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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

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Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

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Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics

Are you traveling or living outside the U.S.? STEP is a free service that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there’s an emergency where you are, it helps us contact you with instructions on what to do.

Why join STEP?

• Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
• Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

What kind of messages does STEP send? Currently, STEP sends emails only. STEP can send you several types of information:

• Routine Messages : News and updates about the country you picked.
• Alerts : Messages about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact your travels.
• Travel Advisories : We re-evaluate the situation in each country every 6-12 months. Advisories include a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks in the country, and clear steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe.

Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

After you set up your account, you can pick what types of messages you want to get.

Stay in touch during an emergency.  Signing up for STEP helps the U.S. embassy get in touch with you if there’s an emergency. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. can’t reach you with urgent news while you’re traveling, we can use the information in STEP to try and contact you.

Become a Smart Traveler Now!   STEP is an easy first step to being a smart traveler. You should also always research your destination , and consider additional ways to get safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, like on social media.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Learn about your destination

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

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Smart Traveler 4+

Us department of state.

• 4.8 • 5.7K Ratings

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Description.

Smart Traveler, the official State Department app for U.S. travelers, invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel advisories, U.S. embassy locations, and more. Smart Traveler also provides access to the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment enables the State Department to better assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters, unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas. During your travels, STEP can help your family and friends reach you in an emergency. Smart Traveler also provides quick access to the Department's Consular Affairs Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Ratings and Reviews

5.7K Ratings

Great visual ratings for each country!

Not sure what reviewer Xxxxxx€£¥%:( is smokin’ but the country rating system is obviously and clearly displayed. Some people just like to troll. Anyways, I’ve been using this app off and on for years and the most recent update really modernized it and made it easier to use. As a matter of fact, the rating system is really neat (especially in the Advisories section) because you can clearly see the number of countries belonging to a specific rating. I just hope our government keeps the app updated all the time because it really is useful.

Excellent App missing one important feature

I love the app so much as it provides all the information that you need while providing a sense of security. The only feature I would love to see is to include the US embassy contact information at the destination. In addition, a 24/7 emergency chat/contact service would be fantastic.

DoS: Please update

We appreciate this app and that the Dept. of State gives us a venue for logging our whereabouts while traveling abroad. That said, everything about this app seems precisely the same as it did when we first used it in Autumn 2017. Visually it is extremely bare-bones. It forces you to re-type absurd amounts of data. It doesn’t allow you to access a pull-down menu of previous travel companions and their data. I understand that DoS often operates on very thin budgets, but something should really be done to get this valued app a mid-life upgrade.

App Privacy

The developer, US Department of State , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
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US Alumni JO

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How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editor's Note

Though careful planning and common sense are two of the best ways to stay safe when traveling, security situations can rapidly change in foreign countries.

That's why the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help keep you up-to-date on relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. consulate, wherever in the world you happen to be.

Here's how to sign up for STEP.

Who should register for STEP?

The primary purpose of STEP is to keep American citizens safe. Here are a few reasons to consider signing up:

• You're traveling to an area that's politically unstable or prone to violence.
• You're taking an extended trip (several weeks or months) where you have limited Wi-Fi access.
• You're traveling for a major event, summit or conference (like the World Cup) that might become the target of protests or attacks.
• You're a minority traveling to an area where you might be targeted as an outsider.
• You'd like an additional safety resource during your trip, no matter the destination.

Some group trips or programs may require participants to enroll. For instance, I had to enroll when I studied abroad in college.

In the event of a rapidly deteriorating situation, such as a coup or natural disaster, STEP can connect you with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information and help you take care of yourself.

How to register

To register, create an account and fill in your personal information and emergency contact details.

Once your account is set up, log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad. You'll repeat this process for each new trip to receive STEP alerts.

You'll then be prompted to enroll any upcoming trips to receive STEP notifications. Select the nearest U.S. consulate to where you'll be staying. Note that "destination" refers to the country (not a specific city, state or territory), and the available options will auto-fill as you type.

Next, fill in the dates of your trip, the reason you're traveling and how you can be reached while abroad. If there are any timely alerts specific to your destination, you'll also be alerted of that information at this point.

