Scott has bungee jumped in Queenstown, raced a four-wheel drive across the Arabian Desert, watched the aurora borealis dance over the Arctic Circle, eaten curanto in Rapa Nui, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef, driven Route 66 and watched the Space Shuttle launch. In his spare time, he sleeps. Follow Scott on Twitter at @LorumIpsum.

Scott Snowden

Scott Snowden

Associate Editor

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Articles (48)

The best places to visit in the USA for every month of 2024

The best places to visit in the USA for every month of 2024

Whether you live in the US or on the other side of the world, you’ve got to admit that the US is an amazing place to travel. But the US is a huge, huge country, and an experience on one end is going to be incredibly different to another. Here, you’ve got glamorous resorts, hikes through national parks, wide open beaches and tightly packed cities (and much, much more).  Plus, you’ve got the weather. A holiday in Alaska is going to be very different to Las Vegas, that’s for sure, so you might want to plan accordingly. In fact, our biggest tip is to choose where you’re going in the US based on a particular time of year - so we’ve made life easy for you. We’ve rounded up the best places to go in the US in 2024, for every month of the year. Now that is how you do a trip. Happy holidays! RECOMMENDED:🏞️ The best national parks in the US🎢 The best amusement parks in the US🏨 The best all-inclusive resorts in the US🏖️ The best beaches in the US😎 The best family vacations in the US

The 14 most romantic hotels in the U.S.

The 14 most romantic hotels in the U.S.

Stunning views, breakfast in bed, couples massages, and chocolate-dipped strawberries at turn-down. Sounds dreamy, right? Sure it does. Well, what about soaking tubs big enough for two? Or a private in-room pool? You got it. Whether you’re looking for a big city love shack or a quaint coastal bungalow, these romantic hotels have perks that will have you hanging up that Do Not Disturb sign. Be sure to venture out at some point, though, because these hotels are in some of the best places to visit in the country. Whether you’re taking your relationship to the next level, or planning a romantic getaway with a special someone, make sure you’ve done your research. Finding the right hotel is key to setting the stage for seduction. No need to wait for Valentine’s Day, the most romantic hotels in the US have everything you need to get in the mood for love any time of year. And one last little nugget before we get down to business: these romantic spots are sure to stoke the fires of passion, so it's worth considering the best couples vacations in the US as your next stop on that love train. Updated August 2024: Don't say we don't go above and beyond for you lovebirds because we've done a little more digging and found this luxurious lakehouse stay in upstate New York. You're welcome. RECOMMENDED: 🌅The most romantic getaways in the US🌹The best cheap flower delivery in the US💕The most romantic hotels in NYC🏖️The best hotels on the beach near NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not s

The 23 top tourist attractions in the USA

The 23 top tourist attractions in the USA

The Statue of Liberty. The Golden Gate Bridge. The Washington Monument. All iconic attractions that are famous worldwide. And the list doesn't end there. Across the country, there are popular U.S. landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year.  The top tourist attractions in the USA span coast to coast, including iconic buildings like the national monuments in Washington, D.C., unique landmarks like the Space Needle in Seattle, and natural wonders like Niagra Falls and Old Faithful in Yellowstone.  While visiting tourist spots can often mean navigating long lines and crowds, we've rounded up the best attractions that are well worth the effort. And if you’re looking for a bit more travel inspiration, check out the best places to visit in the USA right now. RECOMMENDED: The coolest observation decks in America

The best Fourth of July events in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area

The best Fourth of July events in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area

The 4th of July in San Francisco is back in full force. In the City by the Bay, you’ll find the usual events—from parades to fireworks (though the fog usually makes those a bit of a bust)—but you can also enjoy some nontraditional options (bar crawl anyone?) And, of course, hitting up a new restaurant or bar is always an option. To help you plan your holiday festivities, we’ve rounded up the best 4th of July events in San Francisco. Head out with the tourist crowds in Fisherman’s Wharf, find a spot at one of the best places to watch fireworks in the Bay Area or simply enjoy some killer ice cream to celebrate—there’s something for everyone. 

