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This Small and Stylish Wallet Keeps My Dual-Country Lifestyle Organized

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

 

Until recently, what I used for a wallet was not a wallet at all, but a pouch. More specifically, it was a chunky and artisan-made pocketbook-like object made of felted wool. The moment I saw it at a market in Kelowna, British Columbia, in 2014, I fell in love with it. It was everything I liked: made of natural fibers by some hard-working textile artist, it was unique, and very whimsical. In fact, I liked it so much that I bought it instantly for a meagre 24 CAD ($17) without thinking that the lack of zipper, coin compartment, or card slot would ever be a problem. I was blinded by its beauty.

The whimsical wallet-pouch from 2014. Photo: Morgane Croissant

I used my woolen pouch for 10 long years, and during that time, I received countless compliments from cashiers the world over. “How cute! Did you make it yourself?”, is the remark I got the most. While I was honest about its maker and my lack of talent with a needle, I never told them that despite being adorable, that pouch was the bane of my existence. Because it has no compartment whatsoever, all my cards and bills were mixed together in one big mess, making it impossible to find my American Express card in a hurry. Also, I had to slip two little coin purses inside of it to keep both my Canadian dollars and Euros contained and separated, adding some bulk to the already hefty object. But the worst part is the fact that its closing button was just for show. The pouch would open and spill its content throughout my bag just about every single time I would go out.

As part of my anti-overconsumption mindset, I like to use things until they are completely falling apart, but when I tried mending the unraveling button hole of the pouch for the fifth time, I decided it was time to give it up and find something more suitable.

Because I spend three to four months of the years in France and the rest in Canada or traveling, I have a lot of stuff to fit in my wallet, and a lot of it needs to be separated: cards, coins, bills. I’m also not an ApplePay or GooglePay user, and likely will not be until I’m forced into it. Lastly, unlike my colleagues, I’m not a minimalist and I like to keep knickknacks and keepsakes so my wallet (or whatever passes for it) needs to be on the bigger side — or so I thought.

Time for a change, or two

Mom’s lovely present. Photos: Morgane Croissant

On my last visit to France, my lovely mother, aware of my wallet situation and well acquainted to my twee, granny tastes, got me a soft, quilted-fabric pocketbook with two zipped pockets. Here was the solution to all my problems: I could separate everything properly and nothing would ever fall out. Unfortunately, after tidying up all my stuff into it, it quickly became apparent that it was much too small to contain my dual-country lifestyle. I tried to make it work for a few weeks, but I was concerned that the zippers would break from the bulk of all the things I stuffed into it.

I was back to square one.

As fate would have it, however, a couple of days later, the good people at Fjällräven made me an offer I could not refuse: Testing out the Norrväge Wallet, a classic-looking wallet made of recycled wool. It took me less than five second to say yes. The stars were aligning and my coins were finally going to find their forever home.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet is on the small side, but its clever design with four large card slots and a coin compartment allows for much more room than I previously anticipated, as well as for good organization. The card slots are big enough to hold multiple cards (up to seven as to my test), the middle section is the perfect spot for bills and receipts, and the coin compartment, while too small to my taste, is located away from the rest and zipped, preventing any spillage.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

what I like the most about Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet, however, is the fact that it’s made of recycled wool. It’s not only a good use of fibers that would otherwise end up in landfills, but it also looks beautiful and feels robust and durable. Like any brushed wool products, it tends to attracts a little dust and fuzz but that doesn’t take away from its looks.

The Norrväge Wallet, much like many other products from Fjällräven, is a candidate for the brand’s Lifetime Repairs program, so if the zipper breaks or the push button gives up on me, I can make my way to any Fjällräven Brand Center and get it fixed. If a hole appears in the wool, I can also use the repair patch that came with the wallet.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet only comes in two color: gray and night-skye blue. I have the blue version, and while it’s a lovely hue, I would be happy to see a larger variety of shade on offers to match more people’s preferences. The brand’s other wallets come in many more colors, including mustard yellow and olive green, both of which are very attractive.

Photos: Morgane Croissant

I thoroughly enjoy the brand’s subtle efforts to make this item special despite its simplicty, namely adding Fjällräven’s signature fox-shaped leather patch on the front and the discreet Norwegian flag along the seams. Both the solid push button on the front and the metal zipper tab on the back feature the same, very cute, curled-up fox for a coherent branded look.

The Norrväge Wallet’s specs

Photos: Morgane Croissant

Capacity: Holds up to 28 cards, several bills and receipts, and a handful of coinsDimensions: 3.73″ (H) x 4.9″ (W) X O.5″ (D)Weight: 2.6 ouncesMaterials: exterior is 80 percent wool, 20 percent polyamide; interior is 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cottonDetails: UnisexPrice:$60

Despite all its qualities, however, it was clear from the start that I could not fit both my Canadian and French belongings in Fjällräven’s Norrväge Wallet. Therefore, I opted to keep the French items in the quilted pocketbook kindly gift to me by my mom, and have all my Canadian stuff in my brand new Fjällräven wallet. It turned out to be a compromise I should have made a long time ago, but now I have two beautiful and spillage-free wallet to do it.

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This Luxe Piece of Outdoor Gear Helped Me See the Best Meteor Shower of My Life

There are a lot of things you can do to improve your chances of seeing shooting stars during meteor showers. Letting your eyes adjust to the darkness for half an hour, going to an area with minimal light pollution, and gazing at the sky during the darkest hours of the night will all likely help you see more meteors go whizzing through the sky. But if you’ve ever gone stargazing, you may have realized that staring straight up for 30 minutes while sitting on the ground is not exactly the most comfortable experience. And while I love my portable, lightweight backpacking chair, if I try to lean backward too much, I just tip over.

Enter my new favorite piece of clever outdoor equipment: the Nemo Stargaze swinging camp chair. And while it’s not new, it’s new to me — which is too bad, as I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of potentially awesome stargazing events without it.

A weight-sensitive system on the side straps triggers the auto-recline feature. It’s foolproof and works quite well. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The Stargaze is a foldable, swinging camp chair — but with one feature that makes it unbeatable for stargazing.  Shifting your weight backward activities the auto-recline feature, lowering the backrest to a near-flat position, akin to a lay-flat airplane seat. This position is more like laying in a hammock, making it far easier to star at the sky without neck stiffness or fatigue. There’s even a thick pillow you can move up or down on the backrest. It’s also pretty supportive, so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in an awkward V shape.

