Gerrish Lopez

New Orleans is a top destination for big annual events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, for its renowned restaurants and bar scene and—for better or worse—Bourbon Street. Beyond the Quarter and its non-stop party scene, however, you can still find plenty of fun things to do in New Orleans, from world-class museums and amazing architecture to eye-opening history and outdoor attractions. Shop local businesses and unique art, dine at trendy new spots and beloved dives, take in the majesty of the mighty Mississippi, catch some incredible live music and so much more. The best things to do in New Orleans will give you a taste of all the city has to offer, setting the stage for many return visits. This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in New Orleans

It’s likely a drink or two is the first thing on your list from the moment you touch down in Vegas. Well luckily for you, Vegas has got great bars in abundance, and they’re just as wild and OTT as you might have imagined.  On our list of the best bars in Vegas, we’ve got everything from hotel skybars with 360° views to traditional beer houses and secret, cozy fireside lounges. There’s everything you can imagine in this fantastic city, and the best bars in Vegas are the perfect place to start.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas Scott Snowden is Time Out’s associate editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Diners are a beloved product of New England—many believe the first one opened in Rhode Island in 1872. Today, they’re a source of nostalgia, as well as a sure thing for a filling meal in a charming, retro environment. Options in the Boston area range from greasy spoons and 24-hour joints to glammed-up institutions and vegetarian versions. All offer friendly service, reasonable prices and laid-back atmospheres. The best diners in Boston are a great place to start the day before visiting Boston’s best attractions, or for wrapping up a night socializing at Boston’s best bars. If you’re looking for a more refined dining option, check out Boston’s best fine dining restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Atlanta may be a sprawling metropolis, but it’s brimming with Southern hospitality and plenty of charm. Georgia’s capital city draws throngs of visitors each year, both for business and pleasure, making it one of the most popular destinations in the South. First-timers and repeat visitors—not to mention locals—can continually discover new and amazing things to do in Atlanta, and with such a variety of options, there’s something for everyone (even the kids). Atlanta boasts award-winning restaurants and bars as well as a vibrant nightlife scene that gets plenty of attention. The city’s other offerings will inspire, educate and entertain. From historic sites and renowned museums to parks, markets and theaters, there’s plenty to explore. Here are the best things to do in Atlanta that highlight the unique character of this Southern city. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Atlanta 🍷 The best bars in Atlanta 🐟 The best things to do with kids in Atlanta🏛️ The best attractions in Atlanta 🌳 The best treehouse Airbnbs in Atlanta

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Not sure where to stay in the Big Easy? Fret not; our guide to the best places to stay in New Orleans will put you on the right path to an unforgettable getaway. NOLA is much more than the French Quarter, but don’t take that as a dismissal of its most famous neighborhood; love cafes, you’ll be swooning there.  With a location that positively hugs the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a jumble of fascinating neighborhoods that offer everything from family-run restaurants to debauchery and excess in spades. Wherever you choose to stay in New Orleans, you are in for a great time, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Recommended: 🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans💰 The best cheap hotels in New Orleans  

In a calendar packed with festivals celebrating everything from the blues and oysters to zydeco and tomatoes, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—aka Jazz Fest—stands out. It’s the star of festival season, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. At its heart, Jazz Fest celebrates the music, food and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. What is Jazz Fest? At the Fest you can see jazz, but so much more. The lineup includes blues, funk, brass, zydeco, gospel, rap, rock and other genres from Crescent City icons and regional up-and-comers. Big name headliners are brought in each year as well. It’s a chance to see a major act in a laid-back environment and the opportunity to sample some of the best local music all in one spot. On top of all that music, you can dive into the food and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana too. This year is extra special as The Rolling Stones will finally make an appearance at Jazz Fest. Their long-awaited (previously canceled twice, due to health issues then COVID), much-anticipated gig has garnered an extra day of the Fest, extending it to eight days over two weekends. Needless to say, this year’s Fest is set to be a memorable one. Here’s everything you need to know about Jazz Fest 2024, from tickets and transportation to food picks and Fest-adjacent events. When is Jazz Fest? Jazz Fest is always held over two weekends: the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. Usually seven days (the second weekend includes a Thursd

