Matador Network's Blog, page 129

A Super 8 Promotion Is Offering Rooms for $8.88 on One Day Only

The concept of a roadside motel is about as American as it gets, complete with vintage vacancy signs and pools surrounded by 1950’s-style loungers and plastic flamingos. But early motels like that were generally independently owned, often with the owners working the front desk, cleaning the rooms, and sometimes serving meals, too.

That changed with the introduction of the Super 8 motel chain. The first Super 8 motel opened in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1974, and was one of the first companies to embrace the concept of consistent experiences between multiple locations, focused on low-cost roadside lodging. “They’re fine for some occasions,” wrote stories about resort hotels in the 1970s, “but not when all you really want is a good night’s sleep.”

Photo: Super 8

The first Super 8 opened in 1974, so the brand is turning 50 years old in 2024. And in honor of the occasion, Super 8 is slashing prices back to 1974 rates. But you’ll need to be quick to book it.

The Super 8 promotion is available online starting on August 8 at 8 AM E.T., and probably will end no more than a few hours after it starts. That’s because only 888 “rooms” are available at the 1974 rate of $8.88 per room. Buyers don’t need to select dates or a hotel, though. Instead, $8.88 will actually get you 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points deposited in your Wyndham Rewards account. You’ll want to already have a free Wyndham Rewards account before you buy, since you’ll need a membership number to complete the purchase.

The Super 8 promotional release reads that the stays can be used in “nearly 2,700 locations worldwide,” but it may not cover a full night at every property. Super 8 motels in popular towns or during certain busy seasons may charge 30,000 or more points to cover one night of lodging. On the flip side, some less expensive hotels charge only 7,500 points, meaning you can get two nights for under $9.

Other limits to the Super 8 promotion include a maximum of one per person, and the points expire 18 months after purchase. So make sure you redeem them before February of 2026.

The history of America’s roadside motels

A vintage Googie motel in California. Photo: Kristof Bellens/Shutterstock

The motel is a quintessentially American lodging concept that emerged following the rise of automobile culture in the early 20th century, responding to the idea that the average American could drive far away from home. As roads improved and car ownership surged, the demand for convenient, easy, and affordable places to sleep near major highways emerged, especially in the American West. Before this, hotels were mostly in cities, as there weren’t a lot of people traveling by car between major destinations. The word “motel” was coined in the 1920s as a blend of “motor” and “hotel,” articulating the concept of a roadside lodging focused on drivers.

Most motels were (and still are) fairly basic, prioritizing low costs and convenience, since most customers are using them as rest stops rather than destinations unto themselves. But after WWII, motels started to become more common, and some motel owners tried to stand out with neon-lit signs and eye-catching architecture. Motels from the 1950s and 1960s that meet that specific design aesthetic are called “Googie-style.” Googie architecture is named after a now-demolished building called the “Googie’s Coffee Shop” in Hollywood, designed by famous architect John Lautner.

But by the 1970s, individually owned and custom-designed motels became less popular, replaced consistent well-known chains like Super 8. Today, most motels are owned by corporations rather than individuals, though some vintage motels are being revamped into trendy, more expensive stays.

The Super 8 brand is owned by Wyndham Hotel Group, which owns more hotel properties than any other hotel group — more than 8,000 worldwide.

More like thisTravelHow to Take a Great American Summer Road Trip

Africa Isn’t the Only Place to Go on a Safari. Scotland’s Wildlife Is Just as Fulfilling

The opening of the BBC’s Wild Isles series about the British Isles starts with deep authority.

“In my long life, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to almost every part of the globe and gaze upon some of its most beautiful and dramatic sights,” narrator Sir David Attenborough says. “But I can assure you that nature in these islands, if you know where to look, can be just as dramatic and spectacular as anything I’ve seen elsewhere.”

Scotland has a rich diversity of wildlife because of its geology and climate. Each area of the country has variable conditions and communities of wildlife and plants. These little pockets of nature are absolutely fascinating, and as Attenborough says, you just need to know where to look — and, as a Scot myself, I’d add when and how to look.

Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

To find the answers, I spoke with individuals and companies in Scotland who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting our coastal and inland native species. They share why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing and how travelers can view responsibly with a light footprint, and hopefully leave with an appreciation of how remarkable and precious the ecosystem is.

What is special about Scotland’s wildlife?

Aberdeenshire-based Wild Discovery is one of the best wildlife tour operators in the country. It’s owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Dan and Rachael Brown. They created the company to meet the needs of visitors coming to Scotland who want a nature-based experience but also want to support local initiatives and projects.

Dan and Rachael from Wild Discovery.Photo: Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is committed to giving back to the planet and the community. Its custom-made experiences, such as private boat excursions of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland, set them apart. In addition to these, they offer a range of set tours, including an e-bike safari. These tours not only introduce you to Scotland’s most precious wildlife, but also deepen your understanding of the connection between regional ecosystems and its need for protection.

Stag in Glencoe. Red deer are native to the UK.Photo: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

“There are very few places on the planet where people and the landscape are so intrinsically linked,” Rachael says. Wild Discovery tours not only showcase the best of Scotland’s nature, but also provide a fascinating insight into the history of the relationship between humans and wildlife. From viewing otters playing in replica Viking longships, Ospreys diving for fish from medieval castles, and orcas breaching with a backdrop of Iron Age dwellings, Scotland’s stunning landscape, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating human history add layers to the overall educational experience of Wild Discovery’s expeditions.

“There are too many fascinating species to cover,” Rachel says, “but on any day in Scotland, you could find a remarkable solar-powered sea slug (yes, it’s a thing, and it uses chloroplasts from the algae it eats to help give it extra energy by embedding them in itself), to carnivorous plants such as sundews that have sticky beads of digestive enzymes on the leaves to trap and consume insects.”

Female Emperor moth and Kentish Glory moth in Crathie, a village in Aberdeenshire.Photo: Wild Discovery

“At the same time, you could watch the only species other than ourselves that farms other animals — wood ants — and then marvel at hen harriers sky dancing, a beautiful ghostly white bird of prey. Scotland is more than just any one species. Much of our enjoyment comes from this remarkable meld of fascinating species that are all carving out extraordinary livings,” Rachel says.

75 percent of the UK red squirrel population lives in Scotland, but the numbers have seriously declined. Today, they are hard to find, but you might be lucky to spot them in the conifer forests of the Highlands and Dumfries and Galloway.  Photo: Wild Discovery The white-tailed eagle can be found in the Isle of Mull and off the West Coast of Scotland.  Photo: Visit Scotland/Anna Gault The best place to see otters is on the West Coast and islands. But they can be found across Scotland in rivers, lochs, and shores.  Photo: Wild Discovery

The holistic approach of Wild Discovery’s ethos lends itself well to nature. Everything from the fascinating lifecycle of the habitats of Scotland’s woodlands to the changing behavior of sea life due to rising ocean temperatures plays a role in the biosphere.

Morven Summers, the communications manager of Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), a marine conservation charity based in Tobermory on Mull, has worked with the trust on the island off the west coast of Scotland for nearly two decades. Before moving here, Summers admits they had no idea that Scotland’s waters attract so many whales and dolphins.

An orca breaching in Shetland. Sightings are more common in the summer months between May and August.Photo: Wild Discovery

The marine conservation charity researches and provides education on cetaceans — whales, dolphins, and porpoises — in the waters around the Hebrides. HWDT works with local communities to foster a sense of stewardship toward these marine animals and conducts crucial research that informs conservation efforts. The work has been instrumental in establishing marine protected areas for vulnerable species and directly contributes to the conservation of cetaceans along Scotland’s west coast.

Common dolphins bow-ride at the front of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s research vessel, Silurian.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

“More than a quarter of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have been recorded in Hebridean seas,” Summers says. HWDT has recorded 24 species. Some call Scotland home, others migrate to the waters to feed in the spring and summer months. At the same time, other visitors are quite rare and elusive, such as beluga whales, which are more commonly spotted around Alaska, Russia, Canada, and Greenland.

The most commonly spotted cetaceans are harbour porpoises, with the Hebridean waters having one of the largest population densities in Europe. You can also see minke whales. “The highest encounter rates are around the Small Isles (a small archipelago off the west coast) and east of the Outer Hebrides,” Summers says. Dolphins, which were once a rare sight, are becoming increasingly common in the waters, especially between April and October (although they have remained here throughout winter, too).

