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Serengeti Explorer: Avoid the Great Migration Crowds With This Wildlife-First Lodge

A giraffe walking next to an airplane runway isn’t something you see every day. But that’s what I saw when I stepped off my bush plane at Tanzania’s Seronera Airstrip for a one-week stay at Serengeti Explorer Lodge. Though I didn’t know it then, it was a preview of what was to come, with the next week offering near-endless wildlife sightings without the need to even board a safari vehicle.

Built into the foothills of the Nyaboro Mountains, Serengeti Explorer is a new addition to the illustrious Elewana Collection, which runs more than a dozen luxury safari resorts across Kenya and Tanzania. It sits in the western corridor of Serengeti National Park. Painted in tones that blend seamlessly with the landscape, it’s so well-integrated into its surroundings that I could barely tell it was nearby, even when we were driving almost immediately in front of it.

That first morning at Serengeti Explorer, dawn emerged in a soft pastel glow, as my jet lag had me sitting on the balcony with a steaming cup of coffee very early in the morning. On that first day, I lost count of how many giraffes, elephants, and antelopes I saw scattered across the surrounding grasslands. The green hills around the resort gave way to savanna below, where zebras and wildebeests grazed. I was amazed by how many animals I saw from my lofted, hillside vantage point – especially since I hadn’t yet set foot in a game drive vehicle.

A lodge dedicated to keeping it wild

Photo: Serengeti Explorer Lodge /Shutterstock

The 90-minute drive from the Seronera Airstrip took us through the famous Serengeti National Park. It was my first time in a national park in Africa, and I was struck by the lack of buildings, power lines, or even other humans. The park remains raw and ancient, as one of the oldest intact ecosystems on Earth.

Perhaps in homage to this utter lack of development, the hotel is built on the footprint of an older lodge. It covers the same amount of space as the former Sopa Lodge, maintaining the same number of rooms and repurposing materials when possible. This avoided clearing new land or expanding into untouched areas, I learned. While management later told me this was because the resort’s ultimate goal was to integrate with nature, not stand out, it’s also mandatory: Serengeti National Park enforces strict building regulations. No new developments are allowed within the park boundaries, and nothing can be constructed that obstructs the natural skyline.

“A pearl in the bush,” says Serengeti Explorer chief engineer Petri Van Greunen, when asked to describe the lodge. “The architects who designed this property asked one important question: how does it affect the nature around us?” He explains that every decision about the remodel was made to prioritize the park’s fragile wildlife and ecosystem. “The main goal was always the animals. We don’t want any animals to feel uncomfortable around us.”

One seemingly simple example: the lighting. “We tested all kinds of fixtures and settings to make sure none of the lights shine out into the landscape – only down or inward,” Van Greunen explained, “so they don’t disturb the environment.”

While that’s the right move from a conservation perspective, it’s also the right move from a guest perspective. During my stay, it felt like the animals didn’t know the lodge was there, either.

Adventuring during the Great Migration

Photo: AndreAnita/Shutterstock

The vastness of the Serengeti National Park creates an ideal home for hundreds of species, from the dik-dik (the world’s smallest antelope) to massive African elephants. In the park, you’ll likely see not just a huge variety of species, but large numbers of each.

In late spring through mid-summer, hundreds of thousands of animals fill the landscape around Serengeti Explorer. That’s when the Great Migration passes through this part of the Serengeti. It’s an ongoing migration in which 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles travel across the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in a continuous loop.

It’s a process essential to the landscape, as the herbivores graze and trample the grasses, making way for new growth. Their presence feeds the carnivores, and the cycle continues. Visit Serengeti Explorer during that time, and you’ll have the chance to witness dramatic river crossings and the rhythm of nature, playing out before your eyes. It’s a reminder of why the park is called “Serengeti,” meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language.

How Serengeti Explorer Lodge fights overtourism

The author on a game drive with no other vehicles in sight. Photo: Kelsey Wilking

A recent bout of heartbreaking Instagram videos showing hundreds of safari cars impacting the Great Migration has been going viral on social media. They show so many vehicles that the animals’ paths are blocked, forcing wildebeest and zebras to jump off cliffs, enter rivers at unsafe points, and otherwise change their behavior to avoid throngs of tourists.

Serengeti Explorer doesn’t participate in that kind of wildlife viewing, full stop. But the reality is, tourism plays a major role in Tanzania’s economy, funding and supporting anti-poaching efforts and national park conservation through required park fees. Our guides explained that poaching of elephants and rhinos has decreased significantly since 2020 in Tanzania, thanks to increased funding from tourism and a growing global interest in protecting the Serengeti (though poaching and snaring for bushmeat is still an ongoing concern). Tourism funds have contributed to wildlife success stories, as with the nearby Maru Rhino Project, which leads black rhino reintroduction efforts in a protected, tourist-free part of the park.

To help combat overtourism, the lodge uses six-seater safari vehicles to ensure smaller groups, and is always promoting off-season travel. The resort’s expert guides are directed to choose less-visited routes, including Serengeti Explorer’s own backroad roads, to allow for more intimate wildlife viewing in a non-crowded area. This is often the opposite tactic of quicker, more budget-focused game drives, which attempt to show guests as many animals in the shortest amount of time, with less focus on the long-term impacts. The lodge told me its goal is to create steady, year-round tourism while minimizing the noise and congestion that can negatively impact wildlife, especially during peak safari seasons.

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

While the Mara River crossings typically happen between July and October, the Great Migration is actually a year-round event. I traveled in May, just before the high season began, and mine was the only vehicles on the road for the majority of trips. We were able to watch thousands of wildebeest and their faithful zebra companions graze on the plains mid-migration. It’s amazing how much more you can actually see them when there aren’t 50 vehicles all vying for the same view.

Bird migrations from January to April also attract large numbers of travelers. But visiting in the quieter months benefits more than just the animals. It benefits you, too. With fewer people around, you get more intimate moments with nature, which is what a game drive is all about.

I felt like I had the Serengeti to myself

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

The Tanzania National Parks Association recently built a new road through the park, used for access to Serengeti Explorer Lodge. It’s open to the public, but because it’s so far from the main roads, it’s mostly only hotel guests who use it.

Though it’s easy to see wildlife without leaving the lodge, it’s essential to do at least a few game drives on a safari vacation. As with most safari lodges, you’ll set off early each morning and again in the late afternoon to try to catch animals at their most active.

When not watching animals, I recommend taking advantage of your safari guide’s deep knowledge of the area. Samwell Chambo, our safari guide for the week, offered a near-endless stream of wildlife facts: “Hyenas have 40 different vocalizations to communicate,” he told us while driving. And “a group of zebras is called a dazzle,” he shouted from the wheel, pointing out another sighting.

One of the most memorable sightings involved no less than 11 lion cubs playing near their den at dusk, and in total, I saw 22 species, from the tiny, rodent-sized hyrax to its biological relative, the elephant. This was my first time in Africa, and during a drive, I asked Chambo if this was normal. His response made it clear there’s something different about being in Tanzania. “The Serengeti — it’s a beautiful place,” Chambo relayed. “We have other beautiful parks, but the Serengeti, I’m sure, will fulfill any first-timer’s expectations to see many animals.”

But skipping game drives doesn’t mean skipping animal sightings

The tunnel into the Hide, and a photo taken from inside. Photo: Elewana Collection/Kelsey Wilking

At most safari lodges, skipping out on a game drive essentially means skipping out on wildlife sightings – but not so at Serengeti Explorer, as its hillside location acts as a natural refuge. The hill’s trees, rocks, and dens offer animals a quiet place to rest after spending the day feeding in the plains below. One morning, we woke to find a trail of crushed grass, indicating a herd of elephants had passed through the property overnight.

A unique feature of the resort is that it’s home to the Serengeti’s first on-site wildlife watering hole, known as “The Hide.” Guests use a tunnel to enter the partially underground room, which has windows and glass on one side. On the other side of the glass is a human-made but natural-looking watering hole, which draws everything from elephants to impalas, lions, and dozens of other mammals and birds. When drinking, they’re at roughly eye-level for the human inside, who is hidden from their view. That gives guests a front-row seat and exceptional photography opportunities. I sat there watching two antelopes knock horns. Eventually, I noticed my cheeks starting to hurt – probably because I couldn’t stop smiling.

