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17 signs you're not an Arizona local

For pretty much two-thirds of the year, when the weather is glorious and the sweltering sun is manageable, Arizona plays host to a flock of snowbirds and other tourists. Visitors and retirees can often stick out like a sunburned thumb. From a mile off we Arizonans can tell who is born and bred — or at least a long-time transplant — and who has come to sip Margaritas by a Scottsdale resort pool in December. Here are 17 ways you’re giving yourself away.

1. You’re wearing an inappropriate belt buckle.

Obviously it’s someone’s first rodeo when their belt buckle is bedazzled and as big as their head. Classy means fist-size or smaller, and maybe a sparkly rhinestone or two.

2. Your two-step boogie looks a heckuva lot like you’re being jabbed by a cattle prod.

We learned country moves in fourth grade when PE included square dancing as a core part of the curriculum.

3. You’re mounting your horse from the wrong side.

It’s the left — get your mind out of the gutter!

4. You have no idea what the terms haboob, chubasco, and monsoon mean.

Just nod and smile.

5. You have a small dog.

Arizona dogs must be big enough to fend off a coyote or a red-tailed hawk. The exception to this rule is chihuahuas, who stay indoors or tethered in doggy strollers at all times.

6. Your car is on the small side.

Some of us have big trucks because we have to haul hay or tow a horse trailer. The rest of us have big trucks to see around the motorhomes. If you have a little car, it’s either a rental because your truck broke down, or you’re not from ‘round these parts.

7. You don’t bring enough water when you hike.

Remember to bring a gallon, minimum — even if you’re just headed out for a mile in winter. Locals keep at least five gallons in their truck.

8. You need training wheels for your tequila shot.

Unless you’re under 25, in which case you’re probably drinking something fruity.

9. You complain about the heat.

Yeah, it puts us in a foul mood too. But there’s no sense in whining about it. It’s only going to get worse over the years.

10. You’re surprised when it snows.

We know, snowbirds and transplants came to escape that, but it snows here too. In some parts, we even have to scrape our windshields!

11. You’re surprised at all our boats.

Well, admittedly most of our lakes are puddles in comparison to the rest of the world’s, and our “rivers” are seasonal streams at best. But we still like to pretend.

12. You’re also confused about these terms: chimichanga, carne seca, barbacoa, lengua, and tripa.

Keep nodding.

13. You’re wearing your weight in turquoise.

Only we get to do that. We inherited that stuff.

14. You’re taking a picture in front of a saguaro.

Non-natives line up 20 deep to snap a pic in front of the Grand Canyon, and they’ll line up in front of certain giant cacti too. We love our beautiful saguaros too, we just don’t need any more selfies in front of them.

15. You’re not slathered in SPF 50.

Melanoma isn’t kidding around!

16. You’re way too close to that snake/scorpion/jumping cactus/javelina/gila monster.

Really, the warning signs are true.

17. You’re afraid of tarantulas.

They’re cute and fuzzy and they don’t bite. Usually.


More like this: 10 things that only Arizonans find funny

The post 17 ways someone from Arizona knows you’re not local appeared first on Matador Network.

Santorini donkeys receive assistance

Donkeys in Santorini are about to see an improvement in their quality of life. Recent overtourism on the popular Greek Island hasn’t been easy on the resident donkeys, who are often tasked with carrying tourists up Santorini’s steep cliffs, bearing a significant amount of weight. The Donkey Sanctuary, in partnership with a Facebook group called “Help the Santorini Donkeys,” have called the donkey rides ethically unsound, as donkeys often carry loads that are too heavy for them, without proper shade, food, and water. They are also often put to work “12-hour days in 86-degree heat,” explains Condé Nast Traveler.

Upon meeting with animal welfare organizations on July 28th, Santorini’s lawmakers passed new legislation that limits how often the donkeys are allowed to work, as well as how much they can carry. It’s considered unsafe for donkeys to carry more than 20 percent of their body weight, which generally works out to about 112 pounds. The government has also promised that sufficient shade and water will be provided for the animals.

If you’re concerned that these beasts of burden are still a little too burdened, you can choose to avoid donkey rides altogether. As an alternative means of travel, take a 30-minute (600 steps) walk up to Fira, the island’s capital, or a (significantly more relaxing) cable car, which takes only two minutes.

