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Recruitment within the state was once the life elixir of a faculty soccer program. But since national recruitment is more popular nowadays -the family trips to play is basically covered by zero money, and each game is broadcast or streamed on TV -it is simpler than ever that your son play.

Even in a conference on the opposite side of the country.

Nevertheless, schools will tell them that they would love to maintain the perfect players at home.

Here you’ll discover a take a look at vital destinations within the states on the offensive at school 2026 for every of the PAC-12 legacy schools.

Arizona: WR Hamisi Juma (Chandler)

Juma plays for considered one of the state powers of the state (Chandler High School) and committed to the wildcats in September. He has claimed this verbal obligation to Arizona and has to date been the lonely commitment of the wildcats. (He can also be her best rated obligation.) After seeing the three-star view in workouts several times, we will report that he’s a very important two-way outstanding outstanding place. The wildcats cannot let him go some place else.

State of Arizona: WR Devin Fitzgerald (Phoenix)

With the perfect bloodlines at school 2026, Fitzgerald has offers from everywhere in the country. But the son of the longer term Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald was followed by the Sun Devils within the hometown. And her current recipient trainer Hines Ward played for the Steelers at the identical time when Fitzgerald's father was a school outstanding place in Pitt. Now the Sun Devils wish to keep the three-star recruit at home.

Cal: Ol Tommy Tofi (San Francisco)

The bears took a giant step after they signed older brother John at school 2025 tofi. But it will be much more vital for Cal, the younger siblings, which in 2026 a four-star prospect and the highest recruit within the Bay Area, can be much more vital. Big Brother makes its part.

Colorado: Wr Toray Davis (Boulder)

While Deion Sanders can concentrate his recruitment efforts on the national level, Davis, the son of the previous CU player Elton Davis, just isn’t difficult to search out. We literally mean that: his highschool is lower than five miles from Folsom Field; And Colorado has already offered the three-star view.

Organ: OT Celivin Obot (fruit, Idao)

We cheat a bit of here. Yes, Fruitland is in Idaho, nevertheless it is barely 4 miles from the border between Oregon. The geese have targeted prospects from everywhere in the country at school 2026 and only have two scholarship offers for in-state outlook within the defense. As a result, we exchange OBOT, which is a four-star talent and the offensive Lineman of the Northwest Pacific.

State Oregon: RB Lamarcus Bell (Lake Oswego)

The Beavers trainer Trent Bray just isn’t afraid of recruits within the state and won a major victory when Bell, Rekrut No. 2 in Oregon and a three-star player landed. Help the New Idaho head coach Thomas Ford, who spoke with Bell when he was the running backs trainer for the Beavers.

Stanford: WR Trent Mosley (Santa Margarita)

Trent Mosley is the dynamics of the Mosley Brothers. His older brother Emmett plays for the cardinal, however the younger siblings is a do-ally player for Santa Margarita Catholic. Stanford coach Troy Taylor won a major recruitment battle when he landed Emmett, nevertheless it can be a four-star recruit in Trent, a victory at the following level.

UCLA: QB Brady Smigiel (Newbury Park)

After the breakdown from the state of Florida, the four-star recruit appeared to get to the state of Ohio, where the offensive coordinator Chip Kelly recruited him. But with Kelly's departure to the NFL, combined with the arrival of the brand new Playcaller Tino Sunseris Arrival in Westwood, the Bruins would love to make Smigiel's commuting a brief way. They took a giant step by signing his favorite destination, Receiver Shan Rosenthal previously two years.

USC: QB Ryder Lyons (folsom)

Speaking of talented younger brothers, the Trojans make an incredible advance, the recruit of No. 1 within the state and the country's number 2 quarters (along with the general player of number 6). His older brother also tries: Walker Lyons is a detailed end for USC.

Utah: OT Esun Taa (Draper)

Washington Brennan Carroll's offensive coordinator to his father Pete with the Las Vegas Raiders opened the door for the four-star recruit to dismantle from the huskies. This made it possible to cope with Taa, who arrange an official visit to the UTes for June 20, and plans to make quite a few visits in spring.