The best Subway sandwiches, ranked from worst to best

The best Subway sandwiches, ranked from worst to best

Subway sandwiches are a comforting meal when you need it, a familiar lunch when you find yourself in a new place and an easy dinner everyone in the family can get behind—especially if you bring home one of the restaurant’s signature fresh-baked cookies. A Subway sandwich always hits but not all sandwiches at Subway hit the same. Finding the best one or even trying something new when you’ve already zeroed in on a favorite sandwich requires some guidance. We’ve done the tasty—and, sometimes, not so tasty—work of trying, rating and ranking the best Subway sandwiches in America. From the classics, like meatball marinara and roast beef, to special sammies you can only find for a limited time or at certain restaurants (because of franchise). Here’s our ranked list of the nation’s Subway sandwiches. RECOMMENDED:🍟 The full McDonald’s breakfast menu, ranked🍔 All the Popeyes sides, ranked🌮 The best Taco Bell items, ranked

The best yoga retreats in the U.S. for a mindful vacation

The best yoga retreats in the U.S. for a mindful vacation

It’s normal to find yourself exhausted at the end of a vacation, wanting another vacation right away. Traveling can be stressful, to say the least—and sometimes, a regular getaway isn’t enough to help you unwind. For that, you’ll want to book a yoga retreat in the U.S. Not a yogi? That's ok! Yoga retreats relax the body and mind even if you’re not the bend-y type. These thoughtful escapes take place in some of the country’s most picturesque locations, from the lush landscapes of Hawaii and the majestic Colorado mountains to the tranquil Florida beaches. Your backdrop for daily meditation and exercise will be truly breathtaking. If that doesn’t put your brain at ease, then the fact that most of these yoga retreats are all-inclusive will. You won’t have to make decisions! Your meals and activities will be carefully planned to help you disconnect. Plus, retreats range in intensity and length, too—some recommend extended stays, while others accommodate weekend travelers simply looking to add some yoga to their itineraries. Whether you're in it for the mindfulness experience, to connect with nature or get a solid workout with help from professionals, the best yoga retreats in the USA offer a rejuvenating sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul.

The 21 best things to do in Denver

The 21 best things to do in Denver

There’s a reason Denver is known as one of the most liveable cities in the US. Come here for a buzzing city vibe, but with the small added bonus of 300 sunny days every year. And that’s just the start of it.  Here you’ll find trendy breweries, excellent galleries and more restaurants and food halls than you can squeeze into one trip. All that while being surrounded by a jaw-dropping 360° mountain view. From unforgettable hikes to all-night parties, here are the best things to do in Denver, any time of year.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Denver🏨 The best hotels in Denver🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Denver Scott Snowden is a freelance writer, previously 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. 

Cities in the U.S. that make you think you're in Europe

Cities in the U.S. that make you think you're in Europe

Ah, Europe. With its incredible history, unmatched charm, delicious food and variety of enchanting cultures, it's no wonder a European vacation is so desirable. But an international trip isn't in the cards for everyone, be it because your wallet isn’t quite equipped, you don't have a passport, or you're not particularly excited about that long of an airplane ride. Luckily, if you want to enjoy the spirit of Europe but stay stateside, plenty of U.S. cities will make you feel like you've crossed the Atlantic. From the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, California to the German-style city of Helen, Georgia to a slew of New England hamlets that feel like...well.. Old England, you'll be (almost) as charmed at these destinations as the real thing.  RECOMMENDED: The 10 most underrated beach towns in America

19 weird landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit

19 weird landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit

The Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Grand Canyon. Sure, these U.S. landmarks are cool and all, but have you ever seen hundreds of mustard brands at the National Mustard Museum? Or witnessed the world's largest collection of ventriloquist dummies? How about visiting a building hosting an incredible number of large objects? Well, in America, you can have it all. If you're the kind of traveler who's always down for a funky road trip stop, this list of weird landmarks in the U.S. is for you. What's so bizarre about them? Think shrunken heads and wax movie monsters at the Museum of the Weird in Austin to a collection of 140 human skulls at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, each of these destinations is bucket-list worthy in the most untraditional of sense. 

