Matador Network's Blog, page 117

Looking For Love in Spain? This Surging Trend Suggests You Might Want to Try the Grocery Store

If romantic comedies are to be believed, love can be sparked by the perfect meet-cute in the most off-beat ways. Travel certainly opens the door to experiences where you can find someone new, and a dating trend in Spain has some people wondering if they should book a flight just to find the one in a grocery store.

The Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona, which has more than 1,600 locations in the country, has seen a massive influx of people arriving between 7 and 8 PM every night and rushing for the pineapples and lentils. People looking for a relationship put a pineapple upside down in their shopping cart, go to the wine section, and faux-serendipitously bump their cart into someone else’s with a pineapple (or wait to get bumped into). Upside-down pineapples have a different connotation signaling people who are open to swinging stateside and elsewhere, but apparently it means dating-app-free love seeking in Spain. For those looking for long-term love, a bag of lentils is the signifier.

@_anagildersleeve Pineapples are chaning the dating game in Spain Gotta love Spaniards and their way to flirt lol #spanishpeople #spain #dating #datingadvice #flirting #flirt #datingapps #learnontiktok #mercadona #pineapple #fypツ ♬ original sound – Ana Gildersleeve

“The pineapple is changing the dating game in Spain,” Ana Gildersleeve says in a TikTok explaining the trend.

According to the BBC, this all likely started with Spanish actress Vivy Lin’s TikTok in August asking if people knew about the dating trick. It’s gotten a bit out of hand since then, as TikTok trends are wont to do. Mercadona workers have started hiding pineapple ahead of the ordained hour, and they’re also responsible for putting away all the unpurchased things from people looking to bring home love instead of food. Police were called to a Mercadona in Bilbao because of the chaos.

The dating scene can be tough these days, and alternatives to the apps can feel more genuine (whether following a TikTok trend is truly genuine or just an example of herd mentality to get in on something that appears popular is a different discussion). Love of any kind is certainly not guaranteed no matter what you put in your shopping cart in Spain. But as far as travel inspiration goes, heading to the grocery store on your travels is never a bad idea.

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Things We Love: The Matador Team’s 9 Favorite Pieces of Travel Gear and More This Month

Fall is here, and with it comes the need to stock up on travel gear for the changing seasons. This month the Matador editorial team began preparing for cooler weather with a down jacket, a pair of all-weather hiking boots, and a multi-season sun hat. There’s still time for at least one more camping getaway, and the crew also tested some new campsite essentials including an organic beer, a versatile pair of trail and travel shorts, and even a spicy way to up your campsite cooking game.

We hope you love this travel gear as much as we do! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.

Kuhl Getaway Shorts

Photo courtesy Kuhl

Until I obtained the Kuhl Eclipser Hoodie at the beginning of this summer, I’d always thought of Kuhl as the brand for middle aged outdoorsy dudes who’ve yet to reconcile with their escaped youth. I’m 40, spend 100 days a year in the mountains, and listen to Blink-182 every day, and Kuhl continues to surprise me with how “cool” its clothes actually are. Its Getaway Shorts are perfect for me. I’ve hardly taken them off since they arrived, having now worn them on multiple camping trips, to a baseball game, and a couple dozen times to the gym. They’re flexible but the waist holds firm, and are therefore perfect for bike commuting as well as trail time. In casual Colorado where I live they’re appropriate for just about any happy hour or dinner engagement. All of this adds up to a pair of shorts that have received more than their fair share of use in just six short weeks – and I look forward to not swapping them out until the inevitable crisp of the forthcoming winter forces me to do so. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Buy Now

Patagonia Provisions x Deschutes Brewery Kernza Lager

Photo courtesy Patagonia Provisions and Deschutes Brewery

I love beer. And what’s not to love about certified organic beer? We’ve come to expect nothing less from Patagonia Provisions, which focuses on sustainable and often regenerative food and drink products built for the outdoors. The brand partnered with Oregon-based Deschutes Brewery to make the Kernza Lager, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. The beer is light and slightly creamy, great for a post-adventure toast at the trailhead. I tried both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, and found the punchy one to go down smoother — though this could be because I’m more accustomed to beers with a kick. Deschutes brews all its booze-free beers in-house using Sustainable Beverage Technologies’ BrewVo® technology. The beer is made of organic Kernza from the Perennial Promise Grower’s Cooperative, Regenerative Organic Certified® rye malted by Admiral Maltings, organic 2-Row barley malt from Briess Malt & Ingredients Company, Roy Farms organic Adeena hops come from Roy Farms, and organic Helios hops from Hopsteiner. Grab the beer at a store near you. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Locate The Beer

¡Ya Oaxaca! Mole sauces for camping

Photo courtesy ¡Ya Oaxaca!

The thing about campsite cooking is that it gets boring. Everything must be easy to pack and either be dried, non-perishable, or storable in a small cooler – and therefore adding flavors that pop and make for a memorable meal is tough to do without an RV kitchen. I learned this summer how easy it is to boost the quality of my campsite meals after getting a hold of a three-pack of flavors of mole sauce from ¡Ya Oaxaca! – Mole Negro, Mole Coloradito, and Mole Rojo. Grilling veggies and protein for fajitas has long been a go-to camping meal for my crew, but until this year I’d never bothered to switch up the recipe at all. I love mole – it’s my go-to at Mexican restaurants – and these jars of sauce store easily in the cooler without taking up much space. Cue the best camping dinner ever. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Buy Now: $24.99

KeepGoing First Aid Kit

Photo: Amazon

The KeepGoing First Aid Super Kit is impressive. It is a family-owned company, and you can tell that this was a product made by parents. It’s got everything you could ever need for a family trip, including instruments like tweezers and a tick remover tool, which comes in handy on those hikes in tall grass. There are many fabric bandages with fun prints like dinosaurs, sports, and tie-dye. There are tons of triple antibiotic ointment packets, burn gel, and lip balm! There are even stickers to help kids feel better after those unexpected bumps and scrapes. As a producer who needs to be prepared for anything, it’s comforting to know I have anything I could need in this lovely little pack. It fits easily into a backpack and has cute packaging with a great handle. It’s so well organized that you don’t have to search long for anything. – Alex Halky, senior producer

Buy Now: $31.96

Tevas Women’s Trailwinder Low

Photo: Amazon

The Teva Trailwinder shoe is the perfect travel shoe. If you want something nice and light, just in case that friend decides to go on a hike on vacation, you’ll be prepared to join them. They’re super lightweight so they won’t add much to your bag. There are tiered traction lugs that are excellent to keep you from slipping on the trails. The NAVILOCK internal bootie system gave me a secure fit. There is a heel pull tab, which makes it more accessible for slipping on. There is also excellent arch support, and the LITE-COMF insole provides responsive comfort. – Alex Halky, senior producer

Buy Now: $129.95

FACTORFIVE Soothing Facial Mask

Photo: Amazon

I’ve never understood how certain people can walk off a long-haul flight and look fresh. I claw at the cabin door to get off and be welcomed by an airport mirror reflecting what can only be described as a shriveled-up cherry tomato at the back of a refrigerator drawer. Ok, I’m being a smidge too hard on myself, but my skin, after a long flight, always takes a beating. Despite being the queen of hydration, the mix of air conditioning with lack of sleep does nothing for my complexion. To combat this, I recently tried out FACTORFIVE Soothing Facial Mask. As a self-proclaimed sheet mask expert, I was intrigued by the brand’s addition of adult human stem cell factors (as well as aloe, green tea extract, and hemp seed oil). “What dat?” I hear you say. Ethically derived stem cell therapy in skincare is relatively new. The idea is that stem cells contain proteins and amino acids that signal other cells to regenerate, resulting in (over time) younger-looking skin. If the sound of this makes you as perplexed as Hocus Pocus 2, Vogue’s in-depth article on the topic is worth a read. I’m not sure if I’m quite at the stage of drinking stem cell Coolaid, but I have to say this mask was delightful. I loved the tingling sensation and scent of peppermint, and after 15 minutes, my skin looked plump and fresher. I’d happily put a FACTORFIVE mask in my carry-on for future inflight facials. – Katie Scott Aiton, Lifestyle Editor

