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America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

by Florida Atlantic University

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A new Florida Atlantic University study on America's urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977.

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased.

The lowest income group ( household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit—especially buses—to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

"Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels," said John L. Renne, Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Among the study findings:

  • Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
  • Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
  • Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
  • Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
  • Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
  • Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
  • For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
  • The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
  • The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
  • Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of "peak and decline." These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing.

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

"Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

Provided by Florida Atlantic University

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Exploring The Contrasts: How Does Rural Travel Differ From Urban Travel?

all urban travel

Traveling is a wonderful way to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. Whether you prefer the quiet serenity of rural areas or the bustling energy of urban environments, each type of travel offers its own unique charm and experiences. In this article, we will delve into the key contrasts between rural and urban travel experiences, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and attractions of each.

Table of Contents

Hook: Start with an interesting fact or statistic about travel

Did you know that according to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached a staggering 1.4 billion in 2018? This shows the immense popularity and appeal of travel for people all around the world.

Introduce the topic of rural travel vs. urban travel

When it comes to travel, one of the fundamental decisions to make is whether to explore rural or urban areas. Rural travel refers to visiting countryside regions, characterized by their natural beauty, tranquility, and slower pace of life. On the other hand, urban travel involves exploring vibrant cities, known for their fast-paced lifestyle, cultural diversity, and abundance of entertainment options.

Thesis statement: Explore the key contrasts between rural and urban travel experiences

In this article, we will delve into the defining characteristics of rural and urban travel, including transportation options, accommodation choices, activities and attractions, food and dining experiences, and budget considerations. By understanding the unique aspects of each type of travel, you will be able to make informed decisions and create unforgettable experiences.

Traveling to rural and urban areas offers distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and interests. While some may seek solace in the tranquility of rural landscapes, others may thrive in the vibrant energy of bustling cities. Ultimately, the choice between rural and urban travel depends on your personal preferences, the type of experience you seek, and the activities and attractions that resonate with you.

In the following sections, we will explore the various aspects of rural and urban travel, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of what each has to offer. From transportation options to accommodation choices, activities and attractions to food and dining experiences, we will delve into the key contrasts between these two types of travel. So, let’s embark on this journey and discover the wonders of rural and urban travel!

Definition and Characteristics of Rural Travel

Rural travel refers to the act of exploring and experiencing the countryside and its surrounding areas. It offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here are some key characteristics of rural travel:

Tranquility and Slower Pace

One of the defining features of rural travel is the tranquility it offers. Unlike urban areas, rural destinations are often characterized by peaceful surroundings and a slower pace of life. Travelers who seek a break from the chaos and noise of the city will find solace in the serene landscapes and quiet villages of rural areas. The absence of traffic congestion and the constant rush of people allows visitors to unwind and relax in a peaceful environment.

Connection with Nature and Outdoor Activities

Rural travel provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and engage in various outdoor activities. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of natural wonders, such as mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. These areas offer a chance to hike, bike, swim, fish, and engage in other outdoor pursuits. The vast open spaces and untouched landscapes allow travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and experience a sense of freedom and tranquility that is often hard to find in urban areas.

Cultural Heritage and Authentic Experiences

Rural areas are often rich in cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the traditions and customs of the local communities. Travelers can explore historic sites, visit traditional villages, and interact with the locals to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. The authenticity of rural travel experiences is a significant draw for those seeking a more genuine and immersive travel experience. From participating in local festivals to learning traditional crafts or enjoying regional cuisine, rural travel allows visitors to connect with the local culture in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, rural travel provides a unique and contrasting experience to urban travel. The tranquility, connection with nature, and authentic cultural experiences make it an appealing option for those seeking a break from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Whether it’s exploring the countryside, engaging in outdoor activities, or immersing oneself in the local culture, rural travel offers a chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories. So, why not venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of rural destinations?

Definition and Characteristics of Urban Travel

Urban travel refers to the act of exploring and experiencing cities and their bustling environments. Unlike rural travel, which focuses on the tranquility and slower pace of rural areas, urban travel offers a fast-paced and vibrant atmosphere that is unique to cities. In this section, we will delve into the definition and characteristics of urban travel, highlighting what makes it distinct and appealing to travelers.

Define Urban Travel and its Main Features

Urban travel can be defined as the exploration of cities, including their culture, architecture, history, and entertainment options. It involves immersing oneself in the urban lifestyle, experiencing the energy and diversity that cities have to offer. The main features of urban travel include:

Fast-Paced Environment : Cities are known for their fast-paced nature, with people constantly on the move. The streets are filled with bustling crowds, vehicles, and the sounds of city life. This dynamic atmosphere creates a sense of excitement and energy that is unique to urban areas.

Vibrant Cultural Scene : Cities are cultural melting pots, offering a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences. From museums and art galleries to theaters and music venues, urban areas are filled with opportunities to immerse oneself in the arts and experience different cultural expressions.

Architectural Marvels : Urban travel allows visitors to marvel at impressive architectural structures that define city skylines. From towering skyscrapers to historical landmarks, cities are home to iconic buildings that showcase human creativity and engineering prowess.

Entertainment Opportunities : Urban areas are renowned for their entertainment options. Whether it’s shopping in high-end boutiques, dining at world-class restaurants, or enjoying vibrant nightlife, cities offer a plethora of entertainment choices that cater to diverse interests and preferences.

Discuss the Fast-Paced and Vibrant Atmosphere of Cities

One of the defining characteristics of urban travel is the fast-paced and vibrant atmosphere that permeates cities. Unlike rural areas, where life tends to move at a slower pace, cities are constantly buzzing with activity. The streets are filled with people rushing to work, tourists exploring the sights, and locals going about their daily routines.

The fast-paced nature of cities creates a sense of urgency and excitement. There is always something happening, whether it’s a street performance, a cultural festival, or a new restaurant opening. This constant buzz of activity makes urban travel an exhilarating experience, as there is never a dull moment in the city.

Moreover, cities offer a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Museums, art galleries, and theaters showcase a wide range of artistic expressions, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture. Urban areas are also known for their diverse culinary scenes, offering a variety of international cuisines and dining experiences.

Highlight the Cultural and Entertainment Opportunities in Urban Areas

Urban travel provides ample opportunities for cultural enrichment and entertainment. Cities are home to a multitude of cultural attractions, such as historical sites, museums, and art galleries. Travelers can explore the rich history and heritage of a city by visiting landmarks, learning about local traditions, and engaging with the local community.

Furthermore, urban areas offer a wide range of entertainment options. From live music performances to theater shows and sporting events, cities provide a diverse array of entertainment choices that cater to different interests and preferences. The nightlife in cities is particularly vibrant, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges offering a lively and energetic atmosphere.