When you sit back up, that motion automatically returns the back panel to an upright position. It’s clever as heck, and really makes relaxing outdoors far more comfortable, especially if seeing shooting stars is your goal.

We hope you love the gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. It’s one way we keep all our travel content free, but we only recommend products we’ve reviewed and use ourselves. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Buy Now: $249

The NEMO Stargaze made the 2024 Perseid Meteor shower the best I’ve ever seen

We’ve spent quite a few nights working on this NEMO Stargaze review, from the comfort of my back deck in the mountains. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The Perseid Meteor shower happens every year from late July to mid-August as the Swift–Tuttle comet passes by the planet. In 2024, it peaked on August 12. Because I love astronomical events, and I wanted to make this Nemo Stargaze review as night-sky focused as possible, I carried it to wooded clearing in northern Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada. Set up is wildly easy — aside from foldable legs, and a hook on each armrest, there’s nothing to put together — and the four separate feet helped it to feel secure on uneven terrain. It’s a little awkward to plop into, but using the armrests to balance yourself helps.

But once I settled in, I was surprised how long I sat comfortably staring at the sky. I wasn’t frequently shifting or grabbing my phone out of boredom. For a good 40 minutes, I just sat laying down, looking around the sky uninterrupted. That’s longer than I’ve ever stared up at the sky in one go, and it allowed my eyes the optimal amount of time to adjust to the darkness. I started noticing stars during twilight, and by the time the sky had turned the inky shade of black ideal for stargazing, I could make out even the cloudy wisps of the Milky Way.

Less than an hour after sunset, I saw the best shooting star of my life. It was bright, so big, and so low that I almost jumped out of my seat, sure that it had hit the treetops in the forest nearby. Despite the fact that the Perseid is not the biggest meteor shower of the year (in the northern hemisphere, that honor usually belong’s to December’s Geminids show), it seemed like I saw a shooting star every five minutes or so.

 

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While I can’t give the NEMO Stargaze credit for generating the show, I can give it credit for making it much easier to keep my eyes on the skies and giving me access to a wider field of viewing. Several times, I found myself saying “Woah, did you see that one?” to my husband, only for him to say “What? No!” Perhaps if he’d been sitting in a NEMO Stargaze, instead of trying to lie on the ground with a jacket balled up under his head, he would have had an easier time spotting them. It’s far easier to move your head and look around the entire sky when you’re swinging in a chair, instead of laying with your head on a fixed spot on the ground.

(Don’t worry: we switched after about an hour so he could give the chair a try, too).

The fact that I saw more meteoroids than ever during the show is especially notable because I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The clearing where I watched the show is about a 10-minute walk from my house, and I regularly have fantastic stargazing opportunities from my back deck, where the Stargaze is now parked. So the variable wasn’t being in new place or having access to darker skies — it was having a comfortable way to stare at the stars.

Buy Now: $249.95

NEMO Stargaze: the pros

Assembly is easy, with two secure metal clips to attach the fabric seat to the aluminum frame. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Aside from the fact that the NEMO Stargaze will help you see absolutely baller meteor showers (a scientific astronomy term, I believe), it’s also more comfortable than your average camp chair. That’s probably because it’s larger, with a diamond-shaped back panel that provides plenty of support for broad shoulders, the padded headrest, the ability to rock and swing, and the wide seat width (just over three feet). With a weight limit of 300 pounds, it accommodates a wide range of bodies, butt sizes, and heights — though my husband, at just over six feet tall, reported that it was easier to maintain the laying-down position when he put his feet up on a rock or table.

The smaller packed size makes it easier to fit in the car on on road trips or for car-camping excursions. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Other useful features are mesh panels to reduce sweat on warm days, and a relatively small carrying case. Compared to my other chairs, it’s much more compact and far easier to pack in a car trunk. Assembly is easy, with elastic cords to connect the four legs and two upright supports. The chair has only two connection points to the frame, each attached with a very easy-to-use clip.

Disassembly is easy as long as you know one specific step: there are narrow poles on the back panel with a velcro tab to release them. I fiddled with the chair for at least 10 minutes before figuring that out. But once I did, no problems. Packing it back up wasn’t as quick as, say, my Helinox Chair, but it still only took about two minutes.

Buy Now: $249.95

NEMO Stargaze: the cons

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze is heavy compared to your average camp chair, at eight pounds. My cheap Coleman camp chairs weigh less than that, at around six pounds each. But the Stargaze is clearly a much more luxurious chair, and when I’ve set it up around friends using regular camp chairs, the series of “ooohs,” “ahhhs,” and “well, aren’t you fancy?“-ing is inevitable. That said, it’s better for car camping or carrying for short distances over your shoulder. I’d never carry it on an overnight trip as part of my gear.

Aside from the difficulties of packing it up the first time (I’m telling you, remove those poles in the back!), the other con is something some camp chair users may experience with every chair: the taller you are, the less comfortable it’s likely to be.

At 5-foot, 7-inches, I found it super easy to maintain a comfortable position.While my husband agreed it was more comfortable than a standard camp chair, he would have liked the pillow to move a little higher, and felt his longer torso didn’t fit as well in the curve of the seat when laying flat. We both agreed it was much more comfortable with our feet propped up. A stump worked just fine, but you can find attachable camp chair footrests on Amazon for around $15.

The cupholder works well for a phone or canned drink, but larger bottles will probably fall out if you swing. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze also has two built-in cupholders. However, they’re too small for tall water bottles. They’re a great size for a beer or a phone, but you’ll probably want to set taller bottles on the ground.

Buy Now: $249.95

What makes it worth $250?

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The NEMO Stargaze is extremely expensive for a camp chair, and there’s no getting around that. It’s the same price ($249.95) whether you buy it from NEMO, via Amazon, or somewhere like REI. While it does have an extremely solid warranty and repair program, it’s definitely a wishlist item. It could make a nice gift for your outdoorsy girlfriend, or a fun group buy for your buddy having a camping bachelor party. You can sometimes find used versions usually around the $100 to $150 mark on REI’s Re/Supply used gear website, especially if you don’t mind buying an older version. But it’s clearly a want item, not a need, and you can find way cheaper (albeit likely less durable) generic swinging chairs at Amazon or WalMart.

