Matador Network's Blog, page 163
May 7, 2024
Why You Feel Drunk Faster on a Plane
If you’ve been on a flight, had a couple of drinks, and felt a little more buzzed than usual, it’s probably not just the excitement of your upcoming trip that is causing feelings of intoxication. Many people report feeling the effects of alcohol more intensely when consuming it during air travel. While your actual blood alcohol concentration remains the same as it would on land, the environment of an airplane cabin contributes to a heightened feeling of being drunk. Matador spoke with medical professionals to find out why this occurs and if it’s something we should be concerned about.
Flight attendants undergo comprehensive training in serving alcohol during flights and adhere to strict regulations so the crew can identify if a passenger is consuming excessively and may potentially pose a risk to themselves or others. You’ll also note that you’re offered a glass of water with every alcoholic drink served. This is due to the dehydrating environment, but more on that in a moment.
The main reason you may feel more intoxicated is that commercial airplanes maintain a cabin pressure equivalent to an altitude of approximately 6,000 — 8,000 feet. This lower pressure leads to decreased oxygenation in your blood, a condition known as hypobaric hypoxia. The atmospheric pressure is similar to that in Denver, says Dr Heather L Hinshelwood of The Fraum Center of Restorative Health in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. What’s worse, Dr. Hinshelwood says that ethanol (the chemical name for alcohol) also prohibits oxygen from being absorbed into your bloodstream. This “double whammy,” as Hinshelwood calls it, leaves people feeling more buzzed than they would at sea level as your body will find it hard to process the chemicals.
Airplane cabins also have a very dry environment due to the air circulation systems. If you’ve ever taken a long-haul flight, you’ll know how dry and irritated your skin, lips and eyes can feel when you disembark. Dehydration also further intensifies the effect of alcohol, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and impaired cognitive function. It’s suggested passengers drink at least one to two bottles of water on mid to long flights.
So, should we be drinking at all in the air? Dr. Brynna Connor, Healthcare Ambassador at North West Pharmacy in Texas, says if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as cardiac or pulmonary conditions, you should not consume any alcohol before or during a flight. But if you are in good health, drinking in-flight should be in moderation. She also suggests eating a decent meal beforehand so the alcohol absorption will be slower.
If you have concerns about being in an environment like an aircraft where alcohol is accessible, Dr. Olalekan Otulana, substance misuse and addiction physician at London’s Cassiobury Court recommends taking triggers such as this while on vacation seriously. “Continue utilizing relapse prevention techniques,” he urges. He suggests testing out some mocktails and ensuring you have support from loved ones if you travel together. 
May 6, 2024
At This Maui Resort, Wellness Means Pampering the Mind, Body, and Soul
As soon as I arrived at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui, I was immersed into a world of culture, a home away from home, and a whole lot of aloha. Though often used as a term for a greeting or departure, aloha can also be translated to mean love, compassion, and peace — which aligns perfectly with Andaz Maui’s focus on holistic wellness.
When you think of wellness, you may only think of taking care of your body, but Andaz Maui cares for each of its guests comprehensively — meaning no part of the guest experience goes unnoticed. Sure, you can focus on getting physically fit, but the Andaz approach also caters to the mind and soul through education, social interaction, and self-care. Here’s what it’s like.
A restful oasis on the second largest Hawaiian island
Photo: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
A long walkway connects Andaz Maui’s driveway to its front lobby. When I got to the lobby for check-in, I was taken aback by the breathtaking views — the lobby overlooks the pools, restaurants, and, in the distance, the cool blue waters of Mokapu Beach. But that’s just a slice of what the resort covers.
Andaz Maui spans 15 acres. The resort has 320 guest rooms spread across three different wings — including 35 suites and 30 luxury villas that are rented out by the property. After traveling for 12 hours from New York City, entering my ocean view room was like getting a breath of fresh air. The room’s crisp, neutral color palette was a calming sight after the long haul, and the space was outfitted with modern, luxurious amenities — a king-sized bed, a full-sized bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a rain shower among them. The room also had a balcony overlooking the beach and the resort’s adults-only pool — a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.
Feeding your body and soul
Photo: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
In addition to the on-site gym that offers guests access to modern equipment, yoga mats, and classes, Andaz Maui puts a premium on what guests feed their bodies. Just look at the resort’s food model: “Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.”
