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Trip Reader NFC for iPhone

• V  1.6.24

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Trip Reader NFC: Convenient Transit Card Balance and History Checker

Trip Reader NFC is an iPhone application developed by Domosekai Limited. This free utility and tools app is designed to utilize the iPhone's internal NFC reader to retrieve balance and history information from various public transit cards issued across China. With Trip Reader NFC, users can easily check their balance, view transaction history, and access additional features without the need for an internet connection or Bluetooth.

The main features of Trip Reader NFC include the ability to display station names, provide information on monthly discount policies and progress, show bus route numbers, and allow users to save history and add comments. Furthermore, the app offers the option to sync data to iCloud for convenient access across multiple devices.

It is important to note that Trip Reader NFC does not support Beijing Yikatong due to technical reasons. However, it does support a wide range of other cards including Beijing Hutong Card, Tianjin City Card, Nanjing City Card, Suzhou Citizen Card, Shanghai Public Transportation Card, Kunshan Citizen Card, Guangzhou Yang Cheng Tong, Lingnan Pass, Shenzhen Tong, Chengdu Tianfu Tong, and various other T-Union or City Union cards issued across China. It is worth mentioning that certain dual-module cards may only display T-Union history.

Please keep in mind that student cards, senior cards, and other specialized cards are not supported by this app. Additionally, Trip Reader NFC does not have access to the official database, so it is advised to use the app with caution and not solely rely on its results for accurate information.

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In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows:

It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean.

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Trip Reader (NFC)

Nfc-based transit card reader for china's public travel, get the latest version.

Apr 10, 2024

Unlock the convenience of urban travel with Trip Reader, an intuitive application designed to read and display information from various public transit cards in China utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Effortlessly accessible without the need for Internet or Bluetooth connections, this app simplifies your daily commute by presenting key card details at your fingertips.

With this platform, you can instantly retrieve your card's balance and transaction history, ensuring you're always informed about your travel expenses. It elegantly uncovers the names of stations associated with your journeys, alongside showcasing the specific bus routes you may require for seamless navigation through the city. One of the high points for frequent travelers is its ability to provide insights into monthly discount policies, tracking your progress towards potential savings.

Furthermore, the software supports an extensive range of transit cards including major ones like the Beijing Yikatong Card, Shanghai Public Transportation Card, and the Guangzhou Yang Cheng Tong, among others. This array of supported cards extends to numerous City Union or T-Union cards issued throughout China, amplifying its utility for a broader audience. However, it's essential to note that certain types of cards, such as student and senior cards, are not compatible with the game.

Users have the advantage of saving their history and adding comments for a personalized record-keeping experience. While it operates independently and does not access official databases, the game remains a valuable tool—offering a practical solution for keeping track of transit card usage.

As you embark on your urban adventures, keep in mind that Trip Reader is a helpful companion designed to empower your travel with real-time information at your convenience, strengthening your confidence in managing your transit needs.

Requirements (Latest version)

• Android 5.0 or higher required

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The best trip planner apps to make your travels easier

Booking a trip can be an exciting yet daunting task. As if booking airfare, hotel, and transportation weren't enough, you also need to consider food, sights, and attractions. As a travel lover myself, I often dread planning and preparing for a trip. Not only do I never have the time, but I often get oversaturated by the vast amount of information found online and the fear of getting scammed. 

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Over the years, I've found the best websites and apps to help smooth out the planning process. These apps help me keep track of all my reservations, send me booking reminders, and guarantee I always find the best prices -- because there is nothing worse than falling for tourist traps or overpriced offerings. 

Whether you are a spontaneous or a nitty-gritty planner traveler, ZDNET has tested and reviewed the best trip planner apps on the market. Our top pick for the best trip planner site and app is Booking.com due to its easy-to-use user interface, extensive booking capabilities, and pricing. However, since not every trip or traveler is the same, we've included several options to help you plan and stay organized during your travels. 

Keep reading to learn more about ZDNET's expert-tested and reviewed trip planner apps. 

Also: The best travel gadgets

The best trip planner apps of 2023

Booking.com, best overall trip planner.

• Multiple bookings
• Great deals
• Can earn points from bookings and reservations
• Easy to use
• No group planning
• Can't organize bookings per trip

Booking.com features:   Platform: App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes |  Group planning:  No

When planning my trips, I always make a stop at the Booking.com app, especially when reserving hotels. I find their user interface visually appealing and easy to use, and that it provides just the right amount of information I need when scrolling through hotel suggestions. Personally, I enjoy that I can add my top picks to my favorites with a quick tap of a heart, glance through reviews, look at cancellation policies, and even find out how far away hotels are from key spots. Through Booking.com, you can also book flights, car rentals, taxis, and city attractions, making it a great all-in-one place to plan and book upcoming weekend getaways or longer vacations. While I have personally never used the car rentals, taxis, or city attractions components of the app, I enjoy knowing that if I ever needed to, I can quickly hop on my phone and glance at the latest offerings. 

My favorite feature when using Booking.com to plan trips is the offers and promotions it displays for users. In the app, when you click your profile, you can see your "Genius" loyalty program status as well as discover the best deals around the world for your specific chosen dates. My only critique of Booking.com is that it does not enable group trip planning or let you organize your bookings per trip. This means if you are planning a trip with a friend, only one person can book and have access to reservations. 

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Best trip planner for organization

• Synced with e-mail inbox
• Organizes reservations no matter where you book
• Works offline
• Can't make any bookings
• Need to pay for advanced features
• UI could use an upgrade

TripIt features:   Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility: iOS and Android | Pricing: Free or $49 per year | Booking: No | Group planning: Yes

In terms of planning a trip, creating an itinerary, and keeping all your information in one place, TripIt is one of the best travel apps to keep yourself organized. When you first create an account, TripIt will sync with your inbox and automatically add all of your upcoming flights and reservations to your account. You can then modify each trip to include as little or as much information as you'd like. As someone who likes to be spontaneous when traveling, I usually only add the essentials: flight information, hotel reservations, and important documents. However, if you like to plan your trips down by the hour, you can also include activities, restaurant reservations, transportation, and more in your trip plan to share with fellow travelers.

As your trip approaches, TripIt will also send you packing reminders, give you COVID-19 travel guidance, and show transportation options. While you can get most of the essential features within the free version of the app (this is the one I use), you can also pay $49 a year to get advanced features such as check-in reminders, real-time flight alerts, point tracking, and even notifications for drops in airfare prices. 

Keep in mind that while TripIt gives you transportation options and finds places near your hotel, you cannot book or make any reservations directly from the app. The app is solely used to organize and keep track of all of your travel plans in one place, no matter where you book them. 

Best AI trip planner

• Personalized travel itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Can modify recommendations
• Group planning enabled
• Only available as a website
• No flight or restaurant booking

Guide features:   Platform: Website  Compatibility: all major browsers |  Pricing:  Free | Booking: Yes, but hotels only | Group Planning: Yes  Generative AI is everyone's favorite buzzword this year, and slowly but surely, it has been making its way across all industries -- including the travel industry. Guide is an innovative AI travel planning tool that creates personalized travel itineraries based on your preferences. (Full disclosure, it's also owned by ZDNET's sister company. It's currently in private beta, but you can join a wait list.) All you need to do is select your destination, the dates, whether you are traveling alone or in a group, your budget, and the types of activities you are looking for, and Guide will do the planning. 

After generating a trip itinerary for you based on your prompt, Guide then lets you modify and customize the itinerary to your liking. I recently used Guide to plan a six-day trip to Austin, Texas, and this was the feature I enjoyed the most, since I had specific restaurants and activities I wanted to incorporate into my trip, but I also needed some additional recommendations. While you can't book flights or restaurant reservations through Guide, you can book and find great hotel deals powered by Expedia on the platform. 

Guide will also give you an overall budget for your trip, a packing list, and a comprehensive list of things to know about your destination -- which may be helpful for some more than others. While my trip to Austin was a solo trip, Guide has a feature where you can invite other fellow travelers to collaborate in planning your trip through Guide's chatbot, GuideBot. This chatbot also works sort of like ChatGPT, where you can ask GuideBot questions about your trip, your destination, or recommendations. Keep in mind you can not ask GuideBot to directly modify your trip for you, and instead need to manually do it yourself -- believe me, I tried. 

