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3 Takeaways From a Travel Editor’s First Time in New York City

New York City is impossible to ignore in the cultural lexicon of travel. It constantly stars in movies and books, and it’s among the most visited destinations in the world. The city’s influence extends far beyond the five boroughs, hitting every corner of America, including the pizzeria up the street from my house in western Colorado. Yet, surprisingly, even as a travel editor who regularly traverses the globe on story assignments, I’d never visited New York City until a conference finally pulled me in a few weeks ago.

The simple reason why is that I prefer to be surrounded by mountains rather than concrete and steel. Many of my travels take me to other mountainous areas, and my reporting frequently focuses on environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. New York City is hardly a bastion of public lands.

However, a deeper reflection shows that explaining the real reason I’d never visited America’s largest city requires more vulnerability. Maybe, just maybe, I was nervous. I’d heard and read about the city my entire life but never seen it. For years, I blindly told myself it wasn’t for me. “I’m not an East Coast guy,” I’d reason. “I probably don’t know how to properly conduct myself there, and anyway, I can’t dress the part to even try.”

New York City proved me wrong on most fronts, save for my assumption that Times Square and a few other over-touristed spots are better off being skipped. These are my key takeaways from my first trip to New York City.

New York City is a model for taking back streets from cars

With bike lanes like this, I found myself wondering why you’d want to be on the other side of the divider at all. Photo: Tim Wenger

For a long time, I’d mentally confined myself into being the vagabond journo who’d never been to New York City. It became part of who I was. “What? You’ve never been to New York?” colleagues would say, and I weirdly treated this as a point of pride. “I don’t really like American cities, too spread out and homogenized, so I don’t prioritize visiting them,” I’d say. Even though New York is densely populated and has famously efficient public transit, I reasoned that there was no way it could stack up to my hoity-toity requirements for urban jollification, which generally require a city to be dense, vibrant, and have efficient public transit.

It took 52 minutes after landing at La Guardia to disprove this theory. Within that time, I’d walked through and exited the airport and walked into my hotel near Times Square. I traveled from Queens into the heart of Manhattan — as the time neared rush hour — entirely by bus and subway. It required less effort than what it takes me to ride the bus across the region where I live. I’d researched how to get into the city from La Guardia via transit before arriving, but the act of doing it was so easy that all my research was a waste of time — and that includes the transfer from the Q70 bus to the E line. I needed only to follow the signs placed consistently en route.

I frequently read in the New York Times about issues with the city’s subway system. These articles are stuffed with quotes from public officials and citizens bemoaning this or that hiccup that caused them a slight inconvenience on their way to work. To this, I say, “Revel in your transit, New Yorkers.” The four days I spent there proved how incredible the MTA is. Every single city in America, save perhaps Chicago, should follow in your footsteps.

Navigating public transit in New York is so easy. Photo: pisaphotography/Shutterstock

The Port Authority bus terminal station where I disembarked the E line is far more interesting than Times Square. Here is a true representation of efficient city life. All walks of life are present, and you could book and then depart for a bus trip to just about any point east of the Mississippi right from the terminal. I walked around the station in awe of its usefulness (street food, newsstands, lounge areas, oh my!), and the city’s plan to completely refurbish the station to make it even more productive and efficient is a perfect example of how tax dollars and grant funding should be spent on public infrastructure projects.

The same can be said for the city’s separated bike lanes. Throughout Manhattan, New York’s efforts to “take back the streets” from cars are obvious. Even as a newcomer, I’d be comfortable biking around the city knowing that there’s often a buffer between myself and the cars, and even when there isn’t, that there’s at least a dedicated lane that’s wide enough for two-way bike and pedestrian traffic. I felt inspired seeing delivery drivers and commuters on e-bikes throughout the day and night.

Friends often tell me that I walk too fast. In the small town where I live, that’s likely true. But in New York, I jived with the hurried foot traffic and didn’t find it to be rude or intimidating, as I’d heard. If cities are going to give more space to pedestrians and encourage car-free transportation, those pedestrians have every right to get where they’re going quickly, too.

Bourdain wasn’t lying about New York being the “big leagues” of dining

None of our party went hungry on this night. Photo: Tim Wenger

There are things about New York that didn’t resonate with me. First, I simply don’t get Times Square. Not because it’s crowded or full of flashing lights — the entire city is that way — but because I just don’t understand the point. I walked through it the first time without even realizing that’s where I was and had to check Google Maps afterward to make my way back because I wanted to “see” it. The second time through, I stood there looking around trying to figure out what all the hype was about. I never answered that question.

I found this to be true of other landmarks, as well. The time spent posing for selfies in Times Square or walking by the Ed Sullivan Theatre should instead be spent indulging in the city’s bar and restaurant scene. Within two blocks of my hotel, and within that same distance from everywhere we went, there were bars that teemed with life beginning in the early afternoon. I’d heard the New Yorkers prefer to spend time in social environs rather than the tight quarters so many of them live in, and this creates one heck of a bar scene.

The fact that New York City is home to many of the world’s best chefs and restaurants — as well as an incredible street food scene, perfect bagels, and epic pizza — is common knowledge. But I learned on my trip that it’s impossible to understand just how on-point the city’s dining culture is without trying it out. On my first night, I went with a few other journalists to dinner at Ascent Lounge, operated by City Nights Hospitality and located in The Shops at Columbus Circle on the west side of Central Park. Here, we dined on ginger-soy chicken lettuce wraps, crab cakes, truffle mac and cheese bites, and mango chipotle barbecue chicken skewers that were on par with any I’ve had along the Mediterranean. I drank a smoked Old Fashioned, which felt appropriate as we gazed out large bay windows at the 59th Street high rises towering above the park. I realized at this moment that this is the experience fine cocktail lounges in other cities seek to replicate — here, though, you’re getting the original. I ordered a Manhattan for the next round, just to confirm.

Two nights later, I sat with other Matador staffers at Anto Korean Steak House as our server grilled four types of Korean barbecue on the table’s gas grill. The cuts included galbi, a beef short rib dish that’s the chef’s specialty, which remained perfectly tender even when grilled well done, as the Korean barbecue tradition calls for. The meal stood out in two ways. First, the restaurant tells an elevated story of owner Tony Park and the city’s K-Town by preparing traditional Korean barbecue recipes as freshly as possible — mains can be paired with geotjori, or fresh kimchi made to order, and the collection of side dishes known collectively as banchan is prepped for the table. Second, there was plenty of food to go around. As we took slices of barbecue from the grill, the server added more, and the banchan was replenished throughout the experience. As “fine dining” so often means small plates and tasting menus, it was refreshing to leave the restaurant satiated. Of course, a few bottles of soju shared by the table helped.

The city is almost impossible to fully grasp, and that’s its charm

Photo: Ryan DeBerardinis /Shutterstock

I played a game at my hotel in New York. Each morning, as I sat over coffee in the lobby, I’d attempt to identify all of the different languages being spoken around me. I never won the game. That’s a good thing, I decided, not because of my inability to properly distinguish between the tongues but because it proves that the city is still the beacon call that it’s always been for our country’s values of inclusivity and openness. When abroad, I take a strange comfort in not being able to completely understand what’s going on around me — whether the languages being spoken, the way a place is laid out or decorated, or the reasoning behind local social customs that I try to learn but frequently falter at. My general discontent with visiting US cities, I realized, isn’t just because I can’t get everywhere via transit for $2.60 but also because everything is so mundane to me. I don’t have to try to get by, and there’s no personal growth happening. New York City is a glaring exception to that rule. Yes, speaking English got me everything I needed, but I was far from the standard visitor. In this city, I doubt that there is one.

As lame and cliche as it is to “like” New York, I admit that I do. What I like about it is that urban efficiency and authenticity here are so ingrained in daily life that it’s easy to take them for granted. This is what most other major US cities want but can’t seem to grasp — and it’s the result of generations of influences from around the world coalescing into one hectic urban flow. My stay was brief, but in those few days I found myself questioning my judgment of other US cities — perhaps if I looked more closely, even at places I’ve spent a lot of time including Salt Lake City and Denver, my hometown, I’d uncover more nuance, and appreciate more of the effort being put in by local community groups and governments to make their cities more community-centric for residents, and more enticing places to visit.

