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Best Black Friday Cyber Monday deals

Once upon a time, the day after Thanksgiving — aka the day no one in the US has a damn thing to do — was known as Black Friday. The day retail outlets went “into the black,” so to speak, as shoppers jammed malls and department stores to get a jump on their Christmas shopping. But as shopping in actual stores has become about as relevant as landlines, the shift in Black Friday madness has turned to Cyber Monday — when online retailers offer huge discounts, minus the elbows to the face over Tickle Me Elmos.

Travel discounts are especially abundant on Cyber Monday, as people start planning their 2019 vacations around who offers the best discount. Whether it’s airfare, cheap hotels, insane cruise discounts, or thousands of dollars off adventure tours, the best Cyber Monday deals are not always easy to find. Fortunately, we sifted through thousands of them to bring the best travel Cyber Monday deals of 2018.

Airfares

Photo: TheHighestQualityImages/Shutterstock

The best deal: Scandinavian Airlines — which you might know as SAS — is one-upping its latest insane fare deal and offering flights to Scandinavia and Finland from major US airports for as low as $399 roundtrip. Flights to other European destinations like Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona will be $499. These fares run from Tuesday, November 20th to Monday, November 26th, and are valid for travel through May 17th.

Those great purveyors of Icelandic overtourism at WOW Air are offering their own “Purple Friday” sale from November 20th-25th, with $69 one-way flights from Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh to Reykjavik. And $99 flights from all those cities to Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, and London. From November 26th-28th, you’ll get 40 percent off all fares everywhere if you join the airline’s loyalty program before you book, and use the code WOWCYBERMONDAY.

Making it even easier on you, Norwegian Air is taking a flat 15 percent off all its fares from the US to Europe, no promo code needed. Highlights include $145 flights from JFK to Paris, and Denver to London Gatwick for $160. You’ll have to travel between December 3rd and March 31st to get the fares, and they’re good through November 26th.

The jaw-droppingly cheapest flights to be found this week are on Irish discount airline Ryanair, who’ll have flights for $5.99 from December to February. The sale runs all week though November 26th. Be forewarned though, those flights are within Europe, so maybe look to use them in conjunction with other transatlantic deals.

Hotels

Photo: Hotel Modera/Facebook

The best deal: The Cyber Monday number play award goes to the boutique Hotel Modera in Portland, Oregon, who will give you 99 hours in its hotel for $99. That’s three nights, if you’re doing the math. The deal runs from November 23rd to 26th, for stays through the end of March.

Not that it’ll help you save on food, theatre tickets, or the $20 “out-the-door” charge in New York City, but a couple of hotels are at least slashing your lodging cost in half. The Redbury will take 50 percent off your weekend stays through the end of the month when you enter the promo code “Cyber” online or “DSCYB” over the phone. The James NoMad will also knock 50 percent off stays through September 2nd of next year if you use the promo code CYBER when booking between November 23rd and 26th.

Thompson Hotels is offering half off its swanky suites in cities like Nashville and Seattle (where you’ll be able see the best rooftop bar in Washington). If even a half-priced suite is out of your range, Thompson’s also offering 30 percent off standard rooms. Both deals are good on stays from December 1st, 2018, through December 1st, 2019.

If you want to stay in Richard Branson’s suite at the Virgin Hotel in San Francisco or Chicago, you have to be among the first 10 people to book a stay between January 1st and April 30th of next year, and you’ll be upgraded to Richard’s Penthouse Flat. Even if you don’t get the upgrade, you’ll still get 30 percent off your booking.

If you’re quick on the draw, you can stay at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for free. Be among the first five people to book a room on Black Friday using the promo code BF2018, or do it again on Cyber Monday, and you’ll not only get the $99 BF/CM room rate, but also a $100 credit toward food and drink.

Barbados will be terrifyingly cheap in 2019 if you book your hotels this weekend. Elegant Hotels is offering 50-75 percent off all seven of its beachfront properties, including 75 percent off at The House, with rooms starting at $65. Deals are valid through the end of October next year, and run all weekend through Cyber Monday.

Photo: Desire Riviera Maya Pearl

If you and your special someone have ever thought of dabbing in the world of clothing optional “lifestyle” resorts, cost is one less excuse you can use for staying vanilla. Desire Riviera Maya and Desire Riviera Maya Pearl will offer half off their regular all-inclusive room rates, including the “Fantasy Menu” with erotic massages and strip seduction. If you’d rather let your freak flag fly in Cancun, Temptation Cancun will have 60 percent off its rooms as well. All require a three-night minimum stay.

What’s better than getting half off your jungle lodge or private island on a trip to Belize? Getting a personal escort through Belize customs and immigration and a welcome cocktail at the airport, obviously. Book a trip to Belize through Muy’Ono Hospitality between Friday and Monday, and travel between January 1st and April 15th, 2019, and you’ll get 50 percent off your booking and that VIP, too-important-for-immigration-lines treatment.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina might as well be renamed “Cyber Monday City” this weekend, when pretty much the entire place will be offering half off hotels for spring and summer next year. And those exact hotels are on Myrtle Beach’s Black Friday page.

Test your massage-getting limits at the Miraval Arizona, where each three-night stay gets a whopping $825 in resort credit to use on spa treatments, private sessions, and activities. For every night you stay after that, you get another $275 — so you can keep that free massage train rolling as long as you like.

Plan your Key West vacation now and you can stay at the island’s first full-fledged lifestyle hotel at The Perry Hotel for a fraction of what it would normally cost. Use the promo code BLACK when you book between Friday and Monday and you’ll get 40 percent off the regular rate through next September.

Start your Spring Break group chats before the end of the week, because you’ll want to figure out whether next year’s March insanity will be in Puerto Vallarta, where the Hyatt Ziva is offering 65 percent off trips between February and April. Or Playa Del Carmen, where the Hilton Playa del Carmen will have the same deal.

Photo: Hollywood Roosevelt/Murphy O’Brien

This December you can live like 1950s Hollywood royalty for 1950s prices, when the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles gives you 40 percent off all its rooms for the rest of the year when you book here before November 27th using the promo code CYBER2018. It’ll even throw in a couple of Hollywood Harvest welcome cocktails for you to sip in the ornate lobby.

