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What Is Travel Protection?

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Little things are worse than going through all the work of planning a trip only to have something change on you at the last minute. Whether it’s a broken bone, a canceled flight or a sudden sickness, a lot is on the line when you’re making vacation plans. That’s why many travel companies offer travel protection.

If you’re wondering what travel protection is, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll also talk about how vacation protection works, what it covers and the difference between travel insurance versus travel protection.

What is trip protection?

Trip or travel protection is a limited type of cancellation coverage that you purchase directly from a travel provider. The coverage is typically self-insured by the company through which you buy the protection.

For example, a cruise line may offer its own trip protection option when booking a cruise to allow you to recoup costs if you need to cancel. Likewise, an online travel agency (OTA) might offer protection for a flight and provide you with a voucher in case of cancellation.

Travel protection vs. travel insurance

The terms travel protection and travel insurance are often used interchangeably, and both aim to protect you financially if you have issues during your travel.

Although it can offer some of the same benefits as travel insurance, trip protection is not insurance, and it doesn’t have the same regulatory oversight that insurance policies do. Therefore, it’s important to know what the protection plan covers before you purchase it so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises down the road.

The coverage that trip protection offers is usually quite specific — often, it’s limited only to cancellation. While it may help you out if your trip needs to be canceled, it typically won’t cover medical expenses or reimburse you for lost baggage. For this reason, many travelers opt for more comprehensive coverage in the form of travel insurance.

» Learn more: Trip cancellation insurance explained

What does trip protection cover?

The coverage on any trip protection plan you purchase will vary with your individual policy.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers Carnival Vacation Protection. This plan provides both insurance and non-insurance coverage at once. The plan includes trip cancellation coverage, provided by Carnival, along with travel insurance underwritten by Nationwide.

If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, you’ll receive a full refund in cash. If you cancel for any other reason, you’ll receive 75% of your trip cost in the form of a Carnival voucher.

But what is travel protection for flights? Is there such a thing? While many airlines offer you the option to purchase insurance when you book your flight, some travel providers still offer trip protection instead.

For example, until recently, the OTA company GoToGate offered its own self-funded cancellation protection that reimbursed airfare expenses for covered events. However, it has now switched to a regulated travel insurance provider.

Another common trip protection offering is travel assistance services. These can include referrals to medical services, help with translation, managing travel documentation and aiding with lost or damaged luggage.

» Learn more: How flight insurance works

How does travel protection work?

The way your travel protection plan works depends on the specific policy. If you need to use it, you’ll likely coordinate directly with the travel provider for a claim.

For example, Carnival’s plan will give you a cash reimbursement or a voucher for future travel, depending on the reason for your cancellation. Either way, you’ll work directly with Carnival to obtain your compensation — not a third-party insurance agency.

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

Should you buy travel protection?

It can be tempting to purchase travel protection, especially if your vacation includes many moving parts or is expensive. This is especially true if your plans aren’t solid — cancellation protection can provide reimbursement if you need to alter your bookings.

However, travel insurance is a better option if you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage. This is because there tends to be a much broader scope of protection included with travel insurance.

Here are some of the most common travel insurance inclusions that you won’t find in most trip protection plans:

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

Check your credit cards for complimentary coverage

Before buying either trip protection or travel insurance, check the benefits of your credit cards. Many travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance as a perk of being a cardholder.

To be eligible for this insurance, you’ll need to charge the trip to your card. Once done, you’ll be covered automatically. The types of insurance and the policy limits you’ll receive will depend on which card you hold.

The Platinum Card® from American Express , for example, provides trip cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement , lost luggage insurance, trip interruption insurance, rental car insurance and Premium Global Assist services. Note AmEx will reimburse you for expenses incurred due to a lost bag, it doesn’t cover instances where your luggage is simply delayed.

This contrasts the coverage offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve® ​, another premium travel credit card. Like AmEx, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides reimbursement for a bag that’s lost or damaged, but it’ll also cover delayed luggage by providing up to $100 per day for five days to purchase necessities.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: Credit cards that provide travel insurance

If you’d like to purchase travel protection

Purchasing trip protection may be tempting if you’ve made a lot of travel plans or you’re worried you’ll need to cancel your trip.

However, because travel protection isn’t actually insurance, it’s not subject to the same regulations as standard travel insurance policies. You’ll want to be sure that any trip protection coverage you purchase is from a legitimate company — read the fine print to be sure.

Otherwise, consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your vacation or using your travel credit card’s complimentary travel insurance offerings for coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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• United Kingdom

Travel Protect Travel Insurance review

Our verdict: aussie insurer travel protect covers the basics and offers a good range of policy options including for business travel and longer trips. trip cancellations, personal liability and luggage aren’t covered automatically..

In this guide

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Summary of travel protect's explorer policy, what policies does travel protect offer, here's a breakdown of travel protect travel insurance, standard features, optional add-on, here's the bottom line about travel protect, frequently asked questions.

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• Get unlimited medical & hospital expenses, and 24/7 emergency help if something goes wrong on your travels.
• Keep your policy costs in check by setting your own limits for a range of benefits.
• Some may prefer the peace of mind of going with a more established name, such as Qantas or ahm .
• Travel Protect's COVID Basic policy is OK but doesn't cover a lot. Its Explorer policy is far more comprehensive.

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Table updated December 2023

There are 2 policies to choose from, depending on how comprehensive you want your policy to be. Travel Protect offers an entry-level COVID Basic policy, alongside a more extensive Explorer plan:

COVID Basic

Travel Protect offers a 21-day cooling-off period. The cooling-off period is the amount of time within which you can change your mind after taking out insurance – and securing a full refund.

