James Wong

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you consider Dallas? The Cowboys? One of the longest-running TV shows in history? The most famous political assassination in the history of time and space? If you answered any of the above, you are correct. The best things to do in Dallas cover all this and more, showcasing everything that makes the Big D the incredible place it is today. Visitors to Dallas are spoiled for choice. The ever-growing metropolis is home to an abundance of everything, from world-class sports to incredible attractions and a bustling culinary scene that may surprise you with its variety. If you want high-class fine dining, you’ll find plenty of it, but those who love picking up finger-licking good street food are in luck as well. Whatever your tastes, there is something for everyone in delightful Dallas. RECOMMENDED: The best museums in Dallas

Make no mistake about it; there is no shortage of brilliant things to do in Houston. Quite the opposite as the country’s fourth-largest city (by population) is a rollercoaster of history, science, culture, and dang good food. Culture should be in block capitals; Houston is home to over 150 museums covering everything from the universe to the grave. Houston excels outdoors as much as it does inside, with gorgeous bursts of sprawling nature for intrepid explorers. Space City is a place that does it all, engaging the mind and calming the soul before bombarding the senses with food, drink, and fun. This is the ultimate Houston bucket list. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Houston

Though some might argue otherwise, downtown Austin really is where all the best attractions, restaurants and hotels are at. It’s where tourists wander the State Capitol, where the bats emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge, and where bachelors and bachelorettes go wild on Dirty Sixth. Sure, East is hipster, North has better Asian food and South has all the parks, but being central means you’re simultaneously close to them all. Depending on where you’re at, you can even walk to the other neighborhoods (maybe not between June and September). It’s no wonder downtown boasts the highest concentration of hotels, from luxury to business to budget—all conveniently located so that you can dart in and out of SXSW or ACL events, bar hop, or window-shop with minimal effort or rideshare expense. Here’s where to check in and keep things central in Austin. RECOMMENDED: The best spa hotels and resorts in Austin This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.  

San Antonio isn’t just the best day (or weekend) trip to take from Austin anymore. It's a destination in its own right, filled with incredible cuisine, fun time bars, gorgeous hotels, fascinating historical structures, and much more. Time your visit for the annual fiesta celebration or the rodeo, and you’ll need a whole itinerary that requires some forward planning, especially when it comes to accommodation.  Here’s a tip; the bulk of tourist activity happens along the River Walk, and this is where you’ll want to be based. Luckily, there are lots of hotels primely positioned along or at least near it, along with resorts further afield where the point is to get away from the bustle. From right-on-the-water happening hangouts to charming boutiques by the Alamo to family-friendly spa resorts a short drive away, here are our favorite stays and the best hotels in San Antonio. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

A record number of visitors arrive in Bat City year after year, and the best Austin hotels give them every reason to stick around. Whether you’re here for one of the city’s big events (like SXSW, ACL, and F1) or simply in Austin to soak up the laid-back vibes (you’re spoilt for choice with things to do), you’ll find a dizzying number of accommodations that suit every style. Where do you even start to begin?  Certainly, the buzzing city has more boutique hotels than ever before. You’ll find a convivial hostel in a historic firehouse just steps from Dirty Sixth (the perfect place to meet new friends for a night on the town) and a batch of Hill Country destination spa resorts that’ll whisk you off the main drag into nature. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of swanky city bookings, too, that command enviable addresses near Austin’s best restaurants and bars. Struggling to pick a hotel from the masses of incredible ones out there? Here's our list of the best hotels in Austin, judged using our expert opinions. We know our stuff. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in AustinRECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in AustinRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Austin

