Matador Network's Blog, page 188
April 1, 2024
Flight Attendant Explains Why Most Airplanes are all ‘Missing’ the Same Row
When it comes to picking your seat on any given flight, the first question is usually aisle or window seat? Many frequent travelers can be neatly split into two types of people on their preference there alone. Once that’s settled, the next question is which row. The back of the plane typically has more availability, but could make getting off the plane take longer, while the front of the plane typically carries a premium cost. On flights around the world, however, you probably won’t be able to find seats in one row in particular: 13.
“This is a practice followed by many airlines worldwide,” flight attendant _hennylim_ notes in a TikTok video. While the particular plane used as an example is an Airbus 320, the numbering skip is near universal among Western airlines for the same reason you’re unlikely to find many hotels with a floor 13.
@_hennylim_ Why almost airline doesn’t have row number 13? Check this video out to know! Follow my Official Facebook Page: “Henny Joyce Lim” #fyp #HJL #cabincrewlife #13throwmissing #cebupacific #groundstop ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
The fear of the number 13 is called “triskaidekaphobia.” There are various theories as to why 13 is avoided by so many Western cultures. Some say that it’s because it follows 12, which is the nice, round number we see everywhere from the months of the year to the zodiac signs to rulers. Adding one extra can make the vibe feel off. Historically, 13 has not been a great number in Western religions. Balder, a favored Nordic god, was killed by Loki, god of mischief, in the story of a Valhalla banquet when he turned a dinner party of 12 to one of 13. In the Bible, the 13th apostle was the one who allegedly betrayed Jesus.
Thirteen isn’t ominous for everyone — Taylor Swift has a particular preference for the number since her birthday is on December 13, for example — but it causes issues for enough people for companies to hide that a person is assigned “13” anything. Brussels Airlines even changed its logo in 2006 because it used 13 dots to create its image.
The practice doesn’t literally skip a row, of course. It’s all a mind game to try and make people feel more at ease — one that could lead to emergency rescue crew confusion if they’re counting things on their own versus using what the guest was told. If you have some triskaidekaphobia of your own that isn’t easily calmed by the wrong row number listed, it’s probably best to count the rows yourself. 
Don’t Let the ‘range Anxiety’ Myth Fool You. An EV Is Perfect for Your Next Road Trip.
Range anxiety was coined in 1997 by the San Diego Tribune, which reported on the GM EV1 and its drivers’ concerns over being stranded after running out of power. At the time, charging infrastructure was non-existent. Range anxiety had valid legs even a decade ago, when sub-Tesla EVs like the Chevy Spark and Nissan Leaf had a maximum range of around 80 miles and battery technology was nowhere where it is today. Then, being able to drive from one side of a large metro area to the other and back on one charge was a legitimate concern. Now, even more affordable EVs like the Chevy Bolt and the evolved Nissan Leaf S can carry you further than 200 miles on a charge, and high-end players like Tesla and Lucid are pushing 500 miles.
Looking back at the catalog of internal combustion engine cars I’ve owned, none came anywhere near 500 miles per tank of gas. We’ve reached the point of technological advancement and ubiquitous charging infrastructure that range anxiety is officially dead as a valid concern to prevent drivers from taking an EV on a road trip. Still, the myth persists, so let’s thoroughly debunk the validity of range anxiety through data and a real-life test.
Combatting range anxiety: Factors to consider
Charging at Purgatory Mountain Resort near Durango while on a road trip to southern Colorado. Photo: Tim Wenger
The internet is rife with stories of travelers crossing the country in EVs, and forums highlighting where to charge and tips for optimizing their mileage. Alternatively, there have been reports of Tesla thwarting service appointments related to range decreases and projecting overly-optimistic expectations of its cars’ ranges.
These are unfortunate but are the result of one company’s efforts and not reflective of where the industry as a whole is going. The future for EVs as viable roadtrippers is bright. The next generation of electric vehicles to be released by 2030 will contain newer battery technology that all but guarantees a range above 500 miles per charge. The ratio of EVs to charging ports is currently about 40 to 1 and will only get smaller. Compare this to gas pumps, of which there are 197 cars per pump.
