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Most underrated scuba diving sites

Over 70 percent of our planet is covered by ocean, so it’s no surprise that there are thousands of incredible scuba diving destinations around the world. But most divers never stray far from the most popular and well-known hotspots. This means that the most famous places, from Mexico to the Philippines, often feature boring dives, packed boats, and congested sites. It’s time to change that. Read on for our top scuba diving destinations that you’ve never heard of, and start planning the diving trip of your dreams — minus the tourist crowds.

1. Aliwal Shoal: uncaged shark dives

Photo: Izen Kai/Shutterstock

Plenty of divers visit South Africa for its incredible shark diving. Yet few visitors make it past caged immersions in Cape Town. The Aliwal Shoal is just a quick trip up the eastern coast and offers wrecks, reefs, and up-close encounters with sharks. Plus, this area boasts plenty of marine megafauna like manta rays and dolphins.

Every year between July and November, thousands of sand tiger sharks, locally known as “raggies,” gather in the Aliwal Shoal to mate. During these months, it’s common to spot 15 to 20 sharks on every dive. And, you won’t spend your time sitting in a cage. Best of all, the most impressive dive sites like Cathedral and Raggies Cave are suitable for divers of all skill levels.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous underwater experience, the Aliwal Shoal also offers baited or chummed shark diving. You can expect to encounter tiger sharks, oceanic black tips, bull sharks, and duskies in a single immersion. And, nearby wrecks like the SS Nebo and the Produce are perfect for swimming into, or “penetration” in diving parlance.

2. Banco Chinchorro: freshwater crocodiles

Photo: Alexander Machulskiy/Shutterstock

While most divers in Mexico’s Yucatan flock to popular sites around Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen, some of the region’s most exciting diving is found further south. Just off the coast of Chetumal, near the border with Belize, lies Banco Chinchorro. This coral atoll is the largest in the northern hemisphere, and it’s jam-packed with stunning and seldom-visited dive sites.

In addition to high-speed drift dives, plunging walls, and thriving reefs, divers in this region can explore multiple shipwrecks including several Spanish Galleons. In fact, Banco Chinchorro is known as the “ship cemetery” thanks to these spooky dive spots. Most of the sunken hulks are best left for advanced divers, but a few are appropriate for newbies, too. Keep in mind that you should never enter a shipwreck without proper training and certification.

If you’re looking for even more of an adrenaline rush, Banco Chinchorro still has plenty in store. This is one of the only places on planet earth where divers can swim alongside wild saltwater crocodiles. These prehistoric giants are typically found resting in the region’s mangroves and turtle grass. They make surprisingly easy subjects for underwater photographers.

3. Aqaba: sharks and a sunken tank

Photo: Shahar Shabtai/Shutterstock

Egypt’s Red Sea attracts thousands of visitors per year. Neighboring countries like Jordan, however, offer diving of the same caliber, minus the day-boats filled with tourists. In recent years, Aqaba has been growing in popularity thanks to its flourishing reefs, wrecks, and off-the-beaten-path vibes. But with perks like easy shore access, small dive groups, and low prices, this up and coming destination won’t stay a secret for much longer.

If you’ve never been shore diving, Aqaba is an excellent place to give it a try. Pickup trucks or vans take you to the dive sites, and most sites offer super simple entrance and exit points. With no big waves or surge, you just suit up and walk straight into the water. The reef also begins close to shore so you won’t have to worry about any long surface swims.

Aqaba is home to a number of shipwrecks, appropriate for divers of all certification levels. In fact, a sunken army tank, one of the region’s most famous sites for photographers, is even suitable for the Discover Scuba course. Other, deeper wrecks like the Cedar Pride and Taiyong are perfect for advanced and even technical divers.

4. Malapascua: thresher sharks

Photo: Whatafoto/Shutterstock

If the Philippines aren’t on your bucket list, you might not be a diver. This archipelago is made up of thousands of islands, and while most of them offer outstanding diving, others have become crowded tourist traps. These days, divers in the know venture a bit further off the beaten path to Malapascua, a small island off the coast of Cebu.

While there is plenty to see underwater in Malapascua, thresher sharks are the stars of the show. Early morning immersions allow divers to come face to face with these graceful predators as they rise from the depths to visit nearby cleaning stations. Shark encounters on Malapascua are passive, using no chum or bait. Divers simply relax on the reef and watch as the sharks slowly cruise by in the current.

The other main highlight while diving in Malapascua is a day trip to Gato Island. This is an excellent place to spot both macro and megafauna with plenty of dive sites to choose from. The island is also a breeding ground for sea snakes, which make appearances on nearly every immersion.

5. Ambon: small, beautiful creatures

Photo: fenkieandreas/Shutterstock

It’s no secret that Indonesia is home to some of the planet’s best muck diving and macro. Most underwater photographers and lovers of the small stuff head straight to the island of Sulawesi to dive the Lembeh Strait. But if you’re hoping to comb through silt and rubble for some of the planet’s strangest creatures, consider a trip to Ambon, in the Banda Sea. The diving is just as interesting, with fewer visitors and lower prices.