The 16 best gourmet chocolate gift box deliveries in the USA

The 16 best gourmet chocolate gift box deliveries in the USA

Looking to send a small gift in the mail? You can’t go wrong with a box of delicious and unique chocolates. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or a birthday, chocolates are like the edible version of sending flowers to show your special someone that you care. Now, when it comes to American chocolatiers, they’re taking chocolate-making to a whole new level. These top-notch brands not only craft elegant designs but also serve up some seriously amazing (and sometimes surprising) flavors using top-notch ingredients. Picture yourself biting into a smooth, shiny bonbon with rich, dark chocolate and hints of coffee, or a colorful square with a touch of BBQ or a dash of bourbon. It’s enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Want to sample these delicious creations? We’ve rounded up the best gourmet chocolate gift box deliveries in the US to help you find the most delicious treats. Whether you’re ordering for yourself (we totally get it) or looking for a gift, these chocolatiers are the cream of the crop in the good old United States. But a friendly warning: these little drops of happiness might just become your new addiction…  RECOMMENDED: 💐 The best cheap flower delivery services in the USA🎄 The best Christmas candy in the U.S. for sweet holiday treats🏩 The 12 most romantic hotels in the U.S. How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are curated by our expert writers to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in the US

The best water parks in the USA to beat the heat

The best water parks in the USA to beat the heat

What's better than the beach or pool on a hot, sunny day? For many people, the answer is a day spent at a water park, and we don't blame them. Packed with attractions like twisting tunnel slides, straight-downward thrills, relaxing lazy rivers, and wave pools, the best water parks in the USA are ideal for family fun when the weather's warm.  Let's be clear: kids love water parks, but they are not just for kids. You're never too old to line up for a ride and shriek on the way down before splashing into the water below. In the U.S., you'll find water parks in every state—sometimes they're fun to tack on to a trip, and sometimes they're worth a trip themselves. In our list of best water parks in the USA, you'll find everything from a fake volcano to a build-your-own Lego raft adventure to heart-racingly steep slides. No matter which you choose, your day will not be dull.  RECOMMENDED:🏖️ The best beaches in the U.S.😎 The best family vacations in the U.S.🎢 The best amusement parks in the U.S.🏨 The best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.🏞️ The best national parks in the U.S.🛝 The best Airbnbs in the U.S. with the craziest amenities

The best glamping in the USA for a luxury experience

The best glamping in the USA for a luxury experience

What if we told you that you could enjoy all the lovely aspects of camping (stargazing, s’mores and time in the great outdoors) without all the, well, less lovely parts (sleeping on the ground, setting up a tent, nowhere to charge your phone)?  If that sounds ideal to you, let us introduce to glamping. Glamping, by definition, is camping with a touch of glamour. It may not bring the comforts of a five-star hotel or your own home, but it's a definite upgrade in luxury from the traditional pop-a-tent-and-call-it-a-gocamping. If you love to be outside but also like sleeping on a real bed and having a toilet to yourself, glamping may be your perfect middle ground.  And thanks to its rise in popularity in recent years, glamping has taken off across the country. The best glamping in the USA ranges from California's redwoods to Maine's beachfront forests. From glass domes to covered wagons to Airstreams, there are a wide range of accommodations to choose from, plus many more amenities including on-site restaurants, yoga lessons and even spa treatments. Sound pretty nice? Read on. RECOMMENDED: 🥾 The best places to hike in the U.S.🏡 The most jaw-dropping secluded Airbnbs in the USA

