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You’re going to need to melt some cheese eventually and the process goes a lot faster if you have a melting dome. It’ll help keep you from over-cooking that burger simply because you waited too long to add the cheese and the burger keeps cooking while the cheese does its thing. The dome will...

If you’ve made the switch to a griddle, a shorter spatula is a must-have. The shorter handle gives you more control whether you’re flipping eggs or burgers and the long flat sides make it easy to quickly scrape the griddle clean before you cook the next course.

Great for the aspiring chef that isn’t comfortable cooking without knowing the internal temperatures of the meat. The long-handled version is recommended because you wouldn’t want to lose any more arm hair! Quick results from the digital thermometer will let you know if your steak is done or...

If you’re trying to turn a brisket or a whole chicken, a spatula or tongs won’t do. Get your big fork, stab the hunk of meat, and maneuver it wherever you need to.

Sometimes you don’t want to scrape whatever your cooking with a spatula and tongs can make more sense. They’re handy if you’re cooking a fat New York strip that needs some grip to get it turned over. Great for hot dogs and sausages too!

Food that cooks over high heat makes a mess. The best way to clean it is with a good metal brush. The metal bristles will remove the crud in a hurry and the scraper on the other side will ensure you have a nice smooth surface for your next entrée. The scraper is great for your griddle too! If...

There are two variations and which one you choose will depend on your choice of cooking method. For a grill, a long-handled version is a must have. Grills can have flames and flames can singe the hair off your arm. A longer spatula will help you avoid looking like you’re preparing to swim in the...

You may have succumbed to the griddle craze that’s taking over the wish lists of backyard chefs, or maybe you’re old school and are sticking to the propane or charcoal grill. Either way, there are some tools you’ll need to impress anyone that will be eating your creations.

This is purely optional and is more of a bonus than anything else, but having TSA Pre Check and Global Entry can save a ton of time in US airport security and customs. TSA Pre Check passengers have an expedited security line and aren’t required to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops. Global Entry...

This form is only required to be completed after you receive a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your flight back to the US. Your airline should email you a link to complete the form so be on the lookout. You can print it off after completion or save the QR codes to your phone, which is...

Mexico requires all passengers to fill out a COVID questionnaire within 12 hours of your flight. You can print off the final form or just do it all on your phone and screenshot it, but proof of completion will be required to go through security in Mexico. I passed dozens of people trying to fill...

The US requires a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of your departure date from Mexico. Most resorts and hotel chains provide testing to guests to encourage travel, but if yours doesn’t you will need to arrange a test from a local testing center. I did mine at a lab in Mexico City for 350...

Many states within Mexico are now requiring a proof of vaccine for foreign visitors to enter restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Mine was actually never checked even though the rule was put in place at the time, but a lack of a vaccine card could make your dining and entertainment more...

While this isn’t something you can control, all hotels, bars, restaurants, airports, and other establishments are required to check your temperature upon entry. I lost count of how many times I had my temperature checked over an 8 day trip.

Most mask mandates have been removed in the US, but Mexico is still requiring masks in all indoor spaces. All US airlines also require masks to be worn on the plane, so be sure to bring one that's comfortable.

Most airlines used to provide these forms on the plane so you could fill it out prior to landing, but unfortunately most of them no longer provide this service. You will receive a form when you deplane, but you can also fill it out online (https://www.mexicotouristcard.com/) before your flight...

Another no-brainer, but also not as straightforward as you might think. Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of your return flight from Mexico back to the US or you could be denied boarding. Mexico does actually have an agreement with the US to extend the expiration on the passport by 6...

While this might seem obvious, the US/Mexico border is actually shut down for all non-essential travel through at least the end of September. The only way to travel to and from any part of Mexico from the US is to take a flight.

COVID restrictions have made travel to and from Mexico more difficult for the average traveler, and after a recent trip I thought it would be worth noting some of things you’ll need to make the trip easier. I had a great trip, but there were significantly more hoops to jump through than my...