In the evenings, I found it hard to fall asleep, even with the peaceful lull of crickets outside. In my few days at the resort, I’d been nearly face-to-face with species I’d only dreamed of seeing. My excited brain couldn’t stop thinking about what I’d seen: baby elephants splashing in a muddy puddle, zebras braying in their familial group, and lions roaring late into the evening. That excitement managed to keep me awake most nights, even with the early-morning wake-up calls for game drives.

Spending time at the lodge helped me notice little details

A local artist at work at the lodge. Photo: Serengeti Explorer Lodge 

While the focus is on nature, there are plenty of other things to love about the lodge. In-room spa services like facials and massages are available, and all guests have access to an infinity pool. While sitting in the water, sipping an iced mint green tea, I watched a baboon swing across the pool, moving right over my head. It paused on the edge and drank from the pool, unbothered that I was nearby.

All food at the lodge is made in-house with a menu inspired by African flavors and infused with Indian and Middle Eastern influences, reflecting Tanzania’s tourist demographic. The lodge’s decor and kitchen essentials are also sustainably sourced. Many come from Shanga, a Tanzanian craft cooperative that provides employment for people with disabilities, providing artisan training to turn recycled materials into beautiful handmade creations. My meals were served on Shanga-made tablecloths, and I sipped wine from recycled glassware.

There’s a way to get even closer to wildlife

Photo: Serengeti Pioneer Camp

As if having a baboon swing overhead wasn’t enough, travelers looking to get even closer to the wild can book the resort’s partner lodge: Serengeti Pioneer Camp. It’s a fully mobile camp with a zero-footprint model, with no permanent structures. I spent one night there to get the full camp feel, and after a mesmerizing meal under the stars, I made the short walk back to my tent – only to find a harem of impala resting quietly in front of my tent. At camp, there’s a raised wildlife-viewing platform with a large telescope for spotting rhinos in the valley below, and it was there I saw the best sunrise of the entire trip. It’s a different kind of stay: more rustic, but equally magical. This add-on is separately booked, but when you book your accommodations, you can let them know you’d like to book an extra night at the campground.

Serengeti Explorer Lodge rates

The lodge is filled with areas to relax and watch for wildlife above the savanna. Photo: Serengeti Explorer Lodge /Shutterstock

The recently opened lodge is upscale, but more approachable than better known, ultra-luxury options. Rates range from $750 to $1,930 per night for double occupancy. The full board package includes accommodation, meals, and house beverages, while the game package adds on two guided game drives per day, plus airport transfers. Serengeti Explorer can also organize your bush flights and ground transportation, working them into your final cost. You can book your own transportation to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport, but the local logistics can be tricky, so it’s usually best to let the lodge or your safari operator handle it on your behalf.

If you’re planning to visit multiple parks or stay at other camps within the Serengeti, Elewana partners with safari operators like Cheli & Peacock and SkySafari to coordinate full itineraries, including bush flights, ground transfers, or charter flights between Tanzania and Kenya, if needed. Bush flight prices vary based on the season, airline, and route, so it’s best to work directly with your lodge or safari operator when planning your trip.

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TSA PreCheck Just Got Faster, if You’re Flying the Right Airline at the Right Airport

Airport security lines are already segmented. Have the funds to pay for expedited entry? Head to the CLEAR lane. Have a clean record and want to keep your shoes on while getting through security faster? TSA PreCheck. But as more and more PreCheck benefits are being worked into the standard security lane, there are fewer differentiators. Now there’s an even-faster TSA PreCheck option: Touchless ID. It’s bringing us to a potential future where there’s even more segmentation at security — what Caleb Harmon-Marshall, of the Gate Access newsletter, calls TSA PreCheck+.

At more than 15 airports across the country, enrolled TSA PreCheck travelers can opt into Touchless ID. The facial comparison system allows travelers to bypass traditional ID checks. The process is simple: passengers update their airline profile with a valid passport and Known Traveler Number, and at the security checkpoint, a camera captures a photo that is matched against the passport on file.

Benefits for travelers — and for the TSA

For the TSA, this is a faster system that is less prone to human error and work limits. For passengers, anecdotal reports suggest the new lanes move faster, are less congested, and provide an “elite” experience for PreCheck members.

Hence the unofficial TSA PreCheck+ moniker. As standard lanes adopt PreCheck-like efficiencies (like keeping shoes on or leaving electronics in bags), the agency appears to be elevating Touchless ID to distinguish the program’s value.

Despite the promised benefits, it’s impossible to ignore the privacy concerns. The TSA says its systems are secure: images are encrypted, deleted within 24 hours of departure, and never used for law enforcement or surveillance purposes. Participation is also voluntary and travelers can opt out without penalty. Breaches aren’t unheard of, but at the end of the day, anyone who enters a major airport is already subject to massive amounts of surveillance. The US Customs and Border Protection had already processed over 300 million travelers using facial recognition systems by 2023.

How and where to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is now available at select airports for passengers flying with four major airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. This program uses facial comparison technology to verify identity, allowing eligible travelers to move through security without showing a physical ID or boarding pass. However, availability is limited. Not all terminals or checkpoints within participating airports support the program, and access is tied to both the airline and the specific airport in use.

To use Touchless ID, travelers must be active TSA PreCheck members and flying on a participating airline from a location where the technology is deployed. Enrollment requires opting in through the airline’s profile or during online check-in, with an up-to-date Known Traveler Number and valid passport information on file. A mobile boarding pass must display the green human icon next to the TSA PreCheck logo — a visual confirmation that Touchless ID is active for that flight. At the airport, travelers enter a designated Touchless ID lane, where a TSA officer will direct them to a biometric scanner for facial verification. All passengers are still required to carry a compliant physical ID and be prepared to show it if requested.

Airports that offer the service:

Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)Chicago: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)Dallas-Fort Worth: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)Denver: Denver International Airport (DEN)Detroit: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)Las Vegas: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)New York City: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)Newark: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)Portland: Portland International Airport (PDX)Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)Washington: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia

For now, travelers can choose whether to opt in. But in a future shaped by facial recognition, that choice may eventually become the norm rather than the exception.

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Ask Matador: How to Create a Compelling Travel TikTok Video

In an era when TikTok has revolutionized how we discover and dream about destinations, the platform has unleashed a new wave of wanderlust that’s inspiring more people to travel than ever before. Here at Matador Network, we’ve built and grown several TikTok accounts with over one million followers each. Throughout the process, we’ve learned exactly what separates scroll-stopping travel content from videos that get lost in the feed.

Here are five tips we recommend to every travel creator looking to succeed on the platform and build their following:

1. Hook people right away

Your first three seconds determine whether viewers stay or swipe away, so you have two powerful options: either lead with your most jaw-dropping moment immediately, or create enough intrigue to make people desperate to see what’s coming next. If you’re featuring an infinity pool that appears to drop off a cliff, open with someone diving into that seemingly endless blue. Alternatively, tap into viewers’ curiosity and FOMO with simple phrases such as “you won’t believe what’s behind this door,” or showing your reaction before revealing the actual discovery. This anticipation-building approach works especially well for reveal-style content where the buildup becomes part of the entertainment. Whether you show the payoff first or promise something incredible is coming, the goal is the same: create an instant reaction that keeps people watching until the end — because on TikTok, you either grab attention immediately or lose it forever.

In this video on our Epic Stays Tiktok account, for example, Matador video editor Joanna Maj builds anticipation by first showing her reaction, then revealing the stunning hotel that caused that response, thereby immediately hooking viewers.