A common dolphin breaks the surface in the Sea of the Hebrides, with the Isle of Skye coastline in the background.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Orcas visit the coastal and offshore Hebridean waters year-round. “Tragically, only two old males — John Coe and Aquarius — have been spotted in recent years, prompting fears these are the last two of their kind, and with their demise, this unique group of ocra will be lost,” Summer says. You can read more about orcas and this pod on HWDT’s blog.

A basking shark glides off Coll Island, west of the Isle of Mull.Photo: Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock

And it’s not just cetaceans that people come to Scotland to spot. You can also see basking sharks. This gentle giant can grow up to the length of a double-decker bus, and although they may look terrifying, the solitary creatures are harmless filter feeders.

Basking sharks eat plankton, which blooms off the west coast of Scotland. “It’s so extensive, it can be seen from space,” Summers says. The mix of warm southern ocean currents, offshoots from the Gulf Stream, and cool coastal currents create nutrient-rich waters, which is why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for viewing cetaceans.

How to plan a Scottish wildlife safari

Highland cows at Kitchen Coos and Ewes, a farm that runs family-friendly tours near Newton Stewart in South West Scotland.Photo: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

Joining an expert-led tour is one of the best ways to go wildlife spotting in Scotland. Not only will you learn inside knowledge about the animals, but tours can also help guide you on the best practices for being in the natural habitat. If you are interested in sea life or coastal birds, it’s recommended that you choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. The organization is a UK-wide program specializing in responsible marine wildlife observation practices. You can also filter nature tours on the Visit Scotland site by location, who you are traveling with, your price range, and tour length.

A great place to start is by looking at the range of tours offered by Wild Discovery. These meticulously planned trips consider everything from organizing accommodations to dining at places that support local farmers and producers. They will also introduce you to people who work in conservation and rural initiatives and, of course, showcase the best of Scottish wildlife.

An adult osprey returning to its chicks in Deeside, west of Aberdeen. One of the best places to see ospreys is the Cairngorms National Park.Photo: Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery’s fully inclusive tours include transportation in Scotland, food and drinks, accommodation, and entrance fees to parks or reserves. These tours are led by Dan and Rachael and range from eight days in Shetland, nine days in the Outer Hebrides in summer, or learning about mammals in the Highlands. The full calendar of events showcases what’s available season by season.

Black grouse can be found in Glenmore Forest Park, Cairngorm National Park, and Galloway Forest Park in the southwest.Photo: Wild Discovery

Or you can join a half-day or full-day tour of the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeenshire, where you could see pine martens, red squirrels, golden and white-tailed eagles, and black grouse, to name a few. Wild Discovery also runs an eBike safari through the Cairngorms and upper Deeside, where you can explore a little farther than you would on foot without disturbing the environment. Lastly, you can take a customized tour of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland with a private group.

A minke whale surfaces alongside Silurian, HWDTs research vessel. Minke whales are the most abundant whale species in the Hebrides and HWDT have identified over 300 individuals off Scotland’s west coast. Some return to the same areas year-after-year, while others may be passing through and are recorded only once.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

If visiting Mull, and I highly recommend that you do, you can enquire about HWDT’s two citizen science programs, which are live-aboard expeditions on their research vessel, Silurian. These run from April to October and you can spend a week to 12 days exploring the Hebrides and helping gather data. Space is limited to six guests (and three crew), and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s ocean life.

Tips for responsible wildlife viewing and how you can give back

A group of observers keep a keen eye out for sea creatures during a headland watch at Rhue, just outside Ullapool in the north west Highlands — one of the Hebridean Whale Trail sites. Land based watching is a fantastic low-impact way to see wildlife which anyone can enjoy.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Enlist the help of a wildlife-safe operator: First and foremost, choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. These operators prioritize responsible interactions with wildlife.

If going alone, read the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code: Although the code pertains mainly to coastal wildlife spotting, it has some excellent tips that will help you in any environment in Scotland.

Keep to paths, nature reserves, and national parks: Scotland’s countryside is well managed by government organizations, private landowners, and non-profit organizations. Keeping to areas with clearly defined trails and places with information will help reduce your impact on habitats.

Respect the wildlife: A few basic rules of thumb are to maintain distance and use binoculars for better observation, avoid loud noises or sudden movements, and be mindful of nesting birds (even on the ground). Never approach mothers with young, and don’t linger too long, even if you’re being careful.

If you want to know here whales are, get the Whale Track app.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Download the Whale Track app: This app is free on both Android and Apple devices. It shows what’s been spotted and where. You can also check out the live sightings map on the HWDT site. HWDT encourages visitors to report any whales, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks they see.

Report dead animals: Note the location and contact NatureScot for advice.

Minimize disruptions: Always keep dogs leashed or leave them at home. Avoid strong perfumes or scents.

Respect the community: Be mindful of other wildlife watchers and local communities.

Leave no trace: Most important, don’t disturb the environment, tread lightly, and leave the area as beautiful as you found it.

More like thisTravelSlow Travel Scotland: How to See the Best of Alba

Africa Isn’t the Only Place to Go on a Safari. Scotland’s Wildlife Is Just as Fulfilling.

The opening of the BBC’s Wild Isles series about the British Isles starts with deep authority.

“In my long life, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to almost every part of the globe and gaze upon some of its most beautiful and dramatic sights,” narrator Sir David Attenborough says. “But I can assure you that nature in these islands, if you know where to look, can be just as dramatic and spectacular as anything I’ve seen elsewhere.”

Scotland has a rich diversity of wildlife because of its geology and climate. Each area of the country has variable conditions and communities of wildlife and plants. These little pockets of nature are absolutely fascinating, and as Attenborough says, you just need to know where to look — and, as a Scot myself, I’d add when and how to look.

Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

To find the answers, I spoke with individuals and companies in Scotland who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting our coastal and inland native species. They share why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing and how travelers can view responsibly with a light footprint, and hopefully leave with an appreciation of how remarkable and precious the ecosystem is.

What is special about Scotland’s wildlife?

Aberdeenshire-based Wild Discovery is one of the best wildlife tour operators in the country. It’s owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Dan and Rachael Brown. They created the company to meet the needs of visitors coming to Scotland who want a nature-based experience but also want to support local initiatives and projects.

Dan and Rachael from Wild Discovery.Photo: Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is committed to giving back to the planet and the community. Its custom-made experiences, such as private boat excursions of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland, set them apart. In addition to these, they offer a range of set tours, including an e-bike safari. These tours not only introduce you to Scotland’s most precious wildlife, but also deepen your understanding of the connection between regional ecosystems and its need for protection.

Stag in Glencoe. Red deer are native to the UK.Photo: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

“There are very few places on the planet where people and the landscape are so intrinsically linked,” Rachael says. Wild Discovery tours not only showcase the best of Scotland’s nature, but also provide a fascinating insight into the history of the relationship between humans and wildlife. From viewing otters playing in replica Viking longships, Ospreys diving for fish from medieval castles, and orcas breaching with a backdrop of Iron Age dwellings, Scotland’s stunning landscape, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating human history add layers to the overall educational experience of Wild Discovery’s expeditions.

“There are too many fascinating species to cover,” Rachel says, “but on any day in Scotland, you could find a remarkable solar-powered sea slug (yes, it’s a thing, and it uses chloroplasts from the algae it eats to help give it extra energy by embedding them in itself), to carnivorous plants such as sundews that have sticky beads of digestive enzymes on the leaves to trap and consume insects.”

Female Emperor moth and Kentish Glory moth in Crathie, a village in Aberdeenshire.Photo: Wild Discovery

“At the same time, you could watch the only species other than ourselves that farms other animals — wood ants — and then marvel at hen harriers sky dancing, a beautiful ghostly white bird of prey. Scotland is more than just any one species. Much of our enjoyment comes from this remarkable meld of fascinating species that are all carving out extraordinary livings,” Rachel says.

75 percent of the UK red squirrel population lives in Scotland, but the numbers have seriously declined. Today, they are hard to find, but you might be lucky to spot them in the conifer forests of the Highlands and Dumfries and Galloway.  Photo: Wild Discovery The white-tailed eagle can be found in the Isle of Mull and off the West Coast of Scotland.  Photo: Visit Scotland/Anna Gault The best place to see otters is on the West Coast and islands. But they can be found across Scotland in rivers, lochs, and shores.  Photo: Wild Discovery

The holistic approach of Wild Discovery’s ethos lends itself well to nature. Everything from the fascinating lifecycle of the habitats of Scotland’s woodlands to the changing behavior of sea life due to rising ocean temperatures plays a role in the biosphere.

