Matador Network's Blog, page 1312

Explore South Africa on a bicycle

South Africa’s Western Cape province is one of the most beautiful in the entire country. Most visitors to the region know the scenic Garden Route, but they usually hop in a car to follow the N2 highway that runs the length of it. Although driving is a good way to experience the coastal region, there’s now an even better way to explore the province — on the back of a mountain bike, via a continuous network of isolated, well-maintained trails that you can ride as a multi-day adventure.

The newly-launched Cross Cape cycle route offers one of the best ways to experience this vast tract of unspoiled land and to get a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabit it, at your own speed.

The route will take fit riders no more than five days, while recreational cyclists can spread it out over as many as 20 days. If completed from start to finish, riders will traverse 460 miles and ascend some 34,000 feet.

There’s total flexibility in terms of starting and ending points, but it officially runs between the Western Cape towns of Stellenbosch and Plettenberg Bay. It takes riders along stretches of coastal land, inland over jagged mountain passes, through forests, remote farms, and small villages, before continuing towards South Africa’s famous wine lands.

There’s no cost to ride the route, and with accommodation, restaurant, and all other essential information clearly listed on the official site, all you need is a good mountain bike, a bit of determination, and a few days to spare.

These are some of the views you’ll get to see along the way.




1

The tranquil town of Knysna is often cyclists’ first stop on the route. The surrounding forests, lagoon, and seaside charm make this a popular mountain-biking destination throughout the year, and a favorite holiday destination for travelers from around the world.

Photo: Craig Howes

2

Much of the Cross Cape route is on small gravel roads and jeep tracks that skirt working farms. As you move between the towns, you’ll see the varying crops and livestock farmed in the province, with some farms offering accommodation for overnight stays.

Photo: Craig Howes

3

The landscape changes throughout the ride, with some stretches rolling through stark scrubland of the region known as the Klein Karoo.

Photo: Craig Howes

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4

Fierce mountain passes kick up throughout the Cross Cape route, with the views from the summit justifying the effort it’ll take to reach them.

Photo: Craig Howes

5

You’ll pass through a variety of human habitations along the way, including isolated towns with little more than a single church.

Photo: Craig Howes

6

Other sections travel through more fertile grounds on flatter roads, allowing you to ease up on your saddle.

Photo: Craig Howes

7

Some mountain passes, such as the Montagu Pass, offer windows into South Africa’s fascinating engineering history - appreciating this, and the stunning landscape, might be a little difficult as you pedal your way to the top, though.

Photo: Craig Howes

8

The striking natural beauty of the the entire 460-mile route is better appreciated from the back of a bicycle on a remote off-road track than from the highway.

Photo: Craig Howes

9

The route travels through several small towns, where you can pick up supplies, service your bike, or just kick back with a cold beer and reflect on the day’s riding. And if you choose to end in the town of Stellenbosch, you’ll find yourself in the heart of South African wine country, and just a short drive away from Cape Town.

Photo: Craig Howes

More like this: A week in South Africa: 12 photographs from an epic road trip

The post Biking is the best way to explore South Africa’s Western Cape appeared first on Matador Network.

Dreamy, affordable Italian AirBnbs

Italy’s stunning beauty might break the lens on your camera, but these Airbnbs aren’t going to break your wallet. With a bit of effort, Italy is a country where you can find comfortable, private lodging for well under $200/night — especially if you’re willing to sacrifice extra space for a memorable view. That way, you’ll have extra cash for dining, which is going to leave a major dent if you do Italy the right way. Check out these AirBnbs to get motivated.

1. Trulo Aromatic Green in Ostuni

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

How does crashing in a domed castle with jaw-dropping views of Ostuni’s surrounding countryside sound? The word romantic comes to mind but somehow doesn’t quite seem to cut it — it’s almost hard to believe this spot is actually real. The castle sleeps six in three bedrooms, but you’ll probably spend most of your time out on the massive patio, perhaps lying on the hammock or meandering through fully-bloomed gardens and up the stone staircases. The entire place costs only $108 per night, a far better deal than you’ll find at the nice hotels in town — especially when split among friends.

2. La Salentina on the Salento Peninsula

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

La Salentina sits just outside of the city of Tricase within the natural beauty of the Salento Peninsula — the heel of the boot. It has views of the nearby Adriatic Sea and a patio rivaling that of an upscale beach resort. With nine beds for up to nine guests, you’ll need the large patio and lawn chairs for afternoon social sessions. The house is only $120/night. Come soon and stay long, a sentiment you’ll get used to around here.

3. Historic Villa with Island Views of Logo Maggiore

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

Lago Maggiore is home to a series of rolling hills and small islands jutting out from the water, and you’ll sit right above the water in this villa, which retains old charm while certainly not shorting on modern comforts. Epic patio dinner, anyone? Plus, there’s a telescope in the bedroom facing out over the lake, so you can spend your days staring out at the islands and your nights looking up at the stars. Sleeping four at just $191/night, your crew can even splurge on a nice bottle of wine to enhance the experience.

