Amanda Chatel
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Articles by Amanda Chatel
Between San Diego And Palm Springs Lies A Scenic Lake With Serene Fishing And Camping
Between San Diego And Palm Springs Lies A Scenic Lake With Serene Fishing And Camping George Rose/Getty Images When it comes to states that truly have it all, you'll be hard-pressed to find one as diverse as California. From its mountains and redwoods to its miles and miles of gorgeous beaches along the Pacific coast, California is a nature lover's idea of heaven.
Forget Cape Cod – New England's Affordable Destination Has Scenic Beaches With Fewer Crowds
Forget Cape Cod – New England's Affordable Destination Has Scenic Beaches With Fewer Crowds Ascentxmedia/Getty Images As much as we hear a lot about Cape Cod and its primary islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, those hot spots certainly aren't the only places in Massachusetts to visit when it comes to scenic beaches. If you go a bit inland toward the Rhode Island state line, you'll find the town of Westport.
Forget Cape Cod – New England's Affordable Destination Has Scenic Beaches With Fewer Crowds
As much as we hear a lot about Cape Cod and its primary islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, those hot spots certainly aren't the only places in Massachusetts to visit when it comes to scenic beaches. If you go a bit inland toward the Rhode Island state line, you'll find the town of Westport. In addition to its beautiful shoreline, it's far less crowded and doesn't carry the priciness of the Cape.
The Money Issue Rick Steves Warns Travelers To Be Aware Of (And What To Do If It Happens)
The Money Issue Rick Steves Warns Travelers To Be Aware Of (And What To Do If It Happens) Imgorthand/Getty Images According to Rick Steves, in most cases, you shouldn't have a problem using your credit or debit card, especially if it's Visa or Mastercard. "On rare occasions, you may run into a situation where your card doesn't work," he explained in a blog article.
The Money Issue Rick Steves Warns Travelers To Be Aware Of (And What To Do If It Happens)
As much as traveling to another country is exciting and something everyone should experience, for newbies, there can be concerns. From coping with culture shock to navigating a country where you don't speak the language, it's normal to have more than a few worries. One of the big questions that comes to mind for many is one that can make or break your trip: Will my U.S. card work?
The High-Tech Camping Gadget Outdoor Enthusiasts Recommend To Stay Cool On Every Trip Original
The High-Tech Camping Gadget Outdoor Enthusiasts Recommend To Stay Cool On Every Trip Maryshot/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Once upon a time, camping meant roughing it. However, with 2026 being the hottest year on record, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, it might be time to invest in a portable air conditioner.
The High-Tech Camping Gadget Outdoor Enthusiasts Recommend To Stay Cool On Every Trip
HomeView 5 hours ago Apple Launching Two More New Products This Friday MacRumors - Tim Hardwick • 5h The Apple launches keep coming! The company is set to release two new products on Friday, November 13: the all-new Apple HomeView and the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, both of which have been available to pre-order since mid-October.
The Best Days To Fly For Thanksgiving To Avoid Airport Crowds
The Best Days To Fly For Thanksgiving To Avoid Airport Crowds Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock If you've ever traveled anywhere for Thanksgiving, you know that it can be absolute madness. In 2025, AAA projected that over 81 million people would travel at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving long weekend, a figure that broke records and is expected to be even higher in 2026. Although a whopping 73 million traveled by car, 6 million people relied on air travel for their Thanksgiving plans.
The Best Days To Fly For Thanksgiving To Avoid Airport Crowds
If you've ever traveled anywhere for Thanksgiving, you know that it can be absolute madness. In 2025, AAA projected that over 81 million people would travel at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving long weekend, a figure that broke records and is expected to be even higher in 2026. Although a whopping 73 million traveled by car, 6 million people relied on air travel for their Thanksgiving plans.
The Best Days To Fly For Thanksgiving To Avoid Airport Crowds
U.S. Customs And Border Protection Tries To Confiscate American Global Entry Traveler's Passport At Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Secondary inspections by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be unpredictable for travelers. Encounters TheTravel has reported on range from …
Between Aspen And Colorado Springs Is A Scenic Lake With A State Park For Fishing In The Rockies
Between Aspen And Colorado Springs Is A Scenic Lake With A State Park For Fishing In The Rockies Ascentxmedia/Getty Images When it comes to states that are chockfull of natural beauty, it's hard to find a place with more of it than Colorado. From the Rocky Mountains to the remote mountain lake with crystal waters that could be getting a new state park, Colorado is a nature enthusiast's dream.
