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Explore Gwinnett, the premiere marketing initiative for Gwinnett County, Georgia, has introduced the Seoul of the South Pass, a free mobile pass designed to enhance your dining experience. It features a curated selection of authentic restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and spas throughout the county. Users can sign up online, check in at participating locations to earn points, and redeem them for Seoul of the South-themed prizes.
“We’re excited to expand the Seoul of the South™ experience with this digital pass,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett. “With the largest Korean population in the South, Gwinnett County offers a vibrant, self-guided way for locals and visitors to discover the cultural richness and authentic experiences that shape our community.”
The Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tour, an annual Explore Gwinnett program, invites participants to join Sarah Park on a guided Korean dining adventure across the county. Celebrating its 10th year, the consistently sold-out tour inspired the creation of the Seoul of the South™ Pass.
This digital pass brings Sarah Park’s expert recommendations to users, enabling them to explore Gwinnett’s acclaimed Korean dining scene at their own pace.
2025 Seoul of the South Korean Food Tour Dates
- May 31st (sold out)
- June 28th (sold out)
- July 19th
- August 9th
- September 27th
Powered by the technology company, Bandwango, the free digital passport features 32 Korean-owned destinations throughout Gwinnett County. Once registered, users can check in at participating locations using their mobile device to earn points, which can be redeemed for the following prizes:
- 4 points: Seoul of the South™ sticker pack and entry into a quarterly drawing for a $50 SpaLand gift card (Winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 72 hours to claim the gift card.)
- 8 points: Reusable Seoul of the South™ chopsticks and straw
- 12 points: Toiletry bag filled with K-beauty essentials
- 16 points: Seoul of the South™ T-shirt (Sizing is limited and subject to availability. Wait times may apply.)
- 20 points: Kimchi-making kit
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Prolonged high concentrations of dust are expected over metro Atlanta and much of Georgia over the next three to four days.
The large Saharan dust plume, described as one of the biggest of the 2025 season, has already reached Florida as of June 4 and 5, after traveling over 5,000 miles from North Africa.
It is expected to spread to other Southeastern states, including Georgia, the Carolinas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, through the weekend. The dust is causing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and vibrant sunrises/sunsets due to light scattering by dust particles.
People who experience adverse effects due to dust exposure should take precautions.
Saharan dust, carried by the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), is a well-documented phenomenon where dust from the Sahara Desert travels across the Atlantic Ocean, often reaching the southeastern U.S., Gulf Coast, and Caribbean. The references confirm that a significant Saharan dust plume is already affecting the U.S. in early June.
Potential Health Impacts
Respiratory Effects: The dust contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, irritating airways and triggering:
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Throat and nasal irritation
- Worsening of allergies or sinus issues
- Vulnerable Populations:
- Children: Developing lungs and faster breathing rates increase susceptibility.
- Older Adults: Reduced lung function or existing health issues heighten risk.
- People with Respiratory Conditions: Those with asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or emphysema may face exacerbated symptoms, potentially leading to asthma attacks or the need for medical care.
- Heart Disease Patients: Dust can inflame blood vessels, raising risks for cardiovascular issues in those already at risk.
- Healthy Individuals: May experience mild symptoms like itchy eyes, scratchy throat, or minor coughing, especially during heavy dust concentrations.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Kick off the weekend with this 8th annual Taco & Tequila Crawl, sampling tacos and tequila at various Midtown venues. Expect a lively crowd, great drinks, and tasty bites at one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
Taco & Tequila Crawl ATL: What you need to know
The Taco & Tequila Crawl is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, starting at 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT in Midtown at several locations. Your General Admission Ticket Includes:
- 4 Tacos
- Taco Crawl Signature Koozie
- Exclusive drink specials at every stop (Margs, Beer, and Tequila)
- The Taco Crawl Signature Crawl Map
- Professional photographer on site
- Exclusive party stops to dance off the tacos & margaritas
- More to come!
