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.

Mexico Banned Dolphin Shows—Can You Still Swim With Dolphins in Mexico?

In late July 2025, Mexican legislators passed a nationwide law that effectively bans dolphin performances and other dolphin-related activities across the country.

While efforts to ban dolphin shows, research, and non-conservation-related activities have been circulating for years, protests intensified following a dolphin death in the Riviera Maya.

In May 2025, Hotel Barceló’s dolphinarium was permanently closed after a performing dolphin named Mincho died due to poor animal welfare practices. The incident shed light on the exploitative nature of dolphin acrobatic shows and swim-with-the-dolphin programs, which have been popular in Mexico’s Caribbean region for decades.

Mexico’s move to ban all dolphin-related activities that are not related directly to conservation makes it the third Latin American country, after Chile and Costa Rica, to enact a similar ban.

What does it mean for tourists heading to Mexico—are you still able to swim with dolphins when you visit the country?

A closer look at the new ruling on dolphin performances in Mexico

Recent legislation prevents the use of dolphins as part of entertainment, therapy, and research. In short, any activity that involves dolphins living in captivity is now banned. Similarly, dolphins cannot be bred in captivity.

Dolphins that are currently held in dolphinariums and entertainment facilities must be cared for based on stringent animal welfare standards until their natural deaths. These animal welfare guidelines prohibit things like acrobatics shows, meaning working dolphins are now retired nationwide. They must be relocated to seaside sanctuaries within the next year and a half.

That accounts for between 300 and 350 captive dolphins across Mexico.

Can you still swim with dolphins?

As per the new legislation in Mexico, you can’t book a dolphin show or a swim-with-the-dolphins experience in Mexico. At least, not in theory.

Just because the law was passed, that doesn’t mean that it will be enforced. The good news is that the law passed unanimously and has garnered widespread support and visibility, meaning authorities are likely motivated to enforce the ruling. However, at the time of writing this article, dolphin shows and swim-with-the-dolphin experiences are still available in places like Cozumel.

It’s possible that companies need time to find seaside sanctuaries for their dolphins and then find a way to relocate them before shutting down operations. It’s also possible that companies will find a way to work around the new ruling.

So, technically, you can still swim with dolphins and attend shows in some parts of Mexico—but should you?

Some, including Elisabeth Ashe from the Mexico News Daily article linked above, have visited dolphin shows and felt strongly that the dolphins were being cared for. They had a positive experience and felt that the staff offered a high level of care and engagement with the dolphins.

Aside from positive experiences at dolphin shows, another argument supporting dolphin captivity centers is that they provide therapeutic services to adults and children with special needs. That type of therapy can be life-changing for some individuals, especially if they have the chance to come back for multiple interactions.

However, I’d like to point out that, while animal-assisted therapy seems like a clear win for everyone involved, there’s a big difference between domesticated animals that are trained to work with individuals with special needs and wild animals that are bred in captivity.

How to swim with dolphins in Mexico

You can still visit active dolphin performance centers in the Riviera Maya, as most haven’t closed shop. If you don’t see an issue with the establishment, then go for it.

Personally, I think the most ethical way to swim with dolphins in Mexico is in the wild. You can find tours that take you out to sea where dolphin pods are plentiful, from Puerto Vallarta to La Paz.

I still think there are some ethics questions around these types of experiences—as in, are you disturbing marine animals on their home turf while they’re already dealing with other challenges? And do guides for these types of experiences take on extra measures to ensure they don’t bother marine life?

Before you book any type of experience with dolphins in Mexico, I highly suggest digging into reviews, looking for the company’s environmental impact stance, and checking out any other eco-friendly initiatives they’re part of.

8 Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming this Winter: Ice Festivals, Holiday Fairs, & More

Winter-ready mountain towns aren’t always the most affordable.

Unless you know where to look, of course. Along with places like North Conway, New Hampshire, and Montrose, Colorado, Cody, Wyoming, is one of the country’s most budget-friendly destinations for winter-lovers.

While Cody isn’t cheap by any stretch, it’s one of those locations that I find myself recommending again and again.

First, it’s got an all-American history that just about any traveler would enjoy learning about. (The name Cody comes from Buffalo Bill Cody, who was one of the town’s founders—and that’s just one little factoid.) Second, it’s got rough-and-ready adventures that you can take on at your own pace, whether you’re staying at a dude ranch or a luxury hotel.

Lastly, and most importantly, Cody, Wyoming, is one of the US’s most stunning winter destinations. Its proximity to Yellowstone National Park probably paints a pretty solid picture: The views are breathtaking, and the natural wonders are unspoiled.

As an added perk, the town also comes alive when the weather cools. If you’ll be stopping through Cody this winter, make sure to join the festivities.

Below, I’m highlighting some of the best things to do in Cody, Wyoming, this winter. (I’ve got a few late autumn picks, as well!) Events are listed in chronological order.

Best things to do in Cody, Wyoming this winter: top events in town

Holiday Craft Fair

November 22 at the corner of 13^th & Beck Avenue

Each year, the local Crisis Intervention Services crew throws a holiday craft gathering. Locals are welcome to join to sell their wares, but all goods must be homemade. That means visitors like you can explore over 50 unique vendors that showcase artisanal crafts from the Cody area.