News (22)

McDonald's is giving away coveted 'McGold Cards' that grant you free food forever

McDonald's is giving away coveted 'McGold Cards' that grant you free food forever

Oh sure, we've all heard rumors, but now it seems us mere mortals have once again been blessed with the opportunity of owning a coveted McGold Card. Generally regarded as the Holy Grail in the world of fast food, the McGold Card entitles the extremely fortunate owner to free McDonald's food for "life." You might not be the world's biggest fan of McDonald's food, but you have to admit, every now and again—maybe to offer some relief from a hangover or maybe because you're in an airport motel and breakfast stopped at 6:05am—a McDonald's has provided the perfect solution at that precise moment.  In the past, this unique privilege has only been available to elite members of society. Microsoft-founder Bill Gates and actor Rob Lowe both have one. And let's face facts, the only thing more satisfying than having a titanium credit card in your wallet would be either one made from kryptonite...or the McGold Card.  Only once before has the chain offered the public such a treasure; in 2018, McDonald's gave one away as part of a sweepstakes. Now, just in time for the holiday season, the burger behemoth says there will be three McGold Card winners—who each get to choose three friends to gift a McGold Card to as well. By the end of December, there will be 12 new McGold card holders! Described as "a first-of-its kind holiday celebration happening exclusively on the McDonald's App," the McDonald’s "SZN of Sharing" will offer subscribers daily deals on food and merchandize from December 5 all t

Tuesday's 'blood Moon' lunar eclipse will be the last one for three years

Tuesday's 'blood Moon' lunar eclipse will be the last one for three years

You don't have to be an astrophysicist to appreciate the incredible beauty of the night sky... and tomorrow there will be a cosmological event that everyone can enjoy, just by looking up. Amateur astronomers and casual skywatchers on four continents will have the opportunity to watch the last total lunar eclipse for three years as the next one isn't until March 14, 2025, according to NASA. The Moon, our planet's only natural satellite, will turn a blood-colored red as it slips into Earth's shadow, creating a celestial spectacle visible to viewers in North and Central America, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands and parts of South America. So, what is a 'Blood Moon' eclipse exactly? A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon align so that the moon passes into Earth’s shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue because of the little remaining sunlight being refracted through the atmosphere before it hits the lunar surface. NASA Mars Exploration Program/JPL If no light was able to reach the Moon, as often happens, it simply isn't visible from Earth (that's called a New Moon). This doesn't happen every time the Moon makes its monthly trip around our planet because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is inclined to Earth’s orbit around the Sun by approximately 5 degrees. Space is three-dimensional after all. Twice a month the Moon intersects

Buffalo Bill's House from Silence of the Lambs is now on Airbnb

Buffalo Bill's House from Silence of the Lambs is now on Airbnb

You might not have seen The Silence of the Lambs for a while, but you certainly remember Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. However, you may not remember that the whole reason Starling is interacting with Lecter is to track down Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb (played masterfully by Ted Levine) and hopefully rescue his latest victim, young Catherine Martin (Brooke Smith) before she herself harms his white, poodle-like puppy named Precious.  Located in a quiet neighborhood in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, this unassuming property took sensational supporting role in the 1991 smash-hit adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel, firmly cementing Hannibal Lecter's role in contemporary pop-culture. (Although Brian Cox was superior in the role in Manhunter.) And now you can stay there, by renting it on Airbnb. The owner, Christopher, explains in the listing how you can recreate scenes and take selfies throughout the house. Start with the classic pose of Gumb peering out of the front door, then step inside the foyer where he lures Agent Starling into the house. Incidentally, the curio where Gumb searches for business cards is still there! Plus there are fictional newspaper cuttings detailing Gumb's gruesome activities and all sorts of other related movie memorabilia. Moreover, an interactive set in the basement has been faithfully recreated, complete with a vintage singer sewing machine, the American flag, full length mirr