Tripadvisor

Best trip planner app for reviews.

• Countless reviews
• Used by travelers worldwide
• Variety of information
• Booking capabilities
• Great for local spots
• Booking is not its strongest feature and you may not always find the best deals
• Doesn't vet reviews

Tripadvisor  features: Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes |  Group planning:  No

Reading customer reviews is one of the most important steps when planning a trip. While you shouldn't base all of your decisions on reviews, you should consider past customer experiences to get a feel for the brand and company you are about to trust, or the experience you are going to pay for.  When it comes to travel reviews, Tripadvisor is the best trip planner app to rely on. Since the platform has so many reviews for restaurants, activities, accommodations, and locations all over the world, it is always easy and convenient to log onto the app or website to help you make an educated decision. (However, remember that not all Tripadvisor reviews are legit, since the platform does not independently verify customer postings.) Beyond reviews, TripAdvisor also lets you book hotels, restaurants, things to do, and more while also providing detailed insights into their offerings -- including cancellation policies, ratings, and features. 

Tripadvisor's "Travelers' Choice" best-of list is also a popular part of its platform, allowing visitors to see top-rated destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world. With Tripadvisor, you can plan a trip yourself from scratch, hire a trip designer, or get a custom itinerary built by AI. 

Best trip planner app for transportation

• Great multi-mode travel comparison
• convenient and seamless transportation booking
• Multiple currency and language availability
• Flight deals and suggestions are not the strongest
• Limited offers depending on the country or city of travel
• Not the most reliable customer service

Omio features:  Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes, transportation only |  Group planning:  No

I first discovered Omio when a friend recommended it to me while I was studying abroad in Spain, and ever since I downloaded it, it has become my go-to app for booking the best deals and fares on transportation within Europe. The concept behind Omio is simple: You plug in your departure and arrival location, including the number of people you are traveling with, and add whether you are looking for a one-way or round-trip journey. Omio will then show you the best deals by train, bus, or plane to and from your desired destination, including how much time each option will take you and the number of stops. 

The German-based travel booking site is great at aggregating travel information from multiple sites, allowing you to view all of your transportation options in one place. This is incredibly beneficial when planning trips within Europe since there are several ways you can cross each border and often various languages and regulations to keep in mind. Omio is set in English but has multiple additional languages available, as well as currency options. During my time abroad, I solely used Omio to book all of my transportation, including planning a 17-day trip across seven different European countries. Overall, using Omio was not only convenient and seamless but also helped me save hundreds of dollars by helping me maximize my travel time by switching between flights, trains, and buses. 

However, since returning from Europe, I have not used Omio as much as I thought I would -- maybe because I have a car and take most of my trips by plane. And Omio's flight deals and suggestions are not the strongest compared to Booking.com or Skyscanner's, which heavily focus on flight deals. I have also found they have some limitations depending on the country or city you are traveling in. Be mindful of the deals and tickets you buy through Omio since some tickets are non-refundable, and some customers complain their customer service is not the best -- although I have yet to have any issues with them. 

What is the best trip planner app?

Booking.com gets our vote for the best trip planner app due to its wide selection of accommodations, its points and promotions offerings, and its easy-to-use user interface. Not only does Booking.com help you find the best deals throughout your trip, but it will also help you stay organized throughout your trip by keeping all of your reservations in one place. To determine which trip planner app or combination of trip planners is best for you, check out this comparison chart below. 

Which is the right trip planner app for you?

The best trip planner app ultimately depends on your travel and planning style. If you like booking and planning everything in one place while also earning points and getting great deals, then Booking.com is your top app. However, if you are looking for a place to keep all of your accommodations, reservations, and activity details organized, then TripIt is a better app for you. Check out the following chart to help you find the best trip planner app or a combination of apps for you to plan your next adventure. 

How did we choose these trip planner apps?

To find the best trip planner apps, we drew upon real-life experiences and tested their performance and capabilities during our latest trips. Ultimately, we weighted the following factors when choosing which trip planners to include on our list: 

• Features: Each app can vary significantly with the features it offers, whether it is solely to book flights and hotels, help you plan your next trip using AI, or help you find the best deals and booking information, each app on this list can help you address several common inconveniences that present themselves while planning that next adventure.  
• Compatibility: An app is of little use if it does not work with your devices, so we look to see what compatibility each trip-planning app offers and which platforms you can access it from. Personally, I enjoy apps that combine an app and website component since this quickly helps me switch between my wide computer screen and my tiny yet portable iPhone screen. 
• Customer reviews: We study real customer reviews and ratings to evaluate customer satisfaction and service. This is incredibly important since most times when you travel, you visit an unknown city or country, and you should be mindful of past experiences others have had. 
• Cost : Most trip planner apps are free, but you may have to upgrade to receive special access to exclusive features or deals. If your app is already free, it means you only have to pay a small amount (often unnoticeable) when you book your accommodations. 

What is a trip planner app?

A trip planner app is an app that provides organizational features for your upcoming trip. It is often free and incorporates trip planning tools, whether you are traveling by ground, water or air.   

How does a trip planner app work?

A trip planner app can incorporate special features, like an itinerary, calendar, reservation and booking hub, and map assistance. Depending on the app you choose, there is even trip-sharing with friends and family to simplify the entire trip planning process.  

How much does a trip planner app cost?

Most trip planner apps are free, but some may offer in-app purchases to upgrade or enhance your experience. Within this list, only Tripit costs money, but only for their advanced features version, which costs $49 a year. However, you can get access to most if not all, trip-planning features, through their free version. 

Are there alternative trip planner apps worth considering?

As I mentioned earlier, trip planning heavily depends on your personal style of travel and preferences. However, whether you like to plan your trips down by the minute or prefer to just have the basics, there are several apps that can optimize your planning. Here are a few apps worth considering that almost made it onto our list: 

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Tripadvisor: Plan & Book Trips 4+

Hotels, restaurants, tours, tripadvisor.

• #60 in Travel
• 4.8 • 341.3K Ratings

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Description.

** Be one of the first to try the beta version of our newly-launched AI itinerary builder, offering personalized recs powered by traveler tips and reviews. ** As a travel guidance company, Tripadvisor brings people, passions and places together. We aim to help make you a better traveler, from travel planning, to booking, to taking a trip. The app lets you get the most out of your trip—whether you’re planning or on-the-go. Discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from millions of travelers who have been there before. Find deals on hotels, book experiences, reserve tables at great restaurants and discover great places nearby. No matter what type of trip you’re looking to take, the Tripadvisor app makes planning it easy and also lets you guide others on their way. GET TRAVEL GUIDANCE • Find millions of reviews about hotels, restaurants, tours, attractions and other experiences from travelers like you • Read articles and guides to discover new ways to experience a destination with tips from travel experts • Discover great deals on top-rated hotels, tours, activities, experiences and other things to do • Find great places to eat nearby and make restaurant reservations ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP IN ONE PLACE • Use the updated Trips planning tool to save hotels, restaurants, and things to do • Get personalized recs with AI itineraries powered by reviews (beta) • See your saves on your custom map • Share and collab with your travel buds • Access mobile tickets for booked tours, attractions, experiences and other things to do GUIDE OTHER TRAVELERS • Submit your own reviews and photos of places you’ve visited to guide fellow travelers • Post and answer questions from like-minded travelers in the Tripadvisor forums

Version 57.4

Improvements to the Trip planning product which allow travelers to: - Receive a custom AI itinerary backed by traveler reviews - View saves in an organized list within the saves tab - Build an itinerary by adding saves and organizing them by day - View saves plotted on a map

Ratings and Reviews

341.3K Ratings

Editors’ Choice

We wouldn’t dream of planning a vacation without consulting TripAdvisor’s appraisals of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. But this robust app does much more than that, letting you book your entire trip—from flights to museum tickets—in one place. For those who embrace spontaneity, TripAdvisor is great for quickly finding spots nearby to stay, eat, or play, and the honest user reviews frequently save us from travel troubles.

