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Worth The Trip

Have you herb the good word june is lavender time in santa barbara.

The Santa Barbara Lavender Festival will crop up at the Great Meadow at Santa Barbara College.

A celebration with spikes: The Mendocino Urchin Festival boasts walks, talks, and flavor

Take heart: the artichoke festival's culinary bazaar will have dip-worthy dishes, cheers to the catalina wine mixer, that fizzy festivity with cinematic cred.

The sunny celebration started in the 2008 film “Step Brothers”; now the fictional event is a popular Avalon affair.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week has deals, delicious events, and a pub crawl, too

Over 40 eateries are participating; there’s a yummy chef showdown at the Carmel Farmer’s Market, too.

Glow in search of beautiful bioluminescence near Dana Point

Keep your peepers peeled for bioluminescent plankton, as well as critters like birds and sea lions, on a Bioluminescence Night Cruise.

Twilight at the tram is magical: The Palm Springs attraction is open later this summer

Well, the summer season, that is: Enjoy dinner on the mountain before heading down just 90 minutes before midnight.

Veterans and military personnel, visit a California State Park for free on Memorial Day

Dozens of stunning destinations will welcome active and reserve military members and veterans with complimentary entry on May 27.

This popular Solvang pastry has its own breakfast parties; tickets are now on sale

The Æbleskiver Breakfasts, a Danish Days tradition, are all about the puffy, jam-laden pancakes that visitors and locals love.

‘Blue Star Museums' treats active-duty military members and their families to free admission

Enjoy complimentary entry to hundreds of cultural institutions through Labor Day.

Dozens of shimmering sculptures will add new ‘Dimensions' to Sensorio Paso Robles

Several sizable polyhedral artworks, created by the art collective HYBYCOZO, are debuting at the illuminated installation.

A helpful Explorer Pass makes gallivanting around this ‘Golden' county easier

Hello, Placer County: Road-trippers can gain points and be entered to win prizes with this digital pass in hand.

Cider lovers, this August apple-tacular is a sweet Sonoma County gem

The foodie gathering will boast major chefs, live tunes, and cider-y sips aplenty.

‘Ghost Walks' will materialize in Bodie over four atmospheric summer and fall evenings

The famously well-preserved ghost town is rarely open at night; enjoy this ethereal opportunity to savor it as the sun sets.

Oktoberfest-style fun gets a sprinkling of springtime at the Big Bear Lake Maifest

Live polka tunes, German beers, and dirndls will add to the enchantment at this mountaintop revelry.

Taste Around Avalon celebrates Catalina's cuisine scene

The “Sip Sample & Savor” celebration gives island visitors a chance to get to know the local eats.

Fa la la: Three major (and merry) California Christmas events have their 2024 dates

Sparkly celebrations are in the works in Riverside, Cambria, and Newport Beach.

Bask in ‘perfume rose fields' at a fragrant realm of roses in Healdsburg

Talk about a wondrous roseland: The Russian River Rose Company is the place to ramble among thousands of roses at their peak bloom.

‘Puppy Prom,' an adorable animal-championing fundraiser, to crown cats and canines

The Helen Woodward Animal Center invites its four-footed alums to gussy up and give back at this annual springtime “paw”-ty.

Board the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and head up, up, up to summer fun (and savings)

The world-famous attraction’s Summer Pass just went on sale; see you at the top.

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Worth The Trip

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Worth the Trip

• Address: 120 SEAGRASS CIRCLE
• Location: Cape San Blas | North Cape

Spring weeks just discounted up to 10% Off. Book Today!