California is officially the best place to spot a UFO in the USA

California is officially the best place to spot a UFO in the USA

According to data from the National UFO Reporting Center, the state of California has been named the best place to visit for a chance at spotting a UFO. Since 1998, there have been 15,457 UFO reports, from saucer-shaped objects in the sky to strange lights flying erratically at night.   The data was collected and analyzed by online travel publication Travel Lens and in second place was Florida, quite some way behind the Golden State with 7,790 reported UFO sightings over the last 24 years. Perhaps extraterrestrials enjoy bathing in the glow of our modest yellow dwarf star. A spokesperson for Travel Lens said in a press release, "It may come as a surprise to some that California takes the top spot by some distance when it comes to the number of UFO reports. There have been almost 5,000 reports worldwide this year and counting, which shows that there is still a very clear belief in UFOs.' Number of UFO reports 1. California, 154572. Florida. 77903. Washington, 68854. Texas, 58055. New York, 56186. Pennsylvania, 47697. Arizona, 47358. Ohio, 42449. Illinois, 411110. Michigan, 3485 The idea of UFOs and alien abductions has always given rise to intrigue, mystery and inevitably conspiracy theories. Our imagination has created all manner of ideas about what visitors from another planet may want from us, ranging from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Independence Day all the way to the scariest alien abduction in cinematic history as seen in Fire in the Sky. The state of New Mexic

This Southern city is officially the best place to live in the US

This Southern city is officially the best place to live in the US

The city of Atlanta has been awarded the best place to live in the US by personal finance magazine Money, based on "things that matter most to people: economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity and where the best futures lie." It's true, Atlanta is more than just a Delta hub, it's a vibrant metropolis. According to Money, the city secured the coveted number one position in its annual ranking of the top places to live in the USA because "of its booming jobs market and eye on equality." The financial title explains its rationale behind each city placement quite thoroughly. It says that Atlanta has consistently seen some of the largest year-over-year rates of job growth among US metros in recent years and its unemployment rate is one of the lowest in its ranking. Moreover, the Atlanta region (which includes the city and its 11 surrounding counties) is expected to grow by 2.5 million people by 2040. The top 10 were as follows: No. 10 Jersey City, New JerseyNo. 9 Tampa, FloridaNo. 8 Ann Arbor, MichiganNo. 7 Somerville, MassachusettsNo. 6 Columbia, MarylandNo. 5 Rogers Park, IllinoisNo. 4 Raleigh, North CarolinaNo. 3 Kirkland, WashingtonNo. 2 Tempe, ArizonaNo. 1 Atlanta, Georgia While it's easy to see how somewhere like Jersey City is in the top 10, given the visible rate of expansion in suburbs like Paulus Hook and Bayonne, it's entirely possible that this list was put together before Hurricane Ian thumped Tampa, thus reminding the population of the country that storm dama

A new Disney immersive experience will bring all your favorite characters to life

A new Disney immersive experience will bring all your favorite characters to life

To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Disney Animation is collaborating with the producers behind the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh exhibition to create the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience. After a premiere in Toronto in December 2022, the experience will open across the US in number of cities, including Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, Denver, Boston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Columbus. Oscar-winning producer J. Miles Dale (The Shape of Water), who is leading the creative team, described the walk-thru experience to The Hollywood Reporter as, "A combination of an art exhibit and movie theater," adding that it will incorporate "three-quarters" of a century's worth of work of Disney Animation, from early titles like Snow White to The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Encanto while taking advantage of projection mapping to create a 360-degree experience that the audience can walk through. The team behind this endeavor is Lighthouse Immersive, who also gave the world The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, which is set to open this holiday season in 11 cities across the US. Disney Global Creative Director of Lighthouse Immersive, David Korins, said in a press release, "Just imagine journeying through Zootopia with Judy Hopps, diving to the ocean floor with Ariel, flying on a magic carpet with Aladdin, and stepping into Casita with Mirabel and the family Madrigal. This is where the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will take you."  According to Korins, neve

