Matador Network's Blog, page 158

Alaska Airlines Has More Summer Flights Than Ever This Year to Mexico, Guatemala, The Bahamas, and More

Alaska Airlines is celebrating summer with almost one million additional seats on flights compared to 2023. In the peak months of June, July, and August, new international routes to Guatemala City, the Bahamas, and Toronto will join the schedule, along with an increase in daily flights in its network to popular destinations such as Mexico.

Alaska Airlines has more flights to Mexico from the West Coast than any other US airline. Photo: Frederick Millett/Shutterstock

If you’re a West Coast resident, you’re in luck. Alaska Airlines is increasing its flights to popular destinations like Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, surpassing any other US-based airline. Schedules at hubs such as Portland have increased by 16 percent, Seattle by 10 percent, San Diego by 23 percent, and Los Angeles by 33 percent, giving passengers more flexibility than ever before.

The increase in summer routes is in response to passenger feedback and demand.

“As best-in-class operators, our top priority is consistently delivering on our promise to guests to take them where they’re going safely and on time — all while showing them the care for which we’re known,” says Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. “This summer, we’re prepared to do more flying and welcome more guests to experience not only a safe operation but also a premium experience. We’ve been hard at work on elevating all aspects of the travel journey for our guests from start to finish.”

Alaska is also making changes to improve the customer experience. Major hubs, including Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, and San Francisco, are receiving modernization with more seating in lounges, expanded menus, and upgrades to gates. The airline has also upgraded the options for hot meals for Premium and Main Cabin tickets on flights 1,100 miles or more.

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Made a Tight Connection on United Recently? You Have AI to Thank.

Flying has its share of stressors, but even the calmest of travelers can get worried when they see a tight connection getting smaller and smaller due to flight delays. When that happens, travelers have only a few choices, like asking the people seated around them if they can get up first, running through the airport, or asking gate agents to call ahead to let the next plane know they’re coming. And who knows if your checked luggage will make it, either?

But if you’re flying United Airlines, there’s a new course of action you can take if it looks like you may miss your connecting flight: absolutely nothing.

That’s because United Airlines introduced new AI (artificial intelligence) technology a few years ago, and has been refining it ever since. Fittingly, United calls the technology “Connection Saver.” It works by analyzing thousands of pieces of data in real time to answer questions like which planes to hold, where to send cabin crew, and whether planes need to switch gates. The goal is to minimize the impact of delays to passengers, crew, and airlines, for current and future travel.

It was introduced in 2019, but it’s continually being refined. It was updated to automatically rebook passengers who have missed connections (usually via the United app) and, recently, was updated to send alerts to customers worried about making their connections.

“We had a lot of debate, like, ‘Should you tell people that you’re holding the plane? Like, would that make it worse or better,'” said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer, at a recent AI summit in NYC hosted by Skift data. “And so we let people know that we’re trying to get you to the plane so they don’t stop at Starbucks.”

Missed connections can stress even the calmest of passengers. Photo: DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

Connection Saver is likely to eliminate some headaches for travelers, but the airline may be replacing it with others. It recently announced new “personalized, real-time advertising, content, experiences and offers from leading brands,” on its mobile app and in-flight entertainment screens. Essentially, it means travelers will need to watch more ads. United says the “personalized” part of the ads are based on generalized traveler trends, rather than individual data about each traveler.

“Advertisers cannot access the personally identifiable information of United customers,” says the release. “Instead, Kinective Media leverages the insights of U.S. customers aged 18 and over to create aggregated and anonymized audience segments that it offers to Kinective Media advertisers.” Travelers who live in most states can opt-out immediately, though a few states only allow travelers to request to opt out. Either way, you can start the process online via the United website.

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This Airline Is Offering Free Wine, Beer, and Snacks on Flights to Canada and the US

While some airlines are working hard to make the experience of flying in economy as wretched as possible, others are trying to elevate it.

On Tuesday, Canadian airline WestJet announced its new fare: UltraBasic. The UltraBasic fare is as simple and offensive as a slap in the face: no carry-on, no earning points, sit in the back of the plane, and no changes, cancellations, or refunds possible for your flight.

On Wednesday, the other big airline in Canada, the country’s flag carrier, Air Canada, announced something entirely different. All Air Canada passengers, including those in economy, will now get free wine, beer, and what the airline calls “premium snacks” on domestics flights and on flights to the US. Not only that but all passengers will also get the option to purchase a variety of spirits for just $3.65 (5 CAD).