In 2024, there are areas of particularly high charger density, such as the West Coast Green Highway, where drivers can find chargers every 25 to 50 miles. Rural areas often face a dearth – the greatest distance between chargers in the US is between Rawlins, Wyoming, and Casper, Wyoming, a distance of 118 miles. On average, drivers face between 50 and 100 miles between chargers in many rural areas. Still, this is hardly an issue of practicality, as nearly all EVs released since 2020 can cover a distance greater than 118 miles.
More than 1,000 EV charging stations came online in the second half of 2023, and 2024 looks to have similar growth in charging infrastructure. By the end of this year, the federal government expects over 7,500 charging stations to be available across the country. Year over year going forward, more charging stations will arise and an increasingly higher percentage will be DC Fast chargers.
Beyond charging infrastructure are other means of combatting concerns over an EVs range. Most notable is regenerative braking, a process that uses the car’s kinetic energy when braking to recharge the battery while you drive. This can significantly improve range when driving casually, and if descending in altitude its even possible in some cases to arrive at your destination with more power than when you left. Case in point, when I drive home from the ski area nearest to my house, a distance of about 27 miles and an elevation gain of about 3,400 feet, I arrive with about 15 miles more charge than when I left the resort. This offsets much of what was used to climb to the ski hill.
Many forthcoming charging stations will be installed at end-of-day locations such hotels and Airbnbs, of which more than 1 million now have EV chargers. As shopping centers and other commercial areas adopt fast charging, it will be increasingly possible to park somewhere, run your errands or do your activity, and return to a fully charged vehicle.
Putting an ‘affordable’ EV to test on a road trip
EV chargers are now common even in rural areas like Montrose, Colorado. Photo: Tim Wenger
In November 2022, I put down a $2,000 deposit for a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, listed at just under $30,000. We chose to wait until January 1 to purchase because doing so qualified the vehicle for the $7,500 federal tax rebate under the Inflation Reduction Act and a $2,000 tax rebate from the State of Colorado (so much for EVs being “unaffordable” compared to ICE vehicles). We picked up the car from the dealer on January 2, 2023.
The car’s claimed range of 210 miles proved roughly accurate over a few months of using it as a daily commuter around our home in Colorado’s Grand Valley. Once the snow had melted off the mountain passes, we felt comfortable testing the car on the 230-mile trip to Denver on I-70. My concerns leading up to the trip were:
How would the continuous incline and decline in elevation throughout the drive impact the mileage, particularly the nearly 2,000-foot gain going over Vail PassConversely, how much power would we regain through regenerative braking while descending Vail Pass and other declines in elevationChargePoint listed more than 100 charging stations between our house and Denver and within a couple miles of the interstate. Would they be occupied? Broken?Most of those chargers were Level 2 – meaning it would take a few hours to fully charge the car. How would this impact what is traditionally a 3.5-hour drive?Our 1.5-year-old daughter was coming with us – would a charging delay make the trip unbearably miserable for her, and vicariously, for us?With a full charge, we hit the road around 10 am. The dashboard showed we had 237 miles of power, which we’d learned through trial and error amounted to about 210 miles of city driving. Conversely, to internal combustion engines, EVs often perform better in urban environments than on open stretches of road because of the power regained through regular braking. I’d learned some tricks to go easy on the pedal when descending so that we’d effectively gain maximum power each time we went down a hill, and I employed these tactics throughout the morning.
We planned to stop halfway, in the town of Eagle, and plug into a ChargePoint charger, located in a shopping center parking lot, while having lunch. 123 miles and a little under two hours later, we pulled into Eagle with 62 miles left on the charge. We’d used over ⅔ of the battery charge for just over half of the drive. The Bolt EUV gains about 25 miles per hour on a Level 2 charger, and we planned to spend two hours eating and visiting a bookstore that we love. We returned after 100 minutes to 111 miles of power. After spending a few minutes getting our daughter buckled in and slowly settling ourselves, we hit the road with 120 miles of power. On paper that would be enough, but Vail Pass lied just ahead.
