Westways | Fall 2024

Camper van parked in a shoreside field.
Exploring New Zealand by camper van

Remote, rugged, and home to distinctive wildlife, South Island is built for epic adventures.

 
Charles Bridge in Prague.
Prague shines in its second act

Beyond its famed castle and storied treasures, the Czech capital enchants with a playful, bohemian spirit.

Maya Train.
All aboard Mexico’s Maya Train

The Maya Train rail project is changing the way travelers explore Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Cyclists riding through the streets of Bogota, Colombia.
Bicycling Bogotá

The weekly open-streets Ciclovía event is a caravan of family-friendly festivity every Sunday.

Plate of carbonara.
The surprising history of carbonara

Untangling the controversial history of carbonara. Can Italians handle the truth?

Illustration of things to do in California.
Fun things to do in Southern California

An editor-curated list of the best fairs, festivals, events, and other things to do in Southern California and beyond.

Couple with three kids in front of their house.
What you should know about life insurance

If you’ve been putting off buying life insurance, reconsider with these four reasons in mind.

Illustration of person standing in front of a reflection of their past self with a map.
My SoCal Life

A writer mourns the disappearance of familiar Los Angeles landmarks over the years.

 

Ask the Traveler

Illustration of traveler walking through a shorter airport security line.
Do I need TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

It depends on how often you fly and if you’re frequently traveling abroad.

Illustration of travelers in an airport.
How do I make sense of travel advisories?

Learn how current advisories apply to your safety and comfort while traveling.

Illustration of a traveler reclining his airplane seat.
Is it okay to recline my airplane seat?

The real question isn’t whether you can tilt back, but whether you should.

 

Bon Appétit Restaurant Reviews

Ammatoli Palestinian nsakhan.
Ammatolí, Long Beach

Chef Dima Habibeh draws on Middle Eastern influences for the menu here.

BLVD Steak filet rib eye New York strip.
BLVD Steak, Sherman Oaks

Wood paneling, banquettes, and a wraparound bar evoke a classic, cosmopolitan vibe.

Gala fresh oysters over ice.
Gala, Santa Barbara

Come here for the perfect mix of Santa Barbara charm and big city sophistication.

Ferro polpette di vitello pizza.
Ferro, Idyllwild

Few things are as enchanting as a cozy romantic restaurant in a woodsy mountain town.

Aria Kitchen spread.
Aria Kitchen, Irvine

This comfortable neighborhood restaurant delivers Persian and Mexican fusion cuisine.

Marisi gnocchi tonnarelli.
Marisi, La Jolla

The wood-burning hearth here highlights hearty meats and delicate ingredients alike.

 

Day Trips

Visitor reading a book at Vertigo Books in North Park.
North Park

This once-sleepy suburb in San Diego has hit peak hipster haven.

Palm trees line the front of Agua Caliente Cultural Center.
Palm Springs

The desert is a great backdrop for new beginnings, and these days, Palm Springs is awash in them.

Nightcap Bar in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo

Indulge in shopping, entertainment, and excellent dining in this small city that packs a big punch.

 

Automotive

Illustration of a car driving along a red road.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?

Reexamine your policy to see if you qualify for discounts, or shop around for lower rates.

Illustration of person surrounded by cars in various colors.
Could a car’s color affect its resale value?

The color of your car may reflect your personality, but it may also affect the car’s eventual worth.

Photo illustration of dollar bills flying from a car's exhaust pipe.
Is it time to downsize?

There’s a notable cost difference between owning a smaller vs. larger vehicle, according to a AAA study.

 

Digital Extras

4 towns to visit during apple season

Day trips to these Southern California spots will yield bushels of apples—and fun.

10 must-visit California resort spas

Indulge in the ultimate self-care with treatments inspired by California’s landscapes.

3 amazing days in Sonoma County

The area boasts charming towns, outdoor excursions, and, of course, great wine aplenty.

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