Matador Network's Blog, page 160
May 15, 2024
Don’t Miss the Northern Lights Next Time With This Forecast and Alerts App
Last Friday night, while a few million people were standing outside in the dark watching the northern lights dancing in the sky, I was in bed sound asleep. Somebody had told me that a solar storm was brewing and that the aurora borealis might make an appearance, but I thought it was nothing but an unfounded rumor. Where I live, a small town in Western Canada, northern lights are regularly forecasted by the local population but turn up very rarely. Obviously, this time, they showed up in a spectacular way and I missed out — big-time.
Photo: Nataliia Korzhenevska/Shutterstock
If, like me, you need a more dependable way than hearsay to learn that the northern lights are coming to your neck of the woods, you should probably download the free My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app.
Upon setting up the app, you can enter your location and allow to be sent notifications so that when the chances of seeing the northern lights (or the southern lights) are high enough, you’ll be alerted and you can plan accordingly. What you need to keep an eye on in the app is the KP index, i.e. the level of geomagnetic activity. If it reaches six and up, you’re likely to see the aurora. Below that, not so much.
Photo: My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app
Inside the app, there’s a photo gallery where you can see some of the best and most recent aurora photography out there, as well as the short-term and long-term detailed aurora forecasts in your area. And if you want to know what your chances are of seeing auroras right now, there are three elements at your disposal:
The Aurora Map which is color coded so you can quickly see if the area you are in will get treated to a celestial show. Transparent and green indicate a low probability while orange and red mean that the odds are high. The map also shows the cloud cover in your area so you can gauge if the sky will be clear enough for you to see the aurora.A map of the best locations in the world to see the lights.A list of live webcams set up around the world, from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Kuusamo Finland, so you can keep an eye on all the auroras (borealis or australis) happening in the world.When you’re traveling, you can change your location so you can get notified about possible aurora sightings, wherever you are. If you want to make sure to see the aurora, however, there are a few locations that are much more likely to give you that opportunity, including Denali, Alaska, and Lapland, Finland, among others. 
The New Uber Shuttle Service Will Make Your Trips to the Airport a Lot Cheaper
In more than 700 airports throughout the world, travelers have the choice to either grab a cab to their destination, or take an Uber. Uber being generally much cheaper than the alternative, it’s a no-brainer for those trying to keep their budget in check. But with Uber’s new service, Uber Shuttle, it’ll soon be even more cost-saving to get to and and from the airport. In an email conversation, a spokesperson for Uber explained that “Uber Shuttle fare will differ based on location and venue, but it will be a fraction of the price of UberX.”
Uber Shuttle, currently only available in Mexico City and some cities in Egypt and India, but spreading to select US cities soon, is simply an Uber bus for which you can reserve seats. With Uber Shuttle, you can get from downtown locations straight to the airport or to concert and games venues, and back.
Being the official rideshare partner of select Live Nation venues, Uber Shuttle will serve amphitheaters in Chicago, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh, with more US cities to come. Plus, Uber Shuttle will run to and from Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, and other sporting events and concerts. As far as airports are concerned, there’s no current definitive list of those that Uber Shuttle will serve.
To book an Uber Shuttle, open the app and enter your destination. You can then select the Shuttle option, make sure the fare works for you, select your preferred pick-up timing, select the number of seats (maximum three), and then tap Request. You can book your ride up to a week in advance.
Photo: Uber
“Uber Shuttle is our answer to providing an easy, affordable, and convenient way to get around. As a truly global solution, it looks different in different places. Having launched in Egypt and India to get people to work, we’re thrilled to now bring Shuttle to the U.S. this summer, to get fans to concerts and sporting events, as well as travelers to the airport,” says Anthony le Roux, General Manager of Uber Shuttle.
Unlike a regular Uber ride, Uber Shuttles follow specific routes and have set pickup and drop-off points, so you can’t be picked up or dropped-off anywhere you like. Also, you need to be at the pick-up point a few minutes before the Uber Shuttle shows up (you can track it via the app). The Shuttle will only wait two minutes at the pick-up point before it leaves.
And if you’re not the kind of person who tends to avoid riding buses, Uber Shuttles, which can accommodate between 14 and 55 people at a time, might just change your perception of this mode of transport. Uber guarantees that they are safe, clean, air-conditioned, and high-quality vehicles.
May 14, 2024
Embrace the Catskills at This Charming Hotel Just 2.5 Hours From NYC
There’s no doubt that New York City is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, attracting millions of excited visitors each year. However, those who live in the city are always on the lookout for a convenient place to get away. Wylder Windham offers just that. Located in Windham, New York, the hotel sits on 20 acres of land, is surrounded by the beautiful Catskill Mountains, and has the calming Batavia Kill waterway running through it.
Needing some fresh air and a little peace and quiet, I took a weekend trip to Wylder Windham. The surrounding town has a warm and welcoming feel like the hometown in a holiday movie. The property itself, formerly the Thompson House Resort, was family-owned and -operated since 1880 before undergoing a massive renovation in 2021 to elevate the look while maintaining its original charm. Entering the Main Lodge for check-in, I was immediately greeted by warm smiles and fresh lemonade. The check-in area felt less like a hotel lobby and more like a charming cabin, with wooden decor and an active fireplace completing the rustic aesthetic.
