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Award-Winning Wines, Farm-to-Table Fare, Unbelievable Beer: Why Foodies Flock to Penticton, BC

The view from Poplar Grove Winery in Penticton, BC, is one of the best in the province’s famous Okanagan Valley. Okanagan Lake sparkles in the sunshine, and the rugged mountains across the water provide a dramatic counterpoint to the leafy vineyards surrounding the estate. But on this spring day, it’s the scenery inside the tasting room that steals the show.

New releases of pinot gris, rosé, and cabernet franc are lined up on the bar in elegant bottles, and the tasting room manager has just uncorked the 2017 Legacy, a Bordeaux-style red blend that showcases what’s possible in big reds north of the 49th parallel. It really is a view to savour. After priming your palette at this family-run winery, settle in for lunch at the restaurant, where Chef Stacy Johnston’s menu reflects what’s in season, from locally grown asparagus to ethically raised meat sourced from a nearby ranch.

Dining on farm-to-fork food paired with wine that reflects the valley’s terroir is one compelling reason to visit Penticton in the spring. Add in warm days where the mercury routinely hits 20C (68F) or higher, and fewer crowds than during the busy summer season, and this relaxed lakeside city is hard to beat for a weekend escape. Get ready to toast the many ways you can enjoy Penticton’s burgeoning foodie scene.

Raising a glass during BC Wine Month

Photo: Jamen Rhodes/Little Engine Wines

April is BC Wine Month, an annual event that kicks off wine touring season in the valley. Wineries launch their new vintages, and it’s an opportunity to try (and buy) 2023 releases of rosé, riesling, and more before they sell out. The hard part is deciding where to go — there are a whopping 25 wineries in town. That number climbs to almost 90 when you add in tasting rooms a bit farther afield, but still within just a short 20-minute drive of Penticton: along the road toward Naramata, over in Summerland, and south along Skaha Lake and in Okanagan Falls.

See what the buzz is about at a funky boutique winery like Ruby Blues, whose rock’n’roll vibe and motto — “Make Wine Not War” — will win you over before you even try the award-winning Viognier or easy-drinking Peace & Love & Bubbles, a sparkling rosé. Standing and sipping at the bar here, or at nearby Poplar Grove, is a great way to chat with other wine lovers and compare notes.

For a more in-depth experience, many wineries such as Nichol Vineyard and Little Engine Wines have moved to seated, experiential tastings. You get to relax with wine and a view and learn about some of the region’s 75 varietals, along with the climate and soil conditions that make this corner of the province perfect for grape growing.

Dining farm-to-table, Penticton style

Photo: Nadine Ashby / Kin & Folk

Not only do vineyards thrive here, orchards and farms weave a bucolic patchwork on the rolling hills around town. It’s no wonder the city’s restaurant menus nod to local produce, cheese, and honey, none more so than the salads and entrees at the Hooded Merganser, Penticton’s original farm-to-table restaurant with its own farm. In recent years, more seasonally driven restaurants have launched, helmed by chefs putting their own spin on the local bounty.

The stunning Orolo opened in 2023 in an old downtown movie theater, and the modern space — which shares a venue with the Chronos Tasting Room, both a part of the TIME Family of Wines — has elevated wine-paired dining in town. Kick off the night by sabering a bottle of bubbly next to the winery’s fermentation tanks, then enjoy a dinner of house-made tagliatelle with dry-aged beef and a side of local vegetables alongside a glass of the bold Chronos cabernet syrah.

Kin & Folk is another newcomer, whose Asian-inspired share plates like the Tofu & Mushrooms and Squash Bao Buns have quickly developed cult followings around town. Chef and co-owner Zachary Chan’s vision is to bring together friends and family with foods that reflect his heritage while incorporating fresh ingredients from valley purveyors. Save room for dessert — the tiramisu is life changing!

Following the Penticton Ale Trail

Photo: Chris Stenberg/Cannery Brewing

With eight craft breweries in a city of 35,000, Penticton has more breweries per capita than anywhere in the country, earning it the title of Craft Beer Capital of Canada. There’s even an annual Okanagan Fest of Ale (April 12-13, 2024) that celebrates local beers from across the province.

Brewery-hop downtown between lively Cannery, known for its crushable sours, and Slackwater, with fun seasonal sips like a tangerine pale and a pineapple sour. Tin Whistle is also worth checking out for its unique beers, including Merlot and Gewurztraminer “table beers” that are made using grape skins from the harvest of local winery Dirty Laundry — plus it’s BC’s first carbon-neutral brewery.

You can also literally follow the ale trail north along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a decommissioned railway line that’s now a recreational pathway. Head out on foot or by bicycle until you reach Abandoned Rail, one of Penticton’s newest craft breweries. Owners Scott and Nicole Breier live onsite and use estate-grown barley in their German-influenced beers like the smooth, dark Hefeweizen and the malty Bavarian lager.

You can also make the most of Penticton’s long days and golden evenings by getting a growler to go. Enjoying a beer in public is perfectly legal in select city parks and beaches, such as the Okanagan and Skaha lakefronts, between noon and 9pm year round.

Getting your caffeine fix with a view

Photo: Emma Tassie Photography/Wayne & Freda

If beer and wine aren’t your jam, it’s easy to fuel up on excellent lattes in this lakeside city. Start your day with a sustainable coffee at Wayne & Freda, a cafe with an expansive patio perfect for warm mornings outside. If you’re sticking around for a bit, order The Bacon, a habit-forming breakfast sandwich.

For a taste of Europe with a lake view, Crêperie Ooolala serves Italian-style espressos and traditional crêpes from a converted camper right next to the historic S.S. Sicamous, a sternwheeler that once ferried passengers across Okanagan Lake and is now open seasonally as a museum.

Hopefully all this fresh-from-the-farm food and drink has inspired you to stock your fridge and pantry. If so, check out the weekly Penticton Farmers’ Market (Saturdays starting April 20, 2024) on Main Street. Around 50 vendors sell everything from fresh apricots to zucchini, and you can also pick up locally made specialty items like infused vinegar, pasta sauces, and fruit wine.

These are just a few ideas for eating and drinking your way through Penticton. There are many more restaurants, wineries, breweries, and cafes around town worthy of exploration this spring. Join the foodies and try them all!

