travel guides 2023 season 6

Everything you need to know about Travel Guides 2023

Pack your bags and don't forget your passport this time, because Travel Guides is returning for a world tour.

The sixth season of the Logie Award-winning show will feature all-new overseas adventures when it premieres on Wednesday April 19 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Stream new episodes of Travel Guides on 9Now.

While you can expect spectacular international destinations and the same hilarious antics there is one change coming to the Aussie favourite...

In 2023 we're welcoming a new Guide and he's sure to bring a lot of fun to the show.

Who are the Travel Guides cast?

The all-new season of Travel Guides sees the return of our favourite travel critics: the budget-hunting Fren family from Newcastle, fun-loving Matt and Brett , jetsetters Kevin and Janetta , and best mates Kev, Dorian and Teng .

But there is one beloved duo that's getting a bit of a shakeup.

While cowgirl Mel takes time off to be with her gorgeous new baby, twin sister Stack is joined by their younger brother, Josh.

READ MORE: The Travel Guides head to Louisiana as their USA road trip continues

Josh has never been overseas before, and he has packed an extra pair of jocks along with his passport.

Like his sisters, Josh is a true-blue country boy who will no doubt struggle with the lingo, the customs and the crowds in foreign lands. But lucky for him, he is just as game as the girls and will give anything a crack.

READ MORE: First look at new season of Travel Guides

How can I watch Travel Guides ?

Season 6 of Travel Guides will premiere on Wednesday April 19, at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

To make sure you don't miss out on a minute of all the fun, you can catch up on every episode for free on  9Now .

What can we expect from this season of Travel Guides ?

The new Travel Guides sneak peek gives us a little glimpse of what's in store for the new season.

The trailer promises a lineup of "spectacular new places" including Vanuatu, Malaysia, Morocco, Great Britain, Finland, South Africa – just to name a few. With such a jam-packed itinerary, there'll be no time to slow down.

And the Guides are back with their 'all or nothing' attitude, throwing themselves into the most outrageous situations.

Teng can be seen dangling over the edge of a mammoth waterfall while Matt and Brett tumble over dogsledding in the snow – and that's just the start of it.

Travel Guides Season 6 will premiere on Wednesday April 19, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

You can stream complete seasons of Travel Guides for free on 9Now.

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• Kev Dorian And Teng
• Stack And Mel
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• Stack And Josh
• Travel Guides 2023

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Join these hilarious and unconventional every-day travellers as they call it how they see it, reviewing trips across Australia and the world. Bon voyage!

Season 4 episodes available Mondays

• Thursday 9 Nov 2023

PGC The guides are off to explore Morocco. Landing smack bang in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, they experience Morocco's famed open-air marketplace, traditional cuisine, and more.

• Thursday 21 Sep 2023

ML Our Guides are cruising Croatia on a yacht. Island hopping through a land of history and Insta-worthy scenery, they experience a week of natural beauty and cultural quirks. S6 E2

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• Thursday 28 Sep 2023

ML Our Guides are in Malaysia for a truly multicultural experience. From the sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur to the wilds of Borneo there's something here for everyone.

• Thursday 5 Oct 2023

G Our Travel Guides are ditching the rat race and hitting up the most chilled-out spot in the South Pacific - Vanuatu - for a tropical island adventure.

• Thursday 12 Oct 2023

M Giddy Up! Our Travel Guides are getting behind the wheel on a real rural road trip through the New South Wales Riverina and Victorian High Country.

• Thursday 19 Oct 2023

PG Hold on to your hobbit hats, because our Travel Guides are crossing the ditch to Auckland, New Zealand before hitting the road for an epic North Island road trip! S6 E6

• Thursday 26 Oct 2023

PG Our Travel Guides are about to embark on a Finnish adventure - a winter wonderland like no other! From the quirky cities to the rugged north, it's one heck of an Arctic ride.

• Thursday 2 Nov 2023

PG Our Guides are heading to Melbourne for a week long vacation in Victoria's capital of cool before a quick pitstop on Phillip Island.

• Monday 5 Feb

M Our Travel Guides are heading off on the beaten track for a super-sized, self-drive safari through South Africa before making a flying visit to Zambia's Victoria Falls.

• Tuesday 6 Feb

G Our Guides are on a tour of Great Britain taking in buzzing London, the English countryside and the wilds of Scotland and Edinburgh.

• Show more episodes

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Everything you need to know about Travel Guides 2023

• 29 Mar 2023

The sixth season of Travel Guides is almost upon us! The popular reality show is set to be released on Channel Nine at some point in 2023 and while, sadly, we don’t know the exact release date yet we have seen a sneak peek!

And from this sneak peek, we know that all (but one) cast members are returning to go on a wild adventure all around the world.

WATCH: Travel Guides 2023 sneak peek

If you’re a fan of the Logie-winning show like us, read on to find out everything you need to know about Travel Guides 2023 .