Below are some of the main policy benefits to help you work out if Travel Protect offers the right cover for your needs:

• Overseas medical expenses – unlimited
• Funeral expenses abroad – up to $10,000 with COVID Basic or up to $20,000 with Eplorer if you pass away while on your travels
• Hospital benefit – up to $50 per day (up to a maximum of $500 with COVID Basic or up to $5,000 with Eplorer)
• Airfare reimbursement – up to $2,500 (Explorer only)

• Trip cancellation cover – Select up to $4,000 (with COVID Basic) or $40,000 (with Explorer) in case you're forced to change your plans for a reason that's stated in your policy
• Personal liability – cover for up to $25m in damages, bodily injury or death which you cause to third parties, including legal expenses (Explorer only)
• Travel delay – up to $2,000 if your plans go awry due to an unforeseen reason (Explorer only)
• Lost or stolen luggage – Choose up to $10,000 to cover your lost, stolen or damaged items including belongings such as your laptop, phone, camera and travel documents (Explorer only)
• Rental vehicle excess – pays up to $6,000 if your hire car gets damaged or stolen (Explorer only)
• Personal accident – up to $50,000 (Explorer only)
• Pet boarding – up to $200 per day, capped at $1,400 if your trip back to Oz is delayed (Explorer only)
• Cruise Pack. Get covered for emergency medical expenses and more before you set sail. (Explorer only)
• Snow Pack. Cover in the event you injure yourself, or damage your equipment, or a ski run is closed, while skiing or snowboarding. (Explorer only)
• Motorcycle / Moped. Protect yourself and your bike from the unexpected. (Explorer only)

A range of events won't be covered by your Travel Protect Travel Insurance. Some general policy exclusions include:

• Any pre-existing condition that's excluded from your policy
• Pregnancy after the 24th week; or the 19th with twins, triplets, etc.
• Antenatal care
• Activities which need to be covered through a policy add-on with Travel Protect
• Indirect losses, such as loss of enjoyment or business opportunity
• A criminal or dishonest act by you or a person with whom you're in collusion
• Loss from, or related to, impairment due to alcohol
• Acts of war
• Going to a country with a "Do not travel" warning from the government

Be sure to read Travel Protect's PDS for more information on policy exclusions and restrictions.

Travel Protect offers 2 straightforward travel insurance policies. By choosing its Explorer policy, you'll have plenty of options to boost your cover (for an added fee). This includes cruise, ski and motorcycle insurance packs. Keep in mind you must set your own trip cancellation, personal liability and luggage cover limits – among others. Remember to fix these at amounts which will bring you plenty of peace of mind ahead of your travels.

Even if you've not yet heard of Travel Protect, it's good to know they've partnered with the tech platform battleface, which is active in more than 185 countries globally.

If you're still unsure about Travel Protect, review more travel insurance providers in Australia.

Who is Travel Protect?

Travel Protect is a Queensland-based travel insurance provider (owned by WAS ). Its website says it is partnered with Battleface Insurance Services.

Travel Protect's policies are underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, a long-established Australasian insurer.

Does Travel Protect travel insurance offer coverage for pre-existing conditions?

While some pre-existing conditions are covered automatically, others aren't. Essentially, if a condition isn't specifically called out in the policy, then it'll be excluded. Contact Travel Protect directly if you've any doubt about what you're covered for.

How do I get in touch with Travel Protect about my insurance?

You can contact Travel Protect's customer services team via the contact details given in your policy documents. The insurer also offers a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who you can contact during your travels if something goes wrong.

James Martin

James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

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• Differences in travel protection and insurance
• Travel insurance and protection costs
• Affordable ways to protect your trip

The Bottom Line

Travel insurance vs travel protection: how to protect your trip.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel insurance costs more than travel protection for a higher level of protection.
• Travel insurance may cover everything from your flight to medical costs and emergency evacuation.
• Travel insurance typically costs 4-8% of your total trip costs, more with CFAR protection.

In high school geometry class, you likely learned all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. The two share attributes (each has four 90° angles), but the specifics vary from shape to shape (one has four equal sides, while the other does not). The same can be said for the perceived connection between travel insurance and travel protection. The two similar-sounding terms describe entirely different products if you're researching how to protect your trip.

Suffice it to say the confusion surrounding this topic, even among savvy travelers, is all-too-common.

"Travel protection and travel insurance are sometimes used interchangeably, but these two products are quite different and work best when they complement one another," says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance , who cuts to the root of the problem.

While all travel insurance comes with built-in travel protection, not all travel protection provides insurance against your investment. Understanding the difference between the two products is essential to ensure you have the right coverage for your next trip.

The low down on differences

Travel Insurance is a regulated product purchased by the consumer from a third party and underwritten by a reputable insurance company. Depending on the policy purchased, travel insurance can help cover losses associated with travel delays, lost luggage, medical expenses, or trip cancellations. In addition, many travel insurance plans have added specialty coverage from sports equipment to pets and roadside service.

Travel protection (also called trip protection) is an unregulated product purchased directly from the provider (from travel agencies and credit card issuers to airlines and cruise ship companies). This option offers limited trip cancellation coverage in the form of fees waived and credit issued in the case of changes to the itinerary and cancellation, respectively.

You can buy travel insurance exclusively for trip cancellations, flights, or other individual services. On the other hand, buyers cannot make travel protection more comprehensive. It only ever serves the limited purposes designated by the travel service provider.

As such, when compared side-by-side, the cost of travel protection will invariably be less than the cost of travel insurance , making it an attractive option for many who still need to do their homework.

Cronin is critical of travel protection, saying it is not "a suitable policy in place of insurance, rather a good add-on if the price is right." He underscores while trip protection policies can be pretty generous, services remain unregulated and rife with exclusions.

Nicholas Imtias , an avid world traveler, learned this the hard way after opting for budget-friendly travel protection for a canceled overseas trip. Unfortunately, he could not utilize the waiver he received for a flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives when the unregulated protection proved nothing but an empty promise.

How much does travel insurance cost next to trip protection?

Trip protection may pop up when booking your flight, whether through a deal site like Expedia or the main airline website. In most cases, premiums are low, totaling as little as $25-$30 for a short flight. But, as mentioned before, it only covers the flight.

The cost of travel insurance, on the other hand, equates to a percentage of the trip's total cost. Typically, premiums equate to an average of 4-8% of trip costs. Of course, a good travel insurance plan can't protect you from the inconvenience and sheer expense of an emergency while traveling abroad (which, depending upon the specifics, could be thousands of dollars or more) or ahead of time. But it can help to make you whole after the fact.

