King Siu 3/12/25 King Siu 3/12/25

TSA Carry-On Rules for 2025

Note: This blog post is based on the latest TSA guidelines as of 2025. For the most current information, always refer to the official TSA website.

Air travel—a delightful blend of excitement, anticipation, and the occasional frantic rummage through your carry-on at the security checkpoint. As we soar into 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced some updates to their carry-on regulations. Fear not, bruh! I’m here for it and I’ll ensure your journey is as smooth as your in-flight beverage (which, by the way, still adheres to the 3-1-1 liquids rule).

1. The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: Some Things Never Change

Let's start with a classic—the 3-1-1 rule. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, it's considered a liquid and must be packed accordingly. Each passenger is allowed:

3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container.
1 quart-sized, clear, resealable bag for all liquid containers.
1 bag per passenger.

This means your artisanal beard oil, lavender-scented hand sanitizer, and that trendy matcha-infused facial mist all need to fit within these parameters. Speaking of hand sanitizer...

2. Hand Sanitizer Allowance: Back to Basics

Remember the good old days when we could carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer? Well, those days have flown by. As of 2025, the TSA has reverted to the standard 3.4-ounce limit for hand sanitizers. So, unless you're planning to open a mid-flight pop-up shop, keep those sanitizers travel-sized and snug in your quart-sized bag.

3. Firearms in Carry-On Bags: A Hefty No-No

While it might seem obvious to some, it's worth reiterating—firearms are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. Attempting to bring a firearm through the security checkpoint can result in:

Immediate involvement of law enforcement (cue the flashing lights and dramatic music).
Civil penalties of up to $15,000 for the first offense.
Revocation of TSA PreCheck eligibility for a minimum of five years. A second violation? Say goodbye to PreCheck forever.

So, unless your dream vacation involves a complimentary stay in a local jail, it's best to leave the firearms at home or follow proper procedures for transporting them in checked baggage.

4. REAL ID Enforcement: Your Ticket to Ride

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will enforce the REAL ID requirements. This means:

Your state-issued driver's license or identification card must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights.
Not sure if your ID makes the cut? Look for a star marking on your license or check with your state's department of motor vehicles.

Avoid the dreaded "walk of shame" back to the check-in counter by ensuring your ID is up to snuff before arriving at the airport.

*(When we were your age, we could get on a plane with just a Costco membership card.)*

5. Airline-Specific Carry-On Dimensions: Size Matters

While the TSA sets the security standards, individual airlines dictate the size and weight limits for carry-on luggage. Recent updates include:

American Airlines is planning to adjust its carry-on policies to align with stricter international standards. While specifics are yet to be finalized, it's anticipated that allowable dimensions may decrease.

To avoid the embarrassment of trying to stuff an oversized bag into the sizer (and subsequently into the overhead bin), always check your airline's current carry-on dimensions before packing.

6. Packing Smart: Start with an Empty Bag

A wise traveler once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with an empty suitcase." Or something like that. Starting with an empty bag helps ensure you don't inadvertently bring prohibited items. Need guidance on what's allowed? The TSA's “What Can I Bring?” page is your trusty co-pilot.

7. Arrive Early: Time Is on Your Side

With passenger volumes reaching new heights, it's prudent to:

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights.
Arrive three hours before international flights.

This buffer allows ample time for parking, check-in, security screening, and perhaps even a leisurely stroll to your gate (or a quick detour to grab that overpriced airport latte).

8. Medication and Special Items: Declare and Separate

Traveling with medications or special items? Here's the lowdown:

Medications in liquid form are allowed in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces but must be declared at the checkpoint.
Items like baby formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but should be separated and declared during screening.

Transparency is key—both in your quart-sized bag and in your communications with TSA officers.

9. Prohibited Items: Leave the Nunchucks at Home

While some items are obvious no-gos (looking at you, nunchucks), others might surprise you. For instance:

Magic 8 Balls are considered liquids and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. So, unless you want to hear, "Outlook not so good" at the checkpoint, it's best to pack them in checked luggage.

When in doubt, consult the TSA's prohibited items list to ensure your cherished belongings don't end up in the confiscation bin.

10. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR: Fast-Track Your Experience

For frequent flyers or those who simply despise long lines (which, let's be honest, is all of us), programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR offer expedited screening processes. Benefits include:

Keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on.
Leaving laptops and compliant liquids in your bag.

Enrollment involves a background check and fee but can be a game-changer for the avid traveler.

Need help finding a room now that you’ve packed the perfect bags? I like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo for the best prices and the widest options available.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Travel, Eat, Drink will receive a small commission for referring you, at no additional charge to you. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to purchase through the links provided.