Travel Guides Season 6 release date

At this stage, there’s no exact release date for the sixth season of Travel Guides . We do know that it’ll air in 2023 and Channel Nine has said it’s “coming soon” so watch this space…

WATCH: Travel Guides’ Fren family visit a farm

Travel Guides 2023 cast

The cast for this year’s Travel Guides has remained relatively the same as last year’s. The only change is that Stack’s twin sister Mel is not returning. But Stack will still be on Travel Guides this year; she’ll just have a new travel partner. Scroll through to meet the full cast! 

Kristy and Bri

At the Nine Network's recent Upfronts event, they gave us a sneak-peek at the two newest travel guides: Kristy and Bri. These newcomers will be joining the OG stars in the new season. And we can't wait to see what they'll have in store for us! 

Matt and Brett

Matt and Brent made their Travel Guides debut during Season 4. The couple have been together for 20 years and married for 9 of those.

The Fren Family

The Fren Family - Mark, Cathy, Victoria and Jonathan - have been on Travel Guides since its inception. The family always seems to find the funny side of holiday disasters and we can’t wait to see how the Frens handle this year’s destinations.

WATCH: Travel Guides’ Kev, Dorian and Teng go diving with sharks

Kev, Dorian and Teng

Kev, Dorian and Teng (AKA The Target Boys) have returned for their fifth season of Travel Guides . The hilarious best friends will tackle penny-farthing bicycles this year and poor Kev suffers an injury while on his.

Kevin and Janetta

Retired couple Kevin and Janetta have once again returned to Travel Guides . The self-confessed “travel snobs” have been a part of the show since it began and we can’t wait to see what kind of complaints they make this year.

Sadly, cowgirl Stack will not be travelling with her twin sister Mel this year. Instead, Stack can be seen in the Travel Guides 2023 sneak peek with a new, male partner…

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Meet the cast of Travel Guides 2023

• 01 Dec 2021

Travel Guides is back for a new season - and there's a new cast member in the mix!

WATCH BELOW: Travel Guides 2019 | The Fren Family visit Germany

The Bachelor's Locky Gilbert and Irena Srbinovska get married

Cate blanchett at the 2023 oscars, janelle shows up to the mafs dinner party ready for revenge, louis tomlinson calls james corden out, meet the dancing with the stars 2019 cast, mkr amanda confirms the truth about her scary cancer diagnosis, justin lacko addresses what everyone is thinking, mafs jules tells: how things ended up with me and justin, celine dion has something to say about these startling photos.

Fans adore the show's hilarious cast as they travel beyond their comfort zones to explore random holiday destinations around the world. 

Now, Travel Guides is back for its latest season and will  return to Channel 9 on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm .

While fans are very keen to see the friendly faces on our screens once more, there have been some changes to the traditional  Travel Guides cast.

Cowgirl Mel - who appears on the show with her identical twin sister, Stack - is taking some time off from this season to be with her one-year-old daughter, Savannah. 

However, Stack's new partner remains in the family, with brother Josh joining the team in Mel's place.

With that in mind, meet the Travel Guides cast for 2023...

Meet Josh! He'll join sister Stack in place of Mel this season.

Stack and Josh

There will be a switch-up to the traditional pairing of identical twins and country cowgirls, Stack and Mel. This year, you'll see Stack and Josh. While not an identical twin, Josh is the sisters' younger brother.

As was the case with his older siblings, Josh is a little wary about travelling beyond the family's home in outback Queensland. In fact, he's never been out of Australia (until now).

While Stack and Mel were more comfortable at a local rodeo, they felt like fish out of water on their Travel Guides adventures. And Josh will be just the same! 

Will he be as game as his sisters? We're sure this construction worker will do just fine.

Matt and Brett

Bona fide travel addicts Matt and Brett joined the show in season four, hailing from Newcastle in New South Wales.

The married couple, who have been together for 19 years now, describe themselves as ‘high end travellers’ who also love a bargain.

While Matt is organised, and packs his outfits into plastic bags via the suitcase, Brett is much happier going along for the ride, leading to a delightful Bert-and-Ernie energy that makes for great TV.

They’re also hilarious, giving biting commentary, and always making the audience laugh.

The Fren Family

The Fren family

The delightful Fren family have been regulars since season one, bringing immediate joy to the show with their upbeat nature.

Dad Mark is upbeat and forthright, with a knack for negotiating room upgrades. He’s been married to wife Cathy for over 30 years, and their two kids, Victoria and Jonathan, are always along for the journey.

Their family grew earlier this year, with Jonathan marrying his long-term partner, Danielle Clarke .

Other members of the Travel Guides cast Matt, Brett, Kevin, Janetta, Mel, and Stack were all in attendance – too cute!