With all these stations to choose from, the only anxiety I’m feeling is over which ones to stop at. Photo courtesy Energy.gov
Going up the pass, I stayed in the right lane and avoided flooring the car. It climbed just fine as the notoriously aggressive I-70 traffic flew by us in the left lane. At the top, we’d driven 30 miles since Edwards and had 58 miles of range left. I’d need to really optimize the regenerative braking going down the pass for us to have enough mileage to reach Denver.
Going down, I held the gas pedal below the break-even power line the entire way so that we’d gain as much power as possible. We reached the bottom of the pass, just outside Frisco and another 11 miles on, with 71 miles of range and 72 miles to go.
Cruising through Summit County, I gained another five miles which we promptly lost on the climb up to the Eisenhower Tunnel that separates Summit and Clear Creek Counties. But most of what remained of the drive was downhill – 57 miles with 70 miles on the charge. I treaded lightly on the accelerator and we reached Denver at 4 pm with 31 miles to spare. Through a nap and the use of many toys, our daughter kept herself busy throughout the drive.
This drive happened on an interstate highway with ample chargers available if we’d needed them. We did see drivers at a few of them, but most were open. We’ve also put the Bolt EUV to the test on two-lane highway road trips of similar distances, and not once has there been a problem finding a charger when needed. After almost 18 months with the EV, we’ve never had a single issue with range, either locally or when headed out of town.
These experiences, and the strategizing they required to execute, happened in 2023 and early 2024. Range anxiety will only become increasingly obsolete in the coming years due to the increased battery technology and growing commonplace of charging infrastructure. Good riddance, range anxiety, you won’t be missed.
Wildlife Pictured in Ways You’ve Never Seen Before: The Best Photos From 2024’s World Nature Photography Awards
The World Nature Photography Awards 2024 winners showcase the sheer strength of our planet’s wildlife across the continents and in various habitats.
The awards were founded on the belief that we all have a part to play in shaping nature’s environment and future well-being. The gallery is a reminder that although our wildlife is resilient, we must protect the habits we share.
Pulling from thousands of entries, the overall winner (and recipient of a $1000 cash prize) in this year’s competition was Tracey Lund from the United Kingdom for her image of two gannets under the water off the coast of the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
This year, you can support the foundation by purchasing a print from the recently launched online store. “We’re thrilled that people will now have the chance to buy some of these images to grace the walls of their homes,” shares Adrian Dinsdale, cofounder of the World Nature Photography Awards. What’s more, for every piece of wall art sold, the organization will plant a tree.
Here are the winning submissions of 2024 across the categories.
Animal portraits
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Nicolas Remy
Nicolas Remy’s photograph of a black frogfish (or black anglerfish in Australia) was taken in Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia. Frogfish are known for their excellent camouflage and their ability to lure in prey. They have a lure on their head that resembles a small fish or shrimp. When another fish comes close to investigate the lure, the frogfish strikes quickly, swallowing its prey whole.
Animals in their habitat
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Amit Eshel
Uniquely adapted to Israel’s harsh desert environment, the Nubian ibex is the only member of its family that can thrive in such extreme conditions. This photo was taken by Amit Eshel in the Negev desert, a vast and rugged region covering over half of Israel’s landmass.
Behaviour — amphibians and reptiles
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/John Seager
The Galapagos lava lizard, also known as the Albemarle lava lizard, is a group of seven lizard species found throughout the Galapagos Islands. They are some of the most abundant reptiles in the archipelago and are closely related to iguanas. John Seagar took this epic photo of the lizard standing on a marine iguana.
Behaviour — birdsPhoto: World Nature Photography Awards/Tracey Lund
Overall winner, Tracy Lund, took home the cash prize for her image of two gannets under the water in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The islands are one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent seabirds.
Behaviour — invertebrates
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Bill Klipp
Bill Klipp’s entry showcases the Sally light-foot crab on Santiago Island in the Galapagos. The Sally Lightfoot crab is known for its stunning red coloring and impressive agility. They are adept climbers and can navigate uneven terrain with ease, even scaling vertical surfaces.