King Siu 3/5/25 King Siu 3/5/25

Why AI Travel Planning Isn’t Useless (You’re Just Using It Wrong!) – How to Plan Smarter with AI

Let’s talk about something that almost everyone gets wrong, even seasoned travelers: the misconception that AI tools like ChatGPT are useless for planning a trip. I hear it all the time.

"AI doesn’t get me."
"It’s just gonna send me to the same tourist traps everyone else visits."
"I asked ChatGPT to plan my trip, and it gave me a random list of things to do. Useless!"

Bruh, I’m just going to give it to you straight: AI isn’t the problem. You are. (Okay, maybe not you specifically, but definitely the way people use AI is the problem.)

So buckle up, because I’m about to debunk some AI travel myths and show you how to actually use ChatGPT (or any other generative AI tool) to craft the kind of trip that would make even your most jet-setting friend jealous.

Myth #1: AI Travel Recommendations Are Generic and Boring

Sure, if you ask ChatGPT, "What should I do in Paris?" you might get an answer that looks suspiciously like the first page of Google. The Eiffel Tower? Groundbreaking. A Seine River cruise? Wow, what an insider tip!

But let’s be real: That’s like walking up to a travel agent and saying, "Hey, tell me about a city." Of course, you’re going to get the most obvious suggestions.

How to Fix It:

Be specific. Instead of asking: "What should I do in Paris?" Try: "I love hidden gems, street food, and history. Can you suggest a 3-day Paris itinerary that avoids crowds and includes cool, lesser-known experiences?"

Even better, ask for a personalized breakdown: "Give me a 3-day itinerary for Paris that includes budget-friendly bistros, historical sites that aren’t swarming with tourists, and one unique day trip outside the city."

Suddenly, you’re getting responses that feel custom-made for you. It’s almost like AI does get you!

Results using a standard prompt. — (Sample results from a standard prompt.)

Myth #2: AI Can’t Adapt to My Preferences

Yes, AI is not a mind reader (yet). But you know what is a mind reader? Your best friend who remembers that you hate tour buses and love rooftop bars. And guess what? AI can do that too - if you let it.

How to Fix It:

Treat AI like a digital travel buddy who needs a little context. If you’re using ChatGPT regularly for travel planning, start your queries with a short profile of your travel style:

"I’m a solo traveler who loves hole-in-the-wall food spots, history, and scenic hikes. I don’t like super touristy places or chain restaurants. Given that, can you plan a trip to Mexico City for me?"

You can even refine your results in real time:

"I like these suggestions, but I want fewer museums and more outdoor activities. What would you change?"

See? Now AI knows you. I’m glad I could make the introductions and I expect an invitation to the wedding.

Myth #3: AI Doesn’t Know the Latest Travel Trends or Local Events

AI models aren’t psychic, and they don’t always have the latest info on pop-up restaurants, local festivals, or breaking travel restrictions. That’s a fair point. But guess what? Neither do most travel websites until they update.

How to Fix It:

Use AI as a starting point, not the final word. If you get a list of recommendations, fact-check them!

"Can you give me a weekend itinerary for Nashville? Also, tell me how I can verify if these places are still open or if there are any upcoming events happening while I’m there."

Better yet, combine AI with real-time sources: Use AI to generate an itinerary, then cross-check details on Google, Instagram, or local tourism websites.

Bonus tip: Ask AI how to find local events. Try: "What are the best ways to find out about events happening in New Orleans this weekend?"

Optimized Prompt Results — (Sample results from an optimized prompt.)

Myth #4: AI Travel Planning Still Takes Too Much Work

Okay, so you asked ChatGPT for a trip itinerary, and now you have a full list of recommendations. But booking everything, checking reviews, and creating an actual plan feels like too much work.

How to Fix It:

Use AI to automate the boring parts: Ask ChatGPT to format your itinerary into a Google Doc. Have it create a step-by-step schedule, complete with estimated travel times. Ask for links to official sites where you can book tours or tickets.

Want to be even lazier (er, I mean, efficient)? Try: "Can you turn this itinerary into a checklist with links to book each activity?"

Get The AI Travel Prompts That I Use to Help Me Plan My Trips!

Did you like the prompts I’ve shared in the article so far? If yes, I’ve got more great ones you can use to plan awesome trips! Sign up for the Travel, Eat, Drink newsletter and I’ll send you all the over 20 AI prompts that I use to plan my trips for free!

Final Thoughts: AI Isn’t Your Travel Enemy - It’s Your Secret Weapon

AI travel planning isn’t perfect, but neither is asking your friend who went to Rome once in 2018 and suddenly thinks they’re an expert. The key is knowing how to use AI properly. Be specific, provide context, fact-check, and let AI handle the tedious stuff.

