A lost or stolen phone can be a nightmare. It’s especially disastrous when this occurs while traveling. Unfortunately, it happens a lot, especially if you’re visiting a country known for having issues with pickpocketing, like Italy or France.

Whether you’re heading to Paris to watch Simone Biles or Sha’Carri Richardson compete in the 2024 Olympics or squeezing in a last-minute vacation before school starts, check out these tips to give you some peace of mind in case your smartphone takes an unauthorized adventure during your trip.

Travel tips

Tip #1: Back up your device before you go.

Backing up your device to a cloud service or computer can save you from the agony of losing everything on your smartphone. This digital copy will restore everything from your pre-trip iPhone or Android to the new device.

If your device backs up onto iCloud or Google Drive, most phones will automatically back up daily when connected to WiFi and not in use.

Tip #2: Log out of apps.

Log out of important apps. In this case, this refers to banking apps, payment apps, like Venmo, and shopping apps, like Amazon.

Think of it like this: if you can spend or send money in the app, log out of it.

Consider also signing out of apps with access to personal information or professional platforms, like email and social media accounts.

Tip #3: Enable your device’s Find My or Find My Device.

Before your trip, enable your device’s location tracking. Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device allow you to track the current or last known location of your phone from another device or computer.

The phone needs to be turned on for the tracking to show the most accurate location data. Otherwise, it may only show the phone’s last known location or display that the phone can’t be located.

Tip #4: Take a different device.

Smartphones can be expensive, so consider taking an older model, purchasing a secondhand device or buying a flip phone. This secondary device doesn’t need all the data, apps or pictures you have on your everyday device, so avoid putting any apps or information that aren’t necessary for your trip.

Tip # 5: Go analog!

Bring printed copies of anything important, like booking confirmations, addresses and phone numbers.

Bring a map of the area and mark important places, such as your hotel, popular landmarks, train station or restaurants you want to visit so you have it in case you need it.

These are the best times to visit the Maldives for great weather, fun activities, and more.

A tropical paradise in the northern Indian Ocean, the Maldives offers soft, white sands, bright blue waters, and a perfect place to unplug and truly relax in a luxurious setting. The archipelago gets more popular every year, so if you want to snag one of its famous overwater bungalows for yourself, you’ll want to have an idea of the best and worst times to go. As a general rule of thumb, remember that the islands’ high season runs from November to April, while low season lasts from May to October.

Whether you’re looking for ideal weather, fewer crowds, or the perfect diving conditions, here are the very best times to visit the Maldives.

Best Times to Visit the Maldives for Smaller Crowds

Since the Maldives consists of nearly 1,200 islands spread across 35,000 square miles, you can usually expect desert-island solitude here no matter when you visit. Popular resorts and dive sites can fill up in the high season, but outside the bustling capital city of Malé, truly large crowds are fairly rare.

That said, if you want the best chance of having an island (almost) to yourself, you might want to visit between May and October. This touristic low period coincides with the island’s rainy season — so, while a trip at this time might mean less-than-perfect weather, it also means maximum seclusion. This is especially true in May and June, which typically see fewer visitors than any other months.

Best Times to Visit the Maldives for Good Weather

The Maldives offers tropical warmth throughout the year, so it may seem hard to call any one season better than the others. To understand the climate here, though, remember that the usual four seasons — spring, summer, fall, and winter — aren’t as important as the archipelago’s big two: dry season and wet season.

The dry season, between November and April, offers Maldivian weather at its best. Temperatures are almost always in the 80s, perfect for days spent relaxing on a beach, and rainfall is scant, particularly from January through March. Humidity can be expected in this season (and throughout the year), but otherwise, conditions should be ideal for a sunny seaside trip. Just remember that this pleasant weather does make dry season the most popular — and, therefore, expensive — time of year.

The wet season, meanwhile, runs from May to October, and its name is no joke — some islands can experience up to nine inches of rain per month at this time of year. While short afternoon storms are very common during wet season, back-to-back days of pure sunshine aren’t unheard of. Because of this variability, rainy-season visitors should simply be flexible and ready to adjust plans on the fly in the event of inclement weather.

Most Affordable Times to Visit the Maldives

Yes, even a visit to the Maldives can be affordable if you know how to plan. Since most travelers visit during the dry season, the rainy season from May to October is the best time to save. At this time of year, airfare is less expensive, package deals are more common, and even those beloved bungalows (while still pricey) see significant markdowns in price. Booking in advance can also help reduce costs.