Delicious food & vibe at Cerveceria Puerta de la Carne!!!

Our first night in Seville we arrived late on a Friday night and stumbled onto this vibrant, extremely busy delicious smelling bar restaurant around the corner from where we were staying! Little did we know how absolutely DELICIOUS this neighborhood FIND really was!!!!! We ordered tapas dishes that blew us away in taste!!!! This is a bar that will blow your socks off as you indulge the culinary senses with delicious meats and incredible sauces too!! The various potatoes they offered were some of the best potatoes we’ve ever eaten! They melted in our mouths! So did the various styles of whiskey cooked beef & chicken! The sweet cheek pork was mouth watering too! Loved our waiters and owner! Down to earth hard working fun people!!! Ton’s of regulars as we noticed when we went back a second time ! Yes we ate here twice during our 4 night stay in Seville’s Santa Cruz area because we were craving the food from this restaurant!!!! Thank you for two delicious late night tapas dinners! We hate to leave your beautiful Seville but we will be back hopefully next year to eat more at Cerveceria Puerta De La Carne!! Muchas gracious!!! Hope, Tom & Sam!

WHY keep changing things????

I knew it was a mistake to click on “update” without waiting a few days to read the reviews - which I was sure would be terrible - because they just keep on changing things and making it worse for NO REASON!! I can’t understand why they think ANY of the recent changes are improvements - they moved things around AGAIN so it’s unfamiliar! Nothing on the home page is relevant. Can’t even FIND MY OWN reviews now! Why is everything so HUGE? They’re wasting space & making me scroll way too much… This is the FIFTH time I’ve updated this review in 30 minutes - every time I try to do something I keep finding more horrendous changes. Are they honestly going to make me click on “read more” for EVERY single review? OMG!!! Now instead of just having 2 search lines so I can type in the name of what I want to see and the location directly below it, it I have to click on something else to get the location box to show up so I can type it - an UNNECESSARY EXTRA step! Then, there are multiple restaurants with the same name in this city, and you don’t show me the address anymore, they all just say the city, so I have NO IDEA which one is correct!! They have absolutely destroyed what used to be a helpful trip planning app & it’s just awful now. I’ve never used yelp but it’s time to consider it... Did the people who created this ridiculous redesign ever try to actually use the app before they released this crap to the general public?

App Privacy

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Installing and testing beta apps

Each build is available to test for up to 90 days, starting from the day the developer uploads their build. You can see how many days you have left for testing under the app name in TestFlight. TestFlight will notify you each time a new build is available and will include instructions on what you need to test. Alternatively, with TestFlight 3 or later, you can turn on automatic updates to have the latest beta builds install automatically.

When the testing period is over, you'll no longer be able to open the beta build. To install the App Store version of the app, download or purchase the app from the App Store . In-app purchases are free only during beta testing, and any in-app purchases made during testing will not carry over to App Store versions.

Note: To automatically download additional in-app content and assets in the background once a beta app is installed in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS 13, turn on Additional In-App Content in your App Store settings for iPhone , iPad , and Mac .

Installation

To get started, install TestFlight on the device you’ll use for testing. Then, accept your email invitation or follow the public link invitation to install the beta app. You can install the beta app on up to 30 devices.

Note: Managed Apple IDs can't be used to test builds.

Installing a beta iOS or iPadOS app via email or public link invitation

• Install TestFlight on the iOS or iPadOS device that you’ll use for testing.
• Open your email invitation and tap "View in TestFlight" or tap the public link on your device.
• If you’re a new tester for the app, tap Accept.
• Tap Install to install the app on your device.
• If you’re a returning tester, tap Update or Open.

Installing a beta macOS app via email or public link invitation

• Install TestFlight on the Mac that you’ll use for testing.
• Open your email invitation and click "View in TestFlight" or click the public link on your Mac.
• If you’re a new tester for the app, click Accept.
• Click Install to install the app on your device.
• If you’re a returning tester, click Update or Open.

Installing a beta tvOS app via email invitation

• Install TestFlight on Apple TV.
• Open your email invitation on a mobile device or computer.
• Tap or click "View in TestFlight". You'll be taken to a web page with a redemption code.
• Open TestFlight on Apple TV.
• Go to Redeem and enter the redemption code.

Installing a beta tvOS app via public link invitation

• Install TestFlight on an iOS or iPadOS device and Apple TV where you can sign in to the same App Store account.
• Tap the public link on your device.
• Tap Accept for the app you want to test.
• Open TestFlight on Apple TV . You must be signed in to the same App Store account you used on your device.
• Install the app you want to test.

Installing a beta visionOS app via email or public link invitation

• Open your email invitation and touch "View in TestFlight" or touch the public link on your device.
• If you’re a new tester for the app, touch Accept.
• Touch Install to install the app on your device.
• If you’re a returning tester, touch Update or Open.

Installing a beta watchOS app via email or public link invitation

• Install TestFlight on the iOS device paired with the Apple Watch that you’ll use for testing.
• Open your email invitation and tap "View in TestFlight" or tap on the public link on your iOS device.
• If you're testing an app that’s for Apple Watch only, tap "Install" from the Apps list.
• If the app is an iOS app that includes an Apple Watch app, install the iOS app first, then go to the App Details page in the Information section. If the Apple Watch app is available and compatible with your watch, there will be a button to install, update, or open it.

Testing iMessage apps (iOS or iPadOS 10, or later)

• Open your email invitation and tap “View in TestFlight” or tap the public link on your iOS device.

If you’re testing an iOS app that includes an iMessage app, launch the beta app from the Home Screen.

If you’re testing an app that’s for iMessage only or a sticker pack, launch it from within Messages.

Testing beta App Clips (iOS or iPadOS 14, or later)

After accepting your email or public link invitation to test the app, you’ll see the option to test the App Clip in TestFlight. You can install either the app or the App Clip on your device (but not both at once), and can replace one with the other at any time. If the app is installed on your device, testing the App Clip will replace the app and some app data may be lost. You can reinstall the app by tapping Install on the app’s page in TestFlight.

• Go to the app’s page in TestFlight.
• In the App Clips section, tap TEST next to the beta App Clip you want to test.

Managing automatic updates

After installing TestFlight 3 or later for iOS, iPadOS, or tvOS, TestFlight for visionOS, or TestFlight for macOS, you’ll be prompted to turn on automatic updates. This allows the latest available beta builds to install automatically. TestFlight will notify you each time a new build is installed on your device. Automatic updates can be turned off at any time.

Use TestFlight to change automatic update settings for all of the beta apps you’re testing using TestFlight:

Note: This setting will apply to all new beta app builds. Beta apps that have automatic updates set at the individual app level won’t be affected

TestFlight for iOS or iPadOS

• Open TestFlight and tap Settings in the top right.
• Tap Automatic Updates for New Apps.
• Tap On or Off.

TestFlight for macOS

• Open TestFlight and choose Preferences from the TestFlight menu.
• Under General, select Automatic Updates for New Apps.

TestFlight for tvOS

• Open TestFlight and click the Settings tab at the top.
• Select Automatic Updates
• Turn Automatic Updates On or Off

TestFlight for visionOS

• Open TestFlight and from the bottom left, touch open your profile.
• Under App Settings, touch Automatic Updates for New Apps to turn it on or off.

Use TestFlight to change automatic update settings for individual beta apps you’re testing:

• Open TestFlight and go to the app’s page.
• Under App Information, turn Automatic Updates On or Off.
• Under App Settings, touch Automatic Updates to turn it on or off.
• Under App Settings, select Automatic Updates.
• Under the app icon, click More.
• Click Turn On Automatic Updates or Turn Off Automatic Updates.

Testing builds from previous versions and build groups

When viewing an app in TestFlight, you'll see the latest available build by default. You can still test all other builds that are available to you.

If you already have the App Store version of the app installed on your device, the beta version of the app will replace it. After you download the beta app, you’ll see an orange dot next to its name that identifies it as a beta.

