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Matador Creators Spotlight: Alexa Moore on Breaking Into Today’s Travel Creator Industry

Every day, the Matador Network team is deeply embedded in all things travel. Yet the world is a massive place, and we can’t see it all on our own. To ensure we bring as much of the world as we can to our readers, we work with a thriving community of travel writers, editors, photographers, filmmakers, and influencers on our Matador Creators platform. The travel creator hub is where members can network, land press trips, and find paid travel gigs.

Here, we speak with one of those creators: Alexa Moore, a writer and travel creator born and raised in the DC Metro area.

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A post shared by Alexa Moore | Travel Creator & Digital Storyteller (@lilmsawkward)

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Matador: How did you initially hear about Matador Creators and land a press trip?

Photo: Alexa Moore

Alexa Moore: I learned about Matador Creators through word of mouth from another creator who encouraged me to sign up and browse some of the available press trips, and I’m so glad I did. I secured my first Matador Creators press trip in April 2023 by pitching a unique angle about a resort in Aruba.

How long have you been working with travel brands and media, and how did you get started?

@lilmsawkward Ka’ana Belize Resort in San Ignacio One of my favorite stays of the year! #belize #belizetravel #resortlife ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

I’ve been a full-time travel creator and freelance writer since 2022, though I’ve worked with brands and media since 2020.

Travel has always been my passion, so sharing my experiences organically was second nature. I did it because I loved it. As I grew an audience and shared experiences and products I loved, I attracted more opportunities and woke up one day as a content creator.

What three tools do you rely on most when creating your travel content?

I would be nothing without CapCut, the video editing app I use to create short-form video content. It is user-friendly, has many helpful editing features, and even has a commercial library for sounds, making it easier to create and edit sponsored content. I’m patiently waiting for them to sponsor me because I’m their number one fan.

Dropbox is my favorite tool for content storage and file sharing. I also rely on Lightroom mobile app for quick and easy photo editing, which I can do right from my phone.

How has working with Matador helped your work in travel?

Photo: Matador Network

My first in with Matador was an on-camera campaign with Visit Great Britain, and I’m pretty sure I was found through my Matador Creators profile. This seven-day shoot had me galavanting across Great Britain with the most incredible crew and set me up with many other future opportunities in the travel space. Brands have specifically referenced that campaign as their reason for hiring me for a campaign.

In the writing space, Matador Network was the first significant travel site I was published in. The press trips and articles I wrote afterward helped me make a name for myself in freelance writing. They also helped me better understand the nature of press trips, working with PR, and how to fine-tune my writing style. It turns out that I love covering properties.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a travel writer or travel content creator?

Photo: Matador Network

I have a few little bits of advice:

Don’t overthink it; just begin.Network across rather than up. You’d be surprised how much you will learn about the writing and content creation space from your peers.Always have your contact information in an easily accessible place (have your email information in your social media profile bios).Remember, there’s always something to learn.

In your opinion, what are some of the biggest misconceptions or challenges about being a travel writer or content creator?

The biggest misconception about being a travel creator is that audience matters more than content or skill. While having a large audience can allow you to charge more, your skills and what you can bring to the table as a creator in this creator economy are beginning to matter far more. The questions are now: Can you showcase this product or experience within a unique story? Can you capture professional-quality videos? Do you shoot with a DSLR?

Brands and tourism boards are starting to value creators who can produce high-quality and highly engaging content. I know several micro creators who have surpassed over six figures because their expertise and skill in content creation are just that good. Build the audience, but focus on your craft.

The biggest challenge for travel creators is navigating an industry that is still relatively new and historically needs to be more transparent. I’m so grateful to the network of creator friends I’ve established with whom I can chat and grow professionally.

More like thisLearn More About Matador Creators

Alaska Airlines Invests in an Emissions-Reduction Strategy More Promising Than Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Alaska Airlines is investing significant capital into the design of more fuel-efficient aircraft, and if this new aircraft comes to fruition it could not only save fuel but make the flying experience more enjoyable for travelers. The company announced it has invested in a company building a new airplane design that will use less fuel to fly and will be fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), if and when SAF is produced at scale. I’ve outlined some of the challenges to sustainable aviation fuel below, but the lede to this story is undeniably positive: while progress happens to bring more efficient fuel and even hydrogen-powered aircraft to fruition, other avenues are evolving to make flying, which accounts for about four percent of global carbon emissions, more sustainable.