In conclusion, urban travel offers a unique and exciting experience that is distinct from rural travel. The fast-paced and vibrant atmosphere of cities, coupled with their cultural and entertainment opportunities, make urban areas a magnet for travelers seeking a dynamic and enriching experience. So, whether you’re a fan of architectural marvels, cultural immersion, or vibrant nightlife, urban travel has something to offer for everyone.

Modes of Transportation in Rural and Urban Travel

Modes of transportation.

When it comes to traveling, one of the key aspects to consider is the mode of transportation. Whether you’re exploring rural areas or urban cities, the transportation options available can greatly impact your overall experience. Let’s delve into the contrasting modes of transportation in rural and urban travel.

Compare transportation options in rural and urban areas

In rural areas, personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation. Due to the limited public transportation infrastructure, owning a car becomes essential for getting around. This reliance on personal vehicles offers travelers the flexibility to explore remote areas at their own pace. However, it’s important to note that rural roads may be less developed and navigation can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

On the other hand, urban areas boast a wide array of transportation options. Public transportation systems such as buses, trains, and subways are readily available, providing convenient and affordable means of getting around. These networks are well-connected, allowing travelers to easily navigate through the city and reach various attractions. Additionally, urban areas often have ride-sharing services and bike-sharing programs , offering alternative and eco-friendly transportation options.

Discuss the convenience and accessibility of public transportation in cities

One of the major advantages of urban travel is the accessibility and convenience of public transportation. Cities are designed to accommodate a large population, resulting in extensive public transportation networks. Buses and trains run frequently, ensuring that travelers can reach their desired destinations without much hassle. Moreover, the presence of subway systems in many urban areas allows for quick and efficient travel, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion is common.

Public transportation in cities also offers the benefit of cost-effectiveness . Instead of spending money on fuel and parking fees, travelers can purchase affordable tickets or passes for unlimited rides. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore the city without breaking the bank.

Highlight the reliance on personal vehicles in rural areas

In contrast to urban travel, rural areas heavily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The lack of comprehensive public transportation systems makes owning a car a necessity for residents and visitors alike. Travelers who prefer the freedom of exploring at their own pace will find that having a personal vehicle in rural areas is advantageous.

However, it’s important to consider the potential challenges that come with relying solely on personal vehicles in rural travel. Remote areas may have limited gas stations and repair facilities, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure that you have enough fuel and necessary supplies. Additionally, navigating unfamiliar rural roads can be challenging, especially if GPS signals are weak or unavailable. It’s advisable to have a map or detailed directions to avoid getting lost.

In conclusion, the modes of transportation in rural and urban travel offer distinct experiences. While rural areas rely on personal vehicles for flexibility and exploration, urban areas provide the convenience and accessibility of public transportation. Consider your preferences and the nature of your travel destination when choosing the mode of transportation that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer the open road or the bustling city streets, both rural and urban travel have their own unique charm waiting to be discovered.

Accommodation Options

When it comes to planning a trip, one of the most important considerations is finding the perfect place to stay. The choice of accommodation can greatly impact the overall travel experience. In this section, we will compare the accommodation options available in rural and urban areas, highlighting the unique features of each.

Compare accommodation choices in rural and urban areas

In rural areas, travelers often have the opportunity to stay in charming bed and breakfasts or farm stays. These accommodations provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the authentic rural lifestyle. Bed and breakfasts are known for their warm hospitality and homemade breakfasts, while farm stays offer the chance to get involved in farm activities and enjoy fresh produce.

On the other hand, urban areas offer a wide range of accommodation choices to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget. Hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals are commonly found in cities, providing a variety of options for different types of travelers. Hotels offer convenience and comfort, with amenities such as room service and fitness centers. Hostels are a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers, providing affordable dormitory-style accommodations and a chance to meet fellow travelers. Vacation rentals, such as apartments or houses, offer a more home-like experience and the opportunity to live like a local.

Discuss the availability of hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals in cities

Cities are known for their abundance of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star establishments. The availability of hotels in urban areas ensures that travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budget. Whether you prefer a boutique hotel in the heart of the city or a chain hotel with all the amenities, cities have it all.

Hostels are also prevalent in urban areas, catering to budget travelers and backpackers. These dormitory-style accommodations offer a social atmosphere, with common areas where travelers can mingle and share their experiences. Hostels are a great option for those looking to meet fellow travelers and make new friends while exploring the city.

Vacation rentals have gained popularity in recent years, offering a more unique and personalized experience. Many urban areas have a wide selection of vacation rentals available, ranging from apartments in trendy neighborhoods to spacious houses in residential areas. Vacation rentals provide the opportunity to live like a local, with amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities, making them ideal for longer stays or families traveling together.

Highlight the charm of bed and breakfasts and farm stays in rural areas

One of the unique aspects of rural travel is the opportunity to stay in charming bed and breakfasts or farm stays. Bed and breakfasts are often located in historic buildings or picturesque countryside settings, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The hosts of these establishments are known for their warm hospitality, providing personalized service and insider tips on the best local attractions.

Farm stays, as the name suggests, allow travelers to stay on a working farm and experience the rural lifestyle firsthand. These accommodations offer a unique opportunity to get involved in farm activities, such as milking cows or harvesting crops. Farm stays often provide farm-fresh meals, allowing guests to savor the taste of local produce and experience farm-to-table dining.

In conclusion, the accommodation options in rural and urban areas offer distinct experiences for travelers. Rural areas provide the charm of bed and breakfasts and farm stays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Urban areas, on the other hand, offer a wide range of choices, from hotels to hostels and vacation rentals, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer the tranquility of rural accommodations or the convenience of urban options, both types of travel offer unique and memorable experiences.

Activities and Attractions

When it comes to activities and attractions , rural and urban areas offer unique experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you prefer exploring natural wonders or immersing yourself in cultural sites, both rural and urban travel have something to offer. Let’s delve into the types of activities and attractions you can expect in each setting.

Compare the types of activities and attractions in rural and urban areas

Rural areas are known for their natural wonders and outdoor adventures . If you enjoy hiking, camping, or wildlife spotting, rural travel is perfect for you. Imagine exploring picturesque hiking trails, breathing in the fresh air, and being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. From national parks to scenic lakes, rural areas provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

On the other hand, urban areas offer a plethora of cultural sites , museums , and nightlife . If you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, cities are the place to be. You can visit famous landmarks, such as museums, art galleries, and historical monuments. Additionally, urban areas are renowned for their vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and theaters to keep you entertained.

