Matador Network's Blog, page 1313

Budget airline LEVEL is expanding

The budget airline LEVEL is coming to Vienna this week. The first flights will take place between Vienna and London on July 17th for the low, low price of $30 for a one-way ticket; flights between Vienna and Palma de Mallorca will begin on the same day.

According to the Independent, the former Barcelona-based airline will start flying to “six Spanish destinations and three cities in Italy, as well as Paris, Dubrovnik, and Larnaca in Cyprus” from Vienna within just four weeks.

LEVEL airline, owned by IAG (International Airline Group) like budget airline Vueling, currently flies to 133 destinations in 36 countries, with a fleet of 110 aircrafts, but is new to the short-haul flight business. So, for now, the bookings for LEVEL are done on the Vueling website.

There’s no doubt that budget travel has seen an astronomical rise in Europe in recent years, as travelers are increasingly seeking low-cost options, and sacrificing luxury for affordability.

H/T: Airline Geeks

More like this: The 9 most affordable airlines to fly in business class

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The last tattooed women of Myanmar

If you had to tattoo your entire face in order to gain success, wealth, and respect, would you do it? That was the question many women in Southeast Asia faced in the mid-20th century. During my time as a solo traveler in Myanmar, I arranged to take a boat trip up a remote stretch of river into the illegal region of the southern Chin State. My goal was to meet and photograph women who had made this very choice.

It’s quite possible to travel to regions of Myanmar and see women with tattooed faces, but unfortunately, this act can be more exploitative than anything else. Tourists often take boats from Mrauk-U in Rakhine State or travel from the north into a different region of the Chin State to view various tattooed women there, like a carnival show. I really wanted to learn more and spend time with these women in their everyday environments, and hear their stories. So, with the help of my local boat driver and guide, I was allowed to cross state lines and visit these villages — apparently, at the time, the first Westerner to do so in many decades.




1

The art of tattooing one’s face is no longer practiced in Myanmar, and the women who had these procedures done live fairly traditional lives as farmers, textile weavers, and more. When they decided to get these life-changing tattoos, however, they were just teenagers. The process involved hand-tattooing intricate and symmetrical designs over the span of several days. The excruciating pain they withstood was said to make them unique in their villages, and to make them stronger and more beautiful than other young women. At 57 years of age, Ma Pu Yo, pictured here, is still quite beautiful. She was extremely generous and invited me to sleep overnight in her hut. The comb in her hair holds her bun in place, but she would often take her hair down, brush out her long locks, and twist her hair back up as a force of habit.

2

These women live in fairly remote areas accessible only by boat on a single river, so the trip isn’t for the timid. For some of these women and villagers, I was the first foreigner they’d ever seen. I often met their relatives, swam and bathed in the river with them, and ate meals with them. No matter the occasion, I made sure to sit down with these women and write down their stories (translated through my boat-driving local guide), as well as photograph these moments with great care. This is 70-year-old Ma Kan. She has 15 grandkids — some of whom I met while sitting in her dark one-room hut, which sat on wobbly bamboo stilts about 10 feet in the air.

3

Sometimes the environment surrounding the photo moment is not what one would expect. While most of the images on this trip were taken in each woman’s hut with just one or two other people around, this stop was a bit different. We went to see two women who had never before seen foreigners. For the first visit, I was accompanied by a local Burmese Christian missionary. Dozens of locals gathered around, and essentially the entire village halted to see us come through. Photographing Ma Sund (both above and below) while surrounded by kids and parents was a bit of a hectic experience, which she found funny in the end, lending to the portrait I was able to get.

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4

Ranging in age from 50 to 80 years old, the women I met were welcoming and didn’t think of themselves as different just because of their tattoos. It’s true: after spending time with them, I didn’t even notice the intricate art adorning their faces. At 59, Ma Poo still works as a farmer and lives a humble life. Unlike any of the other tattooed women I met, Ma Poo’s husband is still alive and tills the farms with her every day.

5

To meet Ma Poo and her husband, we hiked through the forest and fields past other farmers, including a young man bringing dried bamboo to market on an old, water-buffalo-led wagon. She and her partner do back-breaking work farming their land but make a living this way.

