Category: Lifestyle

Carscoops 

Now is as good a time as ever to jump behind the wheel of a new Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 following the carmaker’s move to cut lease prices in the United States.

A new deal introduced by Hyundai means the 2023 Ioniq 5 SE can be leased for $349 per month over 36 months with $4,999 due at signing. This represents a $50 per month saving from Hyundai’s previous lease deal. The monthly lease of the 2023 Ioniq 6 SE has also been cut by $50 to $299 per month for 36 months with $4,999 due at signing.

In the case of the Ioniq 6 SE, this shakes out at an effective cost of $438 per month, making it $44 per month cheaper to lease than a Tesla Model 3 currently offered for $329 per month with $5,524 due at signing, Cars Direct reports. Making the Ioniq 6 all the more appealing is the fact that it is also cheaper to lease than the Kia EV6 Wind at $538 per month, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at $452, and even a Hyundai Elantra Hybrid at $458.

Hyundai has also improved the purchase incentives for the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, increasing the available rebate on SE and SEL models from $5,000 to $7,500. The Limited trims also get a $2,500 rebate having been offered without a rebate of any kind in the past.

Review: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Epiq Shakes Up The EV Hierarchy

Thanks to these new deals, the Ioniq 6 has become one of the best bang-for-your-buck electric sedans currently on sale. The entry-level SE RWD Standard Range model is powered by a 53 kWh battery pack that drives a single electric motor with 149 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. It can travel up to 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge.

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Carscoops 

Ah, to be lucky enough to have bought 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. Not only can you get a fun paint color (remember this factory oopsy?), not only do you get impressive performance, but now you also get a full hardware fix for your overheating battery connectors.

Ford is working on a recall campaign affecting 34,762 Mustang Mach-Es that were at risk of losing motive power. This issue arises from exposure to elevated temperatures, which can lead to the deformation of the battery connectors, especially following numerous instances of wide-open throttle events and/or multiple DC fast charging cycles.

As a result, the automaker believes that the problem is most severe with Extended Range and GT models — so they’re the ones getting this fix. Ford will completely replace the Bussed Electrical Center (sometimes referred to as the High Voltage Battery Junction Box) in these vehicles to make them more resistant to heat.

Read: Ford Issues Stop-Sale On Mustang Mach-E, Recalls 49,000 EVs Due To Potential Loss Of Power

The original bussed electrical boxes were found to be susceptible to overheating last year. That could lead to arcing and deformations of the battery’s main contactors, which could bend them open and prevent them from closing, or alternatively, could weld them shut.

Either scenario is bad, but if they’re welded together, the Mustang Mach-E will throw up an error code and lose the ability to move forward. Should this occur while the vehicle is on the road, it significantly elevates the risk of a potentially hazardous accident.

Back in 2022, when Ford first learned of this problem, it issued a recall for nearly 50,000 units of the popular EV, and a software update. However, the software was only aimed at warning the driver earlier, and helping the vehicle continue at highway speeds if its contactors were damaged.

In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a recall query, questioning the efficacy of Ford’s original solution. That’s because it had received multiple complaints from drivers that their vehicles lost motive power, despite receiving the recall fix.

107 instances of overhearing

After looking into the data, Ford has decided to replace the bussed electrical center on 34,762 Mustang Mach-E Extended range and GT models. It believes that the lower strain put on Standard Range variants means damage to the contactors is much less likely. Ford says it is aware of 107 instances of this problem occurring, and just seven of those were on Standard Range models.

The Blue Oval plans to start reaching out to owners on October 30, and the fix will be completed at no cost to the driver.

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The Points Guy 

For many people, the Universal brand is synonymous with horror. In the early 1900s, Universal first brought iconic characters such as Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Wolf Man and the Invisible Man to the silver screen. And today, the company is a powerhouse in the horror industry with iconic modern horror films like “M3GAN” and “Us,” along with annual Halloween Horror Nights events at its U.S. and international theme parks.

Related: Everything we know about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023

And soon, horror lovers will be able to experience the darker side of Universal all year long.

This week, Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the name of the company’s first year-round horror experience: Universal Horror Unleashed.

UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES

This groundbreaking foray into a permanent horror experience outside of its theme parks gives Universal the opportunity to take what it does best — immersive, experiential storytelling — to the next level.

