Virginia Gil

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

There are two types of people in Miami: the haves (a boat), and the have-nots (sigh). No one reading this is part of the first group, so we can all commiserate here. Yes, there’s plenty to see on land and lots of things to do in Miami, but the fact is if you’re not getting out on the water, you’re doing something wrong. Especially you water signs, we're looking at you.  Luckily, Miami’s best boat tours have something to offer every type of seafarer, from nature excursions to adrenaline-pumping speedboats and DJ’d booze cruises - the perfect thing for a celebration. Many even pull right up to some of Miami’s best waterfront restaurants and bars, just be careful not to fall in the water while boarding! Here are some of our most-loved boat tours in Miami, chock-full of cheesy celebrity spotting, al fresco drinking, and other aquatic adventures in South Florida. Sounds like a great way to spend your break, right? RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do for locals and tourists in MiamiThis article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

November in Miami is heavenly. The leaves don’t really change colors and it's still pretty damn hot (a pro if you’re looking to sun your bum on Miami beaches), but the city does take on a decidedly more celebratory spirit as we sprint toward the holidays. Plus, we haven't reached peak tourist season yet. (Just wait until Art Basel Miami Beach strikes in the first week of December.) By now, locals are embracing all things fall, making the obligatory pilgrimages to pumpkin patches across Miami and getting hyped for the festive season thanks to the many Christmas lights in Miami going up this month. And that’s just the start of it. Below, peruse our running list of November events in Miami that should absolutely be on your calendar. RECOMMENDED: Miami events calendar

September 2024: Now that our hellish Miami summer is nearing its end, we've got tons of September events and things to do around the city to get you primed for fall. Of course, there's so much to explore in the Magic City no matter the season. (Just be sure to bookmark our guide to Miami's best things to do on a rainy day in the likely event of a storm, and keep an eye peeled for those pesky hurricanes through November). Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond ounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors and contributors. (We're a team of born-and-raised locals and passionate Miami transplants with an unhealthy aversion to staying home). By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites.

When you live near the equator, chasing those cozy fall vibes can be a challenge. Sure, there are spiced lattes and haunted houses to look forward to each autumn in Miami, but what about those wholesome moments we see in the movies? Just like everyone else, we look forward to fall events in Miami and love a good hayride or corn maze. We just do things a little differently here, without the boots, coats and scarves. One thing we do have is pumpkins aplenty, from pumpkin patches at Miami's quaint farms to pop-up events with far more than just gourds. Here’s where to go to find the best pumpkin patches in Miami. And check back often as we add more to the list! RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events in Miami

September 2024: School's back in session, fall is around the corner and our Miami Spice restaurant months are still going strong, so get out there and take advantage of all the sweet dining deals before the snowbirds arrive. For a preview of those refreshing autumn breezes, try dining on the water or in the sky at a Miami rooftop restaurant this month. Caught in the rain? Allow us to suggest a cozy afternoon sipping and nibbling tapas at one of the best wine bars in Miami from our freshly updated guide.  Our top places to eat in the city are a true mix of flavors and feels, from white tablecloth fine dining—like some of Miami’s best steakhouses—to tried-and-tested cheap eats in Miami that never, ever disappoint. And where there’s a solid cocktail there’s likely to be an epic dish that follows, so expect to run into some of Miami’s best bars on this list. Just as we've always done, Time Out’s local experts scour the city daily for great eats, great value and insider info. We emphasize fun, flavor and freshness at every price point, and update this list monthly with standout finds. If it’s on the list, whether it's a short-lived pop-up or a mega clubstaurant, we think it’s awesome and hope you will, too.

Don’t listen to what Radiohead said: pop will never, ever die. And here at Time Out, we love the golden oldies as much as we love the newbies. The 21st century is a long one, after all.  Here on our list you’ll find fabulous pop songs from every era, from Outkast and Missy Elliot to Charli XCX’s Brat Summer and the world’s newest pop queen Chappell Roan. The only criteria? It has to be a feel good bop, and it has to make you want to get up and dance. All of these tunes do just that, and then some. Read on for the best pop songs ever made.  RECOMMENDED:🎤 The best karaoke songs🎉 The best party songs❤️ The best love songs☀️ The best summer songs