If you just finished season two of Ozark and were like “Damn, off-season rural Missouri just looks like paradise,” well, you won’t have to launder money to afford it. The Big Cedar Lodge is offering 53 percent off queen guest rooms and 48 percent off two-bedroom log cabins, with a customized welcome wine bottle and an hour of unlimited video game play at Fun Mountain for stays in January and February. Mention code WW018. Maybe don’t mention the TV show.

Elvis Presley would have been 84 this January 8th, and if you were thinking about making the pilgrimage to Graceland this year, your hotel expense can be minimal when you book at the Big Cypress Lodge. It’ll take 68 percent off your room for stays through the end of February when you book between November 23rd-26th using the promo code WBB18. Did we mention you get an hour of bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl, too? No, it’s not too good to be true.

Booking platforms

The best deal: You might want to subscribe to Priceline’s email since, starting today, it’s sending out Express Deal coupons with 50 percent off hotel bookings and “considerable savings” on flights and rental cars. Then, on Monday, Priceline will send a thousand coupon codes for 99 percent off express deals, meaning you can stay at a $1,000 a night hotel for 10 bucks.

If your family likes to give lotto scratch tickets for Christmas, Hotels.com are your people. It’ll be offering every visitor to the site a virtual scratch coupon between midnight on Friday and 11:59 PM on Monday that’ll have anywhere from seven to 99 percent off a hotel booking, and EVERY TICKET IS A WINNER.

Packages and tours

The best deal: CheapCaribbean becomes even-cheaperCaribbean this weekend, when the discount tropical vacation specialists give up to 70 percent off trips to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Los Cabos, and Cancun/Riviera Maya. The deals are good now through November 26th, with prices as low as $349 with airfare to Oasis Tulum Lite.

Photo: REI

REI Adventures is cutting hundreds of dollars off 2019 trips booked between now and December 2nd. If you’d like to join the renowned outdoor equipment outfitters’ trip to the Greek Islands, the Santorini-Crete trip will be $900 cheaper if you book now. If you’d like to stay closer to home, REI’s trip, full of rafting and ziplining, will be $300 off.

Photo: Liam Neal via Intrepid Travel/Facebook

Intrepid Travel, who offer off-the-beaten-path trips all over the world, is taking 20 percent off all its trips, everywhere, for tours starting next year. There are over 1,000 trips to choose from, excluding polar expeditions, if you book before November 28th.

Along the same lines, Trafalgar will be offering 20 percent off selected itineraries through November 30th.

The biggest eye-popping tour discount comes to us from Friendly Planet Travel, who are offering an almost overly friendly $1,900 off its Captivating Cuba package, covering eight days on the island. The sale runs on Monday and Tuesday and includes up to 70 other tours, including $600 off Highlights of Southern Africa, $800 off an Ecuadorian Amazon cruise, and $600 off Discover Israel.

You’re never too young for Cyber Monday, just ask EF Ultimate Break, a company that caters its travel adventures toward 18 to 29-year-olds. For Cyber Monday Week — November 26th to 30th — it’ll be offering insane discounts like $1,150 off the Grand Tour of Europe and $950 off the Australia and New Zealand Adventure. What’s more, you can reserve a spot with just $150 down and an interest-free payment plan, so you can travel without having to give up avocado toast.

Theme parks & activities

Photo: LEGOLAND Florida/Facebook

The best deal: Cruise the I-4 corridor and visit the people who literally determine the president, then try and forget about it when you hit both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa with a two-day, two-park ticket from OrlandoTickets.com, for just the price of a one-day ticket. Use promo code GIFT.

A weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will feel a little less crippling thanks to OrlandoTickets.com, where you’ll get $30 per ticket off Flexible Date Disney tickets when you use the promo code GIFT through Tuesday. Stay five days or longer and you’ll get a commemorative Toy Story towel to go with your second mortgage.

If you’re planning to spend a week at Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay, now is the time to buy your tickets. OrlandoTickets.com will throw in an extra two days of two-park tickets when you buy three days of two-park tickets using the promo code GIFT. No towel for this one though.

If one day of Legos just isn’t enough for you, OrlandoTickets.com is offering two days for the price of one at LEGOLAND Florida too. If you haven’t figured out the promo code by now, you’ll fit right in in Florida.

Cruises

Photo: Tonkinphotography/Shutterstock

The best deal: If you’ve got a friend whose first two months of 2019 are wide open, you might want to look at Peregrine Adventures, who’ll let you bring along a buddy absolutely free on selected Southeast Asian cruises through the end of February. But you’ll need to book before November 30th.

The world’s foremost luxury cruise line, Silversea, is letting you get a little more luxurious if you book on Black Friday. It’ll give you $500 off per guest, plus you receive a one-category suite upgrade and enjoy a $1,000 onboard credit on cruises like Singapore to Bangkok, Durban to Maputo, and Yangon to Bali.

U by Uniworld, the European river cruise bent on getting younger people onboard, is offering 30 percent off its newest itinerary, Northern France at a Glance, with $100 onboard credit thrown in.

And finally, while we’re not going to come out and say the Temptation Caribbean Cruise is a swingers cruise, we’ll say that it is a February 2020 excursion through the Western Caribbean with a bunch of people who frequent an “adult” resort. Draw your own conclusions, and save half off your second passenger when you use the promo code SAVE50 at booking. Or you can fuel up for your big night of…whatever…with unlimited access to the ship’s specialty restaurants when you use the code UNLIMITED. All deals are valid November 23rd to 26th.

Other

Photo: Glamping Hub/Facebook

The best deal: Tazo Tea wouldn’t be the first company you’d expect to have insane Cyber Monday travel deals. But this year the tea makers are offering experiences like a candlelight dinner under St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, a hot air balloon ride and photography class over Miami, and a cocktail-making train ride in Austin for $3.99. You’ll have to book here, beginning November 26th, and you’re limited to two per person while supplies last.

Take a springtime road trip through the American West to start off the new year, because JUCY RV rentals gives you half off January-March bookings out of LA, San Francisco, Vancouver, BC, and Las Vegas. Book on Friday or Monday and you’ll also get kitchen kits, bedding kits, and 100 free miles per night. Use the promo code JUCKBLACK.

Even if you can’t stand the word “glamping,” it’s hard to hate on enjoying the great outdoors with stuff like air conditioning and butler service. You can get a 20 percent bonus on any gift card you buy at Glamping Hub for the full 24 hours of Cyber Monday.


More like this: Where to travel this December

The post The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals you need to jump on appeared first on Matador Network.

