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This Rooftop Tent Makes Camping Road Trips Easy Even With a Small Car

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When you own a small car, your camping options are limited. You can’t use a camper and there’s no way you can pull a trailer. While traditional tent camping can be fun, some aspects aren’t for everyone — namely setting up, uncomfortable sleep, the cold, and being vulnerable to all creatures large and small.

A more comfortable and easy car camping option is the rooftop tent. These come in various shapes and sizes, but all follow the same concept: a tent that folds flat on top of the car for driving that pops up for sleeping when you get to your destination. While rooftop tents have been around since the late 1950s, they have become a lot more popular since the pandemic. And there are plenty of reasons why it’s attractive: You don’t need a big vehicle to use one, it’s easy to erect, you’re off the ground, and if you choose the right brand, it’s extremely cozy.

I recently took the Meadowlark Roofnest tent on a camping trip in British Columbia, Canada, and I’ve been totally converted to this way of sleeping outdoors.

Setting up the Meadowlark Roofnest tent

I had my Meadowlark Roofnest tent sitting in a box at home since the end of March, waiting for the weather to finally clear up so my partner and I could set up it on top of our 2005 Subaru Impreza. Life being what it is, we set up the tent on the morning of the first Saturday of May, which was also the day we were scheduled to go camping. Being the organized one in this relationship, I had insisted that we take care of it much earlier in case we ran into any issues while installing it, but it turned that my nagging was unnecessary. It took only two hours from opening up the box to having the tent ready for camping.

The Meadowlark and its ladder in boxes.What the Meadowlark looks like upon opening the box.You'll find the instructions manual and the mounting kit inside the tent. You need to remove the cover and open up the tent to get at it.Installing the ladder is the first step in setting up the Meadowlark.

While installing the Meadowlark was fast and relatively easy, it is easier to get the job done with two people. The tent weighs 90 pounds and needs to be lifted up on the roof of a vehicle, and having two people looking at the instructions is the best way to avoid confusion and errors.

It’s not easy to tighten the locknuts when you have low crossbars. Photo: Morgane Croissant

Ninety-five percent of the process of installing the Meadowlark on our small and short vehicle was extremely straightforward. The few tools and materials needed were provided by Roofnest, and the instructions were mostly easy to follow. There were only a few complications.

The mounting kit is located inside the tent in a little pouch meant to store campers’ shoes. It took us a minute or two to figure out where it was considering its location was not on the instructions. We nearly panicked at the idea that it was missing.

Depending on your car, there may be a varying level of difficulty with the crossbars. The crossbars on our vehicle are low, so there is very little space between the roof of our small car and the bars. This makes tightening the locknuts a very finicky affair. It was probably the most difficult and time-consuming part of the process. Also, while placing the mounting rail end caps on each end of the mountain rails is the last step (step eight), it should be moved to step six. Placing them when the locknuts are tightened is very difficult.

Then, after the installation, we were left with a bag of washers that are not in the manual. It’s always a little unnerving to have leftovers in the mounting kit.

Opening up the tent at home before hitting the road. Photo: Morgane Croissant

Once we completed the installation, we opened the tent to take a peek inside before hitting the road. The ground where we parked the car on our property is very uneven, making the ladder, which supports the cantilevered part of the rooftop tent, unstable. We decided against trying out the tent in those conditions, so we took a quick look inside before folding it up, setting up the cover, and departing on our camping trip. To say we cut this one short is an understatement.

Testing the Meadowlark Roofnest tent in the outdoors

As we drove to the beautiful and serene Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, it was impossible to ignore the fact that the tent creates drag. A rooftop tent has an impact on a car’s fuel economy, as a heavy square structure on the roof of a car certainly isn’t very aerodynamic.

Photo: Morgane CroissantThe beach at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Photo: Morgane CroissantBlack bear along the creek at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Photo: Morgane Croissant

In early May, the park is quiet so we were able to book a large and lovely camp site. We planned to light up a fire later during the day so we parked the car well away from the fire pit — flying embers can burn holes in your softshell tent.

In the space of just one minute, my partner took the cover off the rooftop tent and deployed it according to the simple instructions. The process is incredibly easy and effortless. We immediately put our sleeping bags and pillows in the tent, zipped it up, and went for a long hike. Setting up a tent has never been this painless.

Photo: Morgane Croissant

When we got back to our camp site, I went up the ladder to lay in the tent for the first time. Because the tent is cantilevered, I had some apprehension about the whole structure collapsing under my weight as I stretched out on the comfy 2.5-inch-thick foam mattress included in the setup. Of course, none of this happened — this Roofnest tent is made of a very sturdy aluminum alloy and meant to accommodate two adults. I opened up the tent windows and admired the view from up in my perch where I felt secluded and safe.