When you accept a TestFlight invitation through a public link, your name and email address aren’t visible to the developer. However, they’ll be able to see your number of sessions and crashes, the day you installed their app, and the latest installed version.

TestFlight for iOS and iPadOS

• Tap Previous Builds or, if you're using Xcode Cloud, tap Versions and Build Groups.
• Tap either the Versions tab or Build Groups tab, then tap and install the build you want to test. The build you choose will replace what's currently installed.
• Next to Build Information, click View Previous Builds or, if you're using Xcode Cloud, click Versions and Build Groups.
• Click either the Versions or Build Groups tab, then select and install the build you want to test. The build you choose will replace what’s currently installed.
• Select View Previous Builds or, if you're using Xcode Cloud, click Versions and Build Groups.
• Click the Versions tab or the Build Groups tab, then select and install the build you want to test. The build you choose will replace what’s currently installed.
• Next to Build Information, touch View Previous Builds.
• Touch either the Versions tab or Build Groups tab, then touch Install next to the build you want to test. The build you choose will replace what's currently installed.

Giving feedback

While testing a beta version of an app or App Clip, you can send the developer feedback about issues you experience or make suggestions for improvements based on the “What to Test” content. Feedback you submit through TestFlight is also provided to Apple as part of the TestFlight service.

iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or visionOS apps

You can send feedback through the TestFlight app or directly from the beta app or beta App Clip by taking a screenshot, and you can report a crash after it occurs. If you were invited to test an app with a public link, you can choose not to provide your email address or other personal information to the developer. Apple will also receive all feedback you submit and will be able to tie it to your Apple ID.

Sending feedback through the TestFlight app

For iOS or iPadOS:

• Open the TestFlight app on your device.
• From the Apps list, tap the app you want to send feedback for.
• Tap Send Beta Feedback.
• In the share dialog, tap Include Screenshot to choose a screenshot. If you don’t want to send an attachment, tap Don't Include Screenshot.
• Add your comments (up to 4,000 characters), and optionally enter your email address if you were invited with a public link.
• Tap Submit.

For iOS 12.4 or earlier:

If your device is running iOS 12.4 or earlier, tap Send Beta Feedback to compose an email to the developer. The feedback email contains detailed information about the beta app and about your iOS device. You can also provide additional information, such as necessary screenshots and steps required to reproduce any issues. Your email address will be visible to the developer when you send email feedback through the TestFlight app even if you were invited through a public link.

For visionOS:

• From the Apps list in the sidebar, touch the app you want to send feedback for.
• Touch Send Feedback.
• In the feedback dialog that appears, add your comments (up to 4,000 characters) by touching the Feedback text field.
• Optionally, attach a screenshot by touching Attach Screenshot .
• Pinch Submit.
• Open the TestFlight app on your Mac.
• From the Apps list in the sidebar, select the app you want to send feedback for.
• Click Send Beta Feedback.
• In the feedback dialog that appears, add your comments (up to 4,000 characters), and optionally enter your email address if you were invited with a public link.
• Optionally, attach a screenshot by clicking Attach Screenshot.
• Click Submit.

Note: You can drag and drop screenshots into the feedback text field.

Sending feedback through the beta app

When you take a screenshot while testing a beta app or beta App Clip, you can send the screenshot with feedback directly to the developer without leaving the app or App Clip Experience. Developers can opt out of receiving this type of feedback, so this option is only available if the developer has it enabled.

• Take a screenshot on your device. For details on how to take screenshots, see Take a screenshot on your iPhone , Take a screenshot on your iPad , and Take a screenshot on your iPod touch .
• A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail and, if needed, add drawings and text with Markup . Then tap Done.
• Tap Share Beta Feedback .
• Optionally, you can add comments (up to 4,000 characters), and your email address if you were invited with a public link.
• Take a screenshot on your Mac. For details on how to take screenshots, visit Take a screenshot on your Mac .
• A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-right corner of your Mac. Click the thumbnail to open the Quick Look window and, if needed, add drawings and text with Markup .
• From the Share menu in the Quick Look window, click Send Beta Feedback.
• Click Submit

Sending crash information

If you experience a crash while testing a beta app or beta App Clip, you’ll receive an alert asking if you want to send crash details to the developer through TestFlight. Developers can opt out of receiving this type of feedback, so this option is only available if the developer has it enabled.

When a crash alert displays for TestFlight for iOS or iPadOS, tap Share, add any additional comments, then tap Submit.

When a crash alert displays for TestFlight for macOS, click Report, add any additional comments, then click OK, Send, or Reopen.

When a crash alert displays for TestFlight for visionOS, touch Share, add any additional comments, then pinch Submit.

To provide feedback on a tvOS app, open TestFlight, go to app’s page, go to the Information section to view the developer's email address, and send them an email. Provide as much information as you can, including screenshots and steps required to reproduce any issues you encountered. Please note that your email address will be visible to the developer when you send email feedback through TestFlight.

Contacting the developer

If you need to contact the developer while you’re testing their beta app for reasons other than feedback, you can view their email address. In TestFlight, go to the app’s page, go to the Information section, and tap App Details to view the developer’s email address.

Opting out from testing

If you don’t accept your email invitation, the beta app won’t be installed, you won’t be listed as a tester, and Apple won’t take any action with respect to your email address. Additionally, you can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of the invitation email to notify the developer that you’d like to be removed from their list. If you accepted the invitation and no longer wish to test the app, you can delete yourself as a tester by visiting the app’s Information page in TestFlight and tapping Stop Testing.

Your Privacy and Data

When you test beta apps or beta App Clips with TestFlight, Apple will collect and send crash logs, your personal information such as name and email address, usage information, and any feedback you submit to the developer. Information that is emailed to the developer directly is not shared with Apple. The developer is permitted to use this information only to improve their App and is not permitted to share it with a third party. Apple may use this information to improve the TestFlight app and detect and prevent fraud.

Apple retains TestFlight data for one year. To view and manage your data with Apple, including your data that is sent to Apple through TestFlight, visit Data and Privacy . For more information about how the developer handles your data, consult their privacy policy. To request access to or deletion of your TestFlight data, contact the developer directly.

Information shared by using TestFlight

The following data is collected by Apple and shared with the developer when you use TestFlight. If you accepted an invitation through a public link only, your email address and name are not visible to the developer.

Data shared when sending feedback

When you send feedback through TestFlight or send crash reports or screenshots from the beta app, the following additional information is shared. This information is collected by Apple and shared with developers. Apple retains the data for one year.

Trip Reader (NFC) for Android

Key details of trip reader (nfc).

• Trip Reader () uses your device's internal NFC reader to get balance and history from public transit cards issued across China.
• Last updated on 7/12/2020
• There have been 9 updates

Clean (it's extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Developer's Description

This app does not have access to official database. Please use with caution and do not rely on the result.

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10 Best Travel TRIP PLANNER APPs To Have in 2024

In a fast-paced world where the stress of work and school is overwhelming, we all need a break to de-stress our minds. Traveling is one good way to take your mind off of stressful things – a breather. And a scheduled vacation gives you something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a local trip alone, a family holiday, or a getaway with your best friends, it just excites you to wish the day would come faster. 

10 Best Trip Planner Apps in 2024

The freeform app.

• TripIt: Travel Planner

Hopper – Flight & Hotel Deals

• Sygic Travel Maps Trip Planner

Roadtrippers: Trip Planner

Tripadvisor, travelspend: track travel expense & trip budget, tripcase – travel organizer app, travel planning apps for your next trip.

The Freeform app is an endless whiteboard that lets users add information from a variety of websites, photos, videos and files.

Because the boards are kept in iCloud, they can be accessed from any device anytime inspiration hits. While you and your travel companions plan your dream trip, the specifics can be shared with several individuals working together on the same whiteboard, making them an ongoing work in progress.

The Freeform app is free to iPhone users on iOS 16.2, iPad users on 16.2, and Mac users on Ventura MacOS Venture 13.1. 

Download the brand-new app here .

