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7 reasons to visit Fiji NOW

Those Fiji daydreams tend to sneak up on you — one minute you’re filing a monthly report, the next you’re picturing yourself alone on a postcard-perfect island…sand, sea, sky, and a palm tree or two. Once it happens, the hooks are in, and the best time to visit becomes right now. In case you need any more convincing, here are seven reasons why you should be booking that trip.

1. Because Fiji is easier to get to (and get around) than you think

Photo: Tourism Fiji

Getting to Fiji from the States is much more straightforward than most people think. With overnight flights aboard Fiji Airways from the West Coast (via either Los Angeles or San Francisco), you can arrive in the early morning and spend the rest of the day exploring waterfalls / sipping drinks from coconuts / napping under the palm trees…take your pick.

Getting to and from Fiji’s more distant islands is a breeze, too. That remote island that looks straight out of a calendar? It’s a seaplane, helicopter, ferry, or quick speedboat ride away. Now compare that to your subway commute.

2. Because you’ll be island hopping in the heart of the South Pacific

Photo: Scott Stohler and Collette Stohler of Roamaroo

They say you can visit a new island every day for an entire year in Fiji. This might not be entirely true — but with 333 islands to choose from, you can get pretty close. From the largest island of Viti Levu, which is where all international flights arrive, you can connect to just about anywhere in the country.

One great way to get the most out of a visit is to pick an island group and hop along its length. In the Yasawas, a dazzling group of 20 or so volcanic islands that stretch away from the civilization of Fiji’s two big islands, you could spend weeks jumping from resort to resort. Not only will you get a gorgeous sea voyage — you’ll return with a much better sense of just how beautiful Fiji is.

3. Because you can unwind in your own private luxury villa

Photo: Scott Stohler and Collette Stohler of Roamaroo

Breakfast in bed, long walks on a white-sand beach, and morning swims in warm ocean water aren’t just aspirations for a dating profile. In Fiji, they’re things that happen in real life. At Fiji’s boutique private island resorts, with only a handful of guests on the property, you’ll be treated like a VIP.

P.S: No stay in Fiji is complete without sevusevu, a traditional welcome ceremony. Expect to sample kava, the earthy tasting liquid may make your lips tingle a bit — but that could just be from smiling so much.

4. Because you can explore pristine waters

Photo: Markus Roth

With reef sharks and turtles, as well as intricate caves and rock formations, some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world is found here in Fiji. In one location, you can swim with manta rays! On Rainbow Reef there’s candy-colored coral and an entire wall shining with ice-white corals. Oh, and there are often dolphins to keep you company.

5. Because there’s more to Fiji than beaches

Photo: Scott Stohler and Collette Stohler of Roamaroo

On the garden island of Taveuni, the landscape is filled with endemic plants and the views are lush. Most visitors to Bouma National Heritage Park stop at the first tier of the falls, plunging right into the pool. But those in the know (and with sturdy shoes) keep going up the tropical forest trail to the second and third falls. If you’re lucky, among all that flora, you may even see a tagimaucia. All done up in crimson and white, Fiji’s unofficial flower is said to be formed from the tears of forbidden love.

6. Because you need to be alone, together.

Photo: Scott Stohler and Collette Stohler of Roamaroo

In Fiji, there’s plenty of elbow room on the sand, so you might just have that pristine beach all to yourself, or a chance to picnic on a sand-cay with turquoise waters on all sides. Beyond that, Fiji’s island resorts offer plenty in the way of unique amenities that suit a couple’s desire to be away from it all.

Nature does a pretty good job of creating a little romantic mood lighting, too. When conditions are just right and the sun slips slowly down to a clear ocean horizon, it shrinks and lightens, and sometimes, for just a split second before it disappears, it flashes a vivid emerald green. So, as the sky begins to turn pink, grab an icy cocktail together, look seaward, and start watching for that vibrant flash.

