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Biking the Tour de France

The Tour de France is often dubbed the most prestigious and the most difficult multi-stage bike race out there. Because of this exceptional reputation, it one of the most-loved sporting events for amateur cyclists around the world. Every year, for three weeks in July, cycling fans everywhere gather in front of their TVs and along the scenic route of the Tour de France to cheer the athletes who pedal up mountain passes at unbelievable speed and with incredible stamina. But with a bit of training and with the great advice from our expert cyclist Jean Gibaut, you too can cycle some of the stages of this race.

Gibaut started to be serious about cycling 15 years ago, at age 50. During these 15 years, he cycled 200 km to 300 km (124 to 186 miles) per week and has cycled all the major mountain stages of the Tour de France at 31 km/h (19 mph) average. In total, he has put 18,000 km (11,185 miles) on his bike since he started. If he did it at 50, you can, too. Here’s how.

The amateur’s guide to biking the Tour de France’s most famous routes:

The 2018 Tour de France
The route
Get ready to pedal
When to try to cycle the Tour de France route
What you need to take with you on your bike
What you need to do before a stage
Cycling alone or with others
Safety tips
The most legendary Tour de France mountain passes and how to tackle them


The 2018 Tour de France

This year is the 105th edition of the Tour de France. The first “Grande Boucle” (Big Loop) took place in 1903, but was interrupted by two world wars. Back then, there were only six stages to that around-the-country, 2428 km (1509 miles) race and only 60 participants. In 2018, from July 7th to July 29th there will be twenty-one stages covering 3329 km (2068 miles) and 176 professional riders will attempt to tame this beast of a competition with only two rest days.

The route

⭐️⭐️ PARCOURS OFFICIEL DU #TDF2018⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️ HERE IS THE #TDF2018 OFFICIAL ROUTE ⭐️⭐️ #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/JxNsEXuWeI

— Le Tour de France (@LeTour) 17 octobre 2017

The route of the Tour de France changes every year, but some stages — mainly the mountain stages — even if not all included in every year’s route, are legendary.

It is tradition for the Tour de France to end in Paris, on the famous Champs Elysées avenue. But, even though it’s fun to imagine yourself cycling the last stage of the race in the capital, we don’t recommend it for several reasons:

When the professional riders cycle in Paris, the roads are closed to other vehicles. If you try to do it, you’ll have to battle with the notoriously-horrendous Parisian traffic in the most touristy area of the city.

The Champs Elysées are made of cobblestones and even if it sounds quaint and oh-so-French, it also means that your chances of falling off are through the roof and your tooshy will suffer greatly.
The most impressive part of the Tour de France is not the flat, sprinting stages, but the difficult and almost mythical mountain stages. If you want to tackle the “Tour”, you need to face the mountain passes, not the city streets.

Get ready to pedal

If you want to try to bike some of the Tour de France’s stages, you need to train. Gibaut recommends that you start cycling 300 km (186 miles) per week, 6 months before you tackle any mountain stage. If you can’t cycle outside in the winter, he suggests you get a stationary bike and/or start cross-country skiing several times per week. It will help you build up the stamina and physical strength you need for cycling much better than running on a treadmill.

If you want to cycle the stages nice and slow, you may not have to train as much, but it is recommended that you practice regularly nonetheless. The Tour de France is not a light undertaking.

When to try to cycle the Tour de France route

Photo: hpgrusen

The winter months are out of the question since the mountain passes are closed, snowed in, frozen, or all the above.

Because July is when the actual Tour de France is happening, you shouldn’t try cycling the stages at that time. If that’s the only time you can take on that challenge, make sure to check the Tour’s route and dates beforehand to make sure the roads are open and accessible.

In August, the weather in the southern half in France is very hot, so exerting yourself on a bike for hours on end is not the best of ideas.

Gibaut recommends you schedule your trip for late April, May, or June. The weather is good, but not too warm, and you’ll avoid the crowds. Note that the month of May has many public holidays, so plan your trip around these if you don’t want to be riding with hundreds of others and be surrounded by cars.

What you need to take with you on your bike

Photo: Bezikus/Shutterstock

Always wear a helmet and fingerless gloves when cycling. You’ll be going fast and you’ll be sharing the road with cars, buses, trucks, etc. so you need to be protected in case you fall.
You need clothing that will keep you cool and dry. Don’t cycle with cotton t-shirts and shorts that will remain wet with sweat — it’s uncomfortable and you risk to be very cold once you stop cycling or go downhill. Thermals are good if you plan to cycle early in the morning when the weather is still cool, but if you ride in the warm afternoon, short-sleeved jerseys and shorts in a quick dry material (Lycra) are ideal.
Always have a windbreaker that you can roll up in a ball with you. When you stop and/or go downhill, put it on to keep warm. You’ll also be happy to have it in case it starts raining.
Bring a pair of sunglasses and wear them as often as possible. They’ll protect you against the sun, the wind, bugs, etc. Take them off when it rains as they will obstruct your vision.
You don’t need to take sunscreen with you if you’re only going for a couple of hours; just put a good layer on your skin before you set off. If you’re spending the day cycling, put some on very regularly. You’ll get burnt in no time if you don’t.
Take at least three liters of water (0.8 gallons) with you. Gibaut assures us that you will drink them all on your way up, so don’t skimp. We recommend a reusable water bottle that fits on your bike frame.
Have a map with your route traced — a water-resistant, paper map is better than a GPS as you may be out of cell and wifi range. Even though the route is indicated, you need to make sure you don’t get lost. And in case you do, a map will help you get back on track.
It is indispensable to have a repair kit. A small bike pump that fits on your bike frame is the bare minimum. Make sure you have: a puncture repair kit with two spare inner tubes; a small, multifunction tool; and a small tire iron and chain rivet extractor. You can tuck most of your repair kit in a small bag that fits under your bike seat.
You don’t need to take a backpack with you. Your cycling jersey has three pockets in the back, so make the most of them (sunscreen, windbreaker, snack, and map). Your water bottle and your repair kit can fit on the frame of your bike.


Of course, you need a bike. Take the lightest bike you can (less than 10 kg/22 lbs is best) if you want to make the best time up those steep mountains passes. However, what really matters is your weight. The heavier you are, the harder it will be to cycle uphill for hours. Note that you’ll need a decent gear ratio to cycle up steep mountain passes.