Buy Now: $22

Arc’teryx Liatris Down Parka

Photo courtesy Arc’teryx

I’ve been looking for a down parka for some time now. Despite my Scottish heritage, I don’t get along well with cold weather. After a wet Scottish summer in Arc’teryx’s outdoor hiking gear, I looked at its down jackets and came across the Liatris parka. I also needed something substantial for the current trip I’m on to Northern Norway. And substantial it is. It feels more like a comforter than outerwear. Yet it’s not cumbersome – which was a welcome surprise. You can zip the jacket from top to bottom, but it also unzips around the ankles, making walking and sitting easy. I can’t describe how comfortable and warm this parka is, other than perhaps feeling like a hug from my husband. The pockets are also great. It took me a while to navigate them all. Because there are so many, I lost my car keys in the padding a few times. They are deep, zippable, and beautifully lined. Thanks to the airy goose down, it’s also lighter than it looks, and the GORE-TEX shell is exceptional. I have no doubt this parka will get me through many winters to come. It might even live out me. – Katie Scott Aiton, Lifestyle Editor

Buy Now: $1,000

Pistil’s Trent Sun Hat

Photo: Amazon

I have such fair skin that even my scalp gets sunburnt. Because it’s tricky (but not impossible) to use sunscreen on top of my hairy head, I prefer to wear a hat when it’s sunny outside. While I like stylish straw hats and own a couple of them, they are hard to travel with – packing a straw hat in a piece of luggage is bound to damage it. Pistil’s sun hats, while less chic than a straw hat, are a lot more practical. Because they are made of soft and light fabric, they can be folded and packed easily without getting destroyed. Also, their UPF 50+ and wide brim mean that your scalp, your neck, and parts of your face are protected from the sun. Other attributes that make Pistil’s sun hats a good choice is the adjustable chin cord which helps keep the hat on your head even when there are strong winds, and the lightweight, quick-dry fabric which means you can put it on your head even when your hair is wet without damaging the material. I mistakenly bought the men’s version of Pistil’s sun hat, but it fits very well and certainly doesn’t look too masculine. After 15 years of usage, I reserve my straw hat for special occasions and use my Pistil sun hat for the beach and all my trips abroad. – Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor

Buy Now: $56

Camper’s T-Style Sandals Flat

Photo: Amazon

Nothing can beat Birkenstocks when it comes to comfortable, yet stylish sandals, but the problem with Birks is that they can’t get wet – ever. Because the footbed is made of cork, when wet, it starts disintegrating. A pair of water sandals is much more appropriate for the beach or for light hiking, canoeing, or kayaking, but they tend to be chunky and unattractive. After a lot of digging, I managed to find a pair of water sandals that are both cute and practical: Camper’s T-Style Sandals Flat. These sandals come in a variety of bright colors and offer the same rubber soles, sturdy textile straps, and velcro closures as other brands. They are comfortable, dry quickly, and look fun and fashionable. Warning: if you have wide feet, they may be too narrow for you. – Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor

Buy Now: $82.34

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Dark Treasures: Exploring Some of the World’s Most Macabre Antiques in New Book ‘The Witches Door’

In 2017, Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina M. Rossi hosted a one-day show highlighting all things rare and macabre at the Brooklyn Bazaar in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. It brought together 70 artists, dealers, and colleagues and was dubbed the Oddities Flea Market. It was an immediate hit. The next year the show expanded to a two-day, ticketed event, and over subsequent years it expanded to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle — all of which include carefully curated vendors and performers.

Their own collection of spooky afterlife antiques, it goes without saying, is impressive. Their empire in the world of ghastly and historic objects recently added a new chapter: Cohn and Rossi’s first book, The Witch’s Door: Oddities and Tales from the Esoteric to the Extreme (Chronicle Prism). The memoir is filled with photos of eye-catching objects, with pages that explore the couple’s lives, collection, true stories of specific artifacts (ornate kapala skull bowls found in a dead missionary’s underwear and wax penises, to name a few), and the subculture in general.

Cohn and Rossi have had a long fascination with the afterlife. Cohn cites interest in the skeletal system since he was a kid, while Rossi says it started with a blinged-out skull Christmas wish. Rossi went on to a career in high-end fashion and curated Brooklyn’s House of Wax with Cohn in 2016. Cohn’s art and curation have been featured in museums, magazines, and movies, and he was a star on the Discover Channel show “Oddities” and currently appears on the Atlas Obscura web series “Antiques and Their Afterlives.” The couple is a match made in heaven (or any other afterlife of your choosing): they were engaged in the Paris Catacombs and the ring was tucked in a skull.

The Witch’s Door: Oddities and Tales from the Esoteric to the Extreme is available for preorder with a publish date of October 1. Below, an excerpt of the prologue for a taste of the book and background on how it got its title.

We hope you love the books we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Buy: $30

Photo: David Zeck/SDZ Photography

WARNING

You are about to enter a realm of the strange and unusual. The death-positive compendium of oddities and curiosities you hold in your hands represents our lifelong fascination with the macabre and the bizarre. While some will find these artifacts to be an affront to good manners and common decency, we see great beauty in the journey our bodies take long after life deserts us. Some of the artifacts you will encounter in these pages stretch the limits of credulity; others are simply shocking. We present them to you with the assurance of our respect for the dead and our gratitude for all they have taught us.

Also, this book may, or may not, be haunted.

Enter at your own risk . . .

PROLOGUE: Old Jef

The first time we laid eyes on the Witch’s Door, we knew it was something special. We’d just acquired the collection of a friend whom we’ll call Nick Parmesan. He was given the moniker because his parents ran a neighborhood deli in Brooklyn that made the best chicken parmesan known to humankind.

Nick was an odd guy. He was a former New York Police Department sergeant who took early leave from the force after 9/11. Some people travel when they retire. Others go to the beach. Nick caught the collecting bug. He did a lot of his collecting online, but he was also a fixture at many of the flea markets and antique shops where we did business. All collectors are secretive, but Nick took it to the extreme and had many enemies. Despite some ups and downs in our long relationship, we considered Nick a friend.

He was also a hoarder.

We’d only been to Nick’s apartment in Brooklyn a handful of times. Although he was proud of his collection, he didn’t like people poking around his stuff. Nick had an incredible eye, but his collection was a mess. It was so vast and disorganized that he didn’t have a way to display it. We didn’t realize how serious his hoarding problem had become until after he passed away.

There’s no other way to put this: Nick’s apartment was a horror show. Boxes and bags were piled up all over the place. The stacks rose from the floor and went all the way up to the ceiling. The place was dark and dangerous and in disrepair. Walking from one room to the next was an adventure because each step required moving piles of Nick’s stuff out of the way.

These obstacles aside, Nick’s collection was jaw-dropping. We couldn’t believe the quality of the stuff he had in there. Suits of armor. A squad of skeletons. Exquisite eighteenth-century Italian figures. Amid the towers of garbage and junk, we found unusual sculptures, boxes of teeth, and antiquities rare enough to be displayed in a museum.

When we acquired Nick’s collection, we agreed to clear out his apartment so that it would be ready for its new occupants to rent. As is usually the case in situations where someone passes away unexpectedly, we didn’t have much time to prepare for the cleanup, and everything had to go. We rented some trucks and enlisted the aid of a full-scale crew, but toward the end of our first day we had to face the truth: We’d underestimated the amount of stuff that Nick had crammed inside his apartment. We’d barely made a dent in it, and we were completely overwhelmed.

As we were getting ready to leave for the day, something caught our attention. We couldn’t tell what it was, but it looked like a piece of antique furniture. At first we thought it was a headboard, but it was far too big for that.

After shifting some boxes around, we noticed what looked like a rough wooden door with hand-forged wrought-iron hardware leaning against the wall. It was massive—that’s what caught our attention—but there was too much stuff in front of it to get a good look. Now that our curiosity was piqued, we needed to know exactly what we were looking at.

We kept moving things around until we could see the piece properly. It was definitely a door, and it wasn’t in very good condition. The wood was scratched and scarred. It was obviously very old. Although it was far from beautiful, there was something about the door that called to us.

