Matador Network's Blog, page 172

This New Air Travel Company Will Fly Your Dog Internationally on a Private Jet — For a Price

Flying private is a luxury most travelers will never experience (and some eco-minded travelers might never want to, even if given the opportunity). To rub salt in the wounds of everyone who does daydream about jet-setting on G5s, a new service called BARK Air is launching private jet charters for dogs (with their owners in tow) starting in May.

BARK Air is a new venture from BARK, a company that sells monthly dog-toy-and-treat subscription boxes. In partnership with private jet company Talon Air, the airline intends to make air travel more comfortable for canines and their human companions. But these flights aren’t just dog-friendly — these flights are all-out pooch-pampering.

The “white-paw experience,” as BARK brands it, includes pre-flight consultations with concierges to ensure your pup gets exactly what it needs on board, an easy crate-less check-in process, and a long list of in-cabin amenities. Think calming music, noise-canceling earmuffs, lavender-scented towels, snacks and treats, practical essentials like leashes and pee pads, couches and dog beds, and a beverage service with options including water, bone broth, and “doggie Champagne” — not to mention on-demand belly rubs, as well as plans for the “first-ever in-air dog park.”

Four-legged passengers will be required to be leashed or on a lap during takeoff and landing but otherwise allowed to roam the cabin freely. All dogs must be accompanied by a human, whether you’re traveling with your pooch or have BARK Air arrange an escort.

Of course, flying private on a Gulfstream G5 carries a hefty price tag, whether the passenger is human or canine (or both). Pet owners can expect to pay between $6,000 and $8,000 for a one-way ticket aboard BARK Air, which covers airfare for one dog and one human passenger. Each flight will have room for 10 dogs and their companions.

BARK Air is launching two flight routes to start, connecting the NYC metroplex to the Los Angeles and London areas. The airline will operate weekly flights between the Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York to the Van Nuys Airport (VNY) near LA, as well as bi-monthly flights between HPN and the UK’s London Stansted Airport (STN). Round-trip flights on the domestic route will cost $12,000. Round-trip on the transatlantic route is a whopping $16,000.

BARK Air’s first flight is scheduled to depart on May 23. Snag your own ticket here.

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This Delray Beach Hotel Blends Tropical Vibes and Refined Sophistication

Arguably the hottest boutique hotel in Delray Beach, Florida, The Ray is a contemporary, urban beach-inspired hospitality experience. This modern property, with rooms from $202 per night, is located in the artsy Pineapple District of downtown, just a mile from the beach and two blocks from the city’s bustling primary road, Atlantic Avenue. It’s a great spot to set as a home base for enjoying the city’s nightlife and daytime scene.

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We hope you love the The Ray Delray Beach! 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.

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What to expect at The Ray Delray BeachPhoto courtesy the RayPhoto courtesy Azeez Bakare Studios/The RayPhoto courtesy The Ray

Walking into The Ray is akin to breathing a breath of fresh air. The lobby boasts an abundance of welcoming elements like lush plant life, warm-toned golden lighting, and an array of tastefully arranged, free-spirited furniture and fixtures that welcome guests into the space in a stylish but relaxed way.

The 141 guest rooms and suites, along with the common spaces, feel playful and contemporary, boasting a sophisticated tropical aesthetic including living walls lined with green plants, a rooftop sanctuary including a pool and restaurant, and lively landscaping and design elements — making the private and shared spaces feel like they’re flourishing.

Design features, including large-scale sculptures and immersive art installations, pay homage to the city’s internationally known arts community — and the atmosphere feels like a laid-back spot to spend time just off the main drag.

In addition to the 2,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with its upscale bar and restaurant, the property also encompasses two additional restaurants, a lobby bar, an impressive fitness center, a coffee shop, and amenities like a golf cart transportation service, beach loungers, hotel bikes, and rentable surfboards and paddle board equipment.

Spending time inside the hotel feels like taking an elevated trip to the ocean. The decor calls attention to its location in Greater Palm Beach, and there’s a tropical mood with a sense of laid-back wealth felt on a European seaside escape — with bright bohemian furnishings and light wooden furniture balanced with a luxurious atmosphere.

I could’ve spent most of my stay wandering around the common spaces and hallways, admiring the photos and artwork decorating the walls. The photography is evocative and cheeky with a vivacious personality — but also encompasses a sense of elegance and elevated style.

To me, the design feels as if polished old-money people were to collide with a luxurious and bohemian weekend of debauchery (and love it). The Ray’s interior spaces spoke to me as an entirely appropriate blend of fun and taste for an upscale South Florida boutique hotel — like it was winking at you, igniting a sense of playfulness from within to let go of sticky inhibitions and instead enjoy the spirited scene.

On-site dining at The Ray Delray BeachPhoto courtesy The RayPhoto courtesy The Ray

My favorite pastime on-site was to wake up with a morning coffee from the hotel’s coffee hub, Stingers, which serves artisan espresso beverages, teas, and grab-and-go food and pressed juices. It’s open to the public, and features practically any kind of espresso drink you can dream of.

While I was there, the week’s “special” was the “Princess Diana” — a London Fog beverage with a dash of blueberry syrup for sweetness. I also thought it was cool how the shop offers opportunities to incorporate fun add-ons to drinks like Collagen and MCT oil for an “extra boost.”

Those who seek a taste of practically unparalleled Japanese fare with a modern twist can grab a bite at Akira Back. Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back helms this restaurant, which offers a multi-sensory dining experience in a welcoming setting, serving cold and hot “small plates” made for sharing. Dishes are inspired by Chef Back’s childhood memories, Korean roots, and world travel experiences — with tasty food complemented by minimalist aesthetics and decor in an intimate setting.

At Campi, an “Upper East Side-inspired gem made to be reminiscent of New York City’s iconic 40-year-old Campagnola restaurant,” enjoy a casual but elegant Italian dinner with a Floridian twist. This restaurant’s menu serves the flavors of traditional Italian favorites like house-made pasta and fresh seafood paired with a decadent drink menu.

My favorite detail while dining at Campi was its specifically dedicated “negroni” beverage section of the menu, which offers multiple variations on this classic cocktail, such as a barrel-aged “espresso” variation and a “walnut” — in addition to the tried and true Negroni recipe (and many other delicious drinks).

