Travel in city Santa Monica

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, whether you live here or are visiting. In fact, based on tourism taxes, Los Angeles is the third most expensive city for tourists to visit in the world.

The January 2025 wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles have been among the most destructive in California’s history. Recovery efforts are underway, but rebuilding may take years. Understandably, travelers are wondering whether visiting LA right now is safe—or even ethical.

The first thing you saw was the sign: an arc of three fish fashioned from red neon, blinking from left to right. Centered in blue neon just below: “Reel Inn,” the name of the invitingly ramshackle seafood restaurant it marked for 36 years.

As Los Angeles slowly begins to assess the damage caused by recent wildfires, it's clear that rebuilding will take years and cost an astronomical sum of money. Some reports estimate a cost as high as $40 billion. Not to mention the threat of more fires remains strong as the Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist. The possibility of rain showers this weekend offers hope that the worst of the fires could be over — though the rain could bring new challenges to the area.

The lobby of Shutters on the Beach, the luxury oceanfront hotel in Santa Monica that is usually abuzz with tourists and entertainment professionals, had by Thursday transformed into a refuge for Los Angeles residents displaced by the raging wildfires that have ripped through thousands of acres and leveled entire neighborhoods to ash.

Wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to burn on Monday, January 13, 2025, as firefighters worked to contain portions of the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires, at 14% and 33% containment as of Monday morning. A total of 24 people were reported dead on Sunday evening.

The Los Angeles wildfires have collectively destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and homes and scorched over 40,000 acres as of Monday, January 13.

The rampant wildfires consuming vast swathes of Los Angeles have forced around 180,000 people to evacuate. 

As wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles, we are gathering resources to help locals and travelers who are currently being displaced by the fires.

Wildfires that have ravaged some of the city’s most picturesque areas are continuing to grow. Firefighters responding to the emergencies say at least five people were killed in three major out of control blazes.

Three major wildfires in Los Angeles County continue to burn out of control as of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The fires have promped evacuation orders for approximately 80,000 residents and have burned at least 1,000 buildings and homes.

Major airlines issued flight alerts and people in Los Angeles scrambled to evacuate as an out-of-control wildfire raged in the southern California city on Wednesday.

Jan 2, 2025 • 9 min read

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Nov 6, 2024 • 10 min read

Ready or not, November is here. And while there are plenty of reasons this particular November might not be everyone's favorite, there are still a lot of good things in store, like booking a trip to one of the incredible new hotels now open (detailed below) or snagging tickets to see the "Wicked" movie, which comes out later this month.

In August, while weighing a move from San Diego to LA, I took a road trip to the earthy, off-beat enclave of Topanga Canyon for a reflective weekend away. The community’s serene, New Age persona lured me in with the promise of crystalizing my relocation decision over contemplative canyon hikes, expansive artist chats, and, of course, a stay at a tucked-away cabin—the ideal place to think things over away from all the usual stressors of life.

The Catskills does Autumn very well. A getaway in the fall provides a consolation for the end of summer. It feels like a homely embrace, offering comfort, warmth, and a sweep of color that will bring cheer to even the most die-hard warm-season devotees. As fall begins to drape across New York State, it’s the perfect time to book a getaway — after all, we deserve to celebrate this time of year in a place where the season is in its brightest incarnation. The Catskills’ Hamptonsification, however, means that a weekend in the mountains can quickly get expensive. There are some ways to do a getaway on the dime. One is to set a reminder for October 3, noon ET. On a first-served basis, Urban Cowboy Lodge, arguably the best cabin hotel in the area, is offering a stay on the Big Indian Wilderness for $24 per night.

Sep 8, 2024 • 5 min read

One of the most luxurious brands under IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to make its U.S. mountain perch debut.

Aug 23, 2024 • 7 min read

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