Best Small Towns Around Houston for a Retreat

Houston is one of the US’s largest cities.

In terms of population, Houston comes behind New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Is anyone else surprised to learn that there are more people in Houston than San Francisco, Miami, Boston, and other high-profile metropolises?

That spike in population is partly due to a rise in Fortune 500 companies.

Houston does some seriously big business. In fact, its GDP is the seventh-highest in the world.

For city slickers, that’s a great thing. But for more country-living Texans who like a friendly atmosphere and small-town feel, Houston’s growing size can feel overwhelming.

Are you a Houston local looking to get out of the big city for a weekend (or two)?

Lucky for you, you’ve got options all over the state.

But for now, let’s stick to the best small towns around Houston—no cross-state journeys needed.

Magnolia

Magnolia is located on the edge of Houston’s metropolitan boundaries—but you won’t notice any relationship to the big city here.

The town takes its name from the number of magnolia trees dotting its perimeter. That’s. a plus for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

You’ll notice quite a few on the winding Magnolia Scenic Byway. In terms of town activities, guests enjoy the Magnolia Historical Society Museum, which covers the area’s history and heritage.

Magnolia also hosts the Texas Renaissance Festival—which recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

Columbus

Columbus is a picturesque small town that has plenty of history and natural beauty.

If you’re a fan of live oaks, then you’ll have plenty of mature trees to hug throughout the city. (Or admire from a distance.)

Visitors also enjoy the old-school architecture and well-preserved main street. Locals have gone above and beyond to maintain the unique heritage of Columbus—and you’re guaranteed to notice that on a visit.

Locals like to chat about what makes their town special, and travelers regularly rank Columbus as one of the friendliest small towns in Texas.

Richmond

Similar to Magnolia, you don’t need to entirely leave Houston behind to enjoy Richmond.

This spot is a powerhouse of Texas history, home to Jane Long, considered the Mother of Texas, and Walter Moses Burton, the US’s first Black man to be elected sheriff.

Unsurprisingly, you can find plenty of historical landmarks and museums thanks to this past. But it’s also home to plenty of other exciting activities, from paintballing to wineries and breweries.

Anahuac

Close to the border with Louisiana is Anahuac, one of Houston’s most endearing and unique small-town escapes.

Nature is the primary appeal in Ahanuac. The area is home to a 30,000-acre wildlife refuge, which is a sought-after spot for bird watchers and gator hunters.

Given the aquatic nature of the Anahuac (it’s swampy, y’all), this isn’t the best place for relaxing hikes. But it’s a top-notch spot for digging deeper into the South’s natural wonders, especially if you take a guided tour through the refuge.

Bandera

Who wouldn’t want to visit the Cowboy Capital of the World?

As you may have guessed, all things Wild West reign in this town. Visitors stumble upon things like cattle drives and rodeos with great frequency. There’s also plenty of fanfare in the way of museums.

Even if you’re not super attracted to cowboy culture, Bandera will surprise you. Guests can explore related things like horseback riding and even hunting excursions.

Or totally unrelated activities like winery tours, brewery tours, live music, and disc golf—just to name a few.

Best Times to Book Holiday Flights According to Google

Want to talk about holiday miracles?

Google recently released ‘Our 2024 travel trends—right in time for the holidays’.

You guessed it—the article covers travel tips for this coming holiday season.

Google is leveraging its data power to uncover helpful insights related to air travel. As one of the best new emerging flight resources, its Google Flights platform has helped drive new air travel insights.

(In case you’re late to the party, I recommend using Google Flights and Booking.com to find great flight deals. It’s the most seamless airfare booking process I’ve encountered in years—and one of the most affordable.)

So, what do you actually need to take away from Google’s new travel trends article?

I’m sugar-picking the most applicable pieces of advice and insights that relate to this upcoming holiday season.

The basics of booking flights—as per Google

First, let me briefly cover the five tips that Google outlines to help you save money while booking through their Google Flights platform.

It’s pretty basic, but it covers the most important elements of flight booking.

Here they are:

If don’t know where you want to travel, use the Explore map (on Google Flights) to identify the cheapest routes around the world.
If your travel dates are also flexible, use the Google Flights date grid and price graph to identify when the cheapest flights are available.
Include multiple airports in your search. That includes airports in a single city or regional options that are close by.
Set up price tracking alerts so that you’re notified if there’s a sudden price drop.

