Matador Network's Blog, page 1053

Avocado shortage

If you tried to order avocado toast for brunch last weekend and were dismayed once you saw the price, you’re not alone. As reported by USA Today, according to David Magaña, vice president and senior analyst at Rabobank in California, the price of avocados has been skyrocketing recently. In the first week of July, the wholesale price of a 25-pound box of Mexican avocados was $84.25; last year, the same box would have cost $37 — a pretty steep climb. And while millennials are certainly willing to pay exorbitant prices for their side of guac, it’s getting a little out of hand.

The price increase isn’t an arbitrary phenomenon. The rising global popularity of avocados has played a major role, as well as a seasonal drop in avocado production in Mexico, and the smallest crop in California in years. Demand is simply outrunning supply, and many restaurants have been frantically trying to maintain their avocado stock while also managing the astronomical prices. Many establishments have raised the prices of their menu items, some are eating the extra cost and taking a financial loss, while others have removed avocados from their menus entirely.

Hopefully the crop improves soon, because there’s no way we’re eating green pea guacamole, no matter how good people at The New York Times tell us it is.


More like this: Why avocado toast obsessions are better in Australia than the US

The post A massive avocado shortage is hitting restaurants hard this season appeared first on Matador Network.

Message in a bottle and author found

Although it’s technically littering, throwing a bottle containing a message in the ocean in the hopes of someone finding it is a lovely, romantic idea. Chances of anyone finding it are very slim, but it’s cool to think someone might pick it up halfway across the world.

Paul Elliot and his son Jyah found a bottle containing a 50-year-old message on the southern Australian coast while fishing. The note identifies the author as Paul Gilmore, a 13-year-old English boy traveling on a ship along the southern Australian coast from Fremantle to Melbourne, and it’s dated November 17, 1969. The note also gives an address in Melbourne, and encourages whoever finds it to write him a reply.

This week, ABC reported that it had found Gilmore’s sister, Annie Crossland, who revealed that currently (and fittingly) her brother is on a cruise in the Baltic Sea. “It’s amazing, absolutely incredible,” she said. “He’ll be chuffed to bits. The last time he was on a ship was probably going to Australia. Cruises aren’t his thing.”

Crossland had also been on the ship in 1969, and recalled seeing her brother writing the message that he would later put in the found bottle.

As reported by The Guardian, according to oceanographer David Griffin, the bottle had probably been buried on a beach for years, and then refloated by a storm. “If it had been dropped in anywhere in the ocean somewhere south of Australia,” he said, “then there’s no way it’s going to stay actually at sea moving around for more than a year or two.”

The improbability of discovering this bottle is pretty staggering, and Gilmore has quite a surprise in store when he returns from his cruise.


More like this: Behind the scenes on a cruise ship — secrets from the crew

The post Father and son find 50-year-old message in a bottle in Australia appeared first on Matador Network.

Avoid skincare issues traveling

There’s simply no good time for skin issues to arise, but if there were, during vacation would most definitely not be it. A bad breakout is one of the worst things that could happen to a person’s travel plans. Sadly, it’s one of the most likely, too. Whatever skin woes you struggle with, they’re sure to flare up the moment you abandon your daily routine for carefree lounging on the beach. As inevitable as it all may seem, there’s a chance that you’re actually the one causing your own grief. Here are five common skincare mistakes that stand between you and the perfect vacation complexion.

1. You’re repackaging your products into travel-sized bottles.

Jar packaging has long been a controversial topic in the skincare world. Any dermatologist will tell you that common ingredients such as retinol — a key component to almost any anti-aging product — lose their potency when exposed to light and air.

Funneling your favorite skincare products into those travel-sized bottles you bought at the drugstore has the same effect, according to the research team at Paula’s Choice. Carrying heavy containers around in your suitcase isn’t ideal, but in order for those essential ingredients to maintain their blemish- and wrinkle-fighting power, they should always be kept in their original packaging. If possible, simply purchase them in smaller doses.

2. You’re not adapting your skincare routine to your destination.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says you need to be switching up your skincare routine at the beginning of every season. When the summer heat gives way to drier, cooler air, that’s when you should swap out your lightweight lotions for rich, heavy creams.