• Saturday Arrival
• Covered Parking
• Fenced Pool
• Fenced Yard
• Gas Fire Pit
• Outdoor Shower
• Shared Beach Path
• Private Heated Pool
• Private pool
• Bay Fishing
• Deepsea Fishing
• Pier Fishing
• Roller Blading
• Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
• Water Tubing
• Wind Surfing
• Air Conditioning
• Beverage Fridge
• Coffee Maker
• Dishes and Utensils
• Extra Living Room
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Linens Provided
• Refrigerator
• Satellite or Cable TV
• Second Refrigerator
• Towels Provided
• Children Welcome
• Minimum Age 25 to Rent
• Non-Smoking Only
• Pet Friendly

The property was incredible. Lance G - Posted: 5/16/2024

This house was AMAZING. I almost don't want to write a review on the website because we want to stay in the same house next March and are hoping it will be available. ;) Everything was pristine, the kitchen was stocked beyond what we expected with everything labeled and so organized. The view is incredible. The best part about this home is the outdoor space - whoever thought to put artificial turf down around the pool, genius! It was a gamechanger. Not only does it make the space feel unique, it creates a multipurpose area especially for kids. Our son was able to dribble his soccer ball, our daughter do gymnastics moves all while we were enjoying time by the beautiful pool. We didn't see one bug or ant which we have in previous pool spaces with concrete, and I just cannot say enough about how the turf around the pool made this space so awesome. The hot tub was so lovely to have too on one of the chillier days. The outdoor kitchen area with the tv, seating AND the bathroom by the pool area made this space so incredible. We spent so much time out there. We also loved the lower level with the shoe cubbies & hooks, full fridge right there and washer/dryer. The elevator was great for our in laws who were staying on the top level. We also loved that there were bibles and devotionals in most of the rooms. The beach access was so easy. We could not have been happier with this home and property - one of the best in our opinion. We cannot wait to return to this house!!!!! Timothy G - Posted: 4/22/2024

It is probably our 10th trip to the Cape, we love everything about that place. Magdalena L - Posted: 4/22/2024

Tim has booked a gorgeous home here! This is a special place. Mike G - Posted: 4/8/2024

So well appointed. Everything so clean and inviting. CSB is so different from other places in FL. Apalachicola is a favorite spot! The oyster boats are magnificent - the history, unbelievable. Just up the way, in 1942, our soldiers trained in the invasion at Normandy - I had no idea! Some great history! We found the blender - ice, ice cream, Kahlua, rum and we mixed a delicious drink! Winds at 25 knots tonight! So thankful our friends invited us here. Jack a - Posted: 4/8/2024

The weather was perfect! The pool and outside space was the best. Having that turf around the pool makes that space so unique + multi functional. We met heavenly pople and we love how there were bibles + Jesus callings in so many rooms. We went to the beach everyday too and found so many great shells. This house has it all and we are in love! I cooked most meals except tonight, Long bills was fun! The kids loved swimming, beach walks, air hockey, nighttime hot tubs under the stars and truly every part of this week! Loved all the labels! Greenwood F from St. Louis, Missouri - Posted: 4/8/2024

This was probably our 10th trip to the Cape. I can easily say on behalf of all 14 of us that this was the absolute best house we have been too. Although, we usually rented beachfront houses this house was a very short walk to the beach and the fact that we had an absolute perfect outdoor oasis made up for all of it. This rental is equipped with top class appliances, accessories, decor etc. The beds are extremely comfortable. The house is created in a way that I every inch is perfectly utilized! The communication with the company was great. They were very helpful and met all our needs. If the price is right we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything! Anonymous U from Chicago,Il - Posted: 4/4/2024

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The property was incredible. Lance G Posted: 5/16/2024

This house was AMAZING. I almost don't want to write a review on the website because we want to stay in the same house next March and are hoping it will be available. ;) Everything was pristine, the kitchen was stocked beyond what we expected with everything labeled and so organized. The view is incredible. The best part about this home is the outdoor space - whoever thought to put artificial turf down around the pool, genius! It was a gamechanger. Not only does it make the space feel unique, it creates a multipurpose area especially for kids. Our son was able to dribble his soccer ball, our daughter do gymnastics moves all while we were enjoying time by the beautiful pool. We didn't see one bug or ant which we have in previous pool spaces with concrete, and I just cannot say enough about how the turf around the pool made this space so awesome. The hot tub was so lovely to have too on one of the chillier days. The outdoor kitchen area with the tv, seating AND the bathroom by the pool area made this space so incredible. We spent so much time out there. We also loved the lower level with the shoe cubbies & hooks, full fridge right there and washer/dryer. The elevator was great for our in laws who were staying on the top level. We also loved that there were bibles and devotionals in most of the rooms. The beach access was so easy. We could not have been happier with this home and property - one of the best in our opinion. We cannot wait to return to this house!!!!! Timothy G Posted: 4/22/2024

