Spokesperson for AAA (The American Automobile Association) with ACG (The Auto Club Group) Stephanie Milani says there are three major causes of accidents on the roads – driving too fast, distracted driving, and impaired driving.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s (GOHS) “Hands Across the Border” takes place yearly leading up to Labor Day weekend.
However, there may be a few things you may not have considered before heading to your Labor Day destination.
Milani reminds everyone to wear your seatbelt, and don’t drive drowsy. But, what are some ways people can remain safe if they have to drive in the rain?
Welcome to Labor Day Weekend in the Tennessee Valley! Here’s what’s on tap.
“You know, especially on a road trip, we’re all tempted to use cruise control, but if it is wet and rainy on the roads, you want to turn that cruise control off so that you have those extra seconds to respond if there is some sort of hazard on the road in front of you,” Milani says.
If there is any ponding on the roads, a stopped vehicle, or a traffic slow-down, you also want to be able to look further down the road to help with your reaction time.
Your headlights should be on anytime your windshield wipers are on, and you should drive under the speed limit to help with traction. But, there is one set of lights that should not be turned on.
“Make sure that you have your lights on, but you don’t need to turn your hazards on. Even if it’s raining really bad and visibility is low, if you turn those hazards on, it may just confuse other drivers around you,” Melani advises.
Melani says your hazard lights should be used if your car breaks down. If this happens, pull over to the nearest shoulder or exit, and stay as far away as possible from passing cars. If anyone is stopped on the side of the road, it is advised to move over lanes and slow down. Another concern when it comes to traveling can be the cost.
“So, the good news this year is that gas prices are about twenty cents less than they were this time last year, so if you are planning a trip, you’ll save some money there. Another way is to only pack what you need because extra weight can decrease your fuel efficiency,” Milani adds.
Milani says the AAA app can also save you money and help you check gas prices.
If the air conditioning does not work in your vehicle, Milani assures rolling down the windows or opening the sunroof should not affect your gas mileage, savings, or fuel efficiency significantly.
Milani emphasizes that although it is tempting to turn off your vehicle when stuck in traffic to save mileage, this is not recommended because it could delay emergency vehicles or prevent you from moving quickly if something happens in front of you.
Milani says if an accident occurs, move your vehicle from the traveling lane, exchange information, take pictures of any vehicle damage for both your and the other person’s car insurance, use their mobile app to look for assistance, and have the police come out and write a report if needed.
She reminds everyone that the most important thing to do is to first make sure people are safe after an accident.
AAA has even more insight and advice as to how you can stay safe this during this Labor Day weekend. You can visit their website and download their mobile application wherever you get your apps.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – More people across the U.S. are choosing solo getaways trips on their own terms.
Rhiannon Sunday, 20, from Rockford spent three months on the road with her German shepherd mix, Atlas. Together, they traveled thousands of miles in a rental vehicle across states including Oregon, California and Arizona.
“I can just drop doing nothing and travel and I went to Arizona after that,” said Sunday.
Sunday said she relied on rest stops for overnight breaks, carried safety tools with her and her dog to keep her safe. The experience, she says, taught her independence and confidence.
“Be prepared to be alone because it’s going to happen You will lose service for miles and miles and you are going to have to learn how to problem solve on the fly,” Sunday said.
Local travel agent Tammy Free, owner of Free to Dream Travel, says stories like Sunday’s are inspiring more travelers to consider going solo.
“They have dreams to travel and go places, but don’t always have the courage to do it,” said Free. “When they see others making their dreams come true, they realize they can too.”
AAA offers a list of travel tips for both families and solo adventurers. For those traveling alone, experts recommend:
Share your itinerary with someone you trust and check in often
Blend in by following local customs and dress codes
Secure valuables in anti-theft bags and carry only essentials
Learn local emergency numbers and keep them handy
AAA also recently partnered with the Sister Accord Foundation to launch Safety in Sisterhood, a resource designed specifically to support women and solo travelers both domestically and abroad.
“If you’re staying at a resort, right when you arrive talk to the resort work personnel and see if they can give you tips on safe places in the area you can visit as a solo traveler, especially women,” said Free.
“Solo travelers have your back all the time,” said Sunday. “Like these people have it on top and they seem a lot more confident than people traveling in groups.”
AAA says travel insurance is another important safety measure to cover everything from medical emergencies and trip interruptions to lost luggage.
