Laura Kiniry
Contributing Writer, Via
![Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Laura Kiniry](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto,q_auto:best,f_auto/legacy/files/207a7eef-7da9-4c64-ba1b-eb2efde161a0/laura-kiniry-570.jpg)
Articles by Laura Kiniry
![Clouds over Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1720805459/Avi-Kwa-Ame-National-Monument-new-national-monument-via-magazine-aaaa-courtesy-Travel-Nevada.jpg)
5 New and Expanded National Monuments in the West
From Arizona to California, these wildlands offer history and space to spread out.
![a creek runs through the trees with a mountain in the background](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564875/singularity-migrated-images/trees-and-mountains-shutterstock-123844114-sierras-majestic-mountain-loop-via-magazine.jpg.jpg)
Sierra’s Majestic Mountain Loop
Central California Sierra’s magic mountain loop: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.
![A family hike on a trail in Grand Teton National Park.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1656530892/Via/grand-teton-national-park-summer-things-do-via-magazine-aaa-Stocksy-3743626-teaser.jpg)
7 Fun Things to do in the Summer with Kids
Enjoy the best of the West with these family-friendly summer activities.
![A couple truck camping in Kaibab National Forest.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1648511265/singularity-migrated-images/quiet-campgrounds-kaibab-national-forest-credit-treve-johnson-photography-1x2.jpg.jpg)
11 Spots to Camp Without the Crowds
Get off the beaten track and enjoy some serenity.
![Fourth of July fireworks over the water in South Lake Tahoe, California](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1718906048/South-Lake-Tahoe-california-fireworks-via-magazine-aaa-brad-scott-visuals-lake-tahoe-visitors-authority.jpg)
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
From Las Vegas to Anchorage, there's an Independence Day fireworks display in the sky near you.
![Gentle waves crash onto Cayucos State Beach on the waterfront of Cayucos on the Central Coast of California.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1718215862/quaint-coastal-beach-towns-cayucos-california-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_2244987175.jpg)
6 Quaint Coastal Towns in the West
Seek ocean breezes and quiet at these laid-back spots.
![A hotel housekeeper straightens a made bed](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562550/singularity-migrated-images/how-much-tip-world-housekeeping-via-magazine-travel-tips-life-skills-shutterstock_1102215473.jpg.jpg)
How Much Should You Tip Around the World?
From coffee in Italy to a haircut back home, here's how much you should tip no matter where you are.
![The sign outside of Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1716410975/deerwood-ranch-wild-horse-ecosanctuary-laramie-wyoming-via-magazine-aaa-courtesy-visit-laramie.jpg)
Spend a Weekend in Laramie, Wyoming
Take in world-class art, hike across glacially shaped mountains, and soak in the small town charm.
![A vendor pours a glass of wine for a visitor at the Monterey Wine Festival in California.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1713550115/monterey-wine-festival-via-magazine-aaa-seemonterey-com.jpg)
8 Fantastic Summer Food and Wine Festivals
Taste some of the best foods across the West at these fests.
![Athena Photography / Downtown Missoula Partnership](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1710960554/Unseen-Missoula-walking-tours-west-via-magazine-aaa-Athena-Photography-Downtown-Missoula-Partnership.jpg)
8 Best Walking Tours in the West
Discover the best food and wild history in these towns and cities.
![Blooming weeping cherry tree in the Portland Japanese Garden.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647571355/singularity-migrated-images/cherry-blossoms-portland-japanese-garden-via-magazine-aaa-joanthan-Ley.jpg.jpg)
7 Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in the West
From California to Utah, delight in these magical displays.
![Park City, Utah hill lit up for night skiing](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564448/singularity-migrated-images/park-city-utah-winter-fun-things-do-via-magazine-shutterstock_728464018.jpg.jpg)
A Weekend in Park City, Utah
Famous for the Sundance Film Festival, the city also boasts great skiing, food, and shops.
![RV parked at a campsite in Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park, Moab, Utah.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1706563582/winter-camping-devils-garden-campground-arches-national-park-moab-utah-via-magazine-aaa-hans-peter-marschall-alamy.jpg)
7 Best Spots to Camp This Winter in the West
Find quiet respite and mild conditions at these campgrounds.
![Open highway near Death Valley National Park](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564042/singularity-migrated-images/highway-desert-mountains-death-valley-las-vegas-road-trip-1.jpg.jpg)
Death Valley Road Trip: Vegas to Mt. Charleston
This desert road trip brims with life.
![A camper sits on a sleeping pad and sleeping bag on frozen ground while drinking a coffee.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1702933506/winter-camping-guide-via-magazine-aaa-iStock-509716246.jpg)
Beginner’s Guide to Winter Camping
Serene campgrounds await.