Matador Network's Blog, page 1333
May 31, 2018
The coolest traditional houses
There was a time when double garages, hardwood floors, and granite countertops were not the priority of homeowners. What they really needed was a place to gather, eat, and sleep with a solid roof over their head to keep the weather at bay and walls to keep dangerous animals out. But although their needs were simple and their tools limited, men and women built traditional houses with beautiful aesthetics in mind. From round structures to odd roofs, here seven of the coolest-looking traditional houses from around the world.
1. Trulli, Italy
Photo: cge2010/Shutterstock
You’ll need to travel to the heel of the Italian boot to get to see these strange-looking houses. More specifically, the town of Alberobello (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in the region of Puglia is the spot to hit to see a large number of well-preserved trulli, some of them dating back to the 14th century.
The inhabitants of this region of Italy used what was available to them at the time to build these unusual homes. According to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention, trulli were built out of limestone boulders collected from nearby fields.
A trullo is a hut with white-washed limestone walls and a stone roof. The walls are made with limestone boulders stacked without mortar (a prehistoric technique called dry-stone construction) and the roofs are built by overlapping slabs of limestones to create a cone shape (the technique is called corbelling).
The roofs of the trulli often have markings in white ash to keep away bad luck.
Photo: mkos83/Shutterstock
Some of the trulli in the region have been transformed into accommodations for tourists, so you can experience these unusual houses from the inside, too.
2. Turf houses, Iceland
Photo: Filip Fuxa/Shutterstock
Because they are made out of turf bricks laid on top of wooden structures, turf houses have grass and moss growing all over their walls and roofs, making them blend almost perfectly with the Icelandic landscapes.
The tradition of turf houses in Iceland started with the Northern settlers in the 9th century. According to National Geographic, at that time, turf was more readily available than wood, so it became a practical building material that was also a very good insulant against the harsh, cold climate.
Photo: Olja Reven/Shutterstock
Although there are still many turf houses in Iceland, they are not the main type of accommodation in the country any longer. “Historic records suggest that up to 50 percent of Icelandic dwellings were partially comprised of turf until the late 19th century”, explains National Geographic, but concrete is now the most commonly-used material for home-building in Iceland.
Note that Iceland is not the only place where there are turf houses. Although they may not follow the exact same construction techniques, you can see some in the Faroe Islands, Scotland, Norway, and Greenland.
3. Cave houses, Turkey
Photo: Apurva Madia/Shutterstock
In the Göreme valley of Central Turkey, the landscape is incredibly unique. It is made of strange rock formations often called “fairy chimneys” that resemble tall mushrooms and are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. But, although the rocky landscape looks rather inhospitable, thousands of years ago, humans dug into the soft rock (called “tuff”) to carve beautiful shelters.
The cave homes of the Göreme valley were connected by tunnels to create entire troglodyte towns that worked as refuge for those hiding from wars and religious persecution (the caves were also used as Christian sanctuaries as early as the fourth century).
Photo: Zharov Pavel/Shutterstock
The Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can easily visit the rocky towns and even stay in some of the caves that have been transformed into hotels.
4. Yurts, Central Asia
Photo: Ekaterina McClaud/Shutterstock
Yurts are large, portable dwellings made of a flexible wooden lattice and a thick fabric to cover it. They are like big, round tents but they are a lot more comfortable and homey than the one you got at REI (a burning stove is usually found in every yurt and carpets cover the ground). According to National Geographic, it takes between thirty minutes and three hours to set up a yurt.
Photo: Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock
Although yurts are often associated with Mongolia, they can be found all over Central Asia among nomadic, herding communities and in Eastern European countries such as Romania and Hungary. Note that Mongolians use the term “ger” instead of “yurt” to describe these traditional dwellings.
Yurts have existed for thousands of years in the Central Asian steppes and are still very much part of life in Mongolia. “Today, more than half of Mongolians live in gers, including about 61% in the capital of Ulaanbaatar and 90% of the rural population”, explains National Geographic.
5. Rumah gadang, Indonesia
Photo: Irwansyah Irwansyah/Shutterstock
The Rumah gadang (“big house” in the Minangkabau language) is the traditional house of the Minangkabau ethnic group of Sumatra, Indonesia. A rumah gadang is of rectangular shape with an impressive spiky roof made of thatch or corrugated iron. A rumah gadang can be made of thirty, twenty, or twelve wooden posts and is usually built one or two meters off the ground.
Photo: FarisHDZQ/Shutterstock
According to Cecilia Ng in Inside Austronesian Houses: Perspectives on Domestic Designs for Living, it is now more common to find modern houses built out of bricks than the traditional rumah gadang built out of wood, but they are still present in villages across Sumatra and are now often used as the venues for ceremonies rather than for day-to-day activities. The use of space in a rumah gadang is very complex and reflects the social organization and traditions of the Minangkabau people. For example, depending on her reproductive status, a woman sleeps and lives in different sections of the rumah gadang.
A Rumah gadang is the domain of women and, as such, these dwellings are owned by women and passed on from mothers to daughters.
6. Chalets, Western European Alps
Photo: Satep/Shutterstock
Chalets are simple, wooden houses typical of the Western European Alps. They were originally built for herders to look after their livestock during the months the animals were out to graze in the remote mountain pastures.
Although they are often associated with Switzerland, it turns out that the fancy chalets we romanticize when we plan our skiing holidays or watch The Sound of Music were actually created by architects from England, France, and Germany. Nowadays, chalets can be found all over the world, but are still more prevalent in alpine settings.
Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock
Chalets are typically made of wood planks with a large, sloped, overhanging roof. Wooden balconies and cute shutters on every window is also part of what we identify as a traditional chalet.
For the ultimate chalet experience, head out to Schönegg Chalet Hotel, at the foot of Switzerland’s most famous peak: the Matterhorn.
7. Pueblo houses, Southwestern US
Photo: Josemaria Toscano/Shutterstock
Pueblo houses are the traditional home of the Pueblo Native Americans. They are structures made of sun-dried adobe bricks and a timber-framed roof. Adobe is a mixture of sand, water, and straw or grass.
The walls of the Pueblo houses are very thick which helps against the heat of the Southwestern climate.
Pueblo houses usually have several stories; the roof of each storey serving as a terrace for the next level. Traditionally, outdoor, wooden ladders were used to get to the higher levels as the ground level did not have a door and was used for storage.
Photo: Bill Florence/Shutterstock
The settlement of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, US probably has some of the finest examples of traditional pueblo homes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been the home of Native Americans for over a thousand years. As was customary, the adobe homes of Taos Pueblo do not have electricity or plumbing. 
More like this: 10 epic treehouses you can actually rent on Airbnb
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Essential slang of Northern England
English is undoubtedly the world’s universal language, but when it comes to the vernacular used in the North of England, it’s a whole different dictionary you’ll need to use. For many people outside the North, the accent is attractive, but it’s still confusing AF.
Here are some of the funniest expressions in Northern English for you to learn in case you ever make your way past London.
1. Mam
Yeah, we don’t say “mum” (or worse, “mom”) in our neck of the woods.
2. Like
We use “like” at the end of almost every sentence and we also have the habit of self-interrupting sentences with the word. Those who grew up in the North know the wrath of teachers and parents who tried to educate the habit out of us and failed horribly.
Example: “Where you going today, like?” and “I’m proper tired me, like.”
3. Doylem
“Doylem” or “doyle”, is our way of calling you an idiot.
4. Well aye
When in agreement with someone, we will often bring out the phrase “well aye”. The basic translation is “well, yes”. “Well aye” is also commonly heard and used as a tool of reassurance.
Example:
A: “The Toon was purely belta on Saturday, like!” (The town really great on Saturday!)
B: “Well aye.”
5. Mint
“Mint” derives from the phrase “mint condition”. In the North, you’ll hear it describe something that is great, fantastic, brilliant.
6. Offit
“Offit” is used as a crude slang term for someone who is a sandwich short of a picnic.
7. Devoe’d
Used across the board in the North but thought to originate from Liverpool, “Devoe’d” is a shortened way of saying “devastated”.
8. Clamming
A word used in the Northeast to express hunger or a need for attention. You’ll commonly hear the phrases, “I’m clamming here, like” or “I’m pure clamming.”
9. Belta or Beltas
Responding to an amazing situation or referring to something amazing.
Example: “She’s a belta, like.”