Morven Summers, the communications manager of Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), a marine conservation charity based in Tobermory on Mull, has worked with the trust on the island off the west coast of Scotland for nearly two decades. Before moving here, Summers admits they had no idea that Scotland’s waters attract so many whales and dolphins.

An orca breaching in Shetland. Sightings are more common in the summer months between May and August.Photo: Wild Discovery

The marine conservation charity researches and provides education on cetaceans — whales, dolphins, and porpoises — in the waters around the Hebrides. HWDT works with local communities to foster a sense of stewardship toward these marine animals and conducts crucial research that informs conservation efforts. The work has been instrumental in establishing marine protected areas for vulnerable species and directly contributes to the conservation of cetaceans along Scotland’s west coast.

Common dolphins bow-ride at the front of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s research vessel, Silurian.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

“More than a quarter of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have been recorded in Hebridean seas,” Summers says. HWDT has recorded 24 species. Some call Scotland home, others migrate to the waters to feed in the spring and summer months. At the same time, other visitors are quite rare and elusive, such as beluga whales, which are more commonly spotted around Alaska, Russia, Canada, and Greenland.

The most commonly spotted cetaceans are harbour porpoises, with the Hebridean waters having one of the largest population densities in Europe. You can also see minke whales. “The highest encounter rates are around the Small Isles (a small archipelago off the west coast) and east of the Outer Hebrides,” Summers says. Dolphins, which were once a rare sight, are becoming increasingly common in the waters, especially between April and October (although they have remained here throughout winter, too).

A common dolphin breaks the surface in the Sea of the Hebrides, with the Isle of Skye coastline in the background.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Orcas visit the coastal and offshore Hebridean waters year-round. “Tragically, only two old males — John Coe and Aquarius — have been spotted in recent years, prompting fears these are the last two of their kind, and with their demise, this unique group of ocra will be lost,” Summer says. You can read more about orcas and this pod on HWDT’s blog.

A basking shark glides off Coll Island, west of the Isle of Mull.Photo: Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock

And it’s not just cetaceans that people come to Scotland to spot. You can also see basking sharks. This gentle giant can grow up to the length of a double-decker bus, and although they may look terrifying, the solitary creatures are harmless filter feeders.

Basking sharks eat plankton, which blooms off the west coast of Scotland. “It’s so extensive, it can be seen from space,” Summers says. The mix of warm southern ocean currents, offshoots from the Gulf Stream, and cool coastal currents create nutrient-rich waters, which is why Scotland is one of the best places in the world for viewing cetaceans.

How to plan a Scottish wildlife safari

Highland cows at Kitchen Coos and Ewes, a farm that runs family-friendly tours near Newton Stewart in South West Scotland.Photo: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

Joining an expert-led tour is one of the best ways to go wildlife spotting in Scotland. Not only will you learn inside knowledge about the animals, but tours can also help guide you on the best practices for being in the natural habitat. If you are interested in sea life or coastal birds, it’s recommended that you choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. The organization is a UK-wide program specializing in responsible marine wildlife observation practices. You can also filter nature tours on the Visit Scotland site by location, who you are traveling with, your price range, and tour length.

A great place to start is by looking at the range of tours offered by Wild Discovery. These meticulously planned trips consider everything from organizing accommodations to dining at places that support local farmers and producers. They will also introduce you to people who work in conservation and rural initiatives and, of course, showcase the best of Scottish wildlife.

An adult osprey returning to its chicks in Deeside, west of Aberdeen. One of the best places to see ospreys is the Cairngorms National Park.Photo: Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery’s fully inclusive tours include transportation in Scotland, food and drinks, accommodation, and entrance fees to parks or reserves. These tours are led by Dan and Rachael and range from eight days in Shetland, nine days in the Outer Hebrides in summer, or learning about mammals in the Highlands. The full calendar of events showcases what’s available season by season.

Black grouse can be found in Glenmore Forest Park, Cairngorm National Park, and Galloway Forest Park in the southwest.Photo: Wild Discovery

Or you can join a half-day or full-day tour of the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeenshire, where you could see pine martens, red squirrels, golden and white-tailed eagles, and black grouse, to name a few. Wild Discovery also runs an eBike safari through the Cairngorms and upper Deeside, where you can explore a little farther than you would on foot without disturbing the environment. Lastly, you can take a customized tour of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland with a private group.

A minke whale surfaces alongside Silurian, HWDTs research vessel. Minke whales are the most abundant whale species in the Hebrides and HWDT have identified over 300 individuals off Scotland’s west coast. Some return to the same areas year-after-year, while others may be passing through and are recorded only once.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

If visiting Mull, and I highly recommend that you do, you can enquire about HWDT’s two citizen science programs, which are live-aboard expeditions on their research vessel, Silurian. These run from April to October and you can spend a week to 12 days exploring the Hebrides and helping gather data. Space is limited to six guests (and three crew), and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s ocean life.

Tips for responsible wildlife viewing and how you can give back

A group of observers keep a keen eye out for sea creatures during a headland watch at Rhue, just outside Ullapool in the north west Highlands — one of the Hebridean Whale Trail sites. Land based watching is a fantastic low-impact way to see wildlife which anyone can enjoy.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Enlist the help of a wildlife-safe operator: First and foremost, choose a tour operator accredited by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme. These operators prioritize responsible interactions with wildlife.

If going alone, read the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code: Although the code pertains mainly to coastal wildlife spotting, it has some excellent tips that will help you in any environment in Scotland.

Keep to paths, nature reserves, and national parks: Scotland’s countryside is well managed by government organizations, private landowners, and non-profit organizations. Keeping to areas with clearly defined trails and places with information will help reduce your impact on habitats.

Respect the wildlife: A few basic rules of thumb are to maintain distance and use binoculars for better observation, avoid loud noises or sudden movements, and be mindful of nesting birds (even on the ground). Never approach mothers with young, and don’t linger too long, even if you’re being careful.

If you want to know here whales are, get the Whale Track app.Photo: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Download the Whale Track app: This app is free on both Android and Apple devices. It shows what’s been spotted and where. You can also check out the live sightings map on the HWDT site. HWDT encourages visitors to report any whales, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks they see.

Report dead animals: Note the location and contact NatureScot for advice.

Minimize disruptions: Always keep dogs leashed or leave them at home. Avoid strong perfumes or scents.

Respect the community: Be mindful of other wildlife watchers and local communities.

Leave no trace: Most important, don’t disturb the environment, tread lightly, and leave the area as beautiful as you found it.

More like thisSlow Travel Scotland: How to See the Best of Alba

How an International Trip to See Blink-182 Led to Disappointment, Then Redemption

It seemed too good to be true. Blink-182, my favorite band and a group my wife, Alisha, has been strong-armed into loving, playing in our favorite city on our 10th anniversary. Following the announcement in 2022 that guitarist and singer Tom Delonge would be returning to Blink-182 after his second hiatus from the group, the band would be recording a new album and hitting the road. I was ecstatic they’d be playing in Mexico City, a city my wife and I had been visiting for years and had grown quite attached to, for three nights over the date of our anniversary. I bought tickets for the night after our celebration. Getting to see them there would prove to be a pipe dream, but we were given a second chance this summer in Salt Lake City. Through excitement, disappointment, and a healthy dose of patience, we saw the band this summer and were reminded why live music is such an integral part of life – even when you have to travel (twice) to see it.

How I ended up taking my partner to see Blink-182 in Mexico City on our 10th anniversary

Photo: Karla Fajardo/Shutterstock

In mid-’90s suburbia, you couldn’t open a magazine or walk through a Sam Goody store without seeing the “12 CDs for a penny” ads. They were everywhere, and always appeared so scammy, even in glossy print. BMI and Columbia House Records, in a fight-to-the-death competition for teenage ears, tried desperately to lure kids into their “CD of the month” clubs, essentially by giving them a bunch of music for nearly free. You could pick any 12 CDs you want, from nearly any artist you could imagine. Just cover shipping and handling and allow six to eight weeks to arrive, the ads promised. Scammy as it sounded, I bought in.

It’s hard to overstate the impact that these mega-deals had on my life. At the risk of sounding pathetic, I’d go so far as to say that they made me the person I am today.