Lion’s Club Turkey Day

November 22 at the Bob Moore Memorial Park in downtown Cody

Turkey Day is a celebration that comes right on the heels of Thanksgiving—but it looks a little different in Cody. This annual event is a fundraiser for the local Cody Lions Club, a group that provides seeing and hearing needs of locals. There are kids’ games, shooting games, and even a truck raffle. Just check out the details to see how you can join.

Festival of Trees: Merry Mingle Tree Lighting & Bingo

November 28 at 707 Sheridan Ave from 6-8 pm

If you’re in the area on November 28^th, don’t miss out on this free event. It’s a short tree lighting and bingo event that comes with a cash bar. A simple way to package in some added holiday cheer to your Cody adventure.

Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade

November 29 on Sheridan Avenue at 6 pm

The main drag of Sheridan Avenue shuts down for this Christmas stroll—and it’s a decidedly Cody take on Christmas. You can expect a scavenger hunt, food trucks, burn barrels that will keep you warm, and plenty of cowboy themes and treats. Most importantly, Santa will also be in attendance, making this a perfect addition for families visiting Yellowstone or Cody in late November.

Annual Nutcracker Production by Rocky Mountain Dance Theatre

December 13-14 at 1225 10^th Street

Tickets range from $23-33 for this professional show at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium. Expect to see some of the best performers from the local area, along with Arizona ballet legend Randy Pacheco. The show will run over two days. Purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Wyoming Ice Festival

January 1-4 in the South Fork Valley

What’s an ice festival? It’s a public event that features ice climbing clinics and lessons by day and unique presentations by night. Whether you’re just hearing about ice climbing for the first time or have some experience under your belt, there’s a course that’s perfect for you. But even if you’re not interested in ice climbing, you can also just hang out and enjoy the vibes.

This year is the second Wyoming Ice Festival, which was a hit during its first run. The January 2026 event will include food vendors and trucks, Snake River Brewing beer on tap, and evening events hosted by the Cody Cattle Company.

Ice Fishing Derby

January 30-February 1 at the Sunshine Reservoirs in Meeteetse

Similar to the ice festival, the ice fishing derby takes you straight into the heart of Wyoming winters—in local fashion, of course. The 2026 derby will be the 19^th consecutive event, which regularly draws ice fishing buffs from around the country. The weekend includes ice fishing events (competitive), along with a great community that’s passionate about ice fishing.

Events are designed to see which fisher can capture the largest, longest, and other record-winning fish. There’s also a solid $10k in prize pool money that is shared with competitors, which adds to the thrill.

Buffalo Bill Birthday Ball

February 21 at 1240 Beck Avenue

Dubbed a ‘rip-snorting cowboy extravaganza’, Buffalo Bill’s annual birthday celebration is one for the books. It’s an adults-only party that serves up prime rib between gun raffles and silent auctions. Expect dancing, gambling, drinking, eating, and general merriment that Buffalo Bill would recognize from his heyday.

Similar to other Cody events, the majority of proceeds go to local organizations, from Meals on Wheels to pregnancy resource centers. That should clue you in to the homegrown nature of this event, which draws in locals as well as visitors and makes it one of the best (and coolest) ways to soak up Cody culture.

Here’s How to Use Explore Fall’s Fall Foliage Map for the US

Did you know that there are maps that cover fall foliage displays across the US? And that they’re updated with real-time data?

Welcome to the magic of Explore Fall’s Fall Foliage Map. It’s a new project that launched in 2024 and relies on daily updates to ensure that its fall foliage map is more accurate than others. To do so, the team relies on an in-house AI model that it helped build using deep learning methods.

Yes, AI is now being used to predict things like fall foliage displays based on metrics like daylight, temperature, and training programs to identify leaf colors. The model also relies on real-time remote fall foliage observations from around the country to maintain its accuracy.

If you’re into that type of thing (ie, how machine learning is predicting autumn leaf-dropping), then dig in. Just know that the current model is around 80% accurate within a three-day period. For now, I’m covering how the tool works and how you can use it to improve your fall foliage hunting this season.

Inside the Fall Foliage Map

The Fall Foliage Map has two settings you can choose from: Color Report or Peak Timing.

The Fall Foliage Map color report setting uses six different labels to describe the quality and vibrancy of the leaf display: little to no color, low color, moderate color, high color, peak color, and past peak color. Just click on the map that you see on the homepage and start zooming in for a more detailed geographic breakdown.

The Fall Foliage Map peak timing setting lets you see which time of year it’s best to plan for fall displays around the country. For example, leaf-peeping in Maine is best done in early to mid-October. In South Carolina, you’re better off planning a trip for early to late November, depending on where you’re going.

The great minds and AI model at Explore Fall also recommend solidifying plans for leaf-peeping trips around two weeks out. That lets you plan around poor weather that could change the quality and vibrancy of the autumn displays.

What else can you find?

If you’re an autumn-lover, I highly suggest digging into the website’s blog. They have interesting articles—including one that explores something called a stress outlook. Apparently, poor weather impacts trees, and that stress can cause them to drop leaves later or sooner. They also have a global fall foliage that explores similar displays around the world.