Vegas is a lot of fun n’ all, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just for adults. Vegas is a full-blown, jam-packed holiday for all ages, and there is absolutely zero chance of the kids ever getting bored. After all, what’s more fun for a kid than a gondola ride on a fake Venetian river? Hide and seek in a botanical garden? A four-story M&M World?  Nothing, that's what. From 3D film screenings to a real-life chocolate factory, this city was built for kids. After all, Vegas is pretty much a huge, buzzing adventure playground anyway. If you and the family are looking to get out into nature, head to a show or try out a tropical aquarium, you’re guaranteed to love it here. Read on for the best things to do in Vegas right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Vegas🍴 The best restaurants in Vegas⛰️ The best hidden gems in Vegas🏖️ The best pools in Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Vegas

New Orleans is a funky, eclectic town, and shopping in New Orleans can be equally so. Certain streets and neighborhoods are packed with shopping opportunities of all sorts, while the city also offers a slew of shopping spots for specific interests, from art and antiques to music and books. Trinkets and treasures can be found in the French Market and in shops throughout the French Quarter, but go further out to find some amazing, only-in-New Orleans treats to bring back. This is a party town, so you can find plenty of costume shops and vintage stores. All the standard big-name stores have a presence in New Orleans—shop high-end fashions at Canal Place or check out the Riverwalk for outlet shopping — but it’s much more fun to shop local here. Browse art galleries, local-made crafts and jewelry, even locally-designed clothing. If you’re looking to shop like a local, here are the best spots for shopping in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

Who doesn’t like fried dough? From donuts and funnel cakes to churros, buñuelos and zeppole, there’s nothing like this hot, fluffy treat. In New Orleans, the iconic beignet is the fried dough delicacy of choice. In their original and simplest form, the fried, pillowy squares are piled high with powdered sugar, producing a cloud of sweet joy with each bite (if you’re not covered in white powder, you’re doing it wrong). The best beignets in New Orleans include this traditional version as well as other creative interpretations both savory and sweet. From an order of three and a chicory cafe au lait at the famous Cafe du Monde to delicate, blue crab-stuffed versions at white tablecloth establishments, beignets are served at restaurants throughout the city. Innovative options include tantalizing, praline-filled beignets or indulgent beignets bursting with the likes of crawfish etouffee. You can sample some of the best and most creative versions at the annual Beignet Festival in October, or work your way through this beignet bucket list, one by one. You’ll definitely want to try them all.

At Time Out, we’re all about helping you see the world on the cheap and leading you to the best travel deals whenever possible. But sometimes, even the thrifty seek a bit of luxury on vacation, a place to comfortably kick their feet up before it’s time to squeeze into that basic economy seat. I mean, who can turn down a $99 flight to Europe? Not us! For that, we love an airport lounge. These once exclusive domains for the most privileged passengers have dramatically changed since American Airlines opened the first in NY’s LaGuardia Airport in 1939. What started as an invitation-only club for folks to enjoy a pre-board cocktail has evolved into a massive network of areas for travelers to rest, work, refuel and idle before a flight. Today, there are more lounges than ever, offering all kinds of amenities (pickleball, anyone?) and greater access for all. Headed to the airport soon? We asked Time Out editors and frequent contributors to share their favorite lounges in the U.S. Whether you're lounge-curious or a pro looking for a new respite when you fly, you'll find helpful intel for your next trip below. 

