Matador Network's Blog, page 1025

Star Wars souvenir bottle banned TSA

Bad news Star Wars fans: The TSA has banned that the collectible “thermal detonator” Coke bottle you picked up at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park in Disneyland from all airplanes, in both checked and carry-on luggage. This is one piece of memorabilia that won’t be able to join your stash of hermetically sealed action figures.

To be fair to the TSA, the circular Coke bottle does look like a small hand-held bomb, which could potentially cause panic or chaos in a place where that is absolutely never acceptable — an airport — even if it is totally harmless.

The fact that it’s essentially a plastic toy doesn’t matter. Any object that has been designed to look like an explosive is simply not allowed on an aircraft, no matter how far you traveled or how long you waited in line to get it.

The palm-sized, ball-shaped bottles are meant to look straight out of a Star Wars movie — they’re even printed with the Aurebesh language. They’re intended to look like grenades used by bounty hunters and stormtroopers in the movies, but that’s exactly the problem.

According to the Orange County Register, the bottles could cause “concern” at security checkpoints, resulting in not just longer wait times, but potential reported bomb threats with far reaching consequences for travelers.

The policy came to light when a curious fan tweeted at the TSA asking if the bottles would pass muster at the airport, to which the agency replied “Replica and inert explosives aren’t allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.”

Thankfully, travelers to a galaxy far, far away (okay, it’s just California) will be able to find plenty of souvenirs that can travel safely home on a plane. Lightsabers and replica droids sold at Galaxy’s Edge are allowed in your luggage, for instance. But your fantasy life as a bounty hunter will have to stay behind on Batuu (or least Disney’s replica of it).


More like this: How to make a reservation for Disneyland’s ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’

The post TSA bans ‘Star Wars’ Coke bottles that look like small bombs appeared first on Matador Network.

When to see fall colors in the US

Whether you like it or not, summer is almost behind us and leaf-peeping season is coming. This means it’s time to figure out when and where you’re going to head to see fall foliage in its full flavor.

SmokyMountains.com just released its annual fall foliage forecast map, which predicts when colors will hit their peak across the US. The season looks to start a bit later than normal this year for much of the country, due to warm weather sticking around in the Atlantic region longer than it typically does. The most vibrant colors look to pop out early to mid-October. Those in the Rocky Mountains, however, can expect near-peak foliage by late September and full-on epicness in early October. In the Pacific Northwest, be ready to roll by mid-October or earlier.

While SmokyMountain.com can’t ensure 100 percent accuracy, it has asked the best in the field of meteorology, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and looked at past trends to create this map, so you can hit the road to the nearest forest reassured.

To get ahead of the game, start planning your fall road trips now. By the time October hits, it’s time to grab a sixer of your favorite hard cider and toss your camping gear into the back of your truck to admire one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful spectacles.


More like this: The best scenic train trips to see fall foliage in the US

The post When fall colors will peak around the US, according to science appeared first on Matador Network.

Delta hiring 1,000 flight attendants

2020 could be the year you finally take to the skies full-time. Delta Air Lines is hiring 1,000 flight attendants for next year as part of its Flight Attendant Class of 2020. If you will be 21 by January 1, 2020, are eligible to work in the United States, and your passport and other travel documents are current, you could spend the rest of your career flying around the world.

Ideal candidates have at least a high school degree and experience in personalized patient or customer care. Applicants need to be fluent in English as well as in one of the following languages: Danish, Czech, Dutch, Greek, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Korean.

Also, maybe don’t plan a trip to a Colorado dispensary before applying. Successful candidates must pass a Department of Transportation drug test and background check, and must also be able to relocate to a base if necessary. Of course, applicants must be comfortable with spending a lot of time away from home whether working domestic or international flights — but that’s the ultimate goal anyway, right?

Once hired, plan to spend six weeks in training at Delta’s Atlanta headquarters. Be ready to sacrifice standard comforts like holidays and weekends off, a consistent set schedule, and ample rest — this job requires some flexibility.

If this sounds like a dream job, apply through Delta’s website. And if you have some reservations about becoming a flight attendant, read more on the reality of being a flight attendant to know what to expect.


More like this: How to become a flight attendant and travel the world for work

The post Delta is hiring 1,000 flight attendants by January 1, 2020 appeared first on Matador Network.

