5 Gorgeous Road Trips in West Virginia: Welcome to Mountain Rides

When I think about West Virginia, I think about natural beauty.

Though the Appalachian Range is beautiful from tip to tip, West Virginia has some of the most unspoiled byways where you can cruise between those ancient, gorgeous peaks. From the New River Gorge to the Allegheny Mountains, there’s a hike for every mood.

But if you want to dive deep into the state’s most gorgeous settings, the best way to do so is on a road trip.

Not only can you forge into some of the state’s quietest corridors, but you can also pass through some of West Virginia’s quaintest towns along the way.

But don’t take my word for it.

The state’s tourism board has put together five heavenly road trips in West Virginia that showcase its natural wonders, called Mountain Rides.

Ready to rediscover West Virginia? Choose one of the road trips below. Though they’re great for travel during any season, I’d recommend planning your road trip during summer or autumn.

5 ‘Mountain Rides’ road trips in West Virginia

Road trip #1: Birdeye Bend

4.5 hours, 173 miles

Cruise through some of the highest altitudes in West Virginia as you weave through its mountaineering country. This route includes a balance between larger cities, like Morgantown and Elkin, historic towns like Parsons and Rowlesburg, and unspoiled parks like Cathedral State Park and Canon Hill State Park.

Road trip #2: Capitol Circle

Almost 6 hours, 200 miles

An aerial view of the West Virginia State Capitol Building and downtown Charleston (Getty)

Zip around some of the largest cities in West Virginia, including the state capital of Charleston. Despite the focus on larger cities in the Metro Valley, including Fayetteville, you’ll still be treated to parks and reserves that are worth pulling off the road for. Fayetteville, for example, is close to the famous New River Gorge.

I also recommend following the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. You can download the route, along with a passport that you can mark off as you hit each waterfall. Those little activities go a long way in giving structure to your road trip and making it more memorable.

Road trip #3: Cranberry Corridor

5 hours, 200 miles

Aerial View of the rocky Long Point Peninsula at Summersville Lake, West Virginia in the summer (Getty)

Did you know that West Virginia is home to a ‘Little Bahamas of the East’, aka Summersville Lake? Me neither. This mountain lakes route takes you through some of the lushest forests in the state, including a stop at Summersville Lake. Its known for its hyper-clear water that brings to mind the crystal tides of the Caribbean.

But don’t forget about Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Like the name suggests, it’s home to cranberry bushes—but that’s not all. This region is home to some of the US’s most unique plants, including carnivorous varieties. Tread lightly!

Road trip #4: Heritage Highway

5 hours, almost 200 miles

If you’re more focused on charming towns than delving into the wild, the Heritage Highway should be your first pick. While Birdeye Bend includes plenty of suggested stops in small towns, this loop route is a who’s-who of West Virginia’s cutest settlements.

In Beckley, you can learn about the state’s coal-mining past; in Princeton, you’ll learn about important railroad stops and get to see a caboose from the mid-1900s; in McDowell County, you can learn about the famous Hatfield-McCoy rivalry.

Personally, I’d stick to the ATV trails in the Hatfield-McCoy mountains. It will give you access to an unusual, intriguing blend of history with a dose of high-octane action.

Road trip #5: Seneca Skyway

6.5 hours, 300 miles

Traverse the Potomac Highlands on this short-and-sweet road trip—which includes a stop in Lewisburg, one of West Virginia’s must-see small towns. Just make sure that you download the route map beforehand—this is a more remote stretch where service is spotty.

Don’t miss out on Beartown State Park, which is an official Dark Sky Park. If catching some unsoiled night sky views is high on your priority list, spend a night near the Dark Sky Park. And don’t forget about Seneca Rocks, a gorgeous rock formation, which is where this road trip takes its name from.

4 Unbeatable Sports Travel Packages: NFL, PGA, & More

One of my most enjoyable travel experiences was watching Wisła Kraków play in Poland a few years ago.

During a week-long trip to the country, my partner and I signed up to see a soccer match in the national league. Tickets for visitors are hard to find, so our best option was to tag along with a local who takes visitors to games via Home Game.