If you’ve never heard of Ambon, don’t feel bad. It’s not exactly on the tourist radar. It will be soon, though. Dive sites in this region are literally crawling with fascinating finds like mimic and blue-ringed octopuses, frogfish, and a stunning array of nudibranchs. Some of this area’s best sites are accessible from shore, and plenty of buddy teams dive unguided. That said, you’ll want to hire a local spotter if you don’t have a sharp eye.

While the small stuff is this region’s number one attraction, Ambon has plenty more to offer. Plummeting walls, colorful reefs, and one-on-one encounters with large marine wildlife sweeten the deal. Farther-flung dive sites are known for run-ins with whale sharks and schooling hammerheads. There are plenty of wrecks to explore here, too, some of which are even open to exploration by beginner divers.


More like this: Swimming with dolphins in the Red Sea is a truly magical experience

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Quebec City vs Montreal

For a long time now, Montreal has been the dominant destination in Eastern Canada for New Englanders, whether it’s been for a best friend’s bachelor party, a long summer weekend away with some friends, or a romantic getaway. After all, it has a great nightlife, a beautiful old town, and a European vibe that seemingly transports you right out of North America. While Montreal certainly has its merits, many people overlook its neighbor to the northeast. Quebec City is under three hours from the Vermont border, and rivals Montreal in atmosphere, food, history, and nightlife. It’s not as busy as Montreal and you probably can’t get poutine at 4:00 AM after a night out, but you won’t care. Quebec City is easy to navigate on foot, has a legendary bar scene, and feels like a French village within Canada. Here’s why Quebec City is keeping Montreal on its toes.

It’s like stepping into the past.

Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

While the cobbled streets and port promenades of the tiny sliver that is Old Montreal are worth checking out, if you’re truly craving European-inspired architecture in Canada, you need to head to Quebec City. Here, old-town charm is the rule, not the exception. From the stone-laid shopping thoroughfare of Rue Saint-Paul to the narrow Rue du Petit-Champlain — named after Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec City in 1608 and North America’s very first commercial district — the illusion of walking down a European street is rarely shattered. This is especially true because nearly everyone speaks French as their first language. It’s much more prevalent than in Montreal, and while you shouldn’t have too much trouble communicating, it’s something to be aware of.

Photo: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

To reach the Petit-Champlain district, descend the Breakneck Stairs — the city’s oldest stairway, built in 1635 and named for its incredible steepness. Make sure to check out the famous mural on the side of a house at 102 Rue du Petit-Champlain, painted in the trompe-l’oeil style (an optical illusion “deceptive to the eye”). The mural depicts the neighborhood’s history, including the bombardments of 1759, landslides of 1889, and a fire in 1682.

Photo: meunierd/Shutterstock

Even if you can’t afford to actually stay there, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a must-see. Opened in 1893, this castle-like hotel is Quebec City’s most recognizable monument. It overlooks a boardwalk with stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, and though the rooms are quite expensive, anyone can stroll through the ornate lobby and enjoy a drink at 1608.

The nightlife is on point.

For solid cocktail bars and truly epic nightclubs, there’s no need to brave Montreal’s crowds and pay the absurd cover charges. The Grande Allée has everything you need when it comes to Quebec City nightlife, all conveniently placed on a single street. Start at L’Atelier, a trendy yet affordable cocktail bar that always has a lively atmosphere. From there, head right next door to Chez Dagobert, Quebec’s premier nightclub. Unlike most clubs, the average cocktail at Dagobert shouldn’t cost most than $7 or $8, so you can actually have a solid night out without breaking the bank.

Photo: Ciel Bistro-Bar/Facebook

If you’re looking for a quieter evening, Ciel! Bistro-Bar, inside the Le Concorde hotel and right on the Grand Allée, is Quebec City’s resident skybar. Enjoy drinks, food, and a panoramic view of the city’s old town and St. Lawrence River. It closes a bit earlier than the other bars, which are open until 3:00 AM, but after a few drinks here you can easily stroll down the road to L’Atelier, Pub Ozone, Société Cigare, or one of the other great options.

Nature is just minutes away.

Photo: Michiel Meyboom/Shutterstock

Sure, Montreal has Mount Royal, which gives you a spectacular view of the city. But it’s still pretty impossible to escape the feeling that you’re in an urban environment. In Quebec City, nature isn’t a chore to access, and when you do, you’ll actually feel like you’ve stepped into the countryside. In the heart of the city, you can easily spend an entire day relaxing on the Plains of Abraham. The former site of a pivotal battle in 1759, in the French and Indian War, the area is now a large urban park. Quebec City’s version of Central Park, the plains have 254 acres of wooded, grassy, and flowering plains. Hike up to the top and enjoy perfect views of the river and Château Frontenac.

