The time has come for you to get a dog. You could go to the dog shelter and leave with whatever rescue pup tugs at your heartstrings, but if you live in a small space or work a lot, you might want to do some research before you say yes to just any dog.

There are certain dog breeds known for being lazy. These so-called "lazy dog breeds" are great companions if you don’t want to play fetch or you need a dog who is cool with napping at home while you go to work.

That being said, even though the following dogs are lazy and laid-back, all dogs need daily walks and exercise. Also, the best thing about dogs (lazy or not), is that they’ll let you know if they need to go outside.

Great Danes loves to sleep.

The Great Dane is a huge animal, but don’t be fooled by its size — all they do is sleep, according to Petwave. With the exception of their teenage years — which are filled with ebullient spurts of energy — an adult Great Dane needs moderate daily walks and that’s about it. They’ll probably try to snuggle on the couch with you because these dogs are like owning a giant cat.

Bernese Mountain Dogs may be big, but they're still lazy.

Yourpurebredpuppy.com reports that Bernese Mountain Dogs are huge 100-pound beasts, but if you try to take them to the dog park — you’ll find they’d rather sit by their owner than go for a run. However, they do need regular exercise to stay trim and healthy, because Berners tend to get overweight since they are so big and so lazy, said Bernertalk.com.

A shih Tzu is happy to cuddle up with you.

Retired? Live in a small apartment? According to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu is the ideal dog if you’re looking for a pup who hates exercise just as much as you do. Though they don’t need to play as much as the next dog, they do require a ton of grooming.

• The ancient city of Petra in Jordan became one of the 7 New Wonders of the World when it was chosen in 2007 by a vote of 100 million people.
• The city's carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became known around the world with its appearance in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade in 1989.
• Ever since, Petra has become the most visited tourist attraction in Jordan and one of the most visited archeological sites in the world.
• I recently fulfilled a childhood dream to visit the archeological site during a trip to the Middle East. It was even more epic and awe-inspiring than I could imagine.

While only one of the ancient seven wonders of the world still stands — the Pyramids of Giza — 100 million people voted in 2007 to select a New Seven Wonders of the World.

Among the winners: the Great Wall of China, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Taj Mahal in India.

The seventh and final site was the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, unknown to much of the world before 1989. That year, the city’s carved rose-red sandstone facades were featured in the blockbuster film Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.

In the film, Petra stood in for where Indiana Jones finds the Holy Grail. I can recall being blown away, as a child, by the setting's grandeur and beauty. I have been dreaming of visiting it ever since. 

Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Empire, an ancient Arab state that grew rich due to its control of the Spice Road, the main caravan trading route that brought spices, incense, and textiles from Arabia, Africa, and India to the West. The carved rock faces of Petra were a testament to the civilization's prosperity and grandeur that has lasted to the present day.

I recently got a chance to visit while on a trip to Israel. Petra is about a day's drive from Tel Aviv, Israel, making it the perfect weekend excursion.

SEE ALSO: I visited the most contested city in Israel, where Israelis and Palestinians are separated by a gauntlet of military checkpoints — and the harsh, complicated truth of the conflict was immediately clear

SEE ALSO: I rode superfast bullet trains in China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, and one is better than the rest

I've been dreaming of visiting the city of Petra ever since I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as a kid. It seems silly now — the city has a far more interesting history — but I was amazed when they come upon the red-rock structure in the film.

I took a tour that left from Tel Aviv. After a seven-hour drive, we stopped at this viewpoint in Jordan over looking the valley where Petra is located. Even from this vantage point, the desert is stunning.

Our guide was a Jordanian man named Nizar Alhasani. Alhasani studied international relations at the University of Chicago. He told us that he'd spent some time advising the US military during the War in Iraq, but gave that up for tour guiding after his vehicle hit an IED.

• It's time to challenge yourself and improve your life.
• In order to make a positive change, you'll likely need to overcome obstacles and bad habits.
• Check out these life-changing tweaks that might seem hard to adopt at first, but will ultimately pay off.

Challenge yourself to lead a better life.

Making a change for the better isn't always easy, but it's worth the effort all the same.

So what tough-but-worthwhile tricks can you start applying to your life today?

The posters on this handy Quora thread had some excellent suggestions. Business Insider also scoured the web for other ways you can challenge yourself to live a better life.

Here are some uncomfortable habit changes that could ultimately help you improve your life:

SEE ALSO: These 13 daily habits will seriously improve your life — and they each only take 5 minutes

DON'T MISS: A woman who has reviewed more than 40,000 résumés outlines the 8 most annoying mistakes she sees

SEE ALSO: Disappointing photos show what 9 supposedly-glamorous jobs look like in real life

Wake up extremely early

Ekin Öcalan said he loves to wake up before sunrise because it provides the perfect study-and-work environment. While everyone else sleeps, waking at 5 a.m. is the perfect, albeit challenging, way to begin the day in silence, he wrote.

Start the day with exercise

Take cold showers

Taking a frigid shower at the end of a long day doesn't sound too relaxing.

But research indicates that cranking up the cold can be good for your health. According to Medical Daily, the cold water can improve your skin, soothe your stress, and boost your body's circulation.

Plus, people who've given icy showers a chance have reported feeling more alert, motivated, and ready to tackle the day.

• Bhutan, one of the most mysterious countries in the world, has resisted modern technology for decades.
• But lately, cell phones, computers, and TV has transformed the way of life in Bhutan.
• Reuters photojournalist Cathal McNaughton documented everyday life in Bhutan to show how industry and technology are taking hold.

For many years, the South Asian nation of Bhutan has resisted technology — no television, no cell phones, not even a single traffic light.

But lately, outside influences have slowly started to take hold of Bhutan's 800,000 people.

Teens, wearing jeans and English soccer jerseys, spend much of their time on their cell phones and playing computer games at internet cafes. Adults while away their nights at karaoke bars and pool halls. Meanwhile, industrial plants and construction sites are popping up across towns, introducing modern problems to a largely traditional culture.

Reuters photojournalist Cathal McNaughton traveled to Bhutan earlier this year to speak with residents in the changing nation and document their everyday lives. Although Bhutan's government pioneered the concept of "Gross National Happiness" to measure its success, McNaughton found that modern challenges are taking their toll.

Here's how technology is starting to change one of the most mysterious countries in the world.

