Matador Network's Blog, page 24
June 30, 2025
Planning a Dude Ranch Vacation? Big Data Says These Are the Best in the US.
Thanks to a wealth of information online, you can find pretty much all the details you need about any type of hotel with a quick search. And a new study applies that big data to one of the most niche types of hotel: dude ranches.
A dude ranch isn’t just a rustic hotel in the West. Technically, a dude ranch is a working ranch (usually meaning it has animals and grows crops on the property) that welcomes visitors. Back in the day, people who lived in cities and wanted to feel like cowboys were called “dudes,” and ranches started catering to them by offering Wild West-style activities, rustic accommodations, and chances to participate in cowboy activities like cattle drives and cookouts. Today, ranches have become more luxurious, but the principle is still the same: give people who live in more urban environments the chance to live a more outdoorsy, nature-focused life for a few days.
The Holafly dude ranch index ranked all 91 of the ranches represented in the Dude Ranchers’ Association’s official list of guest ranches, and came up with a list of the top 50. To rank them, it used data-driven methodology that evaluated everything from guest reviews to cost and airport access. Each ranch was scored across eight weighted categories: proximity to both regional and international airports, the number of horseback and non-horseback activities offered, the volume of on-site amenities and special events, the variety of dining options, its TripAdvisor review rating, and the average cost per night during July (generally the priciest month at dude ranches).
Each metric was normalized to a 100-point scale, with higher values indicating better performance (except for price, where lower cost contributed to a higher score). The final score for each ranch is the average of all those individual factors.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch (@sylvandaleranch)
According to the data collected, the top dude ranch is Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado, with a score of 71.2. With a modest nightly rate of $391, a near-perfect 4.9 TripAdvisor rating, and access to both regional and international airports, it ranked consistently well across nearly all categories. Following closely were Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana with a score of 70.7, and White Stallion Ranch in Arizona with 69.2. Both have easy access, a robst menu of amenities, and constantly high guest ratings. Alisal Ranch in California and Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona round out the top five. While luxury-focused Alisal Ranch is one of the priciest properties on the list ($1,108 per night), Tanque Verde Ranch is one of the most affordable in the top tier, at $375 per night.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tucson, Arizona Dude Ranch (@tanqueverderanch)
Among the top 20 ranches, the most affordable and most expensive were sorted by their least-expensive nightly rate in July, inclusive of taxes and fees.
The most affordable are:
The most expensive are:
Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado: $1,141 per night, ranked #11 overallAlisal Ranch in California: $1,108 per night, ranked #4 overall C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado: $1,011 per night, ranked #17 overall Why is cowboy culture thriving?View this post on InstagramA post shared by Yellowstone (@yellowstone)
Cowboy culture seems to be growing as a popular US travel trend, driven partially by the post-COVID desire to escape urban centers, be more connected to nature, and live a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle. For many, COVID highlighted the downsides of crowded cities, from lockdowns and overwhelmed infrastructure to mental health strains tied to indoor isolation. It made open landscapes, fresh air, and the physical activity of ranch life look pretty appealing. Dude ranches are usually in remote places with relatively small numbers of guests, and rates nearly always include access to a full range of on-site or nearby outdoor activities.
Western living is also having a moment in pop culture. TV shows like Yellowstone and its spin-offs have brought everything from boots to wide-brimmed hats and rawhide decor into mainstream style. And for better or worse, the values cowboy culture symbolizes, like resiliency, autonomy, and connecting to the land, have become more culturally embraced. Experiences like horseback riding, cattle drives, and sleeping under the stars can be a chance for people to experience living in the moment and connecting with their surroundings in a new way. 
Nomad Artist Explores the Meaning of Home Through a London Exhibition
For location-independent creatives like the British artist Molly Maine, the concept of home is a curious topic – and one that influenced her first solo art exhibition.
“In the nine years I have been a digital nomad, there has always been the underlying question of what is home? It’s something I have pondered for years,” the London-born designer tells Matador.
Since 2016, Maine has been slow-traveling her way around the globe, creating illustration commissions on the go and finding inspiration (and community) in unexpected places. Mexico City, Lisbon, Madeira, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, and Georgetown are some of the places Maine has considered “home” for extended periods. Laptop-free adventures have seen her circuit Sri Lanka by motorcycle and attend yoga retreats in Rishikesh – but you’ll never catch this wayfaring illustrator without her sketchbook and clutch of black ink pens.
Now closing in on the 10th anniversary of managing her remote design studio from coworking spaces, the artist behind Molly Maine Creative returns to the city many might deem her “real home” to oversee her milestone. Which, as fate would have it, came about when revisiting the country where she had her first taste of living overseas.
Nomad: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan
Courtesy Molly Maine
“As an artist, a solo exhibition is something I’ve wanted my whole life,” shares Maine, who studied at Japan’s Nagoya University of Art for one year as part of her bachelor’s degree. Nomad: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan brings together the voices of local communities and remote workers in the island nation. “I always knew if I was going to have an exhibition, I’d want it to be about something meaningful – a body of work that I felt proud of and that had a story to tell.”
Nomad came about as a result of Maine’s attendance at the annual Colive Fukuoka conference, where she was invited as a keynote speaker. Following this, she took up an artist residency in Kanazawa – Japan’s art and design nucleus with a legacy for gold leaf craftsmanship. As part of this initiative, Maine spent time in Noto meeting people who fled their houses during the devastating earthquake that struck the peninsula on January 1, 2024.
“It was then that the seed of an idea started to grow into a project,” explains Maine.
Casual interactions with people on the ground about the meaning of home developed into the artist conducting interviews with Noto evacuees. In tandem, she spoke with Japanese residents who had moved away from their birthplace and foreigners who had snapped up the country’s digital nomad visa. These discussions informed the artwork Maine created for Nomad, with pieces weaving together common themes.
“Both groups had no fixed base: one out of choice, the other not,” says Maine, referencing the earthquake evacuees and the digital nomads.
This kindled exchanges about what defines home and the sense of belonging.
“Rather than expressing grief, the people I interviewed from Noto spoke of gratitude towards those who helped them, welcomed them, and offered gestures of kindness,” she continues.
This is something any traveler or digital nomad can relate to.
Finding community as a digital nomad
Courtesy Molly Maine
Chewing over which destinations she’s felt most at home in and would recommend to fellow and aspiring digital nomads, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Hoi An, Vietnam, are Maine’s standouts.
“If you’re a new digital nomad, Chiang Mai is a ready-made community where remote workers are welcomed without any animosity,” she says, reflecting on her experiences in the mountain city as a bootstrapping freelancer and, later, a seasoned nomad crafting graphics for Sky News, Lush Cosmetics, and Penguin Random House.
Maine had a similar experience in Vietnam’s seaside resort of Hoi An with its picturesque Old Town and coworking spaces nestled amid the rice fields. “Vietnam retains its culture,” muses Maine, favoring locations where there is less of a divide between local residents and foreigners.