It’s not often that economy passengers get some good news, so this one is worth celebrating — with a drink, of course.

The premium snacks on offer consist of two Canadian products: TWIGZ, which are buttery herb and garlic pretzels made in Alberta, and Leclerc Célébration Cookie, which are made with milk chocolate in Quebec.

To wash down these treats, passengers can opt for beer from a selection of four brands and varieties — Hop Valley, Creemore Springs Premium Lager, Molson Canadian, or Coors Light — or two French wines from Paul Mas: a red and a white.

Photo: CNW Group/Air Canada

If neither beer nor wine work for you, you can choose to purchase spirits for as little as $3.65, including Baileys Original Irish Cream, Canadian Club rye, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Smirnoff vodka, Tromba Tequila Blanco, or Campari.

With such a large variety of alcohol on board, Air Canada now has the largest bar offering of any airline in North America. And that should weigh in the balance when booking a flight, surely.

Now imagine sipping on a glass of Baileys with a Célébration chocolate cookie on the side; doesn’t that sound like the perfect combo? A glass of French red wine with some Canadian-made buttery pretzels isn’t a bad idea either. That said, no matter what you choose, it’ll be free or cheap, and tasty.

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After 6 Years, You Can Again Fly to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Peru

Thanks to an investment of more than $15 million into a rural Peruvian airport, the country’s “Adventure Capital” is once again available to tourists.

The town of Huaraz sits in the country’s Áncash Region, in western Peru. It’s just west of the country’s Cordillera Blanca Mountains, part of the Peruvian Andes, topping out at more than 22,000 feet above sea level. The city itself is more than 10,000 feet above sea level, and its airport, Comandante FAP German Arias Graziani Airport, has just one runway. Unfortunately, for the last six years, the airport has been unable to accept commercial flights due to aging facilities and much-needed updates. That meant the only way to get there was to charter a private jet, or take a connecting flight to Chimbote, Peru, then drive five hours east.

But with the new infrastructure improvements, the airport is ready to start welcoming travelers again. And LATAM Airlines, the largest air carrier in South America, announced that it will begin commercial flights to Huaraz on July 1, 2024. It’ll be the only airline making the trip, running four times a week. The flight will be about an hour from take-off to touch-down, with tickets priced around $50 each way.

That makes it now far easier for visitors to add a few days in Huaraz to a longer trip to the country, opening the high-elevation outdoor adventures of the region to international travelers. LATAM is not part of Sky Alliance, but it does partner with Delta Airlines to run codeshare flights and offer Delta loyalty flyers the ability to earn and redeem miles on LATAM flights.

About Huaraz, Peru

Photo: Steven Kruzeniski/Shutterstock

Tucked into Peru’s Callejón de Huaylas valley, Huaraz, Peru, is cradled by the twin titans of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges. It’s an adventure hot-spot within the country, with most slopes traversed by hiking trails, lots of lagoons with impossibly blue water, and lots of climbing and bouldering routes.

It’s where you’ll find Huarascán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. That includes spectacled bears, pumas, vicuñas, and Andean condors, the largest flying bird in the world by wingspan. In the park alone, there are more than 100 hiking and backpacking trails. The most famous (and photographed) is probably Laguna 69, or Lake 69.

Around Huaraz, lots of companies run guided backpacking, climbing, and backcountry ski trips through the region’s various peaks, and mountaineering is also an option for experienced alpinists. Huaraz is also home to some of the country’s longest and most impressive mountain biking trails, as well as road cycling. But because of the sheer number of lakes, trails, viewpints, and activity operators, it’s easy to find appealing activities across all ability levels, from short hikes to the Pastoruri Glacier to guided birdwatching, wildlife photography tours, and multi-day treks between the region’s most impressive peaks.

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A Top Airline Alliance Will Make It Easier to Fly Across Multiple Carriers

Global airline alliance OneWorld, which includes American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and 11 other airlines, announced a forthcoming policy change to make it easier for travelers to book multi-leg flights. The change, announced by OneWorld CEO Nat Pieper and first reported in Bloomberg, will streamline the process of flying with multiple OneWorld carriers on a single itinerary, with the aim of making it closer to booking a multi-stop itinerary with a single airline.

