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Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

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is just a five-minute walk from the convention center and an array of trendy bars and restaurants — and it’s currently considered Arizona’s largest hotel boasting more than 1,000 rooms. Inside, guests will enjoy a stylish and modern design. Discover the new, open public “social areas” which include soundproof booths, and a “community table” for people to gather. There’s also an upscale signature restaurant, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, and an outdoor pool.

Price: From $169 per night

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape, an IHG Hotel

Photo: Expedia

See more photos This trendy boutique property is located at CityScape in the heart of downtown Phoenix, in close proximity to Chase Field and the Phoenix Convention Center. There are more than 240 rooms and suits with a contemporary design and views of the skyline and mountain landscapes, beyond. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant which serves American cuisine, or visit the newly opened rooftop bar. There’s also a pool terrace and in-room spa services for those seeking to relax.

Price: From $118 per night

Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix

Photo: Expedia

See more photosCambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix is perched in the center of downtown, close to landmarks like Arizona State University, the Phoenix Art Museum, and Historic Heritage Square. The property feels like a modern, buzzy spot to spend a night with an eclectic character and youthful, artsy deign. There’s an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar which boasts gorgeous sights of the city. Guest rooms feature modern technology and urban-inspired artwork, making an overnight stay feel like a vibrant and memorable experience.

Price: From $99 per night

What time zone is Phoenix?

Phoenix observes Mountain Standard Time year-round — and doesn’t recognize daylight savings time, which means the state doesn’t fall back or spring forward. As a result, Arizona is on the same time as its neighboring state of California from March to November.

How far is Sedona from Phoenix?

Sedona is about 115 miles from Phoenix, which is typically about a two-hour drive.

How far is Tucson from Phoenix?

It’s about 112 miles from Phoenix to Tuscon, which typically takes just about one hour and 45 minutes to drive.

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Published on August 18, 2023 06:00

August 17, 2023

This Dog-Friendly North Carolina Airbnb Comes With a Backyard Waterfall

Looking for a pet-friendly Airbnb and a getaway from a fast-paced life? Trying to find an Airbnb that is remote and dog friendly can be challenging at times, but it’s worth it when you find the right spot. Case in point: this North Carolina Airbnb with a backyard that goes directly to a waterfall.

This secluded Airbnb is located in Brevard, North Carolina. It’s in the woods, far away from civilization, near Lake Jocassee and Gorges State Park, and between Brevard and Lake Toxaway.

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.

@wanderlustwithdogs Now this is paradise! dog friendly, waterfall is 100% private, located in Brevard NC – name/more info on our Instagram!! #dogfriendly #airbnbstay ♬ Dancing in the Moonlight – Jubël

The apartment is situated on the lower floor of the main house, ensures privacy, and offers a cottage-inspired atmosphere with modern amenities. The one-bedroom apartment is best suited for four adults (plus dogs) with a queen bed and two double couch beds, it can accommodate up to seven guests.

The living area comprises a kitchen table, desk, sleeper couch, and reclining chair, and the fully equipped kitchen features tableware, cooking essentials, and other appliances like an air fryer and grill.

The property is not only away from the hustle and bustle, but also surrounded by a state forest, so there’s no need to worry about visible neighbors and other noise that may frighten your pets or disturb your peaceful getaway. The space features a valley and waterfront river view. In the backyard, guests can enjoy a stunning view of the private 15-foot waterfall while their four-legged friends roam in the water. The creek is three feet deep, so wading in is safe for you and your pets.

Once you’re done, take a relaxing snooze or read a book on the large back porch or hammock and take in the many sights of nature, from beautiful birds to the occasional bear.

The location is ideal for nature enthusiasts, with hiking and biking options nearby. Downtown Brevard is 18 miles away, Pisgah Forest is 22 miles, Dupont Forest offers access 29 miles away, and the Frozen Creek Access of Gorges State Park is a short 5-mile drive away. Local attractions are easily accessible, while breweries, restaurants, and food trucks are nearby for a drink and a bite.