Between Aspen And Colorado Springs Is A Scenic Lake With A State Park For Fishing In The Rockies
When it comes to states that are chockfull of natural beauty, it's hard to find a place with more of it than Colorado. From the Rocky Mountains to the remote mountain lake with crystal waters that could be getting a new state park, Colorado is a nature enthusiast's dream. One of those stunning locales is Spinney Mountain State Park — particularly its Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
The Seemingly Harmless Airplane Habit That's Quietly Annoying Your Flight Attendants Original
The Seemingly Harmless Airplane Habit That's Quietly Annoying Your Flight Attendants Natee Meepian/Shutterstock Whether it's a three-hour flight or a 15-hour flight, air travel is always exhausting. Because of this, it's not uncommon to see people totally conked out on a plane or, in some cases, using their tray table as a makeshift bed. While the latter behavior may seem harmless, it turns out that it's quietly annoying your flight attendants.
The Seemingly Harmless Airplane Habit That's Quietly Annoying Your Flight Attendants
7 hours ago Here’s three things to know about President Donald Trump’s new chief of staff. The elevation of Stephen Miller within the White House has sparked outrage among Democrats and suggests President Donald Trump is doubling down on his policy agenda in the wake of Republican midterm losses. Here’s three …
Forget Sleeping Bags — Campers Are Opting For This Underrated Alternative Instead Original
Forget Sleeping Bags — Campers Are Opting For This Underrated Alternative Instead Simonkr/Getty Images When it comes to camping, one of the most important things to consider isn't just where you're going to sleep, but how you're going to sleep. While top-rated sleeping bags had become the go-to for many for a long time, campers are now opting for a less restrictive alternative: sleeping quilts.
Take Advantage Of Costco's Sneaky Travel Perk When Booking Your Next Vacation Original
Take Advantage Of Costco's Sneaky Travel Perk When Booking Your Next Vacation EvaL Miko/Shutterstock If you don't already have a Costco membership, it might be time to get one. Not only does the retail chain let you buy household items like toilet paper, garbage bags, and snacks in bulk, but you can also book travel through Costco and even score a sneaky travel perk when booking your next vacation: a Costco Shop Card rebate.
Take Advantage Of Costco's Sneaky Travel Perk When Booking Your Next Vacation
U.S. Central Command 2 hours ago 3 things to know about Stephen Miller, new White House chief of staff The Washington Post - Victoria Craw • 2h Trump calls for Justice Department to investigate Democrats President Donald Trump on Saturday urged the Justice Department to investigate Democrats who have pledged to scrutinize his administration, writing on social media that their actions were “extortion” and “Weaponization and Lawfare at … Air Travel 7 hours ago A Man Refused to Give Up His Plane...
Under An Hour From Houston Is An Up-And-Coming Texas City With A Scenic Lake And Historic Downtown Original
Under An Hour From Houston Is An Up-And-Coming Texas City With A Scenic Lake And Historic Downtown Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock As the biggest state in the lower 48, Texas is full of hidden gems like Conroe, an up-and-coming city that around 116,000 people call home. Less than an hour from Houston and just under a three-hour drive from Austin (the funky southern city that was named one of the U.S.'s best college towns), Conroe is known for its namesake lake and historic center.
This New York State Park With A Crystal-Clear Lake Transforms Into A Winter Ice Skating Getaway
This New York State Park With A Crystal-Clear Lake Transforms Into A Winter Ice Skating Getaway Akiromaru/Getty Images As much as New York City is often considered the heart of the state, leaving the bustling chaos of the Big Apple behind for a bit helps you unwind. One of the best places to experience the softer side of New York State is Glimmerglass State Park on the shores of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown.
This New York State Park With A Crystal-Clear Lake Transforms Into A Winter Ice Skating Getaway
As much as New York City is often considered the heart of the state, leaving the bustling chaos of the Big Apple behind for a bit helps you unwind. One of the best places to experience the softer side of New York State is Glimmerglass State Park on the shores of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown.