During my stay, I was able to explore nature across the sprawling property, take part in a cocktail-making class, and enjoy delicious fare. From its cozy accommodations to its array of outdoor activities, Wylder Windham provides an unforgettable retreat for guests of all ages — better yet, the hotel is dog-friendly, meaning you can grab the whole family (furry friends included) and spend a wonderful weekend unwinding.
An array of cozy lodging that’ll make you feel at home
Photo: Wylder Windham + Michael Carnevale
Wylder Windham’s layout makes for a close and communal experience. Many of the buildings and amenities are within a short walking distance of one another. As the accommodations go, guests can choose from seven different lodges: The Main Lodge (13 rooms), The Tamarack Lodge (16 rooms), The Manor Inn (14 rooms), The Spruce Cottage (14 rooms), The Pines Inn (28), The Evergreen Lodge (25 rooms), and The Farmhouse (one residence, four bedrooms). The hotel has an assortment of guest rooms and suites, with king or queen beds, mountain or river views, and some with seating areas or private balconies. If you’re traveling with a group, The Farmhouse is the perfect choice to host everyone under one roof.
I stayed in The Evergreen Lodge in a sprawling room with a king-size bed, sofa, marbled bathroom, armchairs, and an outdoor patio with breathtaking views of the Windham Country Club and Windham Mountain. I’ve never stayed in a hotel room so large, with enough space to literally cartwheel from door to window. The decor was rustic while the bathroom had an elevated feel, complete with marble and silver accents. There were two large wardrobes in the front of the room with more than enough space for my things, as well as a safe, an iron, and some robes to make my stay extra comfortable. One of my favorite features of my room was the deck — the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or get lost in a good book, with only the sound of nature to keep you company.
Year-round amenities for everyone’s enjoyment
Photo: Wylder Windham
One thing that hasn’t changed with Wylder’s recent upgrade is its welcoming atmosphere. Situated on 20 acres of land, the hotel provides a range of activities and experiences for all ages. The Main Lodge features a large rec room with vintage arcade games, shuffleboard, pool tables, and paddle ball — playing Pacman there brought me back to my childhood days.
Off to the side of the Main Lodge, there’s a large heated pool that maintains a comfortable temperature year round. If you’re looking to decompress and relax, there are wood-fired saunas throughout the property. Other offerings include e-bikes, cornhole, hammocks, pickleball, bocce, and tree swings. During a morning walk one day, I spent some quiet time reading a book on a hammock overlooking the Batavia Kill. In the evening, the fire pits were a popular spot for guests to hang out and unwind from their days of adventure.
There are also opportunities to step off of the property to explore more of the neighborhood and surroundings. You can play a few rounds of golf at the Windham Country Club or take a hike on the nearby Windham path. There’s also a shuttle — in a cool vintage Land Rover — that can take guests to the Windham Ski Mountain for a day on the slopes.
Classes, activities, and events that enhance the experience
Photo: Wylder Windham
In addition to its year-round amenities, Wylder Windham has a weekly calendar of events and happenings that guests can join. Some of the activities include morning yoga, foraging walks, pickleball clinics, and live music shows.
One Saturday, I attended a cocktail-making class at the on-site restaurant, Babblers, before trying my hand at hatchet throwing. The Hester Street Fair from New York City also had a popup event during my stay, with an array of booths selling goods and delicious food. What I enjoyed most was how welcoming these activities were for both groups and solo travelers. Although I was participating alone, I was able to engage with other guests during all of the activities. And for children, there was a balloon artist making different balloon animals and figures for the kids.
At night, you don’t want to miss one of the fireside s’mores bars that the hotel hosts on the weekend. Other happenings I glimpsed on the monthly calendar included a movie night, cookie-decorating class, and paint-and-sip activity. In the spirit of community, many of the events are also open to local residents for a small fee.
Comfort food and freshly baked goods
Photo: Wylder Windham
Wylder Windham’s on-site restaurant, Babblers, has an indoor dining room with a full bar, as well as an outdoor patio with beautiful views. The restaurant is open year-round for brunch, lunch, and dinner — it’s a favorite for both guests of the hotel and Windham locals.
For dinner at Babblers, I had the steak frites with twice-fried house-cut fries, which were crispy and delicious. Other menu items when I visited included beef stew, butternut squash risotto, bolognese, and wild Alaskan salmon. Connected to the restaurant is Babblers Bakery, which serves fresh baked goods, craft coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream. My mornings started with a ham and cheese croissant and cup of hot tea on the bakery’s outdoor deck, and they ended with a slice of the popular strawberry rhubarb pie.
If you’re interested in dining off the property, there are also a variety of local eateries near the hotel, such as Millrock, Prominence, and The Windham Local. I ate one of my favorite meals during the trip at Millrock — a memorable chicken parmesan and guavarita cocktail.
How to get to Wylder Windham
Photo: Wylder Windham
One of the best parts about Wylder Windham is its proximity to the greater New York City area. If you’re planning to drive from the city, it’s a scenic trip that you can do in under three hours.
As a non-driver, I appreciated that getting to Wylder without a car was also possible. I took a two-hour Amtrak train ride from Penn Station in New York City to the Hudson station. I enjoyed being able to sit back and relax while taking in the scenery as I was whisked away to my getaway. From the Hudson station, you’ll need to take a taxi to the property — I saw plenty stationed outside on a Friday afternoon. But if you want to secure your ride ahead of time, Dawn 2 Dusk is a locally owned car service that can also provide transportation.
