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, Travel + Leisure, 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 46 states).

6 DMV Airport Lounges to Check Out Next Time You Travel

Airport: Dulles, Concourse A. Amenities: Renovated a year ago, this jewel-toned lounge spans two levels and 5,200 square feet. The first floor features a hot-food bar, grab-and-go options, a made-to-order menu, a full drinks bar, a reflection room, and showers (reservation required). Upstairs, relax in a cozy center banquette, sofas, and lounge chairs with built-in outlets and a beverage station. How to access it: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, including up to two guests, get in free with p...

3 Tricks to Ease Your Experience at a DMV Airport

Traveling with kids—lugging car seats, pushing strollers, wrangling toddlers—is a marathon of patience-testing. Enter airport concierge services, which can offer relief for families, seniors, or anyone needing extra help. At BWI, Bethesda-based SkySquad can meet you curbside, carry your bags, assist with check-in, and help you breeze through security (starting at $149). They’ll even watch your bags at the gate. “We’re like the friend you needed at the airport,” says founder Julie Melnick. Simila...

New Mexico’s Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Reopens with Renewed Focus and Access

About 40 miles west of Santa Fe, in the high desert of north-central New Mexico, the landscape transforms into a dreamscape of pale, cone-shaped spires. Known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, this surreal cluster of hoodoos — some reaching 90 feet high — was carved by ancient volcanic eruptions that layered the terrain with ash, pumice and tuff.Kasha-Katuwe, meaning “white cliffs” in the Keresan language of the Cochiti Pueblo people, is a geological wonder and a sacred site of cultural significance. Shuttered since March 2020, first due to COVID-19, then to address over-visitation, the monument reopened to the public in February after a seasonal closure in December, with new measures in place to safeguard this landscape for future generations.

This Virginia Town Charms With Historic Homes, Riverside Walks, and the World's Oldest Ham

With its riverfront parks, historic homes, and tree-lined streets, Smithfield is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Just an hour from Norfolk and under two from Richmond, it’s an easy getaway that feels worlds away from the hustle.  Spend your days exploring historic sites, sampling small-batch spirits, and snapping photos with the town’s beloved pig statues—a nod to Smithfield’s famous ham. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this underrated destinatio...

The Birthplace of East Coast Surfing Is Getting the First 'Wavegarden' in the U.S.—and It's Just 2 Blocks From the Ocean

Surf culture runs deep in Virginia Beach, long considered the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Now, it’s leveling up with Atlantic Park Surf, the first surf lagoon in the United States powered by Wavegarden wave-generation technology. Set to open by July, this high-tech lagoon will pump out consistent, rideable waves year-round—just two blocks from the ocean. This surf park anchors Atlantic Park, a 10.35-acre entertainment district developed in collaboration with hometown icon Pharrell Will...

This Bluegrass-Loving Mountain Town Is One Of Virginia’s Best-Kept Secrets

Tucked into the quiet folds of Southwest Virginia, far from the hum of the interstates, Independence is a small but spirited mountain town where outdoor adventures meet deep-rooted Appalachian heritage. Hike to spot sturdy wild ponies, pedal along a rail-trail or two, or tap your toes to the twang of old-time fiddle music. It may catch you off guard, but this grounded authenticity is part of the charm.   This is the kind of place that invites you to press pause—to slow down and truly appreciat...

A Cozy Travel Blanket is the Little Luxury That Packs a Big Punch

It may not seem like a necessity, but a comfy cozy travel blanket can make a big difference on trips.  “Some of us may sleep very well when we travel, while others may struggle,” says sleep expert Rebecca Robbins, an assistant professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Bringing elements that are cozy and comforting, such as a blanket, eye mask, or other elements, can remind you of home and help set you up for sleep success whi...

7 Places to See Wildlife in the U.S. this Spring

Spring is a magical time to witness wildlife in action, as animals emerge from winter and migratory birds return. From paddling alongside wild ponies on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to spotting baby bison in Yellowstone National Park, here are seven unforgettable adventures that will take you to wildlife-rich spots across the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that the best wildlife encounters happen when you keep a respectful distance and observe responsible practices, so grab your binoculars and get read...

5 Scenic Spring Road Trips

Spring can be a great time for a road trip, with mild weather, colorful flowers, and breathtaking landscapes – without the summer heat and crowds. According to AARP’s 2025 Travel Trends report, road trips are popular, with 43 percent of travelers 50-plus preferring to travel by car. Domestic travel destinations in the South and West, including Florida (15 percent) and California (11 percent), are top picks. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an adventure-filled journey, these five s...

Smooth Sailing: How to Avoid Seasickness on Your Next Cruise

Seasickness can quickly turn a dream cruise into a miserable experience. But with a few smart choices and the proper preparation, you can ensure a smooth, comfortable journey. Here’s how to avoid seasickness and set yourself up for a thoroughly enjoyable sail. Your cruise itinerary plays a critical role in preventing seasickness. Here’s how to choose a route that ensures a smooth journey. Choose a cruise that sails on gentler seas. The waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean can be calmer and...

Michigan's Great Lakes Metros

From the art-filled streets of Grand Rapids to the cherry-laden shores of Traverse City, each city offers its own distinct vibe and undeniable appeal. Gather your group for these five must-visit Michigan destinations, all offering unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences. Detroit is a city fueled by creativity, reinvention and an enduring spirit of innovation. Known as the birthplace of the American auto industry, it’s home to giants like General Motors and Ford. A visit to the Henry Ford Museum...

Winning Wisconsin

Milwaukee is home to an impressive roster of museums and attractions sure to elevate any itinerary. The Milwaukee Public Museum is known for diverse exhibits that range from natural history and anthropology to cultural artifacts and scientific discoveries, including a planetarium and a live butterfly garden. For an entirely different vibe, the Harley-Davidson Museum celebrates the legacy of America’s most famous motorcycle brand with a range of engaging tours, including a VIP experience. For a f...
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