Can’t make it to a coastline to see bioluminescence from those glowing algae blooms?

Don’t worry—nature has other options for you. As a Midwesterner, fireflies (or lightning bugs, I called them) were a big part of my childhood. During the warm months, I remember watching fireflies in my backyard and in the common ground in my subdivision.

Fireflies were an important backdrop to those summer adventures. And while I associate these glowing little insects with rural American life, they can be found all over the world.

From Tuscany in Italy to Hokkaido in Japan, fireflies have played an important part in art, culture, and natural philosophies. (They were even mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, a famous 13^th-century poem.)

For now, I’m sticking to the United States to explore the best places to see firefly light shows. While I thought the Midwest would be a hotspot thanks to my fond memories of watching them as a kid, the best place to see fireflies is in Appalachia.

In fact, many national parks in the mountain range have rolled out programs that make it easy for you to visit them during peak firefly season. These are the top four spots to watch the big show, from blue-light fireflies to synchronous shows.

Top 4 parks for watching fireflies this summer

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

Each June, fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park go above and beyond with their glowing displays by syncing up. This gorgeous display of synchronized glowing has become such a hot commodity that the national park now holds a lottery for vehicle placements, meaning only the lucky few will land a spot.

If you want to catch the show from around Elkmont Campground, you need to apply for a lottery later in the year. This year’s winners were announced last December.

However, if you’re okay tossing the dice, you can head to Elkmont during dusk in July and August to hopefully catch a synced-up show.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park is high on my wish list. This snaking bayou-like environment feels like it exists outside of time. Despite the area’s ecological differences from the Smokies, Congaree also hosts thousands of synchronous fireflies for a few weeks in May and June.

Best of all, there isn’t a lottery that decides who will get to see the show. That being said, you do need to purchase tickets to see the show. Congaree works hard to let these glowing insects have the space they need to thrive and return year after year—buy your tickets as early as possible to guarantee your spot.

(Congaree National Park is not located in the Appalachian Mountain Range, but I’ve kept it on this list due to its proximity.)

Rocky Fork State Park, Tennessee

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, Rocky Fork State Park is a relatively new protected area, established in 2013.

While it has fewer facilities than other nearby state parks, that bodes well for your firefly-viewing. Not only can you apply for a lottery to see the synchronous firefly shows, but you can even spot a glowing blue variation, known as a blue ghost firefly.

Blue ghost fireflies are most active in late May, followed by synchronous firefly activity in early June. You can apply for a lottery to see both at the Tennessee State Parks website.

Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Looking for a firefly-loving community to join? Head to Allegheny National Forest in late June. Each year, the PA Firefly Festival takes place in the national forest.

While synchronous firefly shows are the main star, you can also enjoy those normal displays you remember from childhood. This year, the PA Firefly Festival will host three different fundraising camping activities From June 26-28 at the Kellettville Campground.

Mesquite, Texas is usually listed as the US’s rodeo capital.

That moniker is thanks to the city’s longstanding history of hosting rodeo shows and competitions. With over a century of rodeo legacy, the Texas State Legislature officially listed Mesquite as the Rodeo Capital of Texas in 1993.

Located a short drive from downtown Dallas, finding a cowboy-caliber rodeo isn’t hard in the heart of the Lone Star State.

That being said, Mesquite isn’t the end-all of rodeo.

In nearby Fort Worth, aka Cowtown, the cowboy spirit remains just as strong. A trip to the Stockyards is how most visitors catch a glimpse of a classic rodeo show—or even a championship competition, depending on scheduling.

But for the uninitiated, figuring out how to catch a rodeo might feel a little intimidating.

Ready for the ride of a lifetime? Here’s how to join the fun in Forth Worth with its top two rodeos, both of which are great for first-timers.

Shows vs. competitions

Some rodeos are purely for show, while others are part of professional rodeo circuits. Rodeo shows are scheduled throughout the week at major arenas in Fort Worth (including Cowtown Coliseum); these are perfect for beginners who just want a dose of that Wild West fun.

Official competitions, on the other hand, are a little harder to catch. Larger events might sell out quickly, especially for championship rodeos like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Keep in mind that every single competition and event is different. Some rodeos are focused on riding bulls or horses, while others are focused on skills like roping, from team roping to calf roping. Barrel racing is another classic rodeo event.

If you’re catching a show, you can expect a little bit of everything.

The 2 best rodeos in Fort Worth for first-timers

Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time to secure your seat, especially if you’re heading to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Often billed as the epitome of rodeo culture, you’ll hear plenty about the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This annual event takes place in January and February each year, running for close to a month.

You can saddle up to watch every major rodeo competition, along with special events for cowboys of color and Mexican rodeo events.

Aside from the annual Stock Show & Rodeo, you can also catch livestock and horse shows throughout the year. Shows are family-friendly and include live music, vendors, and kid-friendly activities.

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

Cowtown Coliseum is a must-see for any fans of the Old West’s modern sensibilities, which is located inside the Stockyards.

Like I mentioned up top, the Stockyards is one of Fort Worth’s most visible rodeo zones. This is the easiest way for you to buy tickets and learn more. Each Friday and Saturday, Cowtown Coliseum welcomes hundreds of fans for a live show that starts at 7:30pm.

There are classic hits like bull riding and bronco riding, along with tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Events are family-friendly and are a lot more accessible for rodeo first-timers, as announcers provide an introduction to each event.