Finding the Perfect Mountain Town Family Escape at Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

Colorado’s classical radio station played from a Bose speaker in the bedroom as my wife, Heather, and year-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Margot, finally made it to our one-room presidential suite at Club Wyndham Resort at Avon. Margot’s pack ‘n play was set up in the room — one of those small things that give me the most comfort when traveling. That extra comfort was much needed after what was supposed to be a short, clear-weather drive from Denver turned into a snowy, late-spring, traffic-filled trek on I-70 that kept us from arriving until well after dark.

Colorado’s stretch of mountain towns along I-70 is famous around the world among skiers, snowboarders, and anyone looking for high-altitude luxury. Since moving to Denver from New York City in 2020, I’ve taken my fair share of trips along the route — skiing in the winter and early spring, hiking and biking in the summer, leaf peeping in the fall. The proximity is part of the joys of living in the Mile High city, infuriating I-70 traffic (so well documented by the account @i70things) be damned.

We hope you love the 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.

Photo: Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

Club Wyndham at Avon is an all-suite resort where all-season outdoor recreation is always nearby, with both Beaver Creek and Vail ski resorts in the immediate area. Full-family relaxation can be found without leaving the property, thanks to the communal areas and spacious rooms of a size that would have immediately drawn comments like “this is bigger than my apartment, and has more bathrooms” in my NYC days.

Avon is for the most part removed from the expectations and fur-lined jackets found in Vail, a short 10 miles away (and, for similar space and quality, Avon has much more reasonable hotel prices). While Vail’s slopes are close, those at Beaver Creek ski resort are even closer and can be reached from a gondola across the street from Wyndham or via a quick free Town of Avon shuttle ride to Beaver Creek Village.

Whether you bring your own or rent from the ski shop across the street, handling gear is easy thanks to ski-valet service and storage on the property in the winter, and mountain bike storage in the summer. One Colorado family we met at Wyndham over s’mores that weekend noted that they grew up skiing in all of the nearby mountain towns, but with their kid in tow, they’ve found Avon to be the most family-friendly.

Book NowRooms and amenities at Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

Photo: Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

I stayed in a presidential one-bedroom suite. All of the rooms have a full kitchen and fridge, fireplace, washer and dryer, and other more standard amenities. Which room is right for you mostly depends on how many people you’re with, from the 1,088-square-foot one-bedroom suite (four guests, with one bath and a king bed and queen sleeper sofa) to the 1,780-square-foot three-room suite (10 guests, with three baths, two king beds, two double beds, and a queen sleeper).

Separate rooms allow for some peace from any little ones, and the private balcony, with the fireplace going behind us, was a nice place to watch the snow falling when we arrived. It’s easy to make your own space in the rooms, even in the common areas. There are reading nooks by the TV, and a corner sitting area backed by large windows.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Mountain town dining can quickly add up, but the full kitchen gets around that problem. The kitchen set up had the basics and a little extra: a full set of well-sharpened, if heavily used, cooking knives; plenty of dishware and silverware; glasses of all types from reputable wine glass brands; and grill tools. The dishwasher showed some wear with rusty spots, but nevertheless kept the threat of cleanup from dissuading us from grabbing some groceries and cooking in on our last night.

The property’s amenities feel like an extension of the thought put into the rooms. A communal patio is lined with fireplaces for thawing out or roasting s’mores (kits are handed out for guests on Fridays). On the two grills at the end, we made bacon-wrapped steaks and cheese-filled peppers and enjoyed dinner at the tables outside, complimented by some wine and local beers bought at the well-stocked Avon Liquors one street over.

Photo: Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

Inside, there’s a game room with a pool table and TVs, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. This Wyndham’s hot tub is also inside, and goes beyond the standard with a sprawling design featuring two parts separated by a waterfall.

Exploring beyond Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

Photo: Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

If you’re in the area, there’s a good chance you’re there for the outdoors. Skiing and snowboarding (both inbound and backcountry) are the biggest draws, but there are things to do year-round. Mountain biking and hikes can follow routes with intense inclines or leisurely trails. For a change of pace, there’s fishing at Nottingham Lake or along Eagle River.

Head to the high-end stores in Beaver Creek or Vail for shopping of all kinds. You can catch live entertainment at Vilar Performing Arts Center in Avon or the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail.

As homey as cooking your meals on the property can be, it’s wroth getting into Avon for a meal or two. The helpful concierges at Wyndham can guide you to whatever you’re in the mood for. Bob’s Place for sports and pub food, Ein Prosit for a European-style biergarten, or Loaded Joe’s for a coffeeshop during the day and beer, wine, and music at night. Pazzo’s Pizzeria is family friendly with a game room, Sauce on the Creek serves family-style Italian fare, and Agave has strong margaritas to go with house-made tortillas and live music nights.

Getting to Club Wyndham Resort at Avon

While Eagle County Regional Airport is the closest to Avon, it has limited flight options. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. There are buses that go from Denver’s Union Station to Avon if you want to avoid driving through I-70 traffic. Otherwise, you’ll need a car to get there, though you won’t be using it much when you arrive with everything in close walking distance or near public transit. Wyndham has valet-only parking for $35 per night.

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DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival Will Have Much Fewer Trees After This Year

At the end of May 2024, just a few weeks after the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival ends, 300 trees will be cut down from the National Mall in Washington, DC, including 158 of the nearly 3,700 Japanese cherry trees.

According to a press release from the National Park Service, the removal of the trees is an unfortunate necessity to complete the construction work that will protect the site for the next 100 years and allow visitors to have a better experience at this iconic venue.

The settling of the ground around the seawalls of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park, as well as the rising sea level due to climate change, have damaged the infrastructures, leading to daily flooding, endangering the safety of those who walk around the area, and threatening the beloved trees and the memorials.

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The seawalls were built in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and since then, the water level has risen by more than a foot around the Tidal Basin, writes Smithonian Magazine‘s Christian Thorsberg.

The seawall restoration work will start in late May 2024 and will end in 2027. During that time, the trails will remain open for visitors to wander around the site — but with fewer trees to enjoy.

While the removal of 300 trees might upset some, keep in mind that once the project is completed, 455 trees will be replanted in the area, 274 of which will be the flowering cherry trees that visitors to DC know and love.

While DC is an emblematic place to see the cherry blossoms, especially if you attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival, it is not the only one in the nation. If you’d rather skip DC until the construction work is done and the new trees are planted, head over to Macon, Georgia, nicknamed the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. It is an exceptional spot to see the blooms and its International Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see.