The swankiest airport lounges in the world

Airport lounges have become increasingly accessible and sought after by passengers who need to find a comfortable space during layovers. Premium spaces with amenities ranging from cigar bars and wine cellars to spa treatments and chauffeur services are revolutionizing how passengers spend their time until boarding call. Here are some of the swankiest airport lounges in the world.

1. Cathay Pacific Lounge, Heathrow Airport, London

Photo: Cathy Pacific

Travelers rave about Cathay Pacific’s Pier lounge in Hong Kong, and now, you can experience that very same luxury in London. Renovated in 2016, the Cathay Pacific Lounge is located in Heathrow’s Terminal three. In the first class lounge, you can pour yourself a glass of bubbly at the self-serve bar, grab a snack from the fully-stocked pantry, or sit down for a meal at the all-day restaurant. In the business lounge just down the hall, you have access to arguably one of the best restaurants in the airport — the famous Noodle Bar. Once you’ve eaten your fill, settle down for a nap in a comfy chair overlooking the tarmac. The lounge is available to first and business class passengers flying Cathay Pacific, as well as selected members of the airline’s Marco Polo Club.

2. Swiss First Lounge, Kloten Airport, Zurich

Photo: Swiss International Air Lines/Facebook

The Swiss know luxury, and in no place is that more evident than the Swiss First Lounge in Terminal E at the Zurich airport. In addition to multiple quiet areas with more than adequate seating, the lounge has two hotel rooms available for visitors. After resting up, grab a bite to eat at the five-star restaurant or enjoy a glass of wine from the lounge’s humidor which contains more than 1,000 bottles. The lounge also has champagne and whiskey bars, or if you’d rather have a milkshake, there’s also an American-style diner. But what really sets this lounge apart are the views from its outdoor terrace — you can check out what’s going on down on the runways or admire the Alps in the distance. The First Lounge is accessible to Swiss Air first-class passengers, first-class Lufthansa passengers, and HON Circle members which requires 600,000 status miles every two years.

3. Club Kingston, Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica

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Widely regarded among passengers as one of the best airport lounges in the world, Club Kingston embodies the spirit of Jamaica — starting with the chill reggae tunes continuously playing. Kick back in the spacious lounge while admiring the local artwork and island décor. If you’re hungry, help yourself to some traditional Jamaican food or quench your thirst with a fruity signature cocktail. The lounge is open to all departing passengers, regardless of class or airline. Lounge access starts at $25 per adult.

4. The VIP Lounge Club, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic

Photo: Lounge Club

Since the Dominican Republic is such a popular vacation spot, it’s fitting the Punta Cana airport has a lounge worthy of a holiday. Many airport lounges offer views of the runways, but the VIP lounge in Terminal B takes it to the next level with an outdoor pool overlooking the tarmac. Other amenities include complimentary alcoholic drinks, food, showers, and ample seating. The lounge is open to Lounge Club members. A standard Priority Pass membership costs a $99 joining fee plus $27 for every lounge visit.

5. Salon VIP, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Canada

Photo: Aéroport International Jean-Lesage de Québec/Facebook

At the Salon VIP in Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, the staff put passengers first and strive to create a comfortable atmosphere away from the often hectic experience of international airports. If the warm tones and natural materials don’t relax you, then the free massage chair and fireplace will certainly do the trick. Other amenities include full-bar service, light dining, reading material, a business center, and an entertainment area. Any passenger with a valid boarding pass can use the lounge for up to four hours. Passes start at $40 per adult.

6. Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International Airport, Dubai

Photo: Emirates

Your Emirate First Class Lounge experience begins when a chauffeur picks you up at your hotel to take you to the airport. Once you’ve checked in for your flight and made it through security, you can curl up in one of the lounge’s chaise lounges or have a seat near the tranquil fountain. If you need a glass of wine to help you unwind, there are sommeliers to help you make a selection from the wine cellar. Other amenities include two restaurants serving international cuisine and spa-like showers to keep you from looking like a traveling zombie. The lounge is accessible to Emirates first class and business class travelers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members.

7. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, John. F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

Photo: Virgin Atlantic/Facebook

Located in JFK’s Terminal 4, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has glamorous lighting and elegant furniture. The skilled mixologists behind the bar and the billiards table look like they belong in a cocktail lounge rather than an airport. The staff is well known for their attentive service — no self-serve stations here. Amenities include private rooms, premium food, and spa services. Before your flight, you can squeeze in a massage, facial, or haircut. The lounge is open to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold members, and elite status passengers flying with partner airlines. For $75, any Virgin Atlantic passenger can purchase a day pass to the lounge.

8. SATS Premier Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

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The SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore Changi International Airport is amazing. Fragrant orchids and delicate porcelain integrate into the modern design to give the lounge a luxurious feel that is quintessentially Singaporean. You can enjoy traditional cuisine year-round, but if you visit the lounge during the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, you’ll be treated to some amazing mooncakes. You’ll still be thinking about this delectable pastry long after departure. This lounge is open to the public and access starts at $42 per adult.

More like this: 10+ best airports to spend a long layover

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Best bars for drinks in Chicago

Ever since the first settlers made camp along the shores of Lake Michigan and the banks of the Chicago River, they had to find a way to make the long cold winter tolerable. They almost certainly turned to a hot fire and a strong drink, and Chicagoans have been doing basically the same thing ever since. Taverns have changed a lot in Chicago since then, but the basic premise has stayed the same: good company, food, and drinks, all served up in a warm and welcoming place. Here are our picks for Chicago’s coziest bars for a winter drink.

1. Sheffield’s

If you’re less into the hipster scene and more of a Lincoln Park drinker, Sheffield’s is the cozy winter bar for you in Chicago. Back when bars with good craft beer were actually hard to come by, Sheffield’s always had a great selection, and they still do. That, combined with a solid menu, two fireplaces, and a nice neighborhood vibe makes this a good choice on any cold winter day or night.

2. Scofflaw

Photo: Scofflaw Chicago

Scofflaw is exactly what you’d picture when you imagine a cozy bar in winter. The warm woodwork of the front bar area, the large (but well-insulated) windows inviting people in, and the back room with baroque sofas and a large roaring fireplace, all evoke a shiver of joy for anyone who has just stepped in from the cold. Their excellent gin-focused cocktail program and delicious small plates menu only add to the warm ambiance.

