Matador Network's Blog, page 124

More Hotels Are Becoming Certified B-Corps – Here’s What That Actually Means

With travelers increasingly conscious of environmental and social impact, Certified B Corporation hotels are leading the charge in sustainable hospitality. A study published by SmartBrief found that Gen-Z and Millennial travelers, in particular, value a “sense of purpose” in their travels and wish to support businesses that align with that purpose. One of the best ways for travelers to find accommodations that are values-aligned is to seek out B-Corp-certified hotels, of which there are increasing in number, particularly in the United States and Europe. By obtaining B-Corp certification, these hotels are showing that they prioritize sustainability practices, fair labor conditions, and community engagement, offering travelers a way to make a positive impact through their choices.

But what, exactly, does being a “B-Corp” mean for hotels? The process is actually quite rigid – and the vast majority of hotels would fail to qualify, should they apply.

What does it take for a hotel to become a certified B Corporation?

Ashore Hotel, part of Adrift Hospitality, offers bikes for guests to use. Photo courtesy Adrift Hospitality

B Lab was founded in 2006 with a bold vision: to harness the power of business for good. This nonprofit organization created the BCorp certification, a rigorous standard for companies committed to social and environmental performance. Inspired by iconic brands prioritizing sustainability, B Lab’s founders sought to create a framework for businesses to measure and improve their impact. Its since grown into a global movement, certifying some 9,000 businesses.

To get certified, a business must take and pass B-Lab’s B Impact Assessment, which gauges a business’ efforts relating to the environment, its community engagement, its customers and suppliers, and how it treats employees and shareholders. Getting certified requires a score of at least 80 out of 200, with most businesses failing to reach even a 51.

The process is always evolving, and B-Lab is currently updating its assessment protocol based on feedback from its community of businesses – though the rigidity or the process and documentation required to obtain certification will not change.

“The process was not super amenable to hotels,” says Lorin Augiere, founder of Saturday Public Relations, which has worked indirectly with B Tourism and a host of certified B-Corps since 2018. One of Augiere’s first clients was Legacy Vacation Resorts, which operates B-Corp certified properties in Florida, Colorado. New Jersey, and Nevada, and is among the largest of certified hospitality brands in the United States. “There was a path, but there’s so many things that tourism can touch on that we felt weren’t being well represented. We’re hoping that the new standards, when they launch either next year or in 2026, will have a path that better reflects the hospitality industry.”

B-Corp logo. Photo: Jeppe Gustafsson /Shutterstock

The process is subjective to a company’ size, location, and other factors. Some companies are able to get certified in mere months, others spend years going through the certification process. A company can get started on the application process itself and spend as much time as it needs to complete and submit the application. Once it does so, the auditing begins. Augieri says the brands she has seen be successful in their application are able to do so because they designate a person within the organization to oversee the process (known, not ironically, as the “B-Keeper”), who can coordinate information gathering and reporting across various departments and efforts.

“It’s difficult, but I do think it’s attainable,” Augieri says, largely due to the fact that others who’ve gone through the process are generally willing to help. “Fellow B-Corps are more than happy to share secrets. If there’s a program that’s working really well, they’ll shout it from the rooftops. They want you to copy them, because what they’re doing is good.”

In total, Augieri says, 175 tourism industry businesses are certified B-Corps – but a small percentage of those are hotel brands. Some operate a portfolio of properties, like Inhabit Hotels in the United Kingdom. Others are independent properties in popular tourist destinations, such as The Pad in Silverthorne, Colorado, a B-Corp-certified hostel, and the Armada Hotel in County Clare, Ireland.

“They’re not trying to lie to your face and say they don’t care about money. Only for-profit companies can become a B-Corp,” Augieri says. “These business “are going to make their money in a way that’s good, and they’re going to spread that money out to their people, their community.”

No hotel brand better represents the B-Corp mantra than Exclusive Collection, which runs a portfolio of high-end boutique properties in the UK.

Exclusive Collection combines employee care and a push for increased circularity

Lakeside cottage at The Reeds. Photo courtesy Exclusive Collection

Throughout its more than 40 year history, Exclusive Collection has established itself as a one of the UK’s premiere boutique luxury hospitality companies, operating hotels, spas, cookery schools, and event spaces. All are on the pricey side – for example, the company recently opened eight luxury lakeside suites called The Reeds in West Sussex, complete with stunning views and personalized concierge service.

Guests epitome the epitome of luxury form the moment they arrive, driving into the gates down a winding path through a private vineyard to their lodge, where they’re served sparkling wine from grapes grown just across the garden. What guests may not see, if they don’t bother to look, is that the company built the properties with locally sourced or upcycled timber and materials, and has incorporated extensive technology to minimize food and water waste across each unit. Great care was taken to ensure minimal disruption of the surrounding habitat, and as guests relax in the splendor of the biophilic architectural design, they can rest easy knowing that renewable energy powers their entire experience. Perhaps most impressive, leftover product from the winemaking process is turned into shampoos and other wellness products used onsite.

“Everything they look at, we want it to be part of the experience,” says Danny Pecorelli, Exclusive Collection’s managing director and so of the company’s founder, Guiseppi Pecorelli. “Everything in the bathroom is made onsite, and the loo’s on gray water recycling. The guests don’t need to know that, they just need to know that we’re looking at the circularity of everything, be it water, drink products, even the food for our conferencing.

About five years ago, Exclusive Collection’s management team wanted to ensure its humanitarian and sustainability efforts were not only working, but were industry-leading. To do this, the team decided to search for industry-agnostic accreditation.

The team landed on B-Corp certification largely because it was the most comprehensive, and also because obtaining B-Corp status carries increasingly heavy weight with consumers. The company had long since put in place measures to reduce food waste and energy consumption, and felt it had a great rapport with staff – employees seemed happy, guests seemed happy, and the company had an annual Impact Statement documenting its efforts.

“We kind of organically grew into a B-Corp mindset,” Pecorelli says. “I’m a massive fan of stakeholder capitalism and that sort of people, planet, profit process. A lot of the UK-specific accreditations were all about carbon reduction – and carbon is important, but it’s not the end-all, be-all.

Pecorelli and his team found many benchmarks during the accreditation process that they’d already hit or were very close to meeting simply based on the company’s standard operating procedures. Where the certification really helped Exclusive, he notes, was in ensuring its practices and efforts were more rigorously documented. To gain and maintain B-Corp certification, the company has had to step up its cataloging.

“One refreshing thing about B-Corp is how evidence-based they are,” Pecorelli says. “For example, we were already monitoring food waste, but they came in and said, ‘Where are the records?’”

Exclusive Collection scored an 80.3 on its initial assessment in 2021, with considerably high marks for its treatment of staff, community engagement, and environmental impact. Pecorelli hopes for a score in the mid-’90s following the re-accreditation process the company is currently going through. The three-year process allows the company time to focus on improvements in at least one major area before the next re-certification. The company will spend the next three years focusing on reducing water use, in part by implementing gray water recycling at its properties. The past three years were focused on reducing carbon emissions.

“Why I love B-Corp is because it’s about continuous improvement,” Pecorelli says. “None of us on this journey are perfect. You can come to my business tomorrow and do an micro-audit and you will find things that I’m trying to do but I’m not doing 100 percent. I’ve still got some fossil fuels that I can’t eliminate. But B-Corp is very transparent about where you’re at on the journey.”

Adrift Hotels uses its influence to give back to the community

Photo courtesy Adrift Hospitality

In the US, an emblematic B-Corp-certified hotel operator is Adrift Hospitality, which runs properties — including hotels, restaurants and pubs, and even a distillery — in Washington and Oregon. The company obtained certification in 2019 and scored an 85.7 on its most recent assessment.

“It was important for us to pursue because we want folks to know that we aren’t solely in the business of making money, we are leaders in sustainable hospitality seeking a resilient future for our coastal community,” Adrift Hospitality told Matador in a statement. “As a recently recertified BCorp and Social Purpose Corporation, we operate with a triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) that aims to promote positive and minimize the negative effects upon people, our communities, and the environment,” the company said.

Adrift focuses part of its impact on giving back to organizations also working to empower their community.

“We love to support organizations in the communities we inhabit,” the company said. “We do that through several donation programs across the company. Our monthly Cocktail For a Cause Program has raised over $110,000 for local charities and our participation in Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program has brought in over $100,00 to help build a community center.”

Much of the desire to become certified stems from a business’ love of its place and community, and a desire to protect it both for residents and visitors.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth,” the company said. “We strongly believe it is our duty to be stewards of our environment to ensure the peninsula is a place that locals and travelers can enjoy for generations to come. We are partnered with the Surfrider Foundation in their Ocean Friendly Restaurant program and are one of the initial partners in the upcoming launch of their Ocean Friendly Hotel program.”

For the hotels who undergo the process, the reward is both increased trust with conscious travelers and a business model that just may prove to be more sustainable for the long-term.

“A lot of people don’t like getting accredited because you can’t put your head above the parapet,” Exclusive Collection’s Pecorelli says. “But for me, you can put your head about the parapet and go, ‘Here’s what we’re doing, here’s where we’re heading.”