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Published on August 17, 2023 15:06

8 Things I Learned While Stranded After Dark on an African Safari

In October 2019, my husband and I booked a weekend getaway in the Pilanesberg, a Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Work had been really stressful, so we figured a trip to a nearby reserve for a few game drives (or safaris, as they’re commonly known) would be just what we needed.

While there are numerous luxury hotels surrounding the national park, we stayed at one of the more discount options to save a few extra dollars. The desire to save some money was also why we opted to do a self-drive in our own car, rather than going with a guide or booking a seat in an official safari vehicle.

But saving a little extra was also why we hadn’t yet bought another car. We were in my little Suzuki Swift, nicknamed “Tayla Swift,” and it was a warrior. By 2019, I’d had it for 10 years, and it had been through a lot. Tayla had taken us through Kruger National Park, around the Vredefort Dome, into the Drakensberg Mountains, and more. But, as it turns out, Tayla was no match for the Pilanesberg.

safari safety - lions in pilanesberg national park

Photo: jirisykoracz/Shutterstock

Around 4 PM on our drive, we noticed a light flashing on our dashboard after driving on a dirt road. My car is no stranger to dirt roads; we travel around the wilder parts of South Africa, after all. It had handled far worse road conditions than what we were driving on, but it turns out a very pointy, very unlucky stone had punctured our oil tank, and once we turned off the car, we couldn’t restart the engine. We called the emergency number listed on the brochure we were given at the entrance, but there was no answer. We figured we’d flag down a passing car and ask them to alert the rangers upon their exit.

But there was no passing car.

We honked repeatedly, trying to attract attention. Minutes ticked by, inching toward the park’s closing time of 6 PM. We frantically started calling our hotel, which said it couldn’t help as we had chosen to self-drive instead of booking a safari through them. We kept trying the emergency line for the park, but no answer. We even called nearby hotels, which said they could only assist us if we were staying with them.

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A post shared by Pilanesberg National Park (@pilanesberg_national_park)

Closing time came, and closing time went. Darkness fell. Without being able to turn on the car, we couldn’t roll down the windows, and the car became stifling hot. Instead, to cool down, we had to fearfully open and close the doors as fast as we possibly could — it’s a Big Five reserve, after all. Each time I opened my door, I half expected to see a lion licking its fangs just waiting for its chance.

Eventually, we were able to find help. The receptionist at one of the bush lodges we randomly called (Kwa Maritane) connected us to one of their game rangers named Francois, who asked us to describe where we were, which was tricky in the quickly fading light. We explained that we could see pinprick lights on the left that indicated the far-off highway and a silhouette of a hill in front of us. We flashed our lights (miraculously still working) and continued to honk, hoping it would help him find us sooner.

Eventually, our knight in shining armor (read: a game ranger in khakis) came to our rescue, and we clambered into his game vehicle – mere seconds before a herd of elephants came around the corner where our car was. Possibly, they were drawn by the racket we were making. If Francois had arrived even just two minutes later, the elephants would have surrounded us in the Suzuki Swift – and in the dark, we wouldn’t have known they were there. Elephants, despite their size, move remarkably quietly. And I’m not sure how the elephants might have reacted to a honking horn and flashing lights.

safari safety stranded after dark elepehant

Photo: Gideon Ikigai/Shutterstock

My car had to be left behind and Francois escorted us back to safety. The next day, he helped us tow my car to the parking lot, where it was towed back to Johannesburg. Suzuki no longer manufactured replacement engines, and a new fitting would cost almost as much as a secondhand car.

The lesson learned? Trying to go too budget on our safari not only ruined the game drive, but also endangered our safety and left us in what could have been a nightmarish scenario. We also ended up having to buy a new car, and put a strain on ranger resources to come find us. Lesson learned, and I won’t do any more game drives without a ranger or reliable vehicle.

While we were stranded, I had plenty of time to think about what we should and shouldn’t have done, and ways the day could have gone a lot better. Here’s what I learned.