3. Augie’s

Nothing says winter like holiday decorations, and if you want some holiday spirit to go with your holiday spirits, Augie’s is the place to be. This is a true neighborhood local, and they really go all out on decorating. You name a holiday decoration and they have it. There are trees, wreaths, lights, presents, snowflakes, holiday scenes, and even a running toy train. When winter rolls around, Augie’s truly gets lit.

4. Sportsman’s Club

Photo: Sportsman’s Club

Sportsman’s Club is a cool kids’ homage to the Chicago neighborhood bar, and they do a pretty good job with it. Keeping the name of the Polish tavern that was in the space before, they decorated around that idea and settled on a mix of art deco and taxidermy that somehow works. All those stuffed deer heads and antler chandeliers bring a nice, cozy vibe to the place that makes it a great spot to warm up with a drink by the fireplace.

5. Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant

Photo: Chief O’Neill’sFacebook

To drink like a real Chicagoan, you have to get out of the trendy neighborhoods and into the more working-class areas. Chief O’Neill’s at the north edge of Avondale is just that. It’s an Irish pub that actually feels like a pub in Ireland, with talkative regulars, a cozy fireplace, stick-to-your-bones favorites like Guinness beef stew and shepherd’s pie, and good beers and whiskeys. Combine all those together and you’ll be warm and toasty in no time.

6. The Dawson

Photo: The Dawson/Facebook

When one fireplace isn’t enough, head to The Dawson where there are a number of them, including one outdoors. The building was once owned by two brothers named Dawson who manufactured high-quality fireplace mantles, so it’s pretty much in this bar and restaurant’s DNA. When you’re looking for somewhere a little nicer to get a great meal and some drinks, The Dawson is your best bet.

7. The Violet Hour

Photo: The Violet Hour/ Facebook

Hidden behind a seemingly boarded-up facade with ever-changing murals, The Violet Hour is a speakeasy-style bar with some of Chicago’s best cocktails. The heavy curtains, chandeliers, high-backed leather chairs, and fireplace make it one of the city’s coziest bars, even when packed full of people. After a few exquisite libations, you might even forget that it’s winter outside of the windowless space.

8. Simon’s Tavern

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Simon’s Tavern is a great little local bar located in the formerly Swedish neighborhood of Andersonville. They serve good drinks at good prices, have a great jukebox, and often put on live music. In keeping with the heritage of the neighborhood, they serve a delicious glögg (hot mulled wine), and it’s the perfect way to warm up. And, of course, they have a fireplace.

More like this: The 5 best outdoor activities for winter in Chicago

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Easter Island implores British Museum to return Moai statue

Acquiring artifacts from other nations, whether through war or colonization, is often a recipe for complicated negotiations down the road. For 150 years, the British Museum in London has been in possession of one of Easter Island’s most spiritually significant statues, and now the small Chilean island is imploring the British government for its return. The seven-foot, basalt statue or “Moai”, called Hoa Hakananai’a, was taken in 1869 and given as a gift to Queen Victoria. Now, it stands in the entryway of a gallery at the British Museum. It is believed that the Moai was carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1100 and 1600 A.D.

Photo: Jaroslav Moravcik/Shutterstock

When Rapa Nui visitors come to the British Museum and look upon the statue, it’s an incredibly emotional moment. “I believe that my children and their children also deserve the opportunity to touch, see and learn from him,” said Tarita Alarcon Rapu, governor of Easter Island, after seeing the statue for the first time. “We are just a body,” she added, speaking with museum officials. “You, the British people, have our soul.”

Last year, the Rapa Nui people gained self-administration over their ancestral lands on the island, and have since been trying to recover Hoa Hakananai’a (meaning lost or stolen friend” in the local language). While this is the first meeting between the island’s government and British museum officials, more conversations are expected to follow. Felipe Ward, Chile’s national assets administrator, said the second meeting will likely be on Easter Island itself, “where we invited the authorities of the museum.” The talks may be moving slowly, but the fact that they’re happening at all is significant. It’s the first time the British Museum has agreed to discuss the statue’s return.

Calls to restore plundered artifacts are nothing new. African museum directors have recently called upon France to return thousands of African treasures and artworks to their rightful homes. French law prohibits the government from relinquishing state property, but Macron stoked hopes last year, when he said in a speech, “Africa’s heritage cannot just be in European private collections and museums.”

Right now, there are about 90,000 African artworks in French museums. Governments may be considering restoration now more than ever before, but the process would undoubtedly be lengthy, complicated, and bogged down by bureaucracy.

H/T: The Guardian

More like this: European museums considering returning stolen colonial artifacts

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Thousands of Swedes are implanting microchips in their skin to replace IDs

If you’re looking for a telltale sign that the future as described in scary science-fiction stories is finally here, this is it — we’re taking the first step toward becoming cyborgs. To avoid carrying key cards, IDs, train tickets, and other documents, thousands of Swedes are inserting microchips under their skin, which is designed to store all kinds of personal information. So far, 3,000 people have had the procedure done, but that figure is expected to grow as people become aware of it convenience.

Last year, Sweden’s SJ rail line incorporated the chips into their payment system. Passengers with chips can now simply scan their hands to pay the train fare. For some users, it has also replaced the need to carry a gym card and office key card. In this respect, their potential is limitless, and soon they may even be used to make retail purchases — similar to a credit card.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to have a microchip embedded in your skin, it’s kind of like getting a piercing. A syringe is used to inject the chip into your hand, and although it’s relatively safe, it could potentially cause infections or adverse immune system reactions.

The process of modifying our bodies with technology is called “biohacking”, and the trend has certainly been on the rise. Last year, 50 employees at a Wisconsin vending-machine company volunteered to insert microchips into their hands, which they could use to buy snacks, log into to their computers, or even use the photocopier.

While many might worry that the technology could be easily hacked, Swedes don’t seem too concerned. Ben Libberton, a microbiologist at MAX IV Laboratory, told Agence France Press that the data collected by the implants is far too limited for users to fear hacking. All the same, fears about information theft, lack of privacy, and loss of freedom will certainly slow the advent of this new technology.

H/T: Business Insider

More like this: 6 space travel projects that will become a reality in our lifetime

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The one drink you need to know before visiting the country of Georgia

The country of Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with evidence of winemaking dating back some 8,000 years. It’s been done the same way for centuries using clay pots called qvevri that are buried underground and passed on from generation to generation. But as strong as Georgia’s wine traditions are, they can be overshadowed by something stronger.