10. Buzzin
Obviously the short of “buzzing”, “buzzin’” is a word Northerners use when they are very happy. The more north you travel, the more often it will translate to “a little tipsy”.
11. Gadgie
Another word for a male adult.
Example: “See that gadgie at the front of the queue?”
12. Ey up!
A typical Yorkshire greeting. Will replace “Hello” nine times out of ten when in Leeds.
13. Croggy
If you give someone a “croggy“, you’re giving them a ride somewhere, whether it be in your car or on the back of your bike.
14. Yonks
Referring to something that will take a long time.
Example: “I was waiting in the chippy queue for yonks like.” (I was waiting in the queue in the chip shop for a long time.)
15. Tanking
When it is “tanking down“, grab your umbrella.
16. Paggered
When you are “paggered“, you are absolutely knackered, tired.
17. Tax
We all might be in agreement with this one. Using the word “tax” in the right slang context means “to steal”. It can also mean to take something quickly but not necessarily steal it.
18. Give your head a wobble.
“Give your head a wobble” essentially means that you are disagreeing with someone and questioning what they are saying.
Example:
A: “Let’s go to the library.”
B: “Haha, give your head a wobble!”
More like this: 16 signs you were born and raised in the North of England
The post 18 slang expressions in Northern English (and how to use them) appeared first on Matador Network.
25 adventures to do in Africa
Forget about those trendy destinations that flood your Instagram feed: Iceland is overrun with so-called influencers posing in front of waterfalls, Machu Picchu is turning into Peruvian Disney Land, and Thailand has more drunk backpackers flooding their beaches than they know what to do with. These tourist hotspots are becoming so overdone, that traveling to them hardly seems adventurous anymore. Thankfully, there is one, massive destination that is teeming with unique experiences, incredibly diverse culture, and the most iconic wildlife in the world: Africa. When it comes to tourism, Africa has long been viewed as a vacation spot for khaki vest-wearing retirees to sit from the comfort of an air-conditioned safari van, before resting their heads in plush Hemingway-style tents. But now, Africa is emerging as a bucket-list-worthy destination for active adventurers seeking immersive experiences, from outdoor expeditions to authentic cultural activities to yes, game drives to see the Big Five — but with the guarantee of sustainability. The continent is so vast that you couldn’t possibly see it all in one lifetime, but we encourage you to do your damnedest to try. Here are 25 life-changing experiences in Africa you need to do before you die.
1. Take a hot air balloon ride over Lake Nakuru.
Photo: Serge Vero/Shutterstock
Set in Kenya’s ancient Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is surrounded by wildlife-rich woodlands and bush, and is a sanctuary to over four hundred different species of bird. While you should definitely have a go at classic birdwatching from the ground, we recommend rising to their level by taking a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. Stay at The Cliff, a brand new luxury camp in the park, and take flight in their signature green and yellow balloon for the ultimate bird’s eye view of Lake Nakuru.
2. Abseil 1000 meters above sea level off Table Mountain.
Photo: Abseil Africa
Sure, the views from the cozy cable car off Table Mountain are memorable, but it’s nothing like the stomach-dropping sensation you’ll feel rappelling down a sheer cliff face from the top. Begin your descent down the mountain (the first step is the hardest), and prepare for a surprise about halfway down. Spoiler alert: the mountain will give out underneath, leaving you to freefall in slow motion, rotating midair for a breathtaking view of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the sprawling Twelve Apostles mountain range. Once you reach a ledge midway down the mountain, you’ll begin a peaceful hike back up to the cable car. Sign up for the adventure with local tour company Escape + Explore, in partnership with Abseil Africa, and go near sunset if possible.
3. Meditate on the Mauritius coastline.
Photo: Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa
Despite its dreamy tropical vibes, Mauritius has avoided becoming a tourist trap for rowdy island hoppers, making it an ideal getaway for people looking to escape crowds, unplug and unwind, and find their center. At the Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, the beachfront suites offer unparalleled privacy, set to the soundtrack of crashing waves. A Hatha yoga instructor can come right to your suite, or you can try solo meditation without any disturbance. If you’re looking for something a little bit more active, Shanti Maurice also provides instructors in pilates and AquaFit, a low-impact water exercise that builds muscle and increases cardiovascular strength.
4. Canoe down the Selinda Spillway (while aiding conservation efforts).
Photo: Great Plains Conservation
The Great Plains Conservation is doing some incredible work in preserving the natural African wilderness. In addition to buying up hunting areas and converting them to sustainable, luxury safari camps, Great Plains Conservation is also helping save endangered black rhinos by transporting these threatened creatures via air to large, protected landscapes. If you can’t afford to stay in their uber-luxe properties (whose fees do the heavy lifting when it comes to funding their conservation work), opt for their adventurous — and more affordable — canoeing expedition down the Selinda Spillway. You’ll sleep in no-frills tents alongside the river, but you’ll have the closest views of buffalo, elephant, antelope and wild dog.
5. Dive for diamonds — really.
Photo: Benguela Diamonds
If this sounds like the ultimate vacation activity for the wealthy, it’s because it is — diving for actual diamonds isn’t a cheap excursion to tack onto the average snorkeling trip. But if you’re in the market for an engagement ring and want a way more interesting story than “he went to Jared,” then a Benguela Diamonds safari might be for you. Take off from Cape Town in a jet to a beachfront villa in the western coast of South Africa, before boarding a boat to waters where sea diamonds are plentiful. Dive for your own diamonds, then take it back to land to have your treasure appraised (and gorge on a decadent seafood lunch). You can then order custom jewelry made with the diamonds you found.
6. Glamp under the stars in a treehouse.
Photo: Garonga Safari Camp
Located in the Makalali Conservancy outside Kruger National Park, Garonga Safari Camp overlooks a scenic riverbed, ideal for relaxing after those early-morning game drives. Skip the regular villas and opt to stay in the Sleep Out, an open-air viewing platform high up in the trees. Enjoy a private dinner below a starry canopy, and let the giraffes and elephants come right to your bedside in the morning.
7. Turn those safari pictures into pieces of art with the help of a pro.
Photo: Angama Mara
There’s a lot to get excited about Angama Mara, a new safari lodge in Kenya perched above the Masai Mara, from the same experts who brought you the award-winning &Beyond safari tours. But the most intriguing activity is definitely their photography tours. While most safari lodges offer photographer-friendly game drives, Angama Mara goes one step further with expert instruction and an onsite printmaking studio. They’ll tell you how to find the best light and angles, tips for approaching animals safely for close-up photos, and show you some of their favorite locales for unique snapshots. Then, head to the studio where they’ll give you the rundown on Photoshop basics, and allow you to print your own piece of art. You can even submit your photography to their charitable photo competition, The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year, for the ultimate bragging rights.
8. Go saltwater fly-fishing in the Seychelles — sustainably.
Photo: Blue Safari
The Seychelles are a paradise for fly-anglers, thanks to its expansive hard, white-sand flats for easy wading, and large populations of bonefish, among other great catches. Stay at one of Blue Safari’s amazing islands, such as Alphonse Island or Astove Atoll, and go fly-fishing with their expert guides. Most importantly, their catch-and-release policy is sustainable, keeping the vibrant reefs filled with these important fish (the Seychelles are also a divers’ dream). You will get to keep the abundant species of fish, such as tuna, which you can have cooked fresh on the beach when you return to land.
9. Have a garden-to-table meal in a greenhouse.
Photo: Babylonstoren
Located in South Africa’s wine country, Babylonstoren is a scenic working farm and vineyard, complete with a luscious garden, inspired by the historic 17th-century Company’s Garden in Cape Town, as well as the mythical water gardens of Babylon. The 8-acre garden is home to a wide range of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The garden is harvested twice daily, and you can take a tour of the grounds to learn some practical gardening tips from the staff. Then, visit the Greenhouse for an innovative garden-to-table meal, served alongside homemade cheeses, wood-fired breads, cured meats, oils and chutneys. The humid greenhouse climate also allows for exotic plants to grow, like dragon fruit, vanilla, and baobab.
10. Go on an eco-friendly game drive in Kafue National Park.
Photo: Credit Ila Safari Lodge
If you’re looking for an exclusive wilderness experience free of crowds and noisy car engines, head to Kafue National Park, the largest and oldest park in Zambia and one of the most underrated wildlife reserves in Africa. Larger than Kruger National Park but far less trafficked by humans, Kaufe has all the Big Five, along with wild dogs, antelope, and hundreds of bird species. To explore this pristine expanse, stay at the green Ila Safari Lodge, a truly eco-friendly resort with electric game vehicles, perfect for traversing the bush in near silence. At the end of the day, you can also take a sunset cruise down the Kafue river in a solar-powered boat.