Washington: WR Terrance Saryon (Vancouver)

Last summer Saryon looked like he was going south to Oregon and joined his former teammate Fox Crader with the geese. Instead, Washington followed him relentlessly in autumn and had the three-star view visited quite a few home games before ultimately securing his commitment. Saryon is the perfect rated offensive recruit within the state and was an incredible victory for the Huskies.

Washington State: Te Jack Sievers (Everett)

The versatile Sievers were offered by the previous employees of the state of Washington, but the brand new coach Jimmy Rogers confirmed the offer. The three-star recruit has the chance to play a variety of positions, however the Cougars initially offered him a detailed end and stick with this plan.

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Originally published: February 14, 2025 at 11:05 a.m. PST

As the brand new 12 months dawns, travel magazines and web sites in every single place are offering inspiration for adventures in 2025. Fodor's released each go and no-go lists – the latter included 15 places to avoid – while Conde Nast Traveler did this 12 months Suggested 25 places to go to. Now Afar, the San Francisco-based travel brand, has created its own “Where to Go” list of 25 “off the beaten path” destinations, starting from the beaches of the Danish Riviera — about 90 minutes from Copenhagen — to Oklahoma City.

“Compiling Afar's annual Where to Go list continues to add new destinations to my must-visit list,” says Afar Editor-in-Chief Julia Cosgrove. “These places are fantastic alternatives to the typical crowded places.”

Maine's Bold Coast, with its 125-mile National Scenic Byway, makes the list for its beautiful views, wild blueberry farms and lobster boats. Lititz, Pennsylvania is described as a spot where “Amish culture and rock 'n' roll happily collide 75 miles west of Philadelphia.” And Canada's Prince Edward County and its combination of beaches – it's right on Lake Ontario – and vineyards attract visitors.

Here are the highest 10 suggestions for America. (Note that Boone, North Carolina was heavily affected by flooding from Hurricane Helene this fall.) For details and suggestions for all 25 destinations world wide, see www.afar.com/magazine/.

Top 10 Travel Destinations in America

1 Columbus, Ohio

2 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

3 Bold Coast, Maine

4 Boone, North Carolina

5 Lititz, Pennsylvania

6 Prince Edward County, Canada

7 Costalegre, Mexico

8 Patagonia Azul, Argentina

9 Guyana

10 St. Vincent

Originally published: December 31, 2024 at 6:30 am PST

As a yr of travel marked largely by protests against overtourism in Barcelona, ​​Oaxaca and Venice involves an end, the appeal of bizarre vacations continues to grow.

The aim of the initiative, launched in 2021, is to lift awareness of lesser-known places value seeing – while at the identical time rewarding responsible tourism management. Put simply, these destinations use visit resources in a way that promotes their cultural practices, preserves biodiversity and improves the standard of lifetime of locals. Each village also has fewer than 15,000 inhabitants and maintains traditional activities corresponding to farming and fishing.

“The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages, but also highlights the transformative power of tourism,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

This yr's worthwhile destinations include rural villages in Panama and Guatemala, two countries appearing on the list for the primary time. Panama's historic northern port of Portobelo, for instance, attracts fewer people despite its quiet Caribbean beaches and significant colonial past. But it was also distinguished by the incontrovertible fact that tourism there, through the Bahía de Portobelo Foundation, funds cultural heritage conservation activities for young people, in addition to coral reef restoration projects.

Appearing on this coveted list may end in increased visitation from higher-spending travelers. In Aragon, Spain, for instance, the village of Alquezar, with its mountain tours, canyoning and mountain climbing opportunities, used to draw visitors primarily from France and Spain, but since its victory in 2022, it has been attracting international visitors from Japan, in line with Alquezar Mayor Ana and China vacation Blasco Castillo. Sandra Carvao, who’s involved in rural tourism development as director at UN Tourism, sees this as considered one of the most important advantages of the Best Tourism Villages initiative and diverting travelers from key hotspots. “It's really about making sure the sector can benefit places that don't necessarily come to mind,” she says.

This yr's winners were chosen from 260 nominations received by UN Tourism from greater than 60 member countries. We've highlighted five easy-to-access locations.