Fast Company reported this week that Alaska Airlines has invested heavily in JetZero, a California-based startup working to develop what’s known as a “blended wing aircraft” for commercial use. This concept refers to a plane that blends the wings with the plane’s body to eliminate drag and make the aircraft more aerodynamic. This means less fuel is needed throughout a flight, with the company claiming it may use only half the fuel of today’s aircraft. The plane, if and when it reaches fruition (the company says by 2030, will be SAF compatible, meaning it could not only be carbon-emissions-free but also use less of the sustainable fuel than would a traditionally-designed plane.

Why a more efficient plane design is necessary

Photo courtesy JetZero

Sustainable aviation fuel holds immense potential for reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint by replacing traditional jet fuel with fuel derived from corn or other renewable resources, or by using carbon captured from the air alongside synthetic materials. That said, significant hurdles impede its widespread adoption – not least the fact that no one is certain we have enough land to grow all that corn just for fuel. Also, the exorbitant cost of producing SAF compared to traditional jet fuel is a big impediment, as is the limited availability of sustainable feedstocks, and the lack of necessary infrastructure for SAF distribution and refueling.

And that’s before government regulations come into play. A change this significant in an industry that requires consistently perfect execution will require a rigourous certification processes before the fuel can be widely used, and as of yet there are insufficient government incentives and a widespread lack of public awareness that SAF can even exist. Overcoming these obstacles requires concerted efforts from governments, airlines, fuel producers, and consumers to invest in research and development, expand production capacity, build the required infrastructure, and foster public support for SAF. This is no easy task – and it’s going to take decades to achieve, if it’s even possible at all.

The blended wing design being developed by JetZero is a logical step forward, whether or not it ever uses SAF. It has the possibility to make flights less smoother, and maybe even less turbulent, by reducing drag.

Other ways the comercial aviation industry is looking at to reduce or offset its emissions include carbon removal technology, which pulls carbon dioxide from the air, and developing electric aircraft.

More like thisTravelLos Angeles Is Working to Make the 2028 Olympics Car-Free in a Car Obsessed City

This MSC Cruise Is Going to Islands You’ve Never Heard of, and All the Profits Are Going to Wildlife Conservation

Island cruising usually conjures up images of crystal-clear water and bright sunshine in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, and while MSC certainly offers sailings to both these popular destinations, the cruise line is also organizing a very different kind of island voyage.

In January 2025, the MSC Musica will travel from the port city of Durban in South Africa to the very remote and uninhabited islands of Prince Edward and Marion, both Special Nature Reserves, for a unique bird-watching voyage.

Prince Edward Islands is a group of two islands (Prince Edward Island and Marion Island) located around 1,200 miles from the coast of South Africa in the Southern Indian Ocean, and 12 miles from each other. Because of their location so close to Antarctica, they are considered sub-Antarctic islands.

Needless to say, passengers on board this cruise should not expect either sunshine or turquoise waters. The islands are windswept, often surrounded by clouds, and rarely warm. But there’s a bigger allure than good weather for travelers.

Prince Edward Island and Marion Island belong to South Africa, and Marion, the biggest of the two, is home to a meteorological station and a research station staffed by 50 people who live there temporarily — but not much else. The terrain is mountainous and rugged, the coast consists of 500-foot-tall, jagged cliffs, and the vegetation is limited to moss, fern, and a type of Antarctic cabbage. What the island has in abundance, however, is birds. Millions of them.

Marion Island, is home to huge diversity of seabirds. There are 29 different species of seabirds present on the island, including several species of penguins, petrels, terns, and 25 percent of the the world’s wandering albatrosses, making it an obvious bucket-list destination for birders the world over.

MSC’s voyage to Marion Island, only the second-ever MSC sailing to the island, is organized in partnership with BirdLife South Africa, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to the conservation of birds, their habitats, and their biodiversity.

The cruise on board MSC Musica will accommodate 2,000 bird lovers for a seven-day voyage (from January 24 to January 31). Currently 1,000 passengers are already booked for this very special sailing, including seabird expert, author, and artist Peter Harrison.

Starting rate for this bird-watching voyage is $950 per person based on double occupancy. Bookings can be made at any time on MSC’s website.

While the most appealing part of this special cruise is the unique opportunity to see a huge variety of seabirds up close, the fact that all the profits from the voyage are going towards their protection via the Mouse-Free Marion Project is a big draw, too.

Indeed, unfortunately, Mario Island is infested with house mice since the early 1800s. While small, the invasive rodents are destroying the island’s ecosystem and preying on the birds’ eggs and chicks.

