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The oldest scotch ever

Having recently broken the record for the world’s most expensive whisky ever, with a bottle of The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926-60-Year-Old selling at auction for $1.1 million, The Macallan is now setting its sights on a different kind of record. In the world of liquor, age is a primary barometer for measuring prestige and The Macallan just unveiled the oldest single malt whisky it’s ever released, distilled 72 years ago — just after the end of World War II.

Befitting its respectable old age, the drink is called “The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique — The Genesis Decanter”. The 42-percent ABV scotch is described by the brand as “reminiscent of a time gone by, it carries an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character. The whisky delivers surprise after surprise as aromas of fruit follow distinctive hints of peat, all the way through the back of the mouth where it is finished off with a lingering hint of rich fruit and oak.”

Snagging a bottle will only set you back around $60,000 per 700-milliliter bottle. Pocket change compared to the $1.1 Valerio Adami, right? If you do actually want to get your hands on one, though, you might want to act quickly. Production of The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique is limited to just 600 decanters worldwide, available at select locations, exclusive airport retail stores, and The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience.

If you do visit their distillery in the Scottish Highlands, and they happen to be out of their limited-edition decanters, the trip won’t be a total waste. Whisky enthusiasts will enjoy multimedia experiences, a barrel room for “nosing” different cask types, their high glass wall containing over 840 Macallan archive bottles, and copper stills, where the distilled whiskey sits in oak for 12 years before being blended and bottled. When you’re finished, try some free samples at the bar, which has 952 bottles to choose from.

H/T: Food & Wine

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Podcast playlist for road trip

Those who opt to take a cross-country road trip are often drawn to the adventure and possibility of what they might find by traveling the slow route. Passing through small desert towns, finding hidden relics on the side of the road, and viewing mountain passes up close adds to the sense of discovery afforded by driving versus flying. When the inevitable boredom kicks in, though, (sometimes you’re just going to be looking at the good ol’ highway) here are 12 totally captivating podcasts to check out. You might not even want to get out of the car until you’ve finished these.

Real life stories

Some of the most popular podcasts offer a secret glimpse into another life or attempt to investigate a question about human nature. The stories listed below don’t come with a tagline “loosely based on real life events.” As bizarre as some of these stories might seem, they are real. They happened, and luckily, they happened to someone else.

1. Dirty John

Photo: Dirty John

A charming mystery man appears from nowhere and seduces a wealthy older woman. Twenty minutes into this podcast his malintent intentions are obvious to every single person except one — his overly trusting victim. A financial scandal, a quick marriage, kids that want him out of their mother’s life — it’s easy to sit on the sidelines yelling at these people to just figure it out already. This topic would almost seem like a cheesy cliche if the story wasn’t so exceptionally intriguing.

2. Missing Richard Simmons

Photo: Missing Richard Simmons

There have been a lot of rumors over the last few years in response to the “disappearance” of Richard Simmons — a once public loving character who seems to have gone into total social seclusion. From theories about his housekeeper holding him hostage to other wildly imaginative explanations, this podcast delves into the question — why did Richard Simmons abruptly vanish from the public eye? These six episodes are dedicated to figuring out why Richard Simmons has removed himself from the public life that he once seemed to thrive on. Some critics have complained that the podcast host crossed over the line by investigating a man who simply might just want to be left in peace, but there’s no denying it’s a compelling conspiracy.

3. Heaven’s Gate

Photo: Heaven’s Gate Podcast

This podcast explores the events that led up to the Heaven’s Gate cult members “graduation from the human evolutionary level” (as their still-active and totally retro website notes). You might remember them as the group who believed they would catch a ride together on an extraterrestrial spacecraft that was going to follow the Hale Bopp comet. One of the coolest aspects of this podcast is that it’s hosted by Glynn Washington (host of the popular podcast Snap Judgement) and you eventually discover that he has a unique connection to this particular topic.

Small town crime & strange events

Even if you’re not the type of person who likes scary movies, there is something totally appealing about listening to these strange small town crime drama podcasts from the safety of your car. These are the stories that will make you hope you’re not stranded on the side of the road at night with a flat tire.

4. In the Dark

Photo: In the Dark

An investigative reporter travels to a small town in Minnesota to review the circumstances of one of the most famous unsolved crimes in American history — the disappearance of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling. There’s a different spin on this podcast, the focus is not placed on who committed the crime. Instead, this is an investigation of how the local police force missed every single clue that could have led them to the abductor, and why there was never any repercussion for their inadequacies.

5. Serial

Photo: Serial Podcast

Adnan is guilty of the crime he’s been accused of — killing his high school girlfriend. Right? Or maybe he’s not. The evidence is so conflicting, and the story is so engaging. And that was just season one. It’s one of those binge-worthy podcasts that you’ll turn to your road trip partner and say “just one more?” for hours and hours until there are none left and then you’ll sit and wonder what could ever top this.