Mindful of spending responsibly and contributing positively to her host community, Maine rents locally and supports businesses with ethical credentials. She recommends volunteering initiatives like beach cleanups as a means of giving back – it’s also a great way to mingle with a mix of local residents and foreigners. An advocate for coworking spaces (and a regular face at whatever her closest independent coffee shop happens to be), it wasn’t until the pandemic that the designer developed a routine for working from home. Perhaps it’s Maine’s habit of integrating herself that paved the way for her to be invited to speak at one of Asia’s largest digital nomad events and set the wheels in motion for Nomad.
Creating art and building a business on the go
Courtesy Molly Maine
Much like the experience of visiting Japan, Maine’s artistic style fuses tradition with innovation. Once devoted to drawing everything by hand, her traveling arsenal included a medley of pens, paints, sketchbooks, and art tools (she even mulled over a portable scanner). It wasn’t exactly nomad-friendly for this minimalist, so Maine sought a solution.
“I still travel with one sketchbook and I am addicted to black ink pens,” confesses Maine, who now predominantly works with Procreate on her iPad. Nine out of 10 times, the explorer travels exclusively with a carry-on bag. A preference for hot-climate countries streamlines packing and Maine cites practical items such as US dollars, copies of her spectacle prescription, and a well-used bug catcher as her necessities. A 25-strong collection of black ink pens is her luxury item.
This no-frills mindset also sees the artist discard her sketchbook without a second glance once full. “For me, sketching is about the process, not the result,” she clarifies.
Having photographed any roughs with potential, the nomadic artist moves on: looking ahead to her next destination, her next commission, fresh stories.
“I love how sketching makes me feel: relaxed, present, and connected to whatever it is I’m drawing,” she summarises, relating her practice to the Morning Pages technique outlined by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way.
Maine commits to this journaling habit on weekday mornings and applies the same sentiment to drawing, seeing it as a meditation and a means of letting things go.
Collaborations as a digital nomad
Courtesy Molly Maine
Not only is Maine the curator and artist behind Nomad but she’s also the event manager, the accountant, and the publicist. She sourced sponsorship through researching brands she thought might be interested and reaching out with an outline of her intentions. “As a solopreneur, I’ve managed this entire project myself,” the nomadic businesswoman says. “But, although Nomad is a solo exhibition of my work, it’s the collaborations with others that made it happen.”
Besides a generous artist grant from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Maine gained support from two London-based Japanese brands for the private viewing: sushi restaurant Ikkan and brewery company Kirin Ichiban. Following on from her appearance at Colive Fukuoka, the month-long retreat is backing the London exhibition and will bring it to Japan in fall 2025.
“As a digital nomad, you often sit staring at your screen and working alone – if you’re not careful, it can be a lonely existence,” warns Maine. “Going out and forging friendships and partnerships is what makes the experience fun and nourishing.” This also extends to digital connections.
As a result of the conference and residency, Maine connected with Yu Yamagishi, an artist who lost her home and studio to the Noto earthquake. Using video calls, messenger services, and translation apps, the artists were able to collaborate on a piece for Nomad – marrying Maine’s bold illustrations and Yamagishi’s signature gold leaf technique. “It was a digital collaboration that now exists in real life,” she explains, who will host a digital exhibition on Molly Maine Illustration for those who cannot travel to London from Japan.
Where is home for this nomad?
Courtesy Molly Maine
As for where Maine considers home, she’s still searching.
“Home is a feeling and not a fixed place,” she answers quickly, mirroring the responses collated for Nomad. “Not one person said that home was one specific brick-and-mortar place. It was something hard to articulate, but interestingly, they were all trying to describe a feeling,” she concludes.
Is finding “home” Maine’s motivation for exploring? No. “I travel to see the world,” affirms the artist, acknowledging her privilege and voicing her passion for connecting with people from different backgrounds. “Seeing life from the perspective of others is what’s valuable to me; realising that everyone does things differently, yet we share so much in common.”
Nomad: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan will be exhibited at 67 York Street Gallery in London, United Kingdom, between July 4-13, 2025. Admission is free; limited edition artwork is available for purchase. Colive Fukuoka will exhibit Nomad at lyf Tenjin in Fukuoka, Japan, between October 1-31 before it travels to Tokyo in November. A portion of the profits will be donated to Ishikawa Prefectural Community Chest (Red Feather, CCCJ) in support of recovery efforts in Noto.
From Jungle to Sea, These 2 Belize Resorts Deliver Eco-Friendly Adventure
I’m snorkeling just 15 yards offshore from South Water Caye, a spit of an island off southern Belize shores, when I lock eyes with a three-foot-long, nut-brown nurse shark hovering 10 feet away.
Harmless to humans, nurse sharks are often called the “puppy dogs” of the sea. These gentle bottom-feeders use small teeth to crunch shellfish as they vacuum up their prey. Though I know he’s no threat, his unmistakable shark silhouette still startles me.
With a graceful pivot, he flicks his tail fin and glides off — a parting gesture and welcome to the tropical wonderland of Belize.
I’m here with a small group, three days into a too-short jungle-and-sea adventure in this former British colony, once known as British Honduras. Nicknamed “the Jewel,” Belize is a magnet for eco-travelers drawn to its staggering array of outdoor pursuits.
From fly fishing, birding, kayaking, and jungle trekking to caving, tubing, diving, sailing, and exploring Mayan ruins, Belize covers almost every adventure niche, seasoned with Creole, Mayan, Mestizo, and Garifuna cultural and culinary experiences for good measure.
Embracing serenity and sustainability at Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Photo: Table Rock Jungle Lodge
After landing in Belize City, my first stop lies two hours away by car. We travel southeast through Belmopan and past San Ignacio, about 20 minutes from the Guatemalan border at Melchor de Mencos. We’re staying just outside the city in the Cayo District, Belize’s largest and an eco-tourism hub for Mayan ruins, caves, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
Our home base is Table Rock Jungle Lodge, a 175-acre retreat deep in the rainforest. Ten individual cabanas perch on a ridge overlooking the coiling Macal River.
A staffer relieves me of my luggage, and I head straight to the bar and dining area. Luke Combs twangs from a boombox, and behind the beautiful hand-crafted cedar and mahogany bar is Oscar, the affable barkeep. He’s mixing fresh watermelon, soursop, and pineapple juices with spiced Belizean rum to craft Table Rock Rum Punchers — served with reusable aluminum straws.
I’m joined by Carla Hayward, the lodge’s general manager. She explains the lodge, privately owned and 100 percent off-grid, has operated for 15 years. More than 200 solar panels generate all needed power, and 60 acres of farm and gardens supply produce, chicken, and eggs. There are banana, orange, and coconut trees; nature trails; and dozens of acres of mahogany.
“We’re an eco-lodge, and sustainability is central to who we are,” says Hayward. “Most of our furniture is made onsite in our carpentry shop. Whatever food we don’t grow, we source locally. Even our canoes are made here.” Responsible stewardship is clearly the ethos at Table Rock.
Though the cabanas aren’t air-conditioned, I don’t miss it. Ceiling fans, screened windows, and a screened porch keep the air moving.
I soon learn jungle quiet doesn’t mean silence. My cabana is surrounded by a symphony of howler monkeys, cicadas chirping like offbeat steam calliopes, tree frogs knocking on the walls, and mysterious critters going bump in the night. I love every note. It’s the best white noise I’ve ever slept with.