“Without intervention 19 of the 29 species of seabird breeding on Marion Island face local extinction,” BirdLife South Africa explains.

The goal of the Mouse-Free Marion Project is to eradicate the mice from the island entirely and make Marion Island a safe haven for wildlife again. Cats, also previously present on the island and a big threat to the birds, were eradicated in years prior.

If you can’t make it on the cruise but would like to help the Mouse-Free Marion Project, know that you can sponsor one or more hectares of land on Marion Island for $70.

More like thisTravelBird Lovers Can Now Go on Cruises Organized by the National Audubon Society

Luxury on the Rhine: This Scenic Cruise Features a Classical Concert in a UNESCO-Listed Church

If you’re looking for a cruise but don’t like the sound of a mega-ship, river cruises offer more intimate, handcrafted experiences, taking guests to parts of the world inaccessible to larger vessels. There’s a bunch of luxury river cruise companies providing five-star service, dining, and accommodation. One of the better in Europe is Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. With nearly 40 years of experience, Scenic’s routes range from an architectural journey through the Douro Valley in Portugal to the French vineyards and romantic towns in Budapest. They offer a range of routes, but one of the most popular is the 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary. It explores two of Europe’s most enchanting river valleys, lesser-known historical sites, and includes a classical concert in a UNESCO-listed church in Trier, Germany.

Photo: Scenic

Embarking from Amsterdam, the cruise begins with a leisurely exploration of the Netherlands’ capital, its intricate canal network, iconic architecture, and art scene. The ship then navigates the Rhine, passing through a tapestry of landscapes. The Dutch polderlands, with their flat expanses and windmills, gradually give way to the heartland of Germany.

Photo: Scenic

The cruise progresses to the Rhine Gorge, a dramatic stretch of the river characterized by steep cliffs, imposing castles, and vineyards that cling to the slopes. Rather than simply visiting iconic landmarks, Scenic’s cultural excursions aim to connect travelers with the heart and soul of a place. What’s more, the cruise is all-inclusive, meaning flights, transportation, guided excursions, and dining are included in the price. Of course, you can opt in or out of tours, but the option is up to you.

Photo: Scenic

From the Rhine, the ship continues onto a tributary of the waterway, The Moselle River. The Moselle Valley is magnificent. It’s one of Germany’s finest wine regions, and picturesque towns like Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, with their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, offer a glimpse into traditional German life.

Photo: ScenicPhoto: Scenic

The cultural highlight of the cruise is a classical concert held within the UNESCO-listed Liebfrauenkirche (German for Church of Our Lady) in Trier. The church is renowned as one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture north of the Alps. Constructed between 1227 and 1307, its interior is characterized by a spacious, six-part hall with slender columns and pointed arches, and the exterior, dominated by four slender spires and intricate stonework, is a hallmark of early Gothic style. This magnificent building provides a breathtaking setting for a musical performance — an experience not open to the general public.

Scenic’s river cruises are all-inclusive. Airfare, ground transportation, gourmet dining, premium beverages, and unforgettable experiences are all included in the cruise fare. The 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary is priced from $4,490 per person.

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Airlines Are Running Out of Flight Numbers, Leading to a Possible Y2K Scenario

The typical air traveler really only needs to think about their flight number when checking for delays, finding their gate, and putting it on a customs card. Airlines, however, pretty much always have flight numbers on their mind. It’s how the industry tracks a flight route, knows where planes are in the air, and keeps standardized order for what would otherwise be complete chaos and information overload. And those flight numbers are becoming quite an issue because there are too many flights and not enough available numbers for the future.

In a report for View From the Wing, travel expert Gary Leff spotted that American Airlines, Delta, and United are at risk of running out of flight numbers. They also don’t have a solution for this problem. Each airline gets four digits for flight numbers (the numbers that are listed after the airline, like AA0420 for the American Airlines flight from Dallas to Denver, for example). The 9,999 number options (there’s no flight zero) seems like a lot. It’s apparently not enough.

After a second quarter earnings call, an IT worker with American Airlines asked executives a pointed question: “We’re running out of flight numbers. Are we looking at 5-digit or some other solution?” The airline has about 6,700 daily flights, but has more than 9,999 flights it wants to put numbers on due to codesharing with partner airlines, American’s senior vice president of network planning, Brian Znotins, responded.

Changing the numbering system to account for more flights by each airline isn’t as simple as adding another digit. It’s reminiscent of when the calendar changed from 1999 to 2000. Computer systems weren’t equipped to understand that “00” at the end of a year meant “2000” instead of “1900,” and healthcare, banking, and many other services that ran on the still-relatively-new internet would collapse.