This could mean giving you a claim settlement to cover toiletries and other necessities in the immediate aftermath of a lost bag. It could also mean reimbursing you for a portion of nonrefundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip. For travelers researching "how to protect your trip," travel insurance covers what we forget about until we need it.

The exact costs for travel insurance vary based on the trip and the coverage you want. For example, if you want cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, you should expect a hefty increase in your premiums. But for people canceling trips for excluded reasons with a regular travel insurance plan, CFAR coverage would be well worth it. The general rule is simple: the more protection you want, the more you'll have to pay.

How to protect your trip and spend as little as possible

Many people have a simple question: how much should I spend on travel insurance? The answer is it depends. So, before making any decisions and signing on the dotted line, consider your travel needs and budget.

"Travel insurance is designed to protect you and your trip from unexpected costs and losses …[and] depending on the plan you choose, the coverage can be very comprehensive," Pamela Bardo, vice president of Customer Service & Delivery at FlightHub Group , says.

"Rather than providing broad coverage, travel protection typically protects the customer's purchase in case they need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness," Bardo explains. She emphasizes that travel protection does not typically cover indirect costs, such as the high costs of an emergency evacuation.

Travelers should look at the specifics of their travel plans and buy the appropriate plan. For example, suppose you're traveling from California to New York. In that case, you should get protection for your flight, and you might want to consider cancel for any reason coverage depending on many factors. However, getting medical travel insurance wouldn't make sense when your regular health insurance travels with you.

On the other hand, if you're traveling to Thailand, you'll want to protect the most expensive part of your trip (flight). You'll also want to get a robust medical plan in case something goes wrong in a country where you do not have other health insurance.

Travel insurance and travel protection are valuable tools designed to help keep travelers safe and protected on their journeys. Both provide peace of mind while en route to destinations around the globe. But it's essential to consider factors unique to your itineraries, such as the length and cost of your trip, potential personal risks or concerns, and any existing insurance coverage. All these things allow travelers to make the right decision for their travel plans.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Protect   Reviews

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Reviews 4.6.

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Easy to set up and offers good cover…

Easy to set up and offers good cover level at a reasonable price. I haven't made a cliam so can't give 5 stars.....online reviews seem good for those that have.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Primary Traveller Assumptions

Booking the insurance cover was easy. But the assumption that the youngest traveller is the primary contact is very assumptious and probably incorrect most of the time.

Date of experience : 26 March 2024

Easy to read easy to navigate so far so…

Easy to read easy to navigate so far so good let’s hope I don’t need to claim and test that side of the insurance…

Date of experience : 24 February 2024

Easy to navigate site and information…

Easy to navigate site and information is easy to understand and straight forward. It would be nice to find a print/share button.

Date of experience : 08 July 2023

Reply from Travel Protect

Hi Eric - I'll send this feature to the team to implement and improve the site ASAP. Print/Share button is an excellent idea.

Easy sign up

Easy sign up. Their PDS had everything I needed and easy to read. Gave them a call on a particular enquiry... immediate answer and no mucking around. Best Travel Insurance I've obtained for some time. No stress as compared to other travel insurance providers! Comes highly recommended!!!

Date of experience : 26 January 2024

Easy sign up and very affordable for seniors. Was easy to understand and links were clear and informative. We have not travelled yet so will provide further feedback after our holiday.

Date of experience : 22 February 2024

Nearly all good!

They seem to have a sensible policy regarding pre-existing conditions and were prompt in everything but I did find the $50, or thereabouts, penalty for what was essentially a typing error a little harsh.

Date of experience : 24 August 2023

Hi Terry, We'd love to make your future experience seamless. If you can share details of the $50 penalty, we'll definitely aim to improve the service. Thank you, Sophia.

Quick and Easy

The application process was quick and easy. The instructions for information to be provided were clear and concise.

Date of experience : 20 October 2023

The travel insurance was very easy to navigate and purchase

The travel insurance was very competitive, easy to navigate and easy to work out the best policy for our trip. Very helpful when I called them for some advice.

Date of experience : 25 February 2024

Absolutely loved signing up with them!

Absolutely loved signing up with them. Their PDS was short and concise and I found exactly the information I was looking for regarding home country departure requirements and scuba diving inclusions. Very few questions asked in the application form too and boom..straight to the payment page. Easy. Done. No stress as compared to the forms/requirements of other travel insurance providers!

Date of experience : 27 December 2023

Booking was easy Thank you

Easily sign up.

Date of experience : 07 April 2024

Easy to deal with and responsive

Date of experience : 28 January 2024

Easy, clear and good value

I didn’t need to make a claim so I can only speak to the sign up process and policy. I found the process was easy and clear. The level of cover was quite comprehensive and the cost was good value in comparison to other insurers I looked at. I would definitely choose travel protect again.

Date of experience : 27 August 2023

Easy and great value

Very easy to navigate and understand the policy. The level of cover we chose covered everything we needed for our trip and the cost of the policy was very good value.I would definitely chooseTravel Protect again for future travel insurance.

Date of experience : 13 October 2023

Looked online your quote was the most…

Looked online your quote was the most competitive offering what we required

Date of experience : 26 February 2024

Quick & easy to follow

was on compare the market, Travel Protect was the best option for my family, was so quick and easy to fill in and then done, one less job to do. Highly recommend

Date of experience : 18 October 2023

Was so simple

Was so simple. Minimal stuff to fill out and very cheap -- half the price of most others. I bought a policy for my 85 year old mother and her 85 year old partner. If you're looking for cheap travel insurance for older folk, than this is the one.

Date of experience : 06 September 2023

It was quick and easy to manage…

It was quick and easy to manage coverage and reasonably priced

Easy to do online and value for money

Date of experience : 25 December 2023

Why Travel Insurance?

Tell us about your trip:.

Destination: *

Departure Date: * MM/DD/YYYY

Return Date: * MM/DD/YYYY

Initial Trip Payment Date: * MM/DD/YYYY

Are you a U.S. resident? *

State of Residence: *

Number of Travelers: *

::SCANALERT::

Enjoy every adventure, worry-free.

Travel protect.

Travel the world without worries. Protect your trip with Standard Insurance Travel Protect!