VIP Ticket Includes:
- Signature Taco Crawl T-Shirt pictured below
- 5 Tacos
- Early registration starting at 11am (extra hour of crawling)
- Complimentary shot of tequila upon arrival at VIP check-in
- Taco Crawl Signature Koozie
- Exclusive drink specials at every stop (Margs, Beer, and Tequila)
- The Taco Crawl Signature Crawl Map
- Professional photographer on site
- Exclusive party stops to dance off the tacos & margaritas
- More to come!
Tickets start from $31 and up.
Participating Bars, Cantinas, and Specials:
- Escorpión – Registration
- Senor Patron
- Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant Midtown Atlanta
- Hudson Grille
- Ri Ra Irish Pub
- Rreal Tacos
- Publico ATL Midtown
- Tin Lizzy Midtown
- More restaurants to come including tacos and drink specials!
This is a rain or shine event! Refunds given until 30 days from event.
Final Word
Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.
For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.
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There’s nothing like getting in some physical exercise for a good cause. That’s exactly the opportunity you’ll have this fall.
The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer is hosting its annual two-day Walk for Breast Cancer on October 4-5 2025.
The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer 2-Day Walk: What To Know
The Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GABC) has as Its mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
The organization focuses on raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs across Georgia, particularly for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured individuals.
Here’s what to know about the annual event:
GABC’s flagship fundraising event, held annually on October 4-5, 2025, in Cobb County, covering 30 miles over two days.
Unlike the Avon 3-Day Walk (60 miles, camping), this “kinder and gentler” walk allows participants to choose walking 30 miles (both days), 20 miles (Saturday only), or 10 miles (Sunday only), with hotel accommodations provided.
Since 2002, the event has raised over $20 million, funding 570 grants for breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services, and continuing care across more than 100 counties in Georgia.
Final Word
Walks for good causes are always good — but Georgia’s largest city has a lot more. Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.
For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.
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If you fly often or or for many days, one thing you likely won’t be able to avoid is airline baggage fees.
On a round-trip domestic flight with American Airlines, skipping a checked bag saves $80 ($40 each way). For budget carriers like Spirit, savings could be $88–$98 round-trip if fees are $44–$49 per bag.
To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale. To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.
By packing within carry-on and personal item limits, you can save $20–$200 per trip, especially on airlines like Spirit, Frontier, or American. However, budget carriers may charge for carry-ons, so compare fare inclusions.
Here Are Airline Baggage Fees for 2025
- Bag Fees: Fees listed are for domestic U.S. flights and may increase for international routes or specific destinations (e.g., American Airlines charges $35 for the 1st bag to Canada/Caribbean/Mexico). Prepaying online often reduces costs. Spirit and Frontier fees vary significantly by route and when paid (cheapest at booking, highest at gate).
- Southwest Exception: Southwest used to allow two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs, 62 in), making it unique among major U.S. carriers. That’s no longer the case. Southwest now charges for checked bags unless you qualify for exceptions.
- Weight Limits: Most airlines cap checked bags at 50 lbs and carry-ons at 40 lbs (except Hawaiian at 25 lbs for carry-ons). Spirit and Frontier have stricter 40-lb limits for checked bags. Overweight fees typically range from $100–$200.
Below is a table detailing the baggage fees and size restrictions for the 10 largest U.S. airlines, based on recent data for domestic flights within the U.S. The information reflects standard fees for economy class passengers, with notes on exceptions where applicable. Fees are per person, one-way, unless otherwise stated, and size limits are in linear inches (length + width + height).