California's Former Navy Base Is Becoming A New Community With Waterfront Parks & Recreation
California's Former Navy Base Is Becoming A New Community With Waterfront Parks & Recreation Dianebentleyraymond/Getty Images When it comes to former military bases that have been repurposed, California has lots of them. Take Fort Cronkhite in Sausalito, for example. This former army base is now a historic area with a beach and nearby trails. And now, too far away is a former navy base that's becoming a new community with waterfront parks and lots of recreation opportunities.
California's Former Navy Base Is Becoming A New Community With Waterfront Parks & Recreation
When it comes to former military bases that have been repurposed, California has lots of them. Take Fort Cronkhite in Sausalito, for example. This former army base is now a historic area with a beach and nearby trails. And now, too far away is a former navy base that's becoming a new community with waterfront parks and lots of recreation opportunities. Also in the Bay Area, and roughly a 90-minute drive from Fort Cronkhite, sits Alameda Point.
The Often Overlooked Camping Essential You Don't Want To Forget On Your Next Trip
The Often Overlooked Camping Essential You Don't Want To Forget On Your Next Trip buritora/Shutterstock Whether you're camping with friends and family or learning how to master camping on your own, exploring the great outdoors is always a good time. But one of the most important parts about camping is making sure you don't leave home without the essentials.
The Often Overlooked Camping Essential You Don't Want To Forget On Your Next Trip
Whether you're camping with friends and family or learning how to master camping on your own, exploring the great outdoors is always a good time. But one of the most important parts about camping is making sure you don't leave home without the essentials. While there are camping must-haves you'll always wish you brought more of, there's an often-overlooked necessity you don't want to forget on your next trip: a can opener.
Rick Steves Says Buying This Travel Essential Is A Waste Of Money In Europe
Rick Steves Says Buying This Travel Essential Is A Waste Of Money In Europe Miniseries/Getty Images Packing for a trip is an art. No matter how far you're traveling or for how long, being able to pack only the essentials takes practice — and lots of it. While Rick Steves emphasizes the importance of packing light when traveling in Europe, there is one thing he's pretty adamant about not leaving behind: your toiletries.
Rick Steves Says Buying This Travel Essential Is A Waste Of Money In Europe
Airlines 2 hours ago Hoax bomb threats target four European flights as scares spread across the continent Euronews - Simon Ormiston • 2h One of Warsaw’s airports was shut and a Ryanair jet landed in Spain under an emergency protocol, the third straight day that threats have disrupted … CFDA Fashion Awards 1 hour ago Vera Wang, 77, Shows Off Hair Transformation in a Midriff-Baring Black Bra Top Held Together by Sheer Mesh InStyle - Rachel Burchfield • 1h The designer made a memorable entrance...
Rick Steves Says Buying This Travel Essential Is A Waste Of Money In Europe
Packing for a trip is an art. No matter how far you're traveling or for how long, being able to pack only the essentials takes practice — and lots of it. While Rick Steves emphasizes the importance of packing light when traveling in Europe, there is one thing he's pretty adamant about not leaving behind: your toiletries.
Flight Attendants Wish Passengers Would Follow This Important Rule During Boarding
Flight Attendants Wish Passengers Would Follow This Important Rule During Boarding Jupiterimages/Getty Images Being a flight attendant can sound glamorous — getting to see the world and all — but it's not exactly an easy job. Having a profession where you not only have to cater to, but also deal with hundreds of people and their varying personalities all day long is exhausting, to say the least.
Flight Attendants Wish Passengers Would Follow This Important Rule During Boarding
Being a flight attendant can sound glamorous — getting to see the world and all — but it's not exactly an easy job. Having a profession where you not only have to cater to, but also deal with hundreds of people and their varying personalities all day long is exhausting, to say the least. And unlike someone at a typical customer service job, flight attendants can't just walk away when they've had enough — especially at 35,000 feet.
This Airline Will Charge Passengers For Stowing Bags In Overhead Bins In 2027
This Airline Will Charge Passengers For Stowing Bags In Overhead Bins In 2027 Hispanolistic/Getty Images As much as budget airlines are great in theory, they're ultimately not as easy on the wallet as they market themselves to be. The additional fees are rampant, and Rick Steve's son exposed a sneaky detail to check before booking with a budget airline.
This Airline Will Charge Passengers For Stowing Bags In Overhead Bins In 2027
As much as budget airlines are great in theory, they're ultimately not as easy on the wallet as they market themselves to be. The additional fees are rampant, and Rick Steve's son exposed a sneaky detail to check before booking with a budget airline. If paying little for a ticket but spending a ton just to bring a carry-on wasn't bad enough, starting in 2027, Australia's Jetstar Airways will begin charging passengers for stowing bags in overhead bins.