H/T: AFAR

More like this: Highlights of a week in Quebec

The post Overworked Santorini donkeys are finally getting the help they deserve appeared first on Matador Network.

Dog cafe opening in London

You’ve heard of cat cafes, owl cafes, and rabbit cafes popping up all over, but cafes tailored to a specific breed are a new addition to this trend. Following in the footsteps of the Pug Café, a cafe dedicated to French Bulldogs will open for one day only in London.

The French Bulldog Café will have its grand opening on September 9th in a private lounge area at The Happenstance Bar and Restaurant, located across from St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Visitors don’t need to be Frenchie owners themselves to go to the pop-up, but if you do have one of those four-legged friends at home, you can bring them to the event and have them join in on the fun. For the humans, there’ll be selection of drinks and small bites for purchase. For the dogs, there’ll be a dog-themed menu and they’ll receive a complimentary bag of doggy treats, a “pupuccino,” and “pupcorn.” Both humans and dogs alike will get the opportunity to socialize, play, and take photos with each other.

A post shared by Pug Cafe (@popuppugcafe) on Aug 3, 2018 at 10:24am PDT

The hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:20 PM but visitors will only be allowed in via one of the eight pre-booked time slots: 10:00 AM, 11:10 AM, 12:20 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:50 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:10 PM. Each slot lasts 70 minutes.

The process to book is slightly different depending on whether or not you’re bringing your dog with you. At 10:00 AM (GMT) on August 18th, two email addresses will be posted on the main page, event page, and social media — one for Frenchie lovers and the other for Frenchie owners. You’ll send a booking request with the following information:

Full name
Contact number
Group size
Your two preferred time slots

If you have anyone under the age of 16 in your party, you’ll need to list their age. For owners, the only separate thing you need to do is include the number of Frenchies you intend to bring along with their photos.

If your request has been approved, you’ll be sent a PayPal link to pay for the tickets. Dogs and children under five go free, those under 16 get a 20 percent discount, and it’s £10 for owners and £15 for lovers.

H/T: Bustle

More like this: You can play with these adorable pugs at this Kyoto cafe

The post A French Bulldog cafe is opening up in London and it looks adorable appeared first on Matador Network.

Why Albuquerque is great in fall

When most visitors go to New Mexico, Santa Fe is usually their number one stop, flying into the Albuquerque Sunport and then driving on to the Fe. But in leaving Albuquerque, they’re missing out on discovering a vibrant city full of history, excellent food and drink, Hispanic and Pueblo arts and culture, and the best nightlife scene in central New Mexico. Albuquerque is fast establishing itself as New Mexico’s cosmopolitan center, and one of the best times of year to take in the flavors, excitement, and unique Southwestern culture of the city is during fall. Here are nine reasons why Albuquerque is one of the most underrated fall destinations in America.

Photo: David Gilder/Shutterstock

1. It’s green chile roasting season.

New Mexicans wait for fall year-round for one thing: green chile roasting season. Drive by almost any grocery store in the Duke City, and you’ll see giant metal cylinders filled with fresh Hatch green chiles rotating over low flames, roasting the chiles to perfection. The smell is heavenly. Then, head to any number of restaurants to try this New Mexican delicacy in virtually every meal imaginable, such as the Owl Cafe for its green chile cheeseburger or the Frontier for green chile burritos.

Photo: Albuquerque Hopfest

2. You can try all the state’s craft beers at HopFest.

Betcha didn’t know that New Mexico has a crazy good craft brewing scene. Some of the state’s best breweries, like Marble Brewery and La Cumbre Brewing Company, come from the ABQ area. Fall sees the release of several seasonal craft brews (including some pumpkin ales if that’s your thing). But if you want to try all that the region has to offer, the annual HopFest is on September 8, a few days before fall officially kicks off.

Photo: Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

3. The weather is perfect for exploring historic Old Town and Nob Hill.

After an unbearably hot summer, the change of season is a welcome respite for ABQ locals. Fall weather is typically splendid — warm, sunny days, and pleasantly cool nights — making it the perfect time to meander on foot through the city’s historic districts: Nob Hill and Old Town.

Located near the University of New Mexico, Nob Hill used to be part of the historic Route 66, so the road is lined with brilliant neon signs, All-American diners, quirky shops, and classic architecture from that era. It’s a great place for vintage shopping by day and a hip nightlife hotspot come sundown.