Best times to book holiday flights according to Google

Now, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of how you can save by selecting the best times to book holiday flights according to Google.

Keep in mind that these suggestions are based on hard data collection from Google, meaning this advice is based on averages. In other words—its general and is likely to change depending on your location.

Still, these tips should help you save when booking holiday flights:

Book a domestic flight 38 days before take-off—that’s when flights are the cheapest, according to the data.
Book an international flight 101 days before departure. If that’s too far out, you can stick to booking 50 days out—they’ll start to rise sharply after that 50-day marker.
Book Thanksgiving flights 45 days before departure. If that’s too specific, try to book Thanksgiving flights between 26-59 days out. That’s in early October.
Book Christmas flights 58 days before departure. If that’s too specific, try to book Christmas flights between 36-72 days out. That’s in late October.

Best Berkshires Cottages: Rentals You’ll Come Back To

If you wanted to argue that the Berkshires are New England’s best-kept gem, I’d agree.

To be fair, it might not be considered a hidden gem given its large size and well-respected reputation. The Berkshires, in case you’ve missed out, are a hilly and forested region located in Western Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut.

The Berkshires are actually a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s known for its \mature forests. In fact, it’s one of The Nature Conservancy’s 12 Last Great Places.

Aside from its lovely natural setting, the Berkshires are known for their historical and cultural small towns, unique community events and festivals, summer theatre performances, modern art museums, and luxury dining and shopping options.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every trip I’ve taken to the Berkshires. (Except for the ticks—though that’s a New England-wide issue.)

Not only were these trips full of small-town whimsy and relaxing forest strolls, but there was also a proud and dedicated sense of ownership over each locale.

The homes, in particular, caught my attention.

From modern ranches to stately mansions to snug cottages, the Berkshires have it all. But if you want to get the most out of your Berkshires trip, I suggest staying in a cozier abode.

Here are the best Berkshire cottages that you’ll want to come back to.

Best Berkshires cottages

Best family pick: Entire Cottage in Canaan

This cottage has everything you need for a great glimpse into life in the Berkshires—including a lakefront location on Queechy Lake.

In warmer months, you can take advantage of the dock and swimming area. In colder months, you can curl up on the deck to enjoy the forest with a fire crackling at your feet.

Though it’s ideal for families (the rental sleeps six in three rooms), it’s also great for those who like to fish or otherwise get out on the water.

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Best classic feel: Netherwood – North Adams Guest House

North Adams is one of the best places to be in the Berkshires if you want to enjoy community events in one of its most picturesque small towns.

The Netherwood cottage isn’t too bad, either. Its interior has a classic, low-key cottage design, while its exterior has iconic red panels. If you love that Americana feel, here’s your perfect cottage pick.

The home’s deck is perfectly situated to let you soak up views of the rolling hills straight from the backyard. There’s also a fire pit with plenty of seating.

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Best location: Private Paradise

This tiny stay has only three rooms—a basic living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

Despite the limited space, it’s highly rated by guests. Part of that high rating is thanks to its location near Berkshires hot spots like Jacob’s Pillow and Tanglewood.

I think guests also appreciate the plot’s natural wonders. This cottage feels incredibly private thanks to its forest coverage. There’s also a stream that runs straight through the backyard—perfect for your Walden Pond-esque reflections.

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Coziest cottage: The Sail Loft

This home dates back to 1850—which surprised me given its modern, cozy design.

What I love is that this spot doesn’t feel dated or overly formal. It feels very lived-in, which I enjoy in a more rural stay like this.

Guests are also located in the heart of the Berkshires, giving them access to plenty of activities. Along with town events, guests can explore Jiminy Peak, Mount Greylock, and Mass MoCA in just a short drive.

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Most remote cottage: Off Grid Yurt

It’s not a cottage—it’s a yurt. Surprise, surprise!

While I wasn’t too taken with the visual appeal of the yurt’s exterior, this rustic stay has all the finer trappings you’d expect from a Berkshires rental. The interior is spacious, includes a kitchen, and even has a wood stove.

Best of all, it’s located in a remote forest. That means that there’s thick coverage all around the yurt, offering a truly private stay in Mother Nature.