Traveling to a new climate is no different. If your destination is the tropics of Southeast Asia, prepare for thick humidity with lightweight products that let your skin breathe and won’t clog pores. Alternatively, if you’re headed to the mountains this summer, pack the heavy-duty moisturizers to prevent your skin from drying out, especially if you have a history of eczema.

3. You’re buying all new products or using what the hotel provides.

While switching up your morning routine might be necessary protocol for traveling, now is not the time to try new things. Ultimately, the aim should be to adapt the procedure that works for you rather than to reinvent it altogether.

Stocking up on new skincare products just because they’re in smaller bottles would not be wise, Ranella Hirsch of Dermatology Times told Allure. And avoid those hotel freebies at all costs. While the complimentary soaps may work for some people, they can wreak havoc on others. Some don’t even list ingredients on the packaging, so slathering on mystery products could come with consequences.

4. You’re skimping on the wrong things.

You might think that because your skin has been behaved as of late you can go ahead and eschew the acne treatment for a week, but this would be a false assumption you may gravely regret.

According to the experts at Paula’s Choice, “Treatments for redness, clogged pores, and acne, as well as those that promote hydration and brightening should not be left at home because you must use them consistently to maintain the results.”

If you’re going to skimp, the experts suggest leaving behind the face masks, cleansing brushes, and toners.

5. You’re throwing out your healthy diet for too many indulgences.

It’s no secret that excess sugar and alcohol consumption can do terrible things to your complexion. Not drinking enough water can do the same. Summer vacations are often chock-full of sun and activity, often leading to dehydration and more junk food and booze than you might consume on an average day.

While the American Academy of Dermatology says diet isn’t all to blame when it comes to most people’s skin woes (contrary to popular belief), the combination of bad eating habits and lack of hydration can certainly play a factor in throwing your skin out of whack.


More like this: Expert secrets to getting the best sleep on a flight

The post Travel skincare mistakes you’re making that could be causing your complexion woes appeared first on Matador Network.

Rare New Zealand parakeet

Once thought to be extinct, New Zealand’s rare kākāriki karaka bird just had an epic breeding season that’s giving animals lovers around the world some hope for the planet’s wildlife.

This year, the Department of Conservation (DOC) found 31 orange-fronted parakeet nests in the forests of Canterbury on the South Island, which is over three times as many nests as in recent years. The kākāriki karaka birds have just had their best breeding season in decades, with 150 chicks born in the wild. This epic birth boom is estimated to double the population the rare bird that was once ubiquitous across New Zealand.

The DOC attributes this population boom to an abundance of beech seeds, which comprised a large part of the birds’ diet this year. Rats, feral cats, and stoats also feed on beech seeds, however, and the department has vowed to focus on protecting the orange-fronted parakeets from these predators.


More like this: Millennials are super into birding now. Here are the best places to go birding around the world

The post New Zealand’s rarest parakeet just got an epic population boost appeared first on Matador Network.

Best day hikes in Kyoto

Kyoto is best known for its wealth of temples, shrines, and tea houses. It’s a place where traditional culture blends seamlessly with modern life. What’s less well-advertised is the fact that the city also has some areas of breathtaking natural beauty, and it’s not just meticulously sculpted Zen gardens and tourist-filled bamboo groves. The rugged, forested mountains that surround the city on three sides provide an ideal escape from the crowds and urban life. Here are four day hikes that are perfect for getting out in the wilderness and seeing a different side to Japan’s ancient city.

1. Kurama to Kibune

Photo: picotan/Shutterstock

This hike is an ideal blend of nature and culture, taking you from one traditional village to the next via an atmospheric mountaintop temple. Tucked away in the north of the city, the 2.4-mile trail both starts and ends at a train station, meaning that it’s also very easily accessible.

The first part of the route takes you through the Kurama-dera temple complex, past prayer halls, and up stone steps lined with bright red lanterns. It’s worth taking the time to explore here as the temple has plenty of interesting features and is an attraction in its own right.

When you’re ready, follow the trail out the back of the complex and up into the serene woodland slopes of Mount Kurama. You’ll find yourself surrounded by giant pine trees, their gnarled roots stretching visibly over the forest floor beneath you like something out of a fairytale. At the summit, there are a number of benches where you can relax and admire the scenery before heading down towards Kibune. Several smaller temple buildings can be found along the way while the village itself has riverside restaurants and an interesting shrine to visit before heading to the station.

