Matador Network's Blog, page 216

Southwest Airlines Forced to Start $90 Million Compensation Program For Delayed/Canceled Flights

There are few upsides to traveling during the holiday season. Airports are busy, delays are frequent, and it often feels like there are no consequences when airlines treat their passengers like second-class citizens. Well, it appears passengers have some rights after all. The Department of Transportation (DOT) just announced a $140 million civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for violating consumer protection laws during the 2022 Christmas and New Year holiday. The cancellation of 16,900 flights during that period resulted in over two million passengers getting stranded, and now Southwest’s passengers may actually be entitled to restitution.

This penalty, which is the largest the DOT has ever leveled against an airline, is in addition to the over $600 million in refunds and reimbursements DOT has already forced Southwest to provide passengers who faced disruptions due to the operational meltdown. The DOT found that the airline failed to give adequate customer service assistance, prompt flight status notifications, and prompt refunds.

The restitution is all thanks to changes in Southwest’s customer service plan – made at the urging of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg – that entitle passengers to reimbursements for basic expenses if flights are canceled or significantly delayed. That means Southwest must pay over $750 million for last year’s holiday snafu.

That’s good news for Southwest passengers. Southwest is required to provide a total of $90 million in vouchers between April 30, 2023 to April 29, 2027, to passengers subjected to controllable cancellations or delays that resulted in those passengers arriving three or more hours late to their destination.

“Today’s action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: if airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable,” said Buttigieg in a press release. “Taking care of passengers is not just the right thing to do — it’s required, and this penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again.”

More like thisAirports + Flying7 Rights All Air Passengers Have and Should Know About

What It’s Like To Sleep on the World’s Coldest Continent

“There is no pooping allowed,” our guide leaders advised us for the third time, as we loaded our bundled-up bodies into a Zodiac boat bobbing enthusiastically in the choppy waters. I had won the South Pole lottery, but it came with that one very specific caveat.

As it turns out, camping on the world’s coldest, windiest, and driest continent came with a tight set of rules, and going “number one-only” was top of the list. If anyone wanted to back out, the time when we climbed into the Zodiac boats would be the last chance. My stomach growled with anxiety as a reminder that bowel movements are anything but predictable, especially when traveling. But it seemed like a worthy risk for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren Breedlove

It was after 10 PM and I was just going out for the evening, akin to my college days. Except this time, I’d only be drinking water, and late-night snacks were forbidden. Oh, and I was destined for a large swath of ice in a place called Paradise Bay, Antarctica, not my local college dive bar for $2 beer night. My loaner gear sat in a giant dry bag to one side of me, my small backpack with extra clothing layers and my camera on the other. It was all I really needed for a night spent camping on Antarctic soil (which is actually just ice) in zero-degree weather. Though I suppose I needed all the warm thoughts I could muster, too.

I was a handful of days into my trip to Antarctica, aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen, on a 12-day trip with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). The weather gods had granted one evening for a small group of guests to slumber in the Antarctic wilderness.

Dubbed the “Amundsen Night,” the excursion pays homage to early explorers Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, and Otto Nordenskjöld. With only 30 slots available and 345 people on board, the company employs a lottery system to select the campers, who are required to pair up in same-sex tents. That means if you’re a solo traveler, or your adventure buddy isn’t interested in going, you’ll be paired with a stranger.

As a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, or IAATO, Hurtigruten follows sustainable guidelines for all landings and camping expeditions, pairing guests to minimize the number of tents used and reduce its travel footprint. This helps preserve the continent’s delicate environment and minimize impacts on wildlife. They leave absolutely no trace behind, and make sure they don’t inadvertently introduce any foreign species to the continent’s unique ecosystem.

This is how I ended up snug as a bug next to Ali, a lovely journalist from the UK who I had just met at the start of the trip six days ago. Despite being basically strangers, we quickly bonded over the prospect of sharing the wild endeavor together – and over the two penguin onesies I had brought with me, anticipating finding the perfect opportunity to wear them. And this was it.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

We waved at guests perched on the deck, as if we were departing for a long, arduous journey like true explorers. A short boat ride later, we arrived at our campground next to a glacier (no big deal) and were instructed to set up our tents and sites. This involved using a sled-like device to haul our supplies up a small hill to our living quarters for the next eight hours, and stomping down snowy areas until they were flat enough to put up our tents. I was huffing and puffing from inside my carefully curated layer cake of wool and GoreTex materials, including Smartwool long underwear, fleece-lined leggings, waterproof pants, insulated boots, a sweater and down jacket, and waterproof shell.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

“The more effort you put into setting up your tent and sleeping area, the better your four hours of sleep will be,” one of the expedition leaders joked.

“He’s exaggerating,” his colleague stated with a chuckle. “It’ll be more like two hours.” Sounded promising.

Next, we were introduced to the bathroom situation: a bucket barely hidden behind a snowbank. Two poles with flags were meant to be crossed if the “toilet” was occupado, and only number ones were permitted. For about an hour, anyone who chose wrong at dinner and felt the rumblings of an incoming number two could hop on the Zodiac back to the ship, though they’d forfeit returning to the campsite; the small boat wasn’t coming back until the morning. So if nature called in a big way in the middle of the night, no one would be there to answer.

Photo: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren Breedlove

It was still somewhat light out after setting up our tents and getting the lay of the land, despite being nearly midnight, which is typical during the Antarctic summer. This made it an ideal time to romp around in penguin onesies and take in the campsite scenery. Towering mountains and icebergs of every size surrounded us, everything untouched and pristine. It was a canvas of white and dark blues, and, aside from a few quiet murmurs from other campers and a nearby colony of penguins settling in for the night, a rhapsody of stark silence.

Minutes later, the glacier adjacent to our campground calved, a low thunder sounded in tandem with my gasp from witnessing it from underneath the beak of my penguin suit. The break sent ripple-effect waves to our side of the shore. It was one of those moments where your inner voice tells you that this is major: slow down and soak it all up, because you’re going to want to remember every bit of this.

With everyone else tucked into their tents and the 30 mph wind beginning to get to us, we opted to retire to our canvas abode for the next few hours. Settling in, Ali panic-whispered into the semi-darkness, “my zipper just broke.” I turned towards her in disbelief. “Wait, what?”

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

She demonstrated, and her sleeping bag zipper was, in fact, completely incapable of doing its one job. I looked to my bag for something that might help keep her warm, but apparently, the only extra clothing I had was about a week’s worth of thick socks. Forgoing the only alternative – the two of us attempting to fit in one sleeping bag – Ali declared she’d be fine, using the sleeping bag as a blanket for the few remaining hours until our 5 AM wake-up call to break down camp. The penguin suits I’d impulse-bought weren’t just a fashion win – they added much-appreciate extra warmth, too.

But sleep doesn’t come easy in pure silence, and the cold, hard ground didn’t help, either. But I had already accepted that catching Z’s wouldn’t be the priority for this particular night; being present was. “We are on the far outskirts of the world,” the captain of our vessel had stated the day before during our visit to the bridge (the command center of the ship).

Now, in our tiny red tent more than 9,000 miles from home, with no one but our fellow campers in sight, I felt the full extent of what he had said.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

In the morning, we woke to a mirror; the mountains, sky, clouds, icebergs, all a perfectly still reflection that rendered me speechless. I’d have painted the scene if I was more artistically inclined. Instead, I took an unhealthy amount of photographs, my shutter struggling to keep up with my constant demands. Our Zodiac returned to retrieve us at 6 AM on the dot, and the unbelievably calm ride back to the ship showed a different side of the world’s last great frontier. In the daylight, it seemed softer and less inhospitable. If it had a soundtrack, it’d be a light piano solo. But the night before, the soundtrack would have been dramatic, atmospheric, and maybe even a bit ominous.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

Back on the ship, we were treated to a special breakfast where Ali and I toasted to our survival with bubbly mimosas. Our overnight quest had been simultaneously wild and not-so-wild, but certainly one for the books. We had camped in Antarctica without pooping our pants or committing the unforgivable sin of pooping in the camp toilet, and now, we had certificates signed by the captain to prove it (proving that we camped, not that we followed the poop rules). But the adventure wasn’t over yet, as there was a polar plunge in our future as well – but I opted to leave the penguin suit behind for that one.

How to camp in Antarctica

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is one of a handful of small cruise companies that offer camping in Antarctica as an overnight excursion, though it’s the only offers tent camping. Aurora, Poseidon Adventures, Quark Expeditions, and One Ocean offer bivy camping — sleeping in a very minimalist, shell-style fabric layer, with a mummy-style sleeping bag inside). Camping excursions are not offered by cruise ships with more than 500 guests, as regulations from IAATO and the ATS (Antarctic Treaty System) don’t allow landing activities for ships above that size.