Read our full post: Apple Launches New Travel App Freeform – What to Know

Wanderlog Trip Planner App

Wanderlog is your all-in-one destination for planning future trips, sharing travel guides, and blogging past trips.

Its trip planning features are incredibly flexible: you can research destinations and activities, organize reservations by connecting your email, and map out a day itinerary with start/end times. You can also add notes and links all throughout.

Everything is stored offline so you can access your itinerary when traveling abroad. For road trips, it calculates the time and distance between places and exports them to Google Maps (and there are no limits to the number of stops you have on a trip!).

Plus, there’s a fun social component: collaborate with friends on itineraries, write your own travel guide, and blog about past trips. Wanderlog is available on the web and on your smartphone, so you can seamlessly plan while at home and on-the-go.

iOS  /  Android

TripIt: Trip Planner App

If you need any help organizing the dozens of itineraries, TripIt is the app for you. Users simply need to forward your flight, hotel, restaurant, and car rental confirmation emails to [email protected] and the app will create a free master doc for each of your trips. The best thing about this app is that you can get access to your itinerary anywhere, even without an internet connection. 

In addition, the Pro version will find you alternative routes for canceled flights and send out notifications for delayed flights, cancellations, and more from the airlines. 

iOS / Android

Rome2rio is a versatile travel planning app that simplifies the process of finding and booking travel options. It’s a handy tool for travelers seeking to explore various transportation choices between destinations. Rome2rio offers users a comprehensive view of travel options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving directions.

Key features of Rome2rio include:

• Route Information: The app provides detailed information on different routes, including estimated travel times, costs, and the number of transfers required.
• Booking Integration: Users can book flights, train tickets, and other transportation options directly through the app, streamlining the booking process.
• Map Integration: Rome2rio integrates with maps, allowing users to visualize their travel routes and explore nearby attractions.
• Multi-Modal Travel: It offers options for combining various modes of transportation, making it easy to plan complex journeys.
• Accurate Pricing: The app provides real-time pricing information, helping users make informed decisions based on their budget.
• Offline Access: Rome2rio offers offline access to previously searched routes, which can be handy when traveling without a data connection.

Hopper is an amazing trip planner app to have on your phone. The app predicts airfares up to 1 year in advance, with 95% accuracy. It analyzes over billions of flight prices and hotels within the day – telling you whether to book your trip now or wait for just a little longer.

Here’s how it works: Key in your destination and a color-coded calendar will display the cheapest and most expensive date to fly. The app will then recommend you to either book the flight now or sit it out and wait for airfare to get cheaper. Also, you can filter predictions to custom-fit your trip – remove long layovers, extra fees, restrictions, and more. 

And if you worry about missing out the cheap flight bookings, don’t be! Hopper will send you a notification when fares have dropped to its lowest point.

SYGIC Travel Maps Trip Planner

Sygic Travel Maps , the new version of Sygic Trip Planner, is the first travel app to display all of the attractions and places a traveler needs to see and visit on a single map.

Sync your trips with the Sygic Travel app and find hidden gems in all cities you visit. The app boast a large database that allows you to find the best hotels, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, bars, and stores wherever you go.

This mobile app also let you download offline maps and guides, which come in helpful when traveling to remote locations with poor or non-existing Wi-Fi.

It also has a dedicated section to worldwide places of interest for travel business. Get location information for individual cities, countries, continents, or the entire planet.

The app is available in 18 languages.

iOS / Android iOS

Planning on a cross-country road trip ? Roadtrippers is the app for you! Not everyone is fond of waiting long hours at the airport while sitting through your red-eye flight. Hit the road with your friends instead.

Roadtrippers provides everything you need to know on your road trip. Just enter your starting point, destination, and let the app do its work for you! From camping sites to rest stops, outdoor activities, exciting adventures along the way that you didn’t know existed. This app is the perfect buddy for your road trip regardless of your mode of transportation – a sedan, a rental car, or a huge family RV.

Most of us dream of going to places! But planning an amazing trip to places we have not been to is pretty hard as you don’t know where to stay, what to do, places to eat, and adventures to try. We mostly rely on recommendations, most of which are not even right, that we find online. 

TripAdvisor has over millions of travel recommendations on hotels, top dining spots, must-do experiences, and treasured gems to over 8 million destinations at your perusal. It is an all-in-one app that lets you book tables at restaurants and compares low prices on hotels and flights.

You can also follow friends and travel experts for advice that match your interests, watch videos, and read articles. In return, you can share your experiences, reviews, and helpful guides for other users too!

Setting up a budget for your trip is easy, however, sticking to it is hard. TravelSpend will help you with that. It starts with entering your budget and expenses over multiple days so you don’t go overboard. The app helps you in sticking to your budget effectively.

Being in another country is not a problem at all: enter your expenses in any currency and the app will automatically convert it to your home currency.

Track your travel expenses whether going on a solo around-the-world trip or backpacking holiday with your best friends. The app allows you to share your trip with your friends and track your expenses together. Pay debts, split bills, and check your balances – all in the app!

TripCase, a comprehensive travel organizer app, has emerged as a popular choice among travelers seeking a streamlined and efficient way to manage their journey details.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features and functionalities:

Centralized Itinerary Management : TripCase allows users to consolidate all their travel details, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, into a single, easily accessible itinerary.

Real-time Flight Alerts : The app keeps travelers informed with up-to-the-minute notifications on flight statuses, including delays, cancellations, and gate changes.

Itinerary Sharing : TripCase offers a sharing option that enables users to send their travel plans to friends, family, or colleagues.

Travel Directions and Maps : To aid navigation in unfamiliar locations, the app provides directions and maps.

Nearby Recommendations : TripCase offers recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and other services close to the traveler’s location.

Document Storage : For added convenience, the app allows users to store essential travel documents digitally, ensuring that important information like passport details, visas, and insurance policies are readily available.

Customizable Notifications : Users can customize their notification preferences, choosing what types of alerts they receive and how they are notified, tailoring the app to suit individual needs and preferences.

iOS / Android 

Hi, great List. I couldn’t travel without my Apps! I have one App you could check out =) Its called ” ATM Fee Saver” and it gives a list with all ATMs and their fees and limit. I found it super helpful and it really helped me to save some money. Best regards, Charlotte

Thank you for your suggestions! Those apps are very useful and various

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Entire itinerary in the pocket

A simple free app for your customers to view itineraries and receive updates from you. includes both offline and online navigation., all in the pocket.

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Deliver itineraries to your customers via TripCreator’s free app. Changes and updates made to a trip are synced automatically across devices and in real time. Your customers can view all itineraries and details of each trip before and during their travels. They can also have all travel documents with them, and enjoy information and guidance throughout their trip.

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Is Southwest going to start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes.

Southwest Airlines is considering doing away with open, single-class seating on its aircraft.

In an interview with CNBC , ahead of the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said the company is weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.

Southwest has long differentiated itself from other airlines with one class of seating and little variability – no extra legroom seats or first class on its 737 fleet. But now, Jordan said it may be time to change the strategy.

Cruising Altitude: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” he told CNBC. He acknowledged the airline hasn’t made any decisions on implementing a new strategy but said studies about what they could do have yielded “interesting” results. 

For now, the only reliable way for Southwest customers can get their seating preference is to pay extra for an earlier boarding position. Southwest Airlines does not currently assign seats and passengers claim their real estate as they board the plane in an assigned order. 

During Thursday's earnings call, Jordan confirmed the airline was exploring updates to its seating and boarding processes. He also announced Southwest would be ending service to Syracuse, New York; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (the airline will still serve William P. Hobby Airport); Cozumel, Mexico and Bellingham, Washington. Jordan cited underperformance in those markets as the reason for their closure.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Secretary Blinken talked economy, security and AI during trip to China

Kai McNamee

Ashley Brown

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's leader Xi Jinping. Washington and Beijing are engaging in talks over issues of economic development, global security, AI and more.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

Today U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's leader Xi Jinping. The meeting wraps up a three-day visit to China as Washington and Beijing held talks on economic development, AI and more. Our colleague, Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep, was also in Beijing, and he spoke to Blinken about what he's gleaned from meetings with China's top leaders on global security.