Airline 1st Checked Bag 2nd Checked Bag 3rd Checked Bag Checked Bags Max Size Carry-On Bags Max Size Personal Items Max Size American Airlines $40 ($35 if paid online) $45 $200 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 18 x 14 x 8 in Delta Air Lines $30 $40 $150 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 17 x 13 x 8 in United Airlines $40 ($35 if prepaid) $45 ($40 if prepaid) $150 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 17 x 10 x 9 in Southwest Airlines Free Free $125 62 in, 50 lbs 24 x 16 x 10 in 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in Alaska Airlines $35 $45 $150 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 17 x 13 x 8 in JetBlue Airways $35 $45 $150 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 17 x 13 x 8 in Spirit Airlines $44–$49 (varies by route) $44–$49 $99–$150 62 in, 40 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in) 18 x 14 x 8 in Frontier Airlines $44–$49 (varies by route) $44–$49 $99–$150 62 in, 40 lbs 24 x 16 x 10 in 18 x 14 x 8 in Hawaiian Airlines $30 $40 $150 62 in, 50 lbs 22 x 14 x 9 in (45 linear in), 25 lbs 17 x 13 x 8 in Allegiant Air $20–$45 (varies by route) $20–$45 $50–$75 80 in, 50 lbs 22 x 16 x 10 in 17 x 10 x 9 in Final Word
If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, make sure you get your passport, as soon as you can.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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The Atlanta Fringe Festival takes place this weekend in the heart of the city. It is one of the best festivals in Atlanta this time of year.
This annual two-week celebration wraps up this weekend featuring non-mainstream performing arts with live theater, dance, puppetry, storytelling, and more.
Over 80 performance groups across 10 venues offer a mix of edgy, creative shows, including family-friendly options during Kid Fringe.
When Does the Atlanta Fringe Festival Take Place?
The 13th annual festival takes place May 28-June 8, 2025 at venues throughout East Atlanta, featuring live performances by 60 artist groups from across the country, as well as featured performances from some of our favorite local Atlanta artists.
Brunch Bunch: Thursday, June 5
Highland Bakery: Southern comfort food (sweet potato pancakes, fried chicken eggs benedict), plus pastries and baked goods, coffee + smoothies.
Little 5 Points AND East Atlanta Village – June 6, 7
The wildly popular Street Fringe has EXPLODED into its second spectacular year, unleashing an absolute tsunami of jaw-dropping street talent from every corner of America! Not just ONE but TWO locations this year – Little 5 Points AND East Atlanta Village are about to transform into mind-blowing busking wonderlands!
How To Buy Tickets
Most tickets are $15 (Five/5ths tickets are $25 online, $30 at the door). We strongly encourage
buying your tickets online at AtlantaFringe.org. The box office at each venue opens one hour
before the first show of the day. At-the-door tickets for each show will be on sale approximately 45
minutes before showtime.Locations
- 7 Stages: 1105 Euclid Ave NE; Atlanta, GA 30307
- Argosy: 470 Flat Shoals Ave SE; Atlanta, GA 30316
- Criminal Records: 1154 Euclid Ave NE A; Atlanta, GA 30307
- Davis Plaza: 422 Seminole Ave NE; Atlanta, GA 30307
- Drugstore Vintage: 141 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- EAV Cafe: 500 Flat Shoals Ave SE; Atlanta, GA 30316
- The Pub @ EAV: 469 Flat Shoals Ave SE; Atlanta, GA 30316
- Findley Plaza: 394 Moreland Ave NE; Atlanta, GA 30307
Final Word
Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.
For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Prostate cancer is one of those diseases that strikes older black men more than others. An Atlanta celebrity — Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Dwight Eubanks — has confirmed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Eubanks, a well-known Atlanta hairstylist, announced that he has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and is channeling pain into purpose by joining ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO), the nation’s leading advocacy and support organization for prostate cancer awareness, as a brand ambassador.
Eubanks is a prominent hair stylist and entertainment icon who has spent over 30 years in fashion and cosmetology.
He rose to fame on the Bravo reality series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”, and also appeared on “Married to Medicine” as creative director of the Lisa Nicole Fashion Line. Joining forces with ZERO, Eubanks will help raise awareness about prostate cancer and call for Black men to know their numbers and get screened.
Today, one in six Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Moreover, Black men are 70% more likely to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from it.
“A prostate cancer diagnosis is crushing but I’m grateful to still be in this fight and use my platform to help others impacted by this disease,” said Eubanks. “It is critical that men — especially Black men who are disproportionately diagnosed with prostate cancer — become their own health advocates and push for information, screenings, and lifesaving care. I am deeply thankful for ZERO’s support and partnership and I hope by sharing my story I will help to save more lives.”
Every two minutes a man in the U.S. is diagnosed with prostate cancer. This year alone, over 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected to be diagnosed and over 35,000 men will die from the disease — fathers, uncles and sons lost too soon.
