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.

Dating Abroad: 9 Tips for Success

Imagine this: you’re on a solo trip of a lifetime and have downloaded the right dating apps for your needs—then you finally get a quality match.

This is the chance to start dating abroad that you’ve been waiting for.

You’re about to live out a scene from a romantic comedy film with a promising new love interest.

While nerves are normal on any first date, those anxieties quickly ramp up when we’re in a new place surrounded by strangers.

That’s doubly true if we’re heading out on a first date with someone from a different culture.

What about those social cues that we take for granted? What if you mispronounce words when you try to speak their language? And what about safety?

Finding the right dating app is hard enough. If you’re preparing for your first date on a solo trip, stick with these tips. They’re based on my own experience dating abroad, along with advice from savvy travelers and digital nomads.

They’ll help keep you safe while you head out on your first date—but they should also help you nail that first impression, setting the stage for a potential affair for the ages.

9 tips for dating abroad

Tip #1: Set your expectations early on

As in, before you meet for that first date. Setting expectations is especially important if you’re meeting up with someone local. A local person probably isn’t planning on exploring the world or finding a new home; that means they might be more likely to look for a long-term relationship or fling.

If you don’t foresee yourself staying in the area, then be sure to communicate that to your new love interest. Regardless of whether they’re local, it’s always good dating practice to be upfront about the level of commitment you’re looking for and willing to give.

Tip #2: Be cool about the little differences if you’re dating outside your ‘bubble’

Dating on solo trips usually exposes us to new cultures, languages, traditions, and more. If you’re dating a non-American, I recommend treading lightly with those little differences.

By little differences, I’m talking about accents, style, and interests.

The more you point out the differences between you and your date, the less likely you are to establish a connection based on the things you have in common.

Tip #3: Never bring up the dark stuff (on a first date)

When I make new travel friends, it’s not uncommon for them to bring up the darkest moments of US history after learning my nationality. I get it; our country’s sordid affairs are covered in great detail by foreign media.

But remember that what you see in the news is usually the most sensationalized and controversial stories that happen in a country—and they might not reflect the everyday life of its citizens.

Don’t bring up these darker topics if you’re dating outside your bubble, and don’t be afraid to steer the conversation elsewhere if someone does it with you. I usually take the chance to highlight the lesser-known and more positive elements of my cultural background.

Tip #4: Go on the date even if you’re leaving soon

I’ve had friends cancel dates because they didn’t want to potentially forge a new bond with their end date approaching. That’s a valid reason to avoid a first date—but if you’re really looking for love and you think that you’ll return to the area someday, go for it!

So long as you’re open about the circumstances regarding your solo travel, there’s no harm in making that connection.

Tip #5: Don’t get drunk

Obviously, getting drunk puts you at risk in a myriad of ways. Male solo travelers are at a higher risk of being robbed when drunk; women are prone to that, too, plus a few other risks.

For safety reasons, stay sober when dating abroad, especially on first dates.

Aside from staying safe, you need to consider the cultural implications of drinking. Some people might find it inappropriate to drink casually and heavily—and you don’t want to make your date uncomfortable.

On the other hand, if your date is getting drunk quickly, call it a night. Maybe they’re nervous about meeting you—in which case, you can always try dating another time. But the risks outweigh the benefits once either party is sloshed.

Tip #6: Plan to talk about money when dating abroad

In the US, there’s a growing divide based on who should pay for dates. Historically, men have been expected to foot the bill—but it’s not uncommon to discuss splitting the bill for many younger demographics.

Just know that financial topics like these look very different all around the world.

Men might be expected to pay for the bill in certain countries. In others, it might be par for the course to split the bill. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just be prepared to have the discussion.

Tip #7: Use protection

Again, this might seem obvious. We’re encouraged to use protection when we have sex because it protects us against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

But I’m going to touch on the cultural element of pregnancy. In some cultures, dating a foreigner might already be viewed as bold, nonetheless having a child with them. Adding a child to the mix will complicate things for you and your lover.