Some songs make you cry. Some songs make you dance. Some songs make you want to profess your love to your flatmate of 10 years. A few songs make you actually want to laugh out loud. Not many, but a few. But when you need a good laugh, they are out there.  Here at Time Out, we’ve rounded up the very best funny songs on planet earth, so that when you’re next in need of a good chuckle, you know where to come. From Bo Burnham to the Lonely Island (and much, much more), here are the best funny songs out there right now.  RECOMMENDED:🎤 The best karaoke songs🎉 The best party songs❤️ The best love songs☀️ The best summer songs

Every great coastal food city has its own special ingredient plucked from the sea, like lobsters in Maine, crawfish down the bayou in Louisiana or the hilariously phallic geoduck in Seattle. Here in Miami, we have the stone crab.  It’s buttery sweet, delightfully hands-on, sustainable (kind of) and only available for a few months each year—making it that much more special when the season arrives. Generally, stone crabs are served the same way everywhere: steamed and chilled with mayo-mustard sauce for dipping. This simplicity is a testament to just how delicious stone crabs are on their own.  When stone crab season rolls around—from October 15 to May 1—don’t go in without a plan. Prepare to bib up, practice your claw cracking and tiny fork-wielding techniques and review our up-to-date, locally vetted recommendations for the best stone crabs in Miami. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront restaurants in Miami

Summer 2024 is in full swing, and that means a whole lot of tanning time, and possibly a cheeky flight or two. So what’s that we hear? Suddenly you need a bit of light entertainment on the go? Fear not, dear friends. We got you.  Here at Time Out, we love a podcast as much as the next guy. But we don’t think that should mean listening to grisly true crime all the time. On our list of the best podcasts right now, we’ve got chatty comedy, celeb presenters, world history, investigative journalism and much, much more. Whatever your vibe, we’ve got a podcast for you. Guaranteed. Here are the best podcasts to get stuck into this summer, chosen by our editors. Happy listening! ️‍🔥 August 2024: We’ve just added a bunch of great podcasts to this list, including celeb favourite ‘SmartLess’ and gripping whodunit ‘White Devil’. We update regularly with new releases, so check back for more podcast recommendations from the Time Out team.  RECOMMENDED:🎧 The best news podcasts🗞️ The best history podcasts🔪 The best true crime podcasts

Sushi has infiltrated the American palate in such a deep way that it’s now sold in deli cases in rural grocery stores—and you can find a California roll in many gas stations across the country. But it wasn’t all that long ago that sushi was still a somewhat unknown Japanese import to the American dining scene—now, sushi is everywhere. From spicy tuna rolls on DoorDash to onigiri menus in top restaurants and over-the-top omakase, America has cemented its status as a sushi capital. And while we love a takeout roll now and again, there’s no shortage of high-end sushi restaurants across the country that rival some of the best omakase experiences around the globe. From the best sushi restaurants in L.A. to the best sushi restaurants in New York and everywhere in between, here are the best sushi restaurants in America.

August 2024: Though we're mourning the recent (or impending) loss of many of our longtime favorite restaurants in Miami, new spots continue to open at an astonishing clip—and a few of them have even made triumphant returns after moving or remodeling. We’re always keeping tabs on what’s new and hot in Miami’s dining scene and update this list every quarter. Here are the best new restaurants in Miami to try right now, including one along the up-and-coming Miami Riverfront. You’ve got your go-to spots. You’ve probably made your way through Miami’s best restaurants, maybe twice. And when it’s time to down mimosas over chit chat, you know exactly where to brunch or sit down for a cup of joe at the best coffee shops all around town. But here's the thing about Miami – just when you think you know everything to know about this city’s food scene, more and more new restaurants keep opening up around town. Whether you’re a proud foodie, an avid early adopter, or you just want to shake up your list of favorite restaurants with something new, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best new restaurants in Miami to try right now.

What began as a humble wholesale business with pop-ups at the Lincoln Road Market has grown over the last three decades to become one of Miami’s longest-standing flower shops. Co-owner Lillian Ratliff, who recently took over the family-owned enterprise, stocks all kinds of seasonal blooms available by the bunch or as bespoke bouquets she’ll happily arrange on the spot. Customers can also shop for vases and locally-made candles for easy grab-and-go gifts. The best deal at The Flower Place? Daily surprise boxes filled with a variety of stems for just $5, available all day, every day.