New York is the melting pot that’s been promised to America since its inception, where cultural isolationism and austerity were long ago banished to make way for a continuous stream of ideas, tastes, smells, languages, and lifestyles — to each their own and for the betterment of all. For a travel editor, there’s no better story to tell.

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Oxford, England: The Essential Itinerary if You Only Have Two Days

Once you’ve seen London’s highlights, i.e. Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the many amazing museums, take a break from the capital and make your way to Oxford. Less than one hour away from central London by train, Oxford is arguably the most beautiful university city in the world, with 43 independent colleges that rival each other in their jaw-dropping architecture, dreamy bookshops, quaint pubs, majestic libraries and theaters, and plenty of great places to enjoy a traditional and indulgent afternoon tea. Things to do in Oxford abound, but because it is a compact little city, even if you only have two days you can cover a lot of ground.

How to get to Oxford from London

Oxford is located around 60 miles northwest of central London and less than 50 miles from London Heathrow Airport. It’s also relatively close to major tourist destinations in England, including:

The prehistoric archeological site of Stonehenge (70 miles)Oxford’s rival, the prestigious university city of Cambridge (120 miles) Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare (55 miles)The Roman city of Bath (75 miles)Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill (8.5 miles)

Taking the train from London to Oxford: Traveling from London to Oxford by train is incredibly easy. Take a GWR (Great Western Railway) train from London Paddington train station to Oxford station, located in the city center. The ride takes less than an hour, and there are dozens of trains running between the two cities every day.

Taking the bus from London to Oxford: Traveling by bus from London city center to Oxford takes longer than riding the train (two hours instead of less than one hour), but it is a cheaper option. Companies like Oxford Tube and National Express operate buses every day, multiple times per day between the two cities. From London Heathrow, you can make your way to Oxford by riding a bus from Megabus, The Airline, or National Express.

Once you arrive, getting around Oxford is a cinch. Everything you’ll want to see on a first visit is concentrated in the center of the city, allowing you to walk to all the highlights without breaking a sweat. Just don’t forget your waterproof shoes and umbrella or rain jacket — England’s reputation for poor weather is well and truly earned.

The best things to do in Oxford on a short trip

Day one: An iconic hotel, free highlights, and afternoon tea

Start your trip to Oxford by checking in at the most iconic hotel in the city, The Randolph Hotel. Not only is the 1866 Gothic Revival structure as beautiful inside as it is outside, it is also located in the heart of Oxford, just steps away from the main attractions. Drop your stuff in one of the hotel’s impeccably decorated rooms, take a quick tour of the beautiful on-site dining venues, book your breakfast for the next morning, and get out the door to explore the city.

The Randolph Hotel in Oxford, England. Photo: Steve FreihonChoral Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most magical ways to learn more about Oxford traditions. Photo: JJFarq/Shutterstock

Across the street from the main entrance is the Ashmolean Museum. Full of archeological treasures and art, this immense museum was founded in the 17th century and has free entry every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. If that’s your thing, you can spend the entire day walking the many galleries, but don’t forget to make time to visit the gift shop in the basement and the rooftop restaurant and café where you can have lunch (or afternoon tea if you book in advance). The rooftop restaurant and café’s outdoor terrace is a great spot to admire the city when the weather cooperates.

Whether you decide to spend hours or minutes at the Ashmolean, give yourself plenty of day time to take a good walk around the city. Turn right from the hotel’s main exit, or left from the Ashmolean’s, and you’ll stumble upon Martyrs’ Memorial, one of Oxford’s most recognizable structures. It was erected in the 19th century to honor protestants who were burned at the stake for heresy in 1555 and 1556.

From there, Blackwell’s, an extraordinary bookshop located on Broad Street, is about five minutes away on foot. Open since 1879, it is the largest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK, and it will keep book lovers occupied for hours.

The Bridge of Sighs that straddles New College Lane. Photo: Morgane Croissant

Two minutes from Blackwell’s is the Hertford Bridge — AKA the Bridge of Sighs — that straddles New College Lane to connect Hertford College’s two buildings. Nicknamed the Bridge of Sighs for its resemblance to the bridge of the same name in Venice, Italy, this Oxford landmark was built between 1913 and 1914 and it a must-see and an obligatory photo stop for all first-timers.

Across from the Hertford Bridge is what is probably the most well-known building in all of Oxford: the Radcliffe Camera, a working library that is part of the Bodleian Library complex. Walk around the Baroque 18th-century circular building to take in all its beauty. Guided tours of the inside of the Radcliffe Camera are available and very much worth the price. Just make sure you book your tour in advance.

The Radcliffe Camera is arguably the most emblematic of all the buildings in Oxford. Photo: Dorian Dallongeville

If you have not already indulged in the Ashmolean’s afternoon tea, make your way to the Grand Café on High Street. Said to be located on the site of the oldest coffee house in England (1650), the Grand Café offers affordable and tasty afternoon tea in an opulent setting. And there’s no need to make a reservation.

Come 5:40 PM, stop whatever you’re doing and join the line that forms at the entrance to Christ Church College on St Aldate’s. Every evening at 6 PM you can attend the Choral Evensong in the college’s magnificent cathedral. It’s free, open to everyone, and an experience of rare beauty that’s bound to move you whether you are religious or not.

For dinner, book a table at the Ivy Oxford Brasserie where you’ll be served incredibly sophisticated British cuisine at an affordable price and in a bright tropical Art Deco setting. Ask for the vegan menu, as well as the regular menu, to get an idea of every delicious morsel that’s on offer.

Day two: Oxford’s oldest building, beer at a pub, and a punt on the River Cherwell

If you’ve booked your breakfast at the Randolph Hotel the day before, you’ll be treated to a large and lovely buffet at The Alice, one of the hotel’s restaurants, for just $25/£20 (instead of $33/£26 if not booked in advance). The Alice, stunningly decorated to the theme of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, is a gorgeous place to start the day in Oxford.

Inside The Alice, one of the dining venues in The Randolph Hotel. Photo: Steve FreihonThe Great Hall in Christ Church College, where scenes of the Harry Potter movie franchise were filmed. Photo: Aeypix/ShutterstockPunting on the River Cherwell in Oxford. Photo: Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

From The Alice, walk three minutes down Magdalen Street to the church of Saint Michael at the North Gate. The church’s Saxon Tower is the oldest surviving building in the city (1040) and can be visited for just $4.50 (£3.50). After climbing the 97 steps to the top, enjoy the unique view of the city’s spires. Just check out the admission hours before setting out — they are limited and vary depending on the day of the week.

The beer garden at the Turf Tavern in Oxford. Photo: Morgane Croissant

While several of Oxford’s colleges can be visited, if you have limited time in the city, focus on Christ Church College. Take a combined guided tour of the college and the cathedral to learn more about the institution and its impressive buildings. Of course, you’ll also get to see some of the most emblematic filming locations for the Harry Potter movie franchise, including the cloister, the Great Hall, and the Hall stairs. It is recommended to book your guided tour in advance.

After all the visits, it’s time for lunch and a drink. Walk the 12 minutes to the Turf Tavern, a small and quintessential English pub that’s been welcoming students, teachers, and visitors to the city since 1381. The pub is listed as a significant historic building on the National Heritage List for England, and, most importantly, it serves good beer and good food. When the weather allows, you can enjoy it all from the beer garden.

Christ Church College in Oxford. Photo: Lawrence Goh/Shutterstock

After this hefty lunch, go take a stroll along the River Thames around Christ Church Meadow and the River Cherwell around Merton Field, and look for the water fowls and the squirrels that make this place unbelievably charming. For a classic Oxford activity that you won’t soon forget, and if the weather is good enough, stop at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and hire a punt for a couple of hours to float on the River Cherwell.