Now go forth, ask better questions, and let AI help you craft your dream trip. Because let’s be real—your human friends are just going to tell you to visit the Eiffel Tower anyway.

Now, who’s ready to let AI do (some of) the heavy lifting for their next trip?

Need help booking a room after using AI to plan your itinerary? I like to check Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo for the best prices and the widest options available.

King Siu 2/25/25 King Siu 2/25/25

Did You Notice Uber’s Sneaky Currency Scam to Charge You More?

Ah, Uber. The ride-hailing hero that swoops in when you need a lift after one too many margaritas. The app that makes sure you don’t end up taking a sketchy tuk-tuk in a foreign land. And now—your friendly, neighborhood currency converter… with an oh-so-generous 1.5% fee!

Yes, in a brilliant (read: totally unnecessary) move, Uber has decided to assign a default currency to your account. Meaning that when you're in Paris, Buenos Aires, or anywhere outside your home turf, your fare will be converted into your default currency before Uber ever hands it off to your bank. And guess what? This delightful “service” comes with a 1.5% bonus fee—you know, just for funsies.

But don’t worry, you can outsmart them. Here’s how.

How to Shut Down Uber’s Default Currency Nonsense

Uber kindly allows you to turn this off, but they sure don’t make it obvious. Follow these steps to take back control of your hard-earned cash:

Open the Uber app and tap your profile (you know, that little circle with your face or whatever Uber thinks is you).
Select "Wallet"—at least it’s hidden in the right spot as they’re actually trying to pick your pocket.
Find "Preferred Currency" and tap on whatever currency is displayed there.
Switch to "No Preferred Currency" instead of the default currency Uber sneakily assigned you.
Hit “Confirm” and celebrate your newfound financial independence.

By doing this, you ensure Uber isn’t taking an extra 1.5% cut just because they can. Instead, your credit card (aka, your actual financial provider) will handle the exchange rate, which brings us to our next point…

Why Letting Your Credit Card Handle Currency Conversion Is the Smarter Move

Lower Fees: Most travel-friendly credit cards charge 0% on foreign transactions. Compare that to Uber’s 1.5%, and it’s like paying a premium for a service you never asked for.
Better Exchange Rates: Uber’s rates? They will almost certainly be higher than your bank’s rate even without the extra service charge.
Rewards and Points: Many travel credit cards give bonus points for purchases in foreign currencies. If Uber converts your ride first, congrats—you just lost out on those sweet, sweet miles.
Because, Principle: They tried to sneak this extra surcharge in hoping we wouldn’t notice. Uber should have at least been polite enough to provide us with the option to switch along with some kind of language that tricked us into thinking that they were doing us a favor.

How Much Could This Sneaky Fee Cost You?

Let’s say you’re on a month-long adventure hopping between London, Tokyo, and Bangkok. You take, oh, 50 Uber rides (because sometimes your brain can’t be bothered to figure out public transit). If your total Uber spend abroad is $500, Uber’s conversion fee alone would cost you $7.50—that’s almost two happy hour drinks, and an entire meal in Southeast Asia!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Uber Nickel-and-Dime You

Look, we already deal with surge pricing, random booking fees, and drivers canceling after making us wait 10 minutes—do we really need an extra 1.5% charge just for paying in another country? No, we do not.

Take 30 seconds to change this setting and keep that money where it belongs: in your pocket (or, let’s be real, spent on more travel and food). Uber doesn’t need your extra $7.50—but you sure as hell do! Happy travels, and may your fares be surcharge-free.

When you are abroad and need to look for a place to stay, do what I do and check Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo for the best prices and the widest options available.

King Siu 2/19/25 King Siu 2/19/25

Is Flying is Still Safe?

Let’s be honest - if you’ve been doom scrolling the news lately, you might think that flying is now an extreme sport. With a recent streak of high-profile airplane mishaps making headlines, many nervous travelers are side-eyeing their boarding passes and Googling “best cross-country train routes” a little too seriously.

But before you start mapping out a three-week road trip to avoid a three-hour flight, let’s take a deep breath and break down why air travel is still the safest mode of transportation. Spoiler alert: Yes, even after the latest incidents that have everyone clutching their armrests a little tighter.

Portland Airport — *(Me at the airport in Portland reevaluating my life choices.)*

Headlines vs. Reality: Why the Sky Isn’t Falling

First things first—let’s address the elephant in the cabin. The recent string of airline accidents may seem alarming, but they are not connected. They didn’t happen because flying has suddenly become unsafe; they happened because, well, accidents occasionally happen. And when they do, they make big news.