Archaeologists Found a Mysterious New Structure at the Famous Giza Pyramids
The Great Pyramids of Giza, known for the three monumental tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are the enduring symbols of ancient Egypt’s power and engineering prowess. They’re also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and one of the most recognizable and famous sites in the world, attracting nearly 15 million visitors per year who want to stand in their shadows and go inside their depths. When people think of the word “pyramids,” they think of Giza.
While it may seem like the mysteries of the pyramids are quickly being answered, excavations only began in earnest in the mid-1800s. And realistically, “modern” excavation and research techniques have employed for far less time, beginning around the 1970s.
The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the great pyramids. Photo: ImAAM/Shutterstock
But despite that, it’s still shocking to hear when a new discovery is made. But that’s what happened between 2021 and 2023, according to a research paper published May 5 in Archeological Prospection. And the find is significant: it’s a 30-foot-long structure completely buried beneath the sands. It’s described as an L-shaped structure, and was found using a high-tech device that sends electromagnetic currents into the ground. By studying how the currents respond, along with analyzing the results from ground-penetrating radar that can “map” empty space under the earth, the research team determined it’s either an air chamber or a chamber intentionally filled with gravel and sand. But either way, it’s made by humans on purpose.
The red box indicates the location of the underground chamber. Photo: GPR and ERT Exploration in the Western Cemetery in Giza, Egypt, Archaeological Prospection
Perhaps even more interesting is that the new structure may be just the tip of the iceberg. The find is within an area called the Western Cemetery, where royal families and important members of society were buried. Based on that, and the fact that the structure is small and unevenly shaped , the team theorized that the “large subsurface archaeological structure” could be the entrance to a much larger tomb. The find is “a combination of a shallow structure connected to a deeper structure,” meaning it could be a hallway that continues deeper underground.
Egyptians were known to build very complex, multi-room chambers to hide important tombs, and were also known to intentionally fill tombs with sand to deter grave-robbers. That may have been what happened with this new discovery, and since the researchers were the first to ever do a subterranean study in this area, there’s no telling what they could find next. To date, no one has definitively found the tombs of queens Cleopatra or Ankhesenamun, or King Ramses VIII, among other famous Egyptian rulers.
A New Los Angeles Retail Shop Connects Shoppers to National Parks Conservation and Stewardship Projects
A community-focused retail store dedicated to conservation efforts in national, state, and regional parks opened its doors in Los Angeles in May. Parks Project, a clothing brand and certified B-Corp, will use its first flagship store – dubbed the “Discovery Center” – to boost awareness of its hard goods and its mission to “leave it better than you found it.” The store, located at 8540 W. Washington Blvd. in Culver City, is designed to be an immersive experience rather than simply a place to shop.
“It’s part outdoor park, part visitors center, part retail shop,” Parks Project Marketing Director Taryn Olson told Matador. “It’s a place for us to showcase our best and vintage products, partnership products with some of the licensing deals we’ve done to give back, and it also has a place for the community to come together.”
A large events space is located adjacent to the retail shop, which hosts events like yoga, film screenings, and parties, all which tie into Parks Project’s conservation-first mantra. The company aspires for this space to become a hub for conservation groups to host project launches, and for the Culver City community to have a low-key spot to gather.
How the ‘Discovery Center’ represents the next phase of Parks Project’s conservation efforts
Photo: Tim Wenger
Photo: Tim Wenger“We’re excited to create a destination space for deeper engagement by mixing a park visitor center with a fashion outdoor boutique that also offers a dedicated area for community ‘discovery’ events,” said Parks Project founder Keith Eshelman in a press release. “Our goal is to continue bringing parks to people in creative ways with a theme of conservation and to connect with like-minded people who want to build community around a joint purpose to leave it better.”
Walking into the store is akin to arriving at a trailhead. You’ll see Parks Project clothing displayed on the left wall, including popular designs of t-shirts, jackets, and other wearables. The back wall is covered in a mural depicting a forest hiking trail, with the space immediately in front of it designed as a “trailhead” complete with live greenery and a parked trailer. Inside the trailer is a small lounge area with a desk, and the space doubles as the cashier area for customers making a purchase.
Photo courtesy Parks Project
The retail space also includes a lounge area and bookshelves offering trail guides and other trip-planning materials. True to the brand’s outdoorsy routes, topographic maps feature heavily in the store’s aesthetic, including those of popular national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. Guests visiting the Discovery Center have the opportunity to discover information about parks in the Los Angeles area and around the country, as well as learn about and sign up for stewardship opportunities, conservation projects, and ways to get involved in supporting those parks.
Those familiar with Parks Project may have seen – or better yet, used – the Leave It Better Essential Clean-Up Kit. These reusable kits include gloves, bags for picking up waste and recyclables, and a bandana to protect yourself from the sun while cleaning up trails. This product epitomizes Park Project’s ethos – rather than simply hawking clothes and making a project, the B-Corp seeks to help its customers take care of the public lands they so cherish.