STEVE INSKEEP, BYLINE: One thing you were focused on was trying to get China to stop giving aid to Russia's military as it invades Ukraine. And we can talk about China's attitude here because they've made a public statement. Their foreign ministry spokesman was asked today about ending aid to Russia, and he said, look. We trade with Russia, and you guys aid Ukraine. You're hypocrites. That sounded like a, no, we're not stopping - seemed to be what they were saying.

ANTONY BLINKEN: What China is doing now - it's not providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine as...

INSKEEP: Right.

BLINKEN: ...For example, North Korea and Iran are. But it is the No. 1 supplier of the critical components for Russia to rebuild its defense industrial base and other things that are going right into a massive production of munitions, of weaponry, of tanks, of armored vehicles, which in turn are going into Ukraine. This is not only a problem for us. It's not only a problem for Ukraine. It's a problem for virtually everyone in Europe because they see this as helping to perpetuate the Russian aggression in Ukraine. They also see it as creating a growing threat to Europe's security. So one of the things that I shared with our Chinese colleagues is that at the very same time that they're trying to develop better relations with Europe, they can't be doing that while at the same time helping to fuel what is the biggest threat to Europe's security since the end of the Cold War. Now, we've already taken steps ourselves. We're prepared to do more if China is not prepared to act to curb this activity.

INSKEEP: So Elbridge Colby, who's a former Republican defense official - you're nodding; you know him - was on the program this week and said he is concerned that these U.S. efforts could provoke a war that the United States is not ready for. What is the risk here?

BLINKEN: We're all about preventing wars, preventing conflict. And, again, one of the things that was so important in trying to reestablish regular contact with the China, regular engagement was the restoration of our military-to-military communications, something that came out of the president's meeting with President Xi last year. And we've seen...

INSKEEP: That prevents an accidental war.

BLINKEN: That's right.

INSKEEP: But what if China decides they must act 'cause they're running out of time?

BLINKEN: Well, I'm not going to get into their own decision space, but we've been very clear that when it comes to the South China Sea, when it comes to the Taiwan Strait, our purpose, our focus is on maintaining peace and stability, maintaining the status quo and not seeing any actions taken that could disrupt it.

INSKEEP: So while we're here in Beijing, we've been talking with a lot of people, and we met a university professor who said America's reputation has declined here, in part because of U.S. support for Israel and its war against Hamas. And it's been widely reported that China is playing up this conflict in the Global South, in many nations, to undermine the United States. How can you respond to that?

BLINKEN: Look. I can't, you know, focus on what they may be saying or doing inside of China. But what I can focus on is two things. One, of course, is what what we're doing in the Middle East, both to try to bring this conflict to an end as quickly as possible in a way that allows Israel to ensure that October 7 never happens again but also to do everything we can to protect the men, women and children who are caught in this crossfire of Hamas' making. And I've had, I think, six conversations with my Chinese counterparts since October 7. I actually believe that China could play a constructive role. It has influence with critical countries in the region, including, for example, Iran. So what I'm focused on is trying to encourage China to use that influence in a productive way.

SHAPIRO: You can hear Steve Inskeep's full interview with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at npr.org.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans was the buddy trip we didn’t know we needed

Close friends rory mcilroy, shane lowry walk off with trophy.

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Shane Lowry, his eyes full of merriment, his shoulders quaking as he laughs, sometimes looks like a kid who’s just filled the faculty sugar bowls with salt. You can’t help but be swept up in it.

Lowry and partner Rory McIlroy, who won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, laughed last at TPC Louisiana.

“Absolutely amazing,” said McIlroy, whose huge drive and deft pitch set up a birdie on 18 to force a playoff with Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer, who looked flat after a nearly three-hour wait and bogeyed the first extra hole to end it.

“I made it look hard at times,” Lowry added, “but no, it was amazing.”

It was also the buddy trip we didn’t know we needed. Maybe it was the presence of first-timer McIlroy and pal Lowry, Ryder Cup teammates and neighbors in South Florida who have been close since playing for Ireland at the 2007 European Amateur Team Championships. Maybe it was the food. Whatever the case, you couldn’t help but smile at how the players let down their guards and turned into kids again.

Joel Dahmen and Keith Mitchell (73, T28) talked about having too much fun to be angered by a bad shot or even several. Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn (72, T4), who made a killing double-bogey at the par-3 17th hole Sunday, spoke of playing junior golf together back in Ogden, Utah.

Mark Hubbard and Ryan Brehm, who also contended Sunday but could only manage a par at the last for 69 (solo third), said the week amounted to a major for their wives.

“Lots going on, Jazz Fest,” Hubbard said. “We're having a good time.”

McIlroy, Lowry sing 'Don't Stop Believin’' after winning Zurich Classic 

They matched outfits, as did McIlroy and Lowry, for what amounted to a sort of working vacation. It was, more than anything else in recent memory, relatable. The winners, who even before coming up clutch Sunday were so watchable as to be a veritable reality show without a time slot, were Exhibit A.

“I've had a wonderful time so far,” McIlroy said after Round 1.

Their microphones were lined up side-by-side after their 11-under 61 – so close that when Lowry asked if they could get any closer, McIlroy put his head on his partner’s shoulder. There were three sets of brothers in this field, two teams comprised of twins, but the eye test, not DNA, told you which teams were closest.

“I've only been here really a couple of days,” McIlroy added. “But we're staying downtown. We've ventured out a couple of times. Yeah, it's a cool city, great food scene.”

Asked what they’d gotten up to the previous evening, he looked at Lowry.

“It was like French, I guess, was it?” McIlroy said.

Lowry: “Yeah. I had a steak.”

McIlroy: “So did I.”

And would they venture into Jazz Fest on Friday night? Again, McIlroy looked at his partner.

McIlroy: “Who's playing tomorrow night, do you know?”

Lowry: “No, I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying out of trouble. We're going for a nice meal.”

McIlroy: “Hopefully we have a late tee time on Saturday, so you never know.”

On Friday, Lowry fell to the turf as if he’d been hit with a tranquilizer dart. His ball had improbably stayed dry at the par-3 17th hole – luck of the Irish – sparing them an almost certain double-bogey. Lowry got up laughing and put his hands on McIlroy’s shoulders as if to steady them both, the fans delighted. They got it around in 70.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry news conference after winning Zurich Classic

They got off to a slow start Saturday, but shot 31 on the back nine for a 64 to pull to within two of Blair and Fishburn. McIlroy and Lowry finished strong Sunday, as well, with two birdies on the last three holes.

True, McIlroy did a lot of the heavy lifting, but when it was over, Lowry hoisted McIlroy off his feet as they squealed with some mixture of happiness and relief. Lowry joked to CBS’s Amanda Balionis that he felt sort of bad taking the 400 FedExCup points, given how much McIlroy had carried him.

“But yeah, they’re mine,” Lowry added, “and they’re not going away.”

He laughed. McIlroy laughed. Soon, in front of a large crowd of revelers, they would take the stage clutching beers and microphones, McIlroy singing along to Journey’s “Don’t stop believin’” as the crowd chanted his name.

The team that had the most fun won. Isn’t that how it should be in the Crescent City?

Cameron Morfit is a Staff Writer for the PGA TOUR. He has covered rodeo, arm-wrestling, and snowmobile hill climb in addition to a lot of golf. Follow Cameron Morfit on Twitter .

Day trip: A farm-inspired brunch in Stuart. A Tuscan wine shop in Hobe Sound.

When I lived in Miami, I’d drive to the upper Keys sometimes for lunch. My parents and I loved to do this, spur of the moment, drawn by the promise of fresh fish and key lime pie. For me, it was about the drive, particularly the stretch of road that ran between the ocean and the bay. That first sight of water was a much-needed segue into a more relaxed dimension.