6

I thought Toe Ma Zee, 67, was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever met. That’s not lipstick she’s wearing, rather the signature mark of a betel-nut chewer. Betel nuts, naturally red tree nuts known to bestow a mild high when chewed, are common all around South and Southeastern Asia. All of the tattooed women I met were avid chewers at any time of day or night.

7

This is Sim Home, the last tattooed woman I met on my trip. She’s also the mother of my boat guide. While at their family’s hut I was able to meet my guide’s pregnant wife, his sister-in-law, and his nephew and niece. Out of all the family members, his mother and her blue-ringed eyes caught my attention most.

8

The esteem these women gained by undergoing this procedure made all the pain worthwhile, they say. In the end, each woman was successfully married off and had productive work and family lives. All were considered the most beautiful in the region for having these facial markings, and the acknowledgement of their strength in having these procedures done made each woman stand out. The practice has since stopped, and there were no younger women with the same markings, so these women may be the last of their tradition, and meeting them was an honor I don’t take lightly.

More like this: The world’s ancient and dying traditions of tattoo and scarification

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7 swimming beaches around the world

If you love swimming outdoors, a good vacation involves pretty much anywhere there’s water, but serious swimmers may want to take it a step further than splashing in the shallows. While planning trips around hiking or biking are common, swim-oriented vacations are just starting to become popular.

While many swim vacations are organized by groups, we recommend a more DIY approach. That will give you flexibility over your schedule and may be preferable when traveling with others who don’t share your passion for the deep blue. If you’re up for planning your own swim-venture, here are seven awesome locations to take the plunge.

1. Cayo Coco, Cuba

Photo: vvital/Shutterstock

Connected to mainland Cuba by a 17-mile causeway, Cayo Coco is a fair-weather swimmer’s paradise. More than 13 miles of pristine, white-sand beaches offer swimmers of all levels walk-in entry to nature’s swimming pool. Protected by raised reefs, the waters are warm and shallow, making them safe for those looking to hone their swimming skills or test their mettle at longer distances. Cayo Coco’s distance from Havana — about six hours by car — makes for less-crowded waters. You’re more likely to be outnumbered by birds (including flamingos) than fellow tourists here.

2. Massif des Calanques, Marseille, France

Photo: Inu/Shutterstock

If you prefer your dips in the ocean to be punctuated by sips of fine wine and mouthfuls of haute cuisine, you’ll find nirvana in the Massif des Calanques. These secluded coves, tucked into the rocky shoreline south of Marseille, are known for their crystal-clear waters and deserted beaches.

Though you can drive and hike to many of them, the best way to get there is to hop on one of the many boat tours from Marseilles to Cassis. During the summer, they make plenty of stops for those looking for a memorable dip. An even better option is to hire a private boat or rent a sea kayak, so you can jump into the open ocean and swim your way into, and out of, these jewel-toned inlets.

3. Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada

Photo: Adam Richard Sklena/Shutterstock

Just off the east coast of Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is a quick ferry ride — or a chilly 3.2-mile swim — from the small town of Crofton. The ferry lands in Vesuvius Bay, which is a favorite spot for swimmers and scuba divers. On the island’s west side, Beddis Beach is also a popular walk-in spot for a plunge.

Wind, rain, and algae can sometimes impair visibility, but the tides tend to keep the waters here clear for refreshing swims and sightings of sea stars, anemones, eels, crabs, octopuses, and seals. The average water temperature around the island hovers at 49°F, so even a short plunge requires full-body coverage and an 8mm wetsuit. A group of cheerful locals, informally called the Salt Spring Seals, swims here regularly.

4. Maui, Hawaii

Photo: dirkr/Shutterstock

The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their warm, deep, aquamarine waters, which makes them an obvious pick. But for serious swimmers, they offer the opportunity to tick off a bucket list item: an open-water, island-to-island swim. This is no easy task and requires both training and planning, but with careful organization, a solo swim (with safety support) or relay swim is within the realm of possibility.

One prime spot is the 8.5-mile Pailolo Channel, which separates Molokai and Maui. This stretch of open water is the shortest between islands but presents many challenges, ranging from seasickness due to ocean swells, sunburn, and dehydration to run-ins with unexpected visitors such as Portuguese man o’ war and curious tiger sharks. Nevertheless, with careful planning, stamina, skill, and just plain smarts, this could be a swim for the ages.

