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Overrun destinations curb tourism

Travel and tourism are one of the world’s largest industries. But, despite the trillions of dollars in global economic contribution, local economies are struggling to cope with overcrowded cities and the damage of natural environments. So, to put an end to the disruption and destruction, the following eleven popular destinations have implemented a ticketing and/or lottery system to curb tourism.

1. The Taj Mahal

Photo: Thanaprus N/Shutterstock

Photo: Yury Taranik/Shutterstock

In April, the UNESCO World Heritage site announced that visitors will only be allowed to tour the Indian palace for three hours. The new process — with goals to streamline in the future — will check ticket holders manually at the exit. If the visitor has overstayed the three-hour limit, a new ticket will need to be purchased. With close to eight million tourists visiting the Taj Mahal every year, this restriction comes in an effort to reduce congestion, manage conservation concerns with the white marble yellowing, and curb the pollution of the adjacent Yamuna River. Officials are considering a future proposal to cap entry to 40,000 visitors per day.

2. The Wave

Photo: Berzina/Shutterstock

Photo: Tobkatrina/Shutterstock

The Wave is a renowned hiking destination in what’s called Coyote Buttes North. Located along the Utah/Arizona border, the area is small and considered fragile. Allowing only 20 hikers per day, advanced permits are required and obtained through a lottery system. Hikers can apply for a permit up to four months in advance and submit three entry dates per application. Successful applicants will only be authorized one trip. For those with a little more flexibility or who are planning a trip less than three months in advance, you can try your luck at obtaining a walk-in permit or checking the Coyote Buttes permit page for available slots.

3. Denali National Park

Photo: Ludmila Ruzickova/Shutterstock

Photo: Dustin Montgomery/Shutterstock

Denali National Park and Preserve, one of Alaska’s well-known landmarks, is six million acres of wilderness bisected by one road. In efforts to conserve this pristine land, strict practices are put in place. In the summer, visitors may tour the park on bus, shuttle, bicycle, or on foot but not with their own vehicle. If you want to use your own car, you will have to win the “Road Lottery”. In September, the park hosts a multi-day event where lottery winners are given a chance to purchase a day-long permit to drive as much of the Denali Park Road as weather permits. To partake in the Road Lottery event, applicants must apply between May 1st through May 30th of each year.

4. Half Dome

Photo: Celso Diniz/Shutterstock

Photo: Dongyang Zhang/Shutterstock

Located in Yosemite National Park, at over 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is an iconic challenge to many hikers. In 2008, up to 1,200 people a day made the trek up Half Dome. To protect the wilderness and natural resources, as well as to reduce crowding for safety reasons, permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week. Distributed through a lottery system with one preseason permit application period in March, applicants can apply for up to six permits (for six people) and for up to seven dates. Daily lotteries are also available during hiking season. The limit for hikers is capped at 300 (roughly 225-day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail.

5. Machu Picchu

Photo: VarnaK/Shutterstock

In April 2017, major changes were announced by Peru’s Ministry of Culture with new restrictions on access to Machu Picchu as a means to help protect this iconic and important UNESCO World Heritage site. While there isn’t a lottery system (yet), some of the major changes involve entry and time limits spent on the site. As of July, 2017 entrance into Machu Picchu has only been possible with an accompaniment of an officially registered tour guide. With a maximum capacity of 2,500 visitors per day, tourists need to pre-book tickets and tours well in advance prior to visiting. While securing your guaranteed ticket is great, that too comes with restrictions. In the past, it was possible to come and go from the ancient grounds, but the new rules mean that once you leave you are not be able to re-enter. However, this may not matter much with the new time entry restrictions. Times are limited to two entry windows: 6 AM – 12 PM and 12 PM – 5:30 PM. Visitors may only enter within one of the two entrance windows and must leave the site before the end of the session.

6. Cinque Terre

Photo: Iryna1/Shutterstock

Photo: Anna Om/Shutterstock

The colorful, picturesque village on the Italian Riviera drew 2.5 million visitors in 2015. Residents say day-trip visitors from cruise ships overwhelmed the communities, leading authorities to pledge to cap the number of tourists to 1.5 million visitors. While there are no definitive rules and limitations at present, it is clear that the region is evaluating a solution to mass tourism. There are plans to improve an app created in 2017 with a map of trails to possibly include a virtual waiting list for walking paid routes. It is suggested that the limit will only affect paid routes and visitors will still be able to visit the villages and free walking trails with no limitations… for now, at least.

7. Santorini

Photo: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Photo: Photocreo Michal Bidnarek

Lured by beauty, the Greek island of Santorini can lay claim to being one of the most popular destinations in all of Greece. With close to 2 million travelers each year, the island is facing challenges to keep up with its growing popularity. Socioeconomic and environmental pressures are a result of increased construction, water consumption, and the demand for supplies — a cost the island is finding difficult to afford. In an attempt to control tourism, Santorini has implemented a new system that limits the number of cruise passengers allowed on land each day. The new system will allow a maximum of 8000 cruise passengers to disembark per day, a large dip from the estimated 18,000 cruise passengers seen in previous years.