Austin’s inhabitants are blessed. The city never stifles, as there’s always tons of green and outdoor space to roam. Here, you can hike, stroll, and dip your toes in a lake, just a few yards away from a buzzing, lively city space. That’s what’s great about visiting a city like Austin – it really has it all.  Of course, what makes it better is that Austin is pretty much always sunny, and those hiking trails are practically begging you to take them on. So get ready to get your steps in, and explore all the best things that Austin has to offer, whether you’re a beginner walker or a seasoned explorer. From bike trails to mountain hikes, here are the best places to hike in Austin right now.  RECOMMENDED:🌳 The best parks and gardens in Austin🎨 The best attractions in Austin🏛️ The best museums in Austin🍽️ The best restaurants in Austin🍻 The best bars in Austin 

If your Austin loved ones are the types that have everything, then your best bet is gifting them an experience. Electronic gadgets and bath sets can only bring so much happiness, and let’s face it: quite often they’re relegated to the back of the closet. It’s no wonder the world’s gone all Marie Kondo and folk are only keeping Facebook for Marketplace. Thankfully, Austin has a ton of stuff to see, eat and drink. So why not spark joy with a cherished memory instead of an overpriced trinket? Whether you’re looking for something adrenaline-fueled for your best bud, a relaxing spa day for your newlywed sibling, a cultural treat for your coworker, or a class to keep your parents busy, we’ve got you covered. Here are all the very best Austin experiences to give as gifts on birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and holidays in Austin, Texas. Recommended: The best things to do in Austin

This hot and humid city was made for frozen treats, and the best ice cream shops in Austin always know how to satisfy the masses' overheated bodies. Brutal summers and warm winters mean that the need for a cool down is an almost year-round one. That’s why, in part, there are so many rooftop bars in Austin, why frozen margaritas go down like free filtered water, and why tubing is even a thing down south. Austinites are always in search of a chance to chill. Looking for a cute lil’ spot to take your sweetheart? Need a respite from walking around in a hundred degrees (ps. Why are you walking?)? or just fancy ordering a pint of milky goodness to your front door? These ice cream specialists are just the icy solution. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Austin    

Heading to San Antonio on an empty stomach? Prepare to line it well courtesy of the best restaurants in San Antonio. The Alamo City is one of the most diverse places in Texas, serving up authentic eats in line with the heavyweights like Houston and Dallas. Looking for juicy Chinese char siu or desserts scooped straight out of Paris? You’ll find both in the Pearl District. Or how about Naples-style pizza? There’s a large pie waiting over on Blanco Road. Of course, it wouldn’t be Texas without some generously-portioned barbecue and Tex-Mex, and you’ll certainly find those all over the city. After hitting up all the best things to do in San Antonio including its colorful nightlife, you’re going to need the energy. Time to get your fork, chopsticks, and fingers fabulously wet: here are the best eats in San Antonio right now. Recommended: The best bars in San Antonio

In Austin for just 48 hours? There is no time to waste. The Texas capital is a hotspot right now, with bodies traveling from across the globe to sample its outdoorsy delights. Maybe you have touched down at AUS for a festival, are planning on topping up some vitamin D, or have some ‘business’ to attend to. A weekend might sound like a squeeze in a city known for rolling the fun times fast and furious, but fear not, it is absolutely possible to experience the must-dos without using up any of that valuable PTO. Within two days, you can knock off plenty of Austin’s best attractions and best museums, party down at some of the best live music venues or best rooftop bars, and you ain’t been to Texas if you haven’t stuffed your bellies with tacos, brisket, steak and the rest at Austin’s best restaurants. Ready to stay awake in the live music city? Let our guide to the perfect 48 hours in Austin help you out. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin

As one of the most exciting cities in the US, Austin’s hotels provide the very best in luxury. Bat City plays host to the likes of NASCAR and SXSW, a booming tech industry, and attractions galore, so the appetite for five-star experiences is pretty darn insatiable. If luxury is what you’re after, consider it served right here…with sides! Luxury can mean many things, too. For some, it is the coolest boutique hangout with fine-dining restaurants and an elevated bar; for others, it is a tranquil spa resort tucked away by the hills. It’s fair to say at least that the overall expectation is beautiful interiors, impeccable service, and a chance to indulge. For anyone looking to splurge a couple of nights (or more), take a look at our list of the finest Austin hotels, all of which are an ideal base for exploring the best things to do in Austin. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in AustinRECOMMENDED: The best spa hotels in Austin