The only catch is that the bathroom is a compost toilet—but I’d happily accept this bathroom setup in exchange for such a remote feel and unique construction.

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Most historical cottage: Stone School Cottage

This historical cottage was first built back in 1832 as a schoolhouse—and it functioned as one all the way up until 1950.

Its owners have since transformed the space into a bright and open cottage. But this rental still retains original features like its cobbled stone walls, chalkboards, and hardwood floors.

The setup is a little unique, as there’s a second floor that functions like a studio apartment. But if you’re a fan of historical stays, then that’s not likely to be a problem.

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Best modern cottage: The Yellow Lakefront

Don’t want to stay in a schoolhouse from the 1800s? That’s understandable.

Can I interest you in a modern lakefront cottage instead? This rental includes a private deck and kayaks right on its lake. Inside, you can find all the modern amenities you’d expect from a four-star hotel.

There’s also plenty of outdoor space that makes this rental great for Berkshires first-timers. Even the sunroom is perfect for enjoying lakeside vistas no matter the time of year.

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Why Are People Rawdogging Flights? Inside 2024’s Weirdest Flight Trend

What began as an oddball trend on TikTok has taken off worldwide. Welcome to the era of rawdogging flights.

Over the last months, tales of minimalist flyers have popped up on just about every travel publication. But what does it mean to rawdog a flight?

Let’s get this out of the way first—yes, the term originated as dirty talk.

Despite its naughty origins, this term is used to describe a rejection of in-flight amenities. (If you’re curious, this is the TikTok video that started it all.)

Those rawdogging flights aren’t watching movies or TV shows, listening to music, reading books, journaling—or even drinking water and eating snacks. The goal is to remove absolutely any entertainment from the trip, along with food and water in most cases.

So, what are they doing instead?

These flyers are usually staring off into space like an air-bound monk. Some might watch the in-flight map, including celebs like Norway’s Erling Haaland—but even that’s not pure enough for some.

The big question… why?

Why are people rawdogging flights?

As someone who regularly writes about how to make red-eyes more comfortable, how to avoid tummy aches at 35,000 feet, and how to get free flight upgrades, the idea of purposefully making a flight uncomfortable is baffling.

What could compel someone to remove the only filaments of comfort offered to them?

If I had to summarize, I’d say it’s an experiment in asceticism and mindfulness. What began as yet another innocuous social media trend took off because flyers were interested in pushing themselves.

So, the easiest rationale is to demonstrate mental toughness.

Some also say that rawdogging flights is about reclaiming mental space in an era of constant stimulation. Others posit that it’s about making an anti-consumerist statement about immediate gratification. The spare few say that it’s a nostalgic callback to the early days of air travel.

Then, of course, there’s the allure of rawdogging flights for social media clout.

Here’s the more important question, in my opinion: Is it good for you?

Is it really unhealthy?

Dehydration is a serious issue for flyers. It’s why doctors recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeine during flights—and even before boarding.

Plane-born dehydration can exacerbate issues like jet lag and energy levels.

Flyers who avoid food and water make it difficult for their bodies to adjust to a new time zone and other conditions, whether a drier climate or higher altitude. They also put themselves at a higher risk of headaches, fatigue, and even dizziness.

Some people who are rawdogging flights even avoid movement at all costs.

Doctors recommend that flyers stand up and move around to improve circulation. Those with poor blood flow might experience discomfort and swelling during the flight.

While avoiding in-flight entertainment isn’t a health risk, avoiding food, water, and movement can create discomfort and even longer-lasting symptoms that follow you for the rest of your trip.

Is it beneficial?

Clearly, there are certain ways in which rawdogging flights is detrimental to health.

But let’s not lose focus of what’s driving this trend: An interest in ‘logging off’.

From a physical perspective, rawdogging isn’t good for you. But in a more mental realm, it’s not hard to see why this idea is appealing.

First, it offers flyers the chance to be mindful of their bodies and thoughts. It’s basically turning a flight into an extended meditation.

And meditation, unsurprisingly, benefits the mind in a variety of ways—and even the body.

Beyond the scope of meditation, rawdogging flights also allows travelers to get offline—similar to a ‘digital detox’. By avoiding screens of all shapes and sizes, they’re curating a more peaceful in-flight experience. Theoretically, at least.