Bottom line

It may be helpful to think of STEP like travel insurance: If all goes well, you won't need to use it, and you might even forget you have it.

However, if things go wrong while you're traveling abroad, your local U.S. embassy is the quickest way to get help; the embassy's goal is to ensure all Americans in its jurisdiction are safe and accounted for. This is when STEP notifications can become incredibly important.

The entire sign-up process takes less than five minutes, and the trip registration process takes about 60 seconds.

For additional resources, be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter and bookmark its international travel page for the latest country alerts.

Related reading:

• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• Confused by State Department travel advisories? Here's what they mean
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Passport processing wait times decrease for the 1st time since February
• Prepare to wait: Current Global Entry processing times are up to 11 months

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

What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program And Why Do You Need It?

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries post record-breaking daily or weekly case counts, the U.S. State Department now cautions that U.S. citizens who travel internationally may face unexpected challenges related to the coronavirus as they attempt to return to the U.S. or travel from one foreign country to another.

One of those challenges is to simply stay up-to-date on various countries’ travel restrictions. 

That’s because governments around the world continue to implement new requirements and even impose new travel restrictions as they strive to keep COVID-19 case counts down in their own countries. The problem, however, is that changes are often implemented quickly with little advance notice, which may take those traveling by surprise.

The good news is that the State Department offers a service that helps U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed about changing conditions in countries they are visiting or plan to visit. 

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. That way, they are able to quickly receive important information from the U.S. embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, which helps them make informed decisions about travel plans. Another benefit is that enrolling a trip in STEP makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers with important information about natural disasters or civil unrest in their destination country, or to contact the traveler in the event of a family emergency.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about STEP before your next international trip.

Created To Assist U.S. Citizens

Consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates can help U.S. citizens who run into legal, medical, or financial difficulties while visiting other countries. For example, if a U.S. citizen’s passport is stolen while traveling, staff at an embassy or consulate can help that traveler get a replacement passport. They can also provide the names of English-speaking doctors or local attorneys, as well as provide information about dangerous conditions.

“In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area,” the State Department explains . “We encourage all U.S. citizens travelling or residing overseas to notify the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of their contact information so that, in an emergency, we can contact them to provide important safety and security information, or support during a crisis. Enrolling in STEP is an easy way to send your contact information to us online.” 

In addition to Travel Advisories, U.S. embassies and consulates often send alerts about emerging situations in a country. It’s important to enroll your international trip in STEP because these alerts are written specifically for a traveler’s dates of travel and destination.

You can learn more about the STEP service here and create an account to enroll a trip here .

Know Before You Go

If you are planning an international trip, the State Department has two more suggestions for you. The first is to visit its Country Information webpage so you can learn about your destination.

“We provide safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each Country Information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you,” the State Department explains. “Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to decide whether traveling to that country is right for you.”

The State Department’s Country Information web page may be found here .

The State Department’s second suggestion is to visit its Traveler’s Checklist webpage, which is found here .

That page includes information explaining how to get informed about conditions in a country you plan to visit and ensure you have all necessary documents. It also provides information about three types of insurance: health insurance, evacuation insurance, and additional insurance for unexpected expenses such as those from interrupted or delayed travel and lost luggage.

While you’re thinking about international travel, be sure to read all of our travel news coverage as well as our COVID-19 coverage, including 6 Things The State Department Says You Should Do If You’re Traveling Internationally and 21 Expert Tips For Traveling Internationally Right Now .

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

Search Smartraveller

You no longer need to register.

We no longer ask you to register your trip with us, instead you can subscribe to receive updates on the destinations you are travelling to and through.

Why the change?

Pre-trip registration with Smartraveller ended in 2019.

We decided to end pre-trip registration because we found many people were not providing accurate itineraries, updating their itineraries when plans changed or advising if they left a destination they had been staying in for a while. Inaccurate information would make it difficult for us to reach people who really needed help during a crisis.

We found that the system was not providing the service intended and that a subscription system would be better to deliver updated advice or alerts to travellers. It also allows you to manage the information you receive and stop alerts when they are no longer needed.

What happens in a crisis?