All of the hotel’s four restaurant-bar-style dining options aim to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible to eliminate import. Ka’ana Kitchen is a must try for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast, pair classic buffet-style fare such as waffles, pancakes, and pastries with fresh fruit juices — my favorite was the refreshing mixture of passionfruit, orange, guava, and pineapple juice. Ka’ana Kitchen also offers chef’s-table family-style dinners, evoking the comfort of home while spoiling guests with a carefully curated six-course meal.
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For a light snack while swimming at the pool or relaxing at a cabana, Lehua Lounge and Bumbye Beach Bar offer an array of flavor-filled small bites. I recommend trying the fish tacos and pairing it with a Ginger Buck mocktail from Lehua Lounge. The hotel also houses Morimoto Maui, a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known for Iron Chef America. There, enjoy delicate and delicious sushi platters, poke bowls, and more.
If you’re into cocktails and cooking, Andaz also offers signature “Mix It Up” and “Poke All Around” classes for an additional charge of $59 and $65, respectively. “Mix It Up” allows participants to learn how to make specialty cocktails alongside Andaz’s mixologists. For my class, the mixologist showed us how to make a classic Mai Tai two different ways. If you prefer nonalcoholic beverages, the mixologist also made fresh cocktails and raspberry lemonade. The “Poke All Around” class takes the widely popular food and breaks it down for participants to learn about the fresh ingredients that go inside and how all the flavors come together.
Focusing on mental and emotional wellnessView this post on InstagramA post shared by Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (@andazmaui)
For a traditional wellness experience, Andaz Maui’s ‘Āwili Spa and Salon provides luxurious treatments, facials, and amenities. The dimly lit spa is located near the tranquil adults-only pool and has 10 treatment rooms. Female and male locker rooms are separate; both have saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and cold-plunge pools.
For my treatment, I chose the 60-minute Essential Massage, which incorporates the Hawaiian lomi lomi (“rub rub”) technique of using broad, deep strokes to promote circulation and impart energy. Beforehand, my masseuse asked about any tension spots to make sure she reached those areas during my massage.
The hotel also catered to my need for expression as a creative. While visiting, I had the opportunity to take ‘ukulele classes and learn about the instrument’s history. The teacher, Derick Sebastian, is a Grammy-winning ‘ukulele player who takes pride in teaching visitors how to create a melody with the strum of a few chords.
Educational opportunities at Andaz MauiView this post on InstagramA post shared by Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (@andazmaui)
Outside of pampering guests, Andaz Maui is a cultural breeding place filled with educational opportunities and ways to give back. As a first timer on the island, I was able to speak with the hotel’s Culture Training Specialist, Kalikolehua Storer, as she offered information that was invaluable about her hometown and culture.
In August 2023, wildfire ripped through Lahaina in West Maui, causing many residents to lose their homes, loved ones, and jobs. The island has since taken great strides to rebuild through various initiatives. Andaz Maui gives guests the opportunity to learn about these efforts through in-room welcome messages and connections to relief efforts such as Maui Strong.
Andaz Maui also specializes in sharing educational information in a fun and engaging way. The highlight of my trip was being able to witness my first lūʻau. An event centered on feasting and storytelling, the lūʻau I attended told of the emotional and physical strain of the Polynesian migration from Tahiti, alongside important messages about Hawaiian deities and the US’ involvement in using the island of Kahoʻolawe as training for target practice.
Getting to Andaz Maui
Photo: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
If you’re traveling from the airport in Kahului, Maui, the resort is about a 30-minute drive. You’ll pass by popular shops on the way. Once you arrive at the hotel, there’s really no reason to leave the hotel property — but if you want to, the hotel is situated in the nice area to explore that’s walking distance away from The Shops at Wailea.
The Most, and Least, Expensive Countries for Michelin-Star Dining
The idea of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant can be both exciting and intimidating. The chance to savor food that’s garnered some of the highest accolades in the world? Thrilling. The prospect of footing the bill? Panic-inducing. But dining at Michelin-starred restaurants isn’t always prohibitively expensive. From street stalls in Thailand to surprisingly affordable prix fixe menus in California, there are Michelin-starred restaurants around the world that are financially feasible for most travelers. And some destinations make finding them a lot easier than others.