More like thisTravelYour Outdoor Gear Will Soon Be Circular. Meet the Brands Making It Happen

Why San Clemente, Chile, Is Considered the Unofficial UFO Capital of the World

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

Local stories about hauntings, aliens, and unexplained phenomena can be found just about anywhere you can travel to. A Massachusetts hotel with ghosts dating to the American Revolution, for example, or the myriad supernatural stories about the skull-and-bones-lined Paris Catacombs.

The stories of more than 50 of the some of the most chilling spots in the world are brought to life in Evelyn Hollow’s new book, Atlas of Paranormal Places (Ivy Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group). That includes The Island of the Dolls in Mexico, St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, Gunnuhver Mud Pool in Iceland, and Turkmenistan’s Door to Hell.

Photo: Atlas of Paranormal Places (Ivy Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2024)

Hollow has deep authority on the subject. The Scottish writer and paranormal psychologist has worked as an occult columnist, earned a Master of Research degree in Paranormal Psychology, and consults as a paranormal expert for TV shows and podcasts. On top of that, Hollow gives guest talks on paranormal history and the quantum physics of anomalous phenomena.

Here, an excerpt from Atlas of Paranormal Places about the unofficial UFO capital of the world.

San Clemente: The unofficial UFO capital of the world in the Maule Region of Chile

This Andean mountain city and commune in the Maule Region of Chile has a population of 40,000, with most people living in rural areas. It is a place of spectacular beauty, with rocky wildlife preserves, waterfalls and lagoons. But it isn’t just the natural attractions that lead most people here, but rather the supernatural strangeness – San Clemente is considered the unofficial UFO capital of the world.

Reports of unidentified craft in the sky, unearthly lights and unsettling encounters started to emerge in newspapers around 1995 – but it wasn’t just your usual UFO sightings. In San Clemente there’s shining spheres that disappear into the woodland and into bodies of water. Since then, hundreds more inexplicable cases have come from the area, at an estimated average of one report per week. It was happening so often that in 2008 the government set up a ‘UFO trail’ that maps out where the main hotspots are. This trail is 19 miles (30 km) long and takes you through the Andean mountains and forest ranges, including Colbún Lake, which is believed to attract so many UFOs because of its high mineral quality.

Lakes come up frequently when looking at maps of UFO sightings. There’s a variety of theories as to why this may be, but the most prominent ones among researchers is that if life not from this planet were to visit, they may either be interested in taking samples of, or examining, our life sources (such as large bodies of water) or may actually require the components of such places (minerals, chemicals, basic elements), for whatever reason. These places have many confounding factors in any supernatural occurrences because there are simply so many things that can affect what we experience here; for example, the water altering our perception of light sources, reflections creating bounce-back, sound behaving strangely due to the open area or echoes behaving in a way that confuses our senses, etc.

Another hotspot on this trail is El Enladrillado. This elevated site sits at 7,217 feet (2,200 m) above sea level and is one of the world’s top fifty largest stone megaliths that remain today. It requires a four-hour long horseback ride to get there, but it’s a pilgrimage very much worth making to those interested in ancient stone structures, UFO sites and the wonders of the old world. The megalith is composed of a staggering 233 gigantic rectangular stones, with some as big as 16 feet (4.8 m) wide and 30 feet (9 m) long, arranged in an amphitheatre-like formation. It feels like the Chilean version of The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland – another epic and strange geometric stone flatbed that has an endless trail of lore and mystery. From El Enladrillado, you can see three volcanoes, one of which was still active up until the 1930s; some believe it to be a sort of landing pad for extraterrestrials due to the vast number of sightings reported here over the decades. It’s not without controversy, as in order to be a megalith it would have had to be constructed by someone or something, but many geologists believe it to be a natural formation.

Photo: Atlas of Paranormal Places (Ivy Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2024)

As an interesting aside: some researchers throughout history have believed that humankind largely originated from Antarctica, rather than Africa, and that a catastrophic axial pole shift destroyed the inhabited areas there, forcing the population to move to the Americas and the rest of the world. One of these people was Robert Rengifo, a Chilean professor whose work was discussed at the Scientific Society of Chile in the early 1900s. He believed that the inhabited places of the Antarctic region were, in fact, the legendary lost city of Atlantis. This could explain how a previous civilization in the area was so advanced that it had the ability to create a massive and complex megalith such as El Enladrillado. It’s a highly controversial theory to have, but, to be fair, it’s not the only ancient site here in Chile that alters how we think about the development and population of the human race. Monte Verde, a wondrous archaeological site in southern Chile, has now proved to show signs that humans inhabited the area up to 14,000 years ago. Rengifo may have been on to something.

The density of observed unexplainable aerial phenomena here led to a formal investigative government body being formed in 1997 – the CEFAA (Comité de Estudios de Fenómenos Aéreos Anómalos – the Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena). They cover approximately 12 million square miles (32 million sq km), within which they essentially receive reported UFO cases and analyse them using sound scientific approaches to then generate a report. Their main objective is to help dispel myths and keep the airways safe, but the relationship between ufologists and the government has always been a tenuous one. Many believe that governments the world over have known about UFOs for a long time and have kept the information from the general public, but that seems to be changing. At the time of writing, there has been huge uproar in the news as America began to declassify UFO footage, with many former high-ranking Army and Air Force personnel coming forward with stories of strange encounters. Perhaps a benchmark of how chaotic existence is for us all right now is the observance that a major government came forward to confirm UFO phenomena and it was not even the third wildest thing to happen that week.

Chile experienced its own Roswell-like incident in 1998, when many witnesses saw a strange craft crash into Las Mollacas Hill. The Chilean army investigated, and special envoys from NASA had to get involved, who later requested that information on the case be halted. There are more recent striking incidents. In 2018, the crews of no less than six commercial aircraft all simultaneously witnessed the emergence of three triangular light sources in the sky. At the time it was speculated that it could be secret military craft training or lights reflected from ships below, but it seems unlikely that six whole crews who fly that route all the time would all never have encountered this before and that none of them were able to identify what it was. It’s not that experienced flight crew are infallible – they certainly can be mistaken – but that many witnesses with that much combined experience, all observing this occurrence simultaneously, certainly makes it one of the stronger contenders for true UFO experiences.

For the working people of San Clemente, some believe it is all a ploy to drive tourism and want nothing to do with any potential visitors from other planets, but many have stories themselves. Several muleteers (these are people who transport goods via pack animals, particularly mules) have had some of the most bizarre experiences. Eladio Gajardo reported seeing a strong light source go up and down in a whirlwind motion in among the mountains, a movement that couldn’t have been performed by a helicopter and had no other accompanying lights or noise. It wasn’t a brief encounter either; the whirlwind light continued going up and down for about 20 minutes. His brother also had an experience, but this one wasn’t lights or spaceships but an actual being. He said he’d seen a small figure that looked like a monkey walking in mid-air over the treetops of the cordillera, just swinging its shoulders from side to side through the air without being attached to anything, as if levitating. Ufologists believed this to be a ‘humanoid’, by which they mean something that is person-like in shape but is in fact not human.

It isn’t the only UFO report here that concerns a being or creature. In Cajón del Maipo, a canyon area where many bodies of water converge to create great lakes and mountain ranges, a mountaineer by the name of Claudio Pastén was visiting a particular lagoon, El Morado. There, he reported seeing two ‘huge lights’ settle over the basin of water and as soon as he tried to get the attention of the two German tourists with him the lights changed course and dipped into the water, causing the entire lagoon to illuminate. When the light faded a craft suddenly emerged from the water and it left ‘two beings of great stature’ standing there. This report came in 1997.

Another young man, this time one who works in transport services, named Sebastian Riquelme, had an experience while out driving in Vilches. He was with his girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time, travelling along a road in their pick-up truck. He says that suddenly, out of nowhere, came a red light, hovering several feet above the ground. They slowed down and flashed their truck lights at it; as soon as they did, the light began to expand and get larger. Sebastian says that he felt paralyzed and unable to move and that it went on for a long period of time. He felt so frozen that he never even thought to reach for his phone; all he could do was watch in horror.

Even one of the mayors of this province had encounters as a young boy. Agreed fifteen, Juan Rojas was on a school trip in the 1970s, and during the trip a classmate became injured and needed to be carried back during the night in order to receive medical attention. He said that the group were followed by an oval-shaped object that was lit up at many points, and that this object followed them the whole night, until exhaustion forced them to stop and sleep. Later, in 1990, he would have a second experience when visiting Colbún Lake with his family, where they saw a ‘luminous object’ emerge from the water.

In 2010, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter Scale occurred just off the central coast of Chile, at the point where the South American plate is subducted by the Nazca plate, causing tsunamis and killing hundreds of people in its destruction. During this horrendous event, a group of schoolteachers from Talca were camping at the Maule Lagoon when they had an overwhelming, strange experience; they reported that while the ground shook from the after-effects of the earthquake they saw ‘vehicles’ emerge from the lagoon and fly up into the sky and vanish.