Discuss the natural wonders and outdoor adventures in rural areas

Rural travel allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty . You can embark on hiking expeditions through lush forests, witness stunning waterfalls, or go kayaking in tranquil rivers. The opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless. Whether it’s birdwatching, fishing, or horseback riding, rural areas provide a chance to reconnect with nature and engage in thrilling activities.

Highlight the cultural sites, museums, and nightlife in urban areas

Urban areas are a treasure trove of cultural experiences . You can explore world-class museums, such as art museums, history museums, and science museums, which offer a glimpse into various aspects of human civilization. Additionally, cities host numerous cultural events, such as music festivals, theater performances, and art exhibitions, allowing you to indulge in the local arts scene.

When the sun sets, cities come alive with their vibrant nightlife . You can enjoy live music performances, dance the night away at trendy clubs, or savor delicious cuisine at upscale restaurants. Urban areas offer a diverse range of entertainment options that cater to different tastes and preferences.

In conclusion, both rural and urban travel provide distinct activities and attractions that cater to different interests. Whether you prefer the tranquility of nature or the vibrancy of city life, there is something for everyone. So, when planning your next trip, consider the type of experiences you seek and choose between the natural wonders of rural areas or the cultural richness of urban areas.

Food and Dining Experiences

When it comes to food and dining experiences, rural and urban areas offer distinct options that cater to different preferences and tastes. Let’s explore the contrasting culinary scenes in both settings.

Compare the food and dining options in rural and urban areas

In rural areas, farm-to-table dining experiences are a highlight. The focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are often grown or produced within the community. This emphasis on local cuisine allows travelers to savor the authentic flavors of the region. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal cheeses and meats, rural areas offer a unique opportunity to indulge in traditional and wholesome dishes.

On the other hand, urban areas boast a diverse culinary scene with a wide range of international cuisines. Cities attract talented chefs from around the world, resulting in an abundance of international cuisine options. Whether you’re craving sushi, pasta, or curry, urban areas provide a melting pot of flavors that cater to all taste buds. The vibrant food scenes in cities often include trendy restaurants, food trucks, and bustling markets, offering a plethora of choices for food enthusiasts.

Discuss the farm-to-table and local cuisine in rural areas

In rural areas, the connection to the land and local produce is deeply ingrained in the culinary culture. Farm-to-table dining experiences allow travelers to taste the freshest ingredients while supporting local farmers and producers. Many rural establishments offer menus that change with the seasons, showcasing the bounty of the region. From hearty stews made with locally raised meats to freshly baked bread made from locally milled grains, rural areas provide an authentic and sustainable dining experience.

Additionally, rural areas often feature bed and breakfasts and farm stays that offer homemade meals prepared with love and care. These accommodations not only provide a comfortable place to stay but also give travelers the opportunity to enjoy home-cooked meals made with local ingredients. The warm hospitality and personalized dining experiences in rural areas create a sense of connection and community.

Highlight the diverse culinary scenes and international cuisine in cities

Urban areas are known for their diverse culinary scenes, where travelers can embark on a global gastronomic adventure. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, cities offer an array of dining options to suit every palate and budget. The cultural diversity in urban areas translates into a rich tapestry of flavors, with restaurants specializing in cuisines from around the world.

Moreover, cities often host food festivals and events that celebrate different cultures and cuisines. These events provide an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes in a festive and lively atmosphere. Whether it’s street food, fine dining, or fusion cuisine, urban areas offer endless possibilities for food enthusiasts to indulge their taste buds.

In conclusion, the food and dining experiences in rural and urban areas present contrasting yet equally enticing options. Rural areas offer farm-to-table experiences and a chance to immerse oneself in the local cuisine, while urban areas provide a diverse culinary scene with international flavors. Whether you prefer the simplicity and authenticity of rural dining or the excitement and variety of urban gastronomy, both types of travel offer unforgettable culinary adventures. So why not consider exploring both rural and urban areas to truly savor the best of both worlds? Bon appétit!

Budget Considerations

When planning a trip, one of the most important factors to consider is the budget. Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, and it’s essential to understand the cost differences between rural and urban areas. Let’s take a closer look at the budget considerations for both types of travel.

Compare the cost of travel in rural and urban areas

When it comes to the overall cost of travel, rural areas tend to be more budget-friendly compared to urban areas. This is primarily because rural destinations often have lower accommodation and transportation costs. In rural areas, you can find affordable bed and breakfasts or even farm stays that provide a unique and charming experience at a fraction of the cost of a hotel in the city.

On the other hand, urban areas offer a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to vacation rentals . While these options provide convenience and comfort, they can be more expensive, especially in popular cities. Additionally, the cost of dining out and entertainment in urban areas can also be higher compared to rural areas.

Discuss the affordability of accommodations, transportation, and attractions

In terms of transportation , urban areas often have a more developed public transportation system, which can be a cost-effective way to get around. Cities typically have buses, trains, and subways that provide convenient and affordable transportation options for travelers. This can help save money on taxi fares or car rentals, which are more common in rural areas where public transportation may be limited.

When it comes to attractions , both rural and urban areas offer unique experiences. However, the cost of attractions can vary. In rural areas, you’ll often find natural wonders and outdoor activities that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee. Urban areas, on the other hand, have a wide range of attractions such as museums, cultural sites, and nightlife, which may require admission fees or cover charges.

Highlight potential savings or expenses in each type of travel

While rural travel may offer savings in terms of accommodation and transportation, it’s essential to consider other factors that may impact your budget. For example, if you plan to explore remote areas in rural destinations, you may need to rent a car or hire a guide, which can add to your expenses. Additionally, dining options in rural areas may be limited, and you may need to factor in the cost of groceries or eating at local restaurants.

In urban areas, the cost of living is generally higher, which can impact your overall budget. However, cities often have a wide range of budget-friendly options available, such as street food stalls or affordable local eateries. By exploring these options, you can still enjoy the culinary scene without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, when considering budget considerations for travel, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both rural and urban areas. While rural travel may offer savings in terms of accommodation and transportation, urban travel provides a diverse range of attractions and dining experiences. By carefully planning your trip and considering your budget, you can have a memorable travel experience, regardless of whether you choose rural or urban destinations.

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ScienceDaily

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

Study shows variations, trends in nationwide urban travel behaviors among range of socioeconomic groups.

A new Florida Atlantic University study on America's urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977.

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased.

The lowest income group (household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit -- especially buses -- to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

"Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels," said John L. Renne, Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Among the study findings:

  • Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
  • Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
  • Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
  • Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
  • Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
  • Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
  • For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
  • The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
  • The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
  • Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of "peak and decline." These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing.