That obviously didn’t happen. That’s not to say harmless mixups don’t happen to this day, though. A woman born in 1922 repeatedly had issues with airlines because the airlines issue her “infant” tickets after reading only the last two digits, assuming that she was born in 2022, not a century earlier. Air traffic control and other need-to-know parties work off of systems that understand four digits, no more and no less. Needless to say, confusing the intricate flight code computer systems that were instituted more than half a century ago would lead to serious issues.

“On the technical side, we’re working in systems that originated in the 60s,” Znotins said on the quarterly earnings call. “We have two-letter airline codes and we have four-digit flight numbers. You think of this as like a Y2K issue if you remember that. It is immensely difficult to find ways to add another digit to this field, and it’s really only a problem for three airlines in the world. The remaining airlines don’t run into this issue.”

For now, airlines have put in some stop-gap solutions like reusing a flight number for multiple flights that never have a chance to overlap. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom added on the earnings call that “we have aspirations to be a lot bigger, so over time let’s put that down as a project.”

It’s just one more factor for airlines to deal with to keep flying as historically safe as it has been in recent years despite aging infrastructure. And I, for one, will never take those four numbers for granted again.

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Tested: Viral TikTok Hacks and Products That Actually Work When Traveling With a Toddler

Like many new parents, I had little to know idea what to expect when traveling with a toddler. Friends and family were, of course, eager to share their tips, but that led to a wide range of often contradictory advice. My wife and I then broadened our search for how to most easily travel with children to the source de jour: TikTok.

Parenting TikTok is the Wild West of advice. Like every other corner of the platform, influencers, people who are trying to be influencers, and anyone with a phone and an idea seem to have put out seriously unhinged “travel hacks.”

For example, putting a hamster water feeder filled with chocolate milk on your car window — something that puts the “should you leash your kids or is that treating them like a pet” argument to shame. Or putting multiple bins in your car to “organize” three snack packs. Other videos prove that the absurd concept that every unvetted idea and bit of common sense is a “travel hack” isn’t limited to general travel — putting diapers in a plastic laundry bag or the game-changing tip to change a diaper immediately before boarding. Or the joke to “bring grandparents.”

It’s easy to feel like the people who make these videos in the name of helping traveling parents just really love having extra things. It’s consumerism on hyperdrive, often in ways that just take up space despite space being at a premium when traveling. There’s no getting around the fact that packing lists are much longer with a toddler, there’s no need to add useless extras.

Often, the most helpful things we’ve found for traveling with a toddler are ones we didn’t find on TikTok. My daughter loves her Buddha Board, for example, and these Curvd earplugs block out just the right amount of sound. Our gb Pocket Air All Terrain stroller folds down small enough to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment and has been put through endless abuse on trips to Alaska, Jamaica, and more. Few things are as entertaining to my daughter than paging through the in-flight magazine and playing eye spy with the pictures. And at the end of the day, a screen and some fun headphones are a god send that even screen-free parenting tactics can’t deny on long haul flights. Plus, she loves carrying it all around in her little yellow Fjallraven Kanken backpack.

Yet that’s not to say every parenting TikTok travel video is worthless. My wife and I dutifully tried some the most popular products and “hacks” to parse through what actually works (we drew the line at the hamster bottle).

These are the TikTok-made-me-do-it things that we found most useful when traveling with a toddler.

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.

SlumberPod Toddler Sleeping Tent

This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended the SlumberPod. We came across a TikTok about the SlumberPod at the right time and the purchase came in a moment of desperation. Our baby slept just fine in whatever crib a place had for about the first year of her life. After that, we became accustomed to zero sleep on the first night in a new sleeping environment — especially if her crib or pack and play was anywhere close to our bed. The SlumberPod blocks out all light and creates a mini room where she can sleep as long as she likes. Plenty of ventilation holes and breathable fabric keep the tent from getting too hot. It’s also a breeze to set up. I’ve put it together in tight hotel rooms and camping tents alike. The only downside is the packing issue: it’s not exactly light or small. We’ve gotten around this by stashing it in a car seat cover, which then gets checked by the airline for free along with the car seat.

Buy: $179.99Window cling stickers

What’s not to love about reusable stickers without a mess? Window cling stickers are incredibly easy to pack and leave room for imaginations to run wild. Depictions of planes are a nice go-to, and a set of animal window clings are always fun (if your child enjoys making animal noises as much as mine, though, it’s not necessarily the quietest option). These stick to headrest screens, closed tray tables, and windows. They’re by far the easiest way to distract a toddler for a short period of time.

