Power Bank Rules CHANGING in 2025! What You NEED to Know Before Flying

Power Bank Rule Changes You MUST Know! (2025 Update)

Misinformation is floating around on the Internet, especially on YouTube! The majority of what I’m talking about is AI-generated content spreading misinformation to instill fear and get views. I doubt those behind these so-called travel tips content have actually traveled before.

Today, I will simplify the new rules for power banks on planes that are coming in March 2025.  Some airlines are already ahead of the game, so let's make sure you're in the know!

- EVA Air are now prohibiting the use of power banks during the flight. You can bring them, but you can't use them to charge your devices onboard. So make sure you're fully charged before you board.
- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, both based in South Korea, are also tightening things up. They're asking passengers to keep their power banks with them at their seats, not in the overhead bins. Safety first!
- Now, here's the good news: Most airlines are still cool with small power banks. Anything under 100 watt-hours is usually fine. But if your power bank is bigger than that, you might need to check with the airline first.

Here is the most important piece of advice you need to know that is applicable to any trip: Do not trust anything you read and check the source first. In this context, always check with the airline you are flying about the updated rules for power banks.

By the time you are reading this article, what I stated here about power banks may not be valid, so always check with your airline before flying. Happy, safe, and stress-free travels to you all!

We Tried Shake Shack's Cheapest Meal: Disappointed?

Is Shake Shack’s Basic Meal Worth the Cost?

Shake Shack has finally arrived in Toronto, bringing its much-hyped burgers and shakes to the heart of Dundas Square. But does the reality live up to the hype, especially when you're trying to keep things budget friendly? We decided to put their basic meal for two to the test, ordering two single Shack Burgers, a Coke, and an order of crinkle-cut fries. Our goal: to see if a simple, affordable meal at Shake Shack is a satisfying experience or just a gateway to more expensive options.

The location itself is prime, right near the Eaton Centre, making it a convenient stop for shoppers and tourists. However, the excitement quickly faded as we tasted our meal. The single ShackBurger, the supposed star of the show, was surprisingly underwhelming. While the patty was cooked well enough, it was excessively oily, leaving a greasy aftertaste. More importantly, the burger lacked any real flavor. It tasted…basic—disappointingly so.

The Coke was another letdown. It tasted noticeably watered down, a far cry from the crisp, refreshing drink we expected.

The crinkle-cut fries, thankfully, were the saving grace of the meal. They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and adequately salted. They weren't exceptional, but they were a solid side.

The final verdict? At $28.20 CAD for this basic meal, we weren't impressed. The underwhelming burger and watered-down Coke left us feeling like we hadn't gotten our money's worth.

It almost felt like Shake Shack intentionally made their basic menu items less appealing to encourage customers to upgrade to their more premium (and pricier) offerings.

If you're looking for a truly satisfying burger experience, you might be better off exploring other options in the city. If you're dead-set on trying Shake Shack, be prepared to shell out a bit more for their specialty burgers and shakes. The basic meal for two, in our opinion, is simply not worth it.

Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget: Exploring Maafushi

Discover the Maldives on a Budget: Maafushi, the Gateway to Paradise

The Maldives is often synonymous with luxury resorts and overwater bungalows and is often seen as a destination reserved for the wealthy. However, this breathtaking archipelago has a secret: it’s possible to experience its beauty on a budget by exploring its local islands. However, this budget option not well known among international travellers.

I will discuss a few local islands, starting with Maafushi today. This local island is the most visited because of its proximity to the Malé airport.

Located just 27 kilometers south of Malé, where the international airport is situated, Maafushi is easily accessible by a 1.5-hour local ferry ride or a 30-minute speedboat journey. Its proximity to the capital makes it a convenient and affordable base for travelers looking to explore the Maldives’ stunning marine life, white-sand beaches, and vibrant culture.

Once on the island, budget accommodations abound, with guesthouses and lodges catering to travelers seeking a comfortable yet cost-effective stay. For as little as USD 50 per night, visitors can enjoy basic amenities, including air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant and restful experience.

Food options on Maafushi cater to various tastes and budgets, with local eateries serving up delectable Maldivian and international cuisine. For a mere USD 7-10 per meal, visitors can indulge in freshly-caught seafood, curries, and tropical fruits, guaranteeing a gastronomic experience that's easy on the wallet.

