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Travel Editor Tested: DUER’s Fall 2024 Line Will Have You Traveling in Comfort and Style For All Sorts of Autumn Adventures

DUER, a company focused on clothing that stretches like performance wear but has a fit sharp enough for a night out, first came on my radar in 2022. I got a pair of the No Sweat pants for two reasons: one half of my year was overloaded with travel that had me jumping from long plane rides straight into dinners and meetings, while the other half was consumed with the birth of my daughter and learning to be a dad. Both required something comfortable, flexible, and presentable (well, presentability dropped in importance for the latter half of the year, but it was an added bonus).

Those black pants are still in regular rotation today. They feel similar to wearing joggers, but I don’t have to fall into the look of all-too-casual travel attire whether it’s a road trip, flight, or train ride. Plus, they’re the rare black pants that feel light and airy enough to wear even in hot locales.

This fall, the brand added a new Stretch Canvas line.

Photos: DUER

It has already worked its way to the first of what I grab for anything remotely outdoorsy. I put the new 7 Pocket Utility Pant on ahead of a weekend camping trip in August and they mostly stayed on until I made it back home (the main exception being a kayaking excursion, for which my Cotopaxi river shorts were obviously a better option). Also new this season: an ultra-soft henley and two new Performance Denim fits with all the same stretch and comfort that made me fall for DUER’s No Sweat pants.

Plenty of pockets for rock collecting. Photos: Nickolaus Hines

The new options from DUER, same as the stand-bys, are all the more appealing for the sustainable ethos at the brand’s core. Plant-based fibers have been DUER’s focus since the start. Today, DUER’s fabric collection uses 85 percent plant-based fibers with a “Final 15” goal to stop using synthetic or plastic fibers that make up that last 15 percent by 2028. Recycled material has been a beneficial stop-gap until then, as 95 percent of the fibers DUER uses are plant-based or recycled.

DUER has worked its way into my luggage for all kinds of trips, from city streets, to vineyards and breweries, to outdoor adventure. These new staples in the fall line are no exception and will likely be getting just as many miles as my No Sweat pants.

Stretch Canvas 7 Pocket Pant

Photo: DUER

Unlike the other pants I have from DUER, the only meetings these will be making it to are ones that involve nature. The hardy canvas stood up to some light bushwacking and firewood collection with ease, even for someone like me who tends to snag pants just as fast as I can walk out the door. As the name suggests, the pockets define the style. All are roomy while staying tight enough to my body to not feel like I’m wearing an over-the-door shoe hanger. DUER markets the pants as the “lightest and most flexible workwear/utility style on the market.” I haven’t tested the whole market, but these are indeed designed to stretch in ways that I can’t. The relaxed fit is perfect for long days that extend into long nights around the campfire.

Materials: 93 percent cotton, 5 percent LYCRA T400 polyester, 2 percent Elastane

Features:

Stretch fibersDurable Water Repellency (DWR) treatmentGusseted crotchSeven pockets, including thigh pockets with buttons and back patch pockets

Buy: $149

Performance Denim+ Straight Fit

Photo: DUER

DUER took its signature performance denim and swapped in a heavier 12-ounce fabric for more structure (yet still all the stretch). They fit just right (I’m 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, with chicken legs) without being so tight as to already be countless trend eras ago. Which follows the DUER method of design: styles that won’t go out of fashion, so the only reason they’ll need a replacement is when you manage to eventually wear through them. These have quickly become what I swap in for the No Sweat pants when I want jeans rather than black pants on. Despite the heavier denim, they breath more than enough for 85-plus degree Denver days. Needless to say, they also have stretch and a gusset for a wide range of motion. If you want more room, go for the more relaxed taper fit.

Materials: 40 percent conventional cotton, 30 percent organic cotton, 28 percent COOLMAX® All Season EcoMade Polyester, 2 percent Lycra EcoMade Spandex

Features:

Stretch fibersMoisture managing performance fibersGusseted crotchAntimicrobial treatmentReinforced pocketsTriple-stitched seams

Buy: $129

PurePima Vintage Henley

Photo: DUER

Call me a Charmin bear, but I’m not all that picky about the more casual shirts that I wear except when it comes to one thing: softness. This new henley uses 100 percent Pima cotton — an extra-long-fiber variety originally from Peru that is comparable to the feel of Egyptian cotton that’s also durable. It’s also more wrinkle resistant. DUER puts the fabric through a garment dye process that adds a worn-in vintage finish, and it truly does look as good as it feels. It won’t make long flights in economy less cramped, but it is nice to have something on that is at least soft on the skin. Plus, it can easily be quickly layered for going straight from the airport to the city.

Material: 100 percent Pima cotton

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After a Bear Was Euthanized in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada, Attention Turns to Visitor Education

In late August, a black bear affectionately called Victor by locals in California was euthanized for swiping at a camper and cutting her leg. The incident happened near Lake Mary, a popular camping spot near Mammoth. The bear had a similar previous incident the same month. The repeat incidents led to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the bear “had become habituated to human sources of food,” and was “deemed a threat to public safety and was euthanized.” The bear was initially scheduled to be disposed of in a landfill to keep scavengers from ingesting the drugs used. Instead, the Bishop Paiute Tribe relocated the carcass “to a tribal burial site where a ceremonial burial was performed to honor the bear.”

The CDFW did not put blame on Victor the bear and reiterated the proper responses to this type of situation in its public communication.

The following weeks saw a flood of reactions from people sympathetic to the bear — especially after a video of the incident was widely circulated on social media. The woman’s response, as well as the response of the people filming her, was far from accepted public protocol. She didn’t make noise or stay farther than 100 yards away as the bear slowly approached. The video shows people making jokes about the bear eating the food on the table while the woman who was swiped at stood quietly on a stump between the table and the bear box for storing food.

A petition to Mammoth Lakes City Council and the California Department of Fish and Game started on Change.org on August 27 has tens of thousands of signatures from people across the country. One person from Georgia echoed a statement that “we are in the home of these wild animals, not the other way around,” while many blamed the tourist and demanded they be held accountable. Others noted positive experiences with camp hosts who educated guests about bear activity during their stay.