“Universal Horror Unleashed is another way we are using our unique style of horror storytelling to engage fans of this genre,” Page Thompson, president of new ventures for Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a press release. “We look forward to bringing frightful fun to Las Vegas year-round.”

And the new destination, which will be located at AREA15 in Las Vegas, will not only give guests the chance to step into a thrilling world of horrors, but will also let them visit themed dining locations and bars during their visit and shop for spooky merchandise. The company also revealed that Universal Horror Unleashed is being designed with the ability to be continuously updated, including for seasonal events.

UNIVERSAL PARKS & RESORTS

Universal will release more details and an opening date as the project progresses, but Universal Horror Unleashed’s Las Vegas location is just one of many moves the company is making to expand to new audiences in new markets. Earlier this year, Universal also announced it would be opening a kid-friendly theme park in Frisco, Texas.

Related: How Universal is stepping out of the mouse’s shadow to become the hottest theme park

Las Vegas is usually known for its glowing neon lights around every corner and the chorus of joyful screams and laughter coming from the few gamblers who can call themselves “lucky,” but with the introduction of Universal Horror Unleashed, the corners will be darker and the screams you hear will be for an entirely different reason.

Related reading:

Universal Orlando guide: Tips from frequent visitors
These are the best hotels at Universal Orlando
The best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
Thrills for all ages: 6 best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal will launch a new credit card with theme park perks in 2024 — though details are scant

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Carscoops 

There are patterns in how the auto industry conducts business and rolls out its new products. In the case of the Porsche 911 GT3 we’ve become accustomed to seeing the stock GT3 first and loving it, being introduced to the GT3 RS and loving it more, and then being told about the Manthey Racing equipment package, at which point where spending multiple hours per day looking at real estate around the Nurburgring.

So far in the 992 GT3 story we’ve had the base car and the RS, and now it looks like Porsche is busy testing the MR-kitted RS at the Nurburgring, potentially with the aim of going quicker than the current lap record holder, the $2.7 million Mercedes-AMG One.

But can Porsche really pull that off with a car that costs around a tenth as much and is half as powerful? The AMG lapped the longer 20.8 km (12.9 miles) layout of the track, the accepted configuration for records, in 6:35.18 last November, laying waste to the Manthey-equipped 911 GT2 RS, which scored 6:43.30 in 2021. So if even the 690 hp (700 PS) GT2 RS MR can’t get within 8 seconds of the AMG, it’s a big ask for the 518 hp (525 PS) GT3 RS to throw shade the AMG’s way when the best stock GT3 RS can do is 6:49.33.

Related: Porsche 911 GT3 RS Demolishes Road America’s Production Lap Record

Look at the difference the MR kits have made in the past though, and you start to wonder if Porsche might just pull this off after all. In 2021 the MR package for the previous GT3 RS proved itself worth almost 7 seconds over the fractionally shorter 20.6 km (12.8 miles) version of the track, and two years earlier MR goodies had slashed the GT2 RS’s time by over 8 seconds. So in theory the GT3 RS MR might be able to drop below the 6:40 mark, but we’d be surprised if it could dethrone the AMG, a full-blown hypercar with a Formula 1 engine.

Though the MR’s ‘production car’ claim is arguably a little sketchy, since it’s technically a collection of parts available from a Porsche dealer, allowing it to qualify. The MR kit for the old GT3 RS included adjustable coilovers, lightweight magnesium wheels, braided brake lines, uprated brake pads and aero mods. We expect this version to tread a similar path. How fast do you think the MR will go?

Baldauf

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The Points Guy 

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® Credit Card overview

The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card (see rates and fees) is a compelling option for travelers who enjoy staying at Choice Hotels properties. The card offers valuable perks, including 10 points per dollar when you use it to pay for qualifying Choice Hotels stays, 30,000 bonus points every account anniversary and 20 elite night credits each calendar year. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

If you enjoy the Choice Privileges hotel loyalty program or frequently book paid stays at Choice Hotels, you could get serious value from the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card. This card is high on my list of cards to add to my wallet due to the benefits it provides in exchange for a modest $95 annual fee (waived for the first year).