That something is a spirit called chacha, and the liquor’s importance is evident within hours of being in the country. On a trip to the Kakheti wine region, we squeezed into a shared taxi that was ripe with the smell of cigarettes and booze. Before we arrived — and while still in the car — we were presented with a toast of clear liquor. As we shot back the aromatic drink, we realized our trip was about to be hijacked by the beverage.

Georgian chacha is similar to Italian grappa, but the drinking habits of Georgians and Italians are quite different. Italians savor grappa after meals and “correct” their coffee with it. In Georgia, no meal, however casual, feels complete without chacha’s digestive powers and invigorating burn. So much so that surviving a trip to Georgia largely depends on how you stomach unrefined liquor.

Chacha is made from grape skins, or pomace, leftover from wine production. The skins are a byproduct that most modern wineries toss out, but Georgia cherishes grape skins. What others consider trash, or at best compost, Georgian winemakers prize. Chacha is also known as “grape vodka” in some areas. The comparison is likely from Soviet-era influences on Georgia, but chacha, even the fancier stuff, is much rawer than vodka. For better or for worse, chacha never has its flavors stripped through charcoal filtration or multiple distillations.

The drink is everywhere in Georgia, from commercial versions in stores, to homemade chachas on dinner tables, to the occasional taxi drink. Regardless of where you come across it (and you will definitely come across it), chacha remains a folk liquor that’s mostly homemade.

Pretty much every restaurant and bar serves chacha, and the source of a restaurant’s chacha are often mysterious. It may be poured from an unlabeled bottle or an unmarked plastic jug. Don’t worry, it’s safe to drink. If the producer isn’t listed on the menu, it’s probably just a village chacha, which will be cheap and probably smell like diesel. Commercial chacha tastes much like grappa, but the homespun stuff most often served is more like eye-watering moonshine. The variation comes from the practice of amateur chacha makers adding other fermented fruit to the mix, which makes it more similar to the backwoods brandies of the Balkans (rakia) than refined grappa.

How to drink chacha

Photo: Chubykin Arkady/Shutterstock

Chacha is typically served in ice-cold carafes or by the bottle during traditional Georgian feasts, or supras. Throughout the meal, toasts are made by the tamada, or toastmaster, who can raise a glass to anything from the environment, to religion, to the future. A shot of chacha follows each toast — and there are typically many of them. It’s similar to how soju is consumed with meals in Korea, or vodka in Russia.

The first thing to remember during these toasts is that while a winery’s commercial chacha is usually diluted to the standard 40-percent ABV, homemade chacha may be over 60-percent ABV. Pro tip: Drinking chacha on an empty stomach is a rookie move.

Where to drink chacha

Georgia has excellent wine shops, and there are many fancy restaurants to taste artisan chacha if you’re looking for something higher end. On our trip to Georgia, we found that our favorite places to enjoy chacha is at khinkali houses. Khinkali, Georgia’s version of soup dumplings, is one of Georgia’s more famous snacks, and it’s a meal that locals and tourists enjoy with equal gusto. The chacha served at khinkali houses is ordinary, but it’s more about the ritual. First, take a swig of chacha and slurp out the soup as a chaser. After a moment to recover, you can eat the remaining solid components of the khinkali. Repeat as many times as you can stand to.

If you’re in Tbilisi, the best dumpling house is the famed Zakhar Zakharich near the Dry Bridge. The chacha is cheap and the lamb khinkali are superb. If you’re in Western Georgia don’t miss El Depo in Kutaisi. It’s a 24-hour khinkali shop with a great beer selection, oversized extra-juicy khinkali, and, of course, ice cold carafes of chacha. It might be our favorite 24-restaurant in the world, and it’s the perfect place for a midnight chacha binge.

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Best Jewish pastries for Hanukkah

Jewish cuisine is hard to pin down. Flip through a Jewish cookbook and you’ll see recipes from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and more owing to the Jewish diaspora. To the delight of dessert fans everywhere, each region has its own style and take on sweet treats. From flaky pastries enjoyed in Israel to cakey breads eaten across the Slavic countries, here are seven Jewish treats you need to know about.

1. Sufganiyot

Photo: irisphoto1/Shutterstock

These deep-fried jelly donuts are particularly popular come Hanukkah, a holiday that knows all about oil. Sufganiyot, latkes, and other fried foods commemorate the Hanukkah miracle of a single night’s supply of temple oil remarkably lasting eight days. But in Israel, this sweet treat is a bakery staple year around. While strawberry is the traditional filling flavor, modern bakeries in cities like Tel Aviv have started getting creative, experimenting with flavors like pistachio, dulce de leche, and sesame paste.

2. Rugelach

Photo: Brian Yarvin/Shutterstock

This crescent-shaped pastry features on cafe menus from Budapest to Jerusalem to New York City. Rugelach has origins in Europe though it is also enjoyed in Israel and the United States. American bakers often substitute a cream cheese-based dough for the traditional yeast dough while another version of the croissant-like pastry calls for sour cream. Then, sweet ingredients like jam, chocolate, and dried fruit are added to make the rugelach that much tastier.

3. Bourekas

Photo: futuristman/Shutterstock

Light, flaky bourekas are a nice reminder that some of the best pastries on the market are savory. Phyllo dough is loaded with hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, spinach, and cheese, then baked until golden brown. The result is a perfect three-bite snack, often sold as street food in Israel. Bourekas are a variation on börek, a Turkish pastry that was adapted by Jewish immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula much to our delight today.

4. Hamantaschen

Photo: Ekaterina Markelova/Shutterstock

Hamantaschen is to Purim what sufganiyot is to Hanukkah. Celebrated midway through the Hebrew month of Adar, which falls in February or March, Purim marks the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman, an advisor to the King of Persia who plotted to have them killed. Classic hamantaschen feature a poppy-seed-based filling, but dried and fresh fruit, chocolate, caramel, and even cheese are equally common. No matter what’s inside, you’ll always recognize this buttery cookie by its triangular shape.

5. Chocolate babka

Photo: Tatiana Kosheleva/Shutterstock

Babka is a rich, eggy bread from Eastern Europe. The word babka comes from the Polish for “grandmother” though the sweet has been historically identified with Ukraine, as well. Today, it’s a fixture of Jewish delis and bakeries across the US. Cinnamon was the standard filling until babkas hit NYC, where bakers opted to add chocolate before finishing the loaf off with streusel, a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.

