James Wong

If your Austin loved ones are the types that have everything, or are one of the many new transplants struggling to decide how to connect with their new home, then your best bet is gifting them an experience. Electronic gadgets and bath sets can only bring so much happiness, and let’s face it: quite often they’re relegated to the back of the closet. It’s no wonder the world’s gone all Marie Kondo and folk are only keeping Facebook for Marketplace. Thankfully, Austin has a ton of stuff to see, eat and drink. So why not spark joy with a cherished memory instead of an overpriced trinket? Whether you’re looking for something adrenaline-fueled for your best bud, a relaxing spa day for your newlywed sibling, a cultural treat for your coworker or a class to keep your parents busy, we’ve got you covered. Here are all the very best Austin experiences to give as gifts on birthdays, anniversaries, Bach trips, weddings and holidays in Austin, Texas. Recommended: The best things to do in Austin

Looking to brighten up someone’s day? A beautiful bouquet of blooms should do the trick. While Texas is more often considered a cacti-laden land, the bluebonnets always find their way through the dust. And there’s much more where that came from. Flower shops are rearing plants from all over the world so that in Austin, you’ll literally find a bloom for every taste, be it for roses, orchids, tulips or carnations. So when you're searching for the perfect arrangement to say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or a way to communicate something else, we have just the cuts. Plucked from both nationwide biggies and boutique family-run businesses, these flower delivery services cater to an ATX audience and are primed for a heartfelt gesture. And while you’re in the spirit of spoiling, consider our guides to the most romantic restaurants or the best spas in Austin for an extra sweet treat. Here are the finest florists to get a bouquet delivered. RECOMMENDED:🍫Complete the gift with the very best chocolate shops in the USA🌹Check out the best flower shops in Texas🌻Or head to The best flower shops in Austin How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelin

If you're hungry then get ready to eat well in San Antonio. Boasting some of the most diverse foods and cultures in Texas, the Alamo City's culinary scene rarely disappoints. While Houston, Austin and Dallas definitely have a fantastic food culture, San Antonio brings something different to the table. From reliable neighborhood haunts that are tried and true to new popular bistros and pop-ups, there is a little something here for everyone. A new wave of development over the last few years has meant a revitalization of certain areas of The Pearl, which has become a culinary hub, among many others in the city. Whether you're after authentic Texas barbecue, mouthwatering Tex-Mex, Naples-style pizza, juicy Chinese char siu or elevated Asian fusion, you will find it all at the best restaurants in San Antonio. After you eat your way through different neighborhoods, you'll want to check out all the exciting things to do in San Antonio while also hitting up its vibrant nightlife. Now that your taste buds are watering, here are the best places to eat in San Antonio right now. Recommended: The best bars in San Antonio This guide was updated by San Antonio expert Anni Irish. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Ever heard of a Texan pour? If the answer is no, you’re in for a welcome surprise in Dallas. Here, they don’t just pour drinks. They pour them big. Imagine your regular cup, but doubled: that’s the drinks you’ll get served at the best bars in Dallas.  The other best part about drinking in Dallas is that it’s got pretty much everything you can think of: dives, speakeasies, glistening hotel rooftops, lounges and wacky cocktail bars. So for all things spritzes, cocktails, beer and more, here are our picks of the absolute best bars in Dallas.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best Dallas nightlife spots🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas📍 The best things to do in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas This guide was written by James Wong, a writer based between Dallas and the UK. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

As one of the best destinations for foodies, Houston’s naturally a haven for brunch. The city has long been praised for its swanky, diverse international dining scene. In addition to the traditional Texan fare, Houston is home to excellent Vietnamese, Italian, Cajun, Chinese, South African, Thai and Lebanese food, to name just a few of the city’s culinary traditions and top Houston restaurants. This stellar foodie reputation extends to brunch, too. In fact, there are an outrageous number of great brunch spots in H-Town, from long-standing cafes to new hip establishments. Brunching is quite the popular thing to do in Houston, as well as a great activity for kids if you're looking to plan a weekend family outing. Anywhere you go is likely to be jam-packed, but hey, that just means more time for pre-meal champagne cocktails and bottomless Bloody Marys (for the adults, of course). Here are the best places to do brunch in Houston.