International food magazine Chef’s Pencil scoured the Michelin guide to see which countries play host to the most and least expensive Michelin-starred restaurants. The team analyzed the tasting menus of every restaurant in the guide with at least one star — that works out to 3,517 restaurants across 41 countries and territories. For restaurants with more than one tasting menu available, Chef’s Pencil picked the most expensive option to use as a data point. The team then found the median cost of dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in destinations around the world, meaning the middle value when all of the prices were ordered from least to most expensive.
Photo: Chef’s Pencil
Turns out, Denmark is the most expensive country for Michelin-starred meals, with a median cost of $314 per person for tasting menus, not including drinks. In the Danish capital, Copenhagen, home to the world-famous three-star Michelin restaurant Noma, that figure increases to $443. Hong Kong, Iceland, Singapore, the US, Sweden, the UAE, Austria, Switzerland, and Norway rounded out the top 10 most expensive list, with Norway’s median tasting menu price coming in at $204 per person.
Vietnam ranked as least expensive country to go for a premium tasting menu, with a median cost of $130 per person, followed by Brazil, Malta, China, Greece, Slovenia, Belgium, Argentina, Türkiye, and Malaysia.
The analysis also offered interesting insights into the economic value of Michelin stars. The Chef’s Pencil team found that tasting menu prices increased by about $100 for every additional star that a restaurant earns. The overall median price for a premium tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant is $179 per person, exempting non-inclusive costs such as wine pairings, taxes, and tips. For one-star Michelin restaurants, the overall median price for a premium tasting menu is $165 per person; for three-star restaurants, it’s $356 per person.
Learn more about the breakdown — including by city or continent — here.
The UK’s Beaches Are Increasingly Polluted With Raw Sewage. Here’s How to Check Before You Go
We would all love to think that when we use the toilet and flush, the content goes to a wastewater plant where it gets thoroughly treated before being safely released in other water sources. And in this day and age, in countries where people pay taxes for this very procedure to take place, it should happen exactly that way. In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, it’s certainly not the case. An increasing number of raw sewage spills are polluting the UK’s coast and waterways, making swimming not only disgusting, but unsafe.
While the UK does have wastewater treatment facilities all over the countries, there has been 464,056 sewage spills in 2023. That’s a 54 percent increase from 2022.
The sewage spills come from a pretty loose usage of the storm overflows, a system that allows sewage to be released in waterways in case of an extreme event. The UK environmental Agency describes storm flows as “an automatic safety valve that release excess pressure on the network from flooding and rainfall or snowmelt – preventing sewage backing up into properties and streets. They should, however, only be used under strict permit conditions.”
While storm overflows are more monitored than ever, and the UK Environmental Agency vows to investigate and take action against water companies that use storm overflows illegally, the numbers show that there’s a lot of ground to cover to stop the spillages. Private water companies in the UK are using storm overflows much too often, releasing untreated, raw sewage on the country’s coasts and its waterways, making people ill, killing wildlife, and contaminating food sources.
Surfers Against Sewage, a small organization fighting to protect the UK’s waterway against sewage spills and plastic pollution received “1,924 sickness reports from water users who got ill after entering the water” in between October 2022 and September 2023.
If you want to enjoy the UK’s beautiful beaches, but really don’t want to swim along turds (or even toilet paper and used sanitary products as reported by CNN), you would do well to consult Surfers Against Sewage’s map of sewage spills before you head out. You can download the Safer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) app for free to know exactly where not to go for a beach trip in the UK.
Photo: Surfers Against Swewage
Currently, a trip to Northern Scotland, Cornwall, Suffolk and Norfolk, would be your best bet for a sewage-free beach vacation, but spillages can happen fast, so check the map frequently.
The Largest Thing Found in Each Country, According to Guinness World Records
While Guinness World Records is widely known for recognizing human achievements and feats of physical prowess, it also celebrates the remarkable scale and grandeur of the natural world, as well as other gigantic things in different countries. And these “things” are truly bizarre. Landmarks such as the largest pyramid in Mexico and the towering Ferris wheel in the United Arab Emirates are well known. But did you know that Sweden is home to the largest ice cream boat, the Dominican Republic holds the record for a tallest glass of mojito, and Indonesia has the biggest building shaped like a bird? Site SizeGraf raked through the Guinness World Records to bring us a list of awards given to each country around the world for big things, and it is as impressive as it is outlandish.