How Parks Project leads stewardship projects for public lands
Photo: Tim Wenger
Parks Project was born out of Eshelman’s love for public lands and his desire to use his retail clothing and business acumen – he spent years working at Tom’s Shoes before launching his own company – to make the world a better place. As a Certified B-Corp, the company effectively operates on a “profit with a cause” model that requires it to follow strict protocols surrounding business practices and philanthropic efforts to maintain certification. Eshelman chose to incorporate a give-back program as a driving force behind the company’s business model.
“The way that it works right now is that we work on a grant-like model, basically,” Olson says. “We look at the year and we say, ‘Ok, we’re going to have about this much to give back, if all goes as planned.’ We’ll determine we want to give X amount to, say, a project in Glacier National Park. So we go to that organization and tell them we’d like to partner on a project, and here’s how much we have.”
The company distributes this money to pre-determined projects in parks around the country. The company also hosts volunteer events and encourages those interested to follow its volunteer page for upcoming opportunities. To date, Parks Project has donated more than $2.6 million to conservation and restoration efforts throughout the United States.
“When you buy something here, that helps us do what we really exist to do,” Olson says. “And that is to give back to these conservancies so they can do the work that they so desperately need to do.”
The World’s Largest Banksy Museum Is Opening in NYC
Legendary street artist Banksy has been creating stencil-style murals since the 1990s. Banksy’s work has appeared on city streets all over the world, from London and Paris to Los Angeles and Bethlehem. Now, fans of the famous (and famously incognito) street artist can appreciate more than 160 works in one place: The Banksy Museum in New York City.
A preview of New York City’s Banksy Museum is currently open in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. It’s not the first time a collection of Banksy works have been on display to the public. The American opening is the latest installation in a run of successful Banksy Museum experiences hosted in cities including Barcelona, Brussels, and Kraków. But the New York City museum is the largest to date, not only showcasing recreations of Banksy’s public murals but also studio work and audio-visual exhibitions honoring the artist.
For an artist like Banksy, whose works have disappeared from streets across the globe as readily as they’ve popped up, the museum gives admirers the chance to deep dive into the artist in one fixed location. But there’s a certain irony to the idea of a museum that celebrates an artist who’s chosen such a transitory medium — especially an outspokenly corporate-averse artist like Banksy who famously organized for the “Girl With Balloon” painting to be shredded after selling for $1.4 Million at an auction in 2018. (The shredded painting, retitled “Love is in the Bin,” later sold for $25.4 million.) The museum recognizes this.
Museum founder Hazis Vardar concedes that “Street art belongs in the raw setting of the streets.” But Vardar also recognizes that most people who view Banky murals do so on “tiny smartphone screens, which is no way to experience the scale or emotion of Banky’s works.”
To do the artist justice in a museum setting, Vardar “set out to recreate the artworks in a life-size, re-imagined space that reflects the street experience” and “employed a team of anonymous street artists, like Banksy, to recreate the work.”
If you’re interested in visiting The Banksy Museum in New York City, you can buy tickets online or in person although advance bookings are highly recommended. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $26 for students and seniors, and $21 for kids. Children ages five and under can enter for free. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
The Banksy Museum: 277 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013
These Are the Safest Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2024
Safety and acceptance are paramount for LGBTQ+ travelers when choosing a vacation destination. There are plenty of rainbow-waving gay-friendly countries and sadly many that are not as welcoming. To help plan safe travel, the Gay Travel Index 2024, by Spartacus, publishes an annual ranked list of countries to help us better understand the legal and social climate around the world.
The index employs a meticulous methodology. The ranking assigns points based on a variety of criteria, with positive points awarded for factors like legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, such as anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage rights. Points are also given for factors that create a welcoming environment, like open displays of LGBTQ+ culture and a vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Conversely, points are deducted for negative aspects like laws that criminalize homosexuality, restrictions on HIV-positive travelers, and strong religious influence that can be hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. Spartacus’ scoring system creates a comprehensive picture of LGBTQ+ experiences in each location.
This year, the top spot is a historic tie. Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain all share first place with a perfect score of 12 points. These countries are home to comprehensive legal protections, vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, and a general atmosphere of acceptance.
Switzerland and Australia follow closely behind at number six and seven, respectively. Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Uruguay round out the top ten.
The index’s findings have a significant impact on countries’ policies and human rights. It highlights countries making strides towards inclusivity, like Estonia, which jumped from 47th to 32nd place due to the legalization of same-sex marriage.
It also identifies areas needing improvement, urging countries with lower scores to enact reforms that create a safer and more welcoming environment for all. Several countries, including Afghanistan, Chechnya (a region within Russia), Iran, and Saudi Arabia, are at the bottom of the index with a score of -21 points. Their low score reflects a multitude of factors that create a dangerous and hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The US gets a separate ranking system, allowing travelers to make informed choices within the country due to significant legal and social variations across the 50 states.
This year, New York takes first place with a score of 14. California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon are joint second with 13. Washington and Washington DC take third with 12 points. The last two ranked states are Montana with -5 and Oklahoma with -6.
where to see the Northern Lights
There are plenty of high-latitude destinations within the Aurora Oval where you can almost be guaranteed a spectacle of the aurora borealis. The area encircles the Earth’s magnetic north pole, including Iceland, Norway, Finnish Lapland, and Greenland. As many would love to experience the northern lights, astro-tourism is booming. Hotels are on-trend with night sky activities for guest but if you’d like to spend an unforgettable night under the dancing lights, you can do so independently at an Airbnb rental. Here’s where to see the lights in the Northern Hemisphere and some suggestions on where to stay.