Environmental protection sea life

These days, when it comes to the environment, it feels like good news is hard to come by. That’s why every new win for the planet and its inhabitants, like the recently proposed protections for 18 threatened species of sharks and rays, is cause for celebration.

Though 40 countries voted against prohibiting the trade of species that are endangered by fishing practices, an overwhelming 102 nations voted in support of the proposal, which passed this weekend at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The move has yet to be ratified but is expected to become official this week.

Mako sharks and rhino rays like wedgefish and guitarfish are among the species that will benefit from the protections, as well as others that are targeted by commercial fisheries, in large part to meet the demand for shark fin soup. Opponents of the regulations — which include China, Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand — cite a lack of evidence to support the claim that fishing is a primary contributor to these dwindling populations while those in favor blame consumerism for their threatened statuses. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, commercial fisheries kill anywhere from 63 to 273 million sharks every year for their fins, meat, cartilage, and other parts.

Experts like Ali Hood, director of conservation at Shark Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to “safeguarding the future of sharks,” also welcome the protections. Hood said the “listing would be critical for ensuring that international trade is held to sustainable levels, prompting urgently needed catch limits and improving traceability.”


More like this: 7 animals saved at the 11th hour, and why there is hope for the world’s species

The post 18 threatened shark and ray species to benefit from new protections appeared first on Matador Network.

How to bike the Fruit and Wine Byway

Biking Palisade, Colorado’s Fruit and Wine Byway is the most “Colorado” thing a wine drinker could ever possibly do. You’re outside, getting exercise under the Colorado sun, the beautiful mountains of the Grand Mesa and Bookcliffs surrounding you. Colorado’s only legitimate wine region is compact, with more than two dozen vineyards and tasting rooms tucked into the eastern corner of Colorado’s Grand Valley. “Colorado is making a pretty good run at California,” says Dave Smith, owner of the company Pali-Tours. “We’ll never be that big, but we have the altitude. There’s just something about the grapes here.”

While some wineries here are larger and reminiscent of major wine regions like Napa or the Okanagan Valley, most are small mom-and-pop operations whose wines are both unique and often hard to come by outside of western Colorado. Any of the three biking routes discussed here provide a sample of both. Get out here soon — because Colorado’s wine country won’t be under the radar for much longer.

Grab your ride.

Photo: Tim Wenger

Before you arrive in Palisade, reserve a bike rental from Rapid Creek Cycles. Rentals run $36.95 daily for a cruiser bike or $55 for an electric version of the same. When you arrive to pick up your bike, the shop will provide you with a map of the area’s wineries and a run down on biking conditions or any hazards to be aware of. Maps are also available at the Palisade Chamber of Commerce across the street and online.

If you only take one piece of guidance before hopping on your beach cruiser, let it be this: Get yourself a Camelbak and fill it up with cold water. It’s hot here, temperatures regularly hit the upper 90s in summer, and bike-powered wine touring means your hydration level is taking a double hit. By swigging water as you ride between the vineyards, you’re not only keeping hydrated but saving yourself that wicked hangover the next day.

Plan your route.

Photo: Tim Wenger

The entire route follows paved roads, though many of the driveways leading into the vineyards are made of gravel or rock. Your cruiser bike should have no problem anywhere. Signs marked “Fruit & Wine Byway” guide you along the road, ensuring you don’t miss important turns and pointing out ideal spots to stop for photo ops, such as the famous Bookcliffs rock formations or the Colorado River snaking through the Grand Valley. There are three organized routes, two of which are easy cruisers and one of which is, when the heat pounds down, a challenge even for experienced riders. If this is your first time on a bike for quite some time, start with the West Cruiser Loop, where a quick pause at a town park or your lodging property is never far away.

No matter the route, rarely will you ride for more than 10 minutes at a time without stopping at a tasting room — often they are located less than one mile from one another. That said, stopping at every winery you pass may not be the best idea if you want to keep a clear head on your bike. Note that not all tasting rooms serve food, and the bulk of the town’s restaurants are located in the small downtown area surrounding the bike shop. Bring snacks to munch on along the way, or even pack a lunch if you don’t want to take any chances.

