Matador Network's Blog, page 1279

Fake bomb threat called in

When Jacob Meir Abdellak, a Frenchman living in London, was too late to board his flight from London Gatwick to Los Angeles this past May, staff would not allow him on board. His solution to avoid missing his flight was to call in a fake threat involving a “noxious substance likely to create serious risk to human health.”

About eight minutes before the flight was supposed to leave, passengers had to deplane and be rescreened. The flight was delayed by 90 minutes, but Abdellak, still late, managed to miss it.

Abdellak might have gotten away with it, if authorities hadn’t discovered that the fake call came from the same number he used when booking his ticket. When Abdellak came back to the airport on May 22nd to take another flight to the US, he was arrested. Last Tuesday, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

It was the “worst decision he could have made,” Gatwick Police Chief Inspector Marc Clothier told Reuters. Ridiculous, yes, but it’s not the first time this idea has crossed someone’s mind. In 2016, a man from New York called in an airport bomb threat to keep his girlfriend’s flight from leaving. If that isn’t true love — what is?

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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Vodka Red Bulls leads to fights

The fact that alcohol increases your risk of getting into a fight isn’t exactly a revelation, but now there’s scientific proof to back it up. A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research looked at the popular Vodka Red Bull drink, and found that it significantly increased your risk of engaging in violent behaviors.

The University of Portsmouth’s Dr. Matt Parker, collaborating with researchers from the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, conducted the study to discover how the combination of alcohol and taurine — the key ingredient found in Red Bull and other energy drinks — affected the the behavior of a group of zebrafish. They divided the fish into separate groups, then exposed each group to various combinations of water, alcohol, and taurine, then documented their behavior.

Fish who were given both alcohol and taurine acted more recklessly and socialized less than the others. While in small doses alcohol can cause euphoria, in higher doses the researchers claim it can result in fighting or other violent behavior. So next time you order a Vodka Red Bull, just remember the zebrafish.

H/T: Liquor.com

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Cheap flights to Europe with WOW Air

WOW Air is widely known for offering cheap flights to Reykjavik, but that’s not all the Icelandic airline has to offer. Right now, WOW is offering discounted one-way flights from the US to a variety of destinations in Europe. Of course, there are plenty of flights to Iceland for as low as $99, but that’s only the beginning.

You can fly one-way from New York to Berlin for $159, Barcelona and Milan for $129, or even Tel Aviv for just $199. The deals from the west part of the country are maybe even better. You can fly from Los Angeles to Barcelona for just $129, or from Dallas to Dublin, Edinburgh, or Frankfurt for $129.

Like all good flight discounts, this one won’t last forever. WOW Air notes that its deals are subject to change, and prices may vary depending upon availability. To take advantage of this promotion, you must travel between September and December 5th. Thirteen airports are eligible for this special deal, so make sure to browse the complete list to find your best option.

H/T: Travel Pirates

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7 Italian food festivals

One of the most authentic food experiences you can have in Italy is to visit a food festival or sagra. Not only do they epitomize the Italians’ dedication to their gastronomic culture, but they also exemplify the way Italians approach the ritual of eating. Eating is an event, a social occasion, and a moment to enjoy life that definitely shouldn’t be rushed. Food festivals are like one big Italian dinner, with a few historic parades, dancing, and music is thrown in for good measure. Here are seven food festivals you definitely need to attend — just be sure to pack your stretchy pants.

1. Fiera del Riso — Isola della Scala

Photo: Fiera del Riso di Isola della Scala/Facebook

Isola della Scala, near Verona, is already home to renowned restaurants that serve only risotto or rice-based products (including rice grappa), so it’s not surprising that it also hosts the biggest rice and risotto festival in Italy, Fiera del Riso. Large tents are set up, where you can sit down to a meal of all kinds of rice dishes, from curried black rice to taleggio cheese and pear risotto. You can even buy the different varieties of rice milled in the area. There are also historic parades and events dedicated to showcasing the rice farming process.

