables from potential thieves but also ensures you have them within reach, whether you’re on a flight, at the beach or exploring a new city.”

Water bottles made for this specific purpose can really fake someone out. The Diversion Safe Water Bottle serves both as a water bottle and a hidden compartment. Plus, it comes in different colors! If you’re looking for a faux safe, this Fake Water Bottle will get the job done. It looks like a normal plastic water bottle but opens to reveal a secret compartment for stashing important items.

Other ways to keep your valuables safe during travel

While using a water bottle is certainly a sneaky way to hide your valuables while you travel, there are other ways you can hide your items without having to use the hotel safe.

“Although a water bottle is a great hiding place, always remember to diversify the locations of your valuable items,” says Ros. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basketor in this case, your water bottle. This way, if something unfortunate happens, not everything valuable is lost or stolen. Plus, be sure to check the regulations of your airline or destination, as some places may not allow full water bottles through security.”

Looking for another hiding spot? In an interview with Express, a Spanish flight attendant named Joaquin says the inside of a shoe can be a great spot to hide valuables, as can the hollow of a hairbrush handle. (Yes, really!)

Empty travel containers, such as bottles for shampoo, conditioner and lotion, can also work for hiding these items. Bottles that are opaque and have a hotel logo on them will spark even less suspicion.

Last, traveling with a money belt is never a bad idea, especially if you’re wary about leaving your valuables in the hotel room. The belts rest under your clothes, so you can keep your items closebut far out of reach of thieves.

And if you do use that hotel safe? At least put a shoe in it so you won’t accidentally leave your valuables behind.

About the expert

• Jaume Ros is the founder of New.to travel experiences. A travel guide expert, he’s visited 89 countries.

Sources:

• LockPickingLawyer: “Saflok Hotel Safe Override”
• Express: “Flight attendant says never leave hotel room without placing card ‘inside your shoe’ first”

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The post The Real Reason You Should Travel with an Empty Water Bottle appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Did that pique your interest and make you wonder if you should rummage through the attic to find your Barbie castoffs? And what would even qualify as a much-desired, super-expensive Barbie? We have the answers, as well as how much a single Barbie has ever sold for. Yes, the chances of having one of the most collectible Barbies in your possession is a long shot, but a girl can dreamand hey, you never know!

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The most expensive Barbie ever sold: Stefano Canturi Barbie

The most expensive Barbie won’t just make your jaw drop because of her looks and her pricebut also because of the sparkling diamond necklace around her neck. And yes, those are real diamonds around her shiny plastic neck, and we’ll get to those specifics in a minute. Created by Australian jewelry designer Stefano Canturi, this one-of-a-kind Barbie sold at auction house Christie’s in 2010 for $302,500, and the proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, making this a surprisingly feel-good story.

Now, let’s talk about those diamonds. The center stone is a stunning square-cut, 1-carat rare pink diamond that was found in Australia’s Argyle mine, and it’s set in a choker comprised of white diamonds. Plusbecause when you’re all in, you’re all inthis Barbie is also sporting a diamond ring.

Aside from her jewels, this fancy Barbie is wearing the perfect little black dress and peep-toe heels. Naturally.

The second-most expensive Barbie: De Beers Barbie

Here’s an interesting fact: The Stefano Canturi Barbie isn’t the only doll decked out with diamonds. To celebrate Barbie’s 40th anniversary in 1999, De Beers diamond jewelers also made a single special-edition Barbie in an evening gown with a bikini top and sheer skirt, adorned with 160 small diamonds and white-gold accessories.

The De Beers Barbie sold for $85,000 that same year, so the price could be significantly more today if it’s still in mint condition. (Which we would really hope it is! Sorry, kidsthis one is off-limits to little hands!)

The third-most expensive Barbie: Original Barbie

Back in 1959, when Barbie appeared on the scene, she sold for just $3. Today, the Original Barbiewho dons a black-and-white strapless one-piece bathing suit, gold hoops and black peephole heels and holds sunglasses in her handis one of the most iconic Barbies of all time. Although many special-anniversary editions of the Original Barbie exist (including the 35th and 50th anniversary versions, which sell for anywhere between $100 to $1,500 on sites like Etsy and eBay), a real Original Barbie is much harder to come by especially one in mint condition.

This rare Barbie doll can cost upward of $27,000. And now, thanks to the popularity of the Barbie movie (and Margot Robbie rocking that black-and-white suit to bring back all those nostalgic Barbie feels), it will likely go for even more. So maybe check your grandmother’s attic next time you’re over for Sunday dinner and see what rare valuables you can find!

Other expensive Barbies

While it sure would be nice to find an Original Barbie, you might have better luck with the other sought-after Barbies below. Here’s what they sold for and when.

• Gala Abend Barbie (1965): Sold for $9,148 at Christie’s in 2006.
• Lorraine Schwartz Barbie (2010): Sold for $7,500 at an auction for the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Just 12 of these Barbies were made.
• Brunette Ponytail Barbie (1959): Sold for $6,710 on eBay in 2014.
• Karl Lagerfeld Barbie (2014): Sold for $5,275 on eBay in May 2023. They were originally sold on Net-a-Porter for $200 each, and 900 were produced.
• Marie Antoinette Barbie (2003): Sold for $1,250 on eBay in 2016, though prices range from $1,500 to $3,500 today. Fittingly, this Barbie also boasts a diamond necklace.

For another interesting number, find out how much Barbie’s DreamHouse would cost in real life.

Sources:

• Investopedia: “Earnings Beat of the Week: Mattel Reports Surprise Profit Amid Barbie Box Office Hit”
• Artnet News: “Here Are the Worlds Most Expensive Barbie Dolls, from Diamond-Encrusted Models to the Holy Grail of Toys”
• Money Inc.: “The Five Most Expensive Barbie Dolls in History”

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The post If You Have One of These Rare Barbies, It Could Be Worth More Than $27,000 appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Wish you could find a job that pays well but doesnt take over your life? Who doesnt? The pandemic reminder that theres more to life than work has sparked numerous career trends, from quiet quittingtorage applying.Gen Z, in particular, isnt afraid to put it all on the line to change careers to find something better, and its sparked the latest TikTok trend: lazy-girl jobs.

What is a lazy-girl job, exactly?

“A lazy-girl job is any job that can be done from home within the standard 9-to-5 and has undemanding tasks and easygoing managers,” King explains. “The jobs pay enough money ($60,000 to $80,000) for a young adult to live off but not feel pressure to work above their contracted hours.”