West Cruiser Loop

Photo: Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock

The most common bike tour route in Palisade is the West Cruiser Loop. This one is flat and mellow, with the bonus of giving you a thorough tour of the town as you push between tasting rooms. It’s seven miles roundtrip from downtown Palisade with stops at seven wineries, with a nice stop-off at Riverbend Park to rest your legs and escape the heat under a towering cottonwood tree.

You’ll also find more diversity on this route than any other. From Rapid Creek Cycles, head through downtown to St. Kathryn’s Cellars or Grand River Vineyards. The former offers a collection of fruit wines in addition to classics like cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. The latter specializes in dry whites and reds, with a notable viognier and Meritage white.

Meadery of the Rockies is a unique stop on this tour for honey wine. No matter which tasting rooms you elect to visit, finish the route at Maison La Belle Vie. This French-inspired spot has a deep, red-heavy catalog and pastries to provide some sustenance for the ride back to town. Try the vin de pêche, which is made with Palisade’s arguably more renowned fruit, peaches.

East Cruiser Loop

Photo: Phillip Rubino/Shutterstock

The East Cruiser Loop is the best option to allow the high-desert scenery of the region to be the highlight, with the wine as a nice complement. Pedal past sprawling vineyards and orchards en route to stop one at Colterris, the largest operation in the valley and the only one to offer their wines in a can as well as a bottle. From there, follow US-6 along the Colorado River to Bookcliff Vineyards, a new tasting room with a full-bodied malbec that is a true example of the region’s high-altitude growing prowess. While Colterris and Bookcliff are the only two tasting rooms on this route, pedaling a few minutes from Bookcliff through downtown provides easy access to DeBeque Canyon Winery. Visiting fewer wineries though just means you can feel better about having a full glass.

East Orchard Mesa Loop

Photo: Tim Wenger

This one’s for the person who wants to party but also doesn’t want to miss a workout. It’s 25 miles roundtrip, picking up where the East Cruiser Loop finishes. Instead of crossing the river, turn left just before it onto 38 Road and head up onto East Orchard Mesa, following the Fruit & Wine Byway signs pointing towards Talbott’s and Carlson Vineyards. The initial push up to the mesa is the only steep hill you’ll encounter on the route, but it’s a gnarly climb for about 10 minutes. There’s a dedicated bike sidewalk, which should be employed to stay away from traffic and give yourself space to stop and catch your breath if necessary. The tour heads down the mesa and loops back into downtown Palisade, encompassing part the West Cruiser Loop on its return journey.

Stop right atop the hill at Talbott’s Cider Company and take a break from grapes with a glass of crisp hard cider with flavors ranging from peachy to hoppy. If you have space in your backpack, Talbott’s has a great farmer’s market on-site with fresh local fruits and vegetables.

From Talbott’s, biking this route feels kind of like watching an old army movie. Left, right, left. Another right, perfectly in time. The byway is made up of right-angle intersections with orchards on all sides and only one option forward. The tasting rooms are clearly marked. Even if you don’t make it all the way around the loop, push at least to Restoration Vineyards, a new tasting room opened last fall and home to the valley’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Also of note is the Barbera, a rich red with blackberry on the nose and a smooth finish. If you keep going, Carlson Vineyards has a small tasting room that feels as though you’re sampling in the winemaker’s home kitchen. Their NSFW (Not Safe For Work) Red and Rosé are the must-trys here and a great option for a nightcap back at your lodging.

What to do if you don’t want to bike

Photo: Tim Wenger

One of the best wineries in all of Palisade is Whitewater Hill Winery, a representation of the area’s country roots and mastery of the soil. The thing is, you’re looking at 24 miles of roundtrip riding to get there and back. If you have a designated driver, parking is available at all tasting rooms. You could rent a horse and carriage, but that’s pretty slow and necessitates keeping a bottle or two of wine in the cab for the commutes. Fortunately, there’s a hack. Pali-Tours is the only way to ride through town in style on anything more than two wheels. Sure, you can hire a limo to shuttle you between stops, but that’s not nearly as cool as riding open-air in the back of a 6×6 military duckie. The company also offers a Water to Wine package, coupling afternoon wine touring with a morning rafting excursion on the Colorado River.