The actions of a few can have an outsized impact on the perception of tourism as a whole, says John Urdi, president and CEO of Mammoth Lakes Tourism. “From a tourism standpoint, we feel a responsibility to educate everybody when they’re coming to town on how to respect both the community and the environment.”

Reaching the right people in the right way

Wildlife interaction education materials are out there and widely circulated. Yellowstone has a humorous approach with some of its campaigns, and the Instagram for the National Parks service is well-loved for it’s comedic approach to wildlife education. In California, the CDFW has a whole subsection of their site called “Bear Naked Truth” for a resource on black bears.

Mammoth Lakes Tourism has its own set of awareness campaigns that build on other wildlife safety resources. Some are directly related to bears, though even the ones centered on a different topic include bear safety information:

Everything You Need to Know About Bear Safety in Mammoth LakesThe No. 1 Tip For Wildlife Viewing in Mammoth LakesDispersed Camping Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes6 Ways to Camp Responsibly in Mammoth LakesA Beginner’s Guide to Camping in Mammoth LakesDispersed Camping Just Outside of Mammoth LakesHow To Leave No Trace in Mammoth Lakes8 Ways to Recreate Responsibly in the Mountains

Mammoth Lakes Tourism had a lighthearted video series in the works on wildlife interaction this summer. After the incident with Victor the bear, they’re taking a more somber and direct approach.

“I think the challenge right now is that everything is being done for social media.”

“I think a lot of it has to do with the culture these days of people filming what they’re doing with nature,” Urdi says, citing instances of people trying to take selfies with bison in Yellowstone. “I think the challenge right now is that everything is being done for social media. People are trying to do dumber and dumber things to see how many likes they can get or how many hits they can get.”

“The other piece of it is that I think there’s just a lot of lack of common sense,” Urdi later adds.

It feels like examples of this come up every week. Even when confronted with authority figures trying to keep people and wildlife safe, people choose to do it for the video. For example, in Yellowstone, tourists repeatedly ignored a ranger in order to get close enough to a grizzly bear for a phone photo.

Black bear policies in California

In 2022, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued an executive summary titled “Black Bear Policy in California: Public Safety, Depredation, Conflict, and Animal Welfare” on the response, methods, and decision-making processes for human-bear conflicts in the state. The paper’s primary goal was two-fold: outline the set of responses for bear interactions, and provide clarity for the staff and public on what actions are taken and why. The timing of the 2022 summary is important and noted at the start: “human/wildlife interactions are increasing, requiring greater staff time in the areas of management and response in the field when interactions occur.”

The paper focuses on the policies for three main situations: public safety, property damage, and interactions with bears that are habituated to human food. It applies to the entirety of California, but includes sections specific to the Lake Tahoe Basin as it has the second-highest density of black bears in North America.

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A post shared by CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (@californiadfw)

Black bears are the only bears found in California (due to hunting, the last grizzly bear in the state, which is the species on the state flag, was spotted in 1924). The US Forest Service estimates that there are between 25,000 and 35,000 black bears in California.

Black bears are “one of the species most frequently involved in human/wildlife conflict throughout the state,” the CDFW executive summary states, elaborating that “their natural behavior, foraging habits, distribution, and numbers have been altered by human encroachment and access to anthropogenic food sources.” That’s particularly the case in areas like campgrounds where food and garbage can act as an attractant for bears. Climate change and fires are also partly to blame as bears are forced to leave their natural habitat.

The CDFW categorizes bears by their interactions with people. There are orphaned bears that require a specific response, for example, while habituated bears require a different response. One of the highest priority categories from a human safety standpoint is categorized as a “Public Safety Bear.” This applies to an individual bear “demonstrating aggressive action that has resulted in physical contact with a human; or a bear exhibiting an immediate threat to public health and safety, given the totality of the circumstances. Immediate threat refers to a bear that exhibits one or more aggressive behaviors directed toward a person that is not reasonably believed to be due to the presence of responders. Public safety includes situations where a bear remains a threat despite efforts to allow or encourage it through active means to leave the area.”

The summary explains the staff training for responses for everything from wildlife restraint to rehabilitation.

Living with black bears is an ongoing discussion in the area. In April 2024, The CDFW sought public comment on a black bear conservation plan that listed using new wildlife population modeling tools for conservation and adaptive management. It also called for nine Bear Conservation Regions in the state. The goals: “conserving the state’s black bear population and their habitats, recognizing black bears as an important game species, and offering more educational and safe viewing opportunities for the public while minimizing human-black bear conflict.”

How Mammoth is working to improve wildlife interactions in the future

Photo: Lu Yang/Shutterstock

The problem clearly isn’t a lack of messaging. If anything, it’s a lack of attention. If a million people read one Be Bear Aware blog but the person camping in the area doesn’t, then the messaging can’t be effective. Reaching each person is all the more important in campgrounds. Moving forward, Urdi predicts there’s going to be more involved training for campground hosts, and possibly changes to make existing bear signage and handouts (possibly with a response-required safety awareness quiz) more impactful to visitors.

About five years ago, Mammoth Lakes Tourism shifted from being solely a destination marketing agency to more of “a destination stewardship organization” that not only encourages people to visit, but explains what’s expected from them as a visitor. The region’s 2022 Real Unreal marketing campaign centers on keeping the area natural.

“And then when Covid hit, unfortunately we had a lot of disrespectful visitors that came up here,” Urdi says. “It was more ignorance than anything else, because they were people who didn’t know how to interact with nature, whether it’s wildlife, or camping, or fire safety.”

The last two summers have seen the return of more of the pre-pandemic, nature-loving visitors, “but there’s always a tremendous amount of education that has to happen,” Urdi says.

Mammoth Lakes Tourism isn’t trying to bring as many people as possible, but is trying to bring in the people who benefit the community. It’s a balance that places around the world are trying to find as overtourism concerns face a turning point.

“Really what we’re trying to do is bring responsible recreators here, and we’re trying to bring people who are going to benefit the community,” Urdi says. “Seventy percent of the town government’s operating budget comes from visitation.” Urdi adds, “we don’t have manufacturing, we don’t have technology, we don’t have agriculture. We’re a four-square-mile town at 8,000 feet with 7,000 residents. We live and die on visitation, so there needs to be that balance of bringing in people and also making sure that once they get here they’re educated on what’s expected of them to have a symbiotic relationship with our community.”