More like thisAdventure TravelWhat It’s Like To Sail To Antarctica on a Cruise Ship’s Maiden Voyage

This Is What It’s Like To Sleep on the World’s Coldest Continent

“There is no pooping allowed,” our guide leaders advised us for the third time, as we loaded our bundled-up bodies into a Zodiac boat bobbing enthusiastically in the choppy waters. I had won the South Pole lottery, but it came with that one very specific caveat.

As it turns out, camping on the world’s coldest, windiest, and driest continent came with a tight set of rules, and going “number one-only” was top of the list. If anyone wanted to back out, the time when we climbed into the Zodiac boats would be the last chance. My stomach growled with anxiety as a reminder that bowel movements are anything but predictable, especially when traveling. But it seemed like a worthy risk for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren Breedlove

It was after 10 PM and I was just going out for the evening, akin to my college days. Except this time, I’d only be drinking water, and late-night snacks were forbidden. Oh, and I was destined for a large swath of ice in a place called Paradise Bay, Antarctica, not my local college dive bar for $2 beer night. My loaner gear sat in a giant dry bag to one side of me, my small backpack with extra clothing layers and my camera on the other. It was all I really needed for a night spent camping on Antarctic soil (which is actually just ice) in zero-degree weather. Though I suppose I needed all the warm thoughts I could muster, too.

I was a handful of days into my trip to Antarctica, aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen, on a 12-day trip with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). The weather gods had granted one evening for a small group of guests to slumber in the Antarctic wilderness.

Dubbed the “Amundsen Night,” the excursion pays homage to early explorers Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, and Otto Nordenskjöld. With only 30 slots available and 345 people on board, the company employs a lottery system to select the campers, who are required to pair up in same-sex tents. That means if you’re a solo traveler, or your adventure buddy isn’t interested in going, you’ll be paired with a stranger.

As a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, or IAATO, Hurtigruten follows sustainable guidelines for all landings and camping expeditions, pairing guests to minimize the number of tents used and reduce its travel footprint. This helps preserve the continent’s delicate environment and minimize impacts on wildlife. They leave absolutely no trace behind, and make sure they don’t inadvertently introduce any foreign species to the continent’s unique ecosystem.

This is how I ended up snug as a bug next to Ali, a lovely journalist from the UK who I had just met at the start of the trip six days ago. Despite being basically strangers, we quickly bonded over the prospect of sharing the wild endeavor together – and over the two penguin onesies I had brought with me, anticipating finding the perfect opportunity to wear them. And this was it.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

We waved at guests perched on the deck, as if we were departing for a long, arduous journey like true explorers. A short boat ride later, we arrived at our campground next to a glacier (no big deal) and were instructed to set up our tents and sites. This involved using a sled-like device to haul our supplies up a small hill to our living quarters for the next eight hours, and stomping down snowy areas until they were flat enough to put up our tents. I was huffing and puffing from inside my carefully curated layer cake of wool and GoreTex materials, including Smartwool long underwear, fleece-lined leggings, waterproof pants, insulated boots, a sweater and down jacket, and waterproof shell.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

“The more effort you put into setting up your tent and sleeping area, the better your four hours of sleep will be,” one of the expedition leaders joked.

“He’s exaggerating,” his colleague stated with a chuckle. “It’ll be more like two hours.” Sounded promising.

Next, we were introduced to the bathroom situation: a bucket barely hidden behind a snowbank. Two poles with flags were meant to be crossed if the “toilet” was occupado, and only number ones were permitted. For about an hour, anyone who chose wrong at dinner and felt the rumblings of an incoming number two could hop on the Zodiac back to the ship, though they’d forfeit returning to the campsite; the small boat wasn’t coming back until the morning. So if nature called in a big way in the middle of the night, no one would be there to answer.

Photo: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren BreedlovePhoto: Lauren Breedlove

It was still somewhat light out after setting up our tents and getting the lay of the land, despite being nearly midnight, which is typical during the Antarctic summer. This made it an ideal time to romp around in penguin onesies and take in the campsite scenery. Towering mountains and icebergs of every size surrounded us, everything untouched and pristine. It was a canvas of white and dark blues, and, aside from a few quiet murmurs from other campers and a nearby colony of penguins settling in for the night, a rhapsody of stark silence.

Minutes later, the glacier adjacent to our campground calved, a low thunder sounded in tandem with my gasp from witnessing it from underneath the beak of my penguin suit. The break sent ripple-effect waves to our side of the shore. It was one of those moments where your inner voice tells you that this is major: slow down and soak it all up, because you’re going to want to remember every bit of this.

With everyone else tucked into their tents and the 30 mph wind beginning to get to us, we opted to retire to our canvas abode for the next few hours. Settling in, Ali panic-whispered into the semi-darkness, “my zipper just broke.” I turned towards her in disbelief. “Wait, what?”

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

She demonstrated, and her sleeping bag zipper was, in fact, completely incapable of doing its one job. I looked to my bag for something that might help keep her warm, but apparently, the only extra clothing I had was about a week’s worth of thick socks. Forgoing the only alternative – the two of us attempting to fit in one sleeping bag – Ali declared she’d be fine, using the sleeping bag as a blanket for the few remaining hours until our 5 AM wake-up call to break down camp. The penguin suits I’d impulse-bought weren’t just a fashion win – they added much-appreciate extra warmth, too.

But sleep doesn’t come easy in pure silence, and the cold, hard ground didn’t help, either. But I had already accepted that catching Z’s wouldn’t be the priority for this particular night; being present was. “We are on the far outskirts of the world,” the captain of our vessel had stated the day before during our visit to the bridge (the command center of the ship).

Now, in our tiny red tent more than 9,000 miles from home, with no one but our fellow campers in sight, I felt the full extent of what he had said.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

In the morning, we woke to a mirror; the mountains, sky, clouds, icebergs, all a perfectly still reflection that rendered me speechless. I’d have painted the scene if I was more artistically inclined. Instead, I took an unhealthy amount of photographs, my shutter struggling to keep up with my constant demands. Our Zodiac returned to retrieve us at 6 AM on the dot, and the unbelievably calm ride back to the ship showed a different side of the world’s last great frontier. In the daylight, it seemed softer and less inhospitable. If it had a soundtrack, it’d be a light piano solo. But the night before, the soundtrack would have been dramatic, atmospheric, and maybe even a bit ominous.

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

Back on the ship, we were treated to a special breakfast where Ali and I toasted to our survival with bubbly mimosas. Our overnight quest had been simultaneously wild and not-so-wild, but certainly one for the books. We had camped in Antarctica without pooping our pants or committing the unforgivable sin of pooping in the camp toilet, and now, we had certificates signed by the captain to prove it (proving that we camped, not that we followed the poop rules). But the adventure wasn’t over yet, as there was a polar plunge in our future as well – but I opted to leave the penguin suit behind for that one.

How to camp in Antarctica

Photo: Lauren Breedlove

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is one of a handful of small cruise companies that offer camping in Antarctica as an overnight excursion, though it’s the only offers tent camping. Aurora, Poseidon Adventures, Quark Expeditions, and One Ocean offer bivy camping — sleeping in a very minimalist, shell-style fabric layer, with a mummy-style sleeping bag inside). Camping excursions are not offered by cruise ships with more than 500 guests, as regulations from IAATO and the ATS (Antarctic Treaty System) don’t allow landing activities for ships above that size.

More like thisAdventure TravelWhat It’s Like To Sail To Antarctica on a Cruise Ship’s Maiden Voyage

7 Unique Churches in Italy That Defy All Expectations

Today, it’s easy to think of Italy as one cohesive country, unified by its love of pasta, soccer, and very short coffee drinks – but it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, the Republic of Italy (colloquially referred to as “Italy”) is only 77 years old. Before that, Italy was the Kingdom of Italy. And prior to the Kingdom of Italy, formed in 1861, the region was a large collection of countries, kingdoms, and city-states.

Since it wasn’t a unified country, there hasn’t been one dominant architectural style for most of Italy’s history, except, perhaps, for “Romanesque.” It’s a semi-broad term applied to buildings with archways and barrel-vaulted ceilings, which eventually became popular across most of Italy. But throughout the centuries, various invaders and conquerors brought their styles with them, leaving Italy with plenty of outlier churches, like the Pisan-styled (as in, architecture from the city of Pisa) Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Sardinia.

