Matador Network's Blog, page 150

Man Documents What It’s Like to Sail Solo to the World’s Most Remote Part of the Ocean

Last December, I took a transatlantic cruise and the seven days spent at sea between the Azores and Florida, with no land in sight, felt peaceful but long. But my comfortable ocean crossing was nothing compared to what Sailing Songbird, whose real name is Luke, is currently undertaking: He is circumnavigating the world solo on a 1976, 27-foot sailboat.

In March 2023, Luke left his job as a middle school music teacher, spent seven months fixing up his newly acquired Vancouver 27, and then, in October 2023, took off from Seattle for the adventure of a lifetime.

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The first leg of his circumnavigation took him from Seattle to Mexico where he cruised for six months and honed his skills as a sailor. From Mexico, he made his way across the Pacific Ocean to the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. The passage across the ocean took 49 days and 3,000 miles of solo sailing.

From day one, Luke has been documenting his journey on social media and has garnered a huge following in the process: 916.5K followers on TikTok and 825K followers on Instagram. In his vlogs, he explains what he eats while in the middle of the ocean, how he sleeps, how he gets drinking water, he shows the varied marine creatures he meets along the way, and much more. He shares the joyous moments and the disastrous ones, like when one of his sails ripped and he had to mend it, or when his fishing line caught a bird instead of a fish.

The vlog that is getting Luke a lot of attention recently is from day 31 of the passage across the ocean when, while in the middle of absolutely nowhere, with no wind to help him on his way, he decided to blow up his inflatable SUP and go for a paddle.

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“It is incredibly disorienting to be out on a SUP with absolutely nothing on the horizon,” Luke explains calmly in the vlog. “I am well over a thousand miles away from any piece of land… and it is so quiet,” he continues, visibly relaxed about a situation that, for most of us, would be terrifying.

While Luke was confident about his ability to paddle all the way back to his sailing boat when needed, his followers weren’t so sure. “Get back to the boat button —>” is the most popular comment on the video. The second-most popular is “Never leaving the boat button————–>”, and the third one is “Bro, what a beautiful, sublime moment. Please get back to the boat immediately.”

Luke did make it back to his boat safely and, a few days later, celebrated his first crossing of the Equator. Less than 20 days later, he arrived in French Polynesia, where he stepped on land, and saw other human beings, for the first time in 49 days.

There’s no words as to when Luke will leave French Polynesia behind and start sailing again, but all you need to keep up with him is to follow Sailing Songbird on social media, like hundreds of thousands of others who want to know what’s next.

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Stay in the Eco-Friendly Dome on a Jackfruit Farm in Mexico

If you’re seeking complete seclusion and an environmentally friendly stay on your next vacation to Mexico, Dome @ Jackfruit Jungle Paradise is the place to be. This eco-dome, hidden in the Mayan jungle, is one of the most unique Airbnbs in the area. Its minimalist design and organic architecture blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings, making it the perfect spot to connect with nature – for just $99 per night.

The dome was constructed using the earth bag technique, where large tube-like bags are filled with earth and stacked on top of one another. It’s completely off-grid, powered by solar and wind energy, and has a natural waste management system. Guests are also provided with biodegradable soap and shampoo. The dome stands as a testament to sustainable living.

 

@epic.stays This #Airbnb in #Mexico is nestled in a jackfruit orchard Dome @ Jackfruit Jungle Paradise @Pink Plankton #mexicotravel #mexicohotel #mexicoairbnb #airbnbfinds ♬ original sound – ryan.

Just as the name suggests, the dome is located on a jackfruit farm. Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, typically weighing between 22 to 55 pounds. The host Michel also runs the farm and offers guests tours to learn more about this amazing, exotic fruit. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat because it’s absolutely delicious!

Photo: Jessica Devnani

The main floor of the dome has a full kitchen equipped with everything you may need. The bedroom upstairs has a skylight through which you can view the stars and sometimes even the moon from the comfort of your bed. With minimal light pollution in the area, the stars out here are absolutely incredible. The bedroom opens up to a beautiful terrace with a small plunge pool. The Airbnb can accommodate up to four guests, with a double bed in the bedroom and a futon on the main floor. There is no phone signal in the area, however the Airbnb is equipped with Starlink, ensuring lightning-fast internet for those needing to work or stay connected to the outside world.