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This World Cruise to 140 Countries Will Set You Back as Much as $839,999

Cruises can be very cheap. Without much effort, just about anyone can snag a very affordable seven-night sailing in the Caribbean, Alaska, or even the Mediterranean. World cruises, however, are entirely different. Because they last between three and nine months, they tend to cost a bundle. That said, no world cruise is more expensive than Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newly announced 2027 World of Splendor voyage.

The world cruise, which will depart on January 11, 2027, from Miami, Florida, for a 140-night voyage around the world on board the Seven Seas Splendor, is the most expensive to date. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ press release earlier this month announced that the fares for this all-inclusive sailing will start “from $91,499 per guest for a luxurious Veranda Suite up to $839,999 per guest for the opulent Regent Suite,” i.e. from $650 to $6000 per guest per night. But because cruises are based on double occupancy, you can multiply those numbers by two.

Photo: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For such immense sums of money, you’d expect Regent Seven Seas Cruises to create a once-in-a-lifetime trip and, from what the cruise line’s website says, nobody should be disappointed. The Seven Seas Splendor will depart from Miami, visit 71 ports in 40 countries on six continents, and will end in New York City nearly five months later. During the voyage, guests will have the opportunity to choose from 480 shore excursions and visit 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Images were provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Seven Seas Splendor, delivered to Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2020, is a small ship, accommodating a maximum of 746 guests in 373 suites and 548 crew members (a ratio of one crew member to 1.4 guests). The accommodations on board the ship are all luxurious, even the cheapest ones, but the Regent Suite takes the cake. Described by the cruise line as “the most exclusive address residence at sea”, the Regent Suite offers 4,443 square feet of space, including a 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda and a glass-enclosed solarium, a sauna, a steam room, and a jacuzzi. The suite also has a Steinway grand piano, artworks by Picasso, and a $200,000 bed set-up. Is it worth $1.7 million for two guests for the duration of the 2027 world cruise? Take a virtual tour of the place and make your own mind. Or better even, give it a try — if you can afford it.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is not the only cruise line — not even the only luxury cruise line — to offer world cruises with exceptional itineraries and extraordinary amenities. There are dozens of world cruises scheduled for the next few years, including Oceania’s 2025 200-day voyage around the world, starting at $49,799, and Cunard’s 2026 116-day Full World Voyage, starting at $20,118.

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Embrace Cancún’s Energy and Counter With Calm at This Riviera Maya Resort

Day three. That’s when vacation relaxation usually sets in for me. My shoulders unclench, my heartbeat slows to a waltz, and worries begin to drift from my brain. But as I bobbed in the glassy turquoise waters off the shores of Cancún, watching blue tang fish like Finding Nemo’s Dory dance with angelfish while stingrays glided over coral reefs studded with spiny sea urchin, I felt that telltale unclenching and sighed through my scuba mask. It had been less than 24 hours, and I had already hit peak relaxation.

This was a short winter escape – three days total – and I had to make the most of it. I needed sun, sand, and a drink in my hand. Enter Cheap Caribbean Vacations, a hub for booking all-inclusive vacation packages in Mexico and the Caribbean. The promise of “less money, less worry, more beach” had me rummaging through my closet past wooly sweaters to pull out swimsuits and sundresses. Cancún: Here I come.

Suites and swims at Breathless Riviera Cancun

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From the moment I touched down at the Cancún airport and spotted the Amstar shuttle driver in a blue-flowered shirt clutching a sign with my name on it, I knew I was in good hands. The direct transfer zipped me through the city, down a long road lined with mangrove trees, past security, and right to check-in at Breathless Riviera Cancun, a five-star, all-inclusive adults-only resort. Within minutes, I had a chilled glass of bubbles in one hand and my room key in the other.

Breathless is a beachfront, all-suites resort with 362 rooms peppered across the property. Suites include either a king-size bed or two doubles, along with a massive glass-walled shower with double rain shower heads and a private terrace. Some first floor rooms even offer swim-out access into a private serpentine pool shaded by lush tropical plants.

My third floor balcony provided a bird’s eye view of the Xcelerate Pool, a twinkling aquatic runway lined by purple-hued loungers and Bali beds that flows into an ocean-front infinity pool. This is the spot to shake your buns while the sun’s out. DJs pump out dance beats all afternoon long while swaying saxophone players serenade bikini-clad dancers through a thick haze of bubbles.

The resort’s other pool, the Energy Pool, offers a slightly more subdued vibe with floating daybeds and inset lounges. But the pace quickens when a raucous game of pool volleyball gets people diving and splashing. While most of the resort’s pool seating gets snapped up before noon, I never had a problem snagging a stool at one of the swim-up bars for an icy drink.

Dining at drinking at Breathless Riviera Cancun

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Breathless is not short on bars – nine plus a fleet of roving cocktail carts. Bartenders shake up everything from tamarind- and mango-flavored margaritas rimmed with tart tajin to craft concoctions like the Mexican Hat, made with coffee-infused tequila. If you have a more adventurous palate, order a mezcal margarita with sal de gusano, a salt made from pulverized worms that grow under the leaves of the agave plant and are rumored to enhance, ahem, virility.

Speaking of adventurous palates, I made it my mission to sample as many of the resort’s restaurants as possible on my short trip. I started my mornings off at The Nook for a hot oat latte, followed by breakfast at The Spoon Buffet. The buffet features American comfort classics like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns, along with a build-your-own omelet station and a donut wall. But my go-to was the chilaquiles bar, which offered an assortment of sauces, beans, cotija, and perfect orange-yolked fried eggs.

While lunch options were fairly limited – Barefoot Grill makes serviceable mid-day pool snacks like pizza and burgers – dinner was clearly the main event. Most of the restaurants have a dress code barring bermuda shorts and beach sandals, which classes things up a notch as the sun sets. Cuisines run the gamut from pan-Asian at Silk City to Italian American at Spumante and steakhouse classics at The Strip Grill.

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My best meal was at Coquette, a cozy French spot with a sizable wine cellar. I started things off with a cool glass of chardonnay and basket of flaky onion-flecked rolls, which I slathered in compound garlic parmesan butter. Next up was a frisée salad loaded with fresh figs, ripe plums, kisses of foie gras, and a beet reduction. The finale: seared salmon with lentils, bacon, and creamy tarragon sauce.