I don’t remember which one I signed up for first. But I’ll never forget the day a cardboard box containing 12 shrink-wrapped CDs showed up on the doorsteps of my parents’ house in Littleton, Colorado. I was in 6th or 7th grade, perhaps the summer in between the two – the age when you start noticing, and craving, what kids a couple years your senior are wearing at school or at the local amusement park. Such things as NOFX t-shirts and backwards Butthole Surfers caps were what caught my attention.

This box of CDs could stand today in a museum of ‘90s ska-punk nostalgia. I’d selected albums from all the bands I wanted to be into – Let’s Face It from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Losing Streak from Less Than Jake. Turn The Radio Off from Reel Big Fish. Goldfinger and Rancid were in there. And of course, one of the seminal albums of that era, Dude Ranch from Blink-182, which had just come out and featured the song “Dammit” that was in constant rotation on the local modern rock station.

I wholeheartedly embraced the excited feeling I had that day. Going forward, every dollar I earned mowing lawns or babysitting went to concert tickets. Rather than eating lunch at school I’d buy only an M&M cookie each day, hoarding the rest of the money my mom gave me for food to go to the record store every Friday and pick up a new CD. In high school I bought a Squire Stratocaster and hung out regularly at punk shows in Denver, and in college I started my own band in an attempt to be like my heroes. The “scene” became my life. That meant it inevitably became part of my relationships, for better or worse.

Alisha, of course, knew who Blink was when we started dating in 2013. She thought they were ok, but as she puts it, she never expected to marry a “Tom Delonge stalker.” Still, the band has been the soundtrack to much of our relationship. The idea of seeing them on a big anniversary seemed exciting.

A stinging disappointment

Delonge, Blink’s guitarist and co-lead-singer, is a frequent poster on social media. Three posts a day from him on Instagram isn’t uncommon, particularly when he’s on tour and seemingly bored stiff in the dressing room or on a plane. Shortly after we checked into our Airbnb in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood, I checked the ‘Gram to see if the band was in town yet, and if so, if they’d stumbled across any of my favorite taco stands or markets. Delonge, however, hadn’t posted in a few days, and even more concerning, there was nothing on his page about any of the band’s other announced tour dates in Latin America, which they should have been moving through over the couple weeks prior.

Something was amiss.

I found the news after Googling “Blink cancels Mexico City shows.” Drummer Travis Barker had hurt a finger and was unable to perform. The cancellation had been announced a couple weeks earlier. I’d heard nothing from StubHub, where I bought the tickets, about this, but realized I must have missed the band’s announcement on social media.

Just like that, our anniversary trip had fallen apart just as it’d started. I was disappointed, although I’d seen them several times before. When you’re making thousands of dollars per night, you don’t cancel shows – right? Alisha was irritated, mostly because she’d never seen them but had been listening to me blabber about how epic Tom’s raunchy jokes are for a full 10 years without context, and now she’d have to continue doing so.

The night that we were supposed to be at the Blink show we instead went to see an opera at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The performance was beautiful, but I was distracted. I actually felt let down by Blink-182, like they hadn’t held up their end of the bargain. After all, I’d shelled out $300 for two tickets, plus the cost of airfare and an Airbnb. The sting was similar to being betrayed by a friend or family member who you’d trusted.

A second chance in Salt Lake City

Tom Delonge. Photo: Tim Wenger

Several months later and after multiple rounds of back-and-forth with StubHub in an attempt to get our tickets refunded, Blink-182 announced an additional run of tour dates under the “One More Time” tour. The band promised to make up its canceled Latin America shows (which it did, save for the Mexico City date that our tickets would have been valid for). Also on the schedule were several cities that were skipped over the year before, including Salt Lake City, about four hours from where we now live in western Colorado. I grabbed two tickets to the SLC date in hopes that things would work out better this time.

Eight months after securing the tickets, we drove to Salt Lake City and checked into a hotel downtown. The night came together well, most notably because the band showed up. The guy sitting on the opposite side of me as Alisha (we’re old now and sit down at shows) was an old-school fan like myself and during the set change between the opener, Pierce the Veil, and Blink-182 we shared stories of seeing Blink and other punk bands back when tickets cost $10 instead of $150. Mark, Tom, and Travis walked onstage to The Undertaker’s theme song, a serious dose of retro. Say what you will about Mark and Tom – for 32 years their shows have been defined by corny, R-rated jokes that are easy to take out of context – but no band in history better understands the impact that nostalgia plays in maintaining an atmosphere at a concert and keeping fans (and the band’s bottom line) as engaged as possible. I’m 40 now, but singing along to “First Date” and “The Rock Show” feels as satisfying as it did at 17. They even played “Carousel,” the first song the band ever wrote and one of my all-time favorites (video of the song below).

 

Blink’s entire 90-minute set list was comprised of hit singles, quite an accomplishment for a band that sings almost exclusively about wistful relationship scenarios and teenage angst. Millions in my generation know the words to most of these songs, save for the closer, which was the new song “One More Time” about the band’s dramatic history.

Walking out of the venue to grab a nightcap at a nearby bar, I noted to Alisha how finally seeing the reunited Blink-182 felt like closing an outdated chapter in our relationship. It forced us, parents of a toddler also juggling hectic careers and with little time to connect, to step out of our routines for a short time to rekindle the sparks of our younger relationship. Alisha concurred. Flying to Mexico City to see the band, only to be disappointed when they didn’t show up, and then waiting nearly 18 additional months to finally see them in Salt Lake City, actually brought us closer together. In this sense, traveling for a concert is more than worth the hassle and cost. There’s no better excuse to let loose and remember when life was much simpler. Hopefully you only have to do it once, instead of twice.

Blink-182 has upcoming tour dates in Europe and the United States

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The First ‘bed and Beverage’ Hotel Offers a Chance to Slow Down in San Luis Obispo

Petit Soleil is a longstanding downtown San Luis Obispo landmark on the corner of Monterey Street and California Boulevard. originally dates back to 1952 and operated as a bed and breakfast for many decades — though today it has been transformed after a recent acquisition and remodel, reopening in 2024 and dubbing itself a “Bed & Beverage.”

The boutique property, with rooms around $213 per night, feels like a trip to Southern Europe, with its picturesque decor, sun-soaked courtyard and open patio space (adorned with a cozy firepit) — boasting the best of the Central Coast’s fresh air and friendly atmosphere.

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Upon checking in, you’ll step inside a warm and welcoming space that feels more like a friend’s living room than a hotel lobby. Behind the welcome desk, there’s a fully stocked bar (it’s open until 11 p.m.) and a smattering of seating, including rich blue velvety couches with marble-topped round tables. The hotel still uses real, metal keys — a small but powerfully charming detail that makes the visit feel more like a trip back in time.

Other quaint design elements within the common spaces include textured fabrics, enchanting artwork, and lush greenery that make the spaces feel fresh.

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

The in-room experience at Petit Soleil

Photo courtesy Petit Soleil

There are 17 rooms spread between two floors, each with its own unique European-inspired flair and details that pay homage to the local flavors of San Luis Obispo.

I stayed in the Herb de Provence room, which was bright and clean. The nature-inspired wallpaper seemed to bring the outdoors inside, featuring a collection of bees, butterflies, and birds on the surfaces behind the bed.

The green tiles of the walk-in shower in the remodeled bathroom were clean and modern, and the shining gold tones of the sink and lighting fixtures added an air of upscale flair.

Dried flowers, herb-inspired art pieces, soft yellow-tan velvet chairs surrounding a marble sitting table, hardwood floors, a dedicated workspace with a real telephone (bright yellow, resembling the traditional rotary style where you’d have to turn the wheel to dial and make a call) and green velvet textured made the space feel homey and elegant. But I might be biased — because green and yellow are my two favorite colors.

Other in-room amenities included plush robes, access to Apple TV and Wi-Fi, and access to the specially handcrafted mini-bar, which boasted a collection of special spirits, custom-made bottled cocktails and even real bar tools for those who want to create their own concoctions. As “masterful cocktail bar creators,” the founders of Good Lion Hospitality have opened five bar concepts — and are passionate about offering excellent beverage and culinary offerings (with as many as possible sourced locally).

Breakfast and beverages

Photo: Molly O’Brien

One fabulous benefit of staying here I personally enjoyed was the complimentary daily breakfast, which was cooked to order. I also appreciated partaking in the nightly “aperitif hour” sitting alfresco in the garden amongst the cozy decor and fire pit — perfect for a night of settling into relaxation.