It is probably our 10th trip to the Cape, we love everything about that place. Magdalena L Posted: 4/22/2024

Tim has booked a gorgeous home here! This is a special place. Mike G Posted: 4/8/2024

So well appointed. Everything so clean and inviting. CSB is so different from other places in FL. Apalachicola is a favorite spot! The oyster boats are magnificent - the history, unbelievable. Just up the way, in 1942, our soldiers trained in the invasion at Normandy - I had no idea! Some great history! We found the blender - ice, ice cream, Kahlua, rum and we mixed a delicious drink! Winds at 25 knots tonight! So thankful our friends invited us here. Jack a Posted: 4/8/2024

The weather was perfect! The pool and outside space was the best. Having that turf around the pool makes that space so unique + multi functional. We met heavenly pople and we love how there were bibles + Jesus callings in so many rooms. We went to the beach everyday too and found so many great shells. This house has it all and we are in love! I cooked most meals except tonight, Long bills was fun! The kids loved swimming, beach walks, air hockey, nighttime hot tubs under the stars and truly every part of this week! Loved all the labels! Greenwood F from St. Louis, Missouri Posted: 4/8/2024

This was probably our 10th trip to the Cape. I can easily say on behalf of all 14 of us that this was the absolute best house we have been too. Although, we usually rented beachfront houses this house was a very short walk to the beach and the fact that we had an absolute perfect outdoor oasis made up for all of it. This rental is equipped with top class appliances, accessories, decor etc. The beds are extremely comfortable. The house is created in a way that I every inch is perfectly utilized! The communication with the company was great. They were very helpful and met all our needs. If the price is right we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything! Anonymous U from Chicago,Il Posted: 4/4/2024

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Money Report

Beyoncé tickets, book advances, Bali trip revealed in new Supreme Court financial disclosures

By kevin breuninger,cnbc • published 4 hours ago • updated 1 hour ago.

• Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disclosed receiving concert tickets from pop superstar Beyoncé in a report released Friday.
• Jackson also received a book advance of nearly $900,000, the filing showed.
• Justice Clarence Thomas amended his 2019 disclosure report to include reimbursements he paid from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow, including a trip to Bali, Indonesia.
• Thomas also reported a gift of two photo albums valued at $2,000 from Terrence Giroux, who leads the nonprofit Horatio Alger Association, and his wife Barbara.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disclosed receiving concert tickets from pop superstar Beyoncé, one of several notable items revealed Friday in the high court's latest financial disclosure reports.

Jackson valued the four tickets at $3,711.84, according to her annual disclosure form, which covered all of 2023.

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It is unclear precisely which show Jackson or her family attended, but Beyoncé played a sold-out show in a thunderstorm in the Washington, D.C., area in August 2023.

The Renaissance Tour concert was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, who later disclosed a gift of tickets from Beyoncé on her own annual disclosure forms, citing their value at $3,312.

The Beyoncé tickets may have been the flashiest gifts given last year to a member of the nation's most powerful court, but they were not the only ones.

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Jackson also disclosed two gifts of art to hang in her judicial chambers, worth a combined $12,500.

The most recent justice to join the high court also disclosed more income from a book than any of her colleagues last year, the filings showed.

Jackson reported that she received a book advance of $893,750 from Penguin Random House, which is publishing her memoir "Lovely One" in September. Jackson is the only justice on the court who was nominated by President Joe Biden .

Justice Clarence Thomas reported that he received a gift of two photo albums valued at $2,000 from Terrence Giroux, who leads the nonprofit Horatio Alger Association, and his wife Barbara.

Thomas also amended his 2019 disclosure report to disclose for the first time two trips that he took as a guest of Harlan Crow, the Republican megadonor whose luxury trips with Thomas sparked an ethics scandal last year.

Thomas' amendments said the trips had been "inadvertently omitted at the time of filing" his 2019 report.