Another highlight was Picante, an upscale Mexican cantina that serves everything from fresh ceviche and guacamole to Michoacan-style carnitas. The pollo en mole poblano was a winner: fall-off-the-bone-tender cornish game hen braised in a rich mole sauce served with fluffy rice and veggies. As I contemplated the cacao taco for dessert, I heard the familiar refrain of Backstreet Boys thumping from a live cover band playing right outside the restaurant. This was part of the resort’s rotating line-up of evening entertainment that ranged from silent discos to karaoke to nightclub dance parties.

Finding calm at the spirited Breathless Riviera Cancun

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Though Breathless is a party place at heart, that doesn’t mean you can’t find tranquility. One morning during a sunrise stroll on the beach, I stopped to rest in a lounge chair. I let the lapping waves and the gentle rustle of palm fronds under the empty palapas lull me into a serene trance. When the urge for coffee finally struck, I passed a group mid-sun-salutation in a beachfront yoga class.

The Spa by Pevonia is the resort’s expansive pampering zone. Treatments combine indigenous and modern techniques, including a seaweed detox body wrap and a chocolate mint exfoliation. The latter was the perfect way to shed some dry winter skin and get glowed up for my main outing of the trip, a half day catamaran snorkeling tour of a nearby reef.

Day trips with transfers from Breathless Riviera Cancun

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You can book a handful of tours through Amstar, including day trips to Tulum and Chichen Itza, all of which include air conditioned transportation direct from the hotel lobby. My snorkeling tour sailed out from Puerto Aventuras, about an hour south from the resort, on a catamaran operated by Cancun Adventures. The boat dropped anchor alongside the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second largest reef system that stretches from the Riviera Maya all the way to Honduras.

After a 45 minute guided snorkeling caravan through the Caribbean’s warm waters – watching giant sea turtles float inches below my flippers – I clambered back on board the catamaran and was handed a cold margarita.

The salty ocean breeze mingled with the tart burn of the cocktail, and I was reminded of a quote from the foul-mouthed animated character Archer, “[A margarita only has] five ingredients: Tequila, cointreau, lime juice, ice, kosher salt.” And while he’s not technically wrong – as I took a sip of my frosty, salt-jeweled margarita and cast my eyes out at the shimmering ocean, I couldn’t help but think there might be a sixth: magic.

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How Google’s New AI Travel Tools Will Make Planning Your Trip Easier

Artificial Intelligence-powered travel tools, including Matador’s AI travel assistant GuideGeek, arrived on the scene quickly after generative AI tools such as ChatGPT became household names. Earlier this week, Google mentioned in a blog post that it’s unveiling multiple new capabilities to make travel more convenient.

One example is Search Generative Experience, a Search function that’s designed to provide travel itineraries from user prompts. Search users who opt into the capability can input loose travel plans — for example, a weeklong trip to New York City for foodies — and receive a list of recommendations tailored to their destination and interests, along with flight and accommodation options. The suggestions that Google provides are sourced from information found across the web, ranging from destination websites and travel articles to reviews and photos left by other travelers.

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If users like what they see, they can click on links to be redirected to booking sites, or export the itinerary suggestions to Gmail, Google Docs, or Google Maps to help streamline the trip-planning process and collaborate with travel companions. Currently, SGE is only available to US users in English.

Google is also testing out other features and AI-powered capabilities in Maps and Lens with travelers in mind.

Google Maps: travel recommendations and customized lists

Two new capabilities are coming to Maps that will benefit travelers. First, Google is adding recommendations to the platform. When you search for a city — currently only certain cities in the US and Canada — you’ll be shown a list of recommendations sourced from both Maps users and publications. Restaurant lists categorized as “trending, top, and hidden gem” will also feature.

The search engine is also making it easier to organize the places you love by allowing you to customize lists in Maps. While users were previously able to create lists, the new capability will allow you to sort them, whether that means ranking your favorite places or using a different system. If you’re someone who chronicles your life on social media, you’ll also be able to link lists to social content, making it that much easier to keep track of memorable experiences.

Both capabilities will be available globally to Apple and Android users this month.

Google Lens: Circle to Search translation

While Search Generative Experience targets trip-planners, a new Lens feature will aid travelers on the ground. It’s called Circle to Search, and it’s designed to help you translate anything on your device’s screen. All you have to do is hold down the home button or navigation bar and then select the translation icon.

The Lens app was already a handy tool for translating text, such as signage, that you might encounter abroad. Circle to Search makes it possible to translate text without having to switch apps. Two benefits of Circle to Search that Google cites for travelers are navigating restaurant menus and translating written song lyrics in real time.

Currently available to select Android users, Circle to Search will be accessible on more Android devices in the coming weeks.

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10 Expert-Recommended Palm Springs Hiking Trails for All Levels

Palm Springs, in California’s Coachella Valley, is a popular desert destination known for its sunshine, mid-century modern architecture, and world-class wellness and spa resorts. But beneath the glitz and color lies a network of scenic hiking trails that take hikers deep into the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, encountering diverse landscapes ranging from towering palm groves and dramatic canyons to stark, rocky slopes and hidden waterfalls.

Because there’s so much variety within the different Palm Springs hiking trails, there’s something for most types of hikers, from beginner athletes looking for an easy stroll to expert hikers who want all-day hikes, and even yogis who just want a gentle walk to a meditative area without many people.

Several hiking trails start from atop the popular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Photo: Kate Scott/Shutterstock

The city of Palm Springs has several trailheads in and very close to the city limits. There’s the Indian Canyons, a collection of palm-fringed canyons managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, as well as the Mount San Jacinto Wilderness, accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. And venturing just bit further brings you to Joshua Tree National Park (about an hour from Palm Springs) and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (about 40 mins away). And about an hour to the north are trails leading into the wooded San Bernardino National Forest.

Because there are so many Palm Springs hiking trails to choose from, we reached out to area experts and popular trail-rating apps and companies to find out which are the best of the best.

Tips for hiking in Palm Springs

The city of Palm Springs is chic and developed, but it’s still surrounded by wilderness. Photo: KhanIM/Shutterstock

It’s always important to be knowledgeable about where you’re hiking, but there are a few specifics you’ll want to know when hiking in the Palm Springs area.