7. Because you arrive as a guest, but depart as family.

Photo: Tourism Fiji

Of course you’ll remember those leisurely swims, those bike rides along palm-lined island trails, and that cooking class where you learned to make delicious local specialties. But Fiji’s true magic is its ability to transform travelers from visitors to family members. Expect to make friends, and expect to plan that return trip next year.

The post 7 reasons you should visit Fiji NOW appeared first on Matador Network.

Teams to cheer for at World Cup

Not that most Americans ever get all that passionate about soccer but, once every four years, we get at least a passing interest in a sport where scoreless ties are common. Usually, that’s because our national team is involved, and it’s the only time we as Americans ever get to feel like the underdog. But, this year, the Yanks failed to qualify for the World Cup, which means that other than rooting for whoever Germany is playing against, it’s hard to pick a team.

But if you’re looking for a bandwagon to jump on in the 2018 World Cup, there are some great contenders. We chatted with Miami-based soccer journalist Neal Blackmon who tipped us to the teams who, if nothing else, with be fun to root for in this World Cup — some of which may actually have a chance.

1. The closest thing to rooting for America: Mexico

Mexico is basically the United States’ second team, who just happens to play better soccer. The team plays more games on American soil than it does at home, and El Tri even has its own US fan group, Pancho Villa’s Army. The jersey is the best-selling national jersey in most states and, no matter where you are, you’ll have no shortage of passionate Mexican fans cheering along with you. After an impressive win over defending champ Germany last week, this looks to be the best Mexican squad in decades, and though the country is traditionally strong at soccer, they haven’t even reached the quarterfinals since 1986.

2. The little guy who can play with the big boys: Iceland

It seems Iceland felt comfortable leaving its country in the hands of millions of American tourists this summer, since, judging by the massive crowds, most of the 334,000 residents of this country are in Russia. The team that shocked England in 2014 and made the quarterfinals of the 2016 UEFA European Championship are a surprise contender this year after an early draw against powerhouse Argentina. As the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup, they’re a little guy with a real chance, mostly thanks to Gylfi Sigurdsson, a midfielder from the English Premier League who is among the best in the world at bending in free kicks. If the Vikings make a run, he’ll be the reason why.

3. Where the fans are as fun as the team: Senegal

“Senegal’s fans are basically the soccer equivalent of ‘we may lose the game but we never lose a party,’” says Blackmon. And though the brightly-colored contingent of Senegalese supporters are always fun to watch, the team itself isn’t half bad. They’ve got a midfield full of EPL and Serie-A players, plus a legitimate global superstar in Sadio Mané. They traipsed through African qualifying without a loss and trounced a solid Poland squad to open the tournament. African teams traditionally don’t dominate on this stage, but this just might be the year we see one make a run. That, and manager Aliou Cisse is the youngest in the World Cup at 40 years old, and easily the most entertaining.

4. The team nobody gave a shot: Japan

Japan was considered by many to be the worst team in the tournament this year, ranked 61st in the world and fresh off firing Vahid Halilhodzic as coach in April. So, how did the UMBC of the World Cup respond? Just by beating soccer perennial Colombia to open up play. Japan’s also worth rooting for off the pitch as many players have families who were severely impacted by the massive earthquake in Osaka earlier this month. But it’s not all underdog stories here. The team has some real talent with a handful of EPL players on the squad including Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki. A man familiar with winning championships on a team nobody gave a chance.

5. The great team that’s still not hateable: Portugal

If you’re going to pick a bandwagon to jump on, it’s Portugal. One of 2018’s big favorites is hailing from a country that’s lived in the shadow of Spain pretty much since colonial exploration went out of style. But this might be their shot to finally climb out. Portugal won the 2016 EURO and is currently ranked fourth in the world, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players to ever put on cleats. Also on the roster: Turkish star Pepe and MLS #1 overall pick João Moutinho. The team that’s been a perennial World Cup disappointment might finally give their homeland something to cheer about in 2018. Or, at the very least, have something to hold over their neighbors to the east.

