Matador Network's Blog, page 1285

Most dog-friendly hotels in the US

A trip isn’t the same without your loyal pet by your side. Whether you’re going on an extended road trip, a weekend getaway with the family, or even a quick business trip, you now have the option of bringing your best friend with you. These 12 hotel brands are making it easier and more affordable to bring your dog, your cat, or even your lizard, with you when you leave home. So forget about doggy daycare or finding a pet sitter while you’re away — just pack up their leash and treats.

Budget hotels
1. Red Roof Inn

With more than 500 locations throughout North America, Red Roof Inn takes being pet-friendly to the next level. Not only do they not charge you extra for your pet, but they actually give you a 10 percent discount off your room (make sure you mention your pet when booking). You’ll find Red Roof Inn primarily in the Midwest, South, and East Coast.

Rules:

Limit of one pet per room.
Pets must be declared during guest registration
Pets must be leashed when outside of room
Do not leave pets alone in room

Fees: Free for one pet

2. La Quinta

La Quinta is moderately-priced hotel chain with over 900 locations across the United States. La Quinta also has locations in Mexico, Honduras, and Canada. Almost all of these locations are pet friendly: only 10 of the 900 locations charge a per-night pet fee.

Rules:

No pets over 50 pounds
Pets must be crated (or have their owner present) during room cleaning services
Each hotel location has its own policy about the number of pets allowed per room

Fees: Free

3. Motel 6

Motel 6 has over 1,400 locations in North America and every single one of them is pet friendly and doesn’t charge extra for pets. Although the accommodation at Motel 6 is very basic, you can’t beat their pet policies. Motel 6 also operates the brand Studio 6, which is an extended-stay hotel that charges a $10 pet fee per night.

Rules:

No restrictions on pet size
Limit of two pets per room

Fees: Free but the Studio 6 branded hotels charge a $10 pet fee per night

4. Quality Inn

Quality Inn is a mid-range chain of hotels throughout North America, and a subsidiary of the Choice Hotels brand. All Choice Hotel brands are pet-friendly but most have strict policies and a pet fee per night. Quality Inn has some locations with no pet fees, but the policies and fees vary by location. Although most Choice Hotels charge a pet fee, the fact that they allow up to three pets per room combined with the abundance of locations makes it a good option if you’re in a bind.

Rules:

Limit of three pets per room
No pets over 50 pounds
Pets may not be left alone in the room unless in a cage
Veterinarian certificates aren’t required

Fees: Varies by location — call hotel for current policies

High-end hotels
1. Westin and W Hotels

Westin is an upscale hotel chain owned and operated by Marriott International. 125 of the 150 Westin locations are pet friendly, but here’s the real kicker: all guests checking in with dogs will receive a welcome gift filled with pet goodies. Special pet amenities at these hotels include pet beds, floor mats, and food bowls.

W Hotels is another brand operated by Marriott International that is similar to Westin, but W Hotels target a younger demographic. The same pet policy rules and fees apply to W Hotel locations. Each brand under the Marriott umbrella is pet friendly but some do charge a small pet fee per night.

Rules:

Weight limit is 40 pounds (heavier pets will require permission from the hotel manager)
Only one pet is allowed per room

Fees: Some locations may require an extra charge per night or a deposit — call the hotel to determine each location’s policies

2. Four Seasons

Four Seasons is an international luxury hotel brand with over 100 locations worldwide. Not all Four Seasons locations accept pets, but the locations that do will make sure you and your pet’s stay will be free and memorable. Their pet services include pet beds, water and food bowls, piddle pads, and a pet-friendly concierge with information about nearby dog parks, walking routes, and more.

Rules:

Maximum of two pets per room
Pets must be kept on a leash unless in the guest’s room
Pets are not allowed in health club or pool areas
Pets must not be left unattended
Small pets only (under 15 lbs)

Fees: Free

Boutiques
1. Loews Hotels

Loews is a luxury hospitality and hotel company with 24 locations across the US and Canada. All are located in large, popular cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Montreal, Los Angeles, and New York City. Their signature “Loews Loves Pets” program provides personalized services to accompany traveling owners and pets, including specialized bedding for dogs and cats, complimentary treats and toys, placemats with food and water bowls for every room, and extra pet cleaning procedures during room cleaning services. The concierge has a list of dog walking routes at the hotel along with nearby veterinarians, pet shops, pet sitters, pet-friendly restaurants, and other useful information. Loews also offers pet-walking and sitting services, room service menu items specifically for your pet, and an onsite store with essential pet items such as leashes and toys.