You’ll usually need a credit score of at least 670 to successfully apply for this card, which launched earlier this year ahead of Choice Privileges’ integration of Radisson Rewards Americas. But if you get approved for this card, you can use it to earn 10 points per dollar on qualifying Choice Hotels stays and 5 points per dollar at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores and on phone plan services.

Cardholders also get various perks that can easily provide more value than the annual fee. Here’s what you need to know about the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.

THE POINTS GUY

Choice Privileges Select Mastercard welcome offer

If you apply for the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and are approved, you could earn 90,000 bonus Choice points when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

TPG values Choice points at 0.6 cents each. So, you should be able to get about $540 worth of value from the welcome offer.

You could be eligible for a welcome offer on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. LUMINOLA/GETTY IMAGES

Related: Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?

Choice Privileges Select Mastercard benefits

As is true with many of the best hotel credit cards with annual fees under $100, the perks on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard are the primary reason you may want to add the card to your wallet.

One benefit on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard — 30,000 bonus points every account anniversary — should provide significantly more value each year than the card’s $95 annual fee (waived the first year). TPG values 30,000 Choice points at about $180. So, assuming you enjoy redeeming Choice points, you should get value by keeping the card in your wallet for the long term.

Plus, you’ll get 20 elite night credits each calendar year. These elite night credits are enough for Platinum status, but they could also help you reach the 40 elite nights you need each calendar year for top-tier Diamond status. Although the perks of Choice Privileges’ elite status aren’t comparable to what you’d get with some other hotel loyalty programs, they will get you elite bonus points on stays and an elite welcome gift at participating properties.

Unlock more perks with the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. HISPANOLISTIC/GETTY IMAGES

You may also want to use your Choice Privileges Select Mastercard to enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Global Entry has become a must-have for me, as it makes it quick and easy to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad and includes TSA PreCheck. You can get a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for an application fee to either program charged to your card.

The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees(see rates and fees) so you can use it outside the U.S. without incurring fees when Mastercard converts your transactions to U.S. dollars.

You’ll also get up to $800 of cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card.

Choice Privileges Select Mastercard cardholders also get access to various World Elite Mastercard benefits as detailed in the card’s guide to benefits.

Related: Register for Choice Hotels Your Extras to earn gift cards or other perks on weekday stays

Earning points on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

You’ll earn Choice Privileges points with your Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.

When you use this card to pay for stays at participating Choice Hotels properties that you booked directly, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar. However, some international Choice Hotels locations don’t participate. So, check the list of eligible locations before assuming you’ll earn 10 points per dollar when paying for your stay with this card.

There are many ways to earn Choice points with your card. SRDJANNS74/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK PHOTO

You’ll also earn 10 points per dollar when you use your card to pay for qualifying purchases of Choice Privileges points.

And you’ll earn 5 points per dollar when you use your Choice Privileges Select Mastercard to pay for purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores and for phone plan services. Plus, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases with your Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.

You may already have other cards that earn more in some or all of the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard’s bonus categories. But, even if you don’t expect to use the card for many purchases after you earn the welcome offer, it could still be well worth getting and keeping due to its cardholder perks.

Related: How to earn points with the Choice Privileges Eat & Earn dining rewards program

Redeeming points on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

There are many ways to redeem the Choice Privileges points you earn with the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. But you’ll usually get the most value when redeeming for Choice Hotels stays.

Choice Privileges offers set rates for each hotel based on the day of the week you stay. The rates can change every few months but are clearly defined on the landing page for each hotel.

You could redeem Choice points for your next hotel stay. ILONA TITOVA/GETTY IMAGES

Award nights at most Choice Hotels properties cost between 6,000 and 35,000 points. So you can stay in the heart of most major cities (including New York City) for 35,000 points per night or less.

There are many opportunities to redeem Choice points for a stay in New York City. CHOICEHOTELS.COM

I like redeeming Choice points for stays in Europe and Japan, where I can often snag a centrally located hotel for just 8,000, 10,000 or 12,000 points per night.

You could redeem Choice points to stay in Tokyo. CHOICEHOTELS.COM

You can even get a discount when you redeem points to stay at hotels featured on Choice Hotels’ Sweet Spot Rewards list. However, know that you can only book Choice Privileges award nights within 100 days of your stay. I don’t usually have any issues booking within 100 days but have occasionally struggled with availability at smaller hotels and Bluegreen Vacations resorts.