It was getting late and becoming dark inside the apartment. Our bodies ached from moving Nick’s belongings around all day. We were positive we’d never seen this object in his apartment or heard him talk about it before, which meant one of two things: Either he’d acquired it recently or he’d kept it hidden from us.

Why would he do that?

We didn’t always understand Nick’s impulses, but we trusted his taste. We knew it had to be something.

Once we brought the antique out into the light, we noticed some- thing very unusual. In the upper part of the door someone had carved a figure into the wood. This wasn’t a decorative detail. The carving was ugly and crude, but because it had faded with time it was also easy to miss in the gloom of Nick’s apartment. The door had been defaced with the carving of an image of a sinister-looking woman.

Above the figure, the words old jef had been inscribed, which was an Old English term for the devil.

This carving had been made as a warning to others.

Old Jef lives here.

A she-devil.

A witch.

We looked at each other in amazement. What the hell had Nick found?

Excerpted with permission from The Witch’s Door: Oddities and Tales from the Esoteric to the Extreme (Chronicle Prism) by Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina M. Rossi. The book releases on October 1, and is available for preorder.

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Travelers to Germany Can Save Big With This Monthly Transport Pass

When it comes to public transportation, the Germans are well ahead of the game. Instead of making people purchase different tickets or travel cards for each transport company and each mode of travel in every city and town you visit, they created the Deutschland-Ticket (or D-Ticket for short), a transport card that works throughout the country.

For the meagre price of $55 (€49) per month, the Deutschland-Ticket offers unlimited travel on all means of local public transport throughout Germany. That means that you can ride regional trains and buses, trams, subways, etc. in the entire country with just one card.

In comparison, a seven-day ticket to use public transportation in all of Berlin costs the same price: $55 (€49). In the northern city of Hamburg, an all-day ticket that covers all zones costs around $30 (€26.70).

The Deutschland-Ticket is a monthly subscription that is well suited to those who reside in Germany but that works also great for anyone planning to travel around the country for an extended period of time. Tourists only have to remember to cancel the subscription when they’re done so it does not get renewed for another month. Canceling your D-Ticket is easily done via the DB Navigator app.

Note that tourist-specific buses and trains are not covered by the D-Ticket. Neither are high-speed trains (ICE), long-distance trains (IC), and EuroCity trains (EC). Those who wish to ride the ICE, IC, and EC trains frequently while in Germany would do well to check out the Eurail’s offerings for unlimited train travel.

A few exceptions apply to the all-encompassing usage of the D-Ticket and they are listed in a PDF (in German but easily understood) by regions and transport companies.

The D-Ticket can be purchased online and displayed on your smart phone via the DB Navigator app. You cannot get a printed ticket, which the Deutsch Bahn says creates “less waste and CO2 thanks to elimination of production and shipping.”

I recently traveled around Northern Germany using only public transport and can attest to the efficiency and punctuality of the trains, buses, and metros. Even in rural areas like the lesser-known island of Rügen, there’s no need to use the car as buses run throughout the island at very frequent interval. Of course, using public transportion is also a much more sustainable way to travel than driving or flying.

Starting January 1, 2025, the price of the Deutschland-Ticket is set to increase by $10 (€9). The subscription will then be $65 (€58) per month.

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How Long Should You Really Have for Your Connecting Flight? Airline Workers and Travel Experts Chime In

Usually, I would never be caught dead booking flights with a tight connection, but in a couple of days, I’ll be going against all my instincts, take a big chance, and try to make a flight with only a 45-minute layover. To say that I’m worried about it is an understatement — I’ve been thinking about it every single day, multiple times per day, for weeks. If you think that the simple solution to my anxiety is to change my flights, know that not only was this connection recommended to me by the airline, but I also don’t have much of a choice. Because I live in a very rural area with an unreliable airport, I have extremely limited flight options. Time will tell whether I make it or not, but if the flight attendants, pilots, and travel experts I interviewed are right, I’m in trouble.

“I’d say layovers between connecting flights should be at least 1.5 hour for domestic flights and three hours for international trips,” says Duke Armitage, airline pilot and founder of Aviamonde, in an email. “This should ensure you have enough time to cover most delays,” he continues.

While I should probably bow to Armitage’s expertise, I, who consider myself quite knowledgeable in all things travel-related, tend to disagree. A three-hour layover for an international flight seems like overkill. Diane Dupont, a flight attendant for French Bee, backs me up.

“If passengers travel on a long-haul flight with the same airline, I recommend two hours between the flights. But if the second flight is on another airline, I would schedule more time, about four hours, in case of a delay,” she says.

However, as Dupont explains, an itinerary that includes two or more airlines, especially if they’re not part of the same alliance, will indeed require more time for your to catch your next flight. You’ll need to pick up your luggage at baggage claim, re-check it, and possibly go through security again, before making your way to the gate, which can take a very long time. Whether or not you need four hours is arguable.

“A Two to three-hour layover is advisable to accommodate these additional steps and reduce the risk of missing your connecting flight,” says Jon Morgan, the CEO and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter. With a background in developing software used by airports to manage flights, he has gained insights into creating smooth connections between flights.

Before booking an itinerary with tight connections, Armitage recommends that you check flight on-time performance time by using the free online tool put at your disposal by the US Bureau of Transportation. “This allows you to see how likely your flight will be delayed so you can plan accordingly,” he explains.

Beyond potential delays and airlines, travelers should also think about airport size and awareness while making a booking that includes connections. You would breeze through a regional airport or even an international airport that you know well, and struggle to make your way to the appropriate gate of a big and busy hub or an airport you’ve never been to before.

“I’d recommend adding an extra hour to your connection time if you’re at an airport as huge as Denver International or as busy as JFK,” Armitage explains.

James Kinsella founder of travel-planning website Turtle Trip agrees. “For large but efficient airports like Atlanta International (ATL), we recommend 1.5 hours for domestic and two hours for international, while Chicago O’Hare (ORD) takes more walking and needs a minimum of two hours for domestic and 2.5 to three hours for international,” he says.

If I sum up all the advice from the professionals, here is how much time you should really have for your connecting flight:

Domestic flight with same airline: at least 1.5 hoursDomestic flight with different airline: between two and three hoursInternational flight with same airline: at least two hoursInternational flight with a different airline: between two and four hours

While sticking to the experts’ advice is always a good idea, if, like me, you’re stuck with a tight connection, there are a few things you can do to help.

Travel with a carry-on luggage only. If you travel with a checked luggage, you might make your connecting flight but your bag likely won’t.Book a seat in the front of the plane so you can get out as quickly as possible, even if it means you need to pay a little extra.Purchase a travel insurance that covers missed connections so you can get a refund for meals, hotels, or alternative flights in case the worst happens. More like thisTravelVape Pens Can Catch Fire. That's Why You Don't Put Them in Your Checked Luggage.

Fairy Tales, Castles, and Viking Lore: Inside the Island of Fyn, Denmark

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to escape into a fairytale? To command a dragon, slay beasts, or ride into battle like Norse mythology’s Valkyrie? Hans Christian Andersen, the father of modern fairytales, likely imagined the same. Both the author and his stories were born and raised on the island of Fyn, Denmark (pronounced Foon in Danish).

Fyn is Denmark’s second most populated island after Zealand, where Copenhagen lies. It’s filled with fascinating castles and immense history that call upon visitors to use their imaginations just like Andersen did. Around every storybook corner on, there awaits real-world points of interest, from Viking cultural relics to exciting street food, that prove there’s a lot more to see in Denmark than its capital city.

Things to do on the island of Fyn

Get to know Denmark’s most famous author

H.C. Andersen Hus

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

This museum invites visitors to dive into the mind of Hans Christian Andersen. But there’s a lot to admire before you step inside. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma won a competition to design the museum. He was inspired by the half-timber houses that are so famous on Fyn, and Denmark at large, and designed a series of sleek and fluid buildings accordingly.