Splügen, Switzerland

Splügen, within the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, is a smaller ski resort than, say, busier and glitzier St. Moritz, only a scenic hour and a half drive east. But that's precisely the appeal: it's a quieter winter sports holiday destination that can also be an insider tip in spring and summer and offers access to crystal-clear lakes and the Beverin Regional Nature Park. Splügen became a part of this protected area in 2020, joining the greater than 10 communities living here which have committed to contributing to its preservation. The boutique Speluca Brewery Hotel is scheduled to open next yr; His design makes use of previously abandoned spaces on the sting of the village, including an old barn and a former Nineteen Sixties hotel, in addition to latest structures that reflect the village's traditional wood aesthetic. The Splügen communities also need to attract more visitors all yr round, which they expect to see after the completion of the longer term Rheinwald Resort AG project with a combination of rooms and a campsite for long-term stays.

San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador

San Rafael de la Laguna is a reminder of Ecuador's vast natural wealth – it lies within the foothills of the Andes, just below two hours' drive north of Quito. It is near Imbakucha, the Lake of the Gods, also generally known as Lago San Pablo. You can take guided tours to identify herons and geese from traditional boats constituted of totora reeds, an area aquatic plant that grows abundantly in the realm. Cycling enthusiasts will find routes that traverse the Otavalo Valley, and the village also celebrates energetic indigenous festivals. The Pawkar Raymi marks the beginning of the agricultural season in early March, coinciding with the spring equinox, and the Inti Raymi celebrates the winter solstice within the Southern Hemisphere. Expect quite a few community events for each, including traditional Andean music and dances. If you're more fascinated with hands-on experience, learn methods to make baskets, trays and hats from totora reeds in craft workshops.

Gharb Suhayl, Egypt

If you ought to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025, it's value a stop in Aswan, south of Giza. From there, take a 30-minute boat ride south to achieve the peaceful, ancient Nubian village of Gharb Suhayl on the banks of the Nile. Behind the brightly painted houses in blue, yellow and ochre, you'll find impressive art murals designed to present the realm the texture of a living open-air museum. You'll likely be invited right into a Nubian family's home to learn concerning the lifestyle, and also you may additionally spend time purchasing for handicrafts, jewelry and spices in souks. A handful of luxury tour operators like Black Tomato offer stops in Aswan and further down the Nile to Abu Simbel.

Pissouri, Cyprus

On Cyprus' rugged southwest coast, Pissouri offers a quieter alternative to the resort town of Limassol, just half-hour' drive east. In Pissouri, you may have your alternative of outside activities, including the Cape Astrot mountain climbing trail, which skirts gigantic rock formations and offers breathtaking views of a turquoise bay and its pebbly sand beach. The agricultural village's cobbled square is lined with local taverns where you may dine on Cypriot meze – small plates of local cheese, olives, seafood and grilled meats, in addition to dips. To delve deeper into Pissouri's heritage, take a guided tour of the G Theophamous winery and learn concerning the history of the Sultanina grape and winemaking traditions in Pissouri. To attract more visitors in the longer term, this small farming village is working on an accessible walking path for disabled travelers, in addition to a House of Halloumi museum – named after Cyprus' signature cheese – that may showcase the region's dairy products.

Uaxactun, Guatemala

Most people head to Tikal National Park, unknowingly bypassing Uaxactún, an ancient historic Mayan site just half-hour' drive north. But there are also uncrowded forest trails where you may tour the realm's temples, including a ceremonial complex, stelae, and an astronomical observatory that the Maya once used to mark celestial events. Uaxactún reached its peak between 600 and 900 AD, when it was a very important center for art and astronomy. In March, the eponymous village celebrates the spring equinox festival with sacred local ceremonies that include chanting, fire and drumming. Inquire about an arts and crafts workshop with local women's group Brisas de la Selva Maya, where you'll learn to make necklaces and bracelets using forest elements like seeds, mushrooms, and flowers.

©2024 Bloomberg LP Visit Bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Originally published: December 10, 2024 at 3:12 pm PST

By Lisa Wells, Food Drink Life

With fall within the air and Halloween upon us, bring some spooky to your vacation with a spooky itinerary. These spooky destinations offer spooky stories, unexplained phenomena and the possibility for an unforgettable ghost encounter.