Inside the Meadowlark rooftop tent.Photo: Morgane Croissant

After a quick dinner and some time spent reading by the light of the fire, we headed up to the tent for an elevated good night’s sleep. We put our shoes in the tent’s shoe pouches, slipped into our sleeping bags, and listened to the noise of the forest. Earlier in the day, one of the park employees had mentioned that a friendly black bear was roaming the park, and I felt grateful to be up in a rooftop tent rather than at ground level. Jesse, my six-foot-two partner, fit perfectly in the tent and there was enough space for the two of us to rest in comfort, which we did for about seven hours until a chorus of hundreds of birds reminded us it was time for breakfast.

Photo: Morgane CroissantFolding up the Meadowlark. Photo: Morgane Croissant

After a few hours spent eating baked goods around our morning fire and a long walk in the park during which we encountered the aforementioned bear, we packed up our things, folded the aerated and dry tent, and buckled the cover. Similar to the set up, it took less than five minutes for the whole process to be completed. There was no dirt to sweep off, no canvas to roll tight into a tiny bag, and no foldable tent poles to deal with.

The best features of the Meadowlark Roofnest tent and what could be improved

After my experience with the Meadowlark Roofnest tent, I’m happy to say that the product is nearly faultless. Everything in this rooftop tent has been carefully thought out to make camping as easy, uncomplicated, and as comfortable as possible for the modern traveler (there’s even a USB-powered light strip) without losing one of the most important aspects of camping: Being immersed in nature.

There are two small issues with the Meadowlark Roofnest tent that could potentially be improved upon, but I am nitpicking at this point:

Climbing the very solid telescopic ladder in bare feet or socked feet is very painful. Wear shoes and take advantage of the shoe pouches, and keep in mind that if you just want to go up or down the ladder fast without having to lace up, you will suffer.Once the rooftop tent is installed on top of your car, you’ll want to leave it there for a while. While removing it is not difficult, having to loosen all the locknuts again is time consuming and tedious, especially if you have low crossbars like we do.

Buy Now: $1,595

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The 10 Top Rated Restaurants in Denver

Dener’s food scene is ever-evolving. It’s shrugged off its long-standing cow town reputation with chef-driven restaurants and fun, fast-casual late-night joints. Suburbs have replaced the ranches that once surrounded the city, and although there’s still a hearty steakhouse industry, Denver is one of the more exciting places to eat in the US if you know where to go.

From French dips, white cloth fine dining, pop-ups, and food trucks to more than 100 brewpubs, many with exceptional light bites, there’s a wide variety of cuisine types and price points spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods.

“Be it a burrito smothered in Pueblo green chile, an 18-seat chef’s counter serving a refined tasting menu or one of our 150 metro-area craft breweries, we have something that satisfies every craving,” says Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver. The evolution of the city’s culinary offerings was recognized last year in the Colorado-based Michelin Guide which celebrated 26 Denver restaurants.

After talking with the restaurant staff, you get a real sense of community spirit here. Tricia Maher, owner of plant-based restaurant Somebody People, shares that Devner’s talented chefs pull together and often work in collaboration. Supporting local small businesses is something this community is proud of. Urban homesteading has brought farming back to the city area, which is showcased in refined farm-to-table seasonal menus.

To help you find the best places to grab a bite, Matador meticulously sifted through reviews on Yelp and Google Maps. Ratings, both out of five, were then added together for an aggregate result of the top-rated places to eat. To ensure the businesses are well established, Matador also only selected restaurants with over 250 reviews. Although customer feedback paints a partial picture, a review-driven list like this can help you navigate the food scene.

If you’re planning a mountain getaway, here are the best restaurants in Denver according to customer ratings.

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Temaki Den

Photo: WerkCreativePhoto: WerkCreativePhoto: WerkCreative

Rating: 9.5 (4.8 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Temaki Den’s nearly perfect score is in part due to the care taken by the kitchen to produce outstanding plates of traditional sushi, service after service. They take pride in their skill set. “We have crafted a dining experience that pays homage to traditional Japanese culinary philosophies and cuisine,” says general manager Kelly O’Brien. Two renowned chefs, Toshi Kizaki and Kenta Kamo, steer the ship with their modern twist on the typical sushi bar we know and love. Popular dishes include spicy tuna temaki, bluefin tsukami-zushi, and salmon oshizushi. Finish the dining experience with the cleansing and zingy yuzu black pepper sorbet or macha affogato.