SizeGraf lists enormous things, from gatherings of people to food and animals to competitions, buildings, collections, and a bunch of other stuff. Unfortunately there are some countries that are yet to step up. Of the 195 countries on the list, 46 do not hold a Guinness World Record for a big thing. Most of these countries are in Africa. SizeGraf had to be somewhat selective with places such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Russia, that are racing ahead with over 50 records each.
Here are some of the most interesting and bizarre Guinness World Records for the largest things in the world.
The largest mud volcano in the world is in Azerbaijan. It measures 0.6 miles across the base and several hundred metres in height. Photo: Denis Sv/Shutterstock
Azerbaijan is home to the world’s largest mud volcano. In fact, the country has nearly 400, which is around half the world’s total. Instead of erupting with magma, mud volcanoes expel a mixture of mud, water, and gases. The largest in Azerbaijan measures over half a mile across the base and reaches several hundred meters in height.
Largest building in the shape of a bird in Kembanglimus, Magelang, Indonesia. It measures approximately 56.41 meters from beak to tail. Photo: Azhar Rosyid Hidayat/Shutterstock
Indonesia’s claim to fame is the largest building shaped like a bird. Gereja Ayam in Kembanglimus, Magelang, measures approximately 56.41 meters from beak to tail. This seven-story, 15-room building has had an interesting history, serving as a church, residence, film set, rehabilitation center, and currently, a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to the Borobodur Temple UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The building was originally designed as a dove, inspired by a message from God received by its Christian builder, Daniel Alamsjah. However, the addition of a crown on the structure’s head gained the nickname “Chicken Church” as it began to resemble a rooster more than a dove.
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve has the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. Photo: J nel/Shutterstock
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System holds the title of the largest barrier reef system in the entire northern hemisphere. It stretches over 180 miles along the Caribbean coast of Belize, making it the second-largest coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is more than just its impressive size. It has an incredible diversity of marine life, with over 500 species of fish, 65 types of hard coral, and countless invertebrates like sponges and crustaceans calling it home.
A bedroom inside the splendid Palacio de Sal hotel in Bolivia the largest salt hotel in the world. Photo: Marco Ramerini/Shutterstock
The Palacio de Sal, meaning “Palace of Salt” in Spanish, is the world’s largest salt hotel. Located near the edge of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt flat in Bolivia, this remarkable structure is constructed from over a million salt blocks, weighing a total of 10,000 tonnes. Everything is made from salt, including the walls, floors, furniture, and even the nine-hole golf course.
Here are a few other entries that are not only enormous but bonkers.
Algeria — A bowl of couscousAustralia — Underwater dance classBahamas — Gathering of people dressed as merpeopleCameroon — FrogDominican Republic — A glass of mojitoEl Salvador — A pretzelFrance — A condomGreece — A cheese pieHungary — A menuKazakhstan — Serving of donutsLiberia — Peacekeeping unit made up of femalesMaldives — Divorce rateMexico — Nude photo shootNorway — Gingerbread manPeru — Guinea pig festivalSeychelles — A seedSlovenia — A cave castleSwitzerland — Wearable cake dressThailand — Paper buildingUnited States — High heel raceVenezuela — OrchestraMore like thisTITLE OF PIECE
Watch: More Than 1,000 Sea Lions Swarm Popular San Francisco Pier
Pier 39 in San Francisco is a major tourist draw. It’s covered in shops, restaurants, and attractions, ranging from a mirror maze to a “7D” theater to an escape room, arcade, aquarium, and historic carousel. It’s also where you’ll find remnants of what once made the city so unique, like street performers, sidewalk caricatures, and the “Musée Mécanique” (Museum of Mechanics), not to mention all kinds of outdoor food vendors (and some of the world’s best ice cream).
And right now, it’s extremely easy to find your way to Pier 39 from anywhere in the city: just follow the sound of more than a thousand screaming sea lions, which will lead you right to the famous pier and its most famous residents.