Weather: Palm Springs and the Palm desert are hot and dry climates. Temperatures can soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Plan your hikes for early mornings or evenings to avoid the heat, as you’ll get dehydrated exceptionally quickly (as well as sunburned quickly). Flash floods are also possible during and after afternoon thunderstorms, which tend to happen during monsoon season (July to September). Be aware of the risk of flash floods and check the forecast before heading out. Don’t attempt to cross running water and cut your hike short if the rain picks up.

Winds and sun: Strong winds are frequent, particularly at higher elevations and along ridgelines. Be prepared for wind gusts that can affect your balance, as well as dust and sand in the air, as the lack of roots in areas with low vegetation can send dirt flying. Expect strong sun and a general lack of shade on most trails, so always wear a hat and wear plenty of sunscreen (and consider wearing sun-protective clothing).

Wildlife and dangerous plants: As far as dangerous plants on Palm Springs hikes, you’ll want to watch out for various desert thornbushes, as many desert plants have sharp thorns or spines that can puncture skin and clothing. Be cautious when brushing past unfamiliar plants, especially on narrow trails, and consider wearing tall socks or long pants. Ocotillo (tall, spiky staff-like plant) and cholla cactus (jumping cactus) are two common causes of light scratches and cuts on Palm Springs hiking trails.

Watch for rattlesnakes while hiking in Palm Springs, and be sure to keep dogs from disturbing their dens. Photo: David Matis/Shutterstock

When it comes to wildlife, there’s not too much that could hurt you. There are lots of coyotes, but they don’t bother humans and will rarely come close (but you may want to be extra-cautious if you’re hiking with a small dog around dawn or dusk). Other than that, all you really need to watch out for are rattlesnakes, which tend to live in and around rock piles. Always watch where you step and put your hands, especially when scrambling over rocks.

In case of a rattlesnake encounter, the most important thing is to stay calm and slowly back away. Don’t try to approach or handle the snake. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. And again, if you’re hiking with an off-leash dog, consider leashing them in rattlesnake territory. Dogs usually get bit on their noses (as they use their noses to sniff around rocks), which means the venom is very close to their brains, lowering how much time you have to get emergency treatment. You can buy rattlesnake anti-venom, but it’s expensive. For most people, keeping a close watch on curious pups is the best way to keep them safe.

Cell service and emergency services: Kimberly Renée, owner of Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures, recommends bringing enough water — but her second tip is always to have a back-up plan that doesn’t involve having cell phone service. “Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back,” she says. “Check-in before and after your hike, and hike with a buddy if possible.”

The Desert View Trail

The view from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Photo: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock

Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: +/-334 feetType: Loop

The Desert View Trail in Mount San Jacinto State Park is the top easy trail in the Palm Springs area on AllTrails.It’s a good option for families, inexperienced hikers, or anyone who just wants a gentle walk (combined with great views, of course). Unlike other Palm Springs hiking trails that require a challenging trek up the mountain, the Desert View Trail is at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, so you get the benefit of great views without having to hike up.

It’s an easy loop with stunning vistas of the Coachella Valley below, stretching out towards the horizon. It has only a few uphill sections, and five designated viewpoints, each offering a slightly different perspective of the valley. The tramway is open daily and ticket are about $30. You can buy tickets in advance, but most of the tickets are reserved for day-of sales at the tram window. It runs non-stop throughout the day, so don’t worry about it selling out.

Note that snow is possible on mountain summits, so this trail is best avoided in the winter. It’s usually clear of snow by April, but it still gets quite chilly, so bring a jacket year-round.

North Lykken Trail

Photo: Kim Grosz/ShutterstockRed

Distance: 2.8 milesElevation gain: +/- 1,000 feetType: Out-and-back

Gina Rosenthal, concierge at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, recommends the North Lykken Trail to guests. But she also considers it her favorite trail to hike personally.

“I enjoy the North Lykken Trail as I get my workout in early by the onset incline,” she says. “Once atop, the terrain levels out, offering breathtaking valley views.” She notes that bighorn sheep are often seen around the trail, so always recommends guests have their phones or cameras readily available

But she also always reminds guests to be aware of the heat. She hikes very early in the morning, when the weather is comfortable and the color-changing sky provides a great backdrop for morning meditation.

“The quiet ignites instant serenity,” she say of the trail. “Get ready to be wowed.”

Photo: AllTrails

Tahquitz Trail

Photo: Tom Forbes/Shutterstock

Distance: 1.8 – 2 miles (depending on source)Elevation gain: +/- 330 feetType: Loop

Paulette Monarrez, General Manager at Korakia Pensione, often sends guests to Tahquitz Trail in Tahquitz Canyon, a private reserve just a few minutes south of downtown Palm Springs.

“We love to recommend the Tahquitz Trail, because it’s a short, two-mile loop that has a beautiful 60-foot waterfall in the center of it,” she says.

But the waterfall isn’t the only reason it’s one of the best Palm Springs hiking trails, in her opinion. “There are many dark-chocolate rock formations throughout, and some even say that they can feel the energy of the ancient ancestors when they visit,” she adds.

Tahquitz Canyon is on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation and has a $15 fee to access the facilities, including usage of the trails and optional guided interpretive hikes. Visitors can buy tickets at the trailhead, or at the Palm Springs Visitor Information Center (2901 N Palm Canyon Dr.) It’s open 7:30 AM to 5 PM daily from October 1 to July 4, and only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the summer. That’s the slow season for hiking around Palm Springs because of one reason: heat.

“We always inform our guests that this hike has minimal shade, so it is best to do very early in the morning and in the cooler months,” adds Monarrez.

Palm Spring is a very popular wellness destination within California, with way more than just massages and facials. Many hotels, including Korakia, offer guided hikes and meditation sessions on area trails. On Korakia’s guided Sunday morning hikes (offered November to May), guides take it slowly, pointing out significant markings along the trail and regaling visitors with stories about the trail’s history and culture.

Photo: AllTrails

The East Indio Hills Badlands Trail

Photo: HeavyT Photography/Shutterstock

Distance: 5.2 milesElevation gain: +/- 777 feetType: Out-and-back with a loop

Kimberly Renée of Red Jeep Tours recommends a trail in a relatively new area that tends to not get too crowded: the East Indio Hills Badlands Trail. “This scenic trail takes people through the San Andreas Fault Zone uplift created over a millions of years,” she says. “The loop trail twists and turns in sandy washes, through some slot canyons, and climbs up to a ridgeline with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley on one side and Sky Valley on the other.”

