These airports experience the largest increase in holiday traffic

There’s only one thing I hate about traveling. It’s not the flight delays; delays mean more time to sit at the bar before boarding time. It’s not the long lines at security or going through customs; gotta love TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. And it’s not waiting at baggage claim. I never check a bag. The flight back is different because sometimes you’re forced to check your bag.

If this story’s headline didn’t give it away, then let me clue you in on what I hate about traveling: It’s leaving my dog, Stella, behind. She’s a 5-year-old English bulldog who is my shadow when I’m home. There are no U.S. or European airlines that will accept my 54-pound dog, never mind that she’s an emotional support animal. Earlier this year, during a 12-day road trip along Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago, Stella stayed behind because we had to fly from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles to kick off the road trip. If you’re a dog parent, you understand that those 12 days can feel like 12 weeks.

Inspired by 1970s Japanese listening lounges, the new music-driven lounge, Vinyl Room, is now open on the rooftop of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. From Live Nation and MGM, this acoustic themed space pairs amazing Las Vegas strip views with hi-fidelity sound and thousands of vinyl records and memorabilia spotlighting the music history of Las Vegas. Of course, a lounge would not be complete without stellar food and drinks. Guests visiting Vinyl Room can order a variety of Asian-inspired light bites/shareable plates like sushi tots and chili crunch wings, along with signatures mains like Kobe Beef served in a traditional Japanese donabe and a 42-ounce Waygu tomahawk steak. Craft cocktails will include music-inspired drinks like Smoke on the Water and House of the Rising Sun.

Reservations are now open on OpenTable for Vinyl Room and membership is also available and includes entry to the 33 Members Room, members-only events, Las Vegas concert ticket access, and more. Vinyl Room is open to host special events and is accepting bookings From magic hour to late-night entertainment, the Vinyl Room will define itself through iconic cocktails inspired by iconic songs like rum-based Golden Years and vodka-based House of the Rising Sun, plus a menu that emphasizes bold, Asian flavors. Vinyl Room welcomes guests nightly from 3 p.m. to close.

Northern California’s rugged coastline has a new place to stay. Mendocino Cove officially opens Aug. 1, transforming the former Pine Beach Inn into a boutique coastal retreat designed for travelers looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Created by Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie, the team behind the popular Mendocino Grove glamping resort, the 40-suite property sits on 11 oceanfront acres just six miles north of the village of Mendocino. The resort blends contemporary design with the area’s natural beauty, offering sweeping Pacific Ocean views, towering cypress trees, and direct access to secluded Pine Beach.