Buying gifts for the outdoor enthusiast is damn near impossible. Your hiking/camping/cycling outdoorsy friends are often serious gearheads, meticulously poring over reviews, guides, and the perennial wisdom of ounce-counting Reddit users to find the exact right thing.
Don’t stress trying to pick that exact right thing yourself. The chances of you figuring it out and getting it for them as a gift is exactly zero. That doesn’t mean you should punt and buy an REI gift card, though (although they might like that). Instead, get them something they totally didn’t expect—one of these fun, but useful, sometimes whimsical, things that are almost guaranteed to not only delight them but actually get used outdoors.
Updated October 2025: We’ve added several new picks, and swapped out some picks for things we’ve discovered we like more. But we’re sticking with the socks. If you get nothing else, just get the socks. Trust us.
“They got their notice on Thursday and Friday. They get a notice of what they are going to be paid on Tuesday. And they got a big fat no paycheck is coming on Tuesday,” Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on Sunday.
“I’ve been out talking to air traffic controllers, and you can see the stress. These are people that oftentimes like paycheck to paycheck … they are concerned about gas in the car, they are concerned about childcare,” he added.
There were 22 so-called “staffing triggers,” indicating personnel shortages at air traffic control towers and facilities across the U.S. on Sunday, Duffy said.
“That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” said Duffy, who anticipates higher levels of flight delays and cancellations over the coming days as staffing shortages in towers increase.
The nation faced a shortage of air traffic controllers even before the government shutdown began, however the impasse threatens to interrupt efforts to ramp up staffing.
Zoo officials described the roughly 1.5-year-old bear as “very polite” during its brief visit. The curious newcomer, likely a recently independent cub, climbed a tree near the perimeter fence — a favorite activity for adventurous young bears — and wandered in from the neighboring 67-acre Sequoia Park forest.
The curious newcomer was likely a newly independent cub.(Sequoia Park Zoo)
Bears are common in the surrounding redwood forest, zoo staff explained to Fox News Digital. “But this is the first to visit our bear family.”
When staff opened a gate to offer a safe exit, the young bear simply returned to the forest on its own.
Black bears are generally not aggressive and avoid contact with humans.(iStock)
The Sequoia Park Zoo emphasized that the event did not highlight conflict between the wild bears and those in captivity, but rather a peaceful coexistence.
The zoo’s resident bears, who can often be seen climbing 200-foot redwoods or swimming in their naturalistic habitat, were placed there by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after being deemed unsuitable for wild release.
“Our message is all about keeping wild bears wild,” the zoo noted. “Encounters like this remind us we share space with incredible wildlife — and that respectful distance helps keep them safe.”
Zoo officials noted that black bears are “generally not aggressive” and in fact often avoid contact with people.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.
As a woman who has been to the South of France her fair share of times, I’ve learned a thing or two about the difference between a Tarte Tropézienne and a Marrons Glacés – and the magic of a perfectly chilled glass of Chateau Minuty on a hot summer’s day.
The South of France, or as the French say, the Côte d’Azur, is one of the most-loved holiday destinations in Europe. From the picturesque French Riviera to the warmth of Nice’s sun-kissed beaches, there are so many things to love about it. Think: rolling lavender fields, clifftop roads and ancient olive groves spreading for miles, best enjoyed at your own leisure from your very own roof-down hire car. So, if you’ve found yourself googling the ‘best hotels in the South of France’, you’re certainly not alone.
Best Hotels in the South of France at a glance
Which cities are the best to visit in the South of France?
So, where is the best place to stay in the South of France? The most popular seaside principalities and towns in the Côte d’Azur include Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez, Antibes, Marseille and Monaco – to name but a few. These stylish cities all offer plenty of sun, sea and sand – as immortalised by Slim Aarons – but are also home to some of the coolest beach clubs, chicest boutiques, swankiest hotels and seaside restaurants.
Cannes, well-known for the annual Film Festival, is a great destination for travellers looking for an elevated Mediterranean holiday. Check out the Rue d’Antibes for some excellent shopping or enjoy poolside cocktails right on the Croisette in the truly majestic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic.
Saint Tropez, with its elegant five-star hotels, high-fashion boutiques, and sun-soaked beach clubs, has an excellent day and night party scene – and is one of the most stylish cities in Le Sud. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to party at Nikki Beach in Ramatuelle, which is a table-top dancing, saxophone-playing, foam party riot. On Saturdays, Places des Lices in the middle of St. Tropez transforms into a vibrant market. Here, you can buy all sorts of French delicacies and craft products from spiced saucissons and truffles to high-quality linen bed sheets.