5. Ibo Island, Mozambique

Photo: Ibo Island Lodge/Facebook

For swimmers who also crave true adventure, Ibo Island is a jumping off point to the edge of nowhere. Called the “lost world” by some, this small island in the Quirimbas Archipelago drops off into the Indian Ocean from the island’s east coast. Its heyday dates back to around 700 AD when it was a vibrant stop on the spice trade route.

These days, residents number only a few thousand, the architecture is dominated by historical ruins, and, thanks to its remote location, Ibo’s waters, corals, and sea life are pristine. There’s no guidebook for swimming here — it’s the wild west of experiences. One of the only places to stay on the island, the Ibo Island Lodge, can help organize trips or make recommendations for swimmers. It’s the pick of the litter for swimmers looking for a unique, unspoiled, rule-free, Indian Ocean experience.

6. Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia

Photo: Tomacrosse/Shutterstock

A two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane brings you to this UNESCO World Heritage site, an island almost untouched by humans. The protected waters surrounding Lord Howe Island are home to more than 500 species of fish and over 90 coral species, many found nowhere else in the world.

The island has over 15 beaches, and its west coast is dominated by a sandy, sheltered coral reef lagoon — it’s blue gold for swimmers. Only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at a time, so you should book your flights and accommodations at the same time. But it means that you’ll be able to enjoy each and every stroke in peace.

7. US Virgin Islands

Photo: Brocreative/Shutterstock

Just east of Puerto Rico sits the US Virgin Islands, a popular stop for cruise ships and tourists but also for swimmers. With an average water temperature of 81°F and regular visibility of up to 100 feet, the calm waters surrounding these islands sing a siren song to swimmers of all levels. Those looking for a little competition and camaraderie can drop in with Finfolk, a group of seasoned swimmers that organizes regular plunges. Another option is to time your visit to swim from Buck Island to the Buccaneer Hotel (Buck to Buc, as they say) as part of the yearly 5-mile St. Croix Coral Reef Swim. In neighboring St. Thomas, Magens Bay is a top spot for a swim, away from much of the boat and tourist traffic other parts of the island see.


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The post The 7 most stunning swimming destinations in the world appeared first on Matador Network.

This mural is for influencers only

As if there weren’t already enough public murals and graffiti-covered walls flooded with people taking Instagram pictures, this mural in Los Angeles is designated for “influencers only”. That’s right, you can’t even stand in front of it unless you have at least 20,000 Instagram followers or a blue verified check mark. Intended to promote Like & Subscribe, a scripted comedy on the Go90 streaming platform about YouTubers, the mural is manned by a security guard whose job is to identify the social-media elite and keep out the riff-raff.

Located on Melrose Avenue in LA’s Fairfax district, the mural is hidden from public view by a white canopy tent, as only the initiated, pseudo-famous Instagram 1% are permitted to even look at the thing. Justin Caffier of VICE describes the mural as “exquisite in its manufactured banality, a pastiche of all the worst Instagrammable street art trends of the past decade,” including the ever-recognizable angel wings and a “verified check mark halo, meant to signify the influencer’s divine status and superiority to the plebs who would never make it inside the tent.”

Caffier’s picture in front of the mural garnered mixed reactions on social media, ranging from outrage at the social-media caste system to disgust at the (intentionally) gaudy design to acknowledgment of the mural’s satirical spirit.

A post shared by Justin Caffier (@justincaffier) on Jun 25, 2018 at 12:41pm PDT

Caffier notes that given the wide range of emotional reactions, the mural likely achieved its intended goal.

H/T: VICE

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The post This LA mural is only accessible to Instagram influencers appeared first on Matador Network.

Man walks from Argentina to Alaska

Next time you’re too lazy to leave the recliner to grab a beer from the refrigerator, remember that this guy walked 14,181 miles from Argentina to Alaska… just for the hell of it. Fifty-eight-year-old Holly “Cargo” Harrison just completed his cross-continental trek from Ushuaia, Argentina to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. But it was no walk in the park. On his journey through several harsh climates, Harrison suffered a heart attack, tore a tendon, fought off a grizzly bear, and still made the trip in just 530 days. Did the torn tendon give him a convenient excuse to quit? Nope. He just walked the last 1,000 miles on crutches.