6. The team with rough roots that plays as tough as anyone: Iran

Some might find it tough to root for a country who only recently stopped stoning people to death, but if you put politics aside, it’s hard not to appreciate this upstart squad from Southwest Asia. Here’s a team that doesn’t even have its own field to practice on, has no training camps, and has only limited access to the best equipment due to economic sanctions. Nike even dropped them shortly before the World Cup. Despite all that, the Iranians have fielded one of the best defensive teams in the world, only giving up a goal in one qualifying match, shutting out Morocco in its opener, and fighting Spain tough in a 1-0 defeat. Iran is now an upset of Portugal away from reaching the knockout round. With no budget, no stars, and cut-rate gear, Iran is the ultimate rag-tag underdog punching way above its weight. Oh, and the internet is collectively thirsting over how attractive they all are, so if you couldn’t care less about the sport, there’s that.

7. The team with the player who keeps it interesting, even if you don’t like soccer: Spain

Spain as a team isn’t anything special to get behind — one of many very-good squads who might get hot and win it all. But the longer Diego Costa is in this tournament, the more entertaining it’ll be. Some might call him “dirty,” or “crazy,” or “an undiagnosed sociopath,” but in terms of pure entertainment, how can you not root for a striker who once bit an opposing player and threatened to leave his first pro team because the city didn’t have a beach? He has regular on-field meltdowns against opposing players and picks up yellow cards almost as often as he scores goals. Which he does frequently. He’s like Albert Belle meets Ron Artest in a soccer uniform, i.e. a guy you wouldn’t ever want to play against but who is endlessly entertaining. And the longer he’s in the World Cup, the better the chances that he does something absolutely batshit insane.


More like this: Japanese fans pick up stadium trash after World Cup win

The post No Americans? No problem. Here’s seven teams to root for in the World Cup. appeared first on Matador Network.

5 badass female surf communities

From California to Australia, women around the world have been surfing for decades – or, in Hawaii’s case, centuries. Yet whether you’re used to pulling on a damp wetsuit in the middle of winter, or slapping on SPF 50 year-round, there’s one thing nearly all female surfers have in common: the feeling of being in the minority in the water.

Just because female surfers are outnumbered, doesn’t mean they should be underestimated. While admittedly still small, the global women’s surfing community is growing exponentially, largely thanks to badass communities of female wave riders around the world. Here are groups of female chargers who are carving the way forwards for all women in the water.

1. Siargao, The Philippines

A post shared by Elaine Abonal (@elaineabonal) on Apr 26, 2018 at 3:02pm PDT

“When you’re surfing in the Philippines, you’re treated like a princess,” says Filipino surfer Elaine Abonal and founder of Surfista Travels, a surf school on the island of Siargao. “Female surfers here are encouraged and cheered on in the lineup – you would never see a guy saying to another girl here to get out just because she was a chick!”

Siargao is a tropical paradise of blue ocean, stunning beaches, and multiple reef breaks. It’s also where you can surf the Philippines’ most famous break, “Cloud Nine”, a perfect barreling wave that frequently appears on lists of the world’s best surf spots. On this island, as Elaine says, “Women surfers don’t just exist; they dominate.”

More and more women are learning to surf each year and they have plenty to inspire them. The island hosts the annual Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup, with female surfers traveling from all over the world to compete against the local talent, and last year Siargao hosted the first ever World Surf League Qualifying Series women’s event to be held in the Philippines.

The women surfing in Siargao aren’t all seasoned pros. The island also has a selection of waves for intermediate surfers, a few beginner spots and, most importantly, a hugely supportive environment for female surfers.