Using a specially-designed Airbus A350, Singapore Airlines recently launched the longest commercial flight in the world – a 19-hour-long nonstop from New York City to Singapore that connects the two financial capitals on opposite sides of the globe. Kris Van Cleave was on board along with some hardy business travelers to experience an aviation endurance test.
If safety is at the top of your vacation checklist, one tiny Caribbean island just earned top honors for peace, calm beaches — and a world-class food scene.
Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory just north of St. Maarten and east of the Virgin Islands, was named the safest destination in the Caribbean, according to a 2025 ranking from World Population Review, which evaluates crime, policing and political stability based on data from the Global Peace Index.
“Anguilla crime rates are the lowest in the Caribbean, with very few violent or petty crimes to mar its reputation as a tropical oasis,” the report found. “Tourists can feel safe and at ease in tranquil Anguilla.”
While the review noted that drug-related offenses are “moderate,” it added that such crimes rarely affect visitors.
Anguilla, a British territory in the eastern Caribbean, was named the region’s safest destination in new global rankings.(iStock)
The U.S. Department of State also lists Anguilla at a Level 1 travel advisory — the lowest possible risk level — advising tourists to simply exercise normal precautions.
“Here, peace isn’t found, it’s felt,” the Anguilla Tourist Board wrote on social media after the report was released. “From 33 beaches to the warmth of our community, safety is simply part of island life on Anguilla.”
Following Anguilla in the World Population Review’s safety ranking were Barbados, St. Barts, Martinique, the Cayman Islands and Aruba.
John Rose, chief risk adviser for ALTOUR, a global travel management company, said Anguilla’s ranking stems from several distinct advantages. “Its isolation and limited access points also reduce cross-border criminal activity, and tourism is managed in a more controlled, boutique environment,” Rose told Fox News Digital.
The designation is a meaningful recognition not only for traveler confidence but also from a tourism economics perspective, he added.
It’s also not the first time Anguilla has earned international praise for its appeal.
Crystal-clear water and powdery beaches make Anguilla a vacation favorite.(Slim Aarons/Hulton Archive)
Anguilla was also recognized by Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards as one of the top islands globally — and the highest-ranked in the Caribbean — earning praise for its friendly hospitality, diverse cuisine and luxury resorts.
Experts and travel blogs often highlight Anguilla as a remote, exclusive escape free of shopping malls, cruise ships and high-rises where travelers can soak up crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and fresh seafood feasts.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the island “is noted for its easy-going atmosphere and magnificent beaches and waters.”
Erin Schroeder, an Atlanta-based travel adviser and founder of Major Traveler, told Fox News Digital she agrees that Anguilla stands out as one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.
Anguilla is beloved for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.(iStock)
“The island of Anguilla being named the safest country in the Caribbean is an incredible win,” Schroeder told Fox News Digital. “Safety in the Caribbean is a top-three deciding factor when travelers are weighing various islands.”
In addition to safety, travelers also seek destinations that offer easy transportation and walkability — both of which Anguilla has, she added.
“I personally love the ability to walk along the beach at night to local restaurants, or exercise on the island’s flat roads, knowing that it’s safe to do so,” Schroeder said.
She noted that Anguilla’s exclusive, off-the-beaten-path appeal also makes it a little harder to reach, with only one direct flight option from the United States. “There’s a high price of entry, as travelers have to fly to St. Maarten and take a boat, which costs about $115 per person each way for a shared ferry,” she said.
Peaceful shores and welcoming locals have helped Anguilla earn the title of the Caribbean’s safest destination.(iStock)
Rose offered additional travel tips — take a “layered” approach to safety by reviewing local advisories, checking with hosts or advisers for up-to-date information, and practicing common-sense precautions such as limiting displays of wealth and using registered transportation.
“Safety is dynamic, not static,” he said. “The best travelers prepare by gathering accurate information before they go, monitoring while they’re there and staying ready to respond if something changes. That’s how you travel smart, not scared.”
Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Airports big and small around the country are refusing to play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown and its impacts on Transportation Security Administration operations.
Airports in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Seattle and more say the video’s political content goes against their policies or regulations prohibiting political messaging in their facilities.
Various government agencies, in emails to workers and on websites, have adopted language that blames Democrats for the shutdown. Some experts argue it could be in violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees.
The shutdown has disrupted routine operations at some airports, leading to flight delays. Democrats say any deal to reopen the government has to address their health care demands, and Republicans say they won’t negotiate until they agree to fund the government. Some medical insurance premiums would double if Congress fails to renew the subsidy payments that expire Dec. 31.
In the video, Noem says the TSA’s “top priority” is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe.
“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay,” she continues.
The TSA falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Roughly 61,000 of the agency’s 64,130 employees are required to continue working during the shutdown.
A spokesperson for DHS responded to a request for comment restating some of the message from Noem’s video.