11. Take the whole fam on an adventurous nature retreat.
Photo: Mount Anderson Water Reserve
A lot of lodges claim to be family-friendly, but few were specifically created with the whole family in mind. The Mount Anderson Water Reserve on the border of Kruger National Park proves that an adventurous outdoor vacation is way better than an overpriced trip to a theme park. Go on a simple hike to a riverside location filled with relics of the gold mining era, where kids can pan for rocks to learn about geology, and visit the old gold mine workings and shafts. Other family activities include orienteering, trout fishing, and educational game drives for sightings of Africa’s lesser-known antelope, jackal, caracal and leopard.
12. Gallop through the Okavango Delta on horseback.
Photo: African Horseback Safaris
No one can accuse you of taking it easy in a cushy land rover on this safari. With African Horseback Safaris, based in the Macatoo luxury tented camp in Botswana, saddle up and prepare to see the Big Five mounted on your own mighty beast. On a horseback safari, you’ll get up close and personal with wildlife in flooded areas that game vehicles could never get to. Gallop alongside zebras and giraffes, or take a cautious trot closer to lions and elephants. Just be careful to avoid those hippos swimming around you when you’re submerged waist deep in the Delta.
13. Stay in a historic farm cottage and cook your own meal.
Photo: Boschendal
Get a taste for the pastoral simple life at the beautifully restored farm cottages at Boschendal, located in the Franschhoek Valley region of South African wine country. But instead of just laying in bed and having your meals brought to your cottage (which is definitely an option), try your hand at working the farm. Those interested can take interactive tours of the chicken coops, pig pens, vineyards and gardens where you can pick your own produce. Then swing by the on-site butchery for some naturally raised Boschendal Angus beef, the bakery for fermented breads and fresh-pressed olive oil, and take it all back in a picnic basket to your cottage, which comes equipped with a full kitchen.
14. Go on an art tour of Johannesburg’s hipster neighborhood.
Photo: Maboneng Township Arts Experience
Johannesburg is known for being the site of many integral moments of South African history, from the attacks on Nelson Mandela’s family home to the Soweto student uprisings. Today, both Joburg’s powerful past and bright future are depicted through the many works of art found throughout the city’s galleries, street art and handicraft markets. Use the iconic Saxon Hotel as a base for exploring Joburg’s lively art scene, especially the creative Maboneng neighborhood where artistic hipsters converge and gallery doors are always open.
15. Sip on sundowners at a bush bar.
Photo: Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge
Sundowners — refreshing cocktails for sipping while the sun goes, well, down — are a time-honored tradition in Africa. At the Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge in Kenya, you can enjoy these sundowners out at their bush bar, situated right in the Nambiti Reserve in Zulu country. Lanterns are strung up in the trees, and the table is filled with Champagne, local gin, aperitifs and any other spirit you fancy, along with snacks for nibbling on before your post-sunset dinner.
16. Hike to an ancient cliffside Ethiopian monastery.
Photo: Simien Lodge
Ethiopia has one of the richest cultures, interesting wildlife (it’s home to those terrifying-looking Gelada baboons), and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, and yet it continues to fly under the radar of many travelers to Africa. Stay ahead of the curve by booking a trip to the Simien Lodge, based in the craggy Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the most daring of adventurers, hike to the Saddique Amba monastery that clings onto the cliff side, which few people — travelers and locals alike — have ever ventured to.
17. Take a cooking class using one of the largest spice collections in the world.
Photo: Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Zanzibar is known for using many different spices in its cuisine — it’s often called “Spice Island” — and the Essque Zalu Zanzibar is one of the best places to get to know them. Begin your day taking a tour of the Kijichi spice farm in town, where you can smell and taste different spices and tropical fruits. Then, cook your own dinner at the resort’s Mosha Cookery Studio, where you’ll learn about the local cuisine’s Swahili, Persian, Portuguese, Arab and Indian influences. The hotel is striving to beat the world record for the world’s largest collection of spices. Even though they’re not quite there yet, the fragrant collection is still pretty darn impressive.
18. Chill out with bae on your own private island villa.
Photo: MAIA Seychelles
There’s nothing cute about an “all-inclusive” resort with screaming children in the middle of a Caribbean cruise ship route. Instead, stay at the MAIA Seychelles for a truly romantic island getaway, featuring a private island villa overlooking the Indian Ocean, a personal butler, and quiet (childless) white sand beaches at your doorstep. Whether you’re a honeymooner or are celebrating a major anniversary, indulge in a couple’s massage at the spa before wading in your own picture-perfect infinity pool. Every other couple will be seething with jealousy when they see your social media posts (but be sure to post them after you return home; absorb every moment while at the Seychelles).
19. Gorge on gourmet, South African food all. day. long.
Photo: Lairds Lodge Country Estate
Perhaps there’s no other lodge in Africa that cares as much about food as the Lairds Lodge Country Estate in South Africa. A true foodie destination, Lairds Lodge will keep you stuffed from sunup to sundown. Start the day with freshly baked breads and housemade jams, alongside traditional South African cooked breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy drinks in the manicured courtyard, or in the brandy lounge (where, despite the name, the smoked whiskey is the tipple of choice). Then if you still have room, sit down for an ever-changing, four-course communal dinner. A recent example of a colorful main course: a three herb-marinated filet of kudu, served with a butternut puree, courgette and pine nut roulade, pinotage-muscadel sauce, cranberry foam, broccoli heads, and an onion and almond compote. Oh, and there will be wine. Lots of wine.
20. Explore the Maasai wilderness with a Maasai tracker.
Photo: Campi Ya Kanzi
No one knows the Maasai land like the people who call it home, and at Campi Ya Kanzi, you’ll be able to take a guided safari of the Big Five with the local warriors. While some other tours in this area of Kenya can be exploitative of this cultural group, Campi Ya Kanzi ensures that the native community comes first. For every day you spend at the lodge, a $101 conservation fee is set aside to aid the Maasai community. Their Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust also helps reimburse the locals for livestock killed by lions, helping the wildlife and Maasai people live in unity.
21. Take a bubble bath along the Zambezi River.
Photo: Royal Chundu
After spending days out in the bush on game drives in Zambia, it’s time to slide into a nice, hot soak along the Zambezi River. At the Royal Chundu, take in the serene natural beauty of the river from your own private deck, complete with a bubbly bathtub and equally bubbly bottle of Champagne. You could even book a spa experience right on your deck for the real treat yo’self experience. If you’re still craving adventure even after all that pampering, check out the nearby Victoria Falls; we recommend splurging for the helicopter tour to fully appreciate the falls’ magnificent scale.
22. Visit the frontlines of rhino conservation
As one of the most endangered species in the world, the Eastern black rhino requires an intense level of protection. At the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, these rhinos (many of which have horns) are under armored guard 24/7, so that poachers cannot touch them. One of Ol Jogi’s residents is Meimei, an orphaned baby black rhino. Visit the state-of-the-art sanctuary and help feed this baby rhino milk, and learn more about the valuable work the team at Ol Jogi are doing to rehabilitate these ancient creatures for reentry into the wild.
23. Get shown around Cape Town by a local legend.
Photo: Travel Designer
Cape Town has a sparkling coastline, epic views of Table Mountain, and diverse flora and fauna, but what really makes the city special is its people. Get to know the city from a local’s perspective by booking a Cape Town Legends experience: interactive activities with real Capetonian characters, curated by Ozzy Yerlikaya of Travel Designer. Grab coffee with National Barista Champion Wayne Oberholzer, go on a street art tour with graffiti artist Mak1one, or work on creating a custom t-shirt with textile designer Adrian Heneke. No matter what local legend you choose to kick back with, you’ll make a one-of-a-kind Cape Town memory that no other tourists will share.
24. Camp in total solitude in the Moroccan desert.
Photo: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp
If you only think of the Big Five when you picture Africa, you’re forgetting a pretty big part of the continent: North Africa. One of the most bucket-list worthy experiences you could have in Africa is sleeping in the desert in Morocco, and one of our favorite places to do so is at the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp in the otherworldly sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Take a sunset camel ride, then have a true Moroccan gastronomic experience back at the remote tented camp. Trust us, you don’t know quiet until you’ve spent the night surrounded by nothing but sand dunes (and a few braying camels) for miles.