At five miles, it’s a moderate distance, but the elevation gain and exposure on the ridgelines makes it better suited to intermediate and experienced hikers. Renee notes that there’s also some rock scrambling, so it’s best for hikers with experience using their hands. However, it’s also one of the best Palm Springs hiking trails for wildflowers in the spring, and fortunately, you can see them without doing the full loop.

You can hike from the trailhead to the trail split and back, creating a two-mile out-and-back trail with only about 150 of elevation gain. But “the main loop is moderately strenuous,” says Renee, “and not recommended for those with a fear of heights.”

Photo: AllTrails

San Jacinto Peak via the Tramway

Photo: AJ9/Shutterstock

Distance: 12 milesElevation gain: +/- 2,580 feetType: Out and back

If you’re keen on a challenging hike, the most popular “hard” trail on AllTrails is the hike to San Jacinto Peak via the Palm Springs aerial tram. Once you take the tram up, it’s a full six miles of hiking to reach the summit — and another five miles back to the tramway to take it back down.

It’s definitely one of the hardest Palm Springs hiking trails to do in a day. You’ll gain more than 2,500 feet of elevation in the first half (and have to descend it during the second half). That makes it very solidly a difficult, advanced hike, even if you have no trouble with the distance. Plan on a full day to do it, and remember that it gets icy and snowy near the summit in winter, making this a summer-and fall-only hike. If you do decide to hike it in the winter, you should have microspikes and know how to self-arrest with an ice axe.

You do not need to make reservations for the aerial tram — but you can, which may help you save some time in the morning if you’re trying to get an early start. Note that most hikers report the distance as being closer to 12 miles, even if AllTrails says 10.

Photo: AllTrails

Ranger-recommended hikes in Joshua Tree

Photo: thomaslabriekl/Shutterstock

Visitors and residents in Palm Springs are lucky to have easy access to hiking trails in nearby Joshua Tree National Park. It’s only about a one-hour drive to reach the West Entrance of the park, and only about 10 minutes further to reach the South Gate. But the park has lots of trails, so it can be hard to know where to start.

“We recommend several hikes of all different moderations,” says Meg Rockwell, Park Guide within the Division of Interpretation at Joshua Tree National Park. “Our most doable hikes for a wide-ranging audience will be any of our easy hikes: Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Discovery Trail, and Arch Rock.”

Rockwell recommends those five as they show off the diversity of the park’s wildlife, as well as the world-class boulders the park is famous for. She also recommends wearing light-colored clothing and always having a sun hat for shade.

There’s also something all five trails have in common: Joshua trees. “These trails are for the visitor that wants to get a little closer to nature and be able to see the Joshua Trees up close,” she says, “or climb on some rocks.”

Barker DamDistance: 1 mileElevation gain: +/- 50 feetType: Loop

For a very easy hike with minimal elevation gain, head to the Barker Dam Trail. The short trail has interpretive signage along the route and rock art along the trail, plus views of Mount San Gorgonio on clear days. Park at the Barker Dam Trailhead or the Echo-T parking lot (approximately .3 miles away).

Hidden Valley

Photo: cb_travel/Shutterstock

Distance: 1 mileElevation gain: +/-100 feetType: Loop

Hidden Valley is another fairly easy loop that meanders through the Mojave Desert. It’s one of the least-shady trails in the park (which is saying something, as much of the park has little shade). So skip it on hot days, or start very early in the morning. It starts at the Hidden Valley Campground.

Cap RockDistance: .4 milesElevation gain: n/aType: Out and back

Cap Rock is a very short trail that meanders around one of the park’s most dramatic and impressive rock formations: Cap Rock. It’s an extremely popular photography location, as the huge boulder pile is surrounded by dozens and dozens of the park’s namesake trees.

The Discovery Trail

The Discovery Trail starts just across from famous Skull Rock. Photo: NPS/Robb Hannawacker/Public Domain

Distance: .7 milesElevation gain: +/- 70 feetType: Loop

The Discovery Trail starts near another one of the park’s most famous rock formations: Skull Rock. The trailhead is across the road from Skull Rock, and if you head in a clockwise direction, you’ll hit a turn off for the Skull Rock Trail. Keep going, and you’ll hit another turnoff that connects to the Face Rock Trail just a few minutes before you return to the starting point.

Arch RockDistance: 1.4 milesElevation gain: +/-100 feetType: Out-and-back with a loop

If you want to learn about the park’s unique geology (and potentially climb on some giant boulders), head to the Arch Rock Trail. When you get to the loop at the end, park rangers advise heading counterclockwise to get a clearer view of the impressive natural arch.

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The 10 Top Rated Brunch Restaurants in Charleston

Brunch in Charleston is a big deal with many great spots to choose from in a variety of cuisines. Yes, you can get your fluffy, buttermilk biscuits and crispy fried chicken and waffles, but many chefs are also adding their twist to brunch staples, and it locals and visitors alike are all in.

“Southern brunch is a quintessential part of Charleston living,” says Nate Thurston, owner of Millers All Day, a restaurant beloved for its all-day brunch-centric menu. A good brunch service to Thurston speaks to the love for hospitality the South is well known for.

And it’s not just food that’s getting attention here. Charleston is a drinking town, and brunch drink menus excel, says Greer Gilchrist, founder of The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery, the highest-rated brunch spot on Yelp and Google Maps.

To help you get a clear picture of what the brunch landscape looks like, Matador took to Yelp and Google Maps to find the highest-reviewed brunch spots across both platforms. Venues with the highest points out of five were then tallied to make an aggregate out of 10. To make sure any new business kinks are ironed out, only restaurants with more than 250 reviews were considered. Although customer reviews are subjective, they help as a guide, offering advice on dishes and helping with the overall decision in choosing where to eat the most important meal of the weekend.

Whether you’re a resident, planning a group bachelor or bachelorette getaway, or you’re on a weekend escape in Charleston, here’s where to get the best brunch in Charleston, according to reviews.

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The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Photo: The Harbinger Cafe

Rating: 9.5 (4.8 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Since 2017, Harbinger has served handcrafted, health-conscious breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare alongside excellent coffee. Situated in downtown Charleston, Harbinger is the first of two cafes (the second, Harken, is on Queen Street) owned by friends and founders Cameron Neal and Greer Gilchrist.