8. Venice

Photo: Beautiful Landscape/Shutterstock

Photo: Canada Stock/Shutterstock

Tourists visiting Venice have exceeded the number of locals. Approximately 55,000 people call this historic city home, whereas 70,000 tourists visit each day on cruise ships, buses, or trains. The fragile city is subject to congested walkways, clogged canals, and excessive amounts of litter from the human traffic. Just this month, the mayor of Venice announced a plan to segregate tourists and locals, and only locals with “Venezia Unica” cards would have access to certain parts of the city. Turnstiles and barriers have been put in place to redirect visitors to popular Venetian landmarks. Travelers disembarking from the water are now prevented from doing so on Riva degli Schiavoni (the usual disembarking point in front of the Cornoldi barracks) and will now be required to disembark from a special facility at the Fondamente Nuove. Tourists driving to the city may be turned away if a space in one of the city’s parking lots has not been reserved. This experimental system in Venice could very well become the new tourism management system as the busy summer season approaches.

9. Dubrovnik

Photo: Lals Stock/Shutterstock

Photo: Ihor Pasternak/Shutterstock

The Medieval Croatian city plans to drastically cut the number of tourists allowed to prevent overcrowding. The UNESCO recommended limit of 8,000 visitors per day has been cut to the 6,000 visitor range. CCTV systems monitoring tourist numbers will be implemented accordingly if the tourist number exceeds 8,000. Travelers who are concerned about these restrictions can purchase a Dubrovnik City Card and receive priority access to several top attractions and free use of public transportation. Local officials are also looking to control the number of cruise ships arriving at peak times and impose limitations on daily tour groups to the city. The ongoing changes to preserve the city come after a warning from UNESCO that Dubrovnik’s world heritage status was at risk.
10. Galápagos Islands

Photo: BlueOrangeStudio/Shutterstock

Photo: Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Considered a premier destination for wildlife, the volcanic archipelago that makes up the Galápagos Islands has strong sustainability and conservation practices to keep the isolated terrain and diversity of species exactly as it is found now. Visitors may visit the Galápagos Islands once a tourist card is obtained. To recieve a tourist card, visitors must go to the Gobierno Especial del Régimen de Galápagos counters at the Quito and Guayaquil airports. Specific requirements are necessary for approval, such as

A round-trip airfare confirmation,
Hotel and/or cruise reservation for the days travelers will be in the Galápagos Islands
Proof if the tourist is staying with a resident, in which a letter of invitation from the resident is required

Once the required materials are presented, a $20 payment will be necessary to purchase a tourist card.

11. The Koh Khai Islands, Thailand

Photo: Thanongsak Kongtong/Shutterstock

Photo: jajaladdawan/Shutterstock

According to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the impact of tourism on the local ecology in Thailand’s popular islands is tremendous. It is estimated that 80% of reefs have been degraded, spurring action to ban tourists from the popular day-trip location of nearby Phuket. This conservation effort was evaluated after an assessment of the coral damage in the Koh Khai area. While coral-bleaching is naturally occurring, marine researchers have also determined that the increasing number of tourists and boats are heavily impacting the exponential demise of the reefs. The Thai islands alone welcome millions of international visitors each year, resulting in increased pressure to preserved these places of paradise. The monitoring of tour operator and tourist activity is now in place to prevent people from engaging in activities that will further damage the ecosystem.


More like this: The 9 most at-risk tourist hotspots and where to go instead

The post 11 overrun destinations that are trying to curb tourism appeared first on Matador Network.

Beautiful sustainable hotels

For the eco-conscious traveler, staying in a hotel is often at odds with your values, with all that food waste, excess water use, and those frustrating mini plastic shampoo bottles. But nowadays you no longer have to compromise comfort and conservation, thanks to incredible initiatives from many hotels around the world to become zero waste. These hotels often have incredibly gorgeous, nature-inspired accommodations, are exceptionally relaxing places to stay, and they provide guests the piece of mind of knowing they have chosen extremely eco-friendly lodgings. Each has reached or is working towards zero-waste business practices. Zero-waste is an intimidating term, and can seem outright impossible for most people. But “zero” waste doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not producing any trash at all — this goal is actually achieved with only a 90 percent diversion rate, meaning that if you can divert 90 percent of what you consume from landfills, you can claim zero-waste status. A growing collection of hotels, both major brands and boutique, meet these standards. Here are seven that have made huge strides.

1. Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California

Photo: Sheraton Hotel San Diego

Photo: Sheraton Hotel San Diego

The Sheraton San Diego started their zero-waste journey back in 2011. Step one was a 600-person convention in the hotel’s convention center that produced no waste, and following the successful event, the facility never looked back. All food waste produced by the hotel is composted. The facility also implemented single stream recycling to make recycling easier for both staff and guests, as part of its larger plan to divert waste.

2. Zero-Waste-Hotel at Villas de Troncoso, Troncoso, Brazil

Photo: Zero-Waste-Hotel

Photo: Zero-Waste-Hotel

Relax in luxury on a Brazilian beach at the Zero-Waste-Hotel at Villas de Troncoso resort. The project, part of a sustainability project from Swiss non-profit future.camp, aims to bring the hospitality industry into a circular economy by making whole food, zero-waste and sustainable decor, lodging, and design part of each guest’s stay. Guests can choose to learn and participate in initiatives like educational classes and sustainable eating, or simply enjoy their stay knowing that their lodging is doing more good than bad. As a bonus, the property is as beautiful as the vision.