6. Mandelbrot

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Mandelbrot is the Jewish answer to Italian biscotti. The name translates to “almond bread” in Yiddish though add-ins like candied fruit, chocolate, and other nuts are also common. The twice-baked cookie has roots in Eastern Europe, though its exact origin is unknown. Mandelbrot is easy to find everywhere from Poland to Russia, but in Ukraine, you’ll order it as kamishbrot.

7. Chocolate matzah cake

Photo: Boris-B/Shutterstock

Matzah is a Jewish flatbread associated with Passover, during which leavened foods are forbidden. Chocolate matzah cake consists of chocolate-covered matzah stacks that are left to sit in the freezer long enough to hold their shape. Often, you’ll find coconut shreds sprinkled on top or between the many layers. The gussied up cake is an obviously modern recipe, but matzah itself represents the Jewish exodus from ancient Egypt when Hebrew slaves fled so quickly they didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise. Matzah can also be turned into “bark” or “brittle” by dipping sheets in chocolate and toffee.


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Best cross-country ski races

Cross-country skiing isn’t always about a peaceful Nordic schuss through the woods. The world’s best-known cross-country races have more in common with the New York City Marathon than with a winter jog in a park. They can include thousands of participants and even more spectators. Long and arduous, these races bring together the world’s best cross-country skiers and amateurs behind the same starting line. From Sweden and Japan to the US and Canada, these are the cross-country ski races to hit up this winter — whether you’re a racer or just want to watch the pros from afar with hot cocoa in hand.

Vasaloppet — Mora, Sweden

Photo: Michael715/Shutterstock

The Vasaloppet may well be the grandparent of today’s most famous cross-country races. It’s possibly the most popular, having reached its maximum capacity of 30,000 participants for the 2019 events within an hour and a half of opening for registration. That said, only about half of those 30,000 will join in the Vasaloppet’s premier event, a 90-kilometer (56-mile) race between the Swedish towns of Sälen and Mora on March 3, 2019.

The first Vasaloppet was held in 1922, named after Gustav Eriksson Vasa who lead a rebellion against Danish rule and became Sweden’s first king. Vasaloppet refers to a race in honor of Gustav Vasa who recalled his flight from the Danish on cross-country skis 400 years earlier. Almost 120 skiers joined the first Vasaloppet, including some of Sweden’s top skiers who went on to compete in the Winter Olympics.

In addition to the Vasaloppet, a nighttime race of the same grueling 56-mile distance will take place two days earlier — and you can still register for it. Given the dangers of skiing in the dark, you have to register with a partner and ski together. Anyone who crosses the finish line more than 20 seconds away from their partner is disqualified. The nighttime race is just for “fun” since no winner is declared.

Birkenbeiner — Lillehammer, Norway

Photo: Birken/Facebook

Like the Vasaloppet, the Birkenbeiner commemorates a historic event. In 1206, the Birkenbeiners rescued a two-year-old heir who later became King Haakon Haakonsson IV and ended Norway’s civil wars. Their dangerous journey with the boy is remembered in cycle, run, and cross-country races — which all require participants to carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds), presumably how much little Haakon weighed back in the day.

The Birkenbeiner cross-country ski races start on March 9, 2019, with shorter five-, 10-, and 15-kilometer (three-, six-, and nine-mile) races. The highlight event is the 54-kilometer (34-mile) race on classic cross-country skis on March 15, starting in Rena and finishing in Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. In 2019, skiers on skate skis will have their own race on the same course — traversing the same two mountains, evergreen forests, and breathtaking snowy landscape.

American Birkenbeiner — Hayward, Wisconsin, US

Photo: American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation/Facebook

Although inspired by the Norwegian event, the American Birkenbeiner has built up a huge following of its own. It’s the biggest cross-country ski event on the continent, and last year, it had participants from all over the US and 36 countries. You can still register for the last two waves of the 50-kilometer classic ski race and the 55-kilometer skate ski races on January 13, 2019. The starting waves have closed for registration months ago, and those are reserved for seeded skiers. If you haven’t raced in a Birkie before, you’ll be placed in the last of eight starting waves.

The race features some elevation gains, but you aren’t required to carry that backpack in remembrance of baby Haakon. Although just over 10,000 skiers can participate, three times as many people come as spectators. Particularly fun to watch are the handful of skiers in 13th-century Norwegian Birkie costumes who do carry the 3.5-kilogram pack.

Koenig Ludwig Lauf (King Ludwig Run) — Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany

Photo: König Ludwig Lauf/Facebook

The Koening Ludwig Lauf is part of the Worldloppet circuit and is definitely the most stunning course on it — taking place this winter from February 2 to 3, 2019. Set in the southern edge of Bavaria just above Austria, the 50-kilometer skate or classic race passes through tall forests and alongside a Benedictine monastery and the elegant Linderhof Castle, all in the mountainous region of the Ammergau Alps.

Since its inception in 1968, the race, known locally at the “Luggi,” has grown to over 4,000 participants in the two days of races. You can register for the race here, or just plan on viewing it as a spectator. It doesn’t get more beautiful than the Luggi, and watching just how fast the world’s best skaters go is pretty impressive.

Gatineau Loppet — Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Photo: Gatineau Loppet/Facebook

About 2,500 skiers will come together from February 15 to 17, 2019, to take part in one of many races in Gatineau Park, about three hours due east of Montreal. While the Birkenbeiner races have biking and running race options during the warmer times of year, the Gatineau Loppet offers alternatives to cross-country skiing at the same dead-of-winter time. You can brave the region’s famously cold winters on snowshoes or a fat bike, a mountain bike outfitted with extra-wide wheels specifically designed to maneuver through snow. The 2019 races will include six cross-country races, three snowshoe races from two to 10 kilometers (1.2 to 6 miles) in length, and three fat bike races — ranging from 10 to 40 kilometers (six to 25 miles). Register for any of those events here.

39th Sapporo Ski Marathon — Saporro, Hokkaido, Japan

Photo: Worldloppet/Facebook

Though not as competitive to enter as other the long-distance races elsewhere on this list, the Sapporo Ski Marathon has been going strong for almost 40 years and is about as difficult a course as you’ll find — with serious elevation gains and stretches where the trail narrows considerably. The traditional 50-kilometer race is limited to classic cross-country skiers only. You can register for the February 3, 2019, event until January 19 here. You have to be over 19 to compete in the 50-kilometer races, but races of shorter distances have less restrictive age policies. Like the other races on the list, you have to complete it within a set period to receive an official time. In Sapporo, you’ve got seven hours to finish. After that, you can go rest your weary body at one of the many hot springs in the Hokkaido region.


