John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged travel · everything

www.islands.com

Here's How Anthony Bourdain Always Found The Best Local Restaurants When Traveling

This piece offers practical strategies inspired by Anthony Bourdain for finding authentic local restaurants and avoiding tourist traps when traveling. It suggests visiting local markets, seeking advice on community boards, talking directly with locals, and being adventurous with unfamiliar dishes—while steering clear of restaurants with telltale tourist-trap signs like prominent English menus, tourist-heavy locations, and high table-to-staff ratios. The article frames these approaches as ways to eat authentically and affordably like Bourdain did throughout his travels.

Permalink foodrestaurantstraveladvice

www.hipcamp.com

www.gearpatrol.com

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Any Adventure

This article reviews nine carry-on travel backpacks in the 35–55 liter range, testing each for storage capacity, accessibility, durability, and comfort during real trips involving planes, trains, and various modes of ground transport. The Peak Design 45L emerges as the overall best for its versatility and premium construction, while alternatives excel in specific areas—the Tortuga for maximizing airline carry-on space, the Aer for budget-conscious travelers, and the Osprey for those needing the largest capacity with a detachable daypack. The guide includes practical considerations like luggage pass-throughs, water resistance, harness quality, and organized pockets to help readers choose based on their travel style and needs.

Permalink geartravelpackingbackpacking

www.foodandwine.com

What It Was Like to Eat with Anthony Bourdain

[[Laurie Woolever]] remembers traveling and eating with [[Anthony Bourdain]], describing moments that ranged from decadent to domestic. She recounts filming at [[Aqueduct Racetrack]] where they ate mass-produced [[Jamaican beef patties]] off wobbly plastic cups, an oddly perfect scene, and a swanky scavenger hunt for [[Dungeness crab]] with [[caviar]] and Champagne before a private jet departure. In Vietnam she chased a bowl of [[Bún bò Huế]] at a market counter, slurping broth alongside a local cook. In Japan he chased novelty canned coffee from a [[Shinkansen]] platform vending machine, and in Sri Lanka he led a crew rooftop feast after finding a nearby [[KFC]] following a long shoot at the [[Madai Festival]]. [[Woolever]] conveys his generosity, humor, and the permission to choose simple pleasure over spectacle.

Permalink foodtravelmemoirdining

www.fodors.com

Is There Anything You Can Do About Hidden Cameras at Your Airbnb?

CNN's investigation found that Airbnb receives tens of thousands of reports about hidden cameras in listings but has done little to address the problem, partly because the company owns no properties and thus faces minimal legal accountability. Although Airbnb banned indoor cameras globally in March 2024, the company quickly settles lawsuits with victims under non-disclosure agreements, rarely involves law enforcement, and provides no transparency about how it enforces the policy. Guests are left to conduct their own searches for cameras upon arrival, with no foolproof method available to ensure their privacy.

Permalink technologysafetyprivacytravel

www.fatherly.com

55 Essential Disney World Tips, Tricks, And Dad Hacks

Disney World demands strategic planning through apps and itineraries to maximize a costly visit, but the real secret to a memorable trip is balancing structured priorities with flexibility—hitting key attractions early, taking mandatory midday breaks to prevent meltdowns, and embracing downtime at the pool rather than trying to cram every experience into exhausting days. Expert parents emphasize that pacing matters more than volume, practical logistics like proper footwear and sunscreen prevent misery, and the most cherished memories often come from unrushed moments rather than checking off a list.

Permalink traveltipsdisneyparenting

www.explore.com

What You May Not Know About The Secret Tunnels Under Disney's Magic Kingdom

Disney World's Magic Kingdom sits atop a nine-acre underground tunnel system called the Utilidor, which allows costumed characters and supplies to move through the park unseen and even features an automated vacuum system for trash disposal, all designed to preserve the above-ground fantasy for guests. The Keys to the Kingdom Tour offers the only official public glimpse of these tunnels for $129-$149 (plus a separate park ticket), departing every half hour in the early morning and also including lunch and VIP ride access. While the tour reveals lesser-known operational details and hidden design features, some visitors find the reality of the industrial underground disappointing compared to the magical park they imagine.