Some of Italy’s most famous buildings are considered Romanesque. Photo: zevana/Shutterstock

Perhaps the only theme that has remained consistent throughout history is the way the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula have reused structures and materials whenever they can. So it’s not surprising to see medieval churches in Italy built with pre-Christian columns and tiles looted from temples built during the Magna Grecia (the 8th-century period of Greek settlement in southern Italy).

The churches in Italy below each have some defining factor that makes them unique and well-worth a visit, but they’re far from the only strange, unexpected, or interesting churches in Italy. Sometimes, all it takes is an afternoon of wandering around Rome to stumble on a hidden wonder, tucked away in one of the city’s many tight side-streets.

Where to find the most unusual churches in Italy

It’d be hard to fit all of these churches into one trip, though you could do it with enough vacation time. But considering how much there is to see around each church, and the fact that Rome alone could fill an entire vacation, you’ll probably want to add these visits on to trips you already have planned to the regions, instead of cramming them all into one extremely long vacation.

The Cave of the Archangel Saint Michael: Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, Campania

Photo: Francesco Bonino/Shutterstock

Deep in the Alburni mountains in the southern region of Campania is the Cave of Archangel Saint Michael. It’s a Benedictine church dating to the 11th century and built inside a large natural cave. While its roots before being repurposed as a church have been lost to time, archeological evidence suggests that the cave was used at various points throughout human habitation in the Alburni mountains, most likely starting as a temporary shelter before later being used by Greek settlers.

While modifications such as a brick floor and a new altar have been made over the centuries, the cave is still predominantly untouched and still displays natural stalactites.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the public year-round and only reachable by car. It still functions as a church, holding Mass every week.

Sanctuary of Saint Mary of the Island: Tropea, Calabria

Photo: bmszealand/Shutterstock

Tropea is famous throughout Italy for a treasured red onion that only grows there: the Tropean onion. However, perched on a small, rocky promontory along the clear-blue water sits another treasure: the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of the Island.

First founded by monks of Saint Basil and later passed to the Benedictine order under the Norman duke Robert Guiscard, this ancient church retains little of its original structure. Over the centuries, earthquakes destroyed the first iterations of the church. Now, only a few of the original walls remain, visible from inside the church.

A staircase along a sheer cliff face connects the Sanctuary of Saint Mary to the parking lot and beach below.

If you’re planning a visit to this beach town in August, consider timing it with the annual festival of Saint Mary of the Island, held annually mid-August.

Basilica of San Clemente: Rome, Lazio

Photo: Beppe Castro>/Shutterstock

In a city as old as Rome, it’s difficult, if not downright impossible, to avoid building on older structures. And there might not be a better visual representation of this than Rome’s Basilica di San Clemente, one of a few churches in Italy that offers a journey into the past while descending the stairs into the basement levels.

Many historians characterize the Basilica of San Clemente as having three “layers” of Roman history, though evidence remains that there are even older buildings below those.

It started as the home of Titus Flavius Clemens, one of the first Roman senators to convert to Christianity, and was probably used as a secret place of worship for other Christians. Almost a hundred years later, the mansion was converted to a temple dedicated to Mithras, a Roman god and figurehead of a then-contemporary religion at odds with Christianity.

In 313 CE, Pope Siricus commissioned a basilica to be built on the site of the temple to Mithras. The original basilica was destroyed and abandoned during the Norman sacking of Rome about 700 years later. Soon after, Pope Paschal II commissioned and erected a new basilica on the same site in 1108, which is the Basilica of San Clemente that stands there today.

For 10 euros (roughly $11), you can delve into the depths of the church to explore the ruins of the Roman mansion, temple to Mithras, and 10th-century basilica.

The Basilica of Saint Sabina: Rome, Lazio

Photo: nomadFra/Shutterstock

Rome is often referred to as the “City of Churches,” so it’s no surprise that more than a few of the most unique churches in Italy sit within its borders.

The Basilica of Saint Sabina is on Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s seven famous hills perhaps most well-known as the location of the “Aventine Keyhole” (a view of Saint Peter’s Basilica through the keyhole of the residence belonging to the Priory of the Knights of Malta).

Built in 432 CE on the tomb of Saint Sabina, the church was constructed near a previous Temple of Juno, reusing 24 of the columns from that temple in the Basilica of Saint Sabina. While the interior can feel like a bit of a letdown after the opulence of Saint Peter’s Basilica, that’s by design. The Basilica of Saint Sabina is one of the best preserved, albeit heavily restored, examples of early Christian churches, and isn’t meant to be as glitzy as Saint Peter’s, built in the 16th and 17th centuries.

If after walking around, you find yourself tired and unwilling to make the trek back down the hill just yet, you can relax in the adjoining Garden of the Orange Trees and enjoy the view over the city.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia: Codrongianos, Sardinia

Photo: LouieLea/Shutterstock

The island of Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest, is often overlooked as a footnote in history, usually placed in the same sentence as “exiled to.” But before the unification of Italy, Sardinia was one of Italy’s largest territories.

A visit to the Basilica of the Holy Trinity offers views of the isolated and beautiful landscape that characterizes this part of Sardinia. Like many of the churches in Italy on this list, the site of the Church of the Holy Trinity was sacred long before the black-and-white building was erected on the ruins of a previous monastery, likely in the 12th century.

Characterized by its blend of Tuscan and Pisan Romanesque architectural styles, the basilica’s sweeping arches, sturdy pillars, and stripes of black and white look like they’d be more at home across the sea in Tuscany than in Sardinia.

Basilica of Saint Francis: Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

Photo: BGStock72/Shutterstock

For any fans of classical literature, a trip to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Ravenna is a must to pay your respects to Dante Alighieri, buried in the basilica. It was built around 450 CE on the site of an even older church before being demolished and rebuilt between the 9th and 10th centuries CE to expand its size and add a bell tower, at which point it was granted to the Franciscan order.

However, being the resting place of the Supreme Poet isn’t the only thing unique about this church. Ravenna is built on marshland, and the basilica is, too. While the church above is decorated with 14th-century frescoes, the crypt below has flooded several times, and is now home to a goldfish pond and the few errant ducks who have found their way in.

Abbey of Saint Galgano: Tuscany

Photo: Rebius/Shutterstock

As the legend goes, on Christmas Day in 1180, the ruthless knight Galgano Guidotti found himself on a small hill between Chiusdino and Monticiano in the province of Siena. In an attempt to leave his warring ways behind him, Galgano drove his sword into the ground at the top of the hill to transform his sword into a cross of peace. Apparently, he drove the sword into a stone, in a reversal of the classic Arthurian tale.

On that site, around 1220 CE, construction began on a church. Allied with the powerful Republic of Siena, the abbey enjoyed a hundred years of prosperity before an English mercenary raided and looted it, marking the unfortunate beginning of its slow decline. The abbey continued to serve as a hermitage site for anyone willing to make the journey, but the roof collapsed in the 18th century, and without the money to pay for it, the church was deconsecrated, eventually used as a stable.

Today, the church stands hauntingly roofless and windowless in a field in the Tuscan countryside. And for anyone wanting to validate the story of the sword in the stone need only to visit the Rotunda Chapel. It was restored to its original condition in 1924, and currently houses the sword in the stone. Unfortunately, the sword is behind a plastic wall, and unable to be removed by the next ruler of England.

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Video Shows Alaska Tourist Train Headed For a Broken Bridge. Here’s What Really Happened

Saying that social media videos aren’t always trustworthy feels like the biggest no brainer of the century. But in an era of AI, videography tricks, and influencers trying literally anything to garner attention, it bears remembering that when it comes to TikTok, not everything is as it seems. Take this video of a train journey through Skagway, Alaska.

The train is traveling through the scenic countryside by the White Pass & Yukon Railway, showcasing the picturesque landscape surrounding the track. Then, toward the end of the video, the camera pans to a section of collapsed railroad tracks, and the people onboard joke around how they might get across, including the possibility of jumping the gap. Indeed, the video is even captioned, “bridge collapse on scenic train ride in Alaska.” The only problem is, the tracks aren’t the same ones the train is actually on, the train is in no actual danger of running off the rails, and that bridge didn’t spontaneously collapse on video, but has been broken and abandoned for decades.

@nomadicallyryan

♬ Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine

In 1898, the White Pass & Yukon Route began building the first major commercial railroad in Alaska thanks to the Gold Rush. The railroad ran from Skagway to Bennett and Whitehorse, and established Skagway as a main transportation gateway to the interior of northern Canada. It revolutionized the region’s economy, allowing more efficient transport of goods that no longer required people to carry items by hand or on their backs. The railway did, however, fall into disuse decades later and eventually part of it collapsed. It has never been restored.