Related: Redeem Choice points for a Maldives resort, half-board hotels, suites and more

Transferring points on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

You can transfer Choice points to select airline loyalty programs, including Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin Australia Velocity.

However, transferring Choice points to airline loyalty programs will almost always provide significantly less value than redeeming for hotel stays. As such, we recommend getting a card that earns transferable points or an airline credit card if you’re primarily interested in earning airline miles.

Which cards compete with the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?

There are many reasons you may be considering the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. But, if you aren’t entirely sure it’s the best card for you, here are some other cards to consider:

If you don’t want to pay an annual fee: The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® offers fewer perks but doesn’t carry an annual fee. You’ll get 10 elite night credits with this card.
If you want to earn more general rewards: You can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio. So, especially if you want to earn more general rewards that you can transfer to Choice Privileges or redeem for other travel, the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) may be an excellent option. The Citi Premier earns 3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. For more information on this card with a $95 annual fee, read our full Citi Premier review.
If you want a different hotel brand: Most major hotel loyalty programs offer cobranded credit cards. Look at our full list of the best hotel cards to find the best card for you.

Should you add the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard to your wallet? WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

Related: 3 reasons you need a credit card with your favorite hotel brand

Bottom line

Especially when considering how much Choice points are worth, you may not find yourself putting many purchases on the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard unless you need to earn more points for an upcoming redemption. After all, other cards in your wallet may provide more valuable rewards.

But, even if you don’t expect to spend much on your card, it could still be worth getting and keeping the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard due to its ongoing perks. For example, the 30,000 points you’ll get after each account anniversary should be worth significantly more than the card’s annual fee. And if you want Choice Privileges elite status, the 20 elite night credits each calendar year will get you Platinum status and a good boost toward earning top-tier Diamond status.

The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy redeeming Choice points or frequently stay at Choice Hotels, it could be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Apply here: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

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Carscoops 

Well, the dream is done, and privateer American racing team, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus will not compete at Le Mans next year. The team’s founder cited a lack of funds as the reason behind the decision.

The Glickenhaus 007 started racing in the World Endurance Championship in 2021. Developed by Italy’s Podium Advanced Technologies, it was one of the original entrants to compete in the FIA’s Hypercar class.

“We won’t be entering — it doesn’t make sense for us,” Cameron Glickenhaus, the team’s founder, told Motorsport. “To be competitive we’d need to do an evo version of the car and to run two of them. That’s not viable for a privateer: the only way we could do it would be with sponsorship or if a customer wanted to run a program with our car.”

Read: Aston Martin Valkyrie To Fight For Overall Victory At Le Mans Starting In 2025

The Glickenhaus 004S road car

The automaker is facing increasingly stern competition, as Ferrari, Porsche, and several other large-scale manufacturers have entered the iconic endurance event. And in the near future, more brands like Lamborghini and Aston Martin is said to be joining in the fight.

Glickenhaus says that he and the team can be proud that despite the team’s small size, they achieved some impressive results in its time in the sport. At its first 24 Hours of Le Mans, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus finished fourth after a tight battle with Alpine. The following year, it earned itself a spot at the podium, finishing third.

“We were a legitimate effort and we did just great for a privateer,” said Glickenhaus. “We got on the podium in 2022 and this year we beat the likes of Porsche and Peugeot [by finishing sixth and seventh] — it really doesn’t get any better than that. We were an important part of the championship when they needed us.”

That’s not the end of Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, though. The team hopes to continue racing at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race in the SP-X class. However, in that series, it will be competing with a modified version of its 004 supercar.

“We will go back to the ‘Ring one day, because we would be promoting what we sell,” said Glickenhaus.

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The Points Guy 

Like every cruise destination, the Canada and New England area offers visitors a wide range of fun and exciting experiences. The region’s mix of natural beauty, historical significance and modern urban culture make it appealing to both nature lovers and city types, and its convenient location is an added plus.

Even though you’ll be cruising close to home, it’s still important to do your research before you book your sailing. That’s why we’ve compiled these Canada and New England cruise tips to help you choose the best itinerary and the ship that’s right for you.

It’s hardly a secret that cruise ports in Canada and New England offer easy access to whale watching excursions, lobster bakes and vibrant fall foliage  — and if you’re looking for lighthouses, rugged coastlines and active adventure, you’ve hit the jackpot. But there’s more.