2. The Phuket Surfer Girls, Phuket, Thailand

A post shared by Phuket Surfer Girls (@phuketsurfergirls) on Jul 31, 2017 at 9:05am PDT

Given Thailand’s reputation for swimming beaches and snorkeling sites, you might not equate its shores with surfing. Add the fact that studies show most Thai girls aren’t getting enough exercise, and the idea that Thailand might be home to a thriving women’s surf scene seems…well… almost impossible.

Enter the Phuket Surfer Girls, as a group of predominantly Thai native women, who surf throughout the monsoon season, is informally known. Along with a few expats from places like Australia, Russia, Norway, and the US, these women can be spotted paddling out at various beaches along the Phuket coastline. While the waves are a far cry from world-class, this group make the most of the empty lineups at spots like Kata and Kalim Beach, which still pick up enough southwesterly swells for them to have become local surfing hubs.

Not only are the Phuket Surfer Girls the life and soul of these communities, hosting beach parties and surf contests throughout the surf season; they’re also involved in encouraging more girls to start surfing too. In Thailand, darker skin is often associated with low-paying manual labor that’s performed outdoors, so many Thai women avoid activities that might darken their skin – surfing included. The Phuket Surfer Girls are trying to combat that, by encouraging young girls from local fishing villages to come surfing with them and develop a love for the sport early on.

3. Women and Waves, Newquay, UK

A post shared by R A C H E L M U R P H Y (@ponnogram) on Sep 14, 2017 at 11:40pm PDT

The Women and Waves surf club is acutely aware that there are rarely more women than men in the water, despite the sizeable women’s surfing community of this town in Cornwall. As any female surfer can tell you, with the added stress of crowds, this can be daunting. That’s where Women and Waves come in.

In spring and fall, the town, countryside, and waves are quieter than the summer months when Newquay and its surrounding area are overrun by holidaymakers from the UK and beyond. There’s still enough daylight for an evening surf before the clocks go back. It’s on one of these evenings each week that the Women and Waves surf club meets.

The focus at this club isn’t competition, but rather the joy of just getting in the sea with other like-minded women. Members vary from novices to experienced surfers, with a few bodyboarders and swimmers to boot. There are additional options for surf-taster lessons with a qualified instructor or equipment rental, while Women and Waves also organize coaching days, weekend sessions, and surf and yoga retreats – all of which cater to women who love the ocean and, of course, just want to have fun.

4. Nosara, Costa Rica

Posicion ja ja

Posted by Nosara Ticas Surf Club on Sunday, February 9, 2014

Not long ago, surfing in Costa Rica was still considered a sport “for the guys.” Although Ticos, or Costa Ricans, began to take up surfing in the 1980’s, it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that surfing started to shake its boy’s only reputation. Since then, boosted by a few local Ticas, the surf scene for women has come a long way. In Nosara, in particular, it’s now common to see women paddling out.

While local female surfers have established their place in the lineup, several women’s surf camps and retreats have also opened in the small, close-knit town. At Safari Surf School, two-time Costa Rican National Champion Andrea Díaz runs women-only surf retreats, while Surf Bikini Retreat was founded by local surfer Adilia Zuñiga Díaz.

Adilia is also the brains behind Nosara Surf Ticas, a pro bono Surf Club where local girls and women can learn to surf in a safe environment. Adilia provides boards and teaches the basics. When those girls start to feel safe in the water and are no longer beginners, they graduate from the group and leave the board for new members. Since the idea is for women to both learn a sport and enrich their culture, the club also hosts yoga, dance, and language classes.

5. Surf Diva, San Diego

A post shared by Surf Diva (@surfdivasurfschool) on May 16, 2018 at 11:06am PDT

Surf Diva celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2016. Founded by twins Izzy and Coco, the school and shop offer everything from competitive coaching to group surf lessons on the mellow beach breaks of La Jolla in San Diego. Surf Diva has been recognized as a pioneering influence in women’s surfing.