SEE ALSO: I spent 2 years living in Malaysia — here are 14 of my favorite fruits Americans probably wouldn't recognize

DON'T MISS: Inside the lives of Mongolia's 'millennial monks,' who play basketball, pray for 12 hours a day, and visit the outside world only twice a year

The small nation of Bhutan has resisted technology for decades.

Source: Reuters

There are no traffic lights in in its capital city, Thimphu, and its culture, centered on Buddhism, has barely changed in centuries.

Source: Reuters

But all that is starting to change as technology slowly gets introduced across the country.

Source: Reuters

It makes sense to assume that dogs and cats are the most common pets in the United States; after all, they make up a significant number of our favorite animal accounts on Instagram, attracting thousands of followers each day and taking over social media feeds.

While it would seem that something equally as soft and cuddly would come in as third runner-up, the next most popular pet in the US isn’t quite what you’d expect. Below are the most popular pets in America besides cats and dogs.

Fish are near the top of the popularity chart.

Fish are the third most popular pet in the United States, with nearly 12% of American households owning at least one. Owners say they make attractive home decor, as well as that maintaining fish, is a fun and easy hobby.

Certain breeds are more popular than others. Saltwater fish are less common than freshwater, perhaps because the cost of maintaining freshwater fish tends to be much lower on average, according to Aquarium Architecture.

Birds are popular for a few reasons.

Found in 6% of pet-owning households nationwide, bird owners mainly enjoy their pets because they are fun to watch and are an interesting conversation piece. According to Petcha, cockatiels and parrots are the two most popular breeds amongst American owners.

Rabbits are at the top of the charts.

After fish, rabbits are the second most common specialty pet among households, according to the American Veterinarian Association. 

Unless you're one of those people who naturally springs out of bed with glowing skin and boundless energy, mornings are hard.

But there are things you can do to make the beginning of your day run a little more smoothly.

INSIDER spoke to productivity experts and scoured the internet to find the best tips for making your morning as stress-free as possible. We're not going so far as to say you should become a morning person (even though science says you'd reap many health benefits), but these seven hacks will help you start the day off on the right foot.

1. Set out your outfit and everything you need the night before.

Peggy Duncan, a personal productivity expert and coach, told INSIDER that you should start planning for your morning before you go to bed the night before.

"Don't wake up wondering what you'll wear, where you're going, or how to get there," she said. "Get totally prepared the night before so all you'll have to do is get dressed and have breakfast."

2. Don't choose your favorite song for your alarm clock sound.

"You should never use your favorite music as an alarm, because once a song becomes your alarm, it stresses you out any time you hear it," Nick Douglas wrote in Lifehacker.

Douglas recommends choosing a song you wouldn't normally listen to that's "catchy" but also "kind of annoying."

Or better yet, ditch your phone for a real alarm clock to improve your sleep.

3. Get up early enough that you don't have to rush.

The most stressful mornings are when you wake up late and have to scramble to get yourself to work on time. 

It sounds simple, but waking up early enough can make a big difference in your morning routine, according to Duncan.

"Count backwards from the time you need to be in your seat," she said. "This will alert you to what time the alarm needs to go off, including those minutes you'll snooze it."

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

The Insider Pick:

• If you're going off to college and want a laptop that's powerful enough to handle any of your coursework through graduate school, you'll want Huawei's MateBook X Pro. It has a beautiful, high-resolution touchscreen, plenty of memory, processing power, and storage. Plus, it weighs less than three pounds.

Besides your tuition, textbooks, and room and board, the most money you're going to spend before you step onto campus for the first time is a laptop. It's the machine that's going to get you through four (or more, depending on your program) years of papers, projects, and YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify binges. 

You need a machine that isn't going to slow down after a couple of years or crash constantly while you're trying to get your work done. You'll also need to consider your major before picking a machine since some will require you to do work that's way more demanding than others.

To help you find the perfect college laptop, we've rounded up the best ones we've tested along with a couple of others that made the cut based on their performance and price. But before we get to the picks, here are a few general things to keep in mind before making your choice. 

Each of the laptops in our guide runs one of the three major computer operating systems: Windows, MacOS, and ChromeOS. Each OS has its own set of pros and cons. 

• Windows: Windows is the most popular PC operating system, and you'll have no problem finding the right software to help get your work done. It's also the best operating system for games if that's how you plan on spending some of your free time. The downside is that because it's so popular, hackers and other malicious programmers target Windows first, so it's important to run antivirus software regularly and update the operating system as patches get released.
• MacOS: Like Windows, MacOS is a fully fledged operating system with a robust library of available software. If you need a popular app to get your work done, it's almost definitely available for the Mac. The downside is that MacOS only runs on Apple hardware, which is typically a lot more expensive than Windows alternatives. The two upsides are that MacOS has fewer viruses than Windows, and it shares many of the same apps as the iPhone. If you're an iPhone user, your photos will automatically sync with your Mac, and you'll be able to send and receive iMessages from your computer. 
• ChromeOS: ChromeOS is different than MacOS and Windows because it's entirely based on Google's Chrome browser. You won't have access to the same types of software as you would on a traditional Mac or PC, but you can still use Google's G suite to write papers, prepare presentations, create and edit spreadsheets, and more. Because it's not a traditional operating system, you won't have to worry about getting infected with viruses, or your computer slowing down because it's full of random files. But, like MacOS, ChromeOS only runs on Chromebooks, which are less powerful (but more affordable!) to begin with.

Your laptop's specs will determine how well it'll run on a daily basis, and how long it should last before it gets replaced. All of the laptops below have enough processing power, storage, and memory for an average user to use them for five years or so.

Of course, the more powerful machines will be faster and could last a lot longer, but they're more expensive. You'll have to work within your own budget, but the cheapest laptop in this guide costs $449, the most expensive one costs $1,799, and I have no problem recommending both of them to just about anyone. All I can say for sure is that the days of having to spend over one thousand dollars to get a worthwhile laptop are long over.

Here are the best laptops you can buy for your college student:

• Best overall: MateBook X Pro 
• Best for Mac users: 13 inch MacBook Pro 
• Best 2-in-1: Lenovo's Yoga 730 
• Best Chromebook: ASUS Chromebook Flip 
• Best budget buy: ASUS VivoBook F510UA

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best college laptop for Windows users — and best overall

Why you'll love it: Huawei's MateBook X Pro is an incredible machine, with a high-resolution touchscreen, powerful processor, ample memory and storage, and extras like a fingerprint scanner.