The Immersive Nutcracker will open in 11 cities across the U.S. this holiday season

The Immersive Nutcracker will open in 11 cities across the U.S. this holiday season

The innovators behind the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, seen by over 5 million people across North America, are set to bring The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle to 11 cities across the US this holiday season. Lighthouse Immersive, the company behind it, describe the show as, 'an ideal family outing, featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers.' The 30-minute experience is aimed at introducing young children to the art of ballet and the captivating storytelling that often accompanies it. Hopefully classical music too.  The Nutcracker, based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, has become a holiday classic, taking the form of ballets, movies and more. This is the newest rendition of this fable, using the latest projection mapping technology to chronicle Marie and her beloved toy nutcracker who comes to life to battle the Mouse King (he's the bad guy) and then takes her on an enchanting adventure across a holiday-themed dreamscape. Set to the mighty musical genius of Tchaikovsky, The Immersive Nutcracker encompasses visitors in over 500,000 cubic feet of projections composed of over 1 million frames of video, curating a grand immersive display that relays the tale of The Nutcracker from opening to finale. The projection features beloved scenes set to their classical scores like 'The March of the Toys,' 'The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and more. Photograph: Lighthouse Immersive

The house from Stranger Things will soon be on Airbnb

The house from Stranger Things will soon be on Airbnb

First things first: The Byers family home from Netflix's hit show Stranger Things is not in the paranormal-plagued town of Hawkins, but in actuality is in Fayetteville, Georgia. And an anonymous buyer has made an offer of nearly $600,000 — twice the asking price — for the modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. According to the listing from eXp Realty in Georgia, the six-acre lot went on the market in mid-September for just $300,000.  Michael Smith/eXp Realty   Michael Smith, the agent with eXp Realty handling the listing, told Time Out that the buyer is an investor from Portland and plans to start on the property immediately. Even though the sale has been confirmed, it most likely won't be completed until mid-October. The aim is to make the house an identical replica, both inside and out, of the Byers’ house from the earlier seasons of the show and then market the property as an Airbnb rental. Smith estimates that the property will need between $50,000 to $100,000 in repairs to get it into respectable shape. The house was built in the year 1900, so it's more than a century old. To further compound things, everything inside, including the appliances will need to be period-accurate, the 1980s, so that might create availability issues. It's likely that season 5 of the show won't drop until the end of 2023 at the earliest, with a more likely release date of early 2024, so until then, the big draw will be Halloween. Given the large area of accompanying land, the plan is to ad

A fine-dining restaurant for dogs, with $75 three-course meal, opens in San Francisco

A fine-dining restaurant for dogs, with $75 three-course meal, opens in San Francisco

A new fine-dining restaurant has opened in the Bay Area and it's exclusively for dogs. Yes, your hungry hound can enjoy bespoke meal plans tailored for your dogs’ age, weight, activity level, special needs and allergies.  Operated by Rahmi Massarweh and his wife Alejandra, Dogue offers only the finest and freshest ingredients for your canine companion. Rahmi explains on the website that he was formally a professional chef trained in classic French cuisine in San Francisco. The couple owned four dogs and inevitably soon found that their beloved pets were a bit picky. Before long, he was making fresh, healthy food for them... and not too long after that, they opened up what could very well be the first eatery in the US to serve a tasting menu exclusively for dogs. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District (because where else would it be?) Dogue offers carefully crafted pastries from its in-house 'pawtisserie' and French-themed courses made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. A dog's dinner this is not.  Courtesy Sasa Dang During the week, the doggy diner serves Parisian pastries and 'dogguccinos' that start at $4.95. A $75 three-course meal, which is seasonal and frequently rotates, is served for Sunday walk-ins only. Pet owners can choose from a variety of dishes to serve their four-legged friends, such as green-lipped mussels with fermented carrots and wheatgrass or organic beef chuck steak with fermented carrots and beets or even squid tentacles and ink. As the In