Temaki Den: 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216

Restaurant Olivia

Photo: Restaurant OliviaPhoto: Restaurant OliviaPhoto: Restaurant Olivia

Rating: 9.4 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Restaurant Olivia is where you go in Denver for pasta. Located in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, the menu draws influence from Italian classics and elevates plates with precision and love for home cooking. Each ingredient is carefully sourced from local producers and is organic whenever possible. The drinks menu is also a joy. Playful cocktails like the Spell Bound (vodka, bergamot, lemon, salted green tea, blueberry and hibiscus, tonic) stand next to an interesting Italian wine list of heady Barbera and Montepulciano and mineral-laden whites. There’s an exceptional five-course tasting menu ($115 per person) and wine pairing, or you can order a la carte. The handmade paste is a must. Tortelloni alla vodka with black trumpet mushroom, smoked fontina, and candied garlic, and shells stuffed with warming nduja, salsify, chipotle, and sherry gastrique are two favorites.

Olivia: 290 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80209

Crave Mediterranean Grill

Photo: Crave Mediterranean Grill

Rating: 9.4 (4.8 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)

A step away from the fine-dining experience, but equally as popular, is Crave Mediterranean Grill. This family-run establishment has been in operation for over 20 years. Diners come here hungry for lashings of hummus topped with paprika and olive oil, fragrant rice dish lamb kabsa, tabbouleh, Lebanese fattoush salad, and stacks of steaming pita. Recent diner and Yelp reviewer David raves about the succulent baba ganoush and grilled lamb cooked to perfection and his liking. New Yorker Benjamin says on Yelp his bar is set high due to the Mediterranean dining scene in NYC, but Crave is his “go-to” when in Denver.

Crave Mediterranean Grill: 1000 S Colorado Blvd Ste 103, Glendale, CO 80246

Fish N Beer

Photo: Fish N Beer

Rating: 9.3 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)

Fish N Beer is no stranger to a “best restaurant” list or props in the press. The seafood restaurant promises the “freshest fish in Colorado,” offering the coastally-challenged state plates of freshly shucked oysters and wood-grilled fish. Five-star Yelp reviewers talk highly of popular dishes such as the crab-stuffed cod, the Alamosa bass with devil butter, roasted fingerling potatoes, and the brown butter pan-seared scallops. There’s also a focus on craft beer with a constantly changing tap list of around two dozen brews.

Fish N Beer: 3510 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Hey Bangkok!

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Rating: 9.2 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Hey Bangkok! is owned and operated by the owners of the popular Swing Thai restaurants in the city. It’s a locally-owned and family-run business that has been supported by the community of Denver to thrive into a three-venue venture. The success is also in part due to the hard-working staff and family recipes from across Thailand. As the name suggests this outpost has a focus on street food from Bangkok. The menu includes staples like crispy spring rolls, peanut-topped pad-thai, and Thai boneless fried chicken. Come here, if you’re in the mood for punchy flavor and a casual street food dining experience.

Hey Bangkok!: 301 S Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80209

Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill and Pastries

Photo: Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill and Pastries

Rating: 9.2 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)

Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill and Pastries is an excellent place if you’re looking for a relaxed place for a group. The chefs and owners have spent time in the Middle East, bringing back inspiration from Turkey, Iraq, and Syria for the comfort food menu. Yelp’s five-star reviews remark on the friendliness of staff and the excellent level of service, even during peak times. There’s also a celebration of vegetables with a superb variety of non-meat dishes such as the popular veggie plate of falafel, tabouli, turmeric rice, baba ganoush, hummus and pita, stuffed grape leaf, and lentil soup.

Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries: 2207 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Pho & Bar

Photo: Pho and Bar

Rating: 9.2 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)

Pho & Bar serves traditional Vietnamese food with an imaginative twist. “Our pho is a labor of love, simmered to perfection for hours to achieve that rich, flavorful broth,” say owners and the people behind East Alameda’s Pho Haus, Annie Tran and Aaron Lam. The house pho is what people queue for, but the pho roll of lemongrass beef, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, Asian buffalo wings, and five-spice fries with sriracha aioli have quickly become cult favorites. The dining space is cozy and inviting, the perfect atmosphere for a bowl of pho with friends or family. Yelp reviewer Joseph recommends both the house pho with a side of rare fillet to add to the steaming noodles.