Here’s my final conclusion on rawdogging flights: There are better places to practice mindfulness—ones that don’t include the risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis.

Hostels for Adults: 5 Reasons Not to Write Off Hostel Stays

Hostels are overwhelmingly geared toward young travelers.

That’s usually due to their amenities. Most hostels are designed to be cheap and offer the bare minimum in terms of features. In exchange, guests save big on their trips—and usually make a few friends along the way.

That’s the key ingredient here aside from slashed prices: Communal space that’s designed for mingling.

I’ve stayed in hostels around the world. They’ve varied greatly in terms of appeal, amenities, and livability.

In London, my hostel stay saw me crammed into a room with twenty bunk beds. Situated inside an old courthouse near King’s Cross, it was a highly unique trip. (Interesting fact: Multiple guests in my shared room were London locals who had moved into the hostel temporarily to save on rent.)

I’ve also stayed at bare-bones spots in tropical destinations like Costa Rica. In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, I rented a hammock for the night. This spot was designed for broke backpackers and college students like me. (Interesting fact: I was bitten by a horse at this hostel.)

I’ve stayed at YMCAs in Umea, Sweden; in hostels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; in home stays in Goa, India; in boutique hostels in Berlin, Germany.

There’s one thread that ties all of my hostel experiences together—

Rubbing elbows with like-minded travelers. (And one horse.)

And despite the fact that most hostels are geared toward younger travelers, that’s not the case across the baord.

If you feel that you’ve phased out of your hostel era due to your interest in creature comforts and your age, then think again. I’ve stayed in hostels well into my thirties without any hiccups. I’m here to sell you on the notion of hostels for adults.

Why you shouldn’t write off hostels for adults

They come in all shapes and sizes

Not many travelers over the age of 30 are wooed by the idea of a hostel.

Most people believe hostels to be the domain of party-hungry twenty-somethings where guests need to wear flip-flops in the showers and put in earplugs to get through the night.

That’s absolutely the truth for many youth hostels… but it’s not necessarily true across the board.

Like hotels, hostels can be pricier and more upscale than their bunkbed-centric counterparts. A great example is KEX Hotel in Portland, which offers hostel-style bunkbed rooms that rent out beds individually.

It’s beautiful, upscale, and re-bookable as hell.

They’re cost-effective

Once a budget-conscious traveler, always a budget-conscious traveler.

Even when we start earning more, it can be hard to kick those travel spending habits. Savings is yet another reason that hostels are a solid go-to again and again.

Even more luxurious hostels (including KEX Hotel) are cheaper than hotels and private rentals of similar standing. Most also include basic amenities like breakfast, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and helpful staff.

In fact, hostel staff are some of the most helpful guides you can have when arriving in a new place. They’re used to handing out recommendations—so their lists are usually very refined.

They’re immersive

Along with breakfast and Wi-Fi, there’s yet another amenity that hostels excel with. That’s the location.

Let’s head back to the original purpose of the hostel: To offer cheap lodging to young travelers who want to experience a place. Because they don’t want to spend on transportation, hostels tend to be located centrally.

That means that you can usually find a hostel in a city center or near major landmarks—or several hostels, depending on the city.

On a less fun but equally helpful note, many hostels are also located near facilities like laundromats, grocery stores, and other budget-traveler essentials.

They’re great for short-term or long-term travel

Hostels are incredibly flexible with their booking terms.

Want to stay a whole month? That’s not a problem.

Want to switch to a communal or private room midway? They’re happy to help—usually that day.

What about stays that you need to shave a few days off of? Also not a problem for the average hostel.

Obviously, I’d recommend asking staff about the policies on changing rooms before banking on anything. But hostels are very dynamic and flexible in their approach, making last-minute changes less stressful.

They put you close to likeminded travelers

I’ve saved the best benefit for last. Usually, hostel rooms are pretty minimal. Even nicer, private rooms might be small and designed for sleep or rest.

The focus is, invariably, on communal space. In lieu of offering over-the-top amenities, hostels offer great lounges, game rooms, working areas, and more for their guests.

If you’re a solo traveler who feels exhausted by the daunting task of making friends or mingling, then hostels are a great solution. It bakes a bit of social interaction into your day.