While it certainly makes for a scenic video, the abandoned railway isn’t in use by any actual trains, making the above video rather misleading. This is apparent from the video below, which shows a different view of the collapsed railroad, which clearly isn’t actually in use or connected to a working track.

@eauxyeah The abandoned railway bridge close to white pass (alaska). #whitepass #alaska #folsomprison #train #scary #summit #skagway #skagwayalask ♬ BioTekal Folsom Prison Blues Wrath of man – Gatsby

While a train leaping over a railroad gap would certainly be exciting, for now, we’ll just have to content ourselves with enjoying the picturesque views of the Alaskan landscape.

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10 Places To Go in 2024 Before They’re on Everyone’s Travel List

10 Places to Go in 2024 Before They’re on Everyone’s Travel List

By: Matador Staff

Photo: DC_Aperture/Shutterstock

Travel came roaring back in 2023, with the World Travel & Tourism Council predicting the travel industry’s economic impact in 2023 to be 95 percent of 2019’s record levels, (and 34 countries to surpassed 2019 levels). Yet with the return of travel came the return of overtourism in many of the most popular places to visit around the world. These 10 destinations are perfect for a 2024 trip and offer some of the same natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure as the places that pop up on your social media feeds over and over.

Contributors: Morgane Croissant, Eben Diskin, Debbie Gonzalez Canada, and Nickolaus Hines.

We hope you love the places 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.

  Vopnafjörður, Iceland

There are parts of Iceland that see a lot of foot traffic. More than 1.5 million travelers spent at least a night on the island country of about 375,000 people in 2022. Yet there are still places that feel off the beaten path. Among them is Vopnafjörður, a town in the northeast of the country.

Vopnafjörður is tiny. Fewer than 700 inhabitants call it home, and most work in agriculture and fishing. But the appeal of the town for visitors has nothing to do with sheep, Arctic char, haddock, or cod – it’s all about the exceptional scenery to enjoy with few, if any, people in your way.

Vopnafjörður’s beauty shows itself as soon as you reach the small regional airport that sits right behind a huge and deserted black-sand beach. You can also see that black-sand beach, the magnificent bay it borders, and the airport strip from the top of the highest mountain in the area. The two hour hike to get there starts in town and is easy, peaceful, and full of interesting birds, flowers, and natural curios like owl pellets, broken eggs, and tiny skeletons of long-gone wildlife.

On your way to or from the airport, make a stop at the 1903 Church of Vopnafjörður (Vopnafjarðarkirkja) located on the main street, Hlíðarvegur. The star-studded ceiling and the cramped attic space where the organ lives are a lovely example of historic Nordic churches.

Vopnafjörður is home to the rectangular, concrete Kolbeinstangi Lighthouse. While not open to visitors, the parts of the road to the lighthouse that you can access is worth following for the cemetery and to take a peek inside the traditional fish-drying hut along the way. If you have a car (or are taking a road trip around the country), take a 10-minute ride to Selárdalslaug, where the swimming pool sits alongside the Selá river and provides great views. Alternatively, you can drive 20 minutes to nearby Hofsárdalur to visit Bustarfell Museum and see the old-fashioned, turf-roofed buildings and way of life that inspired the 1930s novel Independent People by Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness.

Photos: Gestur Gislason/Shutterstock, Gestur Gislason/Shutterstock, Gestur Gislason/Shutterstock, Jaroslav Jaroslavsson/Shutterstock, Gestur Gislason/Shutterstock Teahupo’o, Tahiti

While the majority of the 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris, the surfing competition (the second one in the history of the games) will take place a long way away from the French capital in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, from July 27 to 30.

A small village on the southwest coast, Teahupo’o (pronounced “te-ah-hoop-o”) is one of the greatest surfing spots in the world and has been part of the World Championship Tour for more than 20 years. If you want to learn to surf in Tahiti, Teahupo’o is very much the wrong spot (lessons on the northern coasts of the island are better for that). However, it’s perfect for spotting some of the best in the sport as they ride the massive waves.

In between wave and surfer spotting, there’s plenty to do around Teahupo’o, including taking a guided walking or boating tour of the nearby Vaipoiri Cave. The natural landscape on this part of the island is exceptionally pristine, and you can swim in the cave’s waters. For unbeatable lush views of the island (Tahiti Nui) and its peninsula (Tahiti Iti) from up high, drive inland to hike the moderate difficulty 4.6-mile trail or drive to Taravao lookout. There are picnic tables at the top to take it all in with a snack in hand.

For a stay to remember in Teahupo’o, book the luxurious Vanira Lodge, where you can spend the night in wooden bungalows on stilts, complete with palm-frond roofs. Guests sleep way up in the trees, looking out at the abundant vegetation of Tahiti Iti.

Photos: Coupek Martin/Shutterstock, vladimir3d/Shutterstock, EQRoy/Shutterstock, MAURURU/Shutterstock Faroe Islands

With a population of under 50,000, the Faroe Islands are located between Norway and Iceland. The island chain is a territory of Denmark with its own distinct culture, food, aesthetic, language, traditions, and geography. The 18 rugged rocky islands, linked by ferries and underground tunnels, are defined by dramatic sloping cliffs, waterfalls, and roads with hairpin curves. Despite its natural appeal, visitors from the US remain low primarily due to the time it takes to get there from the States: a few airlines offer connections from Iceland and Copenhagen, though the local airline, Atlantic Airways, tested direct routes from New York in 2023 and plans to do so again in September and October 2024.

The journey to the islands is well worth the effort. The best way to see all that the Faroe Isands have to offer is by road trip — as long as you’re up for a driving adventure. Between navigating narrow roads hugging the seaside and avoiding the sheep that wander onto the road (there are more sheep than people), driving here means being alert at all times. While the capital of Torshavn is the perfect base for exploration, you’ll want to spend most of your time hitting the road. The island of Vagar is a great place to start, home to the iconic sea stacks as well as the Múlafossur waterfall. Spend a few days whipping around the islands of Eysturoy and Streymoy to explore the little fishing villages and dramatic green valleys before taking the ferry to the island of Kalsoy, home to the Kallur Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits atop a steep hill that you can hike for stunning views of the landscape and the tiny town of Trøllanes at its base.

Photos: Dmitry Pistrov/Shutterstock, Dmitry Pistrov/Shutterstock, Smit/Shutterstock, Smit/Shutterstock, Claudio Soldi/Shutterstock Paracas, Peru

Many travelers to Peru stick to archeological sites like Cusco and Machu Picchu — and for good reason. Add in Paracas, a two-hour flight west from Cusco, for a less crowded experience on the Pacific coast that’s filled with local wildlife and geographic wonders.

Islas Ballestas, for example, is home to sea lions, penguins, and a range of sea birds, and it’s much cheaper than visiting the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. While you can’t walk around on the island, you can take a speedboat tour to see all the wildlife highlights. On land, the Paracas National Reserve is an otherworldly landscape with red beaches that you can explore via ATV. If that’s not enough adventure for you, dune buggy rides are also available in Huacachina, an inland desert oasis known for its dunes and lagoon.

Photos: sadman/Shutterstock, Belikova Oksana/Shutterstock, BETO SANTILLAN/Shutterstock, Armando Frazao/Shutterstock, Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Cavtat, Croatia

The southernmost Croatian resort town of Cavtat is perfect for anyone looking to skip the mass of tourists in the country’s more popular cities. Famous for its tree-lined waterfront, pebble beaches, museums, and historic architecture, you could easily base your trip around Cavtat or add on a visit while in Dubrovnik.

Between Žal and Rat beach, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and hitting the clear blue water while staying at the seafront hotels overlooking the beach. Hotel Cavtat, for example, has sunbeds, parasols, and rooftop pools if you feel like taking a dip without venturing too far. For a cultural experience, check out the house of famous turn-of-the-19th-century painter and Cavtat native Vlaho Bukovac. His childhood house is now the site of a museum dedicated to his work, including a variety of frescoes. A trip to Cavtat can be rounded out with city visits to Dubrovnik for the day and cycling trips through the Knovale region’s orchards, vineyards, and olive groves.