Kevin and Janetta

‘Holiday snobs’ Kevin and Janetta always bring the laughs.

The pair, who are in their 60s, are passionate wine enthusiasts and seasoned travellers. They’re also avid researchers when it comes to their holidays, making sure they have the best possible experience, so being thrown into strange situations on the show always makes for a good laugh.

They also won’t hesitate to ask for the manager, which has earned them the catchphrase “we don’t suffer in silence”.

Kev, Dorian and Teng

Besties Kev, Dorian and Teng love food, computer games, movies, and music.

Kev is a pop-culture expert, Dorian studies teaching, and Teng is the risk-taker, who keeps deferring university in the hopes of finding a good time.

Their combined heritage spans China, Greece and Vietnam, giving them a unique take on the world when it comes to the show.

Travel Guides Season 6 starts on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9 Now .

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Latest news

Travel Guides returns for its 6th season on Nine embarking upon new international destinations.

Returing cast include the Fren family from Newcastle, Matt and Brett, Kevin and Janetta, and best mates Kev, Dorian and Teng.

This season Mel takes time off to be with her baby, with twin sister Stack joined by their younger brother, Josh.

According to Nine, Josh has never been overseas before, and “he has packed an extra pair of jocks along with his passport. Like his sisters, Josh is a true-blue country boy who will no doubt struggle with the lingo, the customs and the crowds in foreign lands. But lucky for him, he is just as game as the girls and will give anything a crack.”

7:30pm Wednesday April 19 on Nine.

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On the Road with Eli(zondo) and Adric: The 2024 itinerary of field research for the Guide

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Once again, we have reached that time of the year when I write out where I have been and where I plan to go in the coming year, for year three of field coverage for True Blue LA, which is a sentence that floors me every time I write it.

Let us check the final score of how 2023 went.

The 2023 Itinerary for Field Research for the Guide

11-8 — not bad, but not terrible.

Duplicating the majesty of 2022 was a tall order for the Dodgers and the original 2023 plans did not have me returning to San Francisco . Looking back, the baseball was not as memorable as it was in 2021 or 2022, but the experiences were well worth it in any event.

If you factor in the inaugural amateur year of 2021 , the Dodgers are 40-27 with me in attendance in 21 cities. Technically, I have seen Dodger games at 23 ballparks, as I have previously seen the Dodgers play the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics in their home parks before any of my writing at True Blue LA.

As such, it seems somewhat fitting that I plan on visiting both locations for the upcoming year. I currently have five trips planned for 13 games in six cities. I have plans to visit two new locales to see the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays .

My professional life has had far more uncertainty over the past couple of years than I would have originally anticipated. Admittedly, it is frustrating, but with my law degree, it is not if I will starve. But the uncertainty means that I had to be more tentative in my planning at least for the next couple of seasons.

I previously wrote in my preview of the 2024 season that the road schedule as a whole left quite a bit to be desired , apart from going to Seoul to start the year. That observation aside, I have finally set my preliminary travel dates for the coming season.

The 2024 itinerary of field research for the Guide

Thirteen games in six cities or at worst, it will be eight games in four cities. Professional uncertainty is a terrible thing.

Admittedly, while game tickets have been purchased for Washington, D.C., Toronto, Detroit, and St. Louis, the only games and travel that are locked in stone for 2024 (barring injury or illness) as the first trip in April and my trip with my mother in August.

As I have been told, I have a very particular set of skills so any professional hiccups are likely to be quite short. But as my situation is currently, technically in flux, it would be foolhardy to overextend myself. Ultimately, Detroit and Miami are the first series on the chopping block if the unexpected occurs.

“Home” Games

Long gone are the days when I could do a ten-minute walk to Oracle Park, take a 30-minute train ride to Oracle, or a 40-minute drive to the Coliseum. C’est la vie.

I relocated to the Central Valley last year and getting to a decent airport is by far my biggest challenge. Sorry, Fresno Yosemite International, you just do not cut the mustard.

All things considered ( rest in power, Dad ), the Central Valley is not that bad if you are trying to reset your life. Apart from a dearth of things to do, the main pitfall for traveling Dodger fans is the lack of a decent airport if you are going anywhere outside of California without a connecting flight.

As I have written, the Coliseum is a pretty terrible stadium, but I feel it’s important to say goodbye with the ongoing clown show happening in Oakland, which seems imminent to move to Las Vegas at some point.

My general rule for Oracle Park remains: I do not go to games in San Francisco unless I am with friends and family because I have been to Oracle Park far too many times for there to be any novelty whatsoever . I covered Oracle Park in its Guide entry , and I ended up going once in 2023 ( my sister’s first major league game ever ).