Yet back in 1996 when the twins founded the La Jolla boutique, they were paddling headlong into a male-dominated industry. Since then, on the back of 2002’s iconic surf movie Blue Crush and the subsequent explosion in women’s surfing, they’ve been able to expand, with a surf school in Los Angeles, surf adventures in Costa Rica, and co-ed surf lessons.

With all this heritage, not to mention a staff of over sixty surf instructors and even their own line of female-specific fiberglass surfboards, a lesson with Surf Diva might sound like an intimidating experience. This couldn’t be further from the Surf Diva ethos. With the motto, “The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun,” the team encourages students to ignore the California surf crowd, have fun, and enjoy the ocean – which, as all women surfers know, is what surfing should be all about.


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Destinations for digital detox

The average person spends more than ten hours per day with their eyes locked on to a screen, three hours of which is spent on social media. While it’s great to know that Becky’s kid grew two inches in a month or that Bob broke his CrossFit WOD record, it’s easy to forget how important it is to give yourself a break from what everyone else is doing. Device disconnection creates time for exercise, healthy eating, better sleep, and more vivid social and emotional connections. Here are eight creative ways to give yourself a digital detox this summer.

1. Travel off the grid — Europe/South America/Mexico

Photo: De Repente/Shutterstock

A digital detox can change your life, but what if you just can’t do it on your own? Travel off the grid arranges group trips with like-minded people on which digital devices are not allowed. You can choose the level of detox you want to achieve ranging from “easy mode” — where you are allowed to check your phone at a designated time each day, to “all in” — where you are allowed no smartphone or internet for the duration of the trip. You are, however, given a pre-programmed burner phone to check-in with family or for emergencies. They’re so serious about disconnecting (for you to connect with people and places instead) that you actually have to apply and be accepted to book a spot on one of these trips. From $1619 (Croatian Coast, 10-day trip).

2. Snake River, Hells Canyon, Idaho

Photo: OARS

Might as well give up your devices at the beginning of this trip as there’s no wifi 8,000 feet down at the bottom of North America’s deepest river-cut gorge. The Snake River winds through this jagged canyon and the warm days of summer are an ideal time to take the plunge. Trips run from three to six days and will have your eyes pinned to anything but a screen from start to finish. Immerse yourself in wild class III-IV rapids, hike to sites were 7000-year-old tools were found, eat like a royal, and sleep under the twinkle of undiluted stars. Guides have a satellite phone for emergencies, but otherwise, expect the experience to be about nothing but being in the moment. From $1199.

3. Petit St Vincent Island, The Grenadines

Photo: petit St Vincent

There are no phones, televisions, or internet in the 22 villas of this private island in the lower Caribbean. In their place are a beach bar, a treehouse spa, two miles of white sand shoreline, three meals a day, and whatever ocean activity your heart desires — be it snorkeling, scuba, fishing, or sailing. Instead of trying to outdo your Instagram rivals, you can do your best to beat out in-person foes at the area’s most popular pastime: liming. Liming consists of living in the moment, enjoying nothing more than where you are and who you are with. Sounds like a worthy goal of attainment as doing absolutely nothing is highly underrated. From $1200/night.

4. Device-Free Date Night, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

Photo: Rocketclips, Inc.

Spending some time device-free is easier said than done, especially surrounded by the flash of glitzy Las Vegas. In order to assist couples in connecting, or re-connecting, the Mandarin Oriental offers a “Device-Free Date Night” where lovers check their devices in at the front desk and prepare to focus on someone instead of everything else. The package includes credit for use at The Spa as well as sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. From $299.

5. Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA

Photo: kudla/Shutterstock

Massachusetts isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when you think of getting away from it all but Canyon Ranch’s Lenox wellness resort specializes in exactly that. Located in the Berkshires, this all-inclusive, tip-free resort, offers a digital detox experience tailored to each of its guests. In addition to spa services, guest options include creative arts classes, one-on-ones with spiritual guides, fitness instruction, meditation, communication counseling, and even access to nutritionists. Gourmet meals and transfers from nearby airports and train stations are included so you won’t even need your phone for directions. As they say, “Unplug in a place where ‘recharge’ means something different.” From $959/night.