Here’s the thing: Aviation accidents, though rare, grab attention in a way that car accidents never do. Why? Because people generally fear what they can’t control, and at 30,000 feet in the air, you’re gonna feel a bit vulnerable. But, let’s put this into perspective: the odds of being in a fatal plane crash are about 1 in 13.7 million according to a recent study by MIT. Meanwhile, the odds of dying in a car crash are about 1 in 95 in the United States according to the National Safety Council.

What’s Actually Happening? A Look at the Recent Incidents

Rather than lumping all recent aviation mishaps into one big ball of panic, let’s consider what actually happened:

Different airlines, different issues: Each incident had distinct causes—mechanical failures, pilot errors, unusual weather, or just rare freak occurrences. There’s no “global aviation meltdown” happening.
Immediate investigations: Aviation safety agencies, like the FAA and NTSB, don’t mess around. The moment something goes wrong, experts are on it, identifying problems and implementing solutions before you even decide which overpriced airport snack to buy.
Planes are built for resilience: Modern aircraft are engineered with so many backup systems that even when something does go wrong, they’re designed to keep flying safely.

Why Flying Is Still the Safest Way to Travel

If you’re still feeling uneasy, let’s crunch some numbers:

You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than be in a plane crash.
Car accidents kill about 1.3 million people worldwide every year. Commercial aviation fatalities? A tiny fraction of that.
Pilots undergo extensive training, simulations, and checklists—far more than the average person behind the wheel of a car.
Every single commercial flight operates under strict regulations, routine maintenance checks, and air traffic control monitoring.

How to Feel Less Nervous About Flying

Knowing that flying is safe is one thing—feeling safe is another. If you’re someone who sweats through their shirt every time turbulence hits, here are a few ways to keep your cool:

Know the facts – Statistically, turbulence is like potholes in the sky. Planes are built to handle it, and pilots navigate it all the time.
Choose your seat wisely – If bumps bother you, sit near the wings, where turbulence is less noticeable.
Distract yourself – Download a movie, bring a book, or start mentally drafting a resignation letter to the boss you don’t like.
Trust the professionals – Pilots and flight attendants are trained for every possible scenario. They’ve got this.
Enjoy the perks – Unlike other forms of transportation, flying means you can watch an entire season of your favorite show uninterrupted while being served beverages at 36,000 feet. Not bad, right?

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Ground You

It’s easy to let fear take over, but the truth is that flying is still really safe. The recent incidents, while unfortunate, don’t change that fact. If anything, they reinforce how seriously the aviation industry takes safety and how quickly they act when issues arise.

So, book that flight, enjoy the complimentary (if slightly stale) snacks, and remember: The scariest thing about flying isn’t the safety - it’s the guy next to you taking off his shoes. Safe travels!

When you do book your flight and need to look for a place to stay, I like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo as it allows me to search the widest options available.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Travel, Eat, Drink will receive a small commission for referring you, at no additional charge to you. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to purchase through the links provided.

King Siu 2/12/25 King Siu 2/12/25

The Best Beignets in New Orleans

The recent election seems to have placed many of us in a combative mood, so I thought I'd start a discussion about beignets to channel some of that energy into something more delicious. More specifically, I want to discuss who has the best beignets in New Orleans, Louisiana.

For those who are unfamiliar with these lumps of sweet joy, they are fried pieces of dough covered in icing sugar. Many would describe them as doughnut-like, and that's a fair comparison, so let's just go with that until you can try one for yourself.

For our contest, I am only going to compare the beignets from Café du Monde and Café beignet. I'm not trying to say they're the best two in New Orleans, they're just the two that I've tried, so just chill before you flame me. If you have others that you love and recommend, let us know in the comments below.

Allergy alert: I believe they both use peanut oil to fry their beignets, so decide beforehand if you would like these beignets to be your final meal, or load up on your EpiPens.

Café Beignet

Café Beignet isn't as well known, but it seems to have a super loyal following as well. I found that it was easier to sample these because the lines aren't as insane as Café du Monde in the French Quarter. Founded in 1990, Café Beignet doesn't have the same history as Café du Monde, but they've been able to carve out a niche for themselves with live jazz, cocktails, and pet-friendly outdoor seating in some locations.

I found their beignets tasty, and the texture was light and airy. My beignets arrived hot and still steaming, which is essential to the proper enjoyment of these fried, doughy chunks of heaven. I would caution anyone from wearing dark clothing while eating beignets because it's quite impossible for the generous coating of powdered sugar not to end up on you. For the rest of the day, everyone will wonder if you just ate a beignet or if you have a drug problem.