I'll be blunt, Huawei's MateBook X Pro is the best laptop I've ever used, and it's the perfect choice for almost any student. 

The laptop has a quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, which are tech specs that should suit your workload whether it includes writing papers or high-resolution video and photo editing. Its 13.3-inch touch display has a resolution of 3,000 x 2,000 pixels, so everything from the text you write for class to the YouTube videos you watch for fun will look excellent.

Huawei managed to pack such powerful components into a machine that weighs 2.9 pounds and is 0.57 inches thick when closed. That makes the laptop extremely backpack friendly, and easy on your shoulders. 

The MateBook X Pro has a super fast Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB-C port, and standard USB port, so it's ready for the accessories you own today and the ones you'll buy in the future. Huawei also includes a Thundetbolt 3 adapter with the laptop, which has an HDMI port, regular USB port, VGA port, and USB-C port on it. The adapter lets you use even more accessories at once, and allows you to easily connect to your classroom's TV or projector.

Besides covering all the main bases, the MateBook X Pro has a couple of little extras that put it over the top, including a webcam that flips up from beneath a key in the keyboard, to a fingerprint reader that's so good you won't need to remember your password. If you like Windows, and can afford to spend over $1,000 on a laptop, you'd be hard pressed to find one better than this.

Pros: Excellent tech specs, very thin and light design, future-proof ports

Cons: Pretty expensive

Buy the MateBook X Pro from Microsoft for $1,199.98

The best college laptop for Mac users

Why you'll love it: The 13-inch MacBook Pro was just updated to have a quad-core processor, better keyboard, and a display that's easier on your eyes.

If you're a Mac user who plans on pulling some all-nighters, the 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro was recently updated in ways that make it an excellent choice for college students without a strict budget. 

The machine has a 13.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and support for the full P3 color gamut. This means the screen can show colors more accurately than most laptops on the market — and any of the others on this list — making it the absolute best choice for video and photo editing. The screen was also updated with Apple's True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's color balance to be easier on your eyes depending on the light of the room you're in.

This new version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro has a quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB SSD, which means this laptop should be powerful enough to carry you through college, med or grad school, or your first two or three years in the "real world." It's also thin and light, weighing a little over three pounds and measuring only a little over 0.6 inches when closed. 

The MateBook X Pro is still thinner and lighter, but the difference there isn't huge. A bigger deal is that Apple built the MacBook Pro with two ThunderBolt 3 ports and nothing else. That means you'll need to either invest in all new USB-C and ThunderBolt accessories (both ports use the same connector) or buy adapters. This makes an already expensive machine even more expensive.

This model has Apple's touch bar, which replaces the traditional row of function keys with a high-resolution touchscreen that changes depending on the app you're using. Depending on the app, the touch bar can display custom shortcuts to actions you perform all the time, which can save you time in the long run.

There's no getting around the fact that this is an expensive machine, but it's also incredibly powerful, runs MacOS, and received a new version of Apple's new keyboard when it was updated. The old keyboard was prone to breaking after a small speck of dust got under the key, which is the last thing you want to have happen in the middle of a paper.

Pros: Powerful, thin, light, excellent display, TrueTone mode

Cons: Very expensive, only has ThunderBolt 3 ports

Buy the MacBook Pro 13-inch at Best Buy for $1,799.99

The best college laptop for people who also want a tablet

Why you'll love it: Lenovo's Yoga 730 is a powerful laptop with a touchscreen that can flip all the way around to act like a tablet.

Two-in-one laptops try to give you the best of the laptop and tablet world, and Lenovo's Yoga 730 does a very good job of striking the right balance. 

As a laptop, it's a thin and light — at 0.55 inches thick when closed and 2.55 pounds respectively — and pretty powerful. The machine has a quad-core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, which are competitive with the higher-end machines on this list. Like Huawei, Lenovo put both Thunderbolt 3 and standard USB ports on its laptop, so it'll be compatible with all of your current accessories right out of the box.

Its display is worse, though. It's only 1080P, which is absolutely fine for most day to day schoolwork, but isn't great if your coursework includes video or image editing. Despite its lower resolution, the screen makes up for it by being touch sensitive. Touchscreens on laptops are typically only OK, but it serves a really important purpose on the Yoga 730. 

The screen can be completely flipped over, and Windows 10 automatically enters a "tablet mode," which can run all the same apps with more touch-friendly controls. In tablet mode, the Yoga 730 has a software keyboard for typing and can be turned vertically, which makes reading long-form articles or homework a lot easier.

At over two and a half pounds the Yoga 730 is definitely heavier than most standalone tablets, but being able to switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet mode is a pretty major feature, especially since it works so seamlessly. 

If you're looking for a laptop you can use in class or doing work, and a tablet you can use while you're relaxing, the Lenovo's Yoga 730 lets you check both boxes with one device.

Pros: Pretty powerful, both laptop and tablet modes work pretty well

Cons: A little heavier than a tablet in tablet mode, the screen looks a little weird when it's held vertically

Buy the Lenovo Yoga 730 on Amazon for $754.99

There are plenty of sitcom dads who might mistakes, but will always know what's right in the end. But then, there are the morally grey and even the nightmare dads who take it even further.

Here's a roundup of some of the worst fictional TV dads.

Warning: this post contains lights spoilers. 

Don Draper from "Mad Men" was an alcoholic who put work before his family.

Don Draper, one of the "mad men" of the advertising industry, prioritized his high-status job over his wife and children. He spent so much time working, drinking, and cheating that she was barely able to squeeze in quality time with his family. Don strove and struggled to offer his children more than he had growing up, but he forgot to actually be around for it.

The Gallagher family from “Shameless" would be better off without Frank.

An unemployable alcoholic, Frank spends his days drinking, stealing, and coming up with quick schemes for cash. His kids are left to fend for themselves, working tough jobs and scrounging for money any way they can. When Frank is home, this financial drain's six kids have to pick up the slack and slug his passed-out body through the house.

Walter White provided for his family by whatever immoral means necessary.