Table Rock serves three meals daily, with fresh Belizean fare heavy on tropical fruit, veggies, and proteins. Breakfast is my favorite: a Maya-inspired plate with refried black beans, soft scrambled eggs, bacon, chaya (Maya spinach), and warm, puffy fry jacks — deep-fried corn tortillas perfect with butter and honey. Buzzing hummingbirds dart in and out of the dining room drinking from feeders that hang on the periphery.
Our visit coincides with World Environment Day, a UN initiative promoting sustainability. We’re invited to join Table Rock’s mahogany reforestation project, ongoing for over a decade.
Years of colonial-era logging devastated Belize’s mahogany population. Table Rock’s reforestation program has planted more than 1,000 trees to date, and this morning, we added to that total. Our newly planted trees bear a plaque nearby with our name, and we’re provided GPS coordinates of our trees so we can monitor growth from home.
Adventuring around western Belize
Photos: Belize Tourism Board and Michael J. Solender
Our next stop is Xunantunich, a major Maya archaeological site occupied between 600 and 1000 CE. Many structures here from the seventh century remain remarkably intact.
The towering 13-story El Castillo is Belize’s second-highest Mayan pyramid. Six main plazas at the site once hosted commerce, trade, and public events. What’s uncovered spans over one square mile, and archaeologists working here tell me only about one-third of the site has been excavated.
While my group climbs El Castillo to admire the intricate friezes and panoramic views of Guatemala, I rest in the shade beside a well-preserved pok-ta-pok (Maya ballgame) court, my wobbly knees in complaint.
Afterwards, we refuel at Benny’s Kitchen with salbutes (fried corn cakes topped with shredded chicken), rice and beans, and chilimole (a black squash-and-chicken soup), then set off for our next adventure: an ATV jungle and waterfall tour.
Following a safety briefing and ATV lesson from our host at Hunab-Ku Adventures, we head into the jungle from the villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio into Elijio Panti National Park.
The powerful ATVs handle rocky, muddy, and twisty terrain with ease. Ninety minutes in, we park in a grassy clearing and hike 15 minutes to a rumbling — but unseen — waterfall.
Our steamy trek pays off with a refreshing swim in the waterfall-fed pool. I sit directly beneath the cascade for an impromptu jungle massage. After a rinse, a good meal, and an early bedtime, I sleep like a stone.
Traveling the Hummingbird Highway
Photos: Belize Tourism Board and Dirk Francisco
Early the next morning, we head cross-country toward Belize’s southern coast, bound for South Water Caye. Our route winds along the fabled Hummingbird Highway, a 54-mile stretch between Belmopan and Dangriga.
Carved through a valley and paved over much of the single-gauge train tracks once used by colonialists to transport bananas, the road traverses some of Belize’s most geologically diverse and scenic inland terrain.
Around mile 26 heading south, the Maya Mountains emerge on the horizon, revealing a striking landform that resembles a man lying on his back. Dubbed the “Sleeping Giant,” it’s one of the most photographed features in Belize.
At mile 29, we encounter another curiosity: Magnetic Hill. Our vehicle, seemingly on a 15- to 20-degree downhill slope, rolls uphill when placed in neutral. (Spoiler: It’s an optical illusion caused by the road’s curves and surrounding landscape, making the descent appear like an ascent.)
Photo: Belize Tourism Board
Before our boat transfer from Dangriga, we detoured to Hopkins, the heart of Belize’s Garifuna culture. Descended from enslaved West Africans brought to the Caribbean in the late 1700s, today’s Garifuna — also known as Garinagu — make up about seven percent of Belize’s population. Their vibrant cultural and culinary traditions reflect Belize’s rich multicultural heritage.
At the Lebeha Drumming Center, we meet master drummers Jabbar Lambey and Warren Martinez, our cultural guides for a rhythmic performance and traditional hudutu — a rich fish stew with coconut milk, hot peppers, okra, and mashed plantains — prepared by Martinez’s grandmother. Their drumming and spirited dance tell stories of the Garifuna diaspora, daily life, and reverence for family and ancestors. It’s an intimate, moving experience.
After lunch, we head to the Dangriga jetty, where we’re picked up by the Black Orchid (named for Belize’s national flower), the all-purpose dive and transport boat of our hosts at South Water Caye’s Blue Marlin Beach Resort.
Accessing the Belize Barrier Reef at Blue Marlin Beach Resort
Photo: Blue Marlin Beach Resort
Blue Marlin occupies four of the cay’s 12 acres, with individual and family cabanas scattered across its hard-packed sand. The vibe is relaxed — there’s a breezy bar with a pool table and darts, and hearty home-cooked meals that taste like someone’s Belizean grandmother made them. Like Table Rock, it respects its surroundings with the utmost respect to eco-tourism.
I’m here for snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve, a network of coral reefs once called “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies” by Charles Darwin. It’s the largest and most pristine reef system in the Western Hemisphere, and second largest globally only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it lives up to every bit of its reputation.
Amir, Blue Marlin’s dive master and snorkel guide, takes us out aboard the Black Orchid. The ride is smooth and includes a bit of island hopping.
We cruise past Bowman Island, where Smithsonian Ocean conducts research, and then Bird Island, a red mangrove outcrop that’s home to frigates and other seabirds. Along a mangrove-lined stretch, we spot a pair of manatees patrolling the calm waters behind the reef.
The highlight, though, is snorkeling the reef itself. The water is so clear I could read a newspaper on the bottom 10 feet below. But it’s the coral — more than the fish — that stuns me.
Photo: Belize Tourism Board
Gnarled brain coral, flowing purple fans, and staghorn and elkhorn formations that resemble their namesakes all sway gently with the currents. Sea whips and sea fans provide shelter for a dazzling array of marine life. I spot parrotfish, barracuda, trumpetfish, and angelfish during my hour in the water.
Afterward, we head back for lunch, and soon, back home. As my time in Belize ends, I’m filled with adventure and sure of one thing — I’ll return to pick up right where I left off.
The Best Travel and Outdoor Gear To Grab During Amazon Prime Day 2025
Amazon Prime Day 2024 runs July 8 to 11, and this year’s lineup of discounts is stellar. Matador editors rounded up the best travel and outdoor gear on special this Prime Day so you can stock up for summer and fall, whether you’re headed abroad or out into the woods.
If you’re not a Prime member, sign up now with a free 30-day trial and take advantage of these great deals.
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The best travel gear at Amazon Prime Day 2025Away Bigger Carry-on Luggage – 25 percent off
Photo: Johnny Motley
At Matador we’re big fans of Away carry-on luggage, and would be remiss to not recommend grabbing a new case over Prime Day. Normally running $295, this case rolls as well as it fits several days’ worth of stuff – and there’s no need to wait in the check-in line at the airport or at baggage claim on the other side of the journey.