Rules:

Limit of two pets per room
Pets need proof of vaccinations

Fees: Fees vary by location — call each location to check fees and policies

2. Aloft Hotels

Aloft Hotels flies under the Starwood Hotels & Resorts banner. You’ll find them both in the States and internationally, typically in city centers and in close proximity to major airports. Aloft is known for its unique and modern architecture and interior design, making it a high-end contemporary hotel chain. 101 of their 169 North American locations are pet friendly, offering their “arf” program for their guests traveling with pets. Perks include special pet beds, food and water bowls, and a doggie bag with treats and toys.

Rules:

Limit of two pets per room
40 pound weight restriction (guests with larger dogs and other pets can call the hotel directly to discuss options)

Fees: Free at most locations but policies can vary — call each location directly to double check pet fees and policies

3. Kimpton

Kimpton Hotels is based out of San Francisco, California and has 65 locations, mostly in the US. However, the brand has a few international locations, including Amsterdam, Taiwan, and the Cayman Islands. Kimpton is known for specifically catering to pets. Their hotels allow both dogs and cats, and some locations even allow other animals — so your pet rabbit may even be able to come along for the ride. Kimpton offers special packages for traveling pet owners, including pet beds, food and water bowls, mats, and courtesy bags for when you’re walking your dogs.

Rules:

No weight limit
No limit of number of pets
Any type of pets are allowed

Fees: Free


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How to get Global Entry and IDP

Minimalism while traveling is a virtue to be praised, but there are certain items you shouldn’t do without. Global Entry membership and an International Driving Permit (IDP) can make a huge difference in the way you wander. While it’s possible to get by without these two cards, travel for a while and you’re likely to encounter situation after situation that leaves you wishing you had planned ahead and taken the time to score them. For the relatively small amount of money you’ll invest in acquiring them, both offer abilities and benefits that can make a huge difference in your travel experience.

1. Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry is a pre-approval qualification that provides those whom Customs considers “low-risk travelers” — they look at things like criminal history, violation of customs or immigration laws, and the like during the approval process — with expedited clearance into the United States. Automated kiosks make the arrival process smooth and keep the lines super short. Not all airports have a Global Entry entrance, but many do, and the list keeps growing. Any US citizen, legal permanent resident, or resident of a select list of countries is eligible to apply for Global Entry.

The best part of Global Entry is that it includes TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is a game-changer; members get their own lane and have the chance to speed through security because they’re not required to remove liquids, shoes, or outerwear during the screening process. For TSA PreCheck, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number as part of your Global Entry status, which you have to add to your reservation every time you book a flight (even for domestic travel). There are few things more satisfying to a serial traveler than breezing through a short security line and not having to remove your shoes, or place liquids and laptops into separate bins.

The application process for Global Entry is a little bit lengthy, so set aside enough time to provide information about your employment, residence history, and every country you’ve visited in the past five years. These tasks aren’t that complicated — they’re just tedious and time consuming. You’ll also want to plan ahead and complete the application process at least one month out from your departure date.

After submitting my Global Entry application, I was approved to schedule an in-person interview about eleven days later. Note that you won’t be notified when your application has been approved, so you have to keep logging into your account regularly to check on the status of your application. Following approval, I looked up the next available interview slot at my local enrollment center and it was two months away; however, I decided to swing by the enrollment center without making an appointment and try my luck at one of their daily walk-in hours. I was able to walk in during that time slot and, after waiting in line for about 20 minutes, was called in to meet with the Customs official. Fifteen minutes later, I was approved on the spot. Within a week of approval, my shiny new Global Entry card was in my mailbox. Once you receive it, simply activate your card by logging into your account and you’re all set.

Global Entry is worth the price tag — $100 is a small price to pay for five years of hassle-free airport security experiences. Plus, getting TSA PreCheck-approved is $85, so for just $15 extra, you might as well go for Global Entry.

2. Acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Also known as an International Driver’s License, an IDP is a special addition to your regular driver’s license that allows you to legally drive abroad.