Café du Monde

Café du Monde is the OG of beignets that everyone has on their New Orleans to-do lists, and that's no surprise for a place that's been serving people (and possibly a few vampires) since 1862. I definitely recommend visiting before 8:00 a.m. or after midnight, unless you enjoy standing in lines. Also, they only accept cash, so make sure you have some handy before you get in that line. More than likely, if this is your first visit you will head to the location in the French Quarter, and the first thing you will notice is the visit is more of an experience than the one you had at Café Beignet. The history and energy of the venue (as staff whirl around in a blur with steaming hot beignets) all add to the circus-like choreography that entertains from the minute you enter until the moment you leave. The staff are also endlessly entertaining and know how to work their audience by providing such services as photographer and tourist information. Once again, you will find yourself covered in sugar from the experience, so just go into it with the expectation that you will leave looking like a snowman.

Like at Café Beignet, the beignets arrived hot, steamy, and covered in sugar. These too were delicious, and the only difference I would point out was that Café du Monde's beignets had a chewier center.

And the winner is...

I'll start by saying they are both delicious, but I preferred the lighter overall texture of the Café Beignet version of this delicious dessert. It reminded me of profiteroles, and I really like profiteroles. Sorry, Café du Monde fans.

Beyond the beignets, hipsters among us will prefer Café Beignet as it feels more like a place that locals would frequent, where Café du Monde definitely fits in the category of a tourist trap.

Regardless of where you stand on this, let me know if you agree or disagree, or if there are other places in New Orleans that you'd recommend over these two options.

Looking for a place to stay in New Orleans? I like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo as it allows me to search the widest options available.

King Siu 2/6/25 King Siu 2/6/25

Five Spots You Need to Visit in Tampa, Florida

I’ve been visiting Tampa for a few years now, so I’ve developed quite a list of favorite places (which you can check out on my YouTube channel or Instagram page). To make it easier for someone who is visiting for a short amount of time or who just arrived, here are five spots you need to check out before you do anything else.

Looking for a place to stay in Tampa? I like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo to as it allows me to search the widest options available.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a great way to explore downtown Tampa and experience the beautiful, scenic banks of the Hillsborough River. It's also nice if you like adult beverages as you can get to-go cups of your favorite drinks to enjoy during your stroll. Find a list of participants in their cup program on their website and enjoy a refreshing beverage while you pass under the palm trees.

The Armature Works is located at the northern end of The Tampa Riverwalk. This historic building has been around since 1910 and was once the storage and maintenance facility for Tampa's electric streetcars. Now, it's a beautiful mixed-use commercial space that includes a range of delicious food vendors and restaurants that are sure to tempt whatever your tastebuds are craving. The interior has been expertly restored to retain many of its original industrial elements that add to the cool factor of the space. Exposed brick walls, skylights, hardwood floors, and exposed wooden beams are many things that I enjoy in a building, so those are things to look forward to if that's your jam too. I mentioned it above, but the food there is delicious and the variety is wide, so make sure you have time for a meal when you visit. It's also part of the Tampa Riverwalk Cup program, so you can take your drink with you after your visit.

With Sparkman Wharf I now bring you to the southern end of The Tampa Riverwalk and a chance for you to refill your adult beverage if you have run out during your walk. It's another mixed-use commercial space, but unlike the Armature Works the majority of the space is outdoors so you can enjoy the sweet, sweet Florida weather. The jewel for me in this complex is the nice little collection of shipping containers that have been repurposed into food trucks (minus the wheels and the actually being a truck part). If you've worked up an appetite again, you can find more delicious snacks here. They often have live music events, so check their calendar of events to maximize your visit.

Bern's Steak House - If you've never been before and like steak, you have to visit this Tampa institution. It's an eclectic formal dining restaurant. You can dine in the bar area if you want a more casual experience. Reservations are strongly recommended as they are a popular spot. One fun fact is that no two members of the wait staff are allowed to have the same first name while they work. So, if Tom starts working there and there already is a Tom on staff, the second Tom will be given an alternate name that he can use while working. They say this is to avoid confusion with customers, but I think it's just the owners having a bit of fun. Either way, I love it. The food is delicious, so don't hesitate to order whatever, and if you like dessert they have a separate dessert restaurant within Bern's so ask your server about putting your name on the list for the dessert room. Finally, they offer tours of the kitchen and their wine cellar (which contains the world's largest private collection of wine with over 600,000 bottles in storage.) and your server can hook you up with that when you're finished your meal. The important message here is to get to know your server.

Finding Ybor City is like finding a tiny slice of New Orleans in Florida as it reminds me of the French Quarter in the Big Easy. Let me know if you feel the same after your visit. This area just north of downtown, as alluded to by the reference to New Orleans, is like Tampa's wilder younger sibling. On any given Friday or Saturday night it can turn into something that resembles Mardi Gras, but don't let that deter you because during the day it is a great spot for relaxing with drinks, enjoying good food, and learning about the history of Tampa. Wondering why Tampa is referred to as Cigar City? Well, in Ybor you've still got lots of evidence of why that is with all the cigar lounges that are still alive and well. Cigar production was once one of the largest industries in Tampa Bay with a peak production of 500 million cigars per year. One final note, if you've ever wanted to actually see a chicken cross the road, Ybor is the place for you! Some of its most famous residents are wild chickens that roam its funky streets.

