It’s old news that traveling during the holidays can be a massive headache. It’s crowded, there are long lines at TSA, and you might be faced with annoying flight delays. Today, American Express and Uber announced that they’re partnering to offer US Card Members some relief by offering 2 free rides home—up to $65/ride—from 11 different airports in the US through 12/31 (Sea-Tac is one of them!). 

A winter wonderland getaway inspired by nature. 

Leavenworth is a great destination year round, with outdoor water-based activities and hiking in the summer and snow and skiing adventures in the winter. There are festivals in the spring and fall and Leavenworth downtown is adorable during the holidays (like a real life gingerbread village). Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is nestled on the banks of Icicle Creek, just outside Leavenworth. The resort offers a distinct Northwest experience accented by sustainable gourmet cuisine and cozy accommodations. 

It’s high time to book sun-kissed jaunts to Texas, Hawaii & Central America, too. 

We’re entering that soggy season when the darkness descends, and we scramble to ration Vitamin D reserves intended to get us (happily) through hibernation-heavy months ahead. If we’re wise, this is when PNW residents remember the importance of plotting warm-weather travels. This is also when we here at Seattleite decide it’s time to help you plan—while simultaneously stoking our own wanderlust-fueled fires.

The closest tropical destination to Seattle.

Located on a 44-acre private island with a mile of sandy Marina Bay beach, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a gorgeous beach getaway. Located under seven miles from downtown San Diego, there are plenty of amenities, including 5 pools, dining options, and an expansive spa. The setting is island-inspired and tropical, with various beach resort amenities. 

Razor clam season is back and the team at Iron Springs Resort is here to assist in your clamming adventures. Whether you’re a newbie to the ways of these speedy bivalves or you’re looking to refresh your skills, Iron Springs’ Guided Clam Digs will have you noshing on clams from the comfort of your cabin in no time. The resort is situated on the stunning beach front cliffs along the Pacific Northwest Coast in Copalis Beach, Washington (approximately a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle). 

Celebrating its 5th birthday last weekend, this year’s Feast Portland was the best one yet. Minus a little rain on Saturday, it was another successful food & wine festival. If you haven’t been, you should mark your calendar for next May when tickets go on sale—it’s not to be missed. A few of the Seattleite staff writers took a road trip down to Portland and enjoyed a weekend of glorious feasting. There’s some amazing talent in Portland and they are making innovative and delicious food. 

Victoria is so much more than the last time you visited as a kid. Now, there’s gourmet food and desserts to taste, festivals and museums to enjoy, and an abundance of outdoor activities to explore. Our hotel, Magnolia Hotel & Spa, suggested Olo and we weren’t disappointed. Olo is doing things right and was a delightful dining experience. Executive Chef & Co-Owner Brad Holmes buys farm-fresh ingredients from producers on Vancouver Island. He understands the importance of sourcing locally and pushes the envelope by bringing seasonal and regional ingredients to Olo’s menu.