This includes a new technology platform that will allow travelers to check in and add checked bags only once for the entire journey. The goal is to make it simpler for the traveler and for the airlines when international itineraries are booked to hard-to-reach places.

“We want a multi-carrier travel experience to be the same as a connecting experience for if you’re flying on the same airline,” Piper said, as quoted by Bloomberg.

The airline hopes this improvement will reduce the stresses of long-haul international travel while simultaneously cutting costs for the airlines. No word yet on if other major alliances such as Star Alliance plan to follow suit, but if the recent spate of baggage fee increases is any indication, this move by OneWorld could cause a ripple effect throughout the industry.

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Expedia Wants to Put an AI Travel Assistant in Your Private Group Chats

Expedia hopes that you will let it’s AI chatbot enter the chat. Romie, Expedia Group’s AI travel assistant that’s powered by OpenAI and designed by EG Labs, Expedia’s product innovation arm, is designed to join your conversations on WhatsApp and iMessage to do the planning for you.

“[Romie] is actually looking at the conversation with intent and understanding,” Expedia Group’s chief architect Rajesh Naidu said at the travel industry event Skift Data + AI Summit on June 4.

Here’s how it works: Romie is invited to an SMS group chat where it can analyze the full conversation. Anyone in the chat can tag Romie to advice, ask it to summarize the chat and use that data to help with trip planning on Expedia, build an itinerary based on your emails (which it will also need access to) as well as what was mentioned in the chat and what’s near your hotel. It can provide alternative activities when plans are disrupted by weather or other closures.

It’s designed for end-to-end travel planning, “all while getting more intelligent as the traveler interacts,” Expedia Group CTO Rathi Murthy said in a press release. Romie keeps the chat updated with the itinerary “so anyone in the group chat with FOMO can see what you’re up to,” the release also states, adding that Romie is capable of “learning who you are, remembering what type of trips you like, and even if you prefer Italian food and boutique hotels or an afternoon hiking through nature.”

Romie’s activities and restaurant suggestions are made using “industry experts such as Yelp.”

How “expert” Yelp users are is a different conversation — restaurant professionals, business owners, and travelers have had issues with Yelp for years due to fake or uninformed users who tank a business’s rating because of things like ordering something spicy when they can’t handle spice. There’s even a women with growing reams of data showing that Yelp can’t be trusted. AI suggestions are only as good as the data it’s fed.

It’s still up in the air whether people will actually want to allow a company’s AI into their group chats. Group chats are the one of the last places where people can have private conversations that aren’t monitored, turned into data, and monetized by advertisers and tech companies.

I’m not sure what the group chats look like for these developers, but I’m not aware of anyone who has perfect, ready-to-be-sold conversations in a free-flowing group chat — even those that are based around planning a trip. Sarcasm and inside jokes make group chats what they are. AI is objectively bad at understanding any of that, as seen by the tip to use glue to keep cheese from sliding off of pizza.

Romie is available now for iOS users in the United States for anyone interested in trying it out before the full launch (though on a recent attempt to test it out, it was not accessible as of June 7). Even if people don’t start bringing Romie into their private group chats, AI trip planning is already here, and anyone who does all of their planning from start to finish on Expedia will soon have the option to keep every group travel conversation on the app with an AI guest.

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As a Frequent Traveler, This Annual Travel Insurance Gives Me the Most Peace of Mind

Buying travel insurance can be confusing. Does my credit card cover it? What’s covered and what isn’t? How long does it take to get reimbursed? These questions are often tough enough to answer for an annual vacationer, but for those of us on the road frequently, they’re complicated even further because we need something that covers a lifestyle rather than a single trip. If you travel more than three weeks out of the year, buying one-off policies simply isn’t worth the hassle, and new evolutions in how travel insurance can work also make it financially unviable.

A new app from Allianz Partners, a travel insurance provider that offers annual policies that are nearly all-inclusive, makes travel insurance easier to understand and less of a hassle to take advantage of. Allianz is known for its international health insurance and “nomad insurance” programs, putting it among the more forward-thinking of insurance companies in the travel space. Prior to a trip to Turkey earlier this year, I obtained an annual policy from Allianz, and plugged the policy into the company’s new app, Allyz TravelSmart, this week to see how it works. I filed a claim and researched my policy coverage, and I feel confident about both the app and my policy. Here’s why.