Whether you’re looking for a rowdy dive, classic cocktails or DJ-fueled dancing, Dallas knows how to party. But when your plans call for a big night out, set your sights—and hard-earned dough—on the city’s club scene. There’s a little something for everyone, from bottle service and sparklers to cowboy culture, moody lounges and high-energy LGBTQ+ bars, so pick your favorite, then get ready to mix it up on the dance floor. These are the 11 best clubs in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by our Texas-based freelance writers. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Though some might argue otherwise, downtown Austin really is where all the best attractions, restaurants and hotels are at. It’s where tourists wander the State Capitol, where the bats emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge, and where bachelors and bachelorettes go wild on Dirty Sixth. Sure, East is hipster, North has better Asian food and South has all the parks, but being central means you’re simultaneously close to them all. Depending on where you’re at, you can even walk to the other neighborhoods (maybe not between June and September). It’s no wonder downtown boasts the highest concentration of hotels, from luxury to business to budget—all conveniently located so that you can dart in and out of SXSW or ACL events, bar hop, or window-shop with minimal effort or rideshare expense. Here’s where to check in and keep things central in Austin. RECOMMENDED: 🧖‍♀️The best spa hotels and resorts in Austin Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

With the recent recognition by Michelin, Austin is officially on the world’s main culinary stage, despite locals knowing its value long before the French came in to taste it. The scene might be a long way from its barbecue and Tex-Mex origins, but even as chefs rise to fame through their omakase skills or take on duck confit, the flavor of our foundation still shines through. Austin continues to cook up a food scene worth venturing for, and below are some of the best inside our city limits. Don’t be surprised if this list looks different down the road. This is only the beginning.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin

Austin’s undoubtedly become one of the best places in Texas for plush spa hotels and resorts. Yes, the city is better known for sweaty festivals and greasy barbecues…but did you know that feel-good businesses are popping up all over the place right now? The wellness scene is booming, and if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself, one of Bat City’s gorgeous spa boudoirs may just be what the therapist, life coach, nutritionist, or trainer ordered. You can go down one of two delicious routes – head to the hills and escape at a spa resort; many are all-inclusive and offer breathtaking views of the Hill Country. Or stay downtown, in the heart of all the action, but sporadically retreat to a cavern of whirlpools, candle-lit treatment rooms, and plant-forward dining. We’ve plucked the finest overnight wellness offerings in Austin right now, so you can experience blissful R&R the Texan way.  Recommended: The best Austin experiences to give as gifts Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Houston is a Foodie City, something residents have known for years. But the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas—and the Michelin ceremony honoring the first recipients right here in Houston—has made it official. The prestigious Guide recognizes chefs who elevate the dining experience, and with the ever-expanding and creative food scene in Space City, the possibilities were endless. That’s because Houston’s diverse population is reflected in its cuisine—you’ll find everything here, with offerings running the gamut from food truck “street meat” to multi-course delicacies served alongside flaming cocktails.  Thankfully, you can judge for yourself. Whether you are searching for a steak so tender you can cut it with a butter knife or the ultimate chips and guacamole, here are our choices for the best restaurants in Houston. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Houston🏘️ The best Houston Airbnbs🏛 The best Houston attractions🇺🇸 The best hotels in Houston This article was written by Texas-based Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Dallas may be known for its amazing shopping and stellar sports teams, but it’s been silently making waves as a dining destination for years—and the world is starting to pay attention. In 2019, Dallas became Bon Appetit’s Restaurant City of the Year, and this year, Michelin has been silently sending out their reviewers to Dallas restaurants to determine which will be a fit in their guide.   Although Tex-Mex and barbecue have long been Dallas staples, there are a number of dining destinations throughout the city that fly in fresh seafood daily, offer creative takes on fusion cuisine, and elevate simple meals like tacos and southern favorites like shrimp and grits in ways you’d never expect.  No matter what you’re in the mood for, Dallas has you covered. Keep reading to discover where to make your next reservation.   RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas

Contrary to popular belief, it ain’t all ranches and dusty motels down south – Austin is a modern metropolis filled with swanky lounges, tech offices, and big-name events, meaning fabulous hotels of all sorts to keep up with the demand. The Texan capital provides the perfect opportunity to elevate a stay, you know; designer furniture with a little feng shui, small-batch spa products from local perfumers, acclaimed on-site restaurants with camera-roll pretty plates… And the odd poolside firepit. This is Texas, after all. Basically, y’all have your eyes set on a boutique hotel to make your stay one to remember, don’t cha? Whether it's a weekend break or a staycation, we’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels in Austin that pack bags of character, style, and, of course, food (don’t forget to check out our list of best restaurants and best bars while you’re at it), and we promise, these are an experience in their own right. Who says hotels are just for sleeping? Check in and let the fun times roll.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin 

Executive chef Hugo Ortega is a Houston culinary powerhouse, and his swanky downtown Oaxacan restaurant on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston represents his greatest hit. The menu focuses on the culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico, and includes a variety of house-made masa and corn dishes, moles, grasshoppers, and other ingredients not often seen on fine dining menus in Houston or the rest of the country. The mole tasting and churros with chocolate are must-orders, though it would be a shame to miss out on the suckling pig, sopa de piedra, and Tamal de Huitlacoche.

This retro-cool bistro in the burgeoning EaDo neighborhood delivers on-point shared plates, innovative cocktails, and a nice natural wine list. The relaxed atmosphere feels modern and smart with great service and a reel-to-reel tape player producing background music at just the right level. This cozy spot is just as good for a weeknight dinner as a late Saturday night drink at the bar. In addition to neighborhood residents and the city’s foodie set, it’s a place where industry professionals eat and drink when they’re not on the clock. Must orders include the pan-fried rabbit “wings,” lamb tartare, and the Nancy Cakes with house-made whipped butter and roe.

Nothing says Houston like spicy Viet Cajun-style crawfish, and this Asiatown staple introduced the dish to hungry residents before Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods and David Chang’s Ugly Delicious brought the larger world’s attention to chef Trong Nguyen, who earned a James Beard semifinalist nod. During crawfish season, it’s criminal not to order the namesake dish, a stir-fried buttery garlic delicacy with just the right amount of spice. Other worthy dishes include stir-fried blue crab, chicken wings, and bo luc lac, stir-fried beef with rice. No need to dress up for this casual West Houston spot; just take a group for maximum ordering capacity. Oh, and ask for a bib.

Chef Billy Kin, best known for Blackbird Izakaya and Hidden Omakase, has opened this brilliant concept in the historic Heights neighborhood. Guests enjoy an intimate (there are just 14 seats) omakase using ingredients flown in weekly from Toysou Market, Japan. Billy and co turn up the theatrics over the immersive journey, ranging from the finest O-toro to the marvelously marbled wagyu (you know it is a special cow when served with its birth certificate!). Dishes are fresh and seasonal, so you won't have the exact same experience each time. Oh, and the restaurant is BYOB for added festivity.

No website, no reservations, no marketing. This is a hole-in-the-wall Chinese snack shack that only the locals know about, and it’s slowly garnering word-of-mouth acclaim. Expect deliciously sauced and spiced skewers, puffy fried dough sticks, buns, dumplings, and other street food favorites at bargain prices (skewers start at just $1.99). Tian Tian makes their own soy milk, perfect for dipping their dough sticks in. If you’re in the mood for adventure, go for the crispy intestine sticks or the stinky tofu. You’ll totally forget this is Texas.