I always remember this when I drive north on U.S. Highway 1, past Tequesta and toward Hobe Sound. The segue to chill is not a water view but the blur of preserve land that’s part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. For a few soothing miles, there are no strip plazas or other signs of big-city life. By the time you’ve reached the first glimmers of Hobe Sound, you’ve shifted into island mode. For me, this alone is worth a day trip. 

On a recent Saturday, I took such a trip. Here are my three favorite experiences from my Palm Beach Gardens to Stuart drive.

Bridge Road: the ‘establishing shot’

Driving north on U.S. 1/Federal Highway, I wanted to double-down on the island feel. So I made a right turn on Bridge Road and took the scenic drive that is always my Hobe Sound establishing shot. In filmmaker terms, it means the shot that captures your setting and sometimes mood. Southeast Bridge Road always does just that.

Drive slowly beneath the canopy of intertwined banyan tree branches, and you’ve reached the enchanted-forest part of your day trip. Cross the Bridge Road Bridge and you’ll find another tree-lined stretch before you reach Hobe Sound Martin County Beach Park, where you can park and access the public beach. Even if you haven’t planned a beach day, you can soak up the salt air, the sun and surf. 

On this recent day trip, we only paused at the beach for a look-and-see. We had brunch plans in Stuart.

Brunch at the Colab Kitchen

You can only follow a cool spot on Instagram for so long before the food photos and funky al fresco views beckon you to visit. Stuart’s Colab Kitchen restaurant and market has been calling my name for a while now. And when I heard the farm-inspired restaurant and market had a new brunch menu, I headed north.

When I got there, I realized Colab Kitchen’s concept goes beyond the farm inspiration. It is as “farm-to-table” as you get. As you step into the spacious and modern building in downtown Stuart, you’re greeted by a kind of farmers market. You can buy freshly harvested greens from Indiantown’s Colab Farms, produce, farm eggs, fresh bread, bakery items, prepared sauces, natural toiletries and other items.

The main dining room and bar area follows in a sweep of clean lines and modern lighting over more rustic wood floors. It’s a welcoming space, both in decor and hospitality. Even though we arrived less than an hour before the end of brunch, we were greeted warmly and led to a sunny indoor table that offered terrific views of Colab Kitchen’s large dining patio and sprawling lawn.

The brunch menu proved to be a problem, but only because I wanted to order everything on it. It’s one of those rare menus on which the “healthy” items — the salads and bowls — are as tempting as the comfort-food items, such as the smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, sweet potato, onions and sourdough toast ($19), the lemon-ricotta pancakes ($17) and the egg-topped tomato pie ($19). 

I ordered a small-plates type of brunch because I couldn’t decide on one big dish. It offered me a good introduction to Colab Kitchen’s talents.

We started with house-made sourdough bread ($14), a deliciously crusty half-loaf served on a wood board with salt-sprinkled cultured butter, roasted garlic and a good dollop of the best pimento cheese I’ve had in a while.

Our deviled eggs appetizer ($9) was almost too lovely to eat: Four boiled egg halves, topped with a tall swirl of deviled filling and crowned with a bit of tomato jam and pickled mustard seed, were served atop a mix of farm greens. 

I had to have some crispy, thick-cut bacon on the side ($5), and it did not disappoint. Ditto for the loaded hash browns side dish ($8), a perfectly crispy smash topped with melting cheeses and snipped chives — put an egg on top and you’ve got a yummy entree. 

We got a sweet kick from one of the daily dessert specials, a warm peach bread pudding topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream ($12). 

As much as I wanted to try the lemon-ricotta pancakes, I had to leave those for the next time. (Because I’m hoping there will be a next time!)

Colab Kitchen: 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Stuart, 772-872-6243, ColabKitchenFl.com

A Tuscan wine shop visit

Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed wine lovers, wine novices and the community at large since opening seven years ago. 

They furnished the place with decorative touches from their native Tuscany, a few comfy chairs and a long wooden table they hand-built and covered with a tapestry of wine crates. Inspired by the eclectic variety of wine crates they had amassed during years of working with Italian wineries, they built the table inside their warehouse a good two years before opening the shop. 

“There was no particular reason why we built it, but we thought that maybe one day we would know why,” says Silvia. “Two years later, we opened this place, and this table is now a major part of it.”

It didn’t take long for her to realize the why of the table. It brought together a new wine-appreciating community, sparked conversation and new friendships over generous pours of wine and cheese and salumi boards topped with cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy.

Now Silvia and Franco have given their shop a new focus. While they continue to sell imported wine and goods at Casa del Vino, they are serving multi-course dinners just about every night. The dinners, intimate affairs that tend to sell out quickly, are offered at the wine-crate table.

During my recent visit to the shop, Silvia told me she and Franco plan to expand into the space next door in the plaza. The new space will be for wine tastings, classes and other events, she said.

I could not leave without buying some of my Casa del Vino Italian favorites: pecorino studded with pistachios, mortadella from Bologna, Italian crackers, a bottle of Ad Astra Super Tuscan, a sippable pinot bianco from Trentino and a fiano wine from Campania.

Back home later, I thought about my day’s adventures — and of the Italy I’ve found in Hobe Sound — as I enjoyed bites of the pecorino and mortadella.

Casa del Vino: 11330 SE U.S. Hwy 1, Hobe Sound, 772-675-2228, on Instagram @casadelvinolifestyle

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

◾ A fresh batch of places to eat and locally made treats

◾ New West Palm steakhouse restaurant kicks off Sunday brunch

◾ A favorite seafood restaurant gets a glow-up in the Gardens

◾ New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

◾ 3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

◾ Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on  Instagram and  Post on Food Facebook . She can be reached by email at  [email protected] . 

Watch CBS News

Pope Francis visits Venice in first trip outside of Rome in seven months

April 28, 2024 / 3:18 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Pope Francis made his first trip out of Rome in seven months on Sunday with a visit to Venice that included an art exhibition, a stop at a prison and a Mass.

Venice has always been a place of contrasts, of breathtaking beauty and devastating fragility, where history, religion, art and nature have collided over the centuries to produce an otherworldly gem of a city. But even for a place that prides itself on its culture of unusual encounters, Francis' visit on Sunday stood out.

Francis traveled to the lagoon city to visit the Holy See's pavilion at the Biennale contemporary art show and meet with the people who created it. But because the Vatican decided to mount its exhibit in Venice's women's prison, and invited inmates to collaborate with the artists, the whole project assumed a far more complex meaning, touching on Francis' belief in the power of art to uplift and unite, and of the need to give hope and solidarity to society's most marginalized.

His trip began at the courtyard of the Giudecca prison, where he met with women inmates one by one.

"Paradoxically, a stay in prison can mark the beginning of something new, through the rediscovery of the unsuspected beauty in us and in others, as symbolized by the artistic event you are hosting and the project to which you actively contribute," Francis told them.

The 87-year-old pontiff then met with Biennale artists in the prison chapel, decorated with an installation by Brazilian visual artist Sonia Gomes of objects dangling from the ceiling, meant to draw the viewer's gaze upward.

The Vatican exhibit has turned the Giudecca prison, a former convent for reformed prostitutes, into one of the must-see attractions of this year's Biennale, even though to see it visitors must reserve in advance and go through a security check. It has become an unusual art world darling that greets visitors at the entrance with Maurizio Cattelan's wall mural of  two giant filthy feet , a work that recalls Caravaggio's dirty feet or the feet that Francis washes each year in a Holy Thursday ritual that he routinely performs on prisoners.

The exhibit also includes a short film starring the inmates and Zoe Saldana, and prints in the prison coffee shop by onetime Catholic nun and American social activist Corita Kent.

Francis' dizzying morning visit, which ended with Mass in St. Mark's Square, represented an increasingly rare outing for the 87-year-old pontiff, who has been hobbled by health and mobility problems that have ruled out any foreign trips so far this year.

"Venice, which has always been a place of encounter and cultural exchange, is called to be a sign of beauty available to all," Francis said. "Starting with the least, a sign of fraternity and care for our common home."

During an encounter with young people at the iconic Santa Maria della Salute basilica, Francis acknowledged the miracle that is Venice, admiring its "enchanting beauty" and tradition as a place of East-West encounter, but warning that it is increasingly vulnerable to climate change and depopulation.