Buy: $8.99Suction cup bath toys

Even if these were originally designed for bath time, we’ve found the best use is while in transit. They suction to most hard surfaces, as well as to the other suction cups. They might take up more room than window cling stickers, but the range of tactile feelings and the many different ways to bring them together means they can hold attention for longer. They’re also easy to wash, which is an important added bonus considering how tempting they are to chew on as new teeth come in.

Buy: $9.99Painter’s tape

For my wife and I, this was the original parenting TikTok travel hack. It seems too good to be true: a roll of basic painter’s tape that can solve so many problems. It’s like Duct Tape, but for child entertainment and baby proofing. My daughter can easily kill the time between boarding and take off, or landing and taxiing, with a couple of pieces of tape alone. The tape is also useful to make little toy car courses on the seatback tray. In hotels, the tape quickly covers sketchy looking electrical plugs. And since it’s designed to stick temporarily and not leave residue, using it doesn’t create a nightmare mess for any cleaners.

Buy: $6.49 Portable mini fan

I vowed to never be without a mini portable fan again after being stuck on a smoldering Alaska Airlines flight that for some reason had no AC in the middle of the hottest summer on record. In short, the tail end of the flight was the loudest, most prolonged cry session my daughter has ever had, even while stripped to her diaper and with a cup of ice on hand. A small fan works miracles. I’m not alone here — the New York Times called portable fans this year’s big accessory. With toddlers, just make sure to buy one that packs small while still having a guard around the fan blades (even if they’re soft silicon blades).

Buy: $8.99Hanging shoe organizer

Keeping special outfits for the baby organized can be a struggle. It’s hard enough to keep track of each tiny sock, bow, and pair of shorts on long trips. No matter how well you pack, more than a few days of travel inevitably leads to small child clothes finding their way to hidden corners of your suitcase you didn’t know were there. A hanging shoe organizer makes keeping outfits together easy, and I understand why it’s one of the most popular viral travel hacks on TikTok.

Buy: $9.99More like thisTravelEnough Already: Stop Calling Everything a 'Travel Hack'

Delta Will Offer Free Wi-Fi to All Passengers on International Flights

While Delta’s SkyMiles members can already benefit from fast, free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights, the airline is now going one step further by offering free Wi-Fi to all passengers on long-haul international routes.

Delta is partnering with Viasat, a provider of high-speed satellite broadband services, and getting its fleet slowly outfitted with all the Viasat equipment.

Viasat is a provider used by multiple airlines, including JetBlue, Virgin America, and United Airlines.

According to Delta’s schedule, by the end of August 2024, all flights to and from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy should be able to offer all passengers fast, free Wi-Fi. In September 2024, all flights to and from Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland should be able to do the same. By the end of 2025, most of the airline’s long-haul international routes will be set up with Viasat technology to provide passengers with top-notch in-flight connectivity. (Note that fast, free Wi-Fi is already available on all Delta flights to France since July 2024.)

If you’re wondering why it takes so long for Delta to get this done, know that it’s because providing fast and reliable Wi-Fi to hundreds of people at a time on a moving plane requires a tweak or two to be done the aircraft. For each plane being equipped with Viasat technology, an antenna, a power supply, a modem, a server, and wireless access points need to be installed. And Delta has a fleet of nearly 1,000 airplanes. Also, you need a lot of high-capacity satellites for a thorough coverage throughout the world, and those don’t just magically pop up in the sky. All of that to say: fast, free in-flight Wi-Fi can’t happen overnight.

If you’re unsure that your upcoming international Delta flight will offer fast, free Wi-Fi, just check out the airline’s regularly updated list of aircrafts equipped with Viasat technology.

While initially won’t need a SkyMiles membership to take advantage of the free in-flight Wi-Fi, Delta will eventually require it. Just make sure to join SkyMiles for free before your Delta flight — you don’t want to lose out on free Wi-Fi.

Or maybe you do. After all, up at 40,000 feet is about the only place in this world where you’re free from the shackles of constant connectivity and communication. But it’s up to you, really.

Delta is not the only US airline offering free Wi-Fi to all its passengers; JetBlue offers “high-speed wi-fi at every seat, on every plane” but warns that some flights outside of the US, the UK, and Europe might have unreliable service.

Turkish Airlines announced last month that it will soon offer free Wi-Fi to all its passengers, economy travelers included.