Additionally, many hostels for adults curate event calendars for guests. That might include socials in the hostel or popular events nearby.

Best Weekender Luggage for Mini-Trips

Weekend vacationers are the most freewheeling of all travelers.

These fearless tourists aren’t afraid to skip town for a few spare days. They’ll leave work at five o’clock sharp on Friday and return home sometime on Sunday night.

And they’ll do it all over again at the end of the work week.

Whether looking to escape a bustling city, take advantage of All You Can Fly passes, or find those hidden gems beyond state lines, there’s one thing every weekender needs: the right luggage.

And what do we call luggage designed for short stays? Weekenders.

Weekender luggage is designed for short-term travel, meaning these pieces are always carry-on-ready and lightweight. Some might even fit under the seatback in front of you.

Looking for the perfect weekender bag for your three-day escapes? Here are the best weekender luggage options on the market.

Best weekender luggage

Best rugged option: Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel

If you’re heading into the great outdoors, this compact weekender is for you.

That added 40L of space is great for any last-minute packing additions, while the TPU-film laminate protects you from water, dirt, and other natural wonders.

Not only is the bag ergonomic and designed for rugged adventures, but it also has an eco-friendly angle. Patagonia is highly dedicated to sustainability—meaning the Black Hole Duffel is made of 100% recycled materials.

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Best backpack option: Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Some outdoorsy types might not be thrilled by the prospect of lugging around a duffel like the Patagonia Black Hole.

If that’s the case, go for the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack. Not only does it offer a similarly solid carrying capacity at 21L, but it’s also geared for rugged use.

What makes this backpack option stand out is its interior pockets. It offers modular and convenient storage, which makes packing for weekenders a lot easier. Plus, its straps are designed for comfortable carrying.

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Best duffel option: CALPAK Luka Duffel

It’s cute, it’s well-made, and it’s way bigger than it looks. The Luka Duffel from Calpake lets you get away with some overpacking without sacrificing on sleekness.

Reviewers rave that this weekender is perfect for their three-day trips—and with an almost-perfect five-star rating based on over 4,000 reviews, I’m apt to agree.

I also like that the Luka Duffel has a strap that makes it easy to secure to a rolling suitcase. The company also offers belt bags and key pouches for those who like matching travel gear.

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Best oversized option: Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag

Longchamp bags are making a comeback.

If you enjoy this brand’s design, then you’re going to love its oversized Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag. The bag’s unique design allows travelers to fold up its lower compartment when not in use for an even more portable and sleek weekender.

But keep in mind that Longchamp is a bit pricier than other travel brands—and also, it’s not officially a luggage brand. That makes me think these pieces are ideal for those who are very careful with their luggage.

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Best mini option: Lo & Sons The O.G. 2

I love a mini-weekender. After all, weekend trips are the perfect time to experiment with minimalist packing.

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2 makes that even easier thanks to its interior and exterior pocket features. There’s a laptop sleeve and even a side shoe pocket.

Like Longchamp, this is a pricy option. But Lo & Sons has more experience in travel gear, along with a better reputation for functional luggage. (I’m not saying Longchamp does a poor job—I’m just saying it’s not usually associated with travel.)

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Best design: Monos Metro Duffel

It’s sexy, sleek, and has a modular exterior pocket—need I say more? That modular kit system makes it a great choice for any potential overpackers—or those who walk away from their weekend trips with a few souvenirs.

What I really enjoy about this bag is that it’s designed for a large interior well—along with inner pockets and a separate laptop sleeve. That makes it easier to pack large items and clothing, then use the modular pieces for smaller items.

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Best budget option: Baggu Cloud Carry-On

Remember when reusable bags became all the rage and there was that one brand that made ultra-compact, funky-designed nylon bags?

That’s Baggu—and they’ve been refining their ultra-portable design since the reusable bag boom of the early 2010s.

They even offer a ‘cloud’ carry-on, which should make it obvious of the focus here: Lightweight portability. Baggu’s carry-on option folds up into a little slip when not in use.

Though it’s not the most rigid or rough-and-ready option, it’s a fantastic choice for light packers. And those on a budget. I’m a pretty religious Baggu fan, so don’t mind my raving.

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