25. Board a luxe overnight sleeper train through Zimbabwe.
Photo: Imvelo Safari Lodges
After much political turmoil that long kept Zimbabwe from being engaged in tourism, the country is finally open for business and we couldn’t be happier about it. The rising destination is home to both the magnificent Victoria Falls and the practically untouched Hwange National Park. If you’re trying to hit up both in one trip, do it in style by taking the luxurious new Stimela Star: an overnight sleeper train by Imvelo Safari Lodges. The electronic locomotive includes a dining car that serves two hot meals over the course of your journey, and most importantly, a bar lounge car. After departing the falls, let yourself be rocked to sleep as Zimbabwe rolls by, and awake refreshed, ready to start your wild adventures in Hwange.
More like this: 11 ways to absolutely crush Cape Town in 5 days
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Weed cooking show coming to Netflix
If you’ve just finished your latest Netflix binge and need something fresh to get hooked on, this weed-themed show might be for you. While we didn’t even know competitive weed cooking existed, now it’s the focus of Netflix’s new show, Cooking on High (see what they did there?). Debuting on June 22nd, the show will feature ten chefs competing against each other to cook up the most creative and tasty cannabis-style dish for a panel of celebrity judges. And the most important requirement — each dish must get you stoned. Yeah, this might be the most interesting judging gig in town.
The show will be hosted by comedian and YouTube sensation Josh Leyva, while comedian and cannabis activist Ngaio Bealum will serve as the show’s “culinary weed expert.” Bealum hosted the TV series Cannabis Planet, published the West Coast Cannabis Magazine, and has a weekly column in the Sacramento News & Review, where he answers readers’ questions about cannabis law. So cannabis purists can rest easy — there’s a true expert on board to keep everyone honest.
Little else is known about the show at this time, other than the fact that (for obvious reasons) it’s rated eighteen and over. Judges have yet to be named, but we can bet that there is no shortage of celebrities willing to fill the role.
H/T: High Times
More like this: Everything you need to know about cannabis travel in Colorado in 2017
The post A competitive weed cooking show is coming to Netflix appeared first on Matador Network.
6 great ways to enjoy Aurora, CO
6 awesome ways to experience Aurora, CO
Food
Outdoors
Craft Culture
Family Fun
Kicking Back
Arts & Festivals
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Aurora, Colorado, is ready to step into the limelight. Kind of like the person no one realizes is the coolest guy at the party until halfway through the night, this city isn’t much for bragging — but the nightlife, the culture, and the cuisine speak volumes to everyone who takes the time to dive in.
The sweetest part of any visit is that you don’t have to go out of your way to get here — drive out of Denver International Airport you’ll be in Aurora long before you ever cross Denver’s city limits. This is the anchor of Colorado’s Front Range, the place that stands between the high plains and the mountains and offers the best of both worlds. How do you see yourself experiencing the Gateway to the Rockies?
This post is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Aurora.
— Food —
Aurora is one of the hottest places in the country for ethnic cuisine and farm-to-table goodness. From the Stanley Marketplace to The Southlands, the city is a bountiful confluence of flavors that have traversed the globe before coming together all in one place. Come hungry, because there’s no limit to what you can try in Aurora. What follows is merely an appetizer.
Pho 99
The aroma of bone broth simmering in the kitchen basically lures the entire neighborhood…
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Pho 99
What: Hit up Pho 99 for the best bun thit nuong you’ll ever lay your eyes on. The ca phe sua da runs freely — that’s Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk — and the banh xeo is legit. It’s located right in the heart of town and open earlier than most lunch spots…because the aroma of bone broth simmering in the kitchen basically lures the entire neighborhood. It smells so good they’d pound the door down if they couldn’t get in.
Where: 1080 S Havana St
Hours: 10am-9pm, daily
Learn more: Pho 99
Bent Fork is the place to impress a date in Aurora…
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Bent Fork the Grill
What: Bent Fork is the place to impress a date in Aurora. The kitchen twists familiar favorites like the BLT — they add a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, because why not? — and plates them in a manner that makes the hottest celebrity chefs jealous. The bar is famous for its martinis, so much so that they necessitate an entire menu of their own. Pair one (or three) with the chef’s take on Lobster Mac & Cheese, and the mood is set for an evening of adventure.
Where: 12191 E Iliff Ave
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-9:30pm
Learn more: Bent Fork the Grill
Korean food is all over the place in Aurora…
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Korean Food Trail
What: Korean food is all over the place in Aurora — the city is even working to incorporate the state’s first official Koreatown on Havana Street. Go traditional with a bowl of gomtang at Seoul Korean BBQ, grab a bite on the go at Olleh Korean, or spice up a casual date night at Dae Gee Korean BBQ. No matter where you land, get the full experience by grilling on the tabletop BBQs, and don’t skimp on the kimchi. Expect a round of karaoke and soju at Muse Noreabang and Café to cap the night.
Seoul Korean BBQ: 2080 S Havana St; 11am-10pm, daily
Olleh Korean Food: 2648 S Parker Rd #9; Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12-8pm (closed Wed)
Dae Gee Korean BBQ: 1910 S Havana St; 11am-10pm, daily
Muse Noreabang and Café: 2222 S Havana St; Tue-Sun 5pm-2am (closed Mon)
Photos provided by: Sharon Ang, Tim Nguyen, Robert Owen-Wahl, and Tim Wenger
— Outdoors —
Aurora is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the state, your gateway to adventure from the high plains to the Rockies. To get the most out of your stay, start early, wear good socks, and pack a hearty lunch.
Hiking
Get up early and head to the Plains Conservation Center…
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Hiking
What: Get up early and head to the Plains Conservation Center, a high-prairie eco-haven flush with trailheads for hikers of all abilities. Trails pass through an 1800s-era pioneer village, complete with blacksmith shop and schoolhouse, before heading up away from civilization into 1,100 acres of designated open space.
Length: Up to 5 miles
Secret stash: Get out beyond the Saddle Loop for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience. The Riparian Road Trail offers the best sunset view in the area and loops over Tollgate Creek onto the Rattlesnake Road Trail (don’t be scared) to head back to the entrance.
Learn more: 7 day hikes in Aurora
While the masses follow the call to Green Mountain or farther up the highway…
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Adventure biking
What: While the masses follow the call to Green Mountain or farther up the highway, find your solitude on the 60 miles of bike trails waiting for you in Aurora. Break out the mountain bike and hit the trails at Cherry Creek State Park, or rent a Pedego e-bikes and cruise to the Aurora Reservoir. Whatever your style, Aurora is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Colorado.
Season: April-October
Secret stash: Don’t turn around after reaching the reservoir. Instead, pedal the eight-mile Reservoir Loop, if only because it feels so good to look back and realize the nearest person is standing on the pier way over on the other side of the water.
Learn more: Bike rentals in Aurora
There’s something about this city that just calls to golfers…
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Golf
What: There’s something about this city that just calls to golfers. The perfect weather might have something to do with it, or maybe it’s the creeks and streams that keep the fairways and greens lush nearly all year. Whatever it is, the forces that be have spoken loudly — there are eight public courses in Aurora, and it seems like there’s always a tournament happening. Keep your wits about you in the clubhouse — you might find yourself seated next to a pro.
Season: Daily, April-October. Year-round, weather depending.
Secret stash: Saddle Rock Golf Course is among the country’s best. Reserve a tee time in advance and show up early to hit their picture-perfect driving range.
Learn more: Saddle Rock Golf Course
Photos provided by: Ryan Polei, Zenhaus, Darcy Lawrey, and Visit Aurora
— Craft Culture —
Craft beer is abundant here — but Aurora takes the whole “beer drinkers’ paradise” thing up a notch. The craft-is-better attitude has spread to everything from curated wine lists to crafted products to live performance, each putting a firm hand-made stamp on the city’s culture.
Dry Dock Brewery
If you’ve had an Apricot Blonde in the last three years…
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Dry Dock Brewery
What: If you’ve had an Apricot Blonde in the last three years, odds are it came from Dry Dock Brewery. This beer has earned Dry Dock straight-up legend status on the American craft beer circuit. But it’s far from their only offering — the Colorado Freedom Memorial Blonde is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and there’s, of course, something for the IPA drinker: the infamous Hop Abomination.