What is the French Quarter? The French Quarter is the city’s oldest and best-known neighborhood. It’s home to Bourbon Street, where many first-timers go to party. But the Quarter offers so much more, from gorgeous architecture, history, antiques, local boutiques, great food, music and views of the Mississippi. Is it worth visiting? The French Quarter is a must-visit neighborhood, introducing the city’s history and culture. It’s a treat for all the senses, and a compact area you can explore for days. Tickets, accessibility and booking Some of the old cobblestone streets in this old neighborhood can be tricky, but the French Quarter is entirely walkable. Royal Street—a destination for antiques—is closed to vehicle traffic during the day. For a free French Quarter history lesson, download the HNOC’s French Quarter Tours app to hear about important sites and stories as you walk around. Where’s good to eat in the French Quarter? The Quarter is home to classic, elegant restaurants like Galatoire’s, more contemporary options like Palm and Pine and beloved dives like Coop’s Place. There are really too many top French Quarter restaurants to name, so as long as you avoid the tourist traps (you’ll know), you’ll have a great meal.

What is Audubon Zoo? Part of the Audubon Institute—which includes the Aquarium, Nature Center, Audubon Park and organizations that focus on species survival and coastal wildlife—the Audubon Zoo is home to species (many endangered) from around the globe in impressive environs. Is it worth visiting? The zoo’s exhibits are a true glimpse into the habitats of its resident animals. You’ll find plenty of educational opportunities and animal encounters. The Jaguar Jungle is a favorite as well as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp exhibit. In the summer, the Cool Zoo offers a chance to beat the heat, while several events and festivals featuring music and food take place at the zoo throughout the year. Explore the animal kingdom and enjoy the stunning grounds dotted with live oaks (and the occasional roving peacock). Tickets, accessibility and booking Tickets to the zoo feature dynamic pricing based on day and time. Adult tickets are $35 during peak hours, $30 off-peak. Youth tickets are $30 during peak hours, $25 off-peak. Combine your admission with a visit to the Aquarium and Insectarium (located Downtown) to save. The zoo is accessible to all, and wheelchairs are available for rent. Where’s good to eat near Audubon Zoo? The zoo is located at the far end of Magazine Street near the Mississippi River. Head over to Riverbend for laid-back pub grub at Cooter Brown’s or go the other direction for Mediterranean fare at chef Alon Shaya’s Saba or to family-friendly Reginelli’s for pizza.

What is the Garden District? The area was originally developed with large lots surrounded by gardens, hence the name. The neighborhood is more elegant and opulent than the French Quarter, home to oak-lined streets and Victorian, Italianate and Greek Revival mansions. The boundaries include a section of Magazine Street—a prime shopping and dining destination—and the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Is it worth visiting? The iconic neighborhood is certainly worth a visit, and when you take a tour, you can see firsthand the homes featured in films like Benjamin Button and TV shows like American Horror Story. Tickets, accessibility and booking Roam the garden district on your own—check out this helpful list of neighborhood landmarks—or take a guided tour from the likes of Two Chicks Walking Tours for more insight. Where’s good to eat in the Garden District? Magazine Street has a slew of restaurants and bars that are all worthy dining options, but the most iconic restaurant in the area is Commander’s Palace. The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880.

What is Mardi Gras World? This 300,000-square-foot working warehouse has been home to Blaine Kern Studios, one of the city’s premier float builders since 1947. Many of the floats that appear in Carnival parades (as well as parades in other cities, including the Universal Studios Mardi Gras parade) are made right here. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio, learn about the history and tradition of float-building, and get up close and personal with the magnificent works of art. Is it worth visiting? No matter what time of year, you can experience the fun of Carnival season with a visit to Mardi Gras World. The facility also plays host to a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Tickets, accessibility and booking Admission to Mardi Gras World is $22 for adults, $14 for kids age 2-12 and $17 for military, students and seniors. A free shuttle picks up from Canal Street (call to schedule). Where’s good to eat near Mardi Gras World? You’ll have to walk a bit, but there are plenty of great places to eat near Mardi Gras World. Head to the food court at Riverwalk Outlets for a few local options, including Mr. Shrimp’s Kitchen. The nearby Warehouse District has a slew of offerings including Cochon Butcher for sandwiches. Or head to Magazine Street for even more options, like Gris-Gris’s elevated Southern fare.

at the helm, you know this Central Texas-style barbecue joint will be good. Located inside the Quickie Pickie (a big upgrade from former food truck park digs) with indoor and outdoor seating, La Barbecue serves up brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage. Sandwiches are tasty too, both straightforward options and over-the-top ones like La Frito Loco (pulled pork, chopped beef, chipotle slaw, fritos, cheese, and jalapeños).