Where a crisis occurs, DFAT can set up a crisis registration portal. If we open crisis registrations, we’ll publish the link on our website and share it on social media. This allows you or your loved ones to register your location and contact details with us so we can get in contact and provide advice.

Our most recent registration portal was set up in the lead up to the war in the Ukraine and we were able to quickly gather information on the number of Australian citizens and permanent residents who were in the Ukraine and nearby areas, provide them advice on what to do and check whether they were in danger.

• Make sure you are prepared to travel to all your destination/s, including those you are transiting through. Read what to do before you go .
• Learn about what to do in a crisis .
• Learn more about the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) and crisis response .
• Know how and when we can help. Read the Consular Services Charter .

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova; North Korea; Russia; Israel

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My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler

Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

In the beginning, you just make a lot of travel mistakes.

But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes ( and I often make a lot of them ), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.

I’ve learned these tips over the last sixteen years being a nomad.

These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.

So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:

1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking – and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.

Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!

My favorite bag is the Flash Pack from REI . Other companies offering high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

This article has more tips on finding the best travel backpack for your needs.

The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one .

I also recommend packing cubes , which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.

3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.

I love Unbound Merino , as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look sylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Click here for more packing tips .

4. But take extra socks. You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks!

Here’s a list of all my best hostels around the world . If you’re planning on backpacking Europe , it’s worth getting HostelPass , a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.

6. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money for me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive.

Here are some helpful articles on banking:

• How to Avoid Banking Fees While Traveling
• 22 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Have Money for Travel
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card

7. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up!

Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that.

8. Don’t fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly in to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to where you need to go.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner . This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.

Here are some more tips on finding cheap flights!

Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:

• Why I Travel Alone
• The Joy of Solo Travel
• Travel: The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
• How to Overcome Being Alone
• Reading People: One Skill Travel Has Taught Me

10. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource!

11. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. Here are some of my favorite walking tour companies around the world:

• The Best Walking Tours in New York City
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Berlin
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere.

For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.

12. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!

13. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.

14. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.

15. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first. The best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – The BEST for upcoming US flight deals.
• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

16. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid. Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff!

17. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.

18. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)

19. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report.

20. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried.

Here are some tips on how to learn a language .

Here are some posts that highlight my favorite reads:

• 13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
• The Best Travel Books
• 12 Books to Take You Around the World

22. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.

23. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!

24. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.

25. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!

Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card . You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!

26. Write down your experiences. Even in this hyper-technological age, I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on. I never leave home without a journal. Not only do I use them for work (I’m constantly taking notes and writing down ideas) but I also use them to keep track of my travels.

Simple travel journals work great for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down logistical information like directions, contact information, and language tips.

If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, inspirational quotes, and more, grab our new travel journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes as well as write down stories and reflections during your travels.

27. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!

28. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp , Google Maps , or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.

Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists!

29. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!

30. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel.

I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.

31. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.

32. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.

You can either assemble a first aid kit yourself ( here are some tips for doing so ), or purchase a pre-made kit online .

33. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week, or if you search in an incognito window.

Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember, you usually have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Here are some article on how to save money on flights:

• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight Online
• How to Always Find a Cheap Flight
• Where I Find the Best Travel Deals

34. Use Meetup, the sharing economy, and hospitality websites to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win – and I use these resources all the time when I travel.

Here’s an article on how to use the sharing economy (and what websites to use) when you travel.

35. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.

36. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.

• My Favorite Restaurants in Europe
• The Best Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• 30+ Places to Eat in Tokyo
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

38. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!

39. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw .

40. Get city attraction cards. If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!).

41. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.

42. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!

43. Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

My favorite shoes for traveling are Suavs shoes , which are versatile and durable. They’re comfortable and great for exploring a new city all day, but also look nice enough that you can dress them up if you want to at night.

44. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.

Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road.

45. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market.

Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

47. Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

48. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture . Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

49. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.

You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.

My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
• Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
• Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.

50. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

51. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.

52. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!

53. Relax. See Be patient .

54. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

55. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep.

But even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!

These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.

56. Always carry a power bank. Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t.

We all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets, but it can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem.

57. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.

If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network . I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.

59. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!

Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!

Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!

60. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.

On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.

61. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.

