Should You Still Visit Los Angeles After the Wildfires?

It’s been almost one month since extensive wildfires devastated Los Angeles.

In the wake of the disaster, families in affected areas have slowly begun to pick up the pieces. Though the work is far from over, the City of Angels looks primed for a strong recovery. And unlike Lahaina, which was similarly affected by wildfires, there has been no official declaration asking tourists to stay away.

Still, if you have tickets to Los Angeles and plan to explore the city this spring, you might be wondering what to do about your plans.

Should you cancel your reservations with plans to come back when the city isn’t recovering from a major natural disaster?

Or is it better to funnel your tourist dollars toward those who might need it more than ever before?

While it’s usually helpful for tourists to keep their plans in cities that rely on tourist dollars, you might be paying a premium to explore a city that’s visibly reeling.

Unfortunately, I can’t make that decision for you. But I can point you in the right direction. These are the considerations you should keep in mind before deciding either way.

Should you still visit Los Angeles this spring? 3 topics to consider

Air quality

Wildfires wreak havoc on air quality. That’s an important factor to consider given Los Angeles already has one of the worst air quality indexes of any global destination. If you don’t have the best lung health or struggle with asthma, you might want to reschedule your trip to Los Angeles.

If you’re unsure about the air quality, you can find live updates on IQ Air. You can share the air quality status with your doctor to ask for advice.

Tourism infrastructure

In response to the wildfires, Airbnb partnered with local hosts to help house locals who were evacuated from their homes. A handful of hotels also opened their doors to evacuees.

Though the wildfires have since been contained, many rentals and hotels are still offering shelter to those affected.

I recommend calling your hotel or contacting your private rental host to see if your stay will be affected. Though the wildfires have been contained for weeks, some hospitality groups might still be playing catch-up in terms of notifying visitors with reservations for the coming months.

The affected areas

No major Los Angeles tourist destinations were affected by the wildfires. From the Hollywood Sign to Warner Bros. Studio. The vast majority of the damage affected residences in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Malibu.

Still, dozens of cultural institutions beloved by locals have been lost.

While a tourist might not notice a major change to their itinerary, the fact that tens of thousands of locals are still coping with the reality of the widespread loss and panic will likely be tangible. Similarly, visitors are likely to notice an abundance of wildfire aid projects around the city.

6 Things to Do in Florida’s Hidden Gem: Lake City

When I think of Florida, I think about sunshine and beaches. From the tropical beaches stretching along the Gulf of Mexico to the more rugged Atlantic coastlines, Florida has a beach for every mood.

But not all of the Sunshine State’s top destinations are located on the coast.

In fact, you can find hidden gems located further inland off the beaten path—and some of them offer unexpected delights that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

In Lake City, Florida, you can swap busy downtown areas and hefty price tags for untouched forests and natural springs, along with camping and RVing spots that are surrounded by lush greenery.

Nestled in the middle of Florida’s northern border, you’ll be able to drop off the map in one of the US’s most populated states.

Ready to swap the sand and sunburn for hiking trails and crystal-clear springs while also saving money? Head to Lake City, Florida—and don’t miss out on these activities.

Best things to do in Lake City, Florida

Swim in Ichetucknee Springs

The Itchetucknee River inches through a healthy, lush forest—and you can swim in its natural springs during cooler months. If swimming isn’t your thing, you can also kayak and canoe down the winding, crystal-clear waters in the state park.

While you do so, you might spot the area’s healthy, abundant wildlife, including otters, beavers, turtles, wild turkeys, and more. But the real star is those springs, including the famous Blue Hole.

Hike around Alligator Lake

Just outside Lake City, you can explore Alligator Lake. This gorgeous wetland area was once drained and used for agriculture in the 1950s and 60s but has since been converted into a park in 2002.

Today, it’s popular for hikers thanks to the extensive hiking trails that loop around the water. Fishers also spend a lot of time at the lake, though you need special permission. The most popular trail is the Montgomery Trail, which rounds the entire lake.

You can also bring a canoe and explore the water, spotting species like herons. Just make sure to stay away from the shoreline—like the name of the lake hints, there are gators in the water!

Explore the caves of Wes Skiles Peacock Springs

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Florida (Getty)

Peacock Springs is home to a handful of underwater cave systems, which makes this a popular spot for divers. That being said, you’ll enjoy a visit even if you don’t have your scuba certification.

