Author Archives: Krista Simmons

Take a Tour of Woody Harrelson, Bill Maher, and John McEnroe’s Ultra-Groovy ‘Conscious Cocktail’ Bar

If a “conscious cocktail bar” attached to a dispensary sounds like a bunch of L.A. woo-woo, that’s because it is. But dang it if… Read More

Travel to These 6 Stunning Spots to Get all the Fall Feels

There’s nothing like a great autumn road trip to get you in the spirit of the season. From apple picking to wine… Read More

These Are the Only 5 Travel Hacks You Need This Holiday Season

Believe it or not, holiday travel season is upon us. Though some airline catastrophes are unavoidable, there is plenty you can do to… Read More

The Worst City for Tipping Just Might Surprise You

Internationally, the tipping culture in the U.S. has always been a subject of criticism. The idea that delivery drivers and hospitality workers can’t make… Read More

Meet ‘Grazer,’ the Well-Fed Winner of Fat Bear Week

Grazer, a large adult female brown bear with “a long straight muzzle and conspicuously blond ears,” was voted this year’s fattest bear in the… Read More

Fat Bear Week Is Here. Who Will Be the King (or Queen) of Katmai National Park?

Last week, Congress was almost the bearer of bad news. Fat Bear Week, the beloved annual contest for Alaska’s chunkiest… Read More

These Candles Will Give You All the Cozy Feels You Need This Fall—And They’re All Made in the West

For those of us living in SoCal, the fall weather has yet to arrive, so aromatherapy really is one of the only ways to… Read More

Las Vegas’s Sphere Is the Future of Immersive Entertainment. Here’s How to Visit the Groundbreaking Venue.

Sphere, which opened this weekend just off the Las Vegas Strip has been called everything from “the entertainment venue… Read More

Here’s How the Government Shutdown Could Be Disastrous for Travel—What to Know and Do

If Congress fails to pass a short-term extension of their annual budget by September 30, a partial government shutdown will go into effect, doling… Read More

Yes, You Should Pair Pork Rinds with Cabernet—Plus, More Wild Pairings from Top Winemakers

When Wine Enthusiast posted an infographic guiding readers on how to pair wine with chips, the trend went totally viral… Read More

Live Your Wild West Fantasy on the Outlaw Trail with This New Travel Guide

There’s no doubt that the fascination with the Wild West lives on today. And for those looking to travel in the footsteps of… Read More

5 Things You Should Never Do in National Parks

Given the number of altercations between humans and wildlife as of late—with viral videos of tourists chasing bears and being gored by bison in… Read More

Why Does Wine Taste Different on a Plane? An Expert Explains.

As much as I love to travel, being up in the air can throw my systems out of whack. From jet lag to… Read More

These 5 National Forests Have the Best Fall Leaf Peeping in the West

If you’re a leaf peeper who’s obsessed with tracking the changing of the seasons, now is prime time to start planning. Smoky Mountains announced… Read More

This New Hack Will Help You Book the Cheapest Airfare on Google Flights

The best day to book your flights can be a bit of a moving target, even if you’re an expert on the matter. Read More

Stock up on These Travel Essentials During Amazon’s Labor Day Weekend Sale

Labor Day Weekend is upon us, marking the end of hot grill summer and the start of what’s in our opinion the best… Read More

A-Frame Trailers, Solar-Powered Towables, and Basecamps on Wheels—These Trailers Are the Future of Overlanding

The nostalgic draw of RV travel seems to hit particularly this time of year, when temperatures drop and the siren call of fall… Read More

Here’s What You Need to Know About Hurricane Hilary, the Category 4 Storm Heading to the Southwest

Hurricane Hillary has rapidly intensified, bringing flash flood danger to Baja California, Southern California, and much of the desert Southwest starting on Sunday,… Read More

No, You Should Not Be Taking Your Vacation in Maui Right Now

Though it may seem tempting as a traveler to want to support the communities of Maui with your tourism dollars, now is not the… Read More

Here’s How You Can Help Victims of the Maui Wildfires

Wildfires have ravaged the historic town of Lahaina this week, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake. Airlines are frantically helping customers rebook… Read More

These Are the Most Beautiful Places to Shuck and Eat Oysters in the West

Crisp salty air. Cool tides. Briny oysters. There’s perhaps no better pairing on the planet, and the closer you can get to the… Read More

Raging Maui Wildfires Have Locals Under Evacuation and Leave Over 1,800 Travelers Stranded

Residents of the historic town of Lahaina on the island of Maui are currently under evacuation due to wildfires that are spreading… Read More

From off-Leash Beaches to 25-Acre Dog Parks, These Are the Best Dog-Friendly Campsites in the West

The only thing better than getting into the great outdoors is being able to share it with your favorite four-legged friend, so we… Read More

Upgrade Your Daycation and Get Access to Pickleball Courts, Luxe Spas, and Poolside Cabanas with These Apps

Want the amenities of a luxury hotel but don’t want to fork out the dough for a full stay? These apps help you indulge… Read More