For one last tea time in Oxford, pay a visit to the Vaults & Garden Café located on Radcliffe Square. The homemade scones covered in clotted cream and homemade jam will leave you weak in the knees, especially when served with a pot of Earl Grey.

 
 

Traveling to Oxford? Check out Matador’s Oxford recommendations:The Luxurious Randolph Hotel Is the Most Iconic Hotel in Oxford, England, for a ReasonThese Hotels in Oxford Let You Stay in the Heart of England’s Most Prestigious University5 Strange Traditions That Make Oxford University Magical

What’s the link between Alice in Wonderland and Oxford, England?

Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, studied at Christ Church College, Oxford, in the mid-19th century. After his studies, he became a lecturer in mathematics at the college until 1881. Alice in Wonderland was published in 1865. Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, is one of Oxford’s most famous alumni.

What does J.R.R. Tolkien have to do with Oxford, England?

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, studied at Exeter College, Oxford, before the start of World War I. He also worked in Oxford, first in 1918 for the New English Dictionary (now known as the Oxford English Dictionary), as a professor of Anglo-Saxon studies in 1925, and as a professor of English language and literature at Merton College in 1945. He lived in Oxford for most of his life. Much like Lewis Carroll, he is one of Oxford University’s most acclaimed alumni.

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IHG’s Luxury Hotels Partnered With Timeshifter To Help Guests Avoid Jet Lag

We’ve all been there: You land in your destination at 4 PM, but thanks to jet lag your body thinks it’s 1 AM, and you’ve been up since 7 AM, and now you’re wondering whether you should wait until 11 PM to sleep, like you normally would, or take a quick nap — or would that throw off your circadian rhythm? What even is a circadian rhythm? Unfortunately, jet lag often isn’t just a pesky side effect of long distance travel. It can negatively impact our entire trip if not managed accordingly. Google “how to get over jet lag” and you’ll find all kinds of anecdotal rules, many of them conflicting, about how to bring your body back into alignment. But these tips aren’t personalized, might not work for everyone, and may not even have any actual scientific backing.

If only hotels had a magic button you could push upon arrival, which would automatically regulate your body and dispel jet lag. Well, no such button exists, but InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is doing the next best thing by partnering with Timeshifter, a jet lag app.

The app uses actual science to help travelers overcome jet lag through personalized steps that regulate their circadian rhythms. Inspired by the latest research, the popular app is now catering specifically to InterContinental guests, helping them minimize the effects of jet lag through personalized plans.

What causes jet lag in the first place?

The phenomenon of jet lag is strongly rooted in our body’s circadian clock. According to the National Institutes of Health, the circadian clock is a “24-hour internal clock in our brain that regulates cycles of alertness and sleepiness by responding to light changes in our environment.” Jet lag happens when you cross time zones quickly, and your circadian clock can’t keep up with real-world time, throwing the biological systems in your body all out of whack.

Basically, it’s a mismatch between your normal daily rhythms and the new time zone, resulting in a variety of symptoms, most notably daytime drowsiness and the inability to fall or stay asleep at night. It can also cause loss of appetite, headaches, problems concentrating, and irritability. Jet lag typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, with the general rule that symptoms persist at least one day for every time zone crossed. That can be pretty debilitating if you’re traveling to the other side of the world.

“Since our circadian clock regulates nearly all biological systems in our bodies, jet lag is disrupting our entire biology — from our sleep-wake cycle, mood and performance patterns to our metabolic, immune, and reproductive systems,” Mickey Beyer-Clausen, CEO of Timeshifter, tells Matador Network. “When traveling across time zones, circadian control is therefore critical.”

So how do we regain control of our circadian clocks?

Can an app solve jet lag?

Timeshifter claims to solve jet lag with science. According to Timeshifter, the only way to reduce jet lag is by shifting your circadian clock, which means managing your light exposure and your use of melatonin before and during travel. Too much or too little light exposure at the wrong times, however, and you’ll likely make your jet lag even worse.

“It’s about the timing of light exposure and light avoidance correctly,” says Beyer-Clausen, “which must be highly personalized based on chronotype, sleep pattern, etc., since the key time cue for our circadian clock in the brain is light.”

Timeshifter not only helps you plan your light exposure and avoidance before and during travel, but it also creates a personalized plan for when to take melatonin (a sleep aid) in conjunction with this light exposure or avoidance. Taking melatonin at the right time, and at the right dose, can help you shift faster and sleep better as you transition between time zones.

“The challenge is to find the right timing for when to see and avoid light, take melatonin, sleep or nap, and use caffeine effectively,” Timeshifter’s website says. “Solving this challenge is deceptively complicated, not intuitive, and can only be determined based on your sleep pattern, chronotype, itinerary, and personal preferences. With the Timeshifter jet lag app, you can create personalized jet lag plans with all of this in mind.”

Hotels are trying to beat jet lag

InterContinental Hotels is hoping to play a key role in the vanquishing of jet lag by partnering with Timeshifter. Right now, that means using in-room videos and pamphlets to educate guests about the science behind tackling jet lag and, most significantly, the chance to use Timeshifter once at no cost on any trip (it’s usually $9.99 per trip or $24.99 per year). Over time, this partnership will likely expand to include even more guest benefits.

“Timeshifter represents one example of how we are transforming the InterContinental guest experience for today’s modern traveler,” Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said in a press release. “Our guests will have access to the technology pre-arrival and upon departure to enable them to seamlessly shift between destinations.”

If there’s one universal truth all travelers can agree on, it’s this: jet lag sucks. If we could choose between a hotel room upgrade with a free minibar and the guarantee of sidestepping debilitating jet lag, many of us would forgo the minibar.

Indeed, “the modern luxury traveler is taking health, sleep, wellness, and performance very seriously,” Beyer-Clausen says, “and expects scientifically validated tools to achieve it.”

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Mycologists Explain the Most Exciting Mushrooms To Forage in Each Region of the United States

Mushrooms have immense environmental significance. They make nutrients available to plants, and help decompose dead plants and animals. They’re also, of course, nutritious for humans to eat — with care about which ones are deadly, which are poisonous, which are psychedelic, and which are simply delicious, of course. Humans have sought out wild mushrooms for millennia. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that a modern subculture has evolved around mushroom foraging. According to Larry Lonik, the author of Basically Morels: Mushroom Hunting, Cooking, Lore & Advice, about 50 million people worldwide hunt for morels (an edible mushroom found in the Northern Hemisphere) every year. There are more than 90 mushroom clubs, groups, and organizations associated with the North American Mycological Association in the United States alone.

The ecological importance of mushrooms simply can’t be overstated.

“Most trees could not survive without the underground fungi that help sustain and feed the root systems,” David Babik, president of the Boston Mycological Club, tells me. “While we’re just beginning to understand the interrelated connection between plants, trees, and fungal networks, fungi also decompose fallen trees and help them break down to become soil and compost.”

Mushrooms – or rather, the network of mycelium beneath the mushroom itself – are the “great social security net for the forest,” Dr. Gordon A. Walker says in the new Matador Network documentary “Mushrooms Are Hot Right Now.” “[The trees] are all connected to this network. So young trees, old sick trees, everybody has access to this sugar … really making the forest function as a whole organism.”

Indeed, Walker believes “fungi will be our best friends in trying to re-terraform our planet and make sure it’s still liveable for future generations.” And it’s more than just food. Research is showing how sustainable and quickly growing mushrooms can be used to create faux leather and other textiles.

Mushroom foraging, then, isn’t just plucking some cool-looking fungus from the ground that can maybe be cooked and eaten later. It’s like unearthing the building blocks of the ecosystem itself.

Unsurprisingly, the types of mushrooms you’ll find in each region vary dramatically based on the climate and other factors. The Northeast and the Pacific Northwest are prime foraging regions due to high summer and fall rainfall, Babik says, while high-elevation fungi thrive in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and the Northeast. Less acidic soils in the plains helps lead to plenty of morels in the spring.