For a more boisterous dining experience, stop into the Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back, also overseen by Chef Back, serving as the hottest and coolest place to hang out in Delray Beach. This rooftop space is surrounded by lush foliage and emits a fun atmosphere. It’s perched on top of the 22,000-square-foot rooftop space, overlooking 2nd Avenue and serving a lineup of signature food and drink options — including fresh dishes and a creative beverage program. On the evening I stayed on-site, there was a DJ playing in the rooftop space, making it an enjoyable destination for those seeking a nightlife scene off of Atlantic Avenue.

At The Lobby Bar, which sits just off the lobby downstairs, visitors enjoy a light bite, a happy hour drink, or a nightcap beverage in an intimate setting inspired by the sea.

Guest rooms at The Ray Delray Beach

Photo courtesy The Ray

Guest rooms at The Ray are bright and airy, focusing on art as a key experiential element throughout the spaces. Guests can sit on their sunbathed balcony or terrace, which serves as a spot to soak in the fresh air or relax inside the vibrant interior space. Accommodations are well-appointed — including custom-made furniture, handwoven rugs, chic glass furnishings, and bright wallpapers.

I appreciated the artwork inside my room, with walls covered in photography that felt very much “Barbie” inspired. It was a nice mix of whimsical and nostalgic –- but also perfectly and properly grown-up at the same time.

Upscale room amenities include a 65-inch 4K Smart TV, a Bluetooth Speaker, a Nespresso coffee maker, eucalyptus linens, Frette bath towels and robes, Byredo bath amenities, and a mindfully selected collection of minibar items stocked with premium spirits and beverages. Other state-of-the-art in-room technology elements include mobile key entry and mobile device control for the TV and room service, making the experience feel exceptionally personalized.

Additional on-site offerings and inclusions

Photo courtesy The Ray

The large, 1,800-square-foot 24-hour fitness center facility features a wide range of cardio machines and weight training equipment. From treadmills to a Stairmaster, ellipticals to stationary bikes (including two Peloton bikes) — as well as TRX equipment, free weights, and exercise mats — there’s no shortage of opportunities to get a workout in on-site. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, making the space feel clean and bright. I enjoyed the little details inside the gym, like the mints and filtered water station. The last time I visited Delray Beach, The Ray hosted yoga classes on the outdoor lawn which I enjoyed taking and soaking up the heat and sunshine.

The Ray is an upscale, vivacious place to stay or dine in Delray Beach. From its sun-soaked rooftop to its multiple dining venues and refined but slightly rowdy feeling atmosphere, it’s a well-balanced and luxurious place to set as a home base in South Florida for a sunny adventure.

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Menaggio’s Grand Hotel Victoria Is Lake Como’s Ultimate Treat

Many a Roman aristocrat and Hollywood A-lister have vacationed on the shores of Lake Como over the centuries. This summer, find out for yourself if Northern Italy’s charismatic lake lives up to the hype at the recently refurbished Grand Hotel Victoria Concept and Spa by R Collection.

This head-turning hotel stands out among the grande dame resorts for its groundbreaking wellness amenities, wine cellar, and enchanting lakeside setting in the postcard-pretty town of Menaggio. Fusing tradition and innovation, the hotel occupies a neoclassical villa and a newly built palazzo linked by a large outdoor pool. You’re barking up the wrong tree if you think anywhere in the Lake Como region could be off the beaten track but Menaggio is a step in the right direction.

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We hope you love the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept and Spa! 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.

A luxury spa hotel in the Italian Lake District

Menaggio is located on the western shore of Lake Como. It sits directly across the water from the equally photogenic Varenna where you’ll find the sister hotels of Hotel Villa Cipressi and Hotel Royal Victoria by R Collection. Together with Bellagio, the busiest lake town, the three vacation hubs form the “Golden Triangle” of Lake Como.

You’re looking at an hour’s drive from the city of Como – hotel parking is available if required. Ferries from Como take as little as 30 minutes to just over one hour. Bellagio and Verenna are each 15 minutes by water taxi although this luxury hotel can hook you up with a private boat rental or charter. Of the trio, Menaggio is the town you’ll want to choose as a base for a quieter experience on the lake and an excellent array of water sports.

Once you’ve dropped your bags and slapped on the sunscreen, you can spy on the other two towns from the hotel gardens while clinking an Aperol Spritz.

Rooms and suites at the Grand Hotel VictoriaPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

As with the sister hotels in Varenna, rooms and suites at the Grand Hotel Victoria follow a contemporary style. Laminated flooring, huge windows, and swanky bathrooms with walk-in showers and double vanities are the recurring theme. Deluxe and prestige rooms at the Grand Hotel Victoria give you a choice of a courtyard or mountain park view while executive rooms have the bonus of a private balcony.

If it’s a lake view from bed that you’re hankering for, you’ll need to check into a loft or junior suite. There’s not much difference between the sizes with the largest units giving you 45 square meters and the option of a king-size bed or twin beds. Regular suites start at 55 square meters with most opening out onto a private balcony. Families and groups may request a Como, Bellagio, or Queen Victoria suite. These connect a junior suite and two prestige rooms to create a one-bedroom apartment with up to three private bathrooms.

To Erre Spa is humanPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

The Ancient Romans pioneered thermal bathing culture and this five-star spa hotel in Lake Como picks up where they left off. Erre Spa claims a whopping 1,200 square meters of the property with a 20-meter-long indoor pool, a steam bath, and two saunas just a warm-up act for the more mind-boggling features.

Start by ducking into the Himalayan Salt Room for a dose of halotherapy. Supposedly, it’s a surefire way to chase away a lingering cold or seasonal allergies. Stray into the Lake Silent Room for a meditative experience where the walls are coated in moss hauled out of the depths of Lake Como. Follow up a bracing session in the Ice Room with the Fire Room where you can defrost by the open fireplace.

This subterranean spa is the largest in the Lake Como area and access to the complex is on the house for hotel guests. Of course, if you fancy a massage or seaweed wrap after a morning’s windsurfing, you’ll have to dip into your vacation pot.