Tinned fish, charcuterie, and other luxurious small plates set the stage for unique wines at this Downtown Crossing wine bar. Small producers, especially female winemakers, are the stars of the list of primarily natural wines. If you’re not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you. For your non-wine-drinking friends, there’s also a solid craft beer list.

Head to Dorchester for traditional Irish breads and scones as well as pies, cakes, and cookies, all baked fresh. The classic Irish soda bread is top-notch, but don’t miss treacle soda bread, barm brack, or brown soda bread. There’s a whole cafe menu as well, with soups, sandwiches, and more Irish favorites like black pudding and Irish sausage rolls.

Eataly is currently hosting Boston’s only truffle-centric pop-up. Situated in the heart of Boston’s premier Italian food emporium, Il Tartufo e Il Vino is dedicated to fresh Italian truffles and fine Italian wines. Executive Chef Sam De Los Santos offers a menu full of truffle-friendly dishes; customers have the option of adding truffles to any dish for an upcharge, and those looking to celebrate can buy and enjoy an entire truffle right at tableside.

This Seaport stalwart hosts celebratory groups and corporate types for festive cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, pan-Asian menu of familiar favorites. Specialty nigiri and signature maki tantalize with interesting ingredients including marinated chinese celery, Wild Sockeye salmon, and yellow pepper sauce. The restaurant is exceptionally group-friendly, and perfect for private dinners and special occasions. A highlight for sushi-lovers is the unlimited sushi menu, available on Wednesdays starting at 5pm. 

This elegant bistro in the heart of the South End overlooks historic Tremont Street; the location adds to the sophisticated, Parisian atmosphere. The traditional bistro menu includes French classics—escargot, salmon rillette, steak frites, sole meunière—and plates du jour that include seasonal ingredients. The relaxed bistro atmosphere makes Aquitaine a popular spot for brunch as well.

Saus is a casual, counter-service joint offering made-from-scratch comfort foods enhanced by a plethora of condiments and toppings. There’s a whole section of poutines with toppings like carnitas, kimchi, and sambal for extra heft. There are a few tasty sandwiches and salads, plus friks—a few varieties of dressed-up beef and pork sausages served on Iggy’s brioche. But the centerpiece is the hand-cut, twice-fried fries. Choose from fifteen different homemade sauces, from basic ketchup to more creative options like hot beer mustard, Avo-Goddess, bacon-parm, or Secret Saus.

Chef Andy Husbands has invested more than two decades of barbecue practice and planning, in the process becoming a world champion pitmaster and author. His menu showcases slow-cooked meats and savory sides such as sweet-spicy coleslaw and cornbread with honey sea salt butter. The bar carries more than 200 whiskies, and the craft beer list offers something for everyone.

As housing costs and other life costs soar across the country, some residents of the most expensive cities are considering a move to a place where the cost of living is lower, yet standards of living and job opportunities are still high. While these cities and towns may not have all the amenities of more expensive cities, they can be very easy on the wallet. If you’re considering an affordability-based move, Niche.com has revealed its list of the cities with the lowest cost of living in the U.S. Topping the list of affordable cities is South Bend, Indiana. Home to the University of Notre Dame and a population of around 103,000, South Bend earned high rankings for its jobs, diversity, a median home value of $169,000 (more than $200,000 below the national average) and costs for groceries, transportation, clothing and utilities that are 18 percent lower than the national average. The city boasts dozens of parks, hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Two more Indiana cities made the top 10: Evansville at number three and Fort Wayne at number four. Brownsville, Texas is the number two most affordable city in the U.S. Rounding out the top 10 are Dayton, Ohio; Wichita Falls, Texas; Toledo, Ohio; Akron, Ohio; Springfield, Illinois and Rockford, Illinois. Find the full list of affordable cities at Niche.com. These cities may lack the glitz and glamor of the big city, but you’ll save so much you can go back and visit the expensive cities to get your fix any time.

