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Covering everything from travel, interviews, personal essays to lifestyle and entertainment.
Articles by James Barrett
Are these bucket list trips worth the hype?
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Are these bucket list trips actually worth the hype?
What makes a destination “bucket list” worthy? While this may be subjective, it's about creating once-in-a-lifetime moments and finding truly unique places. Antarctica notoriously fits the bill and for good reason. Being one of the most remote places in the world, from icebergs to exploring penguin colonies it offers an experience that no other place can. However, not all must-see places are remote.
Amazon exploration in luxury with Jungle Experiences
Floating through the murky brown water, my mind raced with worry as I imagined something brushing against my leg. Was it a plant? Or something with teeth? Swimming in the Amazon River, the world's largest waterway, my mind immediately ran wild thinking about what could be lurking beneath my kicking feet (namely, piranhas). But our guide set the record straight: The toothy fish don't swarm people the second they hit the water. That reputation comes from Hollywood.
Who's 'Patient Zero'? Inside the $47 million mansion in Taylor Swift's latest music video
Taylor Swift's haunting new music video stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, but its most unusual cast member might be the Beverly Hills mansion where it was filmed. James Barrett Creator of Jimmy Rox• Sep 30, 2026 Wed, September 30, 2026 at 3:59 PM UTC 4 min read Who's 'Patient Zero'? Inside the $47 million mansion in Taylor Swift's latest music video (Taylor Swift) Leave it to Taylor Swift to turn a $47 million Beverly Hills mansion into the backdrop of a toxic relationship.
This South Carolina town hosts coffin races–and changes its name for Halloween
This South Carolina town hosts coffin races–and changes its name for Halloween (James Barrett @jimmyrox) The crowds visiting Salem during peak season are already giving me nightmares. Luckily, there are plenty of other places to celebrate Halloween—and some you probably haven't heard of yet. Like Conway, South Carolina. Every October, this small city about 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach transforms into the "City of Halloween." Last year, its downtown recorded 472,000 visits throughout the month.
These 5 underrated fall foliage destinations have the views without the crowds
These 5 underrated fall foliage destinations have the views without the crowds (Unsplash) As much as I love summer, I am looking forward to not stepping outside my house and, within minutes, sweating through my shirt. Cue the pumpkin spice on literally everything, because fall is finally here… I love seeing the leaves change here in New Jersey, and I've made my fair share of fall trips up to Vermont. But I have to say: leaf peeping has gotten a bit insane.
I average 8 hours of screen time a day. This campground 45 minutes from home changed that
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I hate how connected I am to the world sometimes. I wake up, unlock my phone before I get out of bed, and toggle between Instagram, TikTok and reading new emails like a pinball machine. I'm not proud of it, but I average more than eight hours of screen time a day. But I'm working on it.
This Greek island has no cars, no traffic lights, no airport–and it's only 90 minutes from Athens
This Greek island has no cars, no traffic lights, no airport–and it's only 90 minutes from Athens (Mandraki Beach Resort) When most people picture a Greek island vacation, places like Mykonos and Santorini probably come to mind. But just a short ferry ride from Athens is an island where something immediately feels different. There are no vehicles. No rental cars. No taxis. No public transportation barreling down narrow streets. You won't even see bicycles. Welcome to Hydra.
From floating saunas to seaplanes, here's how to see Vancouver from the land, sea and sky
From floating saunas to seaplanes, here's how to see Vancouver from the land, sea and sky (James Barrett @jimmyrox) There aren't many cities where you can bike through a forest in the morning, jump into the ocean from a floating sauna and fly over downtown in a seaplane, all without really leaving the city. Vancouver is one of them.
This 50-foot marionette has been burned in New Mexico every year since 1924–and most people have never heard of it
The Burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe, New Mexico (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I flew to Santa Fe to watch ten thousand strangers cheer while a 50-foot puppet burned to the ground. His name is Zozobra, AKA Old Man Gloom, and he's been going up in flames every year since 1924. The concept: 47,000 people write down everything bad that happened to you, stuff it inside him, then watch it burn. Cathartic, a little unhinged, oddly effective.