Dining and wine tastings at Grand Hotel Victoria

With 20 wine regions stretching from Lombardy to Sicily, getting your paws on an exceptional glass of wine anywhere in Italy takes no effort. The Grand Hotel Victoria went one step further by installing a winery on the premises where you can sample sparkling wine from Franciacorta, velvety Valtellina reds, and Lake Garda’s summery rosé wine. Wine tastings can be arranged on-site or be taken offshore with a bespoke sailing package.

A lavish buffet breakfast is included in the nightly rate. You’ll find an assortment of buttery croissants, artisanal pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, and cold cuts ready to pair with a morning cappuccino. The restaurant also serves Lombardy-inspired cuisine in its elegant dining room facing the lake. If you’d rather explore the trattorie and osterie of Menaggio, the Grand Hotel Victoria is less than 100 yards from the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.

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How to Keep Watching TikToks During Your Flight Without Paying for WiFi

There’s nothing worse if you’re down a TikTok rabbit hole, or a “Tok-hole,” as my fiance and I call it, and you lose cell coverage — especially when you’re sitting idle on a plane with nothing to do but watch funny cat videos. Little did we know, there’s actually a built-in feature in the app, so you can carry on your scrawling without WiFi. This nifty tool lets you download a selection of videos for viewing later, even when you’re completely offline onboard a flight.

The travel tip comes from TikToker meganhomme, whose insight garnered them 1.6 million views and a bunch of comments from other users who had no idea this feature was available.

@meganhomme #traveltiktok #flying #travelhack #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – kardashianshulu

So how does this tool work? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

First, you need to do a little homework before takeoff. This part is crucial. Since you won’t have internet access on the plane, you’ll need to download your videos while you still have WiFi.

Open the TikTok app and navigate to your profile. On your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. This will open a menu with various options. From here, select “Settings and Privacy.”

Within this menu, scroll down until you find the “Cache & Cellular” section. Here, you’ll see an option titled “Offline Videos.”

Tap on “Offline Videos” to reveal your download choices. TikTok offers a range of options, allowing you to download between 50 and 200 videos. Each option translates to a specific watch time, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Choose the amount that best suits the length of your flight.

Once you’ve selected your preferred video quantity, tap “Download.” The app will then download the chosen videos to your device.

Now, when you switch to Airplane Mode for your flight, you can open TikTok and access your downloaded videos for offline viewing.

You may have stumbled over the detail about the maximum number of videos you can download (200) — and you’re not alone. Many commenters on Megan’s video picked up on this, too.

“I need more like 20,000,” says fellow TikToker.

Once you’ve reached your download limit, you won’t be able to access more videos until you clear out some space or connect to WiFi again. That said, with the cost of airplane WiFi being so expensive, it’s worth spending a few minutes downloading some content to pass the time. At least 200 TikToks should get you through takeoff, right?

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The Best Dallas Airport Hotels to Bookend Your Trip

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is among the nation’s busiest, connecting not only to major cities domestically and globally but to many vacation destinations popular with Texans, such as Colorado mountain towns. The airport is surrounded by a plethora of quality hotels, and here we distill the top Dallas airport hotels at which to bookend one or both sides of your stay in the area.

We hope you love the Dallas airport hotels 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.

 

Headliner hotels near Dallas AirportTop Marriott Bonvoy hotels near DFW AirportTop Hilton Honors hotels near DFW AirportTop IHG Rewards hotels near DFW AirportTop Wyndham Rewards hotels near DFW AirportTop budget hotels near DFW AirportHeadliner hotels near Dallas Airport

If you’re a member of Hyatt’s World of Hyatt Rewards program, you can cash in at DFW – though all travelers are in luck. The company operates three hotels inside the airport, meaning you don’t even need a transfer to get to the terminal (unless you count an elevator ride as a transfer, of course).

Grand Hyatt DFWPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Among the world’s foremost examples of an airport hotel done right, the Grand Hyatt DFW puts you to sleep in the hotel’s Terminal D. Hot breakfast is served daily, and the hotel offers an elevated outdoor pool that lets you soak or swim while watching planes take off and land. How cool is that? The hotel features a grab-and-go cafeteria for a meal on the way to your flight in the morning, along with a cocktail bar and onsite restaurant overlooking the tarmac. Rooms are classy, clean, and comfortable, with free WiFi and a work desk. If traveling for business, there’s no better option among Dallas airport hotels. Insider’s tip – outside of Japan, no airport hotel in the world serves better sushi.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Grand Hyatt DFW stands apart:

Pool. You can relax in this hotel while taking a dip and watching planes take off and land. Now that sounds like an extraordinary pool experience.Rooms. All suites are soundproof, spacious, and have spa-like bathrooms and gorgeous views of the DFW Airport runway.

Price: From $263 per night

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Hyatt Regency DFW International AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

– Best for airport convenience. –

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Located at Terminal C, the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport offers class and comfort within a two-minute walk to airline check-in. The ACES Lobby Bar serves food and drink with a cool view of airport, but the real treat at this Dallas airport hotel is the in-room experience. A 55-inch flat screen TV, complimentary hi-speed WiFi, and dedicated workstation are offered in each room. The hotel also offers grab-and-go meals, a nice outdoor pool, and a hot breakfast. Insider’s tip – yoga classes are offered onsite, so you can feel nice and limber before take-off.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport stands apart:

Convenience. Located in Terminal C, it’s only a two-minute walk to airline check-in, so you’ll never be late for your next flight.Views. From the ACES Lobby Bar to the comfort of your room, the views here at this hotel are something you can’t beat.

Price: From $195 per night

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Hyatt Place DFWPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Located in Southgate Plaza near the rental car facility, Hyatt Place DFW is the perfect place to crash after arriving late or after dropping off a rental car before a flight the following morning. It puts you nearby to dining and offers an onsite bar and lounge in which to relax. Although the hotel’s restaurant serves up top-notch American fare and has a solid beer menu considering you’re in an airport there’s no reason to go anywhere if you don’t want to. Hyatt Place hotels are clean and efficient, making this an ideal choice for before or after flying.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Hyatt Place DFW stands apart:

Dining. If you’re staying at this hotel, you know you have options for food. They have an everyday breakfast bar with various hot breakfast options. The lobby bar is called The Placery with American cuisine and drinks. If you’re going for a lighter option, they have The Market for something more on the go.Comfort. Are you looking for the perfect airport hotel to just crash after a long day of traveling? Then this cozy airport hotel is just your stop.