Scary movies, haunted houses and spooky costumes are the preferred fall decorations and add a dose of fright as Halloween approaches. But for those really on the lookout for a scare this 12 months, plan a vacation to America's most haunted cities. These cities are wealthy in history starting from the tragic to the macabre, and wealthy in ghost sightings and scary stories based on the reality.

As immersive destinations turn out to be more popular, the opportunities to explore have expanded. The Haunt Industry Report 2024 Ticket company Passage points out that the variety of visits to haunted attractions continues to extend. As a result, many cities have expanded their tourism offerings across the ghostly and paranormal.

In addition to trick or treating and Pumpkin pie Immerse yourself in spooky history in your travels this Halloween. With haunted buildings, walking tours, theater performances and even haunted restaurants, you’ll be able to explore a city in exciting – and sometimes frightening – ways, often discovering a side of your destination you may otherwise miss.

Visit historic ghosts in Atlantic cities

Many of the cities along the Atlantic coast are a whole bunch of years old and were settled by European explorers as early because the fifteenth century. These centuries of history, adventure and intrigue make them cultural destinations notorious for ghost sightings.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island in Georgia is a good looking island getaway outside of Savannah with sandy beaches and a relaxed local vibe. It can also be known for its haunted experiences. Ghost walks take you from the historic Carbo House to the island's paranormal hotspots.

Visitors to the Tybee Lighthouse have reported seeing the ghosts of the lighthouse keepers and the ghost of a young girl. Georgia's oldest lighthouse was recently restored and now hosts an annual Halloween party.

Savannah, Georgia

Some think nearby savannah being probably the most haunted cities in America. Historical walking tours help you explore Savannah's darker past in addition to town's beautiful sights. The Sorrel Weed House, featured on several television shows, offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations at the home.

Dine among the many spirits of sailors at The Pirate's House, a restaurant that was once an inn for sailors and pirates. Many hotels and inns in town have also reported ghost residents in the event you are brave enough to remain in a haunted constructing.

St Augustine, Florida

Explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse on a ghost tour and learn in regards to the area's maritime past and spooky history. Flagler College is a feature of the St. Augustine walking tours and is claimed to be haunted by several ghosts. Apparitions include Henry Flagler, the person who built the hotel that later became one in every of the school's buildings, in addition to his wife and mistresses.

Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to guard their trade path to Florida. Today, locals report sightings of the ghosts of Native Americans once imprisoned there, Spanish soldiers and an unfaithful woman who leaves behind the scent of perfume.

Discover probably the most haunted cities within the South

When it involves spooky vacations, few destinations have a status for being as energetic as those within the South. New Orleans, Louisiana is usually considered probably the most haunted city in America, while Texas is probably the most haunted state Forbes.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans brings together stories of witchcraft, voodoo and vampires that bring each joy and terror. Founded in 1718, the historic French Quarter is home to lots of the city's ghost stories. Stay in one in every of the haunted hotels just like the Bourbon Orleans, considered one in every of the haunted hotels in New Orleans. You may encounter an elderly ghost smoking a cigar and reading a newspaper within the lobby or a lone dancer within the ballroom.

During the day, you’ll be able to take walking and bus tours to town's many cemeteries, plantations, and haunted houses, each with their very own unique stories. If you would like something to eat, order Bananas Foster at Brennan'sa dish invented by chef Paul Blangé, who now haunts his old restaurant.

San Antonio, Texas

Of all of the cities in Texas, San Antonio is among the finest to your haunted vacation. The city is the positioning of The Alamo, a devastating battle by which nearly 200 soldiers, everything of the Texas troops, lost their lives against Mexican forces. Shortly after the battle, there have been reportedly sightings of ghostly guards within the fortress.

Ghost tours in San Antonio often visit the Alamo and the Menger Hotel, often known as probably the most haunted hotels in America, together with haunted churches, parks and other historic buildings. You also can take a spooky pub crawl through town's historic and haunted pubs and taverns.

