Want to Visit an Active Volcano in the US? It’s Easier Than You Think

Last summer, my flight home from Catania, Sicily was interrupted when news that Mount Etna—the most active volcano in Europe—was spewing huge plumes of smoke.

The skies outside the airport looked like something out of a Michael Bay movie. Dark, foreboding, biblical.

But, having visited Etna before, I knew enough about the volcano not to fear a few wayward Strombolian explosions. In fact, 2024 was a big year for Etna, so the activity wasn’t a surprise or a problem.

We hopped onto a bus and headed further inland to grab a flight from another regional airport.

In terms of places pagans have been tossed, I imagine Etna has consumed quite a few over the last millennia. The name volcano comes from Vulcan, the Roman iteration of Hephaestus—metal worker and god of the forge.

But what about farther west?

When it comes to active volcanoes, Italy dominates the continent. But on a global level, the US comes out ahead in terms of the number of active volcanoes, followed closely by Japan.

While Hawaii is formed by volcanoes, including the highly active Mt. Kilauea, I want to explore an easier-to-reach region: the Cascade Mountain Range. More specifically, I’m taking us to the US’s most active volcano, Mount St. Helens.

Meet the US’s most active volcano

If we’re talking about major eruptions, there’s no mightier volcano than Mount St. Helens. It’s a stratovolcano, meaning its sides are steep with a snow-covered cap.

You might even recognize it from this video from 1980, which captured a deadly explosion as it happened live.

Over forty years later, Mount St. Helens is closely monitored for potential explosions. Like all other Cascade Range volcanos, it is active but is considered to be in a healthy ‘background state of activity’. That means you can explore the visitor center and massive area around the volcano without worrying about lava flows and ash clouds.

Whether you want to learn more about the history of the volcanos at the visitor center or forge into the mud flats, you’ve got options.

How to visit Mount St. Helens

A family hikes at Mount St. Helens National Park (Getty)

Mount St. Helens is located in southwestern Washington near the border with Oregon. In fact, you might be able to catch a peek at Oregon’s Mount Hood—another famous volcano from the Cascade Range.

The best way to experience the wonders of Mount St. Helens is to rent a car—because the area is so vast, you’ll spend a few hours getting from one side of the volcano to the other.

Head first to the visitor’s center to get a map of the area, learn about which spots are open to the public, and how to find the best views.

The best places to stay for full access to Mount St. Helens are Cougar, Hood River, Castle Rock, Longview, and Kelso. You can find great lodging options that let you stay close to the action, so to speak.

If wandering through the country roads sounds a little too intimidating, you can also take a tour from a professional guide.

I’d recommend taking an official tour—and from a major city, too. You can get to Mount St. Helens from Portland, Oregon (50 miles), Seattle, Washington (100 miles), and even Vancouver, British Columbia (45 miles).

You can shop around for day trips and guided tours that leave from these cities, letting you bundle a visit to the US’s most active volcano when you head to the Pacific Northwest.

How to Join CLEAR, the US’s Fast-Growing Security Club

CLEAR edges a little further into public view each year.

While it’s increasingly well-known by frequent flyers, it’s not a government-backed program like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Here’s a little refresher: TSA PreCheck lets you jump ahead in those long security lines to avoid physical screenings, in most cases. Global Entry lets Americans skip the long customs lines when re-entering the United States.

CLEAR, on the other hand, is a private company that offers biometric security services. It’s becoming more and more popular with American flyers, but most people (me included) have a few questions about how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth it.

Let’s dig in.

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a private security company that focuses on expedited security screenings through the use of biometric data like iris scans and fingerprinting.

CLEAR security programs are being used at airports around the US, along with venues like stadiums and arenas.

When someone signs up with CLEAR, they hand over that biometric data. When they show up at an airport (or, again, a concert venue), they can head to a short line where a machine scans their iris and reads their fingerprint. This immediately verifies their identity and lets them clear security.

But she’s a pricy solution—one that costs $189 a year. While that might sound ridiculous, a handful of US airlines let their frequent flyers sign up for free or with a hefty discount. As of 2025, that includes Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.

So, if you like skipping security lines and aren’t shy about spending on tech solutions, it’s a pretty big win.

Pros and cons of joining CLEAR

The obvious benefit of joining CLEAR is to take advantage of shortened security lines. Your CLEAR membership lets you skip the line and head straight to the scanning portion.

(To clarify—you still need to have your bag and person screened, you just don’t need to wait with the plebs beforehand.)