Price: From $133 per night

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Top Marriott Bonvoy hotels near Dallas AirportTownePlace Suites Dallas DFW AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

– Best for for groups and families –

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TownePlace Suites Dallas DFW Airport puts you just up the road form the airport in a comfortable suite with a kitchenette, kettle, and an onsite bar. It’s ideal for families as the hotel offers suites that cater to kids and offer multiple sleeping areas. There’s also a shared kitchen and business center in the hotel, along with convenience amenities for grab-and-go satisfaction. If traveling with a group or family, this is the best of Dallas airport hotels due to its convenience for larger parties.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the TownePlace Suites Dallas DFW Airport stands apart:

Space. If you’re coming with friends or family and need enough space to accommodate all of them, the rooms here have the space but also offer a comfortable suite with a kitchenette.

Price: From $125 per night

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The Westin Dallas Fort Worth AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the utmost combination of luxury and convenience. The BlueFire Grille serves classy southwestern TexMex fare that pairs well with its cocktail and beer menu. The hotel features a grab-and-go market for a quick bite before or after your flight. In-room, relax upon the brand’s signature Westin Heavenly Mattress with a view out over the airport. The lounge features plenty of space to set up a laptop or pop open a book.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport stands apart:

Luxury and comfort. With its lavish interior and sleek furnishings, this hotel does not choose luxury over comfort. There are crisp interiors but with a style of solace in mind.Convenience. Looking for things to do in the area? The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Hotel is right in the middle of the action and near many restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Price: From $161 per night

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Top Hilton Honors hotels near DFW AirportDoubleTree by Hilton DFW Airport NorthPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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DoubleTree Hotels make the perfect airport stay due to their utter efficiency and unparalleled comfort. That’s because of its expansive interior lobbies for dining and lounging, convenient services like front desk concierge and a gift shop, and an all-suites layout that is ideal for both business and family travel. There’s also a large pool perfect for passing time with the kiddos. Because of the hotel’s consistency, this Dallas airport hotel is the perfect bookend option to book on both ends of your trip.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the DoubleTree by Hilton DFW Airport North stands apart:

Access to the City. They are close to the airport and Downtown Dallas near the Las Colinas shopping, Irving Convention Center, and Grapevine Mills.Amenities. There are pet-friendly rooms, on-site restaurants, a spacious outdoor pool, room service, and more top-notch amenities that will have you wanting to stay on site.

Price: From $122 per night

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Irving/DFW Airport NorthPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

– Best for longer stays –

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The perk of Home2 Suites by Hilton Irving/DFW Airport North is that it puts you and your family in a suite setup at an affordable rate. With room prices consistently below $180 for a room with a kitchen, couch, and workspace, you’ll have room for your party to relax. Also onsite is a market, an outdoor pool, and common lounge spaces. Rooms are outfitted simply and comfortably, designed for a seamless experience.

Where the Home2 Suites by Hilton Irving/DFW Airport North stands apart:

Affordable and room space. For corporate stays or family stays for a room with a kitchen, couch, and workspace, you will be well within your budget, and for the vast amount of space you’re getting, that may be hard to come by.Relaxation. With the rooms having so much space, there are plenty of places to relax and wind down at the pool or the shared lounge spaces.

Price: From $123 per night

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Top Wyndham Rewards hotels near DFW AirportWingate by Wyndham — DFW NorthPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

– Best for business travelers –

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Wingate by Wyndham — DFW North is the ideal place for business travelers to post up. That’s because of the hotel’s ample workspaces and conference rooms, excellent WiFi, and seamless transition from the lobby to the in-room experience. Take advantage of the expanded continental breakfast, quiet rooms, and Downlite bedding topped by EnviroLoft down alternative comforters. Easy, peasy.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Wingate by Wyndham — DFW North stands apart:

Amenities. The perfect place for business travelers with outstanding amenities like excellent WiFi, conference rooms, in-room workspaces, and the easy transition from room to lobby if needed.Simple but effective. Nothing fancy or too lavish. It has everything a business traveler would need, and comfort and quiet rooms.

Price: From $84 per night

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Top IHG Rewards hotels near DFW AirportHoliday Inn Express Hotel and Suites DFW/GrapevinePhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

– Best for hotel shuttle experience –

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Holiday Inn Express is the more efficient and more well-trimmed cousin to the common Holiday Inn. This makes it perfect for an airport hotel stay, as you know what you’re going to get – a clean, comfortable room, a hot breakfast, and a smooth experience. There’s also a nice lounge and an outdoor pool/hot tub area. Here, you also have the added bonus of a free shuttle not only to the airport but to anywhere within a five-mile radius of the hotel. So, you could head out for a night on the town (or at least to dinner) and get back to the hotel without ever having to hit that Uber app.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites DFW/Grapevine stands apart:

Streamlined experience. With a Holiday Inn, you can always expect a comfortable hotel room, hot breakfast, and a friendly and enjoyable experience.

Price: From $118 per night

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Top budget hotels near DFW AirportRed Roof Inn — DFW Airport NorthPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Red Roof Inn provides its iconic hospitality experience defined by a streamlined, economical experience that tugs at a higher-end experience while remaining affordable. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and while you won’t find amenities like a restaurant or coworking-ready lobby, you will have friendly service and a quiet stay. Suites are available, as well. Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Where the Red Roof Inn — DFW Airport North stands apart:

Comfort and affordability. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the whole experience is affordable.

Price: From $54 per night

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Bookend Your Philly Trip With a Stay at These Hotels Near Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport serves roughly 32 million passengers each year. As a hub for American Airlines and US Airways, PHL is a major gateway to Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere, in addition to serving a plethora of domestic destinations. If you plan to fly in or out of PHL, booking an airport hotel either the night before you depart and/or the night you arrive removes any hectic transportation to and from the airport. These are the nine best Philadelphia airport hotels to bookend your trip.

Headliner hotels near Philadelphia AirportMore Marriott Bonvoy hotels near Philadelphia AirportTop Hilton Honors hotels near Philadelphia AirportTop Wyndham Rewards hotels near Philadelphia AirportTop IHG Rewards hotels near Philadelphia Airport

We hope you love the Philadelphia airport hotels 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.