The term was coined in May 2023 by Gabrielle Judge, a 26-year-old career influencer. Judge told The Wall Street Journal that she was aware the word lazy would have a negative connotation, but she wanted to spark a conversation. “Lazy-girl jobs aren’t roles where you can slack off,” she said, “but career paths where your work-life balance should feel so awesome that you almost feel like you’re being lazy.”

Why are lazy jobs so popular with Gen Z?

Every generation has its own workplace culture and vibe, and there are dozens of funny work memes that show the differences between the way boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z approach everything from 8 a.m. Zoom meetings to taking vacation days. Gen Z is pretty relaxed about all of it.

“New ways of working are always appealing to younger generations, particularly for a generation like Gen Z that’s more vocal about creating work-life balance,” says career expert Akhila Satish, CEO of Meseekna, a company that assesses and improves employee performance. “Plus, the younger generation hasn’t seen their peers or themselves benefit from resilience and discipline in a job long-term, so it’s easier to focus on the immediate gratification of having a less-demanding role.”

Are Gen Z women the only ones interested in this trend?

Despite the gender-specific implication of lazy-girl jobs, men are also looking for more life-work balance. But, really, who isn’t? King points to a 2023 survey by the consulting firm Deloitte, which found that nearly half of Gen Z (46%) and four in 10 millennials (39%) say they feel stressed or anxious at work all or most of the time. “Any individual, regardless of gender, can want and find this type of role,” King says. “This isn’t something that women alone want. It’s just more socially acceptable for women to talk about it because of gender stereotypes.”

Pros of a lazy-girl job

The biggest benefits are work-life balance and, essentially, a better life. Of course, that latter concept is subjective and boils down to your priorities. Some people want to own a home, take several vacations a year and send their kids to private school. Others want more freedom or, as some say, “to live a life they don’t need a vacation from.”

Lazy-girl jobs fit the bill because they provide more control, flexibility and freedom, according to Bridget Lohrius, founder and CEO of the career-coaching company Sandwina. “Hustle culture is anathema to Gen Z,” she adds, “and they’re not afraid to say so.” Aside from being less demanding, these jobs also tend to align with a person’s values, prioritize personal growth and promote mental and physical well-being.

Cons of a lazy-girl job

Some experts say that seeking a lazy-girl job (and then flaunting it) is bad for career progression. But Coulter notes that “not everyone wants to be CEO” and that it’s more than OK to be “quietly excellent.”

The problem? When you’re not as invested in your job, you may lose something in the process. “The challenge I have with this trend is recognizing that most of us still want our work to be meaningful,” King says. “For work to be meaningful, we need to identify our contribution beyond the tasks we perform or the results we achieve.” If you can find meaning in your lazy-girl job, that’s ideal. If not, you may want to reevaluate.

How do you find a lazy-girl job?

Jobs with the best work-life balance tend to be remote or hybrid, and you can zero in on these opportunities by using job-search filters on LinkedIn. “One in seven jobs offer hybrid work, and one in 10 is remote,” says LinkedIn career expert Andrew McCaskill, “with professional services, financial services and tech and media seeing the biggest increases in hybrid job postings this year.”

This, of course, does not mean that remote and hybrid jobs are easy-peasy gigs you can phone in (or, rather, Zoom in). McCaskill notes these jobs can still be important, dynamic and demanding, but they do tend to afford you more independence. They also allow you to cut down on commute time and office distractions, and set boundaries. And you won’t have a manager breathing down your neckat least in a literal way.

An important note

Think you’ve found the right gig? Not so fast. “Once you’ve found a job that looks like it aligns with your needs, it’s important to ask the right questions during the interview process to determine whether a company will indeed offer you the flexibility and autonomy you’re looking for,” McCaskill says. Translation: Look out for some interview red flags to make sure your job description actually matches up with your dreams of a “lazy” workweek.

It’s also a good idea to review your life and career goals periodically, making your choices continue to serve you and make you happy. “Keep in mind that lazy-girl jobs can look different for everyone,” says McCaskill, “so knowing what works best for youyour current needs and your long-term career goalsis key.”

About the experts

• Michelle King, PhD, is a workplace expert, the former Director of Inclusion at Netflix and the author of How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself.
• Kristi Coulter is the author of Exit Interview, a memoir about her 12-year stint as an Amazon executive.
• Akhila Satish is an award-winning career expert, a scientist and the CEO of Meseekna, where she has worked with employers such as the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, Eli Lilly and Credit Suisse to assess and improve employee performance.
• Bridget Lohrius is the founder and CEO of Sandwina, a platform built to close the gender gap faster by making career coaching more affordable and accessible for women.
• Andrew McCaskill is a career expert for LinkedIn.

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After the return of the beloved purple Grimace, McDonald’s has decided to reintroduce another of its former mascots to the fast-food sceneand an entire restaurant concept to go with it. During the company’s recent second-quarter earnings call, executives announced a soon-to-launch new chain, CosMc’s.

We’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know about CosMc’s, including what you can expect from this new fast-food joint.

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What’s the inspiration behind CosMc’s?

@danceswithtoys What’s all this about CosMc? #mcdonalds #cosmc #80sbaby #90skids @McDonalds #fyp #viral #fun #mascot #mcdonaldland #retro #Inverted Righteous – Mo Beats

If you weren’t a fast-food lover back in the ’80s and ’90s, here’s some old-school McDonald’s trivia for you: In 1987, a TV commercial introduced the world to CosMc, an alien from outer space who craves McDonald’s food. After appearing in a series of TV spots and print adsplus an early ’90s M.C. Kids gamehe faded into history.

But now the brand is ready to introduce the extraterrestrial to a new audience. The new McDonald’s restaurant concept is named for and dedicated to him.

Why is McDonald’s bringing back CosMc?

CosMc isn’t the only McDonald’s mascot who has recently made a return. Grimace, a lovable purple blob (whofun factactually represents a taste bud), made a reappearance this year. In June, the fast-food chain launched its Grimace Birthday Meal (similar to the Adult Happy Meal), which includes a choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, plus fries and a special-edition purple milkshake.

That meal dealand the milkshake in particularled to thousands of viral videos (“Grimace shake” currently has 3.3 billion views on TikTok), bizarrely focused on users’ fake deaths from the drink. The morbid take on the cheery purple drink didn’t dent the company’s sales, though. Thanks to the comeback character, the chain saw an 11.7% increase in global sales.