Adult summer camp searches are up 350%. I spent four days at one on Lake Tahoe
Adult summer camp searches are up 350%. I spent four days at one inside a Lake Tahoe casino resort (James Barrett @jimmyrox) The older I get, the more I appreciate Camp Good Shepherd, a Greek Orthodox camp in New Jersey that I attended more than a decade ago as a young adult. Now that I'm in my mid-thirties, some of the friendships I made there have lasted nearly 20 years.
I thought exploring the Peruvian Amazon meant hiking through the jungle. I barely stepped on land.
When I planned my trip to Peru to stay on a small ship on the Amazon for three nights, I didn't fully know what to expect. However, I did pack accordingly, with lightweight clothing that would cover my skin from head-to-toe to avoid painful mosquito bites. I started my trip in Lima, Peru, where I dined at Mayta, the #39 best restaurant in the world. After a few days exploring the city, my trip was about to get a lot more remote, starting with a flight to Iquitos, Peru.
The East Coast surf town you probably aren't considering has 60 miles of coastline
The East Coast surf town you probably aren't considering has 60 miles of coastline (James Barrett @jimmyrox) Ryan held the back of my board, ready to push me along to catch an incoming wave. I'd failed at this before–surf lessons in Los Angeles and Oahu, both times without ever riding one in. If you're not prepared to fall on your face in the ocean a dozen times before catching a wave, surfing might not be for you.
Over 20,000 people applied for just 960 spots to witness one of America's rarest natural phenomena–here's what it's actually like
Over 20,000 people applied for just 960 spots to see Tennessee's rare synchronized fireflies—here's what it's actually like (James Barrett @jimmyrox) There aren't many natural phenomena that require winning a lottery just to see them, and you wouldn't expect it to be for fireflies.
The mosaic of aquatic photorespiration: evolution, diversity, and global biogeochemical impacts
Contents Summary 1 I. Introduction 2 II. Subcellular organization of photorespiration in aquatic phototrophs 5 III. Evolutionary origins of the photorespiratory C2 cycle enzymes 8 IV. Physiological significance of photorespiration in aquatic phototrophs 10 V. Ecological significance of aquatic photorespiration 11 VI. Crosstalk between photorespiration and CCM 12 VII. Methodological advances 13 VIII. Conclusion and future directions 14 Acknowledgements 15 References 16 I.
Vancouver's 'Last Mile' is the best FIFA World Cup experience you haven't heard of
Vancouver's "Last Mile" is the best FIFA World Cup tradition you haven't heard of (James Barrett @jimmyrox) Stepping off the SkyTrain ahead of the Canada-Switzerland match in Vancouver, I was still nearly a mile from the stadium, BC Place. But judging by the energy in the streets, match day had already begun. Science World's geodesic dome had even been transformed into a giant soccer ball, looming over the city like a new World Cup landmark.
America turns 250—skip Route 66 for these 5 road trips instead
America turns 250—skip Route 66 for these 6 road trips that never cross it (James Barrett @jimmyrox) As America celebrates its 250th birthday, there's no better way to experience the country than by hitting the open road. For decades, Route 66 has been the quintessential American road trip, drawing travelers to its nostalgic diners, neon signs, and roadside attractions. But while it deserves its legendary status, it's far from the only drive worth planning.
Where I would go on my honeymoon if I were Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Where I would go on my honeymoon if I were Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (Taylor Swift / Banyan Tree) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly getting married at Madison Square Garden on July 3, which if true, could be the best plan possible for the happy couple to keep their peace from sneaky paparazzi and fans. It was also recently announced that Taylor Swift's net worth in the last year rose to more than $2 billion.
Nearly 1 in 5 Gen Z and millennials are planning vacations around concerts—here's where to gig-trip this summer
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Your music taste is secretly planning your summer vacation (Ariana Grande / Unsplash) Two summers ago, my friend and I traveled 4,000 miles to Zürich, Switzerland with the sole purpose of seeing Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. We landed in Zürich because it was the only place where we were able to secure tickets in advance.