If you’re new to cowboy culture, start here! But buy your tickets on line. Otherwise, you might face a wait at the ticket booth.

I’m not the biggest fan of travel rewards cards for one simple reason: to access true savings, you usually need to spend a lot of money.

I think it’s counter-intuitive to spend thousands to save a hundred dollars here are there. With a few savvy tricks and practices, you can usually save that money the Old Fashioned Way. And by the Old Fashioned Way, I mean personal budgeting skills and booking know-how.

That being said, I do have a travel rewards card—one that lets me avoid international transaction fees on larger out-of-country purchases.

And despite my general suspicion of spending thousands to save a few hundred dollars, some travel rewards offers are simply too good to pass up.

Enter the latest offer from Southwest. For a limited time, you can sign up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Consumer Credit Card from Chase with one huge benefit: earning that highly coveted Companion Pass®.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign about which travel rewards program to sign up with, consider this your green light.

Inside the Southwest Companion Pass® offer

In case you’ve missed out on what makes Southwest a top low-cost airline pick, it’s those peripheral benefits like free checked bags.

But the real star of the Southwest show is its Companion Pass® model. Anyone with a Companion Pass® can bring a guest with them on a flight for $5.60 for each trip, plus taxes.

That’s an insane offer—one that can take advantage of from now until March 31, 2025.

Southwest Airlines is currently running a limited-time offer that lets you apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Consumer Credit Card from Chase that comes with a Companion Pass and 30,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points.

To qualify, you must be accepted for the program and then spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Just keep in mind that the Companion Pass® is only valid until February 28, 2026, meaning it’ll only last you a year.

What else comes with signing up?

Aside from the Companion Pass® and 30,000 Rapid Rewards® points, you also get a few more perks. These include:

• 2X and 3X points for every $1 spent on Southwest purchases, along with select ride shares, commuting spending, phone services, and more
• Travel benefits like two early-bird check-ins for Plus and Premier Card holders
• 25% back on all Southwest Airlines in-flight purchases for Plus, Premier, and Priority Card holders
• 4 upgraded boardings per year for Priority Card holders (based on availability)

Who should sign up?

I highly recommend looking into signing up for this travel rewards program if you fly frequently around the US and have plans to travel with friends over the next year.

Southwest services dozens of major and regional hubs around the US, letting you explore both on and off the beaten path. If you travel with a partner, you can both fly around the country easily thanks to that Companion Pass.

That being said, Southwest doesn’t offer too many routes outside the US. Though also services Mexico, the Caribbean, and select Latin American countries, you won’t be able to maximize your savings for international trips or use your Companion Pass.

Imagine this: you’re on a solo trip of a lifetime and have downloaded the right dating apps for your needs—then you finally get a quality match.

This is the chance to start dating abroad that you’ve been waiting for.

You’re about to live out a scene from a romantic comedy film with a promising new love interest.

While nerves are normal on any first date, those anxieties quickly ramp up when we’re in a new place surrounded by strangers.

That’s doubly true if we’re heading out on a first date with someone from a different culture.

What about those social cues that we take for granted? What if you mispronounce words when you try to speak their language? And what about safety?

Finding the right dating app is hard enough. If you’re preparing for your first date on a solo trip, stick with these tips. They’re based on my own experience dating abroad, along with advice from savvy travelers and digital nomads.

They’ll help keep you safe while you head out on your first date—but they should also help you nail that first impression, setting the stage for a potential affair for the ages.

9 tips for dating abroad

Tip #1: Set your expectations early on

As in, before you meet for that first date. Setting expectations is especially important if you’re meeting up with someone local. A local person probably isn’t planning on exploring the world or finding a new home; that means they might be more likely to look for a long-term relationship or fling.

If you don’t foresee yourself staying in the area, then be sure to communicate that to your new love interest. Regardless of whether they’re local, it’s always good dating practice to be upfront about the level of commitment you’re looking for and willing to give.

Tip #2: Be cool about the little differences if you’re dating outside your ‘bubble’

Dating on solo trips usually exposes us to new cultures, languages, traditions, and more. If you’re dating a non-American, I recommend treading lightly with those little differences.

By little differences, I’m talking about accents, style, and interests.

The more you point out the differences between you and your date, the less likely you are to establish a connection based on the things you have in common.

Tip #3: Never bring up the dark stuff (on a first date)

When I make new travel friends, it’s not uncommon for them to bring up the darkest moments of US history after learning my nationality. I get it; our country’s sordid affairs are covered in great detail by foreign media.

But remember that what you see in the news is usually the most sensationalized and controversial stories that happen in a country—and they might not reflect the everyday life of its citizens.

Don’t bring up these darker topics if you’re dating outside your bubble, and don’t be afraid to steer the conversation elsewhere if someone does it with you. I usually take the chance to highlight the lesser-known and more positive elements of my cultural background.

Tip #4: Go on the date even if you’re leaving soon

I’ve had friends cancel dates because they didn’t want to potentially forge a new bond with their end date approaching. That’s a valid reason to avoid a first date—but if you’re really looking for love and you think that you’ll return to the area someday, go for it!

So long as you’re open about the circumstances regarding your solo travel, there’s no harm in making that connection.

Tip #5: Don’t get drunk

Obviously, getting drunk puts you at risk in a myriad of ways. Male solo travelers are at a higher risk of being robbed when drunk; women are prone to that, too, plus a few other risks.

For safety reasons, stay sober when dating abroad, especially on first dates.