Living by the mantra, "a man provides," this former chemistry teacher turned gourmet meth maker in "Breaking Bad" gave himself such a burden to provide for his family, that he believed murder was just. Once he accumulated enough money for his cancer treatment and for his wife and kids to live comfortably, the thrill of becoming Albuquerque's top meth tycoon overcame his desire to keep his family safe.

Making time for a solid arm workout isn't always easy, especially if you're in need of weights and other equipment.

But when you're on the road or have a few minutes to spare between events, it can be nice to have some quick, virtually equipment-free arm workouts up your sleeve.

We asked New York University physical-therapy professor Marilyn Moffat, who also wrote the book "Age Defying Fitness," for some of her favorite arm workouts that don't require weights.

Here are the nine she gave us, including modifications to help personalize your workout. Feel free to mix and match, or just do one exercise on its own. Repeat or hold each exercise until it gets to be too much, building up at your own pace.

And remember: If you have any unusual pain or problems with the exercises, stop doing them and consult a physical therapist.

SEE ALSO: The science-backed 7-minute fitness routine is a great way to get in shape

DON'T MISS: You can tell someone's lying to you by watching their face — here are 12 dead giveaways

Exercise #1: The dreaded plank. Keeping your arms directly under your shoulders, hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, until it gets to be too much.

To better distribute your weight, spread your fingers as wide as possible while in these poses. You should be able to feel the difference along your arms.

For a modification, try putting your forearms on the ground. You'll still feel the stretch along your arms (not to mention torso and legs).

• Royal birthday celebrations tend to be more low-key. In recent years, Prince William and Kate Middleton have celebrated their big days with some quiet time at home. 
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge release new portraits of Prince George and Princess Charlotte to mark their birthdays. 
• The queen has two birthday celebrations and Prince Charles celebrates for six months. 

No one celebrates like the Windsors! But the British royal family can also be surprisingly low-key when it comes to their birthdays.

Trooping the Colour

This is the biggest royal birthday party in England—but it’s not on Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday, April 21. The tradition of celebrating the reigning monarch’s “official” birthday in June goes all the way back 260 years. King George II, who had a birthday in dreary November, decided to merge his annual celebrations with an already-established military parade, in which the troops show off their regimental flags, or “color,” in the fair-weather month of June. Today, the queen rides in a carriage (she used to ride on horseback) during the parade of 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. Then the now 92-year-old sovereign gathers with family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a Royal Air Force fly past. Find out why Queen Elizabeth always wears bright outfits.

The queen celebrates twice

Although the royal family’s website says Queen Elizabeth “usually spends her actual birthday privately,” this year she broke tradition with a boisterous concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The show featured a diverse array of performers including Kylie Minogue, Sting, Shaggy, Tom Jones, and Shawn Mendes. Who says 92-year-olds can’t party? The queen’s family, including Prince Harry and not-yet-duchess Meghan Markle, Prince William, Prince Charles, and Duchess Camilla, were also in attendance. These are the 11 items Queen Elizabeth never travels without.

The royal baker takes the cake

Who gets to be the official cake baker for royal milestone birthdays? For Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebration in 2016, it was "Great British Bake Off" champion Nadiya Hussain who won the coveted role. “It dawned on me that I can’t say no to the queen,” Hussain told NPR. “So once I got over the nerves, I thought, well, actually this is such an honor, how can I possibly say no?” The three-tiered, orange-flavored, purple and gold cake looked a bit wobbly, earning some criticism from the public. But Queen Elizabeth just fine with it! On the other hand, this is the one food the royals can’t eat while traveling.

It seems like every other week, there's a new music festival popping up around the country promising to be the greatest weekend ever. And in addition to all of these new ones, you have your staples like Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Hangout.

But if you find yourself longing for the days of going to a concert without catching people culturally appropriating Native American headdresses, taking selfies every five seconds, or watching the show through their tiny phone screens as they record the whole thing, you might have just been born in the wrong time.

Keep scrolling to see the real glory days of music festivals.

Woodstock Music Festival took place over three days in August 1969.

It was advertised as "Three Days of Peace and Music." Many famous musicians of the time played at the festival, including Santana, Grateful Dead, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

The people of Bethel, New York, were unprepared for the more than 400,000 people that showed up to the festival.

Bethel is a small town in upstate New York that didn't have the infrastructure to deal with that many people. Apparently, the novice organizers were expecting around 50,000 attendees.

You'd think that in 2018, with so many rules and regulations surrounding festivals, it'd be impossible to have another miscalculation like that. But 2017's failed Fyre Festival proved that there are still some kinks in the festival business.

Woodstock attendees were called hippies which, at the time, was considered a derogatory term.

Being a hippie now is trendy— today, flower crowns, tie-dye, and meditation are staples of many an Instagram celebrity. 

Just when you think you’ve finally figured out the basics of being an adult, we’re here to tell you that your house is filled with stuff that you’ve been using all wrong. From kitchen gadgets to beauty products, you might not be using your things to their full potential.

Here are a few everyday items that can be used in ways you never expected.

Your bobby pins are most likely upside down.

Your instinct is probably to slide a bobby pin into your hair with the smooth side facing down. However, the pins were actually designed to grip your hair by laying against your scalp with the grooved side down. If your bobby pins are always sliding out, try flipping them over for better hold.

That drawer at the bottom of your oven will keep your food warm.

Prepare to be astounded. You know that drawer at the bottom of your oven? It’s not actually meant to store cupcake trays and baking sheets.

Nope. It’s actually a warming drawer meant to keep hot foods at serving temperature. The next time you need to keep dinner warm or don’t want your delivery pizza getting cold while you pick a movie to watch, simply turn on the oven and pop your feast in the warming drawer.

The more detergent you use, the worse chance you'll get stains out.

More detergent means cleaner clothes, right? Not so much. According to Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at theGood Housekeeping Institute, using more than the recommended amount of detergent could actually be trapping stains by producing a volume of suds that cushions the dirt and prevents it from washing away.

Don’t sabotage your laundry and only add as much as the bottle tells you to.

As honest as we all want to be about our financial situations, sometimes a little white lie creeps in every now and then: Maybe you can't afford that dinner your friends are going to, and it's less embarrassing to say you have the flu. Or, maybe you slightly exaggerate your paycheck to friends in either direction, so no one knows you're the worst paid — or even highest paid — of the bunch.