Where to stay

Photo: Colorado Wine Country Inn/Facebook

Century-old bed and breakfasts, laid-back vibes driven by a burning desire to get things done tomorrow, and a solid chance that the proprietor of the estate is the same person pouring your tasting — that’s Palisade. You can stay at a chain hotel in nearby Grand Junction, but for the true experience, book a room in town and fully immerse yourself in how Colorado does wine country.

The Wine Country Inn is adjacent to two of the valley’s most respected wineries. Their lodge is a massive Victorian-style building with 80 guest rooms that offers hot breakfast and guest tastings each afternoon. Right downtown, the Wine Valley Inn is a bed and breakfast with a large porch and tasting area outside. It is right in the heart of Palisade and within walking distance of downtown’s shops and restaurants. The rooms at the Spoke and Vine Motel are modern and clean, and bike rental is available on site, saving you from having to reserve one at the bike shop.

By the way, what is the deal with the crazy street names?

You’ll immediately notice a completely wacky system of street names here. For example, you’ll pass streets with names including 29 Road, and even some more colorful labels including 36 3/10 Road. This isn’t an ode to Palisade residents’ keen ability to solve complicated math problems. Roads running north to south are labeled by numbers signifying their distance from the Colorado-Utah border. Head 36.3 miles west from 36 3/10 Road and you’ll be at the border. Head 29 miles west from 29 Road and… you get the picture. It’s a full mile between 28 Road and 29 Road. East-West streets, on the other hand, are labeled by letters, with a mile representing a full letter. So, on your way down the East Orchard Mesa Loop you’ll make a right turn onto F ¼ Road, a firm quarter mile north of F Road but 0.75 miles shy of G Road. It’s a hilariously unique system, for sure, designed originally to serve as easy markers for farm plots.


More like this: How Sonoma became America’s most sustainable wine region

The post How to bike the Fruit and Wine Byway in Palisade, Colorado appeared first on Matador Network.

New Disney park announcements

Some pretty exciting developments are coming to the Disney parks, with new major announcements about fan-favorite franchises. The past few months have seen some major changes at Disney, with the unveiling of the new Star Wars Park features and speculation abounding about additional parks and experiences. Now, at Disney’s D23 exhibition and on their blog, they’re spilling the beans about everything coming down the pike in the next few years.

In the US

Photo: Disney Parks

According to the Disney Parks blog, the reported Star Wars hotel now has an official name, “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser,” with guests checking into a ship called the Halcyon. During your stay, you’ll interact with franchise characters and even participate in plotlines that develop during the course of your visit.

In Disneyland in California, the Main Street parade will be getting revamped. Called “Magic Happens,” it will pull from Disney’s narrative repertoire, with characters like Moana and Miguel from Coco getting new, fantastical floats. California will also be getting the first-ever Mickey ride-through attraction in 2022. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, located in Mickey’s Toontown, will bring visitors into the world of cartoon shorts.

Walt Disney World, in Florida, will be getting its very own cable car system, the Skyliner, next month. It will connect guests staying in four of the park’s resorts (Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Riviera) to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Disney Springs, also in Florida, will premiere a new show called Destiny, headed by Cirque du Soleil writers. Previews will begin in March of next year, and will include new animated sequences with classic Disney characters.

One of the most exciting new developments, however, might be the new Avengers Campus, opening in Disneyland’s California Adventure in 2020. While there is already a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride (a revamped Tower of Terror, which opened in 2017), two rides have been announced thus far, one for — in true Marvel fashion — each of the opening’s phases.

Photo: Disney Parks

Phase one involves a Spider-Man attraction, which will be located in the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (aka WEB), and will, according to Disney, “give you a taste of what it’s like to have actual superpowers as you help Spider-Man collect Spider-Bots that have run amok.”

Photo: Disney Parks

The second will be an attraction in the California park, housed in a building that looks just like the Avengers HQ in New York; parkgoers step onto a Quinjet and fly with the Avengers to Wakanda, where an epic team-up to save the world will take place. Disney says that new ride technology will immerse you in the center of the action, and the concept art is simply mind-blowing.

Photo: Disney Parks

While other details on the Avengers Campus are scarce, visitors can expect new restaurants, like the Pym Test Kitchen, and interactions with characters like Iron Man, Black Widow, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Doctor Strange, and more.