Even outside of the low season, though, some general tips can help you snag a Maldives vacation on a budget. When it comes to flights, try getting more creative than booking your local airline’s most straightforward route. Low-cost carriers in Asia and even Europe offer bargain prices on flights to the Maldives, so flying to an international hub first and then hopping on a budget flight to Malé can net big savings. To save money on accommodations, try staying at an Airbnb or a locally run guesthouse instead of a traditional high-end resort. You might miss out on some luxury touches, but you’ll still get to enjoy the islands’ gorgeous beaches and stunning sea life for a fraction of the cost.

Best Times to Visit the Maldives for Diving and Water Sports

In addition to wet and dry seasons, there are also seasons in the Maldives when different water sports are most popular. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy here in or on the water, from surfing to boating to scuba diving, but the best time of year for one won’t necessarily be the best time for all.

If you’re interested in an action- and adventure-packed surfing trip, you’ll want to plan your visit for a time with choppier waters and bigger waves. The May-to-October wet season is best for this, but February through April can also see good swells if you’d rather travel without the risk of rain. For snorkeling and kayaking, the opposite rules apply. The best time for these slower activities is December and January, when waters are calm.

Diving, though, is the true king of Maldivian water sports. The archipelago is famous for its hundreds of dive sites, from colorful coral reefs to offshore shipwrecks. Whether you want to try a beginner-friendly spot like the UNESCO-recognized Baa Atoll or a more advanced environment like the shark-filled Fuvahmulah Atoll, you’ll want to schedule your trip for a time with good underwater visibility to make the most of the country’s world-renowned diving. For the best conditions, try visiting between January and April.

Best Times to Visit the Maldives for Bioluminescence

You can also see bioluminescent plankton while in the Maldives. These naturally glowing organisms make nighttime on the islands particularly magical when they light up the archipelago’s beautiful beaches. Bioluminescence is typically most common during the rainy season, since that’s when the most plankton are around — but this phenomenon is more tied to environmental factors like water temperature and salinity than to a particular time of year. (In 2022, for instance, holiday visitors got a special treat when the islands lit up with plankton around Christmas and New Year’s.) For the best views of bioluminescence, aim not for a time but for a place: Vaadhoo Island, home to the world-famous “glowing beach.”

Worst Times to Visit the Maldives

Some visitors attest that August is the worst time to visit since it’s smack-dab in the middle of the wet season. However, October is generally the rainiest month, so avoiding either of these times might be best for your trip. While those little bungalows can be luxurious, it would probably put a damper on your island vacation if you never got to leave the room.

If you’re on a budget, though, the popular dry season may be the worst time for you to visit. While a trip to the Maldives is almost always pricey, costs are highest in the peak months of November to April — making the rest of the year a better bet if you’re in search of good deals.

As dynamic and picturesque today as when it first opened in 1832, this park remains one of the state’s best-kept secrets.

If you want to branch out from the typical vacation ports of call — pricey Aspen, say, or a sleepy beach resort in South Florida — the vast, forested state of Arkansas is definitely worth considering. Why? Because it’s home to a rare national treasure: an entire park devoted to hot springs.

Clusters of geothermal pools can be found in western states like Colorado and New Mexico, but none represent as important a milestone in the National Park Service catalog as Hot Springs National Park. This remarkable land was set aside by the government in 1832, making it the oldest federal reserve in the U.S. — it predates even Yellowstone, which is traditionally recognized as the country’s first national park, by 40 years.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do in Hot Springs National Park if you want to incorporate Arkansas’s natural wonder into your itinerary on your next mountain-town adventure.

Buckstaff Baths

Much of the city’s delightful architecture has been preserved in charming Neo-classical and Spanish-style museums along Bathhouse Row. But there’s one bathhouse that has operated continuously since 1912, making it the city’s longest-running facility. Equipped with steam cabinets, needle showers, whirlpool tubs, and Swedish massage therapists, Buckstaff Baths offers separate floors for men and women, and its no-reservation policy for baths and massages works in favor of travelers who wish to take a spontaneous trip to the healing waters — appointments are needed for manicures, pedicures, and facials, however. Though it’s open Monday through Saturday starting at 8 a.m., many locals like to line up beforehand, so make sure you get there early.