What you need to do before a stage

Always check the weather forecast before a Tour de France stage. The wind can be your ally or your worst enemy when cycling, so make sure you know what to expect.
Prepare and trace your route the night before a stage and tuck your map inside your jersey.

Eat a good amount of slow-release sugars (rice, wheat products such as bread or pasta, etc.) three hours before cycling a stage. Don’t eat fruit right before an effort as your blood sugar will spike and go down very fast, leaving you sluggish. After such an effort, vegetable soup or raw vegetables will help you get back on track.
Go to the bathroom before you hop on your bike. There’s nothing worse than needing to go #2 while cycling a steep incline in warm weather with no toilets around.

Cycling alone or with others

Photo: De Repente/Shutterstock

Cycling with a group helps you get motivated, but it also make things easier when it comes to dealing with the wind. Cyclists ride in a single file and rotate their positions regularly so it’s not always the same person who stays at the front to handle the wind and protect the rest of the group that follows close behind.

If you’re cycling alone, note that it is very bad form to just stick close behind someone to avoid to deal with the wind. Just say hi, introduce yourself, and rotate your position with that person when need be — it’ll be easier to cycle for the both of you and you’ll make a friend.

Safety tips

Photo: Milkovasa/Shutterstock

There are almost no cycling lanes on the Tour de France route, so stick to the right and always signal your turns with your arm/hand. You’ll be sharing the road with other vehicles, so be extremely safe.
Never bike in the dark without lights (front and back) and high-visibility clothing.
Some cyclists like to have mirrors on their bikes to know what’s coming behind them. They will add a little bit of weight to your bike, but if you’re not worried about a few more hundred grams, it may be worth to fit your bike with them.


Cycling uphill in warm weather will make you sweat a great deal and dehydrate fast, so drink even when you’re not thirsty.

The most legendary Tour de France mountain passes and how to tackle them

There are many mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France. Here we selected four of them in four different area of France for you to enjoy the diversity of the country’s landscapes and do some traveling in between the climbs.

or more about the Tour de France’s legendary mountain passes, we recommend you purchase Grand Cols: Les montagnes du Tour de France à vélo de la légende à la pratique by Nicolas Moreau-Delaquis. This guidebook that we used for the information listed below will provide great insight for planning your stages.

1. Mont Ventoux (Provence)

Photo: Visuall2/Shutterstock

Although it’s been chosen only 16 times to be featured in the race, the Ventoux, also known as the Giant of Provence, is one of the most famous mountain passes of the Tour de France.

Even the best cyclists in the world dread this mountain. It is a 21.5-km long (13.3 miles) and 7.6 percent average climb, so you better have trained before you decide to cycle all the way up there.

There are three roads that lead to the top of Mont Ventoux: from the south, the north, and the east side. If you want a challenge, we recommend the southern side that starts in the town of Bédoin where you’ll cycle between vineyards and orchards at first and wind up pretty hills until you reach the town of Saint-Estève (6-km/3.7-mile mark). After that, the landscape changes to forests of cedars and the road becomes very steep to reach a 10.7 percent climb (8-km/4.9-mile mark). When you reach the 15.2-km (9.4-mile) point, you’ll see the Chalet-Reynard, a café/restaurant where skiers, hikers, and cyclists often congregate after a hard day on the mountain. On your way up, you’ll just bike by it and come back down later for a bite — you still have 5.9 km (3.6 miles) to go to get to the top of the Ventoux. From the Chalet-reynard upward, the landscape is all rocks, the wind seriously picks up, and the road gets windier. At the 20-km (12.4-mile) point, a headstone marks the spot where Tom Simpson collapsed and died in 1967 trying to get to the top during the Tour de France. The last stretch is a nasty 9 percent climb, but it’s very much worth the effort because the panoramic view at the top is majestic. On a clear day, you can see as far as Marseille and the Pyrenees.

2. Le Tourmalet (Pyrenees)

Photo: Robert Soen/Shutterstock

The Tourmalet is an incredibly popular Tour de France climb. The highest mountain pass in the Pyrenees Ranges has been featured in 57 editions of the race.

Although the Tourmalet is in a completely different region of France, conquering it is just as difficult as tackling the Mont Ventoux. The Tourmalet is a 17.1-km (10.6-mile) long and 7.5 percent average climb, so the going is super tough.

The starting point we recommend for this ascent is in the town of Sainte-Marie-de-Campan. You’ll be riding the east side of the mountain pretty easily until the town of Gripp (4.6-km/2.85-mile mark) where things get very steep. From the Garet waterfall (8.8-km/5.5-mile mark) and for 5 km (3.1 miles), you’ll pedal up a 10.2 percent climb and it will get worse as you reach the Mongie ski resort (11 percent). This part of the ascent will take you to a large skiing area as prove the numerous chairlifts and snow you’ll see, and the cold weather that will hit you straight on. Your effort will be rewarded once you arrive at the Tourmalet Giant, a large sculpture that honors Octave Lapize, the first rider to cross the Tourmalet mountain pass in the 1910 Tour de France. The restaurant Col du Tourmalet will supply the much-deserved drinks and food you’ll need before barreling back down the mountain.

L’Alpe d’Huez (Alps)

Photo: Visuall2/Shutterstock

If you want to climb hard and challenge yourself, l’Alpe d’Huez is the mountain pass you’ll want to tackle. With a maximum climb of 13 percent and 21 switchbacks, this is a tough mountain to cycle up to.

Starting from the town of Le Bourg-d’Oisans (where you can spend the night as there are a few hotels, B&Bs, camping grounds, etc.) is the shortest way (13.8 km/8.57 miles) and is just as steep a route as the other options. Note that you won’t be alone trying to conquer l’Alpe d’Huez — this is a world-famous Tour de France stage, so behave accordingly and stay safe. The route will take you through pretty towns such as La Garde, Saint-Ferréol, and Huez, so make a note to stop by to check the scenery and the traditional architecture of the area on your way down. The switchbacks are in descending orders, so keep an eye on the signage, it might provide some motivation to get all the way up to the top. L’hôtel Eliova Le Chaix is located at the top of L’Alpe d’Huez, so if you did not make any pit stop on the way up, reward yourself with a cold beer. L’Alpe d’Huez is a ski resort, so the views are fantastic, but the weather is unpredictable. Make sure you check the forecast before you go because only a few days ago, on May 13th, it was snowing heavily on the village.