There are a couple of key things to keep in mind when foraging for mushrooms, according to Sebastian Tabibi, president of the North Texas Mycological Association. First, take photos of both the top and underside of the mushroom for proper identification. Don’t eat any mushrooms that can’t be confirmed by multiple reputable sources (a single app isn’t going to cut it), and knowing how to identify the common deadly mushrooms — particularly the Amanita species like destroying angels and death caps — is just as important as knowing the edible ones. Resources like iNaturalist can go a long way in helping to identify each species.

Mushrooms tend to appear in the same spots at the same time each year. Babik also advises learning about tree species to make mushroom hunting even easier.

“Hen of the woods is usually found with oak,” he says, “lion’s mane with beech, chaga (a prime medicinal mushroom) grows on birch, oyster mushrooms appear on maple, cauliflower fungi like red pine.”

The most exciting mushrooms found in each region of the United States

Understanding all that mushrooms can do is key to sustainability and preservation, but understanding is only part of it. The other part is getting out there in the woods, seeing mycelium for yourself, and experiencing firsthand what makes the world of mushrooms so beautiful and important. What, exactly, you’re able to find on your travels and in your own backyard can vary widely depending on what part of the country you’re in. One thing is for certain, though: No matter where you live in the US, there’s a fascinating mushroom to be found.

Pacific Northwest

Photo: thecolorpixels.com/Shutterstock

Mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest runs from early spring until late fall, with many found in the region’s abundant forests. Since it rains here much more frequently than it snows, the climate is ideal for mushroom foraging, as mushrooms love the rain. Mushrooms are also found year-round along the coast, due to how much rainfall coastal areas receive.

According to Babik, some of the most exciting mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest include chanterelles, known for their apricot aroma, and morels. He also notes matsutake and lobster mushrooms as regional favorites.

West Coast

Photo: StGrafix/Shutterstock

“California has such a diverse geography that you really can forage all throughout the year so long as you’re willing to drive the miles,” Brennan Wenck-Reilly, of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, tells me. “There is such a huge diversity of mushrooms as well.”

Wenck-Reilly notes that chanterelles, porcini, oyster mushrooms, morels, and spring porcini are found in the state. Candy caps are a favorite for their “essences of maple syrup,” and prince mushrooms for their strong almond paste smell.

If you’re going mushroom foraging in California, Wenck-Reilly advises knowing the local regulations and restrictions. “Many of the regulations are in place to mitigate erosion and trampling of local flora,” he says. “Bring a map, or some sort of device to help you in case you get lost.”

Southwest

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Due to the dry climate, mushroom foraging in the Southwest can be unpredictable. It depends on how much rain the region has gotten, and whether you’re foraging in a desert or mountain environment. Mushroom foragers do their searching in forested mountains, along riverbeds and creek bottoms, and in cottonwood washes. There is a benefit to the dry climate: the fungi here aren’t likely to be as infested with bugs as they are in other parts of the country.

Among many others, the Southwest is home to oyster mushrooms, turkey tail (which, aesthetically, certainly live up to their name), velvet foot enoki, and birch polypore. From Arizona to the southwestern parts of Texas, it’s best to follow the rain.

“We don’t have quite the abundance and diversity as most regions of the country, which ties directly to our bio-region’s tree and plant diversity and climate,” Angel Schatz of the Central Texas Mycological Society tells Matador Network. “However, when we get rain, you will find mushrooms. Rain and timing is key when foraging for mushrooms. Sometimes you have just a few days to catch a mushroom when it is ready to be harvested.”

Schatz draws attention to chicken of the woods, which grows abundantly on Texas live oaks. “We host an annual foraging bike ride, the Myco Cyco, every year to look for them,” Schatz adds.

Rocky Mountains

Photo: klerik78/Shutterstock

Rocky Mountain mushroom foragers await the rains with as much anxious expectation as foragers do in the Southwest. The Rocky Mountains are often hot and dry in the summers after the winter snows, with varying rain volume year-to-year. Peak season for high elevation mushrooms in the Rocky Mountains is late summer to early fall.

Babik’s favorite mushrooms in the region are clustered blue chanterelles, but there are plenty of others to be found as well. According to Modern Forager, the Colorado “Fab Five” include porcini, chanterelle, hawk’s wing, delicious milky cap, and puff ball.

Farther north in the Rocky Mountains region, Montana’s wild mushroom habitats are plentiful.

“There’s a good variety of mushroom hunting options in our area,” Larry Evans of the Western Montana Mycological Association says. “Matsutake, chanterelles, puffballs, lobsters, oysters, and several less famous species turn up regularly.”

Like many other regions in the country, Montana is also all about the morels.

“​​Morels are the big news mushroom in Montana, where we chase them in the burn zones (recently burned forests),” Evans says.”

Midwest and Plains

Photo: 365 Focus Photography/Shutterstock

Mushroom season in the Midwest, particularly the upper Midwest, is comparatively short, running just a month or so from late April to early June. This short window is due to the dryness of summer and the harsh winter conditions, neither of which are ideal for mushroom growth. Popular Midwestern mushrooms include chicken of the woods, dryad’s saddle (one of the biggest mushrooms in the region), wood ear mushrooms, mica caps, and the perennial favorite, morels. The Midwest is one of the best regions in the country for finding an abundance of morels – if you can hunt them down during the short seasonal window.

In the plains of north Texas, morels are elusive and can be found for two-to-three weeks toward the end of March, Tabibi says. North Texas mushroom foragers can also find chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, lion’s mane, turkey tails, and reishi. But the most exciting mushroom found in the parts of Texas not defined by desert is the Texas star. “It’s a saprophytic fungus,” Tabibi says, “meaning it decomposes dead organic matter, specifically Cedar Elm stumps, and is only found in Texas and Japan. Our Texas star is triggered by the colder weather, only appearing from late November toward the end of February.”

The North Texas Mycological Association has a regional iNaturalist project to help identify local species, and hosts events like Texas Mushroom Festival happening May 17 through 19 in 2024.

New England

Photo: john paul slinger/Shutterstock

With wet springs, humid summers, unpredictable falls, and a generally temperate climate, the time between April and November is ideal for mushroom foraging in New England. Foragers should search around dense forests, particularly near rivers or streams where moisture levels are higher.

“Most edible mushrooms are found in hardwood forests near trees like oaks, maples, and beeches,” Philip Delaney, an avid New England mushroom forager, tells me. “You can also find a ton by hiking up mountains with slopes offering well drained soil, as well as trails near forest edges after rainfall.”

He particularly enjoys foraging for chanterelles and chicken of the woods. “They’re really delicious, and have a distinct shape, form, and color (golden yellow for chanterelles, and yellow/orange for chicken of the woods), which makes them stand out,” he says. “It’s like finding gold in the forest!”

Appalachia

Photo: Digoarpi/Shutterstock

In the Appalachian Mountain region, summer and fall are the reigning mushroom hunting seasons. One of the most biodiverse parts of the country, Appalachia has a rainy climate, complex soils, and a variety of different topography, all of which make for a distinct foraging experience. Many of the region’s mushrooms can be found around oak trees, with nearly 60 different species of oak found in Appalachia.

Chicken of the woods, for example – one of the area’s most plentiful mushrooms – typically grows on the sides of large oaks. Turkey tails are another abundant regional mushroom, as well as indigo milk caps, black trumpets, and oyster mushrooms. Lion’s mane (which also grows on oak trunks) is one of the most highly-prized mushrooms found in the fall, as it’s believed to have medicinal benefits.

South

Photo: Zsolyomi/Shutterstock

The warmer southern climate means mushroom species can be reliably found throughout the year, making the South the perfect region for foraging when most of the rest of the country is covered in snow. In the spring, there are morels. The summer months see chanterelles, black trumpet, boletes, chicken of the woods, and black staining polypore. In the fall, Berkeley’s polypore, hen of the woods, oyster mushrooms, lion’s mane, and wood blewit are present. Then in the winter, there are oyster mushrooms and enoki.