Traveling is a fun and exciting experience filled with surprises and adventures. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Make sure you have Standard Insurance Travel Protect, so you can truly travel the world without worries.

Standard Insurance Travel Protect - The Total Travel Insurance Program

Get protected when you travel against trip cancellation, flight delay, loss of baggage, baggage delay, loss of travel documents and more!

Travel International

• Cashless Settlement
• Wide variety of benefits and coverages
• Up to Php 2.5M cover for medical expense and personal accident benefits
• Provides coverage for accident-related claims and covered illness/sickness
• Applicable to individual and group of travellers
• Duly accredited by Embassies of all Schengen States
• Pay conveniently using your Credit card, debit card and Gcash

Travel LOCAL

• Reimbursement type of settlement.
• Up to Php 500,000 limit on medical expense benefit.
• Provides coverage within the Philippines.
• Discounted rates for group travelers.
• Premium payment convenience through credit card and debit card.

"All travelers bound to any Schengen States aged 76 and above, kindly contact us at (02) 8845-1111 or email us at [email protected] for a customized quotation."

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Travel Insurance for Any Destination

Whether you're having high tea in Hyde Park or marveling at Mayan Ruins in Mexico, your next great story starts with Trawick.

• Get a Quote
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Do you require trip protection?

Tell us about your travelers.

Easily renew or extend your coverage.

If you have saved a quote within the past 14 days you can quickly and easily retrieve the quote and add, modify and change information for that quote. In the top right corner of the quote you saved you will see a unique number.

Coverage fit for Any Destination

No matter where your next trip takes you, Trawick always has your back with travel insurance tailored to the size of your ambition.

Dedicated 24/7 Emergency Helpline

Never feel alone no matter how far you are from home with an always available emergency helpline.

Trip Flexibility & Policy Extension

Go wherever your travels take you with flexible plans and adaptable policy extensions.

Affordable Plans for All Budgets

Trip insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Stay protected and stay on budget with custom coverage options.

Around the Clock Customer Support

At Trawick we make the customer journey a trip worth taking with multilingual dedicated service support.

Comprehensive Protection & Coverage

Get everything you’ll need for everywhere you’ll go with the most complete insurance for travel on the market.

Innovative and Personalized Policies

Our personalized approach to policymaking ensures you’ll always have the protection to thrive in any destination.

Comprehensive Coverage. Competitive Rates.

The world seems smaller than ever before, but your ambitions aren’t. At Trawick, we provide insurance to make every dream adventure a reality. Trawick offers customized insurance that covers the incredible.

Our Safe Travels Armor, Safe Travels Defend, and Safe Travel Protect travel offerings include:

• Primary Medical - pays a medical claim first, even if you have other medical insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage - Pre- and post-departure, including trip cancellation, interruption, and delay 
• Optional CFAR* (Cancel for Any Reason) coverage (Safe Travels Armor only)
• Optional Pre-existing   coverage ** (Safe Travels Armor & Safe Travels Defend)
• All plans are eligible to U.S. residents up to age 85 and traveling up to 90 days in duration

* CFAR  Must be purchased with initial policy and within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment date, and the full, non-refundable trip cost is insured. **Coverage must be purchased within 7 days of initial trip deposit or payment date for Safe Travels Defend, or  within 14 days of initial trip deposit or payment date for Safe Travels Armor for full non-refundable trip costs.

These are only brief descriptions of policy benefits that may vary by state. Policies provide all terms, conditions, and exclusions.

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Feb. 15, 2023 | Denise G. for a trip to Turkey.

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I have purchased Trawick several times (we have three separate upcoming trips covered) but, luckily, I have no experience with claims. I did run into a glitch with the website yesterday (it wasn’t allowing me to enter an ending date to the trip, but starting over worked). I once telephoned customer service to make a small change to my coverage, and it was made quickly and easily.

May 22, 2023 | By Thomas M. for a trip to France.

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My destination required certain items to be included in my travel policy. I called the customer service number and they were extremely helpful and walked me through all the policies and the best fit for my trip.

Sep 21, 2021 | By Laura A. for a trip to Turks and Caicos Islands.

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I chatted online with several reps before purchasing a policy. They each patiently answered my questions to my satisfaction. I also talked with someone in Customer Support yesterday (which I found to be amazing) who answered my initial questions. As usual, I hope I never to use this insurance, but the experience purchasing it with your team was solid. Thank you!

Sep 21, 2021 | By Susan O. for a trip to United Kingdom

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I’ve Tried Dozens of SPF Products, but These Are the 10 Best Sunscreens I’ve Ever Used — From $10

From reef-friendly formulas to the best tinted SPF.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

If there’s one product that you should never leave for a trip — let alone the house — without , it’s a high-quality sunscreen . Sun protection factor, or SPF, represents a sunscreen’s ability to protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, preventing sunburns and potential skin damage. By using sunscreen regularly, you can decrease your likelihood of developing skin cancer and premature aging signs like wrinkles and dark spots.

And if there’s one thing to know about me, it's that I’ll never be caught outside without being covered head to toe in sunscreen, even on an overcast day. This SPF love affair started back in my beauty retail days , and I have tested dozens of sunscreen products — each with different formulas, textures, and target areas — to find the very best ones that not only provide ample protection, but look and feel good, too. I'm not one to gatekeep, so I've rounded up my picks so everyone can get one step closer to finding their SPF soulmate. Below, I've included everything from a whipped cream-like body SPF to my go-to hand sunscreen from Supergoop . Prices start at just $10, so if you have a trip coming up, you'll definitely want to stock up. 

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

The brand Vacation calls this body SPF a “dessert for your skin,” and as someone who has been proudly wearing it since 2022, I can absolutely attest to that. If the mere thought of applying sunscreen doesn't spark joy for you, then it's time to trade in your ordinary squeeze bottle of traditional lotion for this dreamy version that dispenses the product like a whipped cream bottle. Aside from its fun packaging, the sunscreen is reef-friendly and water-resistant (for up to 80 minutes), and it feels just as good as it looks. The mousse-like texture also feels far more moisturizing than other body sunscreen products that I’ve tried, and with how much the sun dehydrates my skin, it’s something that I absolutely love about this product. 