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

"Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

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Story Source:

Materials provided by Florida Atlantic University . Original written by Gisele Galoustian. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

  • Xize Wang, John L. Renne. Socioeconomics of urban travel in the U.S.: Evidence from the 2017 NHTS . Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment , 2023; 116: 103622 DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2023.103622

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America on the Move: How Urban Travel Has Changed Over a Decade

Study shows variations, trends in nationwide urban travel behaviors among range of socioeconomic groups.

Florida Atlantic University

America’s urban travel trends show important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages.

Newswise — A new Florida Atlantic University study on America’s urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977. 

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased. 

The lowest income group (household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit – especially buses – to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

“Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels,” said John L. Renne , Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science .

Among the study findings: 

  • Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
  • Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
  • Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
  • Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
  • Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
  • Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
  • For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
  • The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
  • The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
  • Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of “peak and decline.” These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing. 

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

“Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit  www.fau.edu .

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

all urban travel

  • Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

Gates at Gorky Park in Moscow

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

River cruise in Moscow

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

Moscow Metro station

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

Moscow State University at dusk

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

The skyscrapers of Moscow City

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Art in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve in Moscow

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow at night

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

The rooftops of Moscow, Russia

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

A pool at Sanduny Banya in Moscow

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

  • 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
  • Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
  • Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Image of Sarah Kingdom

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

  • When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
  • Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
  • No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

A graphic comparing the difference in capacity between a 45-liter and a 35-liter backpack.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

The packed Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack, shown fully open so that the contents are accessible.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
  • We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

A person stands by a wooden fence outdoors while wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, our larger pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

  • It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
  • More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack, is held in midair by a person wearing a plaid shirt.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

  • We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

The Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview 40 Travel Pack, one of our also-great picks for the best carry-on travel backpack, shown in black.

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

all urban travel

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

View of the straps on the reverse of the Osprey travel backpack.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

  • For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

The Tortuga Backpack Pro shown with the front clamshell lid in the open position.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

  • Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
  • It's heavy. We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be—the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. But if you think you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

  • Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

A graphic illustrating a clamshell bag opening

  • Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
  • Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
  • Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
  • Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
  • Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
  • Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
  • Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

all urban travel

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Four Osprey travel backpacks, two blue, two green, sitting next to each other.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

A person in an outdoor environment wearing one of our picks for best buy it for life backpack with a minimalist look, the GoRuck GR1.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Our picks for best laptop backpack pictured with school supplies.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

all urban travel

He's making Calif.'s largest urban park safer. The journey almost killed him.

I n 2013, Damian Kevitt was on a bike ride with his wife in Griffith Park when a driver hit him with their car, dragging him for nearly a quarter of a mile and onto Interstate 5. Kevitt barely survived, and doctors had to amputate his right leg. The hit-and-run driver never stopped and was never found, despite a $30,000 reward offered for information leading to the driver’s arrest.

Just a couple of days later, while still recovering from surgery, Kevitt told his family that he wanted to return to Griffith Park. He was intent on finishing the bike ride that was halted by the hit-and-run driver.

That ride turned into the annual  Finish the Ride and Finish the Run event in Griffith Park, which just celebrated its 11th iteration in early April. 

Now, after over a decade of advocacy by Kevitt and others, one of the country’s largest urban parks is finally readying to receive some long-awaited improvements aimed at making its roads safer for bikers and pedestrians. 

With over 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with urban wilderness areas in the country. The sprawling area features a mix of natural chaparral-covered hills, grassy picnic sections and landscaped parks-within-a-park, including many with unique looks and features.

But the park is also bordered by state Route 134 to the north and Interstate 5 to the east, and during peak commute hours, the park’s roads are clogged with drivers seeking a shortcut around LA’s notorious freeways. Crystal Springs Drive, which runs roughly north-south through the eastern edge of the park parallel to Interstate 5, is particularly bad, with two different freeway on- and off-ramps. 

“Crystal Springs Drive is a four-lane highway through the park, and that’s nice for regular city roads, but for the largest urban park in the U.S., having a four-lane highway where people can do 50-plus miles an hour is nuts,” Kevitt said. He added that while the posted speed limit is 25 mph, drivers frequently drive closer to 40-50 mph.

But Crystal Springs Drive also connects park visitors — whether on foot, on a bike or in a car — to popular attractions like the LA Zoo, the Autry Museum and multiple hiking trails. Despite this, parts of the road are without paved pedestrian walkways, and there are no official bicycle lanes. A report commissioned for the Griffith Park Resource Board in 2022 noted that mostly only the “strong and fearless” bicyclists attempt to ride in the park. 

Two years ago, 77-year-old cyclist Andrew Jelmert was hit and killed by a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park, just north of the Interstate 5 on- and off-ramp. Jelmert’s death “accelerated and re-emphasized the urgency for active transportation improvements throughout Griffith Park,” states an LA Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners report . 

In August 2022, $4 million in state funding was announced to implement recommendations from the Griffith Park Safety and Mobility Feasibility Study, with a goal of zero deaths and injuries on park roads. Part of Griffith Park Drive was closed to personal vehicles at that time as a way of reducing cut-through freeway traffic within the park. So far, closing a stretch of the formerly busy road has been seen as a success, reducing vehicle traffic in other parts of the park and serving as a “ boon to wildlife ,” with famous LA cougar P-22 spotted crossing the closed road before his death. 

But the most “massive change” to the park is still on its way, according to Kevitt, who calls the $4 million likely the “largest safety and infrastructure investment in Griffith Park ever.”

Earlier this month, plans finally moved forward to use a significant chunk of that funding for major improvements on notorious Crystal Springs Drive, when the city’s Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners approved the scope of work and contracts for the project. 

The so-called “four-lane highway” will be reduced to just two lanes, with the rest of the roadway dedicated to bike and pedestrian traffic. Concrete dividers and plastic bollards will be installed to buffer bikers and pedestrians from car traffic, which will hopefully be slower after the addition of speed bumps. The road will be repaved for the first time in decades, and long-faded, non-reflective signs will be replaced. 

The bike lane protection will include the “curve where Andy was hit two years ago, protecting current people biking from meeting the same sad fate,” Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman wrote in a letter supporting the project. 

Construction is anticipated to start in June, with an estimated completion date in late summer. Kevitt says the updates will bring the park closer to its intended purpose. 

“The purpose of the park is a community place for people to exercise and experience nature,” Kevitt said. “This will bring the roads back to their purpose, which is to bring people to the park, not for the purpose of: How do you get to the other side faster and speed on through in a way that’s going to endanger those that are using the park?”

San Francisco

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Desert Luxury, Infinity Pools and Fine-Dining in Puerto Los Cabos

Have it all at zadún, a ritz-carlton reserve.

None

There are only seven Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world.

They inhabit coveted destinations, from Ubud, Bali and Krabi, Thailand to Niseko, Japan. And given their leveled-up status, you can consider them like luxurious cherries on top of an already-luxurious sundae.

