Erin Gifford

I am a Washington, DC-based travel & outdoor writer. My writing has appeared in USA Today's GoEscape, The Wall Street Journal, AARP.org, The Washington Post, Thrillist, LonelyPlanet.com, HGTV.com, Costco Connection, AAA Traveler Worldwise, Northern Virginia Magazine, Via and AAA World. I also write about hiking in Virginia at GoHikeVirginia.com and have written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides. When not seeking out new adventures, I'm crossing off the next state in my quest to run a half-marathon in all 50 states (so far, I've run in 40 states).

Southern Living •

15 Best Restaurants In Charlottesville, Virginia

Here are the best places to eat on your next trip to Charlottesville in no particular order. Get ready for a true culinary adventure. Charlottesville, Virginia, boasts a dynamic culinary scene that reflects its rich agricultural heritage and food-forward inventiveness. With a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants, the local food landscape brims with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From comforting Southern fare to creative global dishes, there’s a lot for your taste buds to explore....
National Geographic •

How to Pack Light for a Weekend Trip

Packing light for a weekend trip is all about strategy and being intentional. By planning ahead, prioritizing multifunctional clothing, and sticking to a small weekender bag, you can pack everything you need without feeling weighed down.  “Packing light is about more than saving space, it’s about cultivating mindfulness,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life. “By choosing multifunctional items and focusing on what you trul...
National Geographic •

Shoe Inserts May Be One of the Best Travel Hacks. Here are Our Top Picks.

Travel is tough on your feet. It’s especially so if your regular routine doesn’t include much walking.  “We see people get flared up … when they have a really abrupt change in volume,” says Milica McDowell, a Bozeman, Montana-based physical therapist and a vice president at Gait Happens, an educational organization focused on foot and lower-body health. “Suddenly you are walking 10,000 steps a day, or 15,000 steps a day. Your body is going to be like, ‘I’m not adapted to that.’”  Shoe inserts ca...
Midwest Living •

Doing Dry January? These Sober Bars Offer Drinks Without the Buzz

Glistening bottles brimming with buzz-free liquid line the walls of nonalcoholic bars and bottle shops across the Midwest, reflecting a trend that's sweeping the nation. Customers come with different rationales for avoiding alcohol, but one of the appeals of an exclusively NA business is to socialize with like-minded sober people. Many of these NA bars double as community gathering spots, with game nights, live music, mindful mixology classes, even crocheting circles. Whatever your motivation, "...
Lonely Planet •

A First-Time Guide to Saguaro National Park

Set on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park invites visitors to drink up the rugged beauty and charm of the Sonoran Desert. Home to the towering saguaro cactus – the largest cactus in North America – the park is a testament to the remarkable resilience of desert life.Expansive mountain landscapes and iconic cacti as far as the eyes can see set the stage for an unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and mysterious crested saguaro. Remember to watc...
National Geographic •

These Genius Collapsible Water Bottles Go Anywhere

Collapsible water bottles have become a travel necessity. They fold or roll up when empty, then expand to hold a generous amount of water, making them a convenient alternative not just to single-use plastic bottles, but also regular reusable bottles. As a hiker, runner, and occasional cyclist, I depend on different kinds of collapsible water bottles. When I run, I prefer a bottle with a hand strap. For hiking and backpacking, a carabiner lets me clip the bottle to my pack. No matter the activity...
Lonely Planet •

A First-Time Guide to Tucson

Tucson has it all – stunning desert landscapes, a rich Native American heritage and a flourishing arts scene. Tucked in the Sonoran Mountains, Arizona’s second-largest city boasts plentiful outdoor adventures and laid-back vibes. Also, Tucson enjoys more than 350 days of annual sunshine.Okay, it can get hot in Tucson. Like, record-setting hot. But with some clever planning – early mornings outside, afternoons in air-conditioned museums – Tucson shines as the ultimate desert destination. Relaxing...
Matador Network •

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Detroit, Michigan, for Arts and Culture

Art lovers, beeline for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Home to more than 65,000 works, the museum’s collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. One of the highlights is Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, which should be seen in person to appreciate its scale and beauty. I was most excited to see the museum’s extensive Van Gogh collection. The DIA was the first museum in the US to buy a Van Gogh. Today, it has more than 70 of his works, including...
National Geographic •

10 of Our Favorite Weekender Bags

The best weekender bags come packed with features, from laptop sleeves to water bottle holders. Every item has its place, even clothes on hangers and shoes. “Even if it’s just a weekend, I may carry three pairs of shoes,” says Seunghye Huggins, a frequent traveler based in Ashburn, Virginia. “I like [a shoe compartment] to keep them separate from my clothes and toiletries.” Based on expert advice, online research, and personal experiences, we’ve identified the ReNew Transit Weekender from Everla...
Thrillist •

Portland’s Horror-Themed Bars Aren’t Just Here for Halloween Season

Step into one of Portland’s quirky horror bars where the air is thick with anticipation—maybe even a hint of mischief. Candles flicker, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Oddly unsettling decor greets you: a puckish blend of creepy animatronics, spiderwebs, and vintage taxidermy. Yet, it’s not Halloween. It’s just another night in a city where the unusual is embraced and the unofficial slogan, “Keep Portland Weird,” reigns supreme.In Portland, horror-themed bars are more than a spot to grab a d...
Lonely Planet •

The Ultimate Spooky Weekend in Portland, Oregon

Not everybody knows this, but Portland, Oregon, has a hidden spooky side. The largest city in this Pacific Northwest state is a paradise for horror fans and a top spot for a Halloween weekend getaway. We’re not just talking about ghost tours, although these are definitely on the table. The city's shops, bars and lounges embrace all things eerie and macabre, and these aren’t your typical pop-up haunts. These places have a year-round dedication to the dark and mysterious.Having visited Portland ov...
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