Haunted hotels and race tracks in California

From screen ghosts in Old Hollywood to gold miners within the Sierra Nevada, California has its own ghost stories. San Diego, particularly, is right for those on the lookout for an enchanted hotel stay. In the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter, the Horton Grand is home to the ghost of card fraudster Roger Whitaker. On Coronado Island, the luxurious Hotel Del Coronado continues to deal with Kate Morgan, a young woman who committed suicide on the hotel.

The Del Mar racetrack in Southern California is claimed to be haunted by George Raft, a Forties actor and dancer, in response to Mac McBride, media director for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Raft, an in depth friend of track founder Bing Crosby and an avid racing fan, was reportedly seen waiting in line to buy a ticket long after his death.

Others have reported paranormal experiences on the track, including voices in empty bars, laughter and drink orders, strange apparitions in hallways and cold spots with a slight draft in enclosed areas. Those hoping to see ghosts can visit Del Mar starting on Halloween, when the Bing Crosby racing season begins in the autumn.

Enjoy a soothing autumn holiday in these enchanted hotspots

Whether you’re taking a ghost tour of town or dare to remain in a haunted hotel, a ghost hunting vacation—or simply a couple of stops at your destination's spooky locations—is the right option to get into the autumn spirit. Wherever your ghostly escape takes you, make sure to take a number of photos and study them fastidiously once you return. You never know what horrors you may find.

Originally published: October 22, 2024 at 11:42 am

Are you planning – or secretly hoping – to travel this fall?

Then pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, sit, and delve into the autumn travel cheat sheet that Expedia just released.

The data dive released by the travel booking platform covers all the pieces from the most popular travel destinations this fall to the perfect times for bargain hunting in the approaching months.

Let's break it down.

Where is everyone going?

It seems that international travel is at the highest of travelers' minds in the approaching months, with flight searches up 15% year-on-year, with destinations like Tulum, Mallorca and Tokyo trending.

Meanwhile, domestically, Indianapolis is experiencing an actual boom. Interest on this destination has increased by 120%, in response to Expedia flight searches. New Orleans can also be growing in popularity, with flight searches there increasing by 40%.

At least a part of the upswing could also be tied to Taylor Swift's return to the U.S. in the autumn together with her Era tour, an event that creates an economic and travel boom wherever it goes. The tour is scheduled to stop in Indianapolis in November.

Here are the highest 5 hottest destinations for domestic flights this fall:

• Indianapolis: (+120%)
• Cape May, New Jersey: (+60%)
• Ann Arbor, Michigan: (+55%)
• South Lake Tahoe (+50%)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin: (+50%)

Popular international travel destinations for fall:

• Tulum, Mexico: (70%)
• Mallorca, Spain: (70%)
• Curaçao: (55%)
• Tokyo: (50%)
• Kyoto, Japan: (50%)

When and get a travel bargain

Although more individuals are planning a visit this fall than in previous years, in comparison with the summer months, this time of 12 months continues to be a very good time to search out bargains.

This is because autumn is taken into account the “shoulder season” in lots of places. That is, it’s the time between the high season in summer and the low season in winter. And the advantage of traveling in autumn is that the weather continues to be nice, if not higher than in summer, since it has cooled down a bit in most places.

Here are a couple of tricks to show you how to get the perfect deals on fall travel:

Domestic travelers focused on the week of September 3, when average ticket prices (ATP) were nearly $100 cheaper than in the peak of summer. That period is over, however the week of October 20, international ATPs are nearly $260 lower in comparison with summer.

Honolulu, Seattle, London and Dublin are a number of the destinations where average ticket prices drop by 15% or more in the autumn in comparison with the summer, allowing travelers to make significant savings in the course of the off-season.

You can save as much as 15% in your flight in the event you fly on Mondays for domestic flights and Saturdays for international flights.

However, the costliest flights of the approaching season are prone to be domestic in the course of the week of October 13, in response to Expedia. If you're in search of a bargain, avoid flights in the course of the week of October 6.

“Regardless of your destination, fall is a fantastic time to travel and there's still time to plan a getaway. (The week of) October 20 is the best for international travel,” Melanie Fish, Expedia Group Brands' director of public relations, said in an announcement.

The best destinations for an autumn travel offer

In addition to all of the helpful tips about when to travel, Expedia also offers destination information in the event you are in search of the most cost effective travel destination.