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Los Angeles Is Working to Make the 2028 Olympics Car-Free in a Car Obsessed City

A Hollywood star known for daredevil roles in action flicks on a motorcycle zooming out of the stadium carrying the Olympic flag signaled the closing of the Paris games and the proverbial passing of the torch to the next host, Los Angeles. But the bike Tom Cruise rode on contained a subtle oversight not missed by Matador editors. Los Angeles has boldly proclaimed the 2028 summer games will be “no-car” in a city known for its car (and motorcycle) culture. Through massive investment in expanding subway and light rail service, and a pledge to close certain traffic lanes to allow access for busses moving between competition venues and the Olympic village, the city hopes to use the Olympics as a way to highlight the efforts its making to get people out of their cars.

The Los Angeles metro area encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, and getting from Los Angeles International Airport to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where some events will be held, currently takes more than two hours via bus and rail. Commuting between other venues and various hotspots throughout the city takes about as long. But in addition to designating bus-only lanes, Metro plans to open several major bus lines before the games and just completed a light rail line from East LA to Santa Monica. Eli Lipman, executive director of transit advocacy group Move L.A., told the New York Times he was “optimistic” about the city’s chances of building out more rail lines and closing off traffic lanes to cars to make room for buses during the Olympics. This follows the city’s $120 billion commitment to expanding rail service that is among the most aggressive public transit expansion prospects in the country announced last year, and the city recently secured $900 million in funding to help it build out transit projects before the Olympics.

Those numbers are encouraging, but the question remains as to whether anyone will actually ride all this new transit during the games. In that sense, there’s one big thing travelers planning to visit the games can do to help Los Angeles succeed in its “no-car” goal.

How travelers attending the 2028 Olympics can help the city’s car-free goal

Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

To encourage the city to follow through, there’s another big thing those planning to attend the LA games can do – pledge to arrive in Los Angeles sans-personal vehicle, and to not rent a car while in the city.

The city’s efforts will be boosted by the addition of air taxi service from Archer Aviation, which plans to launch autonomous flights in Los Angeles by 2026. If this pans out, travelers can move from one part of the city to another in a few minutes rather than an hour or more, flying over traffic rather than sitting in it. Taking these air taxis, as possible, is a great way to help the games minimize emissions and avoid snarling traffic any further than it already will be.

By not bringing an additional vehicle into the slog of traffic, visitors can actively participate in a greener Olympics that will, as a result, be more enjoyable for them because they won’t have to drive through the city’s famously clogged highways to reach different venues. Of course, not driving a personal vehicle leaves open the option of Uber or Waymo, the autonomous ride share service now operating in the city, in addition to public transit. But even these options are better than the alternative, in part because they prevent as many additional cars from being added to the roads during the games and don’t require any added space for parking.

This may seem like a monumental task, but there are steps visitors can take to make it more approachable. The first is to book accommodations near the venues they plan to visit the most. That way, those who are able can bike from their hotel or vacation rental to events, dining, and elsewhere. Second, travelers can use Metro’s trip planning service and apps to route their way between venues and their accommodations, knowing in advance where to go and how long it will take to get there.

Lastly, at least at this point, prospective attendees can follow news related to Archer and Waymo and familiarize themselves with these services and the technology behind them. That way, they can be prepared to take advantage of them during the games. Autonomous transport appears nerve-wracking at first, and certainly hasn’t come to be without major hiccups. But the tech that underpins Waymo, for example, actually eliminates much of the cause of car accidents by removing the “human factor” from the situation. The vast majority of car accidents are caused by slight misjudgments or distractions, neither of which are a factor for LIDAR and an algorithm.

More like thisTravelThe Olympics Will Return to Salt Lake City in 2034. The City Is Already Better to Visit Than Ever.

What I Packed for a Week of Travel in Northern Germany

My recent week-long trip to Northern Germany didn’t have just one theme — it was a hodgepodge of activities and destinations. I had several guided cultural visits planned, as well as a couple of hikes and nature-focused outings, a city tour, two nights in a luxurious seaside hotel, some beach lounging, a lot of time spent on buses and trains, and loads of walking — all of which had to be done while working. Not only that, but I was scheduled to spend several days on the beautiful island of Rügen, where the summers are usually sunny and warm, before making my way to Hamburg, where it rains so much that my tour guide called it “Umbrella City.” Needless to say that having to cover all of my bases for this trip made for some difficult decisions when it was time to pack my bags. While I needed a couple of short-sleeved dressy blouses for the museum visits, I also couldn’t go without a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, or sunscreen. Of course, I ended up packing too much, but I was never caught without something I desperately needed and, in the end, that’s what matters.