A week before I was to check into the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Tiburón—a luxury golf resort on the West Coast of Florida—my husband canceled. While my sister and niece quickly swooped in to save my weekend away, I wondered what else we’d do besides play golf, which we don’t do. As it turned out, the Ritz-Carlton’s appeal extended far beyond sports. The lush inland property boasts two restaurants, a lounge, a coffee shop, a spa, a children’s playroom, a fitness center, and an impressive outdoor pool area. It’s a huge draw for families looking to relax on a hot summer day and includes a large pool surrounded by cabanas, a meandering lazy river, a kids’ splash pad and three mega waterslides. Food and drink service is available whether you’ve opted for a lounge chair or secured a cabana, which I recommend if you’re spending the day by the pool. They’re shaded and equipped with a TV, couches and lounge chairs and a mini fridge stocked with water and snacks. They also throw in a complimentary fruit platter. Photograph: Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón Typical of other Ritz-Carlton properties, the accommodations are at once modern and traditional, with marble accents and touches of dark wood that underscore the overall country club vibe. Our king room was expectedly spacious with a separate sitting area and half bath. The Diptyque-stocked bathroom was spectacular—wonderfully large with a double vanity, shower and soaking tub. (Many hours were spent here, not missing my tiny

The unassuming Aoko is a refreshing addition to the Miami sushi scene, a city where flashy, triple-digit-priced omakase menus currently dominate (with more to come, I'm sorry to say). Not only is the tasting option here under $100 ($75 for sashimi and $85 for nigiri), but it holds up against the other higher-priced options in taste, creativity and execution, with rice that is always somehow the perfect warm temperature. (Frequent enough omakase spots and you’ll quickly notice the difference.) What’s most inspiring about Aoko is the team, a crew of young, diligent chefs helmed by co-owner Daniel Vanh, a veteran of Miami’s top sushi restaurants and a South Florida local. Grab a seat at the counter to see the talent and synchronization at play.

The Miami Book Fair celebrates its 41st edition this year. Expect the regular mix of riveting author presentations, mind-expanding conversations and even more innovative ways to honor the written word. The annual street festival is slated to take place from November 17 through 24 along the Miami-Dade College downtown campus. Literary luminaries like Billy Collins, Daniel Handler, Deborah Paredez and Patti Smith are already set to attend, along with local stars like Alex Segura, Dr. Paul George and Edwidge Danticat.

Traveling to a place you’ve seen featured all over TV and in movies could set unrealistic expectations, but the two nights I spent at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa were everything I anticipated from a Hawaiian beach vacation—even if I spent more time by the pool than in the actual ocean. I traveled to Maui after a few nights on Oahu, where I stayed at a modern Airbnb in a residential neighborhood. I was so ready for a resort experience and, pulling into the circular driveway, I was instantly struck by the Sheraton’s nostalgic charm. The high-pitched roofs, tiki huts and spaces that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors weren’t too far off from the version of Hawaii I’d seen in my favorite ‘90s sitcoms and Elvis Presley’s Paradise, Hawaiian Style, which—no coincidence here—was filmed at the Sheraton just after it opened in 1963. Of course, none of what I saw at the 61-year-old property appeared dated, following an extensive $30 million renovation in 2020 that introduced a new lounge, reception area, and The Sandbar, Kāʻanapali Beach’s only lobby bar. It also added a stunning lanai overlooking Black Rock, the famous site of nightly cliff diving. Come evening, you’d be hard-pressed to find a rocking chair as this was the resort’s most popular spot to watch Maui’s magnificent sunsets and sip a Mai Tai. Photograph: Courtesy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa We stayed in a king room in the hotel’s main tower that overlooked the resort and lazy river pool, where we spent most

July and August are all about self-care thanks to the countywide Miami Spa Months program. From facials and body scrubs to soothing rub downs, wellness treatments are heavily discounted for the next two months at top spas all around town. (Score exclusive therapies starting at $109 at participating Miami hotel, day and med spas.) You’ve earned it and now it’s time to cash in on the massage your body’s been waiting for. Various locations

Witnessing the transformation of the old Moe’s space is a reason to visit the new RedFarm in Coconut Grove alone. (You wouldn’t for a second think the modern, well-appointed restaurant was a dark, divey bar in its past life.) Though its menu of highly craveable interpretations of Chinese classics is the real reason you’re there. Start with the spicy crispy beef, a double-fried flank steak flavored with Grand Marnier that’s sweet, salty and best accompanied with a cocktail. Presented in different shades of pastel with cute, tiny eyes, the signature Pac-Man dumplings and the pastrami egg rolls are two of the most popular items on the menu. Duck in several preparations and various noodle and rice dishes round out the offerings.