There is a theory among ufologists that San Clemente essentially marks the end of the Inca Road, which connects to Nazca in Peru – another area rich in UFO sightings, historical depictions of UFOs and space-related mythology. The consensus appears to be that many UFO ‘hotspot’ areas can be linked to one another and that leads to belief that if we are truly experiencing visitors from other planets then they are concentrating on these areas for specific reasons. Chief among them seem to be a focus on large bodies of water that have high mineral quality, areas of large volcanic and tectonic turbulence and ancient stone structures that are monolithic or were created by supreme natural disaster.

The UFO reports from San Clemente don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon and it is now hosting annual conferences for enthusiasts to get together and discuss ongoing phenomena and the equipment necessary to capture it. With governments all over the world now starting to declassify information that many feel is challenging what they once wrote off as impossible, the question ‘are we alone in the universe?’ has become increasingly harder to answer with any sense of absolution.

Excerpted with permission from Atlas of Paranormal Places (Ivy Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2024) by Evelyn Hollow. Atlas of Paranormal Places publishes September 12, 2024 and can be purchased wherever fine books are sold. Learn more at quarto.com.

More like thisRoad TripsNevada's Extraterrestrial Highway: One Spaced-Out Road Trip

Flight Attendant Shares the Makeup Products She Uses to Look Fresh, Without Touch-Ups, for 20 Hours

When I travel long distances, I never wear makeup. I’ve even been known to give myself an inflight facial. But I don’t have a job that requires me to look presentable. After years of flying long-haul and disembarking with a bird’s nest on my head and shiny skin, I’m in awe of how fresh flight attendants manage to look on landing. Yes, they have the benefit of sleeping compartments, but those quarters are often smaller than a business-class seat. So, how do they achieve to look flawless over such a long period of time? Recently, a flight attendant with Emirates shared on Instagram how she keeps her makeup in place and looking fresh after a 14-hour flight and a 20-plus-hour day on duty.

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by D a n i e l l e (@danidboyy)

Flight attendant and influencer Danielle shares her pre- and post-flight look. After over 20 hours in a full face and a flight from Dubai to Seattle without a touchup, I think we can all agree she looks fabulous. “I’ve ate, drank, and slept during the flight in this makeup,” she says.

I was curious about what products have that kind of staying power, and thankfully, Danielle shared some of her favorite beauty buys. Although I’ve not tried all of these, the influencer has tested them on countless long flights, and they are all reasonably priced and available through Amazon. I’m a huge fan of drugstore brands that create something brilliant (and long-lasting) that holds its own against luxury beauty companies. Here are some of the products Danielle swears by and a few of my own suggestions.

For a primer, Danielle suggests Elf Costemtics Power Grip Primer ($9.96). It’s a gripping primer, so it really sticks to your skin and lays a really solid foundation. If you’re like me and battle with oily skin, you’ll need a decent primer to stop your makeup from being broken down by excess oil throughout your day. I use Milk Hydro Grip Primer ($20.00), which has worked really well for my skin. It’s a little more expensive but it lasts forever and has some additional skincare benefits.

Danielle swears by Vichy Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation ($22.00). It’s got a built-in SPF and medium coverage. Foundation is a personal choice, but opting for something oil-free like L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation ($21.99) will stop that shine and keep your makeup in place.

Danielle opts for NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum ($9.99) for concealer. I purchased this product to try out for my wedding day this summer, and it’s staying in my toolbox.

For mascara, she suggests H.U.D.A BEAUTY 1 Coat. The price for this in the UK is around $15. But as it might be tricky to get hold of in the US, I suggest trying a tubular mascara (which wraps around each individual lash and does not smudge or damage your lashes) like L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Tubing Mascara ($9.99). I’ve been wearing this for years and am terrified it will be discontinued.

For a setting powder, Danielle is also opting for H.U.D.A with the Easy Bake ($47.88). I’d also recommend Urban Decay’s All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder ($35.00); it’s another product I’ve been loyal to for over a decade.

Danielle is also using Milani Make It Last Setting Spray ($9.99) to set her face. Although she undoubtedly has a solid foundation, this setting spray must work wonders.

Her lip is Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($5.34). There was a ton of hype about this product when it first came out, not just because the price is so great. Unlike most drugstore liquid lipsticks, which can get real dry real quick, Maybelline’s stays in place and hydrated. There’s also a great color range.

More like thisTravelOn Long-Haul Flights, Get Ready to Sleep Just Like You Do at Home: With Facials and PJs

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Springfield, Missouri

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, scenic Springfield is far more than just a stop along historic Route 66 — although, as the official birthplace of the Mother Road, it does make an excellent place for a road trip. Springfield is also a vibrant college town, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs, and a burgeoning foodie destination.

Whether you’re here to explore the mind-boggling underground cave system, float the countless rivers and lakes, root for a home team, or sample the unique flavors of the Ozarks, Queen City (as in “Queen City of the Ozarks”) is full of surprises. Here’s your insider’s guide to experiencing the very best of this charming city.

Things to do in Springfield, Missouri

Fantastic Caverns

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Springfield is home to North America’s only ride-through cave, which is exactly what it sounds like — instead of walking tours, Fantastic Caverns offers guided tours in custom open-air trams pulled by Jeeps. The guides include experts like historians and geologists, so in addition to seeing the giant ancient formations up-close, visitors also learn about things like how a dog accidentally discovered the cave and the fact that a group of women was the first to survey it.

One important thing to note is that tickets are strictly first-come, first-served; you can’t buy them online or in advance.

Fantastic Caverns: 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803

Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Photo: CJ Hanevy/Shutterstock

The iconic outdoor company Bass Pro Shops was founded in Springfield, so a visit to the original flagship store is a must. With its absolutely massive size, outdoor decor, multiple museums and restaurants, coffee shop, shooting range, and live animals, it feels more like a wildlife theme park than just a store.

Right next door (the entrance is actually in the same building) is the award-winning Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (WOW). Voted “America’s Best Aquarium” an unprecedented six consecutive times, WOW lets you see and interact with thousands of marine species from around the world. The aquarium also hosts all sorts of unique events throughout the year, ranging from Shark Week-themed summer camps for children to museum yoga and adults-only, after-hours cocktail parties.

Bass Pro Shops: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Springfield, MO 65807

Wonders of Wildlife: 500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807

Fellows Lake

Photo: Walter L White/Shutterstock

At the north end of Springfield, 860-acre Fellows Lake is the perfect setting for a serene day on the water — on the water is an important distinction because you can’t swim in the lake. It’s Springfield’s primary source of drinking water, managed by the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. The pristine, scenic reservoir is also a hub for outdoor recreation, offering kayak and boat rentals, sailing lessons, hiking and biking trails, fishing, hunting, day-use areas, and campgrounds for those who want to extend their stay.

37 North Expeditions

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 37 North Expeditions (@37northexpeditions)

37 North is your personal guide for exploring the Ozarks on a deeper level, whether that be Springfield proper or a day trip into Arkansas. The adventure company offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from private hikes and horseback rides to relaxed group winery tours and Buffalo River floats. Guides include local experts in conservation, environmental studies, and biology, so you get the opportunity to explore hidden gems you would otherwise miss.

37 North Expeditions: 3803 NW Wishing Spring Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712

National Tiger Sanctuary

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Located just south of Springfield, the National Tiger Sanctuary is a safe haven for big cats. Here, you can take guided tours to see dozens of tigers, lions, leopards and other exotic animals in a natural setting. Some tours even include the opportunity to feed the cats. The non-profit sanctuary rescues these animals, oftentimes performers or illegal domestic pets, and focuses on rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Seeing the majestic animals up close is incredible, but the real takeaway is learning more about worldwide efforts to protect them.

National Tiger Sanctuary: 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630

Hammons Field

Photo: Ted PAGEL/Shutterstock

If you’re in town during baseball season (April through September), catch a Springfield Cardinals home game at Hammons Field. The St. Louis Cardinals’ Double-A affiliate team offers a classic, all-American ballpark experience right downtown. On Thursday night summer home games, the team plays as its alter ego, the Springfield Cashew Chickens. This fun twist pays homage to the city’s culinary claim to fame — the popular dish cashew chicken was invented here.

Hammons Field: 955 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802

Farmers Market of the Ozarks at Farmers Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farmers Market of the Ozarks (@fmozarks)

For a literal taste of the Ozarks, head to this year-round Saturday morning farmers market. Over 60 local vendors sell fresh produce, dairy products, ethically raised meat, baked goods, artisan jewelry and crafts, and more. The market requires all vendors to be within a 150-mile radius, so everything is truly local. Most weekends, there are local food trucks and live music, too.

Farmers Market of the Ozarks: 2144 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Although Dogwood Canyon is about an hour’s drive from Springfield, the incredible 10,000-acre park deserves a spot on your itinerary. With conservation as its primary mission, Dogwood Canyon is so pristine that it could be a serious contender for the country’s next national park. It’s full of waterfalls, distinctive Ozarks bluffs, wildlife like elk and bison, creeks, and a working gristmill. Visitors can explore it all by hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, or taking a guided tram tour.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park: 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681

Askinosie Chocolate Factory

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Askinosie Chocolate (@askinosie)

At this father-and-daughter-run “micro-factory,” you can sample award-winning chocolate and see how it’s made. Askinosie offers tours that give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its bean-to-bar process, from ethically sourcing cocoa beans to the finished, delicious product. As a bonus, the factory is on C Street, a historic but hip district lined with some of the city’s hottest restaurants, bakeries, and shops.