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 make a purchase.

Sterling Pacific’s 40L Cabin Travel Case

Photo: Morgane Croissant

The most important element of packing for this trip was, of course, the luggage I was going to put all my stuff in. While a weekender travel bag would probably have sufficed, I quickly dismissed this option for one simple reason: I didn’t want to carry a heavy bag by hand or on my shoulder while walking to and from multiple train stations. To reach my destination, I had a 19-hour journey that involved four trains rides with tight connections, two car drives, and one trip on the Parisian metro, so a rolling suitcase was needed to make it as sweat-free and painless as possible. Sterling Pacific’s 40L aluminum Cabin Travel Case is my go-to luggage for shorter trips. It has four very smooth independent wheels so you don’t need to put in any effort to pull it. Also, it’s super solid so it can take on the cobblestoned streets of Germany or the million steps that make up the Paris metro system. Lastly, it’s slick and elegant — especially the jet black version, which I own. Unlike a weekender bag, my roller suitcase keep my clothes mostly winkle-free, which I much appreciate when it’s time to dress up a little.

Buy Sterling Pacific’s 40L Cabin Travel Case

Mystery Ranch Super Market Day Pack

Photo: Morgane Croissant

For this trip, I needed a good-size backpack. The kind that could hold not only the daily stuff everyone carries with them on a trip (wallet, water bottle, phone, book, etc.), but also all my work items (laptop, charger, notebook, planner). The pack needed to be practical for all the train travel, as well as the walking and hiking, I had planned to do. Mystery Ranch’s Super Market Day Pack is a very roomy 22 liters and has a padded laptop sleeve and a water bottle sleeve. It also has a sneaky little zipped pocket in between the shoulder straps so you can store your valuables without fearing pickpockets. If you’re going out for the day, you can easily fit your water, a sweater, a rain jacket, and a picnic inside, and still have room to spare. Also, the shape of the pack makes it very unique and it comes in a range of great colors.

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Boody’s Goodnight Sleep Pant

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Because I had 15-plus-hour train journeys on the way to and from Germany, I opted to travel in the comfiest clothes possible. As a top, I went for the loosely fitting and antimicrobial short-sleeved low crew shirt from Ibex because, no matter what you do when you wear it, it’ll never smell of body odor. As a bottom, I chose Boody’s Goodnight Sleep Pant in black. Yes, they are pajamas. No, they don’t look like pajamas. They are simple, long, straight black pants that look like fancy sweats. Because they are made of bamboo fibers and elastane, they are extremely soft and stretchy. The pants have no zipper and no buttons, so there’s nothing to keep you constricted. I fell asleep for two whole hours on my way back and I’m pretty sure it would never had happened had I been wearing jeans. Boody’s Goodnight Sleep Pant comes in a variety of color, including light blue, pink, green, dark red, bluey gray, and black.

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Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go Shell

Photo: Morgane Croissant

While most of my time on the island of Rügen was spent under blue, sunny skies, the same can’t be said of the 24 hours I had in Hamburg. Hamburg is a city that has a reputation for gray, rainy weather and, even in July, it didn’t disappoint. Because my soft and waterproof Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go Shell compacts into a tiny little pouch, I threw it into my backpack every time I was away from my hotel for the day. On my guided tour of the city, the dark skies opened and my guide and I got absolutely poured on. Luckily, we were both prepared: him with his yellow oilskin jacket, and I with my trusty green shell. Once suitably protected, we kept walking and biking like nothing was going on for a couple of hours. My motto: Never go anywhere without a packable rain jacket, even in the height of summer.

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On CloudFlyer 4

Photo: Morgane Croissant

While I knew I would be doing a lot of walking and some hiking during my time in Northern Germany, I was also aware that I didn’t need a pair of heavy-duty hiking boots — the hikes I had planned were on easy terrain. I opted to bring my On CloudFlyer 4, which I use for my daily walks. Meant for running in extreme comfort, the On CloudFlyer 4 are exceptionally cushioning thanks to thick outsoles, tongues, and sides. While I’ve walked dozen and dozen of miles in these shoes, I’ve never felt discomfort or even got blisters, even at the start. I never actually had to break them in — they were comfortable from the get-go. These shoes served me well during the entirety of my trip, taking me far into the beech forest of Jasmund National Park and on the long beach promenade in Binz.