This Airline Will Charge Passengers For Stowing Bags In Overhead Bins In 2027
9 hours ago Unlike American presidents, Pope Leo XIV has no private jet, so he travels on commercial airlines, like the rest of us. Well, almost. A day before Pope Leo XIV departed for France in September, on the fourth major international trip of his papacy, the crew of the plane he was to use, known …
The Old-School Travel Essential From The '80s People Rarely Use Anymore Original
The Old-School Travel Essential From The '80s People Rarely Use Anymore Maogg/Getty Images If you're a person of a certain age, you might remember traveler's checks. These paper checks came in set amounts and were often purchased from banks before a trip. They were a staple in the '80s because, unlike cold, hard cash, lost or stolen checks could be refunded. The first and last time I used a traveler's check was during a school trip to Los Angeles.
All About The Dating Term Named After Ariana Grande
Although Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in her novel, "Eat, Pray, Love," "This is a good sign, having a broken heart. It means we have tried for something," trying to come out of the other side of a relationship can be really difficult.
Lake Tahoe's Beloved Adventure Parks Offer Outdoor Thrills And Family-Friendly Fun
Lake Tahoe's Beloved Adventure Parks Offer Outdoor Thrills And Family-Friendly Fun Yayaernst/Getty Images When people think of Lake Tahoe, the first thing that comes to mind isn't usually adventure parks. Swimming and boating, of course, because Lake Tahoe is California's deepest lake with crystal-clear water, making it a major hot spot in the spring and summer months. In the winter, the mention of Lake Tahoe likely conjures up thoughts of skiing and ice skating. But adventure parks? Not really.
Lake Tahoe's Beloved Adventure Parks Offer Outdoor Thrills And Family-Friendly Fun
When people think of Lake Tahoe, the first thing that comes to mind isn't usually adventure parks. Swimming and boating, of course, because Lake Tahoe is California's deepest lake with crystal-clear water, making it a major hot spot in the spring and summer months. In the winter, the mention of Lake Tahoe likely conjures up thoughts of skiing and ice skating. But adventure parks? Not really. So it's time we change that by introducing you to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks.
Not Yosemite, Not Colonial Creek Falls: This Is The Tallest Waterfall In The US Hands Down
Not Yosemite, Not Colonial Creek Falls: This Is The Tallest Waterfall In The US Hands Down Brandon Means/Shutterstock While the U.S. may not be home to the tallest waterfall in the world — that honor goes to Angel Falls in Venezuela — it still has its fair share of some truly stunning waterfalls.
Not Yosemite, Not Colonial Creek Falls: This Is The Tallest Waterfall In The US Hands Down
While the U.S. may not be home to the tallest waterfall in the world — that honor goes to Angel Falls in Venezuela — it still has its fair share of some truly stunning waterfalls. Some may think the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park or Colonial Creek Falls in this picturesque national park with fewer crowds take the cake on the tallest waterfalls in the country, but it turns out you're going to have to go further west and over part of the Pacific Ocean to find the biggest descent.
If Your Flight Attendants Use This Code Word, You're Actually Getting On Their Nerves
If Your Flight Attendants Use This Code Word, You're Actually Getting On Their Nerves Image Source/Getty Images It's important to have a healthy amount of confidence, but sometimes people let things go to their head. Then, before they know it, they're not just confident but cocky, arrogant, and running around with far too much main character energy. If this happens, you just might find yourself being referred to as a VIP by flight attendants.
If Your Flight Attendants Use This Code Word, You're Actually Getting On Their Nerves
It's important to have a healthy amount of confidence, but sometimes people let things go to their head. Then, before they know it, they're not just confident but cocky, arrogant, and running around with far too much main character energy. If this happens, you just might find yourself being referred to as a VIP by flight attendants.
The Flattering Flight Attendant Code Word You'd Be Happy To Hear Original
The Flattering Flight Attendant Code Word You'd Be Happy To Hear Creative Credit/Getty Images When you work with the public in any capacity, you need to know how to have fun. This is one reason why a lot of customer service industries have insider code words for clients — especially the problematic, self-entitled customers who seem to live to make everyone else miserable. For example, there are plenty of flight attendant code words, and what they really mean might surprise you.