Of course, big box stores and generic Amazon retailers usually produce products in the cheapest possible way, which NEMO Equipment doesn’t. It’s one of the most sustainable outdoor companies on the market, actively working toward making all its products recyclable and using extremely high standards for materials, production methods, and carbon tracking. It also puts its money where its mouth is, so to speak, with active advocacy and inclusion programs. So if you’re worried about the very real effects of overconsumption and over-consumerism, but still want a sick chair for stargazing, buying a NEMO product could be a good happy medium.

Buy Now: $249.95

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The Best Big Bear Airbnbs Near the Slopes, Lake, and Town

Swallowed up by the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear is an outdoor recreation hub in Southern California. Offering over 300 days of sunshine and a rare opportunity for leaf peeping in the Golden State, Big Bear Lake is a four-season destination for alpine adventure. Cool down on the lake in summer, go biking and horse riding in shoulder season, and return in winter for California’s best skiing and boarding. Big Bear’s Airbnb scene makes it easy to experience nature’s playground. Awesome for couples and families, these private cabin rentals are steps from the lake, ski slopes, and The Village at Big Bear.

Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides: These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtown The best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park 11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks 9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast 10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat 12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groups These Airbnb stays near Disneyland offer an easy group vacation These Airbnbs near Knott’s Berry Farm put you close to legendary coasters

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

Pet-friendly lakeside Airbnb in Big BearPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Imagine the glamor of a Hollywood mansion dropped on the shores of California’s most idyllic mountain retreat. This luxurious sanctuary has a hot tub with lake panoramas, a meditation nook, and a kids’ gaming hangout. The master suite has an electric fireplace and underfloor heating in the bathroom while the other two bedrooms have cute vaulted ceilings – almost like glamping. Depending on the season, you’ll have free use of the private dock or complimentary snow sleds.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,308 per night

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Modern A-frame mountain retreatPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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This Guest Favorite Airbnb has a prime location in Big Bear close to the lakeside, ski stations, and Village restaurants. The decor and amenities is a grown-up take on summer camp with Pendleton blankets, a bunk bed that adults and kids will scrabble over, and a ping pong table in the yard. Velvet couches and spa-like bathrooms are luxe enough to impress travelers who value their creature comforts.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $461 per night

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“Wabi Sabi” private cabin in the woodsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Whisk your other half away for a weekend of adventure and hygge at this minimalist Airbnb for couples in Big Bear’s Boulder Bay. The lakefront and Castle Rock Trail are a stone’s throw from the cabin which sits in a remote patch of forest. Views skirt massive boulders and towering pine trees and there’s a huge deck for candlelit dining under the stars. The concrete soaking tub will see to any pulled muscles.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $378 per night

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Upscale Big Bear lakefront lodgePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Revel in unobscured views of the lake at this slice of lakeside heaven with half an acre of backyard. External space includes sun loungers, picnic tables, and a grill with an option to reserve the private dock. Evenings can be spent sprawled out on the sectional in front of the fire or diving into a home cooked meal whipped up in the gastro kitchen. Essential baby and toddler gear is provided at this family-friendly Airbnb and the Alpine Slide is minutes away.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $720 per night

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Stylish dog-friendly cabin with a jacuzzi in MoonridgePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Let this atmospheric Airbnb near Big Bear Mountain Resort seduce you into the highlands. A sumptuous, light-filled living room and gameloft provide ample space for socializing whereas cubby hole bedrooms are designed to calm. There’s a clawfoot tub overlooking the forest and a wood burner for s’mores and scary stories. With seasonal downhill biking, golfing, and skiing on the doorstep, that hot tub is a welcome touch.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $546 per night

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Lakeside Big Bear Airbnb with a private dockPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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This three-bedroom private cabin rental in a quiet neighborhood has a dock used for swimming, fishing, and boating – rental crafts are right around the corner. Both the architecture and interiors have a traditional feel with hefty beamed ceilings and a rustic-meets-maritime aesthetic. Huge bay windows grant panoramic views and there’s a billiards table for mellow nights in. Pets are welcome and family groups are preferred.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $910 per night

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Deluxe cabin with a hot tub near Big Bear AirportPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Embrace the simple life and let the good times roll at this charming Airbnb in Whispering Woods. Built in the 1970s, the arched A-frame cabin has been redecorated with a modern alpine theme, a fitted kitchen, and a mezzanine reading nook. The yard is furnished with a private jacuzzi, hammocks, and bocce ball. It’s all too easy to hole up for the week but don’t miss a wander along the Alpine Pedal Path or line dancing at Wyatt’s Saloon.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $347 per night

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Play Airbnb in The Village at Big BearPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Lucky 7 Cabin is less than 60 seconds on foot from the breweries and emporiums of Big Bear’s charming tourist hub. This two-story home has a state-of-the-art kitchen rounded off with three coffee making options. The backyard has a hot tub, putting green, and fire pit while the lounge has shuffleboard and a record player. It’s a top choice for vacationing families and weekends with friends and not a bad place to get snowed in.

Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $492 per night

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Artisanal couples’ cottage and movie theaterPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Ten minutes from the lake marinas, ski slopes, and the Big Bear Village, this romantic bolthole offers privacy and convenience in California’s forested valley. The high ceiling makes the cabin feel larger yet window nooks and rich fabrics keep things cozy. Spend evenings strumming the guitars by the fire or bundled under a blanket in the movie loft. It’s tailor-made for couples although the couch can take two extra guests.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $245 per night

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Slopeside chalet with unbelievable sunrisesPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Skyfall Lodge is part of the Moonridge community with ski resorts, tubing, and The Village all within a 10-minute radius. The main lounge opens out onto a large patio with a grill and a second balcony is consumed by a five-person hot tub. A separate den is equipped with video games and classic arcade consoles. Otherwise, take a screen break and rummage through the board game cupboard and let Alexa handle the evening’s soundtrack.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $312 per night

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Adventurer’s Airbnb at Eagle Point EstatesPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

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Packed to the gills with snowboards, skis, bikes, and all the apparel needed for a day in the mountains, there’s no excuse not to spend every minute of your stay outdoors. When it is time to catch your breath, the lodge’s amenities include a hot tub, arcade games, pool table, and massage chair. Use the complimentary bikes to cycle to local nature reserves and grab a bite at Big Bear Village.