If you fly often and live near a busy, hectic airport, then CLEAR can simplify and streamline your travels. You can skip those insane lines every time you have a flight to catch—and that price tag will be well worth it when you’re running late.

On the other hand, if you don’t fly often or you fly out of a calmer, regional airport, then CLEAR probably isn’t worth the fuss or the money. On top of that, if you felt a little weird about handing your biometric data over to a private company, I wouldn’t judge you.

While CLEAR states that it doesn’t sell or release personal data with a user’s consent, that doesn’t account for data breaches.

I have no idea what someone would do with your fingerprint or iris, but I can appreciate that the risks outweigh the benefits of skipping a security line for some travelers.

I was very surprised to learn how easy it is for someone to join CLEAR. While you need to sign up for Global Entry and wait for an in-person interview, it only takes ten minutes (or less) to sign up for CLEAR using an online application.

Once the application is reviewed and approved, you can head straight to the nearest CLEAR kiosk to submit your biometrics and speak with an agent.

Even if you’re heading to the airport to catch a flight, you should be able to get your biometrics taken and then uploaded by working with a CLEAR representative.

4 Places to Disappear in the United States

I remember the first time I ever disappeared via travel.

I was a teenager who had convinced her parents to let her travel abroad on a volunteerism trip. That was a big deal given my parents had never traveled outside the US and really couldn’t fathom why a seventeen-year-old wanted to build biodigesters on the other side of planet Earth.

Still, I pulled it off, packed my bags, and said adios. Given the remote nature of the trip, I was unreachable for most of it.

Not just disconnected from my own culture, language, and world-view, but technologically disconnected, too.

Nobody in the world could get ahold of me so long as I stayed on that tiny island in the middle of the Mekong River. I don’t know why, but that feeling had a huge impact on me.

Maybe it was my first taste of adulthood. Maybe it was the moment I knew that I wouldn’t end up in the place where I grew up.

Regardless of why it stuck, I know that moment was special. And it’s been hard to replicate because, almost twenty years later, the widespread adoption of mobile technology has made it harder than ever to drop off the map.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though.

Today, you can achieve a similar feeling by heading to a destination that doesn’t have internet or cell service. Why would you bother, you might be wondering?

Because disappearing was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever experienced, and I’d love to help someone else achieve the same feeling of perfect solitude.

Let’s talk about disappearing

Disappearing has a semi-nefarious tilt—I’m not suggesting anyone Gone Girl themselves. When I say disappear, I’m talking about dropping off the map in a more firm way.

No internet or, at least, spotty internet.

No cell service either, aside from emergency situations.

Let’s dig a little deeper into why you’d want to find a few places to disappear. Why would a traveler want to log off when they could book a trip to an all-inclusive resort where the piña coladas never stop flowing?

It’s a wake-up call. A chance for you to change lanes via transformation. An opportunity to dig deeper inside yourself. A moment of silence where you can listen to your intuition, or your logical mind, or whatever part of you has tapped out recently.

Most importantly, it’s about taking yourself out of the regular rhythm of your life and, instead of handing yourself the wonderful distractions of travel, you fall still.

That’s the idea here—even if you drop off the map with company, you’ll probably walk away with some personal epiphanies.

Best places to disappear in the United States

If you want to log off your brain for a while, you can stay (relatively) out of touch in these US regions, zones, and parks. Though most of them have basic Wi-Fi and cell service, the connections aren’t steady.

That gives you the power to plan your own DIY digital detox without heading out on an official retreat or being totally unreachable. Here’s where to go.

The National Radio Quiet Zone, West Virginia

West Virginia: home to the Moth Man and The National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). The latter is a 13,000-square-mile area that is protected from radio waves and emissions so that specialized astronomical equipment can function.

You guessed it—that means no Wi-Fi and limited cell service, making this one of the best places to disappear.

The unique part about the NRQZ is that it covers part of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. That makes this one of the most gorgeous and off-the-map sites in the United States—one that you might not even need to take a plane to access.

The largest cities in this zone are Buckhannon (WV), Harrisonburg (VA), and Staunton (VA).

Crescent City, California

I’ve got another jaw-dropping, off-the-map suggestion: Crescent City, California. This seaside town is surrounded by towering redwood forests which cut off service in the surrounding area.

That’s a pretty great balance for anyone who’s nervous about going whole-hog on the no Wi-Fi and no cell service train.

It’s also perfect for any campers and outdoor adventurers who want to get into nature without hearing any of those smartphone alerts. Just be mindful—this is dense wilderness.