6. S.town

Photo: S.town

If you were devastated when the second season of Serial ended, check out S.town (created by the same producers). This is the story of an eccentric character named John B, as the locals call him, who claimed to have evidence of a brutal murder in his small hometown of Woodstock Alabama that he not so lovingly refers to as “shit town” (or S.town). As the host of the podcast gets to know John B, it becomes obvious that the true story is more about who this man is, and how much of his narrative we can actually believe.

Learn something new and generate interesting conversation

There are people who seem to have enough time to read every obscure article in Wired or The New York Times. These are the people everyone wants at their dinner party. They’re able to hop into any conversation by quoting something that they heard or read that is so on point it feels like they must have a limitless database of random information stacked in their brain. There’s a good chance they’ve spent 48 hours in the car listening to these podcasts.

7. How I Built This

Photo: How I Built This

This podcast explores the origin story of various entrepreneurs, how they got started, what their biggest hurdle was, and the advice they’d give to their younger selves. Once you start listening to this series, it’s interesting to realize that many behaviors and the mindset of successful people are quite similar, regardless of their background or their original business idea. Who knows, after listening to how the founder of Patagonia started his company or why Richard Branson bought an airline, you might be inspired to start your own business by the time you arrive at your destination.

8. Radiolab

Photo: Rediolab

Radiolab has been around long enough to classify it as one of the capstones of the genre. It delivers a new set of stories each week with the goal of “investigating a strange world.” It often combines science and storytelling to deliver wildly fascinating content — definitely the sort of topics that lead to intense conversation. In other words, this is a perfect podcast to fill in the gaps of silence on a cross-country road trip.

9. The American Life

Photo: This American Life

It’s nearly impossible (and would feel wrong) to exclude what some people consider to be the godfather of all podcasts. This American Life covers a huge range of topics with a unique form of humanistic investigative journalism. One week you might learn about stories from border walls all around the world and the next week you could hear David Sedaris reading an original essay. Although this podcast airs only once a week, they have an extensive archive that you can download and queue up for your many hours on the road.

Pure entertainment

After a long day in the car, it’s time to turn your brain off and listen to something totally fun and entertaining. Here’s what we’re suggesting.

10. Two Dope Queens

Photo: 2 Dope Queens

Two funny ladies, Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson, started this podcast that is part comedy showcase and part relaxed (very relaxed) conversation between two friends. Just when you think they are totally far out there, they somehow bring you back to the place you started and everything makes sense. Each show is taped in front of a live audience, and it’s fun to imagine being a part of that crowd.

11. Armchair Expert

Photo: Armchair Expert Podcast

This is a newer podcast hosted by actor Dax Shepard. Every week he talks with a different celebrity guest such as Ellen Degeneres and Katie Couric. These conversations have a very loose structure and you’ll end up feeling like you’re just listening to two friends having a candid chat about all of the things you and your friends typically talk about.

12. Mystery Show

Photo: Mystery Show

Are you ready for some pure fun? Each podcast of this series aims to solve a new mystery in 30 minutes. Is it possible to find the owner of a random belt buckle that was found outside the host’s apartment? Did that video store actually disappear overnight? There’s something satisfying about knowing that even these seemingly small questions can and will be answered within such a short time period.

More like this: Best 7 podcasts to download at the airport before your next flight

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Cheese theme park in Korea

Imagine a world where cheese isn’t part of your diet, and it’s totally absent from your favorite restaurant dishes. Before 1958, that was the reality of the people of Korea. Koreans had never even tasted cheese until Didier t`Serstevens, a Belgian priest, arrived in Imsil County, and started raising goats and making his own cheese. Imsil’s governor wisely asked him to teach his cheese-making skill to the rest of the community, and so Imsil became the cheese capital of Korea.

Photo: Republic of Korea

To celebrate how cheese revolutionized Korea’s gastronomy, the 32-acre Imsil Cheese Theme Park opened in 2004. Visitors to the park can learn about, make, and eat cheese in its various forms, and partake in a number of cheese-themed rides. Take a slide past grazing goats to the Cheese Playland, or wander the walkways that take you by cheese-wheel buildings and various cartoon statues. There are even a few “cheese experience” centers, where you can take a more hands-on approach and make cheese for yourself. Add to this a milk processing factory, local specialty shop, two restaurants, and a science lab for researching different methods of cheese creation, and you’ve got a pretty exciting, dairy-filled day trip.