3. TreeCasa Resort, Nicaragua

Photo: TreeCasa

Photo: TreeCasa

Take the image that comes to mind when you think of a place called TreeCasa Resort. Then, do nothing to that image — the spot is exactly as you pictured it, a nearly out-of-this-world experience set around a pair of twin Celba tress in the El Encanto jungle of Nicaragua. The idea was to create a place that communed both with nature and the guest’s vision of wellbeing. The result is a stunning resort that looks like a scene from Avatar. Take part in farm-to-table meals, go horseback riding through the forest, and channel your inner artist, whether that be visual, musical, or spiritual. Oh, and stay up in the treehouse, of course.

4. Conca Park Hotel, Sorrento, Italy

Photo: Hotel Conca Park Sorrento

Photo: Hotel Conca Park Sorrento

The Conca Park Hotel is an excellent educator when it comes to zero waste for their guests, showing them small but mighty practices they can implement at home. For example, they use sugar bowls instead of packets for coffee and avoid all single-use plastic. They post signage throughout the property informing guests not only of the practices in place but of how they can continue their sustainability efforts throughout their travels.

5. The Listel Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia

Photo: Listel Hotel

Photo: Listel Hotel

The Listel Hotel launched its “Environment Matters” movement to ensure their property is as efficient and eco-friendly as possible. The hotel features 20 solar panels and a heat capture program which drastically reduces its dependence on natural gas to heat the property. The hotel’s rooms are designed around art pieces and gallery showings happen regularly in the hotel, making each room stay unique in its own way. The Listel’s Forage restaurant has built their menu entirely around sustainable practices, local food, and waste reduction. As the name suggests, foraged ingredients are a mainstay. In a bit of outside-the-box thinking, certain dishes feature bison instead of beef, as the animal has a much lower carbon footprint from birth to table.

6. The Island Hideout, Ko Yao District, Thailand

Photo: The Hideout Koh Yao Noi

Photo: The Hideout Koh Yao Noi

Everything about The Island Hideout is serene. From the eco-friendly building structures to the verdant hillside overlooking Phang Nga Bay, this island retreat is as relaxing as it gets. Renewable energy powers each of the lodges, they’ve surpassed 80 percent diversion rates on all waste produced, and the food is locally sourced.

7. Hotel Ribno, Bled, Slovenia

Photo: Hotel Ribno Bled

Photo: Hotel Ribno Bled

Bled, Slovenia may still be under-the-radar of many traveler’s bucket lists, but Hotel Ribno is out to change that. The hotel received zero-waste certification in May 2018 and is the first Slovenian hotel to achieve the mark. They eliminated disposable products in their hotel, eliminated 90 percent of their produced waste, and have begun sourcing food and products from local suppliers whenever possible, allowing guests to stay at ease at their resort surrounded by beautiful forest and the untracked mountains of Slovenia. They offer “active vacation” options including hiking, biking, and rafting on the nearby Lake Bled.


More like this: 6 steps you can take today to become a zero-waste traveler

The post You can feel good about staying in these beautiful zero-waste, eco-friendly hotels appeared first on Matador Network.

Most colorful towns in the world

It’s truly incredible what a coat of bright paint can do. Even the darkest, most depressing towns can turn into cheerful and charming places when brightened up by some lively colors. So, if you want to turn your frown upside down and find peace and quiet, visit the following under-the-radar, colorful towns. They are sure to tickle you pink and make your friends green with envy.

1. St. John, Newfoundland, Canada

Photo: Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock

The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John is one of the oldest cities in North America, having served as a seasonal landing for European fishermen in the mid-16th century. The St. John Heritage Foundation takes the city’s history seriously, and that includes maintaining the vibrant colors of the houses of the city’s over 200,000 inhabitants. Many houses were originally painted with the same bright paint used to demarcate ships on the blustery open waters, and these bright hues soon became emblematic of the city’s quirky personality. Today, inhabitants are encouraged to refresh their home’s original colors or choose from a large selection of authentically-named options, such as the “orangey-red Christmas Syrup” named for a local holiday drink.

2. Olinda, Brazil

Photo: Felipe Frazao/Shutterstock

As one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil, Olinda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow alleyways and red-tiled roofs set among the verdant hills of neighboring Recife. The Portuguese founded the city in 1545 and imbued on its architecture brightly-colored homes contrasted against baroque-style churches. Set on Brazil’s eastern shores, the city looks out over the Atlantic ocean and is bathed in sunlight and warmth for most of the year. Over the past few decades, it has become a magnet for artists and well-known for its own Carnival, free of admission to all who wish to take part in the fun.

3. Longyearbyen, Norway

Photo: LouieLea/Shutterstock

This tiny arctic town on the Norwegian island of Svalbard is home to just over 2,000 people from almost 50 different countries, many of them there to do Arctic research at the local university. Colorful homes line the mere 40 km (25 miles) of roadway that traverse the town, a visual testament to the locals’ efforts to bring vibrancy into the harsh conditions in which they live. In winter, the town is plunged into darkness for two full months — all the better to see the Northern Lights — while summer means days of endless sunshine. Polar bears are common throughout the surrounding area with many houses left unlocked just in case a passerby needs shelter in a hurry from an unexpected four-legged local.

4. Taipa, Macau

Photo: Exoxide/Shutterstock

While Macau may conjure up images of glitzy casinos and flashing lights, this island off the country’s main coast is a haven for heritage and local flavor. Though now under Chinese government, Taipa was heavily influenced by its 19th-century Portuguese settlers; cobblestone streets connect pastel-colored villas between colonial-era churches and Chinese temples, emblematic of the distinct diversity of Macau’s past and present.