@epic.stays Wake up to breathtaking mountain views at Hotel Glacier in #Grindelwald @Joanna | Travel Creator #switzerlandtravel #luxuryhotel #switzerland #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Good Days – Yenibi

2. Keep it authentic

TikTok users can spot overproduced content instantly, and they’ll scroll past it just as quickly. The most engaging travel videos feel like you’re experiencing the moment alongside the creator, so focus on showing exactly what you’re seeing through POV shots, handheld camera work, and natural reactions. Skip the heavy filters, effects, and overly polished editing. This raw, unfiltered approach builds trust with your audience and makes them feel like they’re getting an authentic insider’s look at your experience, not a glossy ad. While some successful travel creators build their brand on highly cinematic, polished content, that path demands exceptional production skills and a clear creative vision. For most creators, the goal is to make viewers feel like they’re traveling with a friend, not watching a produced travel show.

3. Show people something unexpected

The key to stopping the scroll on TikTok is to present viewers with something genuinely unexpected. Whether it’s a hidden waterfall accessible only by crawling through a cave or a hotel room carved entirely out of ice, unique experiences make people stop mid-scroll. The most viral travel content doesn’t showcase the typical tourist attractions everyone already knows about. It spotlights the extraordinary. Think of those off-the-beaten-path discoveries that most travelers never encounter. These are what separate viral videos from the endless stream of generic travel posts.

For example, in addition to highlighting the aspects of Dominica that draws travelers like the beaches and food, Matador’s creative director Scott Sporleder focused on one unique aspect he found: fern tattoos — a completely unfamiliar process that captivated our audience.

@matadornetwork Carrying a piece of Dominica’s forests with this fern tattoo These ferns can be found all over the world in many tropical and subtropical climates, but this one was found along Dominica’s amazing Boiling Lake Trail. Dominica #dominica #hikingszn #hikingadventures #fern #exploreoutdoors ♬ Me gustas tu x Missili – Tio

4. Keep up with the trends

TikTok is all about trends, and the most successful travel creators know how to ride the wave — and not just travel-specific trends, but platform-wide viral moments. Find ways to weave your footage into popular sounds, challenges, and formats sweeping the platform. The algorithm favors content that taps into current conversations, so treat trends as your gateway to a much larger audience who may be interested in your content beyond travel enthusiasts. Stay plugged into what’s trending and adapt your content to meet the moment.

5. Write text that sparks conversation

Your opening text overlay sets the stage for engagement already before your video even starts. The best text doesn’t just describe what viewers are about to see. It sparks conversation, a sense of connection, or curiosity that drives people to comment, share, or save. Think beyond a generic caption like “Amazing sunset in Santorini” and instead craft something witty, thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant. The goal is to make viewers laugh, nod in agreement, or feel compelled to respond. Whether you’re being humorous, philosophical, or relatable about the travel experience, your opening text should feel like an invitation to join the conversation. This turns passive viewers into active participants, signaling to TikTok’s algorithm that your video deserves a bigger audience.

In this video I made, for example, I resonate with viewers torn between financial security and following their dreams. This sparked comments from people sharing their own experiences and opinions.

@visit Los Rápidos on a Tuesday > emails and spreadsheets @Pink Plankton Los Rápidos de Bacalar in Mexico #mexicotravel #visitmexico #mexicocheck #lagoon #losrapidos ♬ original sound – Visit

Bonus: Interact with the community

If you truly want to grow your audience, creating great content is only half the battle. TikTok’s algorithm favors creators who actively engage with the platform. Spend time liking, commenting on, and sharing other travel creators’ videos; respond to comments on your own; and build genuine connections within the community. The more authentically you interact, the more likely TikTok is to surface your content to a wider audience.

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Inside Treehouse London: The Eco-Certified Hotel Bringing Whimsy to Mayfair

Sustainability and good vibes are the signature moves at Treehouse London, one of the few Green Key eco-certified hotels in the English capital. Two minutes from Regent Street, this woodland-inspired luxury roost is kitted out with upcycled furnishings and no surface is left without a succulent. Besides the extensive use of reclaimed wood and woven textiles, all spaces are abundant in natural light – another component of biophilic design. Generously-sized rooms have panoramic windows and glass-walled bathrooms while cocktails at The Nest are shaken to a backdrop of the London Eye and The Shard.

The Treehouse guest experience unites the three pillars of a London getaway: cracking food, epic cityscapes, and quirky activities. Simply wandering around this boutique hotel brings a childlike glee; the 15th-floor lounge is decked out with makeshift arrows and bird houses that may remind you of the dens you built as a kid. Mason jars filled with rogue buttons and jigsaw pieces feel like you could be at a family home.

We hope you love the Treehouse Hotel London! 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.

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Whimsical rooms at Treehouse Hotel London

A Lookout Suite. Photo courtesy Treehouse Hotel London

Checking into my Lookout King Room felt partly like stumbling into a bird’s nest, partly like hopping aboard a vintage train. Cuckoo clocks and animal-shaped scatter cushions added character while a Paddington Bear plush greeted me from the train carriage-style luggage rack. I spent most of my downtime at the hotel cocooned in the window nook, flicking through the books stacked on the nightstand and watching the comings and goings from BBC Broadcasting House. Additional tomes are found downstairs in the lobby library, contributed by previous guests and the “Book Fairies” of London – this Mayfair hotel is all about the simple pleasures.

Despite being in the heart of one of Europe’s busiest cities, the room was soundless thanks to non-disruptive air-con and this corner of Mayfair being peaceful enough at night to leave the windows ajar. Staying at Treehouse during the height of British summer when daylight hours clock in at 18 per day, I appreciated the blackout blinds when the sun rose at 4 a.m. and loved the lazy sunsets over All Souls Church.

Mayfair’s coolest rooftop bar – The Nest at Treehouse London

Photo courtesy Treehouse Hotel London

Claiming the entire 16th floor, The Nest at Treehouse London is an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with knockout views and a slew of wholesome activities. Both terraces gaze across Mayfair and Westminster with Canary Wharf looming on the horizon. The larger of the two has a Laurent Perrier Champagne and oyster pop-up over the summer. Come winter, the interior is a charming spot to take shelter, with squashy couches and Persian rugs under a canopy of lanterns oozing coziness.

“Midday Tipples” give patrons consent to day drink while “Night Caps” are playful takes on the classics. The bartenders are more than happy to rustle up an off-menu cocktail and there’s a decent choice of alcohol-free quenchers. The Nest hosts a regular line-up of events ranging from pet-portrait workshops to fire-breathing spectacles and weekend DJ sessions. It’s worth giving the bar’s Instagram a follow ahead of arrival to keep tabs on what’s coming up. As The Nest is a popular watering hole for Londoners, it’s also wise to reserve a table in advance during peak hours.

Photo: Hannah D. Cooper

One floor down, Madera serves larger plates for lunch and dinner. I started each morning of my stay at this enclosed restaurant, lingering over carne asado and eggs Benedict as the city woke up below. The Mexican-inspired à la carte features the likes of ceviche, grilled octopus, and tacos with a commendable selection of vegan and gluten-free plates. Madera was one step ahead of the “spicy marg” trend, with farm-to-glass cocktails orbiting around tequila and mezcal mixes garnished with a touch of picante. Besides a ban on single-use plastics and self-service water stations on every floor, the hotel uses the Foodprint model to monitor food consumption and limit waste.

Sustainable lodging in the heart of London’s West End

Photo courtesy Treehouse Hotel London

Treehouse London is very much a lifestyle hotel with the best of the city’s culture and entertainment on the doorstep. Regent Street’s boutiques are a stone’s throw from the hotel, as is an endless choice of restaurants. I had little reason to take public transport during my stay, enjoying early-morning window shopping before idling down to catch the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and wandering over to Covent Garden at dusk.

Identifiable by a gigantic robin perched adobe the atrium, Treehouse London deviates from the traditional Mayfair hotel. But bearing in mind that almost 50 percent of London is classified as green space (and, in fact, the world’s first National Park City), this eco-luxe hotel with its cheeky character and creature comforts captures the modern soul of the capital.

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Epic, Ikon, or Something Smaller? Ski Pass Options for Travelers in 2025-26.

If you’re thinking about hitting the slopes next winter, now’s the time to decide which season pass is worth your money. Over the last decade, ski resort consolidations and increased partnerships created a scenario in which most season pass holders fall into one of two camps: Epic, owned by Vail Resorts, or Ikon, owned by Alterra. Both giants have made changes for the 2025–26 ski season that could cause fans to switch from one pass to another, especially since both provide access to resorts in popular ski destinations like Lake Tahoe and western Colorado.

Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass is adding European destinations and revamping its long-running buddy ticket program, while Alterra’s Ikon Pass streamlined its tiers and sprinkled in new mountains from Colorado to Austria. Of course, skiers who prefer to chase powder at multiple resorts have options, too, with both the Mountain Collective and Indy Pass shaking things up for the upcoming season.

Here’s a closer look at what’s new across the season pass landscape this year, and how the changes could shape your ski season.

Updates to the Vail Epic Pass

Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

For the 2025–26 season, the Epic Pass is rolling out some notable updates, including access to more resorts, and better deals for summer and winter visitors.

For the 2025-2026 ski season, Epic Local Pass holders will get five days of skiing at Switzerland’s Verbier 4 Vallées — something previously reserved for more expensive passholders only. In Austria, there are brand new partnerships with Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Kitzsteinhorn, Mayrhofen, Hintertux, Silvretta Montafon, and Sölden, each offering five days of skiing or riding (but only for full Epic Pass holders).

Vail Resorts also announced a change passholders will like — or, perhaps more accurately, friends of passholders will like. It’s making big changes to its buddy ticket program, which gave season pass holders vouchers to share with friends for about 20 to 40 percent off a lift ticket at the window rate. For the 2025-26 season, Vail expanded that program, giving passholders 50 percent off window rate tickets for friends. Each passholder will get between six and 10 half-off tickets they can share, depending on when they bought their pass. Interestingly, Vail also announced that those friends can apply the cost of that ticket toward a 2026-27 Epic Pass, in case they decide one or two days isn’t enough. While Vail didn’t explicitly give a reason for the change, it’s likely it’s an attempt to reverse declining skier and snowboarder numbers, driven primarily by the rising cost of skiing as a hobby.

Adult Epic Passes are currently $799 for the Epic Local Pass, or $1.075 for the full Epic Pass; prices are expected to rise on September 1. Military discounts are available.

Updates to the Alterra Ikon Pass

Full Ikon Pass holders get unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. Photo: Jeffrey Wertheim/Shutterstock

For the upcoming 2025–26 winter season, the Ikon Pass has simplified its lineup in a change some skiers and snowboarders may not like. The most noteworthy change is the elimination of the Base Plus Pass, which was a mid-tier pass. It included the perks of the Base Pass, plus access to a few high-demand destinations like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Aspen Snowmass. It had fewer blackout dates than the Base Pass, but wasn’t fully unrestricted like the full Ikon Pass. Now, skiers will instead have to opt for the Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass. It’s likely an attempt to eliminate confusion between passes, and push would-be Base Plus Pass buyers toward the pricier full Ikon Pass.

Like Vail, Alterra also added new resorts to its list, focused primarily in Europe. Austria’s Ischgl (Silvretta Arena) joins the roster, with seven non-blackout days for full pass holders and five for Ikon Base Pass holders. For the 2025-26 season, full pass holders will get unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, though Base Pass holders are still limited to five. However, Base Pass holders will now get five days at Le Massif in Quebec, a resort previously limited only to full Ikon Pass holders. Alterra also appears to be making moves to expand further outside the West Coast, offering full Ikon Pass holders two days each at Wild Mountain and Buck Hill in Minnesota, Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts, and Cranmore in New Hampshire.

Adult Ikon Pass prices are currently $1,009 for the Ikon Bass Pass or $1,429 for the full pass with no blackout dates. There are discounts available for military personnel, nurses, college students, and skiers under age 22.

Other notable season passes

For better or worse, the vast majority of ski resorts around the US are part of either the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass system. However, depending on where you live and where you ski, there may be a better pass out there for you. Here’s what’s new with some of the lesser known but still appealing ski season passes around the US.
The Mountain Collective Pass makes moves in the Northeast

Major resorts like Lake Louise are on the Mountain Collective Pass. Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

The Mountain Collective Pass is ideal for travelers, offering a spin on the season pass concept. It gives passholders two free days at each partner resort, plus 50 percent off lift tickets on other days. And now, New York skiers may want to consider picking up a pass, as it just added Whiteface Mountain in New York to the lineup. Whiteface is home to the steepest vertical drop in the area, and is the only Mountain Collective partner in New York, though other regional partners include Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Bromont, and Le Massif. In total, 54 resorts are part of the Mountain Collective pass, including major resorts like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Big Sky Resort, Canada’s Banff Sunshine Village, and Chamonix in the French Alps.

The Indy Pass picks up several new resorts

Skiers in Pila, Italy. Photo: Alexandre Malta/Shutterstock

The Indy Pass is similar to the Mountain Collective pass, but the focus (as the name implies) is on smaller, independent resorts, rather than well-known destination resorts. Holders get two days at more than 250 smaller resorts, plus 50 percent off additional days. For the 2025-26 ski season, the Indy Pass added Burke Mountain in Vermont, Tenney Mountain in New Hampshire, and Mt. Washington XC, for Nordic (cross-country) skiers. New additions outside the US include Rauriser-Hochalmbahnen in Austria, Pila in Italy, and summer skiing in the southern hemisphere at Corralco in Chile.

The Indy Pass also added a new guarantee to help skiers feel better about parting with their money. It’s called the “250 Resort Guarantee,” and allows passholders to request a full refund if the Indy Pass roster doesn’t include at least 250 resorts by December 1, 2025. It had about 230 partners for the 2024-25 season, indicating at least a few new resorts will likely be added in the coming months.

The Indy Pass is currently sold out, as it only sells a limited number each year. However, you can sign up online to join the waitlist if more passes become available.

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Everything You Need to Know About Attending the ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo’

Imagine the “world’s largest outdoor rodeo,” and something like a big county fair might come to mind. That doesn’t do justice for the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada, which indeed claims to feature the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo at an event that draws nearly 1.5 million attendees over 10 days.

As someone who grew up around horses and small-town rodeos, attending the Calgary Stampede made me feel like a born-again cowgirl. From the poise of the rodeo queens to the adrenaline of relay races and the suspense of saddle bronc rides, the excitement never let up. On top of all the classic rodeo activities, I enjoyed every pickle-flavored food available, a Skyride across Stampede Park, and an All-American Rejects concert.

Here’s your guide to experiencing the Calgary Stampede at its best.

What is the Calgary Stampede, and where is it held?

Photo: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock

The Calgary Stampede began in 1912 as a celebration of rural heritage and Western ranching, becoming an annual tradition in 1923 after merging with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition. Today, it’s a 10-day spectacle showcasing world-class rodeo competitions, grandstand shows, live music, agricultural exhibits, and an unforgettable opening-day parade. The festivities regularly have attendees shouting “ya-hoo” (the Canadian version of “yee-haw”).

The Calgary Stampede’s main events are held at Stampede Park (accessible via the CTrain, Calgary’s light rail system), not far from the city’s downtown core along the Elbow River. However, the whole city opens its doors to celebrate, and the event adds about $227 million Canadian dollars to the Calgary economy. Throughout Calgary, you’ll see venues hosting events like concerts and pancake breakfasts (more on that later), plus street parties, pop-up bars, and city-wide celebrations.

When is the Calgary Stampede, and how long does it last?

Photo: steve estvanik/Shutterstock

The Calgary Stampede takes place over 10 days every July. I spent two days there when I could’ve easily spent five and still not have seen everything I wanted to see. Don’t feel like you need to be there the whole 10 days, though. There are perks to showing up during the beginning, middle, or end.

One of the biggest reasons to plan your trip around the beginning of the event is to take part in all the excitement and anticipation of the opening parade. The parade features the Calgary Stampede Show Band (a coveted spot for musicians across Canada) and is overseen by a celebrity parade marshal — the list of previous marshals includes Kevin Costner and Shania Twain. Arriving in the middle of the festivities ensures that everything is already up and running when you get there, and spirits are high. The benefit of a late arrival is that you’ll be treated to the finale of the rodeo competitions and motivated to savor every last moment.