Permalink architecturetraveldisneytourism

www.wanderluststorytellers.com

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in America You Need to Visit Before You Die

I've only been to 9 out of 20 :(

This is a listicle showcasing 20 of the most visually striking natural destinations across the United States, including national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, as well as distinctive geological formations like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. Each entry briefly describes the key features that make the location appealing—dramatic landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, or photographic potential—along with affiliated booking links for tours and accommodations. The piece is primarily a travel planning resource designed to inspire visitors and direct them toward booking travel services.

Permalink travelnational parksunited statestourism

www.independent.co.uk

12 state parks that are just as beautiful as national parks — and they’re free

State parks across the US offer spectacular geological features and outdoor recreation at little or no cost, often with far fewer crowds than national parks. This guide highlights 12 free-to-enter state parks featuring dramatic waterfalls, natural bridges, canyons, and river landscapes across regions from Ohio to Missouri, including Ohio's Hocking Hills gorge system, Pennsylvania's Ricketts Glen with 22 waterfalls, and Arkansas's Mount Magazine perched atop the state's highest peak. Most parks offer affordable camping and cabin accommodations for overnight stays.

Permalink hikingcampingwildlifetravel

www.esquire.com

Esquire’s Best Martinis in America: 2025 Edition

Esquire's guide celebrates martinis being creatively reimagined by bartenders across America rather than treated as a sacred, untouchable classic. The piece showcases over twenty exceptional martinis from restaurants nationwide—ranging from faithful traditional versions to inventive variations featuring ingredients like za'atar, pineapple amaro, pickled okra, matcha, and even anchovy-fat-washed vodka. Rather than prescribing one correct way to make a martini, the collection demonstrates that the drink's enduring appeal lies in its flexibility as a canvas for seasonal ingredients, local flavors, and bartender creativity.

Permalink foodcocktailsrestaurantstravel

www.cntraveler.com

How Iceland Is Rethinking Tourism for the Long Haul

Iceland is shifting from rapid, volume-based tourism toward a more sustainable model by spreading visitors across the country and encouraging longer stays rather than quick trips. The government increased tourism spending by 40 percent during the pandemic to build infrastructure at popular sites, launched new regional routes like the Westfjords Way to distribute foot traffic, and introduced a remote worker visa (requiring at least $88,000 annual income) to attract higher-spending visitors who won't overwhelm the landscape. The strategy aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection by leveraging Iceland's greatest asset—abundant, undeveloped space—while protecting delicate ecosystems that suffered from overtourism before 2020.

Permalink sustainabilityremote worktraveltags

www.cntraveler.com

15 Best Hotels in Napa Valley for Vineyard Views, Geothermal Pools, & Outdoor Tubs

This is a curated guide to 15 luxury and boutique hotels across Napa Valley, selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors for their design, location, service, and sustainability practices. The recommendations range from wellness-focused retreats like Okaeri Calistoga (a Japanese-inspired adults-only sanctuary) and Bardessono (a LEED Platinum eco-luxury property) to classic wine country estates like Auberge du Soleil and modern properties like the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley. Each entry provides specific details about room types, amenities, dining options, and the property's character to help travelers choose based on their priorities—whether they're seeking a romantic hideaway, a family-friendly resort, or proximity to wineries and restaurants.

Permalink travelwinehotelstags

www.cnbc.com

These Americans bought abandoned homes in Italy for as little as $1 and spent thousands renovating: Was it worth it?

Italian towns have revitalized declining populations by selling abandoned houses for as little as 1 euro, attracting foreign buyers who invest tens of thousands in renovations over required timeframes, with mixed results ranging from successful dream homes to abandoned projects. The scheme has boosted local economies through construction jobs, tourism, and new residents, though it's also driven up real estate prices and raised concerns about gentrification and investment speculation rather than genuine community integration. Success depends on buyer commitment and town management—some programs actively pace sales to preserve community character, while others risk becoming vacation rental portfolios that undermine the original revival goals.

Permalink italyreal estatetravelrenovation

www.esquire.com

42 Best Gifts for Men Under $50

This is an Esquire gift guide listing products under $50, with brief descriptions of items like speakers, passport holders, turntables, coffee cups, massage guns, knives, and kitchen tools positioned as gift suggestions for men. The guide emphasizes durability, practicality, and value, claiming each item offers quality that belies its low price point. It's organized by product category with repeated advertisements interspersed throughout.