Signs dot the park, explaining a bit about the cave system’s nine entrances. Today, only three are used by divers, many of whom are helping map the spring systems to help preserve them.

Go birdwatching along the Florida Birding Trail

O’Leno State Park (Courtesy of Lake City)

If you enjoy birdwatching, then you have one great option near Lake City: O’Leno State Park. Both are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which runs for over 2,000 miles through the state.

It’s an important tourist destination, especially for birdwatchers who want to catch a glimpse of wild turkeys, barred owls, red-headed woodpeckers, and Bachman’s sparrows.

Shop the boutiques in downtown Lake City

Lake City is the perfect jumping-off point for all types of outdoor adventures—but you’ll also have access to the city’s quaint downtown district. There, you can enjoy boutique shopping that includes galleries, clothing stores, and jewelers.

Explore the Gateway Art Gallery, Southern Sisters Boutique and Embroidery, plus unique chains like Belk. There’s also a popular thrifting spot, Webb’s Antique Mall, too.

Or have a beer at Halpatter Brewing Company

If you’re looking to unwind after hiking around Alligator Lake and exploring the caves at Peacock Springs, you can head into town for an indie brew at Halpatter Brewing Company. This local institution is highly rated and casual, letting you sample some of the area’s tastiest beers while snacking on classic bar fare.

3 Lake Como Alternatives You Can Reach from Milan

Last September, I met part of my family in Milan.

One of our goals was to head north into Switzerland to explore the town where my dad’s family immigrated from. After a short train ride from the center of Milan, we reached the banks of Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Swiss Alps in a town called Locarno.

It was heaven on earth, to put it lightly.

And this little town isn’t the only jaw-dropping village worth exploring in the area. On the train ride up, we passed the hotspot of Como (where about half the train cleared out) before cruising north into more remote and stunning territory.

As the famous abode of George Clooney becomes a more popular destination for day-trippers from Milan and similar hotspots in Northern Italy, I’d like to offer you three Lake Como alternatives: Locarno, Paradiso, and Riva San Vitale.

All three locales are located in the Italian-speaking area of southeastern Switzerland, where dramatic Alpine views meld with Italian and Swiss sensibilities.

Not only will they let you skip out on the crowds of Como without skimping on those gorgeous lakeside views, but they’ll also take you into Switzerland’s canton of Ticino—which is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, in my humble opinion.

3 Lake Como alternatives in Switzerland

Riva San Vitale

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, this quaint village sits in the shadow of two large mountains, providing some of the most dramatic views in Ticino.

When you’re done soaking up the vistas from lakeside cafes, you can wander through the village. It’s home to Switzerland’s oldest preserved brick building, which served as a baptistery dedicated to Saint John for centuries. In fact, the octagonal foundation might even date back to the Roman era.

You can also explore medieval architecture like the Santa Croce church and more modern feats like the 1973 home known as Casa Bianchi.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Riva San Vitale.

Paradiso

Just in case you haven’t put it together, Paradiso translates to paradise in Italian. This outpost is located on the edge of Lugano, one of the largest cities in the area; you might see it listed as Paradiso-Lugano.

That means you’ve got all the quiet wonder of Paradiso’s lakeside streets along with all the fun from nearby Lugano, including a long list of cultural events, from film festivals to climate talks. In terms of Lake Como alternatives, this is the largest.

Aside from more city-centric activities, it’s also a great jumping-off point for all types of Ticino adventures. That includes camping trips, boat rides, and even outdoor escape games. Just lookout for those price tags. While it’s more affordable than Como, it’s still Switzerland.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Paradiso.

Locarno

With its mild climate, you can expect a slightly different experience on Lake Maggiore. The city’s vast central plaza offers plenty of ways to soak up the calming atmosphere and historical significance.

There are castles to explore, too, and a larger-than-life church and monastery known as Madonna del Sasso. You also have access to nearby Verzasca Valley, which is an idyllic place to hike in summer and stop for a picnic.

If nature if on your agenda, then head to Locarno. You’ll have plenty of options at your fingertips.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Locarno.

How can you get to all three Lake Como alternatives?

You can reach all three destinations as a day trip from Milan by train. I’d recommend spending one night in the area just to get a stronger feel for the atmosphere—but if you’re short on time, you can get in and get out in a single day.