Getting there: Take the Eizan Line train from Demachiyanagi station to Kurama (the last stop) and head up the hill to Kurama temple. The hike finishes at Kibuneguchi station where you can catch a train back to Demachiyanagi.

2. Mount Hiei

Photo: beeboys/Shutterstock

Kyoto’s sacred mountain, Mount Hiei is where the sprawling Enryakuji temple UNESCO World Heritage site is located. Straddling the borders between Kyoto and the neighboring prefecture of Shiga, most people get one of the two cable cars up to the top, but it’s also possible to reach the 2,780-feet summit on foot.

Hiking up is the best way to appreciate everything Hiei has to offer. The narrow trails that wind up towards its peak lead through dense forest and towering cedar trees, and certain spots will have you scrambling over rocks and roots and under tree branches. Some parts have clear paths and makeshift steps to help you on your way while in others it feels as though you’re winding along a channel cut into the ground by a long-forgotten river.

When you reach the top, you can enjoy phenomenal views out over Kyoto city, as well as explore the impressive architecture and endless features of Enryakuji. While you can make the hike year-round, bear in mind that in winter the cable cars will be closed, and the summit will be covered in snow.

Getting there: There are a few different hiking trails up the mountain, but one of the easiest to access is just a 15-minute walk from Shugakuin station on the Eizan Line. From the station, head east and follow the river towards the mountain to reach the start of the trail.

3. Takao to Hozukyo

Photo: CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock

The longest hike on the list, this is a highly enjoyable riverside trail with optional detours to two peaceful temples and one mystical waterfall. Traversing about seven miles through the forests of northwestern Kyoto, the route begins in the picturesque village of Takao. Here you can choose to explore the grounds of Saimyoji and Jingoji temples – both of which see far fewer visitors than those more centrally located — or head straight to the banks of the river to begin the hike.

The path meanders alongside emerald waters in a valley surrounded by mountains, making it stunningly beautiful for much of the hike. About halfway through you’ll find yourself on a gravel bank that makes an ideal lunch or rest spot. Alternatively, there are some picnic tables just across the water. If you have time, take the detour to the Kuya-no-Taki waterfall. Hidden in the depths of the forest and surrounded by abandoned shrine buildings, it’s a genuinely atmospheric feature that’s well worth a visit. The walk then passes through the village of Kiyotaki before joining the river again. The final section takes you back onto the road and down to Hozukyo station.

Getting there: Take a bus towards Takao and get off at Yamashirotakao. Head back the way you came and down to the river via the set of stairs marked with a “Hiking Course” sign. The trail ends at Hozukyo station where you can catch a train back to the city center.

4. Mount Atago

Photo: dokosola/Shutterstock

Mount Atago is the tallest peak in Kyoto city at 3,032 feet tall. High up at its summit stands Atago Shrine, a pleasant and tranquil place believed to offer pilgrims divine protection from fire.

The hike to the top is straightforward but strenuous, consisting of a seemingly endless number of stone steps up the mountainside — and this time there’s no cable car! When you’re almost there, you’ll pass under a striking black wooden gate, followed by a flatter, spacious area with benches and a panoramic view over Kyoto. The highest point is a little further on, at the top of yet more stairs, and marked by the shrine itself.

As with Mount Hiei, while it is technically possible to make the climb all year round, the winter months will see the summit covered in snow and more difficult to reach. For a really unique experience, join the overnight pilgrimage that takes place annually from July 31 to August 1. Strings of spellbinding lanterns are hung along the entire route, and those who make it to the shrine are said to be granted 1,000 days of protection against fire-related disasters. You can’t say that’s not worth the effort.

Getting there: Take a bus to Kiyotaki, then cross the bridge and walk through the village. The trailhead is marked by a red torii gate, which you can spot on the Takao to Hozukyo hike.


More like this: Why Kyoto is best explored by bike

The post Four stunning day hikes you need to do in Kyoto appeared first on Matador Network.

Coolest parking lots in the US

Parking garages are generally the antithesis of art. At best, they are functional slabs of concrete that allow you to avoid circling the streets looking for a space. At worst, they’re underground dungeons of exhaust where every floor looks the same and you spend hours looking for your car.