Headliner Philadelphia airport hotelsPhiladelphia Airport MarriottPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Connected right to the terminal at Philadelphia International Airport, the Philadelphia Airport Marriott provides all the amenities of Marriott’s flagship brand, with the added bonus of an easy walk to airline check-in and security. Onsite, The Aviation Grill allows you to dine while overlooking the tarmac. On the other hand, in-room blackout curtains can shut out the world before or after a long day of travel. Work desks are provided, and the hotel has a free shuttle service and a gym for guests.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $159 per night

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More Marriott Bonvoy hotels near Philadelphia AirportAloft Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Aloft targets the hip, communal vibe desired by modern travelers — and excels in providing this vibe with a well-trimmed stay. combining a hip aesthetic with quick-serve convenience. The Aloft Philadelphia Airport invites guests to lounge in the lobby with a pool table and game room, plenty of craft beer options, a market for basic goods, and a nice pool. Rooms are clean and minimalist but don’t skimp on comfortable, soft bedding or space to chill. For the adventure traveler seeking to bookend a trip to Philly, this is the spot.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $105 per night

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Taking a trip to Philly? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay across the city:

The best Airbnbs in Philadelphia in the city’s coolest neighborhoods 7 unique boutique hotels in Philadelphia near all the historical sites

Delta by Marriott Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Experience famed Canadian-style hospitality at the Delta by Marriott Philadelphia Airport. Delta hotels are crisp and clean, with super-friendly staff and hi-speed WiFi. The hotel’s Market 1643 offers breakfast and lunch to go, perfect for your morning flight. Guest rooms are spacious, with Simmons Canada Delta Elite Pillow-Top Non-Flip mattresses and views out over Philly. The hotel’s lounge serves drinks into the evening and is an easy shuttle or Uber ride into the heart of the city.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $121 per night

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Top Hilton Honors hotels near Philadelphia AirportEmbassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Embassy Suites is all about having plenty of space. Its trademark open-air lobbies and wraparound interior balconies create a buzzy, almost New York-esque vibe that feels both inviting and classy all at once. The Philly Airport location is no different, firmly placing it among the most desirable of Philadelphia airport hotels — especially with the free airport shuttle, well-equipt gym and pool area, business center, and spacious rooms. The nightly evening reception allows you to relax with a drink before heading up to your room if you choose.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $129 per night

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DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Just across from the airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport provides a slice of luxury with which to bookend your stay in Philly. It’s easy to catch up on rest here, given the onsite bar and two restaurants, the indoor heated pool, and rooms that are tailored for an upscale experience. This location is particularly great for business travelers seeking a comfortable home base — whether you’re working onsite or heading into the city center. You could very easily check in and then proceed to not leave the hotel until it’s time to head to the airport — everything you need is here.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $105 per night

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Top Wyndham Rewards hotels near Philadelphia AirportMicrotel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Microtel Inn & Suites Philadelphia Airport fills a unique void among Philadelphia airport hotels — it brings a modern aesthetic to a hotel that feels more like a cozy apartment building than a chain hotel property. Its suites are ideal for stays of two nights or longer or when you want enough space to spread out and lounge. However, unlike most Philadelphia airport hotels, this one does not have a gym.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: No

Price: From $85 per night

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La Quinta by Wyndham Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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La Quinta by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport is clean and well managed. Amenities include a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and a continental breakfast designed for the traveler heading out to the airport — meaning you can grab items to go if you wish. This location has ample lounge space in the lobby along with two meeting rooms and a business center, all powered by hi-speed wired WiFi.Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $93 per night

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Top IHG Rewards hotels near Philadelphia AirportHoliday Inn Express Philadelphia AirportPhoto: Booking.comPhoto: Booking.com

 

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Holiday Inn Express is efficient and straightforward — if you’ve stayed in one, you know what you’re going to get. Rooms are clean and simple, the breakfast is great, and the shuttle to the hotel is quick and easy. Because most Philadelphia airport hotels, including this one, are located within 10 miles of the city center, hopping a cab or Uber to dinner or events in the city is affordable and fast. This particular hotel is well-situated for excursions, as its riverfront location is just off the Industrial Highway. Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: Yes

Price: From $119 per night

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Why You Shouldn’t Get Luggage With a Zipper if You Want the Most Secure Option

If you thought that your suitcase with built-in TSA-approved locks was the pinnacle of luggage safety, think again. No matter what code you choose for your locks, or the material, brand, or the quality of your case, all that thieves need to get into your suitcase is a little bit of dishonest motivation and a pen. Yes, a pen. Not a knife or a crowbar.

As demonstrated in the following Tiktok video, by jamming the tip of a pen between the teeth of the zipper of your suitcase and moving it up and down, any ill-intentioned person can get into your case, have a rummage, and grab whatever pleases them. All without much efforts, skills, or any fancy tools.

@hackyourway_ his tip goes without saying Credit: @its.the.kellys . Follow us for the best tips and hacks you will ever find on the internet #lifehacks #lifetips #traveltips #travelhacks #tipsandtricks ♬ original sound – Hack Your Way

The person behind this Tiktok tried the pen trick on a variety of luggage brands, from Roam to Away to Aerotrunk and more, and no matter the price or quality of the suitcase, they all succumbed to the might of a simple plastic ballpoint pen.

Of course, this only applies to zippered luggage, so if you want to keep your belongings safe, you should opt for a luggage without zipper. Monos, level 8, Rimowa, Sterling Pacific, and some models by Samsonite offer zipperless suitcases that work like old-fashioned trunks with one or two solid locks to keep your stuff secure.

To learn more about zipperless luggage by Monos and Sterling Pacific, check out Matador Network‘s reviews of Monos’ Hybrid Check-in and Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case.

Dickie’s Extravagant White Villa in ‘Ripley’ Is Actually an Airbnb That You Can Rent

We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

 

It’s hard to go wrong when renting an Italian villa with sea views, but this Neopolitan Airbnb is especially remarkable because it is featured in one of Netflix’s hotest new series: Ripley.

