Category: Travel Tips

If you are about to take off for your first flight, there are some things you have to know. One of those things is the fact that many items we consider to be common are not allowed on airplanes. In fact, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a full list of items that they don’t allow on airplanes.

Moreover, individual airports also have the ability to expand the list of items they wouldn’t allow you to take on a plane. And, as some frequent fliers already know, there are many items on those lists that make little to no sense. So, with all of that in mind, can you really be sure that something that is seemingly mundane, like a pen, is airplane-safe?

After all, we have all seen what someone skilled can do with a pen thanks to the incredible action scenes from movies starring Keanu Reeves or Heath Ledger (John Wick and The Dark Night respectively). There is no doubt that a sturdy pen can be used to inflict harm onto someone.

So, Can You Take a Pen on a Plane?

To give you the short and sweet answer – yes, you can take your pen on a plane and you shouldn’t have any issues with the airport security. But, there are situations where you might get in trouble. So, make sure to pay close attention to the article in front of you to avoid negative experiences during airport security screenings.

Rules of the TSA

Going through the official rules of the TSA will show you that pens of any kind aren’t on any of the lists of prohibited items. In fact, there are no real mentions of pens throughout the entirety of the documents they have to offer.

But, there is another thing that fountain pen owners should have in mind – there are rules about ink. Ink is a liquid so you will have to follow the three-one-one rule for carry-on luggage. You can only take 3.4 ounces of it with you, it has to be in a single quart-size plastic bag, and you can only have one bag.

Not All Pens Were Made the Same

A basic ballpoint pen is safe to use, and you can take it anywhere you want. The TSA won’t mind and you shouldn’t run into any other type of trouble as you take off to your destination. But, there are some exceptions to that rule.

Tactical Pens

Tactical pens are an interesting combination of a writing utensil and a self-defense tool. Thanks to their unintimidating design, a lot of people will take them to environments where carrying a weapon is frowned upon.

But, the TSA is not as lax about tactical pens as you might hope. In fact, they specifically forbid these pens as they consider them to be weapons. Which, to be fair, is a correct stance. Tactical weapons are made for self-defense and can be very dangerous in the hands of a trained fighter.

If you visit the TSA’s blog, you will see a lot of pictures of tactical pens the TSA agents confiscated from people at the airport. Of course, you might want to attempt to sneak your tactical pen in if you believe that it looks “normal” enough, but we cannot advise against it strongly enough.

Some Pens Might Explode During the Flight

When it comes to taking your pen with you for your trip, few stop to wonder whether or not all pens are safe for flying. And, as scary as that may sound, some pens can actually explode mid-flight, an experience you probably want to avoid at all costs. It’s not very likely to cause serious harm to you or anyone else, but it can lead to a very awkward situation.

Of course, that won’t happen to all pens. Namely, the people who are most at risk of accidental pen explosions mid-flight are the proud owners of rollerball pens. These pens are a real joy to write with, but, they are simply not built to withstand the pressure changes you experience in the cabin.

Read more: Is it safe to travel via Turkish Airlines

The other type of pens that is likely to malfunction at higher altitudes is the fountain pen. While it isn’t prone to doing anything as dramatic as exploding due to pressure, your fountain pen just might turn to a proper fountain of ink in your carry-on bag.

If you want to avoid this experience, there are a few things you can do. For starters, you can give up using the explosive pens. Regular ballpoint pens are much less likely to suffer a catastrophic failure (even if it might still happen). That is a good thing, given how mundane and inexpensive ballpoint pens are.

On the other hand, some people aren’t willing to compromise their writing experience and they want to stick to their rollerball pens. For them we still have good news. Namely, there are rollerball pens that were specifically designed to cater to writers who are frequent travellers and that can safely handle the shifting pressures in the cabin. Unfortunately, those pens can be quite pricey.

