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There are a number of clever items you could add to your carry-on to make your journey smoother. Business Insider's reporters' carry-on essentials could make all the difference on your next flight. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But there are ways to navigate these travel hurdles and challenges, especially if you bring a carry-on that's efficiently packed. To help, Business Insider's travel reporters are sharing their carry-on essentials to make your next trip to the airport the best one yet.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ A couple in their 20s converted 11 camper vans before building their dream one. Take a look inside the $127,000 Ram ProMaster.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-13 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

After a bout of burnout, the pair decided to quit their conversion business and prioritize building a van to travel in. Scarlett and Seth EskelundAfter five years of converting and selling vans, the couple was ready to build their dream oneIn 2018, Seth and Scarlett felt stuck. Since 2018, Seth and Scarlett converted 11 vans, including three they lived in; their builds typically took three to six months. Side-by-side images of the interior of the couple's $127,000 van build. And while they accomplished their dream van, Scarlett said, "You couldn't pay us to do it again."

Persons: —, Scarlett, Seth Eskelund, Seth, It's, Scarlett Eskelund, Ram ProMaster, Scarlett Eskelund paddleboarding, van Scarlett, haves, Lula, Sasha, they've Organizations: Service, Business, The New York Times Locations: The, Colorado, Mexico, Canada

☆ Insider Today: Scammers on the loose
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Joi-Marie Mckenzie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. But first: Scammers are on the loose. AdvertisementThe FBI said last year thousands of people lost $350 million to real-estate scams in 2021, an increase of 64% from 2020. In fact, BI has been reporting on scams and how they can wreck one's financial life and sanity for years. AdvertisementMore of this week's top reads:The Insider Today team: Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor in chief of life, in New York.

Persons: —, Tyler Le, Daniel Pietschnig, Alcynna Lloyd, they'd, Monica Humphries, it's, Max Nieuwdorp, Chelsea Jia Feng, Mark Von Holden, Rebecca Zisser, Kevin Costner's, Kevin Costner, Costner, Stefano Secchi, Axel F, Eddie Murphy, Axel Foley, Sam Taylor, Amy Winehouse, Dyson, Joi, Marie McKenzie, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan, Amanda Yen Organizations: Service, Rome, Business, FBI, Research, Warner Bros, Variety, Images, Netflix Locations: Italian, New York, New York City

☆ I took a 10-hour flight, and one carry-on item made sitting in economy more comfortable
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementI was initially hesitant to buy the hammockFor years, I've eyed a foot hammock. AdvertisementThe foot hammock's strap loops the plane's tray table. Since foot hammocks are affordable — I bought mine for under $10 — I figured I would give one a shot. The foot hammock allowed me to be in my preferred plane position with my knees up. For all future flights that allow it, you'll find me curled up in my seat with a foot hammock in tow.

Persons: —, I'm, I've, Monica Humphries Organizations: Service, Business, Street, Leisure, Air, Amazon, Lufthansa Locations: Zealand

☆ I went inside a hidden room where flight attendants sleep on long-haul flights. I was amazed by its small size and comfy beds.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

On Air New Zealand's Boeing 777-300ER, flight attendants rest in a room hidden above economy class. As I scaled the steps up to the room, I entered a cramped space with eight beds and storage. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . When flight attendants and pilots work long shifts, they also take a break — in tiny rooms hidden on planes. On the way back to the US from New Zealand in 2022, I went behind the scenes for a firsthand look at flight attendants' break room on Air New Zealand's Boeing 777-300ER.

Persons: —, It's Organizations: New, Boeing, Service Locations: New Zealand

☆ I sat in the front and back of economy for a round-trip, long-haul flight. I'm still partial to the back.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewIt's a hot take, but I love the back of a plane — especially on a long-haul flight. But after a handful of long-haul flights tucked away in the rear of economy, I decided to see if my preference remained strong. On a recent round-trip, long-haul Lufthansa flight between Denver and Germany, I decided to compare the two areas of economy. AdvertisementAn economy seat on a long-haul Lufthansa flight. Monica Humphries/Business InsiderUltimately, no economy seat on a long-haul flight is ideal, but I'm sticking with the backNo matter the seat, a 10-hour flight isn't fun.