They showed that Crow had furnished him with food and lodging at a hotel in Bali, Indonesia, on one trip, and on a different trip to a private club in Monte Rio, California, in July 2019.

• Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted gifts worth millions of dollars over 20 years, analysis finds
• U.S. economic engagement in Indo-Pacific ‘isn’t about China,’ Commerce Secretary Raimondo says
• Milwaukee-based retail giant Kohl’s says ‘No’ to sponsoring Republican convention events
• Hunter Biden gun trial: Beau Biden’s widow Hallie Biden testifies about crack use

Justice Brett Kavanaugh disclosed $340,000 in book royalty income from Javelin Group and Regnery Publishing.

Kavanaugh is penning a "legal memoir ," Axios reported Thursday. Kavanaugh weathered a fraught confirmation process after he was accused of having committed sexual assault while he was in high school.

Justice Neil Gorsuch disclosed $250,000 in royalty income from HarperCollins Publishers for his book "Over Ruled," which is due out in August.

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• Goldman Sachs says buy this biotech stock with more than 60% upside
• Move over ‘Magnificent 7,’ the ‘Fantastic 5’ may offer higher earnings and return potential
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Snubbed! 5 Florida beaches to check out that didn’t make this 2024 10 best beaches list

Florida is home to plenty of beaches where you can spend your summer days soaking up sun, surf and sand. 

There are 825 miles of beach in the state and many of those beaches frequently show up on rankings lists for having the best beach experiences , from the beach with the clearest water in the south , to secluded beaches.

USA TODAY’s “10Best” even held a vote to find the reader-chosen best beach in Florida .

But not every beach in Florida can make a rankings list or take home a title – there are simply too many beaches in for that.

Here are five beaches that didn’t make the USA TODAY’s most recent “best Florida beaches” list, but maybe should have.

What are the best beaches in Florida?

In May, Florida beaches took national rankings on “best beaches” lists, including Dr. Beach’s highly-anticipated 34th annual list of the best public beaches in the U.S. Two Florida beaches, Caladesi Island State Park and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park , ranked on Dr. Beach’s national top 10 list. 

USA TODAY’s reader-selected “best Florida beaches” rankings gave first place to Palm Beach County’s Delray Beach, second place went to Panama City Beach and third was taken by Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Here are the top 10 best beaches in Florida, according to USA TODAY’s Readers Choice list:

• Delray Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
• Clearwater Beach
• Treasure Island Beach
• Stuart Beach
• Cape San Blas
• Jupiter Beach Park
• Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine

Where does Siesta Key rank in Florida beaches?

Siesta Key’s Siesta Beach may not have made USA TODAY or Dr. Beach’s top 10 this year, but it did rank on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches for 2024 list in February and has ranked on Dr. Beach’s list twice before.

Also this year, Siesta Key took first place on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best beaches in Florida .

“Popular among couples and families alike, this fun-filled barrier island sits off the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico,” U.S. News and World Report’s rankings list says. 

“Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Siesta Beach features miles of white quartz sand, crystal-clear water and a lively atmosphere, with nearby dining, shopping and nighttime entertainment.”

Does Anna Maria Island have nice beaches?

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island in Florida’s Gulf Coast, around 40 miles south of St. Pete.

The beaches of the 7-mile-long island ranked in second place in the U.S. News and World Report rankings list.

“Anna Maria Island seems much more removed from other beach hubs,” the rankings list says.

“Locals and visitors alike appreciate Anna Maria Island's ‘Old Florida’ feel, evident in its quaint lodgings, beachside eateries and well-preserved main street, Pine Avenue.”

Is Destin or Santa Rosa Beach better?

It depends on who you ask. The two beaches are near each other, but have completely different atmospheres.

Destin ranks as the eighth-best Florida beach on USA TODAY’s reader-chosen list. Santa Rosa ranks as the fourth-best Florida beach in the U.S. News and World Report rankings list.

“Santa Rosa Beach has retained a quieter vibe than Panama City Beach or Destin. Favorite spots include Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach, where vacationers can swim, sunbathe, explore sand dunes, bodysurf and more,’ according to U.S. News and World Report.