You can reach Riva San Vitale, Paradiso, and Locarno via bus or train. Flixbus operates routes all around the area, but I recommend getting the train via Trenitalia.

It’ll be pretty busy up until Como, then the cars will empty. Additionally, the train is a better option for anyone who struggles with motion sickness. Remember—you’re heading to the foothills of the Swiss Alps.

Most people in Riva San Vitale, Paradiso, and Locarno speak Italian. Many also speak German.

Top 4 Parks in Appalachia to See Fireflies This Summer

Can’t make it to a coastline to see bioluminescence from those glowing algae blooms?

Don’t worry—nature has other options for you. As a Midwesterner, fireflies (or lightning bugs, I called them) were a big part of my childhood. During the warm months, I remember watching fireflies in my backyard and in the common ground in my subdivision.

Fireflies were an important backdrop to those summer adventures. And while I associate these glowing little insects with rural American life, they can be found all over the world.

From Tuscany in Italy to Hokkaido in Japan, fireflies have played an important part in art, culture, and natural philosophies. (They were even mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, a famous 13^th-century poem.)

For now, I’m sticking to the United States to explore the best places to see firefly light shows. While I thought the Midwest would be a hotspot thanks to my fond memories of watching them as a kid, the best place to see fireflies is in Appalachia.

In fact, many national parks in the mountain range have rolled out programs that make it easy for you to visit them during peak firefly season. These are the top four spots to watch the big show, from blue-light fireflies to synchronous shows.

Top 4 parks for watching fireflies this summer

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

Synchronous fireflies during their mating season at Great Smokey National Park (Getty)

Each June, fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park go above and beyond with their glowing displays by syncing up. This gorgeous display of synchronized glowing has become such a hot commodity that the national park now holds a lottery for vehicle placements, meaning only the lucky few will land a spot.

If you want to catch the show from around Elkmont Campground, you need to apply for a lottery later in the year. This year’s winners were announced last December.

However, if you’re okay tossing the dice, you can head to Elkmont during dusk in July and August to hopefully catch a synced-up show.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Bald cypress trees at Congaree National Park (Getty)

Congaree National Park is high on my wish list. This snaking bayou-like environment feels like it exists outside of time. Despite the area’s ecological differences from the Smokies, Congaree also hosts thousands of synchronous fireflies for a few weeks in May and June.

Best of all, there isn’t a lottery that decides who will get to see the show. That being said, you do need to purchase tickets to see the show. Congaree works hard to let these glowing insects have the space they need to thrive and return year after year—buy your tickets as early as possible to guarantee your spot.

(Congaree National Park is not located in the Appalachian Mountain Range, but I’ve kept it on this list due to its proximity.)

Rocky Fork State Park, Tennessee

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, Rocky Fork State Park is a relatively new protected area, established in 2013.

While it has fewer facilities than other nearby state parks, that bodes well for your firefly-viewing. Not only can you apply for a lottery to see the synchronous firefly shows, but you can even spot a glowing blue variation, known as a blue ghost firefly.

Blue ghost fireflies are most active in late May, followed by synchronous firefly activity in early June. You can apply for a lottery to see both at the Tennessee State Parks website.

Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Looking for a firefly-loving community to join? Head to Allegheny National Forest in late June. Each year, the PA Firefly Festival takes place in the national forest.

While synchronous firefly shows are the main star, you can also enjoy those normal displays you remember from childhood. This year, the PA Firefly Festival will host three different fundraising camping activities From June 26-28 at the Kellettville Campground.

The Top 2 Rodeos in Fort Worth: A Beginner’s Guide

Mesquite, Texas is usually listed as the US’s rodeo capital.

That moniker is thanks to the city’s longstanding history of hosting rodeo shows and competitions. With over a century of rodeo legacy, the Texas State Legislature officially listed Mesquite as the Rodeo Capital of Texas in 1993.

Located a short drive from downtown Dallas, finding a cowboy-caliber rodeo isn’t hard in the heart of the Lone Star State.

That being said, Mesquite isn’t the end-all of rodeo.

In nearby Fort Worth, aka Cowtown, the cowboy spirit remains just as strong. A trip to the Stockyards is how most visitors catch a glimpse of a classic rodeo show—or even a championship competition, depending on scheduling.

But for the uninitiated, figuring out how to catch a rodeo might feel a little intimidating.

Ready for the ride of a lifetime? Here’s how to join the fun in Forth Worth with its top two rodeos, both of which are great for first-timers.