More like thisFood + DrinkA Mycologist Explains the 5 Things To Know Before Mushroom Foraging on Your Travels

Everything You Need To Keep Stocked as an Airbnb Host

Renting out a spare room, guest suite, or secondary property on Airbnb is a wonderful way to earn money. The process of becoming an Airbnb host is straightforward but establishing a successful short-term rental business takes creativity.

Simple math says thoughtful furnishings plus top-notch amenities equals glowing reviews (and more bookings). How you stock your Airbnb helps steer your pricing strategy and boost guest satisfaction. This Airbnb host checklist covers everything you need to make your vacation home a success.

Thinking about becoming an Airbnb host? Check out Matador’s complete guide to everything you need to know, do, and plan for: Everything You Need To Know To Become an Airbnb Host How To Set Up an LLC for Your Airbnb Rental Properties

We hope you love this guide to everything you need to keep stocked as an Airbnb host! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase or become a host. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Become an Airbnb host today

Everything you need to keep stocked as an Airbnb hostBest coffee maker for AirbnbAirbnb host checklist – kitchenAirbnb toiletries checklistBest towels for AirbnbAirbnb checklist for hosts – bedroomBest mattress for AirbnbBest pillows for AirbnbBest sheets for AirbnbMiscellaneous items for stocking an AirbnbBest self-check-in Airbnb lockAirbnb cleaning checklist for hostsEverything you need to keep stocked as an Airbnb host

Photo: elRoce/Shutterstock

In the early days of becoming an Airbnb host, you’ll need to meet the bare minimum requirements of a short-term vacation rental. As your listing blossoms, continue to reassess how you can go the extra mile to give guests a 5-star stay. Here’s everything you need to keep stocked as an Airbnb host and the best buys.

Airbnb host checklist – kitchenCoffeeTeaCreamerSugar/sweetenerCooking oilBasic cooking spices and seasonings – a spice rack maximizes spacePaper towelsTea towelsHand soapDish soapWater filter – an under-sink system purifies drinking water and reduces plastic pollutionCookware – at least one saucepan/one frying pan for a smaller unit and full cookware for a family homeCooking utensils – a silicone set is easier to clean and reduces scratchesGlassware, crockery, and cutleryColor-coded cutting boards and knives to reduce cross-contaminationCoffee makerTea kettleBest coffee maker for Airbnb

At the very least, you’ll need either a French press or a stovetop Moka pot for guests. Adding a drip or single-serve machine raises the bar.

A coffee maker needn’t be expensive and fancy but it should be easy to operate and keep clean. Keurig is a solid choice for Airbnb hosts. The Keurig K-Mini Single Serve is slim enough to fit into the teeniest kitchen in an Airbnb designed for a solo traveler or couple. It just needs water and a biodegradable K-Cup pod to brew up a cup of Joe in moments.

The Keurig K-Duo Special Edition Single Serve is smarter for a larger property. It comes with a pod brewer and a 12-cup carafe to caffeinate the entire family.

Airbnb toiletries checklist

Photo: Ds design studio/Shutterstock

Toilet paperHand soap and lotionShower gelShampoo and conditionerOptional Airbnb toiletries include individually wrapped toothbrushes, cotton swabs, and shower capsBasic First Aid KitBest towels for Airbnb

All guests need a set of towels: one bath towel, one hand towel, and one washcloth. These need to be laundered between 104 and 140°F – hot enough to blast germs but not scorching as this will impact the lifespan and fluffiness. White towels have the bonus of being bleachable although colored towels mask wear and tear. Anticipate replacing towels every one to two years subject to guest volume.

These 100% Turkish cotton towels are soft, absorbent, and durable with hotel-standard thickness. They air-dry a touch faster than Egyptian cotton towels and may be tumble-dried on a low setting. Bamboo towels are even more absorbent and tend to be softer than cotton ones. They’re also considered to have antimicrobial qualities which is appealing when considering the best towels for an Airbnb.

If you buy white towels, add a couple of cosmetic washcloths to the bathroom to reduce make-up stains.

Airbnb checklist for hosts – bedroom

Photo: Lucia Pinto/Shutterstock

High-quality mattresses and bed linensClimate-appropriate comforterExtra blanketsClothing hangersNightstand lamps – this set of two dimmable lamps has three functions and has USB charge pointsFull-length mirrorBlackout curtains – surprisingly low-cost these guarantee a restful night’s sleepBest mattress for Airbnb

Investing in a high-quality mattress for Airbnb is non-negotiable – especially if you’ve got your eye on becoming an Airbnb Superhost. It’s not the cheapest item on the Airbnb host checklist, but a decent mattress should last around a decade and will earn its keep through testimonials. Apply the Goldilocks effect in your search for the best mattress for Airbnb: choose medium-firm.

Any Dream Cloud mattress will put you in good stead. The brand’s classic memory hybrid mattress has therapeutic gel memory foam for adaptive support. The hybrid system allows the comfort of memory foam and the bounce and breathability of coils. As a hybrid, it’s less likely to sag over the years.

Available in four sizes, this ​Crayan memory foam hybrid mattress is one of the best Airbnb mattresses at a lower price point. As with Dream Cloud, it’s engineered to relieve pressure points and will help travelers recover from long-haul flights and outdoor activities.

Finally, the Sofree pocket spring hybrid mattress is the best mattress for Airbnb hosts on a budget. It shares similar ergonomic features with the premium brands including a fireproof fabric and reinforced coils.

Best pillows for Airbnb

Photo: Lucia Pinto/Shutterstock

If there’s ever a topic that’ll bring out strong opinions, it’s pillows. Some prefer down-fill pillows, others favor foam, but nobody wants to rest their head on a lumpy or pancake-flat pillow.

Ensure each person has two pillows and consider buying a mixture of different styles to cater to different preferences. Crucially, the best pillows for Airbnb rentals are always machine washable.

Airbnb hosts aspiring to meet hotel standards can shop with the Beckham Hotel Collection. The down alternative pillow has all the luxury, breathability, and plumpness of the traditional down pillow for a fraction of the cost.

The Coop Home adjustable memory foam pillow is designed to support side, back, and stomach sleepers. The shredded foam fill makes it springier than a typical memory foam pillow. This may be removed to adjust comfort – which is just something to keep up your sleeve if your guests voice any pillow complaints.

The Weekender ventilated gel pillow is a firm yet soft and more affordable memory foam pillow for cash-strapped fledgling hosts. The temperature-regulating qualities make it a fine choice for warmer climates.

Even the best of the best pillows for Airbnb need pillow protectors. These protect against bed bugs, dust mites, and spillages.

Best sheets for Airbnb

Photo: Lucia Pinto/Shutterstock

Source bedsheets made from a soft and breathable fabric such as cotton, bamboo, or even silk if you’re tapping into the boutique market. A high thread count indicates the superiority of cotton sheets. As with towels, bear in mind that white sheets may be bleached to avoid having to replace them sooner than hoped.

100% Egyptian cotton is the hotel default. Long-staple fibers are resistant to pilling and retain their quality through frequent washing. These 1,000-thread-count bedsheets are the best cotton sheets for Airbnb rentals for durability and comfort.

Being naturally thermo-regulating, odor-resistant, and hypoallergenic, bamboo is another choice of best bed sheets for Airbnb hosts. These wrinkle-resistant bamboo sheets spare the need for ironing after washing.

Always have a spare set of bed sheets for each bed in case of speedy turnover.

Miscellaneous items for stocking an Airbnb

Photo: Bruce Peter/Shutterstock

These items aren’t essential but they may increase the value of your Airbnb. They’ll also help guests feel more at home.

Self-check-in Airbnb lock boxAdaptersPower strip with surge protectionHair dryerTelevisionFlashlightClothing iron and ironing board – a tabletop board tucks out of sightLaundry detergentLocal guidebooks, maps, and brochuresOther reading material and magazinesBoard games and cardsChildren’s toysInfant and toddler equipment – cribs, dining chairs, and security gatesSupplies for pet-friendly Airbnbs such as a washable dog bed and feeding bowlsBeach towels and other beach equipmentBicycles, helmets, and bike locksFire blankets and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors as per local/state regulationsBest self-check-in Airbnb lock

How does self-check-in work for Airbnb? With one of these bad boys: an external key lock box. It’s easy to attach and inexpensive. The personalized passcode should be changed after every check-out. While not essential, a lock box is one of the most practical items for your Airbnb host checklist. It’s handy for the cleaners, too.