4. Le Ballon d’Alsace (Vosges)

Photo: PhotoGranary

Le Ballon d’Alsace will come as a respite from the three previous mountain passes. The route we chose is only 9.6-km (5.9-mile) long and the average climb in 6.6 percent — a picnic if you’ve tackle l’Alpe d’Huez and lived to tell the tale. There are alternate, less-steep routes, but this one is the shortest.

You’ll start in the small village of Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle and cycle through Le Parc naturel des ballons des Vosges (a large, protected natural park) where you can take in the beautiful rolling hills that are so different from what you’d experience cycling in the Alps or the Pyrenees. The views of the green valleys and forested areas will make this climb less depressing than the jagged mountain peaks of the previous climbs, but that does not mean you should underestimate the Ballon d’Alsace — it’s still tough to get up there.

The Ballon d’Alsace is a ski resort, so once near the top, you’ll see chair lifts and ski runs — that’s how you know the end is near. Once at the summit, there are restaurants and watering holes where you’ll be able to rest and enjoy a tasty blueberry tart — the area’s specialty. For the best view from the top, leave the bike and walk to and beyond the statue of the Virgin Mary. The panorama you’ll find is the best reward after all these efforts (after the tasty tart, of course).


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The post The amateur’s guide to biking the Tour de France’s most famous routes appeared first on Matador Network.

Scandinavia's underrated pastries

In recent years, there has been a rising popularity of all things Nordic. We have begun to appreciate the simple, minimalistic, and useful design of Scandinavian aesthetic and lifestyle, and their pastries are no exception. Unlike French pastries which are famed for an overload of sugar, butter, and frilly decorations, Nordic pastries are utilitarian and simple in nature without a compromise of quality and taste.

Following the Swedish notion of Lagom — “not too much, not too little, everything in balance,” bakers from the Nordic region traditionally use a careful balance of spices and nuts to create what I believe is the perfect pastry. They appreciate the role cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and vanilla can play in bringing out a subtle sweetness and kick when blended with sugar.

Throughout the region, these baked goods form an important part of local customs. In Sweden, Fika (to meet up for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake) is a time-honored tradition. The most common companion with coffee for Fika is cinnamon rolls. Fika is much more than just a coffee break; it’s a part of their lifestyle, a legitimate excuse to set aside some quality time and appreciate the little joys of life. Similarly, in Finland, there is Kakkukahvi which means coffee and cake. Kakkukahvi is again a social activity and no doubt brings a touch of warmth in the freezing weather.

If you aren’t quite convinced that Scandinavian pastries are the best in Europe, here is a list of some of their delicious treats. We’ve also added some from the other nearby Nordic countries, Iceland and Finland, as their bakers should be celebrated.

1. Kanelbullar or kanelsnegle, cinnamon rolls

Photo: Natalya Maiorova/Shutterstock

Sweden is the birthplace of the cinnamon roll. If you visit a Swedish household, you will most likely be greeted with coffee and some kanelbullar. Sweden’s love for cinnamon buns is so profound that there is an annual holiday in its honor. Every year, on the 4th of October, the Swedish celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day where bakeries and restaurants all over the country proudly display their spiced cinnamon rolls. The kanelsnegle is the Danish version of the cinnamon roll but no matter what you call it, it’s unbelievably delicious.

The cinnamon bun is traditionally much less sticky and sweet than the popular American version. Another key feature is the dough which is spiced with cardamom. Oven baked and topped with grains of pearl sugar, the kanelbullar or kanelsnegle is a classic that perfectly defines Scandinavian simplicity.

2. Spandauer

Photo: Gtjoflot

Popularly known around the world as a Danish Pastry, or simply a Danish, the spandauer, as it’s named in Denmark, is one of Scandinavia’s most iconic treats. The spandauer is a crisp, fluffy and flaky pastry with a soft center of Danish almond paste and a choice of custard, raspberry or apricot jam. It’s sprinkled with almonds and white icing, making it a delightful sweet snack for breakfast or an afternoon tea.
3. Butterkaka, cinnamon bun cake with almond paste and vanilla custard

A post shared by •- ƒrêðrï k™ (•̪●) (@mellanmj0lk) on May 17, 2018 at 1:54am PDT

If you enjoy cinnamon, then butterkaka should be your first choice of pastry. Butter means grumpy in Swedish and kaka means cookie or cake, but this cake is highly unlikely to make you grumpy. The name butterkaka is actually a mix of the English word butter and the Swedish word kaka and hence would directly translate into butter cake. The cake made of a cluster of cinnamon buns and is filled with a sweet almond paste and vanilla (often infused with orange) custard.

4. Semlor

Photo: Somrudee Nielsen/Shutterstock

Semla (singular) or semlor (plural) is Sweden’s version of a guilty pleasure dessert. These are cardamom-flavored buns from which a delicious almond paste oozes out to meet the vanilla whipped cream. Traditionally, it was consumed the day before Lent, the Semlor has now become a daily favorite of the locals and tourists alike.

5. Kleinur

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In other Nordic countries, kleinur, also known as klenät, klena, klejne, kleina, kleyna, and fattigmann, are commonly served as a Christmas treat. But in Iceland, it is so popular that you can pretty much find it all year round. Kleinurs are slightly sweetened doughnuts with a hint of cardamom and nutmeg, which are then fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar. They come in an interesting twisted shape and almost always can be found on the coffee tables of Icelandic homes.

6. Prinsesstårta, Princess Cake

Photo: Hans Geel/Shutterstock

A national pride of Sweden, the princess cake was named due to its popularity with the princesses. What makes this multi-layered sponge cake special is the green top layer of marzipan. Inside you’ll find vanilla custard, raspberry jam, and a thick layer of whipped cream, making it the perfect cake for birthdays or any other special occasions. A beauty inside out, the princess cake is so pretty you will almost not want to eat it.