Austin’s undoubtedly become the best place in Texas for plush spa hotels and resorts. Yes, the city is better known for sweaty festivals and greasy barbecue…but did you know that feel-good businesses are popping up all over the place right now? The wellness scene is booming, and if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself, one of Bat City’s gorgeous spa boudoirs may just be what the therapist, life coach, nutritionist, or trainer ordered. You can go down one of two delicious routes—head to the hills and escape at a spa resort; many are all-inclusive and offer breathtaking views of the Hill Country. Or stay downtown, in the heart of all the action, but sporadically retreat to a cavern of whirlpools, candle-lit treatment rooms, and plant-forward dining. We’ve plucked the finest overnight wellness offerings in Austin right now, so you can experience blissful R&R the Texan way.  Recommended: The best Austin experiences to give as gifts

Let's be real: The last few years have left Americans feeling particularly stressed out. Covid cases are rising, human rights are compromised, and salaries just aren’t keeping up with inflation.  And the struggle is extra real for a handful of states deemed the worst places to live in the US according to a study conducted by CNBC which takes into account factors such as environmental quality, crime rates, health care and inclusiveness of state laws in areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights. Top of the list of worst states to live in is Arizona. Yes, Scottsdale is gorgeous, but when considering the rest of The Grand Canyon State, things are a bit of an... um... tumbleweed. Arizona has the worst air quality in America (according to the American Lung Association), and Phoenix experiences a dangerous 39 high ozone days per year. This is heightened by the fact that the state has the lowest budget for public health, meaning a dire health care system short on hospital beds and staff. Runner up on the list is Texas. The state that proudly boasts that "everything is bigger" is correct in some dire instances—Texas ranks high for discrimination and big on lack of voting rights. Texas' health care system, a high rate of uninsured people and limited childcare also makes it a terrible place to live. Oklahoma rounds off the top three. It’s among the unhealthiest states in the nation, with little regard for exercise, fruit or vegetables (according to the United Healt

Journeys on Spirit Airlines are about to get an upgrade: the budget carrier is rolling out high-speed Wi-Fi service next month, and it’ll be so fast you’ll be able to stream movies, Zoom your boss or follow a Blogilates workout on YouTube. But don’t get your pretzels in a twist just yet. In line with Spirit’s upsell ethos, the quality of your "Stranger Things" binge will depend greatly on how much you’re willing to fork out. The official word is that browsing starts as little as $2.99 and streaming at $5.99. However, the costs can more than double depending on the flight you take.  We hopped online and checked out a popular route to see for ourselves. From LAX to EWR (Newark), the price tag for streaming is $14.99 each device, each way. If you’re the kind of person who travels with both phone and laptop, you’ll rack up $60 in round-trip Wi-Fi privileges. Holy guacamole!  Spirit says this will be the fastest Wi-Fi service of any US-based airline once they’re configured with this state-of-the-art system, in partnership with Thales and FlytLIVE.  Executive VP Matt Klein added, "This is a real groundbreaking moment in the industry as Spirit adds in-flight amenities and product options that have previously not been available on ultra-low fare carriers. We're continuing to deliver the best value in the sky by providing options that are important to our Guests, like our high-speed Wi-Fi service, while keeping our focus on affordable fares to provide our Guests with More Go." Wi-Fi c