If folks wish to go to Oracle Park and invite me, here are the dates for the upcoming year:

• June 28-30 (weekend series)

Remember, with the balanced schedule, the Dodgers lose a home-and-home series with each National League West team, so there will be fewer opportunities to see the NL West teams going forward. Remember, in 2024, Giants-Dodgers will be done just after the All-Star Break this season, which is a sacrilege to the highest order.

Please holler if you wish me to tag along on any adventure to Oracle Park. If folks want to join me on the road, please reach out as soon as possible. The more, the merrier is what I always say.

As for upcoming Guide entries, considering that the Dodgers return to Minneapolis, New York City, Oakland, and Washington, D.C. this year, you can bet I will have something to share soon. Please look forward to it!

Dodgers news: Return timetable uncertain for Emmet Sheehan

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2024 Masters TV schedule, coverage, live stream, channel, how to watch streaming online, golf tee times

How to watch every memorable moment of the 2024 masters on tv or streaming live.

The most wonderful time of the golf season reaches its conclusion Sunday as the beauty of April surrounds Augusta National Golf Club. The 2024 Masters started as a star-studded affair with a loaded field featuring the best golfers in the world and Scottie Scheffler entering as the favorite. Scheffler held that same position entering Round 4 and has only increased his advantage as the Masters rolls ot a finish.

Scheffler is looking to become the 10th golfer in Masters history to win two green jackets in a three-year span, and given his level of play over the last two years, no one is doubting he can accomplish his goal. Should he do so, he would pick up a $3.6 million winner's check out of a record  2024 Masters prize money allotment -- a $20 million purse .

While five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods set a new record at Augusta National by making the weekend in his 24th consecutive playing of the tournament, he completely ejected on Saturday with his worst score in a major championship round. Tiger rebounded Sunday while playing his 100th round at Augusta National  but nevertheless signed for a 16 over, his worst score to par at a major and the second-worst round overall across his professional career. (At least he wasn't among the major stars who missed the cut .)

Be sure to follow Masters live leaderboard coverage throughout the final round on Sunday for scores, analysis and highlights. It's a perfect second-screen complement to the Masters viewing experience provided to you by CBS.

While attending the Masters is a dream for many, simply being able to watch golf on the grandest stage of them all is an incredible treat each year, and we here at CBS Sports are thrilled to bring you wall-to-wall coverage of the Masters throughout this week.

CBS Sports offers extensive, week-long coverage across all its platforms with its traditional 18-hole broadcast coverage beginning with the third round on Saturday and final-round action on Sunday. Jim Nantz, in his 39th consecutive year covering the Masters, serves as host for the 37th time. 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman joins Nantz as the lead analyst at the Masters for the second time. Nantz and Immelman link up with CBS Sports' incredible golf team, including on-course reporter Dottie Pepper and the legendary Verne Lundquist, who will be calling his final Masters.

Enough talking about it. Here's how you can watch as much Masters as possible on Sunday. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports for live coverage throughout and download the CBS Sports app  to watch Masters Live on your mobile device.

All times Eastern

Round 4 -- Sunday, April 14

Round 4 start time:  9:15 a.m. [ Tee times ]

Masters Live stream Desktop and mobile:  Free on  CBSSports.com ,  CBS Sports app Connected devices*:  Available on  Paramount+ ,  CBS Sports app *Paramount+ login required

• Masters on the Range : 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
• Featured Groups  -- 9:35 a.m. to 7 p.m. 9:35 a.m. -- Tiger Woods, Neal Shipley (A) 11:45 a.m. -- Jon Rahm, Tony Finau 12:45 p.m. -- Joaquín Niemann, Rory McIlroy 2:15 p.m. -- Bryson Dechambeau, Xander Schauffele
• Amen Corner  -- 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Holes 15 & 16  -- 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Holes 4, 5 & 6 -- 10:55 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Masters.com)

TV coverage:  2-7 p.m. on CBS TV simulcast live stream:  2-7 p.m. on  CBSSports.com ~,  Paramount+ ,  CBS Sports app ~ ~TV provider or Paramount+ with Showtime login required Round 4 encore: 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on CBS Sports Network

Additional Masters coverage

Masters on the Range Monday 12-2 p.m. , Tuesday 9-11 a.m. , Wednesday 9-11 a.m. | CBS Sports Network,  Paramount+

We Need to Talk at the Masters Saturday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. | CBS,  Paramount+ The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship: An Invitation to the Masters Saturday, 1:30-2 p.m. | CBS,  Paramount+

The 2019 Masters: A Sunday Unlike Any Other Saturday, 2-3 p.m. | CBS,  Paramount+

The Latin America Amateur Championship: An Invitation to the Masters Sunday, 12:30-1 p.m. | CBS,  Paramount+ Jim Nantz Remembers Augusta: The Spanish Inspiration Sunday, 1-2 p.m. | CBS,  Paramount+

Further details from CBS Sports

Live streaming coverage provided by Masters.com

Featured Groups : Shane Bacon, Colt Knost and Billy Kratzert will lead  Featured Groups  morning coverage. In addition, Brian Crowell and Smylie Kaufman will serve as announcers for the afternoon  Featured Groups  coverage.