Getting by without one overseas and still renting cars or adventure vehicles is sometimes possible — not all countries will ask to see your IDP — but it’s not as safe. In most places, though, you won’t be able to rent any sort of vehicle without one.

According to the DMV, the only legally recognized organizations that can legitimately issue an IDP are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). I applied for my IDP through AAA, because the AATA application requires an additional fee for shipping and handling.

The application process consists of:

Printing and filling out a two-page application
Attaching two signed passport-sized photos
Attaching a back and front copy of your driver’s license
Writing a check for $20
Mailing everything to your local AAA office

This is not an online application. You’ll have to print everything out, fill it in, and mail it off the old-fashioned way. The process is relatively quick, though; your IDP should arrive in your mailbox in about two weeks.

What you need to know:

Your IDP is only valid for one year and you can’t renew it; you have to reapply each time.
Your IDP is only valid in conjunction with your driver’s license, so you must carry and present both your driver’s license and your IDP when traveling.
It costs $20 to get an IDP.



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The post Two cards every serious US traveler needs to be carrying appeared first on Matador Network.

Tao Philippines rice-terrace treks

If you’re looking for thrilling adventures in a tropical paradise, this grassroots resort in the remote Palawan Islands should be on your radar. Tao Philippines has become one of the leading adventure-travel companies in Asia because it fully immerses guests in islander culture — everything from fishing and harvesting to sleeping in open-air huts.

After what he describes as a life-changing experience at Tao, filmmaker Simon Woods spent two years creating this award-winning five-part series: People of Paradise. Matador Originals is stoked to present the final episode below.

Episode 1 introduced the Tao philosophy of “deep hanging out.” It’s about what makes travel meaningful: the opportunity to connect deeply with other people. It’s also about the right kind of guest. Simon says, “Tao talks about the trip being for travelers, not tourists, and that is an interesting distinction. It’s really for people who want to experience the local island culture with no air-con or fresh towels daily, pure and simple. It’s not for everyone. But I found that letting go of the daily comforts can be liberating and that you can discover a simple happiness again. A lot of this comes from mixing with the Filipinos and learning to laugh again.”

In episode 2, we met the local islanders known as the Lost Boys. In the constantly changing area of Palawan and the South China Sea, huge resorts and tourism businesses continue to encroach on vulnerable local islanders. By giving the Lost Boys new opportunities and direction, Tao is helping offer a different model based on sustainable, locally based development.

Episode 3 took us into the heart of Palawan’s complex matriarchal society. Tao’s head cook, Ann, led us on a mouthwatering tour through her kitchen, where she spreads the joy of Filipino cooking and culture to anyone and everyone who crosses her path.

Episode 4 looked at Tao’s unique partnership with the locals through the Tao Kalahi Foundation and the social and economic impact this has on the community.

Finally, Episode 5 concludes with a look at Tao guests’ authentic and no-frills engagement with the traditional island culture of Palawan. We also get a sneak peek at a new offering — Tao North: mountain trekking through the rice terraces of Northern Luzon.


More like this: Matador Original Video Series: People of Paradise Ep. 4

The post This adventure resort in the Philippines will be offering mountain trekking through rice terraces appeared first on Matador Network.

Scary switchback roads you can drive

Traversing mountain passes can be a harrowing experience, no matter the season. Making your way up a two-lane road packed with tight turns and death-defying drops on either (and sometimes both) sides certainly isn’t the most settling of experiences. But these 10 drives take the fear factor to new heights and might just be the scariest switchback roads anywhere in the world.

1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Photo: dani3315/Shutterstock

This 40-mile stretch of one-lane road connecting La Paz to Coroico is often referred to as “The Road of Death” or simply “Death Road.” With over 200 hairpin turns, vertical drops as far as 2,000 feet into the Amazon rainforest below, and unpaved sections without guardrails in many places along its path, it’s no wonder this road has its own special set of driving rules. While Bolivians normally drive on the right side, North Yungas Road requires its travelers to hug the left, away from the unprotected cliffside. Prior to 2007, when a stretch of paved road was opened to bypass North Yungas’ most dangerous section, it’s estimated that 200 to 300 people died each year while attempting the journey. It comes as no surprise that this road is dotted with small memorials to those who never made it to their intended destinations. Regardless of its daunting reputation, the road is a popular tourist destination for thrill-seeking cyclists.

2. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

Photo: kid315/Shutterstock

Named for the fog that often wafts up from the South China Sea below, Hai Van (“Ocean Cloud”) Pass is a 13-mile stretch on National Route 1A between Da Nang and Hue in Vietnam. Visibility on the pass is often hindered by its misty namesake, obstructing its breathtaking ocean views and adding an extra element of danger to its winding course through the jungle-clad Annamite mountainside. Those who wish to witness its risky beauty firsthand can also choose to traverse the road by train as Vietnam’s North-South Railway runs along the cliffs’ edges with views equal to, if not better than, travel by road.

3. Hana Highway, Hawaii

Photo: Lee Prince/Shutterstock

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Hana Highway is a 64-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360, connecting Kahului to Hana on the island of Maui. Be prepared for the 617 winding switchbacks, 56 bridges (most of which are one-lane), steep cliff drops, falling rocks, and sudden torrential downpours as you take in the luscious rainforest and grandiose seascapes around you. Don’t forget your camera (please, pull over) as you will be heavily rewarded for your efforts with ethereal waterfall pools, lavish botanical gardens, and sumptuous black-sand beaches along the way.

4. Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road, China

Photo: R Scapinello/Shutterstock

It took eight years to complete the roughly seven-mile Big Gate Road, which ascends from 200 to 1,300 meters. Also known as Winding Mountain Road, this course boasts 99 serpentine curves, symbolizing the Chinese nine palaces of heaven. Even if you are brave enough to navigate all those precarious curves, you won’t reach the mountain’s summit unless you are willing to climb the 999 stairs that lead to a natural-rock arch at the top. The arch is called Heaven’s Gate and is believed by some to be the link between the gods and the mortal world. Tianmen Mountain is also home of the world’s longest passenger cable car, which will take you from the Zhangjiajie railway station below all the way to the peak, an appealing alternative for the adventurer who prefers more of a direct route.

5. Lacets de Montvernier, France

A post shared by Espen H (@espenhllrd) on Jul 25, 2018 at 9:51am PDT

You’ll find a brief stretch of road tucked away in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeastern France. It’s called Lacets de Montvernier, or Hairpins of Montvernier; the name says it all as you will find 17 extremely tight turns stacked one on top of the other as you travel its condensed 1.9 miles. This short stretch is the best-known section of D77B, a road leading to the Col du Chaussy pass at an elevation of just over 5,000 feet.

6. Paso de Los Libertadores, Argentina/Chile

Photo: LaryLitvin/Shutterstock

The most dramatic and significant pass between Chile and Argentina is Paso de Los Libertadores, also known as the Paso del Cristo Redentor. Reaching approximately 10,500 feet at its summit, its name comes from the infamous four-ton statue of Jesus (Cristo Redentor de Los Andes), which resides on the Argentina side. The most scenic part of the road is a small section on the Chilean side called “Los Caracoles, or The Snails,” due to the incredibly slow-moving nature of heavy trucks making their way up the mountainside. Despite its sporadic lack of guardrails and seemingly common treacherous weather conditions, this roadway is regularly maintained and has managed to avoid a substantial accident record.

7. Trollstigen, Norway

Photo: Aleh Mikalaichyk/Shutterstock

Known as “Troll’s Road” or “Troll’s Ladder” in English, Trollstigen is hidden deep in the mountains off the western coast of Norway. This section of Norwegian National Road 63 is known for its dangerous conditions, including the steep incline, narrow roadway, dramatic zigzags, and poor traction and visibility that come with rain and fog. That being said, it is also considered one of Norway’s most scenic drives and is often traversed by visiting adventurers. Cross your fingers for favorable weather and hope for clear views once you reach the vista point at the top.

8. Three Level Zigzag Road, Himalayas

Photo: ABIR ROY BARMAN/Shutterstock

With over 100 hairpins in its 18.6-mile stretch, Three Level Zigzag Road could arguably be the most dizzying road in the world. Located high in the Himalayan mountains and reaching 11,000 feet at its peak, this road used to be a trade route for silk merchants between Tibet and India. Heavy snow and landslides are common, but if you get the chance to brave it, you could witness one of the best sunrises in all of Asia.