Permalink holidaymentravellifestyle

www.esquire.com

The 26 Best Gifts on Earth, According to Esquire

Esquire's editors curated a gift guide featuring 26 of the year's best products across categories ranging from tech gadgets like the Boox Palma 2 e-reader and Xgimi Elfin projector to luxury items such as Hermès wallets and Métier weekender bags. The selections span multiple price points from $80 gourmet snacks to high-end watches, organized by gift-giving scenarios including tech enthusiasts, homebodies, travelers, and those seeking impressive or understated luxury pieces.

Permalink holidaytravellifestylefashion

www.afar.com

The Best Things to Do in Mexico City

This is the Arena México write-up, covering Friday-night lucha libre matches in the Doctores neighborhood — a piece that pitches Mexican wrestling not as kitsch but as a legitimate window into the country's mythology and performance culture, complete with dancing girls, costumed characters, and real athletic skill. It's worth keeping for practical tips (buy tickets in person, arrive early, shop the outside stalls for masks and capes) as much as for the argument that skeptical concierges and cabbies undersell how worthwhile the spectacle is.

Permalink foodartarchitecturetravel

www.afar.com

17 Scenic Waterfalls to Visit on Kentucky's Wildlands Trail

Kentucky Wildlands tourism office launched a curated 553-mile trail linking 17 standout waterfalls across the 14,000-square-mile Wildlands region, whittled down from over 800 candidates based on accessibility and uniqueness—including record-holders like Yahoo Falls (Kentucky's tallest) and Cumberland Falls (the "Niagara of the South," famous for its rare moonbow). The piece is especially useful for noting which falls have ADA-accessible or paved routes, such as Cumberland Falls' Moonbow Trail and Flat Lick Falls' one-mile loop, making it a practical guide for travelers with mobility considerations who want to combine waterfall-chasing with a Kentucky road trip.

Permalink hikingaccessibilitytravelroad trips

www.afar.com

The 8 Best Norway Cruises to Book Now

A roundup piece profiling Norway as a fjord-cruising destination, covering what travelers actually see along the coast—Bergen's Hanseatic old town, aurora viewing above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta, Geirangerfjord's waterfalls, Flam's railway, and Viking history in Trondheim—while flagging that 2026 emissions regulations will restrict which ships can enter UNESCO-protected fjords like Geiranger and Nærøyfjord. It then breaks down specific line recommendations by traveler type, from Havila Voyages' hybrid battery-powered ships (eco-friendly pick) to Disney's Frozen-themed sailings (family pick) to the tiny chartered HMS Gåssten (most intimate) and century-old local operator Hurtigruten. Worth keeping as a practical reference for choosing a Norway cruise line based on priorities like sustainability, luxury, budget, or itinerary scope rather than just scenery.

Permalink travelnorthern lightscruises

www.advnture.com

Where are the best places to see the Aurora Borealis?

A travel writer with a physics background rounds up six top spots beneath the Auroral Oval—Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Lofoten, Svalbard, Akureyri and Abisko—rating each for a distinct angle, from Svalbard's rare daytime aurora sightings to Abisko's reliably clear skies at its chairlift-accessed Sky Station. It also explains the science of why the equinoxes (around March 20 and September 22) offer the best viewing odds due to optimal alignment between solar and terrestrial magnetic fields. Worth keeping as a practical shortlist for planning an aurora trip, pairing each destination with complementary activities like hot springs, dog sledding, whale watching and glacier hikes.

Permalink travelnorthern lightsstargazing

travelcurator.com

Worth Driving For: Healdsburg, California

This travel piece champions Healdsburg as the unpretentious heart of Sonoma wine country, positioning it as a more soulful alternative to Napa, and maps out a practical itinerary spanning tasting rooms, redwood hikes, galleries, and standout restaurants like SingleThread and Dry Creek Kitchen. It also flags Charles M. Schulz Airport as an underused entry point and recommends specific hotels (Montage Healdsburg, The Madrona) for a full trip-planning reference. Worth keeping as a ready-made guide for a Sonoma visit, with concrete names rather than generic recommendations.

Permalink hikingrestaurantstravelwine