4. La Maison Bellevue in Rome

Photo: AirBnb

This flat is like that Neil Diamond song, “Up on the Roof,” only better because you’re in Rome. From your rooftop perch you’ll overlook the dramatic landscape of the city. It’s right in the heart of Rome, near the Spanish Steps and walking distance to some of the best pasta dishes and wine pairings you’ll ever experience. There are two beds, one bedroom, and up to four can stay at a time. And at $72/night, you really can’t go wrong.

5. La Casetta Di Nana in San Mantano, Naples

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

A cottage overlooking the water on the Amalfi Coast is about as dreamy as it gets. The view from the living room couch will nearly have you convinced that you’re on a boat crossing the adjacent Tyrrhenian Sea. You’re also less than two miles from Sorrento, so you know the Limoncello is going to be on point. La Cassetta Di Nana sleeps up to three guests at $78/night, but it’s ideal for a couple as you’ll wake up to a view of the water, which can cause things to get a bit steamy.

6. Terraced apartment in Naples

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

This loft, and its accompanying view of Naples, are worth a trip to Italy in and of themselves. It’s big enough that the cool breeze of the coast whistles through the apartment while offering the seclusion of a walled-off terrace. It’s on that terrace that you and up to seven other people will likely spend most of your time. You’ll have everything you need right there, as well. The spot is walking distance to the town center, public transit, and, of course, restaurants. The entire flat costs $129/night.

7. Casa do Saraceno Siracusa in Catania

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

This place is basically a mansion right on the waterfront for $121/night. It looks like something you’d see used for a swanky aperitivo party scene on a movie set, with characters dressed to the nines sipping fine wines from crystal glasses. You’ll be doing exactly that with a party of up to six people, most likely alternating between talking in disbelief about the setting you’ve found yourselves in an arguing about who gets the hammock next.

8. AltanaAlbaChiara in Venice

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

This snug two-bedroom flat is within walking distance of the heart of Venice, not far from the Grand Canal. Sip wine by moonlight as you look out over the city, taking in the canals and rooftops, the city’s energy buzzing below you. As an added bonus, you’re only a five-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica and the city’s legendary dining scene. This apartment sleeps four guests in two bedrooms for $251/night.

9. Domus Claudia on the Amalfi Coast

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

You’re coming to the Amalfi Coast to stare in awe at the classic cliff-lined architecture as much as the coast itself, and there’s nary a better place to do it than on the balcony of this two-bed, four-person villa. You’ll be within walking distance of the town center and the cathedral of Amalfi, but good luck pulling yourself away from the views. At $227/night, this one is among the more pricey options on the list, but when split between two couples, you’ll still be able to dine with class.

10. Chiara’s House on the Amalfi Coast

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

You’ll have to walk 100 steps to reach Chiara’s House (or pay €1 for an elevator), but the sweeping vista is worth the effort. Every room looks out towards the deep blue sea. You’ll be less than a mile from the town center, enough to relax over a bottle of fine Biancolella on the balcony without being hounded by the noise of bustling tourists below. With five beds at just $179/night, go ahead and splurge on an extra bottle.

11. Coloftseum in Rome

Photo: AirBnb

Photo: AirBnb

This loft offers everything you need for a stay in Rome. It’s located in the ancient neighborhood of Rione Monti, within walking distance of the Colosseum in a district loaded with excellent dining, drinking, and culture-seeking options. There’s one bed, but the owner allows up to three people to go in on this cozy spot at $129/night.

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The post The 11 dreamiest AirBnbs in Italy with the best views (that you can actually afford) appeared first on Matador Network.

Global guide to wild camping

Sleeping under the stars, waking up to the smell of fresh air, and really getting away from it all — the appeal of wild camping is easy to see. Also called dry, free, or freedom camping, wild camping is overnighting away from organized campsites, and their noise and crowds, to set up camp among the wilds of nature instead.

After seeing all those Instagram images of carefree wild camps, you may be ready to grab a backpack and set off yourself. But a wild camping trip requires more preparation than a stay at your average campground. To save you from paying a hefty fine for trespassing or waking up freezing at 2:00 AM, here’s everything you need to know before you pitch your camp in the great outdoors.

How wild camping is different than regular camping.

Photo: Jens Ottoson/Shutterstock

Wild camping might seem as easy as just trekking off into the nearest woodland. Don’t be fooled. It can be dangerous and even illegal, since the laws that govern where you can and can’t pitch camp vary from country to country.

Before you set off, make sure you’re prepared to deal with the following:

Fire:

While sitting around a roaring fire trading campfire stories might seem like part of the wild-camping-trip experience, never light an open fire. And, if you’re camping in a region where wildfires are a risk, exercise extra caution, pay attention to local weather forecasts, and plan a safe escape route from your camp should you need to abandon it.

Water:

Unlike campsites, nature doesn’t come with an easily accessible water source. Plan to camp near running water. Then pitch your tents at least 150 feet away and designate an area for taking care of nature’s business that’s at least 200 feet away to avoid waste and litter pollution. Also, never drink from still, unmoving water.

Weather:

can change quickly and present real dangers. Check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly. As well as clothing, you should also think about food: if it’s cold, a flask might be a good addition, but if it’s hot you may need to take more water.

Animals:

Humans might be the biggest danger, but they’re not the only ones on a camping trip. Research whether any local animals or reptiles, like bears or snakes, pose a risk to you before you set off. You can then avoid mistakes such as leaving food out where it’s likely to attract unwanted visitors.