Photo: Jessica Devnani

The Dome @ Jackfruit Jungle Paradise is located less than a two-hour drive from Cancun, in the small town of Solferino. It’s enroute to the popular island of Holbox, making it a great stop to get your jungle fix for a few nights before heading into island life. Whether you’re into sustainable living, bioconstruction, exotic fruits, or simply want to get away from it all, a stay at Airbnb will most definitely leave you with a unique experience.

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You Can Ride This Train on the Tracks Lincoln Rode to Deliver the Gettysburg Address

Pennsylvania’s railroad map is a maze of colorful lines indicating passengers, commuter, freight, and tourist railroads. Among this vast labyrinthine network is one small squiggly orange line in South Central Pennsylvania: The Northern Central Railway of York (NCR).

Map: Pennsylvania Department of TransportationMap: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

While modest-looking at first glance, the NCR, is more impressive and important than most would anticipate. Home to a replica Civil War-era steam locomotive, as well as a 1959 century diesel locomotive, the NCR takes tourists on train rides on the very same tracks that carried Abraham Lincoln twice: to deliver the Gettysburg Address in 1863, and to his final resting place in Springfield, Illinois in 1865.

Despite the significant historical aspects of the Northern Central Railway of York, it’s not all serious stuff. There is a wealth of experiences to be had on board the train, with some rides designed for some adult fun like the Ales on the Rails event; some created with families in mind such as the Ice Cream Express trip; and even some for the outdoors enthusiasts like the Bike Aboard journey.

When was the Northern Central Railway of York created? Is it a historic railway?What is the route of the Northern Central Railway of York?Do all the excursions on board the Northern Central Railway of York focus on history?Does the NCR organize Christmas-themed event?Does the Northern Central Railway of York operate year-round?How can I make sure I book a ride with the steam locomotive, not the diesel one when traveling on board the Northern Central Railway of York?Are there different classes of service on board the Northern Central Railway of York train?Are there bathrooms on the Northern Central Railway of York train?How can I purchase tickets to ride the Northern Central Railway of York?

When was the Northern Central Railway of York created? Is it a historic railway?

While the NCR travels on rail tracks that have been in operation since 1838, the railroad was created in 2013 after years of work by its founders, Bill Simpson and Reed Anderson, two train lovers and Civil War enthusiasts.

The steam locomotive, named the William H. Simpson No. 17, is an exact replica of the locomotive that transported Lincoln to the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of YorkThe diesel locomotive. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

Of the two locomotives used by the railroad, only one is truly historical: the 1959 century diesel locomotive, formerly used by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The steam locomotive, named the William H. Simpson No. 17, is an exact replica of the locomotive that transported Lincoln to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, and was specially built in the early 2010s. The rolling stock, which consists of four passenger cars (formerly freight cars), two mid-century Pullman-style passenger cars nicknamed “The Trail Sister”, a wooden open gondola, and a caboose are all restored cars, however.

What is the route of the Northern Central Railway of York?

The route of the NCR starts in the town of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, and goes through the towns of Railroad, Glen Rock, Hanover Junction, Seven valleys, and goes under the Howard Tunnel (the oldest operating railroad tunnel in the United States) before stopping in Brillhart Station, and Hyde, the terminus.

There is a large variety of rides available, but the three basic trips are:

The Glen Rock Express: a one-hour to Glen Rock and backThe Hanover Junction Flyer: a 2.5-hour trip to Hanover Junction and back that includes a 20-minute stop at the Hanover Junction MuseumThe Howard Tunnel Special: a three-hour trip to the end of the line and back that includes a stop at the Howard Tunnel

Do all the excursions on board the Northern Central Railway of York focus on history?

While most of the rides offered by the railroad have a historical and educational intent, many of them also mix learning with having fun. There are many excursions for families with small children, like the Wild West Express during which the train gets robbed by Jesse James and the Younger Gang reenactors. There are also trips for adults who enjoy alcoholic beverages, such as the Wine & Cheese Express during which passengers enjoy a charcuterie board and five wine tastings. And there are excursions for the more athletic visitors like the Bike Aboard trips which include a train trip followed by 10 or 16-mile bike ride on the historical rail trail.

Take a look at all the calendar of rides and events on the official website to select and book the experience that suits you best.

Does the NCR organize Christmas-themed event?

The Northern Central Railway of York organizes two Christmas-themed events:

The Elves Express, where elves board the train, runs on Thanksgiving weekend.The Santa Express, with Santa on board the train, runs all of December.

Does the Northern Central Railway of York operate year-round?