*** There you have it! My top travel tips! Follow them and you’ll be the best traveler you can be in no time flat!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad. STEP allows you to enter information about trips abroad so that the Department of State, via our embassies and consulates, can better assist you in an emergency. You can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel advisories and other information for a particular country.

How can the embassy or consulate assist me while I am abroad?

Consular officers assist U.S. citizens and nationals who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. They can provide the names of local attorneys and doctors, provide loans to destitute Americans, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad. Visit the website of the closest embassy or consulate for more information.

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How to Travel Smart: A Checklist to Stay Healthy

June 14, 2023

With summer travel heating up, some advance planning is the key to having a great vacation. University Hospitals infectious disease specialists Keith Armitage, MD , and Robert Salata, MD , share their global travel tips to keep you and your family healthy.

What Happens to Your Body When You Fly?

Before you even get to your destination, air travel brings its own set of challenges. Understanding what happens to your body when you fly and taking steps to protect your health can get your trip started on the right foot.

Air circulation and infections. Modern airplanes are equipped with air circulation systems with HEPA and other high-efficiency filters that trap infectious agents. However, air circulation is less active during boarding and departing than in-flight, so infectious transmission is more likely to occur during those times. Wear a mask during takeoff and landing if you’re concerned about airborne germs.

Dehydration. The air in a plane is pressurized, which means it’s very dry, making it easy to get dehydrated. Bring an empty reusable bottle or purchase a large water after you’re through security, so you stay hydrated before and during the flight. And when the beverage cart comes by – it’s best to avoid sugary juices, soda and alcohol, which only accelerate dehydration.

Ear pressure. Just as hydration helps your body adjust to changes in air pressure, swallowing helps relieve the pressure in your ears. Drink fluids, chew gum or suck on candy to keep your ears clear. Or, pinch your nose and blow gently to relieve ear pressure. It’s perfectly safe.

How to Prepare for a Smooth Trip

The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true with travel. You’re on vacation to enjoy yourself, but if you get sick, you may not have access the same type of healthcare products and services, especially if you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Here is Dr. Armitage and Dr. Salata’s trip preparation checklist.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential part of traveling smart. Seek pre-travel advice from your doctor for the right vaccines, based on both your health and your destination.

“Every vaccine other than yellow fever – common in parts of South America and Africa – is just a recommendation. However, to prevent some important illnesses from food and water, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are frequently recommended. Hepatitis A, a virus that infects the liver, is the most frequent infection that we can prevent,” Dr. Salata says.

Both doctors agree that global travel is a good reason to review any standard vaccines that should be updated. These include tetanus, measles, polio, meningitis and others. Some vaccines that are less common may be recommended depending on your health and destination.

Insects and Animals

Educate yourself on illnesses you can get from insects where you’ll be traveling. Prepare by getting the necessary repellants, medications or vaccinations.

Rabies is carried by animals – including domestic dogs – in many parts of the world. Even a small bite by a puppy can bring rabies, so don’t ignore any animal bite. Rabies is easily managed and getting medical care within 7–10 days after a bite is highly effective in preventing illness.

To reduce issues with allergens, educate yourself on the potential exposures that are common where you’re going. For environmental allergens, be prepared by taking your regular allergy medications with you. To reduce issues with food allergens, you should be able to communicate about any foods you’re allergic to.

“Carry a card with your food allergy information written in the language people can read to ensure you aren’t served something that will make you ill,” advises Dr. Armitage.

Digestive Health

Contaminated food and water are the most common reasons travelers get sick. Water is the most common cause of illness. Travelers’ diarrhea affects 4 in 10 travelers. Plan to drink bottled water in locations with questionable tap water and be sure to pack anti-diarrhea medication. Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to remove harmful bacteria from water, so your daily coffee should be ok when you’re traveling abroad. Keep in mind that boiling water may not remove other potentially harmful substances.

And don’t forget to hold the ice – unless you know it’s made from filtered water.

Make A Travel Kit

Dr. Salata advises that because pharmacies aren’t the same around the world, it’s important to take your own prescription medications as well as pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, steroid creams and the like. He doesn’t recommend anything to boost immunity because the science is unproven. University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health  can provide a list of commonly used over-the-counter items to take, based on the location you’re traveling to.