San Francisco’s sea lions first appeared in 1989 on docks originally intended for use by boats in the marina. But the sea lions stayed, and quickly became a popular attraction in the city. Their combined weight soon sunk the original docks, and the city replaced them with the current floating barge-style docks. Normally, there are anywhere from 150 to 500 sea lions on the piers. But in early May 2024, observers noticed something unusual: three to five times the normal amount of sea lions.
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A post shared by PIER 39 (@pier39)
As a result of an unusually large anchovy school moving into the San Francisco Bay, there are now well over 1,000 of the enormous sea lions hanging out at Pier 39. Harbormaster (akin to the Pier’s manager) Sheila Chandor told news outlets it’s the most they’ve counted in more than 15 years. The previous record was from 2009, when just over 1,700 sea lions decided to “haul out” on the pier (meaning they used it as a place to rest out of the water).
Videos posted by Pier 39 and other outlets show the piers absolutely covered in the six-to-seven-foot-long pinnipeds, with very little free space available on the platforms.
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How long the sea lions will stay in their large numbers is anyone’s guess, as it’s completely dependent on the anchovies. Currently, the sea lions are feeding with gusto, as they’re building up their energy for the upcoming mating season near Channel Islands National Park, roughly 400 miles south. They’ll head there in early summer to mate in July and August, with pups born the following spring. Many of those pups will then return to SF with their mothers later that year. The oversupply of food is making them very playful and energetic, so it’s a great time for visitors to the Bay Area to observe the famous San Francisco sea lions before they begin their journey to the national park.
If you can’t make it to SF, you can still see the city’s famous sea lions via the Pier 39 sea lion live webcam, offering several vantage points of their favorite hang-out spot.
Tips for seeing the San Francisco sea lions
Photo: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
Pier 39 is the top spot for viewing the cute creatures, but it’s not the only spot in SF. They’ve also been seen in the spring at the nearby marine terminal (just a block away) and Aquatic Park Cove, at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. If you are headed to Pier 39, take note of the following sea lion viewing tips.
For the best chance of seeing the sea lions basking in the sun and being active, go in the morning or evening. With the current recent surge, they’ve been active all day. But normally, daytime is more for relaxing than playing and feeding.The pier gets packed, and while there are a few rows of wooden benches, it can be hard to see them with a constant stream of people walking in front of you. Avoid busy weekends, or prepare to spend a lot of time standing.Respect the wildlife. They are completely wild animals that are not fed or supported by humans in anyway. Trying to give them food is stupid, illegal, and harmful. And be extra careful when carrying anything near the water, especially small items like bottle caps or napkins. The sea lions can be hurt or killed if they ingest anything outside of their normal diet.You’re likely to see sea lions swimming in the bay if you book one of a few on-the-water activities that leave from Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. You can hop on a ferry from Pier 39 to Sausalito or Alcatraz, or take a kayaking tour on the bay, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot them swimming on the way, especially when their numbers are so high.You don’t need binoculars. You can bring them if you want, but the floating barges where they bask in the sun are very close to the pier.More like thisTravelTop San Francisco Hotels Near the City's Coolest Attractions and Neighborhoods
How Many Drinks You’ll Need to Have Per Day to Make a Cruise Drinks Package Worth It, According to a Travel Agent
For a lot of people, cruising is synonymous with indulging, whether that’s about shore excursions, spa offerings, food, or drinks. And why shouldn’t it be? You’re on vacation on a shiny floating hotel where the only thing on the agenda is to relax, enjoy yourself, and let loose a little. The only issue with indulging is the price tag associated with it. Because unless you are on an all-inclusive cruise, you’re going to have to pay for everything extra, and cruise lines are pretty pushy when it comes to getting you to sign up for specialty dining, thermal spa access, and especially drinks packages.
All the cruise lines that don’t have drinks included in their base price offer a variety of drinks packages. Some drinks package focus on alcoholic drinks, while others cover specialty coffees, water, or soft drinks. Some packages even include everything so you can have whatever you want at any time, from wine to cocktails, to lattes, Perrier water, and Coca-Cola, for example. Every drinks package comes at a different price point in the form of a daily rate, not a flat rates, so the longer the cruise, the more you’ll spend. And that’s why you need to think long and hard before you purchase, or not purchase, a drinks package.