Eleven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $552 per night

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This Tennis Ball-Themed Hotel Room Takes Bright Green (or Yellow) To Another Level

A longstanding debate has divided tennis fans: is a tennis ball green or yellow? IHG Hotels & Resorts has taken this lighthearted conversation to a new level with the creation of the “IHG Rally Room.” This over-the-top suite is available just in time for the US Open at Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.

Photo: IHG Hotels and Resorts

The suite is boldly split into two halves: one decorated in vibrant green, the other in sunny yellow. From the mini tennis ball-filled lamp to the ball-shaped rug, every element of the room is tennis-themed (and color-coded). According to a survey conducted by the hotel group, 56 percent of Americans believe a tennis ball is yellow and 44 percent green. You and your guest can enjoy a color debate before choosing a side of the bed.

Photo: IHG Hotels and Resorts

“Whether a tennis ball is green or yellow is up to our guests to decide. We love how the “IHG Rally Room” taps into this fun conversation at a time when all eyes are on tennis during the US Open, where IHG is a proud, longstanding partner,” says Connor Smith, VP of Masterbrand & Partnerships at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Photo: IHG Hotels and Resorts

The 2024 US Open Tennis Championships will take place from August 19 to September 8 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York and IHG Hotels & Resorts is offering a variety of ways for fans to celebrate.

On August 21, Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City will be transformed for an exclusive, invitation-only event, the Grand Slam Social with Mark Ronson. The venue will even include a pop-up installation where you can declare your allegiance to the green or yellow side of the tennis ball debate. And for those fortunate to attend the US Open, IHG’s shaded outdoor terrace bar will open from August 22 to September 8.

Photo: IHG Hotels and Resorts

If you’re interested in booking a stay in the “Rally Room,” you can do so from August 26 for a maximum of two nights. The suite will only be available for the two weeks of the US Open main draw. Email ExperienceIHG@ihg.com with enquiries.

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What It’s Like to Ride First Class Trains From France to Germany, and Back

If you’re worried about climate change and vow to do as much as you can to slow down its terrible consequences, you must put your money where your mouth is. For travelers, that means flying less. While practical, affordable, and time-effective alternatives to air travel aren’t always available in the US, in Europe, they abound. That’s because the rail system throughout the continent is a vast, well-oiled machine.

Recently, I traveled from the town of St. Nazaire in Western France to the island of Rügen in the very northeast of Germany, and back. While I could have flown most of the way, I am dedicated to my climate change action pledge and therefore opted to ride the rails and use public transports for the entirety of my trip. The journey to and from Germany was long, but very comfortable, and much more scenic than I anticipated. I was lucky enough to travel in first class throughout, which although cost more, made a big difference when traveling such a long way.

My itinerary and schedule traveling by train across France and Germany

Unsurprisingly for such a lengthy journey, my itinerary (which I created via Rail Europe) consisted of many segments, some with very tight, anxiety-inducing connections. That said, despite some delays and the pre-Olympic Games sabotage on the French railway lines the day before my return trip, I caught every single one of my trains.

The outbound journey from France to Germany

The outbound journey took around 16 hours in total and involved three high-speed trains, two regional trains, and one metro ride:

TGV from St. Nazaire, France, to Paris Montparnasse, France (two hours and 44 minutes)Metro line four from Paris Montparnasse, France, to Paris Gare du Nord, France (20 minutes)Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord, France to Cologne Hauptbahnhof, Germany (three hours and 20 minutes)ICE from Cologne Hauptbahnhof, Germany, to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany (four hours and 28 minutes)Regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany, to Greifswald, Germany (two hours and 47 minutes)

Because I wanted to break up the trip with a visit of beautiful Greifswald, I took this last train was two days later:

Regional train from Greifswald, Germany, to Binz, Germany (one hour and 36 minutes)

The outbound journey from Germany to France

The inbound journey consisted of four high-speed trains, and one metro ride. The trip from Hamburg, Germany, to St. Nazaire, France, took around 15.5 hours:

ICE from Binz, Germany, to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Germany (three hours and 53 minutes)

I continued on my journey after a day of touring Hamburg with professional guide Thomas Kaiser and spending the night in the city’s newly opened bunker hotel: the REVERB by Hard Rock.

ICE from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Germany, to Mannheim, Germany (four hours and 57 minutes)TGV from Mannheim, Germany, to Paris Gare de l’Est, France (three hours and 10 minutes)Metro line four from Paris Gare de l’Est, France, to Paris Montparnasse, France (20 minutes)Paris Montparnasse, France, to St. Nazaire, France (meant to take three hours but took five hours because of the aforementioned sabotage)

How much did this long European train trip cost?

All my train tickets for this rail journey were purchased on June 17, 2024, i.e. around one month before my departure on July 21. Booking earlier than that, possibly three months in advance, when the bookings open, guarantees much better rates.

Price of the outbound journey

TGV from St. Nazaire, France, to Paris Montparnasse, France (€63 / $69.22)Metro line four from Paris Montparnasse, France, to Paris Gare du Nord, France (€4 / $4.39)Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord, France, to Cologne Hauptbahnhof, Germany (€111 / $121.96)ICE from Cologne, Germany, to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany (€75.49 / $82.94, including the next ride to Greifswald)Regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany, to Greifswald, GermanyRegional train from Greifswald, Germany, to Binz, Germany (€24.30 / $26.70)

Total: €277.79 / $305.21

Price of the inbound journey

ICE from Binz, Germany, to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Germany (€40.19 / $44.16)ICE from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Germany, to Mannheim, Germany (€179.40 / $197.11, including the next ride to Paris)TGV from Mannheim, Germany, to Paris Gare de l’Est, FranceMetro line four from Paris Gare de l’Est, France, to Paris Montparnasse, France (€4 / $4.39)Paris Montparnasse, France, to St. Nazaire, France (€95 / $104.38)

Total: €318.59 / $350.04

How to save more on your train trips

There are several ways to make this trip a lot cheaper. First, you can opt to travel in second class instead of first class, like I did. While traveling in first class can be very affordable if you book early, the longer you wait to make a reservation, the higher the price. And in my case, I certainly waited too long. Second, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a Eurail/Interrail Pass. In this particular case, I could have bought a Eurail/interrail Global Pass for four days of travel within one month for just $308. It would have covered all the trains I took during the time period I needed, but not the seat reservations for the high-speed trains. Those would have cost a little extra, but I would still have saved a lot of money.