Local laws:

Even with everything else worked out, you still need to make sure you’re not going to be woken up by an angry farmer — or worse, a park ranger — telling you to pack up and get out at 3:00 AM. Here’s a rough guide to some countries’ laws on wild camping:

Europe

Photo: Martin M303/Shutterstock

Practically every European country has different rules and regulations on wild camping. To simplify things, these are the areas of Europe where responsible wild camping is encouraged, even if not strictly legal:

England and Wales — Wild camping is legal only in Dartmoor National Park.
Scotland – Camping must be lightweight, done in small numbers, and only for two or three nights in one place.
France — Wild camping is permitted only on private land with the consent of the owner.
Sweden — Camping is permitted for a maximum of two days.
Norway — The right to roam, also called the right of access, or allemannsretten, confirms the public’s right to wild camp.
Finland — Campers must be a suitable distance from homes or cabins.
Denmark — While it’s illegal to wild camp wherever you want, you can pitch a maximum of two small tents together in at least 40 approved forests.
Romania — Although not strictly allowed, wild camping is widely tolerated. Check with the landowner first.
Iceland — Camping with no more than three tents is allowed on uncultivated ground for a single night, although the use of campsites is preferred.
Slovakia — Wild camping is legal but forbidden in areas with a level three protection and above. Campfires are not permitted.
Turkey — Wild camping is legal, and the Go Turkey Tourism website even provides some helpful tips.

Across the rest of Europe, wild camping is either strictly illegal — as in Italy, Croatia, and Portugal — or allowed but only in certain regions, such as in Spain. If you have any doubts, ask the landowner for their permission. You never know, they might be more than happy for you to set up camp for a night or two.

Australia and New Zealand

Photo: Tobin Akehurst/Shutterstock

Although you can wild camp pretty much anywhere in the Outback, Australian laws on wild camping elsewhere are surprisingly strict. Over the Christmas and New Year period alone, Byron Shire council doled out 218 infringement notices for illegal camping.

The good news for wild campers is that you can still get an “authentic” wild camping experience at thousands of certified “free camping” sites in national parks, state forests, and other rural locations across the country. As the name suggests, many of these offer few to no facilities and cost nothing to stay at, although for sites within the national parks you’ll need a permit and, in some cases, to book in advance.

If the above sounds too civilized and you’re still determined to wild camp, New Zealand’s regulations are more relaxed. Providing it’s not expressly prohibited, you are permitted to wild camp on public conservation land.

USA and Canada

Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock

Americans and Canadians have it easy. Legally, you can wild camp in US national forests and grasslands (unless otherwise marked), on Bureau of Land Management lands (providing they’re suitable for camping and not being used for cattle grazing or mining operations), and on Canadian Crown Land. You can also wild camp in the “backcountry” of national parks and national monuments, but you’ll need a permit and regulations apply.

Elsewhere various national, state, and local governments manage areas of land, and there are also private properties and Indian reservations to take into consideration. If you want to wild camp outside the permitted areas above, do your research beforehand to make sure you’re not trespassing.

Africa, South America, and Asia

Photo: Calin Tatu/Shutterstock

While it is possible to wild camp in some nations in Africa, South America, and Asia, in large parts of these regions it is either illegal or too dangerous to do so, particularly if you’re not familiar with the local area or political climate. To experience camping in any of these places, it is strongly advised that you employ a guide who’ll be able to show you the safest place to camp.

What to pack:

Photo: Sawyer Europe

You know all the essentials you’re supposed to bring camping: wool socks, warm layers, bug spray, sunscreen — you get the idea. But when you go wild camping, you need to pack a few extras to see you through your trip safely.

Water filter/purification tablets

While purification tablets might seem cost-effective, they usually have a strong taste. Water filters, on the other hand, are easier to use and more convenient. If you’re planning on camping a lot, it’s worth investing in a filter, or even getting a bottle with an built-in filter like a Lifesaver.

A map and compass

National Geographic and Gaia GPS both have excellent maps you can download or print in advance. Just make sure you keep them somewhere dry or that you have plenty of battery on your phone.

A method of dealing with toileting and waste.

“Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints” applies to everything when you’re wild camping, including poop. Pack unscented toilet paper, a trowel (small, pointed shovel), and dog-poop bags or something similar. Then, if nature calls, bury your business at least six inches underground, and at least 200 feet from water. In some places you can burn the toilet paper in the hole, but in other areas all fires are prohibited. Best of all is to pack it out with you.

A mobile phone

It’s easy to be lured into the trap of cutting yourself off completely, but make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone to use if there’s an emergency. Even if you’re out of range where you’re camping, you’ll have it with you as soon as you find a signal.

Do you really need a tent?

Photo: Amazon/Shutterstock

While any tent you buy for wild camping should weigh less than 4.5 lbs. (or 6.5 lbs. if you’re sharing the load between two), tents can be bulky and inconvenient to pitch and dismantle, not to mention expensive.