Yes, the NCR operates throughout the year, although only a few weekends between January and April. From May 1 to the last weekend before Christmas, the NCR operates every weekend and some week days.

How can I make sure I book a ride with the steam locomotive, not the diesel one, when traveling on board the Northern Central Railway of York?

Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

The railroad’s calendar of events, where all the train rides offered by the NCR are listed by dates, allows future visitors to see when the diesel locomotive, as opposed to the steam locomotive, is to be used. You can book your train rides directly from the calendar of events.

Note that, at the time of writing, the steam engine is going through federally required inspections which take 10 months and cost $350,000. The Steam locomotive should be back in service in 2025. The NCR is currently raising funds to cover the cost of the inspection.

Are there different classes of service on board the Northern Central Railway of York train?

Inside one of the passenger cars. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

The NCR train has a total of six passengers cars:

Four formerly freight cars transformed into passenger cars, all of which are fitted with the same seats and priced the same. There is a stove in each car. You can book your desired seat directly from the website after having chosen your preferred train experience.Two mid-century Pullman-style passenger cars: the Pacific Trail car and the Overland Trail, car, which together are nicknamed The Trail Sisters. The Pacific Trail car has a 2-2 seat configuration. The Overland Trail car’s seat layout consists of table seats and single seats, all of which are very plushy and comfortable, and is equipped with a bar. The price is the same no matter the car you opt for. The Trail Sisters are only available for select train experiences.

Are there bathrooms on the Northern Central Railway of York train?

While the Trail Sisters each have a restroom, out of the four regular passenger cars, only only one is equipped with restrooms, the D. Reed Anderson Car.

How can I purchase tickets to ride the Northern Central Railway of York? What are the prices?

You can purchase your tickets online prior to your train excursions. You can pick them up on the day of your train journey at the New Freedom train station.

The cheapest rides start at less than $20 for adult (before taxes and fees), including $15.99 for the Ice Cream Express, $17.76 for 4th of July weekend (Friday-Sunday), and $17.99 for End of Summer Special. The highest-priced ticket is for the adult-only Ales on the Rails and Wine & Cheese Express excursions; they are priced at $99.99 for adults (discounted to $49 for non drinkers) and include five (wine) or 10 (beer) samples along with snacks during a two-to-three-hour train ride.

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Tickets for Joshua Tree’s Stunning Stargazing Festival Sell Out Fast. Here’s Where to Get One

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in the US to go stargazing. Every October, the park hosts a festival celebrating its dark skies. Tickets for the event go on sale today, but you’ll have to move fast to score a pass. This is one of the hottest stargazing festivals in the country.

This year will mark the ninth Night Sky Festival, which will be held from Friday, October 4, to Saturday, October 5. The two-day event, in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, and other local organizations, celebrates the park’s stunning dark skies.

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The festival offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Attendees can enjoy stargazing through telescopes, participate in educational talks, and learn about the importance of preserving dark skies. As a community, Joshua Tree has worked hard to minimize light pollution and preserve the integrity of the night sky.

While the festival is located at Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center (a local observatory equipped with high-powered telescopes), just outside the park’s north entrance, it is a good idea to find lodging in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, or other nearby towns, as this popular event tends to draw a crowd. You can also camp in the park. One of the best spots is Cottonwood but consider Jumbo Rocks if it’s full. All campgrounds require reservations, so again book in advance.

Tickets go on sale today, Monday, July 1, at 8:00 AM PDT.

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Inspire Your Next Road Trip With the Most Wishlisted Airbnb in Each State

Part of the fun of staying with Airbnb is that now and then, you uncover a treasure that could never have been found anywhere else. It’s not always possible to pack up and go the instant you stumble across a cool property, and that’s what Airbnb’s “Wishlist” tool is more. The tool apparently gets quite a lot of use – and has helped to popularize some of the most unique and inspiring vacation homes around. These are 50 of the most wishlisted properties, one in each state, for 2024.

We hope you love the most wishlisted Airbnbs for 2024! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

On the list are legendary properties like the Zion EcoCabin, a Utah retreat that overlooks the national park of the same name, and the Joshua Tree invisible house in California, which looks like an alien ship dropped off a monolith that was then tipped by the wind. Cool surprises include the Lion’s Lair treehouse in Kentucky with its elevated forest-view patio, and the egg-shaped Zome dome house in Kansas. A few beachside properties made the list, but many are tucked away in the hills or out on open country where views abound and space isn’t much of a factor.

Whether you’re planning a road trip or just seeking some architecture-inspired inspiration, these Airbnb properties will take your mind far away from your desk.

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Will Sanitizing Your Luggage Keep You From Getting Sick? A Doctor Weighs In

This summer, as part of a pilot program, JFK Airport’s Terminal 7 is equipped with Clean, a luggage-disinfecting system that uses UV-C light to “eliminate 99.9 percent of viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens from luggage surfaces in seconds,” a press release explains.

The system is a machine that resembles a TSA luggage scanner. When bags go through Clean via a small conveyor belt, they are blasted with a special kind of ultraviolet light that denatures the DNA of the bacterias and viruses that may be present on their surface, effectively killing them.

Clean charges travelers $7 to sanitize one piece of luggage, and $10 for two. Members of some airline loyalty club can use Clean to sanitize two pieces of luggage for free.

Do people actually disinfect their luggage?

For some travelers, a luggage-disinfecting system like Clean is a godsend. A quick look at a November 2023 thread titled “Do you clean your luggage after a trip?” on Rick Steve’s Europe’s travel forum reveals that many travelers do indeed worry about the cleanliness of their baggage.

“After this last trip, I wiped our suitcases (both hard and soft-sided, wheels & handle included) down with anti-bacterial wipes, emptied out and sun-aired them,” explains user CanAMcherie from Washington.

In an email, Arsen Misakyan, frequent traveler and co-founder of LAXcar, reveals to me a similar post-trip routine. “I’ve been disinfecting my luggage after every trip for about 5 years now, a habit I started after COVID-19.” Misakyan uses Clorox disinfecting wipes to clean handles, zippers, and wheels, then sprays the exterior with Lysol disinfectant. Afterwards, he airs out the luggage to ensure it’s dry before storing it. When asked if, given the chance, he would use Clean, despite the price, he responded enthusiastically.

“I think the new luggage disinfecting system at JFK is a fantastic idea, especially at $10 for two pieces of luggage. This cost seems reasonable for the peace of mind it offers. I would definitely pay for this service to ensure a higher level of sanitation than I can achieve manually. It’s convenient and adds an extra layer of hygiene, which is crucial in today’s travel environment.”

Disinfecting your luggage to stay healthy

Clean’s motto on their website is “Don’t get sick, get Clean”, but does disinfecting your bags with Clean, or wipes or sprays, really keep you from getting sick? And does your luggage even need to be sanitized? I asked Dr. Lawrence Loh, a public health physician and adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada.

“UV-C light for the purpose of disinfection has been shown to be effective in controlled experimental settings. However, the World Health Organization and other national health agencies indicate that it should be used as an accessory modality to primary cleaning methods. That’s because real-world results can vary depending on the surface it’s used on, the length of exposure, and the intensity of the light,” he explains.

Not only is luggage extremely varied in its shapes and materials (some are textile, some are plastic, some are leather, some have ridges, some are smooth, etc.) potentially impacting the efficiency of UV-C lights for the intent of sanitizing, but Clean promises a near-perfect result in 15 seconds, which may not actually be enough, Loh says.

But beyond the efficiency of Clean, disinfecting your luggage after a trip is not the best mean of preventing sickness. “In preventing infectious diseases while travelling, I wouldn’t start with luggage. That’s pretty low risk,” Loh says. “Your luggage is mostly handled by you. It’s not a high-touch surface compared to something like say public screens or doorknobs.”

According to Loh, better ways to stay healthy during your travels is first and foremost, to wash your hands with soap regularly. His other recommendations include wearing a mask in crowded areas during respiratory spikes, being up to date with vaccinations, and practising food safety.

Clean VS. Sanitized

One clarification that needs to be made about Clean is that the system may sanitize your luggage, but will not actually remove the dirt and stains from it. If your rolling suitcase was dragged through dirt, dust, or even dog poop, a few seconds under a UV-C light won’t make a difference. You’ll need to get a wet and soapy cloth to take care of it. “The presence of opaque dirt impacts the effectiveness of UV-C light”, Loh explains.

The same goes for bed bugs, a much more realistic threat coming from inside your luggage. UV-C light would not address what’s inside. Neither would external household disinfectant, or soap and water.

In an email conversation, Amber Haggerty, frequent traveler and blogger at VegetarianinParis.com, explains, “I travel often and started using a heated container to sanitize my luggage after the news of Paris’ bedbug woes. I chose the Ranger Bed Bug Heater from Amazon, instead of a chemical sanitizer or insecticide because I believe they’re safer and more reliably able to kill any bedbugs that might be lingering in my luggage.” Haggerty added that is she unlikely to use the luggage-disinfecting system at JFK because it only cleans the surface of the luggage — unless it’s free, in which case she would reconsider.

One golden rule for every traveler is this: no matter if you disinfect your bag (with Clean or something else), wash it with soap and water, or just leave it as is: Don’t. Put. It. On. The. Bed.

“Treat your luggage as a used pair of shoes: don’t put them on the bed or anywhere you want to keep clean,” Loh says.

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Underground (Literally) Experiences in Missouri You Won’t Want to Pass Over

What do weddings, an escape room, and classic American literature have in common? In Missouri, also known as the Cave State, you’ll find the answer underground.

Thanks to its karst-heavy landscape, Missouri is home to a vast network of more than 6,000 caves, both natural and human-made. These subterranean landmarks are natural playgrounds for geology buffs, but all visitors will be fascinated by their limestone and dolomite formations. What’s more, many of the state’s caves hold their own exciting, unexpected claims to fame.

From a tram ride that makes caving both fun and accessible to a superlatively deep cavern hidden below a theme park, here’s why a visit to Missouri isn’t complete until you head below the surface.

Underground tours to remember

Photo: Fantastic Caverns

Start your Missouri caving adventures with something unexpected at Bonne Terre Mine, one of the most impressive human-made caves on Earth. This site was once the world’s largest producer of lead ore. The mine closed in 1962 and has since filled with spring water, creating a massive underground lake you can explore on a guided boat tour. You’ll see the remains of the mine’s top two levels and learn about the site’s history.

Swap the boat for an electric golf cart and zoom along the 2.5-mile Nature Trail to reach Lost Canyon Cave, part of Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve. Admire mesmerizing waterfalls and geological formations, then stop at the cascade-side Bat Bar for a Bat’s Blood (vodka and strawberry peach lemonade) as the watering hole’s namesake mammals fly around. Tickets include access to the nearby Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

To add some fitness to your cave experience, head to Crystal City Underground just south of St. Louis. There, you can paddle on a 150-acre subterranean lake with Marsan Kayak and Canoe Tours. The journey takes about three hours as you float through the abandoned and flooded Pittsburgh Plate Glass silica mine. Along the way, keep an eye out for memorable landmarks such as the Birth Canal, Gilligan’s Island, The Squeeze, The Car Wash, and the largest opening in the mine, Townsend Center.

Across the state in Springfield, Fantastic Caverns was discovered in 1862 when John Knox and his dog came across an ancient underground river. It’s the only cave in North America with a complete ride-through tram. On the 55-minute tour, you’ll traverse the riverbed and pass fascinating rock formations and sinkholes.

One-of-a-kind caving experiences

Photo: Silver Dollar City Company

The entrance to one of the deepest caves in Missouri (500 feet) passes through an 1880s-themed park. Beneath Branson’s Silver Dollar City lies Marvel Cave, a registered National Natural Landmark so enormous a hot-air balloon once floated inside. Guided tours are included in your park admission and run every half hour. To start, you’ll walk through the grand Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance room in the US (look up to admire its 20-foot ceiling). Later, keep an eye out for the 40-foot underground waterfall.

Stark Caverns, near Lake of the Ozarks, has two unique underground offerings: a blacklight tour and an escape room. In the blacklight glow, you’ll watch as kaleidoscopic calcite-rich fluorescent minerals light up the caverns. Be sure to book a full tour to see all the incredible geological formations, including Moonshiner’s Dam and the Wishing Well.

In Missouri, real cave fanatics can hold their nuptials inside a show cave at Bridal Cave, a breathtaking display of nature near Lake of the Ozarks. Ceremonies take place in a dramatic chapel with stalactites serving as a natural wedding arch. Packages start at $795, complete with a Champagne toast and a lifetime cave pass for the newlyweds.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a cave — but without sacrificing comfort — you’re in luck. Caveland, a 15,000-square-foot cave in Festus, is launching soon on Airbnb. Its former skating rink has been reimagined as a three-bed, one-bath rental, positioned in the front of the cave’s chambers.

Another adventure awaits fans of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the Mark Twain Cave Complex. Twain grew up in Hannibal, where the labyrinth-style cave system is located, and visitors will discover a whole new underground world. It’s the oldest operating show cave in Missouri and has been a National Natural Landmark since 1972. It’s said that this cave, originally known as McDowell’s Cave, inspired “McDougal’s Cave” in Twain’s iconic novel — and the renowned author left behind his signature there.

Brews and bites below the surface

The Cave. Photo: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

At the oldest bar in Missouri, you can enjoy a pint 50-plus feet below Earth’s surface. O’Malley’s Pub in Weston operates out of a subterranean limestone brewery cellar (and hosts tours on Saturdays). Be sure to check the pub’s events calendar to catch live music when you visit.

For a chill afternoon, head to Cave Bar and Grill, a seasonal establishment located within a 3,300-square-foot-cave near Camdenton. Dock your boat at the lakefront and go for a swim in the site’s massive pool. This is the largest swimming pool in the south Lake Ozark area and extends into a natural cave. Once inside, dig into a gluten-free “grotto style” catfish po’ boy, fried cheese curds, and a Caesar salad while live music sets the vibe.

There are countless reasons to love Missouri, but the Cave State’s unconventional underground experiences are high on the list. Talk about getting a deeper look at a destination — literally.

KLM’s New Direct Flight Connects Amsterdam to Portland, Oregon

Travelers from the Pacific Northwest will have a new option for reaching Europe this fall with the launch of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ direct service between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

Starting October 27, 2024, KLM will offer a year-round connection between the two cities. KLM’s flight schedule matches seasonal demands. Flights will operate three times a week during the winter months, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. To accommodate the anticipated rise in summer travel, KLM will increase the frequency to five times a week, adding service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This addition expands KLM’s North American network to 21 destinations and offers passengers a direct link between Portland and Amsterdam and the opportunity to connect seamlessly to KLM’s extensive European network and destinations beyond. The service will run on the Boeing 787-Dreamliner aircraft.

If you are considering booking a trip to the Netherlands’ capital, fall is a beautiful season to visit. Not only are there fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations, but it’s also visually stunning. Amsterdam is one of the leafiest cities in Europe, and come fall, the cobbled streets and canals are lined with golden trees. The cultural calendar is also packed with events, such as the five-day rave, Amsterdam Dance Event, and the annual Amsterdam Light Festival.

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I’m a LGBTQIA+ and Autistic Solo Traveler. Here’s What It’s Like.

Many peer-reviewed and widely accepted studies have shown that autistic individuals are far more likely to identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community as compared to non-autistic individuals. And some researchers estimate that up to 35 percent of people with autism fall into that category. That’s more than four times the generally accepted estimates of overall LGBTQIA+ self-identification within the greater population, which is currently about seven percent of people in the US.

Why there is such an overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identification is enough to warrant its own lengthy article, but I’m a mere drop in the autistic ocean in this case, as I belong to both communities. I also happen to be a frequent solo traveler who works in the tourism industry.

 

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Both are intrinsic parts of my complete identity and impossible to separate, and have led me on a personal journey to rationalize and compartmentalize both when it comes to planning travel. Both autism and sexual orientation are invisible at first glance to those around you, but may soon become apparent as someone gets to know you.

Being autistic means that there is a hefty amount to consider in terms of travel pre-planning and organization to ensure everything you’re considering booking will match your needs, or at least be able to accommodate you in some form or another. There’s also a lot to keep in mind while traveling itself. Minimizing triggers, balancing social and alone time to avoid burnout, and avoiding certain places that might cause overstimulation are all critical parts of planning a travel itinerary. That may mean visiting certain attractions at off times or buying tickets in advance to avoid long lines and crowded areas. It can be exhausting just to think about, but these are essential skills I’ve had to learn to perfectly balance to get the most out of my trips without being mentally fatigued by the end of them.

Being queer while traveling also takes a lot of pre-planning. But it’s a different kind of planning from being autistic, as it can require a significant amount of extra caution, depending on where you’re planning on visiting.

Some countries are friendlier to non-traditional couples than others. Photo: Luna Vandoorne/Shutterstock

While the impact you’ll feel from discriminatory laws, customs, and practices in various countries depends on where exactly you fit into the LGBTQIA+ community, those laws are often symbolic of wider societal issues regarding prejudice and bigotry. Some countries have even criminalized the act of being gay, punishing people for being themselves (in some cases, with death). So there’s a huge need to think carefully about your personal safety while traveling. Asking a trusted friend from a destination you’re thinking of visiting or conducting your own thorough online research is perhaps the best way to cast away any doubts or concerns you may have when considering a particular travel destination.

With that in mind, I daresay that traveling with my disability feels easier than traveling with my sexuality. While being autistic does open up a lot more vulnerabilities and room for a margin of error, I have never felt like it explicitly stood in the way of my travels. It’s not something I feel the need to tell everyone I meet, but is also not something I feel the need to hide from anyone, either.

Additionally, while masking (trying to minimize autistic behavior) is an important facet of most autistic people’s lives, I find myself using it much less during my adventures. Being a tourist abroad seems to come with the perk of others often lowering their expectations that you’ll conform to their local social standards. It’s especially true when traveling to destinations that don’t speak the same language you do.

In some countries, being alone and keeping to oneself fits in more with the local culture. Photo: David CJ/Shutterstock

Similarly, there are times when you’ll encounter cultures that embrace or welcome certain autistic traits that may be seen as a social deficit in your own country. For example, upon moving to Japan, certain aspects of the culture were harder to adapt to, but many fit in perfectly with my own unique set of autistic traits, like being reserved and keeping to myself in public settings.

Being a person with autism often comes up in conversations when I’m meeting new people abroad, as it is now the main focus of my work and travels. Sometimes, I’m met with ableist remarks, but in the majority of cases, that’s from a place of ignorance rather than intolerance. And because of that, I’m more than happy to correct and educate those people, as I do feel that misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding autism (and, more generally, neurodivergence) are still rife in societies across the world.

However, being part of the LGBTQIA+ community makes me think more acutely about the dangers I could put myself in by being too open with others. There’s never been a single instance I can think of where disclosing my disability during a trip may have put me in danger, but the same can’t be said for disclosing my sexuality. In fact, if you do want to travel to many of the amazingly beautiful places the world has to offer that are less tolerant, it’s usually wiser to keep quiet regarding it.

 

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Many queer individuals simply choose not to visit those destinations because of that, and their sentiments are completely valid. Still, others do visit, but remain quiet on private matters. I find myself usually taking the middle ground, and think adapting based on the location is the best approach. That said, there are plenty of places I would not currently consider visiting due to safety concerns, not always exclusively related to LGBTQIA+ issues.

I’ve found that it’s important to get a feel for the people you’re with before deciding whether to open up, even in the safest of countries for LGBTQIA+ travelers that seem welcoming. In general, backpacking and staying in hostels generally alleviates my unease, and I’ve found hostel-goers to be a welcoming community generally open to different walks of life. Naturally, there will always be exceptions, but knowing that intolerant people are in the minority can be heartwarming.

This writer has found hostels to attract generally accepting travelers. Photo: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Traveling as someone who belongs to a minority group always presents its own unique sets of challenges, and when you belong to two or more, it can seem like the challenges are twofold. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Traveling while autistic and gay creates one complex issue, with a lot to consider from various angles that can change depending on each trip. Some aspects provide no direct obstacles, and some may even work in your favor, as I noticed in Japan.

Traveling can teach us about the world, but can also be our chance to teach others about meeting people from different backgrounds. Opening myself up to travel, to new people, and to new experiences has not only helped me work on my own personal development, but also helps foster the space to build a much more inclusive and welcoming world than what we have today.

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This Website Will Reimburse You if Your Camping Trip Gets Rained Out

There’s a saying in the outdoor world that “There’s no bad weather, only bad gear.” But even if that’s true, being sheltered inside a tent instead of hiking because of a non-stop downpour of rain isn’t exactly a fun way to spend a weekend.

Unfortunately, with how hard it can be to get campground reservations, you’ll probably have to make plans for your camping trip way before you have any idea what the weather will be. But popular campground booking website Hipcamp just introduced a new optional feature that could help travelers feel better about making camping plans months in advance: a “weather guarantee.”

The Hipcamp weather guarantee was announced in June 2024 and is an optional add-on to bookings. Interestingly, if you add on the Hipcamp weather guarantee, you’ll be automatically reimbursed for the cost of your trip if SensibleWeather.com shows rain in your destination, even if you still go on the trip. So it doesn’t cancel your trip, meaning you’ll get reimbursed if you go. SensibleWeather.com uses NOAA forecasting on a day-by-day basis, so you only get reimbursed for the days it actually rains. Unlike with a cancellation, the money returned to bookers comes from Hipcamp, not the campground hosts. So property owners don’t get penalized with the new policy.

 

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The exact amount travelers will be reimbursed for rain guarantees varies based on the cost and length of the stay, as does the actual cost to buy the policy. The cost and details will be shown during the booking process, at which point campers can choose to add the weather guarantee to their bookings, or continue without it.

An appealing aspect for travelers may be that there’s absolutely no paperwork required to activate the policy. “The Weather Guarantee is an optional purchase during online booking that proactively reimburses up to 100% of the total trip cost if rain is forecast during their stay,” reads the announcement. “Reimbursements are made automatically, with no claims required.”

The rain camping guarantee is only available if you book via Hipcamp

Hipcamp represents stays on private land only, not state or federally owned campgrounds. Photo: AnikonaAnn/Shutterstock

Hipcamp is an online platform akin to an Airbnb for camping, allowing campers to discover and book unique campsites on private land. This means you can find glamping sites, RV spaces, cabins, tiny houses, domes, and yurts, alongside traditional tent campsites, all offered by individual landowners. Like Airbnb, Hipcamp listings have real-time availability and user reviews to streamline your trip planning.

Some campgrounds are available on Hipcamp as well as other booking sites, but you won’t find state or national park campgrounds listed on the website. So if you’re concerned about rain, you may have to choose between staying at your favorite public campground, or finding a private option nearby via Hipcamp.

How to make camping in the rain more fun

One of the more interesting parts of the weather guarantee is that you don’t have to cancel your trip. Even if you go, you get reimbursed. But camping in the rain can be miserable if you end up cold and wet instead of dry and cozy. As the saying goes, the best way to prepare for camping in the rain is to have the right gear.

Have a weather-ready tent

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If you’re camping in the rain, you may want to skip the ultralight summer tent and bring a heavier four-season tent made for snow and wind. You’ll want to make sure that tent has good ventilation, as warm bodies inside combined with cold and moisture outside can lead to condensation (a.k.a. water) inside your tent if you don’t have plenty of airflow. If you use a tent that has a separate rainfly, make sure the tent vestibule has a bathtub-style bottom so no rain comes in through the sides. Using a tent footprint or tarp under the tent can also protect the bottom of the tent from potential leakage and mud.

A good option is the Abisko Dome tent from Fjällräven, a brand that makes gear for camping in northern Sweden (where it’s cold and wet). Smartly, the Abisko Dome tent has the fly/tent cover attached to the actual tent, so the inside doesn’t get soaked if you have to set it up in the rain. But it’s pricey, at $900 for a two-person. A more budget-friendly pick is the Nemo Aurora Highrise, which has an extra-tall vestibule (helpful if you’re spending more time inside the tent than planned) and an internal hanging pocket that turns your headlamp into an overhead light. It’s priced around $399.

You can also look at gear websites like REI’s Used Gear page (for REI Coop members only) or GearTrade to pick up a used waterproof tent at a lower price.

Pack more clothing

This may not work for backpackers, but car campers should pack extra clothing if there’s a chance of rain in the forecast. Hiking a few miles in the rain with wet socks and a soaked t-shirt isn’t as much of a problem if you know you have dry replacements waiting for you back at camp. You may also want to bring a towel to help your soaked clothes dry quicker. Just lay the towel out, lay your wet clothing on top of it, and roll your wet clothing up in the towel like a burrito. Then, twist the towel/clothing tube as much as you can to wring out excess water. If you don’t have anywhere to hang your clothing after that, you can put it over the headrest of your car seats and leave a window cracked to encourage airflow.

An extra pair of hiking shoes may also be a good idea, even if you have waterproof hiking boots.

Have a back-up hiking plan

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Even if your rain jacket is keeping you dry, hiking in the rain is usually not as fun as hiking in good weather. So rather than doing one long hike, consider piecing together a few shorter hikes so you can get back to your campsite quicker in case of rain. You could also swap hiking for other outdoor activities that don’t involve going quite the same distance, like practicing outdoor photography, painting or drawing in nature, plant and flower identification, or practicing backcountry camping skills. Of course, camping in the rain doesn’t mean you have to stay outside all day, and you can always find an indoor activity to fill your time instead.

AllTrails can be a great resource for finding alternate nearby trails, and phone apps like PlantSnap, Merlin Bird ID, and Rock Identifier can help create fun on the trails without having to stray too far.

Hang out in a sheltered area away from camp

Most campground areas have shared facilities, which means you don’t need to stay in your assigned tent area. If you’re at a campground with trees or other protected areas, carry a lightweight camping chair, bring a poncho, and set up shop in a sheltered area while the rain pours. A book or e-reader won’t add much bulk to your bag, and relaxing with a good book as the rain falls around you can be peaceful and romantic — at least for an hour or so.

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