Are you dreaming of a beach vacation that won’t break the bank? A new study by Dive In Travel reveals the most affordable beaches in the U.S. where you can catch some rays for a whole lot less. The team from the travel and gear review site calculated dining and beverage prices and the median cost for a six-night stay for two to rank the best wallet-friendly beach destinations for spring and summer travel. The results showcase the top spots for budget-conscious travelers to have fun in the sun. According to Dive In’s data, the most affordable beach in the U.S. is Twelvemile Beach in Michigan. Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this tranquil beach has everything you need for a great beach vacation at a pretty sweet price. The area's average hotel costs around $465 for a six-night stay, and you can enjoy meals for around $20. Other affordable beach destinations include Mustang Island State Park in Texas, where the average hotel price is around $477 for a six-night stay; Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, which costs $637; Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, which costs $652; and Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, which costs $797. If you can’t swing a trip to the most popular beach spots, these affordable alternatives are worth considering. And if money is no object? Well, Honokalani Beach on Maui ranks as the most expensive (but certainly a deserving addition to any beach bucket list).

The Biden administration just made it easier for you to get your money back if your flight has been significantly delayed or canceled. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a rule that requires airlines to provide passengers with automatic cash refunds under defined circumstances. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.” The new rule clearly defines the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to the rule, airlines could define their own circumstances that warranted a refund, making it difficult for passengers to know when they were entitled to compensation. Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a full refund for canceled or significantly delayed (by three hours for domestic flights, six hours for international) flights, a checked bag fee refund for baggage delays (12 hours for domestic flights, 15 to 30 for international) and a refund on fees for extra services like Wi-Fi if the service is not provided. The rule also makes it easier to get a refund, eliminating complicated processes set by airlines. This rule requires refunds to be automatic, issued in cash or original payment method, issued within seven days for credit card payments or 20 days for other forms of payment, and in the full amount, including taxes and fee

You’ve heard of the restaurant world’s much-coveted Michelin Stars. Now hotels have their own distinction with Michelin Keys. The one-, two- and three-Key rating system recognizes outstanding hotels around the world, and Michelin has just awarded the first round of Keys to hotels in the U.S. Hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington D.C.—the same cities where Michelin Guide recommends restaurants—are eligible for Keys. Based on anonymous stays by the Michelin inspection team, Keys are awarded based on accommodations that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service. “With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travelers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.” “Michelin Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Using the Michelin Guide digital platforms, travelers can filter their search and book awarded hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.” For this first round in the U.S., 124 hotels received Key designations: 80 received one Key, 33 received two Keys and 11 outstanding hotels received the ultimate three-Key rating. These hotels include chic coastal retreats, relaxing hideaways and spectacular urban oases. The 11 three-Key hotels are all l

The reviewers have spoken: Tripadvisor has revealed the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards. The awards, given to the top one percent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor, represent the absolute best places to stay in the world. While no U.S. hotels made the cut for best in the world, the best U.S. hotels are certainly high in the rankings. The awards this year also include three new best hotel categories: pet-friendly, sustainable and wellness-focused. The number one hotel in the U.S. is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica. Located within walking distance from the Santa Monica Pier, this eco-friendly boutique hotel offers ocean views, premium amenities, and personalized attention from staff. At number two is the Luma Hotel in Times Square, followed by FivePine Lodge & Spa in Oregon, The Bryant Park Hotel in NYC and Hotel Emma in San Antonio. The awards are also given in categories including luxury, B&Bs and inns, family-friendly, and more. New this year are the awards given to the best pet-friendly hotels, most sustainable hotels, and hotels with a focus on wellness. The best pet-friendly hotel in the U.S. is Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale. Pets are on every floor and in the outdoor garden sitting area. No U.S. hotel has made it to the top 10 list for wellness or sustainability, but the awards are bucket-list worthy for international travel. "Our Best of the Best Hotels are marvels, acclaimed by thousands of travelers for their remarkable ser