7. Karelian Pirogue

Photo: Karissaa/Shutterstock

Karelian Pirogues are popular savory pastries, originally from Karelia, Finland. It is a very simple pastry of rye dough filled with rice pudding. In earlier days, the filling was made from either barley porridge or mashed turnip, but today, rice pudding is a common choice. Preparing this is not an easy task. After rolling the dough very thin, the filling is added after which the pastry is folded into pleats. After baking, melted butter is brushed on the top to add extra flavor and to soften the texture.
8. Ostkaka, Swedish Cheesecake

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A specialty of the Småland and Hälsingland regions, Ostkaka is made from bitter almonds and is lighter than the typical American-style cheesecake. It is commonly served with berry jams like blueberry, cloudberry, or lingonberry (native to Sweden). To enjoy the delicate flavors of Ostkaka, it is eaten lukewarm, rather than cold.

9. Lefse

Photo: Amy Kerekemeyer/Shutterstock

There is much folklore about the origin of Lefse, some tracing it back to the time of Vikings, over 250 years ago. A mix between a pancake and a flatbread, Lefse is a popular traditional dish in Norway. It is made from potato, flour, egg, butter, and sugar. It is often served savoury with lutefisk (aged stockfish or dried, salted whitefish), another Norwegian delicacy.

10. Jordgubbstårta (strawberry cake)

Photo: vera-g/Shutterstock

A celebration of summer, Jordgubbstårta is a Swedish cake made of freshly picked strawberries and is filled with huge amount of custard and cream and decorated with more strawberries. This cake is the ideal end to a light meal in the countryside, which is where most locals celebrate midsummer.

11. Lussebullar, St. Lucia buns

Photo: CatchaSnap/Shutterstock

On the 13th of December, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day, a festival of light. The key ingredient of lussebullar is saffron which gives them their rich egg yolk yellow color. They are also decorated with a raisin or two. In a country with long, dark winters, the St. Lucia buns are a symbol of light, joy, and hope.

12. Runeberg torte

Photo: Lainea/Shutterstock

Named after Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, who was said to be extremely fond of this cake, Runeberg tortes are filled with almond and arrack or rum. It is topped with a gracious portion of raspberry jam and white sugar icing. These cylindrical delights are traditionally consumed on the 5th of February to commemorate Runeberg’s birthday, as it is rumored that his wife invented the cake.

13. Kärleksmums

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Kärleksmums, commonly known in English as “love treats” or “love yums,” are for the chocolate and coffee lovers. Kärleksmums are a light and fluffy brownie with a rich coffee-chocolate ganache topped with unsweetened coconut. Widely popular across the Nordic region, these soft, moist cakes accompanied by the indulgent chocolate frosting makes it a perfect option for Fika.

Where to find the best pastries in the Nordic region?
Sweden

In Gothenburg, look for the following cafes: Konditori Brogyllen, Da Matteo, and Alkemisten. In Stockholm, some of the favorites are Snickarbacken, Gast, Kaffeverket, Fotografiska museet, and Bageri Petrus. Another authentic place to enjoy Fika is Borgmästargården in Falkenberg on Sweden’s southwest coast.

Denmark

In the Danish capital, Copenhagen, look for La Glace, Bertels Kager, Leckerbaer, Strangas Dessert Boutique, Maudes, and Sweet Valentine.

Iceland

In Reykjavik, check out Sandholt Reykjavík,  Brauð & co, Bernhöfstbakarí Bakery, and Kaffi Krús.

Norway

In Oslo, visit Godt Brød Grünerløkka, Åpent bakeri, Norð Brenneri og Bakeri and Baker Hansen. If you are in Bergen, try Baker Brun, Godt Brød, and Blom. If you get a chance to visit Lom, you won’t regret going to Bakeriet i Lom.

Finland

In Helinski, head over to Cafeteria Roastery, Patisserie Teemu & Markus,  Frangipani bakery, Kakkugalleria, Sven’s bakery, and Ekberg.


More like this: 7 delicious pastries worth traveling to France for

The post Why Scandinavia is the most underrated destination for pastry lovers appeared first on Matador Network.

Leopard contact with tourists

As if the cheetah that jumped into an SUV in Tanzania last March was not enough, yesterday, a wild leopard approached a safari vehicle in Botswana and started clawing, sniffing, and licking the shoe of one of the passengers.

Although the scene may have been an incredible wildlife-viewing experience for those in the car, they are lucky all ended well.

Two National Geographic explorers explained that the driver should have started the car and left as soon as the big cat came close. This would have been the safest procedure for the tourists’ sake — no one could say what would have happened if the animal had been startled by the shoe-owner’s reaction; leopards, like all wild animals, can be extremely dangerous when they act out of fear — as well as for the big cat’s. If a leopard gets habituated to human contact, it may lead to human vs. leopard conflicts that will often result in the animal being shot down.

By remaining calm, the passenger avoided the worst, but the leopard’s claw drew some blood on their leg. If a simple pawing drew some blood and hurt so much, there’s no saying what a full-on attack could do.

Be sure to always follow all safety rules when embarking on an African safari. It could very well save your life and those of the beautiful animals you came to admire.

H/T: National Geographic

More like this: Safari has heart-stopping scare as cheetah jumps into the back seat

The post A leopard paws a safari tourist’s foot in a scary, wild encounter appeared first on Matador Network.

Treehouses on Airbnb

Treehouses are no longer just a fixture of youthful fantasy. Thanks to some creative (and daring) designers, sturdy trees, and the modern convenience of Airbnb, there are a number of spots around the world where you can swap the plain jane hotel for an epic treehouse on your next trip.

1. Treehouse Canopy Room at Miami permaculture farm

Photo: Airbnb

Miami, Florida

Cost: $65/night

This one bedroom, one bath treehouse is located on a permaculture farm in the heart of Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, offering a relaxing step away from the hecticness of the city. As a bonus, you get to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies from the farm during your stay.

2. Pleasant Bay Lookout

Photo: Airbnb

Bellingham, Washington

Cost: $110/night

This private room in a treehouse could be the ultimate getaway for your next mountain vacation. The treehouse offers the perfect view of Pleasant Bay from the side of Chuckanut Mountain. Access to the host’s home is easy for bathroom and kitchen use.

3. Treehouse Blue Mountains

Photo: Airbnb

Bilpin , NSW, Australia

Cost: $811/night

This one’s not for the budget traveler, but if you’re down to shell out for a night of luxury, the views are as rewarding as the amenities. The rustic decor is complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows, a hot tub, and easy access to both a rainforest and two Australian National Parks.