Osprey Farpoint (men’s) and Fairview (women’s) travel backpacks — 25 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Matador editors are long-time Osprey users — you’d be hard-pressed to find a region on the map that one of the team hasn’t dragged an Osprey pack through. Getting the Farpoint or Fairview at 25 percent off, which puts the prices between $130 and $165 depending on size, is an absolute steal. You can carry everything from clothes to gear to toiletries and beverages in these packs, and they’re as efficient and functional on the trail as they are in the city. Osprey is known for its revolutionary netting that prevents your back from getting sweaty, so even if you’re undertaking a long, hot day (or doing a lot of biking) you won’t have to change your shirt five times. Of all the brands participating in Amazon Prime Day 2024, none had the team as excited as Osprey. Also on sale are Osprey roller packs and fanny packs, making this a good time to fully upgrade your travel kit.
Price: $137.95
Samsonite Omni PC hardside expandable luggage — 15 percent off
Photo: Amazon
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels is the legacy brand’s take on modern carry-on roller cases in hopes of competing against upstarts like July and Away carry-on suitcase for frequent travelers. It’s made of scratch-resistant polycarbonate, a lightweight material that can withstand the bumps and bruises of travel. The suitcase rolls onfour spinner wheels, allowing you to maneuver through busy airports with ease (even in the busiest airports where being able to change direction and dodge fellow travelers is imperative). It also expands for additional packing space, and features a TSA lock to keep your belongings secure. Measuring 20 inches, it meets most airline carry-on size restrictions.
Price: $84
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Photo: Amazon
The days of flying with clunky over-ear headphones are over, and that’s largely thanks to the 2nd generation of Apple AirPods. With long battery life, active noise cancellation, a charging case that stores power from its last plug-in, and impeccable sound, you can jam tunes or catch up on podcasts, or simply fall asleep with a nice sound barrier between yourself and the rest of the traveling world. Scoring these earbuds for under $200 is a rare find, as Apple isn’t know for its sales. Better take advantage now.
Price: $199 or less
Carry On Canvas Travel Bag — 30 percent off
Photo: Amazon
One of the best things about a tote such as this is that it’s foldable, so you can easily store it when you reach your destination. I also love its versatility. It’s great for weekend getaways, road trips, or multi-day cruises where cabin space is limited. It has a spacious 40-litre capacity and offers plenty of room for clothes, toiletries, and essentials. The durable canvas construction will withstand being bashed about and the it includes multiple compartments to keep you organized — it even has a handy shoe compartment that allows you to separate dirty shoes from your clean clothes.
Price: $315 or less
Pacific Gear Rolling Duffel — 7 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Pacific Gear has a bunch of options on sale for Prime Day 2024. If you’re looking for a rolling duffle, check out this 30-inch model. Made from durable brushed polyester, it can withstand being bumped around by baggage handlers at the airport. It also has a recessed wheel system that ensures smooth rolling, while the telescoping handle allows for comfortable maneuvering at different heights. Packing is a breeze thanks to the large U-shaped top opening, and there are side and front zippered pockets for additional organization.
Price: $74
SwissGear Travel Backpack – 45 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Having a perfect go-to backpack is essential for frequent travelers and digital nomads. If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle both your laptop and adventuring essentials, check out this pack from Swissgear. They come in various colors, and feature a padded compartment to safeguard your laptop during journeys, along with a roomy interior that can accommodate clothes, toiletries, and other travel necessities. It also has padded shoulder straps to ensure comfortable wear.
Price: $53.99
Travelon Set of 4 Mesh Pouches — 7 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Packing organizers can change your journey. They maintain order in your luggage and protect your belongings. These lightweight, breathable pouches come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to neatly compartmentalize clothes, toiletries, electronics, or anything else you want to have easy access to. The mesh construction not only saves space in your suitcase but also lets you see what’s packed inside, saving you time rummaging through your bag for specific items.
Price: $16.64
The best clothing deals at Amazon Prime Day 2025GRECERELLE 2024 Women’s Spring Summer Boho Floral Print V-Neck — at least 15 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Fun prints are in for travel — and that’s true no matter where in the world you’re headed. This V-Neck dress from GRECERELLE is lightweight and comfy, travels well both on-body and in-bag, and can get through a few wears without needing maintenance on the road. More than 30 print and color options are available, and at this price point, you may as well pick up a few different ones.
Price: From $39.99 or less
COOFANDY Men’s Linen Shirts — 14 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Linen button downs are the men’s version of a casual-but-presentable dress. With more than two dozen colors and styles to choose from, COOFANDY’s range is the best option available on Amazon Prime Day 2024. All are machine washable, made of 70 percent rayon and 30 percent linen.
Price: From $29.99
The best outdoor gear at Amazon Prime Day 2025Coleman Lantern – 20 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Sometimes the long-time classic is still the best – and when it comes to camping lanterns, Coleman continues to prove that its lantern is the cream of the crop. It’s water-resistant, has four light modes with up to 1,000 lumens, and boasts that its LED bulb will last the lifetime of the product. Not a bad deal for less than $50.
Price: $42.74
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock — 45 percent off
Photo: Amazon
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock is a budget-friendly hammock ideal for mountain environments (or anywhere where you can set up between two poles). Its made of parachute nylon and packs down small for easy packing and storage. The hammock comes with two tree straps and carabiners for quick setup between trees or poles. The material is thinner than some of its competitors, but it offers a good balance of affordability, portability, and durability with a weight capacity of 400 pounds (single) or 500 pounds (double).
Price: $17.99
FunWater Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard — 36 percent off
Photo: Amazon
This SUP is a great option for newbies because it’s stable and easy to use — so you can feel comfortable getting out on the lake for the first time. That said, it’s also easily packable and transportable, so if you’re hitting the river and ending somewhere different from where you started, it’s ideal for that, too. The FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is made of PVC material and is drop-stitch constructed, coming in at 11 feet long, 33 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. Order this deal and you’ll get the SUP plus a paddle, three fins, a pump, a backpack, a leash, and a waterproof phone bag (don’t be that person who drops their phone in the river).
Price: $179.99
Portable camping toilet — 18 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Before we get into specifics here, know that a river or camping toilet is generally known as a “groover.” Don’t ask us why, but rest assured that as far as groovers go, this one has you covered. It’s a far cry from the simple bucket with a toilet seat duct taped to the top of it. You’re actually getting the a complete toilet that’s designed to make emptying and cleaning a breeze, no matter how large your camping party is. If you plan to hit the river, this toilet can come with you for proper “doing of business” while on a multi-day float.
Price: $32.99
Rechargeable Compact Flashlight — 46 percent off
Photo: Amazon
A decent flashlight is essential if you’re venturing out for an overnight camping trip. It’s next on the list of important things to pack after shelter and bedding. This rechargeable flashlight is excellent because you can plug it into your vehicle or solar panel battery via USB. It also packs a powerful 500-lumen punch in a remarkably compact and lightweight design. The wrist lanyard and hat clip offers multiple carrying options for hands-free use, making it a versatile and reliable light source for any outdoor adventure.
Price: $55
Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging — 18 percent off
Photo: Amazon
I’ll take any discount on Germin — even three percent. The Garmin inReach Messenger handheld satellite communicator is valuable for anyone venturing off the beaten path on an overlanding trip. It offers two-way messaging capabilities through a combination of satellite and cellular networks. This means you can stay connected and exchange text messages even in remote areas without cell service. It also has an interactive SOS feature, allowing you to send a distress signal with your location to Garmin’s 24/7 emergency response center.