As for Sunday, her solo journey stretched more than 6,500 miles and she’s already planning her next adventure.
Vacations may be a chance to relax, but that doesn’t mean you can go completely offline. Whether you’re heading out for a quick fall getaway, traveling for the holidays or spending a week abroad, you’ll probably need internet access at some point — if only to check maps, confirm reservations or share updates with family and friends.
Mobile data isn’t always reliable when you’re on the move, and coverage gaps can leave you stranded. That’s why knowing how to find secure, accessible Wi-Fi is so important. From airports and hotels to cafes and public spaces, not every connection is safe to use and it pays to know how to protect your information before logging on.
In this guide, we’ll break down the smartest ways to track down Wi-Fi while traveling and how to keep your connection safe when you’re away from your home network. With a few precautions, you can stay connected and avoid the risks that come with unprotected public hotspots.
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How to get online quickly using a hotspot
A hotspot is a central location (or a device) that offers wireless access to the internet. Any network device can connect to the hotspot with the right access. Depending on your mobile provider and plan, you may be able to use your smartphone as a hotspot. A mobile hotspot relies on the cellular network of your mobile carrier and is generally much slower and unreliable than a fixed home internet connection, but it can still be a lifeline if you need to connect to the internet on the go. A mobile hotspot will not replace your traditional home internet connection, but it can be a temporary way to get back online. CNET’s How-To Expert Nelson Aguilar tells users to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot.
“A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance,” Aguilar said.
There are some other things you should keep in mind about using a hotspot.
There are two different types of hotspots: Public vs. private
If you’ve paid your mobile provider for the ability to create a hotspot with your smartphone, your device acts as a private hotspot and can create wireless access for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, like laptops, desktop computers and streaming devices. That’s a pretty secure way to get internet on the go, but it’s not always available to everyone.
On the other hand, public hotspots are much easier to find and are usually created by a business to provide internet service when visitors, customers and clients are on site. Many free, public Wi-Fi connections are hotspots. For instance, you can connect to a public hotspot in areas like cafes or shopping malls. But public hotspots come with a lot of security and privacy risks.
Wi-Fi vs. hotspot: Knowing the difference
Hotspots are a physical location or device; Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. If you have Wi-Fi at home, it’s because you have a Wi-Fi router quarterbacking all of your wireless gadgets, and an internet service provider that’s connecting that router to the internet.
As long as you set a strong password, a private Wi-Fi network like that will be much more secure than a public hotspot because you’re controlling who and what connects to it. Public hotspots, on the other hand, are open to anyone within range and are not often encrypted.
In other words, you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your information and intercepting your network with malware and other viruses with a public hotspot. This is why it’s a good idea to use a VPN if you need to do anything sensitive, like shopping or sending money, while using a hotspot. CNET’s recommendation for the best VPN service overall is ExpressVPN, for its simple-to-use features, fast server speeds and it is excellent for streaming.
Tips for securely connecting to public Wi-Fi
Use a VPN: A virtual private network will encrypt and protect your internet activity.
Do not access sensitive information: Unless you really have to, don’t access your bank account or websites with sensitive personal information on a public network.
Turn off auto-connect: It’s convenient to reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network automatically, but it could happen without you knowing and potentially expose your personal information.
Only visit secure or encrypted websites: You can check to see if a website is secure if it has a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar or if the websites start with ‘HTTPS.’
Log out: If you’ve signed into an account, even just your Google account, always sign out when you’re finished on a public network.
How to find free Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi hotspots almost anywhere
You probably can’t get a hotspot from home unless you create one with your smartphone (or you happen to live really close to someone who has an unsecured network). There are lots of options for finding free Wi-Fi or public hotspots in businesses like coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels, museums, restaurants, fitness centers and much more. Some public transportation, like buses or the metro, offer free Wi-Fi.
If you’re about to head out for the day in search of free internet, try using these helpful apps first:
Apps like these display a map of your area or list free public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Most also let you track login requirements and view user hotspot reviews.
Some locations, like libraries or college campuses, are generally predictable sources for free public Wi-Fi, but if you’re not using a Wi-Fi finder app, it’s a good idea to call first to make sure. In addition, your internet provider’s network might offer access to hotspots. For instance, AT&T customers can access over 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide under its network, as can customers of Cox Communications, Spectrum, Xfinity and more.
How to set up and use free Wi-Fi
Make sure the device you plan to use is Wi-Fi capable. If it is, turn on Wi-Fi.
