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The Best Water Shoes

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A slippery rock shouldn’t spoil a white-water rafting adventure, a riverbed trek, or a stroll along a pebbly beach. The right pair of water shoes can provide some protection and peace of mind. We found four options — three of them available in men’s and women’s sizes — that suit a range of tastes and situations. And although water shoes have historically been known for being a function-over-form kind of accessory, we recommend several pairs that are nice-looking enough to also wear on dry land. Our picks include a classic mesh and rubber slip-on water shoe , a sporty, cushioned water sneaker , a tough canvas shoe with a grippier sole for water adventures , and a shockingly fashionable waterproof espadrille . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/C4PJjEH via IFTTT

4 Easy Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Like a Pro

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When you forgo professional movers to DIY your move with a rental truck (and the help of a few friends or family members), what you save in money is often paid for in misery. And loading up that rental truck is often the most miserable part of the whole ordeal. Fortunately, when you’re armed with just a handful of pro-level tools and tricks, it’s surprisingly simple to pack your truck in a time- and space-saving way. Here, Wirecutter writer Kit Dillon — who moonlights as a professional mover — breaks it all down into a few easy-to-follow steps. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/0rWt475 via IFTTT

The Best Camping Chairs

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Stumps, stools, boulders, and picnic tables are fine for sitting briefly outdoors. But if you want to kick back and stay comfy, the right camping chair can make all the difference. Since 2016, our testers (with different body types and physical needs) have subjected camping chairs to multiple camping trips. We chose the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair as the model with the right combination of comfort, durability, usability, and price for most campers. We also found options for campers looking for something a little different in a chair, including one with more support , a heavy-duty chair , a light one for backpackers , a chair with a built-in canopy , and a pick for kids . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/0XMVRDU via IFTTT

I’ve Been to Over 26 Countries. Here’s What I Gift the Travelers in My Life.

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In this edition of The Gift, we’ve handpicked the best gifts for saying “bon voyage.” Plus: a teeny New York City to-go coffee cup charm. Every year, I keep a list of all the places I’ve slept. It includes single overnights, international journeys, work trips — basically any bed that isn’t in my bedroom. In 2024, I spent 102 nights away; so far, in 2026, it’s 36. In my lifetime, I’ve traveled to more than 26 countries and stayed in everything from gross truck-stop motels in Mexico in my 20s to bougie resorts for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. This is a big reason my editors have given me our guide to the best gifts for frequent travelers : I was born with a bad case of wanderlust, and I have a hard time staying put. I’ve passed that wanderlust along to my husband and twins. After nearly 20 years of traveling as a family of four, we’ve developed some rules, including always use a clean bathroom when it’s available (even if you don’t think you have to), and alwa...

REI’S Anniversary Sale Is Here — And Lots of Wirecutter Faves Are Included

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For those among us who love to get outside, May has it all: lush greenery, warming temperatures that usually don’t approach those of sweaty mid-summer, and timely sales to help you replace a tent on its last legs or buy those new hiking boots you’ve had your eye on. REI’s Anniversary sale pops up annually in May, and it’s one of many sales from purveyors of outdoor gear that we’re monitoring right now. Not every sale price is worth it, and not every discount rises to the level of the best price we’ve seen in recent months, but if you’re looking to upgrade, the outdoor sales that are live right now provide the best prices available on the broadest cross-section of outdoor gear we’ll see this season. We’ve rounded up our favorite deals on expert-recommended gear from REI and other retailers so you can get in on the action. (For this sale, REI members get an additional 20% off one full-price item and one REI Outlet item with the code ANNIV26 . You can read our breakdo...

How to Choose the Best Language Learning App for Your Next Trip

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language. This episode covers Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains that most apps won’t make you conversational, but they can help you recognize words, order food, ask basic questions, and feel less intimidated traveling abroad. How to choose the right language app for your learning style. Rather than naming one universally “best” app, Matthew breaks down which apps work best for different types of learners—whether you prefer grammar explanations, TikTok-style video lessons, addictive streaks and rewards, or long-form audio lessons you ca...

4 Easy Ways to Make Sure No One Can Read Your Text Messages

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If you don’t want your text messages read by prying eyes, you should consider locking your phone with a passcode or facial recognition. But that wouldn’t stop wireless companies, law enforcement, or hackers from reading your most mundane SMS missives—even without physical access to your phone. Although that sounds scary, there’s some good news: Your text messages may already be secure if you use an app that offers a form of security called end-to-end encryption, or E2EE, and you can take a few extra steps to make it much harder for snoops to see your texts. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/gdZajlc via IFTTT