Quapaw Baths

If you’re in need of something more full-service, head to Quapaw Baths, a contemporary, European-style spa facility. Like at Buckstaff, the thermal water is piped directly into the soaking pools, but the menu also offers services such as foot scrubs, steamy facials, herbal-infused towel wraps, and something called a Mudslide — a signature service that incorporates a full clay body mask — followed by a MicroSilk treatment, which uses tiny oxygen bubbles that reach into the pores to promote skin cell growth and reduce wrinkles.

Gallery Walk

For culture lovers, Hot Springs National Park has also made a name for itself as a serious art destination. That’s most apparent at the Ozark Bathhouse, a 1922 Spanish Colonial Revival building made of white stucco and red clay tile. Though it stopped operating as a bathhouse in 1977, it reopened in 2014 as a fine art gallery. Meanwhile, other galleries spread across Central Avenue come alive every first Friday of the month for “Gallery Walk,” when local artists open their studios for mingling and live music.

The Sunset Trail

The city of Hot Springs is built right into the park itself, so getting into nature isn’t hard to do. One popular route, the Sunset Trail, leads to several impressive mountain overlooks that face away from the city entirely. On its own, the 8.9-mile loop is doable for beginner or moderate-level hikers — if you’re seeking something more rigorous, try coupling it with adjacent trails for a complete 14-mile loop all the way around Hot Springs National Park.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Another reason Hot Springs National Park appeals to more than just bathers? Its micro-brewery. Superior Bathhouse Brewery incorporates real water from the springs into its pale ales and golden stouts, resulting in an immersive experience of the park’s unique hydro system that doesn’t involve an hour-long soak.

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

For one of the best overlooks in the entire state, head to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, where you can enjoy beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, the Diamond Lakes, and Hot Springs Mountain. To reach the tower, either embark on a scenic 1.5-mile hike from Fountain Street or drive straight up to the parking lot. From there, you can ride the elevator the remaining 216 feet to the top.

Bathhouse Row Emporium

If you’ve had a great trip and want to take something special home to remember it by, plan to stop by the Bathhouse Row Emporium before you head home. Located inside The Lamar Bathhouse, the shop is open daily, selling all sorts of souvenirs highlighting the area’s history, plants, animals, and of course, bath products — everything from fancy soaps and luffa sponges to bottles you can fill with water from the hot springs. Several products, including coffee, other hot drinks, and several spa items, are actually made with the hot spring’s natural waters.

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center

Worth a look, especially after new exhibits featuring the geology behind the natural springs were installed in early 2023, the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is open daily, with park rangers ready to answer any questions about the national park or the area’s history. Originally opened in 1915, the 28,000-square-foot Fordyce Bathhouse was once the largest on Bathhouse Row, but closed its doors in 1962 before extensive restoration efforts were made in 1989. Today, it’s a must-visit part of any Hot Springs trip.

Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive

No visit to this national park is complete without cruising down the 3.6-mile Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive, a major Hot Springs National Park highlight — as long as you’re a fan of switchbacks, that is. Originally built as a carriage road during the 1880s, the long and winding road takes you from downtown Hot Springs (just off Central Avenue at the end of Fountain Street) to a lovely picnic area and overlook featuring a historic pagoda that dates back to 1910. The drive eventually takes you past the Hot Springs Mountain Tower (mentioned above) and the North Mountain Loop before leading you back to town.

Western Mountain Scenic Drive

On the other side of the national park, the Western Mountain Scenic Drive takes visitors from Whittington Avenue or Prospect Avenue up to the Summit Loop, which features three scenic overlooks. Enjoy views of Bathhouse Row and the old Army–Navy Hospital from the lower overlook, and Lake Hamilton and the Trap Mountains from the Summit Overlook; the Western Mountain Picnic Overlook is also home to a historic trail shelter house that dates back to 1924. Keep an eye out for Arkansas Novaculite once you reach the top, a type of silica stone once used by Indigenous Americans to make tools (Europeans later used them for whetstones).

Northwoods Trails

Mountain biking enthusiasts, rejoice! Hot Springs National Park’s Northwoods Trails system offers more than 31.5 miles of trails for biking, hiking, trail running, and nature viewing, all while letting visitors criss-cross their way through spectacular forest scenery. Choose from green, blue, or black single tracks, jump lines, and flow trails — then, show off your bike skills at nearby Cedar Glades Park, which also has a climbing wall, a three-story tree house for kids to check out, and 18 holes of disc golf.