Talking about money is awkward, and no one gets it right 100% of the time. But it's easier to learn from those mistakes when you reflect on them. So, we asked our readers: What's the biggest money lie you've ever told?

The biggest lie I've ever told about my spending habits...

"My husband and I make over $120,000 a year and have over $40,000 in savings, but I always tell coworkers 'sorry, I'm broke' when they want to get lunch. I don't want to spend $10 on a sandwich when I can eat the one I brought from home! It just feels silly to me."—Becca, 24

"I spend a good amount of money on things like food, drinkware, and stationery, so I take the price tags off the things I buy before I go home, just in case my mom asks how much something is. And the answer is always 'mahal' ('expensive' in Tagalog), so she knows better than to ask again."—Aines, 27

"My mom told me to buy a piece of salmon for dinner. I went to the local market, which is high quality but very expensive. I told the guy at the fish counter that I wanted a piece of salmon and pointed at the first one I saw, without checking the price. After he picked it up and weighed it, I realized it was wild and freshly caught — one piece for $30!!!!! He had already wrapped it up for me, so I just went ahead and paid for it. I later told my mom that it was 'too expensive' without mentioning a price. If she checked her credit card statement, my plan was just to tell her I bought some other stuff along with the salmon."—Liza, 21

"How much I spent while studying abroad. I supported myself through college, and having experiences abroad was important to me. Some people may view the expenses I incurred as absurd — it really was a lot. But I firmly believe that the experience was transformative, and it was my decision to make. "—Andrea, 22

The biggest lie I've ever told about loans and debt...

"Student loans are really embarrassing to me. I have about $130,000 in student loans and when people ask, I just say I have a lot. My mom doesn’t even know how much. My husband is the only one. I say that I have about $100,000, and even that makes people feel bad for me. I just chalk it up to having a bachelor's and two master's degrees. "—Rebekah, 28

"My parents paid for my entire education, so I have no student loans. But I feel very awkward around my friends who complain about their loans, so I lie and agree with them that paying back loans is the worst. "—Julia, 25

"How much credit card debt I had — when I first met my now husband (who has never had credit card debt), I told him a significantly lower number. I paid it off before we got married."—Samantha, 29

"Not disclosed my debt (to friends/family), which at the time was around $40,000."—Brooke, 29

The biggest lie I've ever told when it comes to paying for housing...

"My lucky and fortunate boyfriend owns our $1.2 million apartment and I live rent-free, but I tell everyone we rent our place from an out-of-state landlord for $3,500 a month. This sounds better, considering we're only 24, and I don't want other people to feel uncomfortable about it, especially if they look up the price."—Sarah, 24

"I told my parents the money they were giving me for our down payment wasn't going towards debt, but I ended up having to use some of it to pay down debt, otherwise I wouldn't have qualified for my mortgage. "—Candice, 35

In just a few weeks, Samsung will reportedly introduce the Galaxy Watch, its latest entry into the smartwatch game.

But on Monday, the electronics maker may have accidentally ruined the big reveal. 

The smartwatch showed up on Samsung's website Monday morning and was spotted by CNET's Scott Stein. Samsung's listing showed a rose gold, 42-mm watch labeled "Galaxy Watch," right next to Samsung's Gear S2 watch. 

The listing has since been removed from Samsung's website.

Samsung isn't new to the world of smartwatches; its first watch, the Galaxy Gear, came out in 2013. Since then, Samsung has added the Gear S2, the Gear S3, and the Gear Sport to its lineup, along with a slew of fitness trackers.

But this year is slightly different for a few reasons.

For one, Samsung will reportedly ditch "Gear" from the name and simply call it the Galaxy Watch. Samsung all but confirmed that that's the new name on Monday. 

For another, Samsung has recently gone out of its way to taunt Apple, creating several ads that pit the two companies against each other. While that battle has mostly been confined to the realm of premium smartphones, it seems as though Samsung is now targeting Apple in other areas too — the rumored Bixby smart speaker, which would compete with Apple's HomePod, and now a smartwatch to compete with the Apple Watch.

In fact, all signs point to the Galaxy Watch having many features similar to the Apple Watch, like cellular connectivity, color options, and a built-in smart assistant.

Here's everything we've heard so far about the Samsung Galaxy Watch:

SEE ALSO: Samsung is reportedly planning to release its foldable Galaxy X smartphone next year

Past versions of Samsung's smartwatch have been under Samsung's "Gear" branding. But this year, Samsung is renaming it the Galaxy Watch.

Since introducing its line of smartwatches in 2013, Samsung has stuck with the Gear branding, coming out with the Gear S2, the Gear S3, and the Gear Sport.

But a Federal Communications Commission patent filing suggests the new watch will be called the Galaxy Watch, a move most likely meant to put it more in line with Samsung's popular line of Galaxy smartphones.

The Galaxy Watch will have a 1.2-inch display, which is about the same size as the Samsung Gear Sport.

Citing the FCC filing, Droid Life reported that the Galaxy Watch case would measure 51.2 mm by 43.4 mm, while the display will be 30.2 mm, or about 1.2 inches.

Samsung's most recent smartwatch, the Gear Sport, also has a 1.2-inch display.

Past Samsung watches have usually come in two colors, but the Galaxy Watch will come in three.

The Galaxy Watch will come in silver, gold, and black, according to a report from SamMobile.

That's one more color than past Samsung watches. The Gear S3 comes in two options — the black Gear S3 Frontier and the silver Gear S3 Classic — while the newer Gear Sport comes in black and blue.

Adding a third color would put the Galaxy Watch more in line with the Apple Watch, which also comes in black (or "space gray"), silver, and gold.

No one ever looks forward to in-flight meals.

And while it is proven that being on an airplane changes your taste buds, that doesn't make up for the fact that the food is usually disappointing to begin with.

Here are photos of real meals from flights that range from disappointing to practically inedible. And while pictures can be deceiving, these airline meals leave something aesthetic to be desired.

Breakfast on Safi Afghan Airlines in 2012.

Hot dogs and an omelette, a croissant, breakfast roll, and a chocolate muffin.

Breakfast on Royal Brunei Airlines in 2009.

Mushrooms, roasted potatoes, chicken sausage, tomato, and an egg omelette with cheese.

A meal on Air Canada in 2014.

Pasta with tomato sauce.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

In case you haven't already been shopping it, Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale is in full swing.