The Transportation Security Officer

Even after all is said and done, there is one last thing you have to consider before you calmly pack your bags for the big trip – the Transportation Security Officers (TSO) usually have the last say about which items get to go on a plane and which don’t.

What you have to bear in mind is that the list of prohibited items that the TSA maintains is not made to be an all-encompassing list. They try to update it as much as possible, but there will always be exceptions. So, if the TSO finds your pen to be problematic, you might still end up having to leave it behind.

Realistically, even if there are some attributes of your pen that the TSO finds troubling, you will probably get to take it with you on the trip. However, depending on the pen itself, the TSA agents might even consider it to be a sharp object and you might have to securely wrap it and pack it in your checked luggage instead of taking it as a part of your carry-on.

Conclusion

As you can see, the answer to this question is very simple on the surface, but it can get a bit complicated when you dig around a bit. Sure, you can take a regular ballpoint pen with you on your journey and you should never run into issues. In fact, if you are traveling to certain countries, you might even require a pen to fill out forms upon landing.

But, there are also exceptions that you should consider. For starters, taking a rollerball pen might not be the wisest choice for your trip. They are prone to exploding when the cabin pressure changes and will likely malfunction. If you don’t pay extra attention to the position of your fountain pens, you might also have a mishap during your flight. So, stick to regular pens or be willing to spend a bit more money to get high-quality models capable of surviving the flight.

The other type of pens you should avoid when trying to board a plane are tactical pens. While they aren’t illegal and most people won’t even know what they are, the TSA is more than willing to confiscate them at sight.

Certainly, you can always check with an airline with which you fly if there are any restrictions on the entry of a pen on their flight.

Singapore is a country of dreams. This bustling metropolis is like no other place on earth. Singapore combines new and old, and modernism with culture and history – it has something to offer for everyone.

As you enter Singapore, you will be amazed at the sheer design and scale of this island nation. Immense skyscrapers tower above you. Wide streets lined with high-end shops stretch for miles. Trees, plants, and flowers are abundant on balconies and roof terraces. It is a beautiful, clean city that is both inviting and exciting. If you are planning a trip to this island country we can help – in the section below we have provided 10 awesome Singapore travel tips to make your stay here a true adventure!

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1. Make use of the MRT system

The Singapore MRT system is a marvel of modern technology. This underground/overground train system is fully automated and the best way to travel around the country. Firstly the MRT system has air-conditioning – this helps you escape from the sometimes oppressive Singapore heat. Secondly, the MRT has stations at many important tourist destinations such as Chinatown, Clarke Quay, the Harbour Front, and the Marina Bay Sands mall. Finally, the MRT system is cheap to use and easy to navigate.

2. Always carry sun cream and bottled water

Temperatures in Singapore rarely drop below 25 degrees. To make matters worse, the climate is humid – when you step outside it can feel like you have hit a brick wall of heat. Luckily, places such as malls and the MRT system are fully air-conditioned. When walking outside, however, you cannot survive without water and sunscreen. To keep hydrated, you must carry bottled water with you at all times when exploring Singapore. Drink regularly and fill your bottle at the water fountains. Additionally, put sunscreen on to avoid damaging your skin and getting burnt.

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3. Wear light clothes and comfortable footwear

As mentioned above, Singapore is humid and hot. To remain comfortable, you must wear light clothes. Consider wearing shorts and light material t-shirts. There will be no need to wear a jumper or coat – even when it’s raining the temperatures are still high. Moreover, comfortable footwear is essential.

This Singapore travel hack applies for any type of travel really. Imagine trying to walk through the Gardens by the Bay in high heels? Fashion should always come second to practicality, especially when you are walking in the hot and humid Singapore climate.

4. Spend at least one day on Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the island of fun. This is no exaggeration! The whole island is populated with fun attractions. On the southwestern coast of the island, you can find three amazing beaches. To the south-east, you can find the fantastic Tanjong Golf Course. Alternatively, if you have an urge for adrenaline, you can always visit Universal Studios Singapore. Finally, there is also the brilliant Madame Tussauds Wax Works, an adventure park complete with zip line, and a mind-boggling waterpark. Spending at least one day here will provide you with some magnificent memories for sure.