As explained by travel agent Elisa from The Paradise Travel Group in a TikTok video, you need to make sure the drinks packages on offer on your cruise are right for you. That means counting how many drinks you’ll need to have per day, per person, to make a cruise drinks package’s daily rate worth it. If you don’t feel like getting your calculator out, you’re in luck because Elisa’s done it for you: About six or seven alcoholic drinks a day is when you’re breaking even on your drinks package.
@theparadisetravelgroupShould you get the cruise drink package? Let me help you decide!
♬ original sound – Travel Agent Elisa
Some questions you might want to ask yourself before you purchase a drinks package:
Will I be able to drink that much alcohol, coffee, soda, without pushing myself to the limit? You don’t want to spend your vacation either drunk, running for the bathroom, or hyped up on sugar, just because you want to stick one to the cruise line.Will I be spending enough time on the ship every day to make the drinks package worth it? If you’re out for hours on shore excursions, you likely won’t have the opportunity to drink that much.Will the person sharing my cabin be able to drink that much every day? Because, on most cruise lines, if you purchase a drinks package, the person sharing your cabin will have to buy the exact same one. That’s a strategy from most cruise lines to prevent passengers from buying one drinks package for two people.Do I want to keep track on my drinks spending on board? Some people purchase drinks packages so they don’t have to keep track of any a-la-carte spendings, but that can be a very expensive, and wasteful, way to cruise. Checking your on-board statement daily is easy and highly recommended if you don’t want any nasty surprises at the end of your sailing — everything adds up very fast.Like Elisa explains in the video above, you don’t need a drinks package to have alcohol on board — you can purchase anything a la carte when you feel like having a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail. The same is true for specialty coffees, sodas, and fancy water. Also, regular water, drip coffee, and a huge variety of teas are available to all without any surcharge, with milk, cream, and sweeteners included.
One important thing for prospective cruisers to know that’s not mentioned in Elisa’s video is that, even with a drinks package, gratuity is added on every drink your order. And that’s on top of the daily gratuity you pay as part of the cruise.
8 Storybook Thatch-Roof Cottages You Can Stay at in the English Countryside
Nothing quite captures the eccentricity of rural England like a thatch-roof cottage surrounded by grassy downs and village pubs. Crafting roofs from straw or reeds goes back donkey’s years although most of the remaining bungalows date to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As well as being the muse of artists, thatched roofs are kind to the environment and help regulate temperatures in all four seasons. Come rain, shine, or snow, these cozy thatched cottages are the perfect excuse for a duvet day.
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We hope you love these thatched roof Airbnbs! 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.
Quirky thatch-roof cottage in BuckinghamshirePhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis Grade II listed thatched stone cottage combines traditional and contemporary elements. Heavy beams maintain warmth even in the middle of winter and a practical log burner is cocooned in the original stone fireplace. The master bedroom has a roll-top bath overlooking the vast private lawn and a dining patio. Between countless National Trust properties, Bletchley Park, Whipsnade Zoo, and Silverstone, Wing is an ideal base for a vacation in the home counties.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $310 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis idyllic Hampshire hamlet hideaway is only 50 miles from London and 15 minutes from Highclere “Downton Abbey” Castle. It sits at the end of a private lane overlooking three acres of paddocks. The property has been modernized with a contemporary kitchen and deluxe en suite bathrooms without uprooting the original timber beams. The backyard has a Wendy house for the kids and a hot tub for starlit soaks.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $273 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis bonnie 18th-century thatched cottage for couples sits amid working farmland and cider orchards most of which are at your disposal to roam. The interiors retain the house’s olde-worlde character through slate flooring and low-hanging oak beams although upgrades have brought the kitchen and bathroom into the 21st century. You’ll need your own wheels to plan day trips to Dartmoor and England’s finest beaches.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $214 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis one-of-a-kind Airbnb is one of England’s last-remaining Cotswold stone cottages with a thatched roof. It’s located in the market town of Chipping Campden from where the Cotswolds Way stretches to Bath. Highlights include an open fire and a stone kitchen plus countless nooks and crannies to investigate. Guests staying for four nights or more will receive a complimentary hamper packed with local goodies.