J. Clarke articles

Choosing where to raise a family is tough—every city promises great schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of things to do. But when you boil it all down, the places that truly shine are the ones that consistently score well in areas like affordability, health, education, safety, and everyday livability. Using nationwide data comparing 182 cities, here’s a countdown of the top 22 spots in the country for families, starting from number 22 and working our way to the very best.

Nothing kills the joy of planning a European getaway faster than suddenly noticing your passport expires sooner than you remembered. One moment you’re dreaming of gelato, fjords, and tiny cobblestoned streets; the next, you’re spiraling down an internet rabbit hole about mysterious “passport validity rules” enforced by shadowy airline gate agents. Five months left might feel like plenty of time, but depending on where you’re headed, your trip could be smoother than French butter or end abruptly at the check-in counter.

You book an all-inclusive vacation to relax, indulge, and maybe make questionable choices at the swim-up bar—not to spend quality time examining the tile pattern on the resort bathroom floor. Yet foodborne illness strikes thousands of travelers every year, and when it happens on vacation, the stress doubles. Suddenly you’re wondering if that buffet shrimp was plotting against you and, more importantly, whether the resort can be held accountable. Here’s what you need to know before you point any fingers.

You know creativity is getting serious when someone turns it into math. According to the data, the US is sprinkled with cities where imagination isn’t just welcome—it’s practically a local currency. Whether you’re a designer craving inspiration, a musician hunting for a new scene, or a writer hoping to trip over your next great idea, these 22 cities rise above the rest. Ranked from 22 to the reigning champ, here’s where the numbers say your muse might live.

You booked a neat little itinerary, trusted the airline’s timing, and suddenly found yourself stranded because your sprint between gates turned into the world’s saddest Olympic trial. Now you’re wondering: since the airline sold you this too-short connection in the first place, do they have to pay for your hotel? The short answer is: sometimes—but usually not for the reason you think.

You carefully booked that long layover with visions of grabbing lunch downtown, stretching your legs in a new city and maybe collecting a few brag-worthy photos. But instead of freedom, you got: “You can’t leave the airport”. Suddenly, your mini-adventure has turned into a terminal-bound timeout. So why does this happen to travelers who just want a quick escape? Here’s everything you need to know—so next time, you can outsmart the layover instead of letting it outsmart you.

So, you’ve just checked into your dream hotel, ready to sip something fruity on your balcony while gazing at the ocean—and instead, you’re staring at the back of a Chevy Tahoe. Don’t panic. You’re not powerless, and you might even end up with an upgrade if you play this right. Here’s exactly what to do when your “ocean view” turns into an asphalt disappointment.

Sometimes archaeology doesn’t require a dig site—it just needs a little weeding. That’s what happened when a New Orleans couple unearthed a mysterious stone in their backyard, only to discover it wasn’t just old—it was ancient. What followed was a globe-spanning investigation involving archaeologists, a viral news story, and one very misplaced Roman soldier.

It can happen in seconds—you reach for your teen’s passport, and it’s gone. Maybe it was left behind at a café, maybe it slipped out of a bag, or maybe it was stolen. Either way, being stranded abroad without identification is a parent’s nightmare. But don’t worry—this isn’t the end of your vacation or your sanity. Here’s exactly what to do next.