Epcot’s massive overhaul

Photo: Disney Parks

The Disney Epcot park in Florida will also be getting a major makeover. Currently Epcot is split into two lands, World Showcase and Future World, but plans are in the works to split Future World into three separate lands (World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature) for a total of four areas.

World Celebration is the first area visitors will pass through, and it’ll have an updated central pavilion and fountain. The Spaceship Earth ride in World Celebration will switch up its storyline — instead of taking riders through the technological advancements in history, it will take some of those elements and focus more on the power of storytelling.

Marvel also plans to set up shop at World Discovery. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” will have riders hop aboard a Nova spaceship that will take them to Earth, Xander, and back. World Discovery will also find itself with a space-themed eatery, aptly named Space 220, where diners will eat with views of the galaxy.

Fans of Moana will be able to look forward to a new experience at Epcot in the World Nature area called the “Journey of Water.” Disney hasn’t released many detailed about this except to say that guests will be able to “interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.”

Not to be left behind, World Showcase is getting a few updates of its own. Some pavilions will be receiving updated videos for their Circle Vision 360 films. The France Pavilion will have a Beauty and the Beast sing along, as well as “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure,” a motion-based 3D ride, and a creperie. The UK Pavilion will add a Mary Poppins attraction, opening up its own Cherry Tree Lane that seems right out of the film, but no other details have been released at this time.

Around the world

Photo: Disney Parks

The US isn’t the only country Disney is show some love to. Disneyland Paris is also getting a Marvel-themed campus with similar offerings, plus character-themed rooms guests can stay in at its Hotel New York. The pre-existing Stark Expo area at Hong Kong Disneyland is also getting more Marvel-themed attractions. The park itself will be getting a broader expansion, with the announcement of a new castle that will take from a myriad of stories, rather than a single Disney character.

With the premiere of Frozen’s sequel right around the corner, the announcement of a themed land for it seems just about right. In Hong Kong, the Frozen land — also the first of its kind — will bring the sights, sounds, cuisine, and traditions of Arendelle to life. Two rides have been revealed so far: Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a roller coaster, and Frozen Ever After, similar to the ride currently at Epcot.

In Shanghai, the park will receive a Zooptopia-themed land. Mammalian Metropolis has no set opening date yet, but it will be an immersive experience and the first Zootopia-themed attraction in a Disney park.

No matter where you are in the world, if you’re a Disney fan, you have a lot to look forward to in the coming year.

This article was updated on August 27, 2019.

More like this: Where to travel according to your favorite Disney Princess

The post The new Avengers attractions at Disneyland look mind-blowing, and that’s just the beginning appeared first on Matador Network.

Fairbnb.coop home-sharing platform

Everyone wants to visit Europe, and sometimes, it seems like everyone does.

Walking down La Rambla in Barcelona on a summer afternoon can feel more like navigating the international terminal at LAX the weekend before Christmas. Same goes for strolling along the canals of Venice or Amsterdam, or sauntering along the Seine in Paris. Though the democratization of travel through budget flights and a booming sharing economy has done wonders for wanderlusters, its impact on bucket-list destinations has not been as positive.

Home-sharing platforms are some of the biggest enablers of overtourism. Since getting its start in the late 2000s, Airbnb has become a household name and one of the most popular accommodation options for travelers seeking a more local experience. To date, the site has over six million global listings and roughly 500 million total bookings.

As travelers look to short-term rentals as alternatives to hotels, however, that local experience is diminishing in the face of gentrification and rising rents, even for locals. Cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris have started pushing back, imposing restrictions on how many days a year residents can rent out their properties. Ten cities wrote a joint letter to the European Union on how Airbnb negatively impacts their communities, which led to a reciprocal letter from Airbnb. While the site offers travelers previously unheard of experiences, like helping to revitalize an Italian city or stay in literary-themed homes, there are drawbacks that need to be addressed.

Fairbnb.coop, a home-sharing platform that’s being billed as an ethical alternative to Airbnb, has taken that challenge upon themselves.

Like any good cooperative, Fairbnb.coop is not the brainchild of an individual or even a single collective. It’s the product of a movement, a trend in thinking that has been brewing in a number of European cities impacted by the mass tourism that home-sharing companies encourage.