4. Secluded Intown Treehouse

Photo: Airbnb

Atlanta, Georgia

Cost: $375/night

You may have seen this one before, for good reason — this awesome accommodation has been featured on the Today Show and Treehouse Masters. This raised lodging offers one bedroom and two additional furnished rooms and is easily accessed from downtown Atlanta.

5. Treehouse Above San Francisco Bay

Photo: Airbnb

Burlingame, California

Cost: $275/night

The cool breeze of the Bay Area brushes through this upscale lodge, a short drive from the action of central San Francisco and just a few minutes from the airport. You’ll enjoy great views of the San Francisco Bay at this one bedroom, one bath treehouse.

6. Balian Treehouse

Photo: Airbnb

Bali, Indonesia

Cost: $81/night

Take in the stunning island and lush jungle vistas of Bali from above the trees in this one bedroom, one bath treehouse. It even has an onsite pool you can take advantage of.

7. Le Nid d’Elfe (The Elf Nest)

Photo: Airbnb

Saint-Calixte, Quebec, Canada

Cost: $121/night

This treehouse sleeps five people in three beds, and comes decked out with roped bridge to make you feel like a pirate on the lookout. It’s also an ideal base for outdoor activities just outside of Montreal.

8. Luxury Treehouse in the Redwoods

Photo: Airbnb

Santa Cruz, California

Cost: $195/night

This California treehouse combines outdoorsy rustic vibes with touches of luxury, offering a full kitchen, one large bedroom, a loft, and a gas fireplace. From here you’ll be able to explore both the iconic redwoods and the nearby gorgeous coastline.

9. Salt Pan Cove Treehouse

Photo: Airbnb

Newport, NSW, Australia

Cost: $77/night

Just north of Sydney, this treehouse lies just off the Australian coast and provides easy access to waves, solitude, and simplicity. It’s a studio apartment that serves as a solid base for traveling around scenic New South Wales.

10. Treehouse in Natural Park

Photo: Airbnb

Huétor de Santillán, Andalusia, Spain

Cost: $48/night

If ever there were an Airbnb listing that reminded us of our youthful days it’s this one. This one-room, nostalgic treehouse is exactly what a treehouse was always supposed to be. It’s also proof that even bucket-list-worthy treehouse stays can be had on a budget.


More like this: 20 epic treehouses from around the world

The post 10 epic treehouses you can actually rent on Airbnb appeared first on Matador Network.

London rent map

In London, there certainly seems to be a strong connection between how much you pay in rent and how close you live to the city center. At least, that’s what this map, originally published by London financial firm Totally Money and uploaded to Reddit by user wundaii, shows. As the tube lines snake their way under the city from the outskirts towards downtown, the rent prices steadily rise with each passing stop. Londoners who live downtown pay a pretty penny for the luxury.

Photo: TotallyMoney.com

The most notable distinction on the map can be seen by following just about any of the subway lines in towards the center: there are multiple points where the rent jumps over 100 pounds in just a couple stops. The most expensive point is right in the center: the Oxford Circus station, where you’ll pay an average of £636 (about $860) per week in rent for a one bedroom apartment. Leicester Square clocks in at £562 (about $760) per week.

Contrast the convenience of living in or close to downtown with the London subway system’s most affordable stops, such as Hatton Cross on the southwest end at £121 (about $164) per week and Cockfosters way up north at £172 (about $233) per week. While these rents may still seem quite expensive to those accustomed to smaller towns with a far cheaper cost of living, to most Londoners, anything under £200 per week surely sounds like an absolute bargain.

When it comes to best lines to live on, commenters seemed to agree that the Victoria line held up well. “Tottenham Hale is a good shout then if you’re just weighing up cost and travel time alone. Victoria line is very fast, frequent and has good connections,” noted user rickyf30.

T/L Totally Money

More like this: The average rent price in New York is extreme. See for yourself.f

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Become a Mainer

Mainers have that unconditional love for their state, a passion that drives everything we do. And whether we care to admit it or not, we’re a quirky bunch. We’re not afraid to make it clear that if you were not born in Maine, you will never be from Maine. It doesn’t matter if your family has been coming for summers since you were a kid, or if your grandparents own a house on the midcoast — nothing cuts it unless your birth certificate declares it. That said, you can still score some brownie points with the locals if you have ever participated in any of the following activities. This is just how we roll.

1. Visit L.L. Bean between the hours of 2 AM and 5 AM.

Any Mainer knows that these are the best hours to browse about and avoid the throngs of shoppers who come from the less-favored New England states.

2. But don’t actually buy your Bean boots there. We do that at Goodwill.

A real Mainer will acquire hand-me-downs or buy second hand. We need that extra money for other gear, and the good thing about Bean boots is that they last forever. The lucky ones will find their pairs at the dump for free. Score!

3. Start using “wicked” unironically in sentences.

It is always either wicked hot or wicked cold. When it’s good, it’s wicked. When it’s bad, it’s wicked and then when it’s just OK, it’s still wicked. Even our toothpaste and deodorant are wicked.

4. Drink Allen’s Coffee Brandy.

Doesn’t matter what the weather is, Allen’s comes with every season. There’s no better way to kick a trip upta camp off right, or to chill out and watch the snow fall.

5. Move to Maine from “away” and then join every committee your town has to offer.

The locals will love you.

Photo: Spwidoff/Shutterstock

6. Know how to pick lobster.

We don’t settle for anything but the best, because that’s what we’ve got around here. And you best not forget that sweet knuckle meat!

7. Always have your “everyday” flannel with you.

You’re not going to feel like yourself if your everyday flannel isn’t either on you or on the backseat of your car. When the mosquitos hit on that warm summer night, you’re gonna need it.

8. Complain every time you see Massachusetts license plate.

Go HOME.

9. Own a camp so you can go “upta” it.

It could be a hunting shack in the middle of the woods, or a cottage by the sea — you just need a place where you can escape the ol’ lady.

10. Go bass fishing and exaggerate when your friends ask you how many you caught and how big they were.

Friggin’ thing was 35 inches, I’m tellin’ ya!

11. Understand the geography of “Downeast”.

Rockland? Camden? The debates are never-ending. Non-Mainers might not understand why we would describe anything in our state as “down” from anywhere other than Canada, but once you know, you know.