Askinosie Chocolate Factory: 514 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Where to eat and drink in Springfield, Missouri

Cafe Cusco

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Get a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Springfield’s oldest historic district. This vibrant, always-bustling eatery is a shining example of the city’s surprisingly diverse food scene. Try traditional dishes like lomo saltado, chicken mojo, and my personal favorite, aji de gallina (a spicy, creamy chicken stew).

Cafe Cusco: 234 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

The Springfield area has a lot of fantastic restaurants, but few compete with the scenery at The Mill. The restaurant itself is inside an immaculately restored mill built in 1833, and the dining room and patio overlook the Finley River. It looks and tastes like fine dining, but The Mill is family-friendly and very laid-back. Whatever you order, save room for the green tomato cake for dessert.

The Ozark Mill: 802 Finley Farms Ln, Ozark, MO 65721

Harvest Restaurant

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Harvest takes the terms “ingredient-driven” and “hyper-seasonal” to a whole new level. The husband and wife team at the helm create the weekend’s menu early in the week, based solely on what’s ripe and available from their own gardens and favorite local suppliers. If you only eat here once, slate it for late September when Harvest hosts its renowned Dinner in the Orchard, an exclusive series of wine pairing dinners held in the adjacent apple orchards.

Harvest Restaurant: 8011 E State Hwy Ad, Rogersville, MO 65742

JW’s Kitchen

Right next to the Farmers Park farmers market, JW’s is a relatively new Springfield favorite. The menu features all manners of comfort food, sort of a mash-up between Southern cuisine and English pub fare, but with an elevated twist.

JW’s Kitchen: 2144 E Republic Rd B-101, Springfield MO 65804

Rise

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rise (@417rise)

This cozy downtown spot is equally well-known for its coffee cocktails, bright plant-filled interior, and signature pastel-striped staircase. The sweet potato breakfast bowl and shakshuka are both life-alteringly good.

Rise: 105 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806

Other noteworthy places to eat and drink

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Blue Heron Euro Cafe & Bakery: Tiny C-Street bakery serving both sweet and savory pastries with an almost cult-like following. Seriously, they will be sold out if you don’t stop in early.Sleepy Opossum: Funky little brunch spot in the gorgeous Roundtree neighborhood known for its “breakky sandwys” and comfort food classics with an innovative twist (peach-jalapeno pie, anyone?).Sweet Emotion: Vegan ice cream and treat shop with a huge variety of flavors. You wouldn’t believe everything was vegan if you didn’t know.Golden Girl Rum Club: Unexpectedly authentic tiki bar downtown, with a full menu of tiki classics including mai tais, Bahama mamas, and Singapore slings, plus its own creative concoctions. Try a the son of banana man.Bear Creek Winery: South of Springfield near the National Tiger Sanctuary, this family-owned winery has tremendous views, mouth-watering pizzas, and live music on weekends.

Where to stay in Springfield, Missouri

Hotel Vandivort

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

This historic boutique hotel is the only one of its kind in Springfield, exuding character and luxury in the heart of downtown. Not only is it the only AAA 4-Diamond hotel in the city, but it also occupies a historic building that’s well over 100 years old and was once a Masonic Temple. The rooms are stunning, complemented by the hotel bar, called The Order, and Vantage, the chic rooftop lounge. Plus, you can walk just about everywhere downtown from here.

Hotel Vandivort: 305 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Moxy Springfield Downtown

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

The brand-new Moxy (Missouri’s first) is just around the corner from Hotel Vandivort (literally, it’s a two-minute walk). If you’ve ever been to a Moxy hotel, you know the brand is modern, playful, and cheeky. Check-in is at the bar, for example, and includes a complimentary cocktail. This Moxy stays true to its roots, but it’s located in a historically significant building that’s nearly a century old. Highlights include the city’s tallest rooftop bar, Eyrie, a speakeasy-esque basement lounge, and decor inspired by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

Moxy Springfield: 430 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Getting to and around Springfield, Missouri

Photo: Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Springfield is easily accessible via the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). It’s on the smaller side, but it’s a beautiful, modern airport and serves 15 destinations with nonstop flights.

If you’re driving, the city is conveniently located along I-44, almost equidistant to Kansas City (190 miles or just over three hours) and St. Louis (210 miles or about 3.5 hours). Especially because Springfield is along the original Route 66, it’s a fantastic road trip destination.

Once you’re in Springfield, it’s largely a vehicle-dependent city, although downtown and a handful of surrounding neighborhoods are very walkable. It’s logically laid out, most attractions and amenities are clustered together in a few areas, and rideshare options are plentiful, so getting around is a breeze overall.

More like thisRoad TripsThis Beautiful Road Trip Through the Ozarks Will Take You to Places Netflix Never Showed You

New Global Data Shows 10 Most Popular Museums in the World

An annual report based on data from the most popular museums and theme parks around the world just came out on August 8, with 82 pages of highly detailed data about where travelers are spending their time. And while the world’s most popular theme parks are generally what you’d expect (Disney parks in Florida, California, Japan, and Shanghai), what’s more interesting are the world’s most popular museums.

In the US, the number of visits to the museums in the top 20 grew by more than 33 percent between 2022 and 2023. The report credits this leap in museum attendance to two things: China opening and expanding several museums (all of which have free admission), and many museums in the US undergoing grand-scale, high-tech renovations to be more engaging and interactive. However, attendance levels in the US are still under 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels, likely because more Americans are traveling abroad, and fewer foreign tourists are coming to the states than in past years. If that trend continues for 2024, it may be a good year to do some local sightseeing before international travelers start returning in spades.

It’s no secret that some of the most popular museums in the world can get extremely crowded. Photo: Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

Only two of the 10 most popular museums in the world are in the US, and while there are a few well-known favorites, there are also some unexpected destinations museum-lovers may want to consider adding to their travel bucket lists.

The world’s most popular museums in 2023No. 1: The Louvre (Paris, France)

Photo: George Wirt/Shutterstock

The Louvre is possibly the most famous museum in the world, but now, we know it’s factually the busiest, too. The Louvre had 8,860,000 visits in 2023, which was a 14 percent jump over 2022. That’s probably because the Louvre is more than just a museum; it’s a historical journey and icon of Europe. Its collection spans millennia, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces. Beyond the iconic Mona Lisa, the museum’s 8 million square feet of exhibit space show the intricate details of Greek sculptures, the grandeur of French royal apartments, and the exotic allure of Islamic art. But if you don’t want to fight the crowds, you’re in luck. It’s Paris, so there are plenty of other fantastic museums nearby.

Don’t miss: “The Mona Lisa” by da Vinci, the Winged Victory (artist unknown), and “The Coronation of Napoleon” by Jacques-Louis David

No 2: The Vatican Museum (Vatican, Vatican City)

Photo: Gush Photography/Shutterstock

Though it’s often associated with Italy, Vatican City is actually its own country — the tiniest country in the world, in fact, at less than one-fifth of a square mile. However, it probably has the most valuable art per square inch of any other country in the world, considering it’s home to the Vatican Museum. That translates to about nine miles of galleries, and though there are only about 20,000 pieces on display (only!), the museum has about 70,000 total pieces. The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling, is undoubtedly the star attraction, but considering how many priceless cultural cornerstones are in the museum, you’ll want to leave time to linger in every gallery.

Plan to spend at least a day there, especially since the Vatican Museum saw 6,765,000 visitors in 2023. So patience will go a long way. If you don’t do well in crowds, you may want to check out one of the other amazing museums in Rome — the Vatican Museum’s hallways get quite packed.

Don’t miss: The Sistine Chapel by Michaelangelo, “The School of Athens” by Raphael, and “The Entombment of Christ” by Caravaggio.

No. 3: The National Museum of China (Beijing, China)

Photo: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

The National Museum of China is a colossal institution, with a treasure trove of artifacts ranging from ancient bronze vessels to intricate jade carvings, centuries-old porcelain, and modern art. It’s the third-largest museum in the world by square footage, just after the Louvre and the British Museum. It’s heavier on archaeology and artifacts than it is on art, though with 40 galleries, there are few types of historical and artistic relics not represented within. Better still, it’s totally free to enter the museum — though that could be part of the reason it was the third-busiest museum in the world, with 6,757,000 visitors in 2023 (a 30 percent increase over 2022).

Don’t miss: The Jade Dragon from the Hongshan culture (artist unknown), the Four Goat Square Zun from the Shang Dynasty, and the “Gold Thread and Jade Garment” from around 55 BCE.

No. 4: The British Museum (London, UK)

Photo: Richie Chan/Shutterstock

The massive halls of the British Museum house a collection that represents not just England or Europe, but the whole world, from the dawn of known human culture. Its collection is one of the widest-ranging in the world, represent art, culture, and history, from the intricacies of Assyrian reliefs to the delicate artistry of Japanese prints. Architecturally, it’s almost as recognizable as the Louvre, represented by a columned Greek Revival-style building constructed in the 1800s to house the collection. Today, it’s the second-most popular attraction in London just after the Tower of London, and is totally free to visit, though you’ll want to book your ticket in advance. And don’t expect too much room to yourself — the British Museum saw 5,821,000 visitors in 2023.