Airbnb cleaning checklist for hosts

Photo: mariakray/Shutterstock

The best hosts enlist a professional Airbnb cleaning service to maintain a sparkling property. Cleaning companies often provide supplies and equipment but it’s wise to keep an inventory of staples as per this Airbnb cleaning checklist.

VacuumMopBroom – keep a broom and dustpan on hand for guests in case of accidentsMicrofiber clothsAll-purpose cleanerSurface wipesGlass cleanerBathroom disinfectantToilet brushWood polish and dusting clothsRefuse bagsReed diffusers

Become an Airbnb host today

More like thisEpic StaysHow a Couple Turned Two 19th Century Irish Pubs Into Ireland's Most Unique Airbnbs

The Best Airbnbs Near the Empire State Building

Presiding over Manhattan since 1930, the Empire State Building is as emblematic of New York City as the Statue of Liberty. Observatories are installed on the 86th and 102nd floors but the experience starts at street level where craning your neck up the length of the Art Deco tower is a traveler’s rite of passage. Skip the subway and stay at one of these Manhattan Airbnbs near the Empire State Building.

Traveling to New York City? Check out Matador’s New York City accommodations guides: These Airbnbs in Brooklyn Offer Beautiful Views of the Bridge and Skyline The best JFK airport hotels The Best Airbnb Experiences in New York, From an Alpaca Farm Tour To Sailing the East River The 9 coziest Airbnbs in upstate New York Grab Your Crew and Head To These Lux Properties To Take in New York’s Fall Foliage 10 upstate New York cabins perfect for your next winter escape These Manhattan Airbnbs showcase the best of New York City

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.

Triplex townhouse and patio in MidtownPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosMere blocks from Grand Central and the Empire State Building, this three-story home was recently renovated and furnished with antiques and designer moveables. Highlights include a Steinway grand piano, Art Nouveau Tiffany lamps, and a glitzy chandelier. Rest assured, all modern gizmos and gadgets are also accounted for. The kitchen opens onto a balcony although the private roof deck steals the show.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,036 per night

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NYC rooftop Airbnb near the Empire State BuildingPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosOnly the Chrysler Building stands between this knockout Midtown East rental and the other Art Deco icon. Step out onto the roof deck after sundown and you’ll see the crown glittering under the twilight sky. Awesome for groups of friends, the townhouse claims four floors with a pool table in the first-floor parlor and a separate lounge on the next level.

Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $822 per night

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All-season NYC Airbnb with a winter iglooPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosCome rain, shine, or even snow – this kooky studio has you literally covered with its heated winter igloo. This is cleared away in summer to make room for the hammock from where you can almost reach out and touch the legendary highrise. The interiors are a tad squashy but it’s a fun place to stay near the Empire State Building for a college trip.

Six guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $211 per night

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Premium loft suite next to Grand CentralPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThere’s no chance of cabin fever at this Airbnb steps from the Empire State Building: East Coast sunshine floods the double-height studio through a gigantic tilted skylight. Remote workers will appreciate the desk, first-time sightseers will relish the prospect of a nap on the retro couch. The kitchen is pretty basic so there’s no excuse not to dine out for every meal.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $295 per night

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Stunning triplex with a secret gardenPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosOne of the best Airbnbs near the Empire State Building for large groups, this Murray Hill hideaway opens onto the kind of garden you usually only find in the suburbs. The sunny parlor is warmed by a brick fireplace whereas the lower level den is perfect for games. The skyscraper and Madison Square Park are a few minutes walk from the property.

Eleven guests, five bedrooms
Price: $850 per night

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Rooftop walk-up oasis in quiet Murray HillPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis historic building in Midtown East is strategic for idling over to the Empire State Building and hopping on the ferry to Williamsburg. The neighborhood is calmer than most on the island yet the surrounding streets are awash with bakeries and cafes. Pick up morning bagels and enjoy them on the private roof deck with a view of the famed skyscraper.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $457 per night

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Pet-friendly penthouse in ChelseaPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosTen minutes from the Empire State Building, this Guest Favorite Airbnb peers over Madison Square Garden. An on-trend emerald green couch marks the heart of the home while the bedrooms roost on the upper floor of the duplex. Although compact, the kitchen is fitted with an oven, dishwasher, and coffee maker. Pups are welcome and kids will love the lair under the stairs.

Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $556 per night

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Swanky Airbnb with Empire State Building viewsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosTechnically, this Hudson Yards condo is a 25-minute walk from the tower base – but any New Yorker can do it in half the time. The payoff is unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and its most iconic landmarks from floor-to-ceiling windows. Complete with digital and smart controls and access to a shared pool and gym, it’s a dreamboat for modern travelers.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $950 per night

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To Book Travel Directly or Not: New Study Finds Cheaper Flight and Hotel Prices With Booking.com, Expedia, and Other OTAs

Travel has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. Physical maps and heavy guidebooks are largely gone, while extensive lists of Google Maps tags and saved social media posts are in. In many ways, travel has also become much more accessible. A big part of that has come with the lowered costs that technology allows. But navigating the many online travel agencies (OTAs) to find the best deal is still an art unto itself — especially when trying to determine whether it’s a better price to book with an OTA like Booking.com, and Expedia, or to book directly.

The website Self did a study to find out. To determine this, Self studied 25 popular flight paths starting from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles and 90 hotels in well-known destinations from Paris to Bangkok. Self then compared the prices of the flights and hotels when booking through the hotel or airline against when booking from Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda.

The analysis reviewed prices of hotels and flights by reserving the week of August 21st, 2023, through August 28th, 2023, for flight and hotel bookings to represent a common vacation time of the year. When calculating the findings, no discounts, promo codes, or promotions were used in the study.

In the analysis, flights cost an average of about 11 percent less when booking through Booking.com ($917.83 average across 30 popular routes compared to $1,025.52 when booking directly), Expedia ($923.81 on average), and Agoda ($925.56 on average). The biggest difference was seen in popular international flights, with various OTAs winning out as the cheapest depending on the route, regardless of which OTA is used. New York to Hong Kong, for example, was more than $530 cheaper on OTAs than buying a ticket directly with the airline. Others had more modest savings, like about $160 saved from Los Angeles to Paris or $114 from Chicago to Paris. That said, there are times when it’s better to book flights directly for peace of mind.

Booking.com had the lowest average prices of hotels when comparing the cheapest four-star hotel in 10 major cities: $115.81 on Booking.com, versus $158.69 directly through the hotel. It’s important to note, however, that hotel loyalty points or rewards can make the price more even or even less to book through the hotel. Different cities also showed different results, with Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Cancun having some of the best deals on OTAs versus booking directly (in some cases hundreds of dollars cheaper).

Key findings

On average, the study found Booking.com to offer the best rates: 11 percent cheaper flights and 31 percent cheaper hotels compared to direct booking. Rates vary by route or accommodation: Booking.com had the lowest average rates for both flights and hotels, though in select markets Expedia or Agoda was cheaper.There are exceptions to finding the best flight rates: Air France was the only airline offering better rates than any OTAs.More like thisAirports + FlyingA New Study Found The Best Time To Buy Domestic Flights in 2024

Everything You Need To Know To Become an Airbnb Host

Becoming an Airbnb host is a creative and rewarding way to boost your income while providing a home-away-from-home experience for fellow travelers. If you’re savvy about the business of short-term rentals and adhere to basic Airbnb hosting tips and legal requirements, your earnings may fund your next trip.

No home is too small, too remote, or too peculiar. Airbnb Categories span Tiny Homes and Riads, Shepherd’s Huts and Boats, Off-the-grid and Iconic Cities. Whether you’re looking to rent out a spare room or an entire listing, the route for how to become an Airbnb host follows the same (easy) steps.