When you want your hands to look like a work of art, head to high-end nail atelier Vanity Projects. The luxury salon-meets-gallery concept shows avant-garde video programming while you get your digits done up with all sorts of rad nail art. If you dream it, the ladies here can do it. From Barbie on your ring finger to glitter on your tips, available designs run the gamut. Clients are also welcomed to bring in their own inspiration for the talented techs to recreate. Prices are on the higher end (Swarovski-encrusted manicures are not cheap!), but Vanity Projects does offer $100 monthly design specials and a daily Afternoon Delight special (1 to 6pm), which you can preview on their Instagram.

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort had long been on my hotel wishlist. A family member told me about the great amenities (you must check out the arcade!), and a friend raved about how kid-friendly it was—assuring me it’s the only property where she’s found something for everyone in her family to enjoy, whether it was the beach, family pool or the spa. I was sold. Pulling up to the sprawling resort was the first introduction to just how massive an operation it is. With three towers, 12 restaurants, three pools, a spa, a golf course, an arcade and several shops, I quickly understood why people loved this place. It exemplifies the true definition of a self-contained vacation destination and lends itself to different types of breaks. While in the lobby waiting to check in, I encountered a group of attorneys gathered for an off-site retreat, several families with small children making their way to and from the pool area, and a handful of couples relaxing with a cocktail. It was quite the array. My sixth-floor, oceanfront king room had all the comforts and conveniences I imagined, plus an unobstructed view of the ocean, which is all anyone wishes for on a beach vacation. From my wraparound balcony, I could see the shoreline in front of me and the family pool just off to the right. The accommodations were spacious and seemingly designed with families in mind. A loveseat, a small table with two chairs, and a designated coffee area provided ample space for relaxation. The extra

Fairchild Garden transforms into a prehistoric playground this summer. Explore the lush grounds where life-size dinosaurs hold court amid a collection of cycads, ferns, conifers and all sorts of flowering plants that date back to primitive times. Kiddos can get hands-on during the ancient artifact digs, egg hunts and more while learning all about what the world was like 65 million years ago. Be sure to check the Fairchild Garden website for up-to-date information on upcoming dino events.

Pulling up to Edan Bistro—where the parking is miraculously free, I might add—is like landing in San Sebastian for a meal. Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze is the chef and owner (and server and occasional busser—he’s committed!) of this modest Spanish restaurant in North Miami, and the Basque region native is pouring years of experience and limitless dedication into every detail. Formerly of Lur, chef Aitor cooks the kind of ingredient-forward, technique-heavy Basque dishes you’d expect from the Spanish region’s Michelin-starred restaurants (where he also happens to have worked). At Edan, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, diners can order á la carte at brunch and dinner, but the latter offers a special eight-course tasting menu you’d be remiss to skip. It’s a bargain at $100 and includes highlights like scallop carpaccio over crispy parmesan toast with a basil emulsion and micro greens and crispy mushroom croquetas with a black garlic emulsion and smoked shiitake. Photograph: Courtesy Edan Bistro Most of the dishes on the tasting menu change often because the chef is so meticulous about ingredients. The night I dined, I enjoyed crab with some kind of sunflower-seed sauce and soul-warming cauliflower soup. Both were rich, complex bites that lingered on the brain long after the meal had ended. Luckily, the Basque cheesecake is a constant and a must whether you’re going full hog or stopping in for a bite. It’s just that good. Chef Aitor, also an experienced sommelier, will ha

It's not every night that a Miami club rolls out the red carpet for you and friends, opening its doors for a night of free cocktails and dizzying Latin beats. But it will happen this Saturday as Bacardí takes over Wynwood's La Otra for Rum Room, featuring the fan-favorite expression, BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho. Said spirit will be complimentary from 8pm to midnight, as well as bites courtesy of Louie's at the Palm House. Puerto Rican DJ Safe Sadick keeps the vibes high with an all-vinyl set. RSVP is essential. 

