Los Angeles area residents who lost their homes to the wildfires can apply for a hotel voucher to stay free at Hilton properties for up to seven nights, officials announced this week.
According to MSN, Hilton, American Express and 211 LA announced plans to provide the vouchers, making 20,000 hotel room nights available. Residents can apply to 211 LA for housing assistance at bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services-Request.
“We are deeply grateful to Hilton and American Express for their emergency support during this heartbreaking time,” Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, said in a statement. “Their generosity in providing shelter to those who have lost so much, as well as to the brave first responders on the front lines, reflects the best of what it means to come together as a community.”
Travel + Leisure says Airbnb announced it will provide “free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.” You can find more information on booking a free stay here or offering a free stay here. In the announcement, Airbnb said they are “specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas. Impacted residents can request assistance for temporary housing support from Airbnb.org by contacting 211 LA.”
BBC: 25 Places to Visit in 2025
The Azores are beautiful islands a couple hours west of the Portuguese mainland. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Kudos to the BBC for a fine list of where to travel in 2025.
At the head of their top 25 places for 2025 is Dominica, an island I’ve visited twice and often tout as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. The hiking and waterfalls are first-rate, and there are some terrific hotels and resorts, including Secret Bay and Jungle Bay. I also see that United is starting direct flights from Newark, which will be a big boost for island tourism.
I’m also happy to see the Azores, another place I love on the list, as well as Tucson and Hawai’i, which could use a little love right now. Other faves includes Western Australia, which I’ve been to twice in the past five years, Wales and Western Newfoundland and Labrador.
New Tourism Campaign for Major Florida Destination
Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC), the official tourism authority for Pinellas County, today unveiled its new campaign Ampersand, inviting travelers of all ages to discover the endless adventures awaiting them in Florida’s ultimate destination. The campaign highlights a wide variety of experiences for every interest, redefining what it means to be home to America’s Favorite Beaches. Beyond the white sand, St. Pete-Clearwater offers something for everyone – whether you’re an adventure seeker, art lover, foodie, sports fan, nature enthusiast, or culture explorer.
“Over the years, visitors have discovered that St. Pete-Clearwater offers much more than its award-winning beaches,” said Steve Grimes, CMO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “Our recent surveys have shown us that increasingly people are enjoying the white sand beaches and our inspired dining options, world-class museums, outdoor adventures and vibrant nightlife. St. Pete-Clearwater is evolving and continues to distinguish itself from other beach destinations. The Ampersand campaign lets the visitor know they can find exactly what they’re looking for… & so much more.”
Ampersand highlights St. Pete-Clearwater, famous for America’s Favorite Beaches, while showcasing the diverse activities that await beyond its 35 miles of pristine sand and emerald waters. The ampersand symbolizes far more than just the word “and” — it captures the essence of St. Pete-Clearwater’s unique combinations and limitless possibilities. While many destinations focus solely on their beaches, St. Pete-Clearwater is about so much more. It’s local fish shacks & five-star dining, 500 vibrant murals & renowned museums, legendary hotels & laid-back resorts, high-speed IndyCar racing & serene nature preserves, idyllic days & electric nights.
Despite weathering back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, St. Pete-Clearwater celebrated a banner year for tourism, generating more than $11.2 billion in economic impact and welcoming 15.4 million visitors for the third straight year. Clearwater Beach continues to stand out as a top beach destination in the state of Florida, around the USA, and across the globe, garnering recognition as one of the 15 Best White-Sand Beaches in the World by Travel + Leisure.