Again, it probably seems obvious to take topics like pregnancy seriously, but don’t underestimate how vastly different these topics are viewed in other countries. From marriage to financial responsibilities, even dedicated couples can struggle to navigate the complexities of intercultural co-parenting.

Tip #8: Be wary if you think you’re being shown off

If your date wants to go someplace public and introduces you to a lot of friends right off the bat (as in, on your first date), then be a little wary.

They might be more interested in dating someone who looks a certain way or is of a certain nationality.

Let me phrase it like this: we’ve all perked up our ears at a bar when we hear an accent that we find particularly attractive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re interested in what that person has to say. Make sure you’re being heard and valued for who you are as a person and not what you like to look or where you come from.

**Tip #9: Even if the date goes really well, keep growing your friend group**

We all have that friend who seems to go MIA any time they get a new boyfriend or girlfriend. If you’re this type of person, then I highly suggest putting added time and effort into growing your social circle.

Just because you’ve found a boo, that doesn’t mean you don’t need other friends in your life—especially on solo trips.

5 VR Experiences in NYC You Can’t Miss

VR and travel don’t seem like a likely match from the outside looking in.

Virtual reality can ferry you across the world using a single headset. If you have a VR setup at home, you can take off whenever you want from the comfort of your couch. If not, you can find a VR arcade, experience, or museum in most major cities.

The idea behind this tech is simple: Immerse yourself in a new world without actually buying any plane tickets or booking any hotel rooms.

That being said, there’s no reason to choose one or the other; VR can be complementary to your trip.

A few years ago, I visited Norway with my dad and my brother. During one rainy day in Oslo, we decided to head to a Viking museum with an immersive VR show.

The historically accurate VR adventure took us onto a long boat during a Viking raid, showcasing the real-life history of Scandinavia’s fiercest warriors while adding a layer of action and adventure. (If you’re in Oslo, I highly recommend heading to The Viking Planet to storm a few virtual beaches.)

Across the US, you can find similar experiences in major cities. For now, I want to highlight the flashiest and most innovative VR adventures in the Big Apple. As a larger-than-life city with no shortage of daring new ventures, it’s a top spot to sample the very best in VR experiences.

If you’re heading to New York City in the near future or can swing a trip in for the tri-state area, these are the VR tours you can’t miss.

5 of the Best VR Experiences in NYC

Visit the pyramids at The Horizon of Khufu

Want to add a little jaunt to Egypt on your trip to New York City? Head to midtown to explore The Horizon of Khufu experience from Eclipso, a virtual reality entertainment company. This highly immersive show runs for 45 minutes, taking you to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

There, you’ll experience the funeral rites archaeologists and anthropologists have uncovered from the Giza Plateau. That means you’ll learn about Ancient Egyptian history and traditions as you stare up at gorgeous renderings of the real-life pyramids.

Custom-built VR challenges at Tidal Force

Aside from the Viking raids in Oslo, my second favorite VR experience was a multiplayer arcade throw-down in Barcelona.

For a friend’s birthday, a small group of us headed to a VR arcade where we joined forces for some games and battled each other in others. If you’re a fan of gaming, look no further than NYC’s Tidal Force.

Tidal Force stands out as a VR arcade because its rooms and adventures are entirely bespoke. Every single component has been built out by diehard VR fans, letting you take on multiplayer challenges and explore with walk-the-room setups.

Whether you’re in a small group or want to bring along ten or more friends, Tidal Force has the custom options you need for truly dynamic VR gaming.

Meet the Museum of Future Experiences

If you aren’t interested in gaming but want a well-rounded VR experience, I suggest looking into the Museum of Future Experiences.

This venture transcends the concept of gaming and virtual travel, providing a mind-bending experience that blends VR, 3D sound design, and powerful, visual storytelling.

Dubbed a ‘technical masterpiece’ by Time Out, you can expect storytelling concepts like never before. Every scene in your headset is coupled with top-notch sound design from an Ambisonics Speaker System for an endlessly engaging and fascinating take on VR adventures. So far, there are three productions to explore.