Having spent hours scouring the whole sale ourselves, we know that there's no doubt you'll be able to add some new pieces to not only your wardrobes, but also your beauty and grooming kits and home and kitchen setups— all from the top name brands and at discounted prices. 

Since there are thousands of items on sale sitewide, we hand-picked the 50 deals that, if nothing else, you'll find inspiration from. We've also included links to more deal roundups below if you want to take a deeper dive into any specific categories. 

Many deals we've had our eyes on have already sold out, so don't hesitate to add these to your cart. 

If you prefer to jump straight to shopping the Anniversary Sale, here's where to go: 

• Men's deals
• Women's deals
• Beauty deals
• Home deals

Check out more Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage here:

• Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is going on now through August 5 — here are the best deals to shop
• 30 men's clothing and accessory deals you can score major savings on during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
• 40 women’s fashion and accessories deals you won’t want to miss out on during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
• 30 fall boots you can save on during the Anniversary Sale
• 34 exclusive skin care and beauty deals you can only get during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
• 30 best home and kitchen deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you don't want to miss
• 30 of the best men's dress shoes and boots available during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
• 20 stylish pairs of sneakers you can get your hands on during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The most comfortable undershirt you can buy right now

Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck Undershirt, $27.90 (originally $43) [You save $15.10]

Soft and lightweight summer shorts from Bonobos

Bonobos 9-Inch Lightweight Stretch Chino Shorts, $51.90 (originally $78) [You save $26.10]

A moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant shirt

Mizzen+Main Melrose Performance Sport Shirt, $74.90 (originally $105) [You save $30.10]

Camping might mean a little more work than checking into a glamorous hotel and dealing with housekeeping for a vacation, but if you’re okay with that, it’s absolutely worth it. Spending a few days in nature without being connected to the many luxuries we use every day can be a truly eye-opening experience.

Planning a great camping trip begins with picking the perfect campsite. You want a location that offers gorgeous views, an exciting landscape, and ideal temperatures. Luckily, there are thousands of campsites all over the world to choose from, and some are just a little bit nicer than others.

If you’re in need of some fresh air, you might want to consider one of these beautiful campsites around the world. Some are on the beach, some are in the mountains, and some are in a much more unique spot, but they all offer the same things: stunning views of the world around you, a chance to spot some wildlife, and tons of adventure. Who doesn’t want that during a vacation?

Camp in the mountains at Sahale Glacier Camp in Washington, USA.

According to Time For A Hike, Sahale Glacier Camp is one of the best back-country campsites in the United States National Park System. Individual campsites are nestled among rock walls and only reachable through a hike in North Cascades National Park. You camp at over 7,000 feet at the foot of the Sahale Glacier, among the mountains in the North Cascades. A permit is required to camp there, and it isn’t exactly for beginners, but if you feel comfortable going, you’ll see some of the most beautiful views in the United States.

Experience the rainforest at Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.

Corcovado National Park is an incredible place to explore, with 13 major ecosystems, beautiful waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and tapirs. You can explore the beautiful rainforest in a very immersive way, swim in a waterfall, and relax by the beach. There’s so much to do and see, and everything is gorgeous.

Go tree camping in Waldseilgarten, Germany.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you can’t get any better than this one. Located in the German Alps, Waldseilgarten Höllschlucht allows you to try out tree camping, which means campers stay in tents that are hung from tree branches high up in the forest canopy. If you manage to get up there (by rope!), you’ll get incredible views of the Pfronten mountains by the Austrian border.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Paul Evans is a direct-to-consumer startup that specializes in luxury grade Italian-made dress shoes at a fraction of retail costs.
• We've reviewed them in the past, but more than two years and many other brand reviews later, Paul Evans is still the highest quality dress shoe brand with the best value, period.
• You can save 25% sitewide at Paul Evans by using the Business Insider-exclusive promo code "BI25" at checkout.

When it comes to footwear startups, popularity can be fleeting — especially if the brand doesn't deliver on the promise of a product that lasts as it should. While catchy marketing techniques and cool-looking styles can grab your attention for a short time, it's quality that ultimately makes a brand great. For men's dress shoe company Paul Evans, that's precisely what makes it our favorite.

Founded in 2013 by Evan Fript, Paul Evans thrives one three key principles: high-end luxury quality, elegant and timeless styling, and great value. While working as a finance professional in New York City, Fript realized just how expensive good dress shoes for men were, and decided to change that with a collection of premium Italian-made shoes.

The brand uses a direct-to-consumer business model, so there's no major retail markup like you'd find at a department store. Its shoes are mostly priced around $450, but spending the same amount elsewhere would almost certainly leave you with an inferior pair. To get shoes of similar quality from other brands, you could easily shell out $1,000.

Back in 2016, we said that Paul Evans might be the best dress shoes out there, and after two years of testing plus a new batch of input, it's officially confirmed. Since that review was first done, we've tried plenty of other brands (many of which were very good), but none have yet to outdo Paul Evans. The brand sent our team a variety of styles to sample and our collective sentiment of their shoes truly being the best is still the same.

Premium materials, handmade craftsmanship, and the overall design of the collection still prevail, landing them at the top of our list of favorites. When you want your dress shoes to look amazing and last, Paul Evans is consistently our first recommendation.

Despite being a great value for the money,  we understand that the shoes are still pretty pricey, so Business Insider teamed up with Paul Evans to create an exclusive discount for our readers. Right now, you can use the promo code "BI25" to save 25% on your entire order with no exclusions. 

Regardless of discounts or sales, Paul Evans dress shoes tend to sell out very fast. If the style you love is currently out of stock, preorder it now to make sure you have it in time for fall. The promo code can still be applied to your order.

Shop all luxury dress shoes at Paul Evans here.

Since the Insider Picks team has men of all different sizes and styles, we reviewed four different pairs of shoes. Check out our individual thoughts on Paul Evans, below.

Paul Evans Martin Wholecut

$337.50 (Originally $450), available in five colors [You save $112.50]

My love for footwear is rooted in sneakers, but I have a true affinity for any kind of shoes that are extremely well made — and Paul Evans is by far the highest quality footwear I've experienced thus far. When it comes to dress shoes specifically, I've had the opportunity to test out plenty of really amazing pairs, but if you're not on a tight budget, there isn't a single brand I'd recommend over Paul Evans.