Photos: xbrchx/Shutterstock, xbrchx/Shutterstock, Frank Fell Media/Shutterstock Bacalar, Mexico

Bacalar is both the name of a lagoon (or lake, depending on whom you ask) and a Pueblo Mágico located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, that’s sometimes called “the Maldives of Mexico” and the “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” True to the latter nickname, the lagoon is famous for its seven colors, which are mostly shades of turquoise and deep blues and the result of oligotrophic microorganisms living in the water. You can swim, kayak, or go on boat rides on the fresh water from the surrounding cenotes year-round. As a visitor in town, you can walk or bike everywhere, and there are ample options for food, from classic street vendor food like marquesitas and tacos to the more upscale venues by the shore and around the city center.

But Bacalar is changing rapidly. While it still retains its tranquil vibes, those may not last long. The increasing fame of Bacalar, as well as the controversial development of the Tren Maya connecting towns in the Yucatan Peninsula, are allegedly to blame for the rapid transformation never-ending construction. The notion of easier access raises concerns about the health of the lagoon itself as well as what will happen to the quiet and safe town. The microorganisms responsible for the colorful lagoon are highly sensitive to human impacts, and there are unanswered questions about the socio-environmental impact of the train on surrounding ecosystems.

Others say the transformation is for the better. Tourism in Bacalar used to be seasonal, and only the more adventurous type came. Tren Maya is planned to be fully operational by 2024. Until then, getting to Bacalar requires a flight from an airport in a major Mexican city to Chetumal airport, and from there a half-hour taxi. Alternatively, people can take a five to six-hour bus ride from other large cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Merida and Cancun.

If you’re keen on getting to know the quiet, seven-colored version of Bacalar, visit soon and follow the sustainable recommendations from locals, including not wearing any type of sunscreen when entering the waters of the lagoon.

Photos: Anna Ewa Bieniek/Shutterstock, Loes Kieboom/Shutterstock, SlothStock/Shutterstock, Loes Kieboom/Shutterstock Fukuoka, Japan

Travelers looking for a city escape in Japan outside of the bustle of Tokyo should turn their eyes to Fukuoka. Located on the small Japanese island of Kyushu, southwest of Tokyo and Kyoto, Fukuoka is known for its ancient temples, beaches, and 17th-century castle. Despite its population of over 1.5 million, it doesn’t get the same attention from Western tourists as Japan’s more famous cities but should be on the map for anyone who travels for the food.

Fukuoka is known for its street food stalls with small counters, called yatai, that serve food and drinks outdoors from the early morning to late into the night. The Nakasu, Tenjin, and Nagahama areas are home to most of the city’s yatai. Many simple yet delicious meals can be had along the rows of stalls, with dishes such as ramen, sushi, yakitori (skewered chicken), and taiyaki (a fish-shaped waffle often filled with something sweet) among the more common.

To get your bearings in Fukuoka, head to the top of Fukuoka Tower. At 768 feet, it is the tallest seaside tower in Japan, and offers panoramic views of the city, sea, and surrounding mountains. The tower itself is also an impressive sight, with seasonal illuminations often projected onto the facade at night. For a historic site, visit the massive Reclining Buddha statue at Nanzoin Temple. At 134 feet long and 36 feet high, this is one of the largest statues in Japan and arguably the city’s most iconic sight.

Dive even further into the city’s rich history and culture at Fukuoka Castle. Located in the heart of the city in Maizuru Park, the 17th-century castle used to be the largest castle on the island before it was torn down after the Meiji Restoration. Now you can visit its surviving and reconstructed gates and guard towers, as well as part of the original moat system. It’s a stunning juxtaposition of the city’s past and present.

Photos: cowardlion/Shutterstock, kuremo/Shutterstock, masary78/Shutterstock, Sean Pavone/Shutterstock, Dpongvit/Shutterstock Assam, India

Located in northwestern India, the state of Assam is a welcome departure from the busy cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Known for its wildlife, archeological sites, historic temples, and tea plantations, Assam is a great area to see a different side of India — a side replete with natural beauty and rich history rather than crowded streets.

As the birthplace of Assam tea, the state is perhaps best known for its iconic tea gardens. There are many tea estates scattered around the state that you can check out. Monabari Tea Estate, for example, is Assam’s largest, producing tea with floral and earthy notes. Halmari Tea Estate is another popular tea garden and the state’s oldest at over a century old, with its bushes fed by the nearby (and scenic) Brahmaputra River.

Apart from tea, Assam is best known for its wildlife. Kaziranga National Park, a protected area in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, is the best place to go for a comprehensive wildlife experience. It’s home to one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, water buffalo, eastern swamp deer, and sloth bears. Animals find the area so hospitable for the same reason you’ll find it so picturesque: the tall elephant grass, marshland, and lush broadleaf forests, all set against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra river.

Cap off your Assam visit by heading to one of its many temples. The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahat dates back to the eighth century andi is the oldest and most famous in the area, long a pilgrimage site for tantric worshippers and Hindus. You should also check out the temple of Shiva Dol on the banks of the Borpukhuri, in the center of Sivasagar. The 104-foot-tall temple is defined by its massive golden dome, and serves as the site of a huge fair in February and March that attracts pilgrims from all over India.

Photos: NATNN/Shutterstock, Som Moulick/Shutterstock, PRASUN KUMAR CHAKRABORTY/Shutterstock, Mazur Travel/Shutterstock Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, but the Osa Peninsula in the southwest of the country is the perfect pocket of tranquility. Even in a land known for its quiet natural beauty, the peninsula stands out for its stunning biodiversity and cultural immersion.

The peninsula’s true beauty lies on the water. Here, you can see humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, and plenty of whale- and dolphin-watching tours wait to take you up close. The area is famous for the Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve, home to manta rays, mobula rays, white sharks, Moorish idols, sea turtles, moray eels, and pristine reefs. The reserve is perfect for divers, snorkelers, and anyone looking to hone their underwater photography skills.

For land-dwelling wildlife, Corcovado National Park is known for being one of the most biologically diverse places in the country. Home to over 140 mammals — including endangered jaguars, reptiles, monkeys, and snakes — the park has walking trails where you can observe howler and spider monkeys, colorful toucans, hawks, and other birds in their natural habitat.

Costa Rica is famous for its eco-lodges, which are particularly prevalent in this region. Playa Cativo Lodge, surrounded by a private beach on the coastline of Piedras Blancas National Park, is a 1,000-acre property with its own permaculture garden. Aguila de Osa, on the edge of Corcovado National Park’s rainforest, is another eco-lodge that immerses you in nature. Here, you can go horseback riding at sunset, take a night hike to discover the property’s fluorescent frogs, or simply relax with a beautiful hillside view of Drake Bay.

Photos: Malgorzata Drewniak/Shutterstock, Malgorzata Drewniak/Shutterstock, Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock, Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock, SL-Photography/Shutterstock Kerrville, Texas

This small Texas town of about 24,000 people is just an hour north of San Antonio and close to the famous wineries of Texas Hill Country. 2024 is a particularly good year to visit, as Kerrville is directly in the path of the total solar eclipse. The solar eclipse will happen in North America on April 8, 2024, and watching from somewhere along the direct path promises to be a particularly special experience.

While the eclipse alone puts Kerrville on the map for 2024 travel, it’s draws are year-round. The Riverside Nature Center is one of Kerrville’s most distinct offerings. Located in the natural wildlife habitat at the intersection of the Guadalupe River and Town Creek, the center includes several gardens home to over 90 butterfly species, wildflowers, nature walks, and educational areas where you can learn about composting and rainwater harvesting. Louise Hays Park is another peaceful outdoor experience located on the Guadalupe River. You could easily spend a whole day walking the park’s 2.4-mile River Loop trail and exploring the seven-acre Tranquility Island lined with cypress trees in the middle of the river.

Schreiner Mansion is the town’s most recognizable landmark. Originally a two-story home built in the late 1800s, the turreted mansion looks more like a castle. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was designed by architect Alred Giles, who’s responsible for some of the most famous buildings and mansions in central Texas. While you’re on a history kick, check out the Museum of Western Art, which tells the story of the Wild West and the American frontier through the paintings and sculptures of Western artists.

Photos: Akane Brooks/Shutterstock, Martha Marks/Shutterstock, IgorZh/Shutterstock @media(max-width:900px) {.mn-pb__hero-slider-gallery .bx-pager .bx-pager__type { display: none; }}

This Luxury Suitcase Is Made From Airplane-Grade Aluminium

A piece of luggage is much more than a movable container for your stuff, it’s a fashion accessory. And while it’s nothing new (Louis Vuitton’s famous trunks have been going strong since the mid-19th century), beautiful luggage is going through a serious revival and travelers are here for it.

