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Connected Traveler

Helping you navigate the places where travel and technology meet

Connected Traveler
Helping you navigate the places where travel and technology meet

Latest Stories

I Traded My Commute for Hundreds of Miles of Adventure: My Life With Starlink

Thanks to my tech-outfitted SUV, I have a life and career untethered from a single employer, a static workspace, and a fragile corporate ideal. Here's how I do it.

By Michael Lydick
Cinnamon Pass, CO

The Best Unlocked Phones for 2026

Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that often come with new cell phones? The top unlocked phones we've tested aren't tied to a carrier, giving you more freedom to roam and carrying less bloatware.

By Iyaz Akhtar
Google Pixel 10a

Starlink to Jet Owners: Our Prices Are Doubling

Private jet owners now need to pay up to $20,000 per month to use Starlink on their planes. The cost to install the antenna can also now reach $200,000.

By Michael Kan
Starlink planes

Another Airline Starts Flying With Starlink, But Many Passengers Will Have to Pay

Copa Airlines isn’t listing rates but will comp service for passengers in business class, with sufficient elite status, or with existing Starlink subscriptions.

By Rob Pegoraro
Three Copa Airlines-operated Boeing 737 jets lined up for departure from Panama City's Tocumen International Airport.

The Best Instant Cameras for 2026

Just like the classic Polaroids your parents used, the top modern instant cameras we've tested let you snap an impressive photo and watch it develop in real time.

By Jim Fisher
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

FAA Moves to Allow Civil Supersonic Flights Over Land, If They're Quiet Enough

The move comes as NASA begins flight tests of its X-59 hushed supersonic jet.

By Rob Pegoraro
NASA's X-59 test-project aircraft flies above California's high desert

The Best Action Cameras for 2026

If you want to capture outdoor sports or underwater excursions, you need a tough and portable action camera. I've been testing action cameras for more than a decade and am here to help you pick the best one.

By Jim Fisher
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Google Wallet Adds a New Feature to Get You Through Airport Security Faster

The digital wallet is adding an easier way to sign up for the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program. Once set up, you can get through security checks with just a facial scan.

By Jibin Joseph
Google Wallet displaying support for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

The Best Travel Apps for 2026

Traveling domestically or internationally doesn't have to be stressful. The top travel apps help you book vacation homes, find flight deals, reserve camping sites, and much more.

By Jill Duffy & Michael Muchmore
A person sitting outside with a scenic view of a valley; she is wearing a yellow backpack, looking at a smartphone, and holding map

The Best Portable Monitors for 2026

Whether you're a traveling exec, a graphic designer, or a gamer, a portable second monitor can add an extra dimension to your work or play. We've tested most of the major models and have recommendations for every type of user.

By Tony Hoffman
Portable monitor screen

T-Mobile Offers Fresh Set of Freebies for 10th Anniversary of T-Mobile Tuesdays

'Member Month' promotion includes a free drink when flying Delta, $1.99/gallon gas on one day in three cities, and a T-Pain event in NYC.

By Rob Pegoraro
glass of red on a plane's tray table

Waymo Halts Freeway Operations, Stops Service in Some Cities Without Clearly Communicating What's Up

The Alphabet-owned robotaxi service, which takes pride in its transparency about safety, has not been forthcoming to its riders.

By Rob Pegoraro
A Waymo in downtown San Jose, CA, with the Richardsonian Romanesque architecture of the San Jose Museum of Art's historic wing in the background

American Airlines Will Switch to Starlink for Now, But Only on Airbus Narrowbodies

The airline joins a growing flock of carriers adopting SpaceX’s broadband, but its longest and shortest flights will continue to rely on other forms of connectivity.

By Rob Pegoraro
An American Airlines-operated A321 lands at Los Angeles International Airport, with the background blurred.

Starlink Revives GPS Function, But Only for Priority Plans

The little-known, but precise location-data feature can prevent GPS spoofing and jamming, allowing boats to safely navigate despite electronic signal interference.

By Michael Kan
Starlink dish on boat

Airbnb Goes Beyond Homes With Hotels, Airport Rides, Grocery Deliveries, More

Airbnb is gradually turning itself into an all-in-one travel app. What's next, flight bookings?

By Jibin Joseph
Brian Chesky, CEO, Airbnb, speaks onstage during the Airbnb 2026 Summer Release keynote on May 20, 2026 in San Francisco, California.

Ultra Mobile Makes International Travel Easier With New $5 Roaming Passes

The Go Roam World Pass from the T-Mobile-owned carrier lets you travel to over 200 destinations while keeping your phone active.

By James Peckham
A man at an airport on a phone

'Not Accurate': Delta Pushes Back on Elon Musk Over Starlink In-Flight Wi-Fi Claims

Musk claims Delta picked Leo over Starlink for Wi-Fi because it 'wanted to make it painful, difficult, and expensive for their customers.' Delta suggests Amazon offers broader benefits than SpaceX.

By Michael Kan
elon musk

Jealous of TikTok Travelers? You Can Now Book Trips From the App

TikTok Go makes the social network the latest app to offer travel bookings.

By James Peckham
The TikTok logo on a smartphone

New Starlink Policy Requires Passport Check, 'Live Portrait' for International Use

Starlink.com now mentions a 'travel registration' policy for international use that requires the customer to submit a copy of their passport and a live portrait selfie.

By Michael Kan
Starlink box

The Best Portable Projectors for 2026

Need a compact, capable projector you can take with you for presentations on the road—or just tote from room to room, or to the backyard for movies? Here's a look at the top-rated models we've tested.

By M. David Stone
A portable projector on white background