“When hunger strikes, the food trucks in the neighboring town of Seaside make for a fun and easy meal option.”

Does St. George Island have nice beaches?

St. George Island in the Florida panhandle actually topped Dr. Beach’s 2023 list of the best public beaches in the U.S ., beating out beaches in Hawaii and California for first place.

St. George Island ranks in ninth place on the U.S. News and World Report 2024 best beaches in Florida list.

“With zero high-rise buildings and pristine white sand, this beach town is one of the few inhabited barrier islands found off of Florida's Gulf Coast that remains relatively untouched,” the ranking says. 

“Head to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park to swim, kayak, fish and camp – and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like dolphins, turtles and pelicans.”

Does Amelia Island have good beaches?

Amelia Island is a 13-mile-long barrier island near Jacksonville, Florida and is the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s east coast.

The island not only boasts historical significance with its Fort Clinch State Park and historic town of Fernandina Beach , but is also home to beautiful beaches. Amelia Island took 11th place on U.S. News and World Report’s rankings list.

Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, dies at 86

WASHINGTON — Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has died, according to a family statement shared with NBC News. Robinson was 86 years old.

“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the family statement said.

The family statement is from Michelle and Barack Obama; Craig Robinson and his wife, Kelly; and Marian Robinson’s grandchildren, Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin and Aaron.

Robinson became known to Americans as the country’s first grandmother after her son-in-law, Barack Obama, won the 2008 presidential election. She was a fixture in the White House during his eight years in office, though she kept a low profile. She attended holiday events, the occasional overseas trip and concerts in the East Room. But most often she was with her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia.

Having lived in Chicago her entire life, Robinson agreed to move to Washington, D.C., in 2009 to live in the White House residence and help take care of her granddaughters, who were seven and 10 years old at the time.

“I felt like this was going to be a very hard life for both of them,” she later said in a CBS interview , referring to her daughter and son-in-law. “And I was worried about their safety, and I was worried about my grandkids. That’s what got me to move to D.C.”

In their statement Friday, Robinson's family members said she agreed to leave Chicago with "a healthy nudge."

"We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all," they said.

"She relished her role as a grandmother. ... And although she enforced whatever household rules we’d set for bedtime, watching TV, or eating candy, she made clear that she sided with her 'grandbabies' in thinking that their parents were too darn strict," they added.  

In a statement released Saturday, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said, "We knew Mrs. Marian Robinson as a devoted mother and grandmother with a fierce and unconditional love of her family. With the blessing of friendship, we felt that love ourselves — with every quiet smile or warm embrace she shared with us."

"The entire Biden family sends its deepest love to Michelle, Craig, Barack, Kelly, and the six irrepressible grandchildren whom she helped to raise and so loved, and in whom her kind and gentle spirit lives on," the statement added.

Robinson was born in Chicago in 1937 and grew up in the city’s South Side, where she raised her daughter and son, Craig Robinson. She was married to Fraser Robinson, who died in 1991 from multiple sclerosis.

The former president once called his mother-in-law “the least pretentious person I know.” Indeed, Robinson said in the CBS interview that it was a “huge adjustment” being waited on by White House residence staff, whom she said she convinced to let her do her own laundry.

"Rather than hobnobbing with Oscar winners or Nobel laureates, she preferred spending her time upstairs with a TV tray, in the room outside her bedroom with big windows that looked out at the Washington Monument," the family said in its statement Friday. "The only guest she made a point of asking to meet was the Pope."

The former president credited Robinson with keeping his daughters grounded while they grew up in the White House.

“She’s down to Earth and she doesn’t understand all the fuss,” he said in an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

Michelle Obama was deeply close to her mother. It was Robinson who narrated the biographical video introducing her daughter at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. And after leaving the White House, Robinson said, “My saying is when I grow up, I would like to be like Michelle Obama.”

Just a few weeks ago, Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother on Mother’s Day by announcing that an exhibit at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago will be named after her.

“In so many ways she fostered in me a deep sense of confidence in who I was and who I could be by teaching me how to think for myself, how to use my own voice, and how to understand my own worth,” the former first lady said in a video announcement. “I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without my mom.”

