Deb Hopewell

The Golden State boasts more national parks than any other state and astoundingly diverse landscapes from forested coasts to arid desert. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide to California’s best national parks and monuments, including the best time to go.
The sheer diversity of landscapes sets California’s nine national parks apart. Whether you’re seeking a remote island sanctuary, bubbling volcanic hotspots, groves of the tallest trees on earth, granite rock formations, or wild deser...

Some of our best-known national parks have attained marquee status—and huge crowds to show for it. In 2019, Yellowstone National Park drew nearly 6 million visitors, Rocky Mountain National Park had 4.7 million, and the most-visited park, Great Smoky Mountains, saw over 12 million people cross through its gates. Fortunately, with 62 national parks to choose from, you’ll find uncrowded roads and solitary lookouts simply by visiting one of the system’s least-visited gems instead. We’ve hand-pic...

For the time being, our travel plans are on hold—except for those of the armchair kind. In the spirit(s) of better times to come, we suggest whipping up a cocktail that will remind you of places you’ve been, or places you dream of visiting. You don’t have to brave a trip to the liquor store: Drizly partners with local liquor stores to deliver wine, beer, liquor, mixers, bitters, and more to your doorstep. Make a video cocktail-party date with friends, or settle in to take a virtual tour of so...

Hotel accommodations are typically one of the biggest expenses on a trip, and whether you’re looking for budget options or five-star luxury, no one wants to pay more than they have to.
Timing, they say, is everything, and that’s particularly true when it comes to booking a hotel room since room rates can vary appreciably, depending on factors like how far in advance you book and during what time of year you’re traveling in. With that in mind, here are some tips for getting the very best deal ...

Surf’s up: These laid-back beaches and friendly breaks are ideal for beginner surfers looking to learn the basics.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, you’re far from alone. Surfing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—and will likely become even more so when the sport makes its debut at the 2020 Olympics in Japan. And as surf simulators (via artificial wave pools) grow in popularity nationwide, even landlocked wannabes don’t have to travel to the coasts to learn.
For...

Warm water, year-round waves, and Costa Rica’s relaxed “pura vida” spirit have made this Central American country one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.

Wherever you fall on that range, there are a few things to keep in mind when booking a surf camp...

If you want to learn how to surf in Maui—and why wouldn’t you?—there are 20 or so surf schools operating on the island. We’ve narrowed them down to seven favorites, based on their standout programming, reputation, and locations.

California’s nickname is traditionally attributed to the rush of 49ers who came panning for treasure. But there are those who insist that the name—the Golden State—has just as much to do with the California poppy, the delicate yellow-orange state flower that carpets the state each spring from Arcata in the north to San Diego in the south.
Peak season for any given area can vary somewhat from year to year, based on rainfall amount and temperatures, so it pays to check links to get the most upd...

Every airline passenger knows the challenges of spending five (or more) hours confined to a tight seat in a small space. But have you ever stopped to think about what it’s like to work in that cramped space, taking care of 200 people?
10 Ways to Make Your Flight Attendant Your Friend
We asked flight attendants, current and former, to name things passengers can do to make their jobs a little easier. And why, you ask, should you care? For one thing, in many circumstances, flight attendants have...

Living & Working in Salinas, CA

Our November National Park of the Month

Our December National Park of the Month for December

Our October National Park of the Month

Our September National Park of the Month

If and when it's completed, it would be the largest sculpture in the world