How much do tickets to the Calgary Stampede cost?

Photo: Gwyneth Talley

General admission tickets cost 25 Canadian dollars (about $18) for adults. Tickets include access to Stampede Park, where you can enjoy the midway, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and free concerts. Major shows like the Rodeo or Evening Show require separate tickets, which include park admission for that day, with prices varying by seat location. (Reserve tickets in advance for popular events.) If you’re planning on making multiple visits, the Stampede SuperPass costs CA$50 (about $36) and provides unlimited access for all 10 days.

Throughout the 10 days, there are also offers of free entry for various groups (kids, teens, and seniors). Be sure to check the official Calgary Stampede schedule for exact free-admission days.

How to pack for the Calgary Stampede

Photo: Gwyneth Talley

Think of packing for the Calgary Stampede like packing for “Cow-chella”: cowboy or cowgirl chic. Don’t be afraid to embrace the campiness. Get dressed up for the event, and go full cowpoke. If you don’t, you’ll be the odd person out.

Hats and boots: Cowboy hats are great for keeping the sun off your face, as well as adding to the Stampede look. Hats of all qualities are available downtown, around the Stampede grounds, and in the many consignment and thrift stores around town. Boots are equally essential, but avoid wearing new boots at all costs. You’ll be walking a lot. If you plan on getting new boots for the occasion, be sure to break them in ahead of time.

Other attire: Put on a sundress or wear your favorite Wranglers with a shiny belt buckle — whatever makes you feel like an extra on the set of Yellowstone. Dressing the part (ranch dressing, if you will) helps you get in the spirit of the event while also keeping you cool throughout the day.

Practical accessories: Stampede days can be long, loud, and hot (although evenings can get cool, and the weather in general can be unpredictable). Consider packing layers (including rain gear), earplugs, a USB plug-in fan, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hands-free bag like a purse, fanny pack, crossbody, or a small backpack to keep essentials close. (Note that bags will be checked at entry points, and you’ll find a list of prohibited items here.)

Shopping for gear and souvenirs in Calgary: Lammle’s Western Wear is the official outfitter of the Calgary Stampede and has all the cowboy and cowgirl attire you could need, plus branded merch and souvenirs. If you’re still looking for boots and hats, you can also check out Alberta Boot Company for an amazing and fun selection of boots of every color, style, and fit. You can also take a tour to see how boots are made and designed.

Mementos and keepsakes like Calgary Stampede posters are available for purchase around Stampede Park. There’s also a huge vendor hall selling everything from crafts to saunas.

What’s the food like at the Calgary Stampede?

Stampede breakfasts

Photo: ocophoto/Shutterstock

Pancake breakfasts are part of the Calgary Stampede tradition, dating back to the 1920s when cowboy Jack Morton cooked flapjacks from a chuckwagon. Public and private pancake breakfasts are held every morning all over Calgary — most of them free. This year’s venues included The Westin Calgary, various YMCAs, and local churches, among others.

Alongside the fluffy stacks, you’ll often hear live fiddle bands and singers, and sometimes even join in for a bit of dancing in the street. You may also run into Stampede clowns — volunteers that welcome visitors and oversee crowd control (all with comedic antics, of course).

If you’d rather skip the crowds, find one of the downtown coffee shops like Monki. Just don’t be surprised if your restaurant servers are a little groggy and slow because of the nightlife at the Stampede.

All-day eats

Photo: Gwyneth Talley

Once inside Stampede Park, many of the food offerings bridge the gap between classic and creative carnival fare — think anything deep fried, covered in fruity pebbles, or that has a pickle in it (or two out of the three, as is the case with the deep-fried Oreos with a pickle center). However, there are various dining venues where you can get different kinds of snacks and meals, such as AG Grill in the Agriculture Building, The Big Four Roadhouse, and the Wine Garden in Western Oasis.

Options range from traditional fair foods like corndogs, hamburgers, and barbecue (plus lemonade you can sip from a collectible boot), to memorable bites like ketchup-flavored ice cream and Dill Pickle Cola with candied jalapeños. You’ll also find more substantive, though equally indulgent, meals like loaded mac and cheese with spicy chicken covered in ranch and fried pickles, or a Stampede bao with SPAM, shrimp tempura, seaweed, and cucumber with sriracha sauce.

What are the events and activities at the Calgary Stampede?

The rodeo

Photos: Gwyneth Talley

During the daily rodeo, the competition is divided into three-day pools of competitors vying for their shot at the finals at the end of the Stampede. The early days in the competition gives you a chance to see both new and seasoned competitors. Book your seats ahead of time. Prepare to grab a beer and catch the bull riding, saddle bronc competition, and barrel racing; admire the skill of the roping; and giggle at the hilarity of the kids’ wild pony racing.

The fairgrounds

Photo: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock

The Stampede isn’t just a rodeo. The Agricultural Building hosts sheepdog herding contests, livestock exhibits where kids can pet animals, and plenty of opportunities to chat with farmers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride also performs its equestrian drill display.

For pure fun, the carnival has water rides, two Ferris wheels, a tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and games galore. Take a Skyride from one side of the grounds to the other to see the hustle and bustle via a ski-lift seat (and save time compared to walking your way from side to side).

Elbow River Camp

Photos: Gwyneth Talley

For a quieter, more reflective experience, visit Elbow River Camp, where First Nations families host tipis and welcome visitors to talk about their heritage and culture. First Nations peoples have participated in the Calgary Stampede since the first event in 1912, including in the parade and rodeo competitions. At the modern iteration at Elbow River Camp, there are dance displays where the Master of Ceremonies explains and narrates what you see, and even invites you to dance with the tribes at the end.

Sample some bannock (fry bread) with Saskatoon jam. Watch the action of the deceptively simple hand game competition that’s imbued with tradition. There’s also a display of Indigenous handicrafts by artists who sell their wares and welcome guests to take the time to understand what they’re buying and wearing.

A tip for respectfully entering an open tipi: Be sure to enter from the left, don’t stop in the doorway, and greet the tipi owner upon entering.

The races

Photo: Gwyneth Talley

Evenings at the Calgary Stampede focus on the chuckwagon races, as well as the two Indigenous games: the women’s warrior race and the relay race. The skills of all these competitors will have you standing as close as you can get to the rail or enjoying them from the comfort of the grandstand with a glass of wine. When I was talking with locals and long-time volunteers, these events came up as their favorite events to watch.

The chuckwagons require incredible coordination and also offer thoroughbred racehorses a second chance to get back on the track after their standard racing career is finished. The relay races feature riders competing bareback, leaping from one running horse to another mid-race in a thrilling display of balance, agility, and teamwork. The women’s warrior race is a newer but fast-growing highlight showcasing Indigenous riders’ speed and skill.

The Grandstand Show

Photo: Gwyneth Talley

After the races, stick around as the arena is transformed into a gigantic stage for young talent from across Canada who come to perform songs, dances, acrobatics, and skits. Kids audition from all over Canada to put their talent on display every night of the Stampede. A country star will perform before a drone light show, followed by the grand finale of a huge fireworks display. (This is an extremely loud event, so bring earplugs.)

The concerts

Every night, there are at least five stages filled with country singers, indie rockers, new talent, and international artists, giving the Stampede the nickname “Cow-chella.” General admission is fairly cheap, but if you want pit passes, plan ahead. Some venues offer “fast passes” so you can avoid the general admission crush and get to see your favorite artist quickly. If you’ve spent the whole day at the Stampede, you may want to plan a concert for a different night to give yourself time to rest and be ready to rock.

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Your Summer 2026 Europe Trip Just Got Easier With 5 New Direct American Airlines Routes

Travelers already planning their 2026 summer getaways have something exciting on the horizon — at least if they’re happy to fly on American Airlines. It just unveiled six new long-haul routes to provide speedy access from the US to reintroduce beloved European destinations, starting in summer of 2026. Tickets go on sale August 11, 2025, through aa.com or the airline’s app.