The island boasts a lively atmosphere with a diverse range of guesthouses and budget-friendly resorts to suit various budgets. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the vibrant local market and indulging in delicious Maldivian cuisine. Maafushi provides an excellent introduction to the Maldives for travelers seeking an authentic and affordable experience.

I will be visiting Maafushi on my upcoming trip and will bring you real-life experience. You can follow the entire Maldives trip on my YouTube Channel: Ahmed Dawn

How to Travel Maldives on a Budget: My Top 3 Local Island Picks

Maldives Local Island Guide: 3 Budget-Friendly Options

The Maldives is a breathtaking archipelago known for its luxurious resorts and pristine beaches. However, many travelers are unaware that they can experience this paradise on a budget by visiting local islands.

For my upcoming two-week trip to the Maldives, I was looking to mix both local islands and luxury private island resorts. After extensive research, I decided on these 3 local islands. Let’s go over them quickly.

Here are my top three picks for budget-friendly local islands in the Maldives.

Dhigurah: Located in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah is a long island with picturesque beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. The island boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Maldives, with a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays. There are numerous budget-friendly guesthouses on the island, providing an authentic Maldivian experience at an affordable price.

Ukulhas: Situated in the North Ari Atoll, Ukulhas is known for its pristine, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This eco-friendly island offers a range of budget accommodations and is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. Visitors can explore the island's lush greenery, enjoy beach activities, or embark on a snorkeling adventure.

Maafushi: Just a short speedboat ride from the capital Malé, Maafushi is an ideal choice for budget travelers looking for a convenient-yet-affordable option. With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, the island offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. There are plenty of local restaurants serving traditional Maldivian cuisine and a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay without breaking the bank.

By choosing to stay on local islands instead of luxurious resorts, travelers can enjoy the stunning beauty of this archipelago while keeping costs down. Staying on local islands allows you to experience authentic Maldivian culture, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy a more affordable and authentic Maldivian experience.

I will share more info and travel videos from each of these islands once I start my Maldives Journey. You can follow the entire Maldives trip on my YouTube Channel: Ahmed Dawn

10 Surprising Facts About the Maldives: What You Never Knew

Beyond the Beaches: 10 Maldives Secrets You Didn't Know

I am planning my upcoming trip to the Maldives, and found out some surprising facts while researching for this trip. Here are the top ten facts that I found very distinctive.

1. Lowest-Lying Country - The Maldives is the world's lowest country, with an average ground-level elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level. The nation’s highest point barely reaches five feet above sea level. This makes it incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

2. More Islands Than Days of the Year: The Maldives is comprised of over 1,190 islands, scattered across 26 atolls. Only around 200 of these islands are inhabited.

3. Man-Made Islands - Some of the islands in the Maldives are actually man-made, created to accommodate the growing tourism industry. One such example is Hulhumalé.

4. Smallest Capital - The country's capital, Malé, is one of the smallest capitals in the world, covering an area of just 5.8 square kilometers.

5. Bioluminescent Beaches - In some parts of the Maldives, you can witness the magical phenomenon of bioluminescent beaches, where the sand glows with a mesmerizing blue light. Examples include Vaadhoo Island (visible June to October) and Hulhumalé Beach (April to November, most intense during September and October).

6. Whale Shark Encounters - The Maldives is a prime destination for whale shark sightings. Dhigurah is one example.

7. 100% Islam – Maldivians are 100% Muslims, making it the only one country on earth where citizens are all Muslims.

8. Alcohol & Bikinis - Alcohol consumption is not allowed on local islands. Visitors should dress modestly when exploring local islands or the capital city of Malé. Bikinis and revealing swimwear are not permitted, except in designated bikini beach areas. Private resorts are exempt.

9. Local Island Access for Foreigners - Since 2009, the Maldives has opened its doors to tourists seeking a more authentic experience by allowing them to stay on local islands.

10. Combined Land Area - If all the islands in the Maldives were combined, they would form a landmass roughly the size of Switzerland, which is approximately 15,940 square miles or 41,285 square kilometers.