Trust me. I slept in my Jeep in a park just outside Crescent City back in 2014 and got real spooked. (Redwoods are terrifyingly large. Why does no one ever talk about that?)

Sonoran Desert, Arizona

Heading to the Sonoran Desert National Monument or the surrounding area? Plan to have little or no cell service. If you’re noticing a pattern already, it’s that cell service is hard to guarantee in places where nature still rules.

From towering trees to sweltering deserts, humans still haven’t quite perfected the art of adapting radio waves for the wilderness.

You can venture off the grid from major cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Yuma, and Carefree. (I’d go for Carefree. Seems like a sign.)

Yakutat, Alaska

The county and city (both named Yakutat) are located on the southern, coastal tail of Alaska. With a tiny population, it’s a wild and remote frontier with a healthy population of Tlingit tribal members.

(You might know actor Tlingit actor Martin Sensemeier, who has starred in Yellowstone and Westworld.)

If you’ve been eyeing a trip to Alaska and want to bundle in some off-the-map downtime, Yakutat is a great spot. Its natural wonders alone make it one of the top places to disappear in the US.

You can reach the city via air or water, then start exploring some of its most renowned landmarks. There’s Hubbard Glacier, Russel Fjord (yes, Alaska has fjords), and the Situk River Flats.

How to Visit a Whiskey Expert’s Top 2 American Distilleries

I don’t consider myself a big drinker—but that changes when I hit the road.

Travel is the perfect time to explore new delicacies and push our palates to new limits, which includes trying out unique brews, special liquors, and more.

While many places around the world don’t have a particular affinity for alcohol (usually for religious and cultural reasons), some destinations are actually well-known for their specialty liquors, brews, and cocktails.

Some cocktails, like the piña colada and sex on the beach, are specifically associated with travel that revolves around sun, sand, and swimming.

Off the top of my head, I can name my favorite drinks that are associated with specific regions and cities; Poland’s soplica, a brand of flavored vodka, and Spain’s obsession with Vermouth—particularly here in Catalonia where I live.

But the most ingrained booze experience I ever had was in Ireland. Irish whiskey is a big deal for a few reasons—and I don’t have the time to dive deep into that legacy right now. From its history to its modern production methods to its economic impact, it’s important.

The world’s most popular and well-known distilleries can be found in Ireland, along with Scotland—and they regularly drive tourists across the Pond, eager for a taste of the Real Deal.

That being said, plenty of Irish and Scottish immigrants made their way to the United States and into Appalachia. Sheltered in the hollers of Kentucky and Tennessee, they set up their stills and founded the United States’ bourbon and whiskey legacies.

Though American whiskey isn’t as highly regarded as its Irish and Scottish predecessors, some whiskey experts hold American distilleries in high regard.

In fact, the founder of The Whisky Masters, Daniel Ufland, has two spots listed in his list of the Top 10 Whisky Distillery Tours Around the World.

Here’s how to visit Ufland’s two American selections, Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.

Visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Lynchburg, Tennessee

With almost 8,000 reviews and a five-star rating from TripAdvisor, it’s not hard to see why Ufland listed Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour as No. 5 on his list. You get a pretty full-scope view of the start of Jack Daniel’s, including the historical conditions that led to distilling in a dry county.

But history is just the tip of the iceberg.

When you take the tour, you also get to explore the headquarters of this booming company. You can see how they distill Jack Daniel’s whiskey and even take a closer look at the 114 barrel house where its mash liquor is aged to perfection.

So, how can you visit?

The catch? Lynchburg is nearly eight hours away from Nashville, the closest hub, by car. That means it’s not exactly a cute little day trip down south.

If you’re heading to Nashville and are hell-bent on taking the tour without driving yourself insane (get it?), you can also look into tours that take you to Lynchburg—some include other whiskey-tasting stops, which make it worth your while.

Visiting the Maker’s Mark Distillery

Loretto, Kentucky

Fun story time: I went to an all-girls Catholic high school in St. Louis, Missouri that was founded by the Sisters of Loretto—the very same Catholic order that founded this town in Kentucky. A little ways north sits the town of Nerinx, which my high school was named after.

Unfortunately, they didn’t serve Maker’s Mark whiskey at my high school—though I did make up for lost time in my early twenties.

Weird factoids about my life aside, Maker’s Mark Distillery produces the US’s most well-known bourbon. Despite the fact that this is a global brand, its bourbon whiskey is still produced in small batches.

And its tour offerings let you explore Maker’s Mark at your own pace.