Today, there is luggage for every traveler out there — from SteamLine’s yellow leather hat boxes to Roam’s design-it-yourself colorful cases and everything in between — but if you’re all about understated yet eye-catching slickness and elegance, you won’t find anything better than Sterling Pacific’s offerings. Its aluminum travel cases will turn you into the most stylish traveler in every airport you visit, even if you’re wearing sweats — it’s that powerful.

It’s partly because no other type of suitcases are currently more trendy than aluminum cases. Luxury German brand Rimowa has been making aluminum cases since 1937, but it’s the Aluminum Edition of the New-York-based luggage brand Away, created in 2018, that popularized the style by making metal cases more affordable. (Rimowa’s cheapest aluminum carry-on costs $1,430 while Away costs $625). Sterling Pacific came out with its line of aluminum suitcases in 2021, seemingly late in the game, but it quickly pulled off the difficult feat of distinguishing itself from other brands by focusing on making every piece a functional piece of art. A near-indestructible piece of functional art, to be precise.

Sterling Pacific luggage: the basics

Sterling Pacific only has two different pieces of luggage for sale: the 35L Cabin Travel Case and the 80L Check-in Travel Case. The brand is hyper focused on these two cases, striving to make every single piece they produce absolutely perfect. And they are succeeding.

The specs

Sterling Pacific’s 80L Check-in Travel Case:

Dimensions in inches: 33 x 20 x 9Volume in liters: 80Weigh in pounds: 16.5Price in USD: $1,995

Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case:

Dimensions in inches: 22.5 x 14 x 8.5Volume in liters: 35Weigh in pounds: 11.5Price in USD: $1,495

I have tested Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case on five different flights, and despite being described as the “maximum allowable carry-on size on major American airlines” on the brand’s website, I can attest that it fits in the overhead bin compartments of international aircrafts, even European ones.

The exterior appearance

Where Rimowa and Away’s luggage are a lustreless silver color, Sterling Pacific’s has a beautiful highly polished finish that you expect from high-end metal objects. If you’re going to buy an expensive aluminum suitcase, you don’t want a dull one; you want one that will catch the eye of other travelers for all the right reasons, and Sterling Pacific certainly delivers.

Photo: Jesse Adams

The shape of Sterling Pacific’s cases is also different from what other brands offer. While Rimowa and Away’s cases have more curvy, squat, and chunky appearances, Sterling Pacific’s are slimmer and have sharper angles, making for a more elegant style.

Photo: Jesse Adams

Sterling Pacific’s cases have a more pared-back look than its competitors’ cases with fewer grooves and a stronger focus on visible quality and durability with polished rivets and shiny reinforced corners. The brand and the logo are visible on the front of the case, but it’s all very subtle, taking nothing away from the overall minimalist appearance.

The top and side handles, as well as the trolley handle, are made from extremely durable, yet soft, Italian leather — another distinguishing characteristic that allows the brand to stand out from the competition.

The only issue with having a suitcase that looks so beautiful and slick is that you absolutely don’t want to get it gate-checked and possibly damaged. (Although, the aluminum is such high quality that it would have to be violently thrown around to get dinged.)

The interior appearance

What makes Sterling Pacific’s slim look possible is the fact that only one side of the case is made for storing your belongings, while the other side acts as a sort of lid. It’s a change from what travelers are used to, but it does not impact the case’s capacity. You can carry just as much in Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case as in Rimowa’s Original or Classic Cabin case or Away’s Carry-On. This style of case is a nod to retro suitcases and means that the lid always stands upright when the case is open.

Photo: Jesse Adams

Inside, the lid of the case houses a small mesh compartment for small items, while the larger storing section has criss-cross straps with shiny buckles to hold your belongings in place.

Photo: Jesse Adams

The lining of the case is brown, matching the color of the aforementioned leather handles, making the entire presentation very coherent.

Branding is a significant part of Sterling Pacific’s aesthetics and you’ll find the brand’s name and logo in leather inside the lid of the case, as well as on the buckles of the criss-cross straps.

Sterling Pacific luggage: The stand-out features

Impeccable appearance aside, Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case is also a solid and practical piece of luggage. The two large recessed wheels run extremely smoothly, even as I pulled the case over the uneven cobblestoned streets of Rome. I was not worried about damaging the luggage and I never had to carry it with the handle to make things easier. Another exceptional feature is the trolley handle made of solid aluminum and retractable thanks to a button. Just like the wheels, using the trolley is an effortless process — the trolley handle goes up and down smoothly and without a snag.

Photo: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse Adams

Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case is undeniably sturdy and made with durability in mind. The case is constructed with corrosion-resistant and extremely strong aluminum used in the aviation industry, stainless steel rivets, and the corners are reinforced with more high-quality aluminum. While this won’t protect it from dents and scuffs when thrown around by airport belts and baggage handlers, it promises to last.

Sterling Pacific luggage: What could be improved upon

While it’s hard to find anything wrong with this first-rate piece of luggage (besides the hefty price tag), there’s one thing that could be improved upon: the wheels. While they run without a hitch, having two recessed wheels means that you always have to pull the case behind you. Four independent swiveling wheels is a more standard design nowadays and it’s one that would improve the ease of use of this particular piece of luggage, allowing travelers to push the case alongside them when needed. Such a change would, of course, impact the overall appearance and the size of the luggage, however.

More like thisTravelThe Best Large Hardshell Luggage Options for Your Active Travel Lifestyle

The Most Convenient Hotels To Experience Manchester, England

Manchester is located in the northwest region of England. This city has a storied history of originally being known as a hub for industrial manufacturing — but today has transformed into a trendy spot boasting spirited energy, soccer fever, tasty food, a vibrant music scene, and interesting cultural offerings.

Traveling to the United Kingdom? Check out Matador’s UK accommodations guides: The Best Airbnbs in Manchester, From a Luxury Yacht To a Renovated Bank Vault 23 Airbnbs in London’s Trendiest Neighborhoods Top 13 Airbnbs for Exploring the Whole of Scotland The 8 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Close To the Must-See Sights The Top Glasgow Airbnbs Across the City’s Coolest Neighborhoods

We hope you love these Manchester hotels! 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.

Native ManchesterPhoto: Native ManchesterPhoto: Native ManchesterPhoto: Native ManchesterPhoto: Native Manchester

 

See more photosAddress: 51 Ducie Street, Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2TP, United KingdomRates from: $147

This modern, 162-room property is set in the heart of the city in Ducie Street Warehouse, just steps from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station. It’s a historic spot that was said to have originally stored cotton bales. Today, traditional preserved elements of the property include the wide columns, blue wrought-iron girders and brick barreled ceilings.

From studios with plenty of natural light to spacious two-bedroom duplex Penthouse spaces, there are a variety of room types that each come with its own fully equipped kitchen, living room, comfortable beds, and high loft-style ceilings with exposed beams. The high floors feature terraces with impressive views of the city.

On-site, guests can enjoy access to a lounge, restaurant, bar, all-day deli counter, cinema, outdoor terrace, and fitness classes.

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The MidlandPhoto: The Midland HotelPhoto: The Midland HotelPhoto: The Midland HotelPhoto: The Midland Hotel

 

See more photosAddress: 16 Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS, United KingdomRates from: $132 per night

This award-winning, 4-star luxury hotel is located in the city center — and features a spa, stylish, air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. The property is less than half a mile from attractions like Bridgewater Hall, the Palace Theater, Manchester Central Exhibition and Conference Center, and many of the city’s shops.

Dine at the on-site fine dining experience, The French, which has won 4 AA Rosettes. Or, for a more laid-back dining experience, check out Mount Street Dining Room and Bar which offers a modern take on British classics focusing on using local and fresh ingredients. There’s also traditional afternoon tea at the Tea Room.

Book a treatment at The Rena Spa and use the pool and special thermal areas like the aromatherapy steam room, Alder-Wood sauna and Arctic rain shower.

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The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection HotelPhoto: The Edwardian ManchesterPhoto: The Edwardian ManchesterPhoto: The Edwardian ManchesterPhoto: The Edwardian Manchester

 

See more photosAddress: Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP, United KingdomRates from: $172 per night

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel, is located in the city’s Free Trade Hall, next to the Central Convention Center. The hotel is just a few minutes from the Manchester Art Gallery, the Central Library and Deansgate. Guests can enjoy the on-site spa, a restaurant, and bar.

Each room features upscale amenities like comfortable down pillows, Italian marble bathrooms a flat-screen TV, and nice a city view. Some rooms feature an outdoor terrace, too.

Grab a cocktail at The Library, helmed by a team of mixologists representing some of the most popular books within the famed Assouline range. There’s also an impeccable “Afternoon Tea” session.

