West
Summer vacation ideas while there's still time: Here are 6 smart spots to consider
There’s still plenty of time this summer to make topnotch travel getaway plans.
Sure, a road trip to the mountains or a week at the beach is ideal for a well-deserved summer vacation — but if you’re looking for some suggestions that are an airplane away, read on.
Fox News Digital spoke to several travel experts to find out how to pursue your wanderlust, whether it’s a solo trip, a couple’s escape, a friends’ getaway or a special family vacation.
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Check out these six intriguing options, each with plenty to offer.
1. Ireland
Whether you want to explore your (or a friend’s or family member’s) Irish heritage, play golf or immerse yourself in the food and drink scene, the Emerald Isle is a place to consider.
The Emerald Isle offers a unique blend of bustling cities such as Dublin and Belfast, charming coastal cities like Cork and Galway, and rolling countryside towns throughout the spectacular island. (iStock)
It offers a unique blend of bustling cities such as Dublin and Belfast, charming coastal cities like Cork and Galway, and rolling countryside towns throughout the spectacular island.
Getting there is a cinch, as there are direct flights from Midwest and East Coast airports — making it easy for the young and the young at heart.
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While in Ireland, be sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, which offers a “brewery experience” while sharing tales of “Ireland’s famous beer” with tastings and a rooftop bar, according to its website; and consider a visit to the whiskey distilleries of Jameson, Teeling and Pearse Lyons.
Afterward, consider the centrally located Grafton Hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a “must” visit to add to your itinerary if you’re in the area, according to travel experts. The brewery experience offers tales of “Ireland’s famous beer” plus tastings and a rooftop bar. (iStock)
The summer months are considered the best time to travel to Ireland, according to Intrepid Travel, an agency based in Canada.
While you might enjoy nice weather, summer is also peak season — so you can expect crowds at popular destinations.
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If you want to avoid the crowds, look into traveling during the “shoulder” season in autumn, according to Tourism Ireland.
2. Catalina Island, California
Another destination to consider as a summer escape is Catalina Island, which is about 50 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. It’s roughly an hour’s ferry ride.
Catalina Island is only an hour’s ferry ride from the coast of Los Angeles. (iStock)
Offering something for almost every type of traveler, the versatile destination has fine dining and luxury hotels. Visitors can also camp within the island’s wild terrain.
Other highlights are water activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding.
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While on land, consider touring the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Gardens, plus savor the natural beauty of more than 100 hiking trails on the island.
“Catalina Island provides a Mediterranean-style escape closer to the West Coast and is a good alternative to Capri, Italy,” said Christie Hudson, travel expert at Expedia in Seattle.
Catalina Island will feel like a Mediterranean-style getaway, but without the price tag, according to travel experts. (iStock)
“Both destinations offer breathtaking coastal views, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and a relaxed island atmosphere.”
Yet the price difference is huge.
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A flight from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles is $310 compared to a flight from Austin to Naples, Italy — which averages $1,870, said Hudson.
3. The Dolomites in northern Italy
If you dream of a splurge-worthy dream trip to Italy but don’t want to face the crowds this summer — consider an alternate Italian trip.
If you envision an Italian summer trip but without the massive crowds, take a look at this northern Italian getaway in the Dolomites. (iStock)
Zicasso CEO Brian Tan, based in Mountain View, California, said that while Italy remains a high-demand destination for Zicasso travelers, the travel company is seeing a rise in slightly lesser-known regions, such as the Dolomites in northern Italy.
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“It’s off-the-beaten path from the usual Rome/Florence/Venice crowds, has cooler temperatures, amazing mountain vistas, lush valleys, memorable drives, and charming towns, including Cortina D’Ampezzo, host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games,” said Tan.
Furthermore, a region like the Dolomites can be paired easily with traditionally popular major gateway cities like Rome, he said.
4. Denmark
Copenhagen is likely the most visited city in Denmark.
This Scandinavian country offers endless opportunities for culture, history and foodie experiences, plus coastal benefits.
While Denmark may not be top of mind when thinking of a beach holiday, it has over 4,500 miles of coastline, with uncrowded, white, sandy beaches. (iStock)
“Denmark is a surprisingly good place for a beach holiday in peak summer, with over 4,500 miles of coastline and uncrowded, white, sandy beaches,” said Daniel Burnham, senior flight expert with Going.com.