ICE, Eurostar, TGV: Which one is the best?

It’s fair to say that I’ve thoroughly tested enough high-speed trains in this epic rail journey (and during my previous experience riding the rails in Europe) to be able to rate them.

Brand new French TGV. Photo: Morgane Croissant

In term of comfort, cleanliness, and atmosphere, it’s hard to beat France’s TGV. The first-class cars offer very wide, comfortable, fabric-upholstered seats, with lots of legroom, large tray tables, and plugs, including USB ones. Single seats with no neighbors are available in all fist-class cars and are bookable in advance. It’s also extremely quiet in first class, allowing you to work, read, or sleep for hours on end without being disturbed. The TGV has two cafés on board and the food and drinks on offer are suitable for various dietary needs and affordable. The cafés staff are always very polite and helpful, making the experience even nicer. Passengers who want to save time can purchase Parisian metro tickets in the TGV cafés. The Wi-Fi on board is relatively fast and reliable.

Inside the German ICE in first class. Photos: Morgane Croissant

First class on board the German ICE, while also comfortable, is a lot less quiet than in the TGV. There were numerous families with small children sharing my car on all my ICE trips and the noise level was quite high. Single seats are available and bookable, which you should absolutely go for, but know that they are less comfortable than the TGV’s. Also, the tray tables are smaller, and there are no USB plugs. The great advantage of riding the ICE in first class is that attendants come through the car to take your order if you wish to eat or drink anything. A menu is at your disposal in the seat pocket, offering a variety of food and drinks for an affordable price. Also, every first-class passenger gets a little complimentary cookie from one of the attendants during the journey, which is a nice touch. The Wi-Fi on board was fast and dependable, allowing me to work and even stream a few episodes of Seinfeld.

Inside the Eurostar (formerly Thalys) in first class. Photo: Morgane Croissant

The Eurostar (formerly Thalys), while fine, was the least enjoyable ride of them all. There are three classes of service on board the Eurostar: Standard, Comfort, and Premium, and I was riding with a Comfort ticket in the first-class car. While very comfortable, the seats and carpet were not very clean and the cars could have done with a refresh. The legroom is decent, however, and there are regular plugs at every seat. There is a café on board with various snacks and drinks on offer. Premium passengers get a menu and a meal served at their seat. The Wi-Fi on board worked throughout the journey.

The last high-speed train of the trip, a very recent TGV, with its great tray table. Photos: Morgane Croissant

Note that the newness of the rolling stock makes a big difference in how good an experience you have on board all of these trains. Unless you do an awful lot of research, you never know if the train you’re booked on will be brand new, recently redecorated, or 15 years old. Every single TGV I rode on during this trip was different, some were duplex, some were single-storeyed, some were new, and other had a few years of use behind them.

The most scenic ride I ever took

Photo: FrankFotoFilm/Shutterstock

In the past 20 years, I have criss-crossed Europe by train. I have even traveled from Western France all the way to St Petersburg, Russia, in an incredibly rural three-day journey. But never have I had been treated to more beautiful scenery than on my no-frills regional train ride from Berlin to Greifswald. For nearly three hours, we chugged across the open countryside of Northern Germany where the stations are tiny and old-fashioned, and the wildlife abounds. From my window seat, I spotted dozens of deer, storks, and rabbits, among others, all going about their business in the fields, undisturbed. The many wind turbines present in the region add a air of peacefulness to the scenery, and the large numbers of bicycles on the nearby trails made it all the more quaint. I doubt the commuters from Berlin pay attention to what’s going on outside any longer, but for me, this is one for the books.

How to prepare for a long train trip

There are few ways to make a long train trip less stressful, more enjoyable, and more affordable:

If you’re traveling alone and want peace and quiet, book a single seat in advance.In general, if you can, avoid connections of less than 30 minutes. Delays happen frequently and can ruin the best laid plans.Review your itinerary prior to departure and look closely at the dates, times, destinations and how long you have for each connection.If a connection is tight, ask the train attendant the platform number for your next train so you can make a beeline for it as soon as the train stops. Also, always be ready by the exit door with all your belongings so you can be the first passenger out and run to catch your next train.Alway sit at your assigned seat rather than at a random one. It will prevent a lot of shuffling around in a tight space.Bring some water and food with you. That way you won’t have to spend your hard-earned money at the onboard cafés or at the train stations, and you’ll have something to snack on when hunger strikes, no matter where it happens.Make sure to take a book, download some episodes of your favorite series on your phone, and bring headphones. While looking at the scenery out the window is a good way to pass the time, a little manmade entertainment will make the trip go faster.Prioritize using the bathroom on board the trains rather than in the train stations. It’s easier to use them when your luggage is safely tucked away.Always tag your luggage with your name and phone number.Take your charger with you and make sure your phone is charged at all times, especially if that’s where you keep your train tickets. You can print them out for safety, too. Attendants will require to see them on every leg of your journey.Wear comfortable clothes in which you can take a nap. Avoid tight jeans and bulky sweaters. Layers are best as the onboard temperature varies widely from one rail operator to the next, and even from one train to another. More like thisTravelIs a Eurail Pass Worth It? A Record 1.2 Million Travelers Thought so in 2023.

Major Cities in Spain Are Taking Measures to Ban Short-Term Rentals Entirely

Spain sees the second highest number of international tourists annually in Europe, only after France. Some projections show Spain’s tourism numbers surpassing France by 2040. Yet for the residents of Spain, the number of tourists has become a bit too much.

Anti-tourist protestors with water guns took to the streets this summer in Barcelona, and the city’s tourism agency changed it’s slogan and tourism approach to encourage “quality” visitors who spend more and engage with the culture, versus mass tourism. The mayor also committed to banning short-term rentals in the city by 2028.

Seville is following the latter approach to limit the number of tourists. On August 14, Seville’s mayor announced a plan to review short term rentals in the city and will cut the water supply to any non-regulated properties, according to Reuters. So far, 715 non-compliant apartments have been found. Estimates for the total number of illegal short-term rentals range between 5,000 and 7,000, while between 8,000 and 9,000 are compliant.