We got tickets and signed up, then were forewarned that Wisła Kraków is renowned around the country for its rowdy ultras.

Undeterred, we met up with our host and were ferried away on a drinking bonanza that lasted at least twelve hours. (NFL tailgaters would have felt at home.)

I have fleeting memories of the soccer game—I remember eating a hot dog, learning the Wisła chants, and watching the team lose.

After the game ended, the experience was over. In reality, our night was just beginning. We’d gotten along with our host and his friends, and stuck with them. We spent the rest of the evening eating pizza, singing karaoke, and getting to know Kraków’s late-night underbelly.

The next morning, it was time to pack up and head to the airport. Correction: it was time to try our best to pack up and head to the airport. It’s not that I had a little hangover—it felt as if a powerful, darkly spectre had taken hold of my body, mind, and soul.

Despite the gravity of that hangover, it introduced me to a brand new world: sports tourism.

While sports fans are usually happy to watch their favorite game live, there’s nothing like showing up in person to a major event. The higher the stakes, the more impactful the experience.

Even if you don’t enjoy watching sports, you’re likely to run into spirited locals who are eager to welcome a new fan to the club.

The big question is… how can sports fans find these types of sports travel packages? My experience in Krakow is just the tip of the iceberg—and a very casual one, at that.

If you’re a sports fan who dreams of traveling to watch a tournament or match live, then I suggest you let a professional team put together your trip. Not only will they handle the details, but they can also set you up with exclusive experiences.

Here’s your short list for some of the coolest sports travel packages available to Americans from two popular companies, On Location and Sports Traveler.

Best sports travel packages

NFL International Series

While it’s debatable whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will get that rumored London franchise off the ground, NFL fans can still catch a live game in London.

In Autumn 2025, the NFL International Series is heading to London, along with Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, Sao Paulo, and Melbourne.

Though the NFL hasn’t announced which teams will be playing, all matches are real regular-season games, not exhibition shows. Keep a lookout for the announcement—and keep On Location on your radar.

On Location is the official hospitality partner of NFL, and they make it easy for you to buy tickets and exclusive game experiences.

Explore On Location NFL International Series options.

Daytona 500

Don’t feel like busting out your passport? Maybe NASCAR’s crown jewel will woo you instead. The Daytona 500 is the US’s premier motor racing event—yes, it outperforms both Grand Prix F1 races.

Plus, it’s located near Florida’s famous Daytona Beach, making it a great choice for those who are escaping the depths of winter elsewhere.

Once again, On Location is an official NASCAR partner that can hand you the reins to an unforgettable experience. You can choose from official hotel packages that let you stay close to the action, along with on-location packages that give you Fanzone access and more.

Explore On Location Daytona 500 ticket packages.

The Masters

Of all PGA Tour events, The Masters in Augusta, Georgia is the most high-profile. Each year, the world’s top golfers head to the grounds at Augusta National with the hopes of donning the green jacket.

Given how prestigious the grounds and event are, it’s a bucket list trip for PGA Tour fans—but it’s also one of the trickiest to attend, with added rules and regulations for spectators.

The best way to get in on the action with Sports Traveler. Their Masters packages give you several choices to put together a memorable experience.

If you’re just after a hotel-and-entry package, that’s on the table. Or if you want to go all-in with access to the area’s finest golf courses, you can easily build a play-and-spectate trip.

Explore Sports Traveler Masters Golf Tournament options.

FIFA World Cup 2026

It’s a bit early to start talking about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is going to be hosted in Mexico, Canada, and the United States—but if you have hopes of attending a match, you should consider buying tickets sooner rather than later.

Tens of millions of hardcore soccer fans are going to descend on the US during the tournament.

Once again, I recommend Sports Traveler, this time for your World Cup needs. They offer one of the coolest tournament options I’ve seen: the chance to follow your team from the start to the finish.

That means they’ll purchase tickets and arrange transportation throughout the tournament so you can city-hop to catch your team in every city. Register for the Sports Traveler World Cup updates to stay informed.

The Best Airlines in 2025: Affordability, Reliability, Safety, & More

Who doesn’t want reliable, updated information on major airlines?

