Author Archives: Krista Simmons

These Are the Absolute Best Spots for Après in the West (Even If You Aren’t Hitting the Slopes)

Though this season hasn’t yet delivered endless powder days across the West, the recent Winter Games had us thinking all things snow—and après… Read More

These Pet-Friendly Cities Have the Best Dog Parks in the West

Having spent the last 16 years of my doggo’s life on the road, I can say without question that there’s something undeniably magical about… Read More

These Zodiac Signs Should Never, Ever Travel Together (and the Ones That Should)

January is peak trip-planning season. But before you commit to a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day or gather the group for an escape, the… Read More

You Can Still Catch the Northern Lights This Year. Here’s Where to See the Aurora Out West.

If it feels like photos of the northern lights have been popping up everywhere over the last year or two, it’s not just your… Read More

These Are Hands Down the Best Spas for a Wellness Reset This Winter

Winter has a way of quietly asking us to slow down, and there’s no better way to do that than soaking in the season… Read More

With Wallpapered Ceilings and Trap Door Armoires, This Sonoma Stay Is Peak Psychedelic Cottagecore

Out in wine country, it’s easy to go through the motions: eat, sip, sleep, repeat. Here to switch up your ritual are the… Read More

California’s Most Iconic Highway Has Reopened. Here’s What to Do When You Go.

After three years of rebuilding road infrastructure damaged by winter storms, Highway 1 through Big Sur has reopened ahead of schedule. The… Read More

These National Parks Are Even More Spectacular in Winter

It’s hard to hate on the boundless beauty of the national parks in the West, but there’s some truth in the fact that the… Read More

This Historic State Park Is Hosting Free Days This Month. Here’s How to Get Access.

One of Sonoma Valley’s most historic state parks is opening its gates for free in honor of local literary giant Jack London. To celebrate… Read More

These Are the Most Exciting Hotels Opening in 2026

If you’re one of those people who likes making vision boards this time of year (raises hand), you’re going to want to put some… Read More

These Are the New Year’s Travel Resolutions You Need to Make, According to Your Zodiac Sign

If you feel like it’s near-impossible to keep your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not alone. Only about 10% of people successfully meet their goals… Read More

These Are the Travel Trends That Will Define 2026

The coming year is shaping up to be an exciting and unique one when it comes to travel. Between The Points Guy’s… Read More

Holiday Travel Can Stress out Your Skin. Here’s How to Keep It Glowing and Healthy.

As a lifelong traveler, I can attest that there’s nothing worse than the combo of air travel and a derailed wellness routine when… Read More

The Bay Area’s Most Beloved Boat Shack Finally Reopens After Devastating Fire

Nearly two years after a fire destroyed the historic Boat Shack at Nick’s Cove, one of Tomales Bay’s most nostalgic waterfront destinations has… Read More

Live Your Own Version of ‘The Holiday’ by House Swapping with a Stranger—Here’s How

If you’ve ever watched The Holiday and fantasized about swapping homes for a cozy English cottage or a glamorous… Read More

This Coastal Town in California Is Pure Magic—Here’s What to Do When You’re There

Mendocino is a one-of-a-kind coastal enclave where fog-soaked headlands, Victorian storefronts, and a quietly luxurious creative scene all overlap. And what that feels… Read More

Turns out the Best Holiday Pies Actually Come from a Hardware Store

On my morning walk to the Clement Street Farmers Market, I passed a local ACE Hardware and noticed a neon sign in the window… Read More

These Are the Best Places to See a UFO in the West

Extraterrestrial life has long been a fascination for us Earthlings, and now with the release of the wildly successful documentary… Read More

25 Black Friday Hotel Deals You Actually Want to Book

It’s hard to not get wrapped up in the idea of buying more stuff during the holiday season. And while Black Friday can… Read More

This New Book Explores the Most Iconic Vintage Hotels in the West

There’s something undeniably romantic about a neon-lit motor court. Call it nostalgia, but these old timey motels drum up the feeling of freedom… Read More

Here’s How to ‘Set-Jet’ in L.A. While Skipping Hollywood Tourist Traps, According to a Local

As a born and raised Angeleno, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an area I avoid at all costs. It’s wonderful that the… Read More

From Ghost Airports to Shipping Luggage, These Travel Hacks Will Get You Through the Holiday Season

Though the recent warm weather here in California may have you thinking otherwise, the holidays are rapidly approaching. And if you want a smooth,… Read More

Nautical Design Seems to Be Everywhere Right Now—Here’s How to Get the Look at Home

From Sausalito’s salt-sprayed saunas at Fjord to San Diego’s wildly popular Boatyard Steakhouse, maritime design is majorly in vogue. Read More

Historic Hot Springs, Bangin’ BBQ, and Crystal-Charged Wine—This California Town Has it All

Tucked at the northernmost end of Napa Valley, Calistoga feels like the last honest outpost in a region that’s otherwise gone full Disneyland. Read More