5. Tobermory, Scotland

Photo: Stefano_Valeri/Shutterstock

Tobermory, located on Scotland’s Isle of Mull, was founded as a fishing village and has more recently become a hub for wildlife watching with its large populations of otters, dolphins, whales, and white-tailed eagles. The BBC made this town famous among the toddler crowd when it chose it as the setting for Balamory, a once-popular children’s show. In it, the town’s multicolored homes are prominently featured, their bright exteriors housing an equally colorful cast of characters.

6. St. Pierre et Miquelon

Photo: Grondin

These two tiny islands just off the coast of Newfoundland are all that remain of France’s dominion in North America — and despite their proximity to Canada, remain undeniably French. Houses squeeze together along the water’s edge, creating a patchwork of pastel that spans the breadth of the shore and extends into the copses behind the main street. Since the 16th century, dense cod populations have made the islands prime real estate for a booming fish trade, though allegiances changed quickly in the early 20th century when the United States enacted Prohibition-era laws. The islands’ easy access to North American shores meant that big-name gangsters — Al Capone, for one — made frequent trips to smuggle back foreign liquor to eager American customers. With the end of Prohibition, the island returned to its fishing routes and remains a unique and little-known, colorful outpost of France.

7. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Photo: Vixit/Shutterstock

This small city in northern Morocco, awash in tones of blue, has its history painted into the walls of its homes. Founded in 1471 by Muslim and Jewish immigrants fleeing Spanish persecution, the city became a haven for those in need of safety and security. In the 1930s, when droves of emigrants were leaving an ever-more-fascist Europe, a second wave of Jewish immigrants were responsible for covering the city in azure hues reminiscent of their new country’s expansive skies and ocean vistas. The original reason for that specific color has been muddled by history, but whether to keep aggressive mosquitos at bay or as a reminder of the very faith their painters were persecuted for, the blue walls — with a fresh coat applied annually — have become a defining feature of this Moroccan town.

8. Qarqortoq, Greenland

Photo: Greenland Travel

Qarqortoq, founded in 1775 as a fishing outpost, is a prime example of Greenland’s color-coded architecture with its red homes, yellow hospitals, black police stations, and blue fisheries. Despite being south Greenland’s largest city, Qarqortoq is small and best seen by foot. It doesn’t take long to summit the nearby hilltops, where you’ll be spoiled with amazing views of iceberg-studded seas and a panorama of multi-hued buildings.

9. Bo Kaap, South Africa

Photo: MGAfrica/Shutterstock

Tucked into the base of Lion’s Head, the striking sphinx-like mountain that erupts from Cape Town’s city center, Bo Kaap is one of the oldest areas of the city. It was first settled in the 1760s by a majority of Muslim immigrants from East Africa and Southeast Asia, whose descendants are now referred to as being Cape Malay. Under South Africa’s apartheid government in the 1950s, the neighborhood was subject to the Group Areas Act — a racist and discriminatory ruling that dictated who could live where — that designated Bo Kaap as a Cape Malay neighborhood. Today, its inhabitants take pride to live in the epicenter of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. The area’s brightly-colored homes were originally painted as a way to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid, and were kept permanently as a testament to the community’s rich cultural heritage and political struggles.


More like this: 75 places so colorful it's hard to believe they're real

The post The 9 most colorful towns around the world you’ve never heard of appeared first on Matador Network.

Chicago tourist mistakes

So you’re on your way to Chicago and you have a kick-ass itinerary filled with deep dish pizza, the Willis Tower, and lots of Bean selfies — what an original Instagram feed you’ll have! Ok, yes these things are iconic to Chicago and you shouldn’t miss them, but don’t make the same sins tourists always commit and only experience these overdone (albeit enjoyable) clichés. Take it from a local and you avoid these five common tourists missteps, so you actually have an awesome, jealousy-inducing Chicago trip.

Mistake #1: Eating at fast food chain restaurants because you say you’re on a budget

Forget Arby’s. WE HAVE THE MEATS. As in, the juicy Maxwell Street Polish sausage and giant pork chop sandwich, snappy Vienna Beef hot dogs, award-winning burgers, towering corned beef sandwiches, and the dripping goodness known as the Italian beef. Not to mention the Cuban sandwich, Mexican torta, Puerto Rican jibarito, Greek gyro, Vietnamese banh mi… we have every ethnic meat-and-bread combo you could want and mom-and-pop spots that have been serving them for years. If you’re going the frugal sandwich takeout route, pass on the chains. These local haunts will certainly leave you more satisfied.

Mistake #2: Assuming that last call at midnight means last call for the night

When the clock strikes twelve and you’re out having a good time, don’t make like Cinderella and rush out to call your ride home. Last call at one bar is by no means the signal to call it quits. In Chicago there’s no shortage of 4 AM bars — with some even closing at 5 AM on weekends. Knowing this, plan ahead to extend your itinerary each night. Some ideas:

Fill up on sun, sand and waves at North Avenue Beach and after you close down Castaways, kick it with college co-eds, blues fans, and other tourists at Kingston Mines. This beloved late-night blues bar (open to 4 AM daily and until 5 AM Saturday) has bargain drinks, cheap covers, and a come-as-you-are philosophy.
Streeterville Social has strong rooftop game but after the 12 AM closing time, make your way to Celeste, another swanky downtown spot where it’s cocktail o’clock until 4 AM (5 AM on Saturdays).
In the thick of Logan Square’s nightlife scene, take this triangular bar hopping route for a spin. Craft distillery tour at Chicago Distilling Company, thirst quenchers on the patio at Spilt Milk, a round of retro drinks and duckpin bowling at The Pink Squirrel, and dancing after dark at East Room (open until 5 AM Saturdays and 4 AM every other night).