Price: $244.83
LED Camping Lantern — 14 percent off
Photo: Amazon
Your camping essentials list must include a set of lanterns — as well as a flashlight. These lanterns come in packs of one or two. They offer 1000 lumens of light, ideal for illuminating your tent or campsite with four lighting modes — cool white, warm white, combined white, and strobe — so you can adjust the light to suit your needs, whether you’re reading, cooking, or navigating in the dark. It’s portable and relatively water resistant, perfect for running to the bathroom in the rain at night.
Price: $29.84
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The 6 Most Underrated Caribbean Beach Towns You Need to Visit
Growing up in Kingston, you learn early that the Caribbean isn’t just a single place. It’s hundreds of distinct communities scattered across more than 700 islands, reefs, and cays. The islands may share the same warm tides and steady 80-degree heat, but each one has its own way of doing things, from roadside cookshops serving fried fish to small bars where music spills into the street after dark.
Most travelers land here with the same idea: find a stretch of sand, park up at a beach club, order something cold, and leave winter behind for a week. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, the beaches in the brochures tend to be crowded, expensive, and more suited to tourists than locals. But if you’d like to experience everyday life (with a stunning coastal backdrop), there are many smaller beach towns where you’ll have a much more authentic visit. These are a few of my favorites.
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.
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Photo: ajlatan/Shutterstock
Port Antonio is a small coastal town on Jamaica’s northeastern coast that’s home to a little over 12,000 residents. The town is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Blue Mountains to the south — where the world-renowned Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown on steep hillsides. Port Antonio is home to some of the Caribbean’s best white-sand beaches — including Winnifred Beach, San San Beach, and Frenchman’s Cove.
The Boston Jerk Center sits on Boston Beach in Port Antonio and is said to serve the island’s best jerk — as the style of jerking meat originated in the nearby hills. Boston Beach is also an excellent spot for surfing, and the town’s charming markets and tropical fruit stalls are sure to keep you busy. Port Antonio is a stomping ground for the world’s wealthiest vacationers but remains surprisingly affordable and practical for budget travelers — thanks to its numerous hostels, small guesthouses, and boutique hotels. There’s also a nice selection of Airbnb options, ranging from magical cabins for under $200 per night to lavish group-sized villas with all the bells and whistles.
If you ever tire of the beach, the dreamy rainforests, rivers, and lagoons beckon. Bamboo raft on the Rio Grande or explore remote waterfalls in the Upper Rio Grande Valley — less than a 30-minute drive from the town center.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Photo: StephanKogelman/Shutterstock
This endearing colonial beach town is located on the Dutch-speaking island of Curaçao. Unlike the expansive white-sand beaches that typically land on Caribbean postcards, Willemstad’s beaches are tucked into intimate — and often secluded — coves and inlets. Some have facilities that charge a small user fee — such as at Mambo Beach — while others remain wild and free with plenty of personality.
Blue Bay Beach offers water sports and activities such as snorkeling, fishing, catamaran sailing, and kayaking, all of which can be arranged at dive shops right on the beach, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment. As you snorkel in Curaçao’s azure waters, you may spot sea turtles, squid, octopus, and scores of colorful fish. Afterward, you can grab some delicious seafood prepared from the day’s catch right on the beach or take a day trip into town to explore the restaurants, markets, and Ostrich Farm.
Curaçao is small enough that you can base yourself in one spot and explore most of the island by car, and staying in or near Willemstad puts you close to the city’s cafes, museums, and Dutch colonial architecture. Coastal neighborhoods like Jan Thiel and Piscadera offer easy beach access and a quieter, more residential feel, while Pietermaai, just east of downtown, is a walkable area with restaurants, live music, and colorful townhouses that open onto backyard pools or the sea. In Pietermaai, you’ll find a restored 300-year-old one-bedroom villa ($625 per night) with a modern kitchen, a king bedroom with an open-style ensuite bath, and a private garden pool overlooking the ocean beyond the wall. Another option is a two-bedroom house ($290 per night) with direct ocean access, ensuite bedrooms, and a wraparound porch facing a mineral-based pool and a small public beach just below the steps. Both properties are within walking distance of Willemstad’s bars and restaurants, but thick stone walls and gated parking help keep the atmosphere calm and private, whether you’re here for the city’s culture, the coastline, or a mix of both.
Northern Trinidad
Photo: PINK BOAT STUDIOS/Shutterstock
Trinidad is the larger of the two islands that comprise the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Outside of Carnival season, Trinidad is not as heavily visited as other islands on this list — which means you can explore without beach peddlers trying to sell you souvenirs.
But, instead of merely transiting through Trinidad to get to Tobago, leave the Piarco International Airport and spend a few days in the north coast beach towns of Maracas Bay and Las Cuevas. These beaches are mainly popular with locals but are home to the country’s best bake and shark — a beloved Trinidadian street food made with deep-fried shark meat sandwiched between fluffy flatbread and the condiments of your choice. The waves here are rough compared to other beaches on this list but offer excellent surfing and bodyboarding opportunities. Venture a bit farther along the North Coast Road to the sleepy beach town of Blanchisseuse — a place that still bears the legacy of a time when northern Trinidad was occupied by the French. The beach stretches wide with white sand dotted by coconut trees.
Accommodations near Blanchisseuse can be scarce, so instead consider finding a comfortable place first and then plan day trips along the coast. This one-bedroom apartment in Paramin ($191 per night) is a great option: set on the top floor, the suite has panoramic views over the rainforest, Maraval Valley, and the Caribbean Sea, with a private rooftop perfect for sunset or morning yoga. Inside, there’s a king-size bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows, a freestanding soaking tub, an open-plan living area, and a small kitchen. The apartment is about 15 minutes from Maracas Bay and under an hour from the airport, making it an easy jumping-off point for exploring the North Coast while staying in a spot that feels both private and connected to the landscape.
Traveling to The Caribbean? Check out Matador’s Caribbean accommodations guides: The 19 Best Jamaica Airbnbs With Pools, Beach Access, and Luxurious AmenitiesThe Coolest Airbnbs in Barbados for All Types of Travelers Airbnb’s Cutest Tiny Homes in the US Are Worth Planning a Trip Around The Coolest, Cheapest Airbnbs in the Caribbean Get a Taste of Luxury and Local Culture at This Aruba Beachfront Resort and Casino
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Photo: Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock
True Blue is a tiny beach town on Grenada’s south coast, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The area is home to a popular marina and dive shop. Fine restaurants, shops, commercial centers, and some of the best beaches on Grenada’s south coast — including Grand Anse Beach — are all within a one-mile radius.
Grenada’s only international airport sits less than a mile and a half from True Blue, making it easy to get around. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a 30-minute cab ride from True Blue to catch the Osprey Lines Ltd. ferry to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the other two islands that make up Grenada’s tri-island state. Time your visit to catch the annual six-day Grenada Chocolate Festival in May. Convenient shuttles to the festival depart directly from town.