Aside from staying safe, you need to consider the cultural implications of drinking. Some people might find it inappropriate to drink casually and heavily—and you don’t want to make your date uncomfortable.

On the other hand, if your date is getting drunk quickly, call it a night. Maybe they’re nervous about meeting you—in which case, you can always try dating another time. But the risks outweigh the benefits once either party is sloshed.

Tip #6: Plan to talk about money when dating abroad

In the US, there’s a growing divide based on who should pay for dates. Historically, men have been expected to foot the bill—but it’s not uncommon to discuss splitting the bill for many younger demographics.

Just know that financial topics like these look very different all around the world.

Men might be expected to pay for the bill in certain countries. In others, it might be par for the course to split the bill. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just be prepared to have the discussion.

Tip #7: Use protection

Again, this might seem obvious. We’re encouraged to use protection when we have sex because it protects us against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

But I’m going to touch on the cultural element of pregnancy. In some cultures, dating a foreigner might already be viewed as bold, nonetheless having a child with them. Adding a child to the mix will complicate things for you and your lover.

Again, it probably seems obvious to take topics like pregnancy seriously, but don’t underestimate how vastly different these topics are viewed in other countries. From marriage to financial responsibilities, even dedicated couples can struggle to navigate the complexities of intercultural co-parenting.

Tip #8: Be wary if you think you’re being shown off

If your date wants to go someplace public and introduces you to a lot of friends right off the bat (as in, on your first date), then be a little wary.

They might be more interested in dating someone who looks a certain way or is of a certain nationality.

Let me phrase it like this: we’ve all perked up our ears at a bar when we hear an accent that we find particularly attractive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re interested in what that person has to say. Make sure you’re being heard and valued for who you are as a person and not what you like to look or where you come from.

Tip #9: Even if the date goes really well, keep growing your friend group

We all have that friend who seems to go MIA any time they get a new boyfriend or girlfriend. If you’re this type of person, then I highly suggest putting added time and effort into growing your social circle.

Just because you’ve found a boo, that doesn’t mean you don’t need other friends in your life—especially on solo trips.

VR and travel don’t seem like a likely match from the outside looking in.

Virtual reality can ferry you across the world using a single headset. If you have a VR setup at home, you can take off whenever you want from the comfort of your couch. If not, you can find a VR arcade, experience, or museum in most major cities.

The idea behind this tech is simple: Immerse yourself in a new world without actually buying any plane tickets or booking any hotel rooms.

That being said, there’s no reason to choose one or the other; VR can be complementary to your trip.

A few years ago, I visited Norway with my dad and my brother. During one rainy day in Oslo, we decided to head to a Viking museum with an immersive VR show.

The historically accurate VR adventure took us onto a long boat during a Viking raid, showcasing the real-life history of Scandinavia’s fiercest warriors while adding a layer of action and adventure. (If you’re in Oslo, I highly recommend heading to The Viking Planet to storm a few virtual beaches.)

Across the US, you can find similar experiences in major cities. For now, I want to highlight the flashiest and most innovative VR adventures in the Big Apple. As a larger-than-life city with no shortage of daring new ventures, it’s a top spot to sample the very best in VR experiences.

If you’re heading to New York City in the near future or can swing a trip in for the tri-state area, these are the VR tours you can’t miss.

5 of the Best VR Experiences in NYC

Visit the pyramids at The Horizon of Khufu

Want to add a little jaunt to Egypt on your trip to New York City? Head to midtown to explore The Horizon of Khufu experience from Eclipso, a virtual reality entertainment company. This highly immersive show runs for 45 minutes, taking you to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

There, you’ll experience the funeral rites archaeologists and anthropologists have uncovered from the Giza Plateau. That means you’ll learn about Ancient Egyptian history and traditions as you stare up at gorgeous renderings of the real-life pyramids.

Custom-built VR challenges at Tidal Force

Aside from the Viking raids in Oslo, my second favorite VR experience was a multiplayer arcade throw-down in Barcelona.

For a friend’s birthday, a small group of us headed to a VR arcade where we joined forces for some games and battled each other in others. If you’re a fan of gaming, look no further than NYC’s Tidal Force.

Tidal Force stands out as a VR arcade because its rooms and adventures are entirely bespoke. Every single component has been built out by diehard VR fans, letting you take on multiplayer challenges and explore with walk-the-room setups.

Whether you’re in a small group or want to bring along ten or more friends, Tidal Force has the custom options you need for truly dynamic VR gaming.

Meet the Museum of Future Experiences

If you aren’t interested in gaming but want a well-rounded VR experience, I suggest looking into the Museum of Future Experiences.

This venture transcends the concept of gaming and virtual travel, providing a mind-bending experience that blends VR, 3D sound design, and powerful, visual storytelling.

Dubbed a ‘technical masterpiece’ by Time Out, you can expect storytelling concepts like never before. Every scene in your headset is coupled with top-notch sound design from an Ambisonics Speaker System for an endlessly engaging and fascinating take on VR adventures. So far, there are three productions to explore.

Step onto a live game show with Game of 1000 Boxes

Who hasn’t dreamed of landing a spot on a game show? Stop praying for a Cash Cab appearance and head to Game of 1000 Boxes.

This wild new idea in gaming takes you onto a virtual game show (complete with a live host) where you and a group of up to four friends take on complex mini-games.