2. Porchettiamo — San Terenziano di Gualdo Cattaneo

Photo: Porchettiamo – l’evento delle porchette d’Italia/Facebook

Porchetta is the queen of Italian street food. Originating in the Lazio town of Ariccia, porchetta is succulent, slow-roasted pork that’s been stuffed with rosemary and seasoning. It’s sliced thickly and laden generously between doorsteps of bread, and now it has its own festival. The best porchetta producers gather in this Umbrian town in May for a three day pig-out. There are workshops, tasting tours, music, and fantastic pig-themed merchandise.

3. Venice Carnival — Venice

Photo: Millionstock/Shutterstock

Although more immediately associated with masks and lavishly decorated costumes, Venice Carnival, and the concept of carnival in general, is intrinsically linked to food. The term carneval, in Italian, derives from the Latin carnem levare, meaning to eliminate meat. Carnival, therefore, came about as the last chance to indulge in culinary (and other) luxuries before the beginning of Lent, a period of sobriety and abstinence. As such, during Carnival dessert production throughout Italy booms. The Venetians churn out tray-loads of crostoli, which are made from an alcohol-spiked dough that’s thinly rolled and deep fried, and then laden with icing sugar. You can also find deep-fried balls of dough with sultanas and deep-fried custard.

4. Battle of the Oranges — Ivrea

Photo: illpaxphotomatic/Shutterstock

It’s a festival about food, but not about eating. It’s actually Italy’s greatest food fight and it’s violent, messy, and outrageously fun. For three days in February, a battle using oranges as ammunition rages throughout the town’s streets and squares. It commemorates the uprising of the people against their medieval tyrant and ‘soldiers’ on horse-drawn carriages are pitted against ‘rebels’ on the ground. While the oranges might not be intended for eating, there’s no shortage of typical foods on offer, particularly the early morning stew of beans and various parts of a pig to help pep up your strength before the battle.

5. La Sagra dell’Uva — Marino

A post shared by Sagra dell'Uva di Marino (@sagradelluvamarino) on May 26, 2017 at 5:36am PDT

Autumn sees a host of wine festivals or cantine aperte (“open cellars”) where you can taste the produce, but there’s only one where the town’s fountain flows with free wine, not water. A true bacchanalian celebration, Marino’s Sagra dell’Uva features grape vines strung across the streets, bunches of grapes adorning statues, and a historical reenactment of the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. On the Sunday, usually the first Sunday of October, the Festa della Madonna del SS. Rosario is celebrated, and it’s thanks to her miracle that the town’s central fountain generously flows forth with free wine for the townsfolk. Long plastic tubes run from the fountain, which staff use to fill up cups and plastic bottles.

6. Mortadella Bò — Bologna

A post shared by Take in Italy (@takeinitaly) on Jan 26, 2018 at 5:16am PST

Unfortunately associated outside of Italy with its crude imitation, baloney, mortadella is one of Bologna’s most loved products, and now has IGP protection ensuring that no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives can be added. Stop by any bar in the city and your aperitivo bubbly will be accompanied by several delicate thin slices of mortadella on bread. Bologna’s Mortadella Festival, held in October, features street food stands where you can try the classic version or the many twists by inventive chefs. Taking place in the main square of the city, it’s a real celebration of Bolognese culture.

7. International White Truffle Fair — Alba

Photo: Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock

Instantly recognizable, pungent, and earthy, truffles transform risottos, pasta dishes, cheeses, and cured meats with just a few shavings. Alba, in the Piemonte region, is one of the most well-known areas for finding this prized fungus, particularly the white variety that ranks higher than the black. During the festival, the covered market in the historic center is an absolute assault on the senses where you can taste and buy pure truffles and a staggering array of related products. Just around the corner is the Alba Truffle Show. At its popular Foodies Moments, national and international chefs create truffle magic, with innovative food and drink pairings. Pop by the Wine Tasting Experience, too, to taste some of the high quality Barolo wine of the region.


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Twilight house is up for sale

Bella and Edward found their perfect piece of forever and moved on from her family home in Forks, but that just means that you now have your own shot at a blissful Twilight-esque lifestyle — her house from the movies is now up for sale.