Amen Corner : Grant Boone and Mark Immelman serve as announcers for live streaming coverage of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes.

15 & 16:  Iona Stephen, Ned Michaels and Smylie Kaufman provide commentary and analysis for live streaming coverage on the 15th and 16th holes.

Masters On the Range:  Presented Monday through Sunday on Masters Live, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Digital,  Masters on the Range  will feature interviews with players, analysis of those in the field and breakdowns from the Tournament Practice Area at Augusta National leading up to and throughout the 2024 Masters. Kelly Tilghman, Michael Breed, Brian Crowell, Amanda Balionis and Iona Stephen will provide commentary throughout the week.

In addition to live golf action, Masters Live will present video highlights and Augusta National aerials, as well as historical footage and Interview Room commentary. Masters Live will be available on Paramount+ as well as CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app for mobile devices.

CBS Sports HQ , the free 24/7 streaming sports news network, will have nearly 50 hours of comprehensive live coverage beginning Monday, April 8. CBS Sports HQ will feature on-site previews and recaps after each round, live look-ins, leaderboard updates as well as interviews with Trevor Immelman following the third and final rounds.  The First Cut  and co-hosts Kyle Porter and Rick Gehman also will be on-site to break down all the action on CBS Sports HQ, with daily podcasts and additional episodes airing on CBS Sports Network. CBS Sports HQ is available on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app for mobile and connected TV devices.

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Fortnite v29.20 patch notes.

The v29.20 Patch for Fortnite has arrived, bringing Elements to the island in an Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover , a small number of fixes, and the addition of Avatar the Last Airbender items into the in-game store.

This page acts as a comprehensive breakdown of the 29.20 Patch for Fortnite, including a link to the Patch Notes .

Patch Details

Elements have now appeared on the island within Battle Royale, bringing various techniques from Avatar: The Last Airbender into players hands. Elements runs until May 3rd, 2024 . The Elements are as follows:

• Throw icy projectiles
• Your health will restore slowly up to 100 while you're in water with this in your inventory
• Throw chunks of rock at your enemies
• Use chunks of rock as defensive barriers
• Launch arcs of fire
• Slam down from above in an explosion
• Air Wheel - Travel great distances
• Air Jump - Launch you and everyone nearby into the air

Use these abilities to complete Elements Quests , letting you unlock and level up rewards within the Elements Pass. Completing Elements Quests builds your Chi , and can be tracked in the Lobby screen.

The free reward track has 11 unlockable rewards , including:

• My Cabbages! Emote
• Four Elements Banner Back Bling
• Dramyin Guitar
• Sokka's Space Sword Pickaxe

The premium reward track has an additional 11 rewards . Should you purchase the Premium Reward Track of the Elements Pass, you'll automatically unlock the Aang Outfit!

Water, Earth, Air, and Fire Shrines have appeared across the island. Head inside and open the Bending Scroll Container to acquire one of the aforementioned bending techniques (whichever correlates to the given temple you're in).

With the introduction of the Bending Techniques, Olympian Powers have been vaulted until Elements concludes on May 3rd, 2024.

Miscellaneous

• Avatar The Last Airbender bundles have been added to the in-game store
• A bug where players could indefinitely fly with Icarus Wings has been fixed
• An issue where Battle Pass Level 200 players were unable to claim Titanflame Hades has been fixed
• A bug where hair was unintentionally visible through some Outfits' hats and helmet has been fixed

Full Patch Notes

These v29.20 Patch Notes details were laid out via the official FortniteStatus X/Twitter account on April 9th, 2024.

Up Next: Fortnite 29.01 Patch Notes

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Tax Season 2024 Ends Today: Our Essential Cheat Sheet for Filing Your Tax Return

April 15 is here, but this handy guide can help you finish your taxes and get your refund from the IRS.

We'll help you navigate your taxes by breaking down the filing process into simple steps.

The 2024  tax season  wraps up today, and the IRS has received over  101 million tax returns  and refunded over $201 billion so far. If you're looking forward to a refund and you haven't finished filing yet, time is ticking -- your tax return needs to be postmarked or transmitted today, Monday, April 15. 

Completing your taxes isn't always easy, especially when you aren't a tax professional or up to date with the latest tax laws. The rules vary by year and by person, depending on your filing status, age, income and other factors. 

As you navigate the 2024 tax season, use our cheat sheet to help you find all the answers you need. The resources below provide expert advice on tricky tax topics and can help you start your return. 

Hopefully, these resources can help you file with confidence, get the biggest tax refund possible and minimize stress.

