US Route 89, America’s Most Scenic Road Trip: The National Parks Highway Map

Here’s the low-down…

The National Parks Highway (aka Route 89) includes stops at seven major US national parks
US Route 89 was created in the 1930s before being completed in the late 1940s with the addition of US Route 87
It runs from the Canadian border in Montana to Flagstaff, AZ (or Nogales, if you want to drive to the Mexican border)

When you think of the most famous and scenic American road trips, which come to mind?

It’s hard to beat the legacy and mythology of Route 66—even if it’s seen better days. A close second is California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. Maybe even Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway, which cuts through the Rockies.

But there’s another worthy American road trip out there.

One that will take you from Flagstaff, Arizona, to some of the US’s most popular, stunning national parks—all the way up through Montana to the border of Canada.

It’s called Route 89, aka The National Parks Highway. Back in 2019, Nat Geo named it the No. 1 Driver’s Drive in the world, but the word still hasn’t gotten out to all road-trippers, nature-lovers, and horizon-hunting hikers.

Ready to learn how to string together a road trip to the US’s most stunning protected lands? Here’s how the average traveler can drive US Route 89 to see some of the country’s most jaw-dropping sights.

Route 89, aka National Parks Highway

First up—don’t get the National Park to Park Highway. The National Park to Park Highway is a historic auto trail project from the 1920s that created a loop.

Similar to Route 89, this loop brought intrepid drivers to some of the best national parks in the Rockies and just west of them. It covered 5,000 miles and took around 80 days to complete.

During the 1930s, the southern portions of US Route 89 began to take shape. Portions of US Route 87 were added in 1945, when the route officially linked Arizona to Havre, Montana. The official southern point of the route wasn’t established until 1992, when the highway was connected to Flagstaff, Arizona.

Today, US Route 89 runs along a single north-south highway that connects Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. It includes stops in major towns and cities like Flagstaff, Provo, Salt Lake City, Jackson, and Great Falls. (Technically, the National Parks Highway passes through Idaho, but only for a few miles.)

The modern route starts in Flagstaff, then heads up to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. (Historically, it started further south in Nogales, on the border with Mexico. If you want, you can still start from Nogales, which gives you access to Saguaro National Park!)

The section that cuts through Yellowstone National Park isn’t technically part of US Route 89 because the roads are unnumbered, but you can rejoin from the park’s northern entrance. The route ends at the Canadian border in Montana near the town of Babb.

National parks & monuments along Route 89

US Route 89 gives you access to seven national parks and 14 national monuments, plus a few other great stops. I’ve listed them below (plus, a few extra stops), starting from Flagstaff and moving north to Montana. They’re broken down state by state.

(Please note that you can add more adventures to this list! I’m focused on national parks and national monuments, but you can piece together other landmarks using the links below.)

Arizona stops on the National Parks Highway

Grand Canyon National Park (North and South rims)
Petrified Forest National Park
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)
Pipe Spring National Monument

Utah stops on the National Parks Highway

Wyoming stops on the National Parks Highway

Montana stops on the National Parks Highway

Women and child hiking on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana (Getty)

When is Turbulence the Worst? Turns Out, Some of It Is Seasonal

Here’s the low-down…

Compared to 1971, turbulence in 2025 is 41% stronger
The National Weather Service divides turbulence into four categories: CAT, or clear-air turbulence, is the most high-impact
Turbulence in the United States is most severe during summer and winter

Caribbean cruise lines are known to schedule their routes around the hurricane season—could airlines be doing the same when it comes to turbulence?

There’s no straightforward answer because turbulence has four main causes, according to the National Weather Service. One is mechanical turbulence, caused by large man-made structures and irregular terrain, including large mountains.

But the other three types of turbulence, called wind shear, frontal turbulence, and thermal turbulence, are all partly caused and affected by warm weather, jet stream patterns, and colliding warm and cold fronts.

Though all natural phenomena are at least a bit chaotic, these types of turbulence impact can be partly predicted and studied. In fact, it turns out that some elements of turbulence are seasonal.

So, when is turbulence the worst? And how can nervous flyers avoid booking tickets during peak ‘turbulence season’? Here’s what you need to know about flight routes across the US.

(If you’re still a little curious about what turbulence is and how pilots manage it, check out this awesome tell-all from an experienced pilot.)

When is turbulence the worst? And during what season?

As outlined above, three of the four common types of turbulence are directly affected by weather patterns and temperature. Summer and winter are often cited as the most turbulent of all seasons because of their extreme temperatures.