“It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said.
DHS said Friday that the video is being rolled out to airports across the country.
In Columbus, Ohio, the video was not being aired at John Glenn International Airport as of Tuesday. Spokesperson Breann Almos said it is under legal review but did not provide a timeline.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, said it would not air the videos, citing rules against “politically partisan messages.”
Near the border with Canada, travelers won’t see the video at Buffalo Niagara International Airport or Niagara Falls International Airport. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said its “long-standing” policy and regulations prohibit “partisan messaging” in its facilities.
The Chicago Department of Aviation said advertising and public service announcements must follow guidelines that “prohibit content that endorses or opposes any named political party.” In Florida, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport said it has a policy that doesn’t allow political messaging to be displayed in its facility. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas said it had to “remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions.”
“Per airport regulations, the terminals and surrounding areas are not designated public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid the use of the facility for political or religious advocacy,” the airport’s statement said.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the county north of New York City won’t play the video at its local airport. In a statement, he called the video “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” and said its tone is “unnecessarily alarmist” as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport.
“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” he said.
Even in red states, airports weren’t showing the video for various reasons. Salt Lake City International Airport wasn’t playing it because state law prohibits using city-owned property for political purposes, said airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer.
The airport in Billings, Montana, “politely declined” even though it has screens that could show the video with audio, assistant aviation director Paul Khera said Tuesday.
“We don’t want to get in the middle of partisan politics,” Khera said. “We like to stay middle of the road, we didn’t want to play that video.” ___
Yamat reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado; Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio; and Claire Rush in Portland contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills to pay federal workers during the government shutdown, with both Republicans and Democrats deflecting blame as many employees are set to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week.
With unpaid staff and law enforcement standing nearby, Republicans objected as Democrats proposed a voice vote on their legislation to pay all federal workers and prevent President Donald Trump’s administration from mass firings. Democrats then blocked a Republican bill to pay employees who are working and not furloughed, 54-45.
The back and forth on day 23 of the government shutdown comes as the two parties are at a protracted impasse with no signs of either side giving in. Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say they won’t negotiate on the subsidies until Democrats vote to reopen the government. Trump is mostly disengaged and headed to Asia in the coming days.
Dueling bills to pay workers
The Republican bill by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin would pay “excepted” workers who still have to come to work during the current government shutdown and any future shutdowns. The bill would “end this punishing federal workers for our dysfunction forever,” Johnson said.
But Democrats say the legislation is unfair to the workers who are involuntarily furloughed and could give Cabinet secretaries too much discretion as to who gets paid.
Johnson’s bill is “nothing more than another tool for Trump to hurt federal workers and American families and to keep this shutdown going for as long as he wants,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of the votes.
The Democratic bills would have paid a much larger swath of workers as most federal workers are set to miss paychecks over the next week.
“It seems like everyone in this chamber agrees we should pay federal workers,” Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said ahead of the vote. But because of the shutdown, “they are paying a price.”
Essential services start to dwindle
As Congress is unable to agree on a way forward, money for essential services could soon reach a crisis point.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Thursday that his message to air traffic controllers during the government shutdown is “come to work, even if you do not get a paycheck.”
Duffy said that air traffic controllers will miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday and that some are having to make choices to pay the mortgage and other bills, at times by taking a second job.
“I cannot guarantee you your flight is going to be on time. I cannot guarantee your flight is not going to be cancelled,” Duffy said.
Payments for federal food and heating assistance could also run out soon, along with funding for Head Start preschool programs, several states have warned.
Open enrollment approaches
Another deadline approaching is Nov. 1, the beginning of open enrollment for people who use the marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act.
Some Republicans are open to extending the tax credits, with changes, and lawmakers in both parties have been talking behind the scenes about possible compromises. But it’s unclear whether they will be able to find an agreement that satisfies both Republicans and Democrats — or if leadership on either side would be willing to budge.
“Republicans have been perfectly clear that we’re willing to have a discussion about health care, just not while government funding is being held hostage,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday.
PARIS (AP) — It was shortly after the stunning heist of the crown jewels at the Louvre when Paris-based Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus caught in his frame a dapperly dressed young man walking by uniformed French police officers, their car blocking one of the museum gates.
Instinctively, he took the shot.
It wasn’t a particularly great photo, with someone’s shoulder obscuring part of the foreground, Camus told himself.
Plus, Camus figured, the guy walking past the officers was unusually well dressed, in a coat, a jacket and tie and wearing a fedora, adding a touch of Paris couture to the scene.
And so off went the photo to AP’s worldwide audiences.
From there, fertile imaginations sprung into high gear — whipping up an online buzz.
