Lori May is a freelance travel writer and author, who has written for Yahoo, Insider, The Atlantic, Seattle Times and more. She is an expert on food and travel and has written about cities like Maui, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Portland. 

Lori A May

Lori A May

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Articles (42)

The 12 best hotels in Cancún

The 12 best hotels in Cancún

If you're looking for one of the best hotels in Cancún, you might find that it's hard to choose – the resort town is brimming with fabulous accommodations (as the country's hottest resort town, it's kinda their thing). For a sure bet, the popular Zona Hotelera is a long, sandy isthmus where resorts of all sizes and styles line the streets with quick access to some of the city's best nightlife. For luxury seekers, Isla Mujeres offers an escape from the crowds (with an expected price increase), while those hoping to immerse themselves in city life will find a number of great hotels in Cancún proper. What we're trying to say is: you've got options. To help you find your ultimate getaway, we’ve selected the absolute best family and adult-only properties that range from secluded retreats to all-inclusive playgrounds. RECOMMENDED: 🇲🇽See the best things to do in Mexico🏖Check out these best all-inclusive hotels in Cancún🍷Dine at best restaurants in Cancún 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.
The 13 best restaurants in Cancún

The 13 best restaurants in Cancún

The flavors of Cancún await. This pearl of a city on the Yucatan Peninsula is overflowing with brilliant things to do, and sampling the delicious dishes is right up there at the top. Throw in those sumptuous Caribbean views, and you’ve got a recipe for an unplanned proposal, a lifetime of happiness, and all those dreams coming true. Wait, what? We got a little carried away, but you get the point.The culinary influences in Cancún are as local as they are global, meaning there is an abundance of street tacos and fresh seafood to be found alongside international flavors and fusion food per excellence. If you like good food, the best restaurants in Cancún are right up your street. RECOMMENDED:The best hotels in Cancún  
The best bars in Las Vegas

The best bars in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has plenty of places to grab a drink. It’s a city built on vice, after all. But what visitors are finding out is that Vegas is a much more sophisticated drinking city than one would think. Mixologists are digging deep into the ingredient bible and crafting amazing cocktails—some enhanced with theatrics such as smoke and fire. These techniques are not only great for Instagram but purposely add a depth of flavor to enhance the cocktail. Ready for an elevated drinking experience? Below, you'll find the best bars in Las Vegas right now, from dive bars and speakeasies to rooftop lounges and resort bars. Raise your glass to these spots! RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. 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. 
Our guide to the best nightlife in Cancún

Our guide to the best nightlife in Cancún

We can't blame you for indulging in nightlife—it's certainly one of the best things to do in the Cancún, after all. Packed with discotecas and bar crawls, you can easily stay awake all the way through dawn simply by hopping from one bar to the next. But even if you don't care to dance until sunrise, Cancún has plenty of relaxed venues where visitors can enjoy a classy cocktail as they take in acoustic tunes and watch the Caribbean's waves in the distance. No matter how you choose to party, here are the best venues for Cancún nightlife.   RECOMMENDED: the best things to do in MexicoRECOMMENDED: the best hotels in Cancún
The 11 best Airbnbs in Hawaii from stunning treehouses to inviting cottages

The 11 best Airbnbs in Hawaii from stunning treehouses to inviting cottages

Hawaii: where paradise meets reality. This tropical gem isn't just postcard-perfect; it's a siren song for those seeking an extraordinary vacation. So why not ditch the predictable resort scene for a slice of uniqueness in these captivating Airbnbs? These gems not only offer a more pocket-friendly stay but also weave a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Seriously, get ready for endless beach vibes. Whether you can picture yourself amid a mango farm, close to a volcanic wonderland, or perhaps in a serene bamboo temple, these retreats offer a reconnection with nature that will leave you awestruck. Prepare for a tidal wave of relaxation that permeates your soul, leaving you yearning for an extended stay. With options like these, you might just find it tough to leave. Here's our curated list of the top Airbnbs in Hawaii. Updated September 2024: We may have found Hawaii's best-kept secret and it's this state-of-the-art glamping dome in Naalehu. RECOMMENDED:🌴 Discover the best things to do in Hawaii🏨 Check out the best hotels in Hawaii☀️ Read our essential guide to Hawaii Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities 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.
Where to stay in Austin right now, from a local writer and expert

Where to stay in Austin right now, from a local writer and expert

Austin is a city of contrasts, a place where you can just as easily spend time sinking craft beers and buying vintage dresses as you can getting wholesome with a day based around a hiking trail. And that’s not to mention the more traditional vacay past times like booking into a high-end restaurant or doing the whole Sunday morning museum trip thing. The most important thing is to get a handle on the different facets of this disco ball of a place, both so you can base yourself in the area that’s best for you, and so you can explore the rest at your total leisure (even if that just means spending it in the spa). To point you in the right direction, like any helpful local would do, we’ve pulled together a guide to Austin’s different neighborhoods with some notes on where to eat, drink, visit and stay when you’re in each part of town. From mozzarella-addled Korean food to an Austinite’s favourite brunch spot, we’re passing on all our secrets. RECOMMENDED:  🍳 The best brunch in Austin 🏨 The best boutique hotels in Austin 🍹 The best bars in Austin This guide was written by Texas-based writer James Wong. 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  
The best bars in D.C. for all types of drinkers