This is officially the best bar in North America

This is officially the best bar in North America

At the annual World’s 50 Best Bars event on Tuesday night, cocktail connoisseurs, mixologists and bartenders gathered to embrace new trends, new flavors, breakthrough creations and more as every hangover cure known to mankind was put to the toughest of tests.  The competition is held every year and organized by UK-based media and events company William Reed, that specialize in the food and drinks sector. For the past few years, the event has been held in London, but it draws entries from all over the world and this year was no exception, with nominees from as far afield as Mexico City, Dubai, New York, Singapore, Bangkok, Madrid, Rome, Hong Kong, Sydney and more. Barcelona won big: Paradiso, secured the coveted number one spot and Sips snuck in at number three, winning the bronze. The U.S. didn't do badly at all, but the best bar in North America award went across the border to Mexico.  The top 10 were as follows: No.10...Alquímico in CartagenaNo.9...Katana Kitten in New YorkNo.8...Connaught Bar in LondonNo.7...Two Schmucks in BarcelonaNo.6...Double Chicken Please in New YorkNo.5...Little Red Door in ParisNo.4...Licorería Limantour in Mexico CityNo.3...Sips in Barcelona No.2...Tayēr + Elementary in LondonNo.1...Paradiso in Barcelona In the Best in Continent category, Licorería Limantour in Mexico City won the Best Bar in North America 2022 award. New York actually had a total of six in the top 50, with Miami and Chicago both scoring one, Café La Trova and Kumiko, respectivel

A new rule will force airlines to disclose all hidden fees before you book

A new rule will force airlines to disclose all hidden fees before you book

'Would you like to recline your seat, madam? That'll be an extra $25. Thank you.' 'I'm sorry sir, to actually look out of the window costs extra. That's $49. Thank you.' If this sounds familiar, then you too have had to endure freight economy class travel as we now live in a world where airlines deem it fit to charge us for just about everything. However, the US Department of Transportation has proposed a new rule that would allow passengers to finally get refunds for services they paid for, but didn't receive — for instance, if the in-flight Wi-Fi ain't working. This welcome and somewhat overdue move comes as part of a new set of rules proposed by the Biden administration that would force airlines to disclose their 'surprise fees' in advance. Under the proposal, the first time an airline shows the price of a flight to potential customers, it would also have to clearly disclose fees for baggage, changes, cancellations and family seating for flights to, within, and from the United States.  The proposal seeks to provide customers the information they need to choose the best deal, otherwise, surprise fees can add up quickly and overcome what may look at first to be a cheap fare. 'Airline passengers deserve to know the full, true cost of their flights before they buy a ticket,' said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in a press release. 'This new proposed rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fees they charge, which will help travelers make

Amtrak wants to clean up its act and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045

Amtrak wants to clean up its act and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045

Amtrak has announced it will aim to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across across its North American network by 2045. 'Not only are trains convenient and comfortable, they are also one of the most sustainable modes of transportation,' said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner in a press release. 'With new equipment, modernized stations and net zero emissions, Amtrak can lead the drive toward sustainable transportation throughout the nation.' Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces, operating more than 300 trains daily over 21,400 miles of track. In the fiscal year 2021, it served 12.2 million passengers and had $2.08 billion in revenue and while it receives a combination of state and federal subsidies, it is managed as a for-profit organization 'Net zero emissions' refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions removed from the atmosphere. Unfortunately, achieving a balance is only the first step. Once the human race actually stops emitting greenhouse gases from fossil fuels altogether, we still need to deal with all the emissions we’ve already pumped into the atmosphere over the many, many years.  So how does Amtrak plan on achieving a perfect balance? Well, there isn't much specific technical information available yet, but according to the company, 'Amtrak plans to take the following actions, which would provide significant benefits to the customers and communities we