But in the 21st century, many cities are looking at parking garages as ways to enhance their respective landscapes. Airport parking comparison site Looking4.com teamed with architecture and design mavens Architizer to find garages around the US for just such garages. Places that had both intriguing and functional designs, as well as added to the streets they sat on. The result are these 10 garages, which are currently up for voting on the site’s Coolest Parking Spots in the US contest. So once you’re done reading through here, feel free to go online and vote for your favorite.

1. City View Garage — Miami, Florida

Photo: IwamotoScott Architecture

Much like architects in the days before air conditioning had to design Floridian buildings for ventilation, so did IwamotoScott Architects consider a pleasant cross breeze an integral part of design. Knowing Floridians like nothing less than getting into a hot car on a muggy day, the architects digitally created a large metal screen with folded aluminum apertures, letting in air from all directions while still providing shade.

The outside panels make the garage appear different from every angle, and though it hasn’t been credited with causing any accidents yet, it’s the kind of building that makes motorists hold their gaze. As it’s the main parking structure in Miami’s chic Design District, the City View Garage serves as an aesthetic beacon to the neighborhood. And stands as another global example of Miami’s dedication to modern architecture.

2. UC Davis Medical Center Parking Structure III — Sacramento, California

Photo: Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture

The blazing Sacramento sun has been the bane of many a River City motorist, creating glare and heating their cars to ungodly levels in the summer. But this garage on UC Davis’s Sacramento medical campus uses the abundant sunshine to illuminate the garage with natural light. The exterior is covered in 3,740 aluminum fins set at varying angles, allowing sunshine in to the garage while still keeping it cool. The fins also give the building a unique appearance from the outside, a rare masterpiece of form and function.

3. Helix Garage — Lexington, Kentucky

Photo: Pohl Rosa Pohl

Much like the city itself, Lexington’s Helix garage has taken itself from a nondescript, 20th century relic and turned itself into one of the most impressively modern attractions in the country. Instead of simply giving the garage its requisite structural updates, the city took the Helix renovation as a chance to give Lexington a permanent work of art. Thin steel panels were suspended over the garage, giving its facade the look of a black-and-white modern art piece by day. But at night, the panels light up in differing color schemes, adding a heavy dose of vibrance to the city’s streets.

4. 10th and Wyandotte Garage — Kansas City, Missouri

Photo: BNIM

A colorful addition to Kansas City’s classic collection of brick buildings, this small garage is the creation of artist Andy Brayman and BNIM architects. The exterior is slotted with 600 ceramic inserts of differing hues, giving passers-by something new to look at every time they’re in the neighborhood. Brayman used architectural software to help design the space, a true testament to technology’s ability to create great art.

5. Michigan Theatre — Detroit, Michigan

Photo: Rapp+Rapp/Robert Polidori

Nobody rehabs old relics like Detroit, and perhaps its greatest testament to reinventing decay is the once-glorious Michigan Theatre. In the Motor City’s heyday, this theater was a 4,000-seat palace that housed symphonies, operas, and black-tie galas. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, it was recently gutted and turned into a 160-space parking garage. It may well be the only parking garage in the world where you can park your Lincoln under fading porticos and peeling ornate ceilings. It’s a grand example of what Detroit once was and how its creative spirit is putting it back in the forefront of the American conversation.

6. Mission Bay Parking Structure — San Francisco, California

Photo: WRNS Studio

San Francisco’s last bastion of large-scale development may well be in Mission Bay, where the Golden State Warriors will move into their new home next year and this cutting edge parking garage opened in 2009. Each side of the garage looks different, from pixelated renditions of classic California scenery on the north and east sides to varying-sized white windows on the south side. The southern exposure combined with the creative use of shadows makes this façade the most interesting to photograph, although the neighborhood views from the pedestrian bridge might be just as photogenic.

7. Greenway Self Park — Chicago, Illinois

Photo: HOK

Odds are this River North parking garage is doing more for the environment than most people. Start with the wind turbines, built to take advantage of the Windy City’s frequent gusts. They not only power the garage but also return power to the local grid, all measurable through a reversible meter.

It also has a cistern to collect rainwater, electric car plug-ins, and panels at each elevator bank offering tips on how to live a more sustainable life. Some might argue that not driving in the first place would be a good start, but if you’ve gotta use your car, this garage will make you feel a little better about it.