Usually, Americans have two options at their fingertips: legacy airlines or budget airlines. Throw in a third for private and semi-private airlines, if you’re bougie.

We’re concerned first with price, reliability, rewards programs, and things like seat size and pitch.

Usually, our preferences are guided by experience.

But that doesn’t mean the rankings for best, worst, safest, and other superlatives don’t shift. Every flight matters, and some airlines have gone above and beyond to start a clean slate. (Looking at you, Spirit Airlines!)

Looking for a shortcut on the best airlines in 2025? Let’s dig into WalletHub’s official rankings, which are based on price, safety ratings, delays, baggage handling, pet travel, and more.

At a glance: best airlines in 2025 according to WalletHub

Best airline overall: Spirit Airlines (weighted from all other scores)
Most affordable: Spirit Airlines
Most reliable: Delta Air Lines
Most comfortable: JetBlue Airways & Hawaiian Airlines
Best for pets: United Airlines, Skywest Airlines, & Envoy Air
Safest overall: Spirit Airlines

The official rankings for best airlines in 2025

Most affordable: Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines gives you plenty of bang for your buck. In fact, though Spirit tends to be the brunt of many airline jokes, they famously saved me from missing a wedding when American Airlines was in a flight-cancelling frenzy. For $200, Spirit Airlines got me from Miami to New Orleans at the very last minute.

For budget flyers, Spirit Airlines remains unbeaten. Its bare fares won’t make you feel like you’re in a spa by any stretch of the imagination, but when you need the get from Point A to Point B without clearing out your bank account, Spirit Airlines is there.

Frontier and SkyWest placed behind Spirit Airlines in terms of budget rankings. I’ve also had great experiences with Frontier Airlines booking last-minute save-me flights.

Most reliable: Delta Air Lines

Delta reported the fewest incidents of delays, cancelled flights, mishandled luggage, and denied boarding. I can personally vouch for Delta, which is my preferred legacy airline.

On a recent trip between Saint Louis, Missouri, and Barcelona, Spain, my luggage was misplaced during a layover at Atlanta. Without a single call, text, or message from me, Delta righted the mishap and had my luggage on the next flight into Saint Louis.

That’s a big deal for two reasons. One, Delta likely wasn’t responsible for the mishap; airport ground crews handle luggage, not airlines. Two, it took a huge weight off my shoulders to know the situation was being handled, as I could remotely track my luggage.

JetBlue, United, and Hawaiian Airlines placed next in terms of reliability, respectively.

Most comfortable: JetBlue Airways & Hawaiian Airlines

If you read my piece on seat pitch and width, you might already know the answer: thanks to those slightly-larger seats (including in economy), JetBlue is the comfiest airline serving Americans. But that’s not all.

Wallethub’s comfort ratings also take into consideration in-flight amenities like free snacks and beverages, extra legroom, and Wi-Fi. For almost ten years running, JetBlue has put on a master class of getting cozy at 35,000 feet.

In the WalletHub study, Hawaiian Airlines was a close second, followed by Alaska Airlines, respectively.

Best for pets: United Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, & Envoy Air

No matter how comfortable you are flying with your pet, it’s always worth it to book with airlines that have experience with handling pets.

If you’re digging into the WalletHub study, their pet-friendly metrics are a little confusing. Just know: the higher the animal incidents, the more successful the airline was in transporting pets.

United, SkyWest, and Envoy Air have closed out the last few years with sterling pet care—including animals transported in cargo.

Safest overall: Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines placed first in terms of safety, followed closely by Frontier Airlines—which are also the most affordable airlines, for those keeping track. To rank safety, WalletHub took into consideration things like fatal injuries, aviation accidents, and fleet age.

Despite shelling out some of the cheapest tickets in the air travel world, Spirit and Frontier come out ahead thanks to fewer incidents that led to less injuries. Importantly, they also have slightly younger fleets than some legacy airlines. Though you’re flying cheap, you’re also flying safe.

Want to dig in to the best air even more? Check out the full study from WalletHub.

5 Dude Ranches in Cody, Wyoming Where You Can Play Cowboy

2025 may be the year of the cowboy-core adventure.