Winter in the US is often the most turbulent because it’s when jet streams are the strongest. You’re more likely to encounter high-altitude CAT or clear-air turbulence (covered below), which can suddenly and unexpectedly cause turbulence—even if there’s not a cloud in the sky.

In the US, summer is also a turbulent season thanks to the presence of storms throughout the country. In late summer, the Atlantic’s hurricane season also starts up, creating ample challenges for airlines and pilots.

So, the worst time for turbulence in the United States is summer and winter. The closer you are to the apex of each season (meaning the highest temps and the lowest), the more likely you are to experience turbulence. In summer, the hottest part of the day (afternoon) is usually when turbulence can be expected.

That being said, turbulence can be experienced in any season and at any time of day. As we’ll explore below, when discussing CAT, turbulence is becoming a bit tougher to predict.

Climate change is making CAT worse

According to one professor from the University of Reading (UK) who was interviewed by USA Today, there is strong evidence showing that turbulence in 2025 is around 41% more intense than turbulence from 1979.

Unfortunately, the most problematic type of turbulence is being affected by rising temperatures and increased CO2 levels. That’s clear air turbulence or CAT.

Clear air turbulence is a burgeoning issue for pilots and meteorologists because, like the name suggests, it’s invisible. There are no clouds or other visual indicators that turbulence is coming; conventional weather radars also can’t pick it up. Worse, it tends to affect planes flying at high altitudes between 20,000 and 49,000 feet.

Clear air turbulence is a type of wind shear, which is caused by jet streams that interact. Horizontal and vertical wind streams meet, creating erratic changes in wind speed and direction.

That being said, pilots are trained to deal with CAT—and planes are largely prepared to weather this type of unexpected movement. They can follow jet streams to dodge CAT, pushing through low-pressure regions rather than trying to circumnavigate them, and can even issue Pilot Reports to warn other pilots in the area.

PLAY Airlines Shuts Down After Four Years Offering Budget Routes

At a glance:

Effective Monday, September 29, all PLAY Airlines Flights are cancelled as the airline declares bankruptcy and closes operations
Along with WOW Air, PLAY is the second Icelandic airline to close up shop in the last six years
One major reason PLAY folded is the changing transatlantic air travel trends, including the option to pay for premium upgrades

After launching in 2021, PLAY Airlines abruptly ended operations on Monday, September 29, after only four years of operation. The announcement was made via the PLAY Airlines website, meaning passengers with upcoming flights need to make other plans.

PLAY Airlines is known for offering budget trips between North America and Europe, with some stopovers in Reykjavik. I’ve covered them before during their many seasonal sales periods, as they’ve offered consistently affordable rates for passage between the East Coast and Western Europe.

Over the last months, PLAY Airlines has faced difficulties managing its ten-aircraft fleet of Airbus as it sought to downsize routes. Notably, the airline reduced its routes from 51 to 35 and stopped offering flights to places like London. In June, they also announced it would end transatlantic flights.

In its four-year run, PLAY Airlines failed to become profitable. But what made the budget airline, which offered affordable multi-stop service to and from Europe, go under so quickly?

A closer look at PLAY’s game plan

PLAY’s quick demise follows a pattern already set by WOW Airlines, another budget Icelandic airline. Both opted to create informal branding that would encourage penny-pinching travelers to traverse the Atlantic, often with stopovers in Reykjavik.

That’s a pretty sterling promise, especially now that travelers are facing price-gauging in dozens of other hospitality-facing sectors. So, what happened?

There are a few reasons PLAY Airlines couldn’t flip a profit.

First, its fleet size was too small for the company to offer daily service. Second, its no-frills approach meant that it wasn’t making extra money on upgrades or premium offers—not even business class. Third, its recent pivot to offer service from Reykjavik to European destinations (instead of American ones) didn’t quite pan out.

What should you do if you have a flight booked with PLAY?

If you purchased a ticket with PLAY Airlines, you need to first find another flight to get you from Point A to Point B. According to PLAY, some airlines might offer ‘rescue fares’ to help stranded passengers get to their destinations. However, it’s unclear which airlines would offer reduced fares.

If you purchased tickets with your own credit or debit card, dispute the charges immediately with your bank. If you purchased flights through a travel agent, they’re responsible for getting you a refund. Unfortunately, the EU’s normally stellar reimbursement policy for air travel doesn’t apply in the case of bankruptcy.