CheapAir.com has released its annual International Airfare Study, an analysis that reveals the ultimate insider scoop on scoring the best deals on international flights. The key to flying cheap is advance planning, but how far in advance do you need to buy a ticket to get the best deal? The staggeringly thorough study reveals the best times to buy for different regions around the world, and shows a significant change from past trends. The study analyzed 917 million airfares across ten global regions to determine peak and off-peak months for travel costs, the prime times to find budget-friendly flights, the most wallet-friendly travel days and how prices fluctuate seasonally. The biggest reveal is that the best times to purchase flights to regions like Europe have changed drastically since last year. In 2023, a 45-day advance booking was the sweet spot. The best time to buy flights to Europe for 2024 has increased to 320 days in advance. Flights to the Caribbean, Asia, South America and Canada can be more affordable closer to the date of travel. The advance booking recommendation for Caribbean flights has decreased from 56 days in 2023 to 29 in 2024, while the window for flights to Asia has decreased from 144 days to 71 in 2024. Photograph: Courtesy CheapAir.com The study also reveals that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the prime days to book budget-friendly flights from the U.S. February is the most affordable month for international travel (depending on the region), while Jul

Looking to reduce your carbon footprint while getting around? When traveling domestically, sticking to trains and buses is the more climate-friendly option—a more sustainable choice resulting in far fewer carbon emissions than flying. When commuting (or exploring a new city), public transportation and walking are better choices than driving, when practical. Fortunately, Google Maps is releasing updates to some of its features that will help you find the more sustainable option for getting from point A to point B. Google Maps already shows options for walking and public transportation when searching routes, but updates to this feature will show these options next to driving routes when the travel times are comparable. The feature update will be available in the coming weeks in 15 cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome, and Sydney. Updates to Google’s Search features now help you find long-distance train routes. Like flight searches, a Google search for a train route (e.g., “Boston to Philadelphia train”) will now show schedules and ticket prices along with links to purchase a ticket. The feature is now available in 38 countries, with long-distance bus routes also available in 15. A Google search will also show train alternatives when you search for flights. Flight searches in Google already display estimated emissions for nearly every flight, which can be helpful when choosing a more climate-friendly option when flying is the only option. The new

When you think of an airport hotel, you might think of it as drab, dated, and last-ditch: a desperate move to get a cheap hotel or an acceptable option only if you have a very early flight. But airport hotels have improved over the years, so much so that Skytrax, the star rating program for airlines and airports, now releases an annual ranking of the best airport hotels around the world. Two U.S. airports made the global top 10, with one reaching number three. To determine the rankings, Skytrax reviewed guest surveys and ranked the hotels based on overall experience, access to and from the airport, cleanliness, in-room amenities, quality of facilities and restaurants and value for money. The TWA Hotel, the retro-glamorous hotel in NYC’s JFK International Airport, has ranked number three in the world, bested only by Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport in China at number two and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore. The one other U.S. hotel that made the global top ten is the Grand Hyatt at San Francisco International Airport. The top five North American airport hotels, according to Skytrax’s rankings, are all in the U.S. except for one. The top five, in order, are TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport in NYC, the Fairmont at Vancouver International Airport in Canada, the Grand Hyatt at San Francisco International Airport, The Westin at San Francisco International Airport and The Westin at Denver International Airport. Find the full rankings of the world’s best airp

If the recent total solar eclipse whet your whistle for celestial happenings, consider exploring the wonders of the night sky this summer. Skip the beach in favor of solitude, and head to one of the many amazing International Dark Sky Places around the country. To help you plan, HomeToGo has released its annual Summer Stargazing Index of the best places to see the stars this summer and beyond. HomeToGo’s rankings—based on factors such as weather forecasts and average clear sky data, population density and accessibility of nearby affordable accommodations—is basically a celestial bucket-list for stargazing fans. Nine states are included in the list: Colorado, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, Utah, California, Illinois, Idaho and Florida. The number one spot for stargazing, according to HomeToGo, is Borrego Springs, California. The small town is the only Dark Sky community in California. Stargazing parties occur on the reg, and the annual Night Fall Star Party in November brings throngs of stargazers together to celebrate the night sky. At number two is Fountain Hills, Arizona. Though near Phoenix, Fountain Hills is shielded from light pollution by the western McDowell Mountains. The backdrop of the Sonoran Desert mountains makes for a stunning night sky. Arizona is home to three more of the best spots for stargazing: Flagstaff at number three, Cottonwood at number five and Sedona at number eight. To view the full list and start planning your stargazing trip, check out the full Summer