McDonald’s executives are betting on a repeat of that success with the company’s latest throwback. But this time, they’re creating an entirely new restaurant concept around a former mascot.

How is CosMc’s different from the McDonald’s we know and love?

Although McDonald’s hasn’t revealed much about CosMc’s, executives included a few minor details about the new restaurant chain in the company’s recent earnings call.

According to CEO Chris Kempczinski, CosMc’s will have “the DNA of McDonald’s but its own unique personality.” He also noted that CosMc’s won’t have as big a dining room as typical McDonald’s locations and will likely follow an express modelmeaning it will be focused on carryout and delivery services.

“A big reason that we can now look at [smaller models] is because of the growth that’s happened with the digital and delivery, where you don’t necessarily need the big dining rooms that you needed in our traditional restaurants,” Kempczinski said in the call. “So you’re now able to look at real estate sites that previously would have been sort of off-limits to us; those become opportunities.”

Express options for fast-food restaurants have certainly gained in popularity over the past few years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Also known as “ghost kitchens,” these restaurants purely serve customers picking up or ordering deliverywhether it be through a restaurant-specific app (like the one from McDonald’s) or a third-party app like Seamless or Uber Eats.

The ghost-kitchen market is expected to increase to $1 trillion globally by 2030, and chains such as Wendy’s, Five Guys and Wingstop have hopped on the popular business model. While McDonald’s has attempted this in the past with its McExpress locations, the fast-food behemoth is hoping the new twist on the express carryout modeldedicating the restaurant to a beloved mascotwill increase sales in the same way Grimace’s return did.

When will CosMc’s locations open?

As of right now, CosMc’s is set to open in a limited number of locations in early 2024. Where they’ll be geographicallyand whether the fast-food chain will plant one of its alien-themed restaurants in Roswell, New Mexicois still a mystery, as is the time frame for opening. But we’re chomping at the bit to hear more about this new venture.

Until then, we’ll head to our favorite McDonald’s location to order a Grimace shake while we (impatiently) wait for CosMc the alien’s spaceship to take flight.

Sources:

• PR Newswire: “McDonald’s Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results”
• Restaurant Business: “The Grimace birthday promotion was an even bigger success than McDonald’s expected”
• Restaurant Dive: “What we know about McDonald’s new small-format brand, CosMc”
• Restaurant Dive: “Ghost kitchens could be a $1T global market by 2030, says Euromonitor”

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The European Union’s new system will add an extra step to your travel requirements for 30 European countries. But though it sounds complicated, the process won’t be difficult. And we’ve got everything you need to know before you book your next European vacay.

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What is ETIAS?

There’s no such thing as an ETIAS visa, and the system isn’t a digital nomad visa either. So what is it, then? According to the official website, ETIAS is the “new travel permit for Americans and other visa-exempt non-EU citizens visiting European destinations.” It’s an electronic travel authorization for visa-free countries, and it has a faster application and processing time than a visa.

In other words, U.S. citizens won’t need a visa to continue traveling to Europebut they must apply for ETIAS.

If you meet the ETIAS requirements, you won’t need a visa if you’re traveling for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business, short-term study or tourism. If you currently hold a passport or will soon apply for a passport from one of 59 travel-visa-free countries and are between the ages of 18 and 70, you will need the new travel authorization for European travel within the Schengen area (a travel zone made up of 27 European countries).

Why are these European requirements changing?

The European Union is changing its requirements to include ETIAS to benefit both travelers and the European Union. When traveling overseas to Europe using ETIAS, you’ll benefit from a more streamlined border crossingthe new travel authorization will get you through faster.

But the launch of the electronic authorization system aims to keep the European Union safer too. Better border management means officials can keep an eye on security issues at the borders. And because ETIAS links to security databases, it’ll be easier to fight terrorism and criminal activity.

When will ETIAS go into effect?

The current launch date for ETIAS in Europe is sometime in January 2024. But that comes after some delays. The European Union initially intended ETIAS to go into effect in January 2021 but later postponed the kickoff to 2023. The quiet pushback of the launch date, following a series of hiccups, has led up to its slated release in 2024, but some sources note that it may take a while for it to go into effect.

Per the ETIAS website, “after the initial launch, there may be a short period of three to six months where ETIAS may not be mandatory for travel. This is to allow the EU to work through any system issues, which may negatively impact travelers due to complications with the initial rollout.” Additionally, the site notes that this is “barring any delay in implementation,” so it’s unclear whether the 2024 launch date is set in stone.

Still, if you’re planning a romantic European vacation and want to skip the new system, you’ll have to travel soon.

What countries will require authorization?

Gearing up for some European country-hopping? These 23 European countries in the Schengen area will require ETIAS authorization from American travelers:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

You will also need ETIAS for four non-EU member states:

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

Additionally, these non-Schengen EU states will require ETIAS:

• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Romania

Finally, these microstates will also require the new travel authorization:

• Monaco
• San Marino
• Vatican City

What’s the difference between ETIAS and EES?

The European Union is launching not only ETIAS but also a border-management strategy called the Entry/Exist System (EES). The first thing to know: ETIAS and EES are not the same thing.

For starters, ETIAS is a new entry requirement, while EES is a registration. When traveling visa free, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization, but you won’t need to take any action before your trip for EES registration. Instead, this is done automatically at the external border of any of the 29 European countries using EES, and this registration will take place each time you cross an external border between countries. EES will also replace manual passport stamps.

How much does ETIAS cost?

Luckily, if you’re traveling on a budget, the application fee for ETIAS won’t break the bankit’s less than $10. Travelers will pay $8 for ETIAS (or 7).

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Applying for ETIAS online is a relatively simple process. You’ll fill out the electronic form with personal information, such as your first and last name, nationality, place of birth, address, phone number and email. You’ll also need to include your passport information, your travel plans and your history of travel, and you’ll have to answer security-based questions. From there, you’ll pay the fee and submit your application.

It’s important to avoid scam websites pretending to be ETIAS. Make sure you apply on the official site using this application.

Overall, the application process should take about 10 minutes, while approval for your travel authorization will take 96 hours or fewer. You’ll know your application has been approved when you receive an official confirmation email.

How long does an ETIAS authorization last?

Once you’ve received your ETIAS authorization, it will remain valid for three years from the issue date. You may use it to travel multiple times as long as your travel documents have not expired.

How often do you need to renew/reapply?

