Helen Hatzis
Santa Cruz, California, draws visitors year after year for its accessible shoreline and steady Pacific swells. A recent incident there underscored how quickly conditions can shift for even experienced beachgoers. Ten-year-old Nathaniel Rai found himself caught in a strong rip current while swimming, an experience that left much of the event hazy in his memory
Travelers drawn to Japan often concentrate on its most celebrated cities, yet a full circumnavigation by cruise ship opens access to places that remain largely outside standard itineraries. The Diamond Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, follows a clockwise route around the main islands, calling at smaller ports where daily life unfolds at a measured pace.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire – The summit of this storied peak often arrives under conditions that test every hiker’s preparation and composure. In one recent case, an 18-year-old from Massachusetts found himself unable to bear weight on an injured leg yet still covered more than a quarter mile back toward the summit to shorten the
August brings its own rhythms of travel, with many still savoring summer escapes while others begin to consider the quieter planning that comes with the year’s later months. This year, however, the conversation around holiday flights carries added weight. Airfares have climbed sharply, and the pattern suggests that waiting may carry real costs for those
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico has begun rolling out water rationing across San Juan and several neighboring municipalities as the island contends with its driest July on record in more than a century. The measures affect more than 180,000 customers who will go without service for 48-hour stretches on an alternating schedule, a
Private jet sharing programs are drawing increased interest among American travelers who seek greater flexibility and comfort in the air. These arrangements allow participants to access aircraft without the full expense of outright ownership. The shift reflects broader changes in how affluent flyers approach business and leisure travel amid evolving schedules and preferences. Why This
Passengers boarding flights on clear summer days rarely expect delays tied to temperature alone. Yet record heat in places like Las Vegas has already prompted airlines to ask travelers to give up seats so planes can meet safe takeoff weights. The underlying cause lies in simple physics that grows more relevant each year. Thinner Air
Somerset, England, holds one of the country’s most evocative monastic sites in Glastonbury Abbey. Its weathered stone walls and open grounds invite visitors to consider centuries of religious life alongside enduring stories of King Arthur and Guinevere. A visit guided by someone deeply familiar with the place brings these layers into clearer focus without turning
For travelers who have been watching award space for business-class seats across the Atlantic or to distant islands, a familiar promotion has reappeared at a useful moment. American Express has restored its 30 percent transfer bonus to several Avios programs, giving cardholders more flexibility to reach premium cabins without needing vastly larger point balances. The
On August 4, a small but thoughtful gesture unfolds at nearly 400 DoubleTree by Hilton properties across the United States. The brand marks National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day by extending its long-standing welcome treat to anyone who walks through the door, guests and visitors alike. What began as a hospitality ritual in 1986 has grown
The American Express Platinum Card carries an $895 annual fee, yet many cardmembers recover a substantial portion through targeted travel credits and access programs. These benefits reward deliberate planning rather than passive ownership. When used thoughtfully, they reduce out-of-pocket costs on flights, hotels, and airport experiences, freeing resources for deeper cultural engagement during trips. The
Los Angeles – Fire officials have concluded their review of the 2025 Eaton fire and identified the origin in equipment belonging to Southern California Edison. The determination brings a measure of clarity to a landscape many residents and visitors hold dear. It also underscores the careful work still ahead for the communities and natural spaces