The family statement released Friday said "there was and will be only one Marian Robinson," adding, "In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example."

Kelly O’Donnell is Senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

I tried 'skiplagging' to save $200 on flight tickets, but it was a nightmare experience — and I'll never use this travel hack again

• Jesse Collier used a travel hack called "skiplagging" to find cheaper tickets for her vacation.
• She purchased a flight with a layover, but skipped the second leg to get off in the layover city.
• Collier details how she got separated from her luggage and spent her vacation in the same clothes.

What are you willing to do to save a buck when you travel? Some might rough it up in a hostel, others might stuff their outfits in a carry-on or break an airline policy or two.

I did the latter and tried "hidden city ticketing" via Skiplagged .

Hidden city ticketing is a travel hack that involves purchasing a flight with a layover, but never getting  on the second leg and staying  in the layover city instead.

This travel "hack" is a gray area. It's not illegal, but it is against many airlines' Terms and Conditions — you know, that box you check when you legally agree to abide by policies you didn't read.

I had just gotten laid off from my job and decided to take a spontaneous multistate, cross-country vacation

Being in-between jobs made me conscious of my spending, so I was hunting for a good deal. I managed to find reasonably-priced accommodation, but one-way flights from LAX to NYC were around $400, which was a lot for me.

That's when I saw an ad for Skiplagged, which championed hidden-city ticketing. In my case, the trip was from Los Angeles to New York City to Buffalo. I would be hopping off in NYC and going along my merry way — or so I thought.

I booked the flight and really thought I was a genius. I told my mom, my husband, and my best friend Becky that I found a great deal. $146 for a cross-country flight! Who could beat it?

The catch of hidden city ticketing is that you cannot check a bag

This is because the bag would go to the final destination (in my instance, Buffalo). I stuffed my rolling carry-on bag with all the warm clothes and necessities I needed to visit the east coast in February. It wasn't easy, but I made it work. 

Seconds after arriving at LAX, my smug travel-hacking persona was taken over by an anxious mess. What if this doesn't work? What if they make me gate-check my bag? 

If you've ever scored a really cheap plane ticket, it's more than likely that you're sitting at the back of the plane and you're in the absolute worst boarding group you could ever imagine. While those instances are not the end of the world, it usually means one thing: the overhead bins are full and you're forced to gate-check your bag.

After making it through security, I noticed my boarding group number — 5 — and nervously laughed to myself. Who knew they went that low?

I sat at the gate for 40 minutes and racked my brain trying to figure out what to do if they asked me to check my bag. The gate attendants warned us about a full flight over the speaker, letting us know that we would likely be asked to check our carry-ons.

Boarding Group 5 was finally called and I slowly walked up to the gate. Before she even looked at me, the attendant had her hand out to collect my bag. I scanned my pass while she wrapped a tag around the handle.

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I nervously asked if I could pick up my bag in New York. "I can't gate-check it," she said before politely motioning for the next guest to approach. And that was the end of the conversation.

I spent the 5-hour flight trying to figure out how I could get out of this mess

I realized I had two options: follow my bag to Buffalo and come back to NYC, losing a day or so of travel, or abandon my bag and see what I can do to get it back.

Neither of those options were how I wanted to spend my first couple of days in New York City.

As the flight landed, I had an idea — and it wasn't my proudest moment. I pulled out my makeup compact and rubbed my eyes, one by one, smudging my mascara. I wiped some black residue off my eyelid and dabbed it underneath my eye. I looked at my reflection and saw my eyes were red and I looked like hell. Good.

As I exited the plane, I gave my best sick-girl look to a gate attendant, and said, "I'm supposed to go to Buffalo but I just came down with something on the flight and I feel really sick. Is it possible to get my bag?"

The kind woman empathized but didn't know how to help me. She told me that I should really see a doctor, though, then sent me to another department at the airport. But they also didn't help me and told me to call the customer-service line.

Either way, my bag was already on the plane to Buffalo.

