Jess Moss Travel

Tag: writing

  • 8 Beaches Where You Can Completely Unplug

    8 Beaches Where You Can Completely Unplug

    Published July 10, 2015 on Creator by WeWork || As we grow more and more dependent on our devices, travel companies are racing to accommodate the “always-connected” traveler. But while it sounds cool that you can check into your room or keep up with your email from the beach, the constant connection makes it tough to actually unwind.

    And while you may not plan on spending your vacation on your Facebook newsfeed, when it comes to actually letting go, some of us need a bit of help.

    Enter the “digital detox.”

    Whether you’re looking for a few hours of tech-free time, or an extended period of relief from your inbox, here are eight beaches where you can unplug and unwind. Read more…

  • Food Lover’s Guide to America’s Ballparks

    Food Lover’s Guide to America’s Ballparks

    target field

    Published May 28, 2015 on Fodors.com || Skip the hot dogs and forget about peanuts and Cracker Jack—these days, America’s best ballparks serve tacos, Korean fried chicken, Dungeness crab sandwiches, and so much more. Now more than ever, a day in the bleachers is a great way to sample a city’s favorite flavors: cans of Budweiser have been replaced with local craft brews, while star chefs and local restaurants have opened up shop to serve fans looking to catch the next home run. Here’s the scouting report on what to eat and drink this season at Major League Baseball stadiums across the nation, from Queens to San Diego. Read more…

  • America’s Best Road Trips for 2015

    America’s Best Road Trips for 2015

    Denali Park Road

    Published May 26, 2015 on Fodors.com || With gas prices predicted to remain at travel-tempting lows, 2015 is destined to be the summer of the road trip. Around the country, new additions are spicing up classic routes, and important anniversaries are being celebrated along dedicated drives. Add in a few itineraries inspired by summer blockbusters, and you’ve got ten exciting and affordable options for a memorable summer road trip vacation. Pack up the trunk, prep your music playlists, and get ready to explore America. Read more…

  • Miles, Travel Deals and Rental Car 101: What I Learned at Frequent Traveler University

  • Pat’s vs. Geno’s: Philly Cheesesteak Quiz

    Published on MapQuest on December 2, 2014 || Already have a favorite between Pat’s and Geno’s? Does “wit” need no explanation? Alright, you’re a Philly cheesesteak pro, and we won’t try to convince you which is the better steak.

    But the Pat’s and Geno’s rivalry extends beyond the food, and both resturants have a long history, with differences stark and subtle. Take a look at the photos below to see how well you really know Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteak stands.

    Read full article>>

  • 3 Easy Ways to Earn Points for Free Travel

    3 Easy Ways to Earn Points for Free Travel

    Infinity pool in Balcones de Majagual Nicaragua

    Published October 29, 2014 on MapQuest || If you buy things online, use a credit card or eat at restaurants, you could be earning points to use towards a flight or hotel.

    The problem is, there are so many loyalty programs, credit card reward promotions and mileage mathematics blogs out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.

    Some people earn major rewards by “churning” through credit cards, signing up for new ones regularly to take advantage of large sign-up bonuses. DailyFinance has a good article about how to do it.

    I recently tried the churning game, but soon learned it takes far more organization, dedication and credit card spending than I was willing to commit. Instead, I focused on trying to optimize the stuff I already do to get points and miles for travel.

    There are some really easy ways to earn points on everyday things like buying gas, shopping online or ordering delivery. Sure you’ll get to the free travel prize more slowly, but ignoring these options is like leaving free money on the table. Here’s how to do it. Read more…

  • Baseball Postseason Teams, Ranked by Who has the Best Ballpark Experience

    Published September 30, 2014 on MapQuest || The race for the World Series heats up this week as baseball postseason begins.

    Ten teams are in the running for the championship title (okay, two wild card teams won’t be in contention for very long), and a lot of people will be traveling to cheer on their teams.

    At MapQuest we’ve been baseball superfans all summer, decking out our phones in our teams’ colors, learning how to see everything in NYC before a Yankees game and debating where to get the best beer at every ballpark.

    We ranked all 30 major league stadiums based on their pregame, at-game and postgame food, drink, location and overall atmosphere. (The full rating criteria is explained here.) Below is how the 10 playoff teams stack up, and who should win the 2014 World Series if it were based on beers and brats, not balls and strikes. Read more…

  • Bring the Beach Home

    Bring the Beach Home

    Luquillo Beach

    Published August 22, 2014 on MapQuest || Didn’t make it to the beach this summer? No problem! Here’s how to bring your favorite beach to you.

    Summer vacation may be coming to a close, but there’s still plenty of warm weather left for a beach party. Can’t make it to the beach? Then bring it home to you with a do-it-yourself backyard beach party. Channel laid-back L.A. with an outdoor movie screening. Or get your Hawaiian hula on with a backyard luau. If that doesn’t excite you, crank up the stereo and create your own Miami pool party. Whatever your style, all you need is the following accessories and a little imagination. Read more…

  • Spot the Alaskan Big Five in Denali National Park

    Spot the Alaskan Big Five in Denali National Park

    Denali moose

    Published on August 15, 2014 on MapQuest || “If you see a bear, stay calm and get behind me. If you see a moose, run.”

    A few people in my hiking group chuckled nervously when Jeffrey, our twentysomething Patagonia-clad guide, delivered this warning. My mom, Margaret, who stood a few feet up the trail, shot me a “what the hell did you get me into” stare.

    I grinned back, bouncing with giddy excitement. Moose! Bears! This was exactly why I came to Alaska.

    For many nature-loving travelers, an African safari is the ultimate bucket list trip. The search for Africa’s “Big Five”—lions, elephants, cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos—is a wildlife watcher’s rite of passage. But most people don’t realize that you can get an epic safari experience here in the United States. Alaska has its own Big Five, and you can see them all in Denali National Park. Read more…

    The Denali Safari is part of MapQuest’s summer travel series: 99 Summer Travel Quests

    Click here for more Alaska photos.

  • Will You Really See Sharks Where ‘Sharknado,’ ‘Shark Week’ and ‘Jaws’ Were Filmed?

    Will You Really See Sharks Where ‘Sharknado,’ ‘Shark Week’ and ‘Jaws’ Were Filmed?

    south african shark

    Published July 28, 2014 on MapQuest || “Sharknado 2” is about to unleash a second storm of toothy terror, while “Shark Week” prepares to enchant viewers with its yearly run of aerodynamic great whites. Meanwhile, “Jaws” continues to scare beachgoers out of the water.

    Between TV and movie spots and the news flurry around shark sightings around the U.S., Jaws and Co. are living large this summer. With all the Hollywood fanfare and media frenzy, you’d think a shark encounter is a normal part of going to the beach. Read more…