Photo: Syda Productions/Shutterstock

12. Have a friend that is trying to start a craft brewery.

With dozens of new companies popping up each year, one of your friends is bound to be brewing beer. Or maybe it’s you. If you’re on the east coast and trying to start a craft brewery, you’re probably a Mainer. We can’t get enough of the stuff. People try to tell us we have enough beer, but we don’t want to hear any of that. Must be the cold weather that makes us Nor’easterners stubborn.

13. Develop a sense of pride for the number 207.

With only one area code in the state, we all find delight when the number randomly appears. We also tend to use it to describe things, or where we’re from, to non-Mainers.

More like this: How to do summer right in Maine

The post How to become a Mainer in 13 easy steps appeared first on Matador Network.

How you're sabotaging health

Long distance travel can take a huge toll on our general health and wellbeing. Long-haul flights, a change of diet, a lack of routine, and the overall stress of transport and figuring out new cultures can leave us feeling worn out, overwhelmed, and often sick. Without being a stick in the mud or missing out on the experience of travel, here are some of the biggest mistakes people make, and a few tactics you can employ to avoid unnecessarily sabotaging your health while traveling.

1. Overdoing it

This one tops the list as it is something we are all prone to do in the excitement of planning a trip. Hopefully, you are reading this before you craft a jam-packed itinerary, and instead leave some room for a breather — and spontaneity.

It’s common to feel overwhelmed with trip planning and the anticipation of the experience of air travel, the safety of a destination, potential unexpected finances, and personal expectations. They all take a strain on stress levels. If this is something you struggle with, here are some tips to reduce anxiety whilst traveling.

And during the trip, remember you don’t have to be doing or seeing something every moment. Some of the most memorable travel experiences appear in the unexpected moments spent sitting in the local park or city plaza, sipping coffee or chatting with locals.

2. Having poor sleeping habits

It is likely that we are all guilty of neglecting to prioritize sleep during our travels (and lives). It can be hard to maintain a decent sleep schedule when exploring the world, especially when flying across time zones and when overnight travel legs can’t be avoided.

While it might be asking too much to fit in a solid 8-hours, practicing a few simple tricks can encourage decent sleeping habits. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times has a list of benefits including enhanced immunity, hormonal balance, mood support, not to mention providing you with energy to get out and enjoy the sights that inspired your journey in the first place.

Prepare yourself for a variety of challenging sleep circumstances with an eye mask, earplugs, and a travel pillow. There are lots of effective sleep aids, including natural ones, that can help. Do your best to reset your internal clock toward the time zone you will be traveling in, even in the days before you get there. Once you’ve arrived, send your body direct signals informing it of the time zone where you are — get out and be active during daylight hours (exercise is a great idea) and wind down with quiet activities, like reading and hot tea, once it’s dark and nearing bedtime.

3. Not drinking enough water

A simple and accessible way to promote health while traveling is by staying hydrated. If you are not drinking enough fluids, you are making your body susceptible to a long list of unpleasantries, including constipation, dry skin, headaches, and crankiness. Certain travel-related influences, such as long plane flights, hot environments, alcohol, and caffeine, make hydration even more essential.

Carry a small, refillable water bottle with you, and sip from it often. If you find water to be uninspiring, jazz it up with a squeeze of lemon or lime, an electrolyte tablet, or try bubbly water. Any time you take a break — snapping a photo, looking at a map, waiting in line to buy tickets, sitting on a bus or park bench — use it as a chance to hydrate.

4. Using too much plastic

It is hard not to be reliant on plastic while traveling. Sadly, not only is plastic awful for the environment, it is also damaging to our health. Plastics contain endocrine-mimicking molecules that negatively affect the human hormonal system. This can lead to issues such as cancer and suppressed immunity.

While traveling, you will likely find yourself eating and drinking out of plastic containers often, leaving a trail of plastic waste in your wake. Bring a reusable water bottle with you on your journey, or buy a single plastic container that you can reuse and seek out water filling stations. Bring your own reusable food container with a lid that you can request your to-go food be served in. This will double as a great storage container in your suitcase.

This is a hard one to stay ahead of, but really worth the effort to proactively avoid. Plastic is harmful to your health and the health of the planet.

5. Too much sun

Equip yourself with a protective hat, sunscreen, and water. It’s usually a good rule of thumb to follow the locals. If you notice that people disappear indoors midday or find a shady place to nap in clever public places, take a hint and follow their lead. The sun’s warmth might feel like the reward of the vacation you’ve dreamed of for so long, just remember to not overdo. The sights you want to fit in will be so pleasant (and photogenic) in the early morning quiet or with a late afternoon breeze.

6. Radiation

If you fly often, especially long-haul at high altitudes, you are being exposed to a small amount of radiation on each leg. While radiation exposure is an everyday threat we face due to radio waves, cellular communication, and sunshine in our environment, it is enhanced by airplane travel. Exposure on a single flight is negligible but will accumulate if you covered a lot of miles (though this mainly applies to airline workers). No need to get paranoid and skip flying altogether; just ensure you get your annual health screenings.

7. Asking too much of your respiratory system

Travel tends to challenge the respiratory system. Recycled air on a plane, air conditioning, and pollution present irritants to your lungs, throat, and sinuses with each inhale. When the respiratory system becomes compromised you become more susceptible to catching colds or the flu.

Show your respiratory system some love by getting out into nature for a hike, jog, or just hanging out and breathing deeply. The sea air is an ideal humidifier for the respiratory system, or any lush area with clean air, such as a forest, botanical garden, or even a small city park. Keep your mucous membranes moist and clear using a moisturizing nasal spray or by sitting in a sauna.

8. Not eating enough fresh, healthy food

Perhaps you have encountered the traveler who resigns to eating only French fries, McDonald’s, or fried rice throughout their trip because the local food does not suit their dietary restrictions or preferences. While I applaud a commitment to vegetarianism, veganism, or whatever your dietary path, travel may require you to put in extra effort while eating regional cuisine.

Sticking to extremely limited food options, especially processed food, is an effective way to sabotage your health, and make you feel awful. Be adventurous, take some risks, and find the local foods that satisfy you and suit your needs — and listen to your body.

Be prepared to go the extra mile to accommodate your diet. Learn how to politely communicate your limitations in the local language. Seek out vendors who are willing to happily oblige. And be ready to eat very simply or even prepare something at your hotel.