Don’t miss: The Rosetta Stone, Bust of Ramesses the Great, and the highly contested Elgin Marbles (all artist unknown).

No. 5: The Natural History Museum (London, UK)

Photo: Stefan_Sutka/Shutterstock

If you’re less into human-made objects and more into “Jurassic Park,” head to London’s Natural History Museum. It’s renowned for its iconic dinosaur exhibits, including the towering Diplodocus cast, and the fossils of the world’s largest-ever dinosaur: titanosaur, measuring in at 121 feet from tail to nose. You’ll probably also recognize the giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling of Hintze Hall. If you’re at all interested in earth history, from volcanoes and extinct species to the Big Bang and rare gemstones, you’ll definitely want to visit the Natural History Museum — just like 5,689,000 other people did in 2023. It’s one of the biggest and best of its kind in the world.

Don’t miss: A first-edition copy of “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin, a moon rock from Apollo 17, a Barbary lion skull unearthed from the Tower of London.

The remaining top 10 most popular museums in the world include:

No. 6 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY): 5,364,000 visitorsNo. 7 – China Science Technology Museum (Shanghai, China): 5,315,000 visitorsNo. 8 – Nanjing Museum (Nanjing, China): 5,007,000 visitorsNo. 9 – American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY): 5,000,000 visitorsNo. 10 – Suzhou Museum (Suzhou, China): 4,852,000 visitorsThe top 10 most popular museums in North America

Photo: kan_khampanya/Shutterstock

The Global Attractions Attendance Reports also breaks down the most popular museums on each continent. In North America, all 20 are in the United States. And it’s clear that one city has the lock on the most popular museums in the US — probably because most of its museums are free.

Seven of the 20 most popular museums in North America are in DC, all of which are part of the taxpayer-funded (a.k.a. free) Smithsonian Institution. That includes the National Museum of Natural History (#3), the National Gallery of Art (#4), the National Museum of American History (#7), the National Air and Space Museum (#8), the National Museum of African-American History and Culture (#11), the Smithsonian American Art Gallery (#13, also known as the Renwick), and the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (#20, outside of DC in Chantilly, VA).

However, the top two most popular museums in the world on the North American side are in the Big Apple. New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History took the one and two spots, at 5,365,000 and 5,000,000 visits, respectively. The rest of the list was:

No. 3 – The National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC): 4,400,000 visitorsNo. 4 – The National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC): 3,830,000 visitorsNo. 5 – The NYC Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY): 2,840,000 visitorsNo. 6 – The National 9/11 Museum (New York, NY): 2,265,000 visitorsNo. 7 – The National Museum of American History (Washington, DC): 2,100,000 visitorsNo. 8 – The National Air and Space Museum (Washington, DC): 1,900,000 visitorsNo. 9 – The Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston, TX): 1,800,000 visitorsNo. 10 – The California Science Center (Los Angeles, CA) 1,700,000 visitors

You can see the full list of the most popular museums around the world, as well as the most popular theme parks around the world, on the Themed Entertainment Association website, as well as reports going back to 2006.

More like thisNewsThe Most Popular Museum in (Almost) Every Country in the World

A Fall Trip Means Tasty Treats, Festivities, and Exciting Wildlife in Richmond, BC

Autumn in Richmond, BC, is a special time. The Pacific Northwest puts on a stunning show when the leaves turn, and coastal Richmond, just south of Vancouver, helps set the stage.

But beyond beautiful leaf-peeping sites and cameos from migrating wildlife, Richmond’s post-summer season centers on people. Throughout the fall, Halloween and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations breathe extra life into an already lively city. Bakery and restaurant owners spice up their menus with drinks and desserts inspired by the season’s bounty, and the city’s robust Asian food scene means you’re never far from a warming meal.

From bites and pours that embrace the harvest season to events and activities that only come around once a year, here’s how to do a fall visit to Richmond right.

Sample all the seasonal treats…

Photo: Tourism Richmond

When it comes to fall flavours, pumpkin immediately springs to mind, from everyone’s favorite seasonal coffee drink to a wide range of indulgent desserts. In Richmond, get your fix at Little Fox Bakehouse, purveyor of fantastic pumpkin pie tarts, or head to the Korean-Chinese shop Rice Cake Master for pumpkin mochi.

Of course, local bakeries also make use of other autumnal produce. One fine example is Daan Go Cake Lab, which tends to take advantage of the fall chestnut harvest to make a killer Mont Blanc. The bakery’s take on the classic French dessert also incorporates flavors like yuzu and coffee for a little something extra.

In the world of drinkables, Richmond is part of the South of the Fraser Ale Trail. That means the city has plenty of spots where you can enjoy a fall-themed pint, from local breweries to gastropubs. Head to Fuggles Beer or Britannia Brewing for some locally brewed stouts and Oktoberfest ales. And local Country Vines Winery releases a Psycho-themed Psyrah that’s a perfect addition to any spooky Halloween festivities.

…and slurp down the ultimate comfort foods.

Photo: Tourism Richmond

It stands to reason that a city with its own Dumpling Trail has a large and exceptional Asian culinary scene. And as the weather starts to cool down, you’ll want to turn your attention to dishes that warm both your body and soul — yes, we’re talking steamy hot pots and hearty noodle soups.

There’s certainly no shortage of hot pots in Richmond, starting with big chains like Liuyishou and HaiDiLao that have locations here. The Dolar Shop specializes in individual-sized hot pot, which is perfect for solo travelers or groups that can’t agree on what broth they want.

Richmond’s noodle soup options are just as extensive, whether you’re craving Taiwanese beef noodle soup (try Memory Corner or Uno Beef Noodle), ramen (head to G-men Ramen), or pho (drop by Pho 37). You can also get an immunity boost with the Chinese herbal chicken soup at Sang’s Kitchen.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival…

Photo: Michaelnero/Shutterstock

Approximately three-quarters of Richmond’s population is Asian, with about half being of Chinese descent. That means the Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest celebration observed in a number of Asian cultures, is a big deal in Richmond.

In the fall of 2024, there will be a Mid-Autumn celebration at Minoru Park held by Richmond’s community Gateway Theatre. Festivities include lantern-crafting sessions and a moonlit concert. Britannia Shipyards, a national historic site where Chinese workers lived and labored in the early 1900s, is also commemorating the festival with a lantern-crafting activity in the old Chinese bunkhouse. Elsewhere in Richmond, you can join the annual Mid-Autumn festivities at Asian malls like Lansdowne Centre and Aberdeen Centre.

Eating traditional Chinese baked goods called mooncakes is another major part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There are a number of Asian bakeries around Richmond that sell mooncakes this time of year, including Kam Do Bakery and L’OTUS Cake Boutique (otherwise known for its excellent mille crepe cakes). At Shanghainese dim sum spot Suhang Restaurant, you can even try special savoury mooncakes — just be sure to call ahead, as they’re made-to-order.

…and have a Richmond-style Halloween.

Photo: Sarmiento Photography/Shutterstock

Halloween in Richmond is an all-ages affair, and one perennial highlight is the Richmond Country Farms pumpkin patch. In addition to a hay wagon ride to the pumpkin fields, the family-owned farm typically sets up fun activities like corn mazes, live music, and food trucks.

If you’re in Richmond on Halloween, stop by Minoru Arenas for some Halloween-theme skating (costumes encouraged) or head to the charming and historic Steveston Village community. The village goes all out with Halloween displays, local shops invite kids to trick or treat, and there’s a free fireworks show in Minoru Park. For something unique, you can also swing by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site‘s Haunted Sea event to see a spooky display mixed with educational materials about ocean conservation.

There’s even an opportunity for costumed fun if you’re traveling to Richmond in September: the Big Pirate Run. This community run encourages participants to don pirate gear and choose their own pirate names to raise funds for the Richmond Food Bank Society. It’s not a Halloween event, but it’s a festive good time for a good cause.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife.

Photo: Simon Ratcliffe/Tourism Richmond

The change of seasons also means a change in wildlife around Richmond. For one, migratory birds start to arrive in the area. British Columbia is on the Pacific Flyway — the north-south migration route that stretches from Alaska to South America — which means turkey vultures, trumpeter swans, warblers, and more can be spotted around Richmond this time of year.

Iona Beach Regional Park is a great place to go birding thanks to its different habitats, ranging from sand dunes to wetlands. Another birding hotspot is Garry Point Park, where you can find snow geese, herons, American robins, and more. Bald eagles also come to the area in the fall to feed, as it’s the start of salmon-spawning season…which brings us to the other wildlife highlight that begins in early fall: the salmon run.

During the annual salmon migration, adult salmon return from the ocean to the river, swimming upstream to their birthplace where they’ll spawn and die. Garry Point Park, located at the mouth of the Fraser River, is a great place to observe this phenomenon. Go in early fall (September-October) to catch the height of the salmon run.