Housed between industrial buildings and artists’ lofts, the tiny 31-seat restaurant offers a unique dining experience focused on well-executed plates made with local, seasonal ingredients alongside one of the city’s most interesting wine lists. The menu changes often based on seasonality and availability of local farm offerings, so the food is always fresh and innovative. Because of the limited space, it’s best for those dining in pairs, as the restaurant’s single large table seats 5-6 people, and reservations go quickly. No reservation? Call the restaurant for estimated wait times, as they keep tables open for walk-ins.

What’s the vibe? It’s all about the streetside patio. Pedestrian-friendly Second Street’s the place to people watch, and Condesa’s got sauces to keep you going all afternoon long. What are the prices like at La Condesa? Slightly above mid-range but comparable to restaurants in the area. Guac and esquites are $16, and you’re looking at around $40-$50 for a meaty main. A generous happy hour operates every weekday, though, with half-off drinks and $3 taco specials. What should I order at La Condesa? Brunch is hot here. Try the queso flameado, flaming hot cheese served with black beans, rajas, dos lunas clasico, diced avocado and tortillas. If you have a sweet tooth then center the meal around the puffy churro waffles instead, sided with grapefruit-hibiscus jam and oaxacan crema. The bar stocks one of Austin’s largest collections of pure blue agave tequila and mezcal—order flights to sample the greats. What's worth visiting nearby? Grab a bag of tacos to go from Veracruz All Natural at The Line Hotel if you’re still hungry. Sit with them on the banks by Congress Avenue Bridge to catch swarms of bats that emerge each sunset in the summer, or outside of bat season, work off the queso with a stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Let's be real: The last few years have left Americans feeling particularly stressed out. Covid cases are rising, human rights are compromised, and salaries just aren’t keeping up with inflation.  And the struggle is extra real for a handful of states deemed the worst places to live in the US according to a study conducted by CNBC which takes into account factors such as environmental quality, crime rates, health care and inclusiveness of state laws in areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights. Top of the list of worst states to live in is Arizona. Yes, Scottsdale is gorgeous, but when considering the rest of The Grand Canyon State, things are a bit of an... um... tumbleweed. Arizona has the worst air quality in America (according to the American Lung Association), and Phoenix experiences a dangerous 39 high ozone days per year. This is heightened by the fact that the state has the lowest budget for public health, meaning a dire health care system short on hospital beds and staff. Runner up on the list is Texas. The state that proudly boasts that "everything is bigger" is correct in some dire instances—Texas ranks high for discrimination and big on lack of voting rights. Texas' health care system, a high rate of uninsured people and limited childcare also makes it a terrible place to live. Oklahoma rounds off the top three. It’s among the unhealthiest states in the nation, with little regard for exercise, fruit or vegetables (according to the United Healt

Journeys on Spirit Airlines are about to get an upgrade: the budget carrier is rolling out high-speed Wi-Fi service next month, and it’ll be so fast you’ll be able to stream movies, Zoom your boss or follow a Blogilates workout on YouTube. But don’t get your pretzels in a twist just yet. In line with Spirit’s upsell ethos, the quality of your "Stranger Things" binge will depend greatly on how much you’re willing to fork out. The official word is that browsing starts as little as $2.99 and streaming at $5.99. However, the costs can more than double depending on the flight you take.  We hopped online and checked out a popular route to see for ourselves. From LAX to EWR (Newark), the price tag for streaming is $14.99 each device, each way. If you’re the kind of person who travels with both phone and laptop, you’ll rack up $60 in round-trip Wi-Fi privileges. Holy guacamole!  Spirit says this will be the fastest Wi-Fi service of any US-based airline once they’re configured with this state-of-the-art system, in partnership with Thales and FlytLIVE.  Executive VP Matt Klein added, "This is a real groundbreaking moment in the industry as Spirit adds in-flight amenities and product options that have previously not been available on ultra-low fare carriers. We're continuing to deliver the best value in the sky by providing options that are important to our Guests, like our high-speed Wi-Fi service, while keeping our focus on affordable fares to provide our Guests with More Go." Wi-Fi c