We hope you love the Airbnbs 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.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Photo: Susan Lotter/Shutterstock
Mount Denali sits at a high latitude, placing it directly beneath the auroral oval. But one of the most significant factors for viewing success is Denali’s minimal light pollution. Unlike populated areas, the vast expanse of Denali National Park keeps artificial light to a minimum, allowing the subtle brilliance of the aurora to be visible. This also means that on a clear night, stargazers can expect an exceptional view of the Milky Way and countless stars invisible to most of the world.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAlaska has some of the coolest cabins and wilderness lodges Airbnbs in the US, and you’re spoilt for choice near Denali. For example, this Douglas fir log cabin photographed above has three bedrooms, a hot tub, and was lovely built by hand. It’s located 10 minutes from the park entrance. Or opt for a water side property like this 75 private acre lodge or this charming rustic homestead just 24 miles north of the park.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Photo: lanfear/Shutterstock
Jukkasjärvi, in Swedish Lapland, is home to some of the best conditions for seeing the lights in the region. The small village’s name originates from the Sami language, translating to “meeting place by the water,” which is fitting considering the village’s historical significance as a trading post for the Sami people. Surrounded by wilderness, Jukkasjärvi offers an unobstructed view of the night sky. To maximize your chances of witnessing the phenomenon, plan your visit during the auroral season, which stretches from September to March.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosJukkasjärvi is famous for the Icehotel, a one-of-a-kind hotel entirely built from ice and snow. Each year, the hotel is meticulously reconstructed by artists from around the world, transforming it into a spectacular work of art. You can stay in one of the ice suites or opt for a more local experience by booking a nearby Airbnb and enjoy the hotel’s bar or restaurant. There are some superb rentals nearby. This three-bedroom house (pictured) is five minutes from the iconic hotel and has its own sauna. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner, consider something a little smaller, like this cone-shaped tiny house made of glass. Here, you can sleep under the stars and watch the lights from the comfort of your bed.
Lapland, FinlandPhoto: Jose Manuel Perez/Shutterstock
Lapland’s long stretches of darkness during the winter months (from late September to March) coincide with peak auroral activity. The region is also home to vast, open landscapes — sprawling lakes, frosted forests, and snow-capped mountains — providing an ideal backdrop. While sightings aren’t guaranteed anywhere, a stay in Lapland significantly increases your chances.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosYou’re spoilt for choice with accommodation in Finland, with options as spectacular as the region’s landscape. There are posh igloo hotels, luxury ranches, and world-class spas. But if you’d prefer a home base with access to a kitchen, there’s plenty of Airbnbs, too. This eco-lodge is one of the more special stays. The environmentally friendly cottage retreat is the perfect place to enjoy the lights, and you can do so from the one-room glass igloo. Or if you’d prefer something even more remote, check out this cabin in the Kaldoaivi Wilderness area. And for an opulent rental, bookmark this stunning glass-ceiling apartment.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Photo: Oxanaso/Shutterstock
If you find yourself in Reykjavik this northern lights season, be sure to take bus #11 to Lindargotu Road. Once there you will spy Grotta Lighthouse barely connected to the mainland via a causeway footpath. It may not be the fanciest northern lights viewpoint in the world, but there is beauty in understatement. If you get a chill out on the peninsula, there is a single, lonesome hot spring by the beach just big enough for a foot bath on the way home.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAirbnbs in Reykjavik can make a pricy vacation to Iceland doable. You’ll save a lot of money on eating out with access to a kitchen, and the nightly rates are pretty reasonable. Stay in the city if you’d like to be close to amenities. If you need space, this six-bedroom house in downtown Reykjavik is reasonably priced if you share it with a group of adults. Or, head out of the city for rentals with even more space, especially outdoors, and extra amenities like hot tubs. This mountain lodge, pictured above, is around 50 minutes from the capital and cheaper than the city home. It sleeps 10 guests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to hiking trails.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Photo: Pi-Lens/Shutterstock
The capital and largest city in Yukon is just a small town by most standards, but it punches over its weight when it comes to accommodations for northern lights hunters. Whitehorse has a big backyard, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Yukon while still having access to urban amenities.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosUnlike cookie-cutter hotels, Airbnbs in Whitehorse can be anything from cozy cabins to historic lofts, providing a more memorable experience. You can find places with balconies overlooking the Yukon River, properties with hot tubs and hot spring access perfect for viewing the aurora borealis, or rustic cabins on the city’s outskirts.
Ice Cap, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Photo: Dan Bach Kristensen/Shutterstock
Thanks to 300-plus days of sun a year, the Ice Cap of Kangerlussuaq, or “Big Fjord”, is the stage for so many epic northern lights shows that locals occasionally forget that the phenomenon doesn’t happen everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Thanks to an international airport that serves the tiny nearby town, this is also one of the most accessible northern lights viewing destinations in Greenland.