Posts on social media declared the well-dressed man to be a French detective — if you will, a more dashing version of the famed Inspector Clouseau from “Pink Panther” movies — even though AP’s photo caption had not identified him.
It simply read: “Police officers block an access to the Louvre museum after a robbery Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Paris.”
A post on X that now has 5.6 million views says: “Actual shot (not AI!) of a French detective working the case of the French Crown Jewels that were stolen from the Louvre.”
Another poster — with 1.2 million followers — claimed the man “who looks like he came out of a detective film noir from the 1940s is an actual French police detective who’s investigating the theft.”
Camus says nothing he saw led him to that conclusion — the man was just someone who streamed away from the Louvre as authorities evacuated the area, Camus says.
“He appeared in front of me, I saw him, I took the photo,” Camus says. “He passed by and left.”
If the unidentified man really is one of the more than 100 investigators hunting for the jewel thieves, the authorities are keeping it very hush-hush.
“We’d rather keep the mystery alive ;)” the Paris prosecutor’s office said with a wink in an email response to AP questions.
A mechanical issue caused the takeoff of a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to be suspended on Thursday, the company said in a statement.
Delta flight 1661 was moving on the tarmac and in the process of taking off for Portland, Oregon, when the mechanical issue happened.
According to Delta, the plane returned to the gate and travelers were put on another plane, which landed in Portland International Airport around two hours after it was originally scheduled to arrive.
“We apologize to our customers for their delay in travel,” Delta said in a written statement.
Last month, a Delta flight had to abort a takeoff from MSP due to a window in the cockpit coming open. The flight, which was carrying around 150 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident, was heading to Las Vegas.
A subsection of Gen Z longs for the days before cell phones and social media, even ditching high-tech devices for “dumb phones.” Grandmacore is rising in popularity among the younger generation. Gilmore Girls, which debuted 25 years ago, boasts a fan base that is bigger (and more loyal) than ever, thanks to a streaming resurgence.
In the travel sector, this cultural shift has sparked increased demand for analog experiences. According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, Americans are leading the charge in what the hospitality giant calls “time travel”—a term coined to describe the growing popularity of trips and activities rooted in nostalgia. Travelers are also embracing a more leisurely pace (in other words: a much-needed and intentional reprieve from the frenetic rhythm of daily life). Slow travel continues to gain momentum, as people swap rigid, nonstop itineraries for immersive ways to explore that encourage deeper connection without the hustle—whether that’s discovering a new destination entirely or uncovering a different side of an old favorite.
If you’re feeling the pull of the past and the urge to slow down, consider ditching the car in favor of the old-school sightseeing on a historic trolley. Streetcars were invented in New York City in 1832, and the first models were horse-drawn. Electric vehicles became more widespread at the end of the 19th century. Nearly 200 years later, this vintage mode of transport is attracting a new demographic of travelers drawn to its convenience and charm. Not only does it fill the proverbial nostalgia cup, but it’s also a relaxing way to gain a different perspective and connect with both the present and future of some of America’s most dynamic cities. And as multi-generational travel continues to rise, streetcars provide a fun way to make those core memories with loved ones (especially grandparents) that doesn’t require clocking 20,000 steps in a single day.
With the United States set to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year (though you hardly need a milestone to justify a trip), it’s the perfect time to plan a visit to one of the country’s best cities—and take in the sights from a streetcar.
Passengers described it as a miserable experience, with one man calling the situation “insane.”
FOX 13 talked to an aviation expert, who says when a fully integrated IT system like Alaska’s goes down, all flights have to be stopped.
What they’re saying:
“Flight got delayed, but I’d rather be on the ground rather be here than up there,” said Joe Foxx, whose flight was delayed until Friday.
“We were about to board and got a text that our flight was canceled,” said Rikki Stenson. Her family’s flight was delayed. “We were supposed to be at Disneyland tomorrow morning.”
Rikki shared a picture of the family waiting in an airport hallway for information on their flight.
Bennett and Finnley Stenson, her sons, said they were disappointed, but were happy that their mom had rebooked the trip on a different airline in order to fly out the next day.
“I was a little bummed but at least we will get to go tomorrow morning,” they said.
Lesley Yanak said her flight was canceled from Vegas to Pullman. She says she was on her way to board a plane by bus when the buses in the passenger transport caravans suddenly had to stop.
“We couldn’t get out of the bus. There were probably five buses. We eventually were probably on there for 45 minutes. We pounded on the door so the driver opened the door so we could at least get some air,” she said.
She gave us this photo of what people could see while waiting to get off the bus.
“We boarded a flight to get to Kalispell. We were on the plane for two hours. They finally said, ‘Everybody is coming off the plane. Go down and get your bags,’” said Marilyn Stuart, whose husband is disabled. She says he has physical challenges that make the situation even more trying. “We’ve been waiting for our bags for over two hours.”