Some challenges are purely mental, while others require teamwork. To be clear—this isn’t a VR adventure because you don’t don a headset. That being said, you’ll be taken in an entirely new world that’s designed just like the OTT game shows we grew up watching. I think it fits well with VR arcade offers that you’ll see around the city.

Soar through history at RiseNY

Similar to Game of 1000 Boxes, RiseNY isn’t a traditional headset-based VR adventure. However, it has a highly immersive 180-degree projector which will take you high above the city to explore its skyline—no helicopters needed.

But this is a lot more than an exhilarating virtual flight. RiseNY’s exhibits take you across all five boroughs in a journey that transcends time. During the experience, you’ll get to learn about the history of the city, its distinct neighborhoods and boroughs, and get to see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty up-close and like never before.

As a history nerd who loves all things NYC, this would be my first pick.

Do you keep hearing about ETIAS forms in the European travel space?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which is a new program that a network of countries is using to vet travelers heading into the Schengen Zone.

It’s been a long time coming, having first been announced in 2021 before new details emerged last year. Despite the updates, there’s still plenty of confusion surrounding the scope of ETIAS.

What is the purpose of the new program? Is it an actual visa or some other type of requirement? And how can Americans heading to Europe make sure they’re meeting ETIAS requirements?

Most importantly… is it actually up and running?

Don’t worry—the answers are simpler than you think. Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS for your 2025 travels.

What is ETIAS and why is it required now?

At its simplest, ETIAS is designed to streamline and simplify travel in the Schengen Zone. Keep in mind that the Schengen Area is slightly different than the European Union. Schengen is designed to make border-crossing easier between neighboring European countries—whether or not they’re part of the EU.

ETIAS is a new system that vets travelers who enter Schengen. Similar to the US’s new Real ID requirements, the goal is to boost security while streamlining things like risk assessment via background checks. When you apply for an ETIAS, you are not applying for a visa—you are simply declaring your nationality, and the purpose of your visit, and paying a small fee.

ETIAS is set to go live in the coming months. However, it’s been delayed for years at this point. Keep reading to learn how ETIAS should work in case it does launch this year.

Who needs to apply for an ETIAS?

All Americans heading to Europe for vacation need to apply for ETIAS. You can apply after you’re done planning your trip, as you need to provide details about where you’re going to stay, how long, and similar details.

But try to plan your trip as far ahead as possible—some sources recommend leaving three months for you to get that ETIAS approval in case there are any delays or follow-ups. You must receive approval at least 96 hours before you depart.

Each ETIAS submission is valid for three years (unless you get a new passport). Additionally, if your application is denied, you have the right to launch an appeal. Lastly, I want to clarify that because the UK isn’t part of Schengen, you don’t need to bother with an ETIAS to enter the country.

While it might sound like a lot of rigamarole, the process is very straightforward. Again, the goal is to simply collect information on all foreign citizens who enter Schengen in order to streamline security and identification processes.

How can Americans apply? And how long does it take to get approved?

You can complete the whole ETIAS application online. To do so, you need a valid passport, your updated travel information, details for your trip, and a bank card or digital wallet to pay the application fee (it’s less than $10).

If you’ve been reading carefully, this process probably sounds pretty elaborate and stressful. In reality, the vast majority of ETIAS applications will be processed and approved within 72 hours once the program is up and running.

At the moment, the launch date of ETIAS is set for mid-2025; it can’t launch until participating countries have set up the new Entry Exit System (EES).

When Americans head to Mexico, we tend to stick to the Riviera Maya or Mexico City. (Or Baja, if you’re from Southern California.)

CDMX (an abbreviation for Mexico City from the Spanish Ciudad de Mexico) is having a notable heyday for travelers hungry for a new urban experience. As the largest city in the Americas, Mexico City is a treasure trove of culture, cuisine, and boutique treasures of all stripes.

Can you name the third destination in Mexico that’s gone mainstream over the last decade?

Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a state with the capital of Oaxaca City. It’s located on the southwestern coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the Riviera Maya.

The region is known for its colorful textiles, rugged expanses, and delicious eats like chiles, chapulines, and chocolate. It’s also home to Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, two of Mexico’s largest indigenous groups.

Unsurprisingly, most Americans end up in Oaxaca searching for new cultural frontiers—ones that aren’t found in places like Isla Mujeres and Tijuana.

If you want to delve deep into Oaxaca, you’ve got a great option at your fingertips: Zapotec Travel by Lily, a tour company that was recently listed on National Geographic’s Traveler of the Year Awards list. Its founder was born in America, then immigrated to Mexico, meaning she’s got a foot in both worlds.

Meet Zapotec Travel by Lily

Zapotec Travel by Lily comes from Lily, a Zapotec woman who was born and raised in Santa Monica, California. She spent her childhood immersed in Santa Monica’s Zapotec community, which is the largest outside the state.

After spending summers in Oaxaca at her family’s home, Lily made the decision to immigrate to Oaxaca City in 2013.

A few months after the big move, she began creating a network of indigenous guides, tours, and providers to organize culturally immersive tours for out-of-towners. Her company now works with over 50 providers, most of which are women-led.

If you read my work, you know that I always recommend booking a tour or two with local guides. There are two main benefits: supporting the community directly (which preserves and empowers those places we love to visit) and giving you a more behind-the-scenes look at a place.

If you’re heading to Oaxaca City, I highly recommend looking at Zapotec Travel by Lily; you won’t find these tours offered anywhere else. Here’s how you can add on a tour or experience from her company.