Breakfast offerings from 8 – 10 a.m. include fresh-baked pastries and croissants from Front Porch Bakery (a local favorite), farmer’s market produce and fruits (San Luis Obispo is famed for its over-the-top, year-round farmers market) and Cal Poly-produced cheese (I tried to take the “cheese” class and “chocolate” class myself as a Cal Poly student—but they always filled up too quickly). There’s also pour-over coffee from locally sourced coffee beans by Coastal Coffee Collective.

During the aperitif hour starting at 5 PM, guests can indulge in a selection of Cal Poly cheeses, cured meats, house-made baked goods, fruit, wine, and local beer options — in addition to a selection of craft cocktails on the menu for purchase.

On the second morning on-site, I indulged in an Aperol spritz alongside my oatmeal breakfast, and I honestly think it was one of the best Aperol spritzes I’ve ever had (including during my time traveling across Southern Europe).

Other things to note about Petit Soleil

Photo: Molly O’Brien

Petit Soleil sits on the edge of downtown SLO, making it walkable to some of San Luis Obispo’s best restaurants, bars, and attractions (but is a quiet place to rest after a day and/or night of fun).

It’s within close driving distance to the top wineries in the area in Edna Valley, and just 15 minutes from the coast (Pismo Beach and Avila Beach are two of my favorite beach destinations nearby — and it’s even better there’s no need to worry about dealing with pesky SoCal or San Francisco traffic on the Central Coast).

Plus, I think it’s neat you could stay at this hotel 17 times and, in theory, have a new experience each time by spending the night in a different room. Also, I love the little touches you can appreciate here that make it a truly “local” property — like the fact that the napkins you’ll use at breakfast are sourced from a San Luis Obispo quilting and fabric shop owned by two sisters (and no two napkins are the same, either).

The hotel staff is comprised of knowledgeable and friendly “SLOcals” who can offer you insight into the best things to do around town (many of which are local secrets that can’t be found in any official city guidebook).

San Luis Obispo itself emits a special sort of relaxed and naturally happy charm that, from my experience, can’t be found in many other places in the world. It’s a special place to be — and Petit Soleil is a great spot to stay to experience some Central Coast magic.

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Why Scots Are Obsessed With Bagging Scotland’s 282 Munro Mountain Peaks

I returned to my home country of Scotland after 15 years overseas just as COVID-19 closed borders. For many, lockdown in the Scottish countryside wasn’t that different. I was fortunate to have an outdoor playground on the other side of my door where I could roam freely for miles without rubbing shoulders with others. I spent summer evenings wild swimming, foraging in woodlands, and trekking more mountains in two years than I had in my entire life.

Particularly when it comes to the last activity, it appears I was not the only one. Instagram was flooded with pictures of friends and family summiting Scotland’s 282 Munros — a designated group of mountains that are over 3,000 feet high. Scotland seemed to have caught “Munro fever.” Due to my absence from my homeland for most of my adult life, I put this down to COVID-19 restrictions. Although this was a catalyst, little did I know how integral hill walking is to Scottish culture.

What are Scotland’s Munros?

Scotland is home to thousands of mountains and hills, but only 282 have been granted the status of a Munro. They are named after Sir Hugh Munro, a founding member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club, who surveyed and cataloged the peaks in his 1891 publication, Munro’s Tables. The list is frequently checked and revised (resulting in some being scratched off) by the Scottish Mountaineering Club following the exacting nature that Munro employed when taking his measurements.

Munros vary in difficulty, from those you can summit with a general fitness level to snow-capped peaks and razer sharp ridges where you need a high level of climbing experience and the nerves of Sir William Wallace.

Sgurr Dearg the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye is regarded not only as the hardest Munro to attain, but also the most difficult major peak in the British Isles. Photo: Jez Campbell/Shutterstock

The challenge of climbing all 282 is known as Munro bagging. It has become a fascination for hikers worldwide, particularly as bagging all 282 earns you the respected title of Compleatist or Munroist. Over 6,000 people have completed the Munro rounds, and there are extraordinary feats such as that of ultra-runner James Aarons, who currently holds the fastest round record at just 31 days, 10 hours, and 27 minutes.

Having a dozen or so in our pocket is still worth a humble brag for us mere mortals. Climbing in Scotland is more than ticking routes off the list. It’s a chance to get out into Scotland’s wild beauty and visit parts of this diverse country and its islands. Walking in Scotland allows you to experience some of Scotland’s finest iconic natural features, such as lochs, glens, and heather-covered moors. A Munro climb could also take you to the extremes — the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis; the UK mainland’s narrowest ridge walk; the Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe; or Braeriach, a peak with an area that has been snow-free just five times since the 1700s.

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. Photo: Brian Blades/Shutterstock

To better understand Scotland’s fascination with walking and to get some tips on bagging Munros, I spoke with Helen and Paul Webster, co-founders of one of the top walking resources in the UK, Walkhighlands, and the remarkable young Scot Scott Beveridge, who recently completed all 282 Munros over three years and four months at the age of 28.

Scotland is one of the best countries in the world for hiking

“Discover the real Scotland…one step at a time,” says the Walkhighlands homepage. The website is a bible for walking enthusiasts, with details of over 2,200 hikes across Scotland. Helen and Paul Webster, now in their early 50s, have dedicated the last 17 years to building the resource.

Helen and Paul Webster of Walkhighlands. Photo: Walkhighlands

The couple met through a hiking group. After taking a year off from their office jobs to hike 4,000 miles across Europe, they concluded that walking is the best way to experience any place.

“Going at a slow pace, you get to meet local people, see wildlife, experience the weather (good or bad), and have time to relax and soak up the scenery and natural environment,” say the couple over email. It also made them realize that they are not the only people who love to explore a country on foot. “We knew we wanted to try and base the rest of our lives on sharing how the outdoors can enrich our lives and encouraging others to get outdoors.”

Walkhighlands, which now has a helpful app where users can download maps and route descriptions to use offline (and see their location in real-time), has over 35,000 daily visitors. This is impressive not only considering the size of Scotland, but also because this community is thriving with members sharing their experiences, asking questions, gathering in person, and even a few who have tied the knot after meeting on a hike. The site and app are free, and the Websters state it will remain so.

Walkhighlands’ app allows you to find walks in your area and download a detailed routes to your phone. Photo: Walkhighlands

Due to Scotland’s diverse topography, there’s a walk for all experience levels, from a coastal stroll to a challenging Munro. That’s one of the reasons why it’s one of the best countries in the world to adopt slow travel. Walking for the Websters is the “purest form of slow tourism.” It allows time to decompress and fully take in the people, nature, and the climate of Scotland. And even if the weather puts a damper on things — trust me, it’s as unpredictable (or perhaps as predictable) as the Scotland rugby team — it always provides a talking point.

In so many ways, the landscape is part of the identity of Scots.

Scott Beveridge climbing Sgurr Dubh Mòr in the Isle of Skye. Photo: Scott Beveridge

Hiking is widely accessible in Scotland, thanks to our right to roam laws, which allow people to access most areas of the Scottish countryside. These are a blessing to Scots. They come with understandable limitations, especially regarding farmland and private gardens, and a list of rules set out in the Scottish Access Code. These regulations are “common sense rules,” say the Websters. Walkhighlands is again a superb resource for reading up on the code.

Why are Scots so obsessed with bagging Munros?

Scott Beveridge summiting his final Munro, Stob na Broige, in Glencoe. Photo: Scott Beveridge

On April 20, after three years and four months, Scott Beveridge summited his final Munro, Stob na Broige, in Glencoe with the support of his friends and family. This was a life-changing experience for Beveridge, who shares with me that he was feeling overweight and unmotivated about life at the beginning of his journey.

He bagged his first Munro, Ben Vorlich, with his sister in 2017, but it wasn’t until COVID-19 that he truly started his challenge. “I soon became addicted to the beautiful views and the way it helped me physically and mentally,” he says. Beveridge is not the only Scot who takes to the hills to support their wellbeing. I often walk through worries, and over the years the mountains have been therapy for me.

Although many Scots have a Munro or two they can boast about, the number of Compleatists is humble because it is extraordinarily hard — physically and logistically — to climb all 282. Factor in the sacrifices you need to make, and reaching this goal in a lifetime is impressive. Doing so in a handful of years is remarkable.