Why an annual travel insurance policy might work better for you

Photo: RootsShoots/Shutterstock

For frequent travelers, I see the value of travel insurance as being more along the lines of how frequent backcountry users emergency evacuation insurance. It’s there if you need it but after purchase doesn’t need to remain top of mind. In that sense, an annual policy makes sense, and because it covers the traveler for a year rather than a much shorter period, the cost is actually on par with what I’ve paid for policy terms of about one month in the past. Annual policies cover multiple trips and do not require the details of each trip to be inputted in advance – rather, you only deal with the insurance company if you need to file a claim or have a question about what might be covered.

I learned about Allianz Partners annual travel insurance policies in January 2024, and after researching other options I determined the company’s Professional Travel Program to be the best for my needs as a travel editor who spends a month or more abroad per year and also frequently travels around the United States. Being a 40-year-old living in Colorado, I was quoted via the Allianz website three policies ranging from $138 to $510 for the year. The policy I ended up with includes travel accident coverage up to $25,000, emergency transportation (think an ambulance ride) up to $20,000, emergency medical coverage up to $10,000, trip cancelation and interruption coverage up to $2,000, and a host of smaller options like bag delay or loss and travel delay. Note that these are per insured person, per trip. Options for emergency and transportation coverage up to $100,000 are available on the more expensive policies.

How the Allyz TravelSmart app and claim process worksAllyz TravelSmart app/ScreenshotAllyz TravelSmart app/ScreenshotAllyz TravelSmart app/ScreenshotAllyz TravelSmart app/Screenshot

After downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, I was prompted to create a new account. Once doing so, I logged in to find that the app had already located my policy and integrated it into the app. The option to start a claim is right there on the homescreen. For the purpose of this article, I went through the claims application process to experience what it’s like.

Overall, the app’s user interface is similar to that of my home and auto insurance provider, which I’m confident was the company’s goal – give the users something they’re familiar with and that’s very simple, because when you’re already stressed about travel plans gone awry, you don’t want to struggle through a complicated claims process.

To file a claim, I clicked the button and selected my policy. I was then directed to a page that prompted me to enter the travel dates, destination(s), and other info about the trip, along with what happened. Importantly, it allows you to indicated whether something happened before leaving on the trip, or while already on the trip. I selected “Something happened before my trip,” and the app prompted me to select the “Trip Cancellation” insurance option.

The next step I found particularly interesting. My policy, the Professional Travel Policy, offers a host of reasons for cancelation that can be submitted for reimbursal consideration. Among the more comprehensive options were “Attending family member’s birth,” “Employer termination – 1 yr,” and “Employment Transfer.” This indicates that coverage can include reasons beyond illness, death, and cancellation by host/tour operator, etc. Also included is “Foreign and Domestic Terrorism,” notable because I’ve had policies in the past that did not cover terrorism incidents.

After selecting the reason (I chose “Flooding in Europe,” a listed reason provided on the app), I was prompted to enter details about the incident. Then, I was prompted to add the expenses I am seeking reimbursement for. Finally, there was a prompt to add any documents related to the claim. Before submitting I opted to have the expenses reimbursed into my checking account, and entered that information. After reviewing the information, I was prompted to submit. The entire process took fewer than 10 minutes, though the addition of a high number of documents or receipts would tack on a few additional minutes. The app noted that the company will follow up promptly once reviewing the claim and that the claim is typically processed within 10 business days.

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The World Record Largest Thing Each State Is Known For

If you’re looking for another boastful topic for an interstate rivalry debate, check out this hilarious map from SizeGraph. The site pulled information from the Guinness World Records to share the awards given for the biggest things in each state. These range from things you can be proud of, like trees, lakes, animals, and statues, to weird World Records, such as Florida’s claim to fame for the largest ball of human hair.

Each US state — bar Delaware, which remains record-free in the realm of the outlandish — holds some sort of record. In this map, SizeGraf has pulled together the most interesting biggest item for each state.