Closer to the Rio Grande, Old Town is full of classic Hispanic architecture and historic Pueblo-Spanish adobe buildings. Use the beautiful central Plaza as a base for exploring hundreds of stores, art galleries, and restaurants. The Old Town is also close to some of ABQ’s most interesting museums, such as the Turquoise Museum, Rattlesnake Museum, and New Mexico Museum of Natural History. Be sure to stop by the gorgeous San Felipe de Neri church, the oldest in all of ABQ.

Photo: Michael E Halstead/Shutterstock

4. The International Balloon Fiesta is a dazzling spectacle.

For a week every fall, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons designed to look like everything from the stars and stripes to Darth Vader dot the skies of Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta. This year’s festivities will take place from October 6 to 14. Get there in the early morning to watch the balloons ascending into the dawn, then go on a balloon ride for an aerial view of the fall colors along the Rio Grande River. In the evening, visit the “Glow-deo” where the inflated balloons are lit up with their burners, creating a field of giant floating lanterns.

Photo: Sandia Peak Tramway

5. The tramway up the Sandia Mountains has the best fall foliage views.

The dramatic Sandia Mountains tower over the city, and the views from the top are stunning. Take the Sandia Tramway up to the observation deck, which sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. This aerial tramway stretches for more than two miles over plunging canyons, forests, and peaks. It’s the longest of its kind in the US, and it’s definitely a thrill to soar over the spectacular mountain scenery as the city shrinks behind you. A popular time to go up is later in the afternoon in order to get the best view possible of New Mexico’s famous sunsets, but during the fall, daytime is also great as you can appreciate the brilliant autumnal foliage in the Bosque forests lining the Rio Grande River.

Photo: Eirik Gumeny

6. There are tons of local harvest festivals.

Much like most of the US, fall is harvest season for farmers in Albuquerque. Experience the season’s bounty by going apple or raspberry picking, visiting the Rio Grande Community Farm corn maze, or sampling fresh-pressed cider. Throughout the season, there are multiple harvest festivals in the city and in nearby towns like Mora and Moriarty. (The McCall’s pumpkin patch in Moriarty is legendary). Attending these festivals is a wonderful way to experience the unique flavors of fall in New Mexico, like pinto beans and green chile.

Photo: ABQ BioPark

7. There are no crowds at the BioPark.

Summer sees Albuquerque BioPark packed with families, but come fall, the crowds dissipate and you can enjoy the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, and beach in peace. There are great activities at each park: The zoo’s CatWalk is home to lions, tigers, (not bears, those are in a different part of the zoo), cougars, and more; Tingley Beach offers dog-friendly walking trails and fishing from dawn to dusk; and for Halloween, the aquarium has divers carve pumpkins underwater.

Photo: Sarah Jessup

8. The crane migration at the Bosque is mesmerizing.

As wonderful as ABQ is, we all need to get away from the city every once in a while, and one of the best spots to do so is at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Reserve. Made up of more than 50 acres of wetlands and forests, the Bosque is a wonderful place for birdwatching as more than 358 species have been spotted in the area. But fall is when the fun really begins as tens of thousands of graceful sandhill cranes descend on the Bosque during their annual migration, which is celebrated with the Festival of the Crane, held this year from November 14 to 17.

Photo: Breaking Bad RV Tours

9. It’s Breaking Bad’s 10th anniversary, and you can go on an RV tour of filming locations.

One of the city’s main claims to fame is for being the setting and shooting location of the popular drama Breaking Bad. 2018 is the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed show, so celebrate by hopping on board this lookalike RV outfitted to resemble the infamous one from the show. Spend the day visiting shooting locations for both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul like Walter and Skyler’s house (please don’t throw a pizza on the roof), the Octopus car wash, Jesse Pinkman’s house, and more. You even get to eat lunch at Los Pollos Hermanos before visiting the Candy Lady to get tiny bags of her blue “crystal meth” rock candy.