Photo: Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

And if you thought Niagara Falls was the only waterfall worth seeing in eastern Canada, think again. A 15-minute drive from the city will bring you to Montmorency Falls Park, dominated by a thundering 272-foot-tall waterfall, which is actually 99 feet taller than Niagra. It tumbles over a cliff into the St. Lawrence River, and visitors can access the falls from several different angles via staircases around the park. A suspension bridge allows for easy and convenient access, and if you really don’t like walking, a cable car will take you to the top. In the summertime, there is even a fireworks competition hosted by the park, with the falls as a backdrop.

Photo: Mont-Sainte-Anne/Facebook

Whistler and Banff may dominate the Canadian ski scene, but you can also hit the slopes in Quebec. Mont Sainte-Anne lies just a half-hour north of the city, and it’s widely known for its perfect powder and favorable conditions for alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It’s close enough to the city that you can make it a convenient day trip — you don’t have to wake up super early to hit the slopes, or worry about finding expensive lodging on the mountain. Keep in mind that since the mountain is pretty far north, it’s a little colder than what you may be used to, so put on an extra pair of long underwear under your snow pants.


More like this: Canada’s national dessert has a food trail every dessert lover needs to try

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Scotland threatened referendum

The consequences of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union have always been wide-ranging, but Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has just upped the ante. On Wednesday, she called for a new Scottish independence referendum should Britain leave the EU. This vote would take place by 2021.

In a 2014 referendum, Scots voted against independence by a relatively slim margin — 54 percent to 46 percent — though the political climate has significantly shifted since then, in the wake of the Brexit controversy.

Even though the UK voted to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit vote, Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain, signifying a fissure between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Sturgeon argues that the Scottish people have already made their voices heard on the issue, and they should not be dragged out of the EU against their will.

Although actually holding the referendum would require approval from the British government, Sturgeon has said that the Scottish parliament would introduce legislation setting the parameters of a new vote.

The British government, however, is not ready to allow such a vote to go forward anytime soon. Davi Mundell, the British government’s secretary of state for Scotland, said that Sturgeon “continues to press for divisive constitutional change when it is clear that most people in Scotland do not want another independence referendum.”

In response, Sturgeon argues that if there is sufficient demand for independence, “then no UK government will be able to stop the will of the people.”

Brexit was initially scheduled to take place last month but has been delayed until October 31 as Prime Minister Theresa May struggles to obtain parliamentary support.

H/T: The New York Times

More like this: How to plan an epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands

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Rebuilding Notre Dame with 3D print

After the fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral, there has been significant debate about when and how to rebuild the iconic building. Dutch company Concr3de is proposing an idea many probably haven’t considered: using 3D printing.

Founded by Eric Geboers and Matteo Baldassari in 2016, the company has already used 3D scans to reproduce Le Stryge, the cathedral’s most famous chymere, which was badly damaged in the fire.

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Gebers told Dezeen, “We saw the spire collapse and thought we could propose a way to combine the old materials with new technology to help speed up the reconstruction and make a cathedral that is not simply a copy of the original, but rather a cathedral that would show its layered history proudly.”

Indeed, their copy of the statue utilized a mixture of limestone and ash — similar to the materials found in the wake of the fire. By using the debris left behind after the blaze, Geboers believes it will help preserve the building’s historical integrity.

Gebers even believes that his technique could be used to replace the stone vaults that were damaged in the fire.

Although it might sound technologically complex, Gebers even suggests that this process would be cheaper than having highly trained and skilled artisans cut new pieces of stone, and could be done within the five-year timeframe promised by French President Emmanuel Macron.

H/T: Dezeen

More like this: 9 amazing wooden churches you need to check out

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The best Balkans road trip itinerary

If you want an affordable road trip that takes you through several countries and a diversity of cultures in a relatively short time, the Balkans are the ultimate destination. Unless you’re daunted by changing currencies or multiple languages, this area of Eastern Europe is the perfect place to have an epic vacation on a budget. Composed of Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, and Slovenia, the Balkans region might sound vast and intimidating, but it’s easier than you think.

Just a few hours of driving will bring you from rural and mountainous Bosnia to the sunny coast of Croatia. A bit farther, you’ll find yourself on the rugged and sparse roads of Albania. One of the best things about all this inter-country travel is that it’s incredibly cheap. Renting a car for a week shouldn’t set you back more than $250, and though prices vary by country, the average meal shouldn’t exceed $7 or $8. You won’t want to plan every aspect of your trip, but you should at least have a basic idea of the area’s geography, and which countries you’d like to visit. Here’s how to get the most out of your Balkans road trip.