9. Sani Pass, South Africa

Photo: Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock

Along a winding route through the Western mountains of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Sani Pass connects Underberg, South Africa, and Mukhotlong, Lesotho. It’s undoubtedly one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain passes, with stunning views and glimpses into the local culture. Don’t be surprised to suddenly come across a herd of mules or horses carting food and other goods for their keepers. Since your speed will (by necessity) be slow enough to stop in time, you may as well relax and enjoy the experience — if you can. Due to extreme weather conditions, this road is often closed in winter, and it is highly discouraged and sometimes not permitted at all to travel without a 4×4 vehicle. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a rest inside of The Highest Pub in Africa, which was aptly named for its altitude of 2,874 meters above sea level and boasts residency on both the South African and the Lesotho sides of the border.

10. Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, Japan

A post shared by Andy (@andrewcraig128) on May 30, 2017 at 9:04pm PDT

Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is described as one of the most challenging drives on Earth. It’s a roughly six-mile toll road that consists of 69 hairpin turns, starting at the foot of Japan’s Mt. Iwaki and ascending up to about 4,000 feet at its endpoint. The drive takes you through a lavish forest of 90-year-old beech trees as you navigate the sheer cliffside drop-offs and dizzying twists. When the road ends, you can park and take a chairlift up to the very top of the volcano to take in the majestic views and look down upon the serpentine journey that got you there.


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Airbnb cancels Great Wall contest

Remember when Airbnb said you could spend the night on top of the Great Wall of China? Yeah, just kidding. The announcement wasn’t an April Fool’s joke, though the home-sharing company probably wishes it was. Last week Airbnb revealed a new contest where winners would get to spend a night in an open-roof bedroom built into a tower on the Great Wall of China. The experience would include a multi-course meal in the space’s dining area, live music, and a traditional Chinese calligraphy class. The only problem? Airbnb didn’t exactly check with the Great Wall’s caretakers before announcing the contest to the public. According to Chinese media, the cultural commission overseeing the Badaling section of the Great Wall was not aware of the event and hadn’t given its approval. Airbnb has since canceled the contest.

In a statement late Tuesday, Airbnb said, “While there was an agreement in place that was the basis for the announcement of this event, we deeply respect the feedback we have received.” They added that they are currently working on a range of other experiences designed to highlight China as a destination.

The contest also drew criticism from social media users who believed the transformation of the ancient site into a guesthouse was a show of disrespect. The South China Morning Post reports that one user, on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, posted, “The Great Wall is a historical relic under protection, how can they let it be turned into a common guest house?!” Others actually called into question the comfort and safety of the prospective winners. “With the temperature in Beijing now, I fear you’d die of heat,” said Weibo user Taozi Wei Jiaxin Tang, CNN reports. “And the mosquitoes all over this wild mountain. Oh my god. Forget about it.”

If nothing else, this is a good lesson for Airbnb. Maybe next time, before offering contest winners a free night in the tombs of the Great Pyramid of Giza or a swim through the pool of the Taj Mahal, they’ll check with the sites’ caretakers first.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

More like this: 10 things you need to know before visiting the Great Wall of China

The post Remember Airbnb’s Great Wall of China contest? Yeah, it’s canceled. appeared first on Matador Network.

Michelin-starred meals for under $30

The Michelin Guide was originally created in 1900 to help French travelers find decent lodging on the road, but as is often the case with the French, the focus eventually shifted to food — real fancy, expensive food. Michelin stars often call to mind European fine-dining or exclusive restaurants, which can charge diners $300 or more per person. But eating the world’s most coveted meals doesn’t have to require an advance on your salary. In fact, there are a number of Michelin-starred meals under $30. Many of them are in Asia at local-favorite street food vendors that have enough of a following to attract the attention of the Michelin Tyre Company. Others are unpretentious cuisine in cosmopolitan foodie cities like New York City and London. These are the nine cheapest Michelin restaurants where you can taste high-quality food without a shocking bill.

1. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle

Singapore

Estimated cost: S$2 (US$1.46) for a plate of soy sauce chicken served with rice

Photo: GoemonSS/Shutterstock

Owned by humble hawker chef Chan Hon Meng, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle was featured in Singapore’s first Michelin guide in 2016. For the first time ever, a street food stall was awarded a Michelin star. From the outside, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle does not look much different than the other simple stalls in the Chinatown Complex hawker center. However, its scrumptious signature dish — soy sauce chicken slow-cooked in the traditional Hong Kong style — is unquestionably worthy of the coveted star. Beat the long queue at the Chinatown Complex, and you can enjoy a Michelin meal that is cheaper than a Big Mac from McDonald’s.

2. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

Singapore

Estimated cost: S$6 (US$4.39) for a bowl of bak chor mee

Photo: katehall66/Shutterstock

Tang Chay Seng’s Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, another street food location in Singapore, also gained a Michelin star in 2016. The origin of the stall dates back to the 1930s when Tang Chay Seng’s father, Tang Joon Teo, founded Tai Hwa Pork Noodle on Hill Street. This long-running eatery is famous for its Teochew-style bak chor mee, minced pork noodles tossed in black vinegar. Similar to Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, a long wait is to be expected.

3. Raan Jay Fai

Bangkok

Estimated cost: 400 Baht ($12.05) for a plate of pad kee mao

Photo: /Shutterstock

Never before had Southeast Asian street food caused such an international sensation. The eccentric personality of female chef Auntie Fai, known as the “Queen of Thai street food,” shines through her cooking process at Jay Fai in

Cheap hotels in Dubai

Dubai, to a lot of us, is kind of a myth. A place where they seemingly build the world’s largest skyscraper and cars made of pure gold every year. It’s the sort of futuristic wonderland that seems so far from reality that it’s not even a thought for Americans’ vacations. The 14 hour flights don’t help. Neither does the perception that Dubai is only a place for the insanely-wealthy, where hotel rooms cost thousands of dollars and come with your own personal towel folder.

Emirates is trying to change that. The city’s official airline already has the Dubai Connect program, where the airline gives you a free hotel room in the city when you have an overnight layover. But this summer, it’s going a step further.

In addition to offering some insanely cheap rates on Dubai hotels, Emirates is also throwing in tickets to some of the city’s coolest attractions. Fly on Emirates and you won’t just get an affordable place to stay, you’ll speed down waterslides, play in a virtual reality park, or go to the VIP deck atop the Burj Khalifa absolutely free.

Hotels for under 50 bucks, epic city views, and a free trip to LEGOLAND!

OK, so let’s say you plunked down the airfare to fly Emirates to Dubai. No small check to write for sure, but once you get there your lodging and entertainment just got a lot more affordable.

With a confirmed booking on Emirates, you can get a room at the Rove Dubai Marina on the city’s trendy waterfront for $49 a night. That’s less than the Motel 6 you pass on the way to work in the morning. But does Motel 6 throw in a couple of tickets to LEGOLAND? Probably not.

However the Rove does; you’ll get two tickets to any of the Dubai Parks and Resorts. In addition to LEGOLAND, that includes the DreamWorks-themed MOTIONGATE Dubai, which is like Disneyland but for edgier movies. Or you can get your highly-choreographed group dance on at BOLLYWOOD PARKS. Or splash around at LEGOLAND Water Park. It’s summer in Dubai…that might be your best bet.

If you want to be closer to the action, the Rove Downtown has rooms for Emirates passengers for $99 a night. More than the Motel 6, but still less than you’d expect to pay for a hotel with a rooftop pool and a view of the Burj Khalifa. A night there also includes a couple of tickets to Dubai’s new virtual reality park at the Dubai Mall. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon in the world’s largest VR park doing everything from playing hitman John Wick to acting out a scene from The Mummy to flying over Dubai in 2050.

For $149 a night guests can stay at the Manzil Downtown, with free tickets to La Perle — described as a “theatrical showcase, which transports its audience with interactive experience around Dubai’s past, present, and future.”

But the show-stopping deal is at the Address Downtown hotel, where for $199 a night you’ll get two tickets to At the Top at the Burj Khalifa. For the unaware, this VIP deck on the very top of the world’s tallest building is usually reserved for people who see the line to go to the regular observation deck, and think $135 is a fair price to skip it. It’s not only the best view of Dubai you can find, it’s a $270 value that comes free with your sub-$200 hotel room. Basically, you’re making money.

The deals are good on flights booked from now until September 29th, on stays through September 30th. It might be your best chance to experience a lot of the amazing things this city has to offer without draining your bank account. Though you still might need to save up for that car made of gold.