Beveridge on Beinn Sgritheall that towers above the tiny village of Arnisdale on Loch Huorn. Photo: Scott Beveridge

I spoke with Beveridge about some of the more challenging times on the mountains, the long drives, navigation, and the physical endurance needed for the more complex routes. “My biggest day on the hills was The Mullardoch 12.” On this day, Beveridge summited 12 mountains over 22 hours. “It was over 35 miles with a total ascent of 5,000 meters,” he continues.

One of the hardest Munros is the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye. Although this includes a hair-raising rock climb and abseil, it was one of Beveridge’s favorite days.

The Inaccessible Pinnacle. Photo: Scott Beveridge

Beveridge says there’s something addictive about hill climbing, and he didn’t stop at 282 Munros. The now 29-year-old recently smashed the UK’s Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales. Beveridge did this with friends in under 20 hours, raising over $2,500 for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK in honor of his father, who suffers from the disease.

If you want to try a Munro, check out Beveridge’s Instagram. It’s inspirational, to say the least, and he’s doing it all over again, “I’m nine Munros into round two,” he says.

Tips for visitors considering bagging their first Munro

Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro. At 3,193 feet, it’s one of the most popular in Scotland. Photo: Pete Stuart/Shutterstock

Taking on the challenge to climb a Munro or two on a trip to Scotland is more than doable. Here are a few tips from the Websters and Beveridge.

Make sure you can read a map and compass: As the Websters advise, many UK routes lack waymarking or formalized trails. To navigate these, it’s advisable to download the Walkhighlands app and save maps offline. This is particularly important as cell signal in remote areas of Scotland can be unreliable.Try an easier route first: The Websters suggest starting with Ben Lomond, overlooking Loch Lomond. It’s the Munro most Scots have bagged. There’s a clear path, and you don’t need to train (although a reasonable fitness level is required). It’s also close to Glasgow, making it an easy day trip if you’re staying in the city.The weather will make or break your experience and is likely to change: Scotland can have all four seasons in one day. That means you need to dress appropriately and layer up. Try not to let a little rain deter you. If it does, you’ll never get outdoors in Scotland. Remember, the Websters add, that it’s much windier at the top, so pack everything you need in your day pack. Of course, there might be circumstances when the weather changes suddenly, and if this is a concern, always turn back. In winter, you’ll need appropriate gear. In some instances, this will mean crampons and an ice axe. If you’re not a well-seasoned climber, venturing out in the colder months is not advised.Get a support group: Walkhighlands has a great community of experienced climbers who often meet in person, so consider teaming up with a group of locals and like-minded folk. You can also hire a professional guide, even for leisurely climbs, who can share knowledge of the area’s route, wildlife, and history. More like thisSlow Travel Scotland: How to See the Best of Alba

A New Instagram Wildlife Filter Will Tell You When You’re Too Close to Wild Animals

The intersection of tourism and wildlife conservation is increasingly fraught with peril, as anyone who’s been active on social media in the last few years has probably seen. Instagram has highlighted a disturbing uptick in unsafe wildlife encounters, usually centered around the “touron” — a portmanteau of “tourist” and “moron,” encapsulating tourists whose behavior poses a significant threats to both themselves and the natural world.

Tourons, often driven by a combination of a desire for instagram photos and a lack of awareness and outdoor knowledge, are almost always to blame when a wildlife encounter turns bad. The vast majority of the time, negative animal encounters are caused by people who disregard distance guidelines, don’t properly store food, and fail to take the basic steps to learn how to act around animals. If you walk up to a bison to try to pet it, you can be surprised when it charges at you to defend itself — wild animals are, after all, wild.

Some outdoorsy towns have gone so far as to make parody promo videos using real footage of tourons to try to educate visitors on safe behavior, as with the clever YouTube video below.

But Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a mountain town known to be rife with both tourists and wildlife, debuted a clever solution to help minimize instances of bad behavior and keep animals (and humans) safer in the process. A new Instagram wildlife filter launched by the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism board uses simple augmented reality tech to tell you when you’re too close to wildlife. “Wildlife are at home here in the Tetons, even if it’s on the side of the road or trail,” reads the program website. “Humans are just guests.”

Using the Instagram wildlife filter is easy. Users can access the filter by clicking this link on their mobile devices. That will open the filter on Instagram, and the filter will remain as an options on future Instagram stories, even after you close Instagram. When using it, you’ll see five icons with shapes of animals. Choose the animal you’re photographing, and the filter will superimpose that icon on your screen. If the real-life animal on your camera screen is bigger than the icon, it means you’re too close. Currently, five species are available: grizzly bear, bison, elk, moose, and black bear.

 

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Whether you’re taking photos or not, it’s important to respect each species’ space. In generally, the more dangerous and faster an animal can move, the further away you need to be. Getting too close can not only endanger the animal, yourself, and people around you, but it’s also illegal. You should always stay at least 100 yards away from grizzly and black bears (and any other large carnivore, like mountain lions), and 25 yards away from bison, moose, and elk. The latter is especially important to remember around Jackson Hole, as the town is home to the US National Elk Reserve, and elk are known to wander through town year-round.

A tourist standing far too close to a bear in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Tom Reichner/Shutterstock

While not getting too close to wildlife is an important and essential step anyone visiting outdoorsy areas needs to take, it’s not the only one. Visiting outdoor destinations, including national parks, comes with a responsibility to know the law and the local rules. In most places like Jackson Hole, that means educating yourself on proper bear behavior, doing your part to help keep communities livable for locals, observing posted speed limits to reduce animal-car collisions, and maintaining proper control over dogs.

On that note, remember that the minimum distances for humans and wildlife are the same for dogs and wildlife — and it’s owners who are on the hook for a fine of up to $1,000 if their furry friends break the law.

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In Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Experience and Support the Heart of Traditional Coffee Culture

“Coffee can’t wait; it dictates what it needs and when, and we have to listen,” Delfina Porras Solís from Alto El Vapor coffee farm explained, looking out over the vast expanse of lush green coffee plants her family has cultivated for generations. We’d just maneuvered our way up the side of a mountain, standing in the back of the family’s blue pickup to reach their high-altitude farm in Santa María de Dota, Costa Rica. The ride was dotted with views of rich, rust-colored soil, banana trees, ripe avocados, and coffee plants.

Breathless from the altitude and the views, I listened as Porras Solís and her family shared exactly how their lives have revolved around the planting, cultivating, harvesting, and processing of coffee for generations. Recently, they’ve added a tourism aspect to the business to make it more viable.

Their story mirrors that of many farmers at other micro beneficios, or small coffee farms, across the region. However, these farming families now face a troubling chapter marked by the decline of traditional organic coffee farming. For the past few years, small farmers have contended with labor shortages, rising material costs, and expanding coffee cooperatives that set low rates. Not to mention more animate issues like beetles the size of poppy seeds that burrow into ripe coffee beans, potentially destroying entire harvests if not caught in time.

It’s a livelihood that doesn’t allow for much rest. As Porras Solís said, the coffee dictates when you must act and when you can rest.

Seeing this firsthand — hearing the challenges and tasting the difference between coffee grown organically and with pesticides — made for an eye-opening adventure in the Costa Rican cloud forest. One I wasn’t expecting, to be honest.

Now, as I scoop my coffee into the French press each morning, I think of Delfina, her mother Mayra, her family, and incredible organic coffee growers like Doña María and Rodrigo. These individuals have made a livelihood cultivating this magical fruit for the world to experience. For them, coffee represents life, community, and family. After exploring this region, my morning ritual holds a much deeper meaning, and every sip is accompanied by profound gratitude.

No one, not even the coffee-governing organizations, knows how much longer traditional organic coffee farming will remain viable. To help preserve these pesticide-free methods, families in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, especially in Santa María de Dota and Naranjo, are turning to rural tourism.

Traditional organic coffee farming is the heart and soul of Costa Rican coffee and has supported communities for over a century. By visiting, you can enjoy world-class coffee while supporting the conservation of these traditions and the communities that uphold them.

Getting to the Central Valley

Photo: Serge Goujon/Shutterstock

The Central Valley is one of the most accessible destinations in Costa Rica, as it surrounds the capital city of San José. Although it’s not commonly visited by tourists, due to the strong agricultural industry here, the roads are not as daunting as some areas of the country, priming the area for tourism.

Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport and add three or four days to your Costa Rica itinerary to explore this remarkable region that’s perfect for coffee lovers, foodies, birders, and adventure seekers alike. Then, you can continue to other Costa Rica favorites like Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Peninsula Papagayo, or Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Blue Zone.

While you can rent a car and drive the region, hiring a local guide for the Central Valley will allow you access to more off-the-beaten-path farms and experiences. Some, like Christhian Ureñam, Co-owner of Peregrinus Expeditions, actually grow their own coffee for fun and share it with those they lead throughout the country.

Your coffee fix in Naranjo

Coffee farms to visit

Photo: Sara Iannacone

Café Arbar, a hidden gem in the hills of Naranjo, is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, Don Carlos and Doña María Arrieta Barboza.

While their coffee is delicious, don’t leave without tasting the tea and wine. Both are produced with the husks of dried coffee cherries and are naturally sweetened with the mucilage, a fibrous honey layer surrounding the fruit. After the experience, I’m a coffee bean tea convert and prefer the lighter caffeinated alternative.

Tours are offered daily and cost approximately $40 per person, but they must be booked in advance. The easiest way to reserve is via your hotel, which will pair you with a bilingual guide. However, if you speak Spanish, you can message them via Instagram or email to reserve directly.

Photo: Sara Iannacone

For a facility that’s still locally owned but has larger production and a more commercial tour, visit Hacienda Espíritu Santo. Owned by a coffee cooperative in the area that produces coffee beans for big names like Starbucks, it offers five guided tours daily with bilingual guides for approximately $20 per person. It’s not typically crowded, so you can just walk in or call to reserve in advance if you want to be extra sure you’ll have a spot.

Try both tours to experience the difference between small- and large-scale production facilities.

Where to stay

Photo: Sara Iannacone

Chayote Lodge, a former coffee farm turned hotel in the heart of a Central Valley cloud forest, is the ultimate stay for coffee lovers. Each of the comfortable bungalows, dubbed Recibidor Suites, is modeled after Costa Rican recibidores, or coffee-receiving stations, which you’ll still see peppering the streets of the Central Valley if you look for them. These traditional structures were historically where small coffee farmers would bring their harvest to be processed at larger mills.

The bungalows’ walls are adorned with authentic burlap coffee sacks and recycled wood fixtures, while the private suspended decks offer views of coffee farms in the Central Valley and the imposing volcanoes.

The best part is falling asleep, listening to the rain showering on the tin roof, and watching the storm hover above San José in the distance. Rates start around $225 per night.

What to do

Photo: Sara Iannacone

Spend an afternoon coffee tasting with Erasmo Arrieta. Arrieta is a certified coffee connoisseur, owner of Ciencia del Sabor, and (you may have guessed it) cousin of Don Carlos Arrieta of Café Arbar. It comes as no surprise that coffee runs in the family, as you’ll find it usually does in this area of Costa Rica.

Arrieta has studied coffee around the globe and has a penchant for finding the highest quality coffee for brands worldwide. His team has a tasting room and travels for coffee experiences throughout the region.

He sets up the ultimate station for you to explore the art of cupping, aka professional coffee tasting. You learn to rate coffee by picking up the aromas, flavors, body, acidity, uniformity, balance, and more. Every aspect of the experience is based on standards set by the global trade association, Specialty Coffee Association, so you’re truly an expert by the end.

Your coffee fix in Santa María de Dota

Coffee farms to visit

Photo: Sara Iannacone

Alto El Vapor is a family-owned coffee farm pioneering rural tourism in Santa María de Dota, a community that depends 100 percent on coffee cultivation. Arriving at their home first thing in the morning, you’ll hop in the back of a truck and hitch a ride to the family’s farm. Those who fear heights may want to brace themselves, as the farm is one of the highest-altitude farms not only in Santa María de Dota but also Costa Rica at large.

Half-day tours are approximately $40 per person. They include a tour of the 6,500-foot-high farm and corresponding coffee processing facilities and a professional coffee tasting of the farm’s magnificent beans in the family’s home, culminating with a home-cooked, traditional Costa Rican lunch. If there’s one thing I’d say you can’t miss in the region, this is it. Experiences can be booked via Instagram DM.

You can visit a handful of other micro beneficios, including Los Eucaliptos and La Chumeca, within 20 minutes of Alto El Vapor.

Where to stay

Photo: Sara Iannacone

Designed to be a birder’s paradise, Paraiso Quetzal Lodge is also a prime jumping-off point for local coffee adventures. The estate offers basic private cabins starting at $125 per night and a large main lodge where you’ll feel miles away from civilization, up in the clouds with metallic hummingbirds flitting by constantly.

The property has a network of trails where you can stumble across a stunning waterfall and hundreds of local bird species. When planning your hike, consider the altitude and give yourself some time to climb back up. If you’re a sea-level dweller like me, you’ll want to take a few breaks as the lodge sits at over 8,500 feet in the heart of the Talamanca mountain range.

The lodge also offers a daily birding tour, which is where I saw my first majestic emerald quetzal. I seriously considered becoming a birder after witnessing such beauty. Even for non-birders, it really is a little slice of paradise.

The lodge’s meals were some of the best I had in Costa Rica, which is good because there aren’t many other dining options in the area. I indulged in local trout with passion fruit sauce, beef with mushroom sauce, and traditional breakfasts with plenty of gallo pinto (a Costa Rican rice dish that’s a breakfast staple) and sweet plantains.

One thing to note is that there is limited cell service, and the WiFi connection is spotty in some cabins, so be ready to go off-grid and reconnect at the lodge during the day.

If you want something a bit more upscale, try Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa or Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota nearby. It’s more of a drive to the coffee farms, but the town has easier access to adventure sports, birding and hiking, restaurants, and small shops.

What to do

Photo: Joshua ten Brink/Shutterstock

One unique foodie highlight you can’t miss in this fruitful region is a vineyard tour. It’s not coffee, but it’s a perfect pairing.

Copey Estate Winery is the first commercial winery in Costa Rica. It’s not only figured out how to grow grapes in a non-traditional region, but it’s also making magic with uchuvas, or golden berries.

The winery offers standard daily, family, and private tours, starting at $85 per person, including tax. You explore one of the vineyards and the golden berry plantation before tasting three wines, the golden berry liqueur, and the low-ABV sparkling beverage they make with the same berries.

The best time to visit the Central Valley

Photo: Sara Iannacone

The best time to visit Costa Rica to experience coffee culture is harvest season. The kicker, though, is that harvest season depends on the altitude of the crops.

For example, the best time to visit Alto El Vapor and Santa María de Dota is around February and March, whereas for Cafe Arbar in Naranjo, it’s December. Even if you can’t hit them all during the harvest, planning to visit around those months will drastically change the landscapes, with plump, red berries maturing on each tree.

I visited in July, and frankly, it wasn’t a great time for coffee tours. It was extra green due to the rainy season, which was beautiful, but this also made day trips unpredictable after 10 AM. A downpour is pretty much guaranteed every afternoon, and while that’s great for relaxing in the comfort of a bungalow, it’s not the best for trekking through coffee fields. Since many of these farms are off the beaten path, visiting during a downpour is not always safe or comfortable.

Plus, during this time of year, you won’t experience the essence of harvest season when entire Indigenous communities from around Central America come to the region to help locals hand-pick berries for processing. Every farmer told me the energy is palpable during that time of year. And since all coffee in Costa Rica is hand-picked, it’s an inevitably spirited season.

Pro tip: Pack boots no matter what season you go. It’s muddy out there, and my sneakers didn’t stand a chance.

How to support small local coffee farms

Photo: Sara Iannacone

One thing to remember as you’re planning your caffeinated adventure through the Central Valley is that much of the area is still new to tourism. While you can easily book coffee tours at places like Hacienda Doka or Starbucks’ first coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia, with a quick click, I urge you to seek out small coffee farms in the local community, too.

You can search social media, ask the local chamber of commerce or tourism board, use regional tour companies, or contact Erasmo Arrieta via WhatsApp for an experience and suggestions.

Booking these local coffee experiences can often take more work, as communication is typically handled through WhatsApp or social media rather than a website or email. This approach is more manageable and cost-effective for the farms, as many are also out working in the fields daily.

However, the extra effort is truly worthwhile. It offers an authentic glimpse into the heart and soul of local coffee culture in Costa Rica, which is far beyond what more manufactured versions can provide and helps these communities preserve tradition and livelihoods.