You will need to reapply for ETIAS when your previous travel permit has expired, which will happen three years after your application date. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to get a new passport and reapply for ETIAS.

Sources:

• Statista: “The Most Popular Destinations for U.S. Travelers Abroad”
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System: “Europe’s Travel Authorization for U.S. Citizens”
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System: “ETIAS start date set for 2024”
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System: “ETIAS Requirements”
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System: “What are the ETIAS benefits to the European Union?”
• ETIAS: “ETIAS Requirements”
• ETIAS: “Frequently Asked Questions”
• European Union: “Key differences between ETIAS and the EES”

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Of course, you can up your chances of getting a job offer by giving both your rsum and LinkedIn profile a final once-over. That’s right: Using proper grammar and spelling on your rsum and cover letter isn’t the only thing that matters. LinkedIn is one of the most popular job-hunting sites out there, and even something as small as a spelling error on your profile can keep you from getting a job.

So, which words are most likely to trip you up? E-learning site Preply recently released an analysis of the most common spelling mistakes on LinkedIn profilesread on to see if any of them are on yours.

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A study of spelling (errors)

In May 2023, Preply carried out a study of misspellings by collecting data from LinkedIn’s interface across thousands of profiles. First, they had to narrow down the list to words that were actually misspelled. After all, the dictionary may quibble with the name Lyft, suggesting it’s a spelling mistake and should be lift. With that in mind, Preply removed acronyms, people’s names, business names, industry-specific words and phrases, pop-culture-related words and phrases, and words and phrases in other languages.

They picked 25 industries in which people are likely to have a LinkedIn profile, then they used Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com and Grammarly’s English Grammar Guide as references for spelling and grammar. They also analyzed monthly Google search volumes to find the top words that people were checking spellings for.

The top spelling mistakes on LinkedIn

Once the minds behind Preply crunched the data, they learned the top three words people misspell:

• Management: Misspelled managment
• Programming: Misspelled programing
• I’m: Misspelled Im

But those weren’t the only flubs. The study zeroed in on some other misspellings, with the words below following closely behind the top three.

• Realtor: Misspelled relator
• Skill set: Misspelled skillset
• Board member: Misspelled boardmember
• Company-wide: Misspelled companywide
• Food service: Misspelled foodservice
• Team building: Misspelled teambuilding
• Video games: Misspelled videogames

A couple other words regularly make it past spell check (or warrant the use of spell check in the first place!): Entrepreneur is commonly misspelled entreprenuer and enterpreneur. And people in the accounting industry often write that their position is an accountnata misspelling of accountant.

On a whole, people tend to combine words that belong separatelythink board member and video games. (Pro tip: When in doubt, check it out.)

“These frequent misspellings are not necessarily due to specific language rules but rather a combination of factors, such as unfamiliarity with spelling patterns, typos and lack of attention to detail,” Sylvia Johnson, Preply’s language expert, said in a statement.

The top grammar mistakes on LinkedIn

The Preply team also looked at common grammar errors on the site and pointed to these top three mistakes:

1. Bachelors
2. Softwares
3. Is vs. are

Chief among grammar issues is the use of bachelors. The word requires an apostrophe, so be sure you’re writing bachelor’s degree. (The same rule applies to a master’s too.)

If you’re in the software field, know that there’s no plural form of the word software. And no matter what career you’re in, be sure you’re using is and are correctly. Sentences like “The measures I implemented is responsible for saving the company $50,000” will turn off a hiring manager. Because measures is plural, the verb should be are.

“Native speakers learn grammar intuitively,” says Johnson. “As a result, they may not be aware of specific rules or may not have a deep understanding of them, leading to occasional mistakes.” That’s all the more reason to learn grammar rules that will make you sound smarter and more capable.

How to proofread your LinkedIn profile

You do everything you can to avoid rsum mistakes that could cost you a job, so why not take the same care with the profile hiring managers will check first? Besides, the words topping Preply’s list aren’t the only ones that people commonly misspell on their LinkedIn profiles. If you’re not getting hired, it may be time to proofread your profile once more.

You can read through it yourself to catch common misspellings, but it’s always best to ask a friend to proofread it again to ensure that you haven’t missed any typos. If you want to be absolutely thorough, you can also copy and paste the text into Microsoft Word and run the spell-check function, or add the Grammarly extension to your browser to catch anything you might miss while editing your profile.

With your newly typo-free profile, you’ll prove to hiring managers that the whole “attention to detail” part of your resume was no joke. But before you go for that all-important interview, read up on the supposedly polite habits interviewers dislike.

Source:

• Preply: “‘Managment’ among the most misspelled words on LinkedIn, according to analysis”

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Sure, maybe no one told you life was going to be this way. But even if your job’s a joke, you’re broke or you’re always stuck in second gear, you can always watch Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Ross chill in Central Perk, a place that feels a little bit like a home away from home. And now, thanks to a collaboration with the popular toy Polly Pocket, you can keep your comfort characters on display.

Are you too old for Polly Pocket? No, never. Along with ’90s cartoons, Polly Pocket toys were a rite of passage. As any true fan will tell you, you can always turn your favorite childhood toys into collector’s items. (I mean, have you seen some of those Star Wars Lego battleships?) With this recent collaboration, you can enjoy two of your favorite ’90s loves in one specialty item.

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What’s in the Polly Pocket Friends set?

This ain’t your kid’s toy. It’s a toy you would’ve wanted as a kid, though.

In true Polly Pocket fashion, all the toys are packed neatly into a small compact for easy carrying and playing on the goor just displaying in your office (we get it). The Polly Pocket Collector Friends Compact is shaped like the sort of coffee mug you’d find at the over-caffeinated friends’ favorite hangout, Central Perk.

Open the purple compact to find two iconic sets from the show. The bottom half is Central Perk, with the beloved burnt-orange couch, the lounger chair, the coffee bar, some bar stools in the back and even a stage because we all know Phoebe needs somewhere to sing about that smelly cat!

The top half of the compact is a replica of the friends’ living spaces. Monica’s apartment features an image of the kitchen, living room furniture and a small balconyperfect for spying on George Stephanopoulos. Joey and Chandler’s apartment has a kitchen, foosball table and, of course, the two recliners the dynamic duo spend two whole days in without getting up.