The traditional distillery tour dives deep into the bourbon’s history, along with its modern distilling techniques. But I’d personally go for an event like the Burns Night Supper, which draws on the legacy of Scottish poet Rabbie Burns. Think: haggis, bagpipes, poetry, revelry, and bourbon.

On top of these memorable offers, you can also go on a whiskey creek walking tour, explore the farm, learn more about how bourbon is produced, and more. I had no idea whisky distilleries could be so artisanal.

So, how can you visit?

Loretto is reachable from Louisville and Lexington, making the Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour a little more accessible than Jack Daniel’s. The drive from Louisville takes just over an hour; the drive from Lexington is more like an hour and a half.

That makes it easier to bundle in a day trip to and from one of these hubs. Just make sure that you’re not slamming bourbon during the tour if you plan on heading back home.

Personally, I’d just hang up my hat for the night. And possibly the next day, depending on how much bourbon I drink.

6 Destinations in Europe That Are Perfect for Solo Travel

Solo travel is having a bit of a heyday.

Some of this points back to the rise of transformational travel. On the hunt for more meaningful experiences, many jet-setters are shedding their social groups to foray into the unknown all alone.

On the other hand, some people prefer solo travel because it’s more affordable and lets them stay agile—especially for shorter trips.

In other words, while solo travel tends to be more immersive and exciting, it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and even risky.

The most important part of planning a solo trip is getting your destination right. The larger the city, the easier it is to find suitable lodging, take advantage of public transportation, and find more varied experiences, from bar-hopping to museum tours.

With its almost unending list of visitable cities, Europe is one of the first stops for solo travelers from the United States.

But where should you go if you’re relatively green at solo travel?

I’ve got suggestions based on my own unexpectedly spectacular visits, along with suggestions from my well-traveled digital nomad friends. These cities make it easy for you get around (including to and from the nearest airport), explore the city on foot or via public transportation, and rub elbows with locals and travelers alike.

European destinations that are great for solo travelers

Great for splurging: Dublin, Ireland
Perfect for saving: Krakow, Poland
Avoid the crowds: Hamburg, Germany
Eat like royalty: Valencia, Spain
Venture into the unknown: Helsinki, Finland
Drool over the views: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Top European cities for solo travel

Great for splurging: Dublin, Ireland

My first impression of Dublin went something along the lines of, Wow, these are New York City prices. I was quickly swept up in the city’s grungy but gorgeous vibe, so I didn’t have the time to complain about those prices.

But they caught up to me, which is why I’m suggesting Dublin for travelers who are ready to splurge a bit.

With a pretty cloistered downtown area and an easy-to-use tram system, Dublin is a top spot for visitors. Some locals are also happy to chat at the city’s many pubs, which can go a long way in introducing you to the real lifeblood of this city.

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

Perfect for saving: Krakow, Poland

Krakow should be the first place you visit in Poland. Unfortunately, much of the country’s historic districts were leveled during World War II, effectively erasing centuries’ worth of architecture and history.

That’s not the case in Krakow, which was spared from much of the destruction.

Krakow’s old district is the stuff of fairytales. The architecture is distinct, while the little squares and plazas are full of character. Solo travelers can uncover delight after delight. It’s also a friendly city and highly accessible by foot, letting you settle in without too much confusion.

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

Avoid the crowds: Hamburg, Germany

Want to delve deep into German identity without running into the wasted youth of Berlin’s party scene and the more uptight norms of Munich? Head to Hamburg.

While Berlin is usually rated as the world’s best solo traveler destination (and for good reason), you’ll have a more intimate cultural experience in Hamburg.

The city has plenty of mom-and-pop shops, along with an industrial history that can be felt in its architecture and winding canals. With plenty of public transportation and an underground scene that reflects those Berlin sensibilities, you’ll be able to get lost—just not in a crowd of tourists.

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

Eat like royalty: Valencia, Spain

You can eat like royalty throughout Spain and Portugal—it’s hard not to, in fact. But in Valencia, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of the peninsula’s best eats.

This is the hometown of paella—but you can also find seafood specialties, classic Spanish dishes, and plenty of local favorites.

Aside from eating like royalty, you also have access to the same basic range of amenities that people flock to Barcelona for. I’m talking about gorgeous historical sites and districts, art museums galore, and stunning city parks and beaches. (Seriously—skip Barcelona and go to Valencia.)

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

Venture into the unknown: Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, renowned for its condensed streets and unique architecture. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want to take a look at lesser-known Europe (similar to Krakow and Ljubljana, below), offering an unforgettable experience during any season.