Photo: SizeGraf

California holds the dubious honor of the largest flock of birds ever to invade a house — over a thousand swifts took over a Pasadena chimney in 1998. Indiana is known for its enormous high heel race, which in 2010 saw a staggering 967 participants strut their stuff. Montana, meanwhile, celebrates with a decidedly different kind of giant — the world’s largest testicle festival, where brave souls can sample bull testicles. Texas takes the cake (quite literally) with a massive diaper cake built in Cedar Park in 2020, using a whopping 50,112 diapers. Florida’s record is a bit more unusual — the Sunshine State held the title for the largest ball of human hair in 2021, clocking in at a hefty 225 pounds. Even our canine companions get in on the action. Colorado hosted the biggest dog “wedding” ceremony in 2007, with 178 canine couples tying the knot. And finally, Tennessee takes the record for the most people covered in duct tape, with 752 sticky participants gathering in Knoxville in 2014.

You can view a full list of the thousands of World Records at SizeGraf, but there are the weirdest big things in every state.

Alabama — Nerf blasterAlaska — CabbageArizona — UFO conventionArkansas — Collection of ice cream freezersCalifornia — Flock of birds to invade a houseColorado — Dog wedding ceremonyConnecticut — Wedding cakeDelaware — NothingFlorida — Ball of human hairGeorgia — Plate inserted in human skullHawaii — Lens in a lighthouseIdaho — Toy car sentenceIllinois — Object removed from stomachIndiana — High heel raceIowa — Pickleball paddleKansas — Human-made crop pictureKentucky — Water balloon fightLouisiana — Prison farmMaine — Revolving globeMaryland — Videogame map made of LEGOMassachusetts — Chicken nuggetMichigan — Collection of Snow White memorabiliaMinnesota — Gathering of people with moustachesMississippi — Watermelon eating competitionMissouri — Hot dog cartMontana — Testicle festivalNebraska — Ice cream sandwichNevada — Hacker conventionNew Hampshire — Game arcadeNew Jersey — Chicken eggNew Mexico — Collection of Slinky toysNew York — CrayonNorth Carolina — Vegetarian burgerNorth Dakota — Wooden baseball batOhio — Chicken danceOklahoma — Pizza partyOregon — FungusPennsylvania — BobbleheadRhode Island — SockSouth Carolina — Living catSouth Dakota — Collection of Swamp Thing memorabiliaTennessee — Gathering of people wearing duct tapeTexas — Diaper cakeUtah — Macaroni and cheeseVermont — Ball of stickersVirginia — Prison breakout from death rowWashington — Underground houseWest Virginia — Gathering of people wearing unicorn hornsWisconsin — Lawn mower paradeWyoming — Concentration of geysers More like thisTravelThe Largest Thing Found in Each Country, According to Guinness World Records

What We Packed for a Long Weekend RVing in England

Our first RV road trip in the UK put us straight in the deep end. My fiance James and I rented an RV and drove three hours south from our cottage near Glasgow, Scotland, to The Lake District in northern England with our Bengal, Angus. We’re both well-seasoned outdoors people, but this was the first time making a trip in a six-berth RV with our one-year-old kitten to a remote site with no hook-up or cell reception. That meant we had to pack smart. We learned a lot over the long weekend. I simultaneously overpacked and underpacked. We ran out of essentials like garbage bags by the final day. We should have packed the cooler and quick-drying towels. But we also had some wins. Below are some of our packing essentials that will join us on our future RV adventures.

Where we stayed in The Lake District

Driving down Honister Pass, a mountain pass in the Lake District, we were met by this stunning vista. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

We rented our RV from a EU-based site called Goboony. This Airbnb-style company for RVs allows private owners to hire out their vehicles when they’re not in use. The process was seamless, from the booking system and payment to pickup and drop-off.

Overlooking the campsite from Fleetwith Pike. Photo: James Gavin

Our route took us from the Central Belt of Scotland, near Glasgow, over the border into England, and on south to The Lake District. The Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north of the country — and for good reason. It’s simply stunning. Known for its calm waters and mountainous terrain, the region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, sailing, and kayaking on its many lakes.

Calm morning at the edge of Buttermere Lake, next to the campsite. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

We stayed on Lake Buttermere, a remote off-the-grid spot and home to the annual charity paragliding festival, The Buttermere Bash. James, being half man and half bird, we plan many vacations to places where he can enjoy paragliding and speed flying and peaceful locations where I can get away from screens and enjoy nature.

What we packed for a long weekend camping in England

BLUETTI Solar Panel

This was a saving grace. One of the best investments we’ve made. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

This was a purchase made with just this kind of trip in mind. The RV had off-grid capability, with leisure batteries and a solar panel. However, these only powered the van’s interior lights, awning lights, water pump, etc. The power outlets required an electric hook-up, not something we had access to in a field in the middle of nowhere.