People your pocket-size world with mini Friends dolls, then add in all the little items that recall hilarious and significant parts of the show. All six friends are accounted for, as well as nine accessories perfect for the gang. This includes a trifle for Rachel (which we all know has a rather beefy taste); an amp, a guitar and a microphone for Phoebe; a turkey with sunglasses for Monica (Thanksgiving episode, anyone?); and a pet chicken and a miniature foosball table for Joey and Chandler.

Naturally, the set includes a table and a collection of mini mugs. Because no Friends collab would be complete without the main beverage that brings the gang together: coffee.

Where can you get this new Polly Pocket set?

Want to be a collector? Add this toy to your Christmas list or go ahead and snap one up right now. The Polly Pocket Collector Friends Compact is available now for $50 on Mattel’s website.

What other collaborations are in the works?

While Mattelthe creator and owner of Polly Pockethas quite the catalog of toys to choose from, there are a few collector’s items that nostalgic ’90s babies can still enjoy.

The first is for Hocus Pocus fans. Mattel has a Little People Collector Disney Hocus Pocus Special Edition Figure Set, which includes all three Sanderson sisters from the ’90s kids movie. Display them wherever your home needs a littleahemhocus pocus.

If the Polly Pocket compact is a bit too much for your collection, you could just settle for the Little People Collector Friends figurines. All six of the beloved characters are included, each dressed in an outfit from the show.

And how could we forget one of the most iconic toys ever created? If you’ve seen the Barbie movie, you know that Mattel owns the Barbie universe. And it has quite a few collaborations in the works, including with Disney. You can get a set of seven Disney Princess Barbies or the Disney Little Mermaid Barbie to celebrate the recent release of Disney’s newest film.

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If you’ve only ever used your iPhone’s volume buttons to toggle the volume up and down, you’re missing out on the many shortcuts for which they can be used. Not sure where to start? Here are the best ways to use those volume buttons for more than just music.

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How to use your iPhone’s volume buttons

Take photos

If you need an extra hand to take photos, this handy hack can help. It works with portrait, traditional photo and panorama modes when shooting from the rear camera, and with portrait and traditional photo modes for the front camera. Just open the Camera app and press either volume button to take a photo or start a panorama. You can end the panorama with another tap of the button, or you can hold the button down the entire time to take the panorama. Accidentally delete one of those photos? Don’t fret. Here’s how to recover deleted iPhone photos.

Take videos

You can use the same trick to take a video. Just switch to video mode in the Camera app, then press either of the volume buttons to start taking a video. You can press it again to stop, or you can hold down the button the entire time to take a videoit’ll stop recording once you release the button.

Take photo bursts

A photo burst makes editing iPhone photos easier because it gives you more options to choose from. If you have an iPhone XS, iPhone XR or newer, you can press and hold the volume up button to take burst shots. To allow for that, go to Settings > Camera, then turn on “Use Volume Up for Burst.”

Scan documents

Your iPhone’s built-in document scanner will work in apps such as Files, Mail, Notes and Reminders. Since this function uses the Camera app, you can press either volume button to snap a scan of the document you need instead of pressing the shutter button on the screen.

Snooze an alarm clock

For those who use their iPhone instead of a traditional alarm clock, this is the trick you need to know. If you’re half asleep and can’t be bothered to find the “Snooze” on your phone screen in the morning, just press either volume button to snooze your alarmjust make sure you have the “Snooze” function enabled for that particular alarm.

Turn off an alarm clock

If you have toggled off the “Snooze” option for your alarm, clicking either volume button will turn off the alarm.

Call emergency services

When you’re in an actual emergency and can’t spend time unlocking your iPhone to call 911, Apple has made things easier. To quickly get ahold of emergency services, just hold down the side lock button and either volume button (or all three buttons) until the “Emergency Call” slider pops up. Swipe the SOS icon to the right to place the call.

Force a restart

If your phone is frozen and there’s no way to restart it, you might be forced to complete a factory reset. To do so, press the volume up button, then volume down button, then the side lock button until you see the Apple logo on a black background. Once your lock screen reappears, it means a hard reset has been performed. Unlike a regular restart, which happens at the software level, a hard reset happens at the hardware level, which can help when your phone is frozen or buggy. Keep in mind that a factory reset wipes your entire phone, so make sure you have backed it up on the cloud recently.

Turn off Face ID or Touch ID quickly

You can temporarily prevent Face ID from unlocking your iPhone. Press and hold the side lock button and either volume button for two seconds. You’ll see the same screen as when you’re calling emergency services. After the sliders appear, press the side button to immediately lock your iPhone, which will lock automatically if you don’t touch the screen for a minute or so.

Silence an incoming call

Want to quickly silence a call when you’re busy? Pressing either volume button will silence incoming regular calls as well as FaceTime calls, and will also stop vibrations if your phone is on vibrate mode.

Sources:

• Apple: “If your iPhone won’t turn on or is frozen”
• Apple: “Use the side, Home, and other buttons on your iPhone”
• Apple: “Disable Face ID”

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What to Do If Your iPhone Is Disabled

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The post Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons Are Loaded with Hidden Features appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Just as we’ve grown accustomed to removing our shoes when going through airport security and munching on pocket-size snacks during each flight, we’re well acquainted with the flight attendants‘ check to ensure our seats are in the upright position during takeoff and landing. Air travel wouldn’t be complete without the familiar request, but have you ever wondered why seat position matters so much?

We did. That’s why we tracked down an expert who could explain this airplane rule to us. Keep reading to find out why flight attendants are so adamant that seats remain uprightand what could happen if yours isn’t.

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Why does seat position matter?

Part 121 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations mandates that “no [air carrier] may take off or land an airplane unless each passenger seat back is in the upright position.” In other words, putting your seat upright is more than a preference instituted by airlinesit’s actually the law.

Still, the reasons your seat needs to be fully upright during takeoff and landing may surprise you. They have to do with flight safety concerns.

“Because of how they are designed and built, airline seat backs provide more structural support during any potential impact,” says Ben Kiteley, director of training, Gulfstream IV standards captain and check pilot with Planet 9 Private Air. “In addition, when you recline your seat, it takes away space for the person behind you and would increase the amount of time it takes to properly evacuate the aircraft, should the need arise.”

What’s the worst that could happen?

The only way for a seat to lock into place is for it to be in the fully upright position, offering the most substantial protection in the event of an impact. A seat that is reclined cannot be locked into place, so a sudden stop could cause the seat to act as a catapult, projecting the passenger forward. Sudden acceleration could have the opposite effect, causing the passenger to slam backward into the seat.

