Explore

Rapid ReadRapid Read
Yellowstone National Park's Divide Trail Faces Maintenance Challenges, Offering Limited Views

Yellowstone National Park's Divide Trail Faces Maintenance Challenges, Offering Limited Views

The Divide Trail, also known as the Divide Mountain Trail, in Yellowstone National Park, is an out-and-back day hike situated off Grand Loop Road, connecting the Upper Geyser Basin and the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. This trail ascends to the former site of a mid-20th-century fire lookout above Shoshone Lake, though the lookout itself is no longer standing. The trail is predominantly forested and covers a distance of 3.4 miles (5.5 km) with an elevation change of approximately 700 feet (213 m). A significant characteristic of the Divide Trail is the presence of considerable deadfall, as it is not among the most popular trails in Yellowstone National Park. Consequently, other trails receive priority for maintenance, leading to numerous fallen Lodgepole Pines that hikers must navigate. The views along the trail are described as extremely limited, only improving if hikers venture off-trail at an unmarked junction near the end of the hike.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Grand Teton National Park Advises Paddlers on Safety and Best Practices for Cold Water Conditions

Grand Teton National Park Advises Paddlers on Safety and Best Practices for Cold Water Conditions

Grand Teton National Park is advising visitors on the best times and safety precautions for paddling its glacier-fed lakes, which remain extremely cold year-round. The optimal paddling season is from June through September, though smaller alpine lakes may retain ice into June. Due to the cold water, hypothermia is a significant risk, and paddlers are strongly encouraged to wear properly fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets. Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) users and beginners are advised to stay close to shore or consider wearing a wetsuit. The park also warns about rapidly changing weather conditions, where calm mornings can quickly turn into high winds, chop, or sudden thunderstorms. Visitors are urged to check local forecasts, launch early in the day, and monitor for threatening clouds. Additionally, the park is active grizzly and black bear territory, necessitating precautions such as carrying bear spray and never leaving food or scented items unattended. All watercraft, including paddleb...
TrendlineTrendline
AAA Advises Travelers on Shoulder Season Opportunities and Holiday Planning

AAA Advises Travelers on Shoulder Season Opportunities and Holiday Planning

AAA Advises Travelers on Shoulder Season Opportunities and Holiday Planning
USA TodayUSA Today
Do I need a passport to take a cruise? Not on these sailings

Do I need a passport to take a cruise? Not on these sailings

Travelers can board certain cruises without a passport depending on where they’re going, but there can be risks to doing so.
TrendlineTrendline
Hotel Loyalty Programs Evolve to Offer Enhanced Perks and Drive Repeat Bookings

Hotel Loyalty Programs Evolve to Offer Enhanced Perks and Drive Repeat Bookings

Hotel Loyalty Programs Evolve to Offer Enhanced Perks and Drive Repeat Bookings
TrendlineTrendline
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Offers Broader Protection Than Medical-Only Policies

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Offers Broader Protection Than Medical-Only Policies

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Offers Broader Protection Than Medical-Only Policies
TrendlineTrendline
Strategies for Budget Travel Beyond Flights and Hotels Detailed

Strategies for Budget Travel Beyond Flights and Hotels Detailed

Strategies for Budget Travel Beyond Flights and Hotels Detailed
TrendlineTrendline
Budget Travel Strategies Emphasize Planning and Local Experiences for Cost Savings

Budget Travel Strategies Emphasize Planning and Local Experiences for Cost Savings

Budget Travel Strategies Emphasize Planning and Local Experiences for Cost Savings
TrendlineTrendline
Understanding the Nuances of Five-Star Hotel Ratings in the U.S. and Globally

Understanding the Nuances of Five-Star Hotel Ratings in the U.S. and Globally

Understanding the Nuances of Five-Star Hotel Ratings in the U.S. and Globally
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Permit System for The Wave in Coyote Buttes North Requires Advance Planning and Strict Adherence to Regulations

Permit System for The Wave in Coyote Buttes North Requires Advance Planning and Strict Adherence to Regulations

Access to The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, a geological formation, is strictly controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through a permit system. Only 64 individuals are allowed entry per day, with permits divided between an advance online lottery (48 people) and a daily online lottery (16 people). Demand significantly surpasses availability, especially during peak seasons like April, May, September, and October, when hundreds apply for the limited daily permits. The hike to The Wave is a six-mile round trip with no marked trail, necessitating navigation skills using a map, compass, or GPS. Visitors are strongly advised against hiking alone, and five fatalities, primarily heat-related, have occurred in the past five years. The BLM provides a map with permits and instructions, and some cairns are present along the route. The daily permit application process requires applicants to be within a geofenced area in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah and use a mobile device with GPS enabled.
Palm Springs Desert SunPalm Springs Desert Sun
Harvest Moon arrives this week. Here's when to look up in California

Harvest Moon arrives this week. Here's when to look up in California

The Harvest Moon returns this week, bringing bright moonlit nights. Here's when to see it and where to watch in California.
USA TodayUSA Today
He was accidentally locked out of his phone when abroad for 2 weeks

He was accidentally locked out of his phone when abroad for 2 weeks

Having issues with your phone abroad is a nightmare for travelers. Here are tips for protecting your phone.