“Our initiative started with different groups,” explains co-founder Damiano Avellino. “I’m based in Bologna… but there was another group in Venice and another in Amsterdam.”

Upon learning of their counterparts, these discrete initiatives came together in 2018 to address the issue of overtourism and revolutionize the short-term rental. This not only provided manpower but also different perspectives. Though they share a common goal, each group had its own focus, ultimately helping Fairbnb.coop solidify and refine its core values.

Photo: muratart/Shutterstock

“Amsterdam and Venice were more focused on reducing the negative impact generated by this new tourism… In Bologna, our ideas were more broad, related to the sharing economy in general,” Avellino says. “In the end, the value proposition is the mix of these different visions.”

In a word, Fairbnb.coop’s vision can be summed up by ‘community.’ “Our platform is not just a platform for tourism,” Avellino says, “but a tool for communities, a fundraising platform, a collaboration platform, a learning platform to connect bottom-up initiatives all over the world.”

Fairbnb.coop is owned and governed by its members. It hopes to foster community between travelers and residents of the cities in which it operates, and it plans to benefit the neighborhoods affected by the tourism it draws by pledging half of its commission to community projects. Rather than rely on venture capitalists, who invest with the expectation of big returns, Fairbnb.coop is finding funding in alternative outlets like crowd-sourcing and cooperative banks to ensure that it will remain democratically run.

“If we give this platform back to social control, we can use it to try to promote certain behaviors,” Avellino says. “Right now, the behaviors that are promoted are related to the profit-seeking of the investors. What we can do is actually try to incentivize behaviors that are good for society, the users, and make an example of how to distribute the influx of tourists.”

Fairbnb.coop ensures its listings are legal and compliant with regulations by working closely with local governments, many of which are interested in the data it’s compiling to address overtourism. This is critical, says Avellino, who implores policy-makers to make changes, and make them fast. “They should act as soon as possible,” he says,” because we don’t know if this phenomenon is reversible. We don’t know if the gentrification in our cities can be undone.”

Some cities have been more receptive than others. Bologna and Barcelona have entered into agreements with Faribnb.coop while Valencia has been stricter. Overall, though, the reaction has been positive, both from governments and individuals.

While it currently only operates in select European cities, the platform has received hundreds of emails from all over the world asking it to set up local chapters and promote sustainable tourism everywhere from South America to Australia to Africa.

This is, of course, the goal. When asked about Fairbnb.coop’s plans for the coming year, Avellino said that expansion is a top priority. “In the next 12 months, our challenge is to open across all of Europe and reach 24,000 hosts,” he explains, adding that his own goals for the platform tend to err on the side of optimism. From there, Fairbnb.coop hopes to break ground in the United States, where the demand already exists, by February or March of next year.

A major market, the US is also of particular interest because it’s the birthplace of Airbnb and other big home-sharing players. As such, “It can be powerful to propose another narrative that’s based on values related to solidarity, cooperation, and so on,” Avellino says.

So, while those looking to jet off to Bologna this Christmas can already ease their consciences with a sustainable alternative to that Airbnb they’ve been eyeing, here’s hoping Avellino’s optimism is actually foresight, and that by this time next year, travelers have a home-sharing option they can feel good about no matter where they set their sights.

More like this: The destinations that are the most at risk of overtourism

The post This company wants to be the ethical alternative to Airbnb appeared first on Matador Network.

LGBTQ travel in Seoul

While Taipei might be East Asia’s uncontested capital of queer, the city of Seoul isn’t far behind. Seoul is a city known for its food, beauty, nightlife — and queer culture if you know where to look. Neighborhoods like Hongdae, where students from the local art university gather to socialize and shop, and Itaewon, which is known for being an all-night party spot, are home to lively LQBTQ-friendly spots and events. Seoul can be split into four main LGBTQ areas: Hongdae, Haebongchon, Itaewon, and Jongno. Each area has a unique atmosphere and caters to a different crowd and, more specifically, a different orientation.

1. Hongdae

Photo: DerekTeo/Shutterstock

The center street on Hongdae is lined with commercial stores, hopeful buskers with grand intentions of breaking into the K-pop industry, and hundreds of wide-eyed tourists and smartly dressed Korean students. However, just off of the crowded main roads, hidden in plain sight, is the lesbian scene in Seoul. Blink and you might miss it among the other brightly lit bars or pulsating clubs in the area, but it is there, and it is operating in full swing.