Starting out — Bulgaria and Serbia

Photo: Kanuman/Shutterstock

The best part about the Balkans is that you can pretty much hit the road from any major city you want. The configuration of the countries makes it easy to drive through the region in a loop, regardless of where you decide to begin. That said, Sofia, Bulgaria is a great place to start. The night before you set out, you can make a pre-journey toast at the outdoor The Cocktail Bar, or grab dinner at the Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar, which has sweeping views of the iconic St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Photo: e2dan/Shutterstock

When you’re ready to start driving, head west to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It takes about five hours without stops. While you can certainly hit some smaller cities along the way, it’s worth it to head straight for Belgrade so you have as much time as possible there. Spend an afternoon exploring Belgrade Fortress and the surrounding Kalemegdan Park, and no matter what day of the week you arrive, there’s always something happening at night. Belgrade is famous for its floating nightclubs, and it’s pretty obvious why: They’re floating nightclubs. Located inside barges along the Sava River, which feeds into the Danube, these clubs are fairly typical on the interior. The moment you look outside or step onto the deck, though, you’re reminded that you’ve been shredding a dance floor just a few feet above the water.

“Danger: Land Mines” — Bosnia and Herzegovina

Photo: Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

You’ve kicked off your road trip with a bang in these major cities, but now it’s time to plunge into more rural terrain. Indeed, if you’re not careful, you might get more “bang” on this next leg of your trip than you’re looking for. Once you continue west and cross the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the mountains, you’ll start seeing road signs that read “Danger: Land Mines.” Don’t worry. Most of these unexploded mines, which remain from the Bosnian War of the early ‘90s, are inactive and pose no threat to you. Stay on main roads, heed the signs, avoid any off-roading, and you’ll be fine.

History buffs should be sure to stop in Sarajevo. Many of us might not be able to articulate exactly how or why World War I started, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the Latin Bridge in Sarajevo is generally the one detail we’ve retained from high school history class.

Photo: Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

You can spend the night in Sarajevo, or move on to the quieter, lesser-known Bosnian city of Mostar, about two hours south. Mostar’s defining feature is the 78-foot-high Stari Most bridge, a 16th-century Ottoman bridge right in the city center. If you’re lucky, you might witness a few Bosnians diving from the bridge into the river, which is considered a local right of passage.

Photo: bogdymol/Shutterstock

Before crossing the border into Croatia, stop and visit Kravica Falls, about an hour south of Mostar. This series of cascading waterfalls rivals anything you’ll find in Iceland, and it’s a great way to experience Bosnia’s often overlooked natural beauty.

The Mediterranean coast — Croatia and Montenegro

Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi

If you have lots of time, you can continue southwest and explore more of Croatia, like Split, Zagreb, and Plitvice Lakes. But if you’re short on time, cut southeast toward Dubrovnik.

Arriving in Dubrovnik might at first feel like arriving in Italy. With a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, the city almost feels like an off-center extension of Western Europe. Its main street, the Stradun, is lined with French and Italian-inspire eateries, and food isn’t quite as cheap here as in other parts of the Balkans. Whatever you end up eating, try to add some Dalmatian ham, a local meat that every waiter will highly recommend.

Dubrovnik isn’t a huge city, but it’s worth spending a night or two there, especially if you’ve always wanted to experience the real-life King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. Banje Beach is a five-minute walk from the town center, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the medieval Walls of Dubrovnik that encircle the town. And, unlike many cities where the nightlife is inconveniently located away from the historic streets, Dubrovnik’s best club, Culture Club Revelin, is literally inside a fortress in Old Town.

Photo: cge2010/Shutterstock

The drive east along the Croatian and Montenegrin coast is probably the most picturesque of the entire trip. It will take you through several seaside towns you should stop and explore at your leisure, including Perast and Kotor. It’s worth spending an afternoon checking out the Bay of Kotor and the nearby Lovcen National Park before continuing east. If you want, you can hit the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica, but there are so many scenic towns along the route you shouldn’t feel bad about skipping it.

A fascinating anomaly — Albania

Photo: Shemyakina Tatiana/Shutterstock

From here, you have a choice. You can take the northern route through Kosovo and northern North Macedonia or the southern route through Albania. While neither will disappoint, going through Albania will probably give you a more unique cultural experience. If you were playing a game of “which of these things isn’t like the others,” that thing would be Albania.

The country has a prominent Islamic influence, which is apparent the minute you cross the border. The landscape is dotted with an abundance of mosques and minarets, the Muslim call to prayer echoes through cities five times a day, and very little English is spoken. It’s also worth noting that credit cards are rarely accepted, so make sure you’re carrying Albanian Leks. This, combined with the country’s largely rugged and undeveloped landscape, makes you feel like you’ve into an entirely different part of the world.