5. Head on down to Chinatown for authentic cuisine

Singapore has a large Chinese population. Whilst this population is distributed throughout the country, there is still a major concentration in the traditional Chinatown area. Singapore Chinatown is centralized next to the Chinatown MRT station. The surrounding streets have a myriad of amazing restaurants and street food vendors. If you want a cheap meal and some authentic Chinese cuisine; this is the place to come!

6. Take extra cash for eating out

For the budget backpacker, Singapore is expensive. That is literally the only drawback to this amazing destination. Tourist attractions such as the Marina Bay Sands observation deck and public transport are reasonably priced; it’s the food and drink that will make a hole in your pocket. When eating out, even at a cheap restaurant you should allow for 30 Euros per person. A bottle of branded beer could cost up to 13SGD, and the main course meal could cost 25SGD plus. Chinatown is possibly one of the cheapest places to eat in the country.

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7. Be respectful of the laws and etiquette

Singapore is such a clean, safe and modern country because of the legal system and morals of the citizens. Simple crimes such as littering are punishable with prison sentences – this is why the streets are so immaculate. When visiting Singapore, ensure that you obey their laws, and treat the country with respect. Small things such as giving up your seat on the MRT for an elderly person can really show that you care and respect their traditions.

8. Visit the Marina Bay Sands observation deck at both day and night

The Marina Bay Sands hotel is an icon of Singapore. This immense structure towers over the marina area and is a fascinating piece of modern engineering genius. At the top of the three towers, there is a gigantic platform that resembles a ship. Part of this platform is accessible to the public in the form of an observation deck.

One of our top Singapore travel tips is to ascend to this observation deck both during the day and night-time. During the day, you can see the skyscrapers in all their glory. Furthermore, you can see the port area and the hundreds of ships waiting in the Singapore Strait. Alternatively, at night, you can see the bright lights of Singapore beneath you, and the swathes of vehicles zooming on the roads – it is a breathtaking sight!

9. Forego the Singapore Sling

A Singapore Sling is a famous cocktail consisting of Gin, Cherry Brandy, Cointreau, Grenadine, and other fruit juices. It is famous in Singapore and was developed in the legendary Raffles Hotel. Many people wish to slurp on a Singapore Sling in an elegant rooftop bar whilst overlooking the high-rise buildings at night.

Whilst this is possible, it will undoubtedly put a large dent in your cash flow. We are not talking about 15 Euros either – some bars can charge 50 Euros to sample this iconic drink. If you can afford to do that then hey why not! But if you are on a tight budget, ask yourself – is it really necessary and can you live without one?

10. Don’t be afraid to ask strangers for help

On entering Singapore, you will notice how friendly and helpful people are. If you need assistance, then ask someone! If you are lost or struggling to do something, there will be a Singaporean who can help! English is spoken widely and for many Singapore citizens, it is their primary language. In most cases, if a Singaporean notices you struggling, they will freely offer their assistance without you even having to ask. This can make using the MRT and navigating your way around the city that much easier.

There you have it – 10 epic Singapore travel tips for your benefit. When planning a visit to Singapore, also ensure that you consider the following sites & attractions:

• The Marina Bay Sands Hotel
• Gardens by the Bay
• Singapore Zoo
• Chinatown
• Clarke Quay
• Singapore Flyer
• Orchard Road shopping

These sites will provide you with a well-rounded overview of this amazing Asian country. Don’t forget to use our Singapore travel hacks to help you truly enjoy your visit and make the most of your time here!

Explore the beauty of Asia further by checking our 10 Best destinations for chill yet adventurous budget travel.

When you’re on vacation, there are plenty of things to worry about: keeping track of your family’s passports and other documents, arriving on time to bookings/tours, and – most importantly – making sure that everyone is having fun and staying safe.