For travelers, fewer options on homeshare platforms will likely lead to prices raising at the legally operating places as well as hotels. In New York City, tight restrictions on Airbnbs led to an unregulated black market of short-term rentals. Yet for residents, banning short-term rentals may help lower housing prices by raising the supply of homes as fewer properties become dedicated to servicing the tourism market.

Spain is far from alone in taking measures to limit overtourism. An increasing number of places are instituting or raising tourist taxes. Amsterdam is a leader in fighting overtourism with a 10-page report called “Vision on Tourism in Amsterdam in 2035” that lays out how the city can make massive cuts to tourism and keep the city livable for permanent residents. One of the main methods listed is to reduce the supply of home rentals.

As every part of the world continues to get easier to reach, it’s important to remember that there’s a limit to how many people one place can host. Some areas are better left rarely visited in the first place. For cities like Seville, Barcelona, and others limiting the number of short-term rentals, tourism will continue to play a major role in the economy. It might just look a little different.

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This Origami Kayak Is Perfect for Fishing and Casual River Trips

The words “origami” and “kayak” haven’t historically gone together. But when you think about it, the two actually have quite a bit in common: each can be used as a noun or a verb. Both refer to activities, albeit very different ones. Most importantly, when put together, these words solve a common situation facing outdoorsy millennials and Gen Zers – how to be in possession of a rapid-and-fishing-trip-worthy watercraft when violently increasing housing costs keep them renting or living in tight quarters.

My situation fits this predicament. I’m on the older end of millennials, and I own a home within a stone’s throw of the Colorado River. However, that home is 1,200 square feet and shared by three people, one of whom is a rambunctious toddler who overtakes more and more of the space with each passing week. Our garage is full of outdoor gear, but there’s certainly no room for anything larger than a bike. In the five years I’ve owned this house, the only watercraft I’ve had is a stand-up paddleboard that deflates after each use – fun, but not the type of craft you want to take fishing or on anything above Class II water. This summer, I finally changed that and acquired an Oru Kayak – the Beach LT Sport, specifically.

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

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How an Oru Kayak aseembles1oru-kayak-unboxing

Unboxing. Photo: Tim Wenger

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There's an entire kayak in there. Photo: Tim Wenger

What attracted me to Oru Kayaks is right there in the name. The kayak is foldable, meaning that once your mission is done, you can easily disassemble it at the take-out or side of the lake. The Beach LT Sport unfolds and becomes its own carrying case, so there’s no need to bring a bag or any other container on the water.

The Beach LT Sport arrived at my house unfolded. Following the instructions, it took me about 45 minutes to put it together the first time, though the company claims it only takes 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. On subsequent attempts, I’ve whittled that time down to about 15 minutes – admittedly, I’m not the handiest of people and don’t have a natural eye for assembly and disassembly, so you may be able to do it much faster than I have.

Early in the assembly, after unfolding the main piece. Photo: Tim WengerGetting closer! Photo: Tim Wenger

After unfolding the kayak, I attached the seat, footrest, and other loose components. The paddle clipped together easily. I followed the instructions closely, step by step, and never felt lost or confused – a major accomplishment for a guy like me who is much more proficient at typing words than at assembling anything more complicated than an Ikea coffee table. The bulk of the assembly is simply folding and fastening things into place, and once you get a feel for what the finished product should look like, the steps lead into each other very naturally. If you run into trouble, the company has videos on its website to guide you through and a dedicated customer service line that can walk you through step by step.

The kayak is made of 5 mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment sprayed on. It weighs 28 pounds, is just over 12 feet in length, and about 29 inches wide. When disassembled into box form, the product is 33″ by 13″ by 29”. The package came with accessories including a fishing rod holder that can be attached to the side, and a skeg. There’s also a backpack that the kayak and its accessories can pack into for hiking and travel, though this pack isn’t necessary for day trips where you drive to the put-in/from the take-out. The rails on the sides of the kayak allow for mounting of the fishing rod holder and other add-ons.

Testing the Oru Kayak Beach LT SportJust before launch. Photo: Tim WengerTaking a break. Photo: Tim Wenger

I wanted to put both myself and the kayak to the test on the first excursion. I am a moderately experienced water person – I’ve done a few multi-day rafting trips, have kayaked a handful of rivers in up to Class III rapids, and have spent a good amount of time on a stand-up paddleboard on rivers, lakes, and the ocean. That said, I’m from Colorado – a very landlocked state not known for boat culture, so anything beyond those experiences I’ve had is completely foreign to me.

Naturally, I took the kayak to Harky’s Launch, the Colorado River put-in near my house, with plans to float about six miles to Corn Lake State Park in Clifton. The trip happened in July, far past peak flow – the float was quite mellow save for a few quick rapids, none of which were above a Class II this time of year.

Paddling the kayak is natural and not uncomfortable. Its 12-foot length is longer than what would suffice for a significantly more intense stretch of water, but for this trip it worked great. I had a cooler of beers behind my seat, the paddle, and a dry bag with snacks. The kayak came with a life vest that snapped on easily, which I wore the entire time. If you’re concerned that a foldable kayak isn’t going to perform well, just know this – I was on the river with a buddy on a raft, and I was a solid mile ahead of him by the time I reached the take-out. With consistent paddling, it’s not only possible to cover ground quickly, it’s possible to do so while having a great time and not even spilling your beer.

Vibes were high the entire first trip. Photo: Tim WengerThe slip and forward view. Photo: Tim Wenger

Because much of the float was on glass water, I had to paddle aggressively. I got a good workout in, and felt comfortable with the kayak and paddle. The only issue I had was that the seat back loosened slowly as I leaned back into it. Twice I had to tighten the straps to pull it taut.

After the first run I knew I needed to make adjustments to the seat back and the seat cushion itself, which moved forward during the trip so that there was only about a food between it and the footrest. I found that the way I had it set up was uncomfortable for my legs after a few minutes and I spent the second half the trip sitting cross-legged or bow-legged with my feet on the hull rather than the footrest. To remedy this, I pushed the footrest further into the bow, underneath the skirt, and moved the seat back, and have not had the same issue arise again.

The kayak itself performed splendidly. It’s easy to maneuver and steer, and moved with the current in a predictable and easily adjustable manner. Oru seems to have found an ideal weight ratio for its kayak vs. the water speed its intended for – never did I feel out of control (including going through rapids) or have a tough time steering (even when the water was glassy).