In a year-round destination like Richmond, it’s hard to nominate a best season — but fall is a serious contender. Whether you prefer to eat your way across town, get festive at citywide celebrations, or spot the autumn wildlife, you’re gonna want to be there.

13 La Condesa Airbnbs to Settle Into Mexico City’s Coolest Neighborhood

La Condesa is, along with La Roma Norte, one of the trendiest neighborhoods (colonias) in Mexico City. It’s full of hip restaurants, clubs, cafes, venues, designer boutiques, and shops located on streets and boulevards filled with fountains, trees, and tropical vegetation. Its two traditional parks, Parque Mexico and Parque España, are fantastic for people (and dog) watching. Any list of must-do things in La Condesa includes a stroll in Amsterdam Avenue, shaped as a perfect oval. The reason? It used to be the race track of a hippodrome. Mexico City Airbnbs range from basic to full-on luxurious. Here are our top Airbnbs in Condesa.

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.

Taking a trip to Mexico? Check out Matador’s Mexico accommodations guides:The best Airbnbs in and around Mexico City’s historic center8 La Condesa Airbnbs to settle into Mexico City’s coolest neighborhood8 stunning Polanco Airbnbs in the city’s most international neighborhoodGrab Your Crew and Book These Oaxaca and CDMX Airbnbs for Dia de Los MuertosThese Top-Rated Tulum Airbnb Rentals Put You Right Near the Beach11 Cancún Airbnbs for an Unforgettable Beach Vacation11 Airbnbs In Cabo San Lucas for a Perfect Beach Escape11 Airbnbs in Sayulita to experience Mexico’s most underrated beach town

Penthouse with air conditioning for four guestsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
This place is an oasis in the heart of the city. It’s modern and well-trimmed, with all the character you’d expect from the neighborhood. We love the plush seating and colorful decor, a perfect representation of the vibrant neighborhood. Of all Condesa Airbnbs, this one is perhaps the most reminiscent of holidays spent with friends in New York or San Francisco, including the indoor-outdoor dining and easy walkable access to nightlife and cultural attractions.

Four guests, two bedrooms, one bathroom
Price: $268 per night

Book Now

Condo with a view of the Castle of ChapultepecPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
If you could choose between a perfect place to stay in La Condesa and a perfect place to stay in La Condesa with a view of the Castle of Chapultepec, what would you choose? Us, too. Here you get not only the view but a private balcony from which to take it in. Easy access to the neighborhood and its dining and shopping is another perk. And you’re surrounded by lush greenery and modern amenities, making this among the coziest Condesa Airbnbs.

Four guests, one bedroom, one bathroom
Price: $95 per night

Book Now

A peaceful oasis with plenty of space and high-speed Internet, great for home officePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
Centrally located, the multiple outdoor areas with sliding glass doors create a very airy and open feel during the day. The high-speed internet allows for two guests to simultaneously video conference. All the reviews are excellent and its easy to see why — the apartment is modern, clean, and decorated with the flare you’d expect in Mexico City’s coolest neighborhood. The icing on the cake? Your view from bed is as good as the view from the patio.

Two guests, one-bedroom, one and a half bathroom
Price: $122 per night (one guest)

Book Now

Luxurious apartment with 180-degree views of Mexico CityPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
The apartment is beautiful, it’s centrally located and it has everything you’ll need. But it’s the view at night over the buildings of Avenida Reforma that will take your breath away. The place is within walking distance from shops, restaurants, a street market (tianguis), and public transportation. It’s tidy and super clean, and it gives you a sense of being above the city.

Five guests, two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms
Price: $302 per night

Book Now

Renovated, comfy, sparkling clean apartment with a street viewPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
This place has everything, it’s centrally located, and it looks ideal for a couple of friends traveling together. It’s great for a longer stay because the internet speed is strong, there’s plenty of natural light, and you can walk to many popular cafes and restaurants. You’ll have no problem picturing yourself here for the long term. And hey, if that ends up happening, this is also a good spot for friends and family to pay a visit.

Four guests, two bedrooms, one bathroom
Price: $65 per night

Book Now

Modern, luxury apartment in a building with 360 city views, perfect for a couplePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photos
This apartment has great views and tons of natural light. Former guests have reported that the building amenities are amazing. You’ll take in views of the entire Mexico City skyline from the perch, and pretty much everything you can see is walkable or at least easily accessible. This unit is literally right in the heart of Condesa, and the inside is as inspiring as the views. Plus, there’s a pool. Enough said — this among the best Condesa Airbnbs.

Two guests, one bedroom, two bathrooms
Price: $99 per night

Book Now

Luxury 2-bedroom with a sauna, cold plunge, and outdoor terracePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

See more photosCondesa is one of the best neighborhoods in the city for food, and this Airbnb host kindly shares their own guide to the neighborhood upon booking, highlighting the best restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions. The brand-new luxury apartment is the perfect chic getaway for a small group or family in Condesa. It’s situated a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam Avenue. This rental has been awarded the top one percent of Airbnbs for excellent reviews and communication with the host, and with a quick look through the photos, you can see why. It also has exceptional amenities, including a private terrace, outdoor shower, cold plunge, sauna, and a waterfall. The open-concept two-bedroom is very stylish with a neutral color pallet and stone, wood, and natural fiber furniture and decoration.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $240 per night

Book Now 

 

Chic 1940s suite, perfect for a solo traveler or couplePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis stunning suite feels like a hotel stay, with 24-hour security at the front entrance. But unlike a hotel, it has a beautiful kitchen where you can prepare home-cooked meals with produce from the local markets and enjoy dining at home in the four-seater light-drenched dining room. The original features of the 1940s Art Deco building have been retained, but you can also expect modern tech amenities and chic black-and-white decor with splashes of color from the verdant foliage. Steps from the suite, you’ll find excellent shopping in small boutiques, bookstores, and furniture stores.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $219 per night

Book Now Colorful designer apartment with exhibits of local artworkPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis colorful apartment was beautifully decorated by two designers from New York City and Amsterdam. It’s located directly on Parque México, a popular green space within Condesa. The apartment includes a king-size bedroom suitable for couples or solo travelers and a spacious living area that doubles as a co-working space. The contemporary design aesthetic is a love story to Mexico with local artwork that changes every three months.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $175 per night

Book Now 2-bedroom apartment with a terrace and access to a rooftop areaPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosIf you’re looking for a little more space, this two-bedroom apartment offers access to a rooftop terrace at the bottom of a gated street on Colonia Roma Norte in north Condesa. It’s a superb location, two blocks from Parque España and close to Parque México and Bosque de Chapultepec. If you have a vehicle, there’s also secure parking available. The apartment is drenched with light that pours in from the sliding terrace doors, and there’s everything you need for a comfortable stay with a group or family: ample seating, outdoor space, and a well-equipped kitchen.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $92 per night

Book Now Designer new apartment ideal for a stylish digital nomadPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosIf you’d prefer security during your stay, this is another Airbnb with a 24-hour security guard at the entrance. That being said, Condesa is considered a pretty safe neighborhood in Mexico City. This unit is in a new build from 2021 and was designed by a renowned architect. There’s also elevator access, which can be hard to find in many buildings in the neighborhood. The interior is drenched in natural light and features an indoor terrace enclosed in glass. This Airbnb is ideal for a digital nomad who is looking for a designer place to work from.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $143 per night

Book Now Penthouse with Mexico City skyline views from terracesPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosAfter looking at the views from this rental, you might be surprised to see the price point. You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel of this caliber for around $200 per night. The penthouse is within walking distance of the National Museum of History and Reforma, one of the city’s most beautiful avenues. Secure parking is available upon request. If you have a rental car, street parking is not advised. The penthouse revolves around the terrace that leads off the master bedroom and living area.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $226 per night

Book Now 2-bedroom light-drenched apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and terracesPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

See more photosThis Airbnb claims to have the best terrace in Condesa and some of the tallest windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the charming shaded terrace and the tree-filled streets of the neighborhood. The location is extremely central, but it’s a walk away from the more popular nightlife spots, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Previous guests rave about the exquisite furniture, art, location, and helpful host.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $312 per night

Book Now More like thisTravelMexico City Is Filled With Pyramids and You Can Visit Them All

Yosemite Entry Reservations May Become Permanent. But Should They?

After 10 years of testing strategies to manage tourism in Yosemite National Park every summer, park officials have come up with a potentially controversial: require Yosemite entry reservations every day in the busy season.

On August 14, Yosemite officials released a 224-page document detailing a tourism management plan for the future. It proposes to make the reservation program tested in summer 2024 permanent for years to come. That means you’ll need a reservation if you want to enter Yosemite between 5 AM and 4 PM any day from June 1 to mid-August. You’ll also need a reservation to enter on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday Monday between mid-April and June 30, and again between mid-August and the end of the October. Essentially, you’ll need a park entry reservation every day in the summer, and on weekends in spring and fall. You won’t need a Yosemite entry reservations to visit between the end of October and mid-April, though you may need a reservation for other activities and offerings within the park (like camping).

