austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Portland

McKenna Harford

If you’ve got holiday travel coming up, we’ve got your back. While we can’t stop delays or cancellations, these hacks will help take your airport experience from miserable to enjoyable.

If you’re traveling for a short trip, it sometimes is really worth it to pay to 

park at the airport garage or economy lot

, especially if you are considering taking a ride share otherwise.

You can also schedule your rides ahead of time through Uber and Lyft so when you land, you don’t have to wait for a car or worry about surge pricing.

Or skip the hassle of ride shares and parking, and instead take the MAX.

With so many good options at the airport, we turned to you, our readers, who shared some of your can’t-miss spots in PDX:

 (even if we're not flying somewhere), after TSA — 

 kiosk for their roaming mixologist flight.” — Lila

“I love grabbing a small gift for those I'm going to visit from 

“I love grabbing a journal, some new pencils, compact art supplies, and some sassy cards from 

. They have a giant pink mailbox too!” — Kelley

And we aren’t gatekeeping our favorites. For a hearty meal, we recommend trying the bowls and burritos from 

. Or, if you’d prefer a quicker grab-and-go option, look for sandwiches from local chain 

 (it’s right after security, so don’t miss it) or a cocktail from 

Happen to have some time before you need to board? Chill out in the sensory room in Concourse D, which was co-designed by the Autism Society of Oregon and features fidget puzzles, comfy seating, and a quieter atmosphere. Or catch a short film at PDX's 

One last pro tip — cut down on the amount of time you have to spend in worse airports and find travel destinations without layovers by going to 

Explore PDX with us!

Tips and tricks to making the most of airport travel.

Hacks for Enjoying Your Time at PDX International

Tips and tricks for living your best Portland life, by locals, for locals.

Portland Life Hacks

People often overlook Vancouver as little more than a suburb of Portland. There’s no disputing it; more than a quarter of the people living in Clark County crossed the state line for work before the pandemic hit. But some traffic is heading the other way, at least for recreation.


The 'Couv has been shaking off its dreary, lesser-city rap 

 and began attracting dining and drinking spots from out of town. (It’s more fashionable to 

 these days.) Here’s some spots to check out the next time you visit:


 offering of adobe-roasted pork and nopal tacos or brisket and oyster-mushroom tortas. Try their take on fruit margaritas. Full yum at 114 W 6 St.



Like much of the new waterfront spots, it’s a chain, in this case one featured on reality TV. It makes up for that with extra sugar, specializing in decadent milkshakes and sundaes. Buyer beware, prepare to spend close $15 for a sundae that is called the Unicorn, and does indeed look like one. It costs even more for some milkshakes. 656 Waterfront Way,


 of the Land Bridge, designed by architect Johnpaul Jones and Vietnam War memorial designer Maya Lin, guides you from the waterfront to Fort Vancouver, an old hub of the fur trade. Learn about the life of Indigenous peoples and the arrival of settlers. See the native plants planted along the way. Old Apple Tree Park, along S/Southeast Columbia Way.

Get to Know Vancouver

Everything to know about Portland neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

travel

Hacks for Enjoying Your Time at PDX International

Get to Know Vancouver

Latest articles

Hacks for Enjoying Your Time at PDX International

Get to Know Vancouver