Mong is an example of a lesbian venue that blends in with its surroundings — until you wander inside and realize the clientele is all women, and there’s a lot more gentle candlelit drinks and first-date jitters than just a couple of gals grabbing cocktails would entail. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxing, and the staff is capable of crafting a large variety of cocktails. AORINGO is another laid-back bar, specializing in sake, for the lesbian crowd. For the late-night lesbian partiers, a long-standing clubbing favorite is Labris. Labris is only open to women and blasts pop music and top hits all night long.

Many of the clubs in Hongdae for LGBTQ partiers only allow women inside. On weeknights, the clubs are packed with patrons dancing and drinking until the first train comes. Meet Market, hosted by Club MWG, regularly hosts drag and drinking and is open to all types of people. The event was founded in 2011 by two queer “butch-hers” and continues to entertain guests today. Pub Ken is a popular choice for lesbians, which serves both food and drinks right near the center street.

2. Haebongchon

Photo: Rabbithole Arcade Pub/Facebook

Haebongchon is a neighborhood that feels less like downtown Korea and more like a road in a hip, urban US city. The main area is lined with bright signs written primarily in English, and its residents are primarily international expats, who flock to the area for its friendly community and comfortable atmosphere. The most famous queer-inclusive spot in Haebongchon is Rabbit Hole, a venue that masquerades as a dive bar and vintage game arcade but in actuality is a queer hotspot. Rabbit Hole regularly hosts a wide variety of events, including drag competitions, ladies-only nights, and even the occasional burlesque performance. People of all backgrounds and orientations are welcome here. The staff is friendly and takes the time to personally get to know customers. Small, intimate, and cheap, Rabbit Hole is the type of place where people start the night off as strangers and end up sharing hangover soup the next morning.

Many of the other venues in Haebongchon are similar to Rabbit Hole in their unadvertised queer acceptance. Piooda, run by a queer couple, is a local sex shop that welcomes customers and has a friendly, knowledgeable staff to answer any questions. Southside Parlor hosts monthly drag brunches, pairing unlimited mimosas with artisan vegan cuisine and two hours filled with performances. Many other restaurants and venues, such as the sandwich cafe Fat Cat, help advertise queer events and have open acceptance of the LQBTQ community. Haebongchon is perfect for queers of any and all kinds. Unlike Itaewon and Hongdae, where most venues are designed specifically for certain orientations, Haebongchon is an open area for all who seek it out. Gay, lesbian, transgender — any and all roam the streets of Haebongchon until the early hours of the morning.

3. Itaewon

Photo: 큐바 라운지클럽 QbarSeoul/Facebook

Itaewon is the center of all things foreign in Seoul. The streets are lined with small halal stands, outdoor French cafes, and greasy pizza joints, and citizens of the city and travelers alike flock here for a taste of something different than the usual flavors of Seoul. The same is true for the LGBTQ scene here. With a strong influence of different cultures, Itaewon is a place where people of all kinds can cut loose without judgment. It is undeniably the most popular nightlife spot in Korea, not just the LGBTQ community.

The most famous queer location in Itaewon, simply on name recognition alone, is Homo Hill. The name says it all. Women and allies might find themselves turned away from some venues here (or paying inflated prices), but for the men-loving-men crowd, it is a compact area filled with plenty of options for drinking and dancing. TRUNK is one of the most popular options in the area. Created by transgender icon Mini Han, who has been featured in Vogue Korea and won the Miss International Queen beauty contest, TRUNK features drag performances and energetic, upbeat music.

Q-Bar is another lively club that features both local and international DJs, in addition to promotional drink specials and weekly drag events. Trance is a venue with a great mix of dance and drag that is popular among locals and travelers alike. Queers of all kinds and allies can all enjoy a burlesque performance put on by the Whitelies Burlesque Revue. Shows happen every other week at View 33 and feature a rotating cast of performers, including drag kings, drag queens, aerial silk dancers, and fire-spinners.

