Connected Traveler
Helping you navigate the places where travel and technology meet
Latest Stories
Pebble Flow Electric RV Hits Campgrounds With a Fancy 'Auto Dump' Toilet
Calling all deep-pocketed outdoorsy people: Pebble is here with advanced robotics, a battery and solar panels to go off-grid, and 'the world's first automated RV waste disposal system.'
Planning a Trip? These Are the Airlines With the Speediest In-Flight Wi-Fi
An Ookla survey has one finding that should already be on everybody’s radar: There’s Starlink, and then there’s everybody else.
Notorious Hacking Group Scattered Spider Targets US Airlines
Cybersecurity experts issue the warning after Hawaiian Airlines reports a cyberattack on its IT systems, although no flights were affected.
The Best Portable Monitors for 2025
Whether you're a traveling exec, a gamer, or a graphic designer, a portable second monitor can add an extra dimension to your work or play. We've tested most of the major models. Check out our top picks.
The Best Instant Cameras for 2025
Lots of people enjoy snapping shots with a modern instant camera, just like our parents did with the Polaroids of yesteryear. These are the best instant cameras we've tested.
I Always Travel With a VPN—Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer
You probably know that using free public Wi-Fi is dangerous, but even networks like the ones at your hotel, convention center, or coworking space can be trouble. When it comes to travel, a VPN is just as important as your passport.
I Used a VPN to Hunt for Cheap Flights—Does It Actually Work?
Despite persistent internet myths, it turns out it's nearly impossible to get a cheaper flight with a VPN. I explain how airlines can still suss you out and how to actually get a good deal on your next plane ticket.
IRISPen Air 8
The IRISPen Air 8 isn't very accurate, but this otherwise capable, tiny, multi-language handheld scanner is worth a look as long as you mostly capture or translate sentences or paragraphs, as opposed to whole pages of text.
$199.00
Spotify Takes Flight on United Airlines: Here's What You Get
The airline adds the streaming-music service to its seatback entertainment menu, at first with a set menu of cached content. I tried it out on a recent flight.
Charge Your Phone: Southwest Airlines Cracks Down on Portable Power Banks
You’ll need to keep your portable charger visible anytime you're using it, which means no leaving your phone to charge in your baggage or the overhead storage compartment.
Does Your Airbnb Have Hidden Cameras? Here's How to Check
Though Airbnb has banned indoor cameras, that won't stop unscrupulous hosts. Here's what to do, before and after you book, to make sure you're not being subject to surveillance.
Airbnb Now Lets You Book Meals, Haircuts, Museum Trips, and More
More than just a place to sleep, Airbnb now offers everything you need to feel at home.
Planning a Trip? Google Maps Can Scan Your Screenshots and Save Places
The idea is to keep track of all of the screenshots you take of travel blogs, news articles, and social media posts when you’re researching places to go, Google says.
The Best Portable Projectors for 2025
Need a compact, capable projector you can take with you for presentations on the road—or just to tote outside for backyard movies? Here's a look at the top-rated models we've tested.
Good News: FTC Finally Bans Hidden Fees in Your Live Event Tickets
The FTC's new rule mandates businesses have to show the total price of live-event tickets and rentals like Airbnbs. They are, however, allowed to exclude government charges and taxes.
Google Wallet Now Supports Digital IDs for More States: How to Add Yours
UK residents will soon be able to create digital ID passes using their passports, too.
Travelers Need Real IDs Starting May 7: Here's What You'll Find at Airport Security
The technology used to scan your ID at security, called CAT-2, will know if it's Real ID-compliant. Here's what happens if it's not.
5 Easy Airline Travel Tricks for a Better Flight
Did you know you can track your aircraft's previous flight to find out if you're likely to be delayed? Learn how and check out these other handy tips before boarding your next plane.
Archer Aviation, United Airlines Tease Electric Air Taxi Hops to NYC Airports
Archer says it will offer service from Manhattan to LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark, as well as three smaller airports, that is vastly faster than cars at a cost comparable to Uber Black.
Free Inflight Wi-Fi (Finally) Coming to American Airlines
The offer will cover all planes equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet, but AA doesn’t specify aircraft types.