Step in the BLUETTI EB3A with 200w solar panel. This can be charged fully at home and then topped up using the solar panels while away. We were able to charge a MacBook Pro, one iPhone using the built in wireless charging pad with another iPhone plugged in to USB, and still had outlets to charge more, all while the solar panels were topping up the power station.

Capacity-wise, the EB3A has 268Wh of energy with a maximum load of 600W. It won’t power any really energy-hungry devices, such as hairdryers; you would need to opt for a larger model for that. However, this was ideal for keeping our devices charged for the weekend.

Buy now from Amazon from $299

THE NORTH FACE VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT Hiking Shoe

Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

These are the second pair of NorthFace VECTIV we’ve owned. We recently upgraded from the high-top trail runners –which became an everyday wear — to the Futurelight hiking shoe. The reason for this transition was primarily aesthetical. The new range of NorthFace running and trail shoes are a little too modern looking for our taste, but we wanted to stick with the VECTIV technology.

The fabric is impenetrable to moisture but is breathable, which is so important being in the UK, where we live in constant threat of rain. They are also lightweight, have great cushioning, and offer superb stability. The shoe is designed for hiking, but they don’t look out of place being worn on daily errands.

Buy now from Amazon for $299+

YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle

Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

We are not at the stage of matching jackets (although that day will likely come), but we do have the same black YETI Rambler. These come with us everywhere we go; we’ve had them for years. One of the best things about the tumbler is that water stays cold. This is so welcome on a sunny day hike or hot days in the RV. It’s worth noting that you need to be mindful to clean every element, from the straw to under the lid. We do so by soaking them in a bucket once a week using cleaning tables purchased for our Invisalign — it’s a quick trick and does an excellent job.

Buy now from Amazon for $32

Birkenstocks

Photo: Birkenstock

I live in Birkenstocks. I have had a few pairs over the years because they are the most comfortable sandals and are so versatile. They are great to wear with socks on a long drive, and having a pair of sandals you can slip on quickly is vital for an RV trip. It saves time and hassle with laces if you need to nip out the van quick or go to the bathroom at night. They are also waterproof (make sure you use a protection spray if you opt for Nubuck) so they should be ok to wear in communal shower blocks, which is a blessing at a busy campsite.

Katie Scott Aiton

Buy now from Amazon for $100+

Paragliding wings

The valley of Buttermere has two interconnected lakes surrounded by mountains on all sides, making it the perfect backdrop for the annual event, which gathers paraglider and speedwing pilots from across the UK and visitors from further afield.

Testing the Line, the new speed wing by FLARE. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

For this trip, I packed a 26-meter Koyot 4 paraglider from Niviuk Paragliders for thermalling and gliding high over the valley and a 9.5-meter Mirage RS speedwing from Swing Paragliders for flying down the mountains fast and close to the terrain.

Gliding over the Buttermere lakes on the Niviuk Koyot 4. Photo: James Gavin

Given the weather conditions, I opted only to fly the paraglider while we were there. I took in some stunning views while gliding around 2000 feet above the valley floor.

James Gavin

Buy now from NIVIUK PARAGLIDERS

RevolutionRace layers

Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Packing layers for a camping trip in the UK is crucial. Regardless of the time of year, the weather can change from glorious sunshine to end-of-the-world rain to hail by lunch. This makes packing for an RV road trip tricky. Space will always be an issue, and learning how to maximize your storage will take time, but an excellent place to start is to choose multifunctional clothing. We opt for RevolutionRace layers because they are practical and they are versatile enough to wear to the pub or up a mountain.

Buy now from Amazon for $59+

La Sportiva hiking boots

Resting after a two hour hike up High Stile mountain. Photo: James Gavin

Having used these boots for at least the last two years, they are my go-to for any hike. They are an approach shoe, more suited to scrambling over rocky terrain than wet, muddy trails, and this is where the majority of my use for them lies.

They are lightweight, comfortable, durable, and provide exceptional hold. Having hiked up some of the highest peaks in Scotland with these on multiple occasions, they have endured a lot, and two years later, they are still going strong. Footwear is very individual, and what fits one person may not fit the next. But I have absolutely loved these boots, and should I exhaust them, I’ll be off to get another pair.