From visiting the coolest rodeos in Montana to delving into the cowboy history of Scottsdale, Americans across the country are taking a closer look at the self-sufficient, yeehaw lifestyle. And many are coming back for more.

National Park excursions are often part of these cowboy-centric excursions, especially in the Northern Rocky Mountain region. Travelers interested in learning more about the cowboy lifestyle are often heading into (or out of) major parks like Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton.

If that sounds like an adventure that’s on your radar, I’ve got a tip that will help you take your cowboy adventure to the next level: the dude ranches of Cody, Wyoming.

Never heard of a dude ranch? Or Cody?

Saddle up, partner. If you want to put together a quality, rugged adventure, you’ll need to know a thing or two about both.

Welcome to Cody—and dude ranches

Cody, Wyoming is one of the last vestiges of the American Wild West. Its namesake comes from Buffalo Bill Cody, who helped found this town back in 1896.

Buffalo Bill was an outdoorsman known for hunting buffalo (hence the name) and setting up some of the first cowboy shows in the country. Sensing a growing interest in ranching culture, he launched some of the country’s first rodeo and cowboy shows.

Today, Cody is better known as one of the last stops before you reach Yellowstone National Park’s eastern gate.

But the town remains proud of its cowboy heritage. In fact, heritage might not be the right word considering the ways of the cowboy are still alive in Cody.

Modern cowboys in the area work on ranches where they’re responsible for managing livestock, tending herds, and driving cattle.

Given the majority of modern ranchers still work on horseback, their daily lives aren’t actually that far removed from Cody’s first founding fathers/cowboys.

In fact, this Wyoming town is incredibly proud to share its rough-and-tumble traditions with visitors. There are over a dozen working ranches, dude ranches, and lodges where you can stay with the sole purpose of getting to feel and experience this cowboy heritage.

I recommend starting with a dude ranch. These ranches exist mostly to entertain visitors, compared to a working ranch that sources its profit from livestock and cattle. Staff at dude ranches are ready to help you plan excursions like fishing, trail riding, campfire cookouts, and more.

In Cody, you can stay at either, but I recommend sticking with the hospitality-geared dude ranches. Below, I’m recommending my favorite picks from the official Cody selections.

Top 5 dude ranches in Cody, Wyoming for your cowboy-core dreams

Before I start listing out dude ranches, let me forewarn you that some of the websites are a little basic. I know that some travelers avoid booking on websites that feel dated, but let me reassure you—every dude ranch listed below has been vetted by Cody, Wyoming’s travel board, and comes with stellar reviews.

I’ve linked the TripAdvisor pages so that you can explore reviews from previous guests, but you’ll need to book the store directly via the website in most cases.

A resort-style dude ranch in Cody: Uxu Ranch

Choose from a long list of activities to put together your ultimate cowboy itinerary. You can also choose from weekend packages and other special offers. Explore their website and TripAdvisor.

The most rustic pick: 7D Ranch

This activity-ready dude ranch specializes in large group vacations. Just plan for a more countrified experience; its log cabins don’t have too many modern amenities. Explore the 7D Ranch website and TripAdvisor.

The most beginner-friendly option: Rimrock Dude Ranch

Courtesy of Cody Yellowstone, Rimrock Dude Ranch

Want a hands-on take on cowboy life? At Rimrock, you can expect a week-long itinerary that comes with all the essentials—including a horse that you’ll look after for the duration of your stay. Check out the Rimrock Dude Ranch website and TripAdvisor.

The highest-rated pick: Crossed Sabres Ranch

Courtesy of Cody Yellowstone, Crossed Sabres Ranch

You’ll feel like one of the pack in no time with this family-run dude ranch. Expect to choose from a long list of available activities, from riding to fishing. Explore their website and TripAdvisor.

The oldest dude ranch in Cody: Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch

Courtesy of Cody Yellowstone, Shoshone Lodge

This 100-year-old dude ranch has experience and expertise under its belt. That equates to a seamless stay that’s steeped in local history. Take a look at their website and TripAdvisor.

Top 10 Tours in Savannah: Southern Charm Like Never Before

Savannah is one of the US’s most popular cities for several good reasons.