Persons: —, Monica Humphries, I'm, that's, I've Organizations: Service, Lufthansa, Business, I've Locations: Denver, Germany, Tokyo, Munich

☆ I bid $290 for a premium economy seat on a 10-hour Lufthansa flight. I'm glad I didn't win.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I placed a $290 bid to sit in premium economy, an upgrade that typically costs $1,490. I didn't win the upgrade, but ultimately was glad I kept my window seat. AdvertisementI boarded a 10-hour Lufthansa flight from Denver to Germany and immediately questioned the decision I made just a day prior. That decision was to bid on a premium economy seat for my return flight home. Typically, passengers can pay outright for a higher class or earn seat upgrades through airline status programs.

Persons: —, you'll Organizations: Lufthansa, Service, Business Locations: Denver, Germany

☆ Art experts and millionaires head to a Swiss town once a year for its annual Art Basel festival. Here's what it's like to visit as a first-timer.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

I traveled to my first Art Basel, an international art fair hosted each summer in Basel, Switzerland. Collectively, this made up Art Basel, the world's premiere art show, where more than 250 gallerists feature 4,000 artists. Photo Basel and the Liste Art Fair Basel are hosted on the same weekend. Clara Tuma for BIBefore arriving in Basel, the art fair felt vaguely familiarI can't pinpoint the first time I heard about Art Basel. Growing up in Florida, I'm sure I heard murmurs about Art Basel Miami, one of the four locations where Art Basel fairs are held each year.

Persons: —, Paloma Varga Weisz, Gordon Parks, Pat Steir, Clara Tuma, could've, I'm, David Zwirner, Joan, Serena Williams, Julio Le Parc, Ryan Gander, Keith Haring, Francisco Sierra's, Alfredo Jaar's, Seba Calfuqueo, gallerists, crosse, Beyeler, Agnes Denes, Basel's, Mandy El, Eric Hattan, Eric Hattan's Organizations: Art Basel, Service, Art, BI, Liste Art Fair, Basel, Art Basel Miami, FDR, New, Botanical, tote Locations: Basel, Switzerland, Art Basel, Swiss, Art, Florida

☆ It takes a full year to bring one of Art Basel's most popular exhibits to life. Here's how it all comes together.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Perhaps the most popular part of Art Basel is the Unlimited sector, famous for its large-scale works. He spends the week of Art Basel conversing with gallery representatives, discussing artists' works, and planting seeds for the next exhibit. Monica Humphries/Business InsiderOnce the hall's layout is finalized, walls and lights are built and placed. Finally, the galleries and artists arrive to install their projects about four days before Art Basel begins. A view of Art Basel's Unlimited hall.

Persons: —, Giovanni Carmine, Carmine, Lutz Bacher's, David Claerbout's, Monica Humphries, Keith Haring, Miles, Allan McCollum, Julio Le Parc's, Carmine's, Seba Calfuqueo, Keith Haring's, Sam Falls, Mario, Mario Ceroli's, Faith Ringgold's, Julio Le Parc, Christo Organizations: Service, Art Basel, Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen, Business, Basel, curating, FDR Locations: Switzerland, Swiss, Basel, Art, Paris, Miami, la, Harare, Zimbabwe

☆ I explored an Arizona ghost town with an abandoned dentist's office, schoolhouse, and laundromat. The spot felt like stepping back in time.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

On a recent road trip across the American West, I made a stop at The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town. The ghost town is part of the mining town of Haynes, Arizona. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementI will never turn down a visit to a ghost town. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Town, Service, Business Locations: Haynes , Arizona, Colorado