Tourist numbers to the Mammoth area, and therefore the types of tourists who know what they’re doing outdoors, is starting to normalize to pre-pandemic standards. “But this incident definitely shows that we still have a long way to go as far as the education,” Urdi says.

“What we do is all about stewardship and how you can help us keep this place for generations to come,” Urdi says. “We’re not out here trying to drive as many people as possible, it’s trying to get the right people here who are going to be good to our people, to the environment, and obviously the wildlife that lives out here.”

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American Airlines to Make European Travel Easier Next Year With 5 New Direct Routes

While we gear up for fall leap peeping season, American Airlines is planning summer next year with an exciting announcement of five new direct routes to Europe for the 2025 travel season.

While you might think planning summer 2025 is premature, ​​the European Travel Commission reported a 7.2 percent increase in the first three months of 2024 compared to 2019, with over 120 million visitors flocking to the region during that window. Next year will likely see similar, if not higher, numbers. Planning now will give you more flight and accommodation options, saving you considerable money and up your chances of a smooth summer vacation.

The highlight for many will be the return of nonstop flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) starting May 23, 2025. This marks the airline’s return to this historic city, allowing travelers to reconnect with the Scottish capital after a six-year hiatus. And it’s just in time for summer celebrations. Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival — one of the world’s most successful comedy festivals — runs over August. May also marks the beginning of better weather in Scotland for wildlife viewing, hiking, and outdoor sports in general. Philadelphia will also have a new daily direct flight to Milan, Italy from May 23.

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Commencing July 5, 2025, a daily service from Miami (MIA) will be introduced to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO). This move strengthens the airline’s presence in Italy, as Rome is the country’s busiest airport and has excellent connections to both domestic and international destinations.

Travelers in the South who want to explore Greece and its many islands can look forward to a new daily route from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) to Athens (ATH), which will kick off June 5, 2025. This additional route positions American as the airline with the most gateways to Greece from the US.

American is also adding a new daily connection between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) starting March 30. This will strengthen American’s position as the leading US carrier to Spain, and with connections available through their partner airlines, opens doors for further routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Building on this success of this season, American will extend its summer services launched in 2024 to Copenhagen (CPH), Naples (NAP), and Nice (NCE) next year, as well as the operation of popular winter seasonal routes from Miami (MIA) to Paris (CDG) into the warmer months. There will also be an extended service on routes from Philadelphia (PHL) to Athens (ATH) and Naples (NAP), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Barcelona (BCN), giving you more flexibility and time to explore these incredible European destinations.

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In Basque Country, Food Societies Are the Secret to Understanding the Culture

Paul Manser is no stranger to rolling with the punches. As a travel writer based in Melbourne, Manser has been able to see the world and report back for newspapers and magazines in Australia and elsewhere. His work, as with most professional travel writing, is polished and edited to focus on the style that travel publications like to promote: clean, safe adventures that don’t step over the line.

His actual travels can be anything but that. Manser collected the stories that aren’t a fit for glossy travel magazines and put them in a book, Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins (Hardie Grant). It’s a look into the real (often gritty, sometimes dangerous, and occasionally ridiculous) life of a well-traveled writer.

Photo: Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins, Hardie Grant

“Things rarely go exactly to plan when traveling, which is why I like to think ahead as little as possible and embrace chaos like it’s a long-lost sibling,” Manser says over email. “There’s no faster way to ruin a trip than by scheduling every minute like you’re running a corporate board meeting. Travel isn’t a PowerPoint presentation — it’s a fever dream, and for me, the best parts are when everything goes wrong.”

The book features accounts like the time he was kidnapped in a taxi in Mexico, crashed a dog sled in the Arctic Circle, and took an impromptu (and booze-filled) trip to see the running of the bulls in Spain. It’s a testament to being a resilient traveler and all of the experiences that can only be had by pushing limits.

“My mindset on the road is equal parts ‘yes-man’ and ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’” Manser says. “I’ll drink the questionable cocktail, take the wrong turn, and trust the food truck guy’s sketchy recommendation for a dive bar that may or may not double as a front for a black-market organ operation.”

Photo: Paul Manser

Manser openly stated in a press release that Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins could be seen as “an unnecessary act of self-indulgence by an egotist who shirks life’s responsibilities, drinks too much, and thinks too little.” He also adds the description would “probably be right,” but there’s a good case to be made for the unvarnished side. After all, the best stories are the ones you don’t plan for.

“So sure, book your flight and maybe your first night’s stay so you don’t end up sleeping under a bridge in a foreign country (unless that’s your thing, no judgment),” Manser says. “But after that, let it unravel. Think of every mishap as a plot twist, not a problem. Missed connections? A gift from the travel gods to explore the place where you’re stuck. Food poisoning? The ultimate character-building experience. That miserable bus ride through rural nowhere? That’s where the stories are born.”

Here, an excerpt from Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins about finding culture through culinary societies in Basque Country.

The Society

Photo: Paul Manser

Sunset steals into the kitchen. It has been raining again. The horizon is smudged grey and orange as if someone has smeared a dirty thumb along where land ends and the sky should begin. Ramon weighs a bulb of garlic in one hand. He pushes away a half glass of cider. An old digital clock flashes neon red from across the room.

‘They’re always late,’ Ramon sighs.

We walk outside. The main road steams as an overladen truck, pregnant with dairy for the market, passes at speed.

A sign above the bus stop indicates that we are outside of Elgoibar, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The town pays homage to the functionality of stone and concrete. Stark, drab, rectangular apartment blocks jut out of the ground. The shades of residential grey are punctuated by painted maps hanging across apartment balconies. The maps are an outline of Basque Country, emblazoned with large red arrows.

I point out the maps and ask Ramon ‘What’s all this about?’

In his deep, commanding voice, Ramon says, ‘When people were arrested for being members of Basque’s separatist group ETA, or suspected of carrying out activities in its support, they were sent to jails in the Spanish colonies in Africa.

‘The maps with the red arrows are a message: “Bring our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters home. Jail them if they are guilty, but let their families visit… don’t isolate them a world away”.’