The best bars in D.C. for all types of drinkers

After a long day of political mayhem, lobbying gossip, and handling nuclear codes, sometimes all you want to do is kick off your shoes, loosen your tie, and enjoy a good cocktail—or two (or three). Luckily, D.C. knows how to let off steam and has plenty of bars to do just that. In true D.C. fashion, a few of its bars are steeped in history. At the Round Robin, you’ll be drinking where Mark Twain once drank, and at the Old Ebbitt, you’ll be dining in the shoes of President Johnson. But while the famous ones are well worth checking out, it’s not all history around here. In our guide, we’ve included trendy ramen joints, rooftop terraces and design-your-own-cocktail bars. We’ve ranked them based on what you absolutely should not miss, but feel free to bar hop along your own route. Here are the best bars in D.C. right now. RECOMMENDED:🍺 The best singles bars in D.C.🎷 The best jazz clubs in D.C.🍽️ The best restaurants in D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in D.C.
These day trips from D.C. are the getaways you’ve been craving

These day trips from D.C. are the getaways you’ve been craving

It’s hard to believe, but there's even more to explore just outside the city. It’s true—D.C. is the perfect launch pad for Mid-Atlantic adventures. From the lush parks of Shenandoah Valley to the wineries and rolling hills of Charlottesville, you’ll find charming small towns and scenic spots just a day’s drive or a scenic train ride away. Whether you want to hike, sip wine, or explore historic towns, there’s something for everyone. So, if you need a break from the city's loud noises and political mayhem, escape with one of these amazing day trips from D.C. and uncover some hidden gems nearby. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Omnia Saed. 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.  RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Washington, D.C.The best things to do in Washington, D.C.
The best nightclubs in D.C. to let loose

The best nightclubs in D.C. to let loose

After tackling conversations about judicial procedures and the debt ceiling, it's time to unwind in D.C. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to choose from. We suggest starting your evening with a drink at one of the city's best bars and planning your next move with help from our list of D.C.'s best nightclubs. From there, you might end up on U Street (more than likely), but you don't have to: we've rounded up everything from brunch spots that double as nighttime hangs (trust us) to actual clubs that serve pho late into the night and cool venues playing your favorite tunes. Here, the coolest nightclubs in Washington, D.C. right now, offering a night out you won't forget. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Omnia Saed. 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.  RECOMMENDED:🌿 The best cannabis dispensaries in D.C. 🍴 The best restaurants in D.C.📍 The best things to do in D.C.📸 The most Instagrammable places in D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in D.C.
The best hotels in Oahu

The best hotels in Oahu

As the third biggest—and most-visited—of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu lives up to its billing with a tremendous roster of exclusive resorts and down-to-earth sleeping spots, very much fulfilling the 'something for everyone' stereotype that tourism thrives on. Known as 'The Gathering Place', this tropical island is full of exciting things to do (including some of the finest restaurants going), stunning beaches and hiking trails galore. Of course, after all that action you're going to have to rest your head somewhere and Oahu some magnificent accommodation options. So once you've got your culture/history/nature/flavor fix (delete as appropriate), set up camp at one of these properties—the best hotels in Oahu. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Oahu 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. 
The 16 best hotels in Hawaii

The 16 best hotels in Hawaii

As far as travel dilemmas go, choosing where to sleep in paradise is a wonderful problem to have. Still, finding the right hotel in Hawaii is of super importance, and a good night’s sleep is as vital here as it is anywhere else in the world. With beautiful weather practically all year round (especially March and September), you might picture yourself dozing on beaches and in hammocks, but it still pays to find a good bed and a better breakfast. The best hotels in Hawaii are all about beauty and hospitality, where you’ll be treated like ohana (family), royalty, or both. To make the most of the best things in Hawaii, choosing the right hotel is important. Our guide to accommodation in Hawaii will start you off on the right foot, leaving you free to plan excursions, tours, and adventures alike. Updated February 2024: To keep the blissful vibes topped up, we've revamped this list with two new locations in the Kauai area - known as the Garden Island and renowned for its mountain views and beautiful rainforests.  RECOMMENDED: 🌺The best Airbnbs in Hawaii 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.
How to spend 48 hours in Austin, Texas

How to spend 48 hours in Austin, Texas

Spending 48 hours in Austin may not seem like a lot of time, but with the right amount of planning, just about anyone can sample the greats. We all know the Texan capital is most famous for three things: festivals, barbecues, and bats; but there’s so much more on offer that gives Austin way more bang for its buck. They include the lush outdoor spaces, enjoyed under warm sunshine with an ice-cold brew and a paddle in the lake. A rich history and culture, from which you’ll gain a deeper understanding by way of the downtown museums and iconic music venues. And of course, the culinary scene, which is earning its stripes beyond beef brisket from a food truck. Trust us. Our local guide to Austin plucks all the classics with the hot shot new, to give y’all a well-rounded experience of what the city really has to offer. Come explore, get merry, and if you have the stamina, stay up all night long; here’s what to do when you only have 48 hours in bountiful Bat City. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in AustinWhere to stay in Austin right nowThe best restaurants in Austin This guide was updated by Texas-based writer James Wong. 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.