Heading out on a romantic European adventure this summer? Then you might want to consider an upgrade: Virgin Atlantic just unveiled their new Airbus A330-900 neo aircraft, and the Upper Class cabin has two extra special seats on board. The new Retreat Suites will be the most luxurious seats Sir Branson has ever offered; situated at the front of the cabin, the suites come equipped with an almost seven-feet long seat, which converts into a lie-flat bed, a 27-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging, a privacy door that fully closes, and electronic dividers, mood lighting, a do not disturb light, and all the fixings that come with Upper Class, including gourmet meals, bar, pajamas, amenity kits, and access to Clubhouse lounges. Photograph: Courtesy Virgin Atlantic And for lovebirds in company of friends and family, there's an opportunity to share the experience too. The suites can be reconfigured to allow for four people to sit together, whether that be for dining, games or chit-chat with complimentary bubbles. Anticipating popular demand, Virgin will be offering the special seats at an additional surcharge to existing Upper Class passengers just 14 days before departure, so frequent flyers won't be able to pre-book all those coveted spots up in advance. Virgin will roll the A330neo from fall to 2026. Each will have 30 brand new Upper-Class suites, as well Premium and Economy. The first flight will depart this October 2022 from Boston. Photograph: Co

Our neighbors across the border want us to come check out their National Parks, and they're willing to give us free entry to them all to do so.  Destination Canada in partnership with Parks Canada are offering up 4,000 annual Parks Canada Discovery passes, worth $113 each. These cover admission to over 80 natural destinations in Canada and are good for 12 months. Popular Canadian parks include the east coast's Gros Morne National Park, famous for soaring fjords and moody mountains, and Hudson Bay's Wapusk National Park, home to polar bears and timber wolves. Of course, no trip to Canadian National Parks is complete without a visit to their bucket list wonder, Banff National Park, also included on the pass.   Photograph: Courtesy EITWBANFF To claim your shiny card, Americans must enter the sweepstakes online before July 31st. You must be a legal resident of one of the 50 US states or the District of Columbia and be over 21 years old. Winners will be announced the following week. In addition to passes, all entrants will be added to a grand prize draw, and one lucky American (with understanding employers) will win the 'dream nature sabbatical' worth $20,000. This includes all transportation, accommodation, excursions, gear and stipend for food and incidentals. Oh, and of course a discovery pass, too. The SVP of Marketing at Destination Canada, Gloria Loree said, "We're next-door neighbors—and we want to welcome back our American friends with access to places we know will lift

Tonight, Wednesday July 13th, is a big night for earthlings: It's the arrival of a supermoon, a celestial spectacle that will be bigger and brighter than any other this year. This is due to the fact that the Moon will be closer to us than at any other point in 2022.   Supermoons are always a treat for space enthusiasts, astrologers and photographers, but that's not to say we can't all enjoy the wonders of moonlight. Sky watchers should be able to observe a full moon up-close (ish) after dawn... and while things may be big then, they'll be at their biggest at 5am EDT, 4am CDT, and 2am PDT, in case you're mesmerized enough to stay up the entire night (and if not, then you might want to sport an eye mask before nodding off). At that specific time, in fact, the Moon should precisely be 221,994 miles (357,264 kilometres) away, according to the whiz kids at Space.com. Sounds far, but it'll feel quite the opposite; so close you'll think you can touch it. Photograph: Shutterstock The term supermoon, adopted by NASA, originally came from astrologer Richard Nolle back in 1979. His definition states that the phenomenon is a full moon that takes place within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. This is when it looks the most 'full', with shaded sides too narrow for the naked eye to see. Fall asleep before the big moment? You'll probably wake up and see it all over social media tomorrow, but at least you heard it here first.