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Caudalie Stick sunscreen SPF 50

Photo: Morgane Croissant

My morning skincare routine is very simple: I wash my face and apply sunscreen. The problem is that sunscreen doesn’t last all day — only 60 to 90 minutes. To avoid burns, skin cancer, and looking like an old leather shoe by the age of 40, it’s imperative to reapply regularly and generously. Caudalie Stick sunscreen SPF 50 makes application very easy and mess-free. Because it’s in a stick format , you never have to get your hands sticky with sunblock — you can apply directly on your face, lips, hands, and even arms and neck if need be. Caudalie Stick sunscreen is smaller than a stick of deodorant so it fits in any bags or pockets. I took it with me everywhere around sunny Rügen, even to the beach, and never got a single burn. The icing on the cake: it’s fragrance-free and invisible.

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Tennessee Creates New ‘Office of Outdoor Recreation’ to Get You on the Water

Hardcore kayakers and rafters may dream of famous trips like paddling along Idaho’s Salmon River or spending a few days rafting on Cataract Canyon in Utah. But for less crowded rivers, you may want to set your eyes a little further to the east.

The state of Tennessee just announced it’s investing big into on-the-water recreation. In August of 2024, it launched an entirely new state-wide department dedicated just to outdoor recreation. The new “Office of Outdoor Recreation” will be part of the Bureau of Conservation, which is akin to a statewide version of the federal Department of the Interior. While the Bureau of Conservation deals with everything from parks to protected areas and archeological sites, the new Office of Outdoor Recreation will be tasked exclusively with “improv[ing] access to the outdoors for our residents and visitors for the state of Tennessee.”

According to the release, the department’s first major task will be to develop new water trails — trails along bodies of water for everything from short day trips by canoe to multi-day packrafting trips. While the new office is likely to be a boon for the state’s tourism industry, attracting visitors to its roughly 61,000 miles of streams and rivers, it’s also meant to protect some of the state’s more vulnerable resources, such as waterways, lakes, and wetlands.

If you’re obsessed with seeing the world from the water, here are three Tennessee rivers you may want to explore.

The Obed River

Photo: Melinda Fawver/Shutterstock

For adrenaline junkies, the Obed River is Tennessee’s crown jewel of whitewater. Carved through the Cumberland Plateau, the river is a challenge for beginner and intermediate paddlers. Kayakers and rafters will find a variety of rapids, from Class II to IV, and since it’s a protected national river, there’s plenty of pristine shoreline and abundant wildlife. There aren’t many outfitters in the area that offer shuttle service or guided trip, so it’s best to do with a group of experienced rafters who understand the logistics of planning a point-to-point paddle trip.

There are six Obed River access points throughout Tennessee, managed by the state. A smaller portion of the river is managed by the National Park Service and called the Obed Wild and Scenic River. But no matter where you decide to put in, the cost to access and use the pretty waterway is a whopping $0.

The French Broad River

Photo: Alisha Bube/Shutterstock

The French Broad River flows from North Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee, where it feeds into the Tennessee River. The French Broad Scenic River is a 33-mile-long section from the North Carolina border to just east of Knoxville. Along this section, there are nine access points roughly four to five miles apart, so you can do your own point-to-point trips fairly easily.

If you’re keen to experience the river’s whitewater action, you’ll find no shortage of operators. The section called the French Broad Paddle Trail runs for 140 miles through several areas with guides and rental companies, including several in Tennessee’s Cocke and Jefferson counties. If you want to do just a quick half day trip, you can find outfitters in towns like Knoxville (where Knoxville Adventure Collective offers rentals and shuttle services for a leisurely birdwatching float) and Erwin, where Blue Ridge Paddling leads guided rafting and kayak trips.

The Tennessee River tributaries

Photo: Travis J. Camp/Shutterstock

You can’t talk about Tennessee rivers without mentioning the eponymous Tennessee River. It runs for 652 miles, starting in Knoxville and running west to Paducah, Kentucky. As you might imagine, it offers multiple options for overnight paddling and packrafting experiences. Most trips are on tributaries, as the main channel is primarily for larger vessels and shipping boats. Local outfitters near major cities like Chattanooga and Knoxville can provide equipment rentals and guided tours, ranging from quick afternoon trips to week-long adventures.

Most rafting and paddling companies in western Tennessee will likely be using a tributary of the Tennessee River, such as the Holston, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee, Paint Rock, or Duck Rivers. Do a search for rafting trips along any of those and you’ll likely find plenty of good options.

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