6. Spa Eastman, Eastman, Canada

Photo: Spa Eastman

When booking some time at Spa Eastman, one of the Montreal area’s favorite spa escapes, ask for the “Option Disconnect” add-on. With this, all electronic devices are surrendered upon check-in and staff ensure board games, books, a “disconnect” guide, and plenty of “me” time. Rooms here don’t have telephones or televisions, and — in addition to the usual massage, meditation, yoga, and hiking offerings — Spa Eastman also has thermotherapy facilities. These include steam baths, saunas, hot tubs, polar baths, and indoor-outdoor pools to provide the kinds of stimulation devices can’t. From $215/night.

7. Maqai Beach Eco Surf Resort, Qamea Island, Fiji

Photo: Maqai Beach, Qamea, Fiji Islands

If you make the effort to travel all the way to northern Fiji, the last thing you’ll want to be is absorbed in a screen. That’s where Maqai Beach Eco Surf Resort comes in. Aside from all of the natural beauty Fiji is famous for, this eco-friendly escape encourages guests to get involved with the friendly local community by participating in a kava ceremony, learning to weave baskets, joining in a game of volleyball, or even visiting the kids at the local school. Qamea Island doesn’t have internet and, even if it did, you’d probably feel pretty foolish using it instead of taking one of these many opportunities to make a true connection. From $170/night.

8. Go Camping, Anywhere

Photo: simoly/Shutterstock

Perhaps the most underrated of ways to unplug is to just to pack it up and head somewhere near nowhere. There’s a spot in just about every country or region where you can get away from it all. Most publicly-owned national forests, nature preserves, grasslands, and Bureau of Land Management areas offer off-grid camping of all kinds, from somewhat developed campsites to boondocking to backcountry trekking. While it’s always good to have a cell phone for emergencies, perhaps the stunning country will deter you from using it for anything else. You’ll likely have plenty to keep you busy doing nothing.


More like this: 7 destinations out of cell range where you can totally unplug

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two-for-one Amtrak deal

If you’ve ever dreamed about an epic train trip, now could be your chance to make it happen. Amtrak is offering a special two-for-one deal, where you can buy two train seats for the price of one. And it won’t be your standard, uncomfortable train seats either. You’ll be getting your own “roomettes” — private, little rooms where you can actually sleep at night. Two chairs convert into a bed, there’s a pull-down bunk bed directly above, and a nearby shower in the car. Meals are also included in the ticket price, as well as access to lounges on board and at train stations. In true luxury style, an on-call attendant will be available to assist you with anything you need.

The fares rival economy airline tickets, i.e. as low as $218 for a one-way trip from Atlanta to New Orleans, and $273 from Chicago to Washington DC. You can travel anytime between August 20th and February 15th, 2019, with November 25th being the only blackout date. The deal is available on any Amtrak train with sleeping accommodations. Chicago, Washington DC, New Orleans, Denver, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Savannah, New York City, and Seattle are all listed as destinations on Amtrak’s website.

The two-for-one price is only available through online bookings and cancellations must be made more than 15 days in advance. But make sure you book soon because the sale expires next Tuesday, June 26th, at 11:59 PT.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

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No powder in carry-on bags

One of the most common questions asked while traveling — especially when it comes to bringing back souvenirs — is, “wait, am I allowed to take this through security?” The rules are strict and often variable, and it can be difficult to keep up, but it’s worth it if you want to be interrogated or blacklisted. So, from now on, add “powder products” to your don’t-pack-in-my-carry-on list. The Transportation Security Administration will soon implement a new procedure requiring fliers to remove any power substance from their bags, and any amount exceeding 12 ounces will undergo additional screening. If agents can’t identify what the powder is, it might get confiscated.