I went with the Paul Evans Martin Wholecut in Marrone for several reasons. It's the brand's best-selling shoe, and my co-workers have been raving about them since before I joined the team, so I had to see what they were about. On top of that, they have a clean and simple look that fits my formal style perfectly. 

As soon as I opened the box, I knew that Paul Evans' shoes were unlike any other brand I had tried. Everything about the shoes screams luxury — the smooth and shiny leather upper, the burnished toe, the waxed laces, the smooth leather bottom with brass hardware, and the padded leather lined insole with gold flake lettering are just some of the many details that make them superior. Some people might not care about the box and packaging, but for me, it's part of the experience — and Paul Evans didn't cut any corners. In addition to the sturdy black box and tissue paper, you'll find two thick dust bags for individually storing each shoe. 

Despite being like a work of art, I believe all shoes are meant to be worn, and when I finally put them on, I was not disappointed. They're very comfortable and when you go a full size down as recommended, they fit perfectly. They require no break-in time in terms of comfort, but if you decide not to add rubber soles to the bottom, you might find the leather soles to be a bit slippery. I chose to wear mine as they were, and after a few wears, the roughed-up bottom gripped the ground just fine. They might be too fancy to wear on a daily basis, but when you do break them out, you'll surely turn heads. —Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Paul Evans Poitier Double Monk Strap

$337.50 (Originally $450), available in five colors [You save $112.50]

I’ve had the opportunity to try out a lot of dress shoes for Insider Picks, but Paul Evan’s Poitier may be my favorite pair yet. I tend to like shoes with a minimalist design, but the Poitier’s double monk strap looks incredibly classy and keeps the shoes feeling secure but not too tight. The straps have a few notches, so you can adjust the fit a little bit, and the buckles were designed to keep the straps from flipping up and looking weird. To test their comfort, I wore the Poitiers out for a night that included climbing stairs, walking a lot, and dancing. My feet never felt cramped or restricted, and I could easily have slipped them back on the next day for my weekend chores, but I didn’t want to scuff them up.

I shouldn’t be surprised at how great these shoes feel and look, having worn many pairs of Paul Evan’s shoes over the past couple of years, but the Poitier’s still managed to impress. The startup really prides itself on making a pair of dress shoes you can wear for hours at a time and keep for several years. There are many dress shoe companies out there, but with Paul Evans, you’ll get compliments instead of blisters. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

Paul Evans Brando Semi-Brogue Oxford

$337.50 (Originally $450), available in five colors [You save $112.50]

Paul Evans’ Brando Semi-Brogue Oxfords are gorgeously hand-painted and the plush, all-leather lining makes them a delight to wear — even during the painfully formal occasions that necessitate my wearing them. Admittedly, I spend more time admiring these shoes than I do wearing them.

The leather soles are stunning, and the brass studs on the toe and heel are a nice touch, too, though, of course, you’ll hardly ever see them. Two things I’ll recommend: take the company’s advice and be sure to order them a full US size down (or a size and a half down on the Brannock device measurement scale). The second thing I’ll recommend is, after making sure they fit properly, getting some sort of treads put on the bottom. I'd hate to taint those beautiful leather soles with rubber or cork — or anything, really — but I’d also hate to trash them on the street, so take them to a cobbler you can trust.

All that aside, these are wonderful shoes made diligently with love, and it would be hard to do much better, no matter the price. —Owen Burke, Insider Picks Guides reporter

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

The Insider Pick:

• It can be very handy to have an inflatable air mattress for a camping trip or when guests visit your home. The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress with ComfortCoil Technology & Internal High Capacity Pump is our top pick because it's comfortable, easy to inflate, and big enough for two to sleep comfortably.

Air mattresses come in handy when your in-laws drop by for an impromptu weekend visit, or when your kids develop a tendency to bring friends home for sleepovers. But air mattresses can also be great in case of emergencies, or if you’re a camper or hiker who needs a comfortable way to sleep in the great outdoors. No matter how your air mattress helps your life, we’ve found a perfect pick for you.

There are a number of factors that go into finding the perfect air mattress: comfort, ease and time to inflate/deflate, height, firmness, air pressure and retention, manufacturing materials, and portability, to name a few. Great air mattresses vary widely in price, as well, so we’ve kept that in mind as we’ve scoured expert consumer lists and real live user reviews to bring you this Insider Picks Guide to the perfect air mattress for any purpose.

Our top picks for the best air mattress you can buy are:

• Best overall: SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
• Best quick-inflate: Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
• Best for camping: SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
• Best budget: Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed
• Best for kids: AeroBed Mattress for Kids

Updated on 07/24/2018 by Owen Burke: Updated prices, added extra buying options, and rounded up professional and user reviews from around the web.

Read on in the slides below to learn why these are our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best mattress you can buy

The best air mattress overall

Why you'll love it: The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress tops the charts for comfort and performance, and the satisfaction guarantee means you’ll get the most out of your investment.

The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress has gotten rave reviews for comfort and performance. The company’s ComfortCoil Technology means the mattress is packed with 40 internal air coils so it stays firm and supportive without drooping or sagging throughout the night. SoundAsleep’s built-in pump means it’s easy to inflate and deflate the Dream Series Air Mattress, but it does take about four minutes to complete a cycle.

The Queen size mattress is big enough for two house guests to sleep comfortably, and the raised dual chamber 19-inch height makes it easier to climb in and out of bed without having to climb all the way down to the floor. There is a Sure-Grip textured layer lining the bottom of the mattress to prevent late-night slipping and sliding on hardwood and glossy floors.

On the other side, the mattress’ surface layer is extra thick and waterproof to avoid mildew and bacteria caused by night sweats and to prevent against punctures, nicks, and tears.

Best Products and the Wirecutter both hold the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress as their top picks, and more than 14,000 reviews on Amazon average out to a 4.3/5-star rating.

Since the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is meant specifically for in-home use, it’s not the most portable option on the market. It weighs in at about 20 pounds, but it does come with a convenient carrying case for toting the deflated mattress around your house or from room to room. Best of all, SoundAsleep’s year-long satisfaction guarantee and great reputation for customer service mean that your air mattress investment will be well-spent and protected.