This town on the Loneliest Road in America has 517 slot machines—and most people have never heard of it
This town on the Loneliest Road in America has 517 slot machines—and most people have never heard of it (White Pine County) Before embarking on this nine day road trip, I didn’t know the Loneliest Road even existed. With overcrowded National Parks during peak season and all the usual hotspots infiltrated with tourists, there’s never been a better time to be lonely.
After Getting A Scorching Sunburn On A Trip, I Always Pack This 1 Sunscreen
Flipboard HomeLandscape version of the Flipboard logo More stories from Sunburn “I wish that my mother could have taken GLP-1s. Her entire world would have changed, and she would probably still be alive today.
I've shot photos on all 7 continents—here's every piece of gear I pack
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. I've shot photos on all 7 continents—here's every piece of gear I pack (James Barrett @jimmyrox) As a travel writer, I've been to all seven continents—from photographing penguins in Antarctica to elephants in South Africa and grizzly bears in Alaska. To me, images are just as important as words when telling a story, or simply remembering a place. A picture is worth a thousand words, don’t forget that.
What visiting a penguin colony in Antarctica is actually like
What visiting a penguin colony in Antarctica is actually like (James Barrett @jimmyrox) Antarctica doesn’t feel real until you see your first penguin. They’re not on a television screen or behind glass at the zoo–they’re actual, waddling, curious, creatures marching across a sheet of ice like they’re late for a meeting. With National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions aboard the Endurance on a 10-day expedition, we visited numerous penguin colonies under strict guidance of our naturalist guides.
12 Most Walkable Cities That Are Especially STUNNING in Spring
Alexander Spatari//Getty Images You never know what you’ll discover when exploring a new city on foot. Whether you’re wandering the quiet streets of a seaside town, weaving through lively downtown blocks, or uncovering the charm of a historic neighborhood, walking allows you to experience a destination in its purest form. You can soak in the local culture, stumble upon hidden cafes and boutiques, and admire the architecture that gives each city its character.
The biggest pyramid in America has a Bass Pro Shop—and a hotel you can actually stay in
The biggest pyramid in America has a Bass Pro Shop—and a hotel you can actually stay in (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to visit Elvis’ Graceland–which should be on everyone’s bucket list. What I didn’t know was another experience unlike any other is America was staying in the biggest pyramid in the country, the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid.
Lady Gaga closes out her Mayhem Ball tour with three words: "I'll be back"
Lady Gaga closes out her year-long Mayhem Ball tour with three words: "I'll be back" (Lady Gaga) I remember watching Lady Gaga bleed out with fake blood at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, as a complete newcomer, being one of her first televised performance. From that moment on, I was a Little Monster. Throughout the Mayhem Ball, I attended three different shows, all at Madison Square Garden in New York City. That sounds excessive, right? For Gaga fans, three is nothing.
How to survive (and thrive) at Coachella 2026
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. How to survive (and thrive) at Coachella (Coachella) Each year, Coachella tickets sell out months in advance, drawing crowds of over 180,000, sometimes before a lineup is even announced. This year is the festival's 25th anniversary, and the headliners are Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. All three are making their Coachella headlining debuts, and Karol G will make history as the first Latina artist to top the bill.
What it's actually like to compete in the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. What it's actually like to compete in the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals competition (James Barrett @jimmyrox) “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… PUZZLE.” The room goes silent—but the energy doesn’t. More than 1,200 competitors sat hunched over tables at this year’s USA Jigsaw Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia, flipping, sorting, and locking pieces into place at a speed that felt almost impossible to track.
Olivia Rodrigo can't stop watching Disney Cruise content—here's why adults love sailing on one
Olivia Rodrigo can't stop watching Disney Cruise videos — here's why adults love sailing on one (James Barrett @jimmyrox / Olivia Rodrigo) Olivia Rodrigo recently told British Vogue she's obsessed with watching Disney cruise content — and honestly, same. Whether or not it had anything to do with her newly announced album you seem pretty sad for a girl in love, the sentiment tracks. There's something about Disney cruise content that pulls you in even from a couch.