“Though we know exciting medical breakthroughs are on the horizon to treat those with the disease, awareness and being proactive to diagnose prostate cancer early are critical,” said ZERO Board of Directors Medical Chair, Dr. Alicia Morgans, a Genitourinary Medical Oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “The truth is prostate cancer can be curable with a 99% survival rate at 5 years when caught in the earliest stage. That’s why Dwight’s story and message to other men to get screened and know your family history is so powerful. Screening can be the difference between life and death.”
“This is more than a media moment — it’s a movement,” said Courtney Bugler, president and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer.“Dwight’s voice and story will help to redefine how Black men talk about this devastating disease within their communities —removing the stigma, replacing fear with facts and turning silence into survival.”
Why Prostate Cancer Affects Black Men Disproportionately
Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men due to a combination of genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Genetically, Black men have a higher prevalence of specific gene variants, like those in the BRCA1/2 and HOXB13 genes, which increase prostate cancer risk and are linked to more aggressive forms of the disease. Studies show Black men have a 1.7-2 times higher incidence rate than White men, with a 60% higher risk of diagnosis and a 2-3 times higher mortality rate.
Socioeconomic factors play a significant role. Black men are more likely to face barriers to healthcare access, including lower rates of health insurance, limited access to quality medical facilities, and delays in screening or treatment.
Only about 48% of Black men get regular PSA screenings compared to 60% of White men, leading to later-stage diagnoses. Systemic issues like poverty and discrimination in healthcare settings also contribute to worse outcomes.
Environmental factors, such as higher exposure to pollutants or poor diet due to systemic inequities, may further elevate risk. Chronic stress from racism, often termed “weathering,” can also disrupt hormonal and immune responses, potentially promoting cancer progression.
These factors interact, amplifying disparities. For example, genetic predispositions may be exacerbated by lack of access to early detection or advanced treatments.
Addressing these requires targeted interventions like improved screening access, culturally sensitive healthcare, and research into genetic and environmental risk factors specific to Black populations.
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A packing list can make your travel itinerary seem lighter and so much easier. If you’re planning on flying from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport or another airport, you’ll need one.
No matter if you plan to travel within the United States or abroad, you need to be able to bring all your necessary items with you.
What You Need For Your Essential Packing List
We’ve listed everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip. We’ll also show you an essential packing list for all your needs.
As with all things travel, you need to stay safe from COVID-19, so that means:
- Make sure you sanitize your belongings
- Bring masks and gloves with you on your trip
- Continue to keep your 6 feet in distance from other travelers
1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current
Photo credit: Nicole Honeywill / Sincerely Media / Unsplash The most important thing you’ll need in your packing list before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true.
Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip.
That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal.
2. Call Your Financial Institution
Photo credit: Dane Deaner / Unsplash The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious.
Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:
- Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
- JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
- Citibank: 1 (800) 374-9700
- PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
- Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000
3. Withdraw Some Cash
It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do.
No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States.
If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees.
Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed.
4. Complete These Home To-Dos
Photo credit: Trung Thanh / Unsplash Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:
- Water the plants
- Turn off the air conditioner or heater
- Turn the porch light on
- Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
- Set your email to auto-respond
5. Get Travel Insurance
Photo credit: Court Cook / Unsplash If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips.
Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there.
Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave:
International Travel: Here Is Your Ultimate Pack List COSMETICS & TOILETRIES CLOTHES & APPAREL ELECTRONICS Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Dental Floss Shoes / Sandals / Flip-Flops Cell Phone / Tablets / Laptops Deodorant / Shampoo / Soap Socks / Underwear / T-Shirts / Panties / Bras Batteries / Adapter Brush Set / Comb Pack Dress Shirts / Casual Shirts Memory Card / Pre-Paid SIM Card Lotion / Gel /Moisturizer / Sunscreen Jeans / Shorts / Dresses / Skirts Guidebooks / Maps / E-Books Shaving Razor / Makeup Supplies Jackets / Sweaters Headphones / Ear Buds Get A Travel Bag That Works For You
Buy Now
There are good travel bags and there are bag travel bags. You’ll want one that fits the size of carry-on and checked bags.