Pros: A year-long satisfaction guarantee and great customer service back up this comfortable, durable, top-ranked air mattress

Cons: The higher price tag and 20-pound product weight make this air mattress less than ideal for customers on-the-go or looking for a camping bed

Buy the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress on Amazon for $119.95 (originally $199.95)

The best quick-inflating air mattress

Why you'll love it: With a lower price tag and lower height profile, the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is still comfortable, durable, and easy to use.

Insta-Bed’s Raised Air Mattress may be a bit of a misnomer, only because the main downside to the mattress is its lower height profile. It’s only about a foot off the ground when fully inflated, which could make nights difficult for anyone whose priority is accessibility. Other than height, Insta-Bed nails all the expected features of an inflatable air mattress. The built-in Insta III AC pump is billed as 20% quieter than other popular airbed pumps, and it inflates and deflates quickly and easily, again, in about four minutes.

The top layer is made of flocked PVC material just like our top pick, providing water resistance, damage resistance, long-term durability, and a soft, comfortable surface for a good night’s sleep. Construction on Insta-Bed’s Queen-sized bed includes 35 circular air coils, which is only slightly lower than the SoundAsleep’s 40. Beneath the bed, the bottom layer is protected with Sure-Grip texturing so your guests won’t slide around their room in the night.

Insta-Bed’s option is considerably lighter, weighing about 13 pounds and still comes with an easy carrying case. Although the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is more than $30 cheaper than our top pick, it is still protected by a one-year warranty and reportedly great customer service. The airbed comes in one color and in two sizes: twin and queen.

Wirecutter has the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress as its budget pick, and most of Amazon's 3,700+ reviewers give it the thumbs up, too.

Pros: More affordable without compromising comfort and durability, this air mattress is still guarantee-protected and built to last

Cons: The lower height profile means this airbed is harder to get in and out of, especially for grandparents and anyone with injuries

Buy Insta-Bed's Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump for $102.99 and up (depending on color)

The best budget air mattress

Why you'll love it: For a budget option, the Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed doesn’t sacrifice comfort or reliability and even includes a built-in pillow.

The most appealing thing about the Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is the price tag. For less than $40, it's a great option for budget air mattress shoppers. The queen size mattress measures 60 x 80 inches, and it does stay pretty low to the ground at 16.5 inches high. It offers the same style of flocked top PVC surface as comparable air mattresses at much higher price points.

The integrated electric pump takes the standard four minutes or so to inflate and deflate, and users say that the Intex air mattress stays firm and well-inflated without losing air throughout the night.

A nice and unexpected addition to this affordable air mattress is the built-in pillow, which raises the surface of the mattress just slightly where your guests will rest their heads. Water- and puncture-resistant materials keep the mattress comfortable and clean, and the bed still comes with an easy carrying case despite its serious affordability. Some people find the raised pillow area uncomfortable, including one Wirecutter tester.

Almost 3,000 Amazon reviewers gave it a 3.5/5-star average, which is pretty good considering it's a budget item.

There’s no warranty and no customer satisfaction guarantee with the Intex air mattress, and it's a bit of a gamble, but at $39.50 you can hardly expect it to last a lifetime.

Pros: Built-in pillows and all the comfort and durability of a name brand air mattress, without the high price tag

Cons: Low height profile is less than ideal, and no warranty or customer satisfaction promise mean this air mattress isn’t guaranteed to last

Buy the Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed with Built-in Pillow and Electric Pump on Amazon for $42.99 (Queen)

When it comes to traveling somewhere new, you likely look forward to encountering a new language, eating a variety of new foods, and experiencing a completely different environment than what you're used to. One of the things that seem to vary the most are the restrooms.

Restrooms, as US citizens know them, aren’t the norm around the world. Even the very act of sitting on the porcelain throne is not always the norm — 15% of world’s population practice open defecation, which means they go to the bathroom in fields, forests, or other available outdoor space, according to World Toilet.

Knowing what to expect makes all the difference, and it allows you to prepare when you travel somewhere new. Here are some of the differences in bathrooms around the world.

While many public restrooms in the US are free to the public, expect to pay a small fee to pee in Europe.

Many countries in continental Europe, including Germany, Sweden, and France, charge visitors to use the facilities. The cost is small — €1 or less — so it’s always helpful to have some coins on hand. If you’re not required to pay for use, you may still see an attendant inside working and a jar or plate set out for tips.

While this common custom irritates many US travelers, the amount goes towards maintaining the space, keeping it clean, and stocking it up with toilet paper and soap.

“Isn’t it really worth a few coins, considering the cost of water, maintenance, and cleanliness?” Rick Steves, travel writer and author told NBC News.

Squat toilets, which travelers often expect in Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, or Taiwan, are more common than you’d think.

Before the throne-like, flush toilets which became popular in the 19th century, people used outhouses, chamber pots, or simply holes in the ground. While most people associate squat toilets with countries in Asia, but you’ll also find them in sub-Saharan countries like Kenya or Tanzania, and even certain parts of Europe like Russia or the Balkans.

Squat toilets themselves can have some variations, but the sentiment is the same: there’s a hole in the ground and a place to rest your feet on either side. They’re sometimes made of porcelain or metal, and you’ll either have the option to flush or there will be a bucket of water and a cup nearby to clean up the area once you’re done.

Western-style toilets are appearing more frequently in larger Asian cities, though, due to a “toilet revolution.” Since 2015, China spent $3 billion renovating 68,000 public restrooms at popular tourist sites, according to NPR. You can also expect to see squat toilets in Tokyo swapped out for high-tech ones by the 2020 Olympics, reported the South China Morning Post.

Bidets are popular in Italy, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela.

According to The Atlantic, the bidet was invented in France in the 1600s and is used for cleaning the body after going to the bathroom. You’ll find these in places like Italy and Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela.

While the bidet never really caught on in the US, it’s believed they’re less wasteful and more sanitary than using toilet paper.

"Think about using dry toilet paper. You're leaving a residue of stool and bacteria, whereas if you're using a bidet, you’re washing that away," Phillip J. Buffington, M.D., the chief medical officer of the Urology Group in Cincinnati, told SELF.

Traditionally, the fixture is separate from the toilet as a small toilet-looking basin with water controls, although it may be a separate sprayer and hose right by the toilet — dubbed a “bum gun” in Thailand. If you’re lucky, you may also find them as an addition to the toilet like with some of Japan’s elaborate loos.