More like this: 13 ways a trip to New Mexico will surprise you

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Scenic train rides in the US in fall

Wow, where’d summer go? One minute you’re shaking the dust off your inner tubes and the next it’s like “Hey, where are you parking for tailgates this year?” But don’t lament the end of summer; fall brings the nicest time of the year in many parts of the country — specifically, those parts where trees go from green to all shades of red, yellow, and orange. Driving to see those colors is fun, but to really experience their magic, a train ride is the way to go. Across America, there are some spectacular railroad trips to see the fall foliage, from the famous New England autumn landscapes to more underrated fall destinations like Colorado and Tennessee. Here are the 12 best scenic train trips in the US you need to hitch a ride on this fall.

Photo: Adirondack Scenic Railroad/

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

New York

This trip rumbles through New York’s High Peaks region, into Central New York, and on to Utica, past some of the most colorful leaves in the Empire State. The railroad is also partnered with rafting companies, hiking guides, and bike rentals so you can experience the colors up close once you disembark. You can also take a fall beer- and wine-tasting ride this year, tasting some of the best drinks from the region as you watch the changing trees speed by.

Photo: Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock

Mt. Washington Cog Railway

Mt. Washington, New Hampshire

This old cog railroad has been going through the mountains of New Hampshire for 144 years, taking visitors to the treacherous summit of Mt. Washington via one of the most scenic train rides in the country. The charming wood cars chug up to the highest point in the northeast, a three-hour round trip that spends an hour at the top to take in the views over seemingly all of New England. The tableau of oranges, yellows, and deep reds below might be the most impressive end sight of any ride on this list.

Photo: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge, Georgia

The Blue Mountains are grossly misnamed during the fall as the normally dark hills turn bright colors in September and October. This 26-mile train ride from Blue Ridge to the Georgia-Tennessee border is the best way to enjoy it, with a few hours to stop in the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Enjoy the crisp fall air from an outdoor car, as you pass through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Toccoa River.

Photo: Arcade & Attica Railroad Corporation

Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade, New York

These two-and-a-half-hour journeys take passengers through the rolling hills of Wyoming County, starting and ending on Main Street in charming downtown Arcade. Though the bright colors could be entertainment enough, these rides in World War II-era diesel locomotives offer all varieties of theme rides, as well, like Great Train Robbers or a haunted Halloween train.

Photo: Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad

Elkins, West Virginia

The sheer size of West Virginia’s mountains makes fall the most impressive time to visit when you’ll see steep curtains of orange, red, and yellow throughout the state. This railway offers the best variety of ways to see it, from a 4.5-hour venture to the third-highest peak in the state on the Bald Knob trip to the 2.5-hour jaunt on the coal-powered Durbin Rocket.

Photo: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City, North Carolina

This quintessential southern leaf-peeping train ride goes through the colorful hills of western North Carolina. Go in October and you can catch the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, a 4.5-hour trip along the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, across the historic Fontana Trestle bridge, and to the vibrant reflections off Fontana Lake. You can also take trips that include beer tasting at a station along the way or take your kids on the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express.

Photo: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Combres and Toltec

Antonito, Colorado

The American West doesn’t get a lot of credit for its fantastic fall foliage, what with the abundance of evergreen trees and sprawling desert. But this ride through the Rockies in New Mexico and Colorado is one of the most stunning rides in America any time of year. You’ll see plenty of colors in the desert foreground through the Toltec Gorge and across Combres Pass, speeding past little western towns and towering mountains. The ride is so picturesque it was actually featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Photo: George Sheldon/Shutterstock

Strasburg Railroad

Ronks, Pennsylvania

While the kids would surely rather journey on the Strasburg Railroad’s Thomas the Tank Engine replica, adults may be more interested in the first-class cars of the historic locomotive, instead. This brief trip through Pennsylvania’s Amish country offers rides done up in Gilded Age extravagance, where your first-class ticket feels like leaving the coal-shoveling masses behind.

Photo: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The most popular ride in the town famous for its choo-choo is the Missionary Ridge Local, a 55-minute ride over four bridges and through a mid-nineteenth-century tunnel. But to really get the most of the fall colors in this area, opt for the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure, which takes you on a longer ride through the Cherokee National Forest, surrounding you with brilliant leaves and thick foliage.

Photo: Colin D. YoungShutterstock

Delaware Ulster Railroad

Arkville, New York

This calming trip through the Catskills seems to traverse a storybook setting over rustic bridges, bubbling streams, and through colorful valleys — which makes sense as the railway’s trademark ride is the Rip Van Winkle Flyer, which features a glass-domed dining car and meanders through the haunts of the most famous sleeper in history. Other events include twilight music trains and train-robbery barbecues, set against some of the most spectacular fall backdrops in America.

