New Apps Let You Create Animated Photos

Elyse Saugstad says an air bag backpack saved her life this past Sunday when an avalanche struck while she was backcountry skiing in Washington state, according to her blog. Saugstag was one of several skiers caught in avalanches at Stevens Pass, in the Cascades. Saugstad is a pro skier and had been given the ABS Avalanche Airbag Backpack by the manufacturer, ABS Avalanche Rescue Services for promotional purposes some time ago. The company couldn't hardly have asked for more publicity for its product. She says was taking a break with other skiers when the avalanche was spotted. The 33-year-old told ABC News that “There’s basically a system where you have a lever on the chest part of the backpack.... It’s a normal backpack and when you pull the lever. …It deploys the airbags to fill up with air and what it essentially does is, it keeps you above the avalanche.” [See the full video interview from ABC News here]. Two men standing near her but lacking backpacks were killed, according to an ESPN editor who happened to also be part of the group and one of the survivors. " target="_blank">Officials estimated it was a Class 3 avalanche, which the Avalanche Center website says can destroy a small building and snap trees. The device was invented in 1985. It hash become popular in Europe within the past few years, but still hasn't gained much acceptance in the US because of its high cost: ranging from $830 to $1,300. That may change as more companies offer the product. The North Face, for example, is about to roll out its own avalanche air bag safety devices. The backpack has two bags, one on either side, and bags are inflated by compressed nitrogen. See a video of it in action here: Skiers have survived without high-tech bags, of course. It's worth repeating the advice from the National Snow and Ice Data Center for how to survive an avalanche: Keep up to date on warnings. Carry a beacon, probe, and shovel if you are going backcountry skiing. Yell and let go of ski poles. Use swimming motions. If you end up near the surface, stick out an arm or leg so rescuers can find you. If the snow is over your head, try to make an air pocket in front of your face with your hands and arms. Take a deep breath and hold it or you might not be able to breathe after the snow sets. Do not panic. Breathe steadily. SEE MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL Cruise Industry Changes Safety Drills Tips on Surviving an Emergency Plane Landing Hilarious Safety Video from Air New Zealand

We get to share our travel picks with you all year long. Now it’s your turn. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be asking for a few of your favorite things, both large (airline, cruise port, national park) and small (which hotel has the best toiletries?). Then we’ll compile your suggestions and let you vote for your top pick in May. Come back often—we’ll be posting a new question almost every day. Today’s question: What is your favorite rental car company? And tell us why! Previous questions: What is your favorite historical spot in America? What's the top destination on your bucket list? Which airport features the best food? —Marc Peyser MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL World's 16 Most Picturesque Villages Secrets to the 10 Most Popular Cruise Ports 21 Girl Trips You Absolutely Love—and Deals to Match

Lately, pickpocketing has been a hot topic. In a recent National Geographic TV special “Pickpocket King," expert Bob Arno slipped into a criminal ring in Naples, Italy. To earn respect, he stole a watch off of one pickpocket. Once respected, Arno learnt the latest techniques of modern-day Artful Dodgers. (See the video, below). Pickpockets are everywhere. Today in London, a court hears testimony in the case of a family of pickpockets working the city’s subways. This past weekend, New York City caught two thieves who snatched iPhones from passengers on the subway. Last month, in suburban Deer Park, Mich., the customer of a Panera Bread restaurant had her purse fleeced, according to police. To avoid getting robbed, many travelers have been swapping tips on the social networking site Reddit in the past few weeks. There’s even a reader Q&A; with someone who claims, persuasively, that he is an amateur pickpocket. We did the reading and watching of all these pickpocketing tips to skim the best advice. Check out this rundown of some of the strategies travelers use to avoid getting pickpocketed. • Don’t hang your purse or backpack on a chair in a restaurant. Secure the bag, and keep it within view. • Keep your wallet in the front pocket of your pants. Better than back pocket or the inside pocket of any jacket. • Some women wear pushup bras without the padding to insert a few extra items with cloth tape. (Your mileage may vary.) • Don’t have all your key belongings in one place. Use clothing that has hidden pockets for stashing emergency belongings, such as passports and spare cash. Examples include " target="_blank">Scottevest Travel Boxers, which includes an iPhone-sized pocket ($20) • Ideally wear a money belt, around your waist and under your clothes. Nylon models resist sweat and water better than than cloth kinds. The most praised model is Rick Steves’ Silk Money Belt, from $10 on Amazon. Doug Dyment points out that some people may prefer a belt that hangs down inside your pant leg for greater comfort, though such a model can be less safe. • Be careful of crowds watching a street performer. While distracted, you make an easier target. • Beware of any strangers approaching you who start touching you for any reason. A classic trick is for someone to spray you with mustard while you’re not paying attention and then come along and offer to help you clean it off. While they’re cleaning it off and babbling to you in a foreign language, someone is working your pockets. This is the pickpocketing video: Fun fact: The term "sidekick" originally was a name for a pickpocket's partner. The sidekick's job was to filch items from the "kick", or the front side pocket of a pair of pants. SEE MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL RIGHT NOW Is There an Easy Way to Get Through Security With a Little One? (17 comments) Video: How Safe Is Your Hotel Room Safe? (50 Facebook likes) Luggage Theft: A Couple May Have Stolen Nearly 1,000 Bags from an Airport (9 comments)