General

Just got back from a long weekend in Saratoga Springs and honestly, I can see why it landed on USA Today’s top summer list. The mix of history, arts, and chilled-out outdoor time is a win. We hit the Saratoga Race Course even if you’re not into horses, the energy is fun,...

We just got back from a long July weekend in DC, and despite the heat yeah, it’s no joke, we had a blast. Fireworks on the National Mall were just as epic as promised, especially with a pre-show dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab fried chicken there was unexpectedly amazing. We stayed...

Wasn't expecting to get hit with full-on desert vibes when I booked a summer stay in Brooklyn. I’m here visiting friends and doing the whole walk-around-and-eat-everything tour, but man, this heat is no joke. Mid 90s, sticky air, and barely any breeze unless you're standing on...

I live in San Antonio, and after what happened in Kerrville, I don’t think I’ll ever look at the weather forecast the same way when planning trips even local ones. The loss at Camp Mystic hit especially hard. You just don’t expect flash flooding to wipe out entire areas like...

Just booked a weekend in Manhattan and had to seriously double-check the total. $500 a night for a room that’s fine? Nothing special. It’s getting absurd. And now I’m reading how NYC basically outlawed short-term rentals unless the owner stays there too. No wonder prices are...

I had to laugh seeing Block Island pop up on another underrated list. It's underrated until everyone shows up. But honestly, I get it. You’ve got that raw, unpolished coastal vibe, beaches that don’t feel manufactured, and the kind of small-town quiet that makes you forget...

Cambria finally getting some love on a national underrated destinations list feels overdue. It’s got that perfect Central Coast energy without the Santa Barbara crowds or Big Sur pricing well, not that much cheaper.Moonstone Beach, those foggy pine-studded cliffs, and a Main...

I’ve been to some gorgeous spots in Georgia Blue Ridge overlooks, driftwood beach on Jekyll, even Tybee’s lighthouse view but I’ll admit, the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta does hit different at sunset. Surprised and kind of impressed to see love exploring, call it the best...

USA Today’s 10Best adventure tour winners are out, and I’ve gotta admit some of these have me itching to book something. I’m not usually one for awards lists, but this one actually covers stuff I’d do like kayaking the Santa Barbara coast, ziplining in Hawaii, or white water...

Well, this is a shake-up I didn’t see coming: Travel + Leisure readers just voted Santa Fe the best city in the U.S., knocking Charleston off its 12-year throne. I’ve always liked Santa Fe, but to see it take 1? Kind of love it. The place does have a way of getting under your...

Reader’s Digest just gave Squam Lake a shoutout as one of the best swimming lakes in the U.S., and honestly, I get it. It’s not flashy like Winnipesaukee, but it’s got that calm, laid-back charm that’s harder to find these days. The water’s clean, there’s way less boat traffic...

This new RESET hotel opening in Twentynine Palms caught my eye first new full-service hotel in the area in over 15 years, apparently. It’s smallish 65 rooms but it sounds like they’re leaning hard into design-forward desert minimalism, private patios, fire pits, even outdoor...

A British traveler dropped 185 plus a 50 deposit! for a night in a one-star hotel in South Beach no pool, no coffee, no amenities just a basic room. And the wild part? He actually thought it was a bargain. Sure, the bed was clean, and the bathroom had soap, but you’re still...

Well, after what feels like forever in delays, the Real ID deadline finally kicked in, and as of May 7, you need one to fly within the U.S. or a passport, if you're smart enough to pack it. I figured it’d be chaos, but sounds like most airports handled it fine, and a lot of...

Priceline’s rolling out this “Florida Flock” flash sale, and honestly, it’s not a bad deal if you’ve been dragging your feet on booking. Up to 30% off spots like InterContinental Miami or Winslow’s Bungalows in Key West, and you don’t have to travel right away just book between...

This cracked me up a student literally rating their way through all the coffee spots in Harvard Square like it’s a midterm assignment. Honestly, pretty relatable. I spent a few semesters basically living on espresso and library muffins, so I respect the commitment. Also didn’t...

Nice to see luxury rail actually getting some love stateside for once. I’ve done the Napa Valley Wine Train worth it just for the throwback vibe, and the Rocky Mountaineer route from Denver to Moab has been on my list since it launched those glass dome coaches look unreal....

I got a chance to ride one of the new CRRC HR4000 subway cars on the B Line and yeah, they’re a huge upgrade from the old Breda models. Open gangways, more room for bikes and wheelchairs, longitudinal seating finally, and best of all USB ports, it's still better than the power...

I swear, every time I drive past a Biscuitville, there’s a line wrapped around the building and now I get it. Topping the USA Today 10Best list for fast-food breakfast again makes perfect sense. Those biscuits are the real deal, not the frozen hockey pucks you get at some other...

If you’re looking for a weekend splurge near Disneyland, the RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin Anaheim just launched a new brunch and honestly, it’s a stunner. You get killer views of Disney California Adventure incredicoaster, Pixar Pal-A-Round, all of it, solid live music, and...

Looks like Preferred Hotels & Resorts is on a bit of a tear they’ve just brought in four new high-end U.S. properties, including Nemacolin in Pennsylvania and The Charleston Place in South Carolina. Add in Green Pastures coming to Austin this fall, and it’s clear they’re leaning...

SoCal might be getting a hotel boom, but up here in the North Bay, it's still pretty sleepy. California's already seen 36 hotel openings by mid-2025 a big jump from last year but the only action in this region so far is a single Hilton Home2 Suites in Rohnert Park. Meanwhile,...