How does booking with Zapotec Travel work?

Lily’s tour company is very flexible. They offer services for organizing private group tours, a monthly list of group experiences that anyone can join, online consultations for any guides who want to incorporate their guides, concierge services, and even transportation services.

You can ask questions by emailing info@zapotectravel.com.

If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, the easiest way to dive in is to explore the list of monthly activities. You can book activities like rainbow tortilla cooking classes, hands-on pottery classes, agave field tours, and more.

Just read through the list until you find tours that spark your interest, then email the address above to reserve your place.

What are community-led tours like?

If you flipped through that list of monthly activities, I’m sure you noticed the difference from traditional tour booking sites like TripAdvisor.

Zapotec Travel by Lily is a homegrown project—which means you’re in store for a different tour experience.

Community-led tours sometimes have a slower pace than more commercial options. Let yourself unwind and forget about the clock. On top of that, you’ll have a more genuine chance to make connections with guides and experts—but they might not speak English, so feel free to try out your Spanish and Zapotec.

Best of all, you’ll have access to experiences that are more immersive, impactful, and personal than traditional booking platforms.

Americans are opinionated.

That predilection has its pros and cons from just about every angle. In the context of travel, those strong opinions can be helpful.

Because we like to leave reviews about our experience at restaurants, hotels, tours, and more, fellow travelers can learn a lot about their options before hitting the buy button.

But those opinions aren’t just relevant to other jet-setters. Travel companies also use these opinions to look back at the year and forecast future trends… including factors like welcoming towns.

Following the data that’s driven by reviews (or those out-of-five ratings, more specifically), popular platforms like Booking dig into which cities, regions, and countries come out ahead in terms of annual bookings.

Usually, the focus in the US is on budget versus luxury destinations, new trends in travel like solo trips and outdoor adventures, and types of experiences, like cooking classes and movie-inspired travel.

But Booking has an interesting twist on last year’s data: friendliness.

In an era of increasing overtourism, many travelers aren’t just looking for a tropical beach that’s perfect for relaxing or a big city that’s chock-full of museums and trendy bars. We’re also on the hunt for a welcoming atmosphere.

Ready to see which spots nabbed the title of the most welcoming towns in the US? The results might surprise you.

Who ranked the most welcoming towns in the US?

The rankings from this article are taken from Booking’s Traveller Review Awards. This review awards program is aimed at the most celebrated providers that use the platform, from hotels to private vacation rentals to aparthotels.

The rankings are finalized based on guest reviews for hospitality providers published on Booking from 2021 to 2024. The final list of the US’s most welcoming towns is determined by the number of partners that received a Traveller Review Award in that city. The more award winners in a city, the higher they’re placed on the list.

Because this ranking is driven by hospitality providers (like hotel chains or management companies), I’m also listing the top hotels that helped rank them. (Plus, one-line descriptions.)

The 10 most welcoming towns in the US

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in the US with a dash of Florida’s Margaritaville vibe

Stay at the St George Inn or Marker 8 Hotel and Marina

Cape May, New Jersey

A seaside resort town that’s often dubbed New Jersey’s Best-Kept Secret

Stay at Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast or La Mer Beachfront Resort.

Newport, Rhode Island

An unexpected combination of Gilded Age mansions and indie breweries

Stay at Marshall Slocum Inn or Wellington Resort.

Joshua Tree, California

One of California’s most iconic desert landscapes

Stay at The Bungalows by Homestead Modern or Desert Cove

Sedona, Arizona

A rugged but refined spiritual escape surrounded by red rock canyons

Stay at Sedona Pines Resort or Matterhorn Inn

Lahaina, Hawaii

An iconic Northeast Maui resort that’s recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires

Stay at Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort or Napili Shores Maui by OUTRIGGER

Oakhurst, California

The last stop in the Sierra Nevada mountains before Yosemite Park

Stay at Sierra Sky Ranch or Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

Waikoloa, Hawaii

A coast on the Island of Hawaii known for its ancient Hawaiian history

Stay at Sweet Heaven or Slide of Paradise

Prescott, Arizona

A modern town with ties to the Old West—plus, some of the US’s top rodeos

Stay at Hassayampa Inn or Hotel St. Michael

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

A quiet Oklahoman escape with access to major state parks and lakes

Stay at the RISER or Blissful Pines

Around a dozen European countries have rolled out digital nomad visas since 2020.

These visas enable Americans who work remotely to set up shop in a country for a year or more. They can explore the world while they hold down a full-time job, sampling other countries without fully immigrating.

I’m a freelance writer from Missouri who has been in the process of immigrating to Spain—so I’m partial to this new setup. I’d love for more Americans, especially those from the Midwest, to get to experience life in Europe for a year or two.

And it looks like European governments are open to the arrangement. The premise is simple: Americans (and other nationals) can legally move, live, and work in another country after paying for a visa and agreeing to pay certain taxes. Every visa is different, from the duration to the monthly salary requirements to the ability to extend the visa terms.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

In reality, the decision to start looking for a European digital nomad visa and apply for one takes time and concentrated effort. Still, I’d hate for any remote workers to write off the possibility thanks to feeling intimidated by the process.

Here’s an introduction to digital nomad visas in Europe and how to apply—no need to stress.

Which European countries offer digital nomad visas to Americans in 2025?