But the plan isn’t final, and the park is asking anyone with an opinion on the proposal to weigh in. According to summaries shard within the plan document, the many years of testing have showed that requiring reservations will “reduce overcrowding and traffic congestion, expand tools to better pace vehicle volume into the park, and provide equitable visitor access to inspirational experiences while ensuring operational sustainability and protection of Yosemite National Park’s exemplary natural and cultural resources.”

Too many cars — and too many frustrated people driving cars — can be tragic for park wildlife. Photo: Michael Vi/Shutterstock

Reservations in some form or another were required to enter the park at times during 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024, but not in 2023. The year without reservations gave park officials a chance to see what visitation was like without them. Without reservations,”visitation levels increased significantly, resulting in long lines at entrance stations and increased strain on the park’s employees, resources, and infrastructure,” writes the draft plan. It also reports that other strategies tested in earlier years, such as closing parking lots and slowing the entrance lines at the park gates, weren’t as effective or as well-liked by staff and guests.

Public comment on the proposal will be open until September 30, 2024, and comments can be submitted online. The park asks that feedback includes reasons as to why respondents feel a certain way, which of the alternatives outlined in the plan they prefer, and feedback on whether they feel the environmental issues at hand are important. What’s less useful are comments without reasons to justify the opinion, criticisms of National Park Service policies or laws, or unrelated comments and thoughts that have nothing to do with Yosemite entry reservations.

Should summer Yosemite entry reservations be permanent?

Photo: Bill Morson/Shutterstock

In this outdoorsy writer’s opinion: yup. And I’m not opposed to introducing them during busy seasons at all national parks, if the crowds outweigh the space.

Right now, Yosemite entry reservations for summer can be hard to get. They’re available online via Recreation.gov, but they get taken quickly when they’re released in February, so you need to make your plans months in advance. If you don’t snag a reservation in February, you’ll need to be active on Recreation.gov one week before your arrival, and hope you can snag one of the last-minute reservations that open seven days in advance. You can also use the Recreation.gov app to be notified if a last-minute pass becomes available, as happens when people cancel.

If you can’t find an entrance reservation, you’ll need to enter the park before 5 AM or after 4 PM, or book an in-park campground or hotel room, which exempts you from needing a park reservation.

In the past, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is the one park entrance that hasn’t required a reservation. It’s also the only entrance completely separated from the rest of the park. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Yes, it’s annoying to not have the freedom to take a last-minute trip. But that’s really the only downside. Yosemite is a gorgeous but fragile place, but overtourism could decimate its animal species that thrive with less human contact, contaminate its otherwise clean lakes and rivers, and lead to damage ranging from erosion to desertification to increased wildfires. If you’re visiting Yosemite, you should care about its conservation. And making travel plans in advance (plus paying $2 for a reservation) is a small price to pay to protect one of the world’s dwindling wild places.

But on the off chance you couldn’t care less about the environment, how about the experience? Being in Yosemite is a hell of a lot more pleasant when the roads aren’t clogged with traffic, park rangers have time offer hiking advice and connect with guests, and you don’t have to wait 45 minutes to catch the shuttle bus or grab a drink after hiking. Having a reservation means you won’t be turned around at the gate if the park fills up, so you don’t have to get there at the crack of dawn. You’re way more likely to find parking at the trailheads you want, and you can sometimes find space to yourself while you’re hiking — something that isn’t so easy to do in a month like August, when the park sees nearly 600,000 visitors.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mike Landin (@mk_ultra209)

And the benefits extend outside the park, too. Requiring reservations should moderate traveler demand, leading to more hotel availability and (theoretically) more affordable rates at hotels around Yosemite’s entrances.  Those towns will have less traffic, shorter lines to get seated at area restaurants, and more availability from area tours and tour guides. While it’s reasonable to think that could hurt area communities, towns like Mariposa, Fish Camp, and Groveland are extremely overcrowded during busy weekends. Scaling that back a bit, or at least better distributing visitors throughout the week, will bring those towns closer to a sustainable capacity, leading to less employee burnout and better experiences for guests. It could also boost the economies of towns near other parks and recreation areas people may visit instead of Yosemite.

Visitation in Yosemite is generally trending upward year-after-year. Photo: National Park Service Visitation Dashboard

In a perfect world, sure, we wouldn’t need Yosemite reservations. It’d be great to be able to drive to the park on a whim, head right to your favorite campsite smack in the middle of the Yosemite Valley, and have free rein to explore the park’s sprawling beauty. But the amount of people that want to do that far exceeds the amount of people Yosemite can handle. And rather than making it prohibitively expensive to visit (like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park) or building walls to block the best views (like near Mount Fuji), the park is asking Americans to do just one thing: make a reservation. It’s a small price to pay for keeping public lands affordable, open to everyone, and protected enough to ensure they’ll be the same in decades to come.

And hey, the worst case scenario if you can’t get a Yosemite entry reservation is still pretty good: Just visit one of the stunning and less-crowded state parks around Yosemite. Who knows — you may end up liking it better, anyway.

More like thisNational ParksThe Majestic Mountain Loop: How to See 3 California National Parks in 3 Days

This Small and Stylish Wallet Keeps My Dual-Country Lifestyle Organized

We hope you love the products 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.

 

Until recently, what I used for a wallet was not a wallet at all, but a pouch. More specifically, it was a chunky and artisan-made pocketbook-like object made of felted wool. The moment I saw it at a market in Kelowna, British Columbia, in 2014, I fell in love with it. It was everything I liked: made of natural fibers by some hard-working textile artist, it was unique, and very whimsical. In fact, I liked it so much that I bought it instantly for a meagre 24 CAD ($17) without thinking that the lack of zipper, coin compartment, or card slot would ever be a problem. I was blinded by its beauty.

The whimsical wallet-pouch from 2014. Photo: Morgane Croissant

I used my woolen pouch for 10 long years, and during that time, I received countless compliments from cashiers the world over. “How cute! Did you make it yourself?”, is the remark I got the most. While I was honest about its maker and my lack of talent with a needle, I never told them that despite being adorable, that pouch was the bane of my existence. Because it has no compartment whatsoever, all my cards and bills were mixed together in one big mess, making it impossible to find my American Express card in a hurry. Also, I had to slip two little coin purses inside of it to keep both my Canadian dollars and Euros contained and separated, adding some bulk to the already hefty object. But the worst part is the fact that its closing button was just for show. The pouch would open and spill its content throughout my bag just about every single time I would go out.

As part of my anti-overconsumption mindset, I like to use things until they are completely falling apart, but when I tried mending the unraveling button hole of the pouch for the fifth time, I decided it was time to give it up and find something more suitable.

Because I spend three to four months of the years in France and the rest in Canada or traveling, I have a lot of stuff to fit in my wallet, and a lot of it needs to be separated: cards, coins, bills. I’m also not an ApplePay or GooglePay user, and likely will not be until I’m forced into it. Lastly, unlike my colleagues, I’m not a minimalist and I like to keep knickknacks and keepsakes so my wallet (or whatever passes for it) needs to be on the bigger side — or so I thought.

Time for a change, or two

Mom’s lovely present. Photos: Morgane Croissant

On my last visit to France, my lovely mother, aware of my wallet situation and well acquainted to my twee, granny tastes, got me a soft, quilted-fabric pocketbook with two zipped pockets. Here was the solution to all my problems: I could separate everything properly and nothing would ever fall out. Unfortunately, after tidying up all my stuff into it, it quickly became apparent that it was much too small to contain my dual-country lifestyle. I tried to make it work for a few weeks, but I was concerned that the zippers would break from the bulk of all the things I stuffed into it.

I was back to square one.

As fate would have it, however, a couple of days later, the good people at Fjällräven made me an offer I could not refuse: Testing out the Norrväge Wallet, a classic-looking wallet made of recycled wool. It took me less than five second to say yes. The stars were aligning and my coins were finally going to find their forever home.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet is on the small side, but its clever design with four large card slots and a coin compartment allows for much more room than I previously anticipated, as well as for good organization. The card slots are big enough to hold multiple cards (up to seven as to my test), the middle section is the perfect spot for bills and receipts, and the coin compartment, while too small to my taste, is located away from the rest and zipped, preventing any spillage.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

what I like the most about Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet, however, is the fact that it’s made of recycled wool. It’s not only a good use of fibers that would otherwise end up in landfills, but it also looks beautiful and feels robust and durable. Like any brushed wool products, it tends to attracts a little dust and fuzz but that doesn’t take away from its looks.

The Norrväge Wallet, much like many other products from Fjällräven, is a candidate for the brand’s Lifetime Repairs program, so if the zipper breaks or the push button gives up on me, I can make my way to any Fjällräven Brand Center and get it fixed. If a hole appears in the wool, I can also use the repair patch that came with the wallet.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet only comes in two color: gray and night-skye blue. I have the blue version, and while it’s a lovely hue, I would be happy to see a larger variety of shade on offers to match more people’s preferences. The brand’s other wallets come in many more colors, including mustard yellow and olive green, both of which are very attractive.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

I thoroughly enjoy the brand’s subtle efforts to make this item special despite its simplicty, namely adding Fjällräven’s signature fox-shaped leather patch on the front and the discreet Norwegian flag along the seams. Both the solid push button on the front and the metal zipper tab on the back feature the same, very cute, curled-up fox for a coherent branded look.