It’s got centuries of history to explore, along with unique and identifiable traditions. It’s one of the US’s most walkable cities and is home to dozens of drool-worthy restaurants and lounges. On top of that, it’s got charm out the wazoo.

It’s not hard to find a reason to visit—but you might want to think long and hard about who you hire to squire you about town. These are the best tours in Savannah, divided into categories.

Best tours in Savannah: at a glance

Scary stuff: Savannah Psychics & Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour
Kid-friendly: Fraidy Cat: The Family Fun Ghost Tour
Food & drink: Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour
History: Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour
Laughs along the way: Savannah for Morons Trolley Tour
Action-packed: Horse Drawn History Narrated Group Tour
On the water: Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Tour
Pure fun: 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour
The whole sha-bang: 2-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

Top 10 tours in Savannah

Scary stuff: Savannah Psychics & Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

You won’t be short on options when it comes to delving into Savannah’s haunted history. I vote you stick with one of the original and top-rated tours, which is a candlelit nighttime walking tour (pictured above) that includes history factoids.

If you want a really spooky experience, head to Savannah Psychics where you can get a tarot reading and session with a medium from a qualified local couple.

Kid-friendly: Fraidy Cat: The Family Fun Ghost Tour

If you have kids with you, don’t worry—there are family-friendly ghost tour options. This Viator option comes with a qualified and passionate guide who specializes in making historical and paranormal content engaging for the whole family.

Just remember that this might not be ideal for young kids. Remember, you’ll still be hearing about spooky stories in and around foggy cemeteries.

Food & drink: Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour

Looking for a no-fuss pass to taste some of Savannah’s best southern dishes? This food tour has years of experience under its belt, meaning you and up to 13 others have direct access to Savannah’s tastiest downtown restaurants, along with a little bit of local history.

History: Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour

Want a thorough review of Savannah’s history? Learn about this old city from a master Gullah Geechee Truth-Teller, Sister Pat, as she takes you around some of the most famous spots in the city.

Along the way, you’ll get to hear tales of bravery and perseverance from the African Americans who endured the Antebellum and Civil War periods in the city on the path to freedom. This 2.5-hour tour includes a comfortable bus that ferries you from stop to stop.

Laughs along the way: Savannah for Morons Trolley Tour

Want to learn about Savannah’s history but afraid of falling asleep? Don’t worry—the great minds at Old Town Trolley Tours have something for you.

Their comedy show on two wheels will introduce you to the city’s most famous landmarks and tales… with a few laughs along the way. As the website puts it, this tour ‘roasts nearly 300 years of Savannah lore in just 90 minutes’.

Action-packed: Horse Drawn History Narrated Group Tour

Want to up the ante? Get a horse involved. This horse-drawn carriage tour comes with a narrated historical reel, which you can listen to while swaying gently in your seat.

With 50 years of experience under its belt, Carriage Tours of Savannah has its route and narration down-pat. Or if you want to add a little spook factor to your experience, take their nighttime ghost tour via horse-drawn carriage.

On the water: Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Tour

Step aboard the Georgia Queen, a sightseeing cruise on a riverboat that takes you around Savannah’s most important maritime spots.

From the modern port to Old Fort Jackson, you’ll get to take a bird’s eye view of Savannah’s history on the water. Just beware that this is geared toward fans of boats and ports and simply being on the water—otherwise, there’s not too much to see.

Pure fun: 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour

Want to know one of the craziest things about the US’s southeastern coast? It’s the birthplace of Venus Fly Traps.

Though you won’t find any around Savannah (they’re a bit farther north in the Carolinas), I think that factoid highlights just how rich and diverse the East Coast is.

A short drive from Savannah, you can delve into the Lowcountry’s wetlands and watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins cruise through the waters. Along the way, you’ll learn about those gorgeous salt marshes and the area’s history.

The whole sha-bang: 2-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

No, it’s not a trolley tour that lasts two days—it’s a pass that’s valid for 48 hours. If you’re a little unsure of how and when you want to experience the city, buy this pass. It will let you cobble together a range of tours and journeys so that you can see the entire city at your own pace. And not on foot.