So, if you’re planning on traveling to South Korea, why not take advantage of this cultural and culinary experience rolled into one? To pay homage to Didier t`Serstevens, and eat your fill of delicious cheese, visit the park any time between 10 AM and 8 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

H/T: Atlas Obscura

More like this: This Chinese theme park is determined to give you vertigo

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How to beat boredom on long-haul

We all know how tedious a lengthy flight can be. Maybe you have a book to keep you busy, but reading for nine straight hours is quite the feat. In-flight movies can while away a couple hours, but sooner or later your eyes will get tired of staring at the screen, and you’ll find yourself looking around the cabin wondering, “so what am I supposed to do now?” Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who can nap anywhere, anytime — we truly envy you — nothing is worse than sitting in your cramped airplane seat, wide-awake, thinking “are we there yet?” every five minutes. If you’re willing to get creative, there are a few things you can do to make that trans-continental flight go by in a snap.

1. Invent backstories for your fellow passengers.

When you’re on a long flight, you can’t help but notice the people around you. But since you can’t exactly get to know every single person — nor would you want to — a good way to pass the time is by inventing their backstories yourself. This is especially fun if you’re traveling with a friend. Notice a husband and wife who haven’t spoken a word? Maybe last week she caught him with a mistress. That tattooed punk rock-looking guy who hasn’t taken off his massive headphones? Maybe he’s a rockstar in whatever country you’re visiting, and he’s about to get flocked by fans in the airport. You’d be surprised how much time you can spend doing this. And who knows? Some of your stories might end up being true!

2. Singalongs

If you’re sharing the plane with a bachelor or bachelorette party, you’ll soon realize a whole new level of in-flight entertainment. On my flight to Tenerife, there was a bachelorette party occupying the last four or five rows of the plane, singing songs the entire way, in which many passengers joined in. They would also chant, “do a forward roll, do a forward roll!” whenever anyone tried to walk past them to the bathroom. I didn’t even know if I could do a forward roll, so it made me a little nervous to leave my seat.

Then, an old British lady — at least seventy years old — returned to the seat next to me, and said “funny bunch, eh? I was going to the bathroom, and they wouldn’t let me pass till I did a forward roll.” I laughed and felt a little sorry for her. “So, what did you do?” I asked. She looked at me like I had asked a stupid question, and said matter-of-factly, “I did a forward roll.”

3. Bring your own food and snacks.

Nothing makes time crawl like being hungry. Yeah, intercontinental flights may have meal services, but they can be pricey, spaced far apart, and not exactly of the highest quality. To keep your stomach satisfied, pack your own food. These can be homemade sandwiches or snacks you purchased at the airport. The luxury of eating on your own schedule, without relying on the timeliness and portion-size of in-flight meals, will take your mind off “getting there already.”

4. DON’T watch the flight map.

This might not be a way to beat boredom, but it’s definitely a good way to avoid making it worse. That handy little feature on your entertainment screen can be pretty tempting. It shows the time until your arrival, local time at your destination, weather conditions, altitude, and a cool interactive map that lets you pinpoint exactly where you are in the world. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of checking the flight map every few minutes, and watching the time tick slowly away: 6hrs 50mins to destination…6hrs 47mins to destination…6hrs 46mins to destination. A watched pot never boils, and a watched flight icon never lands.

5. Exercise.

By exercise I don’t mean doing suicides or a 40-yard dash in the plane aisles; just some unobtrusive stretching. Besides going to the bathroom, many people forget to leave their seats on long flights. Not only will sitting in the same position make time pass slower, it can also be detrimental to your health. Try to get up at least once an hour, go to the back of the plane, and stretch your arms, your torso, and your legs as if you were getting ready for a gym session or a run. You can even take a few laps around the plane (walking, not running), to get the blood flowing. You’d be surprised how it makes the time fly.

6. Talk to the person next to you.

Sometimes, starting a conversation with your seatmate can seem forced and unnatural. But even if it’s not the most mind blowing discussion in the world, it can really help pass the time and make the trip more comfortable. On one transatlantic flight, I happened to be sitting next to the goalkeeper for the Israeli women’s national soccer team. I learned more about soccer that trip than ever before, and the flight was over before I knew it. I can honestly say it was the quickest transatlantic flight I’ve ever taken.

If your neighbor isn’t chatty, find a new one! Treat it like a ballpark. Wherever you see an open aisle seat — especially if you like the look of your new seatmate — don’t be afraid to switch it up.

7. Have a few drinks.

If you’re not in a talkative mood, booze can help change that — you’ll quickly find that your dull seatmate just became a whole lot more interesting. And for those who can never sleep on planes, this might be your ticket to that much-needed snooze, once the buzz wears off.

More like this: How to actually enjoy long-haul flights

The post 7 unique ways to beat boredom on long-haul flights appeared first on Matador Network.