From the East Coast, Philadelphia is getting two new exciting routes: Philadelphia to Budapest will be the only nonstop flight from the US to Hungary, offering access to historic thermal baths, cafe-lined boulevards, and neo-Gothic architecture without a layover. There will also be a daily Philadelphia-to–Prague flight, giving travelers new flights for a two-city trip through Central Europe. Both will start in mid-May 2026.

For flyers farther south, there will be a new flight from Dallas–Fort Worth to Athens, making it the fifth US city from which travelers can fly directly to Athens on American Airlines. There will also be a new seasonal flight between Dallas and Zurich, likely to help World Cup–bound soccer fans heading to the Dallas–Houston games in summer 2026. And from Miami, American is launching a flight to Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, beginning March 29, 2026. It revives a direct route not flown by any airline since before the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the ever-growing demand in Italy as a tourist destination.

American recently announced additional news, beyond just the new flights. The airline will increase premium seating to Tokyo by more than 45 percent next summer, while flights between Dallas and Buenos Aires, Argentina, will now run through the majority of summer (until early August).

American’s strategy is likely based on the growing trend of airlines attempting to court high-value travelers, especially as a few of the new cities are global centers of business. It also supports airline claims that it expects delivery of backordered Boeing jets to finally start rolling in, after years of manufacturing delays. It also supports already-announced news from Philadelphia International Airport that it’s spending about $540 million to improve terminals, add gates, and modernize the airport ahead of the 2026 World Cup in summer 2026.

Each of the new cities has plenty to do to fill an entire trip, so for some travelers, the question may not be whether to visit, but which to visit first.

Budapest, Hungary

Fisherman Bastion at sunrise. Photo: Mistervlad/Shutterstock

Flight debuts: May 21, 2026Duration: 9 hours (From Philadelphia)Availability: Daily, May 21, 2026 through October 5, 2026

From its Danube-spanning bridges to its centuries-old thermal baths, Budapest blends impressive imperial architecture with bars and clubs in open-air ruins. In the summer, you’ll find outdoor concerts, river cruises, and endless options for exploring the city’s lively cafe culture in full swing.

Something unique to do: Skip the crowded Széchenyi Baths and visit Veli Bej, a restored 16th-century Ottoman bathhouse with original architecture and far fewer tourists.

Prague, Czech Republic

Photo: Martin M303/Shutterstock

Flight debuts: May 21, 2026Duration: 8 hours, 51 minutes (from Philadelphia)Availability: Daily, May 21, 2026 through October 5, 2026

Prague is nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” thanks to its Gothic and Baroque skyline. Add to that beer halls, and the cobblestoned Old Town Square, and there’s plenty of fodder to fill an Instagram account. And from Prague, you can connect by train to Berlin, Budapest, and beyond. Go in late May or early June for milder weather and fewer crowds than midsummer.

Something unique to do: Head beneath Prague’s Old Town Hall to explore medieval cellars and passageways dating back to the 12th century, hidden just below the bustling square. You can book guided tours online.

Athens, Greece

Kerameikos in Athens, Greece. Photo: /Shutterstock

Flight debuts: May 21, 2026Duration: 12 hours, 59 minutes (from Dallas–Fort Worth)Availability: Daily, May 21, 2026 through summer 2026 (end date not specified)

Athens is a bucket-list destination for anyone interested in history, from the Parthenon’s marble columns to the markets in Monastiraki. The city is a living museum and a modern-day hub for tourism and culture, plus a jumping-off point for visiting other, less-busy islands within Greece. Fortunately, the seasonal service from Dallas syncs up with the peak island-hopping months.

Something unique to do: Visit the ancient Kerameikos cemetery at sunset for an atmospheric and semi-eerie glimpse into the city’s past, far from the crowds at the Acropolis.

Zurich, Switzerland

Photo: Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock

Flight debuts: May 21, 2026Duration: 10 hours, 59 minutes (from Dallas–Fort Worth)Availability: Daily, May 21, 2026 through August 4, 2026

Zurich is a gorgeous hub for mountain adventure in Europe, known for its pristine lakes, art museums, and quick access to recreation in the Alps. It’s an excellent summer destination for travelers that want an elegant city break with the convenience of the mountains just an hour away. Switzerland is also well-connected on a massive rail network, making it an ideal basecamp for a high-elevation summer adventure.

Something unique to do: Swim at Frauenbad am Stadthausquai, a historic women-only floating bath on the Limmat River. It transforms into a chic co-ed bar at night.

Milan, Italy

Photo: nito/Shutterstock

Flight debuts: March 29, 2026Duration: 10 hours, 22 minutes (from Miami)Availability: Daily, year-round beginning March 29, 2026

Milan may be best known for its runways and luxury labels, but the city offers much more for travelers: think Renaissance piazzas, da Vinci’s famed Last Supper, and quick rail escapes to the shores of Lake Como. With new year-round service from Miami, travelers can reach northern Italy without a connection, and those who visit in spring or autumn will find smaller crowds and often more favorable prices.

Something unique to do: Take the rooftop walkway tour of the Duomo di Milano to wander among its ornate spires and statues, with views stretching to the Alps on clear days.

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This Exclusive Festival in Iceland Will Kick Off With the 2026 Total Eclipse

In August 2026, Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula will be one of the few places on Earth to witness more than two minutes of total solar eclipse. To mark the occasion, a new festival combining music, ideas, and nature-based experiences will take place along the country’s remote western coastline in Hellissandur.

Scheduled for August 12 to 15, the Iceland Eclipse Festival will begin just before totality at 17:45 UTC on opening day. The eclipse, which won’t return to Iceland until 2196, will be visible from the area surrounding the village of Hellissandur, where expansive skies and low light pollution offer rare conditions for celestial viewing. Attendance is capped at 3,333.

The event is co-produced by IMXP and the team behind Secret Solstice. Programming is organized into four tracks: Dance, Learn, Connect, and Explore, combining live performance with talks, workshops, and site-specific experiences.

Music, science, and landscape-led programming

Photo: Karim Iliya / Iceland Eclipse Festival

The live music lineup includes both international and Icelandic acts. Headliners announced in the first wave include Meduza, Booka Shade, Nightmares on Wax, RJD2, and Zero 7. Iceland-based artists such as GusGus, Emilíana Torrini, Vök, Daði Freyr, and Hjálmar will perform alongside them.

The Learn program brings together speakers from space agencies and research institutions, including NASA, ESA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin. Topics include space exploration, AI ethics, digital futures, and indigenous knowledge systems. Participants range from astronauts to technologists and data ethicists.

Wellness and ceremony form the basis of Connect, a track that includes yoga, meditation, and nightly fire gatherings led by Icelandic and international contributors. The Icelandic Chill-Out Lounge by Mama Reykjavík will offer plant-based food, ambient sets, and a quieter space for gathering.

The Explore program, created in collaboration with ReWilding Iceland, includes guided hikes, geothermal soaks, cold plunges, and storytelling rooted in local mythology and conservation. Locations include Vatnshellir Cave, Kirkjufell mountain, and the coastal areas surrounding Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Photo: Iceland Eclipse Festival

The festival is designed for travelers who time their trips around natural events, cultural depth, and geographic specificity. With the Perseids meteor shower peaking during the event, and Iceland’s long twilight hours offering ideal conditions for both viewing and exploration, the setting caters to those who have sought out previous totalities, solstice gatherings, or remote concerts — and who now seek a smaller-scale, purpose-built alternative.

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The Most Popular Airbnbs on the Doorstep of Scotland’s Celebrated Golf Courses

Golf was first developed in Scotland more than 600 years ago. The earliest versions of the game took shape along the eastern coast near Edinburgh, where players whacked pebbles over sand dunes with curved sticks — proving that even in the 15th century, people were willing to spend an afternoon getting frustrated in the wind.

Today, Scotland is home to more than 550 golf courses, and St Andrews alone generates around $400 million a year in visitor spending tied to the game. Many of the most celebrated sit within easy reach of one another, especially along East Lothian’s “Golf Coast” — a 30-mile stretch from Musselburgh to Dunbar that holds the highest concentration of championship links in the world. Here, Muirfield, Gullane, and North Berwick share the shoreline with newer courses like Archerfield Links and The Renaissance Club, current host of the Scottish Open.