Read more:   File Early and Get Up to 20% Off Your 2023 Taxes With TurboTax

How to get started with your taxes

As with most tasks, the hardest part of doing your taxes is starting. You have to gather all your necessary forms (and track down any that are missing), pick a service or software to use and then spend hours completing your return.

No wonder almost a third of Americans wait until the last minute to file, according to a survey from financial services company IPX1031 . Filing as early as possible has its advantages to consider.

Here's some info to help you jump-start your tax return:

• What Are the Tax Deadlines for the 2024 Tax Season?
• How to Create an Online IRS Account and Why You Should
• 7 Good Reasons to File Your Tax Return Early
• How to File Your Taxes With a Phone or Tablet
• All the Ways You Can File Taxes for Free
• Best Tax Software for 2024
• Tax Season Filing Statistics Week by Week
• It's a Bad Idea to Use ChatGPT to Prepare Your Taxes

What to know about the child tax credit in 2024

With the child tax credit tax break, you could be eligible for up to $2,000 per child. The rules around which kids qualify and how much money you could get refunded can be confusing, however. Here's what to know about this benefit.

• What Is the Child Tax Credit and Who Qualifies for It?
• When You Can Expect Your Child Tax Credit Money to Arrive
• Which States Have Child Tax Credit Tax Breaks?
• Will Congress Expand the Child Tax Credit in 2024?

Form, forms and more tax forms

There are a lot of tax documents: There's the W-2 your company sends you, assorted 1099 forms for other income, a 1098 form for mortgage interest and many others.

In all, the IRS provides 2,854 different tax forms on its website. Learn about the ones you need in 2024 and what to do if you're missing any.

• What Is a W-2 Form and What to Do If You Haven't Received Yours
• All the Different 1099 Tax Forms Explained
• Venmo and Cash App Income: Will You Get a 1099-K?
• How to Scan Important Tax Documents With Your Phone

Review your tax credits and tax deductions

Once you've started your return for tax year 2023, make sure you get every penny owed to you. One way to maximize your tax refund is to check all of the potential tax credits and deductions that could lower your tax bill.

Learn the basics of itemizing deductions (or taking the standard deduction), and review all the ways that you can pay less or get a bigger refund.

• How to Choose Between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions
• Biggest Tax Credits Boost Your Tax Refund Even if You Don't Itemize
• All the Possible Tax Credits and Deductions for Homeowners
• Green Tax Breaks Give Money Back for Energy Efficiency

All about tax refunds

After you've finished your 2023 tax return and sent it to the IRS, the waiting begins. Fortunately, the IRS makes it easy to track your return and refund. 

Learn more about how to track your tax refund, whether it's directly deposited or mailed as a paper check, as well as other tips for getting your money quickly and securely.

• Where's Your Tax Refund? How to Track Your IRS Money
• Will Your Tax Refund Be Delayed If the Federal Government Shuts Down This Month
• How to Track Your Tax Refund Check in the US Mail
• Get Your Tax Refund Faster With Direct Deposit
• How to Get Your Tax Refund Two Days Early
• How to Protect Your Tax Refund From Identity Theft

What about taxes and Social Security or other government benefits

The rules around taxes and benefits can be baffling. Here are a few guides on what to know about taxes and your government benefits. 

• Do Social Security Recipients Need to File a Tax Return?
• Do SSI Recipients Need to File Taxes?
• Do SSDI Beneficiaries Need to File a Tax Return?
• Will You Get Your Social Security Check on Time if the Government Shuts Down This Month?

Answers to specific tax questions in 2024

Everyone's financial situation is unique, but several common quandaries flummox even the most diligent taxpayers.

Here are a few of the more common tax questions for 2024:

• Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My State Stimulus Check?
• Can You Claim a Boyfriend or Girlfriend as a Dependent?
• Which Divorced Parent Gets to Claim the Child Tax Credit?
• If Your Student Loan Debt Is Forgiven, Do You Owe Taxes?

How to get help on your taxes

If you can't find the tax answers you need on your own, don't despair. There are free resources that can help get your tax return finished and filed. 

• How to Get Free Help on Your Taxes
• Got Tax Questions? Do This Before Calling the IRS
• CNET Tax Tips

Good luck with filing your return. Be sure to check back as we update this list often with more tax explainers and tips for 2024.

Best overall

Best pellet, best budget, best upgrade, best electric, best versatile.

• What to look for
• How we test

The 7 best smokers for 2024, tested and reviewed

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

A smoker is a great way to level up your grilling. Smoking is a great way to impart flavor and preserve food. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart maximum smoke flavor.

We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Char-Griller Grand Slam XD , which is a sturdy, offset model that imparts stellar smoky flavor and can hold big batches of food. If you're set on a pellet grill, we recommend the Traeger Pro 575 , which is a great hands-off option that also works perfectly for traditional grilling. Keep in mind that you'll sacrifice a bit of flavor and control with a pellet grill. "They're all great options," said Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks. "But when it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood."