We hope you take value from our guide on how to become an Airbnb host! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to become a host. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Become an Airbnb host today

Create a listing with the Airbnb hosting guide

As per the Airbnb host requirements, you’ll first need to create an account and submit relevant identification before launching the 17-step setup wizard.

This prompts you to share details about your rental unit which may be edited anytime. It covers the type of property, the address, whether you are renting an entire property or a room, and guest amenities. It also gives you the option of screening reservation requests or enabling Instant Book.

At the start of the process, you will be matched with a Superhost who will guide you through the Airbnb hosting guide over chat or video.

Airbnb hosting tips for beginners

Photo: Some pictures here/Shutterstock

Sticking to these simple Airbnb host tips during the setup process helps your property make a successful debut.

Prepare a guest-ready unit

The home must be suitable to accommodate paying guests. Reasonable wear and tear is acceptable providing the listing is honest. Mold, leaks, and faulty wiring must be attended to before advertising it to guests.

Scout your competition

Do a spot of market research in your area. The Guest Favorite filter weeds out what’s working locally and how your listing could fill a gap in the market.

Keep it pithy

Summarize your property’s highlights and what makes it unique. Hot tubs, outdoor space, secure parking, espresso machines, laundry facilities, and games rooms sell. There’s no need to itemize every appliance.

Write a compelling title

State the Airbnb’s USP or reference nearby attractions. “Breathtaking Mountain Views ~ Luxury Desert Oasis” and “EcoFriendly A-Frame: Hot Tub Open Year Round” work well. “George Washington slept here” catches the eye!

Personalize the space

Create a mood board of Airbnb decoration ideas to spruce up the interiors. Showcasing work by local artists is a cool embellishment or you could channel a popular aesthetic such as boho or Scandi minimalism.

Stock the Airbnb

Soap, toilet paper, fresh linens, and towels are the bare minimum of what you need to keep stocked as an Airbnb host. You can include coffee capsules, cooking condiments, pet bowls, and laundry detergent.

Photo: Lucia Pinto/Shutterstock

Take epic photos

A minimum of five photos are required to register a new Airbnb. These photos should be well-lit and accentuate the home’s best features. Hiring a photographer to take professional photos is a sound investment – and may be tax deductible. Browse around Matador’s Airbnb guides to get a sense of how to best capture your property. After all, good photos are key to getting traction both on the platform and in the press.

Hire professional cleaners

Guests will look under the couch and they will know if the linens haven’t been changed. A sparkling-clean property helps maintain a five-star rating. Take time to research the best cleaning company for your Airbnb.

Set a pricing strategy

Airbnb’s interactive calculator tool helps you determine an appropriate nightly rate. Amenities, location, and the time of year should guide your strategy. As a fledgling host, you can apply a 20% listing discount to attract your first customers.

Detail extra fees and house rules

Outline any additional charges such as pet fees, extra guest surcharges, pool-heating fees, and parking rates in the listing. Use the house rules tab to clarify smoking, pet, general upkeep, and noise policies and set clear expectations.

Reply promptly

Respond to booking requests and guest inquiries within 24 hours or less. This puts you on the path to becoming an Airbnb Superhost.

Complying with Airbnb host requirements

Understanding Airbnb host requirements and legal regulations in your area is another stage in how to become an Airbnb host.

Local short-term rental laws and regulations

All countries, states, and cities impose different rules regarding short-term and long-term vacation rentals. Subject to your jurisdiction, you might need to apply for a permit or license.

Airbnb doesn’t provide legal advice so the onus is on you to contact your local government office. Zoning rules, building and housing standards, landlord-tenant laws, and homeowners association (HOA) rules are examples of laws to check.

Taxes

Becoming an Airbnb host means running a business and you may be liable to pay state and federal taxes. A growing number of jurisdictions now require hosts to collect a tax for each overnight stay which is payable to the city. In others, Airbnb automatically collects and remits taxes on your behalf.

If you are subject to taxation as a host, you may also be able to claim expenses as deductibles. Setting up an LLC for your Airbnb rental properties is worth looking into from the onset as it can be advantageous for tax purposes.

Photo: BongKarn Graphic/Shutterstock

How much does Airbnb charge hosts?

Airbnb typically charges hosts a flat service fee of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is the nightly rental price plus any additional costs such as a cleaning fee.

This service fee enables 24/7 support for hosts and includes Airbnb insurance for hosts – Aircover.

In contrast, guests pay a service fee of around 14% of the booking subtotal. In some jurisdictions, Airbnb collects occupancy tax from the guest and pays them on behalf of the host.

Study the Airbnb cancellation policy for hosts

An Airbnb host cannot cancel a confirmed reservation unless absolutely necessary. If you are unable to honor a booking, it’s your responsibility to cancel in a timely manner. The Airbnb cancellation policy for hosts stipulates that you are liable to pay a penalty.

10% of the total reservation amount for bookings canceled more than 30 days before check-in25% of the total reservation amount for cancelations made between 48 hours and 30 days before check-in50% of the total reservation amount for booking canceled 48 hours or less before check-in, or after check-in

For reservations of 28 days or longer, cancellation fees are calculated as a percentage of the non-refundable portion of the reservation.

Fees may be waived if you cancel due to extenuating circumstances. These include government-declared emergencies, government travel restrictions, acts of war, and natural disasters.

The penalty may also be waived if you have to cancel as a result of valid reasons beyond your control. These refer to gas leaks, burst pipes, serious illness, or proof that a guest intends to break a house rule.

How to become an Airbnb host without owning property

Co-hosting is an alternative means of becoming an Airbnb host. Co-hosts perform such duties as checking guests in and out, liaising with cleaning companies, and answering any queries from guests during their stay.

A co-host may be a family member, friend, neighbor, or hired professional. They are usually paid a percentage of the booking or a fixed amount per booking.

Become an Airbnb host today

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How To Set Up an LLC for Your Airbnb Rental Properties

If you are renting out a place on Airbnb you may want to consider creating an LLC for your short-term rental business. A Limited Liability Company is a legal entity that separates business assets from personal assets. Owners of an LLC are known as “members.” An LLC can be owned by a single proprietor (single-member LLC) or multiple individuals (multi-member LLC).

The crucial advantage of an LLC is liability protection against potential lawsuits. It comes with greater taxation flexibility that can save you money. Setting up an LLC for an Airbnb rental property is surprisingly straightforward and something to consider at any stage of launching your Airbnb empire.

We hope you take value from our guide on how to become an Airbnb host! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to become a host. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Become an Airbnb host today

Photo: ZoFot/Shutterstock

Is an LLC necessary for an Airbnb rental?

An LLC isn’t mandatory for an Airbnb host. However, the associated benefits and ease of forming one may make it worth your while.

Protection for personal assets

An LLC will protect you from personal liability. In the case that a guest planned to take legal action or sue the rental business, they would only be able to target business assets and money owned by the LLC. Any personal assets – your home, vehicle, and personal earnings – are untouchable.

Potential for tax deductions

As an Airbnb Host, you are entitled to claim deductibles on your rental income. Setting up an LLC qualifies you to claim far more items as a business expense. If you choose to be taxed as a sole proprietor or partnership you will avoid double taxation.

The IRS considers a single-member LLC as a “pass-through entity”. The LLC doesn’t pay taxes but the member must report profits and losses on their personal tax returns.

A Limited Liability Company with at least two members will be taxed as a partnership and must file a 1065 form as well as an individual 1040 tax return.

Host credibility

Listing an LLC moniker on your profile gives you more credibility as an Airbnb host. It legitimizes your business to prospective guests and may drive more bookings. This is one of the main reasons to consider setting up an LLC at the start of your Airbnb hosting venture to inspire booking confidence in guests.

Photo: Andrew Popov/Shutterstock

How to set up an LLC for your Airbnb rental properties

Creating an LLC is relatively uncomplicated – especially in the states where the process is digital. Single-time filing fees and annual maintenance charges vary from state to state.