How Did Miami Land the #1 Spot for American Foodie Destinations?

Last week, I covered the US’s top foodie destinations for vegetarians and vegans.

The results, generated by a comprehensive WalletHub study, revealed that some of the US’s top coastal hubs came out ahead in terms of ‘green’ eating. But a few other outliers managed to land in the top 20 spots.

Unsurprisingly, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were in the top five. More surprisingly, cities like Phoenix, Orlando, and Madison also landed in the top 10. Want another shocking reveal?

Lexington-Fayette (KY), Birmingham, and Pittsburgh all placed within the top 20 spots.

But what about more general foodie destinations? Which cities come out ahead—and are there just as many surprises as the veg list?

I have another WalletHub study to reference. Once again, there are plenty of metrics used to weigh and rank the US’s 150 most populated cities, along with 32 other top contenders. That includes data like average restaurant meal cost, Michelin-star restaurants, food trucks, food freshness, farmers’ markets per capita, and more.

Here’s your chance to write down which cities you think came out ahead in terms of catering to foodie-inclined tourists.

Top 10 most foodie-friendly cities in the US

Here’s the final top 10 rankings for the best foodie cities in America based on the recent WalletHub study.

Miami, Florida
Portland, Oregon
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
Orlando, Florida
Austin, Texas
Tampa, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sacramento, California
San Diego, California

Clearly, California is a haven for foodie travelers—but Florida can’t be topped when it comes to the range and accessibility of popular eateries.

Miami, specifically, landed at the top of the list thanks to the high number of restaurants per capita, and their affordability rating 4.5/5.

Miami also excels when it comes to fine dining. Menus are diverse, there’s a solid ratio between sit-down eateries and fast food chains, and there’s a respectable 13 Michelin-starred restaurants. Finally, Miami is also great for those who like to cook at home. There are gourmet specialty food stores, plenty of butcher shops, and farmers’ markets galore.

Pack With Me for a Weekend in Portugal Using Only a Big Purse

Here’s the low-down…

You can use large purses/totes as weekender bags for short three-day trips
You only need one pair of shoes for a weekend trip—seriously
Portugal is chillier than you might think in September, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 80s

Now that the summer heat is gone, I’m back on the road.

I recently returned from a trip to the north of Sicily—and it’s already time to head back to the airport. This time, I’m flying from Barcelona to Lisbon to meet up with my mom for a weekend getaway. We’ll be driving from Lisbon to Cascais on the coast for a three-day adventure.

Unlike my week in Sicily, where temperatures were in the 80s and peaked into the 90s, the weather in Portugal around Cascais will linger in the 70s, rising into the lower 80s at some points before dropping into the 60s at night. That’s a challenging temperature range for me since I tend to get cold easily.

Let’s add to the challenge: to save money on flights, I’m taking only an over-the-shoulder bag. (I’m flying with easyJet, which charges for a rolling carry-on.) It’s a large tote-style purse that I can use as a weekender bag, even though it’s not technically made for travel.

Here’s how I packed for a short three-day weekend getaway in Portugal, from Friday to Sunday.

The methodology: packing for a weekend in Portugal

If you’re new to my packing MO, here’s a crash course: first focus on weather, then focus on activities.

As outlined above, the Cascais area is in the midst of a dry autumn with intermittent rainstorms. I need to have enough layers to stay warm at night, but not sweat when the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

In terms of activities, there’s nothing big on the schedule. We have a car rental that we’ll drive along the coast to see the sights, eat well, and otherwise enjoy the downtime.

In short, I don’t need to pack for any fine dining dates or plan for any outdoor adventures. That means, in this case, I’ll be packing one pair of tennis shoes.

Lastly, I always bring along a travel pillow (see: plushie), so I always make sure to leave a little room to stuff that bad boy in. (Plushies are very stuffable.)

Packing for a weekend in Portugal

Ready to see how the sausage is made? I’m flying easyJet with no paid overhead bag, meaning I only have one small under seat bag. Below, I list out what I actually packed for a weekend in Portugal using a large purse. (A great substitute would be an actual weekender bag or a travel backpack.)

What I packed for a weekend in Portugal:

One pair of heavier jeans
One pair of light silk pants
Silk skirt
Two tank tops
White tee
Oversized sleep tee
Long-sleeve button-up
Fuzzy caridgan
Toiletries & makeup
Socks & underwear
Tennis shoes
One tiny purse—basically a clutch
One large jacket

Below are some pictures of what that amount of clothes looks like. I’ve used my chihuahua as a reference size for the bag—but know that he’s a large chihuahua, not a toy.