The Norrväge Wallet’s specs

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Capacity: Holds up to 28 cards, several bills and receipts, and a handful of coinsDimensions: 3.73″ (H) x 4.9″ (W) X O.5″ (D)Weight: 2.6 ouncesMaterials: exterior is 80 percent wool, 20 percent polyamide; interior is 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cottonDetails: UnisexPrice:$60

Despite all its qualities, however, it was clear from the start that I could not fit both my Canadian and French belongings in Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet. Therefore, I opted to keep the French items in the quilted pocketbook kindly gift to me by my mom, and have all my Canadian stuff in my brand new Fjällräven wallet. It turned out to be a compromise I should have made a long time ago, but now I have two beautiful and spillage-free wallet to do it.

Buy Now

More like thisTravelOur Editors Tested These Minimalist Travel Wallets, and There's One Clear Winner

This Luxe Piece of Outdoor Gear Helped Me See the Best Meteor Shower of My Life

There are a lot of things you can do to improve your chances of seeing shooting stars during meteor showers. Letting your eyes adjust to the darkness for half an hour, going to an area with minimal light pollution, and gazing at the sky during the darkest hours of the night will all likely help you see more meteors go whizzing through the sky. But if you’ve ever gone stargazing, you may have realized that staring straight up for 30 minutes while sitting on the ground is not exactly the most comfortable experience. And while I love my portable, lightweight backpacking chair, if I try to lean backward too much, I just tip over.

Enter my new favorite piece of clever outdoor equipment: the Nemo Stargaze swinging camp chair. And while it’s not new, it’s new to me — which is too bad, as I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of potentially awesome stargazing events without it.

A weight-sensitive system on the side straps triggers the auto-recline feature. It’s foolproof and works quite well. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The Stargaze is a foldable, swinging camp chair — but with one feature that makes it unbeatable for stargazing.  Shifting your weight backward activities the auto-recline feature, lowering the backrest to a near-flat position, akin to a lay-flat airplane seat. This position is more like laying in a hammock, making it far easier to star at the sky without neck stiffness or fatigue. There’s even a thick pillow you can move up or down on the backrest. It’s also pretty supportive, so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in an awkward V shape.

When you sit back up, that motion automatically returns the back panel to an upright position. It’s clever as heck, and really makes relaxing outdoors far more comfortable, especially if seeing shooting stars is your goal.

We hope you love the gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. It’s one way we keep all our travel content free, but we only recommend products we’ve reviewed and use ourselves. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Buy Now: $249

The NEMO Stargaze made the 2024 Perseid Meteor shower the best I’ve ever seen

We’ve spent quite a few nights working on this NEMO Stargaze review, from the comfort of my back deck in the mountains. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The Perseid Meteor shower happens every year from late July to mid-August as the Swift–Tuttle comet passes by the planet. In 2024, it peaked on August 12. Because I love astronomical events, and I wanted to make this Nemo Stargaze review as night-sky focused as possible, I carried it to wooded clearing in northern Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada. Set up is wildly easy — aside from foldable legs, and a hook on each armrest, there’s nothing to put together — and the four separate feet helped it to feel secure on uneven terrain. It’s a little awkward to plop into, but using the armrests to balance yourself helps.

But once I settled in, I was surprised how long I sat comfortably staring at the sky. I wasn’t frequently shifting or grabbing my phone out of boredom. For a good 40 minutes, I just sat laying down, looking around the sky uninterrupted. That’s longer than I’ve ever stared up at the sky in one go, and it allowed my eyes the optimal amount of time to adjust to the darkness. I started noticing stars during twilight, and by the time the sky had turned the inky shade of black ideal for stargazing, I could make out even the cloudy wisps of the Milky Way.

Less than an hour after sunset, I saw the best shooting star of my life. It was bright, so big, and so low that I almost jumped out of my seat, sure that it had hit the treetops in the forest nearby. Despite the fact that the Perseid is not the biggest meteor shower of the year (in the northern hemisphere, that honor usually belong’s to December’s Geminids show), it seemed like I saw a shooting star every five minutes or so.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NEMO Equipment (@nemoequipment)

While I can’t give the NEMO Stargaze credit for generating the show, I can give it credit for making it much easier to keep my eyes on the skies and giving me access to a wider field of viewing. Several times, I found myself saying “Woah, did you see that one?” to my husband, only for him to say “What? No!” Perhaps if he’d been sitting in a NEMO Stargaze, instead of trying to lie on the ground with a jacket balled up under his head, he would have had an easier time spotting them. It’s far easier to move your head and look around the entire sky when you’re swinging in a chair, instead of laying with your head on a fixed spot on the ground.

(Don’t worry: we switched after about an hour so he could give the chair a try, too).

The fact that I saw more meteoroids than ever during the show is especially notable because I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The clearing where I watched the show is about a 10-minute walk from my house, and I regularly have fantastic stargazing opportunities from my back deck, where the Stargaze is now parked. So the variable wasn’t being in new place or having access to darker skies — it was having a comfortable way to stare at the stars.

Buy Now: $249.95

NEMO Stargaze: the pros

Assembly is easy, with two secure metal clips to attach the fabric seat to the aluminum frame. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Aside from the fact that the NEMO Stargaze will help you see absolutely baller meteor showers (a scientific astronomy term, I believe), it’s also more comfortable than your average camp chair. That’s probably because it’s larger, with a diamond-shaped back panel that provides plenty of support for broad shoulders, the padded headrest, the ability to rock and swing, and the wide seat width (just over three feet). With a weight limit of 300 pounds, it accommodates a wide range of bodies, butt sizes, and heights — though my husband, at just over six feet tall, reported that it was easier to maintain the laying-down position when he put his feet up on a rock or table.

The smaller packed size makes it easier to fit in the car on on road trips or for car-camping excursions. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Other useful features are mesh panels to reduce sweat on warm days, and a relatively small carrying case. Compared to my other chairs, it’s much more compact and far easier to pack in a car trunk. Assembly is easy, with elastic cords to connect the four legs and two upright supports. The chair has only two connection points to the frame, each attached with a very easy-to-use clip.

Disassembly is easy as long as you know one specific step: there are narrow poles on the back panel with a velcro tab to release them. I fiddled with the chair for at least 10 minutes before figuring that out. But once I did, no problems. Packing it back up wasn’t as quick as, say, my Helinox Chair, but it still only took about two minutes.

Buy Now: $249.95

NEMO Stargaze: the cons

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze is heavy compared to your average camp chair, at eight pounds. My cheap Coleman camp chairs weigh less than that, at around six pounds each. But the Stargaze is clearly a much more luxurious chair, and when I’ve set it up around friends using regular camp chairs, the series of “ooohs,” “ahhhs,” and “well, aren’t you fancy?“-ing is inevitable. That said, it’s better for car camping or carrying for short distances over your shoulder. I’d never carry it on an overnight trip as part of my gear.

Aside from the difficulties of packing it up the first time (I’m telling you, remove those poles in the back!), the other con is something some camp chair users may experience with every chair: the taller you are, the less comfortable it’s likely to be.

At 5-foot, 7-inches, I found it super easy to maintain a comfortable position.While my husband agreed it was more comfortable than a standard camp chair, he would have liked the pillow to move a little higher, and felt his longer torso didn’t fit as well in the curve of the seat when laying flat. We both agreed it was much more comfortable with our feet propped up. A stump worked just fine, but you can find attachable camp chair footrests on Amazon for around $15.

The cupholder works well for a phone or canned drink, but larger bottles will probably fall out if you swing. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze also has two built-in cupholders. However, they’re too small for tall water bottles. They’re a great size for a beer or a phone, but you’ll probably want to set taller bottles on the ground.

Buy Now: $249.95

What makes it worth $250?

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze is extremely expensive for a camp chair, and there’s no getting around that. It’s the same price ($249.95) whether you buy it from NEMO, via Amazon, or somewhere like REI. While it does have an extremely solid warranty and repair program, it’s definitely a wishlist item. It could make a nice gift for your outdoorsy girlfriend, or a fun group buy for your buddy having a camping bachelor party. You can sometimes find used versions usually around the $100 to $150 mark on REI’s Re/Supply used gear website, especially if you don’t mind buying an older version. But it’s clearly a want item, not a need, and you can find way cheaper (albeit likely less durable) generic swinging chairs at Amazon or WalMart.

Of course, big box stores and generic Amazon retailers usually produce products in the cheapest possible way, which NEMO Equipment doesn’t. It’s one of the most sustainable outdoor companies on the market, actively working toward making all its products recyclable and using extremely high standards for materials, production methods, and carbon tracking. It also puts its money where its mouth is, so to speak, with active advocacy and inclusion programs. So if you’re worried about the very real effects of overconsumption and over-consumerism, but still want a sick chair for stargazing, buying a NEMO product could be a good happy medium.

Buy Now: $249.95

More like thisTravel5 Lightweight Backpacking and Camping Tents Our Gear Editors Prefer