Photo: Green Mountain Railroad Passenger Services

Green Mountain Railroad

Chester, Vermont

The most scenic five weeks in Vermont are during leaf-peeping season, and this railroad operates five days a week, so you can see it all by train no matter when you go. The most popular ride is the three-hour fall foliage excursion, chugging to the top of Ludlow Mountain for the best perspective on the scenery. Friday nights bring cocktail rides through the colors along the Connecticut River, and Saturday night you can enjoy a three-course gourmet meal on Green Mountain’s dinner train.

Photo: David Gillet/Denali Star

Denali Star

Anchorage, Alaska

If you wanna get a jump on the fall colors and don’t feel like waiting until it interferes with college football, head to Alaska where this train runs through the fall colors of Denali National Park starting in summer. The twelve-hour trip to Fairbanks stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. And on clear days, you’ll see all those fantastic leaves fronting the snow-capped peak of the tallest mountain in America at Denali.


More like this: 12+ of the world’s most spectacular train journeys

The post The best scenic train trips to see fall foliage in the US appeared first on Matador Network.

World's first revolving glass floor

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle has been undergoing $100 million renovations, and it certainly was money well spent — it now has the world’s first revolving glass floor.

Une publication partagée par Space Needle (@spaceneedle) le 2 Août 2018 à 9 :05 PDT

This record-setting development, unveiled on August 3rd, has been dubbed “The Loupe.” Sitting 50 stories above street level, the rotating deck slowly spins in a never-ending loop, powered by 12 motors. Everything from the walls, floors, and barriers has been converted to glass, allowing for nearly unrestricted views of the city and the adjacent Puget Sound from 500 feet up in the air. If you find yourself a bit queasy at the thought of spinning around in a circle at that height, you can take comfort in knowing that the glass floor is reinforced 10 times over with tightly bonded glass.

Une publication partagée par Space Needle (@spaceneedle) le 3 Août 2018 à 11 :15 PDT

The Space Needle was completed for the World Fair in 1962 and quickly became the defining feature of Seattle’s skyline. The tower sees over one million visitors each year, with many visiting the iconic SkyCity restaurant, which has been closed for much of the remodeling process. The restaurant itself is set to receive a glass floor, as well, in time for its scheduled reopening later this year.

H/T: CNN Travel

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Air miles contest

There’s a mystery afoot in the realm of travel hacking. A London banker, who became the youngest person to visit every country in the world at age 24, is giving away the air miles that he accumulated along the way.

James Asquith, now 29 years old, announced the giveaway via his Instagram account on July 30th. Asquith is the founder of a travel app called Holiday Swap. In order to enter the giveaway for the miles, you have to head over to Instagram and follow the Holiday Swap channel, as well as Asquith’s personal account. Then, you need to comment on the accounts with who you’d bring with you on your travels and take a stab at the big question itself: how many miles has he accumulated?

According to Asquith, the idea behind the contest isn’t just to promote his travel app, but to inspire people to get out there and see the world. “After visiting all 196 countries, I wanted to try and inspire everyone that supported me in my journey along the way,” he explained on Instagram.

As a clue to give entrants something to base their guess on, he said, “There is enough to fly around the world more than three times if you use them wisely or treat yourself to a bunch of First Class flights.”

If it sounds like something you’d like to take a stab at, you have until September 23rd to enter.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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The post The youngest person to visit every country is giving away his air miles appeared first on Matador Network.

Lemurs are almost under extinction

Lemurs, the big-eyed primates that can only be found on the island of Madagascar, are almost all under threat, explains the BBC after examining a report from the Primate Specialist Group. Experts say that 105 of 111 lemur species and subspecies, i.e. 95 percent of Earth’s lemurs, are on the brink of extinction, which makes them the most endangered primates in the world.

Unsurprisingly, the threat to lemurs comes from the destruction of their habitat for “so-called slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, charcoal production, and mining,” says the BBC. But hunting the primates for food or capturing them to sell them in the illegal pet trade are also responsible for their dwindling numbers. According to Global Wildlife Conservation, “For more than 40 million years, lemurs evolved in isolation on the island of Madagascar, free from competition from monkeys and apes,” but it took only 1,500 years of Homo sapiens on the island to wreck it all.