Visit Monte Carlo like James Bond

James Bond movies have always been about the setup more than the payoff. An action-packed climax is fine, but you can get that in pretty much any Liam Neeson film these days. Regardless of whoever happens to be playing the British secret agent, a 007 movie is really about charm, ingenuity, seduction and exotic destinations. Nobody does it better — and nobody else manages to find himself in so many glamorous locales during routine work trips.

Out of all the places to find danger and romance, Monte Carlo seems to be the one that suits James Bond best. So channel your inner spy and plan a trip to Monaco, a small self-governed principality, in which Monte Carlo is just one of several quartiers or wards. It’s not easy to be James Bond, but by planning carefully, you can fill the shoes of Ian Fleming’s iconic character on the ultimate vacation that’s shaken, not stirred.

Gamble in Monaco like James Bond

Photo: Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority

“Tell me…do you play any other games besides Chemin de Fer?”

-James Bond, “Dr. No” (1962)

The very first scene of the very first James Bond film is set in Monte Carlo. In fact, it’s the location where the words “Bond, James Bond” were uttered for the first time. As the opening moments of Dr. No unfold, the camera reveals Sean Connery, cigarette lit, commanding attention while playing Chemin de Fer, an early version of Baccarat. His game is strong — both with the casino and the opposite sex. He leaves the table with a nice stack of cash and makes plans to meet up later with Sylvia Trench, the woman he won all that money from. If you want to be like Bond, you have to be suave like Bond.

So here’s the buzzkill. The scene was actually filmed on a soundstage in London. But the venue it was inspired by, the Monte Carlo Casino, would eventually be a legit filming location in Never Say Never Again — a film that featured Connery back as Bond following a 12-year absence. Instead of Baccarat, he was playing a 3D-video game, but it was 1983 and that kind of stuff was considered edgy then.

The Monte Carlo Casino was also be featured in GoldenEye, in which Pierce Brosnan, in his debut as Bond, would face off across the table from Xenia Onatopp, a woman who could crush men to death with her thighs while in bed. It was 1995 and even though the series was reaching Austin Powers levels of self-parody, GoldenEye was the highest-grossing 007 film in ages, further associating the connection between Bond and Monaco.

The modern-day Monte Carlo Casino still retains much of the same style and charm. Smoking is no longer allowed, but you can still play Baccarat. Bring some cash. The minimum bet is 40 EUR ($47) and the entrance fee just to get in is 17 EUR ($20). Be prepared to show your passport, since Monaco citizens are banned from playing. The pain of the house-advantage is apparently best left to foreigners.

Drive cars in Monaco like James Bond

Photo: PokerStars/Neil Stoddart

“James, is it really necessary to drive quite so fast?

-Caroline

“More often than you’d think.”

-James Bond, “GoldenEye” (1995)

James Bond loves his gadgets, especially fancy cars. From the armed and armored Aston Martin in Goldfinger to a Lotus that transforms into a submarine during The Spy Who Loved Me, it’s fair to say 007 doesn’t drive the same automobiles you and I do. However, the best example of Bond’s dangerous driving is found in GoldenEye, in which the spy races Xenia Onatopp around the tight and winding mountain roads above Monaco.

If that sounds exciting to you, you can either gape at the exotic cars parked in Casino Square or rent one from Liven Up and hop behind the wheel yourself. We’re talking Ferraris and Lamborghinis here. You can also just go for a ride while a trained driver navigates the car at high speed through the streets of Monaco and on the cornishes (or cliffside roads) seen in GoldenEye. While it wouldn’t be James Bond’s style to ride shotgun, it’s actually more fun to focus on the sights and scenery from the passenger seat than fumble with the steering wheel and gear shift in the driver’s seat. The Liven Up drivers are not only familiar with the roads and vehicles, but also serve as great tour guides while speeding around town. And they’ll take the heat if a police officer hands out a ticket for driving too fast.

Drink a Martini in Monaco like James Bond

Photo: Rob Kachelriess

“How reckless of me. I made you all wet!”

-Fatima Blush

“Yes, but my Martini is still dry.”

-James Bond, “Never Say Never Again” (1983)

It’s no secret that James Bond prefers his Martini “shaken, not stirred,” but should it be made with vodka or gin? The subject is a much-discussed topic of debate among 007 fans, but Le Casino Bar at the Monte Carlo Casino gives you both options. Have the cocktail made with Beefeater, a London dry gin familiar to any British spy, or Russian Standard, a soft-tasting vodka that, much like Pierce Brosnan’s take on James Bond, found success in the post-Glasnost era of the former Soviet Union. The bar’s menu plays up the Bond image hard, not only with the Martini, but also other drinks familiar to fans of the movie series. They include a Mint Julep, sampled by Connery in Goldfinger, and the Vesper, a gin and vodka combo ordered by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. (Unfortunately, the key ingredient of a Vesper — Kinet Lillet — is extinct nowadays, but plenty of other aperitifs like Lillet Blanc will do the trick).

