In case you missed it: Southwest is changing its extra-seat policy for plus-size passengers, we share our top 10 college football towns and our food team’s beach snacks may save your Labor Day. 

Fan favorites

(The Washington Post)

The 10 best college football towns in America

What makes a college football town one of the best? We asked our sports staff, who have decades of combined gamedays under their belts, to vote on their favorites. 

Southwest transformation

(Photo by Shedrick Pelt for The Washington Post)

This airline is a favorite for plus-size fliers. A new policy may change that.

Starting next year, Southwest will only guarantee a second-seat refund on flights with at least one open spot.

Beep beep 

(Natalie Compton/The Washington Post)

5 tips for renting a car in Europe

Reporter Natalie Compton learned plenty of lessons while driving through four countries this summer. See what she recommends.

Beach snacks

(Photo by Justin Tsucalas; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky/Both for The Washington Post)

Hungry at the beach? Here’s what to pack.

These 10 portable recipes are fit for a Labor Day picnic in the sand.

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From the archives

(Photo by Luke Sharrett for The Washington Post) 

Not falling for apples? Another fruit reigns in this Indiana town.

Autumn is on the horizon. In tiny Mitchell, the persimmon is the king of fall fruits. Sorry, apples.

Destinations

(Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Guest columnist Rodger Sherman knows how to plan a college football road trip. In the 2023 season, he reached 62 games — and put about 40,000 miles on his rental car’s odometer.

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His first piece of advice? Do everything early, especially hotel bookings. On tailgates, Sherman says outsiders are (generally) welcome. But, of course, not every tailgate is for you. “If you were born in a year that starts with the digit 1, you should probably skip the ones run by active college students,” he advises.

To read more essential tips, check out Sherman’s full list. While you’re at it, read freelance writer Megan Braden-Perry’s rundown of the Bayou Classic, which pits Grambling against Southern in an HBCU rivalry/lovefest.

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At universities across the country, Saturdays are for the tailgates. We asked our sports staff to identify the 10 best college football towns in America, then sent reporters out to each one to cram into each stadium alongside fans. For travel editor Gabe Hiatt, nowhere has a party quite like Clemson, where there’s so much orange, you’ll feel like you’re wearing Cheeto-colored glasses. 

Go to The Washington Post for more info on our picks.

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