Here are some good ones:
- Women’s Pink Weekender Travel Bag
- Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
- Samsonite Checked Medium Bag
- Puma Men’s Contender Duffle Bag
- Rockland 19 inch Tote Bag
Want more options? Check out our Travel Luggage Guide.
A Good Camera Is A Must
Buy Now
If you think that a regular schmegular cell phone will do the job, you’re only partially right. A Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 will give you some great upclose shots, but if you want panoramic shots and photos that show depth, you’ll need a professional camera. Here are some of our favorite travel cameras:
- Digital Vlogging Camera 24 MP Ultra HD
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 90
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
- Nikon CoolPix B500 Digital Camera
- Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
No matter where you go, you’ll want to save money on your trip. If you haven’t purchased your plane tickets yet, here’s how to save money on airfare.
No matter if you’re traveling out of Atlanta or another international airport, we’ve got some travel trips you’ll need if you want to save money.
Travel hacks and other tips can help you save big when you’re leaving from Hartsfield. Learn more by sticking to AtlantaFi.com.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Choosing high-quality luggage is a smart choice, providing better reliability, convenience, and protection for your items. It enhances your travel experience by making it more enjoyable, seamless, and stress-free, letting you focus on the journey instead of worrying about your luggage.
While it’s true that travel right now is getting more expensive, having the best luggage can give you peace of mind.
This article will show you some of the best carry-on luggage brands that you can buy at some of the best prices you’ll find online.
Best Carry-On Luggage Brands For Your Travel
Most major airlines require that your carry-on bag be 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) including handles and wheels.
If you’re planning a trip in the near future, keep these bags in mind:
Here Are The Best Luggage Brands
Here Is The Best Carry-On Luggage
The best carry-on luggage brands come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but they should all work within your budget. We’re going to show you some affordable bags that do just that.
Are you interested in trying to save money on travel this year? One main way you to save is on luggage costs.
Here are the best carry-on luggage along with reviews from real people:
DELSEY PARIS Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Here’s what one reviewer says about eBags: “I have had this bag a year or so now, and must say it’s great. There is some serious capacity to this bag, with very smart compartments which you can use for storing all kinds of things for easy access. Particularly like the like the hook in one of the front compartments for attaching your keys.”
Kenneth Cole REACTION Madison Square Lightweight Hardside Chevron Expandable Spinner Luggage
Pathfinder Gear 36 Inch Rolling Drop Bottom Duffel, Olive, One Size
Bric’s Milano Unisex By Bric’s Ulisse 28″ Expandable Spinner
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Bric’s luggage bag: “Love this suitcase-easy to handle-has plenty of packing space but wonder why there is no zipper pulls with inside zippers.”
Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels – 31″ 120L Foldable Weekender Bag
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Eagle Creek bag: “This is one of the only suitcases that meets international flight size requirements for carry on luggage. The wheels and handle work well. However, the handle takes up a large amount of space in the suitcase and the spacing of the handles makes packing anything else awkward. The zippers are also fragile and a bit hard to zip.”
TUMI – Voyageur Celina Backpack – Travel Backpack for Women
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Tumi bag: “This is the perfect back pack for me. Not to big, and not to small. I used this as my carry on for a recent flight. The material is easy to clean. There are 2 zippers at the top of the main compartment that go to each side so it opens wide and it is easy to get into the bottom of bag.”
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Carry-On
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Briggs & Riley bag: “Pretty nice but expensive bag.
Quality appears to be very good. CX feature great.
Once and for all, this bag does not measure 21 inches tall overall!
Ground to top of bag 21 inches, handle extra is making it just under 22 inches.
Lack of side and bottom handles and outside ID card also detract.”How Do You Know Your Luggage Is High Quality?
There are several ways to know whether you have well-made luggage or not.
In many cases, you can tell good luggage by the quality of the zipper. Also, the handle should be made out of a material that is easy on the skin and isn’t prone to ripping at the seams.