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The post Fly to Dubai with Emirates right now and you’ll get dirt-cheap hotels and free tickets to the top of the world’s tallest building appeared first on Matador Network.

Lost Picasso paintings found in Iran

Imagine possessing paintings belonging to one of the world’s most famous artists, and not even knowing it. That’s exactly what happened to the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Since Iran’s 1979 revolution, its North American and European collections — including some of the world’s best postwar Western artwork — have been locked in a basement. Now, the museum is planning a major exhibition that will showcase, for the first time in decades, several major pieces that were recently rediscovered in the museum’s depths.

The exhibition, titled “Portrait, Still-life, Landscape,” will take place throughout the entire museum in February 2019. It’ll include up to 500 works from the museum’s collection, displaying Western and Middle Eastern art alongside one another. Dutch architect and show’s curator Mattijs Visser told the Art Observer, “I want to mix up everything so that people can really see something which they have never seen before.”

It’s the recent renovations to the museum that led to the discoveries in the storage facilities. While curators had previously known about two of Picasso’s works housed in storage, an additional ten were found, all of which will be on display during the February exhibition.

The “Portrait, Still-life, Landscape” exhibition will not travel to any other country. Though Visser doesn’t expect to face much censorship, he won’t display overtly political works, or feature any nudity.

H/T: Smithsonian.com

More like this: Everyone thinks Iran is a dangerous place. Here’s why I can’t wait to go back there

The post Ten lost Picassos discovered in the basement of a Tehran art museum appeared first on Matador Network.

Things Philadelphia can teach us

With a name that includes “brotherly love,” it’s no wonder that Philadelphia has a thing or two to teach other US cities. Packed with things to do and super passionate people, here are seven things the rest of the US can learn from Philadelphia.

1. Fandom is lyfe, which is way better than life.

When it comes to being a sports fan, there is no in-between. Other cities like their team, but we Philadelphia fans are willing to scale the highest heights to proclaim our unabashed devotion (even if the way there is greased).

2. We learn about our history by getting outside.

When we dive into historical projects at school about the city, we chuck a jacket on and visit actual sites. With the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross House all within close proximity, it’s easy for us to feel excited about the history of our city and nation.

3. The venues our grandparents used to hangout in are still awesome.

A local song from the 1960s asked, “Where do all the hippies meet?” Today we find it filled with hipsters, but the answer in the lyrics of “South Street” still reigns true as the place to go for great eateries and boutiques. Who knew our Philadelphian grandparents were so cool?

4. We’re a good influence on those around people in the wider community.

Not only is the city vibrant, but we have learned to share its culture and ethics with non-center city areas. In places such as Doylestown, Manayunk, and Chestnut Hill, it’s easy to see that Philly’s influence has had a positive effect. Since good vibes and respect works for our favorite city, it may as well be shared.

5. We make it easy for people to get places.

With public transportation everywhere, it’s easy to move about utilizing the city’s public buses and trains. There’s no better way to pack all of our things to do into one day than to be toted around by SEPTA. The great network makes a huge difference to our day-to-day lives as well as reduce our environmental footprint.

6. We have something for everyone.

Yes, our culture is built on a foundation of respect for sports and our local teams, but we also invest in our art scene and educational activities. The city and its people support fabulous art and science museums, gorgeous local boutiques, and delicious restaurants with regional produce menus. We’ve got all interests and passions covered.


More like this: Dear travelers to Philadelphia, please don’t visit until you understand these 11 things

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Airport offers kitten cuddles

Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating airports and passing the time during long layovers. North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport feels your pain, so it came up with a solution that will make travel bearable and incredibly cute: providing passengers with cuddle-ready kittens in the airport.

If you were lucky enough to be traveling through the airport today, you probably have noticed the Kitten Cuddle event. CMPD Animal Care and Control provided 10 little kittens for passengers to play with inside the Atrium. The experience was part of the airport’s TLC from CLT program, an effort to make passengers’ airport stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Cats have also been used for stress relief at other airports, including Denver International Airport and Calgary International Airport.

Not to be caught taking sides in the cats vs. dogs debate, the airport also has 31 dogs available for passengers to interact with before boarding. If the trend really takes off, you might find yourself intentionally booking long layovers just so you can spend some quality time with cute kitties.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: These traveling Insta-cats prove cats are the purr-fect travel companions

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