☆ Inside a 5-star hotel in Panama City's richest neighborhood, complete with 2 infinity pools and a Louis Vuitton-inspired speakeasy
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I told locals I was staying at the JW Marriott, but to them, the building is better known as the Trump Ocean Club. The exterior of the JW Marriott Panama, a five-star hotel in Panama City's Punta Pacifica neighborhood. Monica Humphries/Business InsiderBefore the building was called The Ocean Club, it was the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower. In 2018, Marriott International took over management and renamed it The Ocean Club, the AP reported . Everyone I spoke with during my Panama trip knew it as the Trump building or Trump tower.

Persons: Monica Humphries, Roger Khafif, Trump Organizations: JW, Trump Ocean Club, JW Marriott, Ocean, Trump Ocean Club International, Punta Pacifica, Trump, Associated Press, NBC, Reuters, Marriott International, AP Locations: JW Marriott Panama, Panama, Punta Pacifica

☆ I visited a ghost town in the middle of Utah's desert that was home to Hawaiian settlers. Take a look around.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

I reflected on the story of the 46 settlers and was amazed that a group believed in something strongly enough to leave their homes and families in exchange for a new life in the desert. Their commitment and dedication, I thought, were admirable. The Iosepa cemetery. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Persons: Monica Humphries

☆ I spent my first night in Panama at a hotel in the heart of the historic district. The stay made me fall in love with the country in less than 24 hours.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I spent my first night in Panama at the five-star Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo hotel. The property had luxury amenities and was located in the heart of Panama City's historic district. Good food, stunning architecture, and unbelievable views helped me fall in love with Panama. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementA bellhop opened the door to the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, and I was transported out of Panama City's humidity and into a chilly hotel lobby brimming with excitement.

Persons: —, bustled Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Panama, Casco Viejo, Good, Casco, Panama City

☆ A family spent 3 months rebooking flights home from Bali after being incorrectly marked as a no-show by Turkish Airlines. Now, they might lose $5,000.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Now, ticket prices have increased, and the Parfitt family is looking at flights that cost $5,000 more than initially planned. In October, the family spent $12,093 on four business-class tickets for a January flight on Turkish Airlines. With no available Turkish Airlines flights, airline staff rebooked the Parfitt family on an Emirates flight to Denpasar with a layover in Dubai the next day. Related storiesAfter 13 calls to Turkish Airlines, Parfitt said an agent finally discovered the issue: The family had been incorrectly marked as no-shows on the second leg of their original Turkish Airlines flight. Turkish Airlines' no-show policy states that a business-semi-flexible ticket isn't automatically canceled; it "may be reused for a specified fee, no refunds."

Persons: —, Justin Parfitt, Parfitt, it's, wasn't, Annabelle, hadn't, Justin Parfitt Parfitt, It's, I'm Organizations: Service, Turkish Airlines, Business, Companies, American Airlines, BI, Emirates Locations: Indonesia, France, Bali, Toulouse, Madrid, Istanbul, Denpasar, Emirates, Dubai, Turkish

☆ I dined on my first tasting menu on a recent trip to Panama. The splurge is my new favorite way to explore as a solo traveler.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-26 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

This was my first night in the country, and it was also my very first tasting menu. He said 90% of the restaurant's ingredients are locally sourced, which means the menu changes throughout the year to highlight peak produce. The tasting menu was a great way to solve this dilemma. Plus, a tasting menu took the stress out of ordering. I'll admit that not every course on Intimo's tasting menu catered to my preferences; next time, I'll order the bass in Caribbean curry over the guacho.