Taylor Swift fans can celebrate the pop star on another cruise to the Caribbean this summer. Sing, dance, party and soak up the sun on a high-seas, fan-sponsored cruise with an itinerary that’s all Taylor all the time. The five-night Summer Era Cruise will sail from Galveston, Texas aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas from June 15-20, 2024, stopping in Cozumel and Costa Maya. While the singer will not be on board (and is not affiliated with the cruise), the superfans organizing the trip promise a trip that’s packed with Swiftie Surprises. Swifties will enjoy Swiftie Sips, goody bags, trivia, BINGO, theme nights, tours, karaoke, bracelet exchanges, a Mirrorball dance party, a PJ party, prizes, disco night, a door decorating contest and more. A themed cocktail party kicks off the cruise, and an Afterglow party wraps things up. Each activity will be Taylor Swift-themed, and there will be plenty of opportunities to sing and dance to her music. "I've always adored Taylor. I mean, how could you not? My goal is to spread her name and music by creating genuine, enjoyable activities that represent all her music stands for and the things she has done like the Eras tour,” says co-host Parker Landry. “I will incorporate activities that genuinely represent Taylor's kindness and heart. I'm extremely thankful that girls like me have a role model like Taylor to look up to, and I will carry on her culture and vibes throughout the cruise." How much does the Taylor Swift cruise cost? C

The unofficial start to summer is just over a month away. Memorial Day weekend is May 24-27, and many eager travelers are starting to plan their trips. Sunny clines and beach destinations are always high on the list for Memorial Day travel, but Priceline data reveals that a few unlikely destinations are trending this year. Here’s what’s popular for the holiday, as well as some cheap Memorial Day travel options. Searches for destinations like Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Charleston have increased 20 percent, according to Priceline. Internationally, searches for Montreal have gone up 112 percent. Based on flight searches, the destinations that are getting the most buzz for Memorial Day travel are Salt Lake City, Honolulu, San Diego, Tampa and Dallas. Internationally trending destinations include Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Canun, Mexico; Toronto and Montreal, Canada and Nassau, Bahamas. If you’re simply looking for a cheap getaway for Memorial Day weekend, the cheapest destinations based on average cost of a round trip flight are Raleigh ($186), Philadelphia ($224), Cincinnati ($253), Denver ($269), Pittsburgh ($281), Washington, D.C. ($282), San Francisco ($283), New York ($287), Norfolk ($294) and Atlanta ($297).

Debating whether you should add fries to that order? Every Friday at Wendy’s, the answer is a resounding “yes.” That’s right, Wendy’s is giving away free fries with any purchase every Friday for the rest of the year. The promotion starts this Friday, April 19 and will last for 36 more fry-tastic Fridays in 2024. You’ll find the free fries offer in the Wendy’s app. This deal has no restrictions other than a single purchase, so you can get any size fries for free with a purchase of any amount, no minimum. Use the offer in a restaurant or for a mobile order and you’ll be chowing down on hot and crispy fries in no time. You can claim the offer again and again, every Fryday the rest of the year. A Wendy’s burger with fries is the classic pairing for this deal, but dipping fries in a Frosty makes for an extra special hot and cold treat. Wendy’s just introduced the new Orange Dreamsicle Frosty, so be sure to reserve one of your Fridays for sampling this new duo. Fries and a burger, fries and a Baconator, fries and a chicken sandwich… the combo options are endless and the fries are always crispy, so get ready to kick off your remaining weekends of 2024 with free Wendy’s fries.