9. Taking malaria meds and other antibiotics

Antibiotics can take a toll on your liver, kidneys, and digestive system, especially when taken long term. The benefits are obvious — no need to risk contracting malaria or suffering severe diarrhea when modern medicine offers protection. Just be sure to counteract the negative effects of antibiotics by boosting your body’s healthy bacterial load and supporting the detoxification capacity of your organs.

Take a quality probiotic for the entire length of your antibiotic prescription, and, ideally, for a couple weeks before and after as well. Allow for several hours (2 minimum) between taking pro- and antibiotics. Eating probiotic foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut is helpful, but they won’t match the medical potency of antibiotics. Drink plenty of water to help your body clear out toxins and support the optimal function of your organs. Follow the warnings associated with the drug you are taking, such as limiting sun exposure when taking most antimalarials.


More like this: I don't let anxiety stop me from traveling alone. Here's how I cope.

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9 ways Missoula will surprise you

Missoula might bring to mind vague memories of watching a ’90s movies about fly fishing. Or maybe you imagine wide-open skies and plenty of steakhouses. Maybe you just think about cowboys. And…sure. We’ve got all that. But whatever you think you know about Montana, Missoula has something to counter the stereotype.

Here, you can bar hop between craft breweries, surf a wave in the middle of downtown, gobble vegan donuts, explore ghost towns, rent bikes for free, and finish it all off with a pint of Moose Drool. And that’s just the first day. Here are nine ways a visit to Missoula will surprise you.

1. There are five mountain ranges here.

Photo: Destination Missoula

This is a serious mountain town. So serious that Travel + Leisure named it one of America’s favorite mountain towns. If we had to guess, we’d say it probably has something to do with the fact that Missoula is in the middle of five mountain ranges: the Sapphire Range, the Garnet Range, the Rattlesnake Mountains, the Reservation Divide, and the Bitterroot Mountains. That’s five mountain ranges to mountain bike in, to hike in, to horseback ride in, to drive though, to just sit in, or to listen to the birds and the breezes in.

That also means there’s plenty of national forests, national wilderness areas, and other generally awesome places that are easy to access from Missoula. Pro tip: Head to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness. The major trailhead here starts just over four miles from the city, and bam — you’re in the middle of more than 60,000 acres of wilderness. You’ll find 50 small creeks, more than two dozen alpine lakes, and enough waterfalls to keep your Instagram brimming.

2. There’s live music every night of the week.

Photo: Destination Missoula

Montana has a reputation for country music, cowboy songs, and pioneer folk. And that’s all awesome. But you might find yourself surprised when you hear the sheer variety of tunes permeating the streets of Missoula. There’s no shortage of great venues here, and musicians range from world-famous bands to local artists playing their first gig.

There are so many venues to choose from: Big Sky Brewing has it own outdoor amphitheater (hosting everyone from The Decemberists to The Shrednecks), where they hold a summer concert series with, of course, locally brewed beer. This is also where you can catch the awesome Travelers Rest Fest in August. Another beer-plus-music venture is the new outdoor KettleHouse Amphitheater, located next to the KettleHouse Brewery, on the banks of the Blackfoot River. Their summer lineup looks equally impressive.

Built in 1921, The Wilma also brings in big bands — from Macklemore to Nickel Creek — but with red velvet curtains, plush seats, and amazing ornate ceilings to set the scene. And then there’s the Missoula Symphony Association, which has been knocking the socks off music connoisseurs for 60 years. Check out one of their regular-season concerts, or bring a picnic blanket for the huge (and free!) outdoor summer concert in August. No matter what you’re into, just head out on the town and follow your ears.

3. You can visit a legit ghost town.

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

Back in the late 19th century, some 1,000 people lived in a thriving mountain town called Garnet, 30 miles outside Missoula. Not anymore. It didn’t take long for the gold that brought people flocking to the region by the hundreds to all but disappear, and by the 1940s, every business in Garnet was shuttered — including all 13 of the local saloons.

The classic storefronts and evidence of past residents remain, though. It’s $3/adult to explore Garnet Ghost Town, and the roads are open May to December. If you want to visit in the dead of winter for an even more ghostly experience, Garnet is also accessible by cross-country ski or snowmobile. This is the best-preserved ghost town in the state, so come prepared to wander through old buildings that look as though the residents just up and left, kitchen table still intact. If it wasn’t for the peeling plaster walls, you’d think they might still be coming back…

4. This is one of the country’s top bike-friendly cities.

Photo: Destination Missoula

So you thought this was a mountain town where everyone drives 4x4s? Think again. Missoula is officially a gold level bike-friendly city. The cycling’s so good here that Missoula was named one of the top 10 biking cities in the country by Outside Magazine. And you can be a part of the two-wheeled fun too, of course. Missoula has more than 20 miles of bike routes, bike lanes, and bike trails.

Or you can dream bigger and farther. Connecting Missoula with the tiny city of Hamilton is the Bitterroot Trail, a 50-mile paved bike path though the Bitterroot Mountains where you’ll ride side-by-side with rocky peaks, babbling brooks, and forested slopes. Yep, it’s idyllic. Pro tip: Plan a round trip to one of the tiny communities along the way, then pedal back to Missoula for a well-deserved Moose Drool, Bufflehead Brown, or Mountaintop Wet Hop (that’s Montanan for “beer”) at one of Missoula’s many craft breweries.

Don’t have a bike? No worries. You can always rent one. And Missoula is so pro-bike that some spots loan out bikes for free or for a small donation. Yes, for free.

5. Missoula is surrounded by hot springs.

Photo: Destination Missoula

Whether you want a first-class pool fed by steaming hot water, or a rocky spot to take a bath in a natural spring, Missoula is a short jaunt from both.

Lolo Hot Springs has modern pools of 102- to 106-degree water, surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and forested mountains — and it’s less than an hour away. For an even more natural setting, you can head farther afield on Highway 12 to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, an inconspicuous natural pool among boulders and logs that’s fed by a waterfall. Getting there will take you a little over an hour, making it the perfect day trip from Missoula. Note that it’s best to visit post-spring-runoff (so, summer through winter), and there’s an easy one-mile trail from the parking area. Soak up, snap some photos, then head back to town for a cosmopolitan meal.