With these tips, hopefully you and your travel companions are on your way to a fun, safe and healthy vacation.

Related Links

The board-certified infectious disease specialists  at the University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health can help ensure that travelers of all ages stay healthy and safe during their journeys.

Tags: Keith Armitage, MD , Robert Salata, MD

From tracking your bag to VPN, 7 tech tips for a smooth vacation

I've been to 32 different countries, and let me tell you, travel can be stressful. But a little know-how and planning can make your getaway more relaxing than worrisome.

We’re giving away a $799 iPhone 15. Enter to win now!

Stick to sites you know and trust

Crooks are great at creating fake travel apps and sites to rip you off – and artificial intelligence tools make it even easier to whip them up. Fortunately, there are signs to watch for that can help you avoid them.

◾ Check official resources: The Better Business Bureau can be a great aid in determining whether a business is legit. The agency lists real companies; if you can't find the one you're working with, it's best to run away.

◾ Online reviews and ratings: Read online reviews and ratings on sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google. Incredibly positive and negative reviews could be bogus. Watch for a balance of reviews and consistent themes.

◾ Accreditation and licensing: Many legitimate travel agencies are members of recognized industry organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors or have International Air Transport Association accreditation. Check for credentials on their site.

◾ Transparent pricing: Legitimate sites are clear and upfront about all costs. Beware of sites that have hidden fees or don’t clearly explain costs.

◾ Secure payment options: Reputable travel sites offer secure, well-known payment options. Be wary of sites that only allow bank transfers or money orders.

Speaking of, I recently took a fantastic trip to Japan. Watch my travel tips on YouTube . You’ll definitely want to put this on your bucket list!

Keep track of your bag

Lost luggage can ruin your trip. Many major airlines (including United, American, Delta and Air New Zealand) allow you to track your luggage in real time through the airline's official app, so download it before you hit the road.

Pro tip: Searching the app stores can lead you to copycats. Go to your airline's official website and look for a link to the app in the header or footer.

I throw an Apple AirTag in checked bags for extra peace of mind.

◾ Apple’s AirTags are ideal for an iPhone, Mac, or iPad.

◾ The Tile Essentials four-pack comes with various tags for your keys, wallet, luggage, or whatever else you want to try. It's a nice option for Android.

Set your Gmail and Drive to offline mode.

Sometimes, the connection is so bad you can't even load your inbox. Lucky you, you can still get your replies all queued up if you plan.

In Gmail on your desktop:

◾ Hit the settings cog > See all settings .

◾ Choose the Offline tab, then check the box next to Enable offline mail .

◾ From here, choose how many days of messages you want to sync.

◾ Click Save changes .

Now, do the same for your most-used documents in Google Drive. You need to do this for each document, so be sure to take care of it ahead of time.

First, enable the setting:

◾ Open Google Drive.

◾ At the top right, click the settings cog > Settings .

◾ Turn on Offline.

Depending on your storage, recent files will be automatically saved offline. To manually select files:

◾ On the file you want to use, hit File > Make available offline .

Score, in-flight Wi-Fi! Before you start browsing …

Most of us see a network name that looks about right and click it without much thought. That’s what hackers are banking on! Crooks can create fake Wi-Fi networks with almost identical names to the airline’s. If you’re not careful, you could plug into a copycat network instead of the legit one.

If multiple options look similar, ask a member of the airline staff which network is the right one. Hey, they may even give an in-air PSA if you spot a fake.

Oh, and switch on a VPN

Normally, what you do on the internet is open for anyone with the right know-how to peek in. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your data – acting as a shield from prying eyes. VPNs aren’t quite as reliable in the air but are still worth switching on.

They are not optional if you’re visiting any site that contains financial or other identifying, important information.

Double-check your AirDrop settings

I got a strange picture sent to my phone at the airport once. I looked around and saw the snickering teenagers. Yeah, it was funny – but not every prank is innocent.

Keyloggers keep track of everything you type, and criminals love to pass them along using Apple’s AirDrop feature. Don’t accept drops from strangers in flight.

On your iPhone:

◾ Go to Settings > General > AirDrop .