When it comes to where to stay, Grenada isn’t big, so you can prioritize finding a vacation rental that fits your needs over location. If you have the funds, this Airbnb is baller. The two-acre waterfront retreat ($636 per night) will make one heck of a base for exploring the island. The five-bedroom estate comes with concierge services, housekeeping, a tennis court, and is just a stone’s throw from the waterfront of Westerhall Point. For something more realistic, this eco-cabin ($85 per night) is another top listing with glowing reviews from previous guests. The one-bedroom sits high in the trees overlooking Saint George’s harbor. Or, if you need more space, this two-bedroom villa ($250 per night) in Crochu has everything you need: a pool, ocean views, and a beach at the bottom of the garden.
Freetown, Antigua
Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock
One can never grow tired of the beach in Antigua. Antiguans quip that the island has 365 beaches — one for every day of the year. Freetown is a sleepy town on Antigua’s southeastern coast — home to the beautiful pink sands of Half Moon Bay Beach. The sand here gets its pink hue from crushed coral. This charming stretch of coast lacks standard beach infrastructure, so be sure to bring everything you’ll need — including food and drink. From Half Moon, you can walk to other popular beaches like Exchange Bay Beach. If you feel up to it, rent a car or take a taxi from Freetown to explore other attractions within a 10-mile radius — such as Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary, Stingray City, and Devil’s Bridge National Park in Willikies.
Antigua is small and easy to get around by car or taxi, so you can cover a lot of coastline without much hassle. Even if you base yourself in one area, it’s never far to another beach or village. If you want front-row views of the regattas, consider this four-bedroom villa ($1,058 per night) with an infinity pool overlooking turquoise water, a generous deck, and direct access to a private dock. The property sits inside a gated community and includes a tropical garden and secure covered parking for two cars, handy if you plan to rent a vehicle. For a simpler stay, this colorful holiday apartment ($200 per night) is five minutes on foot from the center of Jolly Harbour and just steps from Jolly Beach, though it doesn’t have a pool.
Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Photo: Umomos/Shutterstock
Rodney Bay is a beach town on St. Lucia’s northwestern coast in the Gros Islet District. The town has a busy marina, an active nightlife scene, and popular white-sand beaches — including Reduit and Pigeon Island Beaches. Make sure to hit up the street party, which happens every Friday night in Rodney Bay and features live DJs spinning zouk, reggae, rhythm and blues, and calypso. A two-mile drive takes you to Donkey Beach for a more secluded beach vacation. You can even continue farther south to the remote Grand Anse Beach — where you might spot St. Lucia’s sea turtles. Also, the dramatic Gros and Petit Piton volcanic peaks on St. Lucia’s southern coast make for another delightful day trip from Rodney Bay.
To make the most of St. Lucia, you’ll want to rent a car so you can explore the island’s varied coastline and mountain interior at your own pace. There are some jaw-dropping vacation homes. One option with panoramic views is this eco-villa ($1,750 per night), set high on a hillside above the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. The open-air design includes a large infinity pool, two plunge pools, and a deck for cooling off in the afternoon. The host can arrange private dining, spa treatments, or a driver. Snorkeling is excellent nearby, and Soufrière, the old French capital, is just half a mile away with a market and plenty of restaurants. For something simpler, this one-bedroom treehouse ($159 per night) in Gros Islet has a furnished deck facing neighboring islands and an indoor-outdoor layout that stays connected to the landscape.
June 28, 2025
At This Oʻahu Resort, the Island Is Your Greatest Amenity
I’m standing beneath the tallest mountain on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, my sandals deep in red clay dirt, listening to a farmer talk about breadfruit.
I’m an hour’s drive and a world away from the beaches and boutiques in Waikīkī, Honolulu’s famed tourist strip — but that’s kind of the point. I’m here at Mohala Farms to learn about sustainable farming on Oʻahu, traditional Hawaiian foods beyond poke, and the deep, abiding Hawaiian relationship with the island’s ʻāina, or land.
Farmer Mark Hamamoto, a native Hawaiian who grew up on Oʻahu, learned farming from a Catholic priest on the other side of the mountain and bought this land 20 years ago. His goal is both to feed and teach people. At Mohala Farms, he explains, “entertainment always comes with education.”
Hamamoto leads us past a tangle of breadfruit trees, a field of cassava plants, a line of banana trees, compost piles, and his gaggle of Rhode Island Red chickens. Meanwhile, we sample food that has experienced “as few touches as possible” — a smoked marlin dip served on a banana stem and grilled Japanese pumpkin.
Photo: Ka L’ai Waikiki
As the sun sets and wild peacocks howl in the dark, we gather in a halé (a traditional Hawaiian hut) to eat mashed taro, white fish, and a roasted native pig caught in the nearby woods. We learn facts about the food and the Hawaiian language (for example, water is so important to Hawaiians that saying “water water” means “abundance”). We wrap up the night with a group song.
This excursion to the farm is part of the initiative I’m here in Hawaii to report on: Hilton LXR Hotels and Resorts’ Pursuit of Adventure, a program that launched at properties around the world this spring. Visitors at Hilton LXR properties will now be able to book excursions like the one to Mohala Farms directly through the hotels.
A hotel experience that encourages you to explore
Photos: Emily Cataneo
The idea behind the Pursuit of Adventure program is that, increasingly, travelers to luxury hotels don’t just want to sit around and relax. Rather, they want to experience: to go beyond the hotel and learn about local culture. This is an idea that resonates with me. I’ve always raised my eyebrows at resort trips and have never liked relaxing in a cloistered space on vacation. It feels like a waste, and besides, beauty without context gets boring.
That’s not to say that the hotel here doesn’t beckon the traveler to put their feet up. The Hilton LXR in Honolulu is the recently acquired Ka L’ai Waikiki, about a five-minute walk to the beach. The hotel has a sixth-floor lobby with an infinity pool, a peaceful spa, a delicious chirashi bowl that I order for pretty much every meal, and an award-winning Mai Tai.
My room overlooks the ocean and downtown Honolulu, and I see a rainbow every day of my stay. The hotel is starting renovations in June 2025, a project that will transform its rooms with colorful countertops and furniture, more natural light, and books and knick-knacks representative of the rich Hawaiian culture. But the activities are the star.
A firsthand education on Hawaiʻi
Photo: Diegomezr/Shutterstock
In addition to our farm tour, we also venture through the rainforest to Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall where, traditionally, native Hawaiians honored sacred deities. Our guide is Andres Ruzo, a National Geographic explorer who studies volcanoes. Ruzo has studied geothermal activity all over the world, and he’s here to teach us the art of noticing stories in landscapes.
“With geology, you can literally read a landscape like a book,” Ruzo says. “A detail on a rock can connect you with a multi-billion-year-old story.”
As we hike past bamboo and banyan trees, Ruzo explains that we’re on one of the tallest mountains on the planet, with layers upon layers of geologic history under our feet. He points out volcanic and lava-based rocks holding up a bank of interlaced tree roots. He spots a poison dart frog, an invasive species, and we stop at a felled bromeliad, where Ruzo teaches us that these critters like to lay eggs in the water that collects between bromeliad fronds.