Where to stay
Photo: Albatros Arctic Circle
See more photosBecause Kangerlussuaq is remote, you should opt for a guided tour. One of the best is Camp Ice Cap, an overnight adventure offered by Albatros Arctic Circle. This program allows you to spend a night on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, an experience typically reserved for scientists and seasoned adventurers. Albatros Arctic Circle provides all the necessary camping equipment and expertise to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. You will spend the night in a tent, surrounded by the vast expanse of white and under the open Arctic sky.
Orkney, Scotland
Photo: Ollie Taylor/Shutterstock
This tiny island can be found at the northernmost edge of Scotland. While there are plenty of B&Bs and hotels on the adjacent Orkney Mainland, the only signs of humans on the Brough are the archaeological remnants of the Picts, Norsemen, and Christian missionaries who lived here as early as the 7th century. Not a bad place to experience the mysticism of the northern lights, which the Norsemen believed to be the glint of the armor of the Valkyries.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosAirbnbs are peppered across the island, from Kirkwall’s town center to cozy cottages on the coast. Many Orkney Airbnbs are converted farmhouses, fisherman’s crofts, or modern Scandinavian-style apartments with a touch of Orkney charm. This cottage conversion (pictured) sits between Kirkwall and Stromness and offers spectacular views overlooking Scapa out towards Flotta and the Hoy Hills.
Alta, Norway
Photo: Andy Troy/Shutterstock
Alta, Norway, nicknamed “The City of the Northern Lights,” has exceptional conditions. Owing to its position above the Arctic Circle, Alta experiences extended periods of darkness during winter months, a prerequisite for viewing the auroras. The absence of sunlight creates a perfect canvas for the colorful light show, and the auroras are visible for up to 200 nights a year.
Where to stay
Photo: Airbnb
If you’d prefer a hotel, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a must-stay for anyone visiting Alta in the winter. Built entirely of ice and snow, a stay here promises a real arctic experience. However, it can be on the pricier side. If you’d rather have an affordable and comfortable stay, check out this newly renovated modern four-bedroom home or this penthouse apartment with a terrace, jacuzzi, and ocean view.
May 13, 2024
Cruise Lines Are Taking Infantilizing Measures to Keep Us Healthy Because We Are so Bad at Basic Hygiene
You’d think that full-grown adults with enough money and sense to book a cruise vacation would have the most basic personal hygiene down pat, but they don’t. Washing your hands after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, after sneezing, and before a meal might seem like such obvious recommendations that they don’t need repeating, but cruisers, much like kindergarten-level children, need to be reminded of them again and again — often, in vain.
Because no matter how many signs urge cruisers to wash their hands, how many hand sanitizer dispensers, sinks, and high-tech hand-drying machines there are on cruise ships, a lot of passengers wilfully ignore them. Whether those people think they are invincible, or whether they are just plain stupid remains to be be determined, but the fact of the matter is that they are the ones responsible for the outbreaks of gastrointestinal viruses that give cruise ships their undeserved petri dish reputation. (According to CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, one is much more likely to contract norovirus in a healthcare facility or a restaurant than a cruise ship.)
As a matter of fact, cruise lines try very hard to keep viruses at bay. After the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them permanently switched from self-served food stations at buffets to crew-staffed stations. They also installed glass or plastic barriers around food stations to avoid any contamination. And if you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know that the crew is constantly cleaning high-touch public areas, sanitizing railings, handles, and toilets. But without the participation of the passengers, cruise lines and their employees can only achieve so much in their fight against viruses.
One cruise line who is going one step further in its attempt to involve its passengers in limiting the spread of diseases on its ships is Royal Caribbean. For the past 15 years, a character called Washy Washy, impersonated by various crew members, stands in front of food venues on Royal Caribbean ships and sings the virtues of washing one’s hands. Sometimes Washy Washy offers passengers a little spritz of hand sanitizer, sometimes they direct the guests towards the nearby sinks and encourage them to scrub up before they eat. Mr. or Miss Washy Washy often punctuates their singing with some dance moves, attracting attention and hopefully reminding cruisers of the importance of basic hygiene.
@allison0777 He rly did make us happy happy. For 7 days all we heard was “washy washy” from everyone walking by us. #fyp #washywashy #happy #twerk #vacation #icon #cruise #norwegian #norwegiancruise #norwegianencore #queen #viral ♬ original sound – Allison
While incredibly infantilizing, Royal Caribbean guests seem to enjoy the Washy Washy character. There’s an entire conversation dedicated to Washy Washy on the unofficial Royal Caribbean SubReddit where people gush about their experience with Washy Washy.
“Miss Washy Washy on Voyager was a highlight. Everyone was getting pictures with her at the end of the voyage. Well done RCCL,” says a Redditter. Others say, “The one we had on Liberty last July was next level. She had glasses and headwear for each day that coordinated. Also a very loud speaker she chose the music. Family loved it!” and “We loved the Washy Washy song on Wonder :)”
According to the CDC’s records, Royal Caribbean has had to deal with as many gastrointestinal illness outbreaks as other cruise lines in the past months and years, so it’s unclear if Washy Washy has any impact on actually limiting the spread of virus on board Royal Caribbean cruise ships, but it’s worth a try. Also, it’s hilarious.
It’s hard to believe that after the COVID-19 crisis we still need to remind people of the most basic hygiene steps they need to take to stay healthy and protect others but, sadly, the reality seems to be that many have forgotten all about the good habits they had taken up back in 2020 and 2021.