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

As someone who wears makeup on most days, it can be hard to reapply sunscreen once you’ve already concealed, contoured, and powdered. Most formulas are only intended to be applied under your makeup and protect you for just a few hours, so I keep this convenient sunscreen spray on me at all times to refresh my SPF coverage throughout the day (you can spray it over your makeup without disturbing your glam). It's also formulated with skin-friendly ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, caffeine, and more to give my face a jolt of hydration, energy, and brightness — things it can always use after a long travel day or sun tanning session. Even better, it's on sale for $17 at Ulta right now. 

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

When considering which sunscreen is best for you, it’s important to evaluate when and where you are planning to use it. While some of my go-to SPF products are better suited for everyday protection, if I am preparing for an extended day outdoors or engaging in physical activities, I consistently apply Blue Lizard's fragrance-free sunscreen. This particular sunscreen is both sweat- and water-resistant, making it the perfect choice for active days. While it does give a slight white cast (nothing too stark), I don’t mind it because I know how much protection its mineral SPF 50 formula is giving me. 

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

While I have a plethora of sunscreens in my lineup, when it comes to travel, I love streamlining my products as much as I can. The space in my toiletry bag is disappointingly finite, so that’s why I absolutely love this tinted SPF that acts as a sunscreen and glowy foundation. It actually works so well as a foundation that I’ve routinely worn it on nights out and have been delightfully pleased with its long-lasting, flashback-free formula. And I’m not the only one that loves skin-enhancing sunscreen, one Travel + Leisure writer raved that “this product saves time and does double duty by evening out my skin tone while also protecting from the sun, no matter the season.” Its light-to-medium coverage is perfect for anything on your itinerary and it's easy to apply on the go, so give it a try ahead of your next vacation. 

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25

Protecting your lips from the sun is just as important as protecting the rest of your skin. UV rays can cause damage to the delicate skin on your lips, leading to issues like sunburn, wrinkles, and dryness. I’ve tried plenty of SPF lip products over the years, but few have compared to this newly released lip tint from Tatcha. With SPF 25 coverage, a luxurious-feeling formula, and a subtle tint of color, this product not only keeps my lips safe but also leaves them looking fabulous. I love that it gives me peace of mind that my pout is protected, hydrated, and dolled up. 

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

In my experience, few mineral sunscreens that claim to feel weightless deliver, but this lightweight formula actually feels like a veil of silk on my skin. We all know how damaging and drying the sun can be for our skin, but fortunately, in addition to its SPF 50 protection, this product is filled with good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for extra hydration. It’s consistently sold out — which speaks to its effectiveness — but I found a bunch of them in stock at Sephora. Whether you wear it alone for a radiant, makeup-free look or as a base under makeup for all-day protection, this product is a game-changer.

Coola Scalp & Hair Sunscreen SPF 30

Many people tend to overlook the importance of protecting their scalp, but being as it's one of the first places that the sun touches, it should be a crucial part of your overall protection routine. In an effort to be more diligent about my scalp SPF coverage, I started using this product last summer, and I’m amazed by how much more hydrated my hair feels by not being dehydrated and burned from the sun. This spray blends in incredibly seamlessly, providing protection within moments and, even better, without making your hair feel greasy or weighed down.

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 70

Made without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate that harm our reefs, this is one of my go-to spray-on sunscreen products for beach days. It goes on easily, smells nice, and is affordable enough that I feel comfortable sharing it with large groups of people during a day out in the sun. In addition to my high praise, it's also garnered over 21,000 perfect ratings from shoppers, who gushed that its easy-to-apply formula never feels greasy . 

Supergoop! Mini Handscreen SPF 40 

I love nearly all of Supergoop’s effective and skin-friendly formulas , but a product that I feel is often overlooked is its hand cream. While you can (and should) be lathering your hands in your body SPF, the skin around our hands is much more delicate than the rest of our body (it's one of the first places to show wrinkles as we age). Therefore, it benefits from sunscreen with a bit more TLC. That’s where Handscreen, which is designed specifically for your hands, comes in. Formulated with SPF 40 and anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating oils, it's not only protecting your skin, but also enhancing it over time. 

EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30 

The skin under our eyes, much like our hands and lips, is extremely delicate and requires special care — particularly in terms of sun protection. With a powerful SPF 30 and sun damage-reversing antioxidants that combat dark circles and wrinkles, this compact under-eye product is an essential addition to my travel toiletry bag. In fact, I use it in lieu of concealer on busy travel days thanks to its subtle coverage and skin-brightening ingredients. Although it may be a bit more expensive than your drugstore coverup, it's an invaluable product that goes a long way, and I firmly believe that it has had the most significant impact in terms of safeguarding my under-eyes from the sun and brightening them over time. Plus, it helps you save precious toiletry bag space. 

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USDOT Finalizes Important National Regulation to Promote Transit Safety and Protect Transit Workers

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration will continue its focus on keeping public transportation the safest mode of surface travel, while increasing safety protections for transit workers. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a final rule updating FTA's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) regulation , along with a newly revised National Public Transportation Safety Plan . These major safety updates will make transit systems safer for transit workers and passengers nationwide, while providing workers more input in safety-making decisions through enhanced safety committees.

"Millions of Americans depend on safe, reliable public transportation every year, and transit workers deserve to be safe when they’re delivering this essential service," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg . "These improved safety measures will enhance the safety of public transportation by empowering transit agencies and workers to identify risks, find solutions to mitigate those risks, and ensure the solutions are properly carried out."

The new rule and revised safety plan are the result of months of work by Biden-Harris Administration leaders and in response to dozens of comments filed by stakeholders, including transit agencies.

"The safe operation of public transit is FTA's top priority," said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool . "Today's updates to the National Safety Plan and PTASP regulation reflect our continued commitment, in cooperation with our state and industry partners, that every rider of public transit has a safe and reliable transportation experience."

Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans Update

In the first major update to the PTASP regulation , FTA is increasing frontline transit worker involvement in safety, strengthening communication between frontline transit workers and transit agency management, and requiring the industry to use data to identify and manage safety risk.

The changes apply to more than 700 transit agencies nationwide, including requirements for transit agencies serving areas with a population of 200,000 or more that largely coincide with the most significant increases in reported assaults on transit workers.