You can set your phone to reject all AirDrop requests, only allow them from contacts, or allow them from everyone. (That last one is not the best idea for travel.)

◾ Click Control Center in the menu bar (it’s the icon with two toggles).

◾ Click AirDrop . From here, you can turn it on or off and choose who can send items.

Your phone is worth a lot

It’s way more valuable than just the amount someone could sell it for. (Though that’s a pretty enticing amount if you have a newer phone.)  Think about all the accounts connected to it: your bank and other financial apps, email inbox and private text messages containing who knows what.

◾ When you’re out in public, shield your PIN. If you really need to open your phone in front of people, use Face ID or your fingerprint.

◾ Don’t use an easy PIN, either. No four digits! Make it as long as you can remember.

◾ If you don’t want to use Face ID, use a passcode with numbers and letters if your phone allows it.

Learn about all the latest technology on the  Kim Komando Show , the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.

Plan the Perfect Summer Getaway: 10 Smart AI Prompts for Travel Planning

BTW, my favorite AI tool to use is Copy.ai ! It’s been my go to for a year and a half now.

Here are 10 AI Prompts for Travel Planning

My “rule” for using these AI prompts is to be as specific as you can. I’ll add in some real life examples of when I’d use these prompts for my own travels.

Create a Personalized Travel Itinerary

“Generate a 7-day itinerary for a summer getaway to [destination] focusing on outdoor activities and local cuisine.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Generate a 7-day itinerary for a summer getaway to Vigan, Ilocos Sur focusing on family activities, restaurant outings, and local gems. My family is born and raised here and we’re very familiar with the area.”

Help With Packing Lists

“List the essential items I should pack for a two-week summer adventure in [destination] considering the local weather and cultural norms.”

In my case, I would say something like, “List the essential items I should pack for a two-week camping trip in Humboldt County considering the local weather and cultural norms.

Find the Best Accommodations for your Trip

“Find the top-rated sustainable accommodations in [destination] that align with a budget of [amount].”

In my case, I would say something like, “Find the top-rated luxury eco-green accommodations in London that align with a budget of $3,500.”

Find the Best Restaurants in your Area

“Identify must-try local dishes in [destination] and the best places to find them, focusing on vegetarian options.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Identify must-try local dishes in Oslo and the best places to find them. I have zero allergies and dietary restrictions, and I’m not picky.”

Find Hidden Gems in Popular Travel Destinations

“Suggest lesser-known attractions and unique experiences in [destination], suitable for solo travelers.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Suggest lesser-known attractions and unique experiences in Napa Valley , suitable for solo female travelers who have a knack for meeting locals and not scared to try anything new.”

 Language and Culture Guide

“Provide key phrases in [local language] for navigating [destination], along with tips on cultural etiquette.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Provide 20 key phrases in Ilocano for navigating Ilocos Sur and Norte, along with tips on cultural etiquette.”

Track Local Events Happening in your Area

“List upcoming festivals, concerts, or cultural events in [destination] during [specific dates].”

In my case, I would say something like, “List upcoming festivals, concerts, or cultural events in San Francisco during June, July, and August 2024. I love country music, I love foodie events, and I’m open to anything and everything. Also list the ticket prices if applicable.”

Meet Travel Buddies Along the Way

“Recommend online forums or apps where I can connect with fellow travelers or locals in [destination], interested in [activity/interest].”

In my case, I would say something like, “Recommend online forums or apps where I can connect with fellow travelers or locals in London , interested in exploring, shopping, and going out to eat.”

Help with Budgeting your Upcoming Travels

“Create a budget plan for a summer vacation in [destination] for a family of four, including accommodation, dining, and activities.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Create a budget plan for a summer vacation in Sonoma for a family of four, including accommodation, dining, and activities. We also have a dog traveling with us, and we’ll be driving to Sonoma.”

Help with Creating an Emergency Plan for Traveling

“Compile a list of emergency contacts, including hospitals, consulates, and tourist help centers in [destination], and advice on travel insurance coverage.”

In my case, I would say something like, “Compile a list of emergency contacts, including hospitals, consulates, and tourist help centers in Oslo , and advice on travel insurance coverage. I’m a US citizen.”