To prepare for the journey, the ex-Army Ranger walked 27 miles a day for over a year. Clearly, it paid off. And how does Harrison feel now that he’s completed the trek of a lifetime? “My body is going to be so relieved and so happy to be done,” he told Today, “but every other part of me, you know, is going to be a little bit sad.”

With the completion of the trip, Harrison will have the distinction of being the first man to ever walk the length of the Western Hemisphere. When asked why, Harrison told Today, “because no one’s ever done it. And there are few things left in the world that no one’s ever done.”

H/T: Teton

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The post Meet the first man to walk 14,000 miles from Argentina to Alaska appeared first on Matador Network.

Bourdain biography set for 2019

It didn’t take long for Anthony Bourdain — famed chef, writer, TV host, and travel legend — to get his own official biography following his sudden death earlier this month. The biography will be called “Bourdain: The Oral Biography” and will be edited by longtime assistant and collaborator Laurie Woolever. According to food writer Paula Forbes on Twitter, the book will be “an authorized portrait of the writer, veteran chef and television traveler, built from the stories shared by those who knew him best.”

Woolever, who had collaborated with Bourdain since 2004, said in a statement, “I’m honored to now be working with his estate, and talking to the people who knew him best, in order to share the story of a life that influenced so many people, in so many ways, all across the globe.”

The biography will focus not only on Bourdain’s life as a television host and chef but also on his worldview and the wisdom he imparted about travel and cultural understanding. The book is just the latest in an outpouring of tributes.

H/T: Thrillist

More like this: The 13 wisest things Anthony Bourdain said about travel

The post Anthony Bourdain’s official biography will be released in 2019 appeared first on Matador Network.

25 best airport restaurants

Eating in the airport used to mean standing under a “Snack Bar” sign and choosing between sad-looking hot dogs on rollers and rock-hard Super Pretzels. Maybe if you were lucky, you got a Pizza Hut. Now? Now eating at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant seems basic, as everyone from celebrity chefs to James Beard winners are opening up spots in our nation’s busiest airports. The problem now isn’t finding good food. It’s figuring out where to eat. To help you along the way, we’ve found the best place to eat at DFW, O’Hare, Atlanta, and the rest of the nation’s busiest airports.

1. One Flew South — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

Terminal E

Photo: One Flew South/Facebook

This upscale restaurant in the world’s biggest airport was the first critically acclaimed American eatery to open inside a terminal. The menu varies from southern to sushi to good ol’ comfort food. And, sure, maybe a giant plate of grass-fed meatloaf isn’t exactly the stomach-soothing entrée you want to be downing before flying 16 hours to Johannesburg. But on the off, OFF chance you end up with an unexpectedly long delay at ATL, a leisurely meal here makes it a lot more pleasant.

2. Salt Lick Barbecue — Austin-Bergstrom

Near Gate A16

Photo: The Salt Lick/Facebook

Austinites do love their food lines, so don’t even think about stopping at the airport outpost of one of Austin’s most famed BBQ joints if you didn’t arrive super early. No, there won’t be any beer drinking or impromptu concerts on this line either. But once you finally reach the promised land, order the brisket; it’s the odd airport food item that tastes just as good in the concourse as it does at the original.

3. DuClaw Brewing Company — Baltimore-Washington International

Near Concourse B

Photo: DuClaw Brewing Company/Facebook

One of Baltimore’s most popular local breweries is good for more than just sipping on Sweet Baby Jesus peanut butter porter and Hellraiser IPA. The food here is classic brewpub fare, with stuff like flatbreads, burgers, and crab pretzels. Because Maryland. There might be slightly better food elsewhere in BWI, but for an eating and drinking experience, this is the clear-cut choice.

4. Dine Boston — Boston Logan International

Terminal E

Photo: Tastes on the Fly

Local restaurants in airport terminals isn’t a new trend. But perhaps no airport restaurant in America gets as local as this one where rotating Boston chefs create different menus based on seasonal ingredients. So unless you live in the area and travel regularly, you can try something different from top local chefs every time.

5. 1897 Market — Charlotte Douglas International

Atrium between Concourses A and B

Photo: HMSHost/Facebook

The lure of Bojangle’s is strong at CLT, we know. But if you want something that won’t raise your cholesterol five points before you even get to the gate, head to this bustling market in the grand atrium. Enjoy the rocking chairs and piano performances with the best selection of stuff at Douglas, from carved meats to oysters to pizzas, along with a full bar with a surprisingly impressive selection of small-batch bourbons.