And as Scotland is just a wee country, you can base yourself in one place and play multiple top courses with short (and scenic) drives between them. That said, choosing the right base can make as much difference to your trip as securing a prime tee time — whether that’s a penthouse overlooking the Old Course at St Andrews, a townhouse in a lively seaside town, or a cliff-side retreat with its own putting green. These Airbnbs put you close to the country’s most celebrated courses while adding memorable touches once you’re off the fairway.

We hope you love the spaces and stays 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.

Old Course at St Andrews

Photo: l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock

Location: St Andrews, Fife — about 90 minutes from Edinburgh by car.

The Old Course at St Andrews, played since at least 1552, is one of the world’s oldest and most storied golf courses. This public links, managed by the St Andrews Links Trust, runs along the North Sea and has hosted The Open Championship more than 30 times. On calm days it’s considered one of the most forgiving championship layouts — short and flat, with expansive fairways and greens — yet its pot bunkers, gorse, and subtle slopes hold challenges that locals say the “Old Lady” only reveals over many rounds. Most visitors secure a tee time through the daily ballot held 48 hours in advance, while guaranteed spots come only via “Stay & Play” packages from authorized tour operators; singles can also line up at dawn for walk-up availability. First-time players are encouraged to take a caddie, whose knowledge of the course and local winds can make a huge difference to your experience.

Where to stay

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Just a few minutes’ walk from the 18th green, this two-bedroom apartment ($705 per night) is in the top ten percent of Airbnbs worldwide for ratings, reviews, and reliability. The Victorian listed building sits on the site of a 15th-century friary and has been reimagined with a state-of-the-art kitchen beneath a large overhead skylight, a landscaped garden with a private hot tub, and its own putting green so you can practice before or after your round. Both bedrooms have super-king beds (or twins on request) and smart TVs, with a golf storage room that can handle four full sets.

Or for sea views, this fully refurbished penthouse apartment ($1,238 per night) is five minutes from the course. Its combined kitchen, dining, and living space frames sweeping vistas over West Sands beach, and the three bedrooms each come with their own bathroom. Past guests have included some of the world’s top-ranked golfers, and the main living area offers a front-row seat to the waves between rounds.

Royal Dornoch

Photo: Royal Dornoch

Location: Dornoch, Highlands — about 4.5 hours north of Edinburgh or Inverness Airport is just an hour away.

Set on a narrow strip of linksland in the Scottish Highlands, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Golf has been played here for more than four centuries, and its layout flows naturally along the Dornoch Firth — the outward nine runs high beneath gorse-covered dunes and the inward holes sweep closer to the beach. Plateau greens, shaved run-offs, and constant wind demand creativity on every shot. Philadelphia golf historian James Finegan captured the setting perfectly, describing “a strong sensation of heading toward land’s end…on this journey over ancient landscape where so little is owed to the hand of man.” Its remote location has kept it from hosting The Open, but the course’s pure links character has drawn praise from Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, and countless others.

Where to stay

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Ten minutes on foot from the first tee, this four-bedroom stone house in the center of Dornoch ($943 per night) dates to the 1820s and has been restored with modern touches while keeping its traditional character. A quartz-topped kitchen with a breakfast bar leads to a dining area, snug with a log-burning stove, and a separate lounge. Two bedrooms are ensuite, and there’s a dedicated storage area for clubs and trolleys. The rear terrace overlooks a neatly kept garden, and a short stroll takes you to Dornoch Beach.

Set on a quiet street yet within walking distance of the clubhouse, this renovated cottage ($797 per night) has four double bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. Two have super-king beds that can convert to singles, making it a practical choice for golf groups. Guests praise its location for quick access to Dornoch’s shops, restaurants, and pubs, and it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the course.

Turnberry

Photo: Turnberry Golf Course

Location: South Ayrshire, about two hours from Glasgow.

Perched above the Firth of Clyde with views across to the uninhabited island of Ailsa Craig, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry is as well-known for its setting as it is for its history. The course first opened in 1901 and has hosted four Open Championships, including the famous 1977 “Duel in the Sun,” when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled in blazing conditions to one of the sport’s most memorable finishes. A recent renovation by architect Martin Ebert reimagined key holes, most notably the par-3 9th, which now plays over the shoreline toward the Turnberry Lighthouse.

Where to stay

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You can stay onsite at Trump’s five-star Turnberry resort, making it easy to pair morning tee times with evenings by the sea, but it’s not cheap.

Or, if you’re happy to make the 25-minute drive, this two-bedroom cottage ($345 per night) sits on six acres with panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. It has a wood-fired hot tub in the garden, a pool table in the living area, and ensuite bathrooms for both bedrooms. You’ll want a car on this stretch of coast — not just for the run to Turnberry, but for day trips to Culzean Castle, local beaches, and the string of other golf courses within a few miles.

Muirfield

Photo: Muirfield

Location: Gullane, East Lothian — 40 minutes from Edinburgh.

Founded in 1744, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, and its home course at Muirfield has hosted The Open 16 times. The unusual layout features two concentric loops of nine holes, so no two consecutive holes play in the same direction, creating constant shifts in approach and club choice. Muirfield is renowned for its precision-focused design, immaculate conditioning, and long-standing traditions. Visitors are welcome on select days, but tee times are limited and often booked far in advance.

Where to stay

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A five-minute drive from Muirfield, this Victorian apartment in Gullane ($292 per night) is in the center of the village, a minute from The Bonnie Badger — a restaurant and pub run by Michelin-starred British TV chef Tom Kitchin. Built in 1895 and newly renovated, it has a king-bed master, a second bedroom with adult-sized bunk beds, a bright rain-shower bathroom, and a living room stocked with books and board games.

Or, for a rural setting, this loft on the Archerfield Estate ($348 per night) is a 10-minute drive from the course and next to both Archerfield Links and Yellowcraig Beach. The first-floor space has high ceilings, two bedrooms, and a private garden with a gas BBQ, with easy access to the stretch of coast between Gullane and North Berwick.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Photo: Kingsbarns

Location: Just seven miles from St Andrews.

Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has the feel of a century-old links thanks to its natural routing along the North Sea. It co-hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and hosted the Women’s British Open in 2017. The modern clubhouse, sea views on every hole, and approachable-yet-demanding design make it a favorite for golfers pairing it with a St Andrews trip. Tee times are available to the public, but summer slots go quickly.

Where to stay

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Less than a 10-minute walk from Kingsbarns Golf Links, this two-bedroom cottage ($303 per night) was once a “smiddy” — the Scots word for a blacksmith’s workshop. The converted byre has a king bedroom, a twin room, and gardens at both the front and back. Kingsbarns Beach, the Inn at Kingsbarns, and Cambo House are all within walking distance, with St Andrews just 10 minutes away by car for additional championship play.

For a couple or solo traveler, this one-bedroom lodge ($362 per night) near Crail comes with a Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub and Smeg-equipped kitchen. It’s set beside walking and cycling paths that link to the Fife Coastal Path, with Kingsbarns Golf Links 10 minutes away by car and St Andrews just a bit farther.

Carnoustie Golf Links

Photo: Carnoustie Golf Links

Location: Carnoustie, Angus — about 75 minutes from Edinburgh.

Golf has been played at Carnoustie since the early 1500s, but the Championship Course — shaped by Old Tom Morris and later refined by James Braid — has become one of the most demanding tests in the game. An eight-time Open Championship host, it’s best known for the 1999 event, when Jean van de Velde’s collapse on the 18th and Paul Lawrie’s playoff win cemented its “Carnasty” nickname. The closing stretch, with the Barry Burn snaking across key holes and deep revetted bunkers guarding narrow fairways, punishes any lapse in concentration. Despite its fearsome reputation, thousands of golfers each year come to measure themselves against a course that demands precise ball-striking, sound decision-making, and patience from first tee to last putt.

Where to stay

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A 20-minute drive from the Championship Course, this two-bedroom cliffside retreat in Auchmithie ($472 per night) offers sweeping views of the North Sea from multiple terraces, including one with a hot tub. The village pub, the But ’n’ Ben, is a five-star spot for local seafood, and the Arbroath Cliff Path begins just outside your door. Inside, there’s a super-king bedroom overlooking the water and a second double, with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to unwind after your round.