6. You can ride a hand-carved carousel.

Photo: Destination Missoula

You could call it good, ol’ fashioned fun. Next to Dragon Hollow Playground — magical in its own right — and overlooking the Clark Fork River, you’ll find 38 horses dancing in perpetuity. Freya, Columbia Bell, Hard Hat, Koko — they’re all hand-carved wooden ponies that are part of A Carousel for Missoula.

This extraordinary piece is the result of 100,000 hours of volunteer effort — that’d be 11 round-the-clock years of care and hard work — and is one of the first fully hand-carved carousels to be built in the country in the last 80 or so years. There are the 38 ponies, plus two chariots, 14 gargoyles, and the largest band organ in continuous use in the US. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the amazing show of community spirit, but it’s hard not to get giddy when the music starts up and the horses begin to “dance.”

7. It’s a vegetarian paradise in the middle of beef country.

Photo: Destination Missoula

There are 2.6 million cattle in Montana, which means no shortage of t-bones, ribeyes, BBQs, and babybacks. But this is ranch country, so you probably knew all that already. Missoula, however, doesn’t just cater to those looking for tenderloin. Probably in part because it’s a college town, this is also an awesome destination for the foodies in your life that are vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/any other dietary restriction you can dream of.

And we don’t mean Missoula just has lots of fresh veggies (which it does, by the way. Check out the farmers’ markets — yes, plural — for amazing local produce…and quiches, and cupcakes, and organic soap, and locally grown sunflowers, and you get the point). We’re talking vegan maple tofu-bacon donuts. We’re talking fresh-baked gluten-free pumpkin sage dinner rolls. We’re talking vegan coffee-glazed donuts with dark chocolate ganache. Vegan polenta. Gluten-free English muffins. Vegan Tuscan mushroom pizza. Brazilian veggie bowls with roasted beets and jicama. The list goes on…

Whether you’re looking for vegan options or gluten-friendly, you’ll find it here. And there’s a decent chance it’ll be next door to a rockin’ steakhouse.

8. The city has a “Hip Strip.”

Photo: Destination Missoula

Wander between the south end of the Higgins Street Bridge and the intersection of Brooks and Higgins, and you’re on the Hip Strip. Not only are there all-around good vibes here, but you’ll soon find that the businesses are 100% locally owned — and they’re just as quirky and varied as Missoulans themselves. Flip through records at Rockin Rudys Record Heaven, browse the 7,500 types of beads (and related things!) at Bathing Beauties Beads, take a deep breath of essential oils at Meadowsweet Herbs, or check out the gleanings of a pair of self-described “fearless treasure hunters” at Divine Trash Vintage.

When you’re sufficiently exhausted, head down the street to Bernice’s Bakery for some white-chocolate huckleberry cream pie and an organic espresso. You’re welcome.

9. A river really does run through it.

Photo: Destination Missoula

You know the movie. It’s the one starring Brad Pitt; it won an Oscar. Anyone who’s seen A River Runs Through It, the story of two brothers growing up in Missoula, has probably entertained a fantasy of giving it all up and going fly fishing. At least for a little while.

And that fantasy can come true, if you so desire. The city sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Blackfoot, the Clark Fork, and the Bitterroot. The abundance of flowing water in the area means you can fish from the banks of the Clark Fork River in downtown or head out of town with a guide to explore the streams of the Bitterroot Mountains, or anything in between.

You don’t have to fish to enjoy the river, though — a stroll on the Riverfront Walking Trail is pretty much the perfect way to spend the twilight hours walking off all those vegan chocolate ganache donuts. Time it right and you’ll find some live music, or bring a picnic and watch the sun drop behind the surrounding hills. The options don’t end there. You can also SUP, kayak, and play in the whitewater…all in the middle of downtown Missoula. Oh, and you can surf right downtown, too.

Surfing in the middle of Montana — surprising? Maybe. Awesome? Definitely.

The post 9 ways a trip to Missoula will surprise you appeared first on Matador Network.

Ancient ruins for sale

The ancient city of Bargylia located in Turkey is for sale for the low, low price of $8 million. The city is a bargain considering that its 330 acres have a sea view and are filled with ruins that dates back from the fifth century B.C.

Photo: Hwhorwood/Wikimedia

The property is privately-owned and has long been abandoned. Cattle graze between the historical ruins and looters are having a field day stealing ancient artifacts, explains the BBC .

Because Bargylia is classified as a grade-one archeological site, building is not allowed. Although this may be a bummer for those who’d like to develop a large, fancy resort on the property, history buffs are sure to be pleased — an ancient theatre, acropolis, fortification walls and a necropolis can be found on the land.

Photo: Hwhorwood/Wikimedia

To protect the site from thieves, archaeologists want the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry to step in and purchase it as soon as possible.

Bargylia was up for sale in 2015, but did not find a buyer, explains Turkish newspaper Hürriyet. To attract interest and to make sure the ancient site gets the attention and conservation it needs, the price has been lowered by $2 million.

To know more about the treasures the ancient city houses and Bargylia’s history, check out the Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites.

H/T: BBC

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Bus travel across US for $.99

If the thought of bus travel immediately turns you off, it may be time to reconsider. FlixBus, a German startup that in just five years has become Europe’s preferred commercial bus transport option, is bringing their upscale bus service to the United States. In order to attract attention, they’re offering the best deal around — fares starting at just $0.99.

The brand’s US routes, which launch on May 31st, are centered on city-to-city travel. Their uber-cheap fares are for routes from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, San Diego to Las Vegas, and Phoenix to Las Vegas.

The cheap fares are hardly the best part of the FlixBus service. Each ride is also equipped with WiFi, features entertainment options such as movies and TV, and provides more legroom than you’ll find in a typical coach seat on an airplane. While bus transit takes longer than a flight, the ability to ride in comfort is a big part of the company’s success in Europe.

FlixBus manages to offer such cheap fares by embracing minimalism. Instead of spending money on big advertising campaigns, the brand instead focuses on in-house optimization; and, instead of owning large fleets of buses, they rent fleets from local companies in the markets they serve, avoiding not only a good chunk of the maintenance but also the headache of having to pay to park the buses when not in use.

If you’re not heading to one of the cities listed above, you’ll still be able to check out this hip new way to travel. FlixBus hopes to expand service by adding hundreds of additional bus lines across the United States by the end of 2018.

H/T: Travel + Leisure

More like this: 9 hacks to make bus travel less miserable

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