Resorts are wonderful places to vacation, not to mention ideal when you’re seeing the world with family or lots of friends in tow. But sometimes we crave a cozier, more intimate experience that’s best had at a boutique hotel. USA Today’s 10Best agrees and recently had its panel of experts and readers vote and rank America’s best boutique hotels, featuring a varied list of waterfront retreats, historic landmarks and bucolic estates. It used to be that these smaller properties lacked the amenities and luxuries of their larger counterparts, but that’s no longer true of these stellar accommodations where customization is baked into your stay—from concierge services to artisanal bath products and special perks for canine companions. Among the reader selections, you’ll find The Graylyn Estate, ranked fourth on the list, where guests are treated to a Downtown Abbey-style vacation and compete with round-the-clock butler service. No. 5 is the very aesthetic Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. The former Coca-Cola bottling plant is an architectural stunner with inviting communal areas for guests, such as a bar and billiards room. No. 1 is the four-star GunRunner Hotel in downtown Florence, Alabama. The all-suite property boasts 10 rooms, seven with private balconies, and a top-of-the-line spa. Looking to book your next stay? Check out the full list of hotels below. The best boutique hotels in America, according to USA Today 10Best 1. GunRunner Hotel - Florence, Alabama2. Beaufo

What makes a great party city? Is it the people? The places? Is a city’s nightlife only as good as the trends it represents? You’ve probably never given these questions any thought—but, fortunately for you, we have, and so have our readers. As longtime champions of going out, Time Out set out to find the world’s best cities for nightlife in 2024. Our teams surveyed thousands of people in some of the best cities in the world about where they like to go and what they like about their city’s nightlife scene—Affordability? Quality? Music? All of the above? The results of our annual survey led us to this year’s ranking of the World’s Best Cities for Nightlife and the pick we’re most interested in: Austin. Coming in at No. 5 on the global list, Texas’s state capital received the third-highest quality score, with many folks pointing to 6th Street and Congress Avenue as their top spots to hang. People also love Barton Springs, a refreshing attraction that Austin local and former Time Out New York editor Jillian Anthony says  “doubles as Austin’s sexiest dating pool.” When she’s not there, you can find her and other Austinites at Cheer Up Charlie’s sweaty dance parties. Night swims and Saltburn parties might not be what first comes to mind when you think about going out, especially in Texas, but Austin is proof that nightlife is changing and the newest and coolest is happening there.

The Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony is only a couple of days away, but there’s still plenty of athleticism to behold until then. For one, Team USA men’s basketball team has made it to this year’s finals, facing off against host nation France in the battle for gold. Ready to root for Team USA? Here’s what you need to know. Who did Team USA beat to advance? Team USA beat Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics, winning 95 to 91. The team, who was trailing behind, powered through in the fourth quarter to advance to the finals. Who is playing for the gold? The United States men’s basketball team will compete for gold against the host country, France, in the finals. The two teams have played each other eight times, and Team USA won seven of those matches. What time is the men’s gold basketball game? USA and France will play each other at 5:30am EST on Sunday, August 11. Where to watch the Olympic basketball finals: Streaming: Watch USA and France compete for gold on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC Olympics app, the NBC app and the Peacock app. TV: NBC will provide daytime and primetime coverage of the Olympics. You can watch any event at any time on Peacock or NBCOlympics.com.

Flying has never seemed as much of a gamble as it does lately. Will your plane leave on time? Will your flight get canceled? Worse, will the door fly off? (Ok, that was a fluke, but still.) It was the uncertainty of airline travel and curiosity about American ferries (I’ve liked them fine in Europe) that recently led me to accept a hosted stay at Resorts World Bimini in the Bahamas. The hotel partnered with Balearia Caribbean on a weekend Summer Nights deal that bundles a roundtrip ticket on the ferry and a one- or two-night stay at the property, starting at $299 per person. We sailed on Friday morning and returned home on Sunday evening after two very full days on the island. Here’s what my quick getaway was like. Getting to and from Bimini on the Balearia Caribbean ferry Balearia Caribbean sails Friday through Sunday (and occasionally on Monday and Wednesday) from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, about a 30-minute drive north of Miami. Overnight parking is available across the terminal for $20 a day, so depending on the number of nights you plan to stay, I recommend driving rather than taking a ride share. Photograph: Virginia Gil for Time OutPassengers disembarking Balearia Caribbean in Bimini Travelers with carry-on luggage can proceed to the x-ray machine and check-in counter, where they’ll receive a wristband and wait for the boarding process to begin. Ferries typically leave Fort Lauderdale at 9am (ours left at 10am that day) and return from Bimini at 7pm, lasting