Persons: —, I've, Restaurante, Monica Humphries, Carlos, Chombolín, Intimo, Alba, it's Organizations: Service, Business, ceviche Locations: Panama City, Tokyo, Panama, Alba, leche de tigre, Peruvian, Boquete, Panamanian, Caribbean

☆ I spent a night in Panama's richest neighborhood, often called a 'little Dubai' or the 'Miami of Latin America'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Panama's Punta Pacifica skyline. From the coast, I could look out onto Punta Pacifica, where a grouping of tall buildings reached out to the clouds. McGowan said people always compare Punta Pacifica to dense cities like Miami, New York City, and Dubai. Central America Living refers to the neighborhood as a "mini-Dubai," and The New York Times said in 2014 that Punta Pacifica is "often called the Miami of Latin America." "I think Panama City and Punta Pacifica have matured enough now that it doesn't have to be compared.

Persons: Monica Humphries, McGowan Organizations: Pacifica, Punta Pacifica, Dubai ., Dubai . Central America, New York Times, Miami of Locations: Panama City, Miami, Casco Viejo, Panama, Punta, Miami , New York City, Dubai, Dubai . Central, Miami of Latin America

☆ Margaritaville at Sea failed a surprise health inspection due to too many people in hot tubs and concerns about food safety
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewOn May 1, CDC officials boarded Margaritaville at Sea, a Jimmy-Buffet-themed ship that welcomes 1,680 passengers, for an unexpected health inspection. In the inspection detail report, officials noted food and drink concerns as well as crowded whirlpools. Beyond food and drink, the officials noted that whirlpools often had six guests, although they're designed for a maximum of four people. Previously, the MSC Seaside failed with a score of 67, Business Insider reported last spring. In the past two years, multiple Business Insider reporters have boarded the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship, and their reviews have been mixed.

Persons: —, whirlpools, they're, Patrick Connolly, Norwegian Joy, Margaritaville, Brittany Chang, Lauren Mack, staterooms, Mack Organizations: Service, CDC, Sanitation, Business, Margaritaville, USPH, MSC, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Vessel Sanitation, Disney, Summit, MSC Seascape, Silver, Norwegian Pearl, Paradise Locations: Oceania, Rotterdam, Norwegian

☆ A photographer's haunting images of America's abandoned homes look like they're frozen in time
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Bryan Sansivero's haunting photography career all started when he stumbled upon an abandoned home in rural Pennsylvania. Bryan Sansivero in front of an abandoned home. Bryan SansiveroBryan Sansivero was driving on a long, windy road about 45 minutes outside Philadelphia when a dilapidated home caught his eye. Sansivero pulled over in an apple orchard and made the trek up to the stone home, which he estimates was built in the 1700s. He recalls peering through the only open window of the house.

Persons: Bryan Sansivero's, Bryan Sansivero, Bryan Sansivero Bryan Sansivero, Sansivero Locations: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

☆ I flew economy on Copa, Panama's flagship airline. My only regret was not booking it for a long-haul flight home.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I took a domestic flight with Copa and regretted not booking it for my longer, round-trip flight home. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . In Panama City, visitors can explore historic neighborhoods, try new cuisines, tour the impressive Panama Canal, and dance nights away on rooftop bars. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Copa Airlines, Copa, Service, Business Locations: Panama, Panama City, It's

☆ A 24-year-old spent $140,000 buying and converting a Mercedes van. Take a look inside the luxury home on wheels.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

So, she set out to do just that for her most recent van conversion. AdvertisementFor the next nine months, she designed and built a space that's just as much functional as it is artistic. By the end of the conversion, Minor said she spent $140,000 on the build. For example, Minor used liquid fiberglass — a material that's typically used on the exterior of automobiles — inside her van. "In which case, it just turns into a regular business that's complicated, that's restricted."

Persons: —, Abbe Minor, Minor, Autoevolution, Noovo, I've, I'm, she'd, Diego's, Minor's van, van isn't, Abbe Minor's van, she's Organizations: Service, Business, Minor, Overland Locations: San Diego, Pennsylvania, Washington

☆ The Balmain dress Elle Fanning wore to the Met Gala has a long history
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

For Elle Fanning, who showed up to Monday night’s Met Gala in a completely transparent Balmain gown, it was the latter. Behold: The naked dress (or in Redmayne’s case, naked suit). In 1962, Hollywood actor Carroll Baker was photographed in one of the first ever naked dresses — also designed by Balmain. Balmain just designed the 8th one.”Hollywood starlet Caroll Baker also wore one of Balmain's transparent dress designs in 1962. Her sheer Balmain dress turned heads — and generated headlines.