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, impacted transit agencies are required to establish safety committees with equal numbers of frontline transit worker and management representatives to address safety issues. The updated PTASP regulation includes specific requirements for safety committee membership, procedures, and responsibilities to provide frontline workers more input into safety decision-making. 

A safety committee can recommend safety improvement strategies based on the agency’s safety risk reduction program. If approved as part of the larger agency safety plan, transit agencies are required to implement the safety risk mitigations. This includes preventing assaults on transit workers and vehicle-pedestrian collisions.

The new rule also requires safety performance targets be set by agencies.

All applicable transit agencies are also required to incorporate de-escalation training for frontline transit workers and minimize exposure to infectious diseases, consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or a state health authority.

The updated regulation also incorporates the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requirement that transit agencies serving areas with a population of less than 200,000 develop their safety plans in cooperation with frontline transit worker representatives.

National Safety Plan

Reauthorized under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021, the National Safety Plan creates a blueprint for transit agencies to adopt stronger safety practices, including mandatory performance measures for transit agencies subject to the PTASP regulation to address assaults on transit workers. 

The updated safety plan also includes best practices, tools, technical assistance, voluntary standards, and other resources for transit agencies to improve their safety performance related to major events, collisions, and injuries. The plan also incorporates Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provisions for risk-based approaches to reducing injuries and fatalities on transit systems.

The updated plan supports the Department's goal of making our transportation systems safer for all, which supports the vision outlined in the National Roadway Safety Strategy . It also builds upon FTA's Bus-to-Person Collision Safety Advisory , which calls on transit agencies to assess this safety concern and consider strategies to reduce these types of collisions that accounted for 15 percent of all transit fatalities between 2008-2021, as reported to the National Transit Database.

The updated National Safety Plan includes 22 performance measures, including eight measures for safety risk reduction programs. Joint labor-management safety committees will now use these measures to set risk reduction performance targets focused on reducing the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and assaults on transit workers.

FTA will continue to provide technical assistance to transit agencies regarding the PTASP regulation and National Safety Plan. Sign up for email alerts to receive the latest PTASP and National Safety Plan updates.

Protect Your Trip »

The 13 best weekender bags for women in 2024, tested & reviewed.

Despite its name, the weekender bag is ideal for a variety of trips.

The Best Weekender Bags for Women

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Although they're available in traditional duffel styles, weekender bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a luggage category of their own. Designed for overnight trips or a few days away, they can also be used as a personal item or carry-on bag depending on airline size restrictions.

Based on recent consumer reviews and our own testing, we've determined the best weekender bags for women – perfect for business, solo travel , girls trips , romantic weekend getaways and more.

Best Overall: BÉIS The Weekender

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Leather: Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel

Best with shoe compartment: calpak luka duffel.

• Best Quilted: Vera Bradley Large Travel Duffel Bag

Best Duffel: Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag – XL

• Best With Laptop Compartment: July Carry All Weekender Plus

Best Rolling: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best organization: pakt one travel duffel – 28l, best for business: tumi voyageur contine weekender, best affordable: steve madden quilted weekender bag, best luxury: mz wallace nik duffel.

• Best Large: Lo & Sons The Catalina Supreme

Best Foldable: LOJEL Niru – 24H Overnighter

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors).

Price: $108 or less

What started as a trendy bag is now a travel staple. The Weekender by BÉIS combines the right amount of style and efficiency, with features including a bottom compartment for shoes or other large items, a padded laptop compartment that can accommodate 13- and 15-inch devices, and a trolley sleeve. There's also a zippered exterior pocket, plus three additional pockets and a key leash inside. Largely made of poly canvas, The Weekender is structured yet provides just the right amount of "give" for squeezing those last-minute items in. The Weekender is available in a variety of colors and comes with a detachable strap.

What our editors say:

This is the weekender bag I didn't know I needed. To say it lives up to the hype is an understatement. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $260 or less

This vegan leather duffel has a classic look and is available in four colors, plus it provides numerous built-in organizational details. The exterior has a front slip pocket, and each end has a pocket with a magnetic snap closure. Inside, the bag features a soft cotton twill lining, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, a spacious zippered pocket and a slip pocket on each end of the bag.

For carrying, use the two top handles, the trolley sleeve, or the removable and adjustable padded strap. Made of ultra microfiber vegan leather, this structured bag resists scratches and abrasions, making it a standout choice for a leather weekender bag.

This vegan leather duffel exudes timeless luxury. Its structure makes it easy to pack, all of the pockets help keep you organized, and its polished look makes it appropriate for any getaway. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Price: $128 or less

While you can find several bags with specific shoe compartments, the unique design of the CALPAK Luka Duffel stands out. The exterior zippered compartment makes it easy to reach your spare pair whether you're ready to put your walking shoes on or you need to access that pair of flats after a business meeting. When not needed, the shoe compartment lays flat on the interior of the bag to give you more room for your weekend getaway essentials.

Constructed with a lightweight polyester, the bag is structured but not bulky. There are nine pockets (including the shoe pocket), along with a trolley sleeve, two shoulder-length handles and a removable carrying strap.

To say I love this bag is an understatement. I bought it a couple of years ago for my wedding, and it's been a go-to ever since. I adore the shoe compartment, which works well for flats or sneakers, and it lays flat if I don't need an extra pair of shoes. There's tons of organizational pockets, it has a trolley sleeve, it works as a personal item on a flight, and it's cute! – Rachael Hood

Best Quilted: Vera Bradley Large Travel Duffel Bag in Cotton

Price: $120 or less

Vera Bradley's Large Travel Duffel Bag remains a classic choice for weekender bags. Available in a variety of patterns and solid colors, the latest cotton version of this bag includes four exterior pockets (one zipped, three slip) for easy access to the essentials, plus three elastic mesh pockets inside. The quilted material makes it especially lightweight as well as washable. Note that this same style in performance twill is slightly smaller, at 20 x 12.5 x 11.5 inches.