Behaviour — mammals
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Alex Brackx
Alexander Brackx took this photograph of a mother zebra and her foal being attacked by a cheetah in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. The reserve borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and together they form one of the most extensive wildlife ecosystems in Africa.
Black and white
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Richard Li
The black and white winner was Richard Li for his photo of a leopard in the East Rift Valley of Kenya. This area has a varied landscape including mountains, savannas, and forests. Leopards can thrive in these areas, especially with rocky outcrops and dense vegetation that provides cover for hunting and stalking prey.
Nature art
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Miki Spitzer
Miki Spitzer wins this category with their photo taken in Iceland showcasing blue watery veins, glacial braids, and golden sediment.
People and nature
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Ioannis Pavlos Evangelidis
Ioannis Pavlos Evangelidis’ entry of traditional stilt fishermen trying their luck at sunset in Koggala, Sri Lanka, is another winner. Koggala is a small coastal town located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, in the Galle District. It’s home to one of the longest beaches in the country.
Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Ivan Pedretti
Ivan Pedretti’s photograph was taken in Stokksnes, Iceland. It features Vestrahorn mountain, known for its two distinctive peaks and dramatic black sand beach.
Plants and fungi
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Chatree Lertsintanakorn
The plants and fungi category was won by Chatree Lertsintanakorn for their photo of Thismia Thaithongiana. Taken in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province, Thailand, Thismia Thaithongiana, also known as Thaithong’s Fairy Lantern, is a mycoheterotrophic flowering plant, meaning it gets its nutrients from fungi rather than photosynthesis.
Underwater
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Andy Schmid
Andy Schmid’s shot of a female orca splitting a herring bait ball was taken in Skjervøy, Norway. Skjervøy is a small island located off the coast of northern Norway and is known for its abundant marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, and herring.
Urban wildlife
Photo: World Nature Photography Awards/Roy Wiesner
The final category of urban wildlife was won by Roy Wiesner for his photo of a female sunbird in Be’er Ora, Israel. There are about 146 species of sunbirds found in Africa, Asia, and Australasia. They are known for their vibrant plumage, especially the males, which have iridescent feathers that shimmer and change color depending on the angle of light.
13 Epic Airbnbs in Montreal for a Bachelorette Weekend
Montreal is a great destination for a bachelorette party. There are venues for any type of party imaginable and a variety of restaurants too. The different season comes with different events but most would say summers are unbeatable with free weekly festivals and amazing outdoor spaces. Here’s a list of the best bachelorette party Airbnbs in Montreal.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
919 Creative Loft with four bedrooms at Holland
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbThis loft is the perfect party space for a large group of people. With 3,500 square feet of space, you’ll have enough room for everyone. The property has a modern unique style and decor with M4 soundproof walls and factory-sized windows. There’s even a bar that can seat up to 10 people. Located directly on Ste-Catherine’s Street in the heart of downtown, you’ll be near plenty of restaurants, art museums, shopping malls, and designer stores. With its central location, you won’t be too far from any restaurant or nightlife. There’s public transit close by but you’ll be able to find everything at your doorstep — this unit has a walking score of 100 and is right near where all the action is.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $558 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbBig and modern apartment next to le quartier des spectacles, with great venues nearby for festivals and also many restaurants. This property is right next to Beri-Uqam metro station, making it convenient to travel throughout the whole city. It’s also within walking distance to Old Montreal where you can get your cultural fix. The apartment is big, clean, and fully equipped so you won’t be missing anything during your stay.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $439 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbA sleek place located in Little Italy, this unit is a foodie’s paradise surrounded by artisanal eateries. This is a local’s neighborhood where you’ll be able to see some of the day-to-day of life in Montreal. The quiet streets and closeness to parks make it a super calm area to be in. Don’t worry about missing out though, you’ll get the best of both worlds by experiencing a fantastic neighborhood with easy access to the big action of downtown.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $91 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis fully renovated, air-conditioned, luxurious property is minutes from downtown Montreal. Boasting three floors and inspired by Scandinavian slow living, guests can enjoy open floor plans, two kitchens, and five bedrooms in a space hosting up to 20 guests. Admire the 12-foot high ceilings and industrial-style exposed brick walls, or spend time in the 450-square-foot courtyard and patio space. The decor is fresh and modern.