I was on a 12-day transatlantic cruise in December and I was alarmed by the number of passengers who coughed and sneezed without covering their mouth. The same went for those who blew their nose and never washed their hands afterwards. I caught COVID-19 towards the end of the voyage and I am still mad at the old lady who, selfishly, passed it on to me.
After all, according to the CDC, hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16 to 21 percent, and research shows that washing hands with soap and water could reduce deaths from diarrheal disease (like the norovirus) by up to 50 percent.
Colds and gastrointestinal diseases may seem harmless, but they can be dangerous for a lot of people, and they can certainly ruin your vacation, so why take a chance with your health and that of others when you’re cruising? Just wash your hands regularly and you’re more likely to have an enjoyable cruise, free of snot and diarrhea. Reducing disease outbreaks on cruise ships is all up to.
This Cannabis Farm Tour Shows First-Hand What Makes Jamaican Weed so Special
It’s easy to find quality cannabis in Jamaica. That said, it’s also easy to be duped into buying subpar weed from one of the many hawkers targeting tourists in resort towns. Yet what connoisseurs and the general cannabis curious public can trust on first sight is a brand that opens the door to tourists and locals alike to see where it’s all grown.
Cannabis, despite the strong cultural ties, is not legal in Jamaica. There’s a medical cannabis system in Jamaica, however, and possession of small amounts was decriminalized in 2015.
On a recent trip to the island, I walked through Ocho Rios and met some entrepreneurial business owners with a side hustle of selling Jamaica’s most famous crop. Some were transparent about their product, others left the details a little hazy. All were more than happy to talk at length about Jamaican cannabis beyond the stereotypes. The next day, I took an even deeper dive into Jamaica’s cannabis culture by getting out to the countryside with Jacana to see a working cannabis farm.
Photo: Jacana
Jacana started in 2018. There are Jacana dispensaries in Ocho Rios, Kingston, and New Kingston, as well as more than 70 distribution partners that sell Jacana products. The brand exports medical cannabis to Europe, and in the United States, the CBD-based Jacana Wellness brand is available in parts of the country.
“We wanted to make a space where people can come in here and know that they can find something specific they’re looking for,” Jack Smith, who cofounded Jacana with his wife Alexandra Chong, said as we walked through the Ocho Rios dispensary. “But also a space for the curious to feel comfortable just walking in and learning more about what they want.”
Jacana’s Ocho Rios dispensary. Photo: Jacana
Chong grew up in Ocho Rios, and the couple put a strong emphasis on making Jacana a Jamaican company through and through. The Ocho Rios shop has reclaimed bricks from Kingston. On the packaging, “Product of Jamaica” sits right under the Jacana brand name.
Jacana cofounder Alexandra Chong. Photo: Jacana
“Internationally, there’s a race for who is going to become a cannabis destination,” Smith said. “One of the reasons why my wife and I started Jacana is because with the world opening up to cannabis, it would be a travesty if Jamaica got left behind. There’s Cali weed and Moroccan hash — we’re making sure that Jamaica has a spot on the international podium.”
That starts at home with letting tourists experience and learn about the country’s cannabis first-hand. The dispensaries are welcoming, and Jacana has limited-run partnerships for products with other local businesses, like Pure Chocolate Company next door to Jacana’s Ocho Rios location. On 4/20, Jacana held a cannabis festival in the center of the Island Village shopping area.
The best way to get a feel for what makes cannabis on the island so special, however, is to go out to Jacana’s farm.
Outdoor cannabis farming takes center stage
Photo: Jacana
The driving force behind Jacana is the farm itself, and it’s open to visitors for local-led tours that go as deep on the plant as people are looking to go.
The $80 premium tour walks through the full cannabis life cycle highlighted on various areas of the farm, followed by a lunch, spliff rolling experience, and tour of Jacana’s dispensary in Ocho Rios. The $120 exclusive tour adds in a section on Jacana’s cannabis lab and manufacturing facility, while private tours (price on request) make for a more intimate exclusive tour experience.
The tours are about five hours long when accounting for transportation to and from the farm, with pick up and drop offs at and around Ocho Rios accommodations. It’s intimate with a maximum of 10 people on each tour, and everyone must be 18 years or older.
Photo: Jacana
The 100-acre farm is in the mountains of St. Ann Parish, nestled in a wider 2,000 acre property. Jacana’s farm sits on what was once an organic farm, and it’s certified organic to this day. Chong met with three generations of the family who owns the wider property to pitch them on dedicating part of their farm to cannabis. It worked, and Jacana now has a 100 year lease on the 100 acres.
Cannabis grows on only a small part of the property. A nursery and a 10,000-square-foot processing facility that can handle everything from flower to extracts are on-site. The welcome center with a small shop is attached to a covered patio. There’s also a food and herb garden that’s tapped for worker meals and the tour lunch.
“We have our own testing facility, so we know what’s in it and what’s not” — Jack SmithOn the drive to the farm along a bumpy rural road, Smith wistfully talked about the importance of place. Terroir — a French word mostly used for wine that broadly means the environmental and cultural factors that make a certain region’s products unique — is near and dear to Jacana as a Jamaica-first brand.