The lone Reserve property in Mexico is situated along the dramatic coastline of San José del Cabo, where it's built into the sand dunes of Puerto Los Cabos. The property unfolds over 20 acres of desert-meets-sea setting, with rolling hills and panoramic views of the Sea of Cortés.

Step into the open-air entrance at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , and whatever happened beforehand — flight delays, angry emails from your boss — cease to matter, as vacation mode sets in. You're greeted by a tosoani ("dream watcher" in the Nahuatl language), a private attendant who's there to customize your stay, arranging everything from dinner reservations and agave tastings to off-property excursions. You're also greeted with a cocktail, further proof that you are, in fact, on vacation.

guest room at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Zadún isn't a mega hotel like you'll find on many of Mexico's beaches. Instead, it has just 113 rooms, suites and villas built into the natural landscape. Each is spacious, and many include private plunge pools and terraces, perfect for soaking up the sun, enjoying a solo dip, or starting your day with a quiet breakfast. Rooms are situated above the main pool and restaurants, which means you can walk through the winding pathways or hail a ride via one of the roaming golf carts to get where you're going.

terrace and plunge pool at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

There are three restaurants on site, each offering a different experience. Humo serves a South American-inspired menu and is anchored by an open-fire hearth, so you can expect wood-grilled steaks and seafood alongside a Peruvian raw bar and thoughtfully prepared vegetables. El Barrio is an all-day Mexican restaurant serving fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including a variety of street tacos. And Equis is a casual seafood spot with a menu featuring fresh fish — when in doubt, try the catch of the day — and ceviches.

equis restaurant at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

When you need a drink, post up at Candil Agave Bar. It's located next to Humo and stocks an impressive selection of agave spirits, building on the expected tequilas and mezcals with other Mexican spirits, like bacanora, raicilla, sotol and pox. The knowledgeable bartenders are quick with info and happy to recommend bottles or to pour you a cocktail. The cocktail list goes well beyond the typical beach drinks and features standouts like the Mole Fashioned, made with Mexican corn whiskey, corn liqueur and mole bitters, and the Hana, made with mezcal, sake, chamomile cordial, Lillet Blanc and yuzu.

spa alkemia at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Eating good food and sipping drinks in the pool isn't exactly hard work. But when you need to further unwind, there's Spa Alkemia, a 30,000-square-foot sanctuary with treatment rooms, steam rooms and a secluded, tree-lined pool. Book a massage, obviously. But don't miss the Savasana Sound Room, a unique space — and one of the only in existence — that features a vibrating floor and sound therapies to promote rest, recovery and meditation.  There's also a new temazcal. This dome-shaped heat lodge is meant to detoxify the body while a shaman guides you through a traditional purification ritual.

main pool at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

There's lots to do on the property, so you don't need to leave the cozy confines of infinity pools and on-demand drinks. But should you like to explore the outside world, there's a 27-hole golf course just down the road. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, and holes meander between the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and the ocean, so views are plentiful even if birdies are not. Your tosoani can set up guided hikes to explore the nearby terrain, or hop on a boat to do some whale watching. 

The Sea of Cortés was dubbed “the aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau, and it's one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. So, while it's hard to beat the resort's infinity pool, you're a lot more likely to see whales, manta rays and sea turtles out on the open water.

Kevin Gray

Kevin Gray lives in Texas. He likes whiskey, weekends and hammocks, often at the same time.

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Travel Buddy - 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Folding Stand Urbanist

Travel Buddy - 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Folding Stand

  • Easily fold the charger into a stand or a pad for easy storage.
  • Simply put your phone on the pad to start fast charging.
  • Tidy up your workspace from cable clutter
  • Charge all 3 devices at once on-the-go
  • A sleek addition to your desk space.
  • Type USB-C port

Order by 3pm AEST and get it tomorrow via Same-Day shipping

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Designed for Travel

Fits into any bag and easily slips in and out ready to charge when your devices are.

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Charge all 3 at once

One charger to charge them all: an iPhone, Apple watch and a wireless pad for Airpods or a second wireless device.

One Year Warranty

Charge safely with Smart charge that intelligently distributes & shares 23W of power to connected devices.

Triple Charge

In a lightweight & ultra-slim form.

Folds flat to carry with you whenever your devices need a charge.

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LED Indicator

Turns green to confirm your device on the stand is aligned and charging optimally. The LED light turns off when your phone is fully charged.

Ultra Light, Ultra-Stable

Super sleek and sturdy so your devices are elevated, in place and ready to be charged at a glance.

Thin & Effortlessly Portable

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Folds neatly back in place

• Must be paired with at least a 20W or above wall charger (wall charger not included in the box) • Output: 23W Max • iPhone 12 / 13 / 14 Pro Output: 15W Max • Qi Wireless on wireless pad: 5W Max • Airpods Pro / Airpods with Wireless Charing Case: 5W Max Input: 5V3A, 9V2A, 12V2A

Compatible with iPhone, Samsung and any phones that support wireless charging Apple Watch Airpods, Galaxy Buds Pro

Travel Buddy x 1 Type-C to Type-C Cable x 1

Yes, you can charge another wireless device on the Airpods charging base at up to 5W

The Urban Travel Buddy has a green light indicator located at the front base while charging. The light automatically turns off when the iPhone is fully charged.

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trvl™ + pipa™ urbn travel system

A lightweight travel system where innovative safety and sleek luxury features combine into a compact package that moves you and baby seamlessly through the city. The Nuna PIPA urbn reimagines the future of travel with baby. This one-of-a-kind, ultra-lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7 pounds* and installs using the advanced pipaFIX™ rigid latch. This groundbreaking baseless installation feature is integrated into the car seat, allowing for super secure installs in seconds when moving from car to taxi, to rideshare and offering a new generation of journeys. It also features a one-handed, quick release from stroller and vehicle and Nuna’s iconic Sky drape™ for ultimate privacy - so you and baby can navigate life with modern-day ease. The super-compact Nuna TRVL stroller with one-handed self-fold is only 13.6 pounds, making it easy to carry with the armbar when folded or store away in the carry bag that’s included. Its progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology provides smooth strolls for baby, while the one-handed steering makes it a cinch to maneuver through even the liveliest of city streets. It is designed to effortlessly connect with the PIPA urbn with just a click, making your day-to-day so much easier. *Without canopy and insert

