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Friday Around

the Planet

July 15, 2022

Reflecting over the months since I launched Friday Around the Planet, how quickly things have changed. At that time, we hoped the round-up would help you keep track of changing travel requirements yet also provide inspiration for when you finally take that trip.

Now with pandemic restrictions rolled back and borders reopened in many places around the world, travel has robustly returned, spurring a myriad of new obstacles.

The silver lining of all of this is that among those travelers are our editors and writers who are thrilled to be traveling again. They're checking out the old places they've missed and new ones they've longed to visit. And they have so much insider knowledge to share with you.

I'm excited to bring them in to both inspire you and help you plan your journeys. I hope it's sort of your "travel tips from a friend" email that you look forward to each Friday.

Melissa Yeager
 Senior news editor

Off to Paris?

Things to know before you go

Summer is always a popular time to visit Paris. That's especially true this year, and just like everywhere else, it's slammed.

Before you travel, check out Vivian Song's list of things to consider to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

(And to get in the mood, check out our new Eat France guidebook.)

How to navigate a hectic summer

Rail strikes and canceled flights in the British capital have made transit challenging just as the summer travel season hits its crescendo.

If you have a trip planned, make sure you check out this piece from Ruchira Sharma that will help you manage the current, unpredictable state of travel in London.

How I'm packing my carry-on these days

I'm typically a big fan of carrying on my luggage when traveling. My packing strategy borders on science, down to my pre-packed clear toiletry bag. But sometimes, you have to check. (Hello, souvenir wine from Bordeaux!)

My grandfather worked for an airline, and he always made us pack like our bags might get lost. So here's what still goes in my carry-on EVEN if I check a bag:

Things that should ALWAYS go in your carry-on:

Passport and wallet
Keys
Medication
Phone charger (preferably in an easy to access spot!)

In a small packing cube or ziplock:

Change of clothes
Pajamas
A swimsuit (An addition after my suitcase got lost going to the Maldives a couple years ago)

A toiletry bag of the basics

(toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, makeup)

I also keep a sleep mask, ear plugs, noise-canceling headphones, snacks (often saved from an earlier flight) and a water bottle.

Remember to put anything valuable or electronic in your carry-on. Bags literally get thrown around under the plane. If your luggage should get lost, here's our advice on what to do next.

More travel news you can use

18 best epic hikes in the Americas

Need a little inspiration to get outdoors? From dramatic hikes near volcano cones to tracing the paths of glaciers, these are just a few of the best hikes in North and South America.

See more of the Americas' most incredible treks and trails in our new guidebook, Epic Hikes of the Americas.

Best place to spot tigers in the wild

International Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29. If you've dreamed of seeing these spectacular creatures in the wild, check out our guide to places (including Nepal's breathtaking Bardia and Chitwan National Parks) where you can see tigers with minimal impact on their natural habitat.

Plan a perfect weekend in Porto

From the port houses along the Rio Douro to the gorgeous azulejo panels of the Såo Bento Train station, Porto has a stealthy way of capturing your heart.

If you have a few days days to spend in Portugal, here's what you can do over a weekend in Porto. Warning: it may have you booking your next trip.