The last thing you need is to fret about your electronic device.

On the other hand, you likely have a bag full of phones, tablets, and cameras that need charging. Ideally, you want to be able to charge your gadgets at airports and cafes even if you can’t find a free outlet.

A well-chosen power bank is the traveler’s best friend. But there’s a glut of options out there, and it’s hard to know which one to pick. So let’s go over the three most important specs to pay attention to when you’re shopping for a power bank for you and your family.

How to Choose the Right Power Bank for Traveling

Before you invest in a new power bank, here is what you need to consider:

Capacity and Charge

The most important trait to look out for in a power bank is its storage capacity. So the first question you need to ask is which devices are you planning to charge?

Some power banks can even charge your laptop (hell, they can even give your car battery a boost!). But these are often too big to fit in a carry-on bag, which means you can’t take them on flights. The TSA doesn’t allow power banks with lithium batteries in checked bags.

If you absolutely need a laptop-charging power bank, you can find portable and versatile chargers with a capacity of up to 100 Wh. Look for TSA-approved models – here’s a short guide to the rules.

Read more: Which Airline Has the Most Baggage Allowance?

If you need  a power bank with a more serious watt-hour capacity (up to 160 Wh), you can obtain special permission from the TSA. This is typically used for charging medical devices.

Things are much easier if you are happy to look for a power bank for your phone, tablet, camera, or smartwatch. As long as you stay under that 100Wh limit, you can choose any power bank you like.

Anything with a charge (ampere-hour capacity) of up to 5,000 mAh should be small enough to fit in your pocket – an important consideration if you’re traveling light. For family travel, bigger power banks are recommended.

Port Types

Before you invest in a power bank, check the number and type of ports it has.

You’re likely to see at least one USB-A port on every power bank. It functions as an output port, of course, but you also use a USB-A cable to charge the power bank when you’re home or in your hotel room. If you’re expecting to be in a hurry, you might want to pick a power bank with pass-through charging, which means you can charge the power bank and your device at the same time.

For faster charging, many power banks offer a USB-C port as well. Apple device owners should choose a power bank with a Lightning output. Some power banks offer wireless charging as well – in this case, you simply put your phone on top of the battery without having to bother with cables. Make sure your device supports the same kind of wireless charging technology as the power bank you’re planning to buy: Qi is the most common wireless charging standard at the moment.

Cost

Power banks don’t have to be a huge investment. As long as you’re not planning to charge a laptop or other high-capacity device, you can buy a high-quality power bank in the $50-$150 range.

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An Alternative

Again, power banks are great because they’re versatile. You never know when you might need to top off your camera, headphones, or even your tablet.

But if you are only interested in charging your phone, you might want to consider a battery case instead. This device keeps your phone charged all the time and it keeps it well-protected as well. It takes more time to charge your phone this way, but it’s a good option for solo travelers looking for sleek, multifunctional tools.

Quick Overview

The most important things you need to know before you start shopping for a power bank:

• If you’re flying, stay under 100 Wh. You can take power banks on flights, but only in your carry-on bag.
• For a pocket-sized power bank, expect a charge of around 5,000 mAh – enough to charge a phone once.
• For quick charging, look for USB-C ports or a Lightning port (Apple devices only).

Power Banks Will Put Your Mind at Ease

Your phone is a lifeline during emergencies and it’ll keep you from getting lost (especially if you don’t speak the local language). Your tablet or phone can also keep a fidgeting toddler entertained during long journeys, which is a life-saver in its own right. You also want to be able to take the perfect photo at the perfect time without worrying.

All told, you need a power bank to be able to travel worry-free.

But shopping for any kind of device can be discouraging – the top models seem overpriced, but you don’t want to buy a bunk product. It can seem difficult to find a device that is compatible with everything you need.