Gilchrist says over email that running such busy establishments has been a challenge. Anyone who has worked a brunch service (or waited in a neverending queue) can appreciate how much work goes into running a smooth operation. The support from both the local community and visitors means “the world” to Gilchrist, and this shows in the near-perfect score on Yelp and Google Maps.

Brunch favorites include the ricotta biscuits served four ways. Gilchrist recommends the house-made honey orange butter and compote, which rotates and is blackberry grape at the time of writing.

“Our pastry case is where we really shine in our deliciousness and originality,” Gilchrist says. Everything at Harbinger is baked in-house, and it’s this level of care and detail that has awarded the business loyal return customers and five-star reviews from people visiting Charleston for the weekend.

The Harbinger Cafe and Bakery: 1107 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Huriyali

Photo: HuriyaliPhoto: HuriyaliPhoto: Huriyali

Rating: 9.3 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

The people at Huriyali know how to have a good time, all while bringing the community together to share delicious and nourishing food. There’s a lot to get excited about here. The menu is health-conscious leaning, colorful, and creative. Take the multi-colored, pink Ambrosia Latte, a whipped espresso with punchy local strawberries; or Farrah’s Green Grits, which is made with creamy cashew grits, roasted seasonal veggies, charred tomato, and fresh arugula topped with crispy tempeh bits. The signature bowls are a hit, too. The Mermaid Bowl, one of the current favorites, blends banana, mango, blue spirulina, housemade almond butter, and fresh cashew milk with plant protein — a brunch dish that will keep you going strong until dinner.

There’s also a heavy focus on sustainability at Huriyali, and the business often hold events like surfboard and gear swaps and regular neighborhood clean-ups.

Huriyali: 401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Breizh Pan Crêpes

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A post shared by Breizh Pan Crepes (@charlestonfrenchcrepes)

Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

The owners of Breizh Pan Crêpes, Patrice and Celine, hail from Brittany, France, the birthplace of crepes. Their French origins shine through this small creperie. Even the flour is imported from France. From the bestselling savory buckwheat, gluten-free crepe to the aptly named La Charleston — a perfect balance of berries, Chantilly cream, and housemade salted butter caramel — it’s clear the chefs have a strong foundation in French cookery. Recent five-star Yelp reviewer Iz S says, “It reminded me of my time in Paris,” while others sing Breizh Pan’s praises for value of money and speedy, polite service.

Breizh Pan Crêpes: 39 George St, Charleston, SC 29401

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

Photo: Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

Rating: 9.0 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe is a casual breakfast spot and neighborhood gathering place located on the west side of Charleston. The restaurant was born out of the need for somewhere for people to get a good, hearty breakfast in the neighborhood, and it delivers. The welcoming and all-inclusive establishment has outdoor seating on its patio — perfect for summer brunch.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe shares over email that the top dishes include the breakfast burrito with local eggs from Fili West Farms and chorizo from a nearby farmer, the OG pancakes that are fluffy and light, and the cereal-inspired fruity pebble pancakes. Recent patron Grace P recommends the hash browns on Yelp: “Just do it,” she proclaims, “It was so fresh and had tons of flavor — not your average breakfast food.” Another reviewer, Lexi G, raves about the coffee, suggesting the addition of the signature cayenne honey syrup that will “literally knock your socks off.”

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe: 280 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Millers All Day

Photo: Millers All Day/Caroline HerringPhoto: Millers All Day/Jonathan BoncekPhoto: Millers All Day/Jonathan Boncek and Caroline Herring

Rating: 9.0 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Nate Thurston of Millers All Day tells me that on weekends, there’s a procession of people dressed up for brunch downtown, and he loves being part of the scene. This is a good thing because Millers serves farm-to-table, brunch-friendly plates all day, every day.

And there are no shortcuts. “From homemade biscuit dough to hand-cracked eggs, every dish is homemade with the freshest ingredients,” Thurston says. Relying heavily on produce from local farmers, dishes like the Hot Honey Chick B.E.C. feature local honey in the twist on a classic bacon, egg, and cheese; and the freshly milled, small-batch grains from Marsh Hen Mill make for some of the best grits in Charleston. Pages of five-star Yelp reviews recommend trying the specials, the honey chicken doughnut, chocolate-hazel cream banana bread, and the watermelon basil mimosa. The best thing about Millers? The breakfast menu has no time limit. So you can skip the alarm.

Millers All Day: 120 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Basic Kitchen

Photo: Basic KitchenPhoto: Basic KitchenPhoto: Basic Kitchen

This light-drenched restaurant serves brunch from Friday through Sunday and attracts quite a crowd. Expect veggie-forward dishes such as the Surfer’s Delight bowl with scrambled eggs, citrus kale, sweet potatoes, avocado, and toast, or if you’re hungry, order the Naughty Burger with Brasstown farm grass-fed beef and sweet potato fries. Pair with a Brain Booster wellness shot or a beetroot and orange margarita — or both, it’s all about balance.

Rating: 8.9 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.3 Yelp)

Basic Kitchen: 82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

Frannie & The Fox

Photo: Hotel EmelinePhoto: Hotel Emeline

Rating: 8.8 (4.4 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Inside Emeline, an historic boutique hotel on Church Street, Frannie & the Fox is a chic local hangout with a focus on Southern hospitality and culinary creativity. The central dining area has bistro tables, and a lively bar fosters an Italian cafe vibe.

Frannie & the Fox is well-known for woodfired pizzas (especially the fennel sausage and taleggio with burnt honey and black pepper), and the oven comes into play at brunch, too. Adam Jimenez, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, says the oven-baked eggs and seasonally changing sticky buns are hits on the weekend. Jimenez also recommends trying the bolognese and grits with a poached egg, a dish that “combines the best of Italian and Lowcountry cuisines.”

Frannie’s will be open for brunch on Saturdays, as well as the usual Sunday service from March 30, easter weekend.

Frannie & The Fox: 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401

The Daily

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Rating: 8.8 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.3 Yelp)

The Daily has locations in Atlanta as well as the King Street Charleston flagship. While The Daily might not be reinventing the wheel, you can rely on it for exceptional coffee, healthy smoothies, fresh bread, and the use of local produce. You can sit in for brunch or grab and go from the cooler. There’s also some nice merch (hot sauces, coffee, totes) for sale that is all Southern-made. Many of the five-star reviews on Yelp mention The Daily’s excellent, friendly, efficient service and the nice range of seasonal hot beverages. Others comment it’s worth getting here early, as the outdoor tables quickly fill up over weekend brunch.