Here are a number of the destinations where average ticket prices are currently 10% or more lower than in the summertime.

Domestic: Seattle (down nearly 20%), Honolulu (down 15%), Houston (down 10%), Denver (down 10%), Los Angeles (down 10%)

International: Toronto (minus greater than 25%), Santo Domingo (minus 25%), London (minus almost 15%), Oranjestad (minus almost 15%) and Calgary (minus 15%)

Travelers have many concerns, but safety is usually a top priority, especially for ladies and LGBTQ+ travelers. A recent study by Forbes Advisor used seven key criteria to discover the world's riskiest travel destinations—and people rated because the safest.

For the list, 60 cities all over the world were analyzed on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the best risk for travelers. The criteria include crime risk, personal safety, health safety, infrastructure security and digital security.

Are you interested in the outcomes? They might surprise you.

The riskiest cities to go to

The riskiest city for travelers is Caracas, Venezuela. The Venezuelan city scored just 100 out of 100 and has the best health risk, the best crime risk, the second highest infrastructure security risk, and the second highest digital security risk on account of poor quality of healthcare. Venezuela as a complete is rated by the U.S. State Department as a Level 4 risk: travel ban on account of “crime, civil unrest, kidnappings, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

The second most dangerous travel destination on the planet is Karachi, Pakistan, which ranks 93.12 out of 100. It poses the best personal safety risk on account of crime, terrorist threats, economic vulnerabilities, and even natural disasters. It also has the fourth highest infrastructure safety risk. The State Department ranks Pakistan overall as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel Due to Terrorism.

The third riskiest destination is Yangon in Myanmar, which scored 91.67 out of 100 and posed the best digital security risk, the third highest personal security risk, and the third highest health security risk. The State Department classifies Myanmar as a Level 4 Do Not Travel destination on account of “civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws” which have escalated for the reason that military takeover of the country in February 2021.

The full list of dangerous cities includes (in descending order):

Caracas, Venezuela

Karachi, Pakistan

Yangon, Myanmar

Lagos, Nigeria

Manila, Philippines

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bogota Colombia

Cairo, Egypt

Mexico City, Mexico

Ecuador

Safest cities to go to

And what in regards to the least dangerous cities? Two of the three safest cities are in Asia, while the highest 10 safest cities span destinations from Asia to Australia and Europe.

The least dangerous city on the planet to travel to is Singapore, which achieved an astonishing rating of 0 out of 100. It has the bottom natural disaster risk, the second lowest health risk, the second lowest infrastructure security risk and the second lowest digital security risk. Singapore is assessed as a Level 1 security risk by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The second safest travel destination is Tokyo, with a security rating of 10.72 out of 100. The city offers the bottom health risk and the fifth lowest infrastructure risk. Japan is taken into account relatively protected and the Foreign Ministry classifies it as a Level 1 risk.

Leaving Asia, Toronto in Canada is our third safest destination, scoring 13.6 out of 100 and having the fourth lowest infrastructure safety risk and the seventh lowest health safety risk, making it an incredible big city for travelers who’ve little to fret about safety. Canada can be classified as a Level 1 risk destination.

Below is the complete list of cities with the bottom safety rating (in ascending order from lowest risk):

Singapore, Singapore

Tokyo, Japan

Toronto Canada

Sydney, Australia

Zurich, Switzerland

Copenhagen, Denmark

Seoul, South Korea

Tokyo, Japan

Melbourne, Australia

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Originally published: July 26, 2024 at 2:40 p.m.

California's wineries are set in a number of the most beautiful landscapes possible, and the summer months offer the chance to enjoy those views with a glass of wine and an outside feast. Here are five options in Sonoma, Napa and Livermore that range from idyllic picnic spots to music and a bite to eat.

A fast note: Many wineries offer picnic tables and amenities for guests tasting wine. Check reservation and picnic policies before you visit—some allow outside food, some don't, and no winery allows outside beverages.