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Reasons to visit Nairobi now

Ewaso Nai’ Beri was the name given to the city of Nairobi by the Maasai, the ethnic group of what is now Kenya and northern Tanzania. Today, the “place of cool waters” is a thriving African capital — with incredible wildlife sites, rich cultural history, and a lively arts and music scene. The Kenyan city is poised to become one of the biggest cultural hotspots in the entire world, and considering Kenya Airways just launched the first direct flight between the US and Nairobi via New York’s JFK, now is the perfect time to go. Here’s how to take it all in.

Get up close with nature.

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

With an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet, Nairobi enjoys temperate weather all year, rarely cresting 80-degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great place to spend time outside, taking in the country’s natural wonders. One of city’s most popular sites is the 44-square-mile Nairobi National Park, which is home to over 400 bird species, a black rhino sanctuary, and an array of wildlife including lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and bison. Have a guide drive you around the park, so you can see as much wildlife as possible.

At the Nairobi Safari Walk, the small park’s raised wooden boardwalk makes for great views of the mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds that inhabit the reserve’s three ecosystems. For even more wildlife, visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, named after a warden who fought ivory poaching in the 1970s. Elephant calves and rhinos cared for here are later introduced into the wild. You can even join Kenya’s elephant conservation efforts through the reserve’s fostering program, through which you adopt an elephant and help finance its care. Evening visits are reserved for foster parents to see how their “elephant babies” are faring.

Visit a forest or two.

Photo: Andrew Atina/Shutterstock

The massive Karura Forest, one of the world’s largest urban forest reserves, covers about 260 hectares of indigenous trees and another 632 hectares of plantations. You can bird- and butterfly-watch or hike or cycle through the forest’s marked trails — where you can see the MauMau caves in which freedom fighters were based during Kenya’s independence struggle. You’ll also see waterfalls, rivers, and the area of forest that the late Professor Wangari Maathai fought to preserve when she campaigned against the illegal acquisition of forest land.

Another green gem is the Ngong Forest where you can hike, cycle, bird-watch, and picnic. You’ll see wind power generation turbines, part of the area’s clean energy production efforts, and high-altitude hiking and training spaces used by athletes. From the summit of the Ngong hills, you’ll take in panoramic views of Nairobi city and the Great Rift Valley. On the hill, Kompass offers archery or zip-lining along 200-meter steel cables. Before going, contact the Forest Rangers for advice on the best entrance to use based on the activities you’ll pursue and arrange a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) ranger to accompany your party for security.

After your day of nature viewing, stop by The Brew Bistro on Ngong Road. Unwind over a craft beer and or order from the restaurant’s enticing “pan-global” menu.

See Kenya’s traditional and emerging art scenes.

Photo: tourpics_net/Shutterstock

The Nairobi National Museum is a physical collection of Kenya’s heritage with an art gallery, botanical garden, and nature trail leading to the adjacent Nairobi Snake Park. The museum’s exhibits include the ancient remains of early men, founding the cradle of mankind.

From museum hill, stop by the The National Archives, housed in an imposing yellow building that was once the Bank of India. The archives were established in 1965 with a collection of over 40,000 volumes of public records, both written and audio-visual. Photographs, tribal weaponry, and masks from different parts of the continent showcase the diversity of the Kenyan people.

The Nairobi Gallery, located in a 1913 stone structure that was once the Provincial Commissioners’ administrative quarters, houses temporary art displays. To view other contemporary art pieces, head to the Go Down Arts Centre, located in a repurposed warehouse that hosts artists in Nairobi and doubles as an events venue. Other galleries you can visit include Shifteye Studios, located at Priory place, and Artz Gallery at the Village Market.

Pay tribute to Kenya’s fight for independence.

Photo: Sopotnicki/Shutterstock

Outside the National Archives, a tall statue of a young Tom Mboya honors the pan-African trade unionist who founded the Republic of Kenya. In the sculpture, Mboya is clad in the Ghanaian Khente textile that he wore during his 1960 election campaigns. Barack Obama Senior, the father of the former US President, is said to have spoken with him before he was gunned down in 1969 — just a few meters from this very spot.

Not far from the Archives on Kenyatta Avenue is the statue is Dedan Kimathi, one of the leaders of the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule who was hung by the colonial administration in 1957. His statue, erected in 2007, replaced the statue of Lord Delamare for whom the street had previously been named. Further down the road, a sculpture of three men in old military uniforms recognizes the efforts of the “native troops” and “our glorious dead” in both World Wars. At the Nairobi War Cemetery and the Uhuru Gardens, these efforts and the struggle for independence have also been immortalized in stone.

Try the local food and craft beer.

Photo: Adriana Mahdalova/Shutterstock

You could have a quick bite at the Chicken Inn or Pizza Inn, both popular local chains, or try the flame-grilled chicken at Garlitos. For authentic Kenyan dishes, namely grilled meats and rice, along with dishes known as gali and nyama choma, make your way down to Ranalo Dishes, popularly known as K’Osewe, along Kimathi Street. K’Osewe offers a wide range of meals from different parts of the country from Mukimo to Omena, Pilau to Muthokoi. J’s Bar and Kitchen is also a great venue to hang out with a group of friends. Similar in ambiance to the Alchemist, J’s has no vendors within the venue, but you can enjoy your meal while sitting outside around the trees. Lit by hanging lights as the night sets in, the venue also has live bands and hosts events such as the annual October Beer Festival.

For craft beers, head to any of The Big Five Breweries locations. Visit KenyaBuzz to see plays, live bands, open mic nights, film screenings, and other events taking place during your stay. Before leaving Nairobi, be sure to snap a photo of the towering Kenyatta International Convention Centre, a 28-story building built in the 1960s and iconic symbol of Nairobi. Better yet, head to the top for a spectacular vista.

Revel in the vibrant urban nightlife.

Photo: The Alchemist Bar/Facebook

Any trip to Nairobi should include a visit to an entertainment venue. In Westlands, you can unwind at The Alchemist, where the rustic ambiance has hints of Afro-chic influence. At the street-food bistro of this open-air, creative hub, multiple vendors whip up wraps, smoothies, and grills ranging from $3 to $8. Order some of the city’s best vegan and vegetarian dishes or opt for gourmet burgers from Mama Rocks. This popular spot also hosts international and local DJs, film screenings, and other events — including an open mic night every Wednesday.