One thing to note: going over the rapids this late in the season, I did bump them and there are now a series of scratches on the bottom of the kayak. These haven’t impacted performance, and given the polypropylene body, are to be expected through regular use.

Who should buy the Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport

For avid whitewater kayakers, the Oru Kayaks Beach LT sport isn’t going to cut it, not least because you’d want a hard-bodied craft. Rather, this boat is for fishing on lakes and casual rivers, river floats with moderate whitewater, and anywhere else where durability and maneuverability are moderately important but less-so than portability.

This boat is perfect for hiking into a lake or river, or even casual backpacking expeditions where one person can carry the boat and another can carry a pack with camping gear and food. For me, I appreciate that it unfolds into its own case that I can store with the other gear in my garage, without having to worry about a big boat taking up a massive and awkwardly-shaped slice of the available space. I get out on the water three to five times per year, and this kayak will be with me for the foreseeable future.

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Rivian Opens First-of-Its-Kind EV Charging Center and Hub in California, Releases New Travel Kitchen

The future of fueling up on the road will look much different than today’s gas stations. But what, exactly, will change? Electric vehicle maker Rivian has more than a few ideas, and will debut them in a new EV charging center in Groveland, California, just west of Yosemite National Park and near many of the park’s closet accommodations.

Given the nature of electric vehicles taking longer to top off than those with internal combustion engines, travelers will need a place to spend half an hour or so rather than just a few minutes. The facility, dubbed The Outpost, will operate as both a charging center and community hub. Customers can learn about EV charging and road trip basics, enjoy coffee and other food and beverage options more akin to a simple cafe than a typical convenience store, and spend time planning their trip into Yosemite or elsewhere while their car juices up.

Rendering of the interior of Outpost. Courtesy Rivian

For the project, Rivian repurposed an existing building that throughout its history has served as a blacksmith shop, a repair shop, and a gas station, retrofitting it for a future continuing to assist travelers and outdoor adventures en route to the nearby national park and beyond. Rivian hopes to open more Outpost locations in the future. Drivers of all types of electric vehicles, not just Rivians, will be able to enjoy the amenities, though The Rivian Adventure Network of DC fast chargers is currently open only to Rivian drivers. The company plans to open the network to drivers of other electric vehicles later this year. Rivian owners don’t even need to touch a button to charge at Outpost or any of the forthcoming 3,500+ chargers in the network, which will be installed in the coming years at approximately 600 initial sites along popular routes and highways. Rivian drivers can add up to 140 miles of range in 20 minutes, according to the company.

Photo Sara Essex Bradley, courtesy Rivian

This first Outpost will produce zero emissions in its daily operations, thanks to a donation from US Solar. The building will be outfitted with enough solar power to cover what it uses, which given its primary purpose as a place for drivers to charge their cars, is set to be a lot. Snacks look to be available in bulk, avoiding the use of single-use plastic bags as much as possible. Travelers will also have the opportunity to stock up on simple adventure basics and souvenirs – think t-shirts and reusable water bottles.

Rivian releases travel kitchen powered by its trucks

On August 15, Rivian announced the release of a travel kitchen that drivers can bring with them on their adventures. The two-burner stovetop can be powered by the truck itself, or by an auxiliary 120v power source, and comes with a small prep area that includes a cutting board. The cookstove is sized to be placed on the back gate of the truck, but is portable and can be used anywhere where power can reach it.

The travel kitchen includes a pull-out drawer for utensils with an add-on accessories kit including spatulas, kinves, silverware, and more available for $200. Rivian partnered with Snow Peak for the kitchen utensils, with other options like a kive and cutting board set and barbecue tongs, and coffee drips also for sale. The kitchen unit itself costs $1,400 and can be ordered online.

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National Cheap Flight Day: the Fake Holiday You Don’t Want to Miss

No one knows where it came from or who first decided to celebrate it on the 23rd — but regardless of the origin, every August 23 is National Cheap Flight Day. And that makes it one of the best days of the year for booking upcoming travel, as it’s the day where flight prices historically take a huge drop.

Flight prices are partially based on supply and demand, and demand drops at the end of the summer family travel season when kids head back to school. That causes flight prices to drop also drop, and data from the past few years show that August 23 is traditionally the date on which prices drop the most, reflecting the switch from “peak summer travel” season to off-peak shoulder season. “To address the lull in ticket purchases that occurs as summer wanes, and before holiday travel planning begins, airlines lower their prices to maintain a consistent flow of passengers,” wrote a press release from CheapOAir.com, a website often associated with the “holiday.”

Data also show that this year’s National Cheap Flight Day could be even more significant than last years, with CheapOAir sharing that domestic flight rates are down an average of 30 percent from the same time last year. International fares aren’t quite as cheap, but are still 10 percent lower than in 2023.

You may be pleasantly surprised by how much more affordable fall flights can be. Photo: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

It’s important to note that National Cheap Flight Day is the start of lower prices for future flights, not the date on which you need to fly. It’s the day when you should start seeing significant price drops on fall flights. Expect the costs to slowly start creeping back up when demand increases for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel. So while it’s probably okay to wait a few days past August 23 to book, and you may find some deals a few weeks later, too, the longer you wait, the more expensive you can expect prices to rise.

Of course, that’s a general rule, and a plethora of recently announced airline expansions has led to quite a few good deals on new routes and airports. Allegiant Airlines announced nine new routes to cities like Miami and Sarasota, FL, with promotional rates as low as $39 each way. American Airlines announced new routes between Miami and New York beginning in November (plus more flights to the Caribbean starting in December), and 14 new flight routes from Frontier to cities like San Diego, Boston, and Los Angeles are likely to bring a host of new lower fares for flyers who don’t mind the budget airline experience.

Wondering where to go? According to Google’s destination insights for the period from Memorial Day to mid-August, these are the five most popular cities for domestic US travel this summer.

Google trends data on the most popular searches for domestic travel. Photo: Google Trends

Las Vegas, Nevada

Photo: ON-Photography Germany/Shutterstock

Las Vegas in the fall offers a welcome respite from the summer heat, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can head out on scenic hikes through Red Rock Canyon, where the cooler temperatures are perfect for enjoying the stunning desert landscape. It’s also the best time of year for outdoor rock climbing in the same area, and Vegas is only two hours from gorgeous Zion National Park. In the city, world-class golf courses beckon with lush fairways and temperatures that mean you don’t need to tee off at 5 AM.