Bivvy bags (thin, waterproof bags used over the top of a sleeping bag) are a cheap, lightweight alternative. They’re only good for short trips of one to two nights, given the condensation that even the best ones leave inside sleeping bags. If you use one for longer, you’ll have to find a place to hang your sleeping bag to dry out. That said, bivvy bags are the best way to properly experience the outdoors — unless it rains.

If it does rain, you’re guaranteed to get wet in a bivvy bag. In that case, you can always rig a tarpaulin over you to keep the worst of the elements at bay. But if snow or heavy rain is forecast, or if you’re planning on wild camping for more than a few days, stick to the tent.

Setting off:

Photo: Poprotskiy Alexey/Shutterstock

You’ve packed. You’ve prepared for every eventuality. You’ve double and triple checked that camping is permitted in the area you want to set up camp. Now, the only thing to do is get going!

Just remember, wild camping doesn’t have to be a 100-mile, week-long trek. It could be as simple as packing a bag with enough gear for one night, setting off for a micro adventure, and getting home in time for breakfast. Although, as most wild campers will tell you, bacon and eggs cooked at sunrise somehow always taste much better.


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The post Everything you need to know about going wild camping — legally appeared first on Matador Network.

Island hopping in Coron, Philippines

The Philippines has some insanely beautiful white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. To take full advantage of them, I spent some time in Coron and did as much island hopping as possible. Here are some of my favorite spots from my trip.




1

One of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, Pass Island is the perfect place to spend the morning soaking up the sun. Hire a private boat to get here before the crowds, and you'll have the entire island all to yourself.

2

Popular among tourists visiting the municipality of Coron, Twin Lagoon is a great place to swim among the area’s giant limestone cliffs. Get there early enough and you may even be the first boat there.

3

The huge black cliffs and deserted beach of Black Island look almost prehistoric. Despite the long boat journey, the island is well worth a visit for lunch and snorkeling.

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I was lucky enough to be invited to Carabao Island by Red Carabao expeditions to experience the local culture on the small stretch of beach the people of Carabao call home.

5

Coron has many small beach huts tucked away at the bottom of cliffs. I think it would be anyone’s idea of paradise to live here for a few days.

6

We arrived at Twin Lagoon at about 7:00 AM and found ourselves the only people there. I took this opportunity to grab our kayak and photograph the lagoon before more visitors arrived.

7

Coron’s Japanese shipwrecks offer some of the best wreck diving and snorkeling in the world. The wreck on Black Island is so shallow that you can walk out to it, and the view from above is incredibly cool.

8

Carabao is a must for anyone heading to Coron. We watched the sunset from the island before heading back after a long day of island hopping, and it didn't disappoint.

9

Twin Lagoon makes for great views while swimming in the two lakes, but the view from above is even better.

10

Darting between the islands of Coron on an outrigger boat is a fantastic experience for anyone on a holiday to the Philippines, and I couldn't recommend it enough.

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The post Island hopping in Coron, Philippines is absolutely magical appeared first on Matador Network.

7,000-oil-drum artwork in Hyde Park

Eighty-three-year-old landscape artist Christo is undertaking a mammoth project — literally. He is using 7,506 red, blue, and pink oil drums to comprise his latest artistic endeavor, The London Mastaba, stacking the drums on top of each other in the shape of a trapezoid as tall as Egypt’s Great Sphinx. The work of art can be found on the lake in the middle of London’s Hyde Park, floating around until September.

It’s not the first time Christo has attempted a project of this size and style. During his very first project in the late ‘50s, he was nearly arrested for blocking off a street in Paris with 89 oil drums.

Christo’s newest London work of art is a follow up to a 2016 project in which he allowed hundreds of thousands of people to simulate walking on water. While it might seem like the 650 tons of oil drums will be his final legacy, they’re actually just a trial run for his real masterpiece — a project utilizing eight times as many drums, set to be installed in the desert of Abu Dhabi.

A post shared by C h l o é D a l l ' O l i o (@chloedallolio) on Jun 28, 2018 at 11:09am PDT

A post shared by Khalil

Work for the Hogwarts Express

If you’re looking for the perfect resume booster to help you get into Hogwarts, this is it. The North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust in England is looking for a few Harry Potter experts to volunteer aboard the “Hogwarts Express” and educate visitors about the train’s importance and connection to the books and films. For example, Goathland Station, one of the stops along the railway, was featured in the films as “Hogsmeade Station,” so if you know where to sample the best butterbeer in town and are ready to tell tourists all about it, you’re a good fit.

According to the job description, successful candidates must be available on weekdays to accommodate for school visits and be prepared to lead “small to medium-sized groups of Muggles and Wizarding enthusiasts on tours around Goathland station, delivering knowledge on the history of the railway and the station’s association with the Harry Potter franchise”. You will also get a chance to flex your creative muscles by working with the education officer to create an “engaging Wizarding itinerary”.

The volunteer should be comfortable becoming the public face of the station’s association with the Harry Potter franchise, participating in media and publicity activities “with the support of the Marketing department and Ministry of Magic.”

If you’re a serious Potterhead with experience public speaking and working with children, send an email to marketing@nymr.co.uk by June 30th to apply.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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The post Become a real-life employee of the Hogwarts Express appeared first on Matador Network.