Heading out on a romantic European adventure this summer? Then you might want to consider an upgrade: Virgin Atlantic just unveiled their new Airbus A330-900 neo aircraft, and the Upper Class cabin has two extra special seats on board. The new Retreat Suites will be the most luxurious seats Sir Branson has ever offered; situated at the front of the cabin, the suites come equipped with an almost seven-feet long seat, which converts into a lie-flat bed, a 27-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging, a privacy door that fully closes, and electronic dividers, mood lighting, a do not disturb light, and all the fixings that come with Upper Class, including gourmet meals, bar, pajamas, amenity kits, and access to Clubhouse lounges. Photograph: Courtesy Virgin Atlantic And for lovebirds in company of friends and family, there's an opportunity to share the experience too. The suites can be reconfigured to allow for four people to sit together, whether that be for dining, games or chit-chat with complimentary bubbles. Anticipating popular demand, Virgin will be offering the special seats at an additional surcharge to existing Upper Class passengers just 14 days before departure, so frequent flyers won't be able to pre-book all those coveted spots up in advance. Virgin will roll the A330neo from fall to 2026. Each will have 30 brand new Upper-Class suites, as well Premium and Economy. The first flight will depart this October 2022 from Boston. Photograph: Co

Our neighbors across the border want us to come check out their National Parks, and they're willing to give us free entry to them all to do so.  Destination Canada in partnership with Parks Canada are offering up 4,000 annual Parks Canada Discovery passes, worth $113 each. These cover admission to over 80 natural destinations in Canada and are good for 12 months. Popular Canadian parks include the east coast's Gros Morne National Park, famous for soaring fjords and moody mountains, and Hudson Bay's Wapusk National Park, home to polar bears and timber wolves. Of course, no trip to Canadian National Parks is complete without a visit to their bucket list wonder, Banff National Park, also included on the pass.   Photograph: Courtesy EITWBANFF To claim your shiny card, Americans must enter the sweepstakes online before July 31st. You must be a legal resident of one of the 50 US states or the District of Columbia and be over 21 years old. Winners will be announced the following week. In addition to passes, all entrants will be added to a grand prize draw, and one lucky American (with understanding employers) will win the 'dream nature sabbatical' worth $20,000. This includes all transportation, accommodation, excursions, gear and stipend for food and incidentals. Oh, and of course a discovery pass, too. The SVP of Marketing at Destination Canada, Gloria Loree said, "We're next-door neighbors—and we want to welcome back our American friends with access to places we know will lift

Tonight, Wednesday July 13th, is a big night for earthlings: It's the arrival of a supermoon, a celestial spectacle that will be bigger and brighter than any other this year. This is due to the fact that the Moon will be closer to us than at any other point in 2022.   Supermoons are always a treat for space enthusiasts, astrologers and photographers, but that's not to say we can't all enjoy the wonders of moonlight. Sky watchers should be able to observe a full moon up-close (ish) after dawn... and while things may be big then, they'll be at their biggest at 5am EDT, 4am CDT, and 2am PDT, in case you're mesmerized enough to stay up the entire night (and if not, then you might want to sport an eye mask before nodding off). At that specific time, in fact, the Moon should precisely be 221,994 miles (357,264 kilometres) away, according to the whiz kids at Space.com. Sounds far, but it'll feel quite the opposite; so close you'll think you can touch it. Photograph: Shutterstock The term supermoon, adopted by NASA, originally came from astrologer Richard Nolle back in 1979. His definition states that the phenomenon is a full moon that takes place within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. This is when it looks the most 'full', with shaded sides too narrow for the naked eye to see. Fall asleep before the big moment? You'll probably wake up and see it all over social media tomorrow, but at least you heard it here first.