Read about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends kitchen products . 

Top picks for BBQ smokers

Best overall: Char-Griller Grand Slam XD - See at The Home Depot

Best pellet: Traeger Pro 575 -  See at Amazon

Best upgrade: Traeger Ironwood 650 -  See at Amazon

Best budget: Weber Original Kettle - See at Amazon

Best drum: Weber 18" Smokey Mountain -  See at Amazon

Best electric: Masterbuilt 30" Electric Smoker -  See at Amazon

Best versatile: Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 24 -  See at Amazon

If you're serious about making BBQ, this is a great smoker made from heavy duty steel with plenty of room to add charcoal and wood fuel for low and slow smoking.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Thick steel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Weather-resistant
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Expanded steel grates
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good warranty
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Gaskets could be better
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Brand no longer manufactures dedicated cover

To do barbecue right, you'll want an offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. 

It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. To season the grill, we sprayed it heavily with vegetable oil and got it cranking to over 400 degrees for an hour. 

When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill was able to maintain a near constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals ), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns.

Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error.

This hands-off smoker runs on wood pellets and has a temperature dial, making it easier to use for wood-fired flavor than charcoal grills.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great temperature control
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Thicker steel than average
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Large wheels
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. WiFi connectivity could be better
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. LCD interface not as intuitive as others
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not modular

Whether you're just getting into barbecuing or you've spent more days than you can count hunched over a stick burner, a pellet grill like Traeger's Pro 575 is hassle-free and offers steady temperature and smoke. It's also the heaviest-duty grill we've found for less than a thousand dollars.

One of the most important things about a smoker, or any barbecue grill that you're going to operate for hours at a time, is heat retention. If you can't keep steady heat, you're going to struggle to perfectly time and cook your food. We've tried multiple brands for our guide to the best pellet grills , and while they've all done their job swimmingly, the Traeger is built with the thickest steel and maintains a temperature within about five degrees of your target. 

You can control the temperature of the grill using WiFi and a connected device, which makes for truly hands-off cooking. Though, we did have some trouble connecting when the grill was placed relatively far from the router.

Traeger, like many other brands, falls short in the way of accessories. Camp Chef's Woodwind WiFi series , which we also recommend, is modular; you can add on grill boxes, a 28,000 BTU side-burner (great for searing, boiling, and clam bakes), a pizza oven, and much more. 

If all you want your pellet grill to do is smoke and grill (they all max out at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't necessarily pull off any high-heat searing), Traeger's is the one that's built the best and made to last the longest, which is why we think it's worth spending a little extra.

Read our Traeger Pro 575 review .

For an affordable price, you can get a classic charcoal grill that heats efficiently, doesn't take up much space, and has a built-in system for easy cleaning.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to use, clean, outfit, and repair
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Built-in cleaning system
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three available sizes (18, 22, and 26 inches)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Thin steel
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Porcelain-enameled coating can crack easily

There's no small series of YouTube wormholes to nose your way through on the art of converting Weber's Kettle grill into a smoker. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle (available in 18" , 22" , and 26" models) allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon.

That's thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. 

Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention, and you'll have no trouble maintaining heat with the lid on properly. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking.

You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so.

Take your barbecues to the next level with the Traeger Ironwood 650, a wood-pellet grill that has WiFi connectivity. The double-walled stainless steel and downdraft fan are key reasons why this is one of the most evenly heated barbecue smokers we've ever tested. The current Prime Day deals beat out last year's Black Friday price and is the second lowest we've recorded.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to assemble
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great app with over 1,600 recipes
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Superior heat retention and temp control
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not very modular
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No storage underneath
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two smoke level settings

Author's note: Traeger's newly overhauled Timberline series is now available . It's a new design for Traeger, and we haven't tried it yet, but if you're looking for a more serious investment, it is worth a look.

Traeger originated the pellet grill, and the brand makes the hardiest smokers we've tested thanks to the 13-gauge stainless steel exterior, cold-rolled stainless steel interior parts, and double side wall interior. This construction, along with the 36,000-BTU burner, allows for better and higher heat retention (500 degrees Fahrenheit to the Pro model's 450).

The Ironwood series also comes with Traeger's Downdraft exhaust, a convection feature that helps circulate smoke rather than channel it upward and out a chimney. While Traeger only offers basic "smoke" and "super smoke" (the latter is only available when cooking at temps lower than 225), the fan helps up the smoke level at higher temperatures far more than we've seen in any other smoker.

Between the double-walled stainless steel sides and the downdraft fan, you're going to get the most precise heat and smoke retention possible, which will also translate to better fuel efficiency. Where we saw upwards of 15-degree-Fahrenheit temperature fluctuations with other grills (Traeger's Pro model included), this one barely veered 5 degrees in either direction, and it stayed burning the longest without running out of pellets or reading an error message.