Mistake #3: Taking cabs anywhere and everywhere

Chicago is a great city for walking, but it also has a top-notch public transit system. By bus or train, you can get anywhere. And cheaply. So skip on the cab, or Uber/Lyft, when you can because:

Some routes have Instagram ready views, e.g. on the CTA Brown Line ‘L’ train around the Loop. You’re turning corners around skyscrapers, snooping into office building windows, and rumbling right over the Chicago River.
You’re saving time and money, e.g. traveling between the airport. Depending on the hour, traffic can really up the cost and time of that taxi ride from O’Hare or Midway, but by ‘L’ train (CTA Blue Line or Orange Line) those factors are set.

Mistake #4: Only trying deep dish pizza

Yes, Chicago will swear by its famed deep dish pizza and that zealous loyalty is deserved. Loads of cheese, chunks of meat and that golden crust — delicious. But those dense layers will have you slumped over in a casserole-induced stupor in your hotel room posthaste. So while Lou Malnati’s is fantastic, it’s also the definition of food coma. Instead, sample our city’s proud tavern-style pizza, made with a thin crust and square cut. Or have it all… exemplary examples of Neapolitan-, Sicilian-, Detroit- or New York-style can be had all around the city.

I could offer a very, very long list of recommendations but let me do one better. Take a Pizza City USA bus tour and let a local pro expertly guide you through four pizzerias in 3.5 blissful hours.

Mistake #5: Only doing architecture tours (and not packing your swimsuit)

The nickname Windy City doesn’t conjure up images or beaches, which is why most people just stick to run-of-the-mill architecture tours and don’t even pack a swimsuit. But in Chicago, you can actually have a beach getaway, even if it’s a nontraditional one. For trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, a swimsuit is essential for summer fun. Don’t be fooled by all the steel and concrete of downtown. You can shop The Magnificent Mile then dip your toes at Oak Street Beach, nestled between the skyscrapers, all in one swoop. With its bright blue waters and seemingly endless horizon, Lake Michigan from this vantage point will change the way you think about lakes. Be sure to also try kayaking down the Chicago River for an alternative view of those skyscrapers.


More like this: 11 best free museums in Chicago

The post The 5 biggest mistakes tourists make when visiting Chicago (and what to do instead) appeared first on Matador Network.

Skyscrapers with glass bottom decks

Observation decks on really tall buildings are certainly nothing new. Many of the world’s most famous skyscrapers have them — the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are actually connected by the SkyBridge, allowing visitors to walk between the two gigantic twin structures. But these six skyscrapers take the whole observation deck experiences a step further with glass-bottomed viewing platforms. Because if being hundreds of feet above the ground wasn’t terrifying enough, now you can stare down into the abyss and hope that the floor holds (we promise it will).

Lotte World Tower Observation Deck — Seoul, South Korea

Photo: leungchopan/Shutterstock

Make it up to the observation deck at the Lotte World Tower and you’ll be looking down on one of Asia’s most vibrant cities from 1,640 feet up — certainly not a chump’s climb. Fortunately, the elevator ride is the fastest in the world, putting you staring down in awe in less than one minute. Should you get a bit frenzied and need to relax, have a dip in the adjacent swimming pool. You can then re-awaken yourself with a stop by the in-house amusement park on the way back down.
The Observatory at the Shanghai World Financial Center — Shanghai, China

Photo: chuyuss/Shutterstock

One hundred floors and 1,555 feet up, the observation deck at the Shanghai World Financial Center is nothing short of breathtaking. To make things more exciting, the Observatory regularly hosts special themed events, including the annual Sky Marathon, a vertical race where runners actually climb up 2726 stairs.
CN Tower — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Photo: Inga Locmele/Shutterstock

The CN Tower’s 256-square-foot glass floor observation deck sits at 1,122 feet above Toronto. Views stretch out across the city and the glass floor is accompanied by an outdoor terrace. As an added bonus, you’ll ride up the highest glass-bottomed elevator anywhere in the world, allowing for a chance to warm up before reaching the observation deck itself.
Tokyo Skytree — Tokyo, Japan

Photo: shinnji/Shutterstock

Take in the world’s largest city and Mount Fuji beyond it from the glass-bottomed portal of the Tokyo Skytree. 1,148 feet above the city, you’ll want to kneel down for the best view — the glass-bottomed portion is only a small section of the floor.
The Edge at Eureka Skydeck 88 — Melbourne, Australia

Photo: RHIdefined

At 980 feet up, you’ll look out across Melbourne from the glass-bottomed floor of the tallest residential structure in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll have to pay a bit extra to step out to The Edge itself, as the rest of the observation deck merely offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
Sky Tower — Auckland, New Zealand

Photo: SkyTower

Sky Tower’s glass-bottomed observation deck is the most nerve-wracking of any down south. The straight-down views can be overwhelming, but the building’s planners anticipated this and installed touch-screen monitors equipped with cameras to explain what exactly it is you’re looking at, if you need some help orienting yourself post-vertigo attack.