  • Luxury features for city and travel meet lightweight convenience
  • Self-folding stroller opens and closes with one hand
  • Free standing compact fold
  • MagneTech Secure Snap™, a self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place
  • 2-second steel-reinforced pipaFIX™ rigid latch installation makes set up swift, simple and above all - safe
  • Ultralight for on-the-go at just 7 lbs
  • Travel with ease with pipaFIX™ or vehicle seat belt- no base needed
  • One-handed vehicle and stroller release for quick and easy in-and-outs
  • Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry with the arm bar when folded
  • Go hands free with the carry bag that’s included
  • One-hand, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support for added comfort
  • Progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology provides a smooth ride
  • One-handed steering and exceptional maneuverability make it a dream to push and turn
  • Water repellent, easy to clean, UPF 50+ canopy provides both coverage and multiple windows
  • Quick-release, no-rethread five-point harness for easy adjustments
  • Luxe leatherette accented pushbar and armbar lend style to your strolls
  • Quick release wheels make for an even more compact fold
  • Simple, one-touch, rear-wheel braking system
  • The removable and rotating armbar fits kids of all sizes
  • Front swivel wheels with swivel locks
  • Easy access basket for storing on-the-go essentials
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
  • Auto-reclining foot that aids in proper installations in vehicles
  • European belt path for vehicle belt installations
  • Aeroflex™ foam that is cleverly lightweight, resilient, and minimizes force transferred to baby by absorbing and diffusing energy
  • Side Impact Protection for ultimate baby safe keeping
  • Five-point harness keeps travels secure
  • Sky drape™ pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly with magnets
  • Full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy is extendable and features a flip-out eyeshade and XL peek-a-boo window
  • From fabric to foam and beyond, each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals
  • Integrated magnetic buckle holders help keep straps out of the way when buckling baby in
  • Head support includes a 2-layer soft surround to accommodate smaller babies
  • Infant head support and body inserts feature environmentally friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ *** branded lyocell fiber blend that is soft, naturally controls moisture, and is environmentally friendly
  • Machine washable seat fabrics and inserts
  • Luxe leatherette carry handle for stylish journeys
  • FAA certified for aircraft use
  • All installation types are baseless- no base needed
  • Not compatible with PIPA™ series base or RELX™ base
  • Set of included anchor guides make it easy to locate and install on the lower anchor bars in vehicle
  • *Refer to instructions for any final adjustments **Weight excludes canopy and infant insert ***TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG

Product specifications

TRVL Up to 50 lbs

Weight: 13.6 lbs without canopy and arm bar (canopy and armbar approx. 1 lb) Stroller dimensions: L 32.5 x W 20.25 x H 44 in Stroller dimensions (folded) L 24* x W 20.25 x H 11 in (*with arm bar removed) PIPA urbn 4 to 22 lbs, and up to 29 in Weight: 7 lbs without canopy and inserts (canopy and insert approx. 2 lb) Car seat dimensions: L 25 x W 17.5 x H 22 in

Q: Can the PIPA urbn be installed with a base?

Q: when will pipa urbn be available as a stand-alone, q: can you take the trvl on an airplane.

Modern rides, reimagined

Steel-reinforced pipaFIX rigid latches

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Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger review: Plenty of power on the go

Petter Ahrnstedt

Expert's Rating

  • Good design
  • Several adapters
  • Four charging ports
  • Relatively heavy

Our Verdict

The Satechi 145 W USB-C Gan Travel Charger makes life easier when traveling. You can replace all your chargers with this one. It’s also just as perfect to keep at home on your desk. Plenty of wattage and ports (as well as different plugs) make it a great buy.

Best Prices Today: Satechi 145W USB-C GaN Travel Charger

The best thing about the USB-C standard is that not only does it reduce the amount of e-waste, but it also makes traveling easier–but you may still need multiple chargers when on the road. Your iPad requires one, your iPhone another, and your computer a third. While it’s possible to charge them individually with one charger, the problem is if you need to charge multiple gadgets at the same time.

Enter the Satechi 145W USB-C GaN Travel Charger. Satechi’s latest addition is a relatively compact charger with a charging capacity (as the name gently alludes) of 145 watts.

For those who don’t know what a GaN charger is, it’s technology where that uses Gallium Nitride, a semiconductor material that has excellent conductivity and resistance to high temperatures. That means that chargers can be more compact and also benefit in power conversion and energy output. When a regular charger gets hot, it is because the current “leaks” and is converted into heat. A GaN charger stays much cooler, even when you put a heavy load on it.

Satechi 145 W USB-C Gan Travel Charger i handen

It doesn’t take up much space.

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Petter Ahrnstedt

The Travel Charger’s 145 watts are distributed across four different ports. If you only connect one device, the first two ports deliver 140 watts, while the last two deliver 45 watts. The ports that provide more power support PD 3.1 , while the other two support PD 3.0. If you connect four devices, the ports deliver 65, 30, 25, and 20 watts respectively. That’s quite enough to charge a MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch at the same time. You can easily use your computer or tablet while charging.

Satechi 145 W USB-C Gan Travel Charger kraftfördelning

This is how the charge is distributed when you connect multiple devices.

Kraftfördelning portar

Adapters for the whole world

The Travel Charger is space gray, slightly rectangular, and has a small button on the top. This is so you can change the plug itself. Along with a small woven nylon bag, the package includes four different plugs:

  • 1x UK adapter
  • 1x EU adapter
  • 1x AU adapter (Australia)
  • 1x USA adapter

Satechi 145 W USB-C Gan Travel Charger med olika stickproppar

The device doesn’t have a USB-A connection. But at least since the iPhone 12, Apple has included a USB-C to Lightning cable and the iPhone 15 has USB-C.

Should you buy the Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger?

The Satechi 145 W USB-C Gan Travel Charger is a powerful charger that you can use at home as well as when traveling. The format is flexible and you get plugs that work in most corners of the world. If I’m going to complain about anything, it’s the weight, but then I’m a whiny journalist who needs to find something to complain about.

This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden and was translated by Roman Loyola .

Author: Petter Ahrnstedt , Macworldredaktör

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Recent stories by Petter Ahrnstedt:

  • Ugreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger review: Packing a punch of power

American Airlines is preparing for summer travel with new premium onboard amenities — take a look

  • American Airlines is launching its first rotating collection of premium amenities Memorial Day Weekend.
  • It includes a new front-row flagship suite, new bedding, and enhanced dining options. 
  • The new amenity kit program will cycle skincare products and offer limited-edition specialty kits. 

Insider Today

American Airlines is gearing up for summer travel with new luxury in-flight offerings for its customers.

American is launching its first rotating collection of premium onboard amenities over Memorial Day Weekend. It will be available on 300 international and transcontinental flights.

The offerings include new bedding, dining options, and an amenity kit program that lets premium passengers sample different skincare brands and products.