Whether you prefer the books or the movies, are team Edward or Jacob (or Switzerland), there’s no denying that some of the movie’s most pivotal moments occurred there. At the start of Twilight, Bella moves from Phoenix to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, Charlie Swan. The house is where Edward picked Bella up for the first time in a shiny silver Volvo (and several times thereafter), where Bella researched Edward’s abilities and came to the conclusion that he was a vampire, where they had their first kiss, and where she and Charlie had their argument toward the end of the film. And, maybe less significant but still just as endearing, it’s also where Charlie picked up his shotgun right before Edward walks inside to be introduced.

Photo: Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty

The house was used all throughout the first movie for filming, but for the following movies, it was recreated exactly as is on a soundstage. And while fans know her home in Forks is in the state of Washington, the physical location used is in St. Helens, Oregon.

According to the real-life owner, Dean Koenig, the film crew made changes to the home that he and have his family have still kept intact even past the franchise’s end. In a letter he wrote detailing his experience watching the movie and seeing the cast in his home and on his furniture, he stated, “There is a close-up shot of Bella standing in the kitchen right in front of a small square cabinet left of the fridge. My wife leaned over and said ‘Hey! I know what’s in the cupboard.’ […] That is really a crazy thing to see on a big screen.”

Luckily, you won’t have to worry about handsome strangers watching you sleep or revenge-bent vampires sniffing around your things — but you will have to come up with $349,900 to purchase the 1935-built four-bedroom, two-bathroom home. And probably put up with fans still trying to take photos in front of your house all day.

H/T: Hello Giggles

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Best and worst airplane drinks

A big trip often calls for a toast. Why wait until you arrive at your destination when you could have a drink en route? When flying coach, this line of thought is often followed by disappointment when the drink arrives, and it isn’t quite what you expected. To avoid this from ever happening, Matador spoke with flight attendants from Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, and Hawaiian Airlines to get the lowdown for you. Here’s what to order and, perhaps most importantly, what to avoid.

The best drinks to order
Best value: ‘Free pour’ wine

When value is your top priority, inquire about the wine. ”If the wine is ‘free pour,’ meaning it’s from a big bottle rather than a split, it’s probably decent wine, and the flight attendant will probably fill your cup all the way up, and maybe top it off if you’re nice,” said an attendant from Alaska Airlines. “That’s my go-to best value drink on a flight.”

Best cocktail: Two ingredient, spirit and mixer drinks

Airlines like to keep it simple when it comes to cocktails. “I’ve been asked for cocktails like Manhattans and daiquiris, and I had to disappoint by saying we don’t have that,” another Alaska Airlines flight attendant told us. “When it comes to cocktails, the classics are always best.” While you can order a well version of most basic liquor-and-mixer combinations, juices won’t be fresh, so it’s better to order something with soda or tonic (except for Diet Coke, which notoriously tastes terrible at 30,000 feet and takes forever to pour).

Budget carriers like Southwest and Spirit often still carry “premium well” options like Tanqueray gin, making a gin and tonic sound extra appealing. Though your booze is likely going to be served in a standard 1.5-oz single serve, so don’t bother asking for a “double.”

Best option for a stiff drink: Straight whiskey

Drinking on an airplane is, in most cases at least, nothing like hanging out at your local dive bar. No matter how many times you fly or how much you sweet talk the flight attendant, your drink is going to contain the same amount of alcohol. But if you’re looking to get tipsy as efficiently as possible, aim for drinks with the highest alcohol content: straight spirits. In particular, neat whiskey tastes delicious without ice, making it an ideal choice. Some airlines even offer premium options for long-haul flights at no cost, like Woodford Reserve bourbon. Plus, skipping ice is a good way to exercise precaution when it comes to your health; the tap water on airplanes has the highest risk of being contaminated.

Best outside-the-box cocktail win: Anything from Hawaiian Airlines

The purveyors at Hawaiian know that their passengers, typically en route to sunny and sandy destinations, are itching to fill an empty hand with a fruity cocktail. They make it easy by selling pre-made versions of island favorites like Mai Tais along with twists on classics using Hawaiian ingredients, like the Li Hing Vodka Gimlet. They cost $8 but are made with actual fruit and no preservatives, so they won’t leave you hungover before you ever get lei’d. Let’s hope more airlines catch on to this amazing perk.