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $368 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis adorable thatched cottage is a 30-minute drive from Dartmoor National Park and the pristine beaches of North Devon. Even better – it’s just a two-minute stroll to Chulmleigh’s gastropubs and restaurants. Parts of the home date to the 18th century while the sunroom is a welcome addition. This opens out onto a huge yard complete with a barbecue and table tennis.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $161 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis teeny tiny Airbnb with a thatched roof sits within the perimeter of the New Forest National Park where ponies roam freely across the moorland. The kitchen facilities are rudimentary but between these and the barbecue, there is enough to cover basic meals. The micro-cottage is dwarfed by 1.8 acres of meadows plus a fish pond and designated areas for dogs to play off-leash.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $190 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosVenture to the northwest coast to one of England’s lesser-known beauty spots. This two-bedroom thatched house cottage sits on 14 acres of private property where noise disturbance is limited to chirping sparrows and hooting owls. Fishing is permitted in the lake with approval from the host. The closest pubs are less than a mile away and it’s only half an hour by train to Liverpool.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $223 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis Guest Favorite Airbnb is a stone’s throw from Kingham’s high street and what’s considered the poshest local in Britain. But don’t worry – if you forget to book a table at The Wild Rabbit you can rustle up a farmers’ tea in the AGA and feast fireside or out in the private garden. The cottage is chicly appointed with antiques and dainty crockery. The host provides a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and croissants.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $276 per night
May 3, 2024
Travelers Are Avoiding Red Luggage Due to Popular ‘hack,’ but It’s All a Lie
There’s a new travel video going around social media talking about the way bags are loaded onto planes, and it’s making some travelers say they’ll never buy red luggage again.
But one airline made it clear: the video is a total lie.
In the original video, posted on TikTok, the caption asks “do you know why red bags are loaded first?” And the answers given run the gambit, ranging from the logical (“They’re loaded first so that they can spot the last set of bags when offloading”) to the macabre (“It’s so if the plane crashes the red bags will fall out last so that it can signal to the planes that it’s there”) to the downright heartwarming (“because red is first on the rainbow.”)
@airportlife_ Boeing 737 loading!#airport #aviation #aircraft #plane #flight ♬ i like the way you kiss me – Artemas
But whatever the reason is, the conclusion viewers drew from the video was that if red bags are loaded onto the plane first, that means they’ll come out of the plane last — and thus owners of red suitcases will wait the longest at luggage carousels to get their bags. In the comments, many viewers regretted their color choices, with one viewer going so far as to say “I should have seen this video before buying my red suitcase.”
However, viewers also called out the video as incorrect, with some commenters saying they worked for airlines and would never have time to sort bags by color. But one video promptly shut down the conversation, proving without a doubt that loading bags by color never happens. And it’s from the most reputable source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the oldest continually operating airline in the world. It was founded in 1912, so needless to say, it has plenty of data on best practices to pull from.
And it doesn’t beat around the bush. In the video, the baggage handler makes it clear: the color of your suitcase doesn’t matter one bit when it comes to loading bags.
@klm @AirportLife
KLM’s response mirrors what commenters who worked for airlines said on forums like Reddit. “110% false,” reads one comment. I worked ramp for 5 years. If we had taken the time and brain power to load bags based on color I’d still be loading flights from 2015.”
So what does determine the order in which your luggage is loaded? The answer is complicated, and depends on factors like the airline and the airport. But having red luggage won’t change the speed with which your bag comes out. As it turns out, most airlines use a fairly logical system, loading bags belonging to passengers with tight connections last, so they come off first. At some airports, all luggage gets sent to a central area, where it’s scanned and sent either to the pick-up carousel or the next flight. At others, luggage belonging to passengers with short connections may bypass the middle step entirely, going straight from one plane to the next one. It just depends on the airport and airline.
Your bag’s durability is probably far more important than its color. Photo: Maurizio Milanesio/Shutterstock
This doesn’t mean your bag won’t ever miss your connection, but it does reduce the chance of it happening (though many airlines will give you compensation if your bag is late, too). Whether you’re traveling with just a carry-on or do plan on checking a bag, more important than the color may be the durability. As you can see from the video, bags get stacked on top of one another, bumped around, and roughly moved between conveyer belts and stowage compartments. So if you’re getting new luggage, you may want to prioritize luggage that’s been put through the wringer during testing more than anything else.