Tayla Swift getting towed from the park entrance. Photo: Tayla Blaire

Just pay the extra for a proper, escorted game drive

Even if you are renting a car to get around South Africa (or whatever country you’re visiting), I’d recommend opting for an escorted game drive. Your driver knows the terrain better than you ever could, they have backup help available if needed, and they are trained to assist with anything that could go wrong. Game drives don’t have to be incredibly expensive (in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, they start around $40 per person for a half day). But be sure to tip your guide handsomely, especially if they help you spot wildlife.

If you decide to self-drive, ensure you’re in a 4WD vehicle safari safety 4x4 car

Photo: WildSnap/Shutterst

(Also known as a 4×4 or off-road vehicle) Most parks have roads with extended sections of dirt, stone, or mud, which can be, evidently, really dangerous for smaller vehicles, especially after rain. Make sure you’ve got high ground clearance and familiarity with the vehicle in case you need to make some very sudden reversing maneuvers or tight turns. If that feels unnecessary to you, you haven’t faced a herd of elephants in the dark before.

Keep a sufficient supply of snacks and water on hand

If you experience a breakdown, you’ll be reassured knowing you have supplies available, especially if it’s hot. If you’re on a guided game drive with a good hotel, chances are the guide supplies these for you; a cold drink in the midst of an African summer after spotting wildlife is the stuff dreams are made of. Also ensure you have crucial medication, like asthma inhalers or EpiPens. Snacks can even come in handy during less-critical times, like when you encounter a herd of animals you’d like to stay and watch for a while.

If self-driving, stay on the recommended routes safari safety elephant and road

Photo: Carcharadon/Shutterstock

Look at your maps closely and try to stay on the packed dirt roads or, better yet, paved roads. Dangerous things can happen when you go really off-road, so stay where it’s safest. You also have the highest chance of encountering other cars if something goes wrong when you stay on the main roads. Park rangers and visitor center employees will always be able to recommend what roads are best given the park’s weather and conditions at any given time.

Listen to your guide

Your guide will likely begin your game drive with some safety tips – don’t zone out as you hear them. None of the rules are arbitrary and you are entering an environment with some very dangerous animals. Your guide is trained to help you navigate this space smoothly, but you have a part to play, too. Keep quiet when you’re told to, keep your arms inside the vehicle, and leave the park with no traces that you were ever there. It’s about not just protecting you, but protecting the animals’ health and habitat, too.

Dress warmly for morning and sunset drives safari safety cold morning kid

Game drives: they can get colder than you’d think. Photo: Blue Orange Studio/Shutterstock

Most game drive vehicles are open-air, sometimes without any type of roof. And while you move very slowly near animals, there will be periods where you cruise along at high speeds. This can get really cold. Wear an insulated jacket, a fleece, maybe some gloves, and a beanie, too. These will also help if you’re out after dark unexpectedly.

Bring insect repellent and sunscreen

You’ll spend a lot of time stationary inside your safari vehicle when you’re watching wildlife. Apply bug repellent and sunscreen to your exposed skin to ensure you leave with memories and not mosquito bites and sunburns. Clothing with built-in SPF protection is also helpful. Be particularly mindful of sun protection if your hotel offers game drives in an open-top vehicle. And bring extra, in case you get stuck outside for a little longer than expected, like we did.

Bring a backpack safari bag backpack

Photo: Maria Markevich/Shutterstock

Keeping items in your pockets or on your lap becomes increasingly difficult on tough terrain. It’s easy for your loose items to go flying when moving at high speeds, and you don’t want to drop anything unnatural in the wilderness as it can be harmful to the animals. So bring a backpack or other bag you can securely close and secure to yourself while driving. Ensure all your trash stays in the bag too, and practice ‘leave no trace’ principles. You also don’t want your camera bouncing around your neck the whole time, so even a small camera bag can be very useful.

Game drives in wildlife parks are absolutely incredible experiences, provided you approach them with safety in mind. My South African hubris led me into a very tricky situation that I could have avoided if I’d paid the experts to do what they do best. So plan ahead, be safe, and trust (and tip) the guides and professionals who work in the parks and know them inside and out. In some cases (like mine), they can be literal lifesavers.