Persons: it’s, Elle Fanning, Fanning, Emily Ratajkowski, Kim Kardashian, Doja, Phoebe Dyvenor, Greta Lee, Eddie Redmayne, Theo Wargo, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Florence Pugh, Kendall Jenner, Charli, Charlize Theron, Iris Law, Carroll Baker, —, Baker, Pierre Balmain, “, sparkles, ”, Caroll Baker, Spencer, “ Carroll, Yves Saint Laurent didn’t, Mary Quant, Edie Sedgwick, Trevor Humphries, Baker’s, nonchalantly Organizations: CNN, Balmain, Hollywood, Dior, Hulton, New York Times, Production, Paramount, Fox, MGM, Warner Brothers Locations: Prada, Paris, London, Balmain, British, America, Europe, Hollywood, Baker’s

☆ Travel expert Rick Steves says he only flies in economy: 'It never occurred to me that I'm suffering'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Rick Steves runs a multimillion-dollar tour company but said he still flies in economy. Steves spoke to The Washington Post about his passion for philanthropy and the rise of his business. AdvertisementFor someone behind a company that gains $120 million annually in revenue, it might be surprising to learn that Rick Steves proudly sits in economy class for all his flights. "It never occurred to me that I'm suffering," the 68-year-old travel writer told The Washington Post. In a profile written by Natalie B. Compton, Steves shared how he grew his business and donated millions toward philanthropy.

Persons: Rick Steves, Steves, —, Natalie B Organizations: Washington Post, Service, Business

☆ I'm an American who visited Tokyo for the first time. Here are the expectations I had that were completely wrong.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

After reading blogs and watching countless YouTube videos, I landed in Japan with some expectations. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . For the past decade, I've watched videos, read blogs, and eagerly listened to friends' stories from Japan. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, I've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Japan, It's

☆ After Israel Aid Vote, Pocan Seeks to Show Biden Liberal Dismay on Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Robert Jimison | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

During a town hall-style meeting a short drive from her home in rural southwestern Wisconsin, Elizabeth Humphries asked her congressman how a 66-year-old woman like her could get the message to President Biden that she and her peers are deeply dissatisfied with his administration’s approach to Israel’s war in Gaza. Representative Mark Pocan, the Democrat who has held the district’s seat in Congress since 2013, assured her that he was working to pass along those very concerns. “We’re videotaping this to share with the White House,” he said, gesturing to the iPhone set up on a nearby tripod to capture the event with two dozen or so voters seated in a room in Dodgeville’s City Hall. “They can hear me say this ad nauseam, but you all saying this is, I think, very helpful.”

Persons: Elizabeth Humphries, Biden, Mark Pocan, “, ”, gesturing Organizations: Democrat, White Locations: Wisconsin, Gaza, Dodgeville’s

☆ I visited Aspen, the most expensive vacation destination in America, for the first time. Here are 13 things that surprised me.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

At the start of the 2021 ski season, I visited one of the US' most expensive ski towns: Aspen, Colorado. AdvertisementNestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a small ski town known for vacationers with big budgets. At the top of the list was Aspen, with vacationers spending an average of $761.39 per person per day in the town. In 2022, Aspen was the world's most expensive ski town based on the listing price for prime ski property, according to Engel & Völkers, a global real-estate company. In 2023, the ski outlet SnowBrains named Aspen the most expensive ski town in the US.

Persons: —, Engel, Völkers Organizations: Service, Aspen Locations: Aspen , Colorado, Aspen, Rocky

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