James Gavin

Buy now from Amazon for $150+

Bridgedale socks

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Bridgedale has built a reputation for being a top choice for hikers, runners, and outdoor adventurers because its socks are built to last. When James first introduced the brand, the price was a shock. However, they are pricey for good reason. Bridgedale has been crafting socks for over 100 years. They are versatile and so comfortable. Whether you need waterproofing for wet trails, breathability for running, or warmth for winter hikes, they’ve got you covered.

Buy now from Amazon for $24.99+

Scrabble

Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Without cell reception, we needed some kind of entertainment, something we could enjoy together in the evenings. We packed cards, Yahtzee, and a Scrabble set. Being avid Wordle players, this was a great shout.

Buy now from Amazon for $34.99+

Petzl headlamp

Photo: Petzl

Even the most well-planned RV journeys can encounter unexpected detours, so having a head torch is non-negotiable. Petzl headlamps are known for their exceptional durability and versatility. They’re built tough to withstand the bumps and jostles of off-road trips while offering a variety of lighting modes to suit any situation. Whether you need a powerful beam to navigate a dark campsite, a night light for reading a book, or a red light for nighttime bathroom breaks that won’t disrupt your fellow travelers, a headlamp is a must.

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The Westin Whistler: a No-Brainer for Bikes, Dogs, and People

Whistler Resort, in British Columbia, has one of the biggest base villages of any mountain resort in North America. And because it’s popular year-round, with skiing in the winter and lift-serviced mountain biking and hiking in the summer, the hotels stay pretty pricey year-round. If you want a four- or five-star hotel in the village on a random midweek night in August, you should expect to pay $413 at the Four Seasons Whistler, just over $400 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, or more than $600 for the above-and-beyond Fairmont Gold Experience.

Those are beautiful hotels, but there’s no denying they’re pricey — which is what makes the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler (also in the Whistler Village) such an appealing prospect.

On the same random midweek date (August 13), a basic room at the Westin Whistler is $306, including taxes. And there’s nothing “basic” about it, since every room has a fireplace and full kitchen. That means you can prep meals and snacks in your room — and have plenty of space to socialize without having to sit on your bed.

I recently stayed at the Westin Whistler with my dog and mountain bikes in tow to catch the season opening of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It was one of the most dog-friendly hotels I’ve ever stayed in, and the useful bike valet service saved me from the hassle of wheeling my dirty mountain bike into the pristine rooms.

Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about a Whistler trip this summer, and why it seemed like the Westin Whistler hits the sweet spot between price, convenience, and luxury.

It’s super dog-friendly

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The Westin Whistler isn’t just a dog-friendly hotel — it’s wildly dog friendly. There’s no charge to bring a dog, and you can have up to two in a room with no limits on size. When we checked in, my dog was greeted with a generously sized dog bone, and the hotel’s location on the edge of the village means there are lots of green spaces and paths to take dogs outside without walking through the crowded village. And if my dog’s behavior is to believed, there are also plenty of interesting things to spy on through the windows.

Rooms: all suites, all the time

Photo: Suzie Dundas

The rooms are slightly cheaper than comparable high-end resorts in the village, but it seems like you get a lot more bang for your buck. All rooms at the Westin Whistler are suites, with full kitchens (including fridges and stovetops) and fireplace. Many of the rooms, including my queen suite I stayed in, have private balconies or patios.

Obviously, having a kitchen in your room makes it easy to save money by cooking in your room, prepping snacks for a day of hiking or biking, or actually eating the leftovers you brought home from dinner the night before. But the nature of having a kitchen means the suites are bigger than most other hotel rooms, even in the cheapest rooms. Both my husband and I work remotely, and our room had plenty of space for us each to set up and work without feeling like we were too close.

The rooms also had other thoughtful details, like a calming lavender balm to use before bed, a big soaking bathtub, and super-fast Wi-Fi. We didn’t hear any noise from other guests, cars, or the lively bars in the village.

Westin Heavenly beds: dog approved. Photo: Suzie Dundas

As a brand, Westin always touts its “Heavenly” bed, available to buy for at-home use and supposedly influenced by years of sleep research and studies. If you believe the hype, it’s supposed to be more comfortable, better at regulating temperature, and less likely to transfer movement to your partner.