The drinks are great, but the bar is definitely playing to the tourist crowd. For a more sophisticated take on craft cocktails, visit Le Bar Americain inside Hotel de Paris. The drinks tend to run in the neighborhood of 27 EUR ($31), but you’re not just paying for booze, you’re also paying for atmosphere. The stylish lounge is the kind of place where Bond might enjoy a midnight rendezvous while live jazz performers take the stage. You won’t hear Shirley Bassey belting out “Diamonds are Forever,” but you’ll definitely enjoy an evening of French and American standards.

Ride two wheels in Monaco like James Bond.

Photo: Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority

“It’s a motorbike toy. If I can get the thing to work properly, I’ll ship it out to you.”

-Algernon (Q), “Never Say Never Again” (1983)

In Never Say Never Again, Bond hops on a rocket-powered motorcycle and gives chase on the streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a commune of French villas just outside Monaco. It’s all done in full tuxedo, of course.

Regardless of what you choose to wear, motorcycles can be rented in Monaco from Motoroads, beginning at just over $100 a day. They include sport models to maximize speed and power, as well as touring models for long-distance excursions among the hills and vineyards of France. For something less intense, you can also rent a scooter, starting at $30 a day, for a convenient way to get around Monaco, which at less than one full square-mile in area is the second smallest country in the world, beat only by Vatican City. Bicycles are available too and can even be delivered to your hotel room.

Take to the water in Monaco like James Bond

Photo: ostill/Shutterstock

“Make sure they send me home first class.”

-James Bond, “GoldenEye” (1995)

The plot of GoldenEye really picks up steam when Bond hops on a speedboat and tries to stop a high-tech helicopter from being stolen by rogue Russian operatives on a military ship. The action unfolds in Port Hercules, a deepwater port in Monaco that’s home to the most lavish and largest superyachts in the world.

You probably don’t have the bank statements to finance a yacht for yourself, but there are still a few other ways to check out the scenery from the water. Liven Up has all-inclusive boat packages that come with their own skipper and snacks, ranging from two to eight hours in length. For something that requires less planning — and far less money — just show up at Port Hercules and hitch a ride with Bateau Bus. It’s a small solar-powered ferry that takes passengers from one side of the harbour to the other. It’s a good way to enjoy a view of Monaco from the water without too much fuss.

Enjoy entertainment in Monaco like James Bond

Photo: Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority

“The pleasure, I’m sure, was all mine.”

-James Bond, “GoldenEye” (1995)

No one mixes business or pleasure quite like James Bond — and that’s especially true in Monaco. Sean Connery’s dramatic tango in the Monte Carlo Casino with Kim Basinger was a highlight of Never Say Never Again, but your dance moves are probably best suited for Jimmy Z, a beachside nightclub that comes with spectacular views of the water.

In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan conducts surveillance from Fort Antoine, an old military fort that was redesigned as an open-air amphitheater. Visitors can check it out for free outside the regular performance schedule. If movies are more your thing, the Monaco Open Air Cinema has a similar atmosphere, screening French films and the latest Hollywood blockbusters underneath the evening sky.

Photo: Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority

It could actually even be the perfect place to watch the next James Bond film. The currently untitled production is due for release in late 2019 with Daniel Craig back as 007 for the fifth time — providing even more inspiration for a Monaco vacation that’s licensed to kill.


More like this: Mapped: the optimal road trip across Europe

The post The ultimate guide to vacationing in Monte Carlo like James Bond appeared first on Matador Network.

Guide to New Zealand's Great Walks

The islands of New Zealand are a dream destination among trekkers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurists. A solid way to measure your ability against the wilds of both the North and South islands is to tackle one, or more, of the nine Great Walks that pass through the country’s National Parks, open beaches, and lush rainforests.

Beautiful and challenging, each walk pulls you away from civilization and into the wild. As they’re not for the faint of heart, train at home and hone your backpacking skills – or you’re going to have a rough time from the get-go. Here’s a rundown of each incredible trek:

Preparing to trek New Zealand’s Great Walks

The most important part of preparing for any trek is to stockpile the right gear. The basics include a trekking backpack, trekking shoes or boots, a portable first aid kit, water purifier, and vacuum-sealed water bottle. You’ll also need backpacking equipment including a tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, cookware, and fire starting materials. Odds are high that you’ll encounter rain on your trek, so be sure to bring a rain fly to cover the tent if you plan to camp. A compass and clinometer, to measure incline, will come in handy as well.