Where: 15120 E Hampden Ave (South Dock)
Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat, 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm
Learn more: Dry Dock Brewing
The name might bring to mind an old cartoon…
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Infinite Monkey Theorem
What: The name might bring to mind an old cartoon, but the wines of Infinite Monkey Theorem are anything but childish. They offer the standards — a Chardonnay, a Sauv Blanc — but for the real experience, make The Blind Watchmaker your first drink of the sitting. If you don’t get enough monkey in you in one visit, grab a four-pack of cans to go. Tailgating at Red Rocks will never be the same.
Where: 2501 Dallas St
Hours: Mon 3-8pm, Tue-Fri 3-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Learn more: Infinite Monkey Theorem
Jubilee offers artists and coffee nerds a collective reason to celebrate…
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Jubilee Roasting Company
What: Jubilee offers artists and coffee nerds a collective reason to celebrate. This space just off historic Colfax Avenue is an homage to everything craft, and they even throw in monthly BBQ parties in the yard (where they give away their coffee for free) to top it off. It’s a true neighborhood operation — there’s a great chance Jubilee’s founder Peter Wanberg will be there to shake your hand and pour you a cup of joe.
Where: 1452 Kenton St
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-3pm (closed Sun)
Learn more: Jubilee Roasting Co.
Photos provided by: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, Visit Aurora, The Infinite Monkey Theorem, and Jubilee Roasting Co
— Family Fun —
Who says you have to drive super far (cue the pitfalls of the prototypical “family road trip”) just to have a good time? Aurora is ready to prove otherwise. The kids might not know it yet, but Colorado’s third-largest city has the goods to make all their friends jealous. Be ready to go when they wake up, because they’ll be begging to get out there.
Spider Monkey
Don’t spend any time wondering about the name. Focus instead on what’s inside…
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Spider Monkey
What: Don’t spend any time wondering about the name. Focus instead on what’s inside…and good things happen anytime the term “foam pits” comes into play. Namely, air dunking, extreme dodge ball, and the epically stimulating Ninja Obstacle Course. It’s possible there’s never been a better place than Spider Monkey to take the kids.
Where: 1400 South Abilene St
Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm
Learn more: Spider Monkey
When your kid feels the call of the jungle…
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The Wildlife Experience
What: When your kids feel the call of the wild (it’s inevitable), The Wildlife Experience is the place to keep them occupied while simultaneously educating them on the animals seen throughout Colorado and beyond. There’s also Globeology, a 10,000-square-foot exhibit with life-like animatronics and murals set in replicas habitats. It’s so cool even the adults will dig it.
Where: 10035 South Peoria St, Parker, CO
Hours: Sun-Sat 9:30am-5pm
Learn more: The Wildlife Experience
12 Mile Stables serves up 27 miles of horseback riding trails…
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12 Mile Stables
What: 12 Mile Stables serves up 27 miles of horseback riding trails and provides the horses for the adventure. Kids ride along with experienced hippophiles (they’re knowledgeable about horses, not hippopotamuses) and learn about the role horses played in the history of Colorado’s Front Range.
Where: 5547 South Parker Rd
Hours: Sun-Sat 7am-7pm
Learn more: 12 Miles Stables
Photos provided by: Pixabay, schizoform, and Sticker Mule
— Kicking Back —
You may have heard about the Rocky Mountain Tuxedo. If not, don’t worry — there’s definitely no need to rush to the store. Aurora has the Colorado casual thing down to a science, and the vibe extends through everything from dress to attitude. Come prepared to let loose — there’s no better way to live like a local.
Craft beer and conversation at Stanley Beer Hall
Stanley Beer Hall is the spot when it’s time to chill…
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Craft beer and conversation at Stanley Beer Hall
What: Stanley Beer Hall is the spot when it’s time to chill. Pour your own beer from the wall of taps and take a seat outside on the patio overlooking Westerly Creek. Perhaps a game of cornhole beckons?
Where: 2501 Dallas St
Hours: Mon-Tue 12pm-9pm, Wed-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Learn more: Stanley Beer Hall
Jump on the light rail and leave the car parked
Aurora spreads the laid-back attitude around town, and…
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Jump on the light rail and leave the car parked
What: Aurora spreads the laid-back attitude around town, and there’s no need to rent a car to soak it all in. Two light rail lines traverse the city, with a third heading straight to the terminal at Denver International Airport.
Trains: The R-Line connects south and north Aurora, the H-Line heads into Denver from the south, and the A-Line runs to the airport and into Denver from the north.
Schedule: Check here for station schedules. Light rail service operates from about 4:30am to just after midnight, later on weekends and certain holidays.
Learn more: Getting to and around Aurora
Relax and recharge — Aurora style
Take the relaxation up a notch with a 60-minute flow class…
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Relax and recharge — Aurora style
What: Take the relaxation up a notch with a 60-minute flow class at Kindness Yoga, then keep it going with a facial and massage treatment at Transformations Spa & Salon. Make reservations and then unplug yourself while everyone else is out doing their thing. And make sure to hang your head at the new Gaylord Rockies Resort — you’ll feel like Alpine royalty.
Kindness Yoga: 2501 Dallas St
Transformations Spa & Salon: 4327 South Buckley Rd
Gaylord Rockies Resort: 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Blvd
Photos provided by: Visit Aurora, Tim Wenger, Jeffrey Beall, and ©Gaylord Hotels
— Arts & Festivals —
The Aurora experience stands up just as well indoors as it does outside. The area is loaded with history, and residents have taken it upon themselves to tell the city’s story through just about every means possible. On top of that, did you arrive thinking you’d see a live rock band the same day as a Broadway-caliber play? That’s the rhythm around here — there’s bound to be something going on just around the corner.
Aurora Fox Arts Center
Welcome to the heart of the city’s theater scene…
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Aurora Fox Arts Center
What: Welcome to the heart of the city’s theater scene. Here, you’ll catch Tony award-winning performances such as Passing Strange, and the musically inclined Cabaret Series always gets crowds tapping their feet. Before the show, grab dinner and sample from the 100+ tequilas at La Cueva.
Where: 9900 East Colfax Ave
Calendar: Check here for current showings and ticketing
Learn more: Aurora Fox Arts Center
From serving as a home to military families stationed at the local Buckley Air Force Base…
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Aurora History Museum
What: From serving as a home to military families stationed at the local Buckley Air Force Base, to holding down the title of “Sportstown” since being recognized by Sports Illustrated in 2004, Aurora’s history is as vibrant as the booming nightlife on Havana and Colfax. The Aurora History Museum chronicles it all.
Where: 15051 East Alameda Parkway
Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat-Sun 11am-4pm (closed Mon)
Learn more: Aurora History Museum
Aurora throws down in the summer. Festivals of all stripes…
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Aurora’s summer festivals
What: This city throws down in the summer. Festivals of all stripes happen every week, with June’s Buskers, Brews, and BBQ and August’s Global Fest standing as the two most popular among locals. It’s a culture-laden bonanza celebrating modern-day Aurora as we know it — an inclusive place where everyone has a voice.
Weather: Summers are warm and sunny in Aurora, but bring a light rain jacket just in case. Events happen rain or shine!
Calendar: Check here for event dates and information.
Photos provided by: From the Hip Photo / Visit Aurora, Aurora History Museum, and Lyn Lomasi
This post is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Aurora.
The post 6 awesome ways to experience Aurora, CO appeared first on Matador Network.
May 30, 2018
7 epic family vacations
There’s a great big world out there waiting to be discovered — one chock full of fun, surprising, and mind-expanding experiences. So why would you visit a fake castle when you can see a real one? Are sweaty actors in Mickey costumes really more exciting than black bears in the wild? Can dry ice on a Disney stage compete with dozens of geysers spewing steam fifty feet into the air?
Add to that the expense of a Disney visit, including airfare, hotels, entrance and parking fees, and costly food, combined with hours spent in line, and the theme park option starts looking bleak. Beyond being more educational on a lot of levels, travel to real places – where you share the common experience of discovery — makes memories that really matter. Here are seven totally epic family trips that will leave the whole fam happier than if you went to the so-called “happiest place on earth.”