The three New England states (Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine) and four Canadian Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec) that cruise ships call on are also full of fascinating history and culture. In one week, you can walk in the footsteps of American revolutionaries in Boston, visit the birthplace of Canada in Charlottetown on PEI and stroll the cobblestone streets of Quebec, the only fortified city in North America.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

The trick is to do it all as enjoyably and seamlessly as possible. Here are 12 Canada and New England cruise tips to help make that happen.

Choose the month you sail based on your interests

Sailing shore excursion in Newport, Rhode Island. PRINCESS CRUISES

Cruise season in Canada and New England is from May to October, with most ships visiting from August through October. This gives you a six-month window to cruise. Which month is best? That depends largely on what you’d like to see and do, whether you prefer warm or cool weather and the type of ship you want to book.

Visiting at the start of the season, from May through mid-June, offers generally comfortable temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees, but the weather can be unpredictable at times. On the plus side, landscapes will be vibrant green, and the region’s parks and gardens will be in full bloom.

Just a few cruise lines sail here during this period, namely Holland America and MSC Cruises, so there won’t be multiple ships in port to overwhelm tourist sights. However, it might be too cool, especially in May, to fully enjoy the beach and certain water-based activities.

Related: The best time for a Canada and New England cruise

By late June and July, summer has arrived along with several more cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Silversea. This period is ideal for enjoying classic Canada and New England coastal activities, from whale watching (peak time is July to September) and sea kayaking to scenic walks and lobster and clam bakes. Early July is also when Quebec City’s Summer Festival, a celebration of music and the arts, occurs.

August is a popular month for cruisers looking to hit Canada and New England’s beaches, especially in Rhode Island, Maine and Prince Edward Island. Temperatures will be in the 80s during the day but cool down considerably at night. You’ll find a few more cruise lines, including Seabourn, offering sailings, and another ship might be in port during your visit.

September marks the beginning of fall foliage season — the region’s busiest cruise period — but most leaves don’t begin to change until early to mid-October. It’s crucial to time your cruise accordingly if leaf peeping is a priority. Additional cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, sail here in September and October. Temperatures, however, cool considerably by late September and can dip into the 50s and 40s by mid-October, meaning the outdoor decks will be rather chilly.

Choose the cruise line and ship based on your family dynamic

While Canada and New England ports are well suited for all ages, some cruise ships are better than others for families, couples and older travelers. Choosing the right ship for your needs is always an important consideration, but it’s especially vital in New England and Canada. Why? The main reasons are itinerary length and family-friendly activities.

Canada and New England Cruises on premium and luxury lines are usually longer, often 11 to 14 nights, and feature more sea days. Onboard activities for younger cruisers are also likely to be limited, and shore excursions are generally geared to grown-ups.

On the other hand, mainstream cruise lines — such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — typically pack five or six ports into a seven-night sailing. Their ships are also larger and offer lots of onboard amenities, such as kids and teens clubs, waterslides and virtual-reality gaming. These can keep younger guests entertained during one or two days at sea.

Mainstream lines Princess and Holland America do offer clubs for kids and teens, but their ships generally appeal to couples and don’t have waterslides and other thrill-based activities.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Make sure the itinerary visits your must-see ports

Bar Harbor, Maine. PETER UNGER/GETTY IMAGES

There are about a dozen main ports on the Canada and New England cruise circuit, and most itineraries don’t visit all of them. If you have your heart set on exploring Maine’s Acadia National Park, make sure Bar Harbor, not Portland or Rockport, is your cruise’s stop in Maine.

Want to see picturesque Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia? It’s accessible from Sydney, not Halifax. And if you’ve heard about the dramatic tides in the Bay of Fundy, check that your ship calls on Saint John, New Brunswick, to see them for yourself.

Decide if a round-trip or one-way itinerary best suits your travel preferences

Canada and New England cruises come in two types. The first is a round-trip sailing, typically from New York or Boston, lasting seven to nine nights. These itineraries often visit five to seven ports in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island but do not sail up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec.

They offer the convenience of drive-to cruising if you live in the Northeast or mid-Atlantic. If not, major airports — John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) — are nearby should you need to fly in from around the country.