Don’t get discouraged! Power banks are built to be sturdy, and they should last you a few years even with heavy travel. Do your research now, buy the best power bank for your needs, and then sit back and relax.

Christmastime was rough last year.

Most of us were stranded at home, binging Netflix and dreaming of snowy peaks. Travel wasn’t on the table, and we felt claustrophobic, exhausted, uncertain.

But things have taken a turn for the better. It’s time to start thinking about places to visit this December. For Christmas 2021, you and your family deserve the best of the best.

We hope this list will inspire you and motivate you to book the destination of your dreams.

1. New York City, New York

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Big Apple, Christmas is the perfect time to do it.

Your kids will love the Christmas decorations lighting up the city. Most importantly, there’s the New York Christmas tree, standing proud by the Rockefeller Center. It’s sure to give you that sense of holiday wonder you missed out on last year.

There are also plenty of cultural events to catch up on. You can still grab a ticket to a Christmastime Broadway show – this year, the repertoire includes Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Hadestown, and other classics.

2. Marco Island, Florida

But maybe you’re not in the mood for a winter wonderland.

There are plenty of gorgeous warm winter holiday destinations in the US. Why not set your sights on Florida this year?

The average high temperature on Marco Island is 73 degrees Fahrenheit. There are gorgeous seaside vistas to warm your soul, and you can always book a cruise and spend time out at sea.

Once you’re done unwinding on the island’s pristine beaches, you can check out the kayaking, golfing, and fishing options. There are also eco-parks you can visit with the kids, and whale-watching is always an option.

3. Vienna, Austria

For an unforgettable adventure in Central Europe, you can’t go wrong with Vienna. This beautiful city has something for visitors of all ages, and you’ll love the combination of gorgeous old buildings and modern decorations.

Don’t miss out on the city’s Christmas markets. Every foodie has to try the toffee apples and fried sausages, and there’s seasonal punch to drink as you amble around. The markets are a great destination for enthusiastic Christmas shoppers – there’s something there for everybody.

4. Madeira Islands, Portugal

Here’s another European gem you shouldn’t miss. In 2020, the Madeira Islands were considered the safest spot to visit in Europe.

Largely untouched by the pandemic, Madeira has a uniquely cozy atmosphere that makes it the perfect option for couples and families looking to get away from it all.

Each village gets decked up in Christmas lights, and Funchal is especially radiant. You can sample honey cakes and enjoy various music performances and traditional carols. Madeira is a great destination for firework enthusiasts, and the atmosphere is unforgettably joyous.

5. Mauritius

Looking for perfect tranquility this Christmas? Mauritius is one of the best places to visit in December if you like peace and quiet.

Read more: The Best Christmas Beach Vacations for Families

The beaches are impeccably clean, with white sand and elegant palm trees. If you’re the adventurous type, you may enjoy wind-surfing along the coastline. But you’ll also have plenty of peace to rest and recharge.

Mauritius also boasts wonderful rainforests and reefs. Nature-lovers can enjoy observing the flora and fauna, and scuba-diving is an option too.

6. Bucharest, Romania

Your Christmas holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Bucharest is one of the most affordable winter destinations in Europe, and the sights it has to offer are unforgettable.

The Brasov Christmas market is a must-see for adventurous shoppers. Vampire lovers can go on a tour through Transylvania and visit the most gorgeous castles in the region – apart from Dracula’s Castle, you can examine the lavish Peles Castle or even visit the parliament building.

7. Seoul, South Korea

If you’ve never been to Seoul, Christmas is the perfect time to visit. The famous Lotte World Christmas Festival takes place every winter, and it is a glorious parade of music and lights.

Read more: Amazing Festivals You Need to Visit Before You Die

You can always tour Seoul’s historical districts, go shopping for handcrafted treasures, or go skating with the kids.

Christmas 2021 should be a time of carefree celebration. Don’t spend it holed up in some hotel room. Give your love and attention to those you love the most, and collect precious memories that will stay with you forever.