The dreamy house where Richard Greenleaf (AKA Dikie) lives in the riveting Netflix black-and-white show is not actually in Atrani, where the series is mostly set, it’s on the island of Capri, off the Almafi coast and the cities of Naples and Sorrento. The grand white villa is perched on the island’s cliffs above the port of Marina Grande, and is surrounded by a large garden full of palm and pine trees. Villa Torricella, as it is named, also faces the Gulf of Naples, providing guests with the same extraordinary views of the area that Dickie, Tom, and Marge enjoy in the series.

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The villa, with its square tower, semicircular and gothic arches, scalloped and lace details, and onion domes is certainly not discreet, but it fits trust-fund Dickie and his artistic and opulent lifestyle, and it might just fit your need for an elegant vacation in the sun.

Inside the historic home, the decor is less extravagant and a little more retro, with a variety of colorful 60s-style tiles and antique furniture throughout. The interior decor is almost identical as what’s featured in the series, down to the chandelier, the living room furniture, and the tiles, except that because the series is in black and white, the house looks a lot more polished than it is in reality. However, even indoors there are a few fancy architectural touches like arched ceilings, twisted column, and arched doorways, just so you don’t forget that you’re not in a bog standard Airbnb.

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While this Airbnb has only one bedroom and two bathrooms, it can accommodate up to six guests. That said, choose those with whom you’ll share this beautiful house wisely — Dickie certainly should have.

While in the series the walk to Dickie’s house from the center of town is a maze of dozens of tiny and steep staircases, this is not the case for Villa Torricella. The bus stop, supermarket, beach, and port are nearby.

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10 Things I Loved (and Hated) About My First Big-Ship Cruise

At the end of February, I set out on my first “big” cruise. While I’d been on smaller boat trips, like scuba diving liveaboards or the adventurous Aranui through French Polynesia, I’d never been on a ship with more than about 100 people. But when I learned Norwegian Cruises ran a two-week “safari cruise” in Africa making stops throughout South Africa as well as stops at the remote islands of Madagascar, Réunion, and Mauritius, I figured it sounded like the perfect chance to try out a mainstream, big cruise ship.

Since it was my first cruise with a commercial cruise line, I didn’t have much to compare it to. But after 10 days on board, I noticed a few things about the cruising experience I really liked, and some things that didn’t float my boat (pun intended). My Norwegian Africa cruise started in Mauritius, and was scheduled to stop in Réunion, Madagascar, and four ports in South Africa, before ending in Cape Town.

The trip started on a rough note, as it was delayed for two days while passengers were quarantined for potential transmissible diseases. Because of the delay, we had to skip the ports in Madagascar, which was disappointing. However, I’m not going to consider that a “bad” thing. It’s no secret that diseases can run rampant on cruise ships, and I’d certainly prefer a cruise line to take things seriously and ensure the ship is safe before boarding 2,000 additional people.

I found my experience on a big cruise ship to be a mixed bag. Overall, it was fun and I’m super-glad I went — I’m not mad about getting to do multiple days of safaris or sip cocktails while floating on the Indian Ocean. But as with most vacations, there were some aspects of the trip that I didn’t love.

While the pros outweighed the cons, they’re helpful considerations to think about if you’re considering booking a trip on a big cruise ship, too.

Something I loved: the ports of call and excursions

An open-air safari through Addo Elephant National Park was a highlight of our stop in Gqeberha, South Africa. Photo: Suzie Dundas

For me, the main drawn for the Norwegian Africa cruise were the ports. As someone who lives on the US west coast, it’s not easy to get to Madagascar, let alone the small island of Réunion and even smaller island of Mauritius. Though flights to the starting point in Mauritius were pricey, I saved some money by flying back from Cape Town (where the cruise ended), since that’s a major airport with lots of direct international flights.

The whole reason I picked this cruise were the ports, and I planned on doing an activity in all of them. I booked one cruise excursion through a local safari operator, and the rest through Norwegian. And in Réunion, I just got a taxi and explored on my own.

All of my excursions were great, which makes sense: Norwegian vets all the tour companies to make sure they meet Western safety and quality standards. They were a little pricier than I would have liked ($179 to $499), and for a few, the process of meeting up in the morning was a little hectic. For example, on one of my safari excursions, they had about 400 to 500 people meeting up in the theater a good hour before we were supposed to leave.  Eventually, they distributed numbered stickers, which we later learned were your bus assignments for the excursion. But they didn’t give us instructions on what the stickers meant while handing them out row-by-row. So if you weren’t sitting next to your friends in the theater at the beginning of the day, you’d likely be separated from the for the entire trip.

But aside from smaller details like that, most everything moved smoothly. We never waited to get on or off the ship, and the various guides were excellent. For me, the on-land adventures and destinations were by far the most important detail of the trip — after all, why else would you fly so far for a cruise if you only care about the boat? So the excursions alone, both through the ship and unofficial, were probably enough to sell me on doing another big-ship cruise.

Something I disliked: the WiFi

Photo: CLS Digital Arts /Shutterstock

My Norwegian Africa cruise said front and center on the website that it had WiFi on board, but in reality, it hardly worked. I wish I could say it was just slow or basic, but really, it was useless. The only time I could even load Gmail was before 7 AM when most people were still asleep. And on top of that, it cost about $400 per device for the 10-day sailing. It was supposed to be fast enough to stream (in fact, Norwegian’s Q&A page says “Yes, you can access streaming with our Premium Wi-Fi plans,) but considering I literally couldn’t open the most basic of websites, I would say that statement is incorrect.

However: Norwegian claims they are updating all their ships with Starlink internet, which is generally reliable, wildly available, and fast enough. The ship I was on (Norwegian Dawn) is getting Starlink added during an April 2024 refurb, so I advise checking to see what internet provider your ship is using. If it’s Starlink, you should be okay. If it’s not, you may want to seriously look into reviews that mention Wifi, if having internet access is important to you.

Something I liked: the entertainment

Photo: Suzie Dundas

Since this was my first big cruise, I was unaware that major cruise lines have full theaters with shows and entertainment. And truly, it was quite entertaining — both for the pure performance value, and the cheesy novelty of seeing a David Copperfield-style magic show at sea.