6. Tortas Frontera — Chicago O’Hare International

Terminal 1, Concourse B; Terminal 3, Concourse K; Terminal 5, Concourse M

Photo: Tortas Frontera/Facebook

It has been called by many the best airport restaurant in America, and the best part about it is you don’t even need to sit down and look at a menu to enjoy it. Though you’ll often find a line at Rick Bayless’ Mexican sandwich shop, you’ll still be in and out of here faster than at any sit-down place, with locations in three different terminals. Grab yourself a Cubana with smoked pork, bacon, and chipotle, or a Choriqueso with chorizo, jack cheese, and avocado. Then head to the gate, and make everyone sitting with a big bag of McDonald’s jealous.

7. Whitetail by Kent Rathbun — Dallas/Ft. Worth International

Terminal D

You gotta hand it to the folks at DFW: They know most American travelers will, at some point, end up with a massive delay here. So they created a D terminal with better restaurants than a lot of cities. The best of the bunch is this one from celebrity chef Kent Rathbun, a French restaurant with a heavy Texas twist. Think bobwhite quail on Johnnycake with sausage gravy, or sweet pepper lacquered crispy duck. It’s about as fancy eating as you’ll get in an airport, and it might make you a little disappointed if your connection leaves on time.

8. Root Down DIA — Denver International

Concourse C

Photo: Root Down DIA/Facebook

If you’ve got a long layover and it’s a typically sunny day in Denver, head over to the Hotel and Transit Center and enjoy the sprawling patio at Grill and Vine. Assuming you don’t have time for a full tour of the airport, though, the food at Root Down is impossible to beat. Grab a front row seat to big windows on the tarmac and order up some Colorado lamb sliders with harissa aioli and wash it down with something from the most impressive cocktail menu of any American airport restaurant.

9. Crave Robata Grill and Bar — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

McNamara Terminal

The iconic Detroit food is the Coney Dog — a hot dog covered in chili, onions, and maybe cheese. Quick and delicious? Yes. A wise idea before getting on a plane? Depends on your Rolaids situation. For something far more considerate to your plane mates head here, where grilled meats without nitrites are served alongside tempura, sushi, and other Asian favorites that are much more long flight-friendly.

10. Casavana Cuban Cuisine — Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International

Terminal 4

Photo: Casavana Cuban Cuisine/Facebook

FLL is a popular off-airport for Miami, which means in addition to getting a blast of humidity as soon as you step onto the jetway, you’re also getting some fantastic Cuban food. If you want a pretty authentic flavor of South Florida, hit this place where you’ll find all the Cuban staples like tostones, vaca frita, milanesa de pollo, croquetas, and of course Cuban sandwiches in abundance. Just don’t expect to feel light and fluffy on your flight home.

11. Hugo’s Cocina — George Bush Intercontinental

Terminal D

Photo: Hugo’s/Facebook

Hugo Ortega is Houston’s hottest name in Mexican food, as this James Beard award-winner has some of the most critically-acclaimed Mexican restaurants in America. And lucky you, you can try one without even having to leave the airport. His IAH outpost has a menu that stands up to anything he’s got in the city, with camarones al ajillo with avocado-tomatillo salsa, and carne brava steak covered in rajas being the best bets.

12. Five Borough Food Hall — John F. Kennedy International

Terminal 4

Photo: JFK Terminal 4/Facebook

Okay, granted, this doesn’t exactly help narrow much down in terms of exactly where to eat. But look, we’re all adults here, so sometimes you gotta make your own decisions. And this place is just flat out cool. Inspired by the city’s food trucks, the restaurants that populate this 3,500 square foot space serve food out of hollowed-out vehicles, making it feel a little like a Manhattan street corner minus the smell. Tacos, Thai, falafel, and all the great international foods you’ll find in the city are here, plus a full bar carved out of a 1966 VW Bus.

13. Kombu — LaGuardia

Terminal C

Though you might be disappointed to find this isn’t just an accidentally-misspelled emporium of pepperoni pizza bites, given the general quality of food at LaGuardia, you can’t really be disappointed by anything here. This Asian spot in the culinary oasis that is Terminal C has a menu designed in part by Chuko’s Jamison Blankenship. So order up a big bowl of the spicy tonkotsu ramen and some pork gyoza on the side, and you’ll forget all about the packaged snacks you were hoping for.