Sixteen-plus guests, six bedrooms
Price: $612 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis charming, 1,285-square-foot townhouse is renovated and modern, with two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, and it’s just a few minutes walk from the Metro. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the decor has a clean, contemporary feeling. The furniture makes the space feel elegant. Sophisticated furnishings like a chandelier above the dining room table and dark wood furniture are classic.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $213 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis exclusive property is nestled into a historic building in Old Montreal just steps away from the water, near many tourist attractions like restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, and more. Guests get access to all three floors of the house, which are equipped with 12-foot high ceilings and central AC and can accommodate up to 10 people overnight. Relax on the private, heated patio outfitted with a dinner table or rest in one of the four primary bedrooms. There are four full bathrooms ensuite and two separate, charming living and dining spaces within the open-concept floor plan.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $858 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis relaxing, recently renovated, bright, and spacious Boho-Chic-inspired apartment is close to local attractions like the Maisonneuve market. There are four bedrooms, a comfortable sofa bed in the living room, a large, bright bedroom with a king bed that opens directly onto Rue Sainte-Catherine, and a fully equipped kitchen. The dining room can accommodate up to eight people at the table — perfect for group meals. There are also retro arcade games and board games for entertainment.
Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $187 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis spacious, conveniently located house sleeps up to eight guests and is just a short train ride from downtown Montreal. The bright white kitchen is clean and modern, and there’s a large dining room table for gathering around to eat. Spend time getting some fresh air out on the terrace or back patio, or relax for a hot bath in the soaking tub. It’s adjacent to the lively St-Charles street, Old Longueuil’s best bars and in proximity to many restaurants and shops to explore.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $368 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis comfortable, soft, bohemian chic apartment is brand new and features its own private patio. There’s a full kitchen and access to the property’s in-building terrace and gym, and it’s just ten minutes away from downtown. It’s in a peaceful neighborhood and features one king-sized and one queen-sized bed with cozy linens. Lounge on the rooftop terrace or relax in the dedicated “entertainment hub” room, perfect for a girls’ night in with a Smart TV with Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and other streaming services.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $107 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis stylish, elegantly designed, and centrally located property is in Old Montreal, a perfect place to admire the traditional architecture and enjoy attractions like shopping, restaurants, museums and nightlife spots. Bright white walls and a Scandinavian-inspired design make the space luxurious and modern. There’s a full kitchen, a dedicated living room space with a flat-screen TV, and special design touches like plants to make the space more lively. It’s perfect for an intimate getaway for close friends.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $159 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis comfortable, conveniently situated three-story property is ideal for groups of up to twelve guests, with its fully equipped kitchen, six bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and spacious living areas perfect for entertaining. There’s a large L-sectional couch for lounging in the living room, and the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and a large island for gathering around to eat with — and large windows letting in plenty of natural light.
Fifteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $246 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis newly constructed condo boasts a special vintage charm in a comfortable loft space with a unique design and impressive mountain views. The design mixes old, modern, and industrial decor with a spacious living room and dining area. Exposed brick walls and trendy design elements like a rich velvet emerald green couch, dark cabinetry, large mirrors, and bright, lively plants make the space chic but cozy.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $405 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis five-bedroom house features six bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a large dining room, and the pièce de résistance – a 500-square-foot courtyard. It’s just minutes from Metro Sherbrooke and surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafés, shopping spots, theaters, and much more entertainment. The decor is bohemian and bright, with exposed brick walls and trendy furniture.
Sixteen-plus guests, five bedrooms
Price: $305 per night
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!
March 30, 2024
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.
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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 AvonWhile 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.
March 29, 2024
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.
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.
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 CancunView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa (@breathlessrivieracancun)
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 CancunView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa (@breathlessrivieracancun)
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.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa (@breathlessrivieracancun)
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 CancunView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa (@breathlessrivieracancun)
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 CancunView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa (@breathlessrivieracancun)
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.
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.
https://matadornetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/philadelphia_gif.mp4If 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 listsTwo 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 translationWhile 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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