Of course, Las Vegas has plenty of year-round indoor entertainment, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s peak summer or the middle of January to check out offerings like the live entertainment at the Freemont Street Experience, the town’s Michelin-starred restaurants, or the plethora of impressive casinos, unique museums, and stage shows on the strip all year.

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New York, NY

Photo: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock

There’s never a time when New York City is quiet, but if you’re going to deal with crowds anyway, you might as well deal with them during the prettiest time of the year: fall. And with three airports to choose from, you should have good luck finding a cheap flight to the area on National Cheap Flight Day.

New York City is always a tapestry of cultural and sensory experiences, but in autumn, it comes alive with color, too. Beyond iconic Central Park, fall brings great temperatures for strolling along the High Line, an elevated 1.5-mile greenway and park in Chelsea. As temperatures cool, it’s fun to cozy up in a historic theater for a Broadway show, wander through Greenwich Village’s charming streets, or hit an outdoor NYC festival like Brooklyn Flea or the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. You can even add on a longer leaf-peeping trip to upstate New York, if you have more than a long weekend to travel.

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Chicago, IL

Photo: David S. Swierczek/Shutterstock

Google thinks Chicago is the third-most popular destination this summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising, considering the city’s ever-popular architecture boat tours, outdoor music venues, and downright massive museums. If you’re into dinosaurs, don’t miss seeing Sue at the Field Museum.

As the city sheds its summer skin, visitors can explore the Lincoln Park Zoo without the summer crowds, or spend overcast days inside at the impressive Art Institute. For a taste of the outdoors, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s fall foliage is a breathtaking spectacle, and many Michelin restaurants in the city go all-in on seasonal flavors, especially considering how close Chicago is to many agricultural regions of the US. And regardless of your nightlife preference, whether it’s an intimate jazz club or a bustling brewery, you’ll find them far more pleasant in October and November when the city isn’t packed with tourists.

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San Diego, CA

Sunset at Torrey Pines. Photo: dfjacShutterstock

San Diego’s fall offers a unique blend of mild weather and abundant outdoor activities. While it’s still warm enough in early fall for beach days, it’s also prime weather for exploring  Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for hiking along coastal bluffs, or slowly strolling through the sprawling expense of Balboa Park’s many museums, gardens, and outdoor shopping and restaurants. The Del Mar Racetrack hosts a full schedule of both horse racing and social events and festivals, and foodies will find plenty of fresh seasonal seafood dishes at oceanfront restaurants in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach. If you can, book a flight on National Cheap Flight Day for October, as the Halloween parties around the Gaslamp Quarter are some of the best in California.

For a taste of the region’s history, make a visit to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. And if you’re there in October, consider taking a Halloween-themed walking tour of one of the city’s spookier sights, like the Whaley House or historical Balboa Theater.

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Orlando, FL

Photo: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

Ah, Orlando. It may be a town synonymous with family-friendly vacations, but depending on your travel style, you may like it even more when many of its youngest visitors are back in school. Aside from the obvious appeal of visiting theme parks when lines are shorter and restaurants and shows have fewer crying kids, fall is also a great time to check out some of the non-theme park offerings near Orlando. That includes top-rated restaurants, a world-famous mermaid show, or visiting the home of literary legend Jack London. It’s also a lovely time to book a staycation at a higher-end hotel, as prices usually a drop a bit in the fall.

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How a Traveler Earned Free Hotels in Italy and $3,600 in Flights From American Airlines

We all love a travel hack, especially when it comes to getting bumped up to business class or trying to score a cheap flight. Enter Susan Berry, an American traveler, who recently had a genius stroke of luck, which essentially led to getting paid to travel in Italy.

Berry, 36, shared her story of racking up thousands of dollars in flight vouchers and free accommodation by volunteering to be bumped off her American Airlines flights, one day after another, on TikTok.

@berryfacecreative Apparently, theres no limit on vouchers but heres the catch, im technically on standby so I COULD end up flying home if theres enough room on the flight and then its game over! Lets see if i can make it to $10,000@American Airlines #americanairlines #napoli #italy #travellife ♬ original sound – Susan Berry

Berry’s Italian vacation took an unexpected turn when her American Airlines flight from Naples to Philadelphia was overbooked. When airline gate agents announced the flight was overbooked, they sought volunteers willing to relinquish their seats in exchange for compensation. Berry, recognizing an opportunity, gladly offered to be bumped, and she was rewarded with a $1,200 flight voucher, complimentary meals, and a hotel room for the night.

Berry’s freelance fashion photography career allows her to work remotely, so with no strings and intrigued by the prospect of additional compensation, Berry returned to the airport the following day, fully expecting the flight to be overbooked once more. Her hunch proved correct. By agreeing to be bounced again, she secured another $1,200 voucher and repeated the cycle of complimentary dining and lodging at what Berry comically called “Camp American Airlines.”

@berryfacecreative A leisurely stroll to collect my voucher #americanairlines #napoli #traveltips #airportlife ♬ there she goes –

As the days passed, the Naples to Philadelphia route consistently experienced overbooking. With each subsequent day, Berry found herself in the same situation: volunteering to be removed from the flight, receiving a $1,200 voucher, and enjoying the airline’s hospitality.

Berry documented her good luck on TikTok, “I’m at $3,600 and counting I’m trying to get up to $10,000 and then travel the world.”

This unexpected windfall allowed Berry to extend her Italian vacation. Free accommodations and meals provided by American Airlines significantly reduced her travel expenses, and she accumulated flight vouchers in the hope of traveling the world.

@berryfacecreative Day 4 of Camp American Airlines! Will i make it to $4800 in travel vouchers today? #americanairlines #traveltips #airportlife #travellife #hotellife ♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots

Over the course of her extended stay, Berry collected a total of $3,550 in flight vouchers. While she had initially hoped to get over $10,000, on her fourth day, there was availability on the flight, and she was sent home to her cat and an interview with Good Morning America.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Cha-ching, this is genius,” don’t get too excited. Berry was fortunate, and she was willing and able to be flexible. Overbooking is a standard industry practice, but airlines typically make significant efforts to accommodate passengers, especially those bumped for days.

Berry is planning how she will spend the stack of flight vouchers. Her first choice is Hawai’i.”I have always wanted to do photography there,” she says to Thrillist.

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