8. 1111 Lincoln Road — Miami, Florida

Photo: Herzog & de Meuron/Robin Hill via Miami Herald

If 1111 is truly the magic number of love, then it would stand to reason that a parking garage emblazoned with those numbers would be a massively popular wedding venue. Well, that and the fact it offers the best publicly accessible views of Miami. This Herzog & Meuron-designed structure has no walls at all, giving every space a view of Miami Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, or the city skyline.

The ceilings range from eight- to 34-feet tall, allowing the garage to also hold an event space, a penthouse apartment, and retail on the ground floor. Though it’ll cost you anywhere from $15-$50 to park there, the view is almost worth it. Especially when you can enjoy it from the air-conditioned comfort of your car.

9. T3 Parking Structure — Austin, Texas

Photo: Danze Blood Architects

If you’re not paying attention, you could easily drive right past this garage on North Lamar Boulevard near Pease District Park. That’s because the award-winning structure almost camouflages into its surroundings, draped in thick vines climbing along steel screens. The roof leans even further into the car park motif, offering a water detention pond that plays home to local birds and plants. On a hot summer day in Texas, it’s an odd piece of concrete that can actually feel cooling.

10. Sinking Ship — Seattle, Washington

Photo: Mandeville and Berge/Brian Danger

Though it might lack the color or modern architecture of others on this list, no garage does more with its topography than Seattle’s famous sinking ship. Situated on the steep side of a hill where James Street hits Yesler Way at an acute angle, the flat decks of the triangular garage give it the look of a sinking ship’s bow. It sits right in front of Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower, the oldest skyscraper in the city, and though the garage only dates back to 1961, it’s still rumored to be haunted.


More like this: The 7 coolest subway stations from around the world that are worth stopping at

The post These are the 10 coolest parking garages in America appeared first on Matador Network.

Wales street is the world's steepest

If you’re looking for an intense leg workout every day without having to sign up for the gym, moving to this street in Wales might be your best bet. In the town of Harlech, in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, a street called Ffordd Pen Llech has just earned the Guinness World Record title for steepest street in the world. It landed the record by having a gradient of 37.5 percent at its steepest point.

Photo: Guinness World Records

According to Guinness World Record, “The record is measured based on the steepest [highest gradient] section over a 10-meter distance. If the average steepness is taken, you could have a road where one section is extremely steep and the rest is flat, which is not a fair assessment. The gradient is measured by taking the 10-meter stretch road and dividing it by how much it rises/falls over the 10-meter distance.”

But the gradient alone wasn’t enough to secure the title. The road had to meet other criteria as well, including being a “public thoroughfare that is commonly used by the public who have a right of access to drive vehicles along it to get from one destination to another,” explains Guinness World Record.

The street was brought to Guinness’ attention by resident Gwyn Headley, who said, “I first realised this street was a contender for the steepest street in the world when my car slid straight down with all four tires locked.”

Photo: Guinness World Records

Residents of Harlech are rejoicing over the new designation, though residents of Dunedin, New Zealand, home of the former “steepest street in the world,” are said to be disappointed by the loss of their title. That said, according to this photo from Twitter, they have accepted their demise.

Somebody has already put a sticker up. Baldwin Street from today, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the worlds second steepest street. pic.twitter.com/so24pjMBnk

— StreetKiwi (@StreetKiwi) 16 juillet 2019

More like this: 9 outdoor adventures you had no idea were possible in Britain

The post This street in Wales is now officially the steepest in the world appeared first on Matador Network.

Best thrill rides in Las Vegas

Las Vegas might be primarily known for its casinos, but you might be surprised to learn that the biggest adrenaline rush in Sin City isn’t from a $5,000 swing at the blackjack table. In fact, Vegas is home to some of the best roller coasters in the country, as well as a few unique and exhilarating thrill rides. There’s an insane zip line above the Strip, and a terrifying experience that allows you to pilot your own aircraft in the desert. Here are the most thrilling experiences in Las Vegas that are definitely worth getting sweaty palms for.