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INNSiDE by Meliá ManchesterPhoto: INNSiDE ManchesterPhoto: INNSiDE ManchesterPhoto: INNSiDE ManchesterPhoto: INNSiDE Manchester

 

See more photosAddress: 1 First Street, Manchester, M15 4RP, United KingdomRates from: $95 per night

INNSiDE Manchester by Melia is situated in the city center, within 5 minutes’ walking distance of the train stations at Deansgate and Oxford Road. It’s also within a mile of attractions like the Science and Industry Museum, the Manchester Opera House, and the city’s cathedral.

This hotel offers modern décor, impressive architecture, a lively atmosphere, and vibrant colors. Guest rooms feature contemporary touches including technology like flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Rooms feature a simple design, with large open spaces to work and relax.

Guests on-site can enjoy a 24-hour gym, sauna, and a restaurant and bar. The on-site restaurant has a variety of dishes, including traditional Spanish foods and Mediterranean cuisine.

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Motel One Manchester-PiccadillyPhoto: Motel One Manchester-PiccadillyPhoto: Motel One Manchester-PiccadillyPhoto: Motel One Manchester-PiccadillyPhoto: Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly

 

See more photosAddress: 34 London Road, Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2PF, United KingdomRates from: $78 per night

Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly is just 5 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly train station, offering an accessible and central-city location. Employees are friendly and welcoming, and rooms are simple, with white walls, enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, and splashes of color.

Bright and modern amenities include rooms that feature amenities like an en-suite shower, a flat-screen TV and a portable desk. Coffee-making amenities are nestled away in the rooms — and the private bathroom feature walk-in showers, and stylish toiletries.

Guests should be sure to pay attention to the decor at the property including the ‘Madchester’/Britpop-themed lounge — including the disco ball hanging from the ceiling and guitars on shelves.

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Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre, an IHG HotelPhoto: Crowne Plaza Manchester City CentrePhoto: Crowne Plaza Manchester City CentrePhoto: Crowne Plaza Manchester City CentrePhoto: Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre

 

See more photosAddress: 70 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 4AF, United KingdomRates from: $117 per night

Featuring 228 rooms, this property is located in the spirited Northern Quarter of Manchester’s city center. The property includes easy access to numerous trendy restaurants and bars in the Northern Quarter and is just a few minutes from major Manchester city center attractions like the Manchester Arena, the Printworks, the Arndale Center, the National Football Museum, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges — and more.

Dine at the Glasshouse Restaurant and Bar, which offers cocktails and modern cuisine — from tasty seafood to steak. Relax in single and double rooms that host comfortable beds and the hotel’s signature “Sleep Advantage” aromatherapy kits and enjoy amenities like free WiFi, a dedicated work area, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, and a modern private bathroom with a separate shower and bath.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester PiccadillyPhoto: DoubleTree by HiltonPhoto: DoubleTree by HiltonPhoto: DoubleTree by HiltonPhoto: DoubleTree by Hilton

 

See more photosAddress: One Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3DG, United KingdomRates from: $120 per night

This hotel is around the corner from Manchester Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens, surrounded by restaurants and an abundance of nightlife — including Market Street and the city centre. And of course, since it’s DoubleTree, every visit begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie.

Guests can spend time on the relaxing outdoor terrace, dining at the on-site restaurant, or diving into a well-made craft drink at the bar. There’s also a fitness center, concierge services, and free WiFi for guests.

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The Townhouse ManchesterPhoto: Townhouse HotelPhoto: Townhouse HotelPhoto: Townhouse HotelPhoto: Townhouse Hotel

 

See more photosAddress: 101 Portland St, Manchester M1 6DF, United KingdomRates from: $88 per night

This 85-room property is set in the heart of Manchester, and its history dates back to the Industrial Revolution. The Oxford Road Rail Station is just a 5-minute walk away, and attractions like the Manchester Art Gallery and The Palace Theater are also less in less than 5 minutes’ walk, away. This property is set in a historic 19th-century boutique building with trendy, updated and upscale rooms.

Dine at 101 Brasserie, which serves dishes in a stylish setting. The 101 Bar serves a variety of creative drinks. Rooms are outfitted with technology like a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Rooms are stacked with luxurious linens, private en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making equipment – and some feature city views.

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Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, an IHG HotelPhoto: Hotel Indigo ManchesterPhoto: Hotel Indigo ManchesterPhoto: Hotel Indigo ManchesterPhoto: Hotel Indigo Manchester

 

See more photosAddress: Todd Street, Manchester, M3 1NZ, United KingdomRates from: $131 per night

This property and its 187 rooms are located next to Manchester Victoria station, close to attractions like Manchester Arena. It’s at the gateway to the Northern Quarter, which feels relaxed, artsy, and Bohemian

Guest rooms are outfitted with amenities like a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a tea kettle and a work space with a desk as well as a private bathroom. Work at the property’s business center, or work out at the 24-hour fitness center. Spend time at the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar, or relax in the guest lounge. There’s also a full English breakfast offered each morning and an afternoon tea hosted in the afternoons, in the coffee-tea lounge.

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What hotels are at Manchester airport?

There are three Manchester Airport hotels on-site — The DoubleTree by Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Clayton Hotel.

DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester AirportLocation: The hotel is located adjacent to the north side of Manchester Airport, making it convenient for travelers.Amenities: DoubleTree by Hilton offers modern and comfortable accommodations with amenities such as a fitness center, on-site dining options, meeting facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.Rooms: The hotel provides a range of room options, including standard rooms and suites, with contemporary furnishings and amenities.

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Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester AirportLocation: Situated adjacent to the west side of the airport, Radisson Blu is a stylish and contemporary hotel.Amenities: The hotel features amenities like free high-speed internet, a fitness center, on-site dining, and conference facilities.Rooms: Radisson Blu offers well-appointed rooms and suites with modern design and comfortable furnishings.

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Clayton Hotel Manchester AirportLocation: This hotel is conveniently located on the south side of Manchester Airport.Amenities: Clayton Hotel provides various amenities such as a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, conference facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.Rooms: The hotel offers a variety of room options, including standard rooms and executive suites, with contemporary decor and essential amenities.

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This Hotel in Italy Has a Room With an Underground Cave Pool

Located in the heart of Lecce, in southeastern Italy, the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel offers a blend of history, luxury, and Italian charm. This romantic 4-star boutique hotel is renowned for its distinctive rooms and suites, particularly the Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite, which comes equipped with its very own grotto pool.

We hope you love the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel! 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.

@epic.stays This is the Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite atPollicastro Boutique Hotel in #Italy @Terplanet #cavehotel #uniquehotels #italytravel #traveltiktok ♬ Radio – Lana Del Rey

Indeed, the Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite is more than just a room — it’s an experience. With features like a shower carved into the rock and a relaxation area, this suite provides a serene and luxurious retreat. The bed sits underneath a classic 16th century “lunette” ceiling, which creates a surreal interplay of lights and shadows. Its design is a perfect marriage of traditional Italian architecture and modern amenities.

But the allure of the Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite goes beyond its stunning interiors. What sets it apart is the underground cave pool — a feature that adds a touch of mystique and romance to your stay. Downstairs, you’ll have a private bathroom where water cascades into an underground pool.

Eating here is also a great way to immerse yourself in Italian culture. The hotel’s on-site restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy, particularly those of the Puglia region, and the wine list features selections from some of Italy’s finest vineyards. Every dish is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh and authentic flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the elegantly designed dining room or savoring a romantic dinner under the stars on the patio, each meal is a journey into Italian cuisine.

Staying at the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel also means being just a short walk away from some of Lecce’s most iconic attractions. From the Piazza Mazzini to the Faggiano Museum, guests can easily explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Plus, the hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for further adventures in Italy’s Puglia region.

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Where To Play, Eat, and Stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

South Florida’s Gold Coast is renowned for its blue skies, pristine beaches, and ritzy lifestyle. Anchored by Miami to the south and Palm Beach to the north, this stretch of Atlantic coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Smack dab in the middle of the Gold Coast is Fort Lauderdale. The tropical metropolis is sometimes overlooked for its glitzier neighbors when it comes to vacation locales — the city was once best known as the capital of spring break pilgrimages and, in more recent years, as a popular cruise ship port — but thanks to recent development, a thriving arts and culture community, an evolving culinary scene, and its laid-back vibe, Fort Lauderdale is now one of the state’s must-visit destinations.