You’ll also need food that can be easily prepared over a campfire like beans, chili, and soup. Pre-packaged campfire meals, such as Patagonia Provisions, are excellent for optimizing nutrients while taking up minimal space in your pack. Nuts, berries, dried fruit, and dark chocolate provide quick bursts of energy on the trail. Be prepared to ‘pack in and pack out’ your waste, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because you’re breaking the law if you don’t.

Backcountry huts are available, as are campsites, at points throughout each of the Great Walks. These are maintained by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, and you must book campsites and huts in advance through their website during “Great Walks Season.”

Note that during “Great Walks Season,” from mid-October through April, services and accommodations are readily available. Although peak seasons for each walk can vary, bookings for the upcoming season begin in June on the DOC website. Services are drastically reduced outside of that time frame, and huts are first-come, first-served. All prices listed are per person for adults 18 and over. Children are free but still require booking in most cases.

Great Walks on the North Island
Lake Waikaremoana

Photo: Karin Wassmer

The Lake Waikaremoana trek is the northernmost of the Great Walks and a great jumping off point for first timers. The trail progresses along the lakefront to deserted beaches and through dense rainforest, posing a decent but not overly difficult challenge for any trekker who’s in decent shape. The contrast of water, abundant plant life, and beaches make for incredible photos, and you’ll ultimately be rewarded with jaw-dropping views from Panekire Bluff.

Distance: 28.5 miles (46 km)
Time: 4-5 days
Hut cost: $32 per night
Campsite cost: $14 per night

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Photo: Roman Nikau

This trek brings you into Tongariro National Park, the heart of New Zealand’s volcano country. Notable peaks include Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe, which was made particularly famous by Lord of the Rings. In valleys carved by glaciers, you’ll pass by waterfalls and through beech forests on your way to the Emerald Lakes within the volcanic craters.

Distance: 26.7 miles (43 km)
Time: 3-4 days
Hut cost: $36 per night in season, $15 per night off season
Campsite cost: $15 per night in season, $5 per night off season

Whanganui Journey

Photo: Lucas T. Jahn

This one is for the river rats. You’ll make your way down the Whanganui River through Whanganui National Park via canoe or kayak, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the surrounding hills. Like the Tongariro Northern Circuit, this adventure is located in the central part of the island, about a five-hour drive from Auckland. Bring a guidebook and read up on the culture of the Maori, the native population of New Zealand, and be sure to walk the Bridge to Nowhere (which is actually quite photogenic). Book this trip well in advance to ensure availability in Tieke Kainga, a hut that’s also used as a traditional Maori “marae,” or meeting space.

Distance: 90 miles (145 km)
Time: 3-5 days
Hut cost: $32 per night in season, $15 per night off season
Campsite cost: $20 per night in season, free offseason

Great Walks on the South Island
Abel Tasman Coast Track

Photo: Robert CHG

The South Island Great Walks kick off at the northern tip of the island in Abel Tasman National Park. Action seekers will love this trek, as you’ll slide down a natural waterslide at Cleopatra’s Pool and make your way across the suspension bridge at Falls River. If your feet need a break, you can do part of this trek in a water taxi or canoe, which also gives you plenty of opportunities to take in the gorgeous scenery around you.

Distance: 37.3 miles (60 km)
Time: 3-5 days
Hut cost: $38 per night in season, $32 per night off season
Campsite cost: $15 per night

Heaphy Track

Photo: Rudmer Zwerver

Bird watchers, rejoice! This trek is for you. New Zealand’s Kahurangi National Park is home to a number of native birds. As you make your way from verdant forest to the South Island’s western coast, you may glimpse the infamous great spotted kiwi, along with weka, kereru, tui, kea, or kaka. This is the only Great Walk where mountain bikes are allowed, but only between May 1 and November 30.

Distance: 48.7 miles (28.4 km)
Time: 4-6 days
Hut cost: $32-34 per night
Campsite cost: $14 per night

Milford Track

Photo: Puripat Lertpunyaroj

The Milford Track in Fjordland National Park is the ultimate destination for waterfall chasers. They are a consistent presence throughout the trek, highlighted by the 1,900-foot Sutherland Falls. Start the trek from Lake Te Anau and make your way through leafy rainforests towards Milford Sound. You must book all three huts on this trip as there are no campsites available.

Distance: 33.3 miles (53.5 km)
Time: 4 days
Hut cost: $70 per night in season, $15 per night off season

Kepler Track

Photo: Tomek Friedrich

Another Fjordland National Park Great Walk, the Kepler Trek takes you from shorelines of crystal-clear lakes to mountaintops offering expansive valley views. Its location is close to the Milford Trek, beginning and ending near Lake Te Anau, making the pair a popular route for completing two Great Walks in one extended trip. Book a stay in the Luxmore Hut and peruse the limestone caves nearby.