Nearby passengers can also be negatively impacted by a seat that is not fully upright. Inertia, which naturally occurs once an aircraft is in motion, can impact the angle of a seat and could cause the seat back to crush the passenger sitting behind it.

If you’ve ever been seated in an emergency exit row, you have likely noticed that the surrounding seats have very little, if any, ability to recline at all. Even though a reclined seat is seemingly a standard airplane feature, in the event of an emergency, it would be all too easy to forget to place the seat uprightor worse, to be unable to do so. Reclined seats can delay an evacuation, and time is of the essence during emergency situations.

When are planes most likely to crash?

Flight is divided into a number of phases that include takeoff, initial climb, en route or cruise, approach and landing. Of those phases, takeoff, approach and landing pose the highest risk for danger. Airline industry leader Boeing conducted a study on commercial airplane accidents, which concluded that between 2012 and 2021, about 67% of all fatal accidents involving Boeing aircraft took place during those phases.

Another study, conducted by Airbus, went back even further, concluding that most of the aircraft accidents in the past 20 yearsboth fatal and nonfataloccurred during the approach and landing phases. According to Airbus, the “combination of high workload and potential for unanticipated events can create a complex interplay of contributing factors, which may lead to an accident.”

Conversely, the cruising phase, which makes up the majority of flight time, presents the lowest risk of an emergency. The Boeing study reported that only 11% of fatal aircraft accidents occurred during this phase, explaining why it is much safer to recline your seat once you reach cruising altitude.

While frequent fliers may be on autopilot, ensuring their seats are upright, less-seasoned travelers may forgetor think it’s an airline preference. But understanding the reasons behind the federal regulation only serves to help improve airline safety all around. When you board your next flight, just remember to lock your tray table in place, switch your phone into airplane mode and make sure your seat is in the fully upright position.

About the expert

• Ben Kiteley is a Gulfstream IV check pilot and the director of training for Planet 9 Private Air, a global aircraft management and charter company.

Sources:

• Boeing: “Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents”
• Airbus: “Accidents by Flight Phase”

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Well, we’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news? You have to clean your air conditioner. Air quality goes way down when you neglect your AC. Do you really want dirt, dust and molds blowing around your house? Plus, dirty ACs are inefficient and have trouble cooling, which in these temps is a disaster waiting to happen. You could be shelling out major bucks when your struggling AC conks out.

So, what’s the good news? Learning how to clean a window AC unit is a breeze! (Sorry.) Seriously, it’s not hard at all, and when the temperature’s pushing 100, the last thing you want to be without is air conditioning. If you’re ready to put your window air conditioner on the cleaning schedule, we’ve got expert tips to keep you from making major air-conditioning mistakes that can shorten the life of your air conditioner. Your lungs will thank you too!

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What happens if you don’t clean your window AC unit?

Did you know the average person spends 90% of their time indoors? Michael Rubino, author and air-quality expert, says due to today’s building efficiency standards, we don’t get a lot of fresh air interchange either. And contrary to popular belief, most window air conditioners don’t bring in fresh air from outside. That means that if you’ve got dust and mold spores in your house (and who doesn’t), that junk just recirculates throughout your home if you don’t keep your AC and filter clean.

Rubino says appliances, including window air conditioners, are havens for mold activity, thanks to the abundance of moisture and the food in the form of dirt and dust. Keeping your window air conditioner clean and dry can help reduce the presence of these airborne contaminants.

Both your wallet and your air-conditioner unit will benefit from regular cleanings too. “Not properly maintaining the window AC unit can cause it to work harder to cool the space, increasing [your] energy bill,” says Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning. “And [it] could shorten the life of the unit.”

How often to clean your window AC

How often you need to clean your air conditioner depends on the part you’re cleaning, according to Glory Dolphin Hammes, CEO of IQAir North America. Air conditioners have coils and filters, and both parts need to be cleaned. “The filter needs to be cleaned once a month,” according to Hammes. “The coil should be cleaned annually.”

Start by cleaning it when you take it out of storage, says Roberson. Your window air conditioner sits all winter in a dusty old garage, perhaps even in the window, collecting dust and potentially leaves, mold, animal hair and other debris. Spring cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to tackle the coil and the rest of the interior with a good old deep-clean.

Then, throughout the season, clean the filter and wipe down the exterior. Your AC will thank you.

How to clean a window AC unit

By this time in the season, your AC is probably due for a cleaning. Depending on your level of grime, we’ve got three options for you.

Maybe you stuck it in the window in May and haven’t looked at it once. In that case, it’s probably time for a deep-clean, even if Roberson recommends tackling that task before the season starts. But if you’re just looking for a quick clean and filter scrub, we’ve got you covered too.

How to do a quick cleaning

Even if you started with a clean air conditioner earlier in the spring, dust and dirt build up, causing your unit to run less efficiently. A quick cleaning of the front panel will help, and when you combine this step with filter cleaning, your AC will blast cold air all summer long.

Ready to learn how to clean a window AC unit in a flash? Keep reading.

Gather your supplies:

• Warm, soapy water
• Microfiber cloth
• Vacuum with brush attachment

Step 1: Open the front and remove the filter

Open the front panel door. It may be attached by screws, but it likely just pops open for easy cleaning.

Locate the filter and remove it. Most window units have washable filters that just slide right out, but it’s worth checking your manual. In this heat, the last thing you want to do is break something!

Step 2: Clean the front panel

Start by vacuuming the front panel to remove dust bunnies and loose dirt or dust. Work the brush into the crevices from both sides. For mildly dirty slats, load up your microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water, and wring well. Wipe down the front grille, working the microfiber cloth into the slats to remove grime the vacuum didn’t pick up.

If your front panel is really dirty, remove it entirely and scrub it in the sink. (Then clean your sink so it sparkles.)

Step 3: Clean the filter

Follow the steps below to clean and replace your air-conditioner filter.

How to clean an AC filter

Your air conditioner’s filter is your main defense against dust, dirt, molds and every other gross thing that’s floating around in the air, so even if you don’t feel like cleaning your entire window air conditioner, don’t neglect the filter. Hammes suggests cleaning it monthly, while Roberson prefers checking and cleaning your filter every few days during times of heavy use. Don’t worry, this step’s a snap.

If your air conditioner has disposable filters, washing isn’t necessary. But Roberson recommends replacing them every three months (just like your water filter).