While the rule will go into effect domestically, TSA is also asking foreign airports with non-stop US flights to implement similar security measures, starting on June 30th. The new procedure is in response to an attempted plot last July to blow up a plane in Australia. Powders have been a concern even before this incident as they make it easier to smuggle improvised explosives, fentanyl, and pepper spray.

The new powder rule comes on the heels of expanded security measures last March which required passengers to remove snacks from their carry-on luggage during security screenings.

So, if you’re trying to bring some spices home from the Middle East, fine sand from the Mediterranean, or if you want to keep yourself looking fresh with some blush and bronzer, it might be safer to check your bag.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

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The post Here is another item that TSA does not want you to carry on the plane appeared first on Matador Network.

Outdoor co-working spaces are in

L.L. Bean’s research indicates that Americans spend 95 percent of their time indoors, half of which are spent working. To alter that trend, L.L. Bean is creating the first-ever outdoor co-working space, with their new campaign, Be an Outsider at Work. Partnering with national co-working chain Industrious, they have developed pop-up outdoor workspaces across the country.

L.L. Bean launched a successful pilot of the program in Freeport, Maine earlier this month, which featured individual workstations, glass-walled, collaborative conference areas, outdoor meeting spaces, and group-cycling desks. The newest installation can be found in downtown Manhattan, with future spaces planned for Boston, Philadelphia, and Madison, WI.

In their motivational handbook, they suggest steps to increase your outdoor exposure during the workday, including taking meetings outdoors or going on brief walks. These small measures could help office workers become 300 percent more creative, 50 percent more productive, and 92 percent happier.

Leigh Stringer, author of The Healthy Workplace: How to Improve the Well-Being of Your Employees and Boost Your Company’s Bottom Line, wrote, “as humans, we have a preference to be in and among nature over man-made environments, so why not adopt the notion of working outside?”

L.L. Bean’s outdoor coworking spaces will be available from June 21st on a first-come, first-served basis, though you can book daily slots through Industrious. While New York City’s space is already open, Boston will open on July 10th, Philadelphia July 17th, and Madison on July 24th.

H/T: Apartment Therapy

More like this: How to not quit your job and travel for a year

The post L.L. Bean is opening the first-ever outdoor co-working space appeared first on Matador Network.

Best European rooftop bars

Forget walking tours that give you sore feet and sunburns, the best way to see some of Europe’s iconic sites is by sipping champagne on a rooftop terrace. Here are some European rooftop bars with views of famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Parthenon in Athens, so you can see the old continent in style.

1. Skyline Rooftop Bar, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Photo: Skyline Rooftop Bar

Having an Aperol Spritz anywhere in Venice is delightful, but doing it from the rooftop terrace of the Molino Stucky Hilton is truly amazing. The Skyline Rooftop Bar of the Hilton Molino Stucky is a short boat ride from the main island of Venice and, from there, you can sip your cocktail while watching the sunset over St Mark’s Square and the picturesque jumble of domes and spires that define Venice’s skyline.

2. O2 Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Moscow

Along with an open-air terrace, the O2 lounge has an ultra-modern glass and steel dome you can drink and dine under so that its breathtaking views of Moscow’s most famous monuments are not limited by the weather.

Have your city tour from above while sipping a cocktail — this bar has one of the world’s most extensive vodka selection — and perhaps nibbling on some sushi made with ingredients from Tokyo’s top fish markets.

3. Terrass” Restaurant & Bar, Terrass” Hotel, Paris

Photo: Terrass” Restaurant & Bar

You don’t need a drone to get those dreamy, misty views of the rooftops of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Terrass” rooftop restaurant, bar, and terrace in Montmartre provides perfect views of the famous monument and the whole of Paris from above.

While the restaurant inside has the feel of a Parisian bistro, the terrace outside is more industrial chic and is dotted with plants so you feel like you’re in a modern sky-high garden.