"We thoughtfully curate each element of the onboard experience so every customer can look forward to the time they spend in flight," American's vice president of customer experience, Kim Cisek, said in a statement. "Part of the magic of travel is connecting our customers to the people and experiences that matter most to them."

While most of the new amenities are being offered to premium cabins, main cabin passengers will also have access to new bedding and other seat enhancements.

Passengers in the main cabin will have access to 4K seatback screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and new charging ports. All customers will have access to 1,500 free entertainment content options and can use high-speed WiFi.

Passengers can kick back in the flagship suites with new privacy doors and chaise lounge positions.

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Customers traveling in American's flagship suite seat have access to wireless charging, Bluetooth capability, and multiple storage spaces.

Passengers traveling in premium economy can also enjoy new amenities like wireless charging, additional storage space, and privacy headrest wings.

Customers looking for more luxury can sit front row on the new Boeing 787-9 and 777-300 aircraft's flagship suite preferred seat.

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The new seat offers customers additional space and storage. It will offer additional amenities for passengers' comfort, like a Nest Bedding mattress pad, a throw blanket, and a memory foam lumbar pillow.

The seat will also have Nest Bedding pajamas and an exclusive amenity kit featuring additional skincare products.

American used customer research to enhance its bedding in all cabins.

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American decided to offer dual-sided pillows to flagship first and business class after research indicated 75% of its customers preferred different materials on each side of their pillows. The new pillow will have cool touch fabric on one side and traditional fabric on the other.

Travelers in flagship business class can now enjoy slippers onboard.

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The slippers used to only be offered on ultra-long-haul flights.

Customers in all cabins will enjoy enhanced bedding, with cabin-specific offerings like lumbar pillows, throw blankets, premium duvets, and fleece blankets.

American says the new bedding packaging will save 25 tons of plastic waste a year.

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American collaborated with inflight textile company John Horsfall to create bedding from recycled materials. Nearly all the pillows, duvets, and blankets were made with recycled fibers, and filled bedding will be 100% recycled.

Customers traveling in premium cabins will also receive their bedding in a reusable zipper bag made with recycled fibers to reduce plastic waste from distribution.

Customers can try out new flavors inspired by international cuisine and American Airlines destinations worldwide.

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American's premium cabins offer a wide range of new culinary items and award-winning wines.

American is offering enhanced dining options to domestic travelers, as well as those visiting new summer destinations like Nice, Naples, or Copenhagen. One of the meals includes macadamia-crusted sea bass with citrus cream sauce, quinoa, toasted orzo, and haricot verts.

Customers can also choose from new preorder options.

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Preorder options will continue to roll out this spring for business class on flights from the US to international destinations. One of the meal offerings is short rib mac and cheese.

Passengers in premium cabins will also have access to the new amenity kit program.

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American's amenity kit includes basic comfort amenities like a toothbrush, dental kit, eye mask, and earplugs. The kit will also cycle different skincare products and offerings in premium cabins.

American collaborated with beauty retailer Thirteen Lune to curate skincare offerings in the amenity kit.

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The kit will feature high-quality beauty brands from Thirteen Lune's tailored collection. Passengers can scan a QR code in the kit to learn about each brand and partner featured.

Customers will receive the Thirteen Lune kit for the first few weeks of the kickoff to the new program.

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Urban's Scenic Travel

Welcome to urban's scenic travel - lets start planning your next vacation..

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My background

How i got started.

My name is Fay Urban and I have been doing group travel for 23 years and individual personal vacations for 3 years. I love to travel and want to share this love of travel with others. Lets start planning your next trip to an exciting new destination.

I started doing group travel in 1994.  My boss asked me to start a Senior's Club which included group trips.  In 2014 I ventured out on my own.  My husband, Anthony and I do group trips together.

Top destinations

There is so many top destinations.  Every trip is a great adventure.  We have traveled to Europe, the Caribbean's, Hawaii, Canada and some great cities in the continental United States.  We are always looking forward to the next great adventure.

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Urban Decay Cosmetics Travel Size All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray #1

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Urban Decay Cosmetics Travel Size All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

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  • Clean Ingredients
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The award-winning Urban Decay All Nighter Travel Size Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray keeps makeup fresh, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours.

  • Setting spray mists over foundation, concealer, face makeup, and eye makeup for fade-proof, long-lasting makeup looks that stay put up to 16 hours.
  • Works as a makeup finishing spray, leaving a natural look to the skin that lasts all day.
  • Suitable for all skin types, including normal skin and dry skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan + Cruelty-free
  • Set makeup for up to 16 hours of long lasting wear with the Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray in a TSA-Compliant Travel-Size bottle.
  • Lock in your makeup look with this lightweight, microfine finishing spray that ensures all-day fresh, flawless makeup that won't settle into fine lines, melt, or fade.
  • Featuring patented Temperature Control Technology, this weightless setting and finishing mist actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to lock in your look.

Research Results

  • Over 80% said their makeup not only looked better, it stayed on better (even in the T-zone) without settling into fine lines.
  • *Based on a 50-person study.

• Shake mini setting spray well to activate the formula. Spray in an "X" and "T" formation repeatedly (about 3-5 times) until face is fully saturated.

• Spray your eyeshadow brush with All Nighter Travel Size Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray before dipping into shadow for more vibrant, long-lasting color. Use with metallic shades to achieve an almost-wet, foiled makeup effect.

• Mist a foundation brush or blending sponge with All Nighter before applying foundation or tinted moisturizer to make it waterproof for even longer wear.

• Create a liquid liner by dipping an angled eyeliner brush into eyeshadow and mixing with All Nighter Setting Spray.

Ingredients

Aqua / Water / Eau, Alcohol Denat., Pvp, Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate, Ppg-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycereth-5 Lactate, Phenylpropanol, Propanediol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum / Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, Poloxamer 407, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

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  6. Royalty free photo: Traffic light trails in the City of London, urban

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COMMENTS

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    Welcome to Urban Travel Blog - the independent guide to City Breaks and Urban Adventure.I'm Duncan Rhodes, a travel journalist who has written for Conde Nast, CNN, The Guardian and many more, and I set up this blog in 2009 to share my love of exploring cities around the world.I knew I couldn't do it alone, and that's why I've engaged with a knowledgeable team of bloggers to deliver 75+ City ...

  2. Day Tours & City Tours

    Additional food and drinks. Tips/gratuities for your guide. Adult. US$43.00. Child. US$43.00. Add to Cart. More Info. Urban Adventures are day tours with a difference - helping travellers experience the essence of a city in just one day with a local guide by their side.

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    The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further ...

  4. Exploring The Contrasts: How Does Rural Travel Differ From Urban Travel

    Urban travel refers to the act of exploring and experiencing cities and their bustling environments. Unlike rural travel, which focuses on the tranquility and slower pace of rural areas, urban travel offers a fast-paced and vibrant atmosphere that is unique to cities. In this section, we will delve into the definition and characteristics of ...