Inside, rather than displaying beautiful artifacts behind glass walls, the museum immerses visitors as if Andersen himself is guiding you through it. The museum is set mostly underground and takes you through four different sections: Butterfly, My Children, Reflections, and, you guessed it, Fairytales. The first three sections give a glimpse into Andersen’s life, including love letters, early works, and his history with a town that shunned him.

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

The best part comes last. The museum worked with 12 different artists to bring Andersen’s most popular stories to life. You can stand at a spotlight on the floor and The Shadow story will play out in front of you using your silhouette. You can try on the titular Emperor’s new clothes and listen to Andersen’s eponymous Nightingale sing its song. Or you can lay on the soft rocks in The Little Mermaid and look up at the ceiling where the world outside is visible. You can even see the real pea that inspired the Princess and the Pea. Expect to stay here for at least an hour.

Audio tours of the museum are offered in four different languages, with each guide varying depending on the narrator and what they felt was most interesting.

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

The H.C. Andersen Hus also has a special place designed for kids: Ville Vau. (The whole museum is free for anyone under 18 who’s accompanied by an adult.) Ville Vau is a fantastical world where little ones (and their parents) can dress up as princesses or jesters in a castle or don a swan costume and hang out in the pond.

After a long day spent devouring the museum’s contents, stop by the on-property Café Deilig for some actual sustenance and grab a sandwich named after Andersen’s works.

H.C. Andersen Hus: H.C. Andersen Haven 1, 5000 Odense C, Denmark

Andersen’s Childhood Home

Photo: embeki/Shutterstock

With a ticket to the H.C. Andersen Hus, you also get a tour through his three-room, half-timbered childhood home, which is connected to the museum. See where Andersen lived until he was 14 years old, where honed his incredible imagination in the courtyard behind his house, and where he began weaving his famous fairytales.

Andersen’s Childhood Home: Munkemøllestræde 3, 5000 Odense, Denmark

H.C. Andersen Walking Tour

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

You can, quite literally, walk in Andersen’s footsteps (complete with his size 13 shoe imprints on the sidewalk). The tour follows a 1.5- to 2.5-mile path that stops at landmarks like the Odense Castle where Andersen played in the gardens with the prince and the church where he was baptized. Eventually, you make your way to the FairyTale Garden where a statue of the author stands tall before ending back at his childhood home.

H.C. Andersen Walking Tour: Old Odense, Fyn, Denmark

H.C. Andersen Festivals

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Every late August — or Week 34 as the Danes call it — a visual arts festival takes place in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. Since 2013, the H.C. Andersen Festivals has brought together artists from all over the world to perform their acts in stunning and creative ways along the streets and parks of Odense. Performances range from acrobatic feats to comedic acts like Italian clowns trying to make pizza. Most of the H.C. Andersen Festivals is free, with only a select few performances that are ticketed. With around 350,000 people visiting the festival every day, it’s one of the largest in Denmark and shouldn’t be missed.

H.C. Andersen Festivals: Odense, Fyn, Denmark

Head to the coast

South Fyn Archipelago

Photo: Thomas Roell/Shutterstock

The South Fyn Archipelago is officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which refers to a region that’s holistically managed to protect, educate, and develop sustainably. There are almost 800,000 years of geological history within the archipelago, thanks to a “drowned” ice age. You can download the Geopark app (iOS and Android) to guide you through all of the organizations, sites, and companies that are involved in the South Fyn Geopark.

South Fyn Archipelago Geopark: Frederiksgade 12, 5700 Svendborg, Denmark

Invisible Theatre from BaggårdTeatret

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

This tour ushers guests through the town of Marstal at their own pace as they listen to the story of We, The Drowned by the Danish author Carsten Jensen. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, voices one of the characters. The tour is just over three miles and will take most people approximately two hours to complete.

Invisible Theatre from BaggårdTeatret: Marstal, Denmark

Marstal Maritime Museum

Author Carston Jensen outside the Marstal Maritime Museum Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Despite the large ship’s bow that protrudes from the exterior, this unassuming museum looks like a quaint point of interest inside of a historic building — until you step inside. What you’ll find when you do is room after room of treasures and trinkets, exquisite model ships, historic photographs, and more. Keep following the red arrows on the floor, and you’ll find your way out.

Marstal Maritime Museum: Prinsensgade 1, 5960 Marstal, Denmark

Deep dive into Viking history

Odense Cathedral

Photo: Perekotypole/Shutterstock

In 1080 AD, King Knud, the last Viking king, was ruthless. He killed opposing Vikings with the goal of taking back control of England. Knud gathered 50-100 ships in a fjord to raid England on his command. When he took too long, people got angry, and Knud fled south to Odense.

Knud was killed on the night of July 10 when he was doing his evening prayers, and the church was overrun by an angry mob. This was considered the end of the Viking age and the beginning of Christianity and the Middle Ages. You can visit the bones of Knud and his brother, who was also killed in the raid, in the Odense Cathedral where they died.

Odense Cathedral: Klingenberg 19, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Odins Odense

Photo: Berkel Aler/Shutterstock

Although not technically in the Viking Age, Odins Odense is a replica of an Iron Age village from the era before the Vikings. Guests can visit this place in two ways: a day trip or tour and an overnight experience. When you visit, you’ll be placed back in time when food was simple and mead was flowing. You’ll see the various dwellings from that era and partake in activities from 2,000 years ago. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the adventure back in time with a rune hunt or other ancient games that you can play.

Odins Odense: Store Klaus 40, 5270 Odense N, Denmark

The Viking Museum Ladby

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

The Viking Museum Ladby holds Denmark’s oldest royal tomb in the shape of a Viking ship. One thousand years ago, a Danish royal — known due to the nature of the burial though the body wasn’t there when the tomb was dug up — was buried with his three dogs, nine horses, an extensive weapon collection, and various other items to accompany him into his afterlife.

The ship grave was uncovered in 1935 and is now uncovered but protected behind glass at the museum. You can still see bones from the horses that were buried with the king. There’s a replica burial site that visitors can see before venturing into the actual grave. It’s hard to understand the immense length of the ship (over 70 feet) until you see it in person. During the summer months, you can also view another replica that sits at the dock on the property.

The Viking Museum Ladby: Vikingevej 123, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark

Nonnebakken

When most people think of Bluetooth, they think of the process of wirelessly connecting two devices. But Bluetooth was also the name of a Viking king. King Harald Bluetooth lived in the late 900s — no, that’s not a typo, it was over 1,000 years ago — and Nonnebakken was one of the ring fortresses that’s attributed to the Viking king.

Five ring fortresses across Denmark, including Nonnebakken, received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023. Although the fortress can’t be seen in its entirety in Odense, you can see traces of it, including part of the rampart wall near Odd Fellow Lodge and another part in a private school’s parking lot and playground (complete with Odin and Thor sculptures). You can see a 1:30 scale of Nonnebakken just north of the Odd Fellow Lodge in the park there.

Nonnebakken: Odense, Fyn, Denmark

Admire the architecture

Egeskov Castle

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

One of Europe’s best preserved water castles, Egeskov Castle looks like something out of a book. It’s known as a living castle since there are people who actually reside there year-round. Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and Princess Alexandra of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg are the current occupants and can be seen walking the grounds and greeting guests often. The castle has been in the Count’s family since the American Revolution. The castle gets about 300,000 visitors every year who come to admire the property’s dozen gardens, eight museums, hedge labyrinth, treetop walk, and a handful of places to dine (try Brasserie Rigborg).

Egeskov Castle: Egeskov Gade 22, 5772 Kværndrup, Denmark

Night watchmen of Ærøskøbing

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Touring Ærøskøbing with night watchmen is more of a thriller or historical fiction than a fairytale. In 1702, a young woman was attacked and robbed in the town. From then until 1863, the night watchmen walked and protected the town’s streets, lighting lamps as they went while singing their songs to the chimes of the church bells. Tours will lead you along the quintessential cobblestone streets of Ærøskøbing where you’ll hear stories about the old houses and their inhabitants. If you’re lucky, the night watchmen leading your group might give you an old tune they used to sing to distinguish the hours throughout the night.