It is said that the Basque language is the oldest in Western Europe, and that their people are the oldest permanent residents of the continent. The pocket of northern Spain and southern France that they occupy is cruel in its beauty. It leaves you wondering how you got cheated out of such natural scenery when you were growing up.

The thick green forests, untouched by water restrictions, soaring mountains and isolated farmhouses of Basque Country lampoon the sprawling suburbia and flat, brown expanses of my youth on the peripheries of Melbourne.

Ramon is back in the kitchen with a knife in his hand. Flashes of silver dance across the blade under a naked light bulb. It cuts smoothly into the flesh of a tuna.

Photo: Paul Manser

‘This dish is better prepared one day in advance,’ Ramon says.

I ask, ‘Is it a traditional Spanish recipe?’

Ramon puts the knife down. He tells me to be careful.

‘The Basques are proud. Don’t call their food Spanish.’

Ramon picks up a bruised tomato and squeezes until it explodes over a pot of half-cooked onions. He says, ‘Last century the Basques were brutally oppressed by the Spanish dictator, General Franco. The Basque culture, our language and our way of life were to be stamped out.’

Ramon’s family only learned Basque through being taught by older relatives and family friends in isolated farmhouses. If they were caught, those passing on their native tongue would have had a four-walled cell from which to contemplate their passion for education.

Thick chunks of tuna fall into a crimson sea of softened red peppers.

Ramon takes care to wipe the bench clean of splash marks, like he is polishing a car for his daughter’s wedding. There is a mound of rough, earthy potatoes waiting to be guillotined on a wooden chopping board and it’s clear that there’s more work to be done.

Perhaps more than anywhere else in Europe, Basques are obsessed with food. Since the 1870s, Basque men have been secretly gathering in small member-based groups and cooking together in communal kitchens called txokos, or societies.

Photo: Paul Manser

There’s a knock at the front door. The echo of bare knuckles against stained wood announces the arrival of Ramon’s family. He rests a worn wooden spoon on a pillow of soft-boiled potatoes. Voices come running into the room, followed by the people they belong to. A tsunami of chatter; the six people fill the large room. The kitchen is quickly occupied by shaved cured hams, local hard cheese and juicy peaches.

Ramon kisses everyone twice, then waves them away. A growing mist engulfs the kitchen as a pot comes to boil. Ramon turns the heat down.

Ramon clears his throat. ‘During the Franco years, txokos filled the stomachs of the Basque people and became venues of defiance,’ he explains. ‘They were one of the only places where Basques could legally meet without state control. A place where they could speak Basque, sing Basque and be Basque.’

Ramon’s wife is in the kitchen telling a story about a cousin who can’t find work. It seems to be a story told many times in these parts. More than half of people under the age of 35 are out of work.

I ask Ramon, ‘What is this doing to the country?’

Ramon doesn’t say a thing. He just points a twisted finger, scarred by the cuts and callouses of someone who relies on his hands for a living, to his temple and twists like he is opening a new bottle of wine.

The family binds around a thick wooden table. Bread is ripped from a long cob and placed beside shallow bowls. Ramon struggles under the weight of a giant pot full of marmitako, the fish stew he was preparing earlier.

Photo: Paul Manser

I say to Ramon, ‘I’ve hardly seen a fast-food chain since I came to Basque Country.’ He smiles, and deep lines carve into his cheeks. ‘They rarely work. People here like to know who they are buying their food from, where it comes from,’ Ramon says.

Ramon arches his neck back so that his eyes follow the cracks in the plaster roof. His wife wraps an arm around his waist. The table explodes in laughter as the grandmother’s glasses fog from the steam of the freshly served marmitako.

Excerpted with permission from Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins (Hardie Grant) by Paul Manser. The book is available now wherever fine books are sold, as well as online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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This Beautiful 13th-Century City Has the Cleanest Air in All of Europe, Official Report Says

Fresh, clean air isn’t just nice, it’s an essential factor to being healthy. Air pollution aggravates the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases and, according to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that outdoor air pollution has been the cause of 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. One place where air pollution isn’t a concern is the city of Uppsala in Sweden. The urban center of around 220,000 inhabitants is the European city with the cleanest air.

Map and table: European Environment Agency

The European city air quality viewer is an official report published by the European Environment Agency that ranks European cities (372 of them, to be exact) according to their air quality, from the cleanest to the most polluted. The World Health Organization’s guidelines say that fine particulate matter should not exceed 5 μg/m3 for long-term exposure and only 13 cities in Europe match or are below that level, including the 13th-century city of Uppsala in Sweden which tops the ranking with just 3.5 μg/m3.

Until now, Uppsala, located 30 minutes north of the Swedish capital of Stockholm, wasn’t really known for its very low levels of air pollution. Uppsala’s claim to fame is that it was the site of the very first university in Scandinavia, Uppsala University, founded in 1477. Today, it is home to two universities: Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Science and 41,000 students.

To have a good time in the European city with the cleanest air, plan a visit to the 13th-century Uppsala Cathedral whose towers dominate the cityscape. Take the time admire its stained-glass windows and all the treasures it holds. Another must-see place for the history buffs and library lovers is the Carolina Rediviva Library at Uppsala University, which is home to incredibly rare books, including the Silver Bible, a sixth-century manuscript written in silver and gold, as well as the earliest accurate map of the Nordic countries, the 1539 Carta Marina.

Photo: Christopher Kane /ShutterstockThe Pink Castle. Photo: Christopher Kane /ShutterstockPhoto: trabantos /ShutterstockPhoto: EQRoy /ShutterstockPhoto: art of line /ShutterstockPhoto: EQRoy /Shutterstock

But, most importantly, while in Uppsala, make sure to also allocate time to just walk the city streets and admire the varied architecture styles. Vasahuset, an Art Nouveau residential building painted in the most beautiful blue color is a must-see, along with the 18th-century Pink Castle, the pastel-colored buildings on Östra Ågatan, and the early 20th-century Skandalhuset, home to one of the oldest movie theatres in Sweden. Despite being a city, Uppsala very much feels like a small town where everything is within walking distance, and with such clean air, exploring on foot is a no-brainer.

Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic Square in the center of Slavonski Brod, Croatia. Photo: Zdravko T /ShutterstockThe fortress at Slavonski Brod, Croatia. Photo: Zdravko T/Shutterstock

On the other end of the spectrum from Uppsala is Slavonski Brod, Croatia, officially the European city with the most polluted air with 26.5 μg/m3 of fine particulate matter. Located in eastern Croatia on the border with Bosnia Herzegovina, Slavonski Brod is the eighth largest city in the country with over 50,000 inhabitants. Despite being an industrial city (hence the air pollution levels), it’s got a rich cultural heritage and lovely attractions, including Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic Square in the center of town, as well as a fortress and a monastery that are worth a detour.

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When Fall Colors Will Peak Around the US, According to Science

In mere days, the summer road trips will give way to the just-as-exciting fall road trips. No matter where you are in the country, fall offers the benefit of a common goal — routing the best leaf-peeping excursion to see fall colors in all their glory.

The website SmokyMountains.com just released its annual fall foliage forecast map, which predicts when fall colors will hit their peak across the United States.

This year, the first states to see the fall colors will be Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, as soon as September 7. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan will also be able to see the start of fall foliage within a week following, and by the end of September, colors will be approaching peak bloom throughout most of the northern US and states at higher elevations, like Colorado and Utah.

In New England, the fall foliage will start slowly around mid-September and the fall colors will be at their most magnificent between October 5 and October 12, with the northern parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York leading the way.

Of course, southern states get their peak fall colors a little later than those in the north of the country. Texas, Louisiana, and Florida don’t reach their fall foliage potential before November 16.

While the website can’t ensure 100 percent accuracy, it has asked the best in the field of meteorology (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 September hits, it’s time to toss your camping gear into the back of the truck to admire one of Mother Nature’s put on her most beautiful show.

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These Staten Island Airbnbs Provide Room to Breathe With Yards and Pools

Staten Island isn’t the first place you think of for where to stay in New York City. However, with the free ferry operating around the clock, the fifth borough is a convenient Big Apple base with a craft beer scene to rival Brooklyn and offbeat attractions including a ship graveyard. Around 170 parks and a dozen beaches make NYC’s underrated borough its greenest, too. As for accommodation, whereas Manhattan is notorious for its poky studios, Staten Island Airbnbs tout private backyards and kitchens where two can stand.

Traveling to New York City? Check out Matador’s New York City accommodations guides: These Airbnbs in Brooklyn Offer Beautiful Views of the Bridge and Skyline The best JFK airport hotels The Best Airbnb Experiences in New York, From an Alpaca Farm Tour To Sailing the East River The 9 coziest Airbnbs in upstate New York Grab Your Crew and Head To These Lux Properties To Take in New York’s Fall Foliage 10 upstate New York cabins perfect for your next winter escape These Manhattan Airbnbs showcase the best of New York City

We hope you love these Airbnb Staten Island vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Staten Island castle Airbnb with Manhattan viewsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosNo need to cross the Atlantic for a castle vacation, this 1906 Italianate palazzo brings Tuscany to New York. Overlooking the Statue of Liberty from its hillside setting, the heritage architecture has been preserved but the appliances are as modern as you’d find on the Upper East Side. One room is rented for couples and larger groups can book a second room on request. In compliance with NYC regulations, the host lives on site.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $445 per night

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Private Airbnb Room near Staten Island FerryPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosExperience the original Airbnb set-up at this spotless studio rental on the North Shore. The hosts have converted one floor of their home into a vacation pad with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Only the deck is shared, where you’re welcome to enjoy morning coffee or unwind over a glass of wine. The location is impossible to beat and the homemade arrival brownies are reason enough to book.

Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $106 per night

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Guest Favorite Airbnb with a patio and free parkingPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosNot far from I-278 and Route 440, this comfortable vacation home is ideal if you’re driving to Staten Island. Once checked in, you can switch to public transit for getting around the island and ride the free ferry over to Manhattan. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom rental unit claims the first floor of a family house and has its own kitchen and secluded terrace.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $179 per night

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Single-family home near Staten Island RailwayPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis modern two-bedroom vacation let in Rosebank is convenient for touring North Shore’s taprooms and seeing New York City’s oldest heritage sites. The master bedroom has an en suite in addition to the family bathroom. Chefs can have fun in the chef’s kitchen, particularly after a haul at local markets. Everything listed is private although the host remains permanent residence in adherence to NYC Airbnb laws.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $250 per night

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North Shore vacation home for larger groupsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis pet-friendly Airbnb near the Staten Island ferry terminal has an awesome backyard with a swimming pool and grill. It’s fully fenced so the kids (and dogs) can play safely. The interiors are equally vast, including both double bedrooms and the bunk room. Fitness enthusiasts can stay on the game in the home gym equipped with dumbbells and a running machine.

Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $519 per night

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Family-friendly townhouse in New York CityPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis Guest Favorite Airbnb in Staten Island comprises one master bed, a twin room, and a huge open-concept kitchen. The lounge is roomy enough to have a keyboard which takes care of evening entertainment. Clifton is a calm, residential neighborhood and only five minutes from the ferry terminal on the railway. Alice Austen House and Fort Wadsworth are right on the doorstep.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $265 per night

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Restful apartment near Midland BeachPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis Staten Island Airbnb is close to the island railway and its sandy beaches. It’s a guest suite with a separate entrance and street parking. The kitchen and bathroom are well-stocked while the lounge and bedroom are scattered with travel knick-knacks to create a homely environment. The hosts are responsive and eager to provide insider tips but otherwise, they’ll leave you be.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $109 per night

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Guest suite with a shared poolPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosLocated in Heartland Village, this cozy bolthole is surrounded by Staten Island’s woodland parks and time capsule attractions. It’s designed for a couple with the option to sleep kids on the pull-out couch. The unit has a full kitchen and use of a backyard with a grill and sun loungers. Shared with the host family, the swimming pool is a bonus. Just shoot them a message to reserve a private dip.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $137 per night