Aviation expert Mike Dunlop says Alaska has experienced similar situations like this in the recent past.
The backstory:
Back in July, there was another system-wide ground stop, also stemming from an IT outage. That ground stop lasted around three hours. Dunlop tells FOX 13 that Alaska passengers could experience delays beyond the initial freeze on flights.
“The problem is, crews have a maximum amount of time they can spend, then you have to find a replacement crew. Sometimes you have to find a replacement airplane, the logistics of these ground stops, if they last for any time at all, have a lot of repercussions all the way through the network, not even taking into account all the connecting flights,” said Dunlop, founder and CEO of Net-Inspect, a software company.
Dunlop says Seattle has a lot of connecting flights that come through the airport, so that is a challenge when there are ground stops initiated.
He says that Alaska Airlines has grown very fast, and its systems might need to be further updated.
A spokesperson for SEA Airport said that the ground stop only impacted Alaska Airlines, and that airport operations and other airlines were not affected.
Alaska also said the IT outage was not a cybersecurity event, but was due to a failure at its primary data center. The airline also apologized and said it had a flexible travel policy in place to help passengers.
Here’s Alaska Airlines’ full statement:
“Alaska Airlines is experiencing an IT outage that has resulted in a systemwide ground stop of Alaska and Horizon Air flights across our network, causing delays and cancellations. The IT outage does not affect Hawaiian Airlines flights. The issue began around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, with a failure at our primary data center. The IT outage has impacted several of our key systems that enable us to run various operations, necessitating the implementation of the ground stop to keep our aircraft in position. The safety of our flights was never compromised.
“The IT outage is not a cybersecurity event, and it’s not related to any other events.We deeply apologize to our guests whose travel plans have been disrupted today. We’re working to get them to their destinations as quickly as we can. For those who have a flight with us, please check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Also, a flexible travel policy is in place to support our guests.”
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The Source: Information in this story came from Alaska Airlines and FOX 13 Seattle reporting and itnerviews.
LOS ANGELES — I thought I’d noticed everything on the four-mile stretch of the Gabrielino Trail from its western trailhead near Pasadena to the Gould Mesa campground in Angeles National Forest.
I have a favorite sycamore tree about a mile in that, if it weren’t surrounded by poison oak, I would climb. I know some of the best water spots to splash around in the Arroyo Seco. I know how to identify and spot sacred datura, a common sight along the path.
But then I hiked the trail with a group of children (and a handful of grown-ups) from the L.A.-based adventure club Hiking Adventures With Kids (or HAWKs for short) and was reconnected with the childhood sense of wonder that our day-to-day adult lives grind down.
I saw the trail through the eyes of tweens who love nature so much, they screamed multiple facts at me, often all at once, including how cool vampire squid are, that rolly-pollies are related to crabs and that my skin was actively dying and falling off my body. It was such a comfort.
Here’s what I learned from my new trail buddies. I hope these tips help remind you to slow down and appreciate the wonders of our local flora and fauna.
Kelly Knowles, a HAWKs educator, explains to the group the cultural significance of sacred datura to local Indigenous peoples. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
1. A group of canines being walked on the trail by a human is a ‘dog parade.’
Wave accordingly.
2. If you see poison oak, tell a friend.
These kids saved me multiple times from brushing up against the woody shrub. They reminded me: “Leaves of three, let it be; if it’s hairy, it’s a berry!”
3. Eggnog.
This is less of a tip and more of an inside joke between best friends Lila and Elliot, both 10, who asked really nicely for me to include it. May they forever remember the time one of the largest newspapers in America published this.
4. Put animals down that don’t want to be touched.
Bradley Rydholm, a HAWKs educator co-leading the day’s hike, found a diabolical ironclad beetle to show the kids. It was at first playing dead, and some of the children reached out to touch it.
“You need to put him down because he looks like he doesn’t want to be touched,” Kaija, 8, said. “If they’re moving in your hand, that means it’s OK, but if they’re playing dead, you gotta put them back.”
Rydholm gently agreed and placed the beetle back in its pile of dirt and leaves.
5. When naming bugs, consider a compromise.
OK, perhaps this is a lesson the kids learned from me. The group was in a debate over whether to name the aforementioned diabolical ironclad beetle, with some voting for “Desi” and others voting for “Jim.”
This reporter, in the name of peace, suggested Desi Jim. “Bye, Desi Jim!” they called in unison as we continued onward.
6. Follow the ethics of frog catching.
Kaija, who asked whether I could make her a wolf in my story, told me that it’s best to catch frogs, name them and then release them.
I asked her whether she had any tips for naming frogs. “Jeremy, Fred, Pineapple,” she said, adding that she names them by their color.