Your other option is a one-way sailing from either New York or Boston to Quebec City or Montreal — or vice versa. These cruises tend to last 12 to 14 nights and offer a more comprehensive visit to the region, calling on eight to 10 ports. Almost all are on pricier and more upscale cruise lines, although Holland America and Princess do offer some one-way itineraries lasting seven to 12 nights.

Choosing one of these sailings requires booking a one-way return flight or two one-way flights, depending on where you live.

Know which ports require you to tender

Boarding a tender boat to go ashore on a cruise. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

A number of Canada and New England cruise ports do not have a pier that accommodates cruise ships — or enough dock space to accommodate multiple ships. This means that vessels need to anchor offshore and guests are transferred ashore in a small boat called a tender.

Why does this matter? First, boarding a tender boat requires stepping down into and later up out of a vessel that’s bobbing in the water. It isn’t an option for guests who use wheelchairs or scooters and even for some passengers who are heavily reliant on walkers.

The second reason is that tendering takes time, especially on a large cruise ship carrying 3,000-plus passengers. Guests who book a shore excursion with the cruise line typically have first access to the tenders. If you plan to explore independently, you might not be able to go ashore until all guests taking shore excursions have done so. This can be an hour or more after the ship has arrived, which can cut down on your time in port and even cause you to miss a pre-booked independent tour.

If you think tendering will present an issue to you or a travel companion, check the cruise itinerary. Bar Harbor, Maine; Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and Rockland, Maine always require a tender transfer. Docking or tendering varies by port call in Charlottetown, PEI; Saguenay, Quebec; and Sydney, Nova Scotia. Your cruise line can tell you if tendering will be required ahead of your sailing.

If you like to swim, pick a ship with an enclosed pool

Outdoor pools are perfect for tropical itineraries — and even for Canada and New England sailings in July and August — but spring and fall cruises can often be too cool and blustery for an outdoor dip. If pool time is nonnegotiable for you when cruising, look for a ship with an indoor pool or one with a retractable roof.

Cruise lines with ships sailing New England and Canada itineraries that offer these kinds of pools include Holland America, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking. The indoor pools on the last three, however, are adults-only.

Pack for changeable weather — and airborne pests

Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine. PRINCESS CRUISES

The key to feeling comfortable on any Canada and New England cruise is to pack as if you might experience spring, summer and fall weather in a single day — because you might do just that. Yes, temperatures in July and August, especially in cities such as Boston and Halifax, can reach the high 80s, but they can plummet quickly. Cool and foggy mornings are also common.

A good strategy is to pack coordinating layers, a sun hat, a rain jacket or poncho, and a travel umbrella. Don’t forget insect repellant because the region is known for its black flies (especially from May to July), deer flies (June and July), mosquitos (June to September) and midges (June to August). See our handy packing list for suggestions.

Related: Canada and New England cruise packing list: What to pack for every season

Book a midship cabin if you’re prone to seasickness

While the northern Atlantic waters around New England and the Maritime Provinces aren’t as unpredictable as they can be in regions farther north, such as along Alaska’s and Greenland’s coasts, they’re certainly not as smooth as those in the Caribbean or Mexico. This can be especially true from late August to October when Atlantic hurricane season can churn up waves even if the storm is hundreds of miles away.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Book a cabin that’s located midship on a middle to lower deck because the forward, aft and top decks of ships feel movement the most. You should also pack whichever seasickness medicines or bands work best for you.

Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Plan a mix of shore excursions and independent exploration

The ports you’ll visit on a Canada and New England cruise make it easy to mix guided excursions with DIY exploration. This flexibility will work in your favor, especially if you’re traveling with independent-minded adults or kids and teens who get antsy during long tours.

Newport and Bar Harbor are both small enough to explore easily on your own. In Newport, you can plan your own visits to one or more of the picturesque enclave’s landmark mansions or do the full 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. Bar Harbor’s historic downtown is full of shops and galleries to browse, or you can independently book a scenic nature cruise to spot local wildlife. In season, free shuttles take visitors from Bar Harbor to key sites in Acadia National Park, so you aren’t forced to take a tour.