Shows vs. competitions

Some rodeos are purely for show, while others are part of professional rodeo circuits. Rodeo shows are scheduled throughout the week at major arenas in Fort Worth (including Cowtown Coliseum); these are perfect for beginners who just want a dose of that Wild West fun.

Official competitions, on the other hand, are a little harder to catch. Larger events might sell out quickly, especially for championship rodeos like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Keep in mind that every single competition and event is different. Some rodeos are focused on riding bulls or horses, while others are focused on skills like roping, from team roping to calf roping. Barrel racing is another classic rodeo event.

If you’re catching a show, you can expect a little bit of everything.

The 2 best rodeos in Fort Worth for first-timers

Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time to secure your seat, especially if you’re heading to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Often billed as the epitome of rodeo culture, you’ll hear plenty about the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This annual event takes place in January and February each year, running for close to a month.

You can saddle up to watch every major rodeo competition, along with special events for cowboys of color and Mexican rodeo events.

Aside from the annual Stock Show & Rodeo, you can also catch livestock and horse shows throughout the year. Shows are family-friendly and include live music, vendors, and kid-friendly activities.

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

Cowtown Coliseum is a must-see for any fans of the Old West’s modern sensibilities, which is located inside the Stockyards.

Like I mentioned up top, the Stockyards is one of Fort Worth’s most visible rodeo zones. This is the easiest way for you to buy tickets and learn more. Each Friday and Saturday, Cowtown Coliseum welcomes hundreds of fans for a live show that starts at 7:30pm.

There are classic hits like bull riding and bronco riding, along with tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Events are family-friendly and are a lot more accessible for rodeo first-timers, as announcers provide an introduction to each event.

If you’re new to cowboy culture, start here! But buy your tickets on line. Otherwise, you might face a wait at the ticket booth.

Travel Gold: Nab Your Southwest Companion Pass® This Winter

I’m not the biggest fan of travel rewards cards for one simple reason: to access true savings, you usually need to spend a lot of money.

I think it’s counter-intuitive to spend thousands to save a hundred dollars here are there. With a few savvy tricks and practices, you can usually save that money the Old Fashioned Way. And by the Old Fashioned Way, I mean personal budgeting skills and booking know-how.

That being said, I do have a travel rewards card—one that lets me avoid international transaction fees on larger out-of-country purchases.

And despite my general suspicion of spending thousands to save a few hundred dollars, some travel rewards offers are simply too good to pass up.

Enter the latest offer from Southwest. For a limited time, you can sign up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Consumer Credit Card from Chase with one huge benefit: earning that highly coveted Companion Pass®.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign about which travel rewards program to sign up with, consider this your green light.

Inside the Southwest Companion Pass® offer

In case you’ve missed out on what makes Southwest a top low-cost airline pick, it’s those peripheral benefits like free checked bags.

But the real star of the Southwest show is its Companion Pass® model. Anyone with a Companion Pass® can bring a guest with them on a flight for $5.60 for each trip, plus taxes.

That’s an insane offer—one that can take advantage of from now until March 31, 2025.

Southwest Airlines is currently running a limited-time offer that lets you apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Consumer Credit Card from Chase that comes with a Companion Pass and 30,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points.

To qualify, you must be accepted for the program and then spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Just keep in mind that the Companion Pass® is only valid until February 28, 2026, meaning it’ll only last you a year.

What else comes with signing up?

Aside from the Companion Pass® and 30,000 Rapid Rewards® points, you also get a few more perks. These include:

2X and 3X points for every $1 spent on Southwest purchases, along with select ride shares, commuting spending, phone services, and more
Travel benefits like two early-bird check-ins for Plus and Premier Card holders
25% back on all Southwest Airlines in-flight purchases for Plus, Premier, and Priority Card holders
4 upgraded boardings per year for Priority Card holders (based on availability)

I highly recommend looking into signing up for this travel rewards program if you fly frequently around the US and have plans to travel with friends over the next year.

Southwest services dozens of major and regional hubs around the US, letting you explore both on and off the beaten path. If you travel with a partner, you can both fly around the country easily thanks to that Companion Pass.

That being said, Southwest doesn’t offer too many routes outside the US. Though also services Mexico, the Caribbean, and select Latin American countries, you won’t be able to maximize your savings for international trips or use your Companion Pass.