I wanted to learn what color Jeremy was, but she discovered something far more interesting than me on the trail and ran off.
7. If you want to touch a bug, take a picture first.
Ella, 8, told me that after you take a picture of the insect, you can use a smartphone to identify it and figure out whether it is venomous. (Note: Unlike plenty of adults, she knew the difference between “poisonous” and “venomous” and used the words correctly!)
“If it isn’t [venomous] and it’s totally safe, I would probably bring gloves because I’m scared of picking up bugs,” Ella said. “One time a lady bug peed on me.”
8. It is important to have a compass.
Children from a HAWKs group slide down a concrete channel just off the Gabrielino Trail near Pasadena, California. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
“Because if you get lost, it’s not very efficient to always rely on the North Star. Because it’s only around for a little bit [of] time. So if you don’t have a compass and you get lost, you’re going to have to wait until night to be able to move,” said Luca, 9, who bought himself a compass in a local shop in Felton.
Luca and I swapped adventure stories, as he is quite the world traveler. As a bonus tip, he informed me that it’s easier to roast marshmallows on a volcano (he visited one in Guatemala) than over a campfire. The volcano’s heat slow roasts the marshmallows; with a campfire, you’re more likely to accidentally light them on fire.
9. Avoid hills.
A few of the kids recently went on a HAWKs hike that apparently involved a “death road” that felt like “the stairwell of a million stairs” that went “pretty much nowhere” and had no real views, per Luca’s description.
Elliot, when asked for tips that adults should consider while hiking, told me that she enjoys being outside, but “I don’t really like going uphill.”
Same, girl. Same.
10. Appreciate the beauty of nature.
“I really like water,” Luca said. “Just enjoy the sound of water and just enjoy the nature, and check out the animals, lizards, snakes, butterflies and moths.”
Children from HAWKs, an L.A.-based company that takes kids on outdoors adventures, cross the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena, California. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
“It’s really beautiful to see all these paths,” Lila said. “The beauty of nature is so fun, and it’s a good way to get a workout in or just get off screens because kids these days are on screens a lot. Brain rot!”
“I just remember it’s really good for me,” Elliot said. “The same thing about screens too, even though I don’t have an iPad since my brother broke it. … Honestly, I don’t want to think about anything from school or anything. Just want to be in the moment, ya know?”
By now, we’re all aware of Florida Man and the reputation that comes with that title. I thought it was high time we took a gander at the news to see what’s been going on down in the swampland.
I’ve compiled another gallery of batshit crazy Florida Man headlines. Don’t forget these are completely real. I honestly don’t think I could make these stories up if I tried.
From meth to machetes, bison to bathrooms. All I can say is never change, Florida. Never change.
Westbound lanes of I-90 were closed late Tuesday night after an oversized truck load struck and damaged the Bullfrog Road overpass, forcing drivers to detour around the bridge using Exit 80.
As of Wednesday morning, the lanes remain blocked with significant traffic backup and no estimated time has been provided for reopening.
CLE ELUM, Wash. – Westbound lanes of I-90 near Cle Elum were closed late Tuesday night after an overpass was hit by a semi-truck.
The Washington State Patrol said an oversized load struck the Bullfrog Road overpass at about 10:30 p.m.
Troopers said traffic will be backed up and drivers should use exit 80 to detour around the bridge to get back onto I-90.
WSP posted on X.com a photo of the damaged bridge and debris on the roadway late Tuesday.
As of Wednesday morning, lanes were still blocked and there is no estimated time when the lanes will reopen.
Crews with the Washington State Department of Transportation are at the scene assessing the damage.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
ATHENS, Ga., October 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– More Americans are starting to ask questions about what life could look like somewhere else.
A new survey from moveBuddha finds that nearly 1 in 10 Americans is actively researching a move abroad, with nearly 60% reporting they’ve considered leaving the country at some point. This is a clear sign that international relocation is no longer just a passing daydream, but something people are seriously exploring.
To understand what’s behind this rising interest, moveBuddha surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. residents in September 2025. The results point to a quiet shift in how Americans think about where and how they want to live.
The responses point toward a practical motivation; many are looking for a place where life feels stable, affordable, and easier to manage day to day.
Key Takeaways
Nearly 60% of Americans have considered moving abroad.
1 in 10 respondents is actively researching an international move.
Cost of living (34%) is the top factor Americans consider when choosing a country to move to, followed by financial security (11%) and political stability (9%).
Europe (38%) is the top region for moves abroad, while Canada (24%) tops the list of individual countries, except among Gen Z, who favor Japan.
America’s high living costs (64%), healthcare access (63%), and crime/safety (59%) are the primary reasons respondents might consider moving abroad. Lifestyle or cultural factors matter much less.