If aspiring to live like a character in a Nancy Meyers movie is high on your wishlist, let us direct you to this recent USA Today story: America's best coastal small towns. These 10 oceanfront and lakefront communities offer the finest scenic views, historic attractions, and excellent restaurants, and they're brimming with old-world charm. If there was ever a place to embrace the Meyers-inspired coastal grandmother aesthetic, it's in these places. These waterfront cities have a lot in common despite their differences in geography, terrain and climate. For starters, they're all walkable and offer the convenience of having restaurants and attractions nearby. Most benefit from year-round activity, while a few are best experienced in the summer.  Stuart, Florida, is the No. 1 spot to rock your half-tucked button-downs and chinos. Located on Florida's Treasure Coast, America's top coastal small town provides much in the way of leisure, including fantastic places to picnic and several museums, such as the Stuart Heritage and Road to Victory Military Museum. Second on the list is actually inland, the wonderfully charming Saugatuck, Michigan. There's so much to see and do at this lakeside destination, including art galleries, breweries, restaurants and beaches, of course. It's popular with vacationers and a romantic place to host a wedding.  Photograph: Shutterstock Florida makes a second appearance with Key West, number three, thanks to a vibrant arts and culture scene and nonstop

You’d need to have been living under a rock to miss the frenzy surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse. People are traveling to different states and booking hotels to get a better view of the phenomenon, and even big brands are buying into the craze with eclipse-themed food. It’s all great and exciting (especially if the weather gods cooperate!), but how many of us really know enough about a total solar eclipse? Is it actually that big of a deal? In short, yes. Here’s why. How often do solar eclipses occur? Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, with up to five occurring in a single year, though that’s pretty rare. Total solar eclipses happen about every 18 months. Because solar eclipses are only visible from small areas worldwide, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044. What even is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially or totally blocking the sun from Earth. In a total solar eclipse, which we’ll see on April 8, the moon fully obscures the sun. Lunar eclipses can be seen from anywhere in the world but solar eclipses are limited to relatively small areas of the world. Americans are incredibly fortunate to be in the path of totality—the swath of the globe that can see when the moon completely covers the sun—covering areas of the U.S., from Texas to Maine. These folks will see the sky darken entirely for about three to four minutes. Why do they happen? Solar eclipses ha

If you’re a woman with wanderlust, lacking a travel companion should not be why you skip a trip and stay home. With solo female travel on the rise in America and around the world, we independent ladies have more reasons than ever before to jet set on our own. For those looking for a place to kickstart their travels, the Independent recently ranked the 10 best U.S. cities for solo female domestic travel. The list features less-trodden destinations with walkable neighborhoods, lower crime rates, a relaxed restaurant scene (no reservations, no problem), above-average arts and culture options, and affordable accommodations. It eschews obvious choices like New York or Las Vegas in favor of places like Charleston and Sedona—safe, fun, and welcoming spots for unaccompanied women. Washington, D.C. also made the cut for its wealth of free attractions and walking tours, while Austin offers budget lodging, live music and next-level barbecue. Huntsville, Alabama, perhaps the most surprising suggestion, is a hit with women looking to shop, experience a thriving social scene and… chat up the area’s retired engineers. We agree that the last one is a bit strange, but making friends on the road is also part of traveling alone. For the list of places to solo female travel cities you might not have considered, click here.

For someone who lives by shortcuts, express lanes, Global Entry, TSA-pre check and anything else that can get me to my destination faster, I took a remarkably long time to travel from Colorado to Utah recently—about 30 hours, to be exact. It typically takes six hours by car, but this was a journey no vehicle could make.  I was headed west aboard Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Denver to Moab on the luxury train’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route. Over the course of two days with an overnight in Glenwood Springs, I’d be among the 52 passengers enjoying the experience of a lifetime, riding alongside mountains, down valleys and through tunnels, admiring the scenery of the autumn-kissed American West. It was magical and would test my patience and reliance on technology in ways I didn’t expect.  The Canadian company, which operates luxury train experiences in Western Canada and the American West, launched the Colorado/Utah route in 2021, taking passengers through parts of the Rockies that are inaccessible by car. This was the train’s first full season, which runs April through October to maximize the daylight hours it can travel.  Photograph: Virginia Gil for Time OutCustom glass-dome coaches offer panoramic views The Rocky Mountaineer embodies every ubiquitous quote you’ve ever read about the journey being greater than the destination, and it makes good on its promise. You only travel while the sun’s out in order to get optimal views of your surroundings, which you’re guarantee