10 AI Prompts for Travel Planning to Use this Summer

Using these AI prompts can significantly smooth out your planning phase, allowing you to focus more on the excitement that lies ahead! Safe and happy travels!

The post Plan the Perfect Summer Getaway: 10 Smart AI Prompts for Travel Planning appeared first on By Nica Lina .

My Review of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, After Three Years of Testing

Plus, insights from our Kitchen Appliances Lab experts.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Cooking performance

How we tested, the bottom line: should you buy a breville smart oven air fryer pro, why trust good housekeeping.

Countertop real estate is a hot commodity in most kitchens, so whenever an appliance claims it can do double duty, it has my attention, especially as a New Yorker and food editor who works with a lot of appliances.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

I work in the Test Kitchen at Good Housekeeping, and I have been using the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro at home for more than three years after receiving it as a gift from my wedding registry . I find myself using this appliance five times a week at least . I even moved my microwave to the basement because I basically stopped using it altogether (reheated leftovers taste way better when warmed in a toaster oven vs. nuked, in my opinion).

Suffice to say that the Breville air fryer toaster oven has earned its place in my kitchen, so I had to check in with Nicole Papantoniou , director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and her team to hear their thoughts, which are backed by thorough testing. Good news: They recommend it too!

In the Lab, Nicole and her team of analysts and product experts evaluate all types of kitchen appliances to find the best: air fryers , toaster ovens , air fryer toaster ovens , you name it. Over the past few years, these experts have put over 40 air fryers, 40 toaster ovens and 20 air fryer toaster ovens to the test — including the Breville Smart Oven Pro , the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Breville Compact Smart Oven .

Over the years, our Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab evaluated a few different kitchen appliances from Breville — including Breville espresso machines — and the brand has earned top spots in our roundups of the best toaster ovens , best air fryer toaster ovens , best indoor pizza ovens and best food processors .

Getting started

In our Lab and consumer tests, we evaluate overall performance and ease of use. We review user manuals and instruction guides and rank how intuitive the appliance is. Breville had high scores across the board, and consumers agreed it worked as it claimed it would. It was easy to set up and included easy-to-read instructions.

For anyone who skips reading instruction manuals (oh, hi!), you're in luck. The interface is super straightforward, and I found the oven easy to operate without any directions. You turn a knob to toggle between cooking functions, which are clearly displayed on a digital screen. Another knob allows you to control how many slices of toast you have, select the temperature setting or set your timer.

There's even a button you can press if you're starting with something frozen (i.e. frozen waffles). One Lab expert commented that the menus were simple to follow and ideal for people who appreciate having a little more assistance when cooking.

The oven door has markings to show you the ideal rack height for the different cooking methods, so there's no guessing where to place the air fryer basket vs. the oven rack for an optimal cooking experience.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers more than a dozen cooking functions, which is great for anyone who wants the flexibility of using the same appliance to roast a chicken, toast bread and bake a batch of cookies (plus so much more). The Lab experts commented on its versatility, especially in comparison to other brands and models.

To test how evenly toaster ovens heat, the experts in the Kitchen Appliances Lab place slices of white bread side-by-side on one of the racks and measure how quickly and evenly they toast at various settings. Breville products received lower scores for toasting than some other toaster ovens. Toasting took about a minute longer, and the slices of bread weren't the most evenly browned. In my personal testing (read: toasting up a bagel or slice of bread for breakfast), I noticed the variations in darkness, but it hasn't been much of an issue.

Roasting and baking

The roasting and baking functions, however, earned high scores in our Lab testing . We roasted a 4-pound chicken and were pleased with the results: juicy, with crispy skin.

We used the included pizza pan and pizza function to cook a frozen pizza and were impressed with the golden crust and evenly browned cheese. Our cake-baking test produced pleasant results, as well.

At home, I often use this appliance instead of my oven. I'm usually cooking for two , and this countertop oven heats up more quickly than my full-size oven and doesn't make my whole kitchen hot. (Win-win) I love throwing one or two cookies in and using the bake function for a sweet post-dinner treat.