4. Bramante Terrace bar, Hotel Raphael, Rome

Photo: Hotel Raphael

From the Bramante Terrace bar, you not only get a view of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, but also the fantastical pinnacle of Borromini’s Sant’Ivo church and, as the name of the terrace suggests, Bramante’s Cloister in the church of Santa Maria della Pace.

Once art discussions are over you can get thinking about what to order, from a classic Italian cocktail like a Bellini to lunch or dinner.

5. Atmosphere Rooftop Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

Photo: Atmosphere Rooftop Bar

At the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar in Vienna, you can get 360-degree views of the city’s elegant architecture, including the green copper dome of the Hofburg Palace and the spire of the cathedral of St Stephen.

This year, the bar is focusing on ‘Made in Austria’, so try a local white wine, a white wine spritzer, or their own D-scovery Gin.

6. Coq d’Argent, London

Photo: Coq d’Argent

From the Coq d’Argent, Located in the heart of the City, you can admire a picture-perfect view of London’s attractions, such as the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and the Gherkin.

Up here you won’t feel any of the stress of the city below as you relax in an oasis of lawns and ornamental hedges, and enjoy some elegant French cuisine.

7. Sense Restaurant, AthensWas Hotel, Athens

Photo: AthensWas

On the 7th floor of the AthensWas Hotel, Sense Restaurant is right beside the Acropolis. It’s the perfect place to sit and admire an unimpeded view of the Parthenon, particularly when it’s lit up at night. All you have to do is sit, take in the sights, and enjoy the amazing Greek cuisine offered.


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Baby born on Paris train

Ever wondered how to get free train rides? Easy. Just be born on the train. The busy RER A line in Paris was delayed Monday morning due to a woman unexpectedly giving birth on board, at Auber station. Two passengers on the lower level of the double-decker train overheard some commotion upstairs, and on investigating, found a woman wobbling and weakly moaning. They helped her recline, and then — though this probably isn’t how they expected to spend their morning commute — assisted with the birth.

“We laid her down and I just had time to take hold of the baby that was coming into my arms,” Eliane, one of the passengers, told The Local. She added that she was disappointed by the apparent indifference of the other passengers who completely ignored the woman’s distress.

Although the train was delayed for 45 minutes, the electronic schedules at the train stations were updated with surprising accuracy. “Unexpected baby,” was listed as the cause of the delay. Emergency services tended to the mother and her new baby and soon afterwards, the train line’s official Twitter announced that the child would be able to ride the train for free until age 25.

La ligne A est heureuse de vous annoncer que le

Tortoise escapes very slowly

A case of wanderlust overtook a 100-year-old tortoise in England last week. Fred, as his owners of over 30 years know him, escaped from his home and headed out to see the world, only to be found and returned home a week later not far from where he started. Moving at a rate of just .006 miles per hour, Fred made it only one mile up the road during his week-long absence.

Still, the escaped tortoise caused a bout of chaos in the small, English village of Blackfield, Hampshire, as owners Terry and Sue Phelps enlisted the neighborhood’s help in a search for Fred. Initially fearing he had been stolen, the search party stretched far and wide across Blackfield and beyond, yielding no results.

If only the search party had slowed it down, they may have found the tortoise quite a bit sooner. Still frantic, the Phelps placed an ad in the local newspaper urging the community to help locate the lost pet. A motorcyclist cruising down a road near the Phelps’ home spotted Fred, recognizing him immediately from the newspaper ad, and scooped him up. He appeared unperturbed upon being found, seemingly content with his leisurely cruise.

“I can’t thank Fred’s saviour enough. I hadn’t had a full night’s sleep since he went missing,” said the 86-year-old Mr Phelps to the Mirror. “Normally I open the back door in the morning and he’s there — he’d shout out for food if he could — but he wasn’t there on Tuesday the other week and simply didn’t appear.” One can’t help but wonder if Fred’s journey came to an end too early — he sure did not see as much of the world as we think he’d hoped.

H/T: Insider

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