A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations. See past editions here, where your like-minded friends can subscribe and join you.
Triple Travel Charger for Apple Devices
If you’re all-in on Apple products, you might like this 3-in-1 travel charger a reader recommended for your iPhone, watch, and Airpods. The folding magnetic charger is smaller than a phone but can charge up all three of these fast-fading devices every night so you can start fresh in the morning. Selling for $60 now at Amazon. (Thanks to reader Jim from the SpanishAndGo podcast, which I recommend by the way if you’re an intermediate learner.)
Two U.S. Passport Developments
Good news for U.S. passport holders this week. First of all, the State Department is leaping into the modern age and you can now renew your passport online after a successful beta text. Just don’t expect it to be any faster, they warn. Also, Google announced that it’s in beta tests to create a digital ID from your passport that you’ll be able to use at TSA checkpoints. They’re also adding driver’s licenses for many states and commuter cards for public transportation.
New UK Entry Fee
It’ll soon cost you the equivalent of a few pub pints to enter the UK—unless you’re Irish. Most countries will have to apply for and pay a fee of £10. For most travelers that begins in November, but for Europeans it will roll out in the spring. You’ll even have to cough up the fee for your lap baby as apparently this fee to fund enhanced security is required for them as well. This is separate from the upcoming ETIAS €7 fee to enter the EU, so you’ll pay twice if you’re going to both. See the details here.
Cities That Inspire Designers
Where do interior designers like to go when they’re looking for inspiration? This article from House Beautiful runs down 12 places that the people picking out sofas and curtains called out when asked. Some are a bit puzzling to me, but I’ve certainly seen hints of other named spots in Morocco, Colombia, Turkey, and Italy in restaurants and hotels in other places.
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