Pho & Bar: 1600 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

Pony Up

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Rating: 9.2 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)

Restaurant and bar Pony Up is a great shout for a late-night dinner (or lunch, for that matter). It’s playful and attracts a cool crowd without being pretentious. The patio space is where you want to be on a warm evening with a cocktail or cold beer between rounds of stand-up shuffleboard (the venue also has entertainment). Pony Up established itself as the place to go for French dips — The Alameda Street Classic of roast beef, sea salt, rosemary, mayo, and beef jus is a classic for good reason. The menu simple, yet perfectly executed. If a sandwich doesn’t hit the spot, you can opt for French onion soup, Japanese style fried chicken, or peanut butter burger.

Pony Up: 1808 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Somebody People

Photo: Somebody People/Chelsea ChorpenningPhoto: Somebody People/Chelsea Chorpenning
Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

The Denver food scene still heavily favors meat, but new-generation vegetarian and vegan establishments are popping up. One of the better places for plant-based food is Somebody People. The gourmet vegetarian dining spot embraces local, seasonal produce and is committed to sustainable practices.

“We end every week with Sunday Supper, a five-course, chef-selected tasting menu served family-style for the table. We look to see what we have in-house from the farms and cook it all up. This helps minimize our food waste (as we’re closed on Mondays) and gives guests a unique experience each week,” says owner Tricia Maher.

Maher also shares that guests are encouraged to bring their own containers so they can take home any leftovers. Current popular dishes include the Esoterra Farm Salad with radishes, house-made sourdough croutons, and red wine vinaigrette, the roasted broccoli with ajo blanco, almonds, and sumac topped with parsley mint salsa, and house-made fresh orzo pasta with English peas, mint, and lemon. Finish with the tiramisu and a Dirty Deed cocktail with award-winning Askur gin.

Somebody People: 1165 S Broadway #104, Denver, CO 80210

Cart-Driver

Photo: Cart-Driver

Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

Cart-Driver is a pocket rocket. The Rino location sits inside a transformed 640-square-foot shipping container and serves plates of fresh oysters on the half shell, woodfired pizzas, batch cocktails, and Italian wine. There’s no messing around here. It’s first come, first served, seating patrons inside the container and out on the patio area. Take out is also available. They also have a happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 10:00 PM to midnight putting it in good company with Pony Up as another great late-night hang. And you’ll feel humbled by your happy hour session. Each month Cart-Driver creates a cocktail and donates 100 percent of sales to a chosen local non-profit.

Cart-Driver RiNo: 2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205

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Ease Into Serenity at This Maui Resort With a Scenic Private Plane Transfer

As a native New Yorker visiting Maui, Hawai’i, I was immediately struck by how still and quiet the island is. If you’re looking for a breather from the commotion of city life, the Hāna-Maui Resort on the island’s east side is the perfect getaway.

The Hāna-Maui Resort is located about 50 miles from Maui’s Kahului Airport, and the drive to get there is part of the experience. The resort is snuggled away at one end of the Hāna Highway, a two- to three-hour car ride filled with twists, turns, and views of the island’s rainforests and waterfalls. But if you’re not keen on driving, or winding roads make you queasy, the resort can arrange a Cessna transfer that will let you appreciate Maui’s scenery from above.

The air transfer only takes about 15 minutes. From there, you’ll arrive at the sleepy Hāna Airport. The drive to the hotel will take another 10 or 15 minutes, followed by a complimentary welcome beverage — and you’re off to a stress-free vacation.

Inside the Hāna-Maui Resort

Photo: Hana-Maui Resort

The Hāna-Maui Resort sits on 66 acres, with rooms, suites, and bungalows for guests. From the front desk, I was escorted to my room via golf cart.

My oceanview room was like my own personal haven. The rustic brown decor reminded me of a cabin — but with views of the water. The room was packed with a king-size bed, a kitchenette area with a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea kettle, and a huge walk-in bathroom with a separate tub and shower. Many of the rooms located on the property, including mine, don’t have TVs because the resort’s main goal is to whisk you away from technological distractions.

One fun feature of my bungalow was that the roof had glass openings. Hāna has a tropical climate, and you can expect warm, sunny days throughout most of the year, although rainfall is common between October and April.

Things to at and around the Hāna-Maui Resort

Photo: Hana-Maui Resort

My favorite on-property amenity at the Hāna-Maui Resort has to be the wellness center, which overlooks the property’s main outdoor pool and oceanfront bungalows. The wellness center holds yoga and meditation classes every morning for guests, but you can also join other arts and festive classes. I took a Feather Flower class and a Lau Kāpala (Leaf Printing) class to awaken my child-like creativity. My instructor, London, was very knowledgeable about the royal origin of feather flowers and how they were introduced to Hawaiian culture.