Best DIY drink: Bloody Mary

You may think a Bloody Mary is the worst possible drink to order in the air, thanks to its laundry list of ingredients. And while you’re right — you shouldn’t ask your flight attendant for one — asking for vodka and tomato juice is one of the best things you can order. It’s scientifically proven that savory, umami flavors are heightened in a pressurized cabin whereas sweet flavors are dulled. That’s why tomato juice tastes so darn good at 30,000 feet. While the two-ingredient mix is foolproof, you can go the extra mile by bringing your own Bloody Mary Cocktail kit on board, complete with a mini bottle of Tabasco and some salt and pepper.

Drinks to avoid
Worst value: Sparkling wine

Prosecco, Champagne, and other varieties of sparkling wine typically costing $9 or more and served as a split — meaning you’re getting a small single-serving bottle instead of a freehand pour from the flight attendant — ranked as having the worst value according to the flight attendants surveyed. The alcohol content is lower than in many other options, and you’re likely to drink it faster, meaning you’re going to blow through more money over the course of your flight. Plus, your palate is dulled in the air, so there’s no use paying for something premium when you’re not going to fully appreciate it.

Worst taste: Sweet drinks

As we mentioned earlier, the sweet part of your palate is significantly dulled in a pressurized cabin, which may make things taste “off.” That means, avoid screwdrivers (vodka and orange juice), vodka cranberries, and just about anything else that calls for juice. Also, you don’t really want to roll the dice on how long that juice has been open.

Worst quality: Coffee

“I wouldn’t drink the coffee,” said a flight attendant at JetBlue. This was echoed by other flight attendants, as well — a reflection of quality in both the water and the coffee beans themselves. At best, you’ll be served Starbucks on Delta. At worst, you’ll be served a cup of lukewarm brown muck. Add dairy to the mixed, or a DIY Irish coffee or White Russian, and you’re asking for trouble. Better stop by the coffee shop nearest the gate and fill up before you board.


More like this: You’re being rude when you board an airplane. Here’s why.

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Do the Florida National Scenic Trail

Florida is renowned for many things — sandy beaches, amusement parks, traffic lights that change inexorably slowly, Cuban food, etc. Trekking through pristine national wilderness? Not so much. But the Sunshine State is actually home to one of the country’s most underrated treks — the Florida National Scenic Trail. The 1,300-mile trek from Big Cypress National Preserve in the tropical southern part of the state north to the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola doesn’t get nearly as much attention from the backpacking community as the heavily trafficked Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, but there are some serious advantages to making this your next backpacking destination — especially if you haven’t done a long-distance trek before. Here’s why the Florida National Scenic Trail should be on your radar and everything you need to know to make an expedition there happen.

Photo: William Silver/Shutterstock

What is the Florida National Scenic Trail?

While it’s totally understandable if you hadn’t heard about it until now, the Florida National Scenic Trail has actually been in place since the 1960s. Originally known simply as the “Florida Trail,” this trek is a 1,300-mile route traversing pretty much every type of terrain Florida has to offer. The entire trail sees some 350,000 visitors each year though only a small percentage actually makes the entire voyage from start to finish. The majority of those visitors are day-trippers from the state’s major cities.

The trek became the eighth National Scenic Trail in 1983 and is now maintained by the US Forest Service. As a backpacker, this works to your advantage — the trails and campsites along the way are well-maintained. Another draw for beginner trekkers is that you won’t be summiting any peaks along the way. The highest elevation you’ll reach throughout the entire journey is fewer than 300 feet above sea level. Consistent altitude gain and loss, the bane of many long-distance backpackers’ existences, is essentially non-existent.

Photo: Dimitris Timpilis/Shutterstock

In addition to hikers, the journey is home to more variety of flora and fauna than any other designated National Scenic Trail, and because it’s Florida, these might be of the types not often seen while hiking in more mountainous regions. Watch out for wild hogs and alligators!

What is the route?