Gather your supplies:

• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Soft brush or cloth
• Dish soap
• Garden hose or sink spray nozzle

Step 1: Remove and clean the filter

Check your manual for instructions on how to remove the filter for cleaning. It may be contained within the front panel or resting right behind it. If the filter is washable, remove it and vacuum using your attachment brush.

Next, soak or spray the filter with warm, soapy water and rinse well. For filters that are reusable but not washable, simply vacuum and replace them.

Step 2: Dry and reassemble

Allow your washable filter to dry thoroughly, then slide it back into the air conditioner.

How to deep-clean a window AC unit

Luckily, you have to deep-clean your unit only once a year. Hammes says it’s easy but requires some elbow grease, so gather your supplies and roll up your sleeves.

If you’re still learning the basics of how to clean a window AC unit, follow Roberson’s advice: The beginning of the season, when you drag your air conditioner out of storage, is the perfect time to do a deep-clean. Whenever you decide to tackle this task, make sure the unit is unplugged before you start!

Gather your supplies:

• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Phillips screwdriver
• Spray bottle
• Dish soap
• Distilled water
• Towel or microfiber cloth
• Soft cleaning brush
• Credit card, butter knife or other thin, dull tool

Step 1: Remove and clean the front panel and filter

Remove the front panel to access the filter and evaporator coils. You may need a screwdriver, or it could just snap off. Remove the filter by either sliding it out from inside the panel or just lifting it out (check your manual).

Wipe down the grille with warm, soapy water, getting into all the crevices with a microfiber cloth. A spray bottle works well for this, but you can even soak the grille in the sink if it’s really gross. Just make sure there are no attached electronic parts when you do.

Wash the filter and set aside both the filter and grille to dry.

Step 2: Remove the housing (optional)

Most air-conditioner manufacturers recommend cleaning the unit without removing the housing, but if your window air conditioner is very dirty or filled with leaves, or if you suspect mold or mildew, taking off the housing may be necessary. Look for screws holding the metal frame to the rest of the unit, and remove them to access the fan, blower motor, drain pan and interior sides of the coils. Save the screws so you don’t lose them! Then move on to the next step.

Step 3: Vacuum the interior

Vacuum the inside, including the evaporator and condenser coils, with your vacuum and brush attachment. The coils will be covered with tiny metal fins, which bend very easily and are sharp, so use caution when vacuuming. Move the brush along the grain of the fins, and use a light touch. If you notice any bent fins, gently straighten them with a credit card or butter knifethey even make special “fin combs” for this purpose.

Step 4: Clean the evaporator and condenser

Fill your spray bottle with dish soap and water. (Hammes recommends distilled water to prevent rust and corrosion.) Put a towel under the coils and start spraying. Gently clean the fins and coils with a toothbrush or other soft brush, moving in the direction of the fins to keep them from bending.

Rinse the coils with plain distilled water. Wipe down the rest of the interior of the air conditioner, including the fan, blower motor and drain pan, with the towel. Check the condensation drain and clear any obstructions.

Step 5: Dry and reassemble

Before you can use your just-cleaned air conditioner, it must be completely dry. Prior to closing it back up, wipe down the interior with a clean, dry towel and allow the coils to air-dry for at least an hour. Reattach the housing and front grille panel, slide in the clean (or new) filter and enjoy the cool breeze.

About the experts

• Michael Rubino is the author of The Mold Medic: An Expert’s Guide on Mold Removal and founder of HomeCleanse, a company that aims to end poor air quality and toxic indoor environments.
• Brad Roberson is the president of Aire Serv, a company with more than 200 locations throughout North America that focuses on heating and air-conditioning installation, maintenance and repair.
• Glory Dolphin Hammes is the CEO of IQAir North America, a Swiss-based air-quality technology company that provides information that allows individuals, organizations and communities to breathe cleaner air.

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What is Costco Next?

Costco Next is a program from Costco that allows you to buy items directly from vendors at a discounted price. According to the program, Costco Next features suppliers and products that have been hand-selected by their buyers. They showcase trusted suppliers and offer you an exclusive, limited-time deal via the manufacturer’s website. Sounds simple, right? It is! But there’s a bit more you need to know before your next shopping spree.

How does shopping with Costco Next work?

Shopping with Costco Next only adds a few extra steps to your online shopping routine. You’ll start on the Costco Next website, where you will browse the showcased retailers. Once you find a retailer you’d like to shop (brands include Viking, Travelpro, Case-Mate and more), you’ll click “Shop Now.” From there, you’ll click the product or category you’d like to see. Costco will then prompt you for your first name, last name and Costco membership card number before you’re redirected to shop on the selected retailer’s website.

Wherever you shop, each item clearly displays the Costco-exclusive price, so there are no surprises (and no need to understand Costco price codes). At checkout, you may notice a couple of things. First, general shipping is included in the Costco discounts from most retailers (even for heavy gym equipment). Some retailers also offer more expedient shipping options for an added cost. Second, some retailers require a minimum purchase before you can check out. For example, when shopping on a brand’s site via Costco Next, the minimum order amount might be $40.

Do you need a Costco membership to take advantage of the program?

Unfortunately, if you don’t have a Costco membership, you won’t be able to use Costco Next. You must sign in with your membership credentials to get the deals, and there’s no Costco’s secret loophole for people who don’t have a membership card.

What products are available?

You can expect to find the same great variety of products and brands with Costco Next as you do shopping in-store. Currently, the program has retailer deals on everything from beauty products and fitness equipment to kitchen appliances and luggage, all organized by retailer. You can also find iPhone cases and accessories, electric bikes, dog apparel, artwork and more. Some of the retailers you may recognize include:

• Anker
• Butter London
• Case-Mate
• Cuckoo
• Dearfoams
• Inspire
• Mikasa
• Travelpro
• Viking

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for on Costco Next, don’t forget to check back later. The program is frequently adding new brands and products.

Sources:

• Costco Next: “About the Program”

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Similar to Target’s price-tag code, Costco also has a system it goes by to notify retailers (and employees) of special deals happening within the stores, without having to overtly advertise these deals to their customers. All it takes is understanding the numbers that each price ends with so you can stock up on those itemsat the steepest discountsbefore they’re gone. Here’s what you need to know.

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How to understand Costco’s secret price-tag code

@superunsexy 9 Costco SECRETS that only Employees know! Use these shopping hacks to save money! original sound – Sean – Super Unsexy

Thanks to a genius video posted by the TikTok account @superunsexy, Costco’s secret price-tag code has been revealedand it’s a lot easier to follow than you think.