Photos: Emily Cataneo
Back at the hotel that night, guests gather by the pool to sip bespoke lava-colored cocktails while Ruzo presents his research into our planet’s geothermal systems, or “Earth’s beating heart.” We are, after all, in Hawaiʻi, a landscape inextricably tied to volcanoes, and as the sun sets over Honolulu’s skyscrapers, Ruzo explains how the Pacific tectonic plate passed over a hot spot to create Hawaiʻi millions of years ago.
He shows us pictures of Oʻahu growing from a baby island to its current shape as sea levels rose and fell. He describes how geology has shaped everything from the outcome of wars, to the New York City skyline, to the history of medicine: studying microbes in Yellowstone’s geothermal springs allowed scientists to develop the PCR technology behind the COVID-19 vaccines.
Ruzo also brings some items for show and tell. As darkness drops over Waikīkī, he pulls out what looks like a plastic bag of human hair. It’s actually a particular kind of cooled volcanic glass called Pele’s hair, named after the Hawaiian goddess. Just for fun, Ruzo wraps up his talk by unfurling a 30-foot-long snakeskin that he found in the Amazonian jungle.
Traditions that leave a lasting impact
Photos: Emily Cataneo
All of this might sound like a nerdy way to spend a Hawaiian vacation. But for me, learning about breadfruit and volcanoes transforms the island from a paradise to a paradise with texture.
As Ruzo says, “There are stories hidden in this landscape.” We just need to look.
The landscape is not the only part of Hawaiʻi that we delve into during our weekend. We also learn some traditions and tales of Hawaiʻi’s original residents. One day after lunch, Kalei ʻUwēkoolani, a native Hawaiian from Maui who works for the hotel, leads us in a Ti leaf-making workshop at the hotel cafe, where we learn to wrangle slimy, slick green Ti leaves into tightly woven leis.
On our last day, we take a catamaran out into Māmala Bay for a twist on a traditional practice. Once we’ve sailed out into the bay, with Waikīkī’s hotels and high-rises diminished behind us, ‘Uwēkoolani explains why we’re out here. It’s a Hawaiian tradition to venture out at sunrise and mentally release something to the ocean that you want to let go.
Our coordinators didn’t want to wake us up at sunrise, and they wanted us to have a visual, so they adapted the tradition for mid-morning and added cards and Sharpies. As the waves buck our boat and sea turtles nose out of the dark water, we scribble on our cards, and ‘Uwēkoolani leads a chant to prepare us to release our intentions.
Then we reach our hands over the side of the boat, clenching our cards, and we open our fingers and let them go.
You May Be Shocked by What Country Just Won a Global Wine Award
If your idea of wine country begins and ends in Bordeaux or Napa Valley, the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) may make you rethink everything you know. It’s the world’s largest and most influential wine event, known every year for crowning a winner on the global wine scene. And while the recent awards may not have had a surprising winner, what is surprising are some of the countries whose wine scored top honors.
This was the 22nd year of the World Wine Awards, which are judged by 248 experts from around the world, including 22 Master Sommeliers. In 2025, those judges evaluated wine from 57 countries, accounting for more than 17,000 different wines and vintages. Only 137 wines (or .81 percent) won a Platinum rating, while 732, or 4.5 percent, won a Gold.
Chinese wine is having a moment
A vineyard in Shandong Province, China. Photo: lizongxian/Shutterstock
For the first time in history, wine from China took home top honors, proving that fine wine isn’t just about legacy. Two Chinese reds (Dongfang Yuxing Winery’s Geruihong Yeguangbei 2022 from Ningxia, and Changyu’s Noble Dragon N188 2022 from Shandong) won Best in Show, the competition’s most illustrious title. They were the only wines from Asia to crack the top 50.
The Geruihong Yeguangbei 2022 is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, dornfelder, and Cabernet Gernischt is fruity and spicy, with judges praising its “carefully extracted tannins.” The Noble Dragon N188 2022 is a blend of Cabernet Gernischt and cabernet sauvignon, and was praised for its value, as it retails for just $20. Ningxia, where Dongfang Yuxing is located, was China’s top wine region, earning 81 total medals.
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While China’s breakthrough is the headline, the awards also acknowledged traditional wine powerhouses. France maintained its title as the country with the best wine, winning 187 top medals, including 14 Best in Shows. The region of Champagne alone won 27 high-level awards, while Burgundy, Corsica, and Jura also performed very well. Italy and Spain followed in second and third place, with 138 and 105 top medals respectively, as well as multiple Best in Show winners.
But the real story is the rise of new contenders. Greece had an exceptional year, with first-ever Best in Show winners from regions like Peloponnese and Goumenissa. Australia, the United States, and Argentina all scored highly as well, with Argentina achieving a 50 percent increase in medals over last year. South Africa set a new record for Gold medals (45), and even lesser-known producers from Denmark and Uzbekistan made an appearance on the medal list.
What countries make the world’s best wines?
Photo: Danuta Hyniewska/Shutterstock
You can read the full list of the countries with the best wines in the world online here, but here’s the run down of how many wines each country had on the top 50 list. France: 14 winnersItaly: 6 winnersSpain: 5 winnersPortugal: 5 winnersAustralia: 4 winnersUnited States: 4 winnersGreece: 4 winnersArgentina: 2 winners Chile: 2 winnersChina: 2 winnersNew Zealand: 1 winnerSlovenia: 1 winnerSouth Africa: 1 winnerUnited Kingdom: 1 winner
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June 27, 2025
Where To Eat, Play, and Stay in Frisco, Texas With Kids
The Texas city of Frisco has a secret to reveal: this enclave of about 225,000 north of Dallas is the real family star of the metroplex. That’s because Frisco is home to an interactive city run entirely by kids, the newest Universal theme park, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame lives at Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas. If you plan to visit north Texas for the World Cup or otherwise, a new hotel and what might be the most unique kids’ entertainment park in the country make Frisco a great base.
Where to go with kids in Frisco, Texas
Photo: mirigifford/Shutterstock
Frisco is home to the only U.S. location of KidZania, an interactive, kid-sized city designed for children ages four to 14. Located inside Stonebriar Centre, this unique destination lets kids explore careers through role-playing—earning currency called “KidZos” by trying out jobs as firefighters, surgeons, pilots, chefs, podcasters, and more. The experience is immersive and even educational – strengthening those social and emotional skills while simultaneously giving parents a breather. Kids work to build real-world partnerships and fully outfitted “businesses,” and for $49.95, it’s far cheaper than a specialized education, to boot.
Looking ahead, Frisco will become even more family-friendly with the arrival of the Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026. This 32-acre theme park and entertainment complex will be Universal’s first park designed specifically for young children and their families. Themed lands will be built around the worlds of characters including Shrek, the Minions, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” Sarah Gibbon, VP & Executive Producer at Universal Creative said in a press release. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”
In addition to attractions for kids, you can get old-school 8-bit in Frisco at the National Videogame Museum. This facility chronicles the evolution of video games through over 100,000 pieces of memorabilia including a replica 1980s bedroom (because millennials are the most nostalgic generation, after all) and the chance to get hands-on with vintage consoles and the world’s largest Pong game.