1. Canyon Blaster

Photo: Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel & Casino/Facebook

If you’re staying at Circus Circus in Vegas, you’ll barely need to leave your hotel to get a thrilling roller coaster experience. Located inside the Adventuredome — a five-acre indoor amusement park complex at the Circus Circus hotel — the Canyon Blaster isn’t for the faint of heart. With steep drops, a double loop, and double corkscrew, you’ll be glad you didn’t indulge in the hotel buffet beforehand. Although much of the ride gives you great views of the rest of the Adventuredome, at one point it actually gets so dark you can hardly see in front of you — and traveling at 55 mph is not exactly prime sightseeing speed. To enter the Adventuredome park and gain access to all of the rides, a wristband costs $33.95.

Where: 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

2. Sky Combat Ace

Photo: Sky Combat Ace/Facebook

Perhaps the most adrenaline-pumping experience you can have in Las Vegas actually isn’t on the Strip at all. At Sky Combat Ace, about 20 minutes north of the Strip, you will have the opportunity to fly your own aerobatic plane alongside trained pilots. The experience is designed for total beginners, which may sound absolutely insane, but it’s also good news for anyone who has always dreamed of starring in Top Gun. Professional pilots will train you in everything you need to know to fly the plane, and will sit beside you the entire time making sure you don’t get yourself killed. You’ll attempt stunts, spins, drops, and even simulated military campaigns. A wide range of packages are available online, so you can choose whatever experience fits you best.

Where: 1420 Jet Stream Dr #100, Henderson, NV 89052

3. SkyJump

Photo: The STRAT Las Vegas/Facebook

Bungee jumping off Seattle’s Space Needle is currently only a VR experience, but in Vegas you can do the real thing at the Stratosphere. The view of the Strip from the top is simply incredible, and bungee jumpers certainly understand the thrill of such a dramatic drop. With a 855-foot fall, the experience holds a Guinness World Record for the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. SkyJump is $129.99 per jump, and you must be 14 years or older to zoom toward the ground at 40 mph.

Where: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

4. Vegas Mini Baja Chase

Photo: Vegas

Going all the way to Vegas and not having an epic desert experience would be a waste of time. The Vegas Mini Baja Chase gives you the opportunity to spend a day on custom-built dune buggies over the Nellis Dunes, about 20 minutes northeast of the Strip. After an orientation, you will embark upon a buggy journey over some rugged terrain, including steep hills, sand dunes, gravel, and hard-packed dirt. You’ll be following a guide, but this will feel unlike any tour you’ve ever been on — by the end, you will have raced across 15,000 acres of desert landscape. The experience includes transportation to and from your hotel, and you have the option of booking a one-seat, two-seat, four-seat, or six-seat buggy. Prices start at $80 per person, and tours can be booked online.

5. The Big Apple Coaster

Photo: New York – New York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas/Facebook

The Big Apple Coaster, located at the New York-New York Hotel, might be more thrilling than anything you can do in the actual Big Apple. This roller coaster would be exhilarating without any additional bells and whistles, but what really sets it apart is the virtual reality option. You can choose to upgrade your ride with VR goggles, which adds advanced, immersive graphics to make the entire experience pop. Once you strap on the headset, you will assume the role of a scientist pursuing an escaped alien through the Nevada desert and Vegas skyline. Coaster tickets are $15; the virtual reality experience is $20.

Where: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

6. Insanity

Photo: The STRAT Las Vegas/Facebook

If you’d rather not free-fall off the Stratosphere, you can always take the tamer route with Insanity — a ride that dangles you 866 feet in the air and spins you around, all while forcing you to stare at the ground. A massive mechanical arm extends 64 feet from the edge of the Stratosphere, and spins you at speeds of up to 65 mph. The real accomplishment isn’t even taking the ride — it’s keeping your eyes open. Adult admission costs $25 per person, with children 12 and under at $14. Keep in mind that you must be at least four feet tall to ride.

Where: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

7. X-Scream

Photo: The STRAT Las Vegas/Facebook

Also located at the Stratosphere, X-Scream is basically a giant seesaw 866 feet in the air. It propels you 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere, where you will dangle briefly above the strip before being pulled back — and it repeats over and over again. Even though you can anticipate the undulating motions, the ride is designed to surprise you, and make you feel like you’re constantly at risk of falling from the building. Adults cost $25, children cost $14, and you must be at least four feet tall to ride.