This is not even close to a complete list of places you should see during a trip to Tampa, but these are a good foundation to build on, and I thought five was a manageable number of places to squeeze in between your Super Bowl festivities. Feel free to DM me on Instagram (@TravelEat.Drink) if you'd like additional suggestions, or comment below. Have a great visit and Go Bucs!

King Siu 2/1/25 King Siu 2/1/25

Where to Eat and Drink in Savannah, Georgia

I love Savannah, Georgia! It’s a beautiful city with lots of history and even more haunted stuff. The residents are friendly and actually make the tourists feel like they genuinely are happy you’re visiting, even if they secretly can’t wait for you to leave, LOL!

For those who have never visited Savannah, you should definitely add it to your list. You've likely seen it though in movies, and anyone who has watched Forest Gump has definitely seen parts of it as it's where Forest eats his famous box of chocolates.

Savannah has incredible architecture and an extremely rich history that will keep you interested at every turn. Instagrammers will feel like they've died and gone to heaven with all the public greenery, magnificent fountains, and Spanish moss dripping from every tree. For the ultimate Spanish moss experience, make a trip out to the Wormsloe Historic Site for a mind-blowing drive down an avenue of oak trees overflowing with Spanish moss. Wormsloe is also the home of the oldest structure in Savannah, in addition to being a really cool, historic, and beautiful place.

As I'm always recommending walking tours, I did manage to squeeze in this Savannah ghost tour pub crawl which was loads of fun. Protip, you can walk around with your adult beverages during the tour so you don't have to finish them at every stop. This increases the possibility that you'll remain upright for the whole tour.

Looking for a place to stay in Savannah? I like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo as it allows me to search the widest options available.

FOOD

The biggest standout for me here, and really anywhere, is the food! OMG, the food... Here are a few dining options below that you should add to your trip.

Husk - For dinner or lunch you can't go wrong with Husk. It originally started in Charleston, but now has expanded to Savannah. Everything is delicious, but I have a soft spot for the fried chicken and the cheese and grits which I present below as Exhibit A and B.

Little Duck Diner - Fun for breakfast or lunch, the food is very much diner-inspired but somehow manages to seem healthy without tasting healthy. I guess it's what one would call a modern diner.

The Collins Quarter - This is probably the ultimate brunch or breakfast spot, so definitely start some of your days here. I recommend everything as the food is delicious and the vibe is chill so you'll have a good time.

Green Truck Pub - If your goal is to dine where the locals eat, then you need to drop by the Green Truck Pub as it will assure that you spend some time outside of the Historic District. You may get confused at first because it isn't full of tourists, but you'll get over it. They have a fine selection of local craft beers if you're into that, and while they don't just have burgers on the menu I must insist that you get a burger. They're magical.

Treylor Park - Eat tasty food in an unpretentious environment surrounded by good people. This should probably be the name of Treylor Park, but I realize it's not as catchy and would take forever to type as a URL.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - I love fried chicken, so I was really disappointed that I couldn't fit this into my schedule. At least it can be an experience for me to look forward to when I can safely travel again. Mrs. Wilkes is cash-only and doesn't accept reservations. Every morning from Monday to Friday people line up and wait for the doors to open at 11:00 a.m. and hope they make it in before the doors close at 2:00 p.m. As they say in the Hunger Games, "may the odds be ever in your favor".

Vinny Van GoGo - The place to go for a cheap, fast, and delicious New York style pizza slice. If you're thinking of going somewhere else in Savannah for a tasty slice of NYC fuhgeddaboudit.

DRINKS

Some spots to drink that are all fun in their own way. I'm going to categorize them below based on a super scientific scale I just made up that goes from "Less Chill" to "Super Chill".

Less Chill (Think cocktail lounge where you're trying to impress)

Surprisingly Chill (It seemed like it could be a pretentious cocktail lounge, but it was so not that at all.)

The Alley Cat Lounge

More chill (Just relax and have a good time)

Super chill (Anything goes, LOL)

The Rail Pub - Probably just only swing by on their karaoke night if you've got a group of friends who want to get drunk and sing poorly.
Pinkie masters

As always, let me know what you think of my choices and let me know what other spots your would add to my lists.

King Siu 12/13/24 King Siu 12/13/24

Where to Drink and Eat in Paris

By: King Siu

Wondering where you should eat and drink during your trip to Paris? I got you! I’ve put together a quick list of some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Paris!

QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TO PARIS

Where to get coffee

Starbucks! Don't tell anyone French you're going there, but if you love Starbucks, just go for it without regret. Parisians likely already think you're an uncultured slob, so this won't hurt your reputation, LOL.

Café Verlet - For a classic café experience, look no further than Café Verlet. A purveyor of fine teas and coffees since 1880, Verlet is Paris’ oldest operating coffee company and is not far from the Palais Royal and the Louvre
Au Petit Fer à Cheval - Here is another classic cafe for the purists and those who love horseshoe-shaped bars.

Finally, because needing a coffee can be a life or death emergency, any place with an espresso machine will serve coffee of reasonable quality. Note that it's cheaper to drink it standing at the bar. They charge extra if you sit down at a table.

Where to eat

Au Passage - go here for fun, good food, and reasonable prices.

Bistrot Paul Bert - eat here to experience a classic Parisienne bistro.

Septime - go here if you want to hang out with the cool kids. The crowd at this modern bistro is younger and hipper than the other places on this list.

Au Petit Marguery- one more option for those who want to a classic French restaurant experience that won't break the bank.

Le Camion Qui Fume - track down this food truck for some of the best burger in Paris, and also to upset Parisiennes because nothing is as unrefined as a food truck, LOL. The location of the truck can be found on their website.

Where to drink

Prescription Cocktail Club - fancy place for really good cocktails. A great spot for a romantic night out, and reservations are recommended.

Calbar- really chill bar that is possibly the least pretentious place in the city. Oh, and the staff don't wear pants, LOL!

Le Refuge des Fondus - Admittedly this institution is a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s a fun night of fondue. Don’t take it too seriously and it’s a great time had by all. Half of the fun is that you drink your wine out of a baby bottles, post those photos to Instagram, and regret it the next morning.

Harry's New York Bar! Visit this historic bar where they invented the Bloody Mary and where Ernest Hemingway spent many inspirational and drunken nights.

Parisiennes love their happy hours, so keep an eye out for them. They call them "5 à 7 (Also written as Cinq à sept and 5@7" and as that hints it's from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - when in Paris, do as the locals do. The origins of cinq à sept is also a bit more scandalous, as it refers to the time after work and before you get home that you would use to carry on an extramarital affair, so just make sure there aren't any 'lost in translation' moments during your 5 à 7, LOL!

Some tourist moments to sprinkle into your trip

Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche - Get your pic for Instagram on the narrowest street in Paris, or make a TikTok video. Whatever makes it memorable for you.

Petit Palais - take a moment for culture at this free museum. After you get through the exhibits, make sure you leave time to enjoy a coffee in the museum's beautiful courtyard.

Catacombs- learn about this crazy underground world and gaze at millions of artistically arranged human bones and skulls.

The Louvre - if you don't make it to any other museum in Paris, then just go to this one. If you're short on time, then follow this short itinerary: run to the portrait of the Mona Lisa, fight other tourists, get a selfie with the painting; run to the statue of Venus and tell everyone that it's a replica to destroy their dreams; run away quickly and leave the museum before the angry mobs catch you.

Shakespeare and Company - go buy a book and support this cool and unique independent bookshop. Then have a nap in one of the hidden beds in the store.

I feel everyone should have a picnic on the banks of the Seine river at least once in your life. And, if there’s no poop floating around in the river, perhaps you’ll even catch an Olympic event! (Although, probably not as I’m sure they’ve fenced off all of those areas so they can sell tickets to it…) So, buy a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a baguette, then find a spot by the river and enjoy. Bonus points if you wear a beret or throw a mime into the river (just kidding, mimes are creepy, but you should still be nice to them).

Some additional typical places to see if this is your first visit: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Looking for a place to stay in Paris? We like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo to explore our options as it gives us to search the widest options available.

Subscribe to the Travel, Eat, Drink newsletter so you don’t miss any incredible moments or travel hacks!

King Siu 8/1/24 King Siu 8/1/24

How to Go to the US Open for Free!

By: Shannon Howitt - Travel, Eat, Drink Guest Contributor

Planning a trip to the US Open? Here are some tips and thoughts from my visit to the Open in 2023!

We arrived on a beautiful, warm, and sunny day in NYC, what a great way to start our weekend trip to the US Open! We decided to stay at the Archer Hotel, which is a beautiful property right around the corner from Bryant Park. Whether you’re staying in the area or not, if you’ve not visited Bryant Park, add it to your list and check the park schedule before your visit as there are so many wide ranging activities on a daily basis at the park.

There’s an endless number of amazing places to stay in NYC, so pick the one that fits your vibe and budget. We like to use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo to explore our options.