Ten minutes from the course, this three-bedroom countryside cottage ($301 per night) blends Scottish rural charm with airy, Hamptons-inspired interiors. Set on a quiet lane with a south-facing garden, it has an octagonal living room with wraparound windows and a spacious kitchen for home cooking. Carnoustie’s pubs and restaurants are nearby, and Dundee’s V&A museum, the Angus Glens, and miles of sandy coastline make for easy day trips between tee times.

North Berwick Golf Club

Photo: North Berwick Golf Club

Location: North Berwick, East Lothian — 45 minutes from Edinburgh.

Dating back to 1832, the West Links at North Berwick is one of the oldest continuously played courses in the world and a pioneer in seaside golf. Its layout runs along the Firth of Forth, weaving natural contours and centuries-old features into the round. Signature holes include “The Pit,” where an approach must carry a stone wall to reach the green, and the original “Redan,” a sloping par-3 design that has been copied on courses across the globe. The course is walkable straight from the center of town, so it’s easy to finish your round and be in a pub or on the coastal path within minutes.

Where to stay

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A short drive from the West Links, this five-bedroom Georgian coach house ($994 per night) sits on a working estate surrounded by farmland, with footpaths leading through fields and along the coast. It sleeps up to 10, with the fifth bedroom across a courtyard from the main house, and is within easy reach of North Berwick’s harbor, high street, and beaches.

Right on the sand, this beachfront apartment ($437 per night) faces North Berwick’s central shore and the Bass Rock. Two large bedrooms — one overlooking the water, the other convertible to twins — are joined by a small children’s room. The living room and kitchen share the same sea-facing windows, and the town’s restaurants, shops, and harbor are all a short walk away.

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How Chile’s ‘Place of Gold’ Became Home to the World’s Most Ambitious Wine Retreat

Alexander and Carrie Vik conducted a two-year science-driven search for the site where they could create the world’s finest wine and see out their ambitious architectural dream. It’s fair to say the entrepreneurial couple hit the jackpot with their setting in Chile’s Millahue Valley, known as the “place of gold” in the Mapuche language. Parceled within the Cachapoal Valley, this boutique wine region sits amid the rugged slopes of the Andean foothills and stages Chile’s most luxurious hotel.

Although heralded for its avant-garde architecture, high-end accommodations, ultra-premium red blends, and superior gastronomy, VIK Chile Hotel and Winery wants to be remembered for its sustainability. Throughout my stay, team members chipped in with nuggets about radical eco initiatives used by the winery and hotel. It all starts with the grounds: only 808 acres of the 11,000 acres owned by the Viks are reserved for those biodynamic vineyards behind Chile’s ultra-premium vintages. The rest of the compound is a natural reserve where native flora and fauna can thrive – and this tells you everything you need to know about the Viks’ philosophy.

We hope you love the VIK Chile Hotel and Winery! 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.

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VIK Retreat: Chile’s most luxurious wine hotelThe view from the author's suite, dubbed the Principe Hubertus Suite. Photo: Hannah D. CooperThe interior of a suite at VIK Chile Hotel and Winery. Photo courtesy VIK Retreats

When VIK Hotel emerged from the hillside above the vineyards, its titanium roof glistened like a droplet of morning dew against the greenery. Twenty-two suites coil around a Zen garden with a pair of bonsai trees, planted as a metaphor for VIK’s expression of sculpture, terroir, and balance. Designed by the Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio, much of VIK is open to the elements, with window walls immersing you in the scenery from all public areas and the private domains – the Cordillera is just about visible on the horizon. My stay, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice, was bookended by the kind of sunset and sunrise no photo can do justice to.

All units are individually designed. Allocated the Principe Hubertus Suite, I was told how the decor was inspired by a close friend of the Viks – a Mexican skier from German nobility known for his flamboyant sense of style. The space was suitably eclectic yet utterly comfortable, and I relished a long soak in the lipstick-red tub after a long drive down from Viña del Mar. It was the views that would see me hurrying back; an uninterrupted sweep over the reserve was revealed to me in the morning when I rolled up the garage-style blinds.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s “living room” is elegantly turned out with pieces from the owners’ art collection. On the lower level, you’ll find a games room as well as the hotel’s infinity pool which drifts above the wilderness.

Touring VIK’s state-of-the-art sustainable winery

Photo courtesy VIK Retreats

Thorough testing indicated that the Millahue Valley’s microclimates and complex soils would support low-intervention, terroir-driven viticulture. Once confirmed, it was over to the Chilean architect Smiljan Radic to create a structure that would turn heads while having minimal impact on the natural habitat. Whereas VIK Retreat floats above the greenery, the winery hovers over a sloped water plaza which doubles as a regulating system for the wine cellars below – thus reducing energy consumption.

My guide went on to explain how VIK is the first and only winery in Chile making its own French oak barrels, consciously sourced from the estate’s native trees. Headed up by Cristián Vallejo, the winemaking team even found a use for the shavings produced during planing – smoking charcuterie in the restaurant. The winery also creates its own yeasts from flowers, thus avoiding the need for artificial additives.

Art and architecture highlight a stunning property. Photo: Hannah D. Cooper

Venturing to the tasting room is a thrill; hefty wooden doors slide apart to reveal a shadowy passageway cut into the cellars – it’s all very Indiana Jones. Displays illustrate the terroirs of VIK’s vineyards with Eduardo Cardozo’s eye-catching bronze mural expressing the geology of the grounds. When it was finally time to try the goods, my tasting introduced me to eight vintages across the flagship VIK, A, Milla Calla, and La Piu Belle. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère grapes, these potent red blends are high in acidity with tannins balanced by the Andes’ influence. The experience was unhurried and my Sommelier shared an endless supply of stories from behind the scenes to help me understand and differentiate between the portfolios.

My tasting culminated with a toast of Chile’s only bona fide cuvée. In order to meet appellation standards, VIK’s La Piu Belle Champagne is produced, aged, and bottled in Aÿ, France, before being shipped over to savor on the grounds of South America’s twice-crowned “Leading Wine Region Hotel.”

Farm-to-table gastronomy at VIK Chile

Photo courtesy VIK Retreats

There are three dining destinations at VIK Chile: Milla Milla, VIK Zero, and The Pavilion. I enjoyed a five-course dinner at the hotel restaurant, Milla Milla, which started with an adorable appetizer of sweet baby carrots buried in a ground hazelnut crumble. This was followed by a garlicky ceviche and a main plate of lamb cooked three ways. Naturally, a glass of wine accompanied each serving and my server delighted me with the origins of each dish.

As I learned, the majority of the vegetables, fruits, and botanicals served at Milla Milla come from the property’s organic garden. Guests of the hotel are invited on a complimentary tour of the plot, where the emphasis is on sustainable growing methods and sampling the crop. Passing through citrus groves and ducking beneath walnut trees, my guide explained the rotation methodology and how grape pips are used for composting. I was encouraged to graze on tangy sprouts and pluck kale from winter vegetable patches before sitting down to sip the freshest mint tea.

Outdoor activities in Chile’s Millahue Valley

Photo courtesy VIK Retreats

Many guests come to VIK purely to taste the wine, drink up the scenery from the pool, and unwind with a treatment at the Wine Spa. For those looking for adventure, there is horseback riding through the vineyards, hiking excursions in the natural reserve, and heliskiing in the Andes. I opted for a horse trek, riding “Gaucho-style” with one hand free to grasp handfuls of grapes from the vines. Mountain bikes are available for exploring the reserve or idling down to VIK Winery. Seeing as it’s an uphill journey back, guests can hail a ride in the on-demand jeeps.

Speaking of transport, VIK is a two-hour drive south of Santiago. Located in the O’Higgins Region of Chile, it’s a touch further afield than the busier Maipo and Casablanca’s wine regions – but utterly worth it for an off-the-beaten-track experience and luxurious vintages. Those looking to make an entrance can inquire about a transfer by private helicopter.

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