With average winter temperatures ranging between 64 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, Fort Lauderdale’s seven miles of balmy beaches (and 24 miles for the entire Greater Fort Lauderdale area) offer a great escape from the winter cold. Whether you’re looking for a classic sand, sun, and sea holiday; family-friendly fun; or some of Florida’s best dining, these are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

Things to do in Fort LauderdaleSee the city by Segway

Photo: Segway Fort Lauderdale

Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for its sandy beaches. But head away from the beach, and you’ll find that the city offers tree-lined neighborhoods full of eye-catching architecture, a bustling downtown, and verdant parks. You can see all this and more on a Segway Fort Lauderdale tour. Several options are available, but the most popular is the four-mile, one-hour Yacht & Mansion tour, which includes plenty of stops for selfies and opportunities to learn about the sites. No previous skills are required; you’ll receive one-on-one training from your guide and have time to practice before hitting the streets.

Take a ride on a Water Taxi

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers 300 miles of navigable waterways. For an intimate look at the canal system that crisscrosses the city — and the multimillion-dollar homes and megayachts that line its shores — hop aboard a Water Taxi. For just $35, you’ll get unlimited rides for one day. Start your day at the historic Stranahan House and head north for an afternoon of shopping at the Galleria Mall or south to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood. The free water trolley takes passengers farther inland where they can enjoy lunch and a sightseeing stroll along the Las Olas Riverwalk.

Cruise on a Jungle Queen Riverboat

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

For another way to experience the city’s waterways, the Jungle Queen is a re-creation of a classic riverboat that offers sightseeing and dinner cruises along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Playing to the tourist crowd, the Jungle Queen’s captain makes sure to point out the opulent mansions of celebrities, rock stars, and corporate elite that line Millionaire’s Row while offering stories about the city’s history and its people. A full bar with snacks is available for both cruise options, while dinner is an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast, followed by a live variety show, on the Jungle Queen’s private island.

Stroll the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

Fort Lauderdale may be famous for its miles of pristine beaches, but head west, and you’ll find that a lot of the action now happens along the riverfront. Also known as the Las Olas Riverwalk, this green promenade spans about a mile on both banks of the New River, from the Stranahan House Museum to the William H. Marshall Bridge. Walk, bike or skate along the scenic winding pathways, which are lined with shops, eateries, parks, and memorials. Relax on a public bench or restaurant patio and watch boats traversing the water or locals walking their dogs.

Stop by the Stranahan House Museum

Photo: Visit Lauderdale

Built in 1901 by Fort Lauderdale’s founding father, Frank Stranahan, the Stranahan House Museum is the oldest existing structure in all of Broward County. It initially served as a trading post for settlers and the Seminole Indians, but in 1906, it was renovated into a residence for Stranahan and his wife, Ivy. Today, the green-and-white wood-frame structure has been restored to what it looked like in 1915. Admission is by ticketed guided tour only. Show your water taxi ticket for a discounted tour.

Visit the NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale

Photo: Visit Lauderdalle

Located on Los Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s arts and entertainment district, this 83,000-square-foot modernist building has more than 25,000 square feet of exhibit space. It houses world-class collections of American and European modern and contemporary art, as well as Picasso ceramics, Latin American and Cuban art, and the country’s largest holdings of avant-garde CoBrA artists. The NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is also one of the few museums in Florida to put on fashion exhibitions.

Where to eat and drink in Fort LauderdaleSistrunk Marketplace & Brewery

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

If you’re traveling with a large group, or simply just like sampling a variety of dishes, then the Sistrunk Marketplace is for you. Located about two miles from the beach, the food hall features 10 different locally owned restaurants, ranging from Mexican, Korean, and Southern cuisine to pasta and pizza. There’s also a butcher, an oyster bar, a distillery, and a brewery. Order what you want at each food counter and then find a seat at one of the long communal-style tables. Whether it’s street tacos from Hot Lime, BBQ chicken fries from Chop Shoppe, or bruschetta and fresh pasta from Mari’s Kitchen, you’ll find something for every member of your family.

Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery: 115 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Louis Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Photo: Visit Lauderdale

From the decor — tin ceilings with rustic wood beams, tufted leather booths, exposed brick walls, and an expansive zinc-topped bar — to foods ranging from handmade salumi and pastas to wood-grilled meats, this lively downtown Italian restaurant gives off old-school vibes. The best seats in the house aren’t inside but out back in the garden-like courtyard. A fanciful vine-covered wrought-iron gazebo anchors the open-air space, which features brick pathways, fire pits, and a bocce court. Start with a salumi and cheese plate. The pastas are tender and the sauces savory, while the Neapolitan-style pizzas are topped with farm-fresh ingredients.

Louis Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria: 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

El Vez

Credit: STARR Restaurants

James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr brings Mexican classics to the South Florida beach. Located on the first floor of the W Fort Lauderdale, this outpost of Starr’s beloved Philly eatery offers an ideal respite from the sun and sand. Escape the heat and humidity in the 300-seat dining room, or enjoy the ocean views from the wide-open patio while you’re sipping an ice-cold margarita. The menu features plenty of light bites that won’t weigh you down, from guacamoles and ceviches to a variety of tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options.

El Vez: 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Milk Money Bar & Kitchen

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

Equal parts casual breakfast spot and chic cocktail lounge, this cozy neighborhood eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The main dining room showcases concrete floors, wood tables with industrial metal chairs, a vibrant psychedelic mural that wraps around the large front windows and entrance, and a walk-up coffee counter. An adjacent wood-paneled alcove is filled with tufted black leather booth seating. The lounge, with its large U-shaped bar, overlooks an intimate outdoor patio. Start your day with breakfast standouts such as the challah French toast with lemon ricotta cream cheese filling and berry compote; the huevos rancheros, a deconstructed take on a Mexican favorite with thick slices of pork chorizo; and the shakshuka, which comes in both vegan and non-vegan options.

Milk Money Bar & Kitchen: 815 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Olive & Sea

Photo: Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale + Will Pryce

One of Fort Lauderdale’s newest dining establishments, this fashionable rooftop restaurant at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel, located minutes from the Port Everglades cruise terminals and overlooking the famous 17th Causeway Bridge, opened in early August. The menu is Mediterranean-focused and features locally sourced seafood. Start with a traditional mezze appetizer that includes hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, and tzatziki along with housemade breads. Skewers of swordfish, filet, chicken, or meatballs are customer favorites. The food is complemented by a creative craft cocktail program that infuses drinks with spices, herbs, and citrus.

Olive & Sea: 1881 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

The House on the River

Photo: Visit Lauderdale

Opened in May 2023, this upscale modern American restaurant resides in the second oldest building in Fort Lauderdale. The charming 19th-century house on the shores of the New River maintains its homey feel, with multiple Instagram-worthy dining rooms. It’s also purported to be haunted. But there’s nothing scary about the food. The roasted carrots with honey whipped ricotta melt in your mouth, while the burrata caprese toast is topped with fresh prosciutto, bite-size cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Main dishes are mostly seafood or beef. The whole bronzini glistens with capers, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil, and the fork-tender Chianti-braised short rib sits on a mountain of garlic whipped potatoes.

The House on the River: 301 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale



We hope you love these Fort Lauderdale accommodations! 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.

There are more than 500 hotels in Fort Lauderdale, ranging from budget stays near the airport to AAA Five Diamond beachfront accommodations. In fact, State Road A1A, or “The Strip,” which runs along the Atlantic Ocean, is lined with large resort hotels. The W Fort Lauderdale is ideally situated at the corner of Bayshore Drive and North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. It offers easy walkability to the bars and shops on the southern end of The Strip, and Las Olas Boulevard is just a five-minute ride away, but it also provides privacy and quiet.

The hotel features 517 rooms, all with ocean or Intracoastal views, ranging from 363-square-foot standard king or double queen rooms to the 2,600-square-foot Extreme Wow penthouse suite that Lady Gaga stayed in. The property also includes a luxurious spa, rooftop pool, and numerous dining options.

How to get to and around Fort Lauderdale

Photo: Yingna Cai/Shutterstock

Traditionally, the most convenient way to get to Fort Lauderdale has been to fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the beach and less than 10 minutes from the Port Everglades cruise terminals. However, the Brightline passenger rail, which now extends from Miami to Orlando, makes it easier for travelers to select a different and possibly cheaper airport or start their vacation in other areas of the state, such as Disney World, before hopping the train to Fort Lauderdale.

Once in town, you don’t need a car. From the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel — formerly the famous Yankee Clipper — on the southernmost end of the barrier island to the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, one of the few hotels right on the beach, Fort Lauderdale is a great walking destination. Plus, the Water Taxi or ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft can easily get you to all of the major attractions.

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