As we had just arrived from the airport and were exhausted, it was so convenient to be able to eat at one of the handful of open air eateries in the park, which was absolutely delightful. However, with so many seating areas in the park, next time we think we would consider picking up a picnic at the Whole Foods across the street.

(Note: Whole Foods does not sell wine (at least not in this location), which was a big surprise to us. The Whole Foods we are used to shopping at in South Florida has a huge selection of wine...)

Don’t miss Fan Week at the US Open

Being huge tennis fans, going to the US Open was something we had wanted to do for many, many years. We usually go yearly to both the National Bank Open in Toronto, as well as the Miami Open, but were so glad to be able to add the US Open to our rounds as it exceeded all of our expectations!

We decided to make sure our trip overlapped with Fan Week, when the grounds of the US Open are open to the public and free. This is a great option to experience the Open if you’re looking to save a few dollars. While admission is free, there will be events that will require a special fan pass (which you can get for free in advance), or paid admission. Make sure to check the website for the full schedule and all the details.

Fan Week happens the week before the main matches start, and consists mainly of qualifying matches. There were many advantages to going during fan week, but the biggest is for those who want to avoid large crowds. Although it was still quite busy, the crowds are nothing like what you see on TV, when the tournament really gets going.

Make sure you get the fan pass - a QR code on your phone which will get you into all sorts of neat experiences. Aside from the qualifying matches, which we were able to easily sit in the front row to watch, we also saw Eugénie Bouchard and Vasik Pospisil play. You can also watch the star players practice - we saw Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcarez, Taylor Fritz, and Félix Auger-Aliassime. You can really be quite close for these practice sessions as well.

The fan pass also gets you into Arthur Ashe stadium (the largest tennis stadium in the world!!!) and all the other stadium areas. Our favorite court was the Grandstand stadium. If you needed a break from all the tennis, there were lots of fun contests to enter and companies with free samples to give away. There were lots of lovely shops to purchase US Open merch, Ralph Lauren clothing, and Wilson tennis gear. There were several open air bars, a stage with entertainment, and lots of food choices from sandwiches, salads, and burgers, to Mexican, sushi, Middle Eastern, etc. And, there was also an Eataly outpost.

Quench your thirst with the signature cocktail of the US Open, the Honey deuce, which is basically a vodka spiked lemonade mixed with raspberry liqueur. For more fun, it’s topped with three honeydew melon "tennis balls”. At the 2022 US Open they served 400,000 of them during the event, so it’s definitely a popular way to stay refreshed and tipsy during the event.

(*Watching players practice at the US Open.)*

Despite not seeing any of the star players in real matches, we felt like fan week was a great way to experience the US Open. Aside from smaller crowds, the price was FREE! US Open tickets during the actual tournament are quite pricey, so this is an affordable and fun way to experience it. I would say our expectations were exceeded and it’s truly an impressive tennis facility.

Important Tip About Getting To and From the US Open

We made the mistake of taking a taxi to the tournament (which is in Queens) from Manhattan. It was slow and costly. On the way back, they were not allowing Ubers or taxis onto the tournament grounds (due to a logistical error), so we had to take the 7 train back to Manhattan. This helped to fill our quota of people watching (if you’ve never been to NYC, the people in the subways are very interesting to say the least), and the subway is a much more efficient and cost effective way to get to and from the event. If you’re in Manhattan, grab the 7 at Grand Central Terminal and get off at Mets-Willets Point Station. Check the MTA website for the most current and accurate info.

Now Most Importantly, What Should You Wear?

There’s a fair amount of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are a must! Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as we started off with a warm and sunny morning that turned into a cool and drizzly afternoon. We did not have clothes that were appropriate for the change in weather, and were cold, damp, and a bit miserable. That is until we realized that that made for the perfect opportunity to SHOP! There are several fun shops on site, and we all walked away, warm and dry, and with new additions to our outfits.

Typical attire for the event is usually sporty chic. For women, cute little dresses (preferably of the sundress type), with socks and sneakers or strappy sandals. I recommend stripes, florals or a white dress. Maybe a light sweater over the shoulders, depending on weather.

Need more ideas? Check out this article from Vogue on what to wear to the US Open.

For men, you can default to golf attire if you’re stuck for inspiration. Club preppy chic. Put on nice shorts with a belt and button down shirt and you’ll blend in easily. Again, add a jaunty sweater tied around the shoulders, and you are all set!

How were the celebs dressed for the event? Well, here is more fashion inspiration for you in Town & Country’s list of 18 best dressed celebs at the 2023 US Open.

Finally, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun by wearing lots of sunscreen and bring a hat!

All in all, we had a wonderful three days in NYC, and are so glad we had the experience of going to Fan Week at the US Open.

Subscribe to the Travel, Eat, Drink newsletter so you don’t miss any incredible moments or travel hacks!