Where to stay in Frisco, Texas
Photo courtesy Hall Park Hotel
Among the most welcome aspects of modern travel is the fact that curated accommodations are finally spreading beyond downtown urban cores and resort-specific hotel zones. The new HALL Park Hotel in Frisco epitomizes this. Open fall 2024, this boutique property features 224 rooms, including 60 apartment-style suites ideal for extended stays (or families bringing their kids to the aforementioned experiences). Art and wine are the defining themes here, evident in both the hotel’s interior design and guest programming.
The hotel’s Palato Italian Kitchen and Lounge fills up the family with pasta dishes they can then burn off the following day at the theme parks. The open-concept kitchen let’s you watch the artistry of handcrafted pastas and hearth-fired pizzas as they come to life, meaning you may not even need that tablet to keep the kids entertained.
It’s not mandatory to pay theme-park admissions for kids to enjoy Frisco, either. Directly adjacent to the hotel is the new Kaleidoscope Park, a six-acre green space with rotating public art installations, plenty of space to run around, and regularly scheduled outdoor performances.
Where to eat in Frisco
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Some Frisco residents elect to start their day at The Aussie Grind, known for creative brunch dishes and excellent coffee. Their house-made banana bread French toast and Aussie-style flat whites are local favorites. Get your Texas bbq fix at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, where brisket and ribs are served up in the local style.
Frisco gets “Southern hip,” too, at Haywire, a three-story restaurant serving upscale Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s rooftop patio is a great spot for sunset cocktails and Wagyu chicken-fried steak. For fans of sushi and Asian fusion, Kotta Sushi Lounge offers sushi and Asian fusion dishes in a location just a couple miles north of the hotel and kids’ attractions at Shafer Plaza. Cow Tipping Creamery is the spot to hit after visiting KidZania or the Universal Kids Resort for towering soft-serve creations that are almost too pretty to eat.
These Are the 7 Airports Where Global Entry Is Now the Fastest
As summer travel surges, summer holiday weekends loom, and major international events like the FIFA Club World Cup draw millions to US shores, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just announced a high-tech upgrade to keep airport entry lines moving. But you’ll need to have Global Entry to benefit. For those who do, the expansion of “Seamless Border Entry” at a few major airports around the country will make the process of returning to the States after international travel faster than ever.
For those with Global Entry, gone are the days of waiting in a long line, stopping at a kiosk, placing your hand on a scanner, and waiting for an officer to tell you to proceed. In fact, you don’t even have to stay at a blue terminal to take a photo and grab a slip of paper. Seamless Border Entry uses “On the Move” technology, meaning Global Entry members can breeze through inspection without even slowing down. Cameras and sensors embedded in the walkway scan passengers’ faces and biometric data as they walk, verifying their identities and usually clearing them for entry without any type of CBP officer interaction. According to CBP, the approach not only speeds up the process, but allows “officers to focus on higher-risk travelers, which aligns with CBP’s national security mission.”
Before this new program, the fastest option for Global Entry travelers was “Simplified Arrival:” the blue kiosks at which they’d have to stop for inspection photos. That system was introduced en masse in 2023.
If you’re hoping to make a tight connection or return to the US in a hurry, these are the seven airports you’ll want to consider using:Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Miami International Airport (MIA)Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) (Houston)You can also use Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (Preclearance)Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is currently in the process of updatingWhat airports are coming next?
CBP hasn’t announced the next cities, but there are a few hints on what cities may be the most useful. CBP has already begun introducing programs like “Enhanced Passenger Processing” and biometric upgrades at airports like Orlando International (MCO), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Denver International (DEN), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). And since the Seamless Border Entry announcement included a mention of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup being a motivating factor, it’s possible the organization may prioritize cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, like Boston, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
However, the most basic way to guess what airports may come next just comes down to numbers. Airports with high international volume and large crowds, including Denver, Atlanta, and Houston, are logical next picks for SBE expansion.
June 26, 2025
Patagonia Opens Store and Museum in Bariloche, Argentina Highlighting Life of Local Mountaineer
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard founded the brand after a mountaineering trip to its namesake region in South America. More than 50 years later, the iconic outdoor apparel brand will open its first retail shop in Bariloche, Argentina, adjacent to the lands that inspired the brand itself. But this location is more than just a Patagonia retail store – it’s also a museum located in the former home of iconic Argentinian mountaineer Emilio Frey, who played a foundational role in the forming of the country’s first national park. Adventurers can buy climbing gear at the store, for certain, but the property is dedicated to showcasing Frey’s life and work alongside the history of environmental activism and outdoor recreation in the region.
“This land inspired me to create the company, and four years ago, we started looking for a place to open a store in Bariloche,” Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard said in a press release. “I didn’t know Emilio Frey’s story, but when I learned that he was one of Argentina’s first skiers and mountaineers, with such a strong legacy in conservation and love for nature, there was no doubt.”
Restoring a historic property into the. newest Patagonia store and event hub
Photo courtesy Patagonia Argentina
Casa Frey, as the hub is called, is the first Patagonia shop in Argentinian Patagonia. The company leaned on local experts to restore the property, known also as Los Cipreses (The Cypresses), in a manner that honors Frey’s legacy. Patagonia spent two years restoring the six-acre property using original cypress and larch. The company elected to use period-appropriate restoration techniques to preserve the original facade and character of the building. The 1916 Alpine-style home was once owned by Frey, the Swiss-Argentine explorer who mapped large swaths of Patagonia, co-founded Club Andino Bariloche, and became the first superintendent of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Patagonia spent two years restoring the six-acre property with local craftsmen, using original cypress and larch and period-appropriate techniques to retain its character.
During the restoration, many of Frey’s own mountain tools were discovered, and are now on display in the museum. These include wooden skis, an ice axe, hand-drawn maps, letters, family photos, and a few trail markers from his early expeditions throughout Patagonia. A regional historian and the Museo de la Patagonia partnered with the brand Patagonia to showcase these and other objects and to preserve the property as a sentimental piece of regional history. Collectively, they built a dedicated gallery on the second floor that allows guests to view the collection and interact with Frey’s legacy.
Photo courtesy Patagonia Argentina
Patagonia plans to host community events and film screenings at the museum, much like it does at its stores around the globe. In the upstairs museum and event space, rotating events highlighting Patagonian conservation efforts will be displayed. The gardens of Frey’s wife, Rosa Schumacher, were revived to preserve the century-old rose beds and vegetable plots. They will serve as a venue for outdoor events facing Nahuel Huapi Lake. Recently, the location served as a donation center to help those affected by devastating wildfires that swept through the area over the most recent summer.
The first floor serves as the retail shop. A restored outbuilding (“El Puesto”) now houses Patagonia’s first repair center in Bariloche—customers can mend gear (or watch others who know what they’re doing mend their gear for them).
“When Patagonia revealed their plans for Los Cipreses, it was a relief to see how beautiful it was,” said Isabelle Bovey, Frey’s granddaughter, in the press release. “It perfectly matched our dream. They weren’t going to destroy anything; instead, they were going to restore the old house with top-quality materials. The abandoned garden was going to flourish again. So, like in a children’s story, you could say it all ended well.”
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