If you want to dive into the ins and outs of each available digital nomad visa, start here. Keep in mind that my list applied to more accessible digital nomad visas and isn’t a comprehensive list.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into visa requirements, head straight to the country’s digital nomad visa page—you’ll be able to find those web pages with a simple Google search.

As of January 2025, these countries offer digital nomad visas to Americans: Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

How can you find the right country?

First, you need to take a close look at the country’s visa requirements. The most important considerations are the financial requirements and work contract.

Most countries require you to prove your monthly salary is about a certain amount; lower requirements hover around $2,000 per month. You might also need to prove that you have a certain amount of savings in your bank account.

After financial requirements, you might need to prove that you have a work contract. This is a little trickier for freelancers to manage, so before you apply you need to consider how you can prove your financial credibility if you don’t have contracts in place.

As a freelancer myself, you should be able to ask your clients for proof of ongoing work even if there isn’t a firm contract in place.

Keep in mind that the country you work for cannot be the country where you’re applying for a visa. Additionally, you must submit your criminal record. Lastly, you need to provide your own health insurance—so factor that into your final budget.

(In Spain, I had private health insurance for the first year that I lived in the country. It cost me around $500 for total annual coverage.)

5 steps to land a digital nomad visa in Europe

Step 1: Narrow down your potential destinations

Ideally, you can pick out a destination based on your interests. However, the decision will probably be driven by those monthly salary requirements and the average monthly cost of living in your destination.

Remember: just because you can’t swing rent in a major hub, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a little paradise off the beaten path. For example, I’d recommend staying in Sitges or Garaf rather than Barcelona. You’ll be close enough to the city to enjoy it, but also far enough to live a coastal dream life.

Step 2: Plan out whether you can meet their eligibility requirements

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, research the cost of living in cities and towns. Just because the visa requirements are feasible, you need to account for full-time living, from paying rent to buying groceries.

Step 3: Get your documents in order before applying

Every country has different requirements for digital nomad visas—and some might take a while to clear. For example, if you need to prove that you have a clean record, you might be waiting for an official document from the FBI. It could take upwards of a month to get your documents in order, so don’t underestimate the prep time that you’ll need.

Step 4: Fill out the application form and submit it

Some countries let you start the application process online, while others are fully submitted by mail. Again, you can find this information on a country’s digital nomad visa webpage. For example, here’s Croatia’s list of requirements.

Step 5: Wait for approval—then plan your getaway

Usually, your digital nomad visa term doesn’t start until you enter the country. That gives you time to figure out where you’re going and how you’ll find lodging.

Some nomads prefer to find their own short-term rental, but these are usually expensive. The cheaper option is to rent a room, instead. (It’s also a great way to learn more about the city and local culture.)

The latest jubilee kicked off in late December 2024, which means millions of Catholic pilgrims are planning their trip to Rome.

These pilgrims will be sharing the city with locals and tourists alike. And given how congested Rome has become over the last five years, you can’t expect a simple, flawless trip.

To put it bluntly, you can expect an Olympics-level rush month after month in Italy’s capital.

If you want to see the city at your leisure, you need to actively plan ahead. Last year, I recommended getting ahead of the rush by booking hotels, transportation, and tours as early as possible. Assuming you followed my advice, you probably have the basics of your Roman adventure planned out.

Still, you’re going to need a few bonus tips if you want to keep your head above water. If you’re heading to Italy this year (regardless of whether you’ve booked anything), use this advice to learn how to join the jubilee rush—or steer clear.

Tips for visiting Rome during Italy’s 2025 Jubilee

If you haven’t booked your trip yet, go in August or November.

In August, sweltering heat means many locals flee the city (to go to places like Sicily)—but you’ll need to survive the 100+ temperatures. In November, there’s a slump in tourism, which makes it ideal for travel.

Pay for skip-the-line tours.

It doesn’t matter what city you’re heading to in Italy—I always recommend booking skip-the-line tours to beat the crowds. Just remember that Italy is now so popular with tourists that you’ll still need to wait in a line… albeit an expedited one.

In the context of the jubilee, you need to leave yourself plenty of time to explore Catholic sites and landmarks; they’ll be packed with pilgrims.

Research Rome’s hidden gems to avoid the crowds.

Locations like the Basilica di San Clemente and the Protestant Cemetery let you learn more about Rome’s lesser-known history, while also avoiding thousands of tourists and pilgrims. The further outside the city center, the more breathing room you’ll have.

Skip out on the taxis.

Rome has a solid public transportation system that will be working overtime this year to account for the added 32 million pilgrims. But many visitors will be using taxis and ride-share apps, meaning Rome’s already-congested streets will face added traffic. The fastest way to get around is via the metro.

If you’re a pilgrim, don’t forget to get your Pilgrim’s Card.

Keep in mind that some jubilee events aren’t open to the general public—you need proof that you’re a pilgrim to visit the Holy Doors and other major sites. Get your Pilgrim’s Card before leaving.

(There’s also an app you can download for real-time updates on Catholic events during the jubilee.)

If you’re new to visiting spiritual sites, don’t forget to cover up.

Even if you’re a religious person, it’s easy to get swept up in that vacation spirit. But remember that you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and legs when entering holy sites.

That’s doubly important during a jubilee, which is a holy year that calls for Catholics to put their beliefs into practice with even greater purpose and mindfulness.

Learn a bit about the jubilee.