Skydeck at the Willis Tower — Chicago, Illinois

Photo: Skydeck Chicago

Chicago offers multiple high-up options for taking in the city’s skyline, but none scarier than Skydeck at the Willis Tower. The Ledge and its glass bottom protrude four feet beyond the building’s 103rd floor, providing views across four states at once.


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The post These skyscrapers have glass-bottomed observation decks for stomach-dropping views appeared first on Matador Network.

Aurora, CO: Gateway to the Rockies

Ready to be surprised? The closest urban hub to Denver International Airport isn’t Denver. It’s Aurora, a city overflowing with local ingenuity, cuisines that would render Anthony Bourdain speechless, and some of the most easily accessible outdoors in the state. It’s one of Colorado’s most diverse cities, and one of its largest, too.

Aurora welcomes most visitors into the Centennial State and sends them off when the time comes to depart — and we’re not just talking to the airport. Aurora is your gateway to adventure in Colorado’s famed Rocky Mountains, and here’s why.

It all starts with the lodging options…

Photo: © 2018 Gaylord Hotels

Booking a hotel that you actually want to spend time in is a novel concept — and that’s exactly what you’ll get at the new Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, which opens later this year.

Out of the loads of reasons seasoned travelers are loyal to Gaylord, Aurora’s reason is perhaps this: water. Yep. In a shot of style rivaled only by the likes of Vegas, Aurora’s “Castle on a Hill” features an indoor water park that even adults are going to love. There are also tons of dining options, an amphitheater, bike paths (and rentals), and views of the Rocky Mountains that no other Front Range hotel can offer.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, Woolley’s Classic Suites is the place to be. Show up early for the complimentary Manager’s Cocktail Reception, a nightly event that will make you rethink your opinion on the hotel bar scene. The kitchen doesn’t mess around, either — cooked-to-order breakfasts are just another part of the experience.

…and from there, what you do is up to you.

You’re not coming to Colorado to sit around and do nothing. Aurora knows this. Stop in and check out the biking and hiking trails galore, and know that there’s more than enough room — we’re talking 5,000+ acres of open space inside the city limits (that’s 97 developed parks to explore) — to stretch your legs no matter what activity calls your name.

We can’t move on, though, without calling Spider Monkey to the table. This place is like elementary school gym class on steroids, and it’s the perfect excuse to get back at anyone in your crew that schooled you on the slopes (or to win a quick round before you ever get on the chairlift.) They’ve got extreme dodgeball and air dunking powered by crazy trampolines — or maybe a bit of slacklining is more up your alley? Spider Monkey might also be the best place in the state to let the kids blow off steam after a long flight.

Just don’t overlook the two awesome lake parks.

Photo: Tim Wenger

Here’s that whole “water” thing popping up again, making Aurora even more awesome. Cherry Creek State Park, on Aurora’s southwestern edge, is a hotspot for boaters, bikers, SUPers and lazy beachcombers. And the city’s eastern side is home to Aurora Reservoir Park, among the most beautiful destinations for a leisurely afternoon anywhere in the state.

In a true nod to innovation, you can pedal your way into the park on an e-bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and ride right up to the park’s white-sand beach. (Beaches in Colorado? Welcome to Aurora.) While there, you can even snag your scuba certification.

All this means you can escape the city and still be within city limits.

Much of Aurora is wide open and undeveloped, meaning you can take part in some legitimate country activities in Colorado’s third-largest city. Case in point: You can get your corn-dog-and-horseback-riding fix at the annual Arapahoe County Fair each July, and rodeos and special events take place throughout the year.

Next door, Arapahoe Park brings a taste of the Kentucky Derby to Aurora with its annual schedule of horse races. Then check out the Plains Conservation Center — buff up on pioneer life, and learn how Colorado’s Front Range was first settled. You’ll be leading barstool conversations on Colorado history by the time you get into the mountains. Round out the night with line dancing and down-home cooking at Stampede, where you may find yourself throwing down on the mechanical bull after a few cold ones.

Aurora does craft…

Photo: From the Hip Photo for Annette

Colorado has a definite appetite for craft, and there’s no shortage of caffeine to fuel your outdoor adventures. Jubilee Roasting Company is the perfect example, a brand built around the concept of “emancipation, restoration, and celebration.” It’s an ode to freedom that founder Peter Wanberg celebrates through in-house roasted coffee and a dedicated creative space for local artists. They even give their coffee away for free at their monthly Day of Jubilee.

Jubilance doesn’t stop after coffee-drinking hours, though (assuming, of course, you put the caffeine down at night). When you care to switch to something a bit stronger, try the legendary Apricot Blonde Ale from Dry Dock Brewing. Their “north dock” location is just a short drive from the farm-to-table dining at Annette (try their signature roasted half-chicken with dandelion greens, garlic, brown butter, and sherry vinegar), right inside the innovative Stanley Marketplace.

…and the nightlife is legit.

There’s a saying here that “the best way to ruin a powder day is to show up hungover.” Well, Aurora sits at 5,471 feet above sea level, and a night on the town is one of the best ways to acclimate yourself to altitude without heading straight up to the high country.