1. Costa Rica
Photo: Spencer Hanson
It’s hard for kids not to like a beach vacation, and they’ll definitely find that on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. In towns like Nosara, the kids can start their days with surf lessons and spend the afternoon ziplining 2,400 feet across a canyon, riding horses along the beach, or canoeing down an alligator-filled river (keep those hands inside!). Walking through the scrappy forest to the beach they’ll see, and definitely hear, very loud howler monkeys in the trees above, and glimpse purple crabs scurrying across the sand in front of you.
Photo: Wilma Compton
From there it’s a pretty long drive — several miles of it on a very rutted road — to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, but the bumpy ride is worth it. Monteverde has some of the greatest biodiversity on earth, with over 3000 plant species alone. Get a guide and marvel at the fact that the forest canopy, where the weather is totally different than below the trees, is home to hundreds of diverse species that never touch the ground. Take a night hike organized by your hotel and check out the animals that are invisible by day.
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
At the Butterfly Garden, you’ll not only hang out in rooms among dozens of butterfly species and also see dozens of types of cocoons, you’ll also be introduced to weird, and large, bugs in the insect room. You might shudder when your kids pick up wild cockroaches in the insect room, but secretly you’ll be glad they had the guts to do so.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Alliance
You may know Barcelona for the nightlife, but it is also a super place to take the kids. The zoo is one of the smallest and most accessible we’ve seen in a big city, and it’s right next to Ciutadella, a park where you can rent bikes and linger by a lake. There’s also a Museum of Chocolate, an aquarium, and a cable car that takes you right over the port to the hill at Montjuic. All of that is located on the seaside part of town, where the pedestrian streets are so narrow in some spots that your (adult) arms can span across them. Neighborhoods here like El Born also have quirky shops tweens and teens will enjoy.
On the hillside of town, a funicular takes you to Tibidabo, a just-right sized amusement park sitting 1,680 feet above the city. While the kids zip on the roller coaster or log ride, you can sip your draft beer as you wander the tree-shaded lanes and gaze at the sweeping vista of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. This side of town also has a science museum, CosmoCaixa, that manages to be both aesthetic and fascinating, and Parc Güell, gardens designed by Antoni Gaudi, with buildings that look like life-size gingerbread houses and caverns held up by bizarre columns.
Photo: By Aliaksandr Antanovich
Gaudi’s most famous creation is the Catedral de la Sagrada Familia (advance tickets for it and Parc Güell are a must). With some pre-explanation, your kids will appreciate just how bizarre Gaudi’ architecture was. Also, at Gaudi-designed Casa Milà, the rooftop spires look like Star Wars stormtroopers.
What about the heat (if it’s summer) and the late hours? Barceloneta Beach is a great place to cool off, and you can take a pedicab from there for lunch at a beachside chiringuito. If you’ve rented a car, a 90-minute drive will take you to tiny beach coves set into the wooded hillsides of the Costa Brava. Since many restaurants don’t open until 9:00 p.m., you can make the latest lunch reservation possible (such as at 4:00 p.m.) and call it dinner, or make a meal of evening tapas, which can be found all over town.
3. Atacama Desert, Chile
Photo: Aleksei Potov
This northern Chilean desert — the planet’s driest — has some of the wildest and most otherworldly landscapes anywhere. After arriving on one of the many inexpensive flights from the Chilean capital Santiago, you’ll rent an off-road vehicle and drive to San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis town with a dirt road and single-story, adobe buildings.
From there, the options are endless: spelunking in the Valley of Death, sandboarding in the Valley of the Moon, seeing pink flamingos feeding on brine shrimp while you walk on crusted salt at the Laguna Chaxa, visiting the operations center of the largest Earth-based telescope, and gazing at a night sky so star-studded you feel like you’re on a starship in outer space.
Photo: Noelle Alejandra Salmi
Add to that a pre-dawn visit to the Tatio geyser field, 14,173 feet above sea level, where over 80 fumaroles thrust steam up towards the deep blue sky air and dark liquid pools gurgle as they would in a sci-fi movie, as well sightings of orange-furred vicuña and red-footed Andean geese, and you have a family vacation that is hard to replicate anywhere else on earth.
Since Atacama is a high-altitude desert, hot days give way to cold nights. Over dinner, your family can reminisce about the day as a fire burns in the middle of the cozy restaurant, sending smoke into the sky through a hole in the thatched roof. You are in the desert, after all. It never rains.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo: NadyaEugene
Hopefully, kids under 12 are not watching Games of Thrones, seeing as someone gets maimed every five minutes. But even without knowing about the show’s King’s Landing, filmed in Dubrovnik, kids will appreciate seeing a real-life medieval town completely enclosed within massive walls that are over 80 feet tall in places — and of course, GoT — watching teens will love it. The main town of Dubrovnik even had a moat all the way around it, although some of that has been filled in.
Photo: Simun Ascic
If it’s summertime, you should walk the wall at 9:00 a.m., before it gets crowded and hot. After that, there are dozens of beaches to cool off, like Copacabana Beach, where kids can spend hours in a big floaty structure, with stairs and slides. A boat can also take you to the island of Mljet, part of which is a wooded national park; there you can rent mountain bikes and ride through the trees around a big lake. There’s a section of the lake to stop and swim. On the way to Mljet, the boat can stop at places to jump off rocks into the sea, or to swim to underwater caves. You can also drive to tiny, protected beach coves south of Dubrovnik. They feel like having a massive swimming pool all to yourself.
5. London, England
Photo: Levranii
London might just have more cool things for kids to do than any other major European city. Instead of seeing the tiny, phony castle in Disneyworld, what could be more kid-pleasing than a visit to Buckingham Palace? Get there by 10:45 am to watch the changing of the guard. There’s also the Tower of London, with its eerie Medieval history, Beefeater guards, and crown jewels, and the London Eye, a massive ferris wheel that takes you 443 feet above the city.
Kids love riding in real double-decker buses and then pretending to drive them at the London Transport Museum. While you read how the London Underground was built, your kids can get into a simulator and pretend to drive an underground train themselves. London’s museums are simply some of the best in the world, for adults and kids. The Natural History Museum is mind-blowing in both the size of its massive collection and in its physical space, which is bigger than any palace hall we can recall. The Science Museum is in a less impressive home, but you could still spend hours there fiddling with the interactive exhibits.
Photo: Alexey Fedorenko
In Kensington Gardens, the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground — with a huge wooden pirate ships and teepees — makes a mockery of most kiddy parks. From there, it’s not far to the Serpentine Lake that divides Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and where you can rent paddle boats. If you plan in advance, you can also catch a daytime show like Peter Pan at Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre, and it costs a lot less than Matilda: The Musical at Covent Garden.
If that all isn’t enough, you can take a 45-minute train to the studios where the Harry Potter films were made (just don’t drink the sickly sweet butterbeer). Or you can take the train to Oxford and visit the Christ Church College dining hall, which was the original inspiration for Hogwarts’s main hall, and afterwards go punting on the canals behind Oxford.
6. Washington, DC
Photo: Haye Kesteloo
Unlike other world capitals, Washington, DC is not the country’s premier city by any cultural, financial, or population-size measure. Maybe that’s why so many US kids have never been there. But seeing where the nation’s laws are made is a valuable thing to do, and will make for a memorable family vacation. A guided tour of Congress starts under the massive Capitol dome, where you hear the unnerving fact that it weighs 4,500 tons, and is a fascinating lesson in the nation’s history. After that, the Library of Congress is welcome shrine to learning and education.
Outside, walking to the Washington Monument and then the Lincoln Memorial, followed by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the shore of the Potomac’s Tidal Basin, is, well, a lot of walking — but each one is impressive in different ways. The memorials to world wars and the Vietnam War Memorial also provide an opportunity for some important history lessons. You could also cycle to some of these spots as bikes are available for rent right by the Mall.
Photo: Leonid Andronov
And then there are the many top museums lining the National Mall, that two-mile-long green space between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. You could probably spend an entire day at the National Air & Space Museum, if you count the time watching films in the Planetarium and at the IMAX theatre. But don’t do that, because you have to stop for lunch at the dining hall of the National Museum of the American Indian, and check out the spacious modern wing of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. For older kids accustomed to instant news all the time, a look at the history of news at the Newseum, near the Mall, will be a fascinating look at how much has changed.
7. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Leonid Andronov
If big cities are not your thing, Whistler offers a ridiculous amount of kid-centric activities all year. In winter, Whistler is not just North America’s largest ski area; it has one of the most thoughtful snow school programs around. It’s also got mountain activities geared to young skiers and riders, including terrain parks for the pint-sized set and a “Magic Castle” hidden in the trees. In winter, you can sleigh-riding, sled, hit the Tube Park, cross-country ski or snowshoe through the woods, and ice skate as well.
In both winter and summer, you can take the kids ziplining or swimming at the Meadowlands Sports Recreation Center, reachable by bus from the main village. Kids can also go bouncing or axe throwing at targets.
Photo: Grzegorz Czapski
In summer, you can take the gondola and then the Peak Chair to the top of Blackcomb Mountain and take in the panorama of the BC’s Coastal Mountains, many of which have snowy glaciers all year. If the view doesn’t inspire your kids, the symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics, a big stone Inukshuk statue they can climb up to, probably will. Depending on your level of ambition, you can chairlift or trek back down. You might see marmots and black bears along your hike, or even see a mama bear and her cubs down in the valley.
Whistler has dozens of summer mountain biking trails, including easier ones for younger riders. You can picnic in Lost Lake, sail on Alta Lake, or canoe or kayak between Alta and Green Lakes. There are horsebacking riding and biking, lots of biking, since the valley floor has 24 miles of paved trails for biking or inline skating. If you rent bikes when you get to Whistler (with bike trailers for a little one, if need be), you won’t have to get in a car during your entire visit. With the freedom that riding a bike gives kids, you can be sure they’ll happily remember their summer stay in Whistler for a long time to come.
More like this: 17+ family friendly things to do in Costa Rica
The post 7 epic family trips that aren’t Disney World appeared first on Matador Network.
Airports without long security lines
A good flying experience begins before you ever board the plane. Getting through security and boarding your flight is frequently the most stressful part of flying, with increased competition between airlines at major airports attracting more passengers to already crowded terminals. But for those willing to think outside the box there is a solution. Often overlooked are the smaller international and regional airports nearby, many of which are located within an easy drive of the closest major metropolitan areas.
While these airports may not boast a craft brewery or a suburban mall’s worth of shopping options onsite, you’ll typically breeze right through security and be on the plane without having to train it across three terminals or nudge past tourist groups and families on the moving walkway. Some even offer incredible flight deals to those willing to do a bit of research. Here are a few such airports just waiting for you to give them a try, each within two hours of a major city and offering a much more mellow flying experience than their major hub counterparts. All have flights to popular US hotspots, sometimes only requiring one layover for certain destinations.
Tips for booking flights to and from smaller airports
In order to see the full range of flights into these airports, check the websites of the airlines themselves in addition to, or instead of, doing a search through an Online Travel Agency such as Kayak or Travelocity. Another good idea is to check the airport’s website, as smaller airports are eager to attract business and will often publicize special deals. Southwest Airlines or Frontier in particular offer amazing prices consistently, especially if your travel dates are somewhat flexible and you don’t mind a stop along the way. For those collecting international airline reward miles through either Star Alliance or SkyTeam, United and Delta fly into many of these airports as well.
1. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Nearby city:
Los Angeles
Airlines:
Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United
Why fly here:
For quick domestic flights into the Los Angeles area, BUR saves the hassle of navigating chaotic LAX, and the airport’s easy highway access gets you around southern California in the same amount of time. It doesn’t require multiple frantic phone calls to execute a successful passenger pick up, either.
2. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Broward County, FL (FLL)
Nearby city:
Miami
Airlines:
Air Canada, Air Transat, AirTran, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Avianca, Azul, Bahamasair, British Airways, CanJet, Caribbean, Copa, Delta, Emirates, Florida Coastal, IBC, JetBlue, Norwegian, Air Shuttle, Silver, Skybahamas, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Air, Sunwing, TAME, United, WestJet
Why fly here:
FLL doesn’t qualify as a small airport, but certainly offers a viable alternative to the hectic Miami International Airport. In addition to domestic flights, multiple airlines flying to and from the Caribbean come through, and Port Everglades is a quick Uber ride away if you’re heading out on a cruise. British Airways, Norwegian, and Air Canada fly into FLL, as well. The Tri-Rail from Fort Lauderdale down to central Miami takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
3. Dane County Regional Airport, Madison, WI (MSN)
Nearby city:
Chicago, Milwaukee
Airlines:
American, Delta, Frontier, United
Why fly here:
Chicago’s major airports, O’Hare and Midway, almost always have big crowds no matter the time of year. MSN makes for a great alternative midwest hub, being both a short drive from both Milwaukee and Chicago. Even better, parking there is as cheap as $6 per day.
4. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Nearby city:
Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia
Airlines:
Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor, Contour, Delta, Icelandair, JetBlue, Southern, Southwest, Spirit, United, Wow
Why fly here:
If you’re heading to D.C. during a busy time, odds are you’ll find much cheaper flights into BWI than into D.C. directly. The airport is serviced by Amtrak trains, which will take you directly to D.C.’s Union Station in less than a half hour. You can also train it up to Philadelphia in just over two hours and New York City in under four hours.
5. Bradley International Airport, Hartford, CT (BDL)
Nearby city:
Boston, New York
Airlines:
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue, OneJet, Southwest, Spirit, United
Why fly here:
Boston-Logan International Airport is an experience, as it’s basically a city in itself, but if you want to avoid the crowds and escape to other parts of New England than BDL is a great option. Security lines are much quicker and it’s a quick walk to the gate. Passenger pick up and drop off is also a breeze compared to Boston.
6. Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS)
Nearby city:
Denver, Albuquerque
Airlines:
American, Delta, Frontier, United
Why fly here:
Colorado Springs is only an hour south of Denver on I-25, but the real benefit of flying into COS is the access to mountain towns. Anything you can do to avoid I-70 from Denver into Summit County on a weekend or holiday is strongly encouraged, as the traffic can be unbelievably slow. The mountain towns and resorts south of the I-70 corridor, including Salida and Gunnison/Crested Butte, are equally beautiful and also far less crowded, often with much better prices on everything from lodging to lift tickets than their highway counterparts.
7. Louisville International Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF)
Nearby city:
Indianapolis, Cincinnati
Airlines:
Allegiant, American, Frontier, Delta, OneJet, Southwest, United
Why fly here:
Louisville offers quick interstate highway access to metro areas across the Midwest. Indianapolis and Cincinnati are the closest, but Nashville and St. Louis are in the region as well. Or you could just stay in Louisville; it’s close to the country’s best-tasting bourbon after all. At SDF, rarely will you encounter a security line longer than a few minutes. And because you can fly Southwest in and out, finding a deal is often as simple as paying attention to Southwest’s flight offers that pop up online.
8. Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Nearby city:
Phoenix
Airlines:
Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, United, Via Air
Why fly here:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the world’s busiest and most stressful airports, being a major connecting hub for cross-country travelers. A quick jaunt down I-10 puts you at the far less crowded Tucson International Airport where parking is only $4.50 per day on property — a price unheard of at larger airports. Particularly if you’re coming for Spring Training in March, start your stadium tour in Tucson and work your way north and then back down, instead of the other way around.
9. Charleston International Airport, Charleston, S.C. (CHS)
Nearby city:
Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham
Airlines:
Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United
Why fly here:
Charleston is a beautiful city worth a visit in itself, and CHS saves the lines and parking hassles of larger airports in the South without sacrificing easy access. You’ll remember a pleasant drive up I-26 instead of a sluggish security line in Atlanta, and budget flights are offered regularly through Southwest and Frontier.
The 7 most frustrating airports around the world
The post These airports near big cities are uncrowded and easy to fly out of appeared first on Matador Network.
How to visit the Basaltic Prisms
They look like something you might find in a botanical gardens display. Six-sided columns, jutting out of the earth below, arranged in seemingly perfect order, alongside a beautiful lake fed by a tranquil waterfall; their formation looks almost too intentional. But the Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla, a collection of striking rock columns jutting out the side of a valley in Mexico, are no man made creation.
The prisms, made of igneous rock formed in the ice age when erupting lava was cooled rapidly by the cold ground, are located in central Mexico. Despite being the only phenomenon of its kind in the American continent (there are similar formations in Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan and Ireland), they are still relatively unknown amongst foreign tourists. Those who make the journey from Mexico City, about 2.5 hours by car, are rewarded with a unique experience of seeing one of the most incredible natural formations in North America.