Once you’ve arrived at the location where you’ll use public Wi-Fi or a hotspot, open a browser and then either open up your computer’s network settings or click on the Wi-Fi icon on your screen. Next, select the public Wi-Fi connection you intend to use. If the connection is public, you will now be connected, but watch for an opt-in site to pop up in your browser. Some businesses require you to agree to their terms of service or provide an email address before they’ll let you use their free Wi-Fi.
Some businesses provide a login and password to their customers and offer a secure network. If the connection you intend to use shows up as secured, look around for the login and password posted in the business, or ask someone for help. Yes, if you’re somewhere like a coffee shop, it’d be polite to buy a pastry or a latte while you’re at it.
This hotspot device from HTC uses an incoming 5G connection to provide Wi-Fi internet access for nearby wireless devices.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
How to set up and use your mobile hotspot
They aren’t free, but if you need an internet connection and have a good cellular signal, a paid hotspot is another way to get Wi-Fi on the go. For example, maybe you’re traveling to a rural area with limited ISP options or the Wi-Fi where you’re staying isn’t as fast as you’d like it to be.
Depending on your mobile provider and the plan you pay for, you might already have personal hotspot capabilities. If not, speak with your provider to determine how much they’ll charge you for that option. Be prepared to pay more if you’re seeking unlimited data.
After you’ve considered pricing, you’ll need to decide whether to use your smartphone as a hotspot or purchase a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Enlarge Image
Check your phone’s settings for hotspot capabilities.
Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET
Should I use my smartphone or a separate hotspot device?
A hotspot device is a separate device on your mobile plan with its own separate data limit. While the downside is the extra cost, the upside is that you won’t have to worry about your smartphone usage eating up your hotspot data. Another positive: If you set a strong password, using a hotspot device to get online is just as secure as any ISP-provided Wi-Fi connection, and it’ll often provide a greater range of coverage. We’re also seeing a growing number of full-fledged Wi-Fi routers and mesh routers that are designed to get their incoming signal over a cellular connection, such as LTE or 5G.
Both smartphone hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices can be used anywhere, although using a smartphone hotspot in public places may be more convenient, especially if you’re just trying to get your laptop online for a few minutes. It’s worth noting that using a smartphone as a hotspot can be convenient temporarily. For instance, if your mobile provider experiences a network outage, you won’t be able to get online. In addition, a mobile hotspot is only ideal until your smartphone’s battery eventually runs out.
What Wi-Fi options does my internet provider offer?
In response to the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission created the Keep Americans Connected initiative to help people keep their broadband and telephone connectivity in 2020. Additionally, providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and Optimum extended free Wi-Fi to anyone (customers and noncustomers). Most of these programs are no longer active in these post-pandemic times, but it’s still worthwhile to check with your local ISP. Occasionally, as in the example of the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these providers activate hotspots for noncustomers so everyone can stay online even while structural damage may inhibit people from using the Wi-Fi at home.
What’s the bottom line?
Whatever path you take, you have more than one option for getting online. If you’re still struggling to find free Wi-Fi on your travels, it’s worth checking with your provider’s hotspot map (if it offers one) to see if there are any hotspots near you. Just remember to use a VPN if you join a public network and take other safety measures to keep your personal information safe.
Find Free Wi-Fi FAQs
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and a hotspot?
Hotspots are a physical location or specific devices that offers wireless access to the internet. In contrast, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. In most cases, Wi-Fi is accompanied by a Wi-Fi router and an internet service provider that connects all your devices to the internet.
Where can you find free Wi-Fi?
There are many ways to find free Wi-Fi. First, knowing the difference between a public and private hotspot is essential. Private hotspots are not free. The good news is that most public establishments — such as businesses, coffee shops, shopping malls, libraries, hotels and even parks (limited for some) — typically offer free public hotspots. Certain apps like Instabridge, WiFi Map and WiFi Around can help narrow your search for free Wi-Fi hotspots available near you.
Are private networks more secure than public hotspots?
Yes. Public hotspots are open to anyone within range, which means you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your personal information or other risks. Incorporating a VPN as an extra layer of protection is a good call when using public Wi-Fi.
