Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Descanso Gardens was taken aback by the outpouring of hope for the new year at its seasonal Wishing Tree.
Author: Mary Forgione
California campgrounds to close when COVID-19 stay-at-home order starts
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Gov. Newsom’s order Thursday prohibits overnight stays at campgrounds.
Can Sin City’s new Gateway Arches outshine the Welcome to Las Vegas sign?
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The city has built interlocking lighted arches to welcome visitors to downtown Las Vegas.
Turkey trots are going virtual. These nine raise money for charity
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Most turkey trots in Southern California are keeping the race tradition alive with virtual runs.
What Airbnb and VRBO’s ‘flexible cancellation policies’ actually mean
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Reserving a vacation rental with Airbnb or Vrbo may be a good way to minimize contact with others and enjoy a change of scenery. Here are things to consider before you book.
How to travel by train — and what Amtrak is doing to make it safer
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
There’s a limited number of tickets sold to allow for social distancing, and reservations will be required for seats on popular Southern California routes.
What to know if you really need to take an Uber, Lyft or taxi
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Experts urge travelers to avoid ride share, but if you have to use one, be aware of these guidelines. For example, Uber requires passengers to wear masks and Lyft forbids passengers from sitting in the front seat.
Public transit has changed. Here’s how it can still get you to LAX
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Be prepared for bus and rail services to operate less frequently, or sometimes not at all. Here’s what else to know about using Metro bus and light rail, Metrolink trains or the LAX FlyAway Bus.
Veterans Day: U.S. veterans to receive free national park passes for life
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Everyone can visit national parks on Veterans Day for free. Now veterans added to list of those who get free entry year-round.
Hotel Figueroa has long stood up for women. Now it will be a voting center too
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The historic hotel built in 1926 will serve as a polling center during the 2020 election.
Middle seats: How long will airlines leave them empty?
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Southwest plans to fill planes starting Dec. 1. Alaska and Delta will block middle seats through Jan. 6
New safety protocols for holiday train travel amid COVID-19
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
What you need to know if you plan to take Amtrak to your holiday destination.
In your dreams? For first time, Catalina Casino offers sleepovers
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Two people can have the 1929-era landmark to themselves on select November nights.
Orionid meteor showers peak tonight. Here’s where to watch
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The sky show begins in the wee hours and continues through dawn.
Where to see stunning fall colors in the Eastern Sierra right now
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Go for the gold — aspens, that is — in the lakes and mountains around Bishop, Calif.
The cougar in that viral video looked scary, but experts say the runner was safe
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The video that went viral of a mountain lion encounter in Utah has trail lessons for us all.
Angeles National Forest partly reopens, with burned area closed
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The forest has been shut for a month because of the Bobcat fire. Now some trails and roads reopen.
Seeking fall colors? Visit Sacramento for autumn trees
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
The state capital takes its tree-loving culture seriously, which makes it a good candidate for a fall color getaway.
Where to find fall colors in Southern California
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Add botanical gardens and vineyards to your list of places to see changing leaves.
Washington Monument and Smithsonian sites reopen, with limit on visitors
Written by Mary Forgione @ Travel
Many of D.C.’s popular landmarks are welcoming guests. Free timed tickets are required