Part scavenger hunt, part bacchanalian homage to local beer, the Aurora Craft Brews Tour is unique in that it’s organized by the city’s public library. Talk about going all in on community support. Visit the Aurora Public Library between May 1 and October 31 to pick up a passport, which you’ll take to participating area breweries to get stamped as you sample what’s on tap. Collect four stamps and get a glass; eight stamps gets you and glass and a growler (prizes can be claimed at the library through November 7).

And then there are the clubs. Colorado’s best bands have been rocking the stage at Zephyr Lounge for decades now (seven decades, to be precise). Some nights it’s songs you grew up on, others it’s originals — either way, the booze flows as freely as the dance floor. Late nights tend to get rowdy at The Kasbah and The Frontier Club — if Kelli Said is playing, you know it’s going to be a party.

Above all, this is where Colorado comes together before hitting the mountains.

Photo: Tim Wenger

Ethnic cuisines drawn from time-tested family recipes tell the true story of Aurora, evident from the first bite of milanesa at Los Toritos. But the city’s food scene is only a piece of the pie, and every dish here seems built to pair with the outdoors.

Like this: Havana Street runs through the heart of town, making it easy to hit up some of the best shopping in the state (that’s you, Town Center at Aurora and Southlands). You can also jog through Hentzell Park or pedal your way down the Cherry Creek Trail, play a round of disc golf at Expo Park, or hit the links at CommonGround Golf Course before downing the best bowl of pho you’ll find this side of the Pacific.

Over the past 20 years, Aurora has become the essential merging point for everything that makes Colorado tick, a standing lesson in how a city can grow in all the right ways. You’ll thank yourself after you’ve checked it out. And when the call of the Rockies hits, all you’ve gotta do is jump on I-70.

The post Aurora, CO is your gateway to the Rockies. Here’s proof. appeared first on Matador Network.

Mystery of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you’ve ever visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you know it’s hard to look at it without feeling like it might topple over.

Construction of the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of Pisa began in 1173 and took a whopping 344 years. The famous lean began in 1178 when the weight of the second floor began putting pressure on the foundations. The ground on which it sits is made up of soft clay, sand, and shells, hence the shift.

Building was halted soon after it began as Pisa went to war with the regions of Florence, Genoa, and Lucca — giving the soil a good 100 years to settle and rebalance the construction. It is believed that if this waiting period had not occurred, the tower would not be standing today.

Over the next century, construction was intermittent but the tower was officially completed around 1370. Over the centuries to come, engineers and architects have tried in vain to correct the lean and have marveled at the structure’s resilience.

More than 600 years later, the mystery behind how the Leaning Tower of Pisa has been able to withstand earthquakes and not topple over has been solved by a team of engineers from the Roma Tre University, Rome.

They concluded that it is the very soft sand on which the tower rests and its marble structure that has contributed to its durability.

A researcher from The University of Bristol, George Mylonakis remarked in a statement:

“Ironically, the very same soil that caused the leaning instability and brought the Tower to the verge of collapse, can be credited for helping it survive these seismic events.”

The results will be presented at 16th European Conference in Earthquake Engineering in June. The team from the Roma Tre University closely examined the materials used in construction against the soil composition to find an anchoring and insulating effect from the frequent seismic shocks.

This research may well be useful in the construction of new buildings in earthquake-prone countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Indonesia, to name a few.


More like this: 44 awesome forced-perspective shots every traveler needs in their photo album

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What the US can learn from Arizona

Arizonans are a special breed, whether native or transplanted. We’re a mix-and-match amalgamation of souls, not unlike a zorse or a pomsky. But there’s an underlying thread — perhaps made of sparkly golden sunlight — that unites us all.

Here are some lessons that come naturally to Arizonans, from which the rest of the US could benefit from adopting.

1. Respect Mother Nature.

A post shared by Kristin Steiner (@kristinapril30) on May 3, 2018 at 4:49pm PDT

It’s almost as if she’s using Arizona to express her anger about how she’s being treated by the rest of the country. She has some seriously satanic creatures up her flowy Sedona bell sleeves. Like venomous pink lizards, black widow spiders, and feral, tusked, pig-like mammals itching to gouge your rib cage.

2. Heal ailments naturally.

A post shared by Chichimeca Crafts (@chichimecacrafts) on Feb 27, 2018 at 6:35pm PST

Not only is pot legal to ease certain conditions, but Arizonans take advantage of other local medicinal flora, too — mesquite, jojoba, cat’s claw, agave, etc. We even have seed packets on loan at our local libraries for those of us who want to raise our own healing garden.

3. Don’t fear the local cuisine.

A post shared by Javier Leocadio Colón (@hungryguyonabicycle) on May 12, 2018 at 10:38pm PDT

Yeah, tongue and head tacos and stomach-lining soup sound gross, especially from a run-down-looking truck that might or might not pass a health inspection. And we know that cactus-fruit candy sounds dangerous, but we like to take risks with our cuisine.

4. Obey road signs.

A post shared by TJ Homeschooling (@tjhomeschooling) on Mar 11, 2018 at 5:52am PDT

That blaring yellow “Do Not Enter When Flooded” diamond ain’t kidding around. Neither is the speed hump sign, the elk crossing signs, nor the earth fissure warnings down by Willcox.

5. Throw away the guidebook and ask a local.

A post shared by Ladera Taverna Y Cocina (@laderaaz) on Mar 26, 2018 at 1:47pm PDT

Arizonans know the best food, trails, and historical sites, and the secret back way to get there. In exchange for a few beers or maybe some mezcal, we’re happy to share.