Photo: ollirg/Shutterstock

If you decide to spend a night in Albania, the town of Kruje is a good choice. About an hour north of the capital of Tirana, the road to Kruje takes you up a winding tree-lined hill to a medieval town, still very much in touch with its roots. Stay at the aptly named Hotel Panorama for sweeping views of the town and surrounding countryside. When it comes to food, don’t be afraid to indulge. Food here is cheaper than anywhere else in the Balkans, with a hearty kabob entree costing only $4 or $5. If you spend even more time in Albania, you’ll get to enjoy practically empty, stunning beaches — some of the most underrated beaches in the world.

The home stretch — North Macedonia and back to Bulgaria

Photo: Atosan/Shutterstock

You’ll have to go a bit out of your way to see everything the Republic of North Macedonia has to offer, but it’s worth it. Cross the border close to Lake Ohrid and spend some time in the lakeside town before heading to Galičica National Park just a few minutes’ drive away. Find a hiking trail and spend a few hours stretching your legs or, if you’re really ambitious, hike Galičica mountain itself.

The most direct route back to Sofia would take you due west toward the Bulgarian border, but then you’d miss out on North Macedonia’s most stunning natural landmark: Matka Canyon. A two-and-a-half hour drive northeast from Ohrid, and just 30 minutes outside the capital of Skopje, the canyon extends for 12 miles down Matka Lake. You can hire a boat to bring you down the lake, or traverse the winding walking paths, which pass through several medieval monasteries. There’s even a restaurant right on the water’s edge, so you can enjoy lunch with some pretty incredible views.

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

You can stop in Skopje if you like, but your time might be better spent heading for Bulgaria. Return straight to Sofia if you’re sick of the road and crave a bit of civilization or take a short detour to the Rila Mountains, just under two hours south of the capital. The mountains offer some of Bulgaria’s most beautiful natural scenery, and the Rila Monastery is certainly worth the detour. A UNESCO World Heritage Center, it’s the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, and a visit here is the perfect way to finish your Balkans trip on a high note.

Photo: Takashi Images/Shutterstock

The true beauty of a Balkans road trip is its flexibility. The above framework takes you through seven countries and can be done comfortably in 10-12 days. If you have your heart set on seeing Slovenia, Moldova, and Kosovo, however, and are able to add a few days to your trip, it wouldn’t take much tinkering to make it happen.


More like this: Why you shouldn’t overlook Kosovo on your Balkan trip

The post How to plan the ultimate road trip through the Balkans appeared first on Matador Network.

Behr Paint to hire a Color Explorer

The human perception of color is a more complicated phenomenon than it might at first seem. The range of subtleties and complexities in colors is so vast and diverse, it’s extremely rare to actually be able to distinguish between the variety of subtle hues — like eggshell white and off-white or cerulean blue and robin’s egg blue. If you’re one of those people who is truly gifted when it comes to colors, this could be the ideal job.

Behr Paint is looking to hire a “Color Explorer” — someone who loves color and is intrigued by the lesser-known, subtler colors of the palette. The successful applicant will travel the US and Canada in search of color inspiration with the ultimate goal of creating (and naming) a new Behr Paint color.

Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint, said in a statement, “People are fascinated by the paint color-naming process. It requires a lot of time and creativity because each name tells a microstory about the specific shade. Our color experts travel the globe tracking down emerging color trends, and we’re excited to give our Behr Color Explorer a glimpse into this process by sending them on a search for new, dynamic hues to add to Behr Paint’s color collection.”

According to the job description, successful applicants can expect to “travel to colorful destinations and events across the US and Canada, capture detailed field notes and photos of the color inspiration discovered at each stop, share your color exploration journey on social media and the Colorfully, BEHR blog, and use your findings to create a name beautiful new Behr Paint colors.”

And the best part — all travel expenses are covered, in addition to a $10,000 stipend.

You must be 21 years old with a valid passport to apply. Simply visit the application page and write about what color inspires you, in 150 words or less, by May 15.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: The 9 most colorful neighborhoods in the world

The post Behr Paint is hiring a ‘Color Explorer’ to travel North America searching for a new color appeared first on Matador Network.

Best restaurants in Trastevere, Rome

Trastevere, located just south of Vatican City in central Rome, is the kind of neighborhood that embodies all of the charming little things you expect to find in Italy. Here, cobblestone streets play host to cheese and prosciutto shops where mammas shop for goods to prepare lunch while locals and expats laugh, argue, and drink pinot grigio in streetside cafes and restaurants. This is where you can still find Rome’s old social scene, clinging to its bohemian roots no matter how hip and modern the greater city becomes.

Trastevere translates literally to “across the river,” signifying where you have to go to avoid the crowds that flood Rome’s center. Ask a passing local and they’ll tell you that this place is the perfect balance of Italian tradition and cosmopolitan vibes. The Hollywood of Rome, as locals call it, is also a heck of a place to grub down. Here’s how to eat your way through the neighborhood.