And keep in mind that the photos show my full packing list, which means I’m wearing the heavier articles on the plane. (Except for my large jacket – that isn’t pictured.) You can also see the two little bags that I use for toiletries, makeup, and underoos.

Here’s what I wish I had space to pack but didn’t: one of my obnoxiously large fantasy books, another pair of shoes, and one or two more jackets.

Is It Better to Check In Online for Flights? Or Should You Check In at the Airport?

Here’s the low-down…

Passengers can check in online, at self-service kiosks at the airport, or at check-in counters at the airport
You can check in at the airport at the check-in counter 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights
It’s usually better to check in online, but you might want to check in at the counter if you notice major changes to your flight or are on a visa at your destination

Everyone has a different approach when it comes to airport habits.

Some travelers are more conservative with their time, giving themselves hours at the airport to check bags, get through security, and maybe do some duty-free shopping. Others are more fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants, happy to leave barely enough time to get through security and rush to their gates. (Remember airport theory?)

I’m usually in the former camp. I like to take my time and amble through duty-free shops. I’m also a big fan of eating at fast food chains in airports, for some reason—I’m drawn to the golden arches like a moth to light.

That being said, I don’t give myself much time for shopping or eating when I’m flying out of Barcelona’s airport. I’m familiar enough with its terminals and average wait times to know at what time I actually need to show up.

But what about knowing when to check in for a flight?

That can be a little trickier of an airport art form, especially when you factor in things like checked bags, visa topics, and customs checks. Is it better to check in online for flights, or can you check in at the airport? It depends on a few factors. Let’s dig in.

Checking in for flights: the basics

Let’s cover the basics first. Passengers in 2025 can check in online, at self-service kiosks at the airport, or at check-in counters at the airport. You might be barred from checking in online for international flights, or if you have a unique visa/residency situation.

Similarly, if you want to check bags into the hold, you need to check in at an airline counter. But the rules for checking in are slightly different here. Online check-ins usually open within 24 hours of the flight, but in-person check-ins can only happen during certain windows.

If you’re checking in at the airport, know that you can do so 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights. Check-in for domestic flights usually closes 30 minutes before departure, while international flight counters close an hour before departure.

Is it better to check in online for flights? Usually, yes

If you have the option to check in online for a flight and you’re not checking a bag, then I highly encourage you to do so. You’ll receive a PDF of your boarding pass, which you can use to scan yourself through most checkpoints. If not, an agent will use your phone to scan your boarding pass.

But what should you do if you’re flying on a domestic flight and are told you can’t check in online?

This has happened to me a few times with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. In both cases, it looked like all passengers had been advised they needed to check in at the airport—meaning lines at the counter were insanely long.

One of those was a Ryanair flight between Dublin and Barcelona. At the time, Ireland was receiving many Ukrainian refugees (including those without passports and/or visas), which I imagine created many pressing issues at the airport, which is Ryanair’s main hub.

In short, it might not be the airline’s fault that you can’t check in online.

If you’re flying on a basic, domestic flight or with a budget airline and are told that you need to check in at the airport, I highly suggest planning for a long wait and giving yourself plenty of time to check in.

When should you check in at the airport instead?

There are a few times when I would recommend checking in at the airport:

If you’re checking bags, you can easily bundle your check-in with your bag drop-off
If you’re having trouble completing check-in online or notice any issues with your flight, wait to check in at the airport
If you have a complicated international flight with multiple stops, checking in at the airport gives you a chance to ask any questions—especially when it comes to picking up your bags and re-checking them for your next flight
If you’re on a visa, you might want to check in at the counter (as a permanent resident of Spain, I usually check in at the counter when flying between the US and Spain)

Things to consider when deciding to check in online or check in at the airport

Luggage and visa/customs concerns are the two main factors that dictate whether or not I check in online or at the airport. Sometimes, budget airlines might also require you to check in at the airport even if you aren’t traveling internationally or checking bags.

Lastly, I want you to consider the airport that you’re flying out of.

Some airports beautifully manage transit for millions of passengers. Others seem to fail consistently and with great gusto. It can make a world of difference to know what to expect from the airport.

If you’re feeling a little anxious about making it to your gate on time thanks to check-in concerns like checked luggage and visa status, then give yourself plenty of time to check in at the airport.