Night watchmen of Ærøskøbing: Ærøskøbing, Ærø, Denmark

Castle and manor road trip

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

There are a total of 123 castles and manors on Fyn — the largest concentration anywhere in Scandinavia. You can’t visit all of them in one go, and some aren’t even open to the public. But the ones that are open are breathtaking. Walk along the secluded paths of the Romantic Garden, or sleep in the same bed as the baron at Broholm Castle. Or you can simply follow map directions to view all the castles and manors from the comfort of your own car.

Go on a souvenir shopping spree

Ærø Soap Company

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Owned by a German and a Canadian, Ærø Soap Company takes pride in embodying the natural scent of the island of Ærø. The company rotates about 20 soaps throughout the year with seasonal ones coming and going. The shop does, however, have a few soaps that are constantly on its shelves due to popularity. Its most asked for scent, lavender, comes from the 1,000 lavender plants that the shop has on the property. Susanna, one of the owners and a master soapmaker, says she “loves that everyone who buys a bar of soap here goes home with a bit of the scent they have grown to love so much.”

Ærø Soap Company: Vester Bregninge 31, 5970 Ærøskøbing, Denmark

Hattesens Konfektfabrik

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Black licorice is a Danish delicacy. This is not your average Twizzlers you’d find in an American grocery store. The texture is much different, and the flavors are incredibly diverse. Even if you aren’t a fan of black licorice in the States, you should try it in Denmark — and Hattesens Konfektfabrik on the island of Ærø has something truly unique. Claus Hattesen, the owner and dreamer behind the brand, wanted something better than the usual licorice. He developed new flavors using traditional methods, removing more sugar while keeping the natural flavor. The use of seaweed as gelatin (rather than animal fat) gives this licorice a truly distinctive flavor profile.

Hattesens Konfektfabrik: Vestergade 2, 5970 Ærøskøbing, Denmark

Gift shops

At almost every museum mentioned above, there’s an adjoining gift shop. These shops are perfect for grabbing small gifts for those who weren’t able to make the trip with you or mementos to remember your incredible trip. One of the better gift shops is the one at the H.C. Andersen Hus where you can pick up his fairy tales in many languages and the shop at Ladby. Make sure to grab a Viking sword and shield to battle with later.

Where to eat on the island of Fyn

Café Fleuri

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Step off of the main thoroughfare in Odense (aka the “bike highway”) and head into the quiet courtyard of Café Fleuri. You’ll find a seat at one of the many tables in a quaint courtyard while vines and hanging plants cascade down its interior walls. The menu reflects the same coziness and whimsy, focusing on small plates with high quality.

Café Fleuri: Nørregade 28, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Storms Pakhus

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Odense’s Storms Pakhus operates out of a renovated warehouse that springs to life with dozens of vendors selling all types of street food. From pizza and burgers to sushi, curry, and gyros, there’s a meal for every age and palate. The cafeteria-style seating allows friends to gather together or for strangers to strike up a conversation.

Storms Pakhus: Lerchesgade 4, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Midtfyns Bryghus

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Just meeting the owner of Midtfyns Bryghus is enough reason to visit this microbrewery. Eddie Szweda is American born but has lived in Denmark for decades. He took over Midtfyns Bryghus in 2006 and has been there since. Come for a tasting — with Szweda, the experience is “80 percent entertainment and 20 percent beer.”

Midtfyns Bryghus: Industrivej 11-13, 5792 Årslev, Denmark

Madklubben

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Good food doesn’t have to mean astronomical prices — at least, that’s what the Madklubben’s owner, Anders Asgaard, thinks. Madklubben is a place for everyone to gather and savor their food, from simple dishes like cheeseburgers to tandoori and the classic “Welfare Pig,” a crispy pork dish that comes with grilled veggies, pickles, and herbs.

Madklubben: Jernbanegade 4, st th, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Stokkebye Vineyard

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Owners Jacob and Helle take the wine-making business seriously. When you think of Denmark, vineyards might not come to mind, but the Stokkebyes have persevered. They specialize in white and sparkling wines and produce upwards of 20,000 bottles every year. Their wine is found in several restaurants throughout Europe, including Michelin-starred establishments. Their story is a beautiful one where family comes first and wine second. Their logo is an intertwined tree, falcon, and star, which represents their three children whom the wine is named after. You can book wine tastings and vineyard tours as well as caviar and wine pairings.

Stokkebye Vineyard: Kertemindevej 152, 5800 Nyborg, Denmark

Restaurant ARO

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Odense’s latest Michelin star restaurant takes form in a former factory used to make heating parts. It almost looks like an abandoned building from the outside, but once inside, you’ll be struck by a humble dining room that seats two dozen. You might get lucky if your party is small, but reservations are out for at least six months — and for good reason. The food is immaculately crafted and beautifully presented. Guests can choose between three, four, five, or seven courses to make it as simple or as extravagant as you’d like.

Restaurant ARO: Østerbro 32, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Where to stay on the island of Fyn

Hotel Odeon

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Odense train station, Hotel Odeon is a particularly great place to stay if you’re without a car. It’s located in the heart of the city and steps from the H.C. Andersen Hus. If you have a bike, the hotel is next to the main thoroughfare that has been transformed into a bike highway where you can easily maneuver yourself throughout town.

Hotel Odeon: Odeons Kvarter 11, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Hotel På Torvet

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Located on the island of Ærø, Hotel På Torvet is an experience all on its own. There are suites (complete with separate living and sleeping areas) as well as apartments for those needing more of a home-away-from-home feel. All of the rooms are in two historic buildings dating back to the 1800s: the School House or the Lantern Factory. The hotel is located in central Ærøskøbing where you can easily walk the charming cobblestone streets throughout town.

Hotel På Torvet: Torvet 7, 5970 Ærøskøbing, Denmark

How to get to and around the island of Fyn

Photo: Sarah Lamagna

For American travelers, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the best place to fly into to get to Fyn. Several US cities have nonstop flights to Copenhagen on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), including Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City via John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago, and Washington, DC. SAS is one of the most sustainable airlines to date and committed to cutting carbon emissions by 25 percent across the whole company by 2025. Within Scandinavia, the airline is phasing out emissions entirely by 2030, and SAS has also invested in hybrid electric planes that will take flight in 2028.

Upon arrival in Copenhagen, you can take a 75-minute express train ride from the station directly below CPH to the Odense station on Fyn. Odense, the island’s largest city, is easily walkable, and the city bus can help you get around town. However, you’ll need to rent a car to visit some of the more unique places around the island.

To get to the South Fyn Archipelago and the island of Ærø, you can book a seat on one of the four Ærøfærgern’s ferries. It only takes about 55 to 75 minutes depending on the ferry you take. As with most public transport in the country, bicycles are welcome onboard. Book your ticket in advance online or get one from the ticket kiosks in Svendborg or Ærøskøbing.

More like thisTravelA New Scandinavian Airlines Route Allows US Travelers to Visit a Quieter, Natural Side of Denmark

Norway’s New Cross-Country Luxury Train Is Coming in 2025

The popularity of train travel continues to grow, and with it come new sleeper train routes and new luxury trains. And Norway, not wanting to be left behind in this trend, is getting in on the action. A new luxury train service is coming to the Scandinavian country in the fall of 2025, and if its name is any indication, it should deliver a very lavish experience.

The Norient Express, named after both Norway and the famous and very opulent Orient Express, will be a train service like no other currently operating in the country. The Norient Express will travel between the city of Bergen on the southwestern coast, to the city of Trondheim, located on the Trondheim Fjord in central Norway, via Oslo, the Norwegian capital situated on the southern coast.

The Norient Express will take no less than six days to complete the journey. While there will likely be multiple stops and excursions along the way, very few details about the itinerary have been released.

What we know however, is that this luxury train service will be operated by two electric trains that will be furnished with locally sourced pieces made from natural materials. We also know that there will be an observation car for passengers to take in the scenery, and a gym car — a first in a luxury train. The renderings visible on the Norient Express’ Instagram feed will give you an idea of what this much-awaited train service will look like.