4. Jongno

Photo: Lewis Tse Pui Lung/Shutterstock

The queer scene in Jongno is hidden in plain sight. Indie venues, karaoke bars, spas, and cafes are all congregated in this neighborhood. Breaking into the Jongno scene as an outsider is challenging but rewarding. The focus here isn’t only on a fun night or an easy place to sling drinks but rather on a lasting community. There are cafes, organizations, and laid-back bars that are all queer-friendly. Once a year the Korea Queer Film Festival screens queer-produced, and queer-related, films in venues all throughout this area. The festival lasts for around two weeks and coincides with Pride Month.

Many other festivals and parades during Pride Month are also based in or around Jongno. Even the annual Seoul Queer Culture Festival bases its Pride parade route around the neighborhood, due to its proximity to City Hall. For the expat crowd or those merely passing through Korea, Jongno can be difficult to navigate. Venues such as Short Bus and A/V are trendy and accessible for any type of customer. If you’re looking to belt some tunes at a gay-friendly venue, look no further than Wallpaper. And for food, the side alleys near exit three of Jongno Station are lined with street-food restaurants, called pocha, where members of the queer community flock. There’s no better place in Seoul to immerse yourself in true Korean culture and feel welcomed than drinking soju and eating grilled meat surrounded by fellow LGBTQ friends.


More like this: 10 of the best honeymoon destinations for gay newlyweds

The post Why Seoul is one of the best places in Asia for LGBTQ travelers appeared first on Matador Network.

Tropical Storm Dorian in Puerto Rico

With Hurricane Maria still fresh in the minds of Puerto Ricans, and recovery still underway in many parts of the island, they may have to brace for another storm. A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning has been issued for Tropical Storm Dorian in Puerto Rico, and the National Hurricane Center has advised Virgin Islands residents to watch the storm, as well. As of 2:00 PM on Tuesday, the storm had winds of 50 miles per hour as it moves through the Windward Islands, and those winds are expected to increase in strength as the storm moves toward Puerto Rico.

According to the Hurricane Center, “Slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it moves close to Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola.”

The storm is projected to dump three to eight inches of rain on the Windward Islands, with flash floods a distinct possibility. In Puerto Rico, people concerned about power outages and heavy rain are flocking to grocery stores and gas stations to stock up on food, water, and generators. In Puerto Rico, schools closed Tuesday, at least one cruise ship canceled its trip there, and governor Wanda Vasquez declared a state of emergency, but she is urging citizens to remain calm.

“Agency directors have prepared for the last two years,” she said. “The experience of Maria has been a great lesson for everyone.”


More like this: Traveling during hurricane season? Here’s everything you need to know

The post Tropical Storm Dorian charges toward Puerto Rico, may become a hurricane appeared first on Matador Network.

Central Africa fires are blazing

The massive Amazon blaze has dominated the news this week (as it should), but it’s also alerted people to some pretty alarming fires elsewhere in the world that are being largely ignored. NASA maps show fires raging around the world, and it’s pretty shocking. Central Africa, for example, has a staggering number of fires burning in the region — far more than in Brazil. For two days last week, Angola had three times more fires than Brazil, with 6,902 fires in Angola compared to 2,127 in Brazil.

Photo: NASA

While it may seem like many world leaders are ignoring the African fires and placing their attention on the Amazon, French President Emmanuel Macron did tweet on Monday, “The forest is also burning in sub-Saharan Africa,” which is at least an acknowledgment of the issue. He also added that he was “considering the possibility of launching a similar initiative” in Africa, referring to the $22 million in aid he and other countries pledged to help fight the Amazon fire — aid that is currently being rejected by Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

Little is known so far about the fires in Central Africa, but similar fires two years ago appeared to have been started on purpose. Farmers may have cut down some of the area’s vegetation and set fire to the trees, in order to clear land for planting crops in a controversial farming method known as “slash and burn.” This way of clearing land is popular among farmers for its cost-effectiveness, because it helps kill disease, and because the ash provides nutrients to future crops — but it also leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and negatively affects biodiversity.

It happens frequently in Central Africa ahead of the rainy season, but just because the technique has become commonplace, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of global attention or scrutiny.


More like this: The best places in America to try forest bathing

The post Central Africa has three times as many fires as the Amazon right now appeared first on Matador Network.