You need to know ballroom culture before seeing ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’—here’s why
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. You need to know ballroom culture before seeing 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball'—here's why (Cats: The Jellicle Ball) Cats: The Jellicle Ball opened in March at the Broadhurst Theatre, and fans are loving the show so far. Even Zendaya and her stylist Law Roach were spotted supporting the show this week. Is it like the original Cats?
United quietly upgraded some travelers' status for 2026—and I was one of them
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. United quietly extended loyalty status through 2026 (Unsplash) Once airline status becomes something you actually care about, it’s surprisingly hard to let go. Nearly three years ago, I earned my first real airline status: United Premier Silver. Within two months, I moved up to Gold. The following year, I hit Platinum.
I stayed at the same private Sahara Desert camp as Madonna—then it disappeared
I stayed at the same private Sahara Desert camp as Madonna—here’s what it’s actually like (James Barrett @jimmyrox, Madonna) I spent a night at a private Sahara Desert camp built entirely for our group—one that even Madonna has stayed at. Set deep in the dunes outside Merzouga, Abercrombie & Kent constructs the camp from scratch, complete with Berber-style tents, a full staff, and fireside dinners under the stars, then dismantles it as soon as guests depart.
'The Bachelorette' was pulled days before its premiere—but TV has seen this before
'The Bachelorette' Was Pulled Days Before Its Premiere—But TV Has Seen This Before (James Barrett @jimmyrox) ABC just pulled the plug on The Bachelorette Season 22—the entire season, just three days before it was set to premiere. You know it’s real when you see videos online of the billboards in LA getting taken down.
Yes, you can swim with wild pigs in the Bahamas—here's what it's actually like
Yes, you can swim with wild pigs in the Bahamas—here's what it's actually like (Unsplash) There is a real island in the Bahamas where wild pigs swim up to your boat. It's not Photoshopped. It's not a Fyre Festival promo stunt. It's Pig Beach—and it's weirder, smellier, and more magnificent than your feed has led you to believe.
I went to an Elvis festival in Tennessee—and ended up screaming for a rhinestone jumpsuit
I went to an Elvis festival in Tennessee—and ended up screaming for a rhinestone jumpsuit (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I didn’t expect to scream for an Elvis impersonator in a rhinestone jumpsuit. But there I was in Franklin, Tennessee, completely losing my mind over a guy in a bedazzled jumpsuit doing things with his hips that were once banned from television. I wasn’t in Las Vegas. And I wasn’t being ironic about it. This is what happens when you fall down the rabbit hole of local American festivals.
Exclusive: 'There's no better place to be trapped in the jungle': Survivor 50 cast talks filming in Fiji
Survivor 50 in Fiji (Survivor CBS) For nearly a decade, Survivor hasn't budged. Season 50 marks the 19th consecutive installment filmed in Fiji, a streak that began with Season 33 in 2016 and has turned the island nation into the show's permanent home base. This season features an all-star cast of 24 returning players, among them Mike White—writer, director, and creator of The White Lotus—who originally competed on Season 37.
The honeymoon capital of the world is…Niagara Falls?
The honeymoon capital of the world is…Niagara Falls? (Unsplash) If you’re a fan of The Office, you probably already associate the falls with romance–Jim and Pam spent part of their wedding day on the Maid of the Mist. It’s an iconic scene, but it’s also a perfect summary of what Niagara does best: big, chaotic, unforgettable romance.
The Highest Point in the Netherlands Is Actually in the Caribbean—and It’s on a Dormant Volcano Island Original
Scenic view of Saba. Credit: swedishmonica/Getty Images Most people associate the Netherlands with canals, stroopwafels, and pancake-flat landscapes—but its highest point isn’t in Europe at all. It’s Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano on the tiny Caribbean island of Saba, a special municipality of the Netherlands. If you haven’t heard of Saba, a small Dutch island in the Caribbean, you’re not alone.