Here are the price-tag codes you need to keep in mind the next time you’re shopping at Costco:

• A price ending in “.00” means the item is on a manager’s special, and it’s the lowest price that it will ever be. Translation: If you see this code, it’s a great time to buy!
• If you see a price ending in “.97,” the Costco item is on sale. And it’s not just any old sale: As the video says, “consider it as clearance.” When this number appears on a usual item you buy, it is a literal sign to stock up because the prices are super low.
• Prices ending with “.39” or “.49” also signify a deal, but these items are typically marked down by the manufacturer of the product, not necessarily Costco.
• What about a price ending in “.99,” which tends to pop up a lot? This is the standard Costco price. Sure, you’re probably still getting a good deal compared with a traditional retail store, but the item is being sold at the regular Costco price and hasn’t been marked down further.
• And then there are the price tags that have a star at the top right corner, also known as “the death star.” This item is on its way out and won’t be restocked. That’s right: Costco won’t be getting any additional shipments of this product, so grab it now while you can.

So what should you be on the lookout for? Here are a few things you’re not buying at Costcobut totally should.

What do the dates on price tags mean?

While certain numbers and symbols (like the death star) are significant for understanding Costco’s prices and deals, something you shouldn’t worry about is the date on the bottom right-hand corner. According to this TikTok creatorwho verified his information with Costco employeesthat date simply denotes when the price tag was printed. It won’t affect your shopping experience, so don’t pay any attention to it.

What if an item goes on sale after I purchase it?

Kicking yourself for not waiting for the price of those praline pecans to go down? If you’re shopping at Costco and realize an item you recently purchased went on sale, don’t fretyou can still take advantage of that deal. Under Costco’s Price Adjustment policy, members can get a refund to match the sale price within 30 days of purchasing that item. Just be sure to notify Costco customer service within the promotion time limit, as well as within 30 days of purchasing that item, to make the most of that sweet, sweet deal.

Do any of the price-tag codes affect Costco’s return policy?

Nope! When an item goes on sale, it does not mean you can’t take advantage of Costco’s incredible return policy. No matter what you buy and what’s on the price-tag code, you can return the item and receive a refund. Just be aware that if the item was on sale, you will receive a refund for what you paideven if that item is back at full price when you return it.

However, Costco does have a few exceptions to its return policy, in general. If you purchase electronics, diamonds, cigarettes, alcohol, products with a life expectancy (like batteries) or tickets for travel or events, there are specific policies in place for those refunds. Be sure to read through Costco’s Return Policy if you need to return any of those items so you don’t encounter any unwanted surprises.

Next, find the hidden membership perk at Costco that can save you money on tickets to concerts and sporting events. Yes, you read that right!

Sources:

• Costco: “Price Adjustment – Costco.com Orders”
• Costco: “What Is Costco’s Return Policy?”

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Lucky for you, a new study has a few ideas on where you can go for sun, fun and savings. Travel site Upgraded Points analyzed the cost of staying in dozens of the nation’s best beach towns and compiled a list of the cheapest (and most expensive) places to visit in 2023. And while you may have never heard of the city that earned the top spot, you may want to do a little research ASAPso you can book a surprisingly affordable weeklong getaway or a quick trip before word gets out.

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Which factors determined the best cheap beach towns?

Upgraded Points devised its list of the cheapest beach towns in America by looking at the nightly and weekly cost of Airbnb rentals in some of the nation’s most popular beach hot spotsspecifically, the 75 best beaches as identified by Travel & Leisure and Southern Living. The goal was to find the places where you could get the best ocean view for the least amount of money over the course of a seven-night stay.

Spoiler alert: The Hamptons, Malibu and Key West were among the priciest.

But the study also revealed some great beach destinations that won’t break the bank, starting with an island off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

What is the cheapest beach town in the United States?

Cedar Key, Florida, is the beach destination with the cheapest beach accommodations, according to the study by Upgraded Points. In this tiny town, located about three miles off the West Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico (and about an hour southwest of Gainesville), you can expect to pay an average $189 per night for a vacation rental home, or $191 per night for a hotel. For the whole week, average costs ring in around $1,330.

Compare that with the $6,400-plus you’d pay for a week in Montauk, New York, according to the same study. But is it worth it? What, exactly, will you find when you arrive in Cedar Key, and is it truly one of the best beaches in Florida?

What does a vacation in Cedar Key look like?

If you haven’t heard of Cedar Key, Florida, you’re not alone. Described by its chamber of commerce as a “tranquil village” and a “quiet island community,” the municipality has just 800-plus full-time residents and one road into town: Highway 24, which crosses over marshes and waterways on the way out to the island.

In contrast to densely packed beach destinations found up and down much of the nation’s East and West coasts, you won’t find towering hotels and bustling boardwalks here. Instead, you’ll be treated to a community of quaint cottages, single-family homes and waterfront properties, so your best bet will likely be a home rental, though you can also find some options for motels, hotels and camping spots.

Of course, there are a lot more than 800 people in Cedar Key on any given dayparticularly during peak vacation seasons, when thousands of guests stream in to enjoy the beach and so much more. The island is known for its annual festivals centered around seafood, pirates and the arts, not to mention being a prime location for bird watching, nature trails, kayaking and coastal tours.

Looking for a day trip? Responsible, eco-minded tourists can visit Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge, a federally protected haven for wildlife that’s reachable only by water.

Other affordable beach towns

If a trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast isn’t in the cards for your next trip, the Upgraded Points study laid out nine other comparably inexpensive beach destinations. Rounding out the top 10 are:

• Ocean Springs, Mississippi
• Ocean Shores, Washington
• Port Aransas, Texas
• Galveston, Texas
• Ocean City, Maryland
• Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• San Juan Island, Washington
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (which has its fair share of affordable beachfront hotels)
• Bar Harbor, Maine

Whether you’re visiting one of those beach towns or found another that suits your travel hopes, you can often tailor your booking to your budget. For instance, according to vacation rental management company Vacasa, non-oceanfront properties are around 26% cheaper. So if you can sacrifice the most coveted real estate along the beach itself, booking a hotel or rental property a few blocks inland can make your trip a lot more affordable. For more savings, find out the best time to book a hoteland a flight.

Sources:

• Hopper: “2023 Summer Travel Outlook”
• Upgraded Points: “The Cost of an Ocean View Vacation Around the U.S. [2023 Data Study]”
• Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: “Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge”
• Vacasa.com

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