All jubilees have a theme. This year’s jubilee is ‘pilgrims of hope’, which Pope Francis declared last May. The official papal bull (that’s just a public decree made by the Pope) calls upon words of hope, paths of hope, signs of hope, appeals for hope, and actions anchored in hope.

If you’ll be in Rome this year, toss your coin into the Trevi Fountain with a word of hope—then you can say you joined the 2025 Jubilee!

For years, I looked at duty-free shoppers as a rare breed.

Who actually has the time to shop in an airport? Who has the competence to stay aware of the time while on the hunt for a great product? And who the hell can afford those prices?

As it turns out, many flyers are more than practiced at getting to the airport on time. They might leave themselves an hour or two to wander through duty-free shops at their leisure.

Why bother, you might ask?

Though we’re used to paying a premium for basic things at airports (from quesadillas to macchiatos), duty-free shops are actually high-savings zones—even when it comes to luxury brands.

If you’re going to be setting off around the world, you might want to set aside a little added time to explore a major duty-free shop—especially if you’ll be passing through one of the airports listed below.

They’re renowned for their duty-free shops where you can find high-quality brands with slashed price tags, along with tons of other valuable deals.

Just make sure you have enough room in your carry-on to lug those steals once you land at your destination. (And try to focus your duty-free shopping on your return trip home. Otherwise, you’ll be carrying around those finds for the duration of your trip.)

Top airports for duty-free shopping

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Unsurprisingly, Dubai’s penchant for luxury extends to its airport’s duty-free section. You can shop for spirits, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and confectionaries in all three terminals. Terminal 1 has the largest duty-free section, while Terminal 3 has a handful of high-fashion brands, cosmetics, and fragrances.

In Dubai fashion, you can even hire a personal shopper to help you find the right products. Or if you’re short on time, you can also shop online and then pick up your orders at the duty-free shops.

Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Though Doha isn’t usually as well-known by American travelers, the capital of Qatar has a similar approach to luxury as Dubai. You’ll feel that focus in the airport, with shops and offers from leading brands like Adidas, Hermes, Bulgari, Kenzo, Dior, and plenty more. There’s even an Apple store in case you want to grab a tax-fee iPad.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong Kong has a luxury shopping obsession. Shopping for upscale brands is such a bona fide pastime that you don’t even need to leave the airport to take advantage of some seriously elevated brands and shops.

In fact, Terminal 1 of HKG is a who’s-who of boutique high-fashion giants like Louis Vuitton and Maison Margiela.

Just keep in mind that many shoppers have noted that Hong Kong’s duty-free prices aren’t actually much lower than retail options. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, it looks like avoiding those import taxes doesn’t actually help too much.

Still, if you like luxury shopping, you’ll have plenty of stores to keep you busy during a longer layover.

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)

Compared to other airports on this list, JFK’s luxury fashion options aren’t nearly as extensive. There’s a stronger emphasis on electronics and gadgets, along with spirits, wines, and tobacco.

According to some duty-free resources, you should be focusing on wines and spirits at JFK for the heftiest savings. If you have a spare hour or two to kill before your flight, you’ll find plenty of duty-free shopping options throughout each departure area.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Want to shop in Paris without actually heading into the city? CDG has extensive duty-free shopping options with some brands having multiple stores.

But you can only take advantage as a non-EU citizen, so make sure to use your American passport if you’re a dual holder.

The focus is on high-fashion brands like Bulgari, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Hermes, Prada, and more. But you’ll also be able to purchase upscale wine and liquor brands, along with fragrances and cosmetics.

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Singapore Changi offers the most well-rounded duty-free shopping experience in the world—which shouldn’t come as a surprise given the over-the-top nature of this airport.

Along with the standard duty-free fare of fashion, spirits, cosmetics, and tobacco, you can find steals on electronics, entertainment, children and family retail, sports products, eyewear, and even health and wellness.

To be fair, you might be more taken with Changi’s extensive list of experiences. If you want to set aside some time to be a tourist at Singapore’s airport, leave yourself a multi-hour layover. It’ll be a vacation within a vacation.

It’s easy to make acquaintances while traveling—but it’s tougher to forge lasting friendships.

Travel is a transient art. While we often add people on Facebook or Snapchat when we cross paths during vacation, the connection is based on short-lived interactions. These vacation-acquaintances add texture to our trip and make them more memorable… even if we don’t stay in touch with our new friends.

On a longer trip, social connections are a lot more important.

Having a circle of friends helps you stay in touch with yourself, digest new experiences, learn about hidden gems, and more. That circle can also help you work through tough challenges, like visa delays, and offer a helping hand when you get sick, like dropping off medicine and soup.

If you’re on a long business trip, doing a semester abroad, living on a digital nomad visa, or are backpacking around the world with no return ticket home, you have more options to make friends than you might think.

I’ve made lasting connections using Meetup, a popular event-making and event-joining platform—but it’s far from the only option.

If you want to up your social game on your next trip, use these apps. (And though social connections are more important on longer trips, there’s no rule against making friends on a short getaway! Don’t feel shy about joining the fun even if you’re only gone for a few days.)

Looking for a date, instead? Use these international dating apps.

5 apps that let you make friends anywhere: at a glance

• Find your bestie: Bumble
• Befriend locals & learn a language: Tandem
• Make like-minded friends: Meetup
• Eat like a local… with locals: Eatwith
• Casual connections: Backpackr

First: a note on safety

All five apps listed in this article are trusted by users, come with security features, and have near-five-star ratings on the Google Play and Apple App Stores. That being said, I recommend sticking to activities that are hosted for groups.