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En suite Airbnb room near Snug HarborPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosRent the spare room of a longtime Staten Island resident and an avid world traveler at this beautiful house next to the island’s botanical garden. The room is on par with a boutique hotel with duck egg walls, luxury bedding, and a lovely private bathroom. Guests may also use the shared dining room although the rental is pitched at travelers with an appetite for dining out.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $180 per night

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Cute NYC Airbnb near the beachPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosWalk to cafes and the South Beach Boardwalk from this snug vacation suite with a sunny patio. The Midland Beach neighborhood has a thriving multicultural population and you can stock the kitchen with groceries from Turkish, Ukrainian, Chinese, and Italian markets. This is an older but beautifully maintained home full of charm and scores of natural light. The second bedroom is suitable for two children or one adult.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $140 per night

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A Weather Analysis Found the Mediterranean Spots With the Most Sunshine Through Fall to Keep Summer Vibes Going

Labor Day is behind us and that means that summer in the Northern Hemisphere is over — or just about. But if you’re not ready for sweater weather and pumpkin-flavored everything, there’s a way to extend the hot and sunny season without even crossing the Equator: Pack up and fly to the Mediterranean.

Cruise line MSC worked with data from World Weather API to find the cities and towns in the Mediterranean with the most hours of sunshine in October, November, and December. While MSC gathered the data around locations it services in the winter, obviously, you don’t have to board a cruise to enjoy them. You can pick the destination that works best for you and go sun yourself while everyone else at home is wearing flannel pajamas and making squash soup.

The sunniest of them all: Izmir, Türkiye

Photo: margouillat photo/Shutterstock

With 295 hours of sunshine in October and 25 sunny days per month in the winter, Izmir, Türkiye makes for the perfect destination for those who want to get very far away from the cold and the rain.

With a nickname like “The Pearl of the Aegean”, you know this city is going to be good. For one, it’s got 390 miles of coastline and 49 Blue Flag beaches where you can make the most of the weather and sunbathe, swim, or partake in water sports. Also, because it’s been continuously inhabited for 8500 years, it’s packed with historic sites including the city’s agora and the aqueducts of Kızılçullu. Izmir is also very close to the immensely famous and very impressive archeological sites of Ephesus and Pergamum, two ancient Greek cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites that anyone would be remiss not to check out.

Second best: Valencia, Spain

Photo: V_E /Shutterstock

While everyone is heading for Barcelona, go a little further south on the Balearic Coast, and make your way to the city of Valencia, where there’s a total of 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Visit in October and you’ll be rewarded with 275 hours of sunshine and an average temperature of 77 degrees. In November and December, when everyone at home is bundled up in woollen hats and thick socks, it’s also pretty good, with 247 hours of sun and an average high temperature of 68 degrees.

Valencia is located on the coast so, of course, you can spend all your time getting a tan on the 12 miles of beautiful beach, but you should probably also check out the city’s impressive sighs. The Valencia Cathedral, home to the Holy Chalice, no less, should be on your must-see list, along with La Lonja (the Silk Exchange) a Gothic monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the beautiful Central Market, the biggest market with fresh produce in Europe. The City of Arts and Sciences, a gigantic and futuristic cultural and architecture complex, shouldn’t be missed either.

Bronze medalist: Tunis, Tunisia

Photo: Travel-Fr /Shutterstock

Tunis, the largest city and capital of Tunisia, located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, is one for the sun-seekers. Visit in October and enjoy 272 hours of sunshine and an average high of 79 degrees. In November, the temperatures hover around 70 degrees and there are 218 hours of sun. Even throughout the winter the weather stays extremely clement with an average of 27 sunny days per month.

La Marsa Beach is a good place to make the most of the good weather, but the huge UNESCO-listed Medieval Medina, with its souqs and monuments, should really be your first stop. A visit to the archeological site of Carthage, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, should also be pretty high on your list of priorities, along with the colorful Zitouna Mosque, which is best observed from the rooftop at Café Panorama in the Medina.

Other Mediterranean destinations with over 200 hours of sunshine per month in fall and winterAthens, Greece: 265 hours of sun in October on average, and about 220 monthly hours of sunshine in November and DecemberValetta, Malta: 263 hours of sunshine in October and more than 209 hours of sun in NovemberMarseille, France: 262 hours of sun in October on average, and around 239 hours per month throughout the winter More like thisTravelThe 10 Most Popular Places to Travel This Fall, According to Expedia

In Lake Tahoe, Nothing Pairs Better With Big Fun Than Great Food

Mark Twain famously called Lake Tahoe “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” Take one look and you’ll see why. At 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe is a kingdom of cobalt water straddling the line between California and Nevada. The towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada circle like a hug, casting their reflection into the lake’s mirror-like surface to create the illusion that the mountains, water, and sky are one.

All that beauty is perhaps best experienced from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, where jaw-dropping views meet exciting activities and excellent restaurants. There, the concept of a combo meal is one that starts and ends with adventure, be it an epic pre-lunch hike or a post-dinner waterfront concert. So be sure to bring an appetite for food and fun on your next trip to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Here’s what to seek out when you arrive.

Hit the beach, then hit The Grove

Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Everyone is invited to celebrate the great outdoors on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Near Camp Richardson Resort and Marina, El Dorado Beach offers a beach wheelchair on a first-come-first-serve basis, and you’ll find wheelchair-accessible pathways at the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path and the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek Visitor Center.

Just down the shore from El Dorado Beach, all are also welcome at The Grove restaurant at Camp Richardson. While the adults at the table peruse the signature cocktail list and choose between creative plates like miso salmon and fried chicken with beignets, kids can tackle the word search that comes with their menu before chowing down on classics like grilled cheese and buttered noodles. Whatever you order, the indoor and outdoor dining options will keep the killer waterfront views going.

The Grove: 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Bike up an appetite for Brooks’ Bar at Edgewood

Photo: Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Van Sickle Bi-State Park is the place to head for mountain biking. Located just uphill of the casinos and restaurants in Stateline, the park is jointly operated by the states of California and Nevada. The trails here are easy to access, traveling through timber and past colossal rock formations with dramatic lake views. The trails are open to hikers too, and in winter it’s a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

When you’ve had your fill of the park, Brooks’ Bar & Deck at Edgewood on Edgewood Tahoe’s stunning golf course is calling. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available to showcase lake and mountain views while you sip handcrafted cocktails and dig into fresh seasonal options like salads, tacos, and sandwiches. And if you want to follow drinks at Brooks’ Bar with a decadent dinner, head to Wolf by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe, just a few minutes away.