We're all feeling the pinch of inflation right now, so the word 'free' is enough to drive even the most composed Americans hysterical. Add to the equation deep-fried treats that are yellow in color and come with a high risk of health complications, and well, certain states (ahem, Texas) are going to need military assistance. Which is why we're letting you know at your own risk: McDonald's is giving away FREE fries all today.  But don't expect to walk up to the nearest drive-through window and demand a gratis treat. To prevent a stampede, there is one teeny, tiny barrier to enjoying free fries today: you have to order via the McDonald's app. Photograph: Shutterstock In order to claim $1.89 in potato sticks, you'll need to download the fast food chain's official app, sign up with all your personal data (and thus, join their loyalty program), claim a large portion of French fries (no purchase necessary), head down to your closest participating McDonald's, wait in line, and hope they haven't run out.   Of course, Ronald McDonald won't be restricting such a generous offering to one day in the year: virtually the same offer (but with medium fries and a requirement to spend at least $1) is available every Friday till December 31st. Wowzers. National French Fry Day is celebrated on July 13 every year. For those who don't fancy becoming members of the chain's digital loyalty program, why not commemorate the day by making your own fries. You'll save a lot more than two bucks.

Years of being pent up stateside (as exciting as the national parks and Hawaii are) have got Americans gagging for international adventures. Maybe it’s all that Emily in Paris, maybe it’s those royal goals in The Crown. However, according to a recent survey, neither France nor England are on the American wishlist in 2022. Now, this could be for a couple of reasons: either travelers have already checked them off their bucket list (judging by our social media feeds, this could indeed be true), or none of the respondents had a Netflix subscription. OK, it's neither. Skyscanner, the company behind the survey, determined America’s most sought-after destinations by an increase in bookings since 2019 and the country who grabbed the number one spot is Qatar. The Middle East nation saw a 522 percent jump in bookings over the last three years, fueled no doubt by the pending 2022 World Cup (and sadly not a TV series starring a pretty actress with a fabulous wardrobe). This monster event will be the first time a World Cup has been held in the entire Middle East region. Photograph: Shutterstock The majority of the list, though, is made up of Caribbean islands. Anguilla, St Barths, Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin Islands, and Antigua and Barbuda all rank high for bucket-list travel this year, not doubt satisfying a truly American need for sun, sand and all-you-can-eat buffet resorts.  Rounding off the list are destinations we've seen trending before: the Maldives, the UAE, Portugal a

Just when we thought life was back to normal again, a subvariant comes and coughs right back on our faces. Back in 2020, National Parks were a surefire way to escape the city, and since then they’ve remained a reliable space for vacationers keen to explore America’s gracious natural wonders as well as beat airline mask drama. But not anymore. Due to the recent spike in Covid cases, a slew of National Parks have reinstated mask mandates and other restrictions. Four of the top ten most-visited will now require you to mask up indoors, regardless of vaccination status. They are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Yosemite.  Photograph: Shutterstock While the rules vary by park, masks are required on all forms of public transportation within all of them. For example you’ll need to strap on at Alaska’s Denali wilderness and history tours, which last for up to six hours round trip. Denali also requires masks in their lodges, gift shops and restaurants (well, at least you don’t need to worry about getting too hot.) Other parks where some form of masking is required include Arches, Death Valley, Olympic, Sequoia and Petrified Forest. Photograph: Shutterstock The NPS website states that “In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff an

Time to go cuckoo for capturing wildlife (on camera): the National Audubon Society has revealed this year's winners of their annual bird photography contest, and the images are wings above anything ever seen before.  The grand winner of the $5,000 prize was Jack Zhi of Costa Mesa, California, responsible for an incredible shot of a pair of White-tailed Kite, one clutching a vole in its yellow talons. “I studied White-tailed Kite behavior for three years before I got this close-up. It was a challenge to get the action, distance, lighting, and angles of the individuals all right at the same time.” says Zhi, “The father, who teaches his fledglings to hunt, held a vole in his talons. The fledgling flew in and, in a blink, grabbed the rodent as the father let go.” Jack Zhi - Audubon Photography Awards, 2022 Grand Prize Winner Peter Shen of San Jose, California took home the Amateur Award for his photo of a Western Gebe feeding two chicks. “I was hiking on a narrow, rocky trail when I saw a Western Grebe with two chicks on her back. A male arrived with a fish and passed it to the mom. I quickly laid flat on the gravel, bird droppings all around, but I didn’t care.” Dedication.   Peter Shen - Audubon Photography Awards, 2022 Amateur Winner Ankur Khurana from Canada snagged a photo of a pair of Common Raven grooming each other on the snow, while Liron Gertsman, also from Canada, was crowned the professional winner for his image of a rare White-tailed Ptarmigan. “I’ve spent countl