Biodiversity is the fabric of life on Madagascar. The economy largely relies on tourists coming to admire the unique fauna and flora of one of the largest biodiversity hotspots in the world, including baobab trees and lemurs.

In an attempt to reverse this sad trend, experts are planning a massive action plan for lemur conservation. According to Global Wildlife Conservation, $8 million was raised “for lemur conservation, which is now being disbursed to dozens of conservation projects.”

H/T: Global Wildlife Conservation

More like this: The 11 best places to travel to if you’re obsessed with monkeys

The post Lemurs, the cutest primates on earth, are almost all facing extinction appeared first on Matador Network.

Best things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda is famous for being one of the only places on Earth where you can get up close and personal with endangered mountain gorillas. While bushwhacking through Volcanoes National Park in search of the almighty silverback is an incredible experience, it’s also prohibitively expensive and only begins to reflect the epicness that Rwanda has in store for visitors. Whether you’re looking to round out your itinerary or find alternatives to gorilla trekking altogether, consider these nine adventures for the ultimate Rwandan vacation.

1. See the Big Five on a safari in Akagera National Park.

Photo: Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock

With all the hype surrounding gorilla and golden-monkey safaris in Rwanda, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you can also see the Big Five and other classic safari animals like cheetahs, hippos, and giraffes roaming about in Akagera National Park much like they do in neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti.

For the most authentic experience, book a stay at the Akagera Game Lodge. It’s the only lodge located within the park and sits just three miles from the south entrance. Rooms range from $115/night during the low season between April and May, to $140/night during the peak seasons of June through August and December. Breakfast is included.

2. Mountain bike, hike, or kayak along the Congo Nile Trail.

Photo: Travel Rwanda/Facebook

This roughly 140-mile trail is one of the top mountain-biking routes in all of East Africa. The Congo Nile Trail can be done in full in five days via mountain bike, eight days via kayak, or 10 days on foot, as well as broken up into smaller sections as you please.

You’ll weave through rolling hills, rural villages, tea plantations, and even Nyungwe National Forest Park while following the trail. There are several serviced campsites along the way and a few simple accommodations if camping isn’t your speed. And if all you want to worry about is the wind at your back and the vistas in the distance, you can arrange to go with guides, porters, and cooks who will take care of pretty much everything except pedaling.

3. Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in Volcanoes National Park.

Photo: erwinf./Shutterstock

Renowned primatologist Dian Fossey dedicated much of her life to studying mountain gorillas before she was killed in her cabin in the Virunga Mountains by what many suspect were the very poachers that endangered her research subjects. Fossey was buried in Volcanoes National Park in 1985 alongside a number of her ape friends, and today, her grave marks the endpoint of a popular hike for park visitors.

It’s a relatively tricky and undoubtedly muddy trek to reach Fossey’s burial site, so come prepared with sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and cover up in clothes that can get dirty. You’ll need a permit to enter the park, which you can either get in Kigali or at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi for around $75. There’s also a decent chance you’ll get to see gorillas in their natural habitat while you walk, so this particular excursion doubles as a budget option for those hoping to see the great apes without committing their wallets to a full-on, multi-day safari.

4. Pitch a tent on the shores of Lake Burera.

Photo: La Paillotte

Together with Lake Ruhondo, Lake Burera represents Rwanda’s scenic Twin Lakes region. Hiking is an excellent way to take in the views, but spending your days meandering around the lush landscape and your nights camping lakeside is even better. One of the best places to pitch your tent is on Cyuza Island, which sits in the middle of Lake Burera and gazes up at Mount Muhabura. The island is owned by a woman who also runs the La Paillotte hotel and restaurant in Musanze, where you’ll check in before catching a boat from nearby Rugarama. It isn’t the most convenient journey in the world, but after that first night of stargazing and feeling like you have the lake all to yourself, you’ll realize that it’s totally worth it.

5. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Land of a Thousand Hills on a helicopter tour.

Photo: Akagera Aviation/Facebook

Akagera Aviation offers helicopter tours of Rwanda that last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours and cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the route and the length of your excursion. Each of the company’s eight scenic tours flies over some combination of Rwanda’s greatest hits, including the Virunga volcano chain, Twin Lakes region, and Nyungwe. You’re also guaranteed to get a good look at Kigali considering the flights take off and land at Kigali International Airport.