Pasta e Vino

Photo: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock

What pulls you into this cozy place isn’t Marco, the handsome host stationed out front, but the big window looking out to the street where you can see the chef preparing pasta from scratch. Victoria, Pasta e Vino’s pasta master, is always happy to show you around her cooking station and let you sample the freshest piece of linguini you’ll ever eat. While the restaurant specializes in pasta with homemade sauces, you can also opt for a rich eggplant parm with fresh basil. No matter what you order, sit next to the piano and relax with a glass of the house white wine. Finish your meal with an espresso, which comes with a wine cookie. Come for lunch or dinner and plan to stay a while.

Where: Vicolo de’ Cinque, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

La Tavernetta 29

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Meat and seafood lovers will fall for La Tavernetta 29 as soon as they spot the massive hunks of aged T-bone steaks on the window. The beauty of this restaurant is the open-fire wood grill used to get just the right texture and smoky flavor, which goes along with Rome’s penchant for finely smoked meats. First-time visitors from the States likely haven’t tasted anything quite like it — either the meats or the colorful seafood combinations topping pasta dishes. Make sure someone in your party orders the beef or a tender piece of lamb, served with potatoes. A dinner for two, complete with a bottle of wine, coffee, and tiramisu, will set you back about $80. Snag yourself a reservation in advance.

Where: Via della Pelliccia, 29a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Pizzeria Nerone

While most of the pizza places in Rome use an electric oven nowadays, Pizzeria Nerone has stayed true to the wood oven tradition. Expect the type of local pizza that has a crusty dough and a slightly liquid top with tomato sauce evenly spread and cheese perfectly melted atop. The Neapolitan pizza is a great choice if you like a little anchovies twist, or go with a simple margherita. The fresh ingredients make even the simplest recipe taste like Christmas in your mouth, and a medium-sized pizza is just about $7. Gotta love Trastevere.

Where: Via del Moro, 43, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Antica Caciara Salumi

Photo: Antica Caciara Trasteverina/Facebook

Rich and diverse, this deli storefront is an Italian food wonderland. The Antica Salumeria is an old-school shop that stocks smelly regional cheese right next to cured ham and other cuts of meat that are far less recognizable. Here, you’ll see Italian deli culture on full display, including lines of local ladies instructing the guy behind the counter on how they want their meat cut, and the scene gets even more lively when they start trying the cheese. The fare is fresh, and this place smells so good that no photo or Instagram story does it justice. Absolutely do not leave without snagging some Parmigiano, mozzarella, salami, and> bresaola to take home, though you’ll probably devour much of it on the spot with a piece of Italian bread. If you’d like to bring a souvenir home, forget the lame “I love Rome” shirts and pick up a bottle of the Antica’s olive oil instead.

Where: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 140, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Supplì

Right next to Antica Salumeria, you’ll find Suppli. There’s often a huge line out the door of this tiny place, and for good reason. Locals love Suppli — both the restaurant and the crispy arborio arancini stuffed with meat, tomato, and parmesan that it’s named for. Pick up lunch and stroll around the plaza nibbling while drinking a cold Moretti. While the place seems crowded, service is super quick and you’ll have a delicious snack in your hands in less than a minute. Fast food never tasted so good. If you’re in the mood for pizza, you won’t be disappointed.

Where: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Bar S. Calisto

Photo: ventdusud/Shutterstock

Locals love this place because of the vibrant square it’s located on. Here, you’ll find street performers that are talented, not annoying. This bar is known for its cocktails and tapas. While it’s not a place to have a full meal, Calisto is perfect for an Aperol Spritz late in the afternoon. Feel free to jump into the conversation of the table next to you; locals are super friendly and would appreciate the fact that you’re exploring Trastevere.

Where: Piazza di S. Calisto, 3, 00153, Roma RM, Italy

Donkey Punch

It’s late and you’re in the mood for something good — cured spicy sausage on focaccia, perhaps. Pop into Donkey Punch. This laid-back bar has the best sandwiches in all of Trastevere, and they’re all named after rock & roll bands. The house burger is amazing, as is the Rolling Stones sandwich made with porchetta, dried tomatoes, and spicy sauce. Knock back a Peroni or two and talk to the friendly owner over your sandwich.

Where: Via della Scala, 33, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Pimm’s Good

Photo: Pimm’S Good/Facebook

So you’ve been walking around taking photos all day and really need a glass of wine and some tapas. Hang out at Pimm’s Good and enjoy the generous tapas portions and a glass of pinot. This place is ideal for people watching because it sits on the border of Via di Santa Dorotea and Viale di Trastevere (the main street that connects this neighborhood to the center). The outdoor heaters will keep you cozy, or if you prefer to be inside, you can opt for a sit down dinner with a side of live music entertainment. If you’re in luck, you’ll catch Paolo, the mixologist on shift. If you do, ask him to surprise you with a concoction of his choice.