More like thisAirports + FlyingFlight Attendants Explain Why Airline Dress Codes for Passengers Exist
Need new luggage (red or otherwise)? Check out Matador’s tested recommendations: How This Hardshell Roller Got Me to Switch From My Carry-On Backpack Lifestyle This Luxury Suitcase Is Made From Airplane-Grade Aluminum Away’s Carry-On Luggage Is the Best Roller Case For Your Money This Luggage Has the World’s Best Features, and It’s Currently on Sale These Two Genius Bags Replaced the Four Camera Bags I Used to Carry Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Is the Best Travel Backpack for Your Money
The Red Luggage Travel ‘hack’ Is a Complete Lie
There’s a new travel video going around social media talking about the way bags are loaded onto planes, and it’s making some travelers say they’ll never buy red luggage again.
But one airline made it clear: the video is a total lie.
In the original video, posted on TikTok, the caption asks “do you know why red bags are loaded first?” And the answers given run the gambit, ranging from the logical (“They’re loaded first so that they can spot the last set of bags when offloading”) to the macabre (“It’s so if the plane crashes the red bags will fall out last so that it can signal to the planes that it’s there”) to the downright heartwarming (“because red is first on the rainbow.”)
@airportlife_ Boeing 737 loading!
But whatever the reason is, the conclusion viewers drew from the video was that if red bags are loaded onto the plane first, that means they’ll come out of the plane last — and thus owners of red suitcases will wait the longest at luggage carousels to get their bags. In the comments, many viewers regretted their color choices, with one viewer going so far as to say “I should have seen this video before buying my red suitcase.”
However, viewers also called out the video as incorrect, with some commenters saying they worked for airlines and would never have time to sort bags by color. But one video promptly shut down the conversation, proving without a doubt that loading bags by color never happens. And it’s from the most reputable source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the oldest continually operating airline in the world. It was founded in 1912, so needless to say, it has plenty of data on best practices to pull from.
And it doesn’t beat around the bush. In the video, the baggage handler makes it clear: the color of your suitcase doesn’t matter one bit when it comes to loading bags.
@klm @AirportLife
KLM’s response mirrors what commenters who worked for airlines said on forums like Reddit. “110% false,” reads one comment. I worked ramp for 5 years. If we had taken the time and brain power to load bags based on color I’d still be loading flights from 2015.”
So what does determine the order in which your luggage is loaded? The answer is complicated, and depends on factors like the airline and the airport. But having red luggage won’t change the speed with which your bag comes out. As it turns out, most airlines use a fairly logical system, loading bags belonging to passengers with tight connections last, so they come off first. At some airports, all luggage gets sent to a central area, where it’s scanned and sent either to the pick-up carousel or the next flight. At others, luggage belonging to passengers with short connections may bypass the middle step entirely, going straight from one plane to the next one. It just depends on the airport and airline.
Your bag’s durability is probably far more important than its color. Photo: Maurizio Milanesio/Shutterstock
This doesn’t mean your bag won’t ever miss your connection, but it does reduce the chance of it happening (though many airlines will give you compensation if your bag is late, too). Whether you’re traveling with just a carry-on or do plan on checking a bag, more important than the color may be the durability. As you can see from the video, bags get stacked on top of one another, bumped around, and roughly moved between conveyer belts and stowage compartments. So if you’re getting new luggage, you may want to prioritize luggage that’s been put through the wringer during testing more than anything else.
More like thisAirports + FlyingFlight Attendants Explain Why Airline Dress Codes for Passengers Exist
Need new luggage (red or otherwise)? Check out Matador’s tested recommendations: How This Hardshell Roller Got Me to Switch From My Carry-On Backpack Lifestyle This Luxury Suitcase Is Made From Airplane-Grade Aluminum Away’s Carry-On Luggage Is the Best Roller Case For Your Money This Luggage Has the World’s Best Features, and It’s Currently on Sale These Two Genius Bags Replaced the Four Camera Bags I Used to Carry Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Is the Best Travel Backpack for Your Money
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