6. Check out the crater lake at the summit of Mount Bisoke.

Photo: Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock

Eight volcanoes make up the Virunga Mountain range, five of which are located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While not the tallest — that title belongs to Mount Karisimbi — Mount Bisoke reaches an impressive elevation of 12,1275 feet and is the preferred climb for hikers of all experience levels. It takes roughly six hours round trip to summit, but experienced trekkers can probably get up and back in half that time.

While you’re welcome to climb Rwanda’s other volcanic peaks, none is as picturesque as Mount Bisoke with its photogenic crater lake. Just note that swimming is strictly prohibited no matter how sweaty you are after reaching the top.

7. Flex your water-sports muscles on Lake Kivu.

Kingfisher Journeys, Travel Rwanda/Facebook

The largest body of water in landlocked Rwanda and one of the African Great Lakes, this natural treasure is great not only for sunbathers and swimmers — don’t worry, you won’t find any crocs or hippos here — but also water skiers, windsurfers, and paddle-boarders. Lake Kivu has come to be known as Rwanda’s Costa del Sol because of its laid-back vibe, so even those unskilled at water sports can go fishing, book a boat cruise, or simply kick back with a beer and get some quality Rwandan R&R. Plan to stay for a few days if you’re coming from the capital as the lake sits a few hours outside of Kigali.

8. Grab your binoculars and go birding around the Albertine Rift.

Photo: feather collector/Shutterstock

The Albertine Rift spans much of East Africa and houses an incredible array of biodiversity. Birdlife is particularly prolific, making Rwanda and the rift’s other host countries some of the best places in Africa for birdwatching. Hundreds of species soar over the Albertine Rift year round, and just under 30 are endemic to the region.

There are seven Important Bird Areas scattered throughout Rwanda, but your best bet is without a doubt the Nyungwe National Forest Park. You can even arrange a $60/person canopy walk at the park’s reception center for the chance to be eye level with the treeline and see not only spectacular avian species, but also monkeys and other creatures up close.

9. Wind your way through the Musanze Caves.

Une publication partagée par Aaron C (@lifestyle4travel) le 21 Févr. 2018 à 9 :28 PST

Snaking just over a mile beneath Rwanda’s bright green countryside, the Musanze Caves are located on the outskirts of Ruhengeri, the capital of the Musanze district. Visitors have been invited to explore and say hello to the resident bat population since 2013, and the place has been outfitted with paved paths, trails, and staircases to make it more navigable. While not the most action-packed excursion on this list, touring the Musanze Caves is an absolute must for geology buffs and anyone else with an afternoon to spare.


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TSA might remove security screenings

If you fly out of a small regional airport in the not-too-distant future, you might notice a routine part of the flying experience has gone missing. According to a report from CNN, internal TSA documents show that the agency has considered removing security screenings from 150 US airports serving planes with 60 or fewer seats. The documents were originally compiled in 2011 and have resurfaced as of late, with CNN’s coverage bringing the issue to the public’s attention.

According to the reports, smaller aircrafts don’t provide as “attractive” of a “payoff” for terrorist attacks. The agency also predicts it would save a good deal of money — around $115 million per year — by removing checkpoints from the smallest federally-regulated airports. But don’t expect to breeze right onto the plane immediately — not everyone is on board with the plan. Under the condition of anonymity, two senior TSA officials expressed serious national security concerns about the proposal to reporters at CNN, but admitted that the concept is gaining steam at the agency.

In June of this year, 20 staffers were assigned to discuss the potential risks of ending security screenings at small regional airports. Following the meeting, a memo noting the group’s findings was presented to the TSA administrator’s chief of staff with no formal recommendations on moving forward.

The proposal is a striking variation from other recent TSA measures. In June 2017, the agency issued a laptop ban at over 250 airports in more than 100 countries, and also began requiring domestic passengers to remove all items larger than a cellphone from their carry-on bags when passing through security.

Even if this new proposal were to come to fruition, you won’t be entirely free of security screenings. Passengers and their bags will be subject to screening prior to entering the terminal at larger airports — essentially just moving the screening to the end of the flight instead of the beginning.

H/T: The Points Guy

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