Where: Via di Santa Dorotea, 8, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Giuffre

Giuffre is a super cozy breakfast and coffee place that brings life to the neighborhood in the early morning hours. The house espresso is strong enough to wake you up in a split second — but you should really try the cafe latte, smooth as a cloud. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, expect to be mesmerized by the chocolate fountain behind the bar. Local families come here for gelato and indulgent cake topped with so much frosting that a single bite will put an end to your keto diet. Students and digital nomads use this cafe as an office in the morning, thanks to the comfortable tables and smell of freshly roasted beans. As a traveler, you’ll fit right in.

Where: Viale di Trastevere, 255, 00153 Roma RM, Italy


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The post Where to eat in Trastevere, Rome’s beloved Bohemian neighborhood appeared first on Matador Network.

Horseshoe Bend entrance fee

Following the trend of other tourist destinations imposing a special tax for visitors, Horseshoe Bend in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is now introducing an entrance fee. Concerns about overcrowding and conservation have led to the new rule at the popular photo site — a dramatic rock formation where the Colorado River takes a sharp U-shaped turn. Now, to access the overlook, all visitors will be required to pay to park in a designated parking lot near a newly built entrance station.

The fee will cost $10 for passenger vehicles, $5 for motorcycles, and between $35 an $140 for commercial buses, depending on passenger capacity. If all parking spots are full, visitors will be asked to leave and return another time. This is an attempt to address heavy traffic in the area and make the tourism footprint less detrimental to the environment. In addition to helping preserve the site, the entrance fees will also be used to fund Horseshoe Bend’s upkeep, as well as the surrounding area.

Instagram has undoubtedly fueled the popularity of Horseshoe Bend, with millions of images posted of the site each year. In 2018 nearly two million people visited the landmark, which officials claim is placing a heavy burden on its infrastructure.

The National Park Service advises that the best time to find parking at the new lot will be before 10:00 AM and between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

H/T: AFAR

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Airbnb potato hotel in Boise, Idaho

No, it’s not the first prize-winner in your local country fair’s “biggest potato” contest — it’s an Airbnb. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel isn’t actually a real potato, but it sure looks like one. The six-ton lodging is made of steel, plaster, and concrete, and it’s located in a huge field in South Boise, Idaho, with views of the Owyhee Mountains. The interior won’t resemble the mushy insides of a potato, though. The dwelling sleeps two and is composed of small, tunnel-like chambers that are certainly cozier than the average Airbnb.

Photo: Airbnb

The Idaho Potato Hotel is equipped with one queen bed, a small bathroom, kitchenette, fireplace, air-conditioner, and plenty of houseplants to give you a truly earthy vibe. Its dimensions measure 28 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 11.5 feet tall, so you’d better prepare to share some pretty close quarters with your partner.

The hotel was conceived by the Idaho Potato Commission as a way to promote the vegetable, but after it toured the country for six years on the back of a truck, the commission wasn’t sure what to do with it, until small-home developer Kristie Wolfe proposed turning it into a hotel.

Photo: Airbnb

The hotel’s description reads, “Stay in a 6-ton potato! This is the original potato that traveled countless miles across the country for the Idaho Potato Commission on the back of a semi truck!”

A night inside the potato, including taxes and fees, costs $247.

H/T: Insider

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Hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park

There’s no place quite like Patagonia for getting outdoors. The vast wilderness at the southernmost tip of the Americas takes a bit of effort to reach, but it’s worth it to witness some of the world’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. While many visitors flock to the south of the region to see sights like Torres Del Paine, the north has plenty of alternatives, less-explored trails for hiking enthusiasts. Nahuel Huapi National Park, at the heart of Argentina’s Lake District, offers the perfect balance of scenery, history, and a little peace and quiet.

It has diverse landscapes and Patagonian wildlife.

Photo: saiko3p/Shutterstock

The climate in Nahuel Huapi National Park is milder than in Patagonia’s southern depths. This, combined with a varying altitude, gives the park a unique ecosystem. Between glacial lakes, you can wander through lush Valdivian rainforest, find hidden waterfalls, and see quirky local wildlife like the llao llao fungus. Many of the park’s peaks reach well over 10,000 feet, so there’s plenty of snow to be seen on the horizon, too — even in summer.

The park features a network of interconnecting hiking trails that are well marked and immaculately maintained. With the exception of the short ascent to Cerro Campanario, or the Campanario Peak, most routes are not heavily touristed, and you can expect to see pure, unblemished scenery. You might even find yourself alone on the trail, so take a moment to stop and listen to the tranquil sounds of the forest.

Fewer crowds also means there’s a good chance of seeing some of the park’s resident creatures. If you’re lucky you might spot the rare Andean huemul, an orange-brown deer that’s native to the area. You can also encounter cougars, guanacos, condors, giant Magellanic woodpeckers, and the endangered huillin otter.

It’s Argentina’s oldest, most beautiful national park.