Start in Big Cypress National Preserve and get ready to follow your north-facing compass. The trail is clearly marked — the National Forest Service has made it a priority to ensure that signage is aplenty so that every person who uses the trail, from day-hikers to long-distance trekkers, knows that they are on it. Look for orange markers, known as blazes, and you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction. Much to the chagrin of diehard backcountry trekkers, the journey often includes sections of walking along roads and wider paths. Raised boardwalks come to the rescue in many spots where the trail gets a bit too mushy.

Photo: USGS

The trail is broken up into four regions, running south to north. Many choose to break the hike into sections, of which there are a total of 42 according to the Florida Trail Association. Perhaps you have time to complete one region per year, breaking each into sections and doing one at a time.

Photo: Chiyacat/Shutterstock

Southern Region — Seven sections

Start out in the wet lowlands of Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve and work through sawgrass prairies as you start the long journey north. You’ll meet up with the Kissimmee River, pass through swamp and rangeland, and try to withstand the humidity as you break yourself in for the long road ahead.

Photo: Suzanna Ruby/Shutterstock

Central Region — 15 sections

Looking at the map, you’ll notice that near Orlando the trail splits into two, forming something of a loop. This is the Central Region. You’ll take either the Eastern or Western Corridor and follow that path until the trail merges again in the Ocala National Forest. This portion of the trek passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest — yes, that’s actually what it’s called.

Photo: Leighton Photography & Imaging/Shutterstock

Northern Region — Eight sections

Flatwood forests dot the landscape here as you work through old plantations, dense vegetation with palms overhead, and the occasional Civil War battlefield. Just over 40 miles of this stretch runs along the Suwannee River, the sole river-centric part of the section. The Econfina River passes through the section, as well. You’ll likely spot animals as you walk through St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge and into the Apalachicola National Forest. If you’re a wildflower hunter, this part of the trek is likely to be your favorite.

Photo: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock

Panhandle Region — 12 sections

Here is where you work your way both along and near the Gulf of Mexico, sweating the glory of the final stages of your trek. Beachside trekking is an experience most backpackers never try, which is part of what makes this trail unique to the 10 other National Scenic Trails.

Photo: William Silver/Shutterstock

If you plan to do the entire 1,300 miles in one go, allow up to three months. Many complete the journey in 60 days; however, if this is your first long-distance trek, you may want extra time. You may also choose to break the trek into sections or simply do a two- or three-day camping and backpacking trip on only part of the trail. As we noted earlier, most of the trail’s users are only there for one day — meaning you’re ahead of the pack even if you only camp for a night. If you join the club of diehards who hike the full 1,300 miles from start to finish, you’ll earn a certificate of completion from the Florida Trail Association.

Because the trail is divided into sections, most hikers break up the trek into smaller bits so that they’re not out on the trail for two or three months straight. Sections range from as little as 18 miles to upwards of 50 and can typically be done in one, two, or three days by hikers in good shape.

When it comes to food and supplies, many gateway communities are located adjacent to or near the trail from start to finish for hikers to restock. They also provide a nice break from solitude — if you find a bit of cabin fever setting in, a cold pint and warm conversation at a local pub make for a great remedy. Supplies and mail can be sent to these towns if necessary; just be sure to research when you plan to arrive and allow for delays on your end.

Photo: Steven Bauschlicher/Shutterstock

Best time to go

The best time to visit the Florida National Scenic Trail is between October and May. Winter is ideal because the days are shorter and cooler, and there’s no chance of being stuck in a snowstorm, so beyond a thicker coat to keep you warm at night, you won’t need any additional gear. The trail’s tradition holds that you should take off on the morning of January 1 and start a new year with the adventure of a lifetime — but you can start whenever you want as long as you’re prepared for the weather, maintenance, and crowds you’ll encounter along the way. In general, January through March is when the majority of thru-hikers make their journeys from south to north. You’ll want to avoid the dead of summer due to extreme humidity and more mosquitoes.

Photo: Miosotis_Jade/Shutterstock

Where to camp along the way

A number of designated campsites are found in Big Cypress National Preserve, the national forests and state parks along the way, and other areas where there are higher rates of day use and weekend warriors. Beyond those, camping happens wherever you stop for the day. Find space that has been camped on before whenever possible to minimize your impact on the land, but don’t set up your tent on the actual trail itself because you don’t want to be that person that is in the way should another party make its way through the same area. If you’re trekking during hunting season, you’re required to use designated campsites to avoid any incidents. As always, when enjoying the great outdoors, follow the principles of Leave No Trace — pack it in, pack it out.