Indoor cannabis is going to be similar no matter where it’s grown. Indoor cannabis from Jamaica won’t be all that different than that from one of the many legal areas of the United States where indoor cannabis is grown. There’s a time and a place for indoor cannabis, but presumably connoisseurs traveling to Jamaica wouldn’t want what they could get elsewhere, just like people who travel for food wouldn’t want to eat at an American fast food chain for every meal while they travel.
Photo: Jacana
The debate over whether indoor or outdoor grown cannabis is superior is never ending. The science behind the differences is lacking, and strict cannabis laws have kept away most serious research. Ask a regular consumer, however, and there’s typically a preference. For some, the more dense flower and heavily controlled buds from indoor grows is preferred. Others, including myself, prefer things more natural. That’s where one can get a better sense of why location matters. Again, replicable, high-quality studies are lacking for any type of scientific proof. Yet it seems intuitive that conditions unique to a certain place produce location-specific cannabis.
Smith believes it’s not hard to imagine cannabis sold in a way similar to wine in the future, where ganja gets a Jamaican designation in the way that Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France. But for Jamaica’s product to stand out from the masses of indoor cannabis, it first must lean into the natural and cultural aspects that Jamaica provides. That means leaning into sun-grown plants on outdoor farms — and being transparent for those who want to see it themselves.
Experiencing a Jamaica cannabis farm with Jacana
Photo: Jacana
The tours are customized to the level of knowledge the guests have, and tours can get as deep or as surface level as needed. Either way, it’s an experience you can’t easily find elsewhere.
A middle aged couple from North Carolina joined me on my tour. They were staying at a Sandals resort in Jamaica and had booked the tour through the resort as soon as they started planning their vacation.
Our guide, Khalil, started us at a small plot near the welcome center. Jacana is regulated and licensed by the government. As such, you can’t touch the plants that make it to dispensary shelves. At the entry plot, guests can walk among the plants, touch them, pick a leaf, and take all the pictures they want.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Before we reached the main cannabis farm, we passed the vegetable and herb garden. Khalil walked us through rows of mint, rosemary, okra, papaya, Scotch bonnet peppers, and other plants. There are also medicinal herbs used in traditional Jamaican cooking and remedies like leaf of life, guinea hen weed, sour sop, and ram goat dashalong.
Then came the cannabis. What guests see on the farm tour depends on what’s growing at the time and what stage the plants are at. It takes about four months, depending on the strain, to go from young plant to harvest. Jacana has the space and capacity to do a harvest every two weeks and start new plants every two weeks. Other than a few internationally known strains that are always in high demand, Jacana grows an ever-changing set of plants that thrive in the Jamaican climate.
Khalil took us through the section for international distribution before reaching Jacana’s mother plants (those kept in a stage of life where clones can be cut to continue the same genetic line). A safe room nearby is used to protect these mother plants during hurricanes and inclement weather. An area for young plants still getting their roots leads to adolescents being acclimated under a greenhouse tarp. Next to one of the labs, a few rows of experimental varieties grow in a straight line.
Photo: Jacana
Jacana’s commitment to sustainability touches every part of the tour. As an organic certified farm, natural methods of pest control replace harmful pesticides. Sunflowers at the entrance to the flowering area keep pollinators preoccupied, for example, and water comes from the nearby White River. Coconut husks naturally filter the soil and help prevent root rot.
“Outdoor, the plant gets to be itself,” Khalil said while pointing to two plots, each with a different strain, that have plants of the same age that have different visible characteristics. “Indoor, the focus is on THC potency.”
The walking works up an appetite. At the conclusion, there’s a farm-to-table lunch (either vegan or with meat) that uses ingredients from the Jacana garden. Curry chickpeas, rice and peas, barbecue chicken, and salad were on the menu when I visited.
After lunch, we moved one table over where Jacana-branded rolling trays, wrapping papers, a grinder, a lighter, and, of course, cannabis were set up at each seat. It’s the part of the tour my companions were most looking forward to. It’s not often one gets to roll and smoke with a local expert while sitting in the middle of a cannabis farm, after all.
Here, we had our spliff rolling class. The word spliff started in Jamaica and has been misconstrued internationally as a mix of cannabis and tobacco, Khalil explained. In Jamaica, it’s the primary consumption method: a long wrapping paper that’s filled with cannabis and rolled into a cone shape with no filter and, importantly, no tobacco.
Photo: Nickolaus Hines
Khalil walked us through each step. Anyone familiar with rolling a joint knows the basics, but it’s best to not get ahead of yourself if you’re new to rolling a traditional Jamaican spliff.
“We like things fresh in Jamaica,” Khalil said when I noted that the flower is much less dry than what I’m used to back home in Colorado. The terpenes are strong with a grassy, floral, citrus aroma as I popped open the grinder filled with newly ground cannabis. Khalil showed how to fill the wrapping paper and arrange it just right to create the classic cone. Shaped, sealed, and twisted at the top, the spliff is quickly ready. Each person smoked their own as we talked with Khalil about life, politics, and cannabis before walking back to the tour provider cars to head back to our respective hotels.
How to see Jacana’s farm for yourself
Photo: Jacana
The Jacana team can be reached for tours directly through the company’s website. Vans take guests to the farm and back. If you’re staying in Ocho Rios, Kingston, or New Kingston, make it a point to visit a Jacana dispensary to learn more about the brand and what tours are on offer.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