Several factors go into choosing which airline to fly. Is the price right? Are you a loyalty member? Will it get you to your destination without a connection? And so on, and so on. Here to simplify your decision is the Wall Street Journal’s annual ranking of the best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023. The publication looked at the U.S. carriers’ performance over the last year, including timeliness and baggage handling. The top airline for 2023 was, once again, Delta. The third-time winner showed a commendable rate of on-time flights (83 percent!) and had the least number of complaints. It also had fewer cancellations than in the previous year. Second place went to Alaska Airlines, which saw quite a few bumps in 2024. But last year, it was clear skies for the airline with less than a 1% cancellation rate and on-time arrivals. Baggage handling was Alaksa’s only downfall, and was also true of United Airlines, dropping two spots to sixth place in 2023. JetBlue was the lowest-ranked airline for 2023, coming in last place in every single category—cancellations, on-time arrivals and delays (both over 45 minutes and on the tarmac). Only about 66 percent of JetBlue flights arrived on time last year. Yikes! You know the saying, past behavior predicts future behavior—you might want to rethink the low-cost flight next time you book.

Coming off from a hectic holiday season, amid a stressful start to the year, we could all use some relaxation. There’s no better—and weather-proof—way to unwind than a day at the spa—am I right? Your choice this year is clear: the Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, CA, which was just named number one in the country. The top-ranking spot in Spas of America’s annual list of the Top 100 Spas in North America for 2023 beat out 82 places from the U.S., 14 from Canada and four from Mexico—pretty impressive for a facility that opened in April last year. High Google reviews not withstanding (winners need at least four stars to be considered), the Spa at Séc-he also receives the Green Spa Planet Sustainable Spa/Wellness Facility Award for 2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Spa at Séc-he (@thespaatseche) So, what makes the Palm Springs spa superior? It comprises the therapeutic waters of Séc-he, the Agua Caliente hot mineral springs. The remarkable natural resource combines rainwater and snowmelt naturally collected underground before being brought back to the surface (it doesn't connect to any other water source in the Coachella Valley). It’s cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who’ve used the healing springs for thousands of years. The Spa at Séc-he boasts 22 mineral baths, a cold plunge, a menthol dry sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a couple of halotherapy salt caves, aromatherapy showers and several whirlpo

If you've been wondering what Usher will perform at this year's Super Bowl halftime show, you're not alone. Fans all over the country have speculated about setlists from the moment the Grammy-winning singer announced he'd take the stage. Will it be like his Las Vegas residency? Will his performance be as star-studded as his social media announcement? Or will Usher pull a Rihanna and dominate the show all by himself? Well, Usher’s latest teaser is hinting at all of the above. In a new, one-minute trailer released this morning, set to a remix of his aughts hit single “Yeah!,” we see old footage of a young Usher on stage and fans of all ages (including Lebron James) singing and dancing along in the car, on the street and even on the football field. Might there be a marching band gracing the stage this year, too? Maybe. Anything is possible, probably except another pregnancy announcement, but anything goes when Apple Music produces a show.   See the full trailer here and make your own predictions about the Usher’s performance that’s been “30 years in the making.”

For those of you looking to book an aesthetic vacation, Condé Nast Traveler's list of the 50 most beautiful places in America should be the first stop on your search. The publication recently updated its ranking of the country's most jaw-dropping destinations, places they say are as "exciting as they are diverse." It's a list of canyons, valleys, basins, parks and corners in between, where the landscapes are truly something to behold. At the very top of the list is Acadia National Park in Maine, an essential stop on any New England vacation, and not just for those travelers looking to add content to their Instagram feeds. The 47-000 acre, coastal park sits mostly on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, featuring a mixed landscape of mountains, woodlands and rocky beaches. It boasts an abundance of wildlife (think bears, whales and moose) and plenty of terrain to keep folks busy hiking, biking, camping and sightseeing. Other dreamy national parks made the list, including Badlands in South Dakota, Denali in Alaska and Grand Teton in Wyoming. Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes (the tallest of their kind in North America) and Texas’ Hamilton Pool Preserve were also included. America’s most beautiful places truly run the gamut, you just have to enjoy nature to appreciate them.