Photo: Shannon Carnevale/Shutterstock

Do I need a permit?

The trek itself does not require a permit, but due to the fact that the trail passes through multiple parks and water management districts, an Indian Reservation, and wildlife refuge/management areas, thru-hikers do need a total of around 16 permits, fee receipts, and permission issues. This total varies year to year as construction projects start and end. A total of nine campsites along the way require a free permit, as well. To avoid last-minute headaches, you’ll want to ensure that you have all of this taken care of at least 30 days before you plan to head out. Here’s a quick list, but head to Thru Hike Florida for detailed rundowns of each:

Become a member of the Florida Trail Association to cover fees for private lands.
Sign and mail a release form to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
Get your camping permits here.
Read through the guidelines in your Florida Trail Association membership packet to make sure you’re current on everything else. Nothing is expensive, and there’s always a chance that you won’t be asked for permits while en route, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry. As a general backcountry best practice, respect gets respect.

Resources

For current maintenance and closures:

US Forest Service: Florida National Scenic Trail

Florida TraIl Association

For maps and general information:

Florida Trail App

Florida Trail Association

Florida Trail Guidebook


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Tourists die at New York waterfall

We’ve already seen a recent uptick in Instagram influencers endangering themselves at picturesque sites. Just last month, three travel influencers died at Shannon Falls in British Columbia. But you don’t have to be an internet celebrity to fall victim to the same mistakes. Waterfalls seem to be a common culprit as they offer irresistible photo opportunities at often unsafe heights and conditions. Kaaterskill Falls in upstate New York, in particular, has proven a fatal attraction. The last four who died there? All taking photos.

Located in the Catskills, the 260-foot waterfall is the tallest in the state and an extremely popular destination. Although the area has received over one million dollars in funding for protective fences, stepstone stairs, and overlook platforms, it has still proven to be a dangerous site. Robert Dawson, a state park ranger, blamed the tragedies on social media. “Just talking to people who come up here,” he told The New York Times, “they say, ‘Yeah, we saw this on the internet’… the unfortunate thing is, with those pictures, there’s nothing informing people that you could seriously get hurt here, too.”

Researches at Carnegie Mellon University and India’s Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology analyzed 127 selfie deaths between March 2014 and September 2016, finding that the “most common cause of death was falling from a height.”

So, the next time you’re tiptoeing onto a precipice where you probably shouldn’t be, just to take that “perfect” photo — don’t. You might sacrifice a few likes by taking the picture safely from the ground, but it’s better than sacrificing your life.

H/T: Gothamist

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Quit smoking on vacation in paradise

Quitting smoking is incredibly difficult, so you may need some help beyond the usual pills, patches, gums, and lozenges if you’re looking to get rid of your addiction. A popular path toward freedom from nicotine is escaping the day-to-day so you can truly focus on creating change in your life. If you need more than a kick in the pants to break the habit, here are some luxurious retreats that will help you quit smoking — in paradise.

1. SHA Wellness Clinic — Alicante, Spain

Photo: SHA/Facebook

This renowned medical spa combines western and eastern medical practices with wellness therapies to help guests quit nicotine. After an initial consultation and medical tests, an individualized program is built based on the specific physical and emotional issues that need to be addressed. This can include everything from acupuncture and laser therapy to phytotherapy and magnet therapy. Once balanced health is achieved, the program helps patients learn healthy habits and provides the motivation to stick with them. While working through the program, patients can enjoy lazing by the pool or the beach, spa treatments, hydrotherapy, sailing, diving, and horseback riding — pretty much anything to keep your mind off the cravings.

