green living, smart spending
A record number of us will be traveling more than 50 miles from home this Memorial Day Weekend. The annual AAA survey predicts 44.8 million will be on the move between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25. That’s more than in 2025, which set a record.
Travel insurance is as essential as auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Political unrest, severe weather and software glitches mean cancelled and delayed flights, missing a cruise or a wedding, not just your luggage. Simply, never leave home without it. The choice is what kind of coverage you want to buy, and whether it is a per-trip policy or annual coverage.
Take the train and avoid long airport check-in lines, flight delays and cancellations and high gas prices for road trips. These are the best scenic train trips in the USA, ranging from a few hours to a few days, including on vintage steam trains.
The TSA no longer allows lithium batteries or power banks to be placed in checked baggage because of the danger they will ignite in-flight, even explode. But you can bring them in your carry-on. There are size limits and other rules, of course. Key Lithium Battery Rules: Carry-on Only: Spare batteries, portable chargers, and power
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You’ve been warned. Starting Feb. 1, 2026 if you don’t have a REAL ID or other acceptable ID to board a flight, the TSA will charge you $45 for processing an alternative identification. You’ll also be subject to delays for additional screening which could cause you to miss your flight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
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Holiday travel is stressful enough without adding in the fear of missing your plane because of traffic on the road, at the TSA security line or travel time to a different terminal than where you checked in. Some airports need earlier arrival times than others, especially during the peak Christmas and New Year’s travel crush.
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There’s no place like home for the holidays – or somewhere other than home. A record number of Americans than ever – 122.4 million of us – will be on the road, in the air, and on trains and cruise ships this two-week holiday season, Sunday, Dec. 20 2025 through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. So
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You’ve procrastinated long enough. The Ikon Pass for the 2025/26 skiing and riding season has been on sale since spring, with periodic price increases every few months. Thursday, December 11, 2025, is the last day to purchase any Ikon Pass, including passes for specific resorts and multi-day discounts for prices as low as $349.
You’ve procrastinated long enough. The Epic Pass for the 2025/26 skiing and riding season has been on sale since spring, with periodic price increases every few months. Don’t wait any longer. Pass sales end on December 4th, including for the most affordable 1-7 day passes. You’ll also lose out on new this year Epic Friend
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The snow is falling, and some ski/snowboard resorts in Utah already are open for the 2025/26 season, including several with new lifts and new terrain. Here’s what you need to know to plan where to go for fun in the snow.