My favorite shows were the highly skilled violinist leading a full band in pop, rock, and well-known classics (with a bit of showmanship thrown in for good measure); and the aerialist/gymnast duo who hung from silks, swung from hanging hoops, and spun around in a human-sized loop called a lyr wheel — exceptionally impressive, when the ship is rocking back and forth. Some of the shows I found a bit cheesy, but that’s also part of the appeal, especially when you remember you’re floating in the middle of the Indian Ocean watching an illusionist make his partner “float,” surrounded by a bunch of drunk grandparents looking to party.

On my Norwegian African cruise, there was a show every night, including musical reviews, a stand-up comedian, a Cirque-du-Soleil-style show, and more. Shows were offered two times a night, and there was never a time when we couldn’t find a seat, despite the cruise being sold out. There were also frequent live bands in the various lounges, as well as on the pool deck each afternoon.

Something I disliked: the reliance on one-time-use material

IMO: Let people opt out of having every document printed and delivered to their room every day, especially since it’s all on the Norwegian app. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Every single day, we had multiple documents printed and left in our room: the daily schedule of events (despite it being free on the app), coupons for specials at the spa, promotions for art auctions, and more. There was no way to opt out of any of these.

There also weren’t any water bottle refill stations on board, and the sign in the bathrooms that was supposed to make people think twice about throwing their towels on the floor almost read as if it was discouraging reuse.

Of course, ultimately, what really makes a difference are the grand-scale environmental moves a cruise line makes, like whether it uses biofuels, whether it recycles, and how much it actually tries to keep chemicals and other waste out of the oceans in transit. That’s a complicated question to answer, but it does seem like there were small moves the ships could make to at least make guests start thinking about the impact of their travels. Cruising isn’t known for being environmentally friendly, but Norwegian seems to be among the more sustainable of the major cruise lines, per a Friends of the Earth ranking. I’d just like to see it go a little further.

Something I liked: the Thermal Suite

The Thermal Suite was never crowded, with great views and plenty of space to relax. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I’m not much of a spa-goer, and I can count on one hand how many times I’ve had a facial treatment. But I actually found the Norwegian Thermal Suite concept, something available in some capacity on every Norwegian cruise, to be a fantastic place to escape the crowds and well worth the reasonable price.

The Thermal Spa area has men’s and women’s lounges with glass walls, comfortable couches, and as far as I can tell, no crowds. There were also two hot tubs, and indoor pool, and a line of heated spa loungers that also looked out on to the open ocean. With that comes men’s and women’s locker rooms, each with a sauna, steam room, and showers. It was a great place to relax, and I spent about an hour each day in the lounge either trying to work, or just relaxing and reading a book while watching the ocean go by. The cost of an all-access pass to the Thermal Spa was only about $200 for the entirety of my two-week cruise, and something I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a more peaceful area on board with plenty of personal space.

One more note about the spa: it was pricey, but great. My service was excellent and I left feeling refreshed, not sore. They had a large menu that ranged from unique treatments like bamboo-reed massages to acupuncture and skin treatments. If you score a Norwegian “Free at Sea,” deal, consider spending that on-board credit on a Thermal Suite pass.

Something I was indifferent on: the food

Dinner at Le Bistro, the best of several specialty restaurants on board. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I feel kind of bad saying that the food was pretty average, but I suppose that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Preparing food for 2,000 people for 16 hours a day isn’t an easy task, and it’s pretty hard to make anything unbelievably good at that scale — after all, Michelin-starred restaurants are usually on the smaller side.

Some of the restaurants on board were reasonably good. (Shout out to the Norwegian Dawn’s Le Bistro French restaurant, and to the teppanyaki chef performing a one-man comedy show inside the ship’s sushi restaurant.) But otherwise, I’d say it was mostly pretty average. Personally, I didn’t care about this too much, since I didn’t take a safari cruise for the food. If I wanted a food-focused cruise, I would have picked a cruise with a culinary focus, such as a Windstar Cruise with a James Beard Award-winning chef, or an Avalon Waterways Cruise through France.

The food was plentiful, varied, and I didn’t go hungry. But I wouldn’t say it wowed me.

Something I liked: the staff

Wine classes with the extremely knowledgable (and funny) Julia were one of my favorite things on board my Norwegian Africa cruise. Photo: Suzie Dundas

On board, it seemed like there were two kinds of employees: young people using it as a chance to travel and make some money while having fun, and more career-focused employees, who are either building a resume in the industry, or working at sea to make extra income to send to their families back home. Both types of employees were fantastic.

Given how much BS employees likely deal with from entitled and impatient guests (and how many hours they work per day), I wouldn’t blame them one bit if they were a little curt or burned out. But that wasn’t the case at all. Our room steward and the baristas at the coffee shop greeted us by name (impressive, with 2,000-plus people on board), and the wine bar’s sommelier was a total hoot who made everyone feel welcome, whether or not they knew the first thing about wine. I also found everyone very chatty and happy to share stories about where they were from and what life was like on board, which was refreshing.

Something I disliked: “Freestyle” cruising

The Norwegian Dawn has a mix of free and premium restaurants, only some of which take reservations. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Norwegian’s hook is that it offers “freestyle cruising.” Supposedly, it’s a more flexible cruising experience. Essentially, it means that you don’t have set dinner times, there are no reservations for shows, there are no formal nights or dress codes, etc. While it’s supposed to be more relaxed, I actually found it to be far more stressful. I’d rather have a set dining time rather than waiting in lines for a table at the no-reservations restaurants, and not have to get to a theater or lounge 20 minutes early to make sure they don’t run out of seats.

We tried to eat at the on-board sushi restaurant twice and were told it was a 90-minute wait, so we ended up disappointingly picking at the ship’s buffet, instead. When I tried to get a table for eight at one of the on-board dining room restaurants, we were told it was an hour wait — only for someone else to be able to get a table for six a different restaurant, forcing our dining group to split up.

You can make reservations at some restaurants on the Norwegian app, but otherwise, you’re at the mercy of one of two options: take your chances waiting in line at dinner time, or go at 4 PM or 9 PM for a chance to snag a table. Overall, the “freestyle cruising” thing may be a bit better on a cruise that isn’t as full, but I found it to be more of a hectic scramble each night than a convenience.