5 Reasons to Skip Venice for Trieste

I’m struggling not to warn you about visiting Venice, Italy.

On one hand, I understand the impulse to visit.

Venice is a buffet of romance, from those winding canals to the classic buildings dotting the island to the charming gondola rides. Toss in a world of Venetian wonder, distinct from its Roman counterpart, and it’s a hard destination to beat.

On the other hand, those characteristics all but disappear under the heavy, heavy foot traffic of Venice’s tourists.

I visited back in 2022 and felt claustrophobic thanks to the number of tourists around me. I was traveling in a small group in the middle of summer—and it became clear why the only Italian in our group (who grew up an hour away) refused to join us on the day trip.

Let me put it bluntly: tourists love Venice so much that we’re slowly killing it. But that’s a problem for the city council and local residents to hash out.

In the meantime, I’m going to support the city by loving it from afar.

From Trieste, maybe.

Located in the Gulf of Trieste opposite of Venice, this city is one of the grandest remnants of the empires of yore, only a few dozen miles from the border with Slovenia and Croatia. Uniquely, Trieste spent more time as part of the Habsburg Monarchy—not the Venezian Empire.

That means this is a little slice of Italy you might not know much about. While we avoid Venice, I vote we head for Trieste.

5 reasons to skip Venice for Trieste

Trieste is a major coffee hub

TRIESTE, ITALY – 06 OCTOBER 2017: Tables of coffee bar in the famous square of Trieste called Piazza Unità d’Italia (Getty)

Like Venice, one of Trieste’s most important roles was as a port. And one of the most popular goods traded to Trieste merchants in the period of European settlement in the Americas was coffee.

Today, that coffee culture remains strong throughout the region. In fact, Illy, a popular coffee brand and cafe chain, was born in Trieste.

But when you visit, I recommend heading to some of the city’s most popular cafes and coffee shops. Most source their coffee beans from single sources and take great pride in perfecting the balance of their brews. At Canale Grande, you can sip on coffee and feel like you’re in Venice.

You can explore Italian architecture—and it comes with a twist

The Miramare Castle is a 19th-century castle facing directly on the Gulf of Trieste (Getty)

Architecture in Trieste reflects the Austrian Empire, as this was the domain of the Habsburgs from the 14^th century until the 20^th century—from 1382 until 1918.

Places like Miramare Castle reflect Austrian sensibilities, while the Piazza Unita d’Italia feel more reminiscent of the grand structures in Rome.

You’ll feel this dual identity in more ways than just architecture. Trieste was a battleground between the Axis and Allied powers during WWII—and some of its largest buildings were turned into prisons and concentration camps. That’s the case with Museum Riseria di San Sabba, a massive factory that was converted to hold prisoners during the war.

Gorgeous seaside views abound

Located on the gorgeous, rugged seaside, Trieste lets you explore the Mediterranean with san beaches like Barcola and stone beaches like Pedocin.

Or if you just want to enjoy the sites, head to Miramare Castle for unparalleled views of the Adriatic. Once more, if you want a Venice-style experience, head to the Canale Grande for a seaside drink and meal.

Trieste’s natural parks aren’t bad, either

Evening in the valley near the city of Trieste, Val Rosandra (Getty)

Most of the land surrounding Trieste is ‘karstic’, a term used to describe rocky and largely barren landscapes. While that might not sound too appealing, the views are dramatic and gorgeous. Head to the Riserva Naturale della Val Rosandra for a front-row seat.

Or if you want a more forested adventure, head to Bosco Bovedo further outside of town, or stay inside the city limits at Parco della Rimembranza.

Delicious food—once again, with a twist

A plate full of jota soup (sauerkraut) with sausage, a recipe traditional of Trieste (Getty)

As with architecture, you’re in for a central European twist. In Trieste, you can find all those Italian staples that lure Americans to Europe, from seafood pasta to Venetian classics like risi e bisi.

But don’t skip out on those Germanic-style dishes.

There’s tripe strew, a red bean and cabbage stew known as jota, and light apple pastries that are common throughout central and northern Europe. Think of Trieste as your Mediterranean gateway into Germanic territory.