The Tufa Terrace Trail

Named for a type of rock commonly found in the area, the Tufa Terrace Trail is an easy 0.3-mile walk along a paved trail starting from Arlington Lawn, close to where Fountain Street and Bathhouse Row meet. Along the way, you can expect to see views of the Hot Water Cascade, a large hot spring near the Grand Promenade that runs underneath the path before flowing down the cliffside into two separate pools. Be careful if you decide to touch it — that water you see is about 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for the area’s rich natural wildlife, as Hot Springs National Park and its dense forests and surrounding mountains are home to more than 50 species of protected mammals, including chipmunks, groundhogs, squirrels, and white-tailed deer. You’ll also find more than 100 different types of birds, over 70 species of reptiles and amphibians — including five types of venomous snakes, such as the copperhead, which tends to share the park’s trails — and roughly 50 species of fish throughout the many shallow creeks and ponds. Due to its proximity to the bustling town of Hot Springs, your best chances for wildlife viewing are likely early or late in the day. Regardless of what time of year you visit, a trusty pair of binoculars will certainly help.

It’s time to turn those long-overdue plans into reality and create new memories with your closest friends. Friendship Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your bond by exploring some of the world’s most captivating destinations. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil retreats, these handpicked international locations are sure to inspire your next Friendship Day getaway.

Abu Dhabi, UAE:

Abu Dhabi blends exhilarating adventures with rich cultural experiences. Begin your trip with high-speed thrills at Ferrari World and then cool off at Yas Waterworld. Dive into marine wonders at SeaWorld or immerse yourselves in the fantastical realms of Warner Bros World and Al Ain Adventure. For a taste of local flavor, dine at Al Fanar Restaurant for traditional Emirati cuisine or savor international dishes at Zuma. Don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photos at the Corniche and the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which will undoubtedly add a memorable touch to your trip.

New Zealand:

A haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, New Zealand offers awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling activities. Feel the rush with jet boating on the Shotover River or bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown. Movie enthusiasts can visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, while geothermal wonders await in Rotorua. Indulge in seafood at Fergburger in Queenstown or local delicacies at The Grove in Auckland. From breathtaking glaciers and volcanoes to serene kayaking in crystal-clear lakes and whale watching, New Zealand promises both exhilarating and soothing experiences.

Seychelles:

For a serene yet vibrant Friendship Day celebration, Seychelles is an idyllic choice. Relax on the pristine beaches of Mahé and snorkel in the clear waters of Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Explore the lush Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin and experience the charming vibe of La Digue. Enjoy beachside dining at Café des Arts on Anse Volbert or sample local cuisine at Wildflour Cafe near Victoria. The picturesque Beau Vallon Beach and Anse Source d’Argent offer stunning backdrops for unforgettable memories.

Thailand:

Thailand caters to every interest with its lively markets and stunning beaches. Wander through the bustling streets of Bangkok and explore ancient temples in Ayutthaya. Enjoy the vibrant night bazaars in Chiang Mai and taste delicious street food at Yaowarat (Chinatown). For fine dining, Gaggan in Bangkok is a must-visit. Capture the beauty of Wat Arun and the Phi Phi Islands, and don’t forget a scenic river cruise on the Chao Phraya River, which adds a unique touch to your adventure.

Morocco:

Morocco offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity for a memorable Friendship Day. Immerse yourselves in the vibrant souks of Marrakech, stroll through the serene Jardin Majorelle, and explore the historic Medina of Fez. A camel ride across the Sahara Desert and a night under the stars will deepen your bond with unforgettable late-night conversations. For a distinctive dining experience, savor the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine at Dar Moha in Marrakech.

Georgia:

Discover Georgia’s charm by wandering through the historic streets of Tbilisi and taking in panoramic views from Narikala Fortress. Indulge in world-renowned Georgian wines and explore the breathtaking scenery of Sighnaghi and Kazbegi. Adventurers will find plenty of hiking opportunities, and no visit to Georgia is complete without trying iconic dishes like khachapuri and khinkali at renowned restaurants like Kakhelebi.

Plan your trip with friends and make this Friendship Day unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, these destinations offer something extraordinary for everyone.