Lesser-known parts of Fiji that'll make you feel like you're on 'Survivor'
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Lesser-known parts of Fiji that'll make you feel like you're on 'Survivor' (Royal Davui Island Resort) Fiji may be known for luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, but there’s another side of the country that feels far more Survivor than an expensive spa retreat. It’s rugged, remote, and wonderfully unplugged.
I sailed on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise-is it the best way to see the Greek islands?
I sailed on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise—is it the best way to see the Greek islands? (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I grew up Greek Orthodox in New Jersey, having an entire personality trait on my big, fat Greek heritage, but at the age of 34 I have never visited my homeland before. Planning a trip to the Greek islands is overwhelming.
The Cayman Islands is hiring a "Chief Relaxation Officer"-and the job is basically a dream vacation
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Cayman Islands is hiring a "Chief Relaxation Officer"—and the job is basically a dream vacation (Cayman Islands Tourism) We’re not telling you to quit your day job, but if you can afford two weeks for a new side hustle, keep reading. Cayman Islands in the Caribbean is currently looking to fill the role of their first “Chief Relaxation Officer”.
Hotel Stories - - Luxury Travel
“Very few properties in the area can match these breathtaking views,” says Logan Miller, General Manager of Hotel Yellowstone. “They’re completely unobstructed, and it’ll never get old.” For Miller, who relocated from the Caribbean after working at a luxury resort on the island of Anguilla, the transition felt less like a departure and more like a shift in perspective. “It’s equally as beautiful here,” he says.
I stayed at a polar bear camp in the subarctic-here’s what it was actually like
Natural Habitat Adventures polar bear camp (James Barrett @jimmyrox) Often called the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is one of the most remote and unforgettable trips you can take in North America. Travelers come for polar bear season, northern lights that dance overhead, and beluga whales that swim right beside your zodiac boat in summer. There are no roads in—you have to fly or take a train across the tundra.
Where to go this winter based on your sign
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Where to go this winter based on your sign (Unsplash) Winter trips tend to fall into two camps: cozy escapes that feel familiar, or bold getaways that shake you out of routine. If you’ve ever stared at your calendar wondering which one you actually need, your zodiac sign might offer a surprisingly useful nudge.
What you should never order on a plane-according to flight attendants
What you should never order on a plane–according to flight attendants (Unsplash) Airplane food and drinks have improved over the years, but there are still a few in-flight orders that even seasoned travelers think twice about. After spending a heavy travel month bouncing between early-morning departures and long-haul flights, I decided to ask the people who know airline cabins best: flight attendants.
You need sunscreen in winter-here’s why most people skip it
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability are subject to change. You need sunscreen in winter—here’s why most people skip it (Unsplash) For years, I treated sunscreen like a seasonal accessory. Once summer ended and jackets replaced tanks, SPF disappeared from my routine. Cold weather felt like protection enough. No blazing sun, no beach days, no reason to bother. That assumption held up until one winter morning made it very clear how wrong I was.
Washington, DC is the only place in the world where you can see giant pandas for free
Washington, DC is the only place in the world where you can see giant pandas for free (Visit Washington DC) While Washington DC is known for their cherry blossoms, significant museums, art galleries and more, the last thing you think of are….pandas?
I gave myself three months to try three things that scared me-and each one surprised me
I gave myself three months to try three things that scared me—and each one surprised me (James Barrett @jimmyrox) The start of a new year has a way of making people take inventory. We set goals, make lists, and promise ourselves we’ll finally do the things we’ve been putting off—learn a new skill, travel differently, say yes more often. Last year, instead of aiming for something abstract, I decided to try something measurable.
This is the remote filming location no one expected in the 'Stranger Things' series finale
Jimmy Rox and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This is the remote filming location no one expected in the 'Stranger Things' series finale (Netflix) After nine years, Netflix’s Stranger Things has officially come to an end. In the loaded two hour finale, most questions are answered and some major plotlines left open to interpretation.
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