I spent the next two days in the same clothes I boarded the plane in

I found myself caught in this cycle of calling the customer-service line, being told that they would put my bag on a plane to New York City and that I could either have it delivered or go pick it up, only to be ghosted hours later and be told my bag never made it on that plane.

I wanted to feel bad for myself, but it just felt like karma. I thought that this is what I got for lying and breaking the rules.

I learned that a trip costs more than just money

In my extensive research on how to get my bag back, I found out that some airlines had banned people who were caught trying to do exactly what I did.

Multiple airlines, including the one I used, have since attempted to sue Skiplagged and accused the company of encouraging these practices. The last thing I need as a broke traveler is to be blacklisted by one of the largest US airlines.

I finally got my bag delivered to my Airbnb, but not without paying $60 in delivery fees.

Hidden city ticketing is positioned in the travel community as a "travel hack," but I'll tell anyone who asks that it's rarely worth the hassle. Sure, it can save you money — it saved me around $200 — but there was an added cost I never accounted for: my time and peace of mind. 

I spent two days in New York City on the phone and my computer, agonizing over whether I would get my luggage back. Those two days could have been spent enjoying a pretzel in Central Park, seeing "The Book of Mormon," or eating delicious pizza — all of which would have been more enjoyable than waiting on hold with an airline.

There are better ways to save a buck in travel. I'll happily pay $200 if that means I don't have to wash my undergarments in a sink to rewear them.

Jesse Collier is the creator of The Road Jess Traveled and helps people save, plan, and book their dream vacations.

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How to watch Oklahoma vs. Texas in Women's College World Series finals

Oklahoma is chasing a fourth straight national title, while texas is seeking its first ever softball championship., by max molski • published june 5, 2024.

Oklahoma and Texas are renewing the Red River Rivalry on the biggest stage in college softball.

The two Big 12 foes will square off in the 2024 Women's College World Series finals beginning Wednesday. While Oklahoma has dominated the sport in recent years, Texas was the nation's top team in 2024.

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Can Oklahoma continue its reign over college softball, or will Texas take down the three-time defending national champions ?

Here's what to know ahead of the 2024 Women's College World Series finals:

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Women's College World Series finals schedule

The best-of-three series will begin on Wednesday, June 5. Here is a look at the full schedule:

• Game 1: Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m. CT
• Game 2: Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m. CT
• Game 3 (if necessary): Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. CT

Where is the Women's College World Series?

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The 2024 Women's College World Series is being held at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.

How to watch the Women's College World Series finals

Every game of the Women's College World Series finals will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Watch ESPN and the ESPN app.

How many Women's College World Series titles have Oklahoma and Texas won?

Oklahoma is seeking a college softball four-peat. The Sooners have won the last three national titles, five of the last seven and seven overall.

Texas, meanwhile, is going after its first national title in softball. The closest the Longhorns have come to winning it all was in 2022, when they fell to the Sooners in the Women's College World Series finals.

Oklahoma vs. Texas softball head-to-head

Texas has more than held its own against Oklahoma this season.

The Longhorns became the first Big 12 team since 2011 to win a regular season series against the Sooners. The two sides met in Austin, Texas, from April 5-7, with Oklahoma winning the opener and Texas taking the next two games.

Oklahoma got some revenge in the playoffs, as it beat Texas 5-1 in the Big 12 tournament title game on May 11.

Road to the Women's College World Series finals

After going an unprecedented 61-1 in 2023, Oklahoma stands at 57-7 heading into the 2024 Women's College World Series finals. The team trailed Texas in the Big 12 standings but went to win the conference tournament.

From there, the Sooners entered the Women's College World Series as the No. 2 overall seed. Their road to the finals started with wins over No. 10 Duke and No. 6 UCLA and before a 9-3 loss to Florida. With their backs against the wall, three-time All-American Jayda Coleman sent the Sooners to the finals with an eighth-inning, walk-off homer in a rematch against Florida on Tuesday.

As for Texas, the team took Oklahoma's spot as the No. 1 overall seed in this year's Women's College World Series. Not only are the Longhorns undefeated in the competition -- they haven't surrendered a run. They punched their ticket to the finals with two shutout wins over Stanford and another over Florida.

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