More people are taking the idea of moving abroad seriously – and not for adventure, career moves, or retirement.
They’re running the numbers. Reading expat blogs. Comparing countries. Asking if life might be simpler elsewhere. While few are actively relocating, many are exploring international options.
“We’ve helped thousands of people move across the country for all kinds of reasons – to chase a job, start a family, or just get closer to the beach. But, what we’re seeing now is very different,” says Ryan Carrigan of moveBuddha. “With rising costs, job uncertainty, and concerns about healthcare and safety, more people are looking for somewhere that just feels livable.”
The survey aligns with moveBuddha’s report on Which States Google Moving Abroad Most, examining state-level Google searches about where Americans are most curious about moving abroad, and reveals the motivations and specific countries Americans would choose if they could move abroad right now.
Top Country Destinations:
Country
%Respondents
Canada
24.4%
England
12.2%
Japan
11.2%
Ireland
9.0%
Switzerland
8.2%
France
6.5%
Costa Rica
6.4%
Mexico
6.1%
New Zealand
6.1%
Thailand
4.1%
Germany
3.4%
Portugal
2.4%
Why This Matters Now
From unaffordable rents to healthcare hurdles, Americans are increasingly evaluating their options through a global lens. In some cases, a new passport is starting to feel like a better path to peace of mind than a new zip code.
With cost pressures, climate events, and political anxieties continuing to impact Americans’ sense of safety and opportunity, international relocation may start to look less like an escape and more like a rational next step.
The Dolomites have no shortage of extraordinary accommodations, where design-forward hotels often become the destinations themselves. Forestis, perched 6,000 feet above sea level in Brixen, is a sanatorium-turned-five-star hotel with a minimalist aesthetic that embraces its surroundings. The Dolomites provide a breathtaking backdrop, visible through every angle, including the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling lobby windows or from the outdoor bed of a Tower Suite—the property’s signature among its 62 guest rooms. Daily wellness programming includes sound baths, guided Wyda forest walks inspired by Celtic wisdom, and Aufguss rituals, a 10-20 minute sauna experience where an Aufguss Master pours essential oils over hot stones and skillfully twirls a towel to circulate the air, all set to the rhythm of the music. This summer, Forestis quietly debuted Yera, the 14-course (cellphone-free) multi-sensory dining experience paired with housemade, fermented alcohol-free drinks, all set inside a cave.
About 90 minutes east in Avelengo, Italy’s German-speaking region, Chalet Mirabell feels like a whimsical fairytale. Anchored by a natural swimmable pond and roaming alpacas, the family-owned five-star resort caters to both families and couples with dedicated dining areas and pools for each. Adults can enjoy the variety of wellness programming offered daily, retreat to one of three pools, or head to the 65,000-square-foot spa at the heart of the property.
The hotel’s 70 cozy guest rooms blend natural wood and modern accents with plush furnishings in warm tones. Many of the guest rooms are equipped with fireplaces, free-standing tubs, and private balconies overlooking the mountains. For large groups or multi-generational families, choose from one of three mountain villas that can accommodate up to 12 guests. This winter, the sister property Chalet Zuegg debuts, with ski-in, ski-out access to Merano 2000, the town’s premier ski area. In Pinzolo (population: 3,000),Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is the only five-star resort in Madonna di Campiglio. The nearly 54,000-square-foot spa is the resort’s crown jewel, with nine saunas and steam rooms spread out across three floors. Of the resort’s 88 alpine guest rooms and 21 residences, the Exclusive Spa Suites elevate your wellness experience to the next level. At just over 1,000 square feet, each suite features a massive whirlpool, private sauna and walk-in wardrobe for all your cozy mountain layers, hiking gear and après-ski essentials.
As the winter months creep up on us, you may be looking for a new tumbler or travel mug to keep your coffee hot all day. You could certainly peruse our list of the best travel mugs, which is packed with fancy double-walled, vacuum-insulated options, but if you constantly have icy hands, you might consider scooping up the Ember Travel Mug 2+, which has an actual heater inside. It’s currently marked down by $40 at Best Buy, bringing the price down to just $160. While I did spot the reduced price at Amazon as well, at publication time the shipping date was a range of November 9-30.
Photograph: Pete Cottell
While spending over $100 on a travel mug might feel like a stretch, the Ember lineup have internal warmers that keep your coffee or tea hot for hours on end. Unlike the popular home versions, the Travel Mug 2+ is a fully enclosed waterproof tumbler, so it’s perfect for taking on the road, or to your favorite outdoor activities. It has a great seal, which held up without dripping even when dropped into a crowded duffel bag.
