Helen Hatzis
Western Colombia – A 7.4-magnitude earthquake centered near San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of Bogotá, has drawn attention across the Andean region. The event unfolded in a landscape of cloud forests and mountain communities that many visitors come to explore for their rich biodiversity and living traditions. Travelers already in Colombia or
In a quiet suburban neighborhood, the Hatakeyama family discovered an unexpected visitor making regular use of their backyard pool. What began as a surprise encounter evolved into a deliberate choice about how humans and wildlife share space. Liz Hatakeyama later reflected on the experience, noting that the household had learned to “respectfully coexist” with their
Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile draws travelers seeking one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. The granite towers, vast glaciers, and windswept plains of Patagonia create a setting where every choice of lodging shapes the experience of the place. Visitors who return to the park often discover that different forms of
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – A newly renovated property at the foot of Snow King Mountain now gives travelers a practical way to settle into one of the West’s most iconic mountain towns. Trailborn Jackson Hole, which reopened after a full transformation and joined Marriott’s Outdoor Collection, combines the area’s longstanding western character with straightforward access
Travelers with routes through the western United States and Canada are adjusting itineraries this season as more than 40 large wildfires burn across the region. Severe drought has intensified conditions, while western Canada contends with over 100 additional blazes. The situation affects national parks, scenic drives, and small communities that rely on visitors, yet many
Mount Bromo, Indonesia – Indonesian authorities have closed Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park after a wildfire burned through roughly 743 hectares of grassland, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers in the Penanjakan area. The decision affects one of the country’s most visited natural landmarks, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and sunrise viewpoints that draw travelers
Perched on a private mountaintop in Whitwell, Tennessee, Bolt Farm Treehouse creates a rare setting where adults can step away from daily routines and settle into quiet, nature-focused time. The resort welcomes guests 21 and older only, offering a collection of treehouses, mirror cabins, and geodesic domes that sit amid sweeping views of the Sequatchie
Tampa, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center is keeping a close watch on three separate areas of disturbed weather across the Atlantic basin. One system, a tropical wave accompanied by showers and thunderstorms, sits roughly midway between the coast of West Africa and the Lesser Antilles. Forecasters note that gradual development remains possible through the
Australia rewards visitors who approach it with patience and preparation. Its sheer geographic reach often catches first-time travelers off guard, turning what seems like a straightforward itinerary into a more deliberate journey across time and distance. Understanding this reality helps shape more rewarding and responsible trips. Distances That Demand Planning Travelers frequently underestimate how far
A DoorDash report tracking the average cost of a cheeseburger, fries and a drink across U.S. cities finds that only four locations still deliver the meal for less than $15 on average. The data, drawn from the company’s second-quarter 2026 State of Local Commerce update, illustrates how local pricing can vary sharply even for a
New England’s autumn color arrives like a quiet tide, beginning at the northern edges and moving steadily southward as cooler nights settle in. Travelers who time their journeys with this natural progression often find the most rewarding displays, whether they start in the high peaks or linger in the rolling hills farther south. Understanding the
Wheaton, Illinois – Families across the Chicago area now have a rare chance to experience a verified Guinness World Records attraction without leaving the state. Big Bounce America has brought its massive inflatable structure to DuPage County for a limited engagement. The traveling installation highlights how large-scale, interactive entertainment can move from city to city,