Helen Hatzis
Rome has drawn visitors for centuries, yet its surrounding countryside and historic sites continue to reward those willing to step beyond the city walls for a single day. The author first arrived in Rome at fifteen and has returned regularly ever since, sharing many of those journeys with a traveling companion named Jess. Together they
Hampton, Virginia – NASA marked a significant engineering milestone with the opening of its Flight Dynamics Research Facility at Langley Research Center. The $53 million structure stands as the first new wind tunnel added to the agency’s inventory in four decades. Construction wrapped in March 2026 after work began in 2022, and the 25,000-square-foot building
In the heart of Sheung Wan, where Hollywood Road winds past antique shops and modern storefronts, Man Mo Temple stands as a steady presence amid Hong Kong’s constant motion. Built between 1847 and 1862, the temple continues to serve as an active place of worship rather than a preserved relic. Visitors who step inside often
Spokane, Washington – Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency on August 1, 2026, in response to multiple wildfires burning across the state amid extreme drought, high temperatures, and strong winds. The proclamation includes a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30. In the Spokane area, fast-moving fires such as
Travelers across Canada woke up Sunday to widespread flight cancellations after WestJet’s cabin crew began a strike over compensation for ground duties. The action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing 4,400 flight attendants at the country’s second-largest airline, quickly grounded more than 300 scheduled departures and left passengers scrambling during a busy three-day
WestJet, one of Canada’s major carriers, suspended the majority of its operations after flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees walked off the job. The sudden grounding affects thousands of passengers who had planned travel through the first days of August, particularly those relying on routes out of Calgary and other western
Western states are experiencing a sharp spike in temperatures this weekend, with several cities forecast to approach or break daily records. The pattern stems from a strong ridge of high pressure that is trapping heat near the ground across a broad stretch from the desert Southwest into the northern Rockies. Travelers heading to national parks,
A fresh analysis of livability across 182 major U.S. cities places Fremont, California, at the top of the national happiness rankings for 2026. The WalletHub study evaluated communities on 29 distinct metrics spanning emotional and physical well-being, income and employment conditions, and community and environment factors. Its findings highlight how a combination of strong health
Iceland’s coast guard and special forces recently boarded and seized the protest ship Bandero, operated by the Paul Watson Foundation. The 21 crew members were detained after the vessel ignored instructions to leave Icelandic waters and later to stop its engines. The action unfolded late on a Thursday evening when local whalers reported feeling threatened,
Zanzibar’s coastline has long drawn travelers with its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The island’s rich Swahili heritage, historic Stone Town, and fragrant spice plantations add layers of cultural depth that set it apart from many other tropical destinations. Now a new all-inclusive property backed by Marriott is set to open there, bringing structured
Tampa International Airport stands among just three U.S. facilities selected to introduce the Transportation Security Administration’s new Gold+ program. The voluntary initiative pairs the agency’s existing Screening Partnership Program with fresh innovation tools to deliver security screening shaped to each airport’s layout and passenger flow. Des Moines International Airport and Charleston International Airport complete the
Los Angeles County lifeguards responded to nearly 2,000 rescues over a single weekend as powerful swells generated by distant hurricanes reached the coastline. The surge in activity reflects the seasonal rhythm of the Pacific, where warm-weather visitors meet dynamic ocean conditions that demand attention and preparation. Travelers planning time along these shores can turn the