Where: Where: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

8. Rio Zipline

Photo: Rio Zip Line/Facebook

If you’d rather fly above the Strip than toward its pavement, the Rio Zipline, the tallest and fastest zip line in Vegas, will do the trick. You and a partner can sit side by side and zoom through the air at 33 mph between the two towers at the Rio. To reach the starting point, you will take an initial 800-foot zipline ride facing backward. Then, once you’ve arrived at the Rio Zipline Lounge atop the Rio’s Masquerade tower, you will cruise at an altitude of 490-feet in the air for about 70 seconds (though it will probably feel like much longer). You can ride during the day or at night. Tickets are just $25 per person and can be booked online.

Where: 3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

9. High Roller

Photo: Checubus/Shutterstock

At 550 feet high (11 stories), the High Roller is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Even if you consider Ferris wheels to be rather tame compared to dropping 855 feet toward the ground, the sheer height of the High Roller is enough to make it thrilling. Located on the premises of the LINQ Hotel, it’s the perfect way to get 360-degree views of the Strip without putting yourself through the heart-stopping anxiety of Insanity or the Rio Zipline. It takes around 30 minutes for the wheel to complete one rotation, and the cabins are fairly spacious — so it’ll be pretty easy to convince even your most cautious friends or family members to go for a spin. Adult tickets are $22 during the day and $32 at night.

Where: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109


More like this: The 7 strangest theme parks around the world

The post The 9 best roller coasters and thrill rides in Las Vegas appeared first on Matador Network.

How to have the best vacation sex

Vacations and sex go together like sunshine and ice cream. It’s easy to see why it’s such a pleasing pairing: One of the biggest contributors to a low libido is stress. On vacation, daily worries melt away and you have more free time to enjoy each other’s company. Traveling with your partner is proven to improve your relationship, and so does frequent nookie. So with this in mind, here’s a guide to giving sex a starring role on your next trip away.

1. Bring your toys.

Vacations are the perfect time to try new things and intimately reconnect with your partner, and bringing toys along for the ride is a great way to enhance your adventures. Just remember to do your research about what you can and can’t bring, choose discreet versions that don’t take up too much space in your luggage, and pack everything safely and securely. Nothing kills the mood like having your best butt plug whipped out at airport security for all to see.

2. Turn your phone and laptop off.

This one’s on par with “don’t stick a fork in the toaster” in terms of obvious advice, but it’s such an important point. While you should send your other half a steamy message or two throughout the day, being glued to your screen on vacation is a definite no. Not only does it show your partner you’re not invested in the time you’re spending together, it also draws your attention away from enjoying the moment, intimate or not. Plus, heavy phone use is linked to feelings of anxiety and depression, so you’re potentially compromising your own well-being too.

The same goes for bringing phones into the bedroom. A recent study by Asurion found that couples who brought their devices to bed were twice as likely to spend time staring at their screens than getting romantic. And receiving a text from your mom or boss is a real mood killer. Switch it off, or better yet — leave it in another room. If you know you’ll have some early starts while you’re away, then bring an old-fashioned alarm clock along.

3. Plan for unsexy things.

Vibrators, lube, and bikinis aside, you’ll need to pack things like sanitary items, contraception, ibuprofen, and other medication to help with an upset stomach, allergies, and bites. If you’re concerned about emergency contraception, then remember to pack some just in case. It’s readily available in the US, China, and much of Europe, but in other countries, it’s only accessible with a prescription or not at all. If you’re worried your own supply may be confiscated, ask your doctor to write you a note.

It’s tricky to find tampons and condoms in some regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Bring a small stash if you can’t do without or want to avoid miming using a tampon to a pharmacist who doesn’t speak your language.

4. Do new activities together.

Research shows that couples who try new activities together are happier. Unfamiliar experiences stimulate the dopamine system — and when you do something that causes you to release this happy hormone, it’s a positive reinforcer. This means you’ll feel more open to trying new things and be in a better position to deal with snafus (if they do happen).

Cooking classes, horse riding, hiking, and extreme sports are all good options because people bond faster when they’re working on something challenging, as opposed to doing something passive, like watching a movie or sunbathing. And remember to pick activities together and acknowledge your partner’s ideas so you do something that you both enjoy.