We're all feeling the pinch of inflation right now, so the word 'free' is enough to drive even the most composed Americans hysterical. Add to the equation deep-fried treats that are yellow in color and come with a high risk of health complications, and well, certain states (ahem, Texas) are going to need military assistance. Which is why we're letting you know at your own risk: McDonald's is giving away FREE fries all today.  But don't expect to walk up to the nearest drive-through window and demand a gratis treat. To prevent a stampede, there is one teeny, tiny barrier to enjoying free fries today: you have to order via the McDonald's app. Photograph: Shutterstock In order to claim $1.89 in potato sticks, you'll need to download the fast food chain's official app, sign up with all your personal data (and thus, join their loyalty program), claim a large portion of French fries (no purchase necessary), head down to your closest participating McDonald's, wait in line, and hope they haven't run out.   Of course, Ronald McDonald won't be restricting such a generous offering to one day in the year: virtually the same offer (but with medium fries and a requirement to spend at least $1) is available every Friday till December 31st. Wowzers. National French Fry Day is celebrated on July 13 every year. For those who don't fancy becoming members of the chain's digital loyalty program, why not commemorate the day by making your own fries. You'll save a lot more than two bucks.

Years of being pent up stateside (as exciting as the national parks and Hawaii are) have got Americans gagging for international adventures. Maybe it’s all that Emily in Paris, maybe it’s those royal goals in The Crown. However, according to a recent survey, neither France nor England are on the American wishlist in 2022. Now, this could be for a couple of reasons: either travelers have already checked them off their bucket list (judging by our social media feeds, this could indeed be true), or none of the respondents had a Netflix subscription. OK, it's neither. Skyscanner, the company behind the survey, determined America’s most sought-after destinations by an increase in bookings since 2019 and the country who grabbed the number one spot is Qatar. The Middle East nation saw a 522 percent jump in bookings over the last three years, fueled no doubt by the pending 2022 World Cup (and sadly not a TV series starring a pretty actress with a fabulous wardrobe). This monster event will be the first time a World Cup has been held in the entire Middle East region. Photograph: Shutterstock The majority of the list, though, is made up of Caribbean islands. Anguilla, St Barths, Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin Islands, and Antigua and Barbuda all rank high for bucket-list travel this year, not doubt satisfying a truly American need for sun, sand and all-you-can-eat buffet resorts.  Rounding off the list are destinations we've seen trending before: the Maldives, the UAE, Portugal a

Just when we thought life was back to normal again, a subvariant comes and coughs right back on our faces. Back in 2020, National Parks were a surefire way to escape the city, and since then they’ve remained a reliable space for vacationers keen to explore America’s gracious natural wonders as well as beat airline mask drama. But not anymore. Due to the recent spike in Covid cases, a slew of National Parks have reinstated mask mandates and other restrictions. Four of the top ten most-visited will now require you to mask up indoors, regardless of vaccination status. They are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Yosemite.  Photograph: Shutterstock While the rules vary by park, masks are required on all forms of public transportation within all of them. For example you’ll need to strap on at Alaska’s Denali wilderness and history tours, which last for up to six hours round trip. Denali also requires masks in their lodges, gift shops and restaurants (well, at least you don’t need to worry about getting too hot.) Other parks where some form of masking is required include Arches, Death Valley, Olympic, Sequoia and Petrified Forest. Photograph: Shutterstock The NPS website states that “In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff an

Time to go cuckoo for capturing wildlife (on camera): the National Audubon Society has revealed this year's winners of their annual bird photography contest, and the images are wings above anything ever seen before.  The grand winner of the $5,000 prize was Jack Zhi of Costa Mesa, California, responsible for an incredible shot of a pair of White-tailed Kite, one clutching a vole in its yellow talons. “I studied White-tailed Kite behavior for three years before I got this close-up. It was a challenge to get the action, distance, lighting, and angles of the individuals all right at the same time.” says Zhi, “The father, who teaches his fledglings to hunt, held a vole in his talons. The fledgling flew in and, in a blink, grabbed the rodent as the father let go.” Jack Zhi - Audubon Photography Awards, 2022 Grand Prize Winner Peter Shen of San Jose, California took home the Amateur Award for his photo of a Western Gebe feeding two chicks. “I was hiking on a narrow, rocky trail when I saw a Western Grebe with two chicks on her back. A male arrived with a fish and passed it to the mom. I quickly laid flat on the gravel, bird droppings all around, but I didn’t care.” Dedication.   Peter Shen - Audubon Photography Awards, 2022 Amateur Winner Ankur Khurana from Canada snagged a photo of a pair of Common Raven grooming each other on the snow, while Liron Gertsman, also from Canada, was crowned the professional winner for his image of a rare White-tailed Ptarmigan. “I’ve spent countl