This Welsh island fort is for sale

If you don’t mind investing some good old-fashioned TLC into your next real-estate acquisition, this island fort off the coast of Wales might be perfect for you. Stack Rock Fort in Wales was built between 1850 and 1852, and upgraded seven years later, to fight off a potential invasion by Napoleon III. Now that it’s fallen into disrepair and lost its military usefulness, it’s being sold on a Grade II listing, meaning it can be redeveloped but not demolished.

Photo: Purplebricks

Photo: Purplebricks

Photo: Purplebricks

Photo: Purplebricks

That’s good news for anyone with money and some imagination. Right now, the ruins are uninhabitable, but with some work, they could be outfitted with a variety of modern conveniences. The fort would make a great vacation home, or — if you’re a paranoid survivalist — an awesome defensive position. It can only be reached by boat and offers panoramic views of Milford Haven.

The fort is being sold through Purplebricks estate agents, who are requesting serious bidders to give plenty of notice in order to arrange a visit. And the current asking price is not as bad as you might think. This island and fort could be yours for just $529,941.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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The post This Welsh island and its fort are for sale and they’re surprisingly affordable appeared first on Matador Network.

10 travel skills we’ve lost

It’s not exactly a sociological revelation that smartphones have changed the world. And aside from creating a generation of people with their faces buried in screens, the conveniences of having a world of knowledge in your pocket is a fantastic advance. But in some ways, smartphones have made us stupid, as we’ve lost some important skills along the way. This becomes painfully apparent when traveling; where once we had to learn things like languages, directions, and map reading, now many are completely lost if their phone dies. Here are 10 key travel skills we’ve lost thanks to smartphones.

1. Learning your way around a city.

Back in the day if you went to a new city, you needed to learn stuff like street names. Directions. Possibly even the nonsensical street grid. That info had to be stored in your brain so that when you were stumbling home at 5:00 AM you knew that 34th street came AFTER 33rd and BEFORE 35th.

Now you punch an address into an app and let a strange woman (or Neil Patrick Harris) tell you where to go. And if she, by some freak of nature, doesn’t have all the up to date information, you find yourself on a deserted country road in the middle of Namibia because you put all your faith in the almighty GPS. Learning one’s way around a city is not only good for your cultural education, it can often be a matter of safety. But sadly, it’s a skill most people still have yet to develop.

2. Having a natural sense of direction.

We’re not all blessed with an internal compass that allows us to walk out of a subway station and immediately know which way is east. But once upon a time we were forced to figure stuff like that out, whether by looking at the sun or knowing which way street numbers ran. Maybe, if you were really good, you saw a body of water and knew where it was in relation to where you were standing.

Now we pull out a phone and it tells us which way to go. The problem, of course, is sometimes you’ll be in a dead zone, or blocked by buildings. Or your GPS locates you incorrectly, and next thing you know you’ve walked clear to the other side of Manhattan, when your destination was only 500 feet in the other direction. Learning how to orient yourself is another important skill in survival, and one we’ve lost en masse.

3. Reading a physical map.

Hand someone a city map in 2018 and they’ll have to flip it at last six times to even know which way is north. Where we once were able to find routes through city streets and country highways, reading legends and tracing blue and red lines, now if the map isn’t from Google or Apple we’re lost. Sense of direction and city knowledge help. But a map can get you somewhere with certainty, though few now could tell you how to read one. Though nobody misses trying to fold one.

4. Language skills

Not that you ever needed to master Spanish to spend a semester in Barcelona, but learning helpful phrases like “¿donde está la biblioteca?” was an essential part of pre-travel preparation. From those helpful phrases you often learned other parts of the language, as you’d converse with locals and learn words for directions like “left” and “right.” Or at the very least how to say “No I don’t want any chicklets” — politely — in several languages.

Now we have Google Translate, which doesn’t always come up with the right phrase and sometimes has you saying “please throw this tomato at my grandmother” when trying to ask for ketchup. America is the best in the world at a great many things — learning languages isn’t one of them. And smartphones haven’t helped.

5. Navigating public transportation.

Like the smartphones they work through, ride sharing services have changed the world in a lot of good ways. They’ve reduced drunk driving. They’ve helped busy parents transport their kids. They’ve also kept a lot of people from experiencing the cultural adventure that is taking public transportation.

That’s not to say that everyone in the world would benefit from sitting next to a guy on the Montreal subway who, coincidentally, is BFFs with Jesus Christ. But learning how to read transit maps and navigate a new city’s trains, buses, and questionable vanpools is a useful skill if, heaven forbid, your phone dies. But with most people opting for the cheap, easy option of ride sharing, it has dwindled considerably.

6. Soliciting locals’ recommendations.

Yelp, if you didn’t know, promotes good reviews for businesses who buy their ads, and promotes bad reviews of ones who don’t. But for some reason, people collectively depend on said ad-driven recommendations to find restaurants when they travel. Even those who don’t use Yelp look to blogs, articles, and other online resources to find out where to eat.

But you know who can guide you way better than Google? Actual people. The personal interaction and specific advice you get by simply asking folks on the street where to eat and what to order is far more useful. Sadly, rather than starting up conversations and getting to know people we’re content to let online writers we’ve never met or anonymous reviewers tell us where to go. And that limits a lot of the pleasant surprises you find when traveling.