For nature lovers, the Tree of Life Talk Story activity is for you. Though it rained during my stay, I learned about the power of the coconut. You might think that the coconut is simply a fruit used to make some of your favorite sweet treats. But on a walk during the activity, I learned of its healing virtues and ability to re-plant itself in the right environment.

For those looking to venture off the property, the resort partners with Jeep Rentals to give guests access to Wranglers. You can rent a Jeep for a day or for your entire stay. At check-in, ask for the resort’s 72-hour Hāna itinerary, which includes off-property activities.

If you’re like me, on the other hand, and don’t mind walking everywhere, Hāna Town is located across from the hotel. The walking trail leading from the property to the street takes you to a small town that has an art gallery, post office, and gift shop that’s open during the week. Hāna Town also houses a market called Hāna Dry Goods that has all the groceries, travel gear, and over-the-counter medications you might need during your stay.

Where to eat at the Hāna-Maui Resort and in Hāna Town

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The Hāna-Maui Resort has two main restaurants: ​​The Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort and Hāna Ranch Restaurant. The Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort serves breakfast daily from 7 AM to 10 AM. The menu features classic dishes such as Hawaiian french toast, mochiko (sweet rice flour) pancakes, and sides, as well as fresh pineapple, orange, and guava juices.

On my first night at the resort, I dined at the Hāna Ranch Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. I ordered fried calamari as an appetizer and steak frites for my main, but whatever you order, know that the chefs source locally whenever possible.

When you’re not at the resort, you’ll find legendary food trucks in Hāna Town plating up a wide variety of cuisine, from Thai or Mexican food to coffee and smoothies. During my stay, I visited Da Mean Bean to grab caramel lattes with oat milk to start my days. If you’re more in the mood for fruity flavors, try The Juice Box for a fresh Mango Mojito smoothie. One lunch, I ordered pad thai from AE’s Thai Kitchen and was absolutely stunned by the amount of food I received — a good surprise, it turns out, as it was absolutely delicious.

Book Now

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This Austin Airbnb Is Among The World’s Most Fascinating Homes

The Bloomhouse is anything but your ordinary house. It may be one of the most unique properties to have ever been built. Its organic, swirling design is bizarre, bold, and beautiful. Located in the hills of West Austin, this property perfectly embodies Austin’s famous slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” allowing visitors to embrace the city’s spirit of individuality and creativity.

Traveling to Austin or San Antonio? Check out Matador’s accommodations guides: Book These Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Austin 9 San Antonio Airbnbs Within Walking Distance of the Riverwalk and Downtown The best Austin Airbnbs for large groups The Best Airbnbs in Austin for a Bachelorette Getaway 15 Airbnbs in Austin for a BBQ- and Music-Filled Trip

We hope you love the spaces and stays 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.

In the 1970’s, the Bloomhouse was designed by architecture student Charles Harker as his graduate thesis project, in collaboration with patron Dalton Bloom. They set out to create a space where humans could reside in harmony with nature. Its curvy design was inspired by the movement of air and the flow of music. It was constructed over 11 years using unconventional methods and materials, think steel rebar coated in layers of polyurethane foam, then hand-sculpted with a pruning saw. For many years, it existed without even a physical address.

 

@epic.stays Giant seashell unicorn #Airbnb in #Austin The Bloomhouse @Pink Plankton #airbnbfinds #austinairbnb #texastravel #usatravel ♬ original sound – Airbnb & Hotel Guide

The Bloomhouse went through periods of neglect until Dave Claunch saw its potential as a vacation rental property. He and his wife bought the property in 2017 and undertook its restoration. They succeeded in rejuvenating the iconic residence and it is surely now one of the most epic of stays in existence.

Photo: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

Upon arrival, a winding path leads down to the house, lined with mushroom-shaped lights that give off fairytale vibes. As you wander inside, you’ll notice that there is not a single flat wall. The living room has a beautifully designed swirling fireplace, bar area, and even a few instruments. The kitchen is well-equipped with everything you may need during your stay. The bed is extremely comfy and is partially engulfed in a conch shell-like structure. The patio out back is surrounded by forest and truly feels like your own private retreat. There is even an outdoor shower if the mood strikes. The house can accommodate up to four guests on its queen-size bed, pull-out couch, and a small mattress in the napping nook upstairs. It feels super secluded, yet it’s just a short 15-minute ride from downtown Austin. For those without a car, Uber and other ridesharing apps are available in the area.

Whether you’re visiting Austin, or a local looking for the perfect staycation, the Bloomhouse will leave you with a mystical experience. There is something about staying in a structure so unconventional, yet so calming and soothing. The house itself is truly a work of art.

Book Now

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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.

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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 wellness

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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 Maui

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 — Orchestra More 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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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