Distance: 37.2 miles (60 km)
Time: 3-4 days
Hut cost: $65 per night in season, $15 per night off season
Campsite cost: $20 per night in season, $5 per night off season

Routeburn Track

Photo: Naruedom Yaempongsa

This third of the Great Walks within Fjordland National Park is the shortest of them all, but not lacking in beauty or challenge. The trek is named after the Route Burn, a river so pure you can see straight through it, and makes its way towards Routeburn Falls and Earland Falls. You’ll spend most of the time up in the Darren Mountains, taking in views of the surrounding park and valleys.

Distance: 19.8 miles (32 km)
Time: 2-4 days
Hut cost: $65 per night in season, $15 per night off season
Campsite cost: $20 per night in season, $5 per night off season

Stewart Island Great Walk
Rakiura Track

Photo: slyellow

The southernmost of the Great Walks and the toughest to get to is the Rakiura Trek on Rakiura, also known as Stewart Island. Rakiura National Park comprises about 80% of the island, and this trek shows you the best the park has to offer. As you pass by early Maori settlement sites, dense forests give way to bright, golden beaches. This trek offers the greatest chance of spotting a kiwi.

Distance: 19.8 miles (32 km)
Time: 3 days
Hut cost: $24 per night in season, $22 per night off season
Campsite cost: $6 per night



More like this: 7 beautiful trekking routes in Japan you should do this year

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Antarctica to hold LGBTQ Pride rally

It’s official: the first gay-friendly continent in the world is… Antarctica? It’s true, according to humanitarian organization Planting Peace, who traveled to Antarctica in 2016 to place a pride flag on the continent — a symbolic effort to declare full human rights to LGBTQ people living in Antartica. Now, the residents of the McMurdo station, the continent’s largest research station, plan to hold the first-ever official pride event in June.

In a time when many countries are still failing to create safe conditions for the LGBTQ community, and institute laws ensuring their equality, it’s heartening to see the residents of Antarctica — few though they may be –come together in support of the cause. Shawn Waldron, a McMurdo Station galley worker, told NewNowNext that “my biggest fear before I left was, I’m going to be the only gay person, there’s going to be no one else here. I was wrong.”

This isn’t the first time Antarctica has set a progressive example; thirty protesters from Antarctica marched together in the inaugural 2017 Women’s March, showing that you can still make a social impact no matter how remote you are.

H/T: Mic

25 things you did not know about Antarctica

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Lightning strikes the Eiffel Tower

Many travelers come to the famous “City of Lights” to see the Eiffel Tower beautifully lit up at night, but this week they got a light show they didn’t expect. Paris and nearby areas were put on storm alert this past Monday due to a nationwide stormfront, and some observers captured the dramatic moment when lightning struck the Eiffel Tower.

De l'#orage sur #Paris ce soir et la #TourEiffel encore une fois faisant office de paratonnerre avec cette spectaculaire foudre aux alentours de 20h45 ! (Webcam @Meteovilles ) @Paris @infoclimat @meteofrance @KeraunosObs pic.twitter.com/7aEoEjUNhH

— Dorian Dziadula (@DorianDziadula) May 28, 2018

The tower was hit not just once, but several times, with locals and tourists alike scrambling to get the best pictures.

La #TourEiffel touchée par la #foudre hier ! #orage #paris ⚡
Pic @ptrenard pic.twitter.com/8HEvQygf5P

— Météo-France (@meteofrance) May 23, 2018

And it wasn’t just Paris affected by the storm. Similarly impressive lightning bolts were spotted throughout the country, like these in Orchamps-Vennes.

Orage dans le Haut-Doubs ce 31 Mai sur la commune d’Orchamps-Vennes. #orchampsvennes #orage #foudre @KeraunosObs @meteo60 @lachainemeteo @meteofrance pic.twitter.com/6wL0ZIMwe0

— Andéol DEMEULENAERE (@andeol_demeu) May 31, 2018

Méteo France reported that historically, May has been France’s most active month for lightning, seeing more total strikes than any month since the year 2000. Thankfully for tourists — but maybe not for photographers and videographers — the weather forecast is expected to clear up by next week, and visitors can expect sunny views of the Eiffel Tower.

H/T:

The post The Eiffel Tower was struck by an insane lightning storm this week appeared first on Matador Network.