Lake Tahoe's Secret Beach Offers Secluded Swimming With Scenic Views
Lake Tahoe's Secret Beach Offers Secluded Swimming With Scenic Views Photo Spirit/Shutterstock When it comes to lakes in the United States, Lake Tahoe is often considered one of the most beautiful. The crystal-clear lake straddles the borders of California and Nevada and is an ideal location for outdoor activities all year-round. But its famous beauty means it's particularly busy in the summer, known to have big crowds and high prices during peak season.
The Boomer Travel Inspiration Trend Younger Generations Are Embracing Again Original
The Boomer Travel Inspiration Trend Younger Generations Are Embracing Again Halfpoint/Getty Images In an era where more and more magazines are either going strictly digital or closing up shop all together, there's one corner of the media world where print is still very much relevant: travel magazines and brochures. In fact, these tangible items that were once the travel inspiration trend for boomers are now being embraced by younger generations.
Travel Experts Recommend This Simple Clothing Rule To Avoid Overpacking Your Bag
Travel Experts Recommend This Simple Clothing Rule To Avoid Overpacking Your Bag Stock-Asso/Shutterstock For some people, the most difficult part of traveling is figuring out what to pack. It doesn't matter if it's a weekend away in the mountains or two weeks in the Caribbean, trying to pack only what one needs for a trip isn't always easy. Because of this, as many as 32% of travelers admit to being over-packers, according to a Global Rescue survey.
Travel Experts Recommend This Simple Clothing Rule To Avoid Overpacking Your Bag
For some people, the most difficult part of traveling is figuring out what to pack. It doesn't matter if it's a weekend away in the mountains or two weeks in the Caribbean, trying to pack only what one needs for a trip isn't always easy. Because of this, as many as 32% of travelers admit to being over-packers, according to a Global Rescue survey. Overpacking can cause a number of problems.
Maryland's Abandoned Military Fort Is Now An Urban Park With Fishing, Graffiti, & Eerie Tunnels Original
Maryland's Abandoned Military Fort Is Now An Urban Park With Fishing, Graffiti, & Eerie Tunnels Jon Bilous/Shutterstock Although the United States may be barely a preteen compared to its European counterparts, it's still rich with lots of interesting history. One of those places is in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the former home of Fort Armistead.
Here's How To Up Your Chances Of Getting On Exclusive Celeb Dating App Raya
When dating apps finally hit the mainstream and everyone was using them, it was safe to assume that it was just a matter of time before the celebrity version of dating apps joined the club. You know, because single celebs can't just roll up on Tinder — or they can, but they just don't have much luck. So, when Raya launched in 2015, famous people had a place to go to meet and, ideally, date other famous people. Because why on earth would a celebrity want to date a mere mortal like the rest of us?
Travel Experts Recommend This Packing Swap To Avoid Delays When Going Through TSA Original
Travel Experts Recommend This Packing Swap To Avoid Delays When Going Through TSA Charles Wollertz/Getty Images We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Even if you're going on a proper vacation that doesn't involve you having to work the slightest bit, there's a good chance you're still going to bring your laptop with you — and you're not alone.
Sandwiched Between Austin And Waco Is An Overlooked Texas City With A Scenic Lake
Sandwiched Between Austin And Waco Is An Overlooked Texas City With A Scenic Lake Jay Mackall Visuals/Shutterstock While we hear a lot about Dallas, Houston, and Austin, much of Texas — the U.S.'s second biggest state after Alaska — is overlooked. But it turns out Texas has a lot of hidden gems, and one of them is Harker Heights, a city with a scenic lake that's sandwiched between Austin and Waco. Compared to many U.S. cities, the "Bright Star of Central Texas," is fairly new.
Sandwiched Between Austin And Waco Is An Overlooked Texas City With A Scenic Lake
While we hear a lot about Dallas, Houston, and Austin, much of Texas — the U.S.'s second biggest state after Alaska — is overlooked. But it turns out Texas has a lot of hidden gems, and one of them is Harker Heights, a city with a scenic lake that's sandwiched between Austin and Waco. Compared to many U.S. cities, the "Bright Star of Central Texas," is fairly new. Until 1957, the land was owned by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern. After that, the duo began dividing up their land and selling off lots.
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