If you’re going to meet up with someone solo, be sure to at least speak with them beforehand rather than solely on a chat—and always go to high-traffic public areas to meet up for the first time.

5 apps that let you make friends anywhere: at a glance

Find your bestie: Bumble

Bumble For Friends (BFF) lets you use the Bumble network to find friends. It’s definitely geared toward twenty-somethings, but I think the main requirement is to be young at heart.

You can set up a profile with kitschy little descriptions of yourself, whether you’re bad with plants, only eat comfort food, and more. If you enjoy heading to those hyper-trendy pop-ups and boutique shops, BFF is a great spot to find a co-adventurer.

Befriend locals & learn a language: Tandem

Tandem is a language-learning app that lets you pair with native speakers around the world. While you practice another language with them, they’ll speak English with you.

Given the app’s global network, you can find a buddy anywhere in the world. But the company also offers a face-to-face meeting option. I suggest using those live chat and message features before opting for a face-to-face meeting. From there, you can make a connection before meeting in person.

That being said, this is a fantastic way to brush up your language skills while also making friends.

Make like-minded friends: Meetup

Meetup is by far the most comprehensive and dynamic social app. The app works by letting people host meetups that are activity-centric.

My partner is a UX designer who hosts meetups with his fellow designer friends to network with other professionals and help beginner designers design their career paths.

There’s a meetup for every single interest—and if you can’t find one that suits you, you can always host your own.

Eat like a local… with locals: Eatwith

Eatwith is a food-focused tour platform—so it’s not a free-to-use social app by any stretch. That being said, Eatwith isn’t quite like the tours and cooking classes that you’d find on TripAdvisor or Booking.

That being said, Eatwith is focused on local meals and offers dinners hosted by locals. Its experiences are slightly less tourist-focused, meaning you can rub elbows with other travelers who will be in town for a while.

And what brings people together more than food?

Casual connections: Backpackr

It’s not too hard to make friends as a backpacker. Usually, hostels are hubs for making life-long friends—especially if you’re inching your way around the globe.

Backpackr is a fantastic way to meet travel buddies who are heading along the same route as you. Or if you’re not heading in the same direction, you can still use Backpackr to meet up and gain some insights from others. (In case you have never backpacked, fellow backpackers are usually generous and want to pass on their knowledge of a place to help out others.)

Plus, you don’t need to be a backpacker to join the network.

Can’t find a Valentine this year?

Don’t sweat it. PLAY Airlines has a plan in mind for you: fly to Europe with a 30% discount to find yourself a French lover. Oh, la-la!

Or, on the other hand, if you’re already happily involved with a romantic partner, you can surprise them with a pair of tickets to Denmark, France, the UK, Ireland, Germany, or Iceland.

Ready to smash this Valentine’s Day by creating your own rom-com-worthy adventure? Gift yourself a little jaunt to Europe—or squire your lover across the pond.

Here’s what you need to know about the deal. (Plus, a few tips on putting together a budget trip to Europe.)

When is the PLAY Airlines Valentine’s Day Deal live?

This is a very short sale—so mark your calendars. You can take advantage of up to 30% off on PLAY Airlines flights from the East Coast to select European destinations from February 11-18. You’ll be able to shop around for these offers here.

What does the offer include?

PLAY Airlines’ Valentine’s Day offer is only available for select airports in the US and Europe. You can fly out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and New York Stewart International Airport (SWF).

Boston is the most accessible airport for the average traveler. BWI is fairly easy to get to from Washington DC and other Maryland cities thanks to the MARC Train; there’s a free shuttle from the train station to the airport. SWF is accessible from New York City and most parts of New Jersey via the Metro North, along with service from Amtrak.

I’m not always the biggest fan of flying out of smaller regional airports simply because they’re harder to get through—but that’s not the case in the Northeast where public transportation is a lot more comprehensive than other regions.

In other words, it’s not such a headache to reach BWI or SWF.

So, where can you fly to? The PLAY Airlines’ Valentine’s Day Deal connects you to seven European hotspots, including Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and Berlin.

Again, make sure to write down the deal dates in your calendar—this is a first-come, first-serve promotion.

What about the fine print for the PLAY Airlines Valentine’s Day Deal?

In addition to that short booking window (February 11-18), this deal also comes with booking windows.

Usually, it’s a good idea to book a trip further out because it gives you more time to plan other elements, like lodging and tours. It also lets you target more budget-friendly activities. That being said, it’s totally up to you.

You can book flights in the following periods:

• February 25-28
• March 23-April 6
• April 8-May 11
• May 13-25
• September 7-19

Budgeting in Europe

This is a unique offer because it lets you book a cheap, accessible flight to Europe—which is the most expensive continent to travel to.

So, how can you stay within budget after landing those PLAY Airlines tickets?

Here are my three suggestions:

• Do some research into the destinations. Berlin, with its young population and tens of thousands of students, likely has highly affordable and trendy hostels that aren’t too pricey. Copenhagen, on the other hand, is known for its high prices.
• Once you land, head to a detour destination instead of staying in an expensive hub. Europe is full of drool-worthy detour destinations—and you can usually get to them for free. Use the PLAY deal to get to Europe, then head off the beaten path.
• Plan not to check a bag. This deal doesn’t include a checked bag. Don’t bring one; not only can you save on the checked luggage, but you’ll also stay more agile as you use public transportation.