Image used with permission by copyright holderPacking for a trip can be daunting, especially if you’re going away for an extended period time or need to bring a lot of things, and with airline baggage check-in rates going through the roof, there’s always that risk of paying extra dollars that you don’t want to. Why oh why can’t we go back to the days of free luggage check-in? Unfortunately, that’s no longer a possibility. Also, after hearing all those stories about airport employees who steal luxury goods from passengers’ suitcases, it’s not easy to assume that your baggage will be in safe hands once you hand it over to the people working the front desk. Also, with all those baggage mishaps, it’s pretty easy to lose your suitcase. We have a feeling that’s what the folks who invented Bluesmart, the world’s first connected carry-on that you can track with an app were thinking.
Here’s how they describe this miraculous contraption:
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“Bluesmart is a high-quality carry-on suitcase that you can control from your phone, like a boss. From the app you can lock and unlock it, weigh it, track its location, be notified if you are leaving it behind and find out more about your travel habits. You can also charge your phone 6 times over with a built-in battery. Isn’t that awesome?”
Being that we here at The Manual are a bunch of travel-loving people who are always on the go, this suitcase sounds like it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for. Going through airport security can be the most annoying thing ever, and thanks to Bluesmart, we will be able to take out our electronics with ease, track our suitcase down, and weigh it to avoid those overweight baggage charges. Why didn’t somebody think of Bluesmart sooner?
This South American hotel was just named the best in the world by Tripadvisor
Hotel Colline de France in Brazil is 2025's top hotel.
Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards have crowned Hotel Colline de France in Gramado, Brazil, as the best hotel in the world, a top honor driven by traveler reviews and ratings collected over the past year.
Situated in the charming town of Gramado, Hotel Colline de France offers a European-inspired escape with the allure of a French château in the heart of Brazil’s scenic Serra Gaúcha region. From its richly detailed architecture to lavish interiors, guests will experience nothing short of elegance.
Delta and Uber to collaborate on travel innovations
At the recent CES 2025 technology conference, Delta and Uber announced a partnership that helps travelers earn miles and smooth out trips. Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi described the collaboration’s features and benefits onstage.
Delta and Uber look to shape the future of air travel
Delta at CES 2025 Delta Air Lines
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said: “With a record number of travelers taking to the skies, we’re focused on helping to make your airport travel journey as efficient, affordable, and effortless as possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Delta Air Lines as their exclusive rideshare and delivery partner to provide Uber customers with the opportunity to earn miles when riding with Uber and ordering with Uber Eats. Together, we’re teaming up to shape the future of travel.”
Alaska Airlines announces new summer routes from Anchorage
Alaska Airlines to debut new summer routes from Anchorage
This week, Alaska Airlines announced two summer seasonal routes from Anchorage, flying to Detroit and Sacramento. In addition, the airline will resume flights between Fairbanks and Portland. With the updated schedule, Alaska will offer more direct routes from Anchorage than ever before, with 15 flights to the lower 48 and Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines' nonstop network keeps growing
Fairbanks, Alaska Yuhan Du / Unsplash
The Anchorage to Detroit route takes flight on June 14 and runs through August 16, occurring on Saturdays aboard a Boeing 737. The Anchorage to Sacramento route is available during the same period, also on Saturdays and on a Boeing 737. Those traveling between Fairbanks and Portland can do so from May 15 to August 19, with daily trips on an Embraer E175.