Where the Basaltic Prisms are located
The Prisms reside in the municipality of Huasca in the state of Hidalgo. They are located in the Barranca de Alcholoya canyon, with the surrounding tourist site developed by enterprising locals who decided to turn the former grazing land into a tourist spot. Now the site is complete with a swimming pool, zip lines and plenty of places to get food and drink. At night, you can take an ‘Enchanted Forest’ tour and hear about the myths and legends of the area over a campfire and toasted marshmallows (the tours are only in Spanish, though). You can also take a boat ride on the lake or go for a horse ride around the park. Just down the hill from the park entrance is the former Hacienda San Miguel Regla, now a luxury hotel, which you can use as base for exploring the area.
But the site isn’t just for waterfall seekers. If you’re fascinated by geography or volcanoes, or just love checking out natural sites that haven’t been completely overrun by tourists yet, the Basaltic Prisms are more than worth a stop on your next trip to Mexico. Once onsite, you can rent an ATV for about $16 per hour and explore the grounds surrounding the prisms themselves. A horse rental is about $2 per hour, and the zip line also costs about $2.
How to get there
Mexico City is the nearest major city. If you’re coming from the United States or anywhere outside of Mexico, fly into Benito Juarez International Airport. Once in Mexico City, the fastest way to reach the site is to rent a car, although public transit is also an option. First, go to the Terminal Norte and take a bus to the city of Pachuca for about $5. You will arrive at the Pachuca Central bus station, where you will then need to take a bus or taxi for just over $3 to the Mercado Benito Juarez. From there, buses (known as colectivos) will leave for the prisms and drop you off right at the entrance for just over $2. The area is built to welcome visitors, and as such stairs, paths, and hanging bridges have been installed to provide easier access to views of both the waterfalls and the basalt columns themselves.
The entrance to the park costs about $4, with a small upcharge for access to the pool. There is no ATM on site (the nearest one is in Huasca) and payments are in cash only, so remember to bring enough for the duration of your trip. Like a lot of tourist spots in Mexico, it can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, so it’s best to visit mid-week.
Where to stay
Because there are plenty of things to do at night, stay for at least one night if you can. The Prisms park has some lovely chalets on-site which can be rented for about $50 (for two people) upon arrival, as long as there is vacancy. You can also camp with your own gear or with rentals from the park. It can get extremely cold at night so remember to dress appropriately and bring extra blankets. A number of hotels are available in the surrounding area, ranging from $30 to $100 a night.
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The post This geometric, lava-formed waterfall in Mexico should be on your bucket list appeared first on Matador Network.
Hiking through Kennedy Meadows
I meet with my travel buddy Ryan in California. The original plan is to get to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yosemite National Park, but something else lands on our radar. After some research, we find some incredible images of the lesser known Kennedy Meadows and Relief Reservoir about four hours north. This leads us to alter our plans and head on a quick overnight backpacking trip into the northern California wilderness. It’s my first time backpacking in California, and I can only imagine what this hike has in store for us.
1
The trailhead area is popular for horseback riders, and we pass camps with horses tied to trees and the scent of barbecue filling the air. After passing through a gleaming meadow, the trail winds through a dense forest and across a river.
2
Clocking in around 7.5 miles out and back, and about 1660 feet of elevation gain, the trail is packed with natural wonders. Every turn brings a surprise, from unexpected rock formations to powerful waterfalls.
3
After some time we notice the vibrant glow of wildflowers popping up along our way. The small details are as beautiful as the massive landscape before us.
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4
Our path intertwines with several tributaries and pools, leading us to unlace, de-sock, and hobble through the icy streams. We welcome a break from the confinement of our boots. Here I close my eyes and listen to the rushing water around me.
5
We make camp near the reservoir and watch as the last light of day dips slowly below the horizon. It’s quiet tonight, minus the occasional note of laughter from campers nearby, and we watch silently as one by one, stars illuminate the darkness.
6
We wake up to blue skies and blue water. Leaving our packs under a tree near the camp in favor of our lighter daypacks, we head out for the day to explore the area. For the first time, we get a panoramic view of Relief Reservoirs’ turquoise waters.
7
Bear bags swing from branches as we hike along the reservoir. The area is known for bear activity, so it’s important to research camping restrictions and take the necessary precautions, like bear canisters.
8
Keeping in mind we must make the return trip today, we decide to hike along the reservoir to some nearby waterfalls. The temperature rises as early morning turns to afternoon, and we recognize why the reservoir has obtained its name. It doesn’t take long until we start to become attracted to the idea of an icy dip.
9
We find a safe spot to take our plunge and jump. The cold causes me to lose my breath and I flail to the nearest rock to escape the reservoir depths. A butterfly flutters by as the camera captures my chilly jump.
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10
Trees tower above us filtering the early afternoon light. We lazily wander back to camp and gaze at the giants around us in awe. This is quite the place to make you and your problems feel small.
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The trail carries us along a well-defined path as we make our way back. It’s no wonder the area is so popular, as incredible flora and fauna are made incredibly accessible in this remote wilderness.
12
We pack up camp, hoist packs onto our backs, and begin the journey back. Offering new light and angles, we see the landscape with fresh eyes as we pass fellow hikers and the occasional group of horseback riders. Although we were originally here for Yosemite, we were lucky to stumble upon such a hidden gem in the heart of California.
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The post Exploring California’s wild, underrated Kennedy Meadows and Relief Reservoir appeared first on Matador Network.
The world's longest flights
Many travelers try to avoid excessively long flights, but sometimes the distance is part of the adventure. And while it’s easy to run out of ways to stay busy on an eighteen-hour journey, you can’t beat the convenience of a nonstop flight from one hemisphere to another. Whereas sixty years ago traveling nonstop from the US to Australia would have been unthinkable, now it’s commonplace. If you’re looking to really get the most mileage out of your vacation, here are the longest flights in the world. Hope you downloaded a pretty long Netflix queue.
7. Dallas to Sydney
Photo: Flightaware
Until recently, Qantas’ Dallas-to-Sydney route was the longest US to Australia flight, at 8,578 miles. While passengers can expect to lose a day on the 17-hour-and-15-minute flight to Australia, on the return they will actually touch down in Dallas approximately 75 minutes before they set off, local time.
6. Houston to Sydney
Photo: Flightaware
This past January, one of the world’s longest flights took off on its maiden voyage — United Airlines’ 8,596-mile trip from Houston to Sydney. Taking approximately 17 hours and 20 minutes, the flight is 18 miles longer than Qantas’ route from Dallas to Sydney.
5. Los Angeles to Singapore
Photo: Flightaware
If we’re talking about sheer flight time (instead of distance), it’s tough to beat this route between Los Angeles and Singapore. Launched in 2017, United Airlines’ UA 37 flight travels 8,770 miles, making it the longest flight by a US carrier. It takes just over 17 hours.
4. Auckland to Dubai
Photo: Flightaware
Before Qatar Airways claimed the “longest flight” title with its Auckland to Doha route, Emirates offered the longest flight in the world, starting in 2016, with its 8,824-mile, 17-hour service between Auckland and Dubai.
3. London to Perth
Photo: Flightaware
This past March, the longest flight to ever depart the UK took off from Heathrow, en route to Perth, Australia. Clocking in at 16 hours, 45 minutes, and just over 9,000 miles, this Qantas flight is actually a very efficient option, compared to other Australia routes with one or more connections.
2. Auckland to Doha
Photo: Flightaware
At 16 hours, 20 minutes, and 9,032 miles, this Qatar Airways route from New Zealand to Qatar is the reigning longest flight in the world. Active since 2017, the flight has four pilots and 15 crew members on duty to ensure passengers arrive safely, and in good spirits. Since this route crosses 10 time zones, this flight might also hold the record for “worst jet lag.”
1. New York City to Singapore
For now, Auckland to Doha can enjoy its status as world’s longest flight, but come October 11th, a new route is set to take the title. Singapore Airlines will launch a once-daily flight between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Newark Liberty Airport. The nonstop route spans over 10,000 miles and will take just under 19 hours. It’s also worth noting that planes will not offer economy tickets — only business and premium economy.
So, if you’re looking for a vacation without layovers, flight transfers, and hours of sitting in airports, try one of these nonstops. Just pray your seatmate isn’t a crying baby or someone with a bladder-control problem.
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The post The world’s 7 longest nonstop flights appeared first on Matador Network.
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