7. Relaxing to take in the sites.

Relaxing is not a skill, so much. But rather a pleasure in life many have lost because, as we all know, if it isn’t on Instagram you didn’t really do it. Even if you’re not obsessively chronicling your vacation on social media, you may well spend your scenic walk through the historic streets of Rome staring into your phone to make sure you don’t get lost. Or spend your time sitting in a Paris café texting rather than watching the characters walk by. You’ll try and get every angle of a beautiful statue in Florence for a picture rather than appreciating the genius that went into it.

8. Journaling

Ask your parents about their month-long backpacking trips through Europe in the ‘60s or ‘70s and there’s a decent chance they’ll dig up an old tattered notebook that tells the whole story. That’s because people used to keep travel journals, with details and anecdotes their brain might forget over the years, but the pages never do.

We’ve lost that heartfelt way of chronicling our adventures now, journal entries replaced by creative hashtags and a collection of “Good Morning, Toledo!” pictures from our hotel balconies. What we don’t post, we may forget. Meaning big parts of our trip are lost to memory.

9. Spontaneity

Spontaneity isn’t so much a skill as a state of mind, but there was a time when you’d get lost or end up in places you hadn’t planned on, and finding your way out was part of the adventure. You’d stumble into happy accidents, asking strangers for directions who ended up inviting you to rooftop parties or out on boats, and you’d have stories for the rest of your life. Now if you’re lost, or miss a train, it’s an easy fix. Not like we’re all sticking to stringent itineraries when we travel, but the spontaneous stories that come from not having all the answers aren’t what they once were.

10. True disconnection

Unless you’re headed to a remote park above the arctic circle or a vast desert in South America, getting away from cell service and WiFi is pretty tough. Sure, we might say we want to disconnect, but as soon as we take a picture we think a friend would like, our entire day becomes about finding somewhere with Wifi. Vacation doesn’t mean disconnecting at all anymore, it means being on your phone somewhere else and sending pictures of it home.

Does this lead to stress and burnout? Perhaps. Or perhaps it keeps us closer to loved ones while we’re away. But in an era when people are constantly connected, breaking that cycle on holiday has become almost impossible.


More like this: 7 tech tools that will keep you sane while you’re traveling

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9 amazing UNESCO sites in Russia

For many, Russia is a place shrouded in mystery. The language, the history, the land, the gorgeous architecture — they all seem to be oddly indecipherable, piquing the curiosity of travelers. But, this fascination for the country that takes up more than one-eighth of the planet’s dry surface, should not be limited to just Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Here are nine amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites in Russia that will take you beyond the tourist trail and into the deepest, most-isolated, and incredibly beautiful confines of the Motherland.

1. Lake Baikal

Photo: Windofchange64/Shutterstock

Lake Baikal, located in the south of Siberia, is more than meets the eye. Containing more water than all of the North American Great Lakes combined, Baikal is the oldest, largest, and deepest freshwater lake in the world, holding about one-fifth of all the unfrozen freshwater supply of the planet. It’s also considered to be one of the world’s cleanest.

Formed about 30 million years ago, Lake Baikal is home to thousands of unique species of endemic flora and fauna, like the only freshwater seals, nerpas. The lake’s southern and eastern coasts are also inhabited by the indigenous Buryat people.

Lake Baikal a popular tourist destination in both summer and winter because it’s easily accessible from Irkutsk, a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

2. The Kazan Kremlin

Photo: Elena11/Shutterstock

There’s more than one Kremlin in Russia. The chief citadel of the ancient land of Tatarstan, the Kazan Kremlin isn’t built of red brick like its counterpart in Moscow, but of white stone. Founded in the 10th century by Kazan khans, along with the city of Kazan, it was later conquered by the Golden Horde and eventually destroyed and rebuilt by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century.

The Kremlin itself is an impressive architectural complex that consists of many religious and administrative buildings — for example, the Kul Sharif Mosque, as shown in the photo above — enclosed by a fortress wall with 13 towers that have different shapes and purposes.

With its history spanning the millennia, it was both the stronghold of Orthodox Christianity and the northwestern limit of the spread of Islam, and nowadays the citadel represents the blend of time and culture in the center of Kazan.

3. Wrangel Island

Photo: Artemfil/Shutterstock

Wrangel Island is a cold and remote polar island in the Arctic Ocean known to be the last dwelling of woolly mammoths. Wrangel Island is a unique, self-contained ecosystem that has the highest level of biodiversity in the high Arctic. It has the world’s largest population of Pacific walruses and is a major denning area for polar bears.

Wrangel Island is an appealing destination for Arctic researchers and bold tourists; however, this place is hard to reach. It’s considered to be one of the least-accessible natural reserves in the world. All visitors must register for an expedition and pay a small fortune to be able to visit this isolated spot.

4. Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad

Photo: YURY TARANIK/Shutterstock

A functioning Orthodox monastery with shiny, gilded domes, the Trinity Sergius Lavra is a major spiritual center, a popular tourist destination, and the final resting place of Tsar Boris Godunov and his family.

This 15th-century monastery is located in the town of Sergiev Posad about 70 kilometers from Moscow and is considered to be the most important working monastery in the country, as well as one of the most significant pieces of Russian Orthodox architecture.