Picnics within the vineyards of DIYers: Reserve a picnic within the rose garden, meadow or pond at this Windsor winery and also you'll receive a cheerful red Bricoleur Vineyards wagon to move your well-packed luxury wicker basket and chilled wine. The “Essential Picnic” package costs $75 to $100 per person and includes every little thing you would like for an al fresco meal. Available Friday through Sunday through October. Reserve and learn more at bricoleurvineyards.com.

Sunset hikes at Murrieta's Well: Hike to the highest of this Livermore vineyard and revel in sunset colours, beautiful scenery, small-batch wine, and a picnic box for 2 on select dates through October. Make reservations ($95 per person) and learn more at https://murrietaswell.com/visit/.

Wente Vineyards Live Music Series: This Livermore Winery Music Series, running through August 24, includes outdoor performances by local artists – Queen Nation, The Sun Kings, The Front Porch Drifters and more – in addition to wine, beer, cocktails and food trucks. Reserve tickets ($50) and find details at wentevineyards.com/events.

Sunset Soirée at Dry Creek: Yes, summer is just starting—but mark August 24 in your calendar for a summer send-off at this Healdsburg winery. This festive dinner and dance party features limited-production wines, outdoor snacks and retro music at Dry Creek Vineyard. Reserve tickets ($195) and find more information at tinyurl.com/SunsetSoireeDryCreek.

Once you go viral, 1000’s of tourists shall be at your door.

Ashley Dudarenok

ChoZan, Founder

Competition for media attention

Looking for holiday inspiration? Men's Journal recently ranked the country's best vacation destinations, including the whole lot from beach towns to gastronomic treasures to adventure-packed gems. It's a series of fifty tantalizing locations from coast to coast and border to frame, complete with tips about when to go, where to remain, and what to do and eat there.

The top spot goes to Ouray, a Colorado mountain town that, in response to the magazine's editors, “feels like you've stepped foot into a real-real REI commercial.” But California gets several sensational awards, starting with the coastal town of SLO – San Luis Obispo – at No. 3, due to its mild temperatures, small-town atmosphere and proximity to surfer-friendly beaches, rolling vineyards and wine tasting rooms.

San Francisco is available in at number 14, with a must-see list that covers all the large attractions – the Golden Gate Bridge, the California Academy of Sciences, Alcatraz and all the opposite places where tourists gather, take photos and discuss ” San Francisco, “The SoCal sobriquet that makes locals shudder. (Hmm, do Los Angeles residents – #11, by the way – roll their eyes when we say “SoCal”?)

Also on the SoCal list: San Diego, with its 70 miles of sentimental, sandy beaches and luxurious, museum-like Balboa Park, is available in at No. 21.

All 50 travel destinations with restaurant and sightseeing suggestions may be found at www.mensjournal.com/travel/. In the meantime, here's a have a look at the highest 10:

The 10 Best Vacations within the USA

1 Ouray, Colorado

2 Chattanooga, Tennessee

3 San Luis Obispo, California

4 New Orleans, Louisiana

5 Bend, Oregon

6 Boise, Idaho

8 Sedona, Arizona

9 Washington, DC

10 Portland, Maine

It's not only university rankings. US News and World Report editors also ceaselessly review travel destinations and visit the attractive Alaskan landscape annually. The latest list of must-sees in Alaska includes 17 national parks, historic towns and spectacular sights.

“The Last Frontier's rugged beauty, fascinating wildlife and charming coastal towns…magnificent glaciers, rich Native American culture and breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis” make Alaska a must-see for any adventurer, writes travel editor Alissa Grisler.

Your list includes Kenai Fjords National Park (No. 4), an icy wonderland fed by nearly 40 glaciers of the Harding Icefield. The gateway to the park, the port city of Seward, is ranked ninth. And the most important national park within the country, Wrangell St. Elias (No. 8) belongs on every bucket list. Its 13.2 million acres stretch from sea level to 18,000-foot mountains. It's such an enormous area, park rangers say, that it's larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland combined.

All 17 sights and details will be found at https://travel.usnews.com. In the meantime, here's only a sneak peek.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Alaska

1 Fairbanks

2 Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

3 Ketchikan

4 Kenai Fjords National Park

5 Denali National Park and Preserve

6 codes

7 Skagway

9 Seward

10 Talkeetna