Photo: Norient Express/Instagram

Despite Visit Norway saying that the Norient Express will start operating in the fall of 2025, the train service’s very bare website states that the estimated launch will be in 2026.

While you wait for the Norient Express to start running, you can try one of Norway’s other scenic train journeys, including the Bergen Line (AKA the Bergen Railway) that travels between Bergen and Oslo; the Flåm Railway, said to the most scenic train journey in Norway, that runs between Myrdal and Flåm; or even the Arctic Train (AKA the Ofoten Line), that crosses the Arctic Circle.

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Got Oasis Tickets? Book These Airbnbs Near The Band’s Tour Stops

If you’re one of the lucky ones with tickets to the Oasis reunion tour, all that remains is finding rock star-worthy digs. With the concerts coinciding with summer in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the best vacation rentals come with outdoor space or proximity to urban parks and beer gardens. These Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Cardiff are pitch perfect for the Oasis Live ’25 Tour.

Traveling to the United Kingdom? Check out Matador’s UK accommodations guides: The Best Airbnbs in Manchester, From a Luxury Yacht To a Renovated Bank Vault 23 Airbnbs in London’s Trendiest Neighborhoods Top 13 Airbnbs for Exploring the Whole of Scotland The Most Convenient Hotels To Experience Manchester, England The 8 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Close To the Must-See Sights The Top Glasgow Airbnbs Across the City’s Coolest Neighborhoods

We hope you love these Airbnbs along the Oasis Live ‘25 Tour route! 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.

Music-lovers loft in Manchester’s Northern QuarterPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosWhat was once Manchester’s textile powerhouse is now legendary for its live music dens and this top-rated Airbnb is in the thick of it. Warm up for Heaton Park and scouting the next big thing with the in-unit record player and a stack of vinyls. The open-plan kitchen and lounge are bathed in sunlight and there are two bathrooms to avoid any Gallagher-esque morning quarrels.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $204 per night

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A-list London pad near Wembley StadiumPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosA 20-minute Uber from England’s national arena, this renovated terraced house in Shepherd’s Bush has high ceilings and gorgeous bay windows. The kitchen spills into a secluded backyard for balmy summer evenings spent ranking Oasis’s greatest hits. Interiors fuse vintage furnishings with such mod-cons as mood lighting and a techy kitchen; there’s even a boiling water tap for hot tea on demand.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $397 per night

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Boutique Airbnb in the heart of ManchesterPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosRecharge from rocking out at these dreamy digs with a botanical twist and Bose speakers. Right around the corner from Piccadilly Station, the high-floor flat is part of a listed building with a spellbinding staircase – and an elevator for not-so-light packers. The central location is convenient for reckless wanders or Oasis-themed walking tours to recording studios and venues that have hosted the northern duo.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $196 per night

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Romantic Edinburgh lair on the Royal MilePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosIt’s not every day you get to see the OGs of Britpop and share a postcode with the British monarchy. Steps from Holyrood Palace, this restored 16th-century dwelling is part of a coaching inn where Mary Queen of Scots stabled her horses. Modern touches include a shower sound system for morning Wonderwall renditions. You’ll be greeted with shortbread biscuits, Scottish whiskies, and insider tips on where to eat.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $604 per night

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Stable conversion with a heated pool in DublinPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis luxury vacation rental for Oasis groupies is on the right side of town for Croke Park and Dublin Airport. The four-bedroom unit is separate from the host’s quarters and has its own country kitchen and breakfast patio. The sauna and heated swimming pool are available all year for private use during daylight hours. On second thoughts, why not sell the gig tickets and spend more time in the pool?

Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $144 per night

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Crescent terrace and garden in Edinburgh’s West EndPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosA five-minute taxi to Murrayfield Stadium, this Guest Favorite Airbnb claims the first floor of a ​​Victorian townhouse. The original fireplace now serves a decorative purpose while the kitchen is thoroughly modernized. Huge bay lounge windows overlook the community garden shared among residents and St Mary’s Cathedral is viewable from the bed. Dean Village and Charlotte Square are a short walk.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $197 per night

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Deluxe townhouse and garden oasis in DublinPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosOne of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Dublin, this three-bedroom rental is a short Uber ride from Croke Park and Temple Bar. The contemporary kitchen is illuminated by skylights and patio doors leading to a private yard perfect for an August heat wave. There’s a lounge with surround sound speakers and a projector for pre-concert air guitar sessions. Definitely maybe it won’t stay on the market for too long.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $516 per night

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Large Airbnb near Cardiff’s Principality StadiumPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis four-bedroom house is a mint option for old friends reuniting for Oasis Live ’25. Rooms have ample storage and the airy kitchen is designed for sociable meal prep and dining. There’s a sunny patio for scrolling the latest Gallagher gossip and an oval tub that’ll tend to aching muscles after bopping along to the classics. Cardiff’s city center is walkable and there’s free parking for road trippers.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $421 per night

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Ritzy Airbnb in Manchester’s nightlife hubPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosLive that champagne supernova lifestyle at this elegant apartment for couples and small groups between the Gay Village and Chinatown. A shiny state-of-the-art kitchen and velvet upholstery strike a balance between practicality and luxury. There are tons of fun dining options on the doorstep – the pedestrianized Canal Street is more famous than Liam and Noel combined.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $288 per night

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Comfy Cardiff base for Oasis ticket holdersPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosNever mind anger, you’ll look back in fury if you let this Guest Favorite Airbnb slip through your fingers. The house is minimalist yet homely with an assortment of books and board games to fill any downtime. Both bedrooms are vibrantly decorated each with a double bed. At the rear, a private patio and lawn is a lovely spot to gather over a cheeky pint before the overture.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $159 per night

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Editor Tested: NEMO’s New Vantage 30L Backpack is the Ultimate All-in-one Weekender, Camping Bag, and Carry-on

Despite taking a backpack with me on every trip long and short for the past decade, I’ve never had a dedicated travel backpack. A light Osprey bag lasted for years and doubled as a commuter backpack when I worked in an office in New York City. That was eventually replaced by the sleeker Osprey Arcane 50th Anniversary pack. It does the job just as well, though is designed more for carrying essential work needs than everything needed for a weekend getaway.

That’s changed over the past few months of travel — from summer camping trips to a long weekend in Mexico City to an extended family trip to Türkiye — when I’ve repeatedly turned to the NEMO Vantage 30L day pack. It has convinced me I should have long ago sought out something purpose-built for travel rather than try to force everything into an outdoor pack or slim office backpack.

NEMO is best known for tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. The company launched its first tents in 2004 and quickly gathered a collection of design and product awards. Backpacks and duffels didn’t come into the equation until 2024, though the company’s first backpack patents were filed in 2009, founder Cam Brensinger told Ultralight Outdoor Gear. The wait was worth it.

We hope you love the gear we recommend! 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.

Features on the NEMO Vantage 30L Endless Promise Everyday Adventure Pack

There’s no shortage of reliable packs from both stand-by brands and upstarts. One might even say there are too many travel backpacks. Many have the same standard features that people need: a roomy core compartment, internal dividers and pockets for organization, and padding for comfort in places that chafe most. The primary differentiators come down to design (the quantity of those internal pockets, plus how easy it is to access them) and materials (durability, but also sustainability).

The Vantage 30L excels in both. The roomy duffel-style top compartment has two side pockets and a separator along the back wall to stuff dirty clothes. The quick-grab middle top pocket is big enough to fit what I need to access on a long flight without having to pull the entire backpack from under the seat in front of me. In the bigger J-shape zippered compartment, there’s a laptop section that fits a 16-inch computer plus some smaller pockets for chargers, pens, notebooks, and everything else I need for work.

Outside those core sections, there’s a handy bottom pocket that opens up enough to keep a pair of shoes. A security pocket on the back is the perfect size for a passport and other travel documents.

Honestly, it’s harder to exercise restraint and not over pack than it is to find a way to fit everything.

The NEMO Vantage 30L sure fits a lot for its size. Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Then there’s the straps. The chest buckle easily comes off so it doesn’t hang and bounce on the sides when not in use. Wide shoulder straps keep wear comfortable even for extended periods. One of my favorite additions are two cinches, one on top and one on bottom, that can tighten to flatten the bag — perfect for reducing the size when it’s not completely full or squeezing everything tighter after stuffing a little too much inside the duffel compartment.

