Author Archives: Krista Simmons

The Best Coastal Hikes in the West for Picture-Perfect Views

As the summer sun blazes, the idea of a hike might sound questionable to say the least. But for those of us who… Read More

This Is the Best Sport to Explore a New City (and It’s Free)

As a lifelong athlete and avid traveler, staying active while on the road isn’t just a matter of fitness for me, it’s a matter of… Read More

I’m a Travel Editor and These Are My Summer Travel Essentials, Year After Year.

Having spent nearly two decades traveling the world both professionally and for pleasure, I’ve garnered quite the routine, especially when it comes to packing. Read More

It’s Not Too Late to Book Your Fourth of July Camp Spot. Here’s How to Get the Best Deals.

With all of this year’s “May gray” and “June gloom,” it seems summer really snuck up on us. And yet, here we are, ramping up… Read More

This Is Hands Down the Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport (And Give It a Glow-Up)

There’s nothing quite like the anxiety of having to renew your passport. The deadline always sneaks up at the most inopportune time, usually right before… Read More

These Are Hands Down the Best Bathing Suits for Adventurous Swimmers

Ready or not, it’s swimsuit season. As someone who has spent a lifetime in the water—from my childhood as a competitive swimmer, eventually competing at… Read More

The Laguna Surf Lodge Will Fulfill Your ‘Endless Summer’ Fantasy

Perched atop Thalia Street’s gentle yet consistent break, the Laguna Surf Lodge has been revamped by SCP Hotels, breathing new life… Read More

We Just Got Two Newly Expanded National Monuments (And They’re Easy to Get to)

President Joe Biden has been restoring many of the protected parklands that President Obama designated during his terms, starting with the The Camp… Read More

These Least Visited, Under-the-Radar National Parks Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

Although summer is a great time to visit any of our country’s national parks, things can get crowded, so this is a perfect opportunity… Read More

Chili Crisp (or Chili Crunch) Is Better Than Hot Sauce. Whatever You Call It, These Are Our Favorite Brands.

Chili crisp, with its roots in regional cuisines throughout Asia, became wildly popular with the masses during the makers movement in the pandemic, and… Read More

Here’s How to Livestream the Total Solar Eclipse for Free on April 8

The final countdown to the total eclipse that will be taking place on Monday, April 8, has begun. And though there will indeed be… Read More

Get the ‘Cowboy Carter’ Look with the Best Cowboy Boots Made in the West

“Anything but country,” used to be the cool-kid response when queried what type of music one listened to. But the genre is making a real… Read More

These Hotel Bed Hacks Will Give You the Best Sleep of Your Life

We’re just past National Sleep Awareness Week, and for those of us who have wrestled with restlessness, let this be a… Read More

Where to See the Most Spectacular Wildflowers Across the West

As winter’s chilly grip makes way for warmer climes and longer days, spring wildflower blooms erupt in colorful splendor across the region’s alpine meadows, rugged… Read More

These Are the Absolute Best Destinations for Spring Break Camping

With many folks throughout the country currently experiencing blizzard warnings and storm watches, it’s time to set our eyes on spring break. And no matter… Read More

These Are the Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces to Get Around Baggage Fees

Between making passengers pay to select a seat and charging for snacks to upping baggage fees, it seems airlines know no end to the… Read More

I’m Single AF. These are the Girls Trips I’m Manifesting for Valentine’s Day.

For those of us who may not be partnered up, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day can be a bit lonely and isolating. Read More

Buddymoons Are the Biggest Trend in Travel. Here’s How to Plan Yours.

The multi-billion dollar wedding industry is known for fleeting trends that move just as fast as some relationships seem to. But the latest fad… Read More

Reservations for the Most Coveted Camping Destination Open Up Tomorrow. Here’s How to Get a Spot.

It’s become increasingly difficult to reserve camping sites in the West, where the interest in exploring the great outdoors has never been higher. Travel… Read More

Birds of Prey Are More Important Than You Think. Here’s Why.

It’s an uncharacteristically sunny winter morning in Big Sur, and guests have gathered next to the pond at Post Ranch… Read More

These Are the Absolute Best Après Ski Towns in the U.S.

HomeToGo, a popular vacation rentals marketplace, released its 2024 data spotlighting the country’s best destinations for après ski, and the results might surprise you. What… Read More

Here’s How to Kill All That Extra Time During Dry January

I’ve been practicing Dry January and Sober October for many years now, and one thing I’m always surprised by is the inordinate amount… Read More

It’s Time We Say Goodbye to These Tired Travel Trends in 2024

Travel is one of those things everyone seems to love, but there are plenty of overplayed fads that can zap the joy out of one… Read More

Killer Whales Are Swimming Along the California Coast. Here’s What to Know About This Incredibly Rare Event.

For whale watchers, one heck of a holiday surprise has arrived, as rare sightings of killer whales off the Southern California coastline have continued throughout… Read More