14. 800 Degrees — Los Angeles International

Tom Bradley Terminal

Photo: 800 Degrees/Facebook

The Tom Bradley Terminal is like the big asterisk on the general awfulness of LAX, the lone place where one feels like they’re in an airport that’s been renovated this millennium and home to all the best restaurants. Picking one really depends on what you’re in the mood for, but this outpost of one of LA’s top pizza places cooks your pizza in less time than it takes to heat up airline food. And it has all the wood-fired goodness you’d expect from, well, a trendy LA pizza place.

15. Metro Pizza — McCarran International

D Gates

Photo: Metro Pizza/Facebook

Let’s be honest, if you find yourself departing out of the Las Vegas airport, odds are you’ve subsisted on a diet of vodka, cigarette smoke, and regret for the better part of the last 72 hours. And nothing will soak up all three of those and make you feel better like a big slice from one of the best pizza joints in Vegas. Though it doesn’t offer the variety of the in-city locations, this Metro Pizza does offer a big, greasy slice of Sunday hangover cure. Let the responsible eating begin when you get home.

16. Spring Chicken — Miami International

Terminal D

Photo: Spring Chicken/Facebook

Though Miami hasn’t really been “southern” since they stopped pronouncing it “Mia-muh,” this fast-casual fried chicken joint just past security comes from the same people behind one of the country’s best Southern restaurants at South Beach’s Yardbird. Here you’ll find the same chicken you would at the big restaurant, served in sandwiches, strips, and quarter-birds. Plus, fresh-made lemonade and the best biscuits you’re finding at any airport, anywhere.

17. Smack Shack — Minneapolis-St. Paul International

Terminal 1

Photo: Smack Shack/Facebook

Going to Minnesota for lobster might seem like going to Florida to ski, but taste the lobster roll at this spot in the Airport Mall and you’ll completely rethink that assumption. The seafood here isn’t limited to the northeast either, with a solid fried shrimp po’ boy and lobster mac and cheese also on the menu. Or go for the lobster hollandaise scrambled egg sandwich if you’re here early in the morning.

18. Dale Talde’s Little Purse Dumpling House — Newark Liberty International

Terminal C

Une publication partagée par Ryan M Downer (@ryanmdowner) le 25 Nov. 2017 à 3 :53 PST

United’s sexy new terminal finally gave EWR food to brag about, drawing the likes of Top Chef alum Dale Talde to open up multiple spots inside. This dumpling house makes fairly quick, not-gut-busting creative dumplings for a delicious twist on the Asian classic. Try the peanut butter and walnut buns or the firecracker blue cheese and chicken dumplings. If you can’t get enough of Dale, head to his nearby Caps Beer Garden for suds from all over the planet.

19. Cask and Larder — Orlando International

Terminal 2

Photo: Cask & Larder Brewery/Facebook

Winter Park, Florida may well be the best suburb in America for first-rate food. The airport’s nowhere near Winter Park, don’t get excited. But the restaurant that put it on the culinary map upped and moved into Terminal 2 at MCO, bringing their southern specialties like shrimp and grits and Nashville hot chicken with them. Sitting under the plant-covered canopy you’ll almost forget the plane full of five-year-olds screaming “WHEN ARE WE SEEING NEMO?” you flew on to get here.

20. Tony Luke’s — Philadelphia International

Terminal F

Photo: Tony Luke’s/Facebook

Philadelphia is one of the best restaurant towns in America, but what’s the FIRST thing visitors get as soon as they get there? Cursed at by locals, probably. But after that, a cheesesteak. So the airport should be no different. Even though PHL has put a ton of cash into some really inventive and delicious new concepts like Bar Symon and Baba Bar, well, Tony Luke’s is cheesesteak heaven. And if you’re in town, even just to change planes, you’d be remiss if you didn’t have one.