You’ll also want to pay attention to whether the exterior is soft or a hard shell, which would protect your belongings better.
How To Choose Good, Quality Luggage
Choosing quality travel luggage can make your trips much smoother. Here are some key tips to help you pick the perfect bag:
1. Consider the Type of Luggage
- Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or avoiding checked baggage fees. Check airline size restrictions.
- Checked Luggage: Great for longer trips when you need more space.
- Duffel Bags: Lightweight and versatile, perfect for casual travel or road trips.
- Backpacks: Excellent for adventure or budget travel.
2. Durability is Key
- Material:
- Hard-Shell (Polycarbonate or ABS): Offers better protection for fragile items but may scratch.
- Soft-Shell (Nylon or Polyester): More flexible, often lighter, and easier to fit in tight spaces.
- Zippers: Look for sturdy, smooth-gliding zippers. YKK zippers are a good benchmark for quality.
- Handles and Stitching: Ensure handles are sturdy and stitching is reinforced.
3. Check the Wheels
- Spinner Wheels (4 wheels): Provide 360-degree maneuverability and are easier to move.
- Roller Wheels (2 wheels): Better for rough terrain but require more effort to pull.
- Test the wheels for smooth rolling and stability.
Final Thoughts
Are you wondering if it’s time for you to travel again? Perhaps, it’s been a while. The only way to do so comfortably is to have the right luggage.
The primary purpose of luggage is to protect your belongings during travel. Good-quality luggage provides better protection for your items, especially fragile or valuable possessions. It is designed with features like padded compartments, internal straps, and secure closures to keep your belongings safe and secure. This reduces the risk of damage, breakage, or loss during transit.
No matter what type of luggage you buy, airlines prefer soft luggage rather than hard suitcases. The softer your bags, the less damage they are likely to incur.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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A new variant of COVID-19 has been identified by researchers even as warmer weather spreads across the hemisphere.
As of June 2, 2025, the most recently identified COVID-19 variant widely discussed is NB.1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, according to news reports.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S.
The new variant has been detected in California, Washington state, Arizona, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Hawaii, and more places. The good news is that scientists from China, where it was first found, report that the illness is not as severe as some variants that have emerged previously.
“Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily,” Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News. “In other words, it is more transmissible.”
The new variant was first detected in samples collected on January 22, 2025, and designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 23, 2025.
According to available data, the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are broadly similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.
What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?
Here’s a list of common symptoms of the new COVID variant based on current reports:
- Fever or chills: Often a low-grade fever, though it can vary in intensity.
- Cough: Typically mild, but persistent in some cases.
- Sore throat: A common early symptom, often reported as scratchiness or irritation.
- Runny nose or nasal congestion: Similar to symptoms of a cold.
- Fatigue: General tiredness or weakness, which may be pronounced.
- Muscle aches or body aches: Soreness or discomfort, particularly in the back or limbs.
- Headache: Can range from mild to moderate.
- Shortness of breath: Less common than with earlier variants but may occur, especially in severe cases.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, noted in some instances.
- Loss of taste or smell: Less frequent than with earlier strains like Delta, but still reported in some cases, particularly with variants related to JN.1.
Key Observations:
- Similarity to Prior Strains: Experts, including those from the CDC and WHO, indicate no evidence of distinct or more severe symptoms with NB.1.8.1 compared to other Omicron subvariants. The symptom profile aligns closely with what has been observed in recent years.
- Variability: Symptoms can vary depending on factors like vaccination status, age, overall health, and whether someone is immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are common in most cases, but severe illness remains a risk for high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
- Incubation and Duration: Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure and may last from a few days to two weeks, depending on severity and individual response.
Will the New COVID Variant Show Up in Georgia?
it’s too early to tell whether the new variant will emerge in Georgia, although with Atlanta having the world’s busiest airport, there’s a good chance.
A source from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer notes that local cases in Georgia have not been confirmed, though it highlights the variant’s presence in the U.S. and advises residents to stay informed.
Given the variant’s detection in international travelers and its spread in 22 countries, it’s possible it could emerge in Georgia, but as of the latest available data, no cases have been explicitly reported there.
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