In summer, you’ll have added hours of daylight to enjoy the midnight sun while you explore Helsinki’s museums and restaurants.

In winter, by contrast, you’ll get all the best of the northern lights and that it’s-dark-early hospitality. It’s also the sauna capital of the world if you like warmth and glowing skin.

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

Drool over the views: Ljubljana, Slovenia

I have strong feelings toward Ljubljana—to the point that I don’t want to recommend it here lest it be overrun with tourists.

It’s already quietly become a top choice for solo travelers thanks to its affordability, safety, and views. It’s also home to some 50,000 students, making it a top choice for younger travelers.

Those views are the big focus, though. Slovenia is blanketed in stunning forests and mountains, which surround Ljubljana. Though this capital city is tiny (which makes it easier to get around for solo adventurers), it’s also picturesque as hell.

There’s a river that cuts through the city, bringing to mind Venice, while its ancient architecture makes you feel like you’re walking through a Game of Thrones set.

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

Top 7 Picks: Best Chinese Food in San Francisco

Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the best hubs of Chinese-American culture—not just in New York City, but nationwide.

During my tenure in Brooklyn, I regularly went to Chinatown for bottomless mimosa dim sum offers (the best way to fight a hangover) and to traditional doctors for cupping, herbal concoctions, and other affordable treatments (TCM is amazing).

But if we’re ranking American Chinatowns, San Francisco comes out ahead thanks to its history, legacy, and modern standing.

San Francisco is home to the US’s oldest Chinese hub, which formed in the 1840s during the start of the Gold Rush. With tens of thousands of Cantonese arriving, Chinatown quickly evolved from a cultural center to a bona fide neighborhood—one that you can still explore today.

The area covers over twenty square blocks in the heart of the city. If you’ve visited, you’ve probably walked some of its streets—and you’ve definitely noticed its culinary legacy.

While it’s hard for me to say this because New York City Chinese food is close to my heart, the best Chinese food is found in San Francisco—at least, according to most authorities.

Here’s where to find it in Chinatown and beyond.

Best Chinese food in San Francisco

Mister Jiu‘s

The US’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant is located in San Francisco. This one-star selection comes from Chinese-American chef Brandon Jew.

Mister Jiu’s offers an upscale look at Cantonese dishes—a direct callback to the first Chinese who immigrated to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Expect a blend of both modern and traditional dishes, taking you straight into the heart of Canton… and San Francisco.

Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

A Chinese-Islamic restaurant? Yes, they’re out there! China’s western regions are home to Muslim populations known as Uyghur. (Like Cantonese Chinese people, Uyghur people have their own culinary, linguistic, and historical roots.)

This casual dining establishment specializes in Uyghur dishes like lamb skewers shanks, along with extra-spicy side dishes.

China Live

Dubbed one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city by Eater, the visual appeal alone might get you through the door.

But what will keep you eating at China Live are those specialty dishes from head chef George Chen, including special boa dumplings and iterations of Peking duck. Just be prepared to wait for a table—this is a top pick for locals and tourists alike.

Z&Y Restaurant

Want to take a long, hard look at your spice tolerance? Head straight to Z&Y, one of the longstanding staples in Chinatown.

You’ll get a front-row taste of some of the best eats from Szechuan, a region of China that’s renowned for its spice levels. Along the way, sample braised ox tail, creamy prawns, and diced meat with sour bean. It’s pure tradition at Z&Y.

Dumpling Home

Slightly outside the Chinatown hub is one of the best dumpling eateries in the country. Dumpling Home is celebrated for its buns and dumplings, including famous xiaolongbao eats that melt in your mouth.

If you’re a little new to the Chinese palate, this might be a good jumping-off point for your American tastebuds!

Golden Gate Bakery

I rarely think a meal is worth waiting in line for (I’m impatient and I’m not picky about food), I’d happily throw away an afternoon at Golden Gate Bakery.

This low-key bakery is renowned for its egg tarts, which are advertised as the ‘best egg tarts outside of Hong Kong’. Inspired by English custard tarts from the island’s colonial era, it’s a fusion food that brings on the best of both worlds.

Yank Sing

My final suggestion specializes in dim sum—which is one of my favorite ways to share a meal with friends.

Dim sum is sort of like tapas, meaning you can enjoy a wide range of small dishes, which is also a callback to San Francisco’s Cantonese heritage, as dim sum originates in Canton. Yank Sing is a slightly more upscale eatery that lets you feast on the tastiest and freshest dishes in the Cantonese cookbook.