Something I liked: the price

If you’re cool sticking mostly to buffets, a cruise can be a very affordable vacation. Photo: Solarisys/Shutterstock

It may sound like I’m a little jaded on the big cruise thing, but I’m not. While I don’t know if they’re for me, I do know that they’re a wonderful chance for lots of people to affordably and safely explore countries they may never be able to see on their own. And to that end, I applaud the approachable pricing. My Norwegian Africa cruise started at about $1,299 per person for a 12-day cruise — but in the weeks beforehand, I saw it slashed to nearly half that price to encourage last-minute bookings.

Obviously, that’s the base price, and there are extra fees for almost everything — excursions, alcoholic drinks, speciality restaurants, photo packages, WiFi, etc. However, the brand does usually have some pretty good “Free at Sea” deals that include perks like better drink packages and discounts on WiFi. So if you’re cool with sticking to a few primary restaurants and can entertain yourself at the ports, a Norwegian Africa cruise can be a pretty cheap vacation.

Something I disliked: the constant sales pitches

At times, it seemed like the only goal of getting people on the cruise was to sell them another cruise. Photo: Wagner Santos de Almeida/Shutterstock

I love trivia, so when I saw “World Travel Trivia” on the daily calendar, I got there early to get a good table. But it only took about three minutes of trivia to learn how to always get the answer right: just pick whatever answer is a destination Norwegian wants to promote. All 15 questions were followed by a sales pitch and a video of a Norwegian cruise from that destination.

I shouldn’t have been surprised by this, as it makes sense: the base price of a cruise is super-cheap, so once you’re on board, they want you to spend as much as possible — and keep spending it with Norwegian. The name of Norwegian’s sales arm responsible for this isn’t even subtle: it’s called “CruiseNext,” and it’s sole goal is getting you to book your next cruise before you’ve finished the first one.

Nobody was pushy, but it just never stopped: everywhere you went was an advertisement to sell you another cruise. It got to the point where we started joking that they were going to pause the acrobatic stage show for an ad break to announce “you’ll flip for these amazing cruise deals.”

Would I do another big cruise?

Visiting a penguin colony was a major highlight of my days in Cape Town. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I don’t think big ship-cruising will ultimately be for me, but I’d like to do another one. I’m not sure if my experience was par for the course or not, since it was the first one I’d be on. I would certainly not hesitate to go on one if I was traveling with my retired parents, since a big-ship cruise offers the right blend of safety and exploration for older or infrequent travelers. Cruising is also a great way to travel with multiple generations of family or friends with different interests, as you can decide each day if you want to spend your time together, or do your own thing.

I think my next water-bound trip will likely be on a smaller boat, as they can often reach tiny ports and narrow channels big cruise ships can’t approach. But big-ship cruising is so varied, with thousands of itineraries that go to super-cool places, like my Norwegian Africa cruise did. Having one cruise under my belt doesn’t seem like enough experience to make a judgement on the whole industry.

So would I try a second big cruise ship? Absolutely — as long as I can get the Thermal Suite pass, of course.

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One of Hawai’i’s Most Popular Hikes Will Be Permanently Destroyed This Month

One of the most popular — and dangerous — hikes in Hawaii will soon be gone forever, the City and County of Oahu announced earlier this week. The announcement cited safety issues related to the aging stairs, environmental concerns, and concerns of nearby neighbors about the heavy influx of trespassers as justification for dismantling the route.

The now-infamous “Stairway to Heaven” hike, officially called the “Haiku Stairs,” is a 2.3-mile out-and-back hike, much of which is along a 600-count metal staircase. It gains about 2,400 feet of elevation as it brings hikers from the trailhead in Kaneohe to the summit high in the Ko’olau mountains. The metal stairs were built in 1942 by the US Navy during WWII to bring soldiers to what was then a top-secret radio listening station. The remote location and high altitude meant radio signals had a high transmission range, allowing for communication with ships on the Pacific Ocean. The steps were originally made from wood, but Hawaii’s wet and rainy climate necessitated quickly replacing them with metal.

Initially, the hike was open to the public after the war. But it was closed in 1987 due to safety concerns arising from the stairs’ state of disrepair and the risk of climbing on the steep, narrow ridge. Despite the closure, and the fines of up to $1,000 for anyone trespassing on the steps, it continued to be one of the most popular hikes on Oahu.

The process of removing the Haiku stairs will take about six months and will be under the direction of a biologist, the county announced. Before removing each stair, the biologist will evaluate the land under the stair and make recommendations about any necessary additional work to prevent erosion or protect any sensitive species. Hawai’i currently has 366 plant species considered threatened or endangered.

Alternatives to the Haiku Stairs

A woman on Oahu’s Olomana Three Peaks Trail. Photo: Jakub Maculewicz/Shutterstock

If you’re following the law, the Haiku Stairs haven’t been an option since 1987. But now, with construction starting to remove them, they’re definitely not an option.

Fortunately, Oahu’s two major mountain ranges — the western Wai’anae Range and the Ko’olau Range on the eastern part of the island — create plenty of opportunities for equally steep, gorgeous hikes. Like the Haiku Stairs, the hikes below are all advanced and recommended for experienced hikers. Check out Matador’s guide to family-friendly hikes on Oahu if you’re looking for something a little more beginner-friendly.

Olomana Three Peaks Trail: This challenging 4.5-mile, out-and-back hike takes hikers up three peaks for panoramic views of the Koʻolau Mountains and the Windward Coast. The ridgeline sections can be narrow and exposed, making it a thrilling alternative to the Stairway to Heaven. Like the Haiku Stairs, it’s narrow and exposed, and can be dangerous. Have shoes with good grip and do your research before making an attempt.Koko Head Crater Hike: This 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike is along a former rail route used to transport materials for building a bunker during WWII, making a nice alternative if it’s the history of the Haiku Stairs you find interesting. It’s nicknamed “Koko Head,” and has more than 1,000 steps to the top of the crater rim, with rewarding views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline.Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail: Wilwilinui Ridge is a 5.8-mile, out-and-back trail leads to a ridgeline with stunning views of the Koʻolau Mountains and the windward side of the island. The trail is narrow and exposed in some sections, so be sure to be in good shape and comfortable with heights. Parking starts in a gated community and is limited, so try to avoid weekends, arrive early, or hike in the off-season. More like thisHikingThe 13 Best Places to Go Hiking in Hawaii