And honestly: it mostly lived up to the hype! I did big mountain bike rides every day I was there, and during bike season, I usually wake up with back pain and stiffness. But I felt pretty good when I woke up each morning. While I can’t say that’s all because of one bed, it was nice to wake up feeling refreshed, which isn’t something that always happens while sleeping in new places. The bed also did a good job of absorbing movement, as my 45-pound dog managed to jump up and snuggle next to me every morning without waking me up.

It’s loaded with bike- and ski-friendly perks

Let the valet deal with your muddy, dirty, or wet bike (or skis). Photo: Suzie Dundas

Whistler’s summer bike park is one of the best in the world, and Whistler-Blackcomb is literally the biggest ski resort in North America. So obviously, all hotels in the area cater to skiers and bikers. But I found this one especially bike-friendly for a few reasons.

For starters, it has a bike valet. Think of it as a car valet, but for mountain bikes. When you arrive or get back from a ride, you give your bike to a valet, who takes it to a secure storage area. There’s no need to carry your bike through the hotel or have a dirty bike in your room, and when you’re ready to head out the next morning, just give your bike tag to the valet. The bikes are stored very close to reception, so retrieving your bike is super quick. Each bike is only $6 to valet — a pretty reasonably fee compared to most services in Whistler.

The location is also ideal for mountain bike trips. The Westin Whistler is about a two-minute walk (or 30-second pedal) to the Fitzsimmons Lift, the bike park’s primary uphill bike lift. That makes it easy to maximize your riding time, take breaks, or run back up to the room if it turns out you do need that rain jacket you left in the closet. And because the Westin has on-site covered parking, with an elevator directly from parking to the lobby, loading and unloading all your bike gear from the car is a very quick process. It’s also very easy to get in and out of the resort without sitting in village traffic.

For skiers, the perks are entirely the same, as the bike valet turns into a ski valet. If you hate making multiple trips to lug sports gear back and forth, the Westin Whistler is a great pick.

There are plenty of convenient on-site amenities

FireRock Lounge looked like a perfect place for winter après-ski. Photo: Westin Whistler

The Westin Whistler is huge, and the first floor is part of the Whistler Village. That means you’ll find plenty of conveniences on site, including a gift shop and sundry store, several art galleries (including one that offers daily soapstone-carving classes), a sushi and sake bar, and a grab-and-go coffee shop. There’s also the highly ranked Grill and Vine Restaurant and FireRock Lounge, the latter of which looked like an inviting, cozy, and comfortable spot for an après-ski cocktail or two.

But the best amenity to me was the spa and pool area, which we had almost entirely to ourselves during our stay. I got a sports massage, and my masseuse was able to figure out exactly what muscles were tight and needed extra focus work right away. It seemed like she was used to dealing with athletes and common muscle issues, which is pretty impressive, as the Westin’s massage prices were relatively low compared to other spas in the village.

After my massage, I spent some time relaxing in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs and using the big outdoor pool. It’s raised one level above the street, so it looks out on mountain views, not people and cars. There’s also a massive sun deck between the pool and restaurant, making an ideal spot for a summer cocktail after a day of playing outside.

Why not stay somewhere cheaper than the Westin Whistler?

Photo: Suzie Dundas

On most dates, the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler is going to be the cheapest of the luxurious, ski-in, ski-out hotels in the Whistler Village. But there are cheaper places to stay with easy access to the lifts, restaurants, and shops. There’s the Pangea Pod Hotel (a hostel-style concept with curtain-separated “pods”) starting around $89 per night for midweek summer stays, and plenty of hotels priced along the lines of the Pinnacle Hotel Whistler, a three-star hotel with midweek summer rates starting around $170 a night (plus taxes and fees).

But if pod the size of a car backseat costs close to $100, and a basic hotel room is close to $200, paying around $300 for a larger, more luxurious room with a full kitchen and access to relaxing amenities doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch. Whistler is usually a pricey destination, but if you’re already planning to go there, you may find the price difference between a basic hotel and a swankier space to stay isn’t as big as you’d think. And when you add in the chance to relax by your private fireplace, access to a huge indoor and outdoor spa area, close access to ski lifts, and services like a bike valet, it’s fair to say you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Photo: Suzie Dundas

And if you’re in Whistler on a mountain bike-specific summer trip, don’t bother looking anywhere else. Between the bike valet, the super-quick access to the Fitzsimmons Lift, and the outdoor pool and huge pool deck, it’s a comfortable, high-end place for a bike trip that won’t break the bank.

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