The US Department of Transportation has issued a stern warning to airlines: stop charging families to sit together. That means that the likes of JetBlue, United, and Spirit will need to adopt policies that minimize the chances of families with young children being separated, or face new regulations. Children who are under the age of 13 should be seated next to an accompanying adult with no additional charge says the DOT, who offers solutions to the airlines such as free seat reservations at the time of booking for qualifying passengers; allowing families to board early if they use an open seating policy; or blocking rows for family use. The request does not apply to adult-only parties (sorry honeymooners!). The notice comes as US airlines ramp up their profit-making initiatives; most now charge extra for seats closer to the front of the aircraft (but otherwise, come with no added benefit) as well as for carry-on bags. Although the DOT has received a relatively low number of consumer complaints regarding family seating, there has been a noticeable increase in seat separation over the years: in many instances, complaints have arisen where children as young as 11 months old (yes, you heard right) were allocated seats away from their accompanying adult. Between now and November, airlines will have the opportunity to make a shift in their seating practices before the government agency decides if new regulations need to be put in place. Till then, customers flying with children sho

It’s never really taken much to get a Minnesotan out in nature during the summertime (10,000 gorgeous lakes and non-threatening weather are just part of the incentive), but a new hiking program means even stragglers have absolutely no excuse lace up their boots this summer.  The Minnesota tourism board is back with a program encouraging both locals and visitors alike to get out and hike the state's gorgeous parks and recreation centers. Participants need only to download the free Hike MN Passport and check in at one of 60 featured locations each month in order to be added to a multiple prize draw. And what are the fabulous prizes, we hear you ask? Well, aside from good health, great views, and oodles of fun, rewards available come in the shape of gift cards. We’re talking $100 gift cards from the Mall of America, $50 gift cards from SCHEELS, and $35 gift cards from Minnesota State Parks & Trails (best enjoyed in the summer for obvious reasons) so you can add a little retail therapy to your North Star State agenda. Of course, it’s not all about the plastic, it’s about the exploration. The passport of 60 trails offers guidance as to the best places to slip on your boots in the state. These include the historic Lake Shetek State Park, home to the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota; the rolling hills of Maplewood State Park, best for viewing the fall colors, and the Superior Hiking Trail, superior in name and superior in scenery. After zipping by magnificent waterfalls, trekk

It’s been all over the news lately; passengers stranded at airports with screaming kids, families missing weddings because of ‘severe weather’ and long lines at security full of smucks who haven’t yet discovered the wonders of TSA pre-check. It’s enough to turn anyone off the idea of faraway destinations. However, one way to avoid the drama could be to look at the stats. According to The Family Vacation Guide, who analyzed data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, your chances of delay are heavily impacted by both your choice of airline and your arriving airport; in other words, you should avoid flying Allegiant Airlines to Newark or LaGuardia. Between 2019 and 2021, they discovered that 27.31 percent of the low-cost carrier’s flights were late or canceled. Meanwhile, all three of NYC’s major airports made the top ten when it came to late arrivals (in Newark, one-fourth of all flights arrived later than their scheduled time). To be fair, NYC-servicing airports are some of the biggest and busiest in the world, so the chances of you arriving late there as opposed to say, Des Moines, may not exactly correlate. We wouldn’t waste our time driving from Washington DC to hit up Broadway just yet. Photograph: Shutterstock Since the survey’s top three most delayed or canceled airlines were all budget carriers (comprising of Allegiant, JetBlue and Frontier) avoiding mishap can come at a price—breaking out of budget. Flying on United or American drops your probability of setba