Overall, if you want something comparable to the ability of a Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg but doesn't require the fuss or extra investment, the Traeger Ironwood series is your best bet for both function and longevity.

Weber's 18" Smokey Mountain has the same timeless and sturdy design as its Original Kettle, only better-equipped for smoking.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Simple, but effective
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Full manual control
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Small but plenty of cooking area
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Labor-intensive
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Difficult to maintain temperature control

We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price.

Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches) , but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most.

Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun.

I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead.

Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker operates with nothing but electricity and wood chips, and is as easy and predictable as smoking gets.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intuitive
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Glass door to check progress
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Efficient
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No casters or handles
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Short warranty

Electric smokers are among the easiest smokers to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours and hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons.

There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and as effortless as smoking gets.

Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a mid-sized barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat.

We wish this grill had handles because we have had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source.

As an adaptable outdoor kitchen, the Camp Chef Woodwind series grills have extensive accessories and modularity that reach far beyond any other brand.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Highly modular
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Brand offers many relatively affordable accessories
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to use and navigate interface
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Can have a hard time keeping steady temperature in a stiff breeze or cold temps

Apart from offering remarkably user-friendly interfaces, the smokers in the Camp Chef Woodwind series (we think the 24-inch model with 800 square inches of cooking surface area is best for most people) are compatible with multiple accessories, and it's hard to imagine something you couldn't cook. 

As far as attachments, we recommend Camp Chef's 28,000-BTU Sidekick , an extremely powerful propane burner capable of searing anything and boiling massive stock pots of seafood (we put the latter to the test twice). The Sidekick also comes with a flat-top griddle and a grease catchment system, and you can add on the " Outdoor Oven " which is really a stainless steel pizza oven.

While this grill isn't made of the same hefty steel used in Traeger's Pro series, we haven't encountered any issues with it, and it's already been through two winters, accidentally left uncovered through snow, rain, and even hail, and is no worse for wear. We also really love the casters, which seem to be the same kind you'd find on industrial stainless steel carts.

If you want a do-it-all outdoor smoker that lets you grill, braise, bake, boil, and more, this is our favorite modular option. 

Read our full Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 24 review .

What to look for in a BBQ smoker

Grill style: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off.

Material quality: Most smokers have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, a grill is still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers.

Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty.

How we test BBQ smokers

After assembling the grills, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests, as follows:

Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder.

Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18). We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills.

Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly.

We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen to find out what makes a good smoker.

BBQ smoker FAQs

Can you smoke on a gas grill.

We probed Steven Raichlen on this one and his short answer was no because gas grills aren't well sealed (and they're dangerous if you try to alter them to be so). However, you can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill, just don't expect BBQ-quality smoke from this method.

If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills . 

Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker?

Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand the direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD , which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can stand up to burning wood.

​​What is the easiest type of smoker to use?

The easiest smoker to use is an electric smoker, followed by a propane or pellet smoker. Each of these smokers maintains temperature automatically, so as long as you have your fuel in place (wood chips, propane, or pellets, respectively), you don't have to do much of anything at all.

On the labor-intensive end of the spectrum, you can get a drum or pit barrel smoker, which will require hands-on tending of charcoal, firewood, or a combination thereof, or you can buy a pellet grill which you can monitor and tend from your smartphone. In between, there are basic charcoal grills that double as smokers in a pinch, pellet-free electric, and propane smokers.

What can I put on a smoker?

You can put just about anything you'd eat on a smoker. Meat is what most of us associate with smokers, but vegetables, fruits, and all types of seafood can be extraordinary on the grill. Figuring out the endless options and recipes is part of the fun of taking up smoking as a hobby.

How does a BBQ smoker work?

BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke foods. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.

What's the difference between hot and cold smoking?

The biggest differentiator is temperature. In "hot" smoking, indirect heat is used to both cook (with heat) and cure (with smoke) food. "Cold" smoking, on the other hand, does not employ heat and is technically achieved at or below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but most commonly between about 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, food is solely cured and not cooked. Most BBQ smokers are capable of handling both types of smoking.

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My family tried traveling by train instead of car, and I get the hype. Here are 6 ways rail travel is better.

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 12, 2023

• After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead. 
• My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
• Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.

Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway . There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness. 

To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.

Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel .

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.

When it comes to spectacular views , there's a lot to see from train windows. 

Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels. 

Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.

As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips , I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.

Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.

Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies , the American Southwest, and beyond.

The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.

Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.

However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.

Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.

Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.

When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.

On a trip my family recently took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.

In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking. 

I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.

It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car . Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place .

Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.

Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.

Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.

It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.

Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.

The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.

Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive .

As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.

I obviously can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to knock out work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.

Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.

Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible. 

The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.

I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.

I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that comes with traveling by car  and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand. 

I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and on the road.

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