When compared with other air fryer models, including air fryer toaster ovens and especially basket-style air fryers , we found that others scored higher during Lab testing. The Breville air fryer toaster ovens didn't make wings and frozen fries as crispy as others. I find that the appliance gets smoky if I air-fry anything oily or greasy — like marinated foods or chicken wings.

Smoking and steam were also flagged by our Lab and our consumer testers . Nicole points out that this air fryer toaster oven doesn't have a tray under the air fryer basket, so oil and fat drip onto the exposed heat source on the bottom. I air-fried bacon once and immediately regretted it.

While I love using the Breville air fryer function to make crispy air fryer tofu and have found success with recipes that call for air-frying something in a ramekin, like peanut butter molten chocolate cakes , I still lean on my basket-style air fryer more often for air frying. I find it more convenient since I don't need to find a potholder to shake the food halfway through and can easily pop the basket into the dishwasher afterward.

Measuring 17.5 inches x 21.5 inches x 12.7 inches, the Breville Smart Oven Pro is definitely larger than other air fryer toaster ovens out there. This introduces its own sets of pros and cons. If you don't have a ton of space, the size may very well be a deal breaker.

If you do have the space, though, this size offers a few benefits:

• Its large capacity means that you can cook a decent amount of food at once — our Lab experts were able to fit up to nine slices of toast! This provides a good option for larger families or someone who likes batch cooking.
• I found that the larger size makes this appliance an even better alternative to a conventional oven. Most quarter sheet pans will fit, as well as many cake pans and square baking pans , so you don't have to buy anything special (a huge perk, in my opinion!).

In our Lab tests, we found that cleaning the included air fryer basket was a bit tricky, but many of the included trays cleaned easily. I, personally, found that when anything drips onto the heating elements (especially during air-frying), it is pretty hard to clean. Otherwise, the crumb tray is easy to remove, scrub in the sink and replace. And wiping the appliance with a wet cloth was simple.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, the experts perform tests to evaluate how well an air-fry toaster oven can air-fry, bake, broil and toast.

To rate each model, we:

• cook chicken wings to see how quickly and evenly they crisp up
• toast dozens of slices of bread at different settings to evaluate evenness of browning and timing
• air-fry frozen French fries to assess goldenness, crispness and moistness
• make frozen pizza to see how evenly the cheese melts and whether the crust is done
• bake a cake to see how evenly it cooks
• broil steak to gauge the strength and efficacy of the broiling function

Over the past few years, I have used the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro in my home kitchen an estimated five times per week. I have toasted hundreds of slices of bread, as well as dozens of bagels and frozen waffles. I experimented with a variety of air fryer recipes ranging from meatloaf, fish and tofu to air-fryer eggplant Parmesan, crispy chickpeas and fajitas.

I have also broiled pizza bagels and open-faced cheese sandwiches, baked chocolate chip cookies, dehydrated apple slices and reheated countless leftovers (sesame chicken, grain bowls, slices of pizza, you name it).

If you have the counter space and want a multitasking toaster oven that can handle a variety of culinary tasks, we say yes. One consumer tester said, "I would buy this all day long!"If you don't have a ton of room, we recommend opting for a smaller model, like the Breville Compact Smart Oven .

Looking for something more high-tech? The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro offers a more connected experience, allowing you to sync the appliance with an app, and it performed well in our Lab tests.

For anyone who prioritizes air-frying and doesn't toast, bake or roast often, we suggest opting for a basket-style air fryer, like the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL , which produced crispy and evenly cooked chicken wings in our Lab tests and proved easy to clean.

Trish Clasen Marsanico is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping. She works closely with the recipe developers and testers in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen. She has over a decade of experience producing food content for magazines, websites, cooking apps and cookbooks — including Good Housekeeping's Air Fryer Magic cookbook .

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances Lab, where she has overseen all testing and content related to cooking products, including toaster ovens and air fryers, for more than five years. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and has answered many GH readers' questions about air frying over the years (e.g. how does an air fryer actually work? ).

Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping , where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds. She has more than a decade of experience writing about food for GH, Women’s Health , Prevention , Redbook , Woman’s Day , The Daily Meal and Food Network. When she’s not at the supermarket or trying out a new recipe, you can find her at the beach, in her backyard or on the couch — typically with a glass of wine in hand.

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal .

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