Pro tip: Lake Tahoe’s trails are most rewarding on weekdays and during shoulder seasons when they’re quieter and less trafficked. (Sunny late spring and early fall days happen to be an excellent time to visit Brooks’ Bar & Deck, too.) Help preserve Tahoe’s natural beauty by keeping to dedicated pathways and leaving no trace behind.

Brooks’ Bar & Deck: 180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449

Take it easy at The Hangar after an epic hike

Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

If you’ve come to Lake Tahoe seeking a challenge, you’ll have myriad opportunities. The region’s highest point is located on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in the nearly 64,000-acre Desolation Wilderness, where the 9,738-foot Mount Tallac soars above the lake’s sapphire waters. It’s a 10-mile hike, but the commanding views of the lake, mountains, and iconic sights like Emerald Bay and Fannette Island make it all worthwhile.

After you’ve touched the top of Mount Tallac, reward yourself with an ice-cold beer at lower elevations. The Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop offers 30 rotating taps and an extensive bottle and can collection. You’ll also find corn hole, bocce, and a patio to unwind at this dog-friendly favorite.

The Hangar: 2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite B, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Après at South Lake Brewing Libation Lodge

Photo: Ryan Finn/South Lake Brewing Co

There’s nothing like a pint after a day on the slopes. That goes double if you’ve spent your turns exploring the 4,800 skiable acres at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe’s tallest. And there’s no place to grab a post-schuss brew like South Lake Brewing Libation Lodge. Located right across from Heavenly Village, the taproom is operated by South Lake Brewing Company, the area’s largest craft brewery. Look forward to a full tap list including beer and wine, elevated pub fare, and a grab-and-go fridge stocked with craft beer.

Fun fact: Accessibility means more than just a short commute to the South Lake Brewing Libation Lodge for the folks at Heavenly. In winter, the resort offers adaptive ski and snowboarding lessons with personalized instruction for visitors with disabilities; the gondola is wheelchair-accessible, and snow-accessible wheelchairs are available at the top.

South Lake Brewing Libation Lodge: 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd STE 26, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Do dinner at Elements, then a show

Photo: Brian Walker/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

In Stateline, casinos glimmer against the backdrop of the wilderness. This is the best place in Lake Tahoe for nightlife — check out spots like Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, which have numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants within walking distance.

Harveys Lake Tahoe is home to the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. In recent years, headliners have included the Foo Fighters and Rod Stewart. A few blocks away, the new Tahoe Blue Event Center is the permanent home of the Tahoe Knight Monsters professional hockey team. The venue has also hosted performers such as Adam Sandler and Colin Jost.

Before you head into the theater, soak in waterfront views while you enjoy Mexican-American fusion dishes at Elements Eatery & Bar. The restaurant celebrates diverse flavors with handmade tortillas, smash burgers, and craft cocktails. Alternatively, after a long night out, you can start the day off right at Elements, with breakfast options like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and horchata french toast.

Elements: 3310 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Get your fresh catch fried up at MacDuff’s

Photo: Brian Walker Photography/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

You’ll find a wealth of free concerts on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, too. Some of the most popular include the Live at Lakeview summer concert series at El Dorado Beach, free summer lawn concerts at Valhalla at Lake Tahoe, and the Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series on Friday and Saturday nights.

Grab dinner before the show at MacDuff’s Public House, which serves up crowd-pleasing favorites like fish and chips, burgers, and pasta. If you went fishing with a local outfitter like Mile High Fishing Charters, they’ll even prepare your catch for you.

MacDuff’s: 3310 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Wind down with low-and-slow barbecue at Fox & Hound

Photo: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Lake Tahoe is so clear that depths of up to 75 feet are visible from the surface. Kayaks and SUPs can be rented at most beaches on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, so you can swish peacefully across the water and peer down at the world below. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, book a daytime or dinner cruise on the beloved M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler, which departs from Zephyr Cove Resort.

For a day of laid-back family fun in the area during winter, head to nearby Tube Tahoe. The price of admission includes tube rental, and their slopes are over 500 feet long. But whatever the season and however you spend the day, make sure it includes a plate of barbecue from Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar. The eatery is perched more than 7,000 feet above sea level to offer stellar views of the Carson Valley. If you’re really hungry, try the burger challenge — finish the whopping four-pound monster in 60 minutes or less and it’s free.

With so many food and fun pairings, you might not get to try everything during a single visit — but that’s okay. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe will welcome you when you come back for seconds.

Fox & Hound: 237 Tramway Dr, Stateline, NV 89449

Experience the Reciprocity of Aloha on Oʻahu: Activities to Enrich Your Next Hawaiʻi Trip

Experience the Reciprocity of Aloha on Oʻahu: Activities to Enrich Your Next Hawaiʻi Trip

By: Sarah Etinas

Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Heather Goodman

 

“Aloha, welcome to Hawaiʻi.” That’s how nearly every visitor is greeted on arrival to the islands, but the Hawaiian word “aloha” means much more than “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s a term with deep roots in Native Hawaiian culture, and there is, without a doubt, a reciprocal aspect to “aloha” — often encompassed by the phrase “aloha spirit” — the idea that the good you put into the world will come back to you.

There are many ways visitors can embody aloha and leave a positive impact, like volunteering or taking the time to learn about Native Hawaiian history and culture. Get some inspiration for your next Oʻahu visit with these activities that are equal parts fun and fulfilling.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with The Hawaiian Islands.

Take to the Waves with Moniz Family Surf Family ready to surf

The earliest evidence of surfing can be traced back to 12th-century Polynesia. Called heʻe nalu, or wave sliding, surfing was a sport for everyone in Hawaiian society, regardless of gender or social standing.

But with the arrival of missionaries and their Western influence in the early 1800s, surfing was looked down on. For decades thereafter, heʻe nalu seemed to be an activity of the past — until three Hawaiian princes attended St. Matthews Military School in San Mateo, CA, and introduced surfing in 1885. Then five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku arrived on the scene. He won silver and gold medals for swimming at the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympic Games and embarked on a world tour to showcase both his swimming and surfing skills, helping to revive the wave-riding sport.