“Within the past 10 days we’ve seen nonstop fares to Copenhagen from $375 nonstop out of Boston, New York, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles for travel from July-November 2024,” he also said.
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In addition, a Denmark trip can be a launching point for seeing other European countries,c such as Finland, Norway, Sweden or the United Kingdom.
5. Saint Vincent
If you’re a Caribbean enthusiast but don’t want the same “been there, done that” island experience, it might be time to consider Saint Vincent — where the “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed.
Check out Saint Vincent if you’re in the mood for a Caribbean escape but want to avoid the crowds. (iStock)
“There’s a new Sandals there now, and it’s a sweet property,” said Kelley Connor, a travel adviser with AAA Club Alliance in Marlton, New Jersey.
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“It’s the first all-inclusive [offering] on the island, located on 50 lush acres with a beautiful beach and surrounded by mountains and rainforest.”
Saint Vincent is south of St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean.
Visit Saint Vincent while it’s still “pure and undisturbed, providing a relaxing vacation that offers the best of all beach vacations without the hordes of tourists,” said one travel expert. (iStock)
“Right now, it’s pure and undisturbed, providing a relaxing vacation that offers the best of all beach vacations without the hordes of tourists,” Connor said.
“The rainforest is filled with tropical birds and cascading waterfalls, and the snorkeling and scuba diving is sublime, due to the exotic beauty beneath the quiet turquoise waters.”
6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama is gaining popularity among travelers who are seeking a blend of pristine beaches, outdoor activities and southern hospitality, according to Booking.com information shared with Fox News Digital.
It’s a quintessential beach escape — with 32 miles of white, sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Take a look at six vacation destinations described in this article that are true gems with lots to offer, as recommended by travel experts. (iStock)
Be sure to make time for Gulf State Park, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts — plus it offers kayaking, fishing and hiking.
Also, a dolphin cruise showcases the region’s scenic beauty of the Gulf while offering the chance to spot these adorable mammals.
This destination is very family-friendly and ideal for a multi-generational trip.
Read the full article from Here
Alaska
‘Extremely dangerous’ conditions on Glenn Highway due to snowfall, APD says
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Relentless snowfall is contributing to dangerous road conditions Tuesday in Anchorage and other areas of Southcentral Alaska, authorities say.
The latest numbers around Anchorage as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday included 53 crashes, 11 with injuries, and 124 vehicles in distress, according to an Anchorage police spokesperson.
The inbound Glenn Highway was closed at South Eagle Road just after 12 p.m., with southbound traffic being diverted through Eagle River.
The Glenn was reopened shortly after 3 p.m., APD said, adding that traffic was still slow-moving due to the winter conditions.
General conditions on the Glenn Highway are “extremely dangerous,” according to APD. Drivers are being asked to avoid the highway if possible, partly to give plow drivers time to do their work.
In one incident, a school bus slid off the road and into a ditch on the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and Eagle River.
An Anchorage School District spokesperson said the Reliant-owned bus had 29 students on board, and all were in school by 9 a.m. with no injuries reported.
A second school bus that was reported “in distress” near Inlet View Elementary was later revealed to have slid into a snow berm, although only the driver was on board, according to a district spokesperson.
APD Traffic Unit Supervisor David Noll said people who do have to hit the road should budget extra time and slow down to be safe, not just for themselves but also for the drivers around them who are already dealing with reduced visibility.
“Obviously you need to drive slow enough that you can control your vehicle, you can steer, you can stop,” Noll said. “But also, you need to be considerate of others around you that when you are driving fast, you are lofting a lot of that snow up and making it hard to see.”
Noll said state law requires at least two seconds stopping time between vehicles, but in bad weather, the recommended time is four seconds. He said drivers should have their headlights on, even during the day, and do their best to keep their windows and headlights clear of snow. If drivers encounter an unplowed road that is concerning, try to go a different route.
He said people who do get stuck or go off the road have options, but can always call police.
“If you end up stuck, you should consider what resources you have to help you get unstuck — so somebody with a tow strap, another tow company,” Noll said. “If you can’t get an adequate resource there and you need some assistance, call APD, call 311, unless there is an actual emergency, call 911.”
This is a developing story. We will update with more information as it becomes available.
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2026 KTUU. All rights reserved.
Arizona
Arizona restaurant named most romantic in US, and 5 others in top 100
Phoenix chef and cookbook author Reilly Meehan introduces Kiko’s
Reilly Meehan is a Phoenix-based personal chef, cookbook author and force behind Kiko’s dinner series.
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the biggest date night of the year, Yelp revealed its list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S., and six Arizona restaurants made the cut.
The list was compiled using data from reviews posted by Yelp’s Elite members, ranking restaurants that offered features like “candlelit ambiance, breathtaking views, or indulgent culinary creations” based on the total volume and ratings of reviews.
How many dates have you been on at the cozy Arizona restaurants that made Yelp’s 2026 list? Here’s a closer look at the six date-night-approved restaurants that got a shout-out this year, including one named best in the U.S.
Cafe Monarch
Cafe Monarch has once again been named the No. 1 most romantic restaurant in the U.S. by Yelp. The Old Town Scottsdale restaurant offers prix fixe four-course dinners. It is known for its elegant architecture and the staff’s fine attention to detail. A strict dress code is enforced.
Details: 6939 E. First Ave., Scottsdale. 480-970-7682, cafemonarch.com.
Cibo
Cibo, an intimate Italian restaurant nestled inside a historic bungalow in downtown Phoenix, was No. 3 on Yelp’s list. Guests can choose to sit inside the cozy house or outside on the patio, draped with twinkling string lights and greenery. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, saltimbocca bread, salads and crepes.
Details: 603 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix. 602-441-2697, cibophoenix.com.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano
Chef Lisa Dahl’s Sedona fine dining restaurant was No. 14 on Yelp’s list. Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano was praised by Yelp Elites for its “elegant ambiance, ornate decor, and welcoming, attentive service.”
Details: 2321 W. Highway 89A, Sedona. 928-282-5219, dahlanddiluca.com.
LON’s at the Hermosa Inn
LON’s restaurant at the Hermosa Inn was No. 83 on Yelp’s list. Yelp Elites shouted out the restaurant for its “Southwestern fine dining with adobe-chic elegance and stunning desert views… contemporary American dishes, from mesquite-grilled steaks to cactus-fed lamb, amid a lush patio garden.”
Details: 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. 602-955-7878, azhideawaycollection.com/hermosa-inn.
Different Pointe of View
Different Pointe of View, located at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, was No. 85 on Yelp’s list. The hotel and restaurant reside atop North Mountain in Phoenix. Menu highlights include prime beef tenderloin tartare, 30-day aged ribeye, prickly pear miso-glazed salmon, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a surprise daily feature from the chef.
Details: 11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-866-6350, tapatiocliffshilton.com/dining.
The Mission Old Town
The Mission Old Town was No. 92 on Yelp’s list. Yelp Elites especially liked the restaurant’s “tableside guacamole, slow-roasted meats, and killer margaritas” as well as the “vibrant ambiance and top-notch service.”
Details: 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. 480-636-5005, themissionaz.com.
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
California
Letters to the Editor: The entire premise of California’s proposed one-time wealth tax is misleading
To the editor: Having been a tax practitioner now for more than 60 years — much of it involving the very wealthy — the entire project of the California wealth tax is ludicrous because the premise for its one-time imposition is misleading, if not dishonest (“Is California’s proposed billionaire tax smart policy? History holds lessons,” Jan. 26).
The proposed tax is being sold as a replacement for the imminent loss of federal Medicaid. Any “tax expert” with common sense is well aware that many — perhaps a significant majority — of the targets of the tax will contest it (and aggressively discount their assets in self-assessing their tax) at the administrative (appeals) level and, if not satisfied, will proceed with litigation.
This process takes years to play out. The state administrative behemoth will be spending enormous amounts of (non-billionaire) taxpayer dollars to collect money that will arrive far into the future and long after the alleged need for imminent spending on any healthcare needs — if it arrives at all.
The proponents should know this quite well, indicating that the entire initiative is an asset seizure masquerading as moral virtue.
Kip Dellinger, Santa Monica
This writer is the former tax policy and practice columnist for Tax Notes magazine.
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To the editor: Rather than imposing a “wealth tax,” wouldn’t it make more sense to just rewrite the tax code so that the loopholes that essentially give multimillionaires and billionaires a free ride were sewn up so that they had to pay their fair share?
Susan Greenberg, Los Angeles
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To the editor: The backers of the wealth tax bill claimed that they learned from Europe’s experience. But why did the European countries that repealed such wealth taxes repeal them outright instead of learning from what happened and improving on how the taxes were implemented?
Ming Lai, Frisco, Texas
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