Step onto a live game show with Game of 1000 Boxes

Who hasn’t dreamed of landing a spot on a game show? Stop praying for a Cash Cab appearance and head to Game of 1000 Boxes.

This wild new idea in gaming takes you onto a virtual game show (complete with a live host) where you and a group of up to four friends take on complex mini-games.

Some challenges are purely mental, while others require teamwork. To be clear—this isn’t a VR adventure because you don’t don a headset. That being said, you’ll be taken in an entirely new world that’s designed just like the OTT game shows we grew up watching. I think it fits well with VR arcade offers that you’ll see around the city.

Soar through history at RiseNY

Similar to Game of 1000 Boxes, RiseNY isn’t a traditional headset-based VR adventure. However, it has a highly immersive 180-degree projector which will take you high above the city to explore its skyline—no helicopters needed.

But this is a lot more than an exhilarating virtual flight. RiseNY’s exhibits take you across all five boroughs in a journey that transcends time. During the experience, you’ll get to learn about the history of the city, its distinct neighborhoods and boroughs, and get to see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty up-close and like never before.

As a history nerd who loves all things NYC, this would be my first pick.

Heading to Europe in Late 2025? Don’t Forget Your ETIAS Form

Do you keep hearing about ETIAS forms in the European travel space?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which is a new program that a network of countries is using to vet travelers heading into the Schengen Zone.

It’s been a long time coming, having first been announced in 2021 before new details emerged last year. Despite the updates, there’s still plenty of confusion surrounding the scope of ETIAS.

What is the purpose of the new program? Is it an actual visa or some other type of requirement? And how can Americans heading to Europe make sure they’re meeting ETIAS requirements?

Most importantly… is it actually up and running?

Don’t worry—the answers are simpler than you think. Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS for your 2025 travels.

What is ETIAS and why is it required now?

At its simplest, ETIAS is designed to streamline and simplify travel in the Schengen Zone. Keep in mind that the Schengen Area is slightly different than the European Union. Schengen is designed to make border-crossing easier between neighboring European countries—whether or not they’re part of the EU.

ETIAS is a new system that vets travelers who enter Schengen. Similar to the US’s new Real ID requirements, the goal is to boost security while streamlining things like risk assessment via background checks. When you apply for an ETIAS, you are not applying for a visa—you are simply declaring your nationality, and the purpose of your visit, and paying a small fee.

ETIAS is set to go live in the coming months. However, it’s been delayed for years at this point. Keep reading to learn how ETIAS should work in case it does launch this year.

Who needs to apply for an ETIAS?

All Americans heading to Europe for vacation need to apply for ETIAS. You can apply after you’re done planning your trip, as you need to provide details about where you’re going to stay, how long, and similar details.

But try to plan your trip as far ahead as possible—some sources recommend leaving three months for you to get that ETIAS approval in case there are any delays or follow-ups. You must receive approval at least 96 hours before you depart.

Each ETIAS submission is valid for three years (unless you get a new passport). Additionally, if your application is denied, you have the right to launch an appeal. Lastly, I want to clarify that because the UK isn’t part of Schengen, you don’t need to bother with an ETIAS to enter the country.

While it might sound like a lot of rigamarole, the process is very straightforward. Again, the goal is to simply collect information on all foreign citizens who enter Schengen in order to streamline security and identification processes.

How can Americans apply? And how long does it take to get approved?

You can complete the whole ETIAS application online. To do so, you need a valid passport, your updated travel information, details for your trip, and a bank card or digital wallet to pay the application fee (it’s less than $10).

If you’ve been reading carefully, this process probably sounds pretty elaborate and stressful. In reality, the vast majority of ETIAS applications will be processed and approved within 72 hours once the program is up and running.

At the moment, the launch date of ETIAS is set for mid-2025; it can’t launch until participating countries have set up the new Entry Exit System (EES).