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Published on August 17, 2023 11:21

These Big Sur Hotels Come With Easy Access To the Beach and Mountains

Big Sur is an amazing place to visit and explore. It’s a rugged stretch of California coastline that has an incredible combination of mountains, ocean views, beaches, and redwood forests. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or more adventurous activities like hiking in the Santa Lucia Mountains, these Big Sur hotels ensure you’re within reach.

Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides: These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtown The best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park 11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks 9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast 10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat 12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groups These Airbnb stays near Disneyland offer an easy group vacation These Airbnbs near Knott’s Berry Farm put you close to legendary coasters

We hope you love these Big Sur 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.

Sur Grove Big Sur

Photo: Booking

See more photosSur Grove Big Sur feels like a serene central coast escape, 11 miles from Point Lobos State Reserve. The cabin is a quaint 1930s building that’s been lovingly restored to feel like a tranquil space with plenty of natural light from the skylight windows and eclectic woodsy furnishings. Outdoors, this property features an outdoor patio and a beautiful terrace space. Inside, there are two separate bedrooms, a living room space with a flat-screen TV, and a well-equipped kitchen — and there’s even a barbecue grill outside.

Price: From $350 per night

Big Sur Campground and Cabins

Photo: Booking

See more photosThe 11-acre Big Sur Campground and Cabins property is a cozy and sustainable place to spend the night exploring the region. This spot has been a beloved and historic part of Big Sur since 1953, set amongst the towering redwoods right off Highway 1 and nestled into a river embankment. Visitors can choose from a lineup of RV sites, campgrounds, or cabins. Each unit is equipped with bed linen and towels, and there’s a mini market on-site to buy essentials for cooking and adventuring. Relax with one of the bookable wellness activities ranging from yoga and meditation to bodywork. Get active on the basketball court or with a scenic hike before settling down by the shared firepit in the evening to soak up Big Sur’s magical atmosphere.

Price: From $235 per night

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Photo: Booking

See more photosAlila Ventana Big Sur is an adults-only resort perched on 160 secluded acres set amongst a stretch of seemingly unspoiled coastline. Towering trees surround the property, which offers endless opportunities to appreciate nature and the local lands at a new, immersive level. Guests can take advantage of amazing on-site amenities like the two heated pools adjoined by a Japanese hot bath and programming like unparalleled stargazing experiences, astrology readings and even “cosmic yoga” which “combines celestial exploration and attunement of the body and mind,” taking participants on a healing inner journey. Dine at the resort’s restaurant, The Sur House, or sip a glass of California wine at The Sur House Terrace and Bar, which overlooks the ocean.

Price: From $1,500 per night

Fernwood Resort

Photo: Booking

See more photos This rustic property feels like taking a trip back in time to a nostalgic period of history when Big Sur was still an undiscovered, untouched hidden gem set along the rugged California coastline. This retro, technology-free resort doesn’t offer access to phones, TV or appliances like a mini-fridge. Choose between spending the night at a mix of different down-to-earth accommodations like forest cabins, adventure tents, tent cabins, motel rooms, RV camping, or traditional campgrounds. There are breathtaking forest views from the cozy guest rooms, and outside, guests can enjoy more mountain views from the sun terrace. There’s a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere felt on-site within the restaurant and bar, shared lounge space, and out at the tennis table on the property’s back deck.

Price: From $180 per night

Big Sur River Inn

Photo: Booking

See more photos This California hotel is perched adjacent to the Big Sur River, just a 10-minute drive from Pfeiffer Day Use Beach and close to the redwood hiking trails of Andrew Molera State Park. The property features an on-site restaurant and bar serving hearty American fare, as well as a seasonal swimming pool. Each guest room has its own private entrance and private bathroom and is furnished with classic wood accents and nature-inspired artwork.

Price: From $195 per night

Big Sur Lodge

Photo: Booking

See more photos This historic property is tucked away deep into the peace of the forest, surrounded by the majestic redwood trees of the iconic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The grounds are known to have always been a safe, healing space for travelers seeking respite from the business of city life. Here, guests can stay in one of the 60-plus pet-friendly cottages on-site, in-between experiencing the destination’s abundance of outdoor adventure. There’s an on-site gift shop, a seasonal pool, a restaurant and bar, and easy access to a plethora of local hiking trails (visitors even get a daily park pass for three parks included with the room rate for the length of the stay).