"Venice is at one with the waters upon which it sits," Francis said. "Without the care and safeguarding of this natural environment, it might even cease to exist."

in the exhibit as tour guides and as protagonists in some of the artworks.

Ahead of his trip, Francis sat down with "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell during an hourlong interview at the guest house where he lives in Rome. 

During the interview, Francis pleaded for peace worldwide amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza .

"Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace," said the pope, speaking through a translator.

He also had a message for those who do not see a place for themselves in the Catholic Church anymore. 

"I would say that there is always a place, always. If in this parish the priest doesn't seem welcoming, I understand, but go and look elsewhere, there is always a place," he said. "Do not run away from the Church. The Church is very big. It's more than a temple ... you shouldn't run away from her."

The pope's Venice trip was the first of four planned inside Italy in the next three months, Reuters reported. He is scheduled to visit Verona in May and Trieste in July, and is expected to attend the June summit of Group of Seven (G7) leaders in Bari.

In September, he is also set to embark on the longest foreign trip of his papacy, traveling to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An extended version of O'Donnell's interview with Pope Francis will air on "60 Minutes" on Sunday, May 19 at 7 p.m. ET. On Monday, May 20, CBS will broadcast an hourlong primetime special dedicated to the papal interview at 10 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and streaming on  Paramount+ . Additionally, CBS News and Stations will carry O'Donnell's interview across platforms. 

• Pope Francis
• Catholic Church

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Honored at last: Honor Flight Tallahassee pays tribute to veterans through special trip

Veterans who survived the Korean and Vietnam Wars often felt two things — forgotten and scorned.

But Saturday night, decades after their return, Korea veterans' feeling that they had served in the shadows and Vietnam veterans' recollections of shame melted away as dozens of them stepped off a plane in Tallahassee to be remembered and honored in a way they'll never forget.

Nearly 300 people lined the opening of a hangar at the Tallahassee Airport to welcome home 76 veterans who embarked on Honor Flight Tallahassee's 10th annual flight to Washington, D.C. The local branch of the nationwide organization has made it its mission to bring every veteran to see the monuments that were built as a tribute to them and their fallen peers.

"That was great!" Wayne Langston, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Air Force, said with the brightest smile after completing the 17-hour trip.

The long, rainy, whirlwind of a day was filled with smiles, tears and salutes, emphasizing that even 76 different men and women with 76 different stories share one thing — a pride and love for their country that only those who served would understand.  

'I'm just amazed'

All travelers had to report to the standalone hangar at 5 a.m., but many veterans fueled by excitement arrived well before then.

Countdowns — much like the ones they looked to while fighting in Vietnam — were kept until the big day. And the first impression did not disappoint.

"I'm just amazed by what they've done here," Dave Stewart, a Vietnam War veteran, said over breakfast.

An hour later, veterans queued up and boarded the plane, which buzzed with palpable anticipation as veterans and guardians chatted away about their excitement for the trip.

Roughly two hours later, the private flight landed, and veterans were greeted by their first surprise of the day. Students from the Naval Academy and other volunteers lined the airport gate exit, equipped with signs, flags and encouraging words as veterans filed out one by one.

The kind gesture invoked tears for some, marking the first of many that would be shed throughout the day.

First stop: World War II Memorial

For Joseph Williams, the only World War II veteran on the trip, Saturday was a day of firsts.

Before the trip, the 104-year-old had never seen the memorial dedicated to the war he fought in nor flown in a plane.

Williams served in the Philippines in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 after being drafted from Florida. He said he "would've rather stayed home."

The memorial, which he was most excited to see, stirred up old memories, specifically of the times he saw Japanese pilots purposefully crash their planes.

"I thought this would be a very good opportunity to see our pretty country and see things I've never seen before," he said.

Second stop: Korean War, Vietnam War and Lincoln Memorials

The second stop of the trip was the most anticipated, as the majority of the men and women served in these wars and hoped to find names of lost loved ones etched in the walls of the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.

"That's amazing," Sal Martocci, an 88-year-old Korean War veteran who served in the Navy, said as he stared at the statues of soldiers at the Korean War memorial. "It's almost eerie."

For decades after he served in the Army in Vietnam, Lee Skornia, 78, never spoke a word of his time in the war.

He was tortured for years by night terrors that replayed memories of exploding landmines and deadly enemy fire. But as he stood in front of the wall that bore the names of his fallen peers, he reflected on just how lucky he was and how he has God to thank.

Skornia remembers sitting on top of an armored personnel carrier with six other soldiers when it blew up.

"Just before the whole incident occurred, I heard a message," Skornia said. "All of a sudden this voice said. 'Get ready.'"

Skornia knew it was a miracle from God he survived.

And as further proof, he said the blast that threw him 30 feet away and killed several others left the Bible that his mother gave him completely unharmed.

Third stop: Iwo Jima, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

Mel Topicz, Lynette Haber and Ritaann Schultz all served in the Navy during the Vietnam era, and together they spent the day representing women who served in the war who went even more unrecognized for their service than the men.

The three shared their stories in the drizzling rain next to Iwo Jima, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.

"It's great because we can represent other female veterans," Topicz said. "It doesn't really matter what branch of service, we all served."

Because women weren't allowed to serve on the front lines beyond being a nurse, Topicz and Haber both took care of enlisted records and Schultz was an aviation boatswains mate handler, which was a very dangerous job directing aircrafts as they launched and landed.

Haber said the trip was a delight not only because of the people thanking them for their service, but because other tourists visiting the memorials are "obviously benefits of veterans."

"I was pretty much choking back tears at the Vietnamese memorial when an Asian gentleman said, 'thank you,'" Haber said. "And I said, 'I bet your story is tougher than mine.'"

Fourth stop: Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A deafening silence hung in the air at the Arlington National Cemetery.

Looking over a sea of headstones, veterans quietly paid their respects to all the men and women who went before them.

Just before 4 p.m., veterans and their guardians lined up around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, preparing to watch the changing of the guard, a ceremony that occurs every 30 minutes.

The sentinels, those selected to guard the tomb, scuffed their heels against the ground as they paced — a silent acknowledgement for the veterans watching them.

Fifth stop: Air Force Memorial

Veterans unloaded from the bus one last time to crane their necks up at the sky to see the three spires of the Air Force Memorial tower over them.

A sense of accomplishment and joy washed over the veterans who made it out to the final stop.

"It's been fantastic and a real reward," Jim Rector, a 76-year-old Vietnam War veteran who served in the Air Force, said of the trip as he stood under the looming spires. "I have never had so many thank you's and welcome home's than I have this whole time."

The first thing Rector said he did when he arrived back in California from the war was ditch his uniform and find some "civies," or civilian clothes, to hide the fact he fought.

The camaraderie and "being with fellow brothers and sisters" who served was an incomparable experience, he said.

'Welcome home'

Although they were tired and ready to start the trip home, the exhaustion couldn't mask the joyful glow each veteran shared.

Fulfillment and gratitude were written on every one of their faces.

The plane hummed as veterans and guardians softly shared stories about their experience from the day. But about halfway through the return flight, everyone was interrupted: "Mail call, mail call, mail call," Mac Kemp, one of the trip organizers, said over the flight intercom.

Just like in the military, Kemp called out each veteran's name and passed out large envelopes stuffed to the brim with letters from friends, family and community members — the first surprise of the trip back home.

Some received old photographs from their time in the war, one even received a letter his wife wrote to him in the 1960s.

Schultz said she cried when see realized the handwriting of one of the letters she was reading was her son's.

"My son doesn't do that kind of stuff," Schultz said. "He's 33, he hasn't written me a letter I don't think since he was a child."

And the thoughtful surprises didn't end there.

Realizing that most of the veterans on the trip never saw any parades or praise when they arrived home, Honor Flight coordinators spared nothing on the fanfare that awaited the veterans.

Family members, friends and community packed the hangar waiting to embrace their veterans with open arms, proving a welcome home is better late than never.

Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow her on X:  @elenabarreraaa .