Photo: jlazouphoto/Shutterstock

Nahuel Huapi has a longstanding legacy for outdoor activities and adventure travel. Opened in 1934, it’s Argentina’s oldest national park. The locals will tell you it’s still the most beautiful. Characterized by a network of interwoven lakes and islands, dense forestland, and a backdrop of towering mountains, it is indeed a landscape to rival anywhere for natural beauty.

The city of San Carlos de Bariloche, known commonly as just Bariloche — or affectionately as “the Switzerland of South America” — stands on the threshold of Nahuel Huapi Lake and is the gateway to exploring the park. It has that homey log-cabin feel of an Alpine village while offering everything you could possibly need as a base for exploring the region. The tourist information office at Centro Civico is a convenient first port of call, providing all the vital details and maps for trekking. While you’re in town, make sure you check out the legendary local chocolate shops and try a craft ale in Manush.

Located about 15 miles west of Bariloche, the Llao Llao Hotel is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a focal point of a section of the park known as Circuito Chico, which runs around the edge of Lake Moreno connecting various short hiking trails. The hotel was designed in the 1930s by leading Argentine architect Alejandro Bustillo and rebuilt a few years later after being destroyed by fire. A night’s stay in Llao Llao doesn’t come cheap, though. It’s a luxury five-star joint and a favorite among celebrities. If that’s not your style, you can still see its dramatic mountain-foot setting from various viewing points around the circuit.

One of the best spots to see it is from the nearby San Eduardo Chapel, an old wooden Gothic church designed by Bustillo around the same time as the hotel. Another slice of local history, the church’s elevated position gives a stunning panorama across both Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes and the surrounding peaks.

It’s packed with easy day hikes and jaw-dropping vistas.

Photo: SAQ/Shutterstock

Many of the hiking trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park are short, gentle, and accessible to all levels of ability. Circuito Chico, which means short circuit or short loop, is a good place to start. From Bariloche, you can take the number 20 bus and get off at Puerto Pañuelo, which is a short walk from the San Eduardo Chapel. You can also stop midway on the bus journey to hike up to Cerro Campanario for one of the classic views across the lakes.

Just a few minutes’ walk west along the main road from Puerto Pañuelo is the trailhead for Sendero de los Arrayanes, or path of the Arrayanes trees. This gentle pathway threads around the shoreline of Moreno Lake through peaceful forestland and sprouting bamboo. Along the way you will pass mirador viewing points to catch a glimpse of green hills and rugged mountains rising up on the far side of the water. Playa Moreno, a secluded lake-beach, is a fabulous little resting point.

At the end of Sendero de los Arrayanes, another trail continues over the road towards Bahia Llao Llao, or Llao Llao Bay, and winds around to Villa Tacul, another hidden lake-beach with a great view of Nahuel Huapi Lake. A short hike inland from here leads to Cerro Llao Llao, my personal favorite spot in the park. A steep, zig-zag path climbs to a small stony summit with a breathtaking panorama of lakes and peaks stretching into the distance.

South America’s largest ski center is a summer hiking hotspot.

Photo: mochilaosabatico/Shutterstock

Towards the south of Nahuel Huapi National Park, some 12 miles by road from Bariloche, is Cerro Catedral, a lofty peak that is home to the largest ski center in the Southern Hemisphere. As the snow thaws out at the end of the skiing season, Catedral doubles up as another hotspot for hiking.

From the ski center, you can trek along Balcón Gutiérrez, a long, stony track that snakes down to Gutiérrez Lake. Stop for a picnic lunch on the shore before following the wide path at the lake’s edge to Cascada de los Duendes, a gurgling waterfall system concealed in the forest.

The ski center at Cerro Catedral is also the starting point for one of the park’s classic hikes to Refugio Frey, an Andean cabin. It’s a more strenuous route that can require specialist snow-hiking gear if done outside the peak summer months. If you make a good pace, the round trip can be achieved in about eight hours as a day hike, but it’s well worth making an overnight stop at the refugio to see the incredible starry night skies. (Advance booking is recommended.)

You can trek on an extinct Andean volcano.

Photo: Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

The highest peak in Nahuel Huapi National Park is Mount Tronador at 12,270 feet, close to the Chile border. The imposing sight of this extinct volcano is visible for many miles around. If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike from the base of Tronador up to Refugio Otto Meiling, perched tantalizingly between two glaciers with spectacular views in all directions.

This trail starts at Pampa Linda, a 55-mile drive southwest from Bariloche along a beautiful scenic road. It’s doable as a round-trip, one-day hike if you start early, or you can stay overnight in the refugio. For advanced trekkers, it’s possible to climb to the summit of Tronador over two or three days with the assistance of a local guide.

When to go

Photo: sunsinger/Shutterstock

The high hiking season in Nahuel Huapi is during the summer months, from November to February. This peak time is also the busiest, though. For uninterrupted hiking, it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons in September-October and March-April. If you arrive in September, you may not be able to hike to the refugios, but you’ll have the benefit of catching the end of the ski season.


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