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How to See Scotland’s Most Inaccessible Islands on a Small-Ship Cruise

St. Kilda is arguably Scotland’s most storied island destination. The archipelago, inhabited for 4,000 years and evacuated of its last 36 inhabitants in 1930, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of nearly one million seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffin. While intriguing, the westernmost island in Scotland is, unsurprisingly, a hard place to reach. But it’s not impossible. St. Hilda Sea Adventures is one of a handful of Scottish small-ship cruise lines that can take you there.

Every year from April to October, St. Hilda Sea Adventures, a family-run business that started in 2006, takes travelers on cruises past the many islands of the Hebrides archipelago. The Hebrides, located off the west coast of Scotland, consist of the Inner Hebrides (the islands that are closest to the mainland), and the Outer Hebrides (farther from the mainland). Kilda belongs to the latter.

“St Kilda is on the bucket list for many of our guests,” says Julie, a director and manager of St Hilda Sea Adventures. “Its remoteness, its history, and its wildlife are a tremendous draw. That is why we have over 10 cruises to the archipelago every season.”

The cruise line’s most popular sailing, and the one that is best suited for first-timers in Scotland, is the Mull Odyssey Cruise that travels around the Inner Hebrides, including the islands of Staffa, Iona, and the Isle of Mull in six or eight nights.

Photo: St. Hilda Sea Adventures

“The cruise is incredibly varied. For example, we visit the puffin colony on Lunga, Iona Abbey, Fingal’s cave on Staffa, and the colorful town of Tobermory,” Julie explains. But the St Kilda and the Shiants voyage is a close second. The 10-night cruise is an island and wildlife-packed trip to isolated islands and bays where its easy to spot sea and golden eagles, many species of seabirds, basking sharks, orca and minke whales, porpoises, dolphins and seals. For a deeper dive into local wildlife, St. Hilda Sea Adventures also organize guided wildlife cruises with wildlife experts on board.

Atlantic puffin and dolphins are some of the wildlife you can see during a Hebridean island cruises. Photo: St. Hilda Sea Adventures

St. Hilda Sea Adventures has four small ships. There’s the St. Hilda, a traditional, wooden ex-tall ship (a rigged sailing vessel) that can hold six passengers. There’s also the 11-passenger Seahorse II (an ex-Norwegian ferry), eight-passenger Gemini Explorer (an ex-cruising lifeboat), and the eight-passenger Spiederen (an ex-Norwegian rescue ship). “All four ships have been converted to cruise the western islands of Scotland in comfort and style,” Julie says.

Cruises to the Inner Hebrides vary from five to eight nights, while the 10-night longer cruises go to St. Kilda and the Outer Hebrides. Prices depend on whether you opt for a basic cabin or a full en-suite, ranging from about $246 per night on the St. Hilda to about $506 per night on the Speideren. Included in that are all meals (locally sourced food and specialty produce are the highlights), fruit, morning coffee, afternoon tea, and a pre-dinner aperitif and wine with dinner.

“The plan is for our guests to go ashore every day,” Julie says. “Aboard our vessels there is a folder with a list of things to do and places to visit. The crew are always very happy to help guests organize their time ashore, booking, for example, the visit of a garden or a whisky distillery. Also onboard are specialist books on local walks and Ordnance Survey maps to help guests plan their time ashore. The crew are able to suggest walks of various difficulty and length at every stop. On some cruises we include a tour. For example on The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Explorer: Lewis and Harris cruise, we include in the cost of the cruise a tour to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, a traditional crofters’ Blackhouse and a spectacular white sandy beach and turquoise ocean.”

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How to Embrace Scottish Wild Swimming

Chris Sifleet hates flat water. For the renowned British open-water swimmer, a good swim is one that takes place outside, preferably while battling the elements. And over the course of her 50 years of experience as a professional wild swimmer, she has had a fair share of excitement in the waters of Great Britain.

Beyond swimming across Torbay in Devon multiple times (four miles each way), Sifleet has swum the length of Windermere, England’s largest lake, and back (10.5 miles each way), as well as the length of Lake Bala, the largest natural lake in Wales (3.5 miles). She is also the first woman to have swum from Eddystone Lighthouse to Plymouth (14 miles), from Weymouth to Lulworth Cove and back (15 miles), and the first person to have ever swum from Mewstone Rock in Dartmouth to Torquay (12 miles). Her most impressive achievements, however, are her two crossings of the English Channel: She swam the arduous 21 miles once in 1976 in 14 hours and 56 minutes, and once more in 1979 in 20 hours and 15 minutes.

With that kind of experience, it’s only natural that Sifleet has become a professional open water swimming coach. Nowadays, she owns and runs Inchbaggers, a wild swimming coaching business located in Loch Lomond, Scotland (part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first national park.) She shares her extensive knowledge with those who want to complete some of the most challenging swims in the world through Inchebaggers, but also with beginners who have little to no experience about wild swimming — and even nervous swimmers.

“It is a sport for all ages, all sizes, all levels of ability,” she explains in an email.

Loch Lomond, just one hour and 15 minutes by train from Glasgow, or 50 minutes by car, is an ideal spot for wild swimmers. There are about 20 islands of varying sizes in the loch, allowing swimmers to set ever-increasing goals in their long-distance swimming ambitions.

“I escort swimmers with a kayak or boat to swim anywhere from 200 meters [656 feet] around Swan Island, all the way up to across the loch [3.5 miles], and the whole length of the loch [21.6 miles],” she says. “I take so much joy in seeing swimmers achieve their aims. That great big smile at the end of a swim where they have had to work but have done more than they ever dreamed of doing.”

In short, if you want to embrace wild swimming in Scotland, Sifleet is your woman no matter your skill level or experience. I talked to her to get the lowdown on everything first-time wild swimmers need to know before they get in Scottish waters.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador Network: What advice do you give to people swimming in Scotland’s waters for the first time?

Chris Sifleet: Sign up for an introduction to open-water swimming course with a trained professional. The course should cover safety, equipment, where to swim, and give you an introductory swim. Scottish waters are cold and there are hidden currents. If you can’t find a course, then join a group. Never swim alone.

Introduction to open water swimming courses are available through Inchbaggers. Some dates are on the website, however, if no dates fit, I can be flexible around bookings. I also run a Sunday morning group at 9 AM at Luss Beach for £5 [$6].

What equipment and preparation do people need to start wild swimming in Scotland?

Swimming as a pair in Cullykhan Bay, Scotland. Photo: Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

A bathing suit or a wetsuit (optional depending on time of year and water temperature), a silicon hat, goggles, and water shoes, but most importantly a tow float so they are seen in the water. There should be a whistle on the tow float. For getting out, have a dryrobe-type coat, changing robe, layers, socks, gloves, and hat. Don’t forget warm drinks and cake! Bring along a great sense of humor and adventurous spirit.

What are the potential dangers of wild swimming?

Hypothermia is a big danger, so are hidden currents, and sudden drops entering the water. Wild swimmers need to do a lot of research before going in the water. Always swim parallel to the shore and swim with a group or a more experienced swimmer. If in doubt, stay out! Never swim in thunder and lightning.

Cold water shock is a real thing. Never jump into cold water without acclimatising first. It can bring in a cardiac episode.

The symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, feeling confused or feeling sleepy, and feeling very cozy in the water. The remedy is to get out and get warm as soon as possible. However, swimmers shouldn’t get to that stage.

What is your advice on entering cold water? Do you have a strategy to get in more easily?

The best thing to do is to join a group or get specific lessons — there is confidence in experienced swimmers. Get in the water slowly — don’t jump in! Breathe deeply and control your breathing. Enter steadily and get swimming right away. Keep moving. If you swim head-up breaststroke, you can chat and keep swimming!

When should swimmers use a wetsuit?

Wild Swimmers in Cullykhan bay, Scotland. Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

It depends on body composition — some people get cold quicker than others. However, when the water temperature is in the single figures, a wetsuit should be considered. The wetsuit, if possible, should be stroke specific; for example you’ll need a wetsuit with less buoyancy in the legs for breaststroke.

What are some safe and scenic spots for first-time wild swimmers in Scotland?

Luss beach at Loch Lomond, which is a long beach gently shelving, Milarrochy Bay at Loch Lomond, which is a pebbly beach gently shelving, but also the rocky beach at Ben Lomond car park for great views (but not so great for midges). Farther north, you have the beautiful beach at Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park.

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