5. Dive in (with caution).

Sex in the hot tub, pool, or ocean is a summer sex staple. But it’s not all smooth sailing: Water isn’t all that hygienic (hello yeast infection!) and it decreases a woman’s natural lubrication. If you’re planning on getting frisky underwater then add extra slipperiness with silicone lube (water-based options wash away) and bring medication just in case you do get a bacterial infection.

Water also lowers the effectiveness of condoms, so if you’re using one, make sure it’s well-fitted, and don’t take it off until you’re on dry land. Oh, and public sex is illegal everywhere, so be extra careful when getting it on in the sea.

6. Spend time apart.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or so the saying goes. When you go on vacation with your other half, you’re suddenly thrown into a situation where you’re around them 24/7. This sudden leap can feel surprisingly stifling, so remember to take some time apart, even if that’s just you lounging by the pool while your partner goes shopping. Not only does this give you breathing space, it means no one feels pressured to do an activity they’re not interested in, and you’ll have plenty to talk about over dinner later on.

Just because you’re spending time apart, doesn’t mean you can’t get sexy together. Aside from sexting, you could try app-operated toys, like the We-Vibe, which lets your partner control your stimulation from a completely different location.

7. Manage expectations.

It’s natural to look forward to your trip together and picture how amazing it’ll be. But don’t idealize things too much: Vacations rarely go perfectly, and if your idea about how things should be is too rigid, you’ll set yourself up for disappointment.

Food poisoning, UTIs, hangovers, exhaustion, sunburns, crowds, and hotel building work happen. When plans go belly up, remember to stay calm and not let irritation get the better of you. Talk issues out rather than storing resentment up. And if things do get to be too much and you end up having an argument, try to keep your temper in check, don’t blame each other, and get some space, as well as a bite to eat and a nap if necessary.

8. Don’t get sunburned.

Aside from being bad for you and painful, a sunburn limits your ability to enjoy any physical activity together. Plus, lobster-red and peeling is not a great look. Remember to slather on plenty of sunscreen whenever you’re outside, and get your partner to smooth it onto those hard-to-reach spots.

9. Pick the perfect time.

Contrary to popular belief, getting it on at the end of the day when you’re full of wine and food is not sexy. You’re both exhausted from sightseeing, and while alcohol increases desire, it decreases the quality of the experience.

Try having sex first thing in the morning, or in the early afternoon. Not only are you full of energy, but you’ll feel relaxed and more connected throughout the rest of the day, and it takes the pressure off later when neither of you can be bothered. If you’re planning an evening hookup, then cut back on the food and wine and send each other steamy messages throughout the day to build anticipation.

10. Respect your hormones.

Testosterone is a hormone present in both men and women, and it plays a big part in our libido’s peaks and dips. High testosterone levels mean high sex drive. Unfortunately for heterosexual couples, males and females peak at different times of the day (males in the morning and females in the afternoon/early evening), so don’t get upset if one of you is up for it and the other isn’t.

Try picking a time that’s somewhere in between, or relax and cuddle together in bed without necessarily having sex. Simply being close to each other builds intimacy and shows your partner that they’re your top priority. And don’t forget to hang your “do not disturb” sign on the door so room service doesn’t surprise you with a knock.


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Florida heat will soon be deadly

Florida is famous as a warm destination for those trying to escape frigid climates, but soon, Floridians might be the ones fleeing to colder temperatures for safety reasons. According to a new study from the Union of Concerned Scientists, titled “Killer Heat in the United States,” temperatures in Florida will rise to life-threatening levels by 2036. The study stated that without any action to combat the rise of temperatures due to heat-trapping emissions, Central Florida will experience 105 days with a heat index of over 100 degrees between 2036 an 2065.

“Over the last 30 years,” the study said, “on average, exposure to extreme heat was the top cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. If we wish to spare people in the United States and around the world the mortal dangers of extreme and relentless heat, there is little time to do so and little room for half measures. We need to employ our most ambitious actions to prevent the rise of extreme heat.”

Extreme heat is linked to a number of health issues, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, sunburns, and heat rashes. According to the CDC, more than 600 people in the US die every year of extreme heat.

To prevent temperatures from rising to extreme levels, the study suggested that the government rapidly take action to reduce carbon-emitting power sources.


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