21. Blanco Tacos and Tequila — Sky Harbor International

Terminal 4

Photo: Blanco Tacos + Tequila/Facebook

Perhaps the greatest thing about the burrito at this little window in Terminal 4 isn’t the hot grilled chicken, the caramelized onions, or the cilantro rice. It’s that at a reasonable-yet-filling size it’s something you can grab and finish before boarding, even if American did screw you with delays and you’ve only got 20 minutes to make your connection. The tacos here are first rate too, with carne asada and baja chicken as the must-trys.

22. Napa Farms Market — San Francisco International

Terminal 2 and International Terminal

Gate for gate, SFO might have the best restaurant selection of any airport in the country, so unless you’re opting for Smart Pop at the CNBC store it’s hard to go wrong. This market highlights the best of agriculture-heavy northern California, with cheeses, wines, and vegetables all sourced from farms in the area. Offerings here include pizzas, sandwiches, and salads all with the farm-fresh taste one comes to expect when dining in San Francisco. Plus you can get in and out quickly with the same quality food you’d get in restaurants.

23. Ivar’s Fish Bar — Seattle-Tacoma International

Central Terminal just after security

Photo: Ivar’s Fish Bar/Facebook

Ivar’s original chowder house on Elliot Bay spawned a local institution, which is why it’s an absolute must-try if you find yourself at Sea-Tac. Go for the famous chowder in a big bread bowl if you’re feeling hungry. The smoked salmon on pretty much anything is best for a lighter meal, or opt for the fish and chips if you don’t count calories on travel days.

24. Kapnos Taverna — Ronald Reagan Washington National

Terminal C

Photo: Kapnos Taverna/Facebook

For such an important airport, Reagan is relatively small, but the limited selection here is surprisingly hard to choose from. Kapnos wins for its impressive selection of Greek wines served alongside delicately grilled kebabs, souvlaki, and seafood in a relaxed setting that’s a welcomed break from an airport that always feels jammed. It’s the brainchild of local celebrity chef (and another Top Chef alum) Mike Isabella, who has an entire food hall in Tysons Corner to master this kind of small-space, high-quality cuisine.

25. Chef Geoff’s — Dulles International

Concourse C

Dulles isn’t overflowing with options, though the pre-security District ChopHouse is probably the fullest meal you’ll find. Still this local favorite from, as you might guess, Chef Geoff Tracy serves upscale American fare in a chic, sleek environment that feels like eating at a DC hotspot in the middle of the airport. Go for the blackened fish tacos or the madras curry chicken if you want something a little different.


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Belize Barrier Reef not endangered

Nowadays it seems like we only hear disappointing news about our environment, the increase in endangered species, and the steady withering of our most cherished natural habitats. Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. This week the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, was removed from the United Nations list of endangered world heritage sites. UNESCO, the UN’s educational scientific and cultural agency, voted Tuesday to remove the reef from its list of threatened sites because it no longer faces immediate danger.

When the reef was initially added to the list in 2009, the United Nations cited mangrove cutting and excessive development as the cause, also expressing concern about oil exploration. Since 2009, however, Belize’s government has instituted a moratorium on oil exploration around the reef, and protections for the coastal mangrove forests. While the threat has been mitigated, experts are still cautious about the reef’s future, especially when it comes to global ocean warming.

Scientists have observed signs of coral bleaching on the Belize reef, which occurs when unusually warm water causes the corals to lose plantlike organisms that help keep them alive. Almost a quarter of the reef was affected by coral bleaching in 2015 and 2016, according to a report by the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative. The death of the world’s coral reefs could also spell the end for much of the ocean’s most colorful life, as coral reefs are home to more than a quarter of marine fish species.

For now, though, we can celebrate this small environmental victory.

H/T: The New York Times

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Visit Mauritius for more

Mauritius is so much more than lazy days on the beach. This small island nation in the Indian Ocean packs its good share of outdoor adventures, and thanks to its compact size, you’re never too far away from an epic viewpoint, an amazing hike, or a bottle of the island’s famous rum. Here’s everything you can expect from a vacation in postcard-perfect Mauritius.




1

The signature vanilla tea of Mauritius is the pride of the island and at Bois Cheri Tea Plantation, you can both sample and see the production firsthand. A lake that can be explored with kayaks and a unique bubble-hut accommodation make this an ideal place to kick back and relax in the cooler temperatures of the island.