Related: Best Canada and New England cruise excursions

If your ship calls on Halifax, you can buy tickets for a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus that stops at many of the city’s top sites over a 90-minute route. Charlottetown on PEI, on the other hand, is small enough to explore on foot. But if you’re a fan of “Anne of Green Gables” and want to visit Green Gables Heritage Place, located about 40 minutes away, it’s best to book a tour.

Perhaps the ultimate place to mix a guided tour and independent exploration is Quebec City, which was founded in 1608. Its walled Old Town is so historic that a guided walking tour offers perspective you might otherwise miss. Then you can continue to enjoy its cobblestoned charm on your own as you shop for souvenirs or duck into a cafe for a glass of wine or a cafe au lait.

Try the region’s culinary specialties

Lobster roll in Acadia National Park, Maine. GABRIELPEVIDE/GETTY IMAGES

One of the most enjoyable things about spending a day in port is trying the local food — and on a Canada and New England cruise, it helps if you love seafood.

In Boston and Saint John, creamy clam or fish chowder is a must, while in Bar Harbor and other ports in Maine, the go-to treat is a lobster roll followed by blueberry pie. You’ll find dulse (an edible red seaweed) and Digby scallops on the menu in Halifax, while blue mussels and french fries are top must-tries in Charlottetown (FYI: PEI is Canada’s top potato-growing province). Finally, when in Quebec, the snacks are poutine (french fries topped with cheese curds and drenched in gravy) and maple candy.

Make learning local history part of your daily adventures

A Canada and New England cruise offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the Atlantic coast, but many of its ports were also the setting for pivotal moments in Canadian and U.S. history. This makes a cruise here ideal for families with school-age kids and adult history buffs.

Newport is home to 18 historical landmarks, including the Newport Colony House (the fourth-oldest statehouse still standing in the U.S.) and Fort Adams, the country’s largest coastal fortification. Your day in Boston can be spent walking the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that connects 16 significant historic sites from the American Revolution and visiting the USS Constitution Museum.

In Halifax, you can tour the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star-shaped fortress that dates to 1856, and from Sydney, Nova Scotia, you can visit the birthplace of inventor Alexander Graham Bell. History comes to life on PEI, as costumed actors recreate the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 that led to Canada’s unification, and Quebec City’s 400-plus years of history are showcased by its impeccably preserved architectural details.

Get back to nature

You’ll find abundant natural beauty all around the ports you’ll visit on a Canada and New England cruise, so plan to enjoy it. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, wildlife spotting, visiting waterfalls or photographing rocky coastlines, you’ll have opportunities to appreciate an abundance of natural phenomena.

Pack comfortable, casual clothing appropriate for adventure, and let the stunning landscapes along the rugged Atlantic coast fill your days with wonder.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
15 ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Food52 

Erin Jeanne McDowell, baking expert and Food52 Resident, is no stranger to making pies. She’s written a whole book on the subject (called, literally, The Book on Pie), graced our
Bake It Up a Notch videos with hours of helpful advice, and shared her recipes—including her famous All-Buttah Pie Crust—on our site. And in this month’s episode of her show, Erin’s back with even more tips, all aimed at helping you perfect your pies throughout the fall and holiday season. Rather than focusing on a specific recipe or method, Erin goes through the three main types of fall pies (pecan, pumpkin, and apple) and troubleshoots common issues that occur with each one. That way, you can still reach for your tried-and-true family recipe—but maybe this year, you’ll be sure to avoid a soggy bottomed pie crust or a cracked surface on your custard filling. Here are five of our favorite takeaways from Erin’s video.

1. Use Pie Weights Correctly

It’s common knowledge that, when par-baking a pie crust, it’s important to weigh it down with dry beans, pie weights, or another heavy, heat-proof material. What I didn’t know is that those weights should not just cover the bottom of the crust—they should also go all the way up the sides, filling the pie dish completely. “We’re not only trying to weigh down the base of the crust so that it doesn’t puff up, we’re also trying to weigh down and support the sides of the crust,” Erin says. It’s a trick that stops the pie crust from slumping and sliding down the sides of the pan during baking.

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Carscoops 

The Toyota IMV 0 (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) – also known as the Rangga – is one of the coolest upcoming pickup trucks thanks to its no-frills multi-purpose character. After showcasing various concepts in Indonesia last August, Toyota is now introducing additional variants of the IMV 0 at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, further fueling our anticipation for the forthcoming production version expected to debut next year.