With just the internal battery, our tester Pete Cottell managed to get over two hours of heat, which should keep a 16-ounce coffee at a toasty 135 degrees Fahrenheit for at least your morning commute. If you routinely drive even longer distances, there’s a separately sold car charger that will use the built-in 12V port to keep your liquids heated for as long as you’re stuck in the driver’s seat.
If you find yourself regularly losing your existing tumbler, and are worried about losing this more expensive version, the built-in Apple Find My support should give you some peace of mind. Not only can it help you find it when you’re craving a sip, but it can also let you know if you’ve left it behind, as long as you’re on an Apple device.
Overall the Ember Travel Mug 2+ offers a lot for its high price tag, and should appeal to daily coffee and tea drinkers, particularly those who regularly find themselves shivering during the winter. If that sounds like you, make sure to check out our gift guide specifically for people who get too cold and need to be warmed up.
Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing. Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Formula 1 is back in Austin, the “Home of Horsepower.” Instead of riding bucking broncos, the world’s fastest drivers are revving 1000 horsepower V6 engines around one of the year’s trickiest tracks.
During race weekend (October 17-19) in Austin, the city is plastered with F1 imagery, from posters of Lando Norris’ face alongside 6th Street to the full range of Pirelli tires that adorn the lobby of the Thompson Hotel.
It’s the one weekend in Austin where lines around the block aren’t solely reserved for BBQ restaurants. Instead, Formula 1 fanatics queue for fans zones set up around the city like, the Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone where they can drive esports simulators, Lewis Hamilton’s Plus 44 store pop-up and former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo’s Enchanté pop-up.
Matthew McConaughey participates in the grid tour before the start of the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. AFP via Getty Images
Digital luxury lifestyle concierge service Velocity Black is the official luxury lifestyle partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team, and members get access to some of the weekend’s most exclusive offerings, including the team’s hospitality suite in The Paddock Club, a hot lap, garage tours, pit lane walks and a lunch at the Aston Martin House, where drivers casually walk by as you munch on brisket croquettes and local tostadas.
“Whether it be VIP hospitality, garage tours and hot lap access at F1 races, fine dining experiences or exclusive entertainment, we are committed to unlocking truly unforgettable moments across the globe,” says Sylvain Langrand, CEO of Velocity Black.
Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow attend the Uber One Rodeo. Getty Images for Uber
Off the track, there was a private dinner at the iconic Franklin Barbecue with an intimate live performance by Grammy Award-winner Gary Clark Jr. And should members want to beat the Austin traffic, Velocity Black arranges helicopter transports to and from the circuit.
“F1 and Austin have acclimated to each other,” legendary BBQ pitmaster Aaron Franklin told Observer at a private dinner for Velocity Black members. “Now, people come here specifically for F1, and are more interested in the local scene and local culture. We had the McLaren team here last night, and they’re all just a bunch of really cool nerds. I love meeting people during race weekend that I wouldn’t normally have the chance to meet.”
Roller coasters dot The Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) and it seems like the mandatory dress code is cowboy hats and boots. When cars aren’t rounding the circuit, musical performances throughout the weekend include Kygo and Garth Brooks, Turnpike Troubadours, as well as local Austin talent.
This year, Austin was a sprint weekend, meaning there was an extra mini-race with more points on the line for the championship battle. Track temperatures weren’t the only scorching hot thing on Saturday, as the sprint race was off to a spicy start. The crowd gasped as both McLarens made contact, forcing them out of the sprint race and any chance at points. Overall, a bad day for Oscar Piastri, currently leading the driver’s championship, as he only placed P6 in qualifying, while his teammate and championship rival, Lando Norris, came in at P2.
Glen Powell on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas. Formula 1 via Getty Images
And on race day, COTA was hot as H-E double toothpicks, but celebrities still lined the track, including Matthew McConaughey, Glen Powell, Malin Akerman and Adele. Max Verstappen dominated, winning the race with Lando Norris coming in second and Charles LeClerc third. There were plenty of overtakes and on-track action, but no red flags. Although the race wasn’t as exciting as the sprint, it was consequential for the driver’s championship, with Lando narrowing the gap to Oscar Piastri by 14 points.
And as the sun set on Austin, the city was electric with bars packed with F1 fans, and private events and parties, like the Esses Magazine one-year anniversary party with two special guests, as the Visa Cash App RB drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson made an appearance. At the One Party by Uber, a musical performance by the Zac Brown Band opened with a traditional Texas rodeo.
While partaking in a BBQ dinner, another Texas tradition, Jak Crawford, an F2 driver and Texas native told Observer, “My favorite thing about race weekend in Austin is the food. The brisket, it’s so good here.” While he hasn’t raced here yet he says, “I can’t wait to drive here, it can be a really tricky circuit.”