NEMO’s dedication to materials and sustainability is just as strong as its dedication to good design. The bag is part of the company’s Endless Promise collection of gear that has high durability standards for years of hard use, and then is fully recyclable when it’s time to move on. That’s led to materials you won’t see on other bags.

The first is NEMO’s proprietary CERO fabric made from recycled yarns. The company touts the material has a tear strength up to twice as high as the industry standard and is 1.5 times more water-resistant. Even the most sustainable brands tend to make exceptions for the foam padding on the shoulders and back. NEMO opts for CCubed, which is made with recycled and recyclable materials without losing the cooling space and cushioning that foam provides. The material is 97 percent air, and keeps things breezy even for someone like me who tends to quickly get a sweaty back.

NEMO Vantage 30L specs:

Volume: 30 litersLength: 11”Width: 11”Height: 1’7”Empty weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounceZippered compartments: 6Exterior pockets: 4Compression strapsCarry-on size

Buy on NEMO: 229.95

Buy on REI: 229.95

The camping test

I took the bag on two weekend camping trips this summer. As to be expected in the Colorado mountains, the weather delivered it all. NEMO’s materials held up to their promises during flash rainstorms as the bag sat outside while I prioritized throwing everything not water resistant into the tent. Everything inside my bag stayed nice and dry. I was happy to see that the apparent scuffs from sliding down some rocky dirt on a hike brushed off with ease without a single catch in the material.

In terms of space, three days of layers fit in the duffel compartment for temperatures that ranged from 80 degrees Fahrenheit when the sun was shining down to 40 at night. The top zipper made it easy to access what I needed in the moment without pulling everything out of the bag. That’s a benefit for anyone in the outdoors in a tight tent, but as I’ve learned over the last year and a half, it’s an even bigger benefit for anyone who is packing for a toddler, too. Diapers, clothes, and the whole lot could stay in their place while I fished out a chore coat before starting the fire.

The weekend getaway test

A dedicated shoe compartment and large duffel-style top are game changers. Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Shortly after getting the NEMO Vantage 30L, I booked a budget flight to Mexico City for a four-day trip to see a friend living there at the time. I was allowed one carry-on, and needed something that could just as easily fit all of my clothes as it could pull double-duty as a day pack for long days out.

Both those boxes were checked, with plenty of room for my computer, chargers, notepads, and pens for work on the go. I even had space for a few extra outfits and a second pair of shoes — the latter something I rarely spend the space on even when bringing my bigger Away luggage. Added bonus: I didn’t enter every building with massive shoulder sweat marks on those days out, even in the summer heat, thanks to the CCubed padding.

The long vacation test

Space was highly limited on my nine-day trip to Türkiye in September. Our small rental car needed to fit four adults and a toddler in a car seat — plus all of our luggage — for a seven-hour drive from Istanbul to Güvercinlik, a small seaside town about 20 kilometers north of Bodrum. With half my suitcase reserved for diapers and baby gear, I took full advantage of the extra space the Vantage provides.

Just as important a consideration was the amount of space it takes up under the seat. Economy seats are always a battle for room, even for airlines with relatively larger leg room. Even more so with a lap infant. Our direct flight from Denver to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines ended up being about 13 hours. The Vantage fit nicely under the seat in front of me and even allowed for a touch of room to stretch my legs out on the side. The easy-to-access pocket on top meant I never had to fully take the bag out to reach what I needed.

As a personal item, NEMO’s Vantage has one other big advantage: the top handle is big enough to pass through a luggage handle, so the bag sits securely on top of my rollaboard (even on bumpy cobblestone streets and launching off of curbs and stairs).

Room for improvement

For all that I love about the NEMO Vantage 30L, there were a couple of downsides. The biggest for me is the side pockets for water bottles are on the small side. I prefer the full bottle length and a tight pull to keep things secure on the outside, but my Yeti water bottle doesn’t fit when the bag is packed, and neither would a Nalgene. I took a smaller water bottle with me when using the bag, though even that had trouble fitting when the duffel compartment was fully packed and the interior zipper pockets filled. The side pockets more often held magazines than water bottles on my trip to Türkiye for that reason.

The other issue is the price. At $229.95, the Vantage 30L is not cheap. That’s not much cheaper than my hardshell The Carry On from Away, and is higher than comparable bags from brands like Osprey and The North Face. That said, this is a bag designed to last and be repaired when needed. With high sustainability standards and full recyclability comes higher costs — something I’m typically willing to accept. The amount of use you’re looking to get out of the bag and your own commitment to any sustainability surcharges is something to consider.

More like thisOutdoorThere Are Too Many Travel Backpacks. The Perfect Options Already Exist.

The 18 Most Spectacular US Hotels That Go All Out for Christmas

Nothing says “happy holidays” like an extravagant Christmas display. Hoteliers know this. That’s why every winter hotels across the country get dressed in their holiday best, with twinkly lights and holly wreaths and maybe a reindeer lawn ornament or two. But only a handful of hotels truly go all out. From stories-high Christmas trees to beachfront ice skating rinks, these nine US holiday hotels take seasonal cheer to a whole new level.

We hope you love these holiday hotels we recommend! 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.

Hotel del Coronado

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San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado has become an unlikely holiday destination, thanks to the oceanfront ice rink the hotel sets up every winter. Activities like starlight holiday movie screenings and Jingle Roast s’mores sessions around private bonfires help sell the idea of a California Christmas. But Christmas dinner is where the hotel really shines, with a grand buffet in the Crown and Coronet Rooms. There’s also a Roaring ‘20s-themed New Year’s Eve Gala here, for those who want to keep the festivities going.

Hotel del Coronado: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

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Lone Mountain Ranch

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For a Montana Christmas, head to Lone Mountain Ranch, where you can explore the resort’s 50-plus miles of carefully maintained woodland trails on a backcountry Nordic skiing excursion. The ranch is also a short distance from the Big Sky slopes and offers a transportation service, making it easy to access the slopes, which offer over 5,700 skiable acres. Back at the ranch, you can take a sleigh ride dinner, a Lone Mountain Ranch tradition for over 35 years. You’ll be whisked away on a horse-drawn sleigh ride under a starlit sky to the historic North Fork Cabin, where you are treated to a delicious Montana prime rib and live entertainment. Lone Mountain Ranch provides a truly magical Christmas experience, bringing together the beauty of Montana with the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re seeking outdoor snow adventures, seasonal culinary delights, or a cozy cabin retreat, the resort offers an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Lone Mountain Ranch: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716

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Backland Luxury Camping

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Camping at Christmas time sounds like an oxymoron to me, but I’m a die-hard white Christmas girl. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might want to consider a stay at the luxury eco-resort Backland Luxury Camping in Northern Arizona. This year, the resort is coupling the glamping experience with the fun package “Deck Your Tent,” where you’ll be able to decorate your tent, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, canes, nightly s’mores, Christmas crafts, and relax at the resort in full holiday swing. It’s also a great time for stargazing, and Backland’s location is unbeatable. You can even use the resort’s on-site telescope to explore the light pollution-free night sky.

Backland Luxury Camping: 6929 E Rosilda Spgs Rd, Williams, AZ 86046

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Ocean Casino Resort

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Awarded the best casino resort in Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort takes Christmas seriously. You’ll find holiday decor at every turn and even be able to hang out with the big man himself at Santa’s Hideaway. From December, the experience transports guests from the well-known Atlantic City Boardwalk to the North Pole. After that, you can head to the holiday pop-up experience at the Jingle Bell Bar to sip festive-themed cocktails and enjoy entertainment. It’s recommended that you book in advance for a chance to meet Santa Clause, as he’s in high demand at this time of year.

Ocean Casino Resort: 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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Lotte New York Palace

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The Lotte is one of the most famous Christmas hotels in New York City. During the holiday season, locals and guests admire the opulent decorations, the iconic Palace Christmas Tree, and the outdoor Winter Bar. If you’re traveling with family, your children will cherish the stay for years to come. They can post a personalized letter (and post it in the oversized North Pole mailbox) to Santa, and he’ll reply with a magical letter that will arrive in your room.