The US Department of Transportation has issued a stern warning to airlines: stop charging families to sit together. That means that the likes of JetBlue, United, and Spirit will need to adopt policies that minimize the chances of families with young children being separated, or face new regulations. Children who are under the age of 13 should be seated next to an accompanying adult with no additional charge says the DOT, who offers solutions to the airlines such as free seat reservations at the time of booking for qualifying passengers; allowing families to board early if they use an open seating policy; or blocking rows for family use. The request does not apply to adult-only parties (sorry honeymooners!). The notice comes as US airlines ramp up their profit-making initiatives; most now charge extra for seats closer to the front of the aircraft (but otherwise, come with no added benefit) as well as for carry-on bags. Although the DOT has received a relatively low number of consumer complaints regarding family seating, there has been a noticeable increase in seat separation over the years: in many instances, complaints have arisen where children as young as 11 months old (yes, you heard right) were allocated seats away from their accompanying adult. Between now and November, airlines will have the opportunity to make a shift in their seating practices before the government agency decides if new regulations need to be put in place. Till then, customers flying with children sho

It’s never really taken much to get a Minnesotan out in nature during the summertime (10,000 gorgeous lakes and non-threatening weather are just part of the incentive), but a new hiking program means even stragglers have absolutely no excuse lace up their boots this summer.  The Minnesota tourism board is back with a program encouraging both locals and visitors alike to get out and hike the state's gorgeous parks and recreation centers. Participants need only to download the free Hike MN Passport and check in at one of 60 featured locations each month in order to be added to a multiple prize draw. And what are the fabulous prizes, we hear you ask? Well, aside from good health, great views, and oodles of fun, rewards available come in the shape of gift cards. We’re talking $100 gift cards from the Mall of America, $50 gift cards from SCHEELS, and $35 gift cards from Minnesota State Parks & Trails (best enjoyed in the summer for obvious reasons) so you can add a little retail therapy to your North Star State agenda. Of course, it’s not all about the plastic, it’s about the exploration. The passport of 60 trails offers guidance as to the best places to slip on your boots in the state. These include the historic Lake Shetek State Park, home to the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota; the rolling hills of Maplewood State Park, best for viewing the fall colors, and the Superior Hiking Trail, superior in name and superior in scenery. After zipping by magnificent waterfalls, trekk

It’s been all over the news lately; passengers stranded at airports with screaming kids, families missing weddings because of ‘severe weather’ and long lines at security full of smucks who haven’t yet discovered the wonders of TSA pre-check. It’s enough to turn anyone off the idea of faraway destinations. However, one way to avoid the drama could be to look at the stats. According to The Family Vacation Guide, who analyzed data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, your chances of delay are heavily impacted by both your choice of airline and your arriving airport; in other words, you should avoid flying Allegiant Airlines to Newark or LaGuardia. Between 2019 and 2021, they discovered that 27.31 percent of the low-cost carrier’s flights were late or canceled. Meanwhile, all three of NYC’s major airports made the top ten when it came to late arrivals (in Newark, one-fourth of all flights arrived later than their scheduled time). To be fair, NYC-servicing airports are some of the biggest and busiest in the world, so the chances of you arriving late there as opposed to say, Des Moines, may not exactly correlate. We wouldn’t waste our time driving from Washington DC to hit up Broadway just yet. Photograph: Shutterstock Since the survey’s top three most delayed or canceled airlines were all budget carriers (comprising of Allegiant, JetBlue and Frontier) avoiding mishap can come at a price—breaking out of budget. Flying on United or American drops your probability of setba