5. The city of Novgorod and its surroundings

Photo: Bulatov Sergey/Shutterstock

Founded in the ninth century on the ancient trade route between Central Asia and northern Europe, Novgorod was Russia’s first capital. Veliky Novgorod is so old and well-preserved that it’s regarded as a city-museum, housing more than 50 architectural masterpieces of great historical value. Many ancient churches, frescoes, and monuments are still there, including a Kremlin that was built in the 15th century, as well as one of the oldest Russian stone buildings — the church of St. Sophia — built in the 11th century.

Veliky Novgorod is a popular tourist destination that’s very conveniently situated on the way between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

6. Kizhi Pogost

Photo: Serge Smirnov/Shutterstock

Built in 18th century on one of the many islands in Lake Onega in Karelia, Kizhi Pogost is a unique example of the lost art of traditional Russian wooden architecture. The island houses two impressive churches and an octagonal clock tower, all made entirely of wood. It’s the only remaining complex with two multi-domed wooden churches in the whole country.

According to the legend, the 37-meter high Church of the Transfiguration was created without a single nail and using nothing but an ax, which the carpenter then threw into the lake so nobody could repeat such a feat. Inside this 22-domed church, a four-level iconostasis stands, containing 102 icons.

To get to this island, you can board one of the many boats from Petrozavodsk, a city that connects to Saint Petersburg by train.

7. Yaroslavl’s Historical Center

Photo: Ilya BIM/Shutterstock

Yaroslavl stands on the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers, about 250 kilometers from Moscow. It’s one of the most ancient and well-preserved Russian cities. The best-known features of the city are its 16th and 17th-century churches and monasteries that contain beautiful murals and iconostases.

8. The Lena Pillars

Photo: natasha53/Shutterstock

The Lena Pillars are titanic monoliths up to 200-meters tall lined up along the bank of the Lena River, about 110 kilometers upstream from the city of Yakutsk in eastern Siberia.

They were a sacred site for the indigenous Yakuts and Evenk tribes. Regular folks feared the spirits of the rocks and dared not enter. Only the Elders and Shamans could safely approach what they deemed to be people turned to stone.

It’s not just rock spires, though. Numerous caves, ancient rock paintings, and abundant Cambrian fossils can be found in this national park. You can get there by water from Yakutsk or by road along the riverbank. Unless you fear the spirits of the rocks, that is!

9. The Altai Mountains

Photo: YURY TARANIK/Shutterstock

The Golden Mountains of Altai in southern Siberia are unquestionably one of the cleanest and most beautiful regions of Russia. It is home to many rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, and is encompassed by two major Siberian rivers — the Ob and the Irtysh. A popular place for hikers and mountaineers from all around the country, the Altai mountains are wonderful examples of the beauty of Siberian nature. The crisp mountain air is untainted by industries or highways, making Altai the perfect place for pretty much any outdoor activities.


More like this: 7 amazing Russian churches that seem right out of a fairytale

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9 hardest to find speakeasies in NYC

New York City is not for the faint of heart. A night on the town here will test your will as much as your wallet. The city is, however, a great place to cut around corners and dive down sketchy staircases — especially for those who enjoy a proper cocktail. The best drinks in town are often the hardest to find, a treat only for those who put in the effort. Here are nine speakeasies worth searching for.

1. Bar Centrale — 324 W. 46th Street

A post shared by André Archimbaud (@arshimbo) on Mar 30, 2018 at 7:19pm PDT

Tucked behind a casual brownstone apartment entrance, Bar Centrale literally looks and feels like you’re about to walk into a random stranger’s apartment. Maybe that’s why the place has become a hideaway for Broadway stars and other familiar faces looking to relax over a post-work drink without causing a scene.

How to find it: Make your way past the hip bars and eateries that dot West 46th Street to about a half block east of 9th Ave. When you feel like you’ve missed it and wandered into a residential section, you’re on the right track. Look for the address — 324 — in big, bold numbers on the front door. You’ll generally need a reservation to get in, particularly if sitting down is part of the plan.

2. B Flat — 277 Church Street

A post shared by Gurdeep G. (@g.gurna) on Nov 16, 2016 at 5:05pm PST

B Flat is as reminiscent of the Prohibition era as a modern speakeasy can be, down to the live jazz in the corner and the wall of whiskeys you’ve never heard of. If you’re into eating Japanese fusion food in dark and shady settings, this space will quickly make it to the top of your list for a late-evening bite.

How to find it: B Flat’s website looks like it was built by a hacker in the late nineties and promptly forgotten about, so don’t count on detailed directions there. Head up Church Street in Tribeca, until just past the part where the road forks into 6th Ave. Find a small Italian joint called Da Mikele, and walk just past it until you identify the door with ‘277’ on the front. Head downstairs, but only after you’ve removed your sunglasses.

3. Karasu — 166 Dekalb Ave

Photo: Karasu Restaurant & Cocktail Bar/Facebook

Any who’ve done a bit of drinking in Japan likely recall the relaxing, almost tranquil, drinking spots located throughout Tokyo that offer a welcome escape from the bustling streets of the city. Karasu is that type of haven for hipsters looking to step briefly away from Brooklyn. Japanese digs welcome you into this cozy izakaya, or Japanese pub, where you can have a bite to eat that’s as memorable as the sake.