I love the simplicity of this bag. It holds everything I need, and after more than a decade of use (and several trips through the washing machine), it's still in excellent condition. – Amanda Norcross

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $245 or less

The stylish yet durable Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag in the extra-large size stores 35 liters of belongings and comes with a shoe bag, a detachable mesh pouch and a crossbody strap. If that's not enough, you'll find several mesh pockets inside for organization, including a zippered laptop sleeve that can fit most 16-inch laptops. On the exterior of the bag, the neoprene luggage sleeve is perfect for attaching the duffel to a rolling suitcase, and a small pocket above the handle can securely hold your phone or ID.

Plus, this duffel is a great choice when it comes to sustainable travel . The lining is made from recycled plastic water bottles, and the bag is 100% vegan. This weekender also comes in air mesh material.

I love the zippered shoe bag – which is big enough to fit a pair of small boots or a couple pairs of sandals – as well as buttons on the sides that allow the bag to be clipped down for more streamlined travel. Additionally, this weekender duffel is surprisingly lightweight for how durable it is. – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Best with Laptop Compartment: July Carry All Weekender Plus

Price: $295 or less

Featuring a clamshell design, this waterproof nylon bag opens flat for easy packing. There are two separate zippered interior compartments as well as an internal padded 16-inch laptop compartment. The thoughtfully designed weekender makes it easy to separate your travel essentials while maximizing packing space. On the exterior, there's a large front zippered pocket for reading materials, and the back features a hidden pocket behind the trolley sleeve for small items like your boarding pass or passport. For added versatility, the bag has two leather carrying handles and a removable shoulder strap.

This bag was a wow from the moment I opened it. The clamshell design makes packing a breeze. You can separate your clothes from other essentials and stow your laptop in its designated sleeve that is protected in the center of your bag. Since everything is divided, you can easily reach in to get your laptop out without spilling anything from your bag. – Rachael Hood

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Price: $165 or less

From the laptop pocket to the trolley sleeve, this mini bag packs a punch. There's an exterior front pocket for reading material or your boarding pass, an interior compartment with room for two to three outfits, and a small exterior zippered compartment that works well for a phone charger or earbuds. This rolling bag fits perfectly under the seat on most planes (even the small regional jets) and can be trolleyed with a larger carry-on or checked bag for added convenience.

For a weekend getaway or quick business trip, this is my go-to bag. I can maximize the packing space with compression packing cubes , put my laptop in the interior sleeve and fit all the essentials in this compact rolling style. It works well as an underseater or it easily fits in the overhead bin. I'm on and off flights with ease! – Rachael Hood

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $285 or less

This 2.0 version of the crowdfunded Pakt One is beloved for good reason, with a variety of useful organizational features. This carry-on duffel opens clamshell-style for easy packing, and a 16-inch padded laptop pocket separates the two main compartments. The 28L size of this bag may be able to fit under the seat on certain airlines if it's not fully packed, but at full capacity it is better suited to the overhead bin. If you want a bit more space, consider the 35L, which also fits carry-on size guidelines .

On one side of the exterior, a zippered pocket doubles as a luggage sleeve for attaching it to a suitcase; on the other side you'll find two zippered pockets, one of which has multiple smaller pockets and a key clip inside. Built-in accessory straps on top of the duffel allow you to secure bulkier items such as a jacket or tripod. There's also a hideaway side pocket for your water bottle that can be stashed when not in use. The duffel is made of recycled nylon with a water-resistant coating, and the company is committed to eco-conscious production, which includes plastic-free packaging.

I am super impressed by the thoughtful design of this weekender duffel. The organization is top-notch, and it folds up when not in use so it doesn't take up too much room. I've been able to fit around three to four days' worth of clothing, plus my toiletries, my laptop and a pair of shoes. The adjustable padded shoulder strap is pretty comfortable too. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $575 or less

This sophisticated style works well for business trips, weekend getaways and everything in between. This TUMI weekender is separated into two compartments. The upper compartment has a laptop sleeve (for an up to 13-inch PC or 14-inch MacBook), a removable interior water bottle holder, a large zippered pocket, a slip pocket and a key leash. The lower section is ideal for shoes or business documents; it can be reached through a zipper at the base of the upper compartment or accessed on the outside through a zipper. The exterior nylon shell has a front zippered pocket, a phone slip pocket and a trolley sleeve.

From the sleek exterior with contrasting metal hardware details, genuine leather accents, monogrammable leather charm and all the interior features, this bag perfectly blends function and elegance. It's rather lightweight, yet still holds a shape, and it can even be used as a work bag if needed. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: From $59.98

For less than $60, the Steve Madden Quilted Weekender Bag is a steal. The lightweight bag has a quilted exterior and a spacious interior, which makes this weekender option an ideal carryall for travel, work or the gym. It includes a medium interior zippered pocket and two small open pockets, plus 9-inch handles and a removable 25-inch crossbody strap. It's easy to wipe down when dirty, or you can even throw it in the washer. What's more, this bag can easily be used as a personal item, neatly fitting under the seat on most planes.

I've had this bag for six years and it's still in great shape. It fits a surprising amount of clothing and accessories, and its straps are plenty long enough so even when it's filled to the brim, it's comfortable to carry around. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Price: $325 or less

This understated quilted duffel has a lightweight construction, a hidden back slip pocket, a trolley sleeve, a phone slip pocket and two large zippered front pockets on the outside. There's also a pocket on each end for water or other items. The interior of the MZ Wallace Nik Duffel has a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, four slip pockets, a zippered pocket and a removable zippered pouch. The sleek quilted bag has Italian leather accents and provides a chic look for work or leisure trips. It also folds relatively flat for easy storage when you're not out exploring.

I've seen a lot of travelers with these bags over the years, and I can see why. I love the feel of this bag; it feels luxurious, yet it's not flashy or over the top – truly quiet luxury at its finest. I especially love the two large front zippered pockets, as you can put your 3-1-1 bag and other items you need to reach while traveling so you don't have to rifle through your whole bag in the security line. – Rachael Hood

Best Large: Lo & Sons The Catalina Supreme

Price: $350 or less

Flexible with a very large top opening design, this weekender bag works well for packing clothing and gear that may not fit well within a structured bag. The expandable bottom compartment has a removable divider for shoes or other items, and it can be accessed inside the bag or from the outside. There's a trolley sleeve, a removable shoulder strap and top carry handles depending on your needs. This large bag is great for weekend ski trips or bringing along your pillow . It can be a carry-on bag on most airlines, but it will need to go in the overhead compartment because of its size.