Choose a name for your LLC

The name of your LLC can simply be your own name or you can choose something creative. The name must not already be in use with another registered LLC business. The Secretary of State in your territory has a database of existing limited liability companies.

File the Articles of Organization

After the name is confirmed, you will file your LLC’s “Articles of Organization” with your state. This document details your business name and address plus the contact details of a person who can receive lawsuits or legal notices involving the LLC.

Each state has its own form and filing protocol. Filing fees range from $50 to $500 so you’ll want to clarify this before getting started

Register your Limited Liability Company

Once the Articles of Organization paperwork is complete you can register your LLC with the state as per their filing process and pay the fee.

Create an Operating Agreement

The “Operating Agreement” is a legal document that establishes the rights and responsibilities of each LLC member. It details how the Airbnb business will be managed, the ownership percentage of the LLC, and accounting information.

An operating agreement is only a legal requirement in select states but it’s beneficial to draw one up regardless – especially in the case of a Multi-Member LLC (MMLLC).

Acquire an Employee Identification Number

An EIN identifies your business with the IRS and may be used in place of your Social Security Number (SSN). You will need a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or SSN to apply for a free EIN using Form SS-4.

An Employee Identification Number (EIN) isn’t necessarily needed unless you are planning on hiring employees. As with the operating agreement, it’s wise to cover all bases.

Opening a business bank account

While forming your Airbnb LLC, remember to open a business bank account. It makes it easier to track income and expenses related to your Airbnb rental business. You can use this account to pay any recurring fees for your LLC.

Become an Airbnb host today

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The Coolest Airbnbs in Pittsburgh’s Trendiest Neighborhoods

With 466 bridges crossing over three rivers, three major sports teams, four Carnegie museums, and 90 distinct neighborhoods to explore – not forgetting the origin story of “57 varieties” – there’s no need to be a math genius to work out that Pittsburgh offers infinite entertainment. This mid-sized city in western Pennsylvania has a small-town vibe and a rich cultural scene expressed through visual and performance art. These top-rated Airbnbs in Pittsburgh put you close to the Penguins and your next Primanti sandwich.

Traveling the Northeast? Check out Matador’s local accommodations guides: The best Airbnbs in Philadelphia Bookend Your Philly Trip With a Stay at These Hotels Near Philadelphia International Airport The Best Airbnbs in Boston, From Beacon Hill To a Ship in the Harbor These Striking Boston Hotels Give You Easy Access To Everything in the City Channel Your Inner Thoreau With a Solo Retreat at These Remote New England Airbnbs 11 New England Lighthouses You Can Actually Spend the Night In 9 Great Killington Airbnbs for Your Adventure Weekend in Vermont

We hope you love these Airbnb Pittsburgh vacation rentals! 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.

Panoramic house in Mount WashingtonPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosFinding the best views of Steel City calls for an Airbnb in Pittsburgh’s South Side. This highly-rated rental has one huge terrace for eyeing up the skyline plus a separate balcony attached to the master suite. It’s a thoroughly modern experience with Alexa assistance and Sonos speakers plus a basement games den with table hockey and foosball.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $348 per night

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Hot tub hideout steps from GrandviewPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis Airbnb in Pittsburgh wins for rest and relaxation: the backyard has a hot tub while the boho book nook with a hanging chair hits the spot after a busy day about town. The pour-over coffee bar beats any cafe in the city and just about any cooking utensil under the sun is accounted for. Grandview is a few minutes on foot.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $161 per night

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High-end Airbnb near Acrisure StadiumPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosClose to the Children’s Museum and the National Aviary, this Central Northside vacation rental is ideal for a family trip to Pennsylvania – or those planning to see the Steelers. Warm up with a pre-match game on the foosball table and make the most of the free parking and explore this walkable neighborhood on foot.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $85 per night

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Fifth Avenue condo with awesome viewsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosWalk to the PPG Paints Arena and the urban state park from this Guest Favorite Airbnb in Downtown Pittsburgh. Motorized blinds control the flow of light through a wall of windows peering right over the heart of the city. The bathroom has a jetted tub and shower while there’s an ergonomic workstation and fast Wi-Fi for the remote workers.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $82 per night

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Modern apartment with arena and church viewsPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis Airbnb in Downtown Pittsburgh is close enough to PPG Paints to hear the Penguins buckling their helmets. The condo features a fully-equipped kitchen, a multi-jetted shower over a whirlpool tub, a large bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a sleeper sofa if needed. Secure parking is free and the host applies generous discounts to longer stays.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $140 per night

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Willy Wonka house in Central LawrencevillePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosNo matter which movie gets your vote, all appetites are catered for at this immersive Pittsburgh Airbnb based on the fictional chocolatier. The master bedrooms are themed as per Mr. Wonka and the Oompa Loompas whereas the bunk room has a Ninja Turtle arcade game. Candy is for decorative purposes: guests are asked not to eat the house.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $142 per night

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North Side Pittsburgh luxury padPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosEnjoy indoor-outdoor living in the City of Bridges at this top-rated vacation rental north of the Allegheny River. It has three decks for scoping out the downtown views and fashionable styling throughout. Security gates and infant/toddler necessities are available to families while gym bunnies will appreciate the Peloton and free weights.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $268 per night

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Strip District Airbnb with a shared poolPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosLay down temporary roots in the old warehouse district of the ‘Burgh at this gorgeous loft. You’ll step into an open-concept lounge and kitchen with high ceilings supported by original timber and brick-clad walls. Plaster partitions divide the two bedrooms to create an airy, contemporary vibe. Chuck a swimsuit in your bag and make time in the schedule for a dip.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $207 per night

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One-bedroom loft with shared pool in Strip DistrictPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosIf this listing looks familiar, that’s because it’s in the same former factory as the previous loft. This smaller unit is one of the best Airbnbs in Pittsburgh for solo travelers or couples. The kitchen has the appliances needed for cooking up a storm and guests are permitted to use all communal facilities at the complex.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $93 per night

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Guest Favorite Airbnb in Downtown PittsburghPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosMinutes from the Cultural District and the PPG Paints Arena, this two-bedroom apartment is perfect for a first-time visit. The shared rooftop deck has tables for enjoying a DIY meal, takeout, or cheeky sunset beer. Mismatched furniture and hefty wooden beds add a homely finish to this highly-reviewed rental pad.

Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $168 per night

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Downtown Pittsburgh Airbnb-hotel hybridPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosWalk everywhere from this condo with cityscape views. The apartment fuses the luxury of a hotel with the practical perks of self-catered accommodation. Elect to prepare meals in the kitchen or use it purely for rustling up coffee and granola. The bedroom has a glass wall which is ideal for waking up at sunrise although night owls can flick the blind down.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $125 per night

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What to do in Pittsburgh

The Pennsylvanian city has more than enough to keep you on your toes. These are the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

Walk with dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The center also has exhibits dedicated to minerals, anthropology, and local history.Find out what it’s like to live on a submarine or a spaceship at the Carnegie Science Center.Connect with contemporary and visual art at the Carnegie Museum of Art and its sister, the Andy Warhol Museum.Immerse yourself in everything from sauces to sports at the Senator John Heinz History Center.Walk or cycle around the Point State Park where the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela rivers converge – once a site of a French and British fort.Ride the Monongahela Incline to Grandview or take a walk in Mt. Washington Park for scenic views of skyscrapers, bridges, and rivers.Wander the plots and greenhouses at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It’s just as lovely during winter when the holiday lights are installed.Learn about the Gilded Age through the Frick’s museums and gardens.Eat the famous Primanti Bros. sandwich at the original restaurant in the Strip District.Show your support for the local sports teams. The Pittsburgh Penguins take to the ice at the PPG Paints Arena, the Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown at the Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field), and the Pittsburgh Pirates play at PNC Park.Catch a symphony, musical, or play in the Cultural District. For circus spectaculars, the PPG Paints Arena hosts Cirque du Soleil.What time is it in Pittsburgh?

Pennsylvania is on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Pittsburgh switches to Daylight Saving Time (DST) from early March until the first Sunday in November.

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