Airports are often associated with long lines, tight schedules, and last-minute stress, but travelling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can move through security smoothly and focus on enjoying your journey. To help travellers in 2025, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have shared their top insider tips for a hassle-free airport experience. From packing smartly and arriving on time to understanding screening rules and using programmes like TSA PreCheck, these simple yet effective guidelines will make your next flight easier, faster, and far less stressful from start to finish.
How to avoid airport stress: 9 smart travel tips straight from TSA officers
Plan ahead for stress-free travel
Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress when flying. Before leaving home, make sure you have all your essential documents, such as valid identification, boarding passes, and travel confirmations. Double-check your flight time and allow extra time for traffic or unexpected delays. Many travellers find themselves rushing through security because they cut it too close, which only adds to the stress. A little organisation beforehand can make a big difference once you reach the airport.
Pack wisely and begin with an empty bag
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is unintentionally packing prohibited items. TSA officers recommend always starting with an empty suitcase so you don’t accidentally carry something left inside from a previous trip. This helps prevent delays and reduces the risk of having items confiscated.Passengers should also remember the 3-1-1 liquids rule: all liquids must fit in a single quart-sized bag, with each container no larger than 3.4 ounces. This includes common items like toothpaste, lotions, and even spreadable foods such as peanut butter. Medicines, baby food, and breast milk are exceptions but must be declared at security. To avoid last-minute confusion, consult TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page before packing.
Arrive early and give yourself extra time
Arriving late is one of the easiest ways to make air travel stressful. TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This buffer gives you time to handle long lines at check-in or security without the added pressure of worrying about missing your flight. Arriving early also allows you to relax once you’ve cleared security instead of rushing straight to the gate.
Bring an acceptable form of identification
Valid identification is essential for getting through airport security smoothly. If you don’t have the correct ID, you may face additional screenings and long delays. Acceptable IDs for domestic flights include a Real ID driver’s licence, a U.S. passport or passport card, a Permanent Resident Card, and DHS Trusted Traveller Cards. Always keep your ID accessible so you can present it quickly during the screening process.
Know the rules if you’re carrying a firearm
Firearms are strictly regulated when flying. TSA requires that they be stored in a locked, hard-sided case and checked with your luggage. You must declare the firearm at the airline check-in counter. Attempting to bring a firearm through a checkpoint can result in law enforcement involvement and penalties of up to $15,000 for first-time offences. Travellers should carefully review the guidelines before attempting to fly with any firearm.
Be aware that technology varies at checkpoints
Security procedures are not the same everywhere. Some airports use advanced scanners that allow passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their bags, while others still require items to be removed. Certain checkpoints may also use facial recognition technology for identity verification. Participation is voluntary, and passengers can opt out if they prefer. If you’re uncertain about the process, simply ask an officer for guidance.
Consider getting TSA PreCheck
For frequent travellers, TSA PreCheck is a worthwhile investment. PreCheck passengers enjoy shorter lines, with average wait times of 10 minutes compared to 30 minutes in regular lanes. You also don’t need to remove liquids, laptops, shoes, or light jackets. Because most travellers in the PreCheck lane are experienced, the process tends to move faster and more efficiently. This can save significant time and reduce stress, especially during peak travel periods.
Call ahead if you need extra support
If you or a family member require additional assistance, whether due to a disability, medical condition, or other circumstances—the TSA offers support through its TSA Cares programme. By contacting TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel, you can request help to make your journey easier. Assistance is available by phone or online, and staff are trained to provide support during the screening process.
Double-check before you get to the airport
Questions about what you can bring on a flight? TSA offers real-time help through text at 275-872 (AskTSA) or via their official accounts on X and Facebook Messenger. Reaching out before you leave can prevent delays or the disappointment of having items confiscated at the checkpoint.
Respect frontline workers
Air travel can be frustrating, but it’s important to treat TSA officers and other frontline workers with patience and respect. Aggressive or disruptive behaviour can lead to penalties, and physically assaulting a TSA officer is a federal offence. A calm, cooperative attitude makes the process easier for everyone.
Be aware and stay vigilant
Finally, awareness is key when travelling. The TSA’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign reminds passengers to report suspicious behaviour or items immediately. Staying alert not only ensures your safety but also contributes to the overall security of everyone at the airport and on the plane.With these nine tips from TSA officers, navigating the airport doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing ahead, packing carefully, arriving early, and respecting both the rules and the people enforcing them, you can make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable.Also Read: Asia’s cosiest city revealed: Why Seoul is the ultimate hub for coffee and comfort
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