Price: From $275 per night

Glen Oaks Big Sur

Photo: Glen Oaks Big Sur

See more photos This 1950s motor lodge has been modernized and trendified to offer a sense of contemporary comfort with a nostalgic, rustic flourish. Guests can choose between cottages and cabins tucked away in the redwoods making for a secluded spot to spend a night in Big Sur. There’s even a restaurant on-site called Big Sur Roadhouse, which serves fresh California cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Price: From $250 per night

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

Photo: Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

See more photos This historic property actually dates back to the 1930s sitting in the heart of Big Sur, surrounded by forest land and boasting scenic views of the ocean. Guestrooms are cozy and homey, featuring antique furnishings and authentic original design elements like wood-burning fireplaces.

Price: From $150 per night

Post Ranch Inn

Photo: Post Ranch Inn

See more photos
Post Ranch Inn is the quintessential combination of romance and outdoor adventure. This property blends a sophisticated countryside simplicity with modern comforts and tops it all off with breathtaking ocean views. The inn features 39 guestrooms, a spa, an infinity pool, and an array of additional complimentary wellness and adventure activities for guests to enjoy on and off-site. There’s an award-winning restaurant called Sierra Mar which serves cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and environmental sustainability at the top of mind.

Price: From $1,750 per night

Where to stay in Big Sur?

Big Sur is a large, remote stretch of land on California’s Central Coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. There are plenty of spots to stay while visiting this region, and guests should ultimately decide where to stay based on what type of experience they’re looking for. Luxury properties like Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana Big Sur offer the comfort and elegance of an upscale resort. More rustic accommodations like Big Sur Campground and Cabins offer guests a more “down to earth” experience.

Where is Big Sur?

Big Sur sits along California’s iconic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, as a long stretch of land roughly 50 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. The closest major towns to Big Sur are Carmel in the north and Cambria to the south. The closest airport to Big Sur is the Monterey Regional Airport, and the largest major airport near Big Sur is San Francisco International Airport.

What to do in Big Sur?

Some major attractions to see and do in Big Sur include visiting Pfeiffer Beach, seeing McWay Falls, checking out Bixby Bridge, and hiking around Andrew Molera State Park and Limekiln State Park, among other scenic wildlife areas. Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principles and respect the land, leaving it as you found it (or cleaner and nicer!).

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Where are the best hotels near La Sagrada Família located?The best hotels near La Sagrada Família with great views of the basilica The best hotels near La Sagrada Família but without views of the basilica Why is La Sagrada Família still not finished?How long until La Sagrada Família is done?

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Published on August 17, 2023 09:31

Sleep as Close as You Can Get To La Sagrada Família by Staying at These 7 Barcelona Hotels

If there’s one site you cannot pass on while visiting Barcelona, it’s La Sagrada Família. The immense basilica is famed architect Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated creation and the most iconic edifice in a city filled with great architecture. Taking a guided tour of this UNESCO World heritage site is a no-brainer, but you can do much better than a quick visit if you want to admire the site. Booking a hotel near La Sagrada Família (maybe even a hotel with views of the basilica) will allow you to see Gaudí’s last and most cherished project again and again. After all, you can never get enough.

Where are the best hotels near La Sagrada Família located?

The best hotels near La Sagrada Família with great views of the basilica

We hope you love the hotels near La Sagrada Família that 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.

Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel

Photo: Expedia

Just four minutes on foot from La Sagrada Família, the Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel is not only close to the basilica, it’s got some great views of it. While you can’t see Antoni Gaudí’s creation from any of the modern and stylish 182 guest rooms, you can admire it in all its glory — and with a drink in hand — from the rooftop bar. When you get tired of the view (which is unlikely), you can hit the 24/7 gym, the pool, or the other three food and drinks venues on site. And when you want to explore Barcelona further, you can ask reception for one of the bikes made available to guests for free.

Where: C/ de Còrsega, 482, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $354

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon

Photo: Expedia

This four-star property is a three-minute walk to La Sagrada Família and