Harry and Meghan's honeymoon

Unless you haven’t opened your laptop, turned on your TV, or read a newspaper for the past three months, you know about the UK’s latest royal wedding. What you may not know is that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex), are catching some grief for their choice of wedding destination from the media. While originally thought to be planning a honeymoon in Namibia, the royal couple are now rumored to be traveling to the luxurious Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, which The New York Post is calling the “world’s most boring place”. That’s quite the assertion — and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

With a perfect mix of natural beauty, modern conveniences and (perhaps most important for the newlyweds) privacy, Jasper is actually an amazing pick for a royal honeymoon. It’s not a totally random choice, either; Jasper has been popular vacation spot for royals for a long time, having previously hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. We think the newlyweds knew exactly what they were doing when they booked this trip. From stunning wild landscapes to active adventures to incredibly secluded beaches, here are seven activities that prove Jasper National Park is not just a great honeymoon destination for Harry and Meghan, but a wise choice for any outdoor adventurer this summer.

Photo: Elena_Suvorova

1. Cruise around Maligne Lake

Located about 45 minutes from downtown Jasper, Maligne Lake is the definition of a remote getaway. There’s a boathouse on the lake where you can rent canoes or kayaks for paddling around the turquoise waters. The cruise itself stops off at Spirit Island, at the far end of the lake, where you can explore, dip your feet in the water, and take in the view before heading back to the boathouse for a satisfying meal.

Photo: Tatsuo Nakamura

2. Raft down the Athabasca River

If you’re past your honeymooning days and want to visit Jasper National Park with the whole family, this is a great activity that everyone will enjoy. Float down the Athabasca River with your tour guide, who will point out interesting landmarks and wildlife along the way. You might even get to experience some whitewater rapids in certain parts.

Photo: Bjoern Alberts

3. Hike the Valley of Five Lakes

Jasper’s Valley of Five Lakes hike is a popular choice among hikers of all skill levels. It’s only about three miles long, with moderate uphill climbing. The hike will take you around five beautiful lakes, each of which you can stop and explore at your leisure.

Photo: Ruth Choi

Lay out on a beach free of crowds

You might not associate Alberta with beaches, but Jasper National Park actually has some pretty great ones, with strikingly blue water and clear mountain views. Best of all, there won’t be hundreds of people fighting over a plot of sand, like there are at more conventional beach destinations. Try the beaches at Lake Annette and Lake Edith, where the water is a few degrees warmer than the rest of the park. There is also a playground between the lakes for the kids to play, and a nice picnic area.

Photo: Ambrose Fung

4. Look down (if you dare) at the Glacier Skywalk

If you don’t mind venturing about 90 minutes from downtown Jasper, the Glacier Skywalk is a must-see. A 1,312-foot, glass-floored walkway hanging above the Sunwapta Valley, the transparent skywalk provides panoramic views of the snowy mountains and valleys. Just make sure you don’t have a fear of heights — it’s a long way down the valley.

Photo: kavram

5. Bask in the mighty Athabasca Falls

This 75.5-foot waterfall is the largest in Jasper, and lies just west of the Icefields Parkway. No matter the season or temperature, travelers can always expect to find water tumbling over the falls and through the gorge. There are also various observation platforms and walking trails around the falls to ensure you get the best view.

Photo: Mana Arabi

6. Summit Mount Robson

The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson towers at 12,972 feet. The peak is known as The Mountain of the Spiral Road because of its distinct, horizontal layers of rock, and it has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to advanced. Do your research and learn what trail is best-suited to your needs; we guarantee the views will be breathtaking no matter what.

More like this: Canada’s greatest adventure is waiting in Alberta. Here’s proof

The post No, Harry and Meghan’s honeymoon destination isn’t boring — it’s actually magical appeared first on Matador Network.

Papa John's Donut Island Giveaway

Attention lovers of donuts (so…everybody): Papa Johns is giving away free doughnuts, and perhaps more importantly, a free trip to “Donut Island” in New Zealand.

In celebration of National Donut Day on June 1, and the launch of their new Donut Holes dessert, Papa John’s is offering the chance to win a free trip to New Zealand’s donut-shaped island of Whenuakura. The rules are pretty simple: anyone who orders Papa John’s Donut Holes online or through their app between June 1 and June 30 can opt into the contest, and become eligible to win.

Photo: Malgorzata Litkowska/Shutterstock

The lucky winner and a guest will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to the island for eight days (seven nights). The protected Whenuakura Island lies just off New Zealand’s coast, and visitors will be able to see emerald lagoons, unique rock formations, red-flowered pohutukawa trees and more.

Even if you don’t win, there’s still a pretty sweet deal to take advantage of. On June 1, before the contest officially starts, customers who purchase a pizza online will receive 10 free cinnamon sugar-coated, caramel crème-filled donut holes. Talk about the ultimate #DonutFriday, and the perfect way to celebrate this very-legitimate national holiday.

H/T: Elite Daily

New Zealand: 100% Pure

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