Take to the waves yourself with Moniz Family Surf in Waikīkī, which was a favorite place for Hawaiian royalty to flex their surf skills. Run by a longtime local surf family, this beloved surf school offers expert instruction to help you ride the waves. Choose between a private or a small group lesson (up to four people) for your introduction to this quintessential island pastime.

Book NowPhoto credits: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Ben Ono Learn About Traditional Hawaiian Life in Waimea Valley Traditional Kauhale Lei weaving

With its thriving tropical plants and 45-foot waterfall, Waimea Valley is one of the best places to learn about the ahupuaʻa, or traditional land divisions. In fact, according to Richard Pezzulo, Executive Director of Waimea Valley, Hiʻipaka LLC, “it’s the only fully intact ahupuaʻa on Oʻahu that’s interpreted [for] the public.”

At the valley, wander around Kāhiko o Kauhale, an immersive exhibit with seven traditional Hawaiian living sites. You’ll notice how Native Hawaiians cared for the land with aloha by using every part of a plant. Coconut fibers were woven to make tools and stringed instruments, like the ʻukulele, coconut shells served as kitchenware, and coconut leaves were used to weave baskets and thatched roofs. Nothing went to waste. Authenticity is the site’s standout feature, says Pezzulo, noting that it was “reconstructed on the footprints of a genuine kauhale (village) from centuries ago.”

Pezzulo also encourages visitors to engage with staff and artisans as they tour the valley’s three key cultural sites: Hale Hōʻike, Kauhale, and Kahua Pāʻani. If you can recite the values you learned at the end of your tour, you’ll be rewarded not only with new insights into Hawaiian cultural life but also a Hoʻokipa ambassador certificate and pin.

Book NowPhoto credits: Waimea Valley, Hi’ipaka LLC and Hawaii Tourism Authority/John Hook Dig into Native Hawaiian History at the Bishop Museum Hawaiian Hall Museum exterior

The Bishop Museum showcases the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens in the world, making it a fantastic place to delve into the different time periods of Native Hawaiian history. Your journey begins in Pacific Hall, where you’ll see model canoes and learn about the Polynesians who braved the trans-Pacific journey to become the first settlers of Hawaiʻi, arriving between 1000 and 1200 CE.

Polynesian voyages to Hawaiʻi mysteriously stopped around 1300 CE, so Hawaiian culture and society developed on its own. In Hawaiian Hall, learn all about the Native Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories and legends), akua (gods), and beliefs, along with how the people lived their daily lives.

Until the late 18th century, each Hawaiian Island lived independently with frequent battles between their rulers. But between 1790 and 1810, King Kamehameha I fought to unite all the Hawaiian Islands and successfully establish the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, which thrived for nearly a century after that. Peek at this part of history in the Bishop Museum’s Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kāhili Room, where you’ll see portraits and artifacts of the most revered and beloved aliʻi (chiefs).

Book NowPhoto credits: Bishop Museum and Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson Learn to Mālama ʻĀina at Kualoa Ranch Group touring Kualoa Ranch Moli´i Fishpond

Tucked away in the verdant Koʻolau Mountains, the locally owned Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve offers several nature-inspired tours. In particular, the Kualoa Grown Tour and the Mālama Experience Tour give glimpses of the reciprocal value of aloha through mālama ʻāina.

On the Kualoa Grown Tour, you’ll learn about traditional Hawaiian food systems and farming practices and visit the historic Moliʻi Fishpond. As one of the four historic Hawaiian fishponds still on Oʻahu, this is where Hawaiians farmed and caught their moi (threadfish), awa (milkfish), and ʻamaʻama (mullet).

The hands-on Mālama Experience Tour changes based on the land’s needs, so your activity will be shared upon arrival. You may mālama ʻāina by working in the loʻi (taro fields), weeding the māla lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicinal plant garden), or repairing the roofs of traditional Hawaiian thatched homes.

Book NowPhoto credits: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Ben Ono and Hawaii Tourism Authority/Vincent Lim Get Into the Dirt with Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi Volunteer planting taro

Kalo (taro) has a long history in Hawaiʻi. According to Hawaiian moʻolelo (legends), the Hawaiian goddess Hoʻohōkūkalani became pregnant, but sadly, the baby, Hāloa, was stillborn. In her grief, Hoʻohōkūkalani buried Hāloa and watered him with her tears until a green, heart-shaped sprout appeared: the very first kalo plant.

Horticulturists tell the story of kalo a little differently. Likely introduced to the islands by the first Polynesian voyagers, the species quickly became a Native Hawaiian food staple due to its high nutritional content. Various parts of the plant were pounded into poi, steamed into kūlolo (coconut-taro pudding), and used as a wrapping for laulau (leaf-wrapped protein entree).

Have your own hands-on experience with kalo through the nonprofit Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi in Kāneʻohe. The nonprofit offers thrice weekly workdays in the loʻi where you can get knee-deep in the mud to weed, as well as plant and harvest kalo. As you work, volunteer leaders will share their knowledge of kalo in Native Hawaiian culture, traditional Hawaiian farming practices, and the mountainous Kāneʻohe region.

Book NowPhoto credits: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Heather Goodman Take Care of the Ocean with Mālama Maunalua Community huki

At least once a month, this Hawaiʻi Kai nonprofit hosts a community huki — or “pulling” — to remove invasive algae from Oʻahu’s Maunalua Bay. Without intervention, the invasive species would overwhelm the coral reefs, kill native algae communities, and disrupt the bay’s entire marine environment. For almost 20 years, Mālama Maunalua and its 30,000-plus volunteers have cleared four million pounds of invasive algae, continually cleaning the bay and turning the removed algae into soil amendments for local farms.

Oʻahuʻs beauty rejuvenates nearly every visitor. By embracing the true spirit of aloha during your stay, you can give back to the island as much as it gives to you. What could be more rewarding than a travel experience that nurtures both the destination and the traveler?

Book NowPhoto credits: Alex Awo/Mālama Maunalua and Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson