Matador Network's Blog, page 154
May 31, 2024
Visiting the Best Place to See Whales Year-Round Is a Great Way to Help Them Thrive
In October of 2023, the Santa Barbara Channel was officially recognized as the second Whale Heritage Area in the United States. The region received the accolade in response to local efforts led by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, and local leaders including biologists and business owners to showcase conservation and education efforts supporting a thriving ecosystem for cetaceans in this beautiful stretch of southern California. The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area is the best place in the world to see whales year-round, and doing so helps to protect their environment for the future.
The Whale Heritage Areas effort was started by the World Cetacean Alliance, a UK-based non-profit under the guidance of Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacque Cousteau. Whale Heritage Areas are a flagship effort of the WCA. and seek to promote environmental restoration and maritime conservation in habitats and feeding grounds along whale migration routes. For Santa Barbara, the designation is a marker of success for local conservation efforts.
How the Santa Barbara Channel became a Whale Heritage Area
Photo: Vikki Hunt/Shutterstock
“When I started working out here in the ‘90s, we didn’t see a lot of whales,” Holly Lohuis, a Santa Barbara-based marine biologist and educator with the Ocean Futures Society, told Matador.
The decline was a result of industrial whaling and habitat degradation.
“There’s a great conservation success since then of bringing these animals back from the brink of extinction,” Lohuis says.
Those efforts were led by the maritime museum, local conservationists and business owners who worked to enact conservation statuses in and around the channel, including 13 Marine Protected Areas enacted between 2003 and 2007. Smaller efforts continued to take place over the ensuing years, until Lohuis and other local conservationists began working with Cousteau and his organization.
A steering committee was formed in 2021 to begin the application process to have the Santa Barbara Channel designated as a Whale Heritage Area. To meet the requirements, the committee had to show how the destination follows four major pillars – responsible tourism, conservation initiatives already in place to protect marine mammals, community education, and cultural components that demonstrate how the area will engage the community in ocean conservation efforts well into the future.
Santa Barbara’s designation follows that of Dana Point south of Los Angeles, making it the second in the US. Lohuis, alongside Hiroko Bensko, owner of the Condor Express whale watching tour operator, and Greg Gorga, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, led the effort to secure the accreditation.
“We were able to get candidate site status pretty quickly,” Lohuis says. “Then it was about a year and a half or so of building the elements to show that we meet that criteria. Whales are these iconic species, and we can use these stories of hope to engage the general public and tourists on what are some of the environmental issues that face us today, including how we can we be a collective voice to protect wild places such as the Santa Barbara Channel.”
How to see whales in the Santa Barbara Channel
Photo: HannaTor/Shutterstock
For travelers, becoming part of that voice involves visiting Santa Barbara and supporting the businesses and organizations that helped bring the whales back to their natural habitat in the waters separating mainland California from the Channel Islands.
Lohuis notes that the best way to see whales in the Santa Barbara Channel is to sign up for a boat tour with a local whale watching tour operator. Condor Express offers such expeditions year round, with daily 4.5-hour excursions costing $125 per person. Special events, party cruises, and private charters are also available. Santa Barbara Whale Watch and Santa Barbara Sailing Center offer similar options.
While tours are available daily, you’ll have the opportunity to see different types of whales depending on the season in which you visit. February to early April is best for California Grey Whales. May to September is the time for Blue Whales, Minke Whales, and Humpback Whales. Orcas occasionally make appearances during this time of year, as do Right Whales. Tours generally include a “whale sighting guarantee” that provides a credit for a future cruise in the unlikely instance that none are seen on your tour.
Passenger ships shuttling visitors to Channel Island National Park often see whales en route, so if you’re heading to the park keep eyes peeled on the way there and on the way back.
How to further support the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area
Photo: Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock
By visiting and taking a whale watching tour, you are doing your part to support marine mammal conservation in the area.
“The whole goal of a network of marine protected areas is to engage tourists to go to locations with responsible tourism,” Lohuis says. “That has been the heart of our whale watching history in Santa Barbara for decades. Visitors are instrumental in supporting the businesses that are doing their best to mitigate any potential impact on wildlife here.”
Another local program supporting whales in the Santa Barbara Channel is the Blue Whales Blue Skies Initiative. This program encourages container ships to slow down when moving through the channel, giving whales the chance to get out of the way should they happen to be in the path of the shipping route.
“One of the biggest threats facing whales around the world is being run over by these large container ships,” Lohuis says. “We’re literally urbanizing our oceans, turning them into these busy freeways of fast, loud, air-polluting ships. The Blue Whales Blue Skies Initiative was spearheaded by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary that surrounds the Channel Islands National Park. When the ships reduce their speed to 10 knots or less, whales have shown that they have enough time to get out of the way.”
You can support the effort by shopping with retailers and brands that ship with member shipping companies and, if you live in southern California, by asking shippers calling on local ports to sign up for the program.
Stopping into the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and supporting is efforts financially is also a great way to support the whales. Lastly, following Leave No Trace principles, minimizing waste, and ensuring it reaches proper disposal bins is essential to a healthy ocean habitat. 
A Visit to Penticton, BC, Can Be Nearly Fuel-Free. Here’s How to Plan (and Enjoy) a Sustainable Trip.
There are few cares floating with you down the Penticton Channel on a cloudless day in British Columbia’s sunny interior. If you get hot, jump off your floatie into the refreshing water that surrounds you. If you bump into a unicorn inflatable just downstream, well, floatie meet-and-greets are part of the fun during this classic summer activity in Penticton.
When you’re done relaxing on the waterway that connects Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, a colorful Coyote Cruises bus waits to drive you back to the other side of Penticton. This is just one way the small carbon-neutral city strives to decrease the use of fossil fuels. Better yet, Penticton’s compact downtown is so walkable that it’s a cinch to park your car on arrival and get around on foot, by bicycle, or atop a paddleboard or kayak to make your vacation fuel-free…almost.
Penticton’s green ethos extends to its restaurants and wineries, too: farm-to-table food, sustainably produced wines, and breweries that grow their own barley are local phenomena, along with weekly markets where you can buy directly from growers. With fewer crowds than other summer holiday destinations and activities that encourage you to stay in the moment, Penticton embodies slow travel. Here’s how to embrace it on your trip.
Lace up your walking shoes
Photo: Kiwanis Walking Pier/Visit Penticton
As soon as you arrive in Penticton, park your car and tuck the keys away — you can walk or cycle to most places around town. Choose a popular walking path, such as the Kiwanis Walking Pier or the Okanagan Lake promenade that parallels Okanagan Beach from Rotary Park to the S.S. Sicamous Museum, and enjoy the stops along the way. Want to zip around a little quicker? Rent a zero-emission e-scooter from Sparrow Scooters, with various locations to pick up and drop off around town.
Pay a visit to the Penticton Art Gallery to admire local and Indigenous art, or stop by the Cherry on Top Shake Shop (located right across from the beach and in the same location as Lickity Splitz ice cream shop) to enjoy a decadent ice cream “crazy shake.” If it’s Saturday, don’t miss the weekly Penticton Farmers’ Market and Downtown Penticton Community Market on Main Street, where you can buy locally crafted souvenirs like artisan soaps or condiments made from rescued fruit.
Pedal around Penticton
Photo: Max Power/Penticton E-Kruise
Wedged between two lakes, Penticton’s flat geography makes it easy to get around on two wheels instead of four. Bring your own bike or rent an e-bike from Penticton E-Kruise, Pedego Penticton, or Penticton Bike Rentals, then cycle to restaurants, wineries, or between beaches on the Penticton Channel pathway that connects Okanagan Lake Beach with Skaha Lake Beach. If you’re bringing your own bike, you can get a tune-up at The Bike Barn, or stop at one of its free bike repair stations around the city if you need a fix along your ride.
Another trail to try is the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, a decommissioned railway line that starts at either edge of town and travels north toward Naramata and south to Okanagan Falls. Along the Naramata Bench, you’ll be tempted to pull in at wineries for tastings or explore Little Tunnel, a popular day-trip destination. Give in to those temptations! South of town, the KVR will charm you with secluded beaches along the shore of Skaha Lake, an impressive trestle bridge in Okanagan Falls, and a well-deserved cone from the original Tickleberry’s location, a local-favourite ice cream shop.
It takes more effort to get to Penticton’s mountain biking networks using your own pedal power, but with an e-mountain bike rental from Freedom The Bike Shop, you should be able to cruise up to Campbell Mountain or Three Blind Mice and still have enough energy for a moderate climb. The reward? A fast and flowy descent.
Sip whites or reds that are also green
Photo: Elephant Island Winery/Aikins Loop
Earth-friendly wine touring in and around Penticton might mean letting someone else drive your group to cut back on emissions. Choose a company like Farm to Glass Wine Tours, whose Tesla ferries oenophiles around, then level up the outing with lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant like the one at Naramata Inn. To go completely fuel-free, opt for an organised or self-guided tour where you cycle or stroll between vineyards — Hoodoo Adventure Company and Epic Cycling are two fantastic options for guided e-bike excursions.
Rather get your steps in for the day? Check out the new Aikins Loop Wine & Spirits Cooperative to walk between four wineries close to Naramata. Make your tastings even greener by picking sustainable wineries that practice regenerative agriculture, such as Tightrope Winery, Little Engine Wines, and Hillside Winery.
Get your float (or paddle) on
Photo: Visit Penticton
While in Penticton, be sure to partake in the city’s most beloved summer pastime by floating the seven-kilometre Penticton Channel between lakes. Rent single or double tubes — or inflatable “party islands” that hold up to 12 passengers if you’re travelling with family or a big group of friends — from Coyote Cruises. Opt for the company’s tube and bus combo, which includes group transportation back to the starting point to make the day more carbon-friendly.
If you’d rather be active on the water, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at numerous spots around town, including Pier Water Sports and both Penticton Boat Rentals marina locations, as well as their new rental location at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. You could also cycle over to Skaha Marina to rent a watercraft, or pedal up to Naramata along the KVR for a rental (or lesson) from Sun N’ Sup, one of the region’s original paddleboard shops.
Fuel your body with local, seasonal food
Photo: The Bench Market/Visit Penticton
Though vineyards now outnumber orchards on the hillsides around town, local farms still grow a huge variety of veggies, fruits, and herbs. This has given rise to a strong farm-to-table movement in Penticton. Walk or cycle to spots that practice sustainability by sourcing ingredients from area producers, such as The Restaurant at Poplar Grove, or fill your picnic basket with goodies from The Bench Market, which stocks local, seasonal ingredients.
To get a little more hands on, hit up a u-pick like Keenan’s in Kaleden (a 45-minute bike ride from town) in early July to pluck the freshest cherries. Round out your haul with juicy peaches and apricots from fruit stands like the Upper Bench Fruit Farm above town. After all that walking, riding, paddling, and picking, rehydrate at Tin Whistle, a carbon-neutral brewery. You’ve earned it.
These are just a few ideas for a “fuel-free…almost” vacation in Penticton. The city also has a number of charging stations for travellers with EVs, plus other outdoor activities (think rock climbing or horseback riding) that are as fun for you as they are easy on the environment. Hurry up and start planning your visit to Penticton — then give slow, sustainable travel a go when you get there.
May 30, 2024
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, $125 Gets You a Taste of the Cowboy Lifestyle
Some people dream of spending summer and fall vacations in tropical locations, lounging under palm trees or snorkeling in tropical oceans. But if you’d rather learn to Texas Two-Step, kick your cowboy boots up at a bonfire, or mosey up to a local waterin’ hole, there may be a better destination in mind for you: Cheyenne, Wyoming. And if you’ve got $125, you can live like a cowboy in the famous Wild West town.
Visit Cheyenne describes the new “Saddle Up” pass as a “crash course on cowboying,” and what you need to go from “yellow-belly to yee-haw” in the town famous for hosting the world’s largest outdoor rodeo every July. The pass bundles some of the famous sights, attractions, and restaurants focused on cowboy culture, Wild West history, and the current-day free spirit of the town. The pass is good for seven consecutive days, so travelers doing a weeklong trip will be covered the entire time.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, leans into its cowboy history. Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
Saddle Up pass holders get access to some of the best cowboy experiences in Wyoming, including a horseback ride and lasso lesson at the Terry Bison Ranch (dating to the late 1800s) and a Wild West Trolley Tour through downtown Cheyenne. Also included are cheesy-but-always-fun old-timey photos, and discounts on everything from cowboy boots to boot buckles to custom cowboy hats, which can run several hundred dollars. There are also three museums included:
The Cheyenne Depot Museum, focused on the city’s rail historyThe Old West Museum, focused on the country’s Wild West history and cultureThe Nelson Museum of the West, focused on Native American and cowboy history, as well as natural history and western artFood and drink deals are also part of the pass, including buy one, get one drinks at the Outlaw Saloon (with dance classes every Thursday night) and discounts at the Bunkhouse Bar and Saloon.
Photo: Jamilya Khalilulina/Shutterstock
While dressing like a cowboy and learning to swing a lasso won’t quite put you in the same category as Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok or Doc Holliday, both of whom were known to live in Cheyenne, it is good practice for a greater cowboy adventure in the western US. Cheyenne Frontier Days, the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, is held every July in Cheyenne. This year, it’s July 19-28.
The hugely popular mega-festival includes 10 days of rodeo events, huge concerts, multiple parades, a sprawling carnival with live Wild West demonstrations and shows, an impressive Native American craft market, and even a pop-up town called “Frontier Town” with everything from visual artists to character reenactments. In 2024, concert artists ranging from T. Pain and Ludacris to Jason Aldean to Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, and Machine Gun Kelly will be taking the stage on festival evenings.
Tickets for various events and shows start around $20 and are available online, as are package deals for visitors who want to attend multiple days of the festival. And if you used your Saddle Up pass to buy cowboy boots, you’ll be in good company: the festival attracts more than half a million people each year, and dressing like a true Cheyenne cowboy is very much encouraged.
Photo: Maureen Kirk/Shutterstock
But you don’t need to visit Cheyenne to experience a taste of the Wild West. Throughout the US, there are multiple places to see wild horses roam America’s plains. (While most are in the western US, there’s a huge herd living on islands in Maryland and Virginia.) And if your favorite part of western culture is the connection between people and horses, you may want to take an equine therapy vacation. You’ll find retreats across the country, ranging from those focused on overcoming emotional issues to clinics more focused on meditation and goal setting.
If you like your cowboy culture paired with massages and farm-to-table cuisine, you’re in luck, as high-end ranches are on the rise. Sprawling (and luxurious) Alisal Ranch in central California mixes Santa Barbara’s wine country charms with long-distance trail rides and horsemanship skills. And in Hawai’i, you can visit multiple ranches on the Big island, learning about the state’s little-known cowboy and ranching history. Arizona’s DD Gamble Guest Lodge and Ranch has 2,000 acres of cowboy-ready wilderness at a slightly more affordable price point, as does the state’s Rancho de los Caballeros, where cowboy- and outdoor-themed lodging packages start around $215 per night.
New Airline Awards Show What Planes of the Future May Look Like
Going on right now in Germany is an airline trade show called the “Aircraft Interiors Expo.” And while that may not sound exciting, it is if you like travel and flying, as the biggest brands in the world are showing off their designs for planes of the future. One of the biggest parts of the show is the “Crystal Cabin Awards,” recognizing the best designs proposed in the world of air travel — and 2024’s winners were just announced.
Winner: BermudAir
1. Cabin Concepts
Winner: BermudAir Aisle Class SuiteThe Cabin Concepts category was won by the BermudAir Aisle Class Suite, created by Factory Design in cooperation with BermudAir. It is a startup operating Embraer E175s. (4/17) pic.twitter.com/NqdFzza4fn
— Simple Flying (@simple_flying) May 30, 2024
Small-ish airline BermudAir (based in Hamilton, Bermuda) took the top spot in the “Cabin Concepts” category. Its design removes economy seating to make way for roomier business class seats for flights between Bermuda and the US, offering each passenger roomy seats, a privacy screen, and a large tabletop space. It also scored points for its use of repurposed materials and ability to be assembled (and disassembled) in more eco-friendly, reusable ways.
Nominee: Airbus
Photo: Airbus
A noteworthy runner up were the rethought interior cabins from Airbus. The conceptual look and feel of the passenger space includes recycled fabrics, larger windows, and natural lighting. It was introduced in a promotional video you can watch here, which shows a future-looking cabin with nighttime ambient lighting, larger overhead storage bins, and personal dividers between seats — but no word on whether it’s an actual design in the works, or just a backdrop for the video. The video also touts the manufacturer’s commitment to more sustainable air travel, mentioning initiatives to reduce food waste, reduce its carbon footprint, and optimize on-plane energy consumption.
Nominee: Japan Airlines
Photo: Japan Airlines
JAL (Japan Airlines) also introduced a host of new design concepts for all classes of seat. Its designs for new business-class cabins were nominated in the “Cabin Concepts” category and praised for their blend of modern and traditional Japanese designs. The first-class cabins are private rooms with seats that can be configured as couches or beds, along with clothing storage space, large TV screens, and surround-sound audio built into the headrests.
The concepts for business class show smaller but still luxurious suites with doors, and the same built-in audio as first class. Turning the chair into a couch isn’t an option, but travelers in the smaller suites can still switch to lay-flat mode to catch some Z’s during flights. Economy class passengers don’t get too many perks in the new concepts, but it does mention a cool concept for all classes: the ability to access inflight entertainment in advance to make a playlist, so you’re ready to relax the moment you step on board.
Winner: Qantas Airways
A conceptualized image of the Qantas “Wellness Zones” for long-haul flights. Photo: Qantas Airlines/Diehl Aviation
In the category for “Passenger Comfort,” Qantas Airways won for its concept of a “Wellness Zone” to be installed on long-haul flights between Sydney and London or Sydney and NYC. The area is accessible to all passengers regardless of seating class, with a snack and drink station, as well as space for stretching and movement, paired with guided video wellness exercises. It would also have lighting designed to help people adjust to new time zones. It was introduced in 2023, but won’t go into production until 2026 at the earliest (if it happens at all).
Nominee: Collins Aerospace/PanasonicView this post on Instagram
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If you’re lucky enough to fly in a premium-class cabin in the future, you may get to experience the new MAYA business-class concept. It’s a collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics and described as “immersive.” There’s a 45-inch LED screen controlled by passengers’ personal devices, as well as the integration of “Arise” technology, which monitors passengers’ movement to automatically adjust the seat position and cushion pressure. The hope is that passengers will be disturbed far less by temperature changes or airplane movement, allowing them to get better sleep in the air. It was also a finalist in the category of “Passenger Comfort.”
Nominee: Boeing/Virginia Tech
Photo: Virginia Tech/Susan Sale
Boeing debuted a new concept for passengers in wheelchairs, created in partnership with a team of students from Virginia Tech and Collins Aerospace. The concept allows wheelchair users to stay in their chairs during flights, rather than having to move to an airline seat. It works by folding up a row of three seats and pushing the wheelchair into a locking system to hold the chair in place. “Existing airplane seats don’t include the harnesses and other [safety] gear that may be essential for passengers who use wheelchairs,” reads the release from Virginia Tech, “so another traveler must be there to hold the passenger’s body up during take-off, turbulence, and landing.”
Delta’s New Direct Flights Are Making International Travel From the US Easier This Summer
Delta is celebrating the start of summer with new and reinstated direct flights to various international destinations from the US. As of this month, travelers across the nation can reach European coastal hotspots such as Nice in the South of France and historic capitals like Prague, Czech Republic.
This summer, Delta is stepping up its game with increased flight frequency. Delta currently offers 1,770 weekly flights to 80 international airports — a significant six percent increase from last year. Highlights include a four-times-a-week nonstop flight from Atlanta to Zurich, the new route from JFK to Munich, and the new daily service from Minneapolis to Dublin.
This is Delta’s “largest international schedule to date in operation,” says the airline. The new routes mirror customers’ most-searched destinations. Delta’s 2024 annual list of sought after flights reflects a strong desire for international travel to cities such as perennial favorites London, Athens, Paris, and Rome.
The airline is rolling out other changes to make summer travel easier this year. SkyMiles passengers departing from Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, LaGuardia, and New York-JFK can now hold a Delta Digital ID, which will help speed up the security wait. And there’s a new numbered system to streamline the boarding process, as well as improvements to the Fly Delta app.
Delta’s new and reinstated summer international flights Atlanta Edinburgh, ScotlandNice, FranceZurich, SwitzerlandBostonEdinburgh, ScotlandDetroitReykjavik, IcelandRome, ItalyMinneapolisDublin, Ireland Syracuse, Sicily Reykjavik, IcelandNew York (JFK) Berlin, Germany Prague, Czech RepublicNaples, Italy Shannon, Republic of Ireland Tel Aviv, IsraelSeattle Taipei, TaiwanMore like thisTravelWashington DC’s Newest Direct Flight Makes Travel to This Famous Desert Winter Escape Easy
May 29, 2024
This Packable, 3-Piece Jacket Kit Keeps You Warm Without Taking Up Luggage Space
I don’t consider myself an ultralight traveler, but like most people, I prefer a lighter bag over a heavier one. But I get cold easily, so when I’m outdoors, my backpack is often weighed down with extra bulky layers. It’s especially noticeable when traveling, as carrying an extra outdoor jacket can easily fill half a carry-on.
That was the big draw for me for testing the Eddie Bauer “Super Sevens” Kit. It’s a three-piece set — a rain jacket, a wind jacket, and a fleece hoodie — supposedly able to keep you warm and dry in a huge range of temperatures and conditions. Equally important is its packability, as all three items are extremely thin and pack into their own pockets. The three items make seven different combos, hence the name “Super Sevens.”
When I got my hands on the kit, I was suspicious at first as all the items are extremely thin, and with no insulation, seemed like they wouldn’t do much to keep me warm. I spent a good two months testing each piece, and while I don’t think the set will replace my insulated winter jackets or puffy vests, they did keep me much warmer than I expected — especially since I’m used to pulling out my down jacket if the temperature gets below 55 degrees F.
Left to right: The packed hoodie, rain jacket, and wind jacket. Each can actually compress to about half its size if smushed. Hat for comparison. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Together, the three pieces I tested weigh less than one pound. And when I packed them down tightly, I was able to fit into a stuff sack roughly as small as a Nalgene — impressive, for three layers. If you wear them together, put the rain jacket on the outside, followed by the wind jacket, followed by the sweater. But realistically, you’ll most likely wear either the rain jacket or the wind jacket over the fleece sweater, not all three at once.
All three pieces are part of the brand’s “First Ascent” line, representing the most technical, outdoor-ready pieces from the brand. While Eddie Bauer makes plenty of clothing for just lounging and everyday use, the Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Kit was created and tested by pro athletes, so it’s really targeted at that serious outdoor adventurer clientele.
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Here’s my take on the Super Sevens Kit, as an outdoorsy person who lives in the mountains, including which pieces are (and maybe aren’t) worth your money.
We hope you love the gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Item one: Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Rain Jacket
It’s pretty big shower when an iPhone camera can capture individual raindrops falling on you. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Available sizes: S-XXLTester info: Tester is 5’7″ and normally wears a women’s smallSize tested: MPrice: $129+This jacket is legit the best. I have several rain jackets (including a Patagonia one that I really like), but none are anywhere near as light or thin as the Super Sevens Rain Jacket. But despite being thin, the waterproof protection is legit, rated to 20K (the highest level of waterproofing available on consumer products). I got absolutely drenched while wearing it around Cape Town, South Africa, and while the travelers I was with were struggling with umbrellas and ponchos, I just pulled up the hood and went on with the day. The water beaded up so well on the outer fabric that all I had to do was occasionally jump around a bit to knock off some moisture.
Rain beading off the sleeves, rather than soaking in. Photo: Suzie Dundas
The Super Seven Rain Jacket is a nice lightweight layer when it's just a smidge too breezy for a t-shirt alone. Photo: Suzie Dundas
It packs into one of its own pockets, but can actually smush to about half this size. Photo: Suzie DundasBecause it’s so thin, the Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Rain Jacket doesn’t add a lot of warmth. It adds some, since the waterproof fabric isn’t super breathable, so it traps your body heat a bit. That means the key to effectively using this layer is to always have it handy — it’s not going to keep you warm if you put it on after you’ve already gotten poured on. Fortunately, it folds up so extremely small that it’s quite easy to just leave in your outdoor pack. If you smush it, it packs up almost as small as a soda can.
Unfortunately, I got the wrong size. It says it has an “athletic” fit (the brand’s snuggest cut), so I sized up from my usual size, ordering a medium instead of a small. I’d say the sizing doesn’t feel very slim at all, so it definitely billows out around my shoulders and torso a bit. My conclusion is that Eddie Bauer tops just run a little big, so even if you don’t like slim fit items, I’d stick with your usual size. The baggy fit won’t stop me from continuing to wear it.
Pros: Very waterproof, very packable, big pockets, adjustable hood
Cons: Durability remains TBD, sizing runs a little big
Item two: Super Sevens Wind Jacket
The Eddie Bauer Super Sevens wind jacket — a bit billowy, but very effective at blocking wind. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Available sizes: S-XXLTester info: Tester is 5’7″ and normally wears a women’s smallSize tested: MPrice: $129The Super Sevens Wind Jacket is also great, though I have issues with sizing; wearing one size up makes me feel a bit balloon-ish when I caught the wind. In fairness, probably my fault for not swapping for a smaller size.
Aside from that, it works pretty well. I can’t say it works better than any other technical wind jacket I’ve tested, but it definitely packs up smaller than any others I’ve tested. It packs even smaller than the rain jacket, and with a little bit of stuffing, I was able to fit it in the pocket of my bike shorts. It also has a loop for clipping to a carabiner if you prefer to carry it on the outside of your pack (or on your harness).
That’s the wind jacket next to a small women’s glove. Ball it up, and it can smush down into more of a tennis ball size. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Because it’s so thin, like the rain jacket, it doesn’t add any warmth. But if you’ve ever heard the term “wind chill,” you know that strong wind can make you feel much colder than it is. So if you can block the wind from hitting your body, voila: you’re a lot warmer, even without more layers. It’s so tiny that keeping it in your hiking bag or mountain bike gear bin is a no-brainer. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s good at what it’s built to do — and it definitely excels at portability.
It also has a light water repelling finish, so it’ll keep you dry in early morning mist or heavy evening fog.
Pros: Super thin and packable, good price, secure chest pocket
Cons: No side pockets, runs big
Item three: Super Sevens Fleece Hoodie
The Super Sevens Fleece Hoodie: It’s no down jacket, but it’s warmer than you’d think. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Available sizes: S-XXLTester info: Tester is 5’7″ and normally wears a women’s smallSize tested: SPrice: $99When I first got the Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Fleece Hoodie in the mail, I thought “There’s no way this thing is going to last more than a week.” The loose weave is very thin, to the point of being almost see-through. But here we are two months later, and it doesn’t seem to have snagged or caught in anything (though I am careful when zipping a jacket over it).
Despite that, it’s as warm as a heavier hoodie, despite weighing only four ounces — but it’s still lightweight, so don’t expect to stay warm with the sweater alone in the middle of winter. It won’t keep you as warm as a giant thick fleece, but it takes up a fraction of the amount of space in your bag and is a heck of a lot warmer than it looks. This also means it’s easy to fit on under snug jackets, making it ideal for activities like climbing, when you don’t want a ton of extra fabric balled up under your harness. It does have more durable patches around the elbows (also helpful for climbing), but I’d still recommend treating it with a little extra TLC in the laundry.
Size-wise, this one was pretty standard. I normally wear a small and tested this in a small, which seemed correct. While I don’t think I’d wear it as an everyday sweater to a restaurant or outdoor party, it’s definitely something I’ll continue to carry in my hiking pack if I’m worried about being a bit too chilly. It could also be useful as an extra layer on planes since it won’t add much bulk to my bag.
You can see the outline of my tank underneath in the right lighting conditions. (Ignore the dog hair) Photo: Suzie Dundas
My only real gripe (aside from the thinness; you can see whatever you’re wearing under it in the right light) is that the kangaroo pocket on the front isn’t very useful. The sweater is so light that putting anything with any weight in the pocket pulls heavily on the sweater. But the pocket is primarily there as a stuff sack, anyway.
Pros: Ultralight, warmer than anticipated, thumb holes, reinforced forearms, extremely soft
Cons: A bit see through, very thin (could be prone to snags), limited color options
8 New American Airlines Routes Make It Easier to Reach the Caribbean This Year
American Airlines is the leading US carrier for flights to the Caribbean and Latin America — and its flight network is getting even more extensive.
The airline announced recently that it’s introducing eight new flight routes for this winter — including one route to a new Caribbean destination — as well as increasing service to several popular destinations. Bookings for these winter flights opened up earlier this month via America’s website and app.
Newly added American Airlines routesFour of American’s new flight routes will connect John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to various Caribbean destinations starting in November and December: a daily service to Bridgetown, Barbados, and Saturday-only services to Saint Lucia, Saint Maarten, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) will also see Saturday flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, making American the only major US carrier to fly to the Caribbean nation.
Those flying American out of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) can now book new Saturday flights to Bridgetown, Barbados, and Liberia, Costa Rica.
Meanwhile, American is launching daily flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to La Romana, Dominican Republic, starting in December. Not only will this make American the sole US carrier to service La Romana but also the most networked airline within the Dominican Republic.
Newly expanded American Airlines serviceIn addition to new routes, American is expanding 16 existing routes between the US and the Caribbean and Latin America, starting in December.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will see the biggest increase in flights, with expanded service to three destinations in Mexico, as well as The Bahamas, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands.
Alongside additional flights to Bonaire, Jamaica, and the British Virgin Islands, travelers flying out MIA will also find increased service to Mexico, which is also true for travelers flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Meanwhile, CLT is also getting more winter flights to Antigua.
You can see a full list of American’s flight updates here.
Washington DC’s Newest Direct Flight Makes Travel to This Famous Desert Winter Escape Easy
Palm Springs has been one of California’s most prominent desert getaways for celebrities, art lovers, wellness seekers, and more for nearly a century. Summers are obviously hot, but it’s easy to understand why the mild winters make Greater Palm Springs an ideal place to spend the holidays — whether you live in a place with rough winters or not. Travelers coming from Washington DC and the Mid-Atlantic area now have easier access to that winter desert sun and fresh air thanks to a new non-stop flight with United Airlines.
From December 19 through April 30, 2025, United will operate one daily flight between Palm Springs International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
“This new route offers a convenient and seamless travel option for our visitors from the East Coast, making it easier than ever to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of Greater Palm Springs,” Scott White, president and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, said in a press release. “We look forward to providing our new guests with an unforgettable desert oasis experience.”
The flight will be the first connecting the nation’s capital to Palm Springs. Not only is it a boon for East Coast travelers, but also opens the door for European travelers looking for an easy connection to the Coachella Valley and it’s incredible hiking trails and Palm Springs restaurants.
Traveling to Palm Springs? Check out Matador’s accommodations guides to the area: The 9 Best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a Bachelorette Party To Remember Get The Most Out of Palm Springs At These Guest Favorite Airbnbs 8 Gorgeous Palm Springs Airbnbs With Private Pools Guests Enter This Palm Desert Hotel Via a Gorgeous Gondola Ride The Most Iconic Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
The route will be served by United’s Boeing Max 8 planes, leaving from DC at 9 AM and arriving in Palm Springs at 11:40 AM, and leaving from Palm Springs at 1 PM and arriving in DC at 8:45 PM. Flights are currently on sale for those who like to book their travel early. The new route joins five other cities with direct daily United flights to Palm Springs:
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16 Taos Airbnbs Perfect for a Southwestern Mountain Getaway
Art, history, and the great outdoors collide in perfect harmony in Taos, New Mexico. As of the country’s prominent bona fide Art Colonies you can fill your days mooching around the downtown galleries and museums. Seasonal activities include skiing, rafting, and hiking. Before setting out the explore the UNESCO-listed Taos Pueblo and the Ski Valley, check into a unique Airbnb Taos vacation rental with traditional Kiva fireplaces and Navajo touches.
Downtown Taos AirbnbsPet-friendly TaosUnique Airbnb Taos vacation rentalsTaos Airbnbs near El PradoWe hope you love the Airbnb Taos vacation rentals we recommend! 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.
Downtown Taos AirbnbsLa Posada de Taos
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This elegant three-bedroom Historic District Airbnb in Taos is within walking distance of the Plaza. Constructed in the 1920s using adobe bricks sourced from the earth where the home sits, the casa retains traditional styling with Navajo rugs, Spanish tiling, and a Kiva fireplace. Interiors are comfortably appointed with countless knick-knacks, books, and art adding a homely finish. Besides your private sun terrace, you can share an expansive outdoor courtyard with other guests.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $505 per night
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This Spanish Pueblo Revival vacation home in Taos’ historic center celebrates the Native American Tewa culture through its traditional wood, viga ceilings, Kiva fireplace, and ornamentation. One bathroom features a steam shower, another an ornately tiled suite, while the third comes with a freestanding tub. Outdoors, your single-story casita spills into two private gardens with a hot tub.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $380 per night
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Constructed in the 1940s for Charles H. Reynolds and his wife, this Downtown Taos Airbnb is furnished with the artist’s original paintings and collection of antiques. The casita benefits from thick adobe walls, a beautifully tiled bathroom, an office, and a sun room with an additional bed. Two patios catch the New Mexico rays and provide the ideal spot to wind down after exploring the area.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $190 per night
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Situated in a tranquil plot with access to hiking trails, this dog-friendly Taos Airbnb combines the charm of historic New Mexican architecture with the convenience of state-of-the-art amenities. Spend leisurely afternoons on the deck equipped with a grill, hot tub, and vast patch of lawn where dogs and children can burn off their energy. Perfectly sited for exploring downtown and getting out to the ski resorts.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $355 per night
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Gem Hacienda is a new vacation rental designed for large groups, located on the banks of the Rio Lucero. The artisanal nine-bedroom adobe home features fireplaces, wooden beams, and local artwork. Highlights include the billiards table, hot tub, and spacious backyard that offers mountain views. There’s more than enough space to spread out and unite with the group for family meals. Pets are welcome at this luxurious estate.
Sixteen guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $5,070 per night
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Bird and the Hands Ranch is a historic adobe set on an acre of land in sight of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The property features a Jacuzzi tub, an indoor Kiva fireplace as well as an outdoor fire, and a deluxe soaking tub. A third guest room works as either an office or an additional bedroom. This dog-friendly Airbnb Taos has an outdoor patio that’ll summon the whole group to share fireside meals.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $230 per night
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Close to the Rio Pueblo, this unique Airbnb is a Taos casita enclosed by foliage and gives the impression of a treehouse without sacrificing creature comforts. Contemporary interiors include a fully-equipped kitchen and an immaculate bathroom. The wraparound deck has a fire pit for nights of s’mores and story-swapping. Book this sanctuary for a remote getaway that’s still only mere moments by car to Downtown Taos.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $175 per night
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Buried in a wooded grove three miles from Taos and a 30-minute drive from Taos Ski Valley or Angelfire Ski Area, this eco-friendly Airbnb in Taos has an abundance of hiking trails. The cabin overlooks the river and features a pond, a hot tub, and a detached meditation den with a yoga deck. Modern interiors include a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Dogs are welcome.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $185 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosLocated in nearby Youngsville, this property gives you seclusion to take in the dark skies and mysticism that surrounds this part of northern New Mexico. It’s located lakeside – and therefore offers a lake view. It has an open floor plan with a living room, dining area, and kitchen. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has a fireplace and a private bathroom. The other bedroom can sleep four people and opens to a patio with a hot tub. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities or relax and take in the views.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAt this price point, you won’t find more comfort at a Taos Airbnb. It’s dubbed an “Athlete and Authors Oasis,” meaning it’s a great place to post up for writing and training. And, to base yourself for epic resort and backcountry skiing. Access to the arts and culture of Taos and nearby Santa Fe is easy, and best of all, the views from this hilltop casa are jaw-dropping. If coming with a crew of dedicated wordsmiths or powder seekers, this is the spot for you.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $189 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSouth of Ojo Caliente are some of the most stunning spots in this part of New Mexico. This property is your gateway to it all, close to Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch. It is a good choice for a quiet and romantic getaway. The casita is a short drive from many of New Mexico’s attractions, including the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Spa 14 miles away. You might be remote by urban standards, but there’s a gourmet restaurant within walking distance (hello, coffee and cocktails). The casita itself has an open floor plan and radiant heat floors. It is well-furnished and has a well-stocked kitchen. There is also a porch where you can enjoy the views.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $191 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis luxe spot is everything you imagine a New Mexico retreat to be, straight down to the decor and architecture. You’ll have 12 acres of land bordering Carson National Forest, near Abiquiu, New Mexico. The property offers privacy and beautiful desert scenery, including a private box canyon for hiking. It is a 10-minute drive down a dirt road from the center of Abiquiu and the Georgia O’Keefe Welcome Center.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $396 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosRanch life is the way of life around here, and this beautiful spot is your best chance to taste it (without giving up easy access to Taos and the skiing. The Ojo Mystico Solar Adobe Ranch House is located on a well-maintained dirt roa, so you don’t need a burly four-by-four to get here. The house itself was built in 2006 and sits on 21 private acres within Carson National Forest. It is entirely solar-powered and has a water harvesting and purification system.
The Ojo Mystico offers easy access to nearby attractions. It is just 5 minutes from Ojo Caliente Hot Springs, and within an hour’s drive of Taos, Taos Ski Valley, and even Santa Fe. The property boasts panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Pedernal Mesa and the Sangre de Cristos, which extend north like a spine into southern Colorado.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $260 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThe two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin is located in a cottonwood grove – near Taos but with all the privacy you’d expect deep in the mountains. The cabin has a hot tub, meditation hut, and deck overlooking a seasonal river. Weekly stays are preferred, but shorter stays may be available upon inquiry – that makes this great for retreats, work getaways, and family reunions. Spiritual leaders, take note, as the meditation room is a great place to host yoga and workshops.
The cabin is designed for comfort and relaxation. It features memory foam mattresses, in-floor radiant heat, vaulted ceilings, and large windows. The kitchen has modern appliances and custom cabinetry. The cabin is also eco-friendly, with water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient appliances.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $185 per night
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Conveniently situated between the Taos ski valley (25 minutes) and Downtown Taos (12 minutes), this sunlit Taos Airbnb offers an eyeful of the New Mexico landscape. Windows are strategically placed to enhance mountain views while the backyard is fitted with a hot tub, fire pit, and hammock. Kids in particular will be enthralled by the loft bedroom with a spacious play area.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $255 per night
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This architectural gem sits on fifteen private acres of high-desert mesa on the border of the Rio Grande Gorge State Park. The property was built sustainably with cast earth walls, a corrugated metal roof, and mahogany woodwork. A cozy lounge is dressed with faux-fur throws, Navajo rugs, plush beanbags, and a wood burner. Meanwhile, the master bathroom suite comes with a sumptuous Japanese-style tub.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
Only 1 US City Made It on 2024’s Happiest City’s List
Every year, the Institute of Quality of Life lists the happiest places in the world. Although what constitutes a “happy life” is hard to measure, the research institution thoroughly examines the multifaceted nature of happiness. It recognizes that what brings joy to a young person might differ vastly from the priorities of a senior citizen, and this year, the Happy City Index 2024 paints a broader picture.
The institute employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating both objective data and residents’ subjective experiences. The quantitative analysis considers a wide range of influences from work, health care, education, the physical environment (place), and community.
“The ranking was created on the basis of thousands of indicators thoroughly developed by our researchers that directly relate to the quality of life and the sense of happiness of its residents,” explains the institute.
By conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, the organization took a holistic approach, all while keeping in mind that material comforts do not solely determine happiness and factors like access to green spaces, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for personal growth have a considerable impact.
Instead of having a numbered list, cities were put into groups. European cities like Denmark, Zurich, Berlin, Gothenburg, and Amsterdam dominate the Golden tier. It’s not until you get halfway down the first grouping that a US city makes the cut. You might be surprised that Minneapolis has been crowned the happiest city in the US.
Boston came second, making the Silver grouping, along with Baltimore and Washington. While San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Madison, Pittsburgh, Rochester, and Portland made it into the final category of Bronze, rounding out the list of 250 cities.
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