This bag works well for car trips, and it has space to pack for two people going on a weekend getaway. I really like the pliability of this bag, and I think it is a good choice for when I need to pack a pillow, a winter coat, cowboy boots, wrapped gifts or other larger items that don't necessarily fit in a small duffel. – Rachael Hood

Price: $155 or less

Constructed with 100% recycled nylon, this bag is ideal for travelers who are short on storage space. It folds flat into its storage pouch – which can be used for organization within the bag when traveling. The interior has a spacious zippered pocket for small items. The size of this bag is ideal for an overnight trip with room for toiletries, essentials and a full change of clothes. For a longer weekend trip, there's also the Niru 48H Weekender .

The size and quality of this bag are superior to other folding totes I've tried. It's very sturdy, the handles are comfortable to carry, the front slip pocket is convenient, and the leather details are a nice touch. – Rachael Hood

Also Recommended

LeSportsac Deluxe Large Weekender: Many travelers (our team included) love this bag. It's durable, offers several exterior and interior pockets, and folds down compactly when not in use.

Nomad Lane Bento Bag: This bag has exceptional organizational features (including a toiletry pouch and an electronics organizer), but it may be a little small for a weekender. If you want a personal item that fits under the plane seat, the Bento Bag is an excellent option for short trips or light packers.

Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender: Sophisticated yet understated, this nylon weekender bag with Italian leather trim is a classic travel bag. It is spacious and looks appropriate regardless of the setting. However, it does lack a luggage trolley sleeve, which makes it a bit limited in terms of carrying options.

Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender: This sleek and simple bag from the well-respected luggage brand is a solid choice, if slightly small for a weekend's worth of belongings. The Virtuosa Weekender has some convenient storage pockets and a luggage sleeve, but the strap can be a little uncomfortable when the bag is heavy.

How We Tested

Our team packed and tested more than 25 weekender bags from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see if you can pack for a weekend getaway in each bag, along with the durability, details and overall functionality. After taking these weekender bags on an array of car, plane and train trips, we've selected these weekender bags the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Purses
• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

The Best Places to Travel Alone

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Weekend Getaways

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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• ENVIRONMENT

The U.S. plans to limit PFAS in drinking water. What does that really mean?

The EPA’s plan to limit forever chemicals will be costly, experts say—but will protect millions of Americans from a host of health problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on April 10 the first-ever limits on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, in drinking water.

The agency says that the new rule will protect 100 million Americans from six PFAS known to accumulate in the body and cause a host of health problems —including kidney and testicular cancer as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm birth, and liver and immune system problems.

“I applaud the decision,” says Susan M. Pinney , director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at University of Cincinnati. “It’s in line with what we know about the health effects of PFAS.”

( Toxic "forever chemicals" are more common in water than we thought .)

But while public health experts approve of the new rule, they contend that getting forever chemicals out of our drinking water will be a herculean task given the sheer quantity of PFAS found in it along with the difficulty in removing them. And it may come at a cost to consumers. Here’s what to know about what comes next—and what the new rule means for you.

Next steps in cleaning up the nation’s drinking water

The downside of the new rule is the cost of installing the technology to fix the problem—which estimates suggest could be between $1.5 billion to $4 billion. Under the new rule , all U.S. public water systems will have three years to test their water for the six PFAS tagged by EPA and five years to reduce levels to the new national standard of 4 parts per trillion.

The EPA estimates that between 6 and 10 percent of the nation’s 66,000 public drinking water systems may have to make changes to their infrastructure in order to abide by the new rule. Eleven states already limit PFAS levels but many will still have to make operational changes if their levels are above the national limit.

Their first task, Pinney says, should be determining the source of pollution to prevent it from entering the water system—which is cheaper and easier than removing pollution that’s already there. Many facilities will have to install granular active carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis water filtration systems, proven but costly methods for filtering PFAS from water.

As for infrastructural changes, the typical facility already has processes in place to coagulate or remove solids from water, polish it to remove things like heavy metals, and a chlorination treatment to disinfect the water of harmful microorganisms. “New infrastructure will likely fall somewhere in between the polishing and chlorination phase,” says Chris Moody, who handles regulation compliance for American Water Works Association (AWWA), an organization whose membership is made up of 4,300 utility suppliers.

( Is tap water safe to drink? Here's what you need to know .)

Updating infrastructure may also require hiring an engineer to design any new system for filtering PFAS as well as a piloting process to test that it’s working, adds Moody.

The EPA estimates the annual cost of compliance at $1.5 billion but Moody contends it’s vastly underestimated. In a report last year, AWWA estimated the implementation budget as closer to $3.8 billion .

What will that mean for your water bill? Moody says the cost burden depends on the size of your local water treatment facility. “Small systems just don’t have the economy of scale so your cost is much higher per household,” he says.

The EPA has already announced $1 billion in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but municipalities may also have to secure funding at the state level and much of that cost is likely to be shouldered by the consumer. Moody estimates it could cost thousands annually per customer for smaller utilities and hundreds for the larger systems where the cost is spread over a greater population.

Is it worth it?

But many experts argue that the new limits make sense given the “weight of evidence” showing health problems associated with PFAS.

“It is these very low concentrations that can have big effects overtime as chemicals bioaccumulate in the body,” says Scott Belcher , director of the Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

( Here's where forever chemicals are hiding in your kitchen .)

PFAS are ubiquitous, found in everything from cleaning products and food packaging to water-resistant fabrics. Water, says Belcher, is low-hanging fruit when it comes to cleaning up what he calls a “long-term pollution crisis.”

While the EPA has only imposed strict limits on six PFAS based on a preponderance of scientific evidence, thousands more persist in the environment. The hope is that once new infrastructure is in place it will also remove many of those chemicals that haven’t yet been banned.

In the future, Belcher says, identifying polluters ahead of time needs to be a priority. “We’ve learned lessons over the past few decades that once these compounds get into our environment, they’re extremely difficult to remove."

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The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.