2. Kurotel Longevity Medical Center & Spa — Gramado, Brazil

Photo: Kurotel – Centro Médico de Longevidade e Spa/Facebook

The program here focuses primarily on two things: your mind and your lungs. After consulting with a doctor for the physiological issues, patients move right into psychotherapy to get the mind work going. While there is a spa and a broad range of activities to choose from while working through the program, there are also scheduled sessions with nutritionists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, and even a dentist. Respiratory physiotherapy and inhalation treatments combined with massages help relax and alleviate the stresses that usually get folks on the smoking path in the first place. After this whole-body treatment, a final medical evaluation is given, and ideally, progress is made, and follow-up nursing and clinical support is provided to ensure ongoing success.

3. Serenity Vista — Boquete, Panama

Photo: Serenity Vista/Facebook

A holistic addiction treatment center in the mountain highlands of Panama, Serenity Vista bases its recovery programs on the “Minnesota Model” developed by the Hazelden Betty Ford Treatment Center. This treats addiction as a disease and helps people overcome nicotine addiction through the 12-step model, spirituality, and self-discovery. Serenity Vista only accepts six patients at a time, which means you’ll get focused care here — not only to quit smoking but to prevent starting again. Additional inspiration comes from the jungle itself — the center is surrounded by gardens frequented by hummingbirds, butterflies, and all manner of nature’s beauty.

4. Fresh Start Health Retreat Center — Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Photo: Fresh Start-Health Retreat/Facebook

Located on the shores of Vancouver Island, this treatment center offers 14 to 21-day healthy habits retreats using a trademarked “Habit RePatterning” therapy. Guests enjoy luxurious, eco-friendly housing while working through their smoking addiction by exploring healthy lifestyle choices, emotional well-being, and the underlying issues that cause their specific addiction. A whole body detox diet, hydrotherapy, meditation, yoga, and fitness classes round out the treatment.

5. Rainforest Recovery Center — San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua

Photo: PixieMe/Shutterstock

Billed as a “quit vacation,” this seven-day smoking cessation program kicks off with a jungle boat ride through the rainforests of Costa Rica to a luxury lodge in southern Nicaragua. Participants quit smoking by keeping busy and by experiencing the joys of life without being constrained by nicotine. Activities include swimming in the lodge’s infinity pool, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and visits to local villages. Personalized therapy includes discussion around triggers, smoking risks, and quit motivation, as well as mediation for stress reduction and techniques to replace using nicotine as a self-soothing habit.

6. Sedona Quit Smoking Retreat, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa — Sedona, Arizona

Photo: Smoking Cessation Wellness Retreat

“Move a muscle, change a thought” is the motivator behind this program in Sedona, Arizona. The idea is that one can take the misery out of quitting by pampering oneself. In addition to meetings with counselors to discover and treat the underlying causes of nicotine addiction, participants keep busy with activities such as yoga, pilates, arts and crafts, and guided meditation. Spa time is encouraged to accelerate detox and reiki/shamanic energy healing sessions are scheduled during the first few days to help overcome cravings.


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Ricochet the surf dog helps surfers

It’s been 10 years since Ricochet the surf dog first spontaneously hopped on a surfboard with Patrick Ivison, a quadriplegic teen, sparking a video that went viral. Since then, Ricochet has surfed with hundreds of special needs kids, people with disabilities, and wounded veterans, helping to balance their boards and raising over $500,000 for various human and animal causes. Now, to commemorate that first, famous surf session, Ivison and Ricochet are reuniting to catch some waves together at La Jolla Shores in San Diego on Sunday, August 19th at 10:00 AM.

“I will remember that day at the beach forever,” Patrick said in a press release. “Ricochet and I caught a few waves side by side, and then she decided she wanted to ride with me. When she hopped on my back it was a magical experience. We were in sync and could keep the board stable by helping each other. It was crazy and amazing.” After the initial ride, Ricochet held a fundraiser that gave Patrick enough money for intensive physical therapy, resulting in his increased independence and mobility.

Since that first ride, Ricochet has assisted several individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities not just with surfing, but other athletic endeavors, too. For her efforts, she was named the ASPCA Dog of the Year, receiving the prestigious Humane Association Hero Dog Award and the AKC Award for Canine Excellence.

In addition to the reunion ride, Ricochet is hosting a social media contest whose winner will receive $250, as a way of thanking everyone who helped support her and Ivison through the years. To enter the sweepstakes, check out the official website.


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