Lotte New York Palace: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022

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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — Scottsdale, Arizona

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Every year the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess performs a Christmas miracle: It turns the Sonoran Desert into a winter wonderland. The transformation starts with over six million LED lights, 70,000 of which are threaded around a giant tree in the resort’s Enchanted Plaza. Next comes 6,000 square feet of actual ice in the shape of a desert skating rink, an alpine skate track and 120-foot sledding hill at The Village, and a s’mores-ready campfire in the Christmas tree forest. Even Santa makes an appearance for meet-and-greets.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

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Tenaya at Yosemite

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The crisp winter air and snow-blanketed landscape of Yosemite. As the crowds dissipate in winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland. The off-season brings stillness and an opportunity to experience the landscape in a very different way than summertime. If you’re ready to bundle up, book a stay at Tenaya at Yosemite. Here, you can ski or snowboard at the legendary Badger Pass Ski Area or explore the beauty of Glacier Point on a cross-country skiing excursion. The resort also has an on-site outdoor skating rink and guided snowshoe flashlight hikes. Or gather around one of the many fire pits and craft delicious s’mores, or participate in holiday-themed workshops, including ornament decorating, Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunts, gingerbread decorating, and snow globe making. You can also ring in the New Year in style. The resort hosts a festive New Year’s Eve party with delicious food, drinks, and entertainment for adults and children.

Tenaya Lodge: 1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623

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Nemacolin

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This year, The Chateau at Nemacolin returned after extensive renovations. The Chateau was one of the most anticipated new hotels of 2024. A stay here will transport you to 18th-century France, and the estate transforms into a holiday wonderland in winter. This year’s festivities kick off on November 29 with the annual “Light Up Nemacolin” event. Over a million twinkling lights illuminate the resort, marking the beginning of the holiday season. Overnight guests and Nemacolin members can enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, and a sneak peek at Hardy’s Holiday Village. Inspired by European Christmas markets, Hardy’s Holiday Village is an epic fantasy world with dining, shopping, and entertainment. Guests can wander along snow-dusted paths brimming with festive cheer, shop at Hardy’s House of Ornaments and PJ’s Peppermint Emporium — a candy cane lover’s paradise — and hang out with the elves, who put on daily performances.

Nemacolin: 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437

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Taking a trip over the holidays? Check out Matador’s holiday accommodation guides: Best Family-Friendly Airbnbs in America’s Most Popular Christmas Cities10 Big Family Airbnbs for the Holidays in the NortheastThe Best Resorts in Hawaii for a Family Vacation of a Lifetime9 Charming Small Towns That Look Just Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Gaylord Opryland — Nashville, Tennessee

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Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort promises a “country Christmas” with dozens of activities starting in November. Guests can try ice skating, ice tubing, or even ice bumper bars; hop in a horse-drawn carriage; cruise the resort’s Delta Atrium in a riverboat; and catch holiday dinner shows before enjoying the nightly tree lighting and caroling. With tons of kid-focused activities such as a Build-A-Bear workshop and Santa’s Spinner ride, Gaylord Opryland is particularly fun for families with little ones.

Gaylord Opryland: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

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The Resort at Paws Up — Greenough, Montana

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The Resort at Paws Up is offering a special “Montana Christmas” package this holiday season. The offer includes a five-night stay in a luxury vacation home, complete with your very own Christmas tree, plus entry into a gingerbread-house-building contest, a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, and a $500 resort gift card per person per stay. Meals and round-trip airport transfers are also included. On the ranch, guests have their pick of winter activities, from cross-country and downhill skiing to fat biking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tubing, and skijoring, a sport that involves strapping on skis and being pulled by a horse or dog.

The Resort at Paws Up: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

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The Plaza Hotel — New York, New York

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Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel is a New York City icon. Especially at Christmas. Second to Rockefeller Center’s Norway spruce, The Plaza decorates one of the city’s glitziest trees, which in the past has reached almost 20 feet tall, featured close to 1,000 ornaments, and had fun themes such as “Eloise” and “The Great Gatsby.” Gourmands will appreciate the holiday menus at the hotel’s fine-dining Palm Court restaurant, with a special Christmas Grand Buffet on the 25th.

The Plaza Hotel: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

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The Cloister at Sea Island — Sea Island, Georgia

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This five-star resort on a private island in Georgia goes all out for Christmas, from its elegant decorations to its roster of holiday events. This year’s kid-friendly festivities will include a Reindeer Dash Family Fun Run, storytime with Santa’s elves, and ornament-decorating workshops. Even the furry, four-legged members of your family are invited to get in on the fun at the annual Reindog Parade, costumes encouraged. Top it off with a big Christmas Eve dinner in the Cloister Ballroom, and it’ll be a holiday to remember.

The Cloister at Sea Island: 100 Cloister Dr, Sea Island, GA 31561

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The Roosevelt — New Orleans, Louisiana

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It comes as no surprise that one of the grandest holiday hotels in New Orleans stages one of the most breathtaking Christmas displays. Walking through the lobby is an event in its own right, owing to more than 100,000 glittering lights, dozens of Christmas trees decorated with over 1,000 glass ornaments, over 1,500 feet of garland, and magical displays of birch boughs and wreaths. Don’t be surprised if you see non-guests lining up for selfies.

The Roosevelt: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112

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Omni Mount Washington — New Hampshire

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Nestled in the White Mountains, Omni Mount Washington is a grand hotel that offers a classic New England Christmas experience. The hotel’s holiday decor and program of festive activities make it a favorite among families. If staying before December 25, the winter package includes the opportunity to hand-cut a Christmas tree to take home along with a homemade wreath.

Omni Mount Washington: 310 Mount Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

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French Quarter Inn — Charleston, South Carolina

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The French Quarter Inn in Charleston offers a unique Southern twist on the holiday season. Think warm hospitality, charming decorations, and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of a traditional Southern Christmas. Guests visiting during December can book the Sleigh Bell Suite. Decorated with garlands and mistletoe, the suite also features an in-room eggnog bar and classic holiday movie screenings. The hotel’s location is perfect, too. It’s within walking distance of prime shopping locations and popular attractions like the Gibbes Museum and the Nathaniel Russell House.

French Quarter Inn: 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401

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Mohonk Mountain House — New Paltz, New York

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This Victorian castle turned upstate New York resort does the holidays Dickens style. Beginning Christmas Eve, guests can participate in a host of yuletide fun, from decorating cookies and graham cracker houses to competing in a yule log scavenger hunt that kicks off with Christmas trivia. Mohonk Mountain House also makes it easy to enjoy the wintry Hudson Valley air. Think ice skating, Catskills snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on 30-plus miles of groomed trails.

Mohonk Mountain House: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

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The American Club

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Wisconsin’s picturesque landscapes make for a beautiful winter escape, and a stay at The American Club will create memories for a lifetime. The festivities centerpiece is Frozen Fairways, a magical winter wonderland on Kohler’s Blackwolf Run golf course. The sprawling outdoor venue offers a variety of activities to entertain guests of all ages. There’s an ice rink, curling, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. After a day in the snow, you can enjoy a seasonal menu at the resort’s restaurant and then cuddle up by the fire with a hot chocolate.

The American Club: 419 Highland Dr, Kohler, WI 53044

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The Greenbrier — White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

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The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs, has been welcoming guests for the holidays since 1778. The hotel is famous for its mineral spa that incorporates the healing properties of the local sulfur springs, offering therapeutic and restorative treatments — a relaxing indulgence during the holiday season. The exterior view of the large white building, adorned with gardens, paints a picturesque winter wonderland scene during Christmas. Beyond the splendid accommodations, The Greenbrier provides an array of activities including exploring its 11,000 acres, a tree lighting ceremony with hot chocolate, caroling, and a festive scavenger Hunt. The Greenbrier’s reputation and breathtaking surroundings make it a great hotel for a memorable Christmas getaway.

The Greenbrier: 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

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