Westways | Spring 2024

Foliage in fall colors surrounding Bishop Creek.
World Views: 2023 Westways Photo Contest winners

For our 10th annual photo contest, 10 winners were chosen from thousands of submissions featuring breathtaking sights from around the world.

 
Aerial view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Paris gets its shine back

The City of Light is sparkling bright just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

An aerial tram passing over a gorge.
4 outdoor activities in Colorado

Channel your inner champion with these epic experiences in and around Olympic City USA.

Rock formations in the water at Cape Flattery.
Exploring beyond Olympic National Park

Natural and cultural treasures fill Washington State’s mighty western peninsula.

Overhead view of person floating in the water at Castle Hot Springs.
3 Arizona getaways

These options for outdoor lovers, art enthusiasts, and foodies will inspire a visit to the Copper State.

Yellow hard hat, with a pair of people shaking hands in the background.
Avoid scams after a disaster

If you’re rebuilding or repairing your home, consider these tips to avoid falling victim to con artists.

Illustration of 3 women walking past a gazebo.
My SoCal Life

Over the years, the daughter of Bulgarian immigrants gains an appreciation for Southern California’s history.

 

Ask the Traveler

Illustration of woman browsing her phone in an airport.
How can I protect my data while traveling?

Connecting to open Wi-Fi puts your information at risk. Here's how to prepare before your trip.

Illustration of a traveler standing on a giant passport.
Any tips for renewing my passport?

These days, renewing your passport takes time, money, flexibility, and even a little luck.

Illustration of a traveler in a wheelchair on a beach vacation.
Any advice for travelers with disabilities?

If you or someone you’re traveling with has a physical disability, here’s advice on planning accordingly.

 

Bargain Bites of 2024

Chicken pesto panini with a side of chips.
Central Coast

Satisfying brewery eats, heaping tacos, and grilled meats with Asian sauces.

Penne pasta topped with shrimp and served with bread.
Valleys

Seafood dishes galore, Cuban specialties, and traditional Chinese dumplings.

Burger topped with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.
Los Angeles

Burgers piled high, Pakistani comfort food, and signature Honduran dishes.

Papaya salad served with crunchy pork rinds, slices of pork loaf, and a shrimp chip.
Orange County

Papaya salad, grilled meats, filling bento sets, and simply delicious tacos.

Fried chicken and a waffle.
San Diego

Halal soul food, steaming trays of Filipino dishes, and addictive Lao flavors.

Trio of tacos topped with green sauce.
Inland Empire & the Desert

Mexican fare in a pub, a cozy Peruvian cafe, and an array of Chinese dishes.

 

Day Trips

Bar stools surrounding a counter.
San Luis Obispo

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

Venice sign hanging over Pacific Avenue intersection.
Venice

Funky cafés, street performers, and bodybuilders coexist with designer boutiques and celebrity chefs.

Dog on a surfboard, with the instructor following behind in the water.
5 California beach towns

These destinations offer plenty of reasons to visit. Here’s a guide for what to do and where to eat.

 

Automotive

Graphic rendering of dollar bills flying out of a car exhaust pipe.
Is it time to downsize?

An annual AAA study shows a noteworthy cost difference between owning a smaller vs. larger vehicle.

Graphic rendering of a car's center console touchscreen.
Navigating high-tech cars

If you’re a perplexed owner of a newer car, here are suggestions for figuring out all those high-tech features.

EV Hummer driving through a tunnel.
The not-so-hidden downsides of large EVs

There are a few safety and environmental factors you should consider before buying a large EV.

Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid.
Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid

Redesigned for 2023, the new CR-V includes a full suite of advanced safety features.

Kia EV6 GT AWD.
Kia EV6 GT AWD

As a muscular wagon or a sleek SUV, the ultramodern EV6 could impress even EV skeptics.

 

Digital Extras

8 reasons to visit Maui

Lāhainā remains closed, but visiting the rest of the island can help its recovering economy.

SoCal piers to stroll

Soak up ocean views and the sound of waves as you walk along these historic structures.

5 classic California road trips

From mountains to deserts, these routes showcase some of the Golden State’s best landscapes.

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