2

On Mauritius, you can snorkel and scuba dive in clear waters full of marine life, jet ski, paddleboard, and windsurf. The well-protected and pristine reefs around the island mean any spot is a good spot, but my favorite was the peninsula around Le Morne where the towering mountain offers an epic backdrop.

3

This small cluster of sand dunes is a geological formation in the south of the island that glows with hues of purple, red, and yellow as the sun hits the mineral-rich mounds. The formation covers just a small area, but it’s one of the most unique natural attractions on Mauritius.

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4

Rochester Falls, one of the island’s smaller but still beautiful waterfalls is located at the end of a four-wheel drive across sugar cane fields. Scrambling down the slippery rocks, the crashing, cool water makes for the perfect morning dip, and with only a local coconut seller for company, you won’t be bothered by crowds.

5

While most people consider Mauritius to be a pricey destination, the street food available, from fresh fruit and French-inspired pastries to the amazing dholl puri (a pancake dish that consists of split peas and a fiery sauce), is super cheap and delicious.

6

The highest waterfalls in Mauritius - Chamarel Falls - crash down from an impressive 272 feet. This is a worthy hike and one of the most beautiful sights on the island.

7

The capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis, is a small city that you should check out. While Caudan Waterfront is growing with trendy bars and fancy restaurants, the Central Market retains its authentic buzz. Swing by to binge on tea and local street snacks.

8

Sega dance originated on the mainland and Madagascar but it’s now the expression of joy and liveliness in Mauritius.

9

In the heart of Mauritius, around 1,800 feet above sea level, this crater lake - called Grand Bassin - has become the sacred destination for many pilgrimages and festivals. The Hindu temples and statues around the lake make for a peaceful and beautiful spot to appreciate the harmony of the various religions that make up the population of the island.

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10

In the southwest of the island, Black River Gorges National Park is a great spot to put on your hiking boots and explore the rugged, lush landscapes of Mauritius. Viewpoints provide epic views while monkeys stroll past you, and small and large waterfalls dot the trail.

11

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is well-known for the giant water lilies covering the ponds. The 37-acre gardens are also home to giant tortoises, spice gardens, and towering palm-lined paths.

12

Mauritius actually consists of countless small islands. It’s easy to hire a boat and go island hopping to spot some flamingos, native pink pigeons, and that small piece of coast just perfect to watch the sun go down.

13

Rum production is taken seriously here. Swing by Chamarel Rhumerie for a tour of the production methods and plenty of chances to sample flavors, as well as the island’s delicious mojitos.

14

It wouldn't be a trip to Mauritius without plenty of time chilling out on the beach. From my favorite, Trou aux Biches in the north, to the empty tiny spots you'll randomly stop your car at, Mauritius's star attraction never disappoints. Just remember to drag yourself away from the soft sands to discover everything else this place has to offer.

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Maldives tired of influencers

Since every Joe Schmoe with a Facebook or Instagram is now calling themselves an “influencer,” an awful lot of people think they can leverage their follower numbers and a few branded photos to score free hotel stays. Well, they can’t, and resorts in the Maldives are fed up telling them about it.

Given its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury bungalows, the Maldives are a particularly Instagrammable location. But the sheer volume of self-proclaimed “influencers” requesting free stays is starting to exasperate resort owners. Kate Jones, a five-star resort employee in the Maldives, told The Atlantic that people say they “want to come to the Maldives for 10 days and will do two posts on Instagram to like 2,000 followers.” She says requests are often vague, and that she receives about six each day.

The requests have gotten so out-of-hand that some resorts, like the Hurawalhi Island Resort, have given specific criteria on what they’re looking for in an influencer partnership. They want “individuals who are highly engaging with their audience,” the website reads, “and whose personal brand aligns with the resort’s target audience, values, and marketing goals.”

Some hotels are stepping out of the influencer content game completely. One UK-based hotel banned the practice after a YouTuber requested a free five-night stay in Dublin. In a humiliating public response, hotel owner Paul Stenson said, “It takes a lot of balls to send an email like that, if not much self-respect and dignity…if I let you stay here in return for a feature in a video, who is going to pay the staff who look after you? Who is going to pay the housekeepers who clean your room?” He adds at the end, “P.S. The answer is no.”

So, don’t feel bad that you only have 500 followers. You might not be an influencer, but at least — as Paul Stenson might say — you have your dignity.

H/T: Fox News

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