Toyota’s booth will include two real-life concepts based on the IMV 0. The “Mobility Cafe” will offer drinks to visitors thanks to the food truck conversion, while the “Capsule Bar” will allow them to win miniature cars if they find the correct answer to a simple question. However, the most intriguing versions of the truck are the ones displayed in the official renderings.

More: Toyota Kayoibako Is A Customizable Baby Van Concept For Personal And Business Use

The most eye-catching model is a rugged pickup featuring an extended cab, rugged tires, an off-road bumper equipped with an LED bar and recovery points, and a roof rack for carrying gear. The truck sends strong Land Cruiser vibes thanks to the retro styling of the IMV 0 donor vehicle, and would make a great case for adventure-seekers. While this is only a rendering for now, we hope that Toyota will eventually bring this concept to life as a full-size model in the future.

Another captivating concept is the overlander variant, featuring an elongated, enclosed cabin. The extended rear overhang and increased height provide ample space for a well-equipped living area, offering the possibility of including all the comforts of a camper. This overlander model also showcases off-road tires, generous ground clearance, and front-end protective accessories, enhancing its versatility for off-road expeditions.

Toyota also presented a disaster relief variant adorned with Red Cross emblems, as well as two sporty low-rider pickup concepts. For some odd reason, Toyota pixelated the rims in some renderings, while others appear to have been generated with the assistance of software. Regardless of the presentation, Toyota’s abundance of ideas for the future of the IMV 0 is the most noteworthy aspect of this showcase.

Last but not least, Toyota will also bring the bare-bones chassis-cab version of the IMV 0 at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The automaker suggests that owners will be able to mount the desired rear section to the chassis using bolts and nuts, making all types of conversions easier.

The Toyota IMV 0 – originally introduced in concept form in December 2022 – measures 5,300 mm (208.7 inches) long, 1,785 mm (70.3 inches) wide, and 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm (121.5 inches). This means it is about the same size as the existing Toyota HiLux, sharing an identical wheelbase. The truck is based on ladder-frame underpinnings with leaf spring suspension at the rear axle. Reports suggest it will be offered with diesel, petrol, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, although Toyota has yet to release detailed specifications.

The production version of the Toyota IMV 0 is anticipated to make its debut in 2024, targeting emerging markets with a price point below that of the HiLux. Stay tuned for more details in the months ahead.

Some of the IMV 0-based concepts showcased in Indonesia last August.

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Carscoops 

DeLorean Next Generation Motors (DNG) has revealed that in addition to building a special car to pay homage to John Z. DeLorean, it will also build a more accessible supercar based on the C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

DNG Motors first burst onto the radar 12 months ago when it announced plans for its first model, dubbed the Model JZD. DNG is not to be confused with the DeLorean building an all-electric performance car dubbed the Alpha5 as DNG has been started by Kathryn DeLorean, the daughter of John Z. DeLorean. It is also taking a dramatically different approach to honoring his legacy.

Sitting at the base of the firm’s range will be a mid-engined supercar based on the Corvette. DNG has not yet settled on a name for this model but confirmed to Hagerty it will be cheaper and more accessible than the Model JZD. The C8 isn’t just a good base because it is the most affordable mid-engined sports car out there but also because John Z. spent 17 years working at GM and once served as the head of Chevrolet where he pushed for a mid-engine Corvette alongside Zora Arkus-Duntov.

Read: DeLorean Alpha5 EV Makes Its Public Debut At Pebble Beach

DeLorean design by Ángel Guerra

While work on this model is still in its early stages, Kathryn DeLorean says DNG Motors will replace the Corvette’s body with a design of its own that incorporates gullwing doors, just like the original DMC-12. The full extent of the changes to be made under the hood remains unclear but DeLorean added the firm will work with a number of different aftermarket performance specialists.

A host of renderings of the model have been released by Ángel Guerra of the proposed model but it remains uncertain how close the production car will stick to these designs. According to Kathryn, building a Corvette-based DeLorean “allows me to finish my dad’s story. I’m building him his dream car.”

DNG’s aforementioned Model JZD will then top out its lineup. It will be a hand-built model and cost significantly more than the $125,000 expected to be commanded by the Alpha5 from the other DeLorean. It will be capped at just 42 examples worldwide and will also have gullwing doors.

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