The Daily: 652 B King St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

Photo: The Junction Kitchen & ProvisionsPhoto: The Junction Kitchen & ProvisionsPhoto: The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

Rating: 8.7 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.2 Yelp)

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions is a popular spot in Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood known for its menu of creative comfort food. It’s another all-day joint, so you can enjoy the breakfast specialties like grits or a tomato pie in the afternoon if you please. They also have sandwiches, tacos, and daily specials, with vegetarian options like the vegBLT and meaty choices like their Philly cheesesteak.

Owner and operator Kimana Littleflower tells me that it’s nice to see more venues in Charleston do brunch a little differently. Brunch is a smooth affair here. Junction started all-day breakfast 10 years ago, and today, dishes like the sweet tea fried chicken and French toast with bourbon pecan butter, rosemary maple glazed doughnuts, and the cactus braised pork have people traveling north of downtown to eat on weekends.

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions: 4438 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

The Palmetto Cafe

Photo: The Charleston Place/Cameron WilderPhoto: The Charleston Place/Cameron Wilder

Rating: 8.7 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.2 Yelp)

The Palmetto Cafe is a garden-inspired restaurant located within the Charleston Place Hotel. Here, you can enjoy both Lowcountry classics and French-inspired, more sophisticated brunch dishes. On weekends, breakfast is available from 7 AM to 9 AM, and a dedicated brunch menu from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Palmetto serves brunch buffet style (including a carvery with wild cards like roast duck and port belly) with prices ranging from $65 for adults to $35 for kids, and those under three eat for free. “It’s a great place for families,” Michelle Weaver, the hotel’s culinary ambassador, tells me. From the bloody Mary bar to the rotating desserts, Weaver explains that there’s something for everyone at Palmetto. Recent five-star Yelp reviewer Erica N shares brunch here has “become a nonnegotiable” when visiting Charleston.

The Palmetto Cafe: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

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Why a High-Powered CEO Left the Corporate World to Create a Retreat in Bali

Wellness travel hit new heights in the years following the peak of the pandemic. Places that prioritize mental and physical health — or just that guests will leave with a new understanding about themselves — have been seeing a surge in people interested in full resets when they venture out into the world. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness travel sector is worth $600 billion, and will reach $1.1 trillion by 2025.

On the latest No Fixed Address podcast, host Michael Motamedi and producer Vanessa Salas spoke with Will Travis, one of the high-powered CEOs who left the corporate world to create an escape-from-it-all leadership retreat in Bali (with other locations around the world) called Elevation Barn. Ina wide-ranging conversation about the power of retreats and how they can help connections, they cover the power of fear, today’s confidence crisis, and why Bali is the ideal place to find purpose.

The Bali location is called the Jungle House. It’s located outside of Gianyar Regency in central Bali on a hill overlooking the rainforest and three rivers. The main house has a circular design with floor-to-ceiling windows to see the whole valley.

“The property is right above where a couple of rivers meet,” Motamedi explains, “and they say that in that meeting point, there’s a special energy, which part of why they picked the property. And you really do feel a sense of peace.”

Photo: Elevation Barn

Travis started Elevation Barn in 2017 after years of leading, starting, and selling brand agencies in New York that worked with companies like Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, and Facebook. He thought he’d retire in Bali, but life had other plans. Today, he’s found purpose in creating places where people can reset and connect without the constant drum of push notifications and overconnectivity.

“We create a safe space to help people from all walks of life,” Travis explains, whether that’s students, scientists, professors, or business leaders. “We help create a space for people to elevate their self belief and perspective on what they’re doing with their lives.”

Peaceful relaxation wasn’t the first thing that Travis turned to to get away from corporate life. He talks about pushing his limits doing things like swimming as far out into the ocean as he can, and walking with lions. In Bali, however, he found community and a way to reset more spiritually. His new definition of success? “Joy,” Travis says. “Just pure joy.”

Photo: Elevation Barn

The driving concept of Elevation Barn is the barn raising philosophy of support. It allows people to “be in a kindred quest together,” Travis says. Rather than job titles and salaries, people who attend the retreat are stipped of ego to work together and find true self.

To hear more about Elevation Barn’s approach to wellness and connection, listen to the full podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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The Easiest Way to Follow Flight Delays and Early Arrivals? This Texting Tip

Regardless of whether you prefer to arrive in the nick of time at the airport or arrive early, there’s an excellent travel hack that will allow you to track in real time the status of your flight.

In a video posted to TikTok, former airline employee Darby (@durbinmalonster) shares her favorite tip she claims every traveler with an iPhone should use on the day of their flight.

Darby explains to her almost 300K followers that she worked in the airport industry for three years, and this could save passengers from missing flights due to gate changes and keep them informed about delays.

@durbinmalonster S/O @Brooke Webster ♬ original sound – Darby

Check out Matador’s guide to airports for more tips

So how does this work?

The morning of your flight, Darby states, all you need to do is go into the iMessage app and text yourself your flight number. “The key is, you have to include your airline code.” Darby offers a helpful example. “If I’m flying American Airlines flight 686, I will type “AA 686.”

Here are a few of the most popular US Airline Codes:

Alaska Airlines (AS)American Airlines (AA)Delta Air Lines (DL)JetBlue Airways (B6)Southwest Airlines (SW)Spirit Airlines (NK)United Airlines (UA)

If the iMessage is formatted correctly, it will create a link. All you need to do is simply tap on the underlined text, and you’ll have access to all the information you need to know about your flight. It will show you a detailed view of the flight status, including current location (if airborne), departure and arrival times, the boarding gate, connecting flight details, and even the carousel to go to claim your bag. The information will also be updated in real-time.

Although many airlines now have informative apps, and you can also do a quick Google search for this same information, it might come in handy if you have family or friends who want to track your journey or need to know when to pick you up from the airport.

In this instance, just text them the link you’ve created with the airline code and flight number. “Whoever’s picking you up can literally see your little airplane flying across the screen. You know, when you take off, you’re supposed to land at 8.30 in the morning, and then in mid-flight, there’s a great tailwind or something, and you end up landing at 8.06 AM? It’ll update in that link,” says Darby.

The process is simple, but Darby includes a screen-recorded video to show viewers exactly what happens when you click through the text.

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