Compact Travel Adapters do what you’d expect—they convert erratic frequency AC into steady, low voltage DC to allow your same-brand electrical devices to plug into the power outlets of different countries. Unlike the old, clunky chunks of plastic that once reigned the market, these adapters are now designed to fit easily in your carry-on and be as durable as they are lightweight.

Senior commerce editor Jasmine Grant took this one on her recent two-week trip to London, Italy, and Germany, and loves that it’s easy to pack (a tad bigger than a pepper grinder). She also likes that the prongs retract into the base, preventing them from being mashed or bent—a common problem with older designs.

Compact Travel Adapter: Convenience in Your Pocket

Another advantage of this adapter is that it includes a USB port, something that isn’t always included with all-in-one options. This means you can charge multiple electronics at once, which is handy when you have a short window between daytime excursions and dinner plans, or during a stopover in an airport.

If you’re a planner with an eye for detail, this travel adapter is for you. It’s the most durable of the bunch, made from a hard polycarbonate that can take all the shoving, packing, and unpacking that’s part and parcel of travel. It has spaces for three European, British, and Australian power sockets, as well as two USB-A ports, including one that can quickly charge high-power devices. The only downside is that it doesn’t cover every country, so if you’re planning an extended trip to places with a more unique socket type, look elsewhere.

Developing a consistent Lawn and Garden Care routine each season helps maintain the health of your yard. A well-cared-for lawn looks good and reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Practices like aerating the soil, dethatching, mowing the lawn frequently and correctly, and removing leaves help prevent lawn diseases and insect infestations. In addition, harvesting rainwater, using mulches instead of grass clippings for bed covering, and switching to organic fertilizers reduce the amount of chemicals used in your yard.

Lawn and Garden Care: Essential Tips for a Lush and Healthy Yard

Weeds have an easier time invading weak lawns, so regular maintenance can keep them under control. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide before annual weed seeds germinate (usually in March and April) or post-emergent herbicide after weeds have sprouted helps contain weed growth. Aerating the lawn improves drainage and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. Spreading topsoil also improves soil condition and allows grasses to compete with weeds.

A laboratory soil test gives you important information about the makeup of your soil, which influences how the lawn and other plants grow. The test will tell you the proportion of sand, silt, and clay soil in your lawn; this information helps you tailor your maintenance program to suit your property’s specific needs. Applying the recommended soil amendments (like lime) will correct problems and give your lawn a better chance to outcompete weeds and thrive. Organic, slow-release fertilizers are an excellent alternative to water-soluble chemical fertilizers.

The best investment options for you depend on your risk tolerance, expected returns and amount of money available. But the good news is that most people can invest using a savings account, a retirement account like a 401(k) or an online stock brokerage or robo-advisor.

The best investment options and stock-based investments like ETFs and mutual funds have a proven track record of providing the highest investment returns over long periods. But stocks also carry more risk than other investments, as stock prices can rise and fall significantly. For this reason, they’re best suited for investors who won’t need their money any time soon.

Financial Market Trends to Watch in 2025: What Investors Should Expect

Bonds and other fixed-income investments provide lower investment returns than stocks, but they’re less volatile. However, they may carry interest rate, credit or inflation risk. Corporate bonds, which are loans made to businesses, typically have a higher yield than government bonds, but they can be more risky.

Real estate investments can provide rental income, as well as potential appreciation in property value. They can also be a reliable source of steady income and act as a hedge against inflation.

Precious metals, such as gold and silver, can be a diversifying investment option for those looking for more stable returns than what they’d get from stocks or other asset classes. But they can be volatile and can experience price spikes, so it’s important to have them as only a small part of a diversified portfolio.