  5. America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

    Summary: The most notable trend of new study on urban travel behaviors reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips ...

  6. 15 American Cities Perfect For Urban AND Nature Lovers

    The USA is home to some of the most exciting cities in the world, but when the bright lights, bustling crowds and blaring traffic get a bit too much, we long to escape to nature. Luckily, we've ...

  7. America on the Move: How Urban Travel Has Changed Over a Decade

    America's urban travel trends show important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages.

  8. 19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

    5. Gorky Park. Moscow's premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor'kogo) is the city's biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer.

  9. The world's top city destinations for 2023 are revealed

    6. Berlin: Seven out of the top 10 cities on Euromonitor International's 2023 list are in Europe. Manfred Gottschalk/Alamy Stock Photo. 7. Rome: The Spanish Steps are one of the Italian capital's ...

  10. [4K] Walking Streets Moscow. Moscow-City

    Walking tour around Moscow-City.Thanks for watching!MY GEAR THAT I USEMinimalist Handheld SetupiPhone 11 128GB https://amzn.to/3zfqbboMic for Street https://...

  11. All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

    Hello there! Thank you for asking about Urban Decay Travel Size All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray! Yes, it is waterproof. This setting spray mists over foundation, concealer, face makeup, and eye makeup for fade-proof, long-lasting makeup looks that stay put up to 16 hours. We hope you try it out soon. Was this answer helpful to you

  12. All Nighter Setting Spray + Primer Bundle

    Our vegan All Nighter Face Primer grips onto your makeup and won't let go, extending your foundation's life for up to 8 hours. Leave your skin silky-soft to the touch with our hydrating, sheer, and lightweight formula. Makeup looks fresh and evenly applied, leaving skin feeling slightly lifted and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

  13. Travel-Size All-Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray

    This ensures even and translucent application. Fill Weight: 30 ml / 1.0 fl oz. Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free. Shop All Nighter Ultra Matte Travel-Size Setting Spray, a waterproof setting spray that locks makeup in place while absorbing oil on the skin's surface.

  14. The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2024

    Best small carry-on bag for most situations: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. Best large bag for most situations: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. Best mobile office: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L ...

  15. He's making Calif.'s largest urban park safer. The journey almost ...

    The journey almost killed him. He's making Calif.'s largest urban park safer. The journey almost killed him. In 2013, Damian Kevitt was on a bike ride with his wife in Griffith Park when a driver ...

  16. Amazon.com: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Travel Size

    1-48 of 117 results for "urban decay all nighter setting spray travel size" Results. Check each product page for other buying options. ... and available to ship immediately. URBAN DECAY. All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - Award-Winning Makeup Finishing Spray - Lasts Up To 16 Hours - Oil-Free, Natural Finish - Non-Drying Formula for ...

  17. Desert Luxury, Infinity Pools and Fine-Dining in Puerto Los Cabos

    Humo serves a South American-inspired menu and is anchored by an open-fire hearth, so you can expect wood-grilled steaks and seafood alongside a Peruvian raw bar and thoughtfully prepared vegetables. El Barrio is an all-day Mexican restaurant serving fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including a variety of street tacos.

  18. All World Travel Service's long-running legacy resurrected by founder's

    All World Travel was founded and operated by late businessman and entrepreneur Wes Hamdan. The agency leverages its decades of experience in the industry to provide reliable, cost-efficient travel ...

  19. Travel Buddy

    Travel Buddy - 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Folding Stand. $99.95 AUD. This tiny, versatile and wireless charger comes in a foldable design for any occasion. Retracts into a pocketable size on the go. Charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and any other wireless supported phone or device all at once. Easily fold the charger into a stand or a pad ...

  20. Nuna

    A lightweight travel system where innovative safety and sleek luxury features combine into a compact package that moves you and baby seamlessly through the city. The Nuna PIPA urbn reimagines the future of travel with baby. This one-of-a-kind, ultra-lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7 pounds* and installs using the advanced pipaFIX™ rigid latch. This groundbreaking baseless ...

  21. 13 Wide-leg Linen Pants for Summer 2024 From $27

    Buy on Gap.com $79. Made with 100 percent linen, these jogger-style pants (with the same zippered front pockets as the wide-leg pair from Athleta) would look cute with tennis shoes, chunky sandals ...

  22. Travel Size All Nighter Vitamin C Hydrating Setting Spray

    Urban Decay Cosmetics Travel Size All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray. 4.7 out of 5 stars ; 7,222 reviews (7,222) $17.00 . Add to Bag. Lancôme Travel Size Définicils High Definition Mascara. 4.3 out of 5 stars ; 162 reviews (162) $16.00 .

  23. Lion Cafe: A classical music cafe in the middle of Tokyo's busy ...

    00:54 - Source: CNN. CNN —. Walking into the Lion Cafe, in Tokyo's Shibuya district, the first thing one notices is the seating. All chairs face one direction, towards two gigantic speakers on ...

  24. All Nighter Setting Spray Travel Size

    This spray sets makeup evenly and precisely with a microfine mist. This is truly the best makeup setting spray and the results speak for themselves with smoother-looking skin and more vibrant makeup. Oil-free and suitable for all skin types. Vegan & always cruelty-free. Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free. Fill Weight: 30 ml / 1.0 fl oz.

  25. The travel charger that charges all your gadgets

    The Travel Charger's 145 watts are distributed across four different ports. If you only connect one device, the first two ports deliver 140 watts, while the last two deliver 45 watts. The ports ...

  26. Check Out American Airlines' New Amenities

    American Airlines is preparing for summer travel with new premium onboard amenities — take a look. Ana Altchek. 2024-04-17T18:56:45Z ... Nearly all the pillows, duvets, and blankets were made ...

  27. Travel Size Makeup Products

    We always recommend bringing a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion and travel-size All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, even if it's just for your purse or daily makeup bag. When traveling by air, travel-sized containers must generally be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less for carry-on. You're allowed a quart-size bag of these items.

  28. Urban's Scenic Travel

    Urban's Scenic Travel has been in business since 2014. We specialize in group travel but also do individual vacations. Let us plan your next trip. Welcome to Urban's Scenic Travel - lets start planning your next vacation. 608-354-9506. Urban's Scenic Travel

  29. Travel Size All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

    Set makeup for up to 16 hours of long lasting wear with the Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray in a TSA-Compliant Travel-Size bottle. Lock in your makeup look with this lightweight, microfine finishing spray that ensures all-day fresh, flawless makeup that won't settle into fine lines, melt, or fade.