How to find it: Karasu is located inside a restaurant called Walter’s. Once inside, make your way to the back of the restaurant and through a lightly marked door.

4. The Office NYC — 80 Columbus Circle

A post shared by Mandarin Oriental, New York (@mo_newyork) on Mar 7, 2018 at 1:12pm PST

The Office is everything a classy speakeasy should be, and the go-to option if you want to impress someone. It’s located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, directly across from Central Park, and within walking distance of multiple places you’re likely to hit on a trip to New York. Old, classic spirits speak to the days when going out for a drink was an experience to be cherished, not just enjoyed in the moment. Although it’s on the hotel’s 35th floor, the speakeasy ambience means you can’t see the views. No matter, you can still experience the glow of sun setting over New York — as interpreted by modern LED lights behind the bar.

How to find it: The general speakeasy hunt is reversed in this case — you’re headed up instead of down. Enter through the hotel’s main entrance and find The Aviary on the 35th floor — The Office is inside it. A word for the wise: make a reservation here. Otherwise, you’re likely to be turned away before you even step foot in the elevator.

5. The Back Room — 102 Norfolk Street

A post shared by The Back Room Speakeasy (@thebackroomnyc) on May 13, 2018 at 8:18pm PDT

The Back Room is the speakeasy for those looking to party. This bar has been getting rowdy since way back when the actual bootleggers snuck whiskey in by the barrel during Prohibition, and being spotted on the floor these days is still worth as much street cred as a trending Instagram photo. Don’t be surprised when the bartender hands you a beer inside a paper bag — things haven’t changed much over the years.

How to find it: Start by locating the sign for the Lower East Side Toy Company. This is your cue to head downstairs through the gate. If you feel like being extra classy once inside, find the bookcase inside the bar. Stand to the side until someone opens it, then head through to the even more hidden back room.

6. Fig. 19 — 131 Chrystie Street

A post shared by Little Mish (@littlemishkids) on Mar 15, 2018 at 8:13am PDT

Speakeasies are, at least in theory, supposed to be a reward for those who put in the effort to find them. Fig. 19 holds that tradition, as you could easily be confused into visiting the crazy dance club which causes such a racket next door. Fig. 19 stands as the antithesis, offering creative takes on classic cocktails in the back room of an art gallery called SFA Projects. The mood is mellow and ambient, a nice retreat from the Bowery chaos.

How to find it: SFA Projects is located between Bowery and Roosevelt Park, between Kenmare and Broome. Enter from Chrystie Street and walk through the art gallery, but don’t head downstairs or else you’ll find yourself in the dance club. Instead, make your way through a door that looks like it leads into a closet. Your prize awaits.

7. Angel’s Share — 8 Stuyvesant Street

A post shared by Shingo Gokan (@soberspeaker) on May 9, 2016 at 2:43pm PDT

Angel’s share has two locations but, beyond review sites like Yelp, virtually zero web presence (their Facebook page has posted twice since 2012). They instead let their cocktails do the talking, and the commotion these drinks have caused have made Angel’s Share in the East Village a can’t-miss spot among New York’s hidden drinking establishments. The menu changes regularly, making each visit a surprise in itself. You’ll be unwelcome if you show up with a group larger than four, so best keep a tight hold on the secret.

How to find it: Start by locating Village Yokocho, a quaint high-end Japanese restaurant that happens to house an unmarked door just inside.

8. PDT — 113 St. Mark’s Place

A post shared by Colin Luo (@dimsumhi) on Aug 10, 2017 at 8:26pm PDT

PDT stands for Please Don’t Tell, but we’re not here to follow instructions. Any who remember those old diners where you’d order food via a phone attached to the wall in your booth will feel right at home at PDT. To get in, you must pick up the receiver inside a beat-up old phone booth inside an establishment called Crif Dogs. Pay close attention to the instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with one (or more) of the city’s most creative cocktails.

How to find it: Crif Dogs is a late-night hot dog spot for booze hounds, located just off St. Mark’s Place near Tompkins Square Park. Follow the smell of backyard BBQ but push through to the phone booth and try to be as discreet as possible — the last thing anybody wants is a horde of drunk bros making their way into the speakeasy.

9. Chumley’s — 86 Bedford Street

A post shared by Chumley's (@chumleysnyc) on Mar 20, 2018 at 11:45am PDT

Much like The Back Room, the original Chumley’s has been throwing down since Prohibition. This trendy cocktail spot recently underwent a bit of a facelift. It’s now not only one of the original speakeasies still serving drinks but among the most presentable of them all, an excellent place for a Scotch and easy conversation. Old portraits still line the walls, holding the image of the early 1900s and a retreat from modern New York. This is the spot to kick off your New York speakeasy tour, with inspired cuisine on par with the classy cocktails. Their dinner menu is served until 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 10:15 PM on weeknights.

How to find it: Just off the corner of Bedford and Barrow, not too far from the Hudson River, Chumley’s is located in the back of the building but is approachable in that no hidden phones or alleyway meetings are required. Reservations are recommended, however.


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