At the Alchemist, you can also peruse interesting local designs at MIK Fashion and comic books at WLL Traders. For more shopping, traditional Maasai markets, held during the week at locations throughout the city, feature handcrafted pieces — from jewelry to afro-inspired chess sets, batiks, and handmade bags.

Photo: Philou1000/Shutterstock

To be fully immersed in Nairobi’s hustle and bustle, you need a matatu experience. Matatus are essentially passenger vans that look like art canvases on wheels, introduced as a means of transport in the 1980s and still prevalent — although much more modern — today. Originally, a trip cost 30 cents, from which the name matatu is derived. Many of these vehicles are covered in decorative graffiti and pimped out with flat screens and WiFi. (One place to ride a matatu would be from the city center to the Limuru Road entrance of the Kararu Forest.)


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Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales

There are some pretty iconic and picturesque train journeys out there, including the famous Trans-Siberian, New Zealand’s TranzAlpine Railway, and Australia’s Ghan, but when it comes to UK train travel, it doesn’t get more exciting than the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Whereas other rail journeys can take days or even weeks, the Snowdon Mountain Railway in northwest Wales only spans 4.7 miles and takes two and a half hours. It begins in the village of Llanberis and embarks upon a 3,500-foot climb to the summit of Snowdon — the highest mountain in England and Wales. Twelve million people have traveled this route since 1986 when it first opened, and after 100 years of operation, it still carries over 130,000 passengers annually. Here’s what you can expect when you board the thrilling Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Note that The Snowdon Mountain Railway is closed for the winter but will reopen mid-March, 2019. Tickets for the 2019 season can be booked starting this December and can either be booked in advance or at the ticket office in Llanberis Station.




1

Llanberis

The journey begins in Llanberis, a village of just over 2,000 people at the foot of Snowdon Mountain. A popular destination for outdoor activities, especially mountaineering, mountain biking, and pony trekking, Llanberis is also home to the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis Path - the longest walking and biking route to the summit of Snowdon. Most famously, Llanberis station is the beginning of the Snowdon Mountain Railway, and the village draws visitors from all over the world eager to get to the top of the peak. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

2

The Heritage Steam Experience

There are a few ways to experience the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The first is aboard the Heritage Steam Express trains, pushed by original Swiss steam locomotives from 1896. The Snowdon Lily and Mountain Goat trains are built on the chassis and bogies from the original 1896 carriages, so modern passengers can enjoy the same traditional ride as those from the late-19th century. With a limited capacity of only 34 passengers, this train is perfect for those who prefer small groups. It departs Llanberis three times a day. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

3

Llanberis Pass

Once you depart Llanberis, the rail crosses a viaduct over the Afon Hwch river, where you’ll be able to watch the Ceunant Mawr waterfall tumbling down into the gorge. As you pass into the vast, open countryside, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Snowdon Mountain summit, rising above the ridge. Moel Eilio, another peak - named after a fourth-century Irish king - can also be viewed from the pass, with old and abandoned dwellings dotting the surrounding landscape. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

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4

Hebron Station

As you pass through Hebron Station, you’ll see a Hebron Chapel built in 1833 by poor families living in the valley who raised enough money to construct a house of worship. Although no longer operational, the chapel’s name is carried on by the station, which has been open as long as the railway itself. You’ll also glimpse a large farm of mysterious origin at the bottom of the Valley of Reeds, which may have once been used as a hunting lodge. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

5

The Hill of the Falcon

Climbing higher through the Snowdon range, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of Moel Hebog, a towering mountain that dominates the landscape that is the natural habitat of the Peregrine Falcon. Just to the north of Moel Hebog is a cave where, according to popular legend, Owain Glyndwr - leader of the last Welsh rebellion - still waits to rise again and lead his people against the English. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

6

Halfway Station

Before it was destroyed in a windstorm, the original halfway hut was known for its delicious lemonade. Now, the station has a cafe and serves as a refueling point before steam engines make the final push to the summit. From here, you can look down on Llanberis Path - maybe even get a sight of some hikers sweating it up - and see the Moel Cynghorion (Mountain of Councillors) rising beside you on the far side of the valley. In the distance, you will also be able to see the volcanic black rock of the Clogwyn du’r Arddu cliff. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

7

The flora and fauna of Snowdon

Along the way, remember to pay attention to more than just the mountains and valleys. Snowdonia National Park is also home to several species of protected flora, including the Snowdon lily, Alpine meadow-grass, and Alpine saxifrage. It’s also the natural habitat of rare and beautiful animals, such as the Peregrine Falcon, feral goats, otters, polecats, and pine martens. The Snowdon beetle also makes its home in Snowdonia, but there are only 1,000 of them in existence, and you’ll need pretty keen eyes to spot one. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

8

Rocky Valley

Once you leave Halfway Station, you’ll get your first real sense of exactly how high you’ve climbed. At 2,330 feet, the landscape will have changed from the lush green valley to a more dramatic rocky terrain. You’ll skirt the valley’s sheer, precipitous edge and look down on Llŷn Peninsula and Llanberis Pass, where cars and hikers should appear no larger than moving specks. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

9

Approaching the summit

In the early spring, when lingering ice and snow prevent trains from climbing any further, Clogwyn Station is the highest you can go. The station is situated on an exposed ridge with a view of Llanberis Pass below and the Clogwyn Du’r Arddu cliffs. And in case you needed another reminder about the dangers of mountaineering, you’ll be able to see a huge pile of nearby boulders that once tumbled from the overhead cliffs. According to legend, they’re the current home of a witch named Canthrig Bwt, who tries to snatch children climbing on the rocks. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

10

The summit

You will have seen some pretty spectacular views along the way, but nothing beats the panorama from the top. From the peak of Snowdon, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the valleys below, and if the weather is clear, you might even be able to see as far as Ireland. You can even climb atop the cairn, a pile of stones from which you can get an even more impressive perspective of the surrounding countryside. The summit isn’t completely isolated from humanity, however. It’s home to the Summit Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the UK. Trains stop here for 30 minutes before starting the return journey - plenty of time to take in the views and enjoy the cafe and gift shop. (Photo: Snowdon Mountain Railway)

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