6. Drink all the water.

A post shared by UNILAD Adventure (@uniladadventure) on May 15, 2018 at 10:02am PDT

You know someone’s a non-native when they strike out into the wilderness with a dinky 16-ounce bottle of water. Even if you’re only walking a mile, bring gallons!

7. Use sunscreen.

A post shared by Elizabeth. Betty. Liz. (@loveliveleaf) on May 15, 2018 at 10:04am PDT

UV light rays bore down powerfully through Arizona’s clear air. Whether in Glendale or Oak Creek, it’s as if we’re walking into a microwave on max every time we leave the casa. We don’t have a huge amount of choice in the matter, but sunscreen is an essential part of our daily routine.

8. Be active.

A post shared by Ayaka (@_hiraaya) on May 14, 2018 at 10:01pm PDT

With such topographical diversity, there’s no excuse to stay inside and Netflix it up. You can do that after a day of hiking, rafting, climbing, caving, skiing, swimming, cycling, or playing golf on one of our thousands of courses.

9. Honor your elders.

A post shared by Nicolette Dudek (@nicddkphoto) on May 10, 2018 at 9:22am PDT

Almost 17 percent of Arizonans are over 65. We have such a high percentage of the nation’s older folk (and retirement homes) that they make our economy function — and not just in wintertime when the snowbirds Winnebago in. Though their driver’s licenses might need to be revoked, the ancient ones sure keep the hospitals and estate sale shops stocked. It’s important to have gratitude for having an aged population here and let their pace remind you to slow down a bit (especially on the road!).


More like this: 15 ways to properly do summer in Arizona

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Italy has a ton of volcanoes

After the recent eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano that has forced more than 1,700 local residents from their homes, we have been reminded again of the sheer force of mother nature and of volcanic activity across the world. Italy, in particular, is a region of interest as the country is home to some of the most dangerous and active volcanoes in the world. With over two dozen, Italy is the only mainland country in Europe with active volcanoes.

A map shared on Reddit exemplifies the magnitude of the country’s volcanic topography.

Photo: Reddit

Italy’s volcanism is said to be due to its geographical location as the boundary of the Eurasian tectonic plate and the African tectonic plate sits south in the Mediterranean Sea. The activity is a result of one plate moving under the another.

There are three core clusters of volcanic activity, one in Sicily, another along the northwestern coast, and one in the surrounding region of Pantelleria, an island in the Mediterranean. Three volcanoes in particular are cited as being the most active; Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius. Let’s take a closer look at these.

Mount Etna

Photo: Wead/Shutterstock

Etna is not only the granddaddy of volcanoes in Italy, it’s one of the most active in the world and the largest in Europe (10,900 feet). Etna is in a continuous state of activity and it has been named one of the sixteen Decade Volcanoes by the IAVCEI — the International Association of Volcanology and the Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior — due to its proximity to populated areas. Over the past decade, Etna has been particularly unsettled. 2001 had sixteen eruptive episodes during the year and the eruption in March 2017 resulted in ten people being injured.

Stromboli

Photo: Rainer Albiez/Shutterstock

Stromboli’s activity has been monitored very closely as it has been erupting continuously for 2,000 years. One of eight Aeolian islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily, the island of Stromboli was formed by volcanic activity over a period of 250,000 years. It has been nicknamed the “The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” due to its brightly colored eruptions on the horizon. The island’s current population is somewhere under 1,000 people. Stromboli’s last major eruption occurred in April 2009.

Mount Vesuvius

Photo: Versta/Shutterstock

Vesuvius sits on the Bay of Naples. It is perhaps Italy’s most famous volcano due to the eruption in 79AD which buried the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii in ash. Vesuvius has been a focus of volcanology investigation and it is said to have been active for over 400,000 years. The last recorded eruption was in April 1906, which killed over 100 people.


More like this: 7 volcanoes that are going to erupt at any moment

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Average rents in NYC

New York City is notoriously expensive, and it’s not just Manhattan that will take a toll on your wallet should you decide to move to The Big Apple. Finding a one-bedroom apartment for under $1,000 per month is all but impossible — rent is more than triple that in many parts of town.

Photo: Renthop.com

To see a larger version, click here .

The New York metro area is home to more than 20 million people. The road system understandably tends to get backed up, and instead of fighting traffic, many New Yorkers commute by subway. Living near an accessible line is desirable, and, as such, the rent near popular lines are sky-high. Rent tops $4,000 per month near the 23rd St. station on the No. 1 line, and sits consistently above $3,000 per month throughout lower Manhattan. Your best bet for more affordable rent is to look at options up in The Bronx. Many of the stops along the B, D, 2, 4, 5, and 6 lines average in the lower $1,000s, with the cheapest being $1,250 per month from Gun Hill Road down to the area around Morris Park.

We hate to break it to you, but the numbers actually get worse. Those little red numbers with a percentage sign next to the figure represent the average annual increase in rent prices, meaning what you see here will be null and void when it comes time to renew your lease.

But as high as these rent prices are, there is one perk that can help you to offset the cost of living: you don’t need a car. In fact, if you’re planning to move to New York, go ahead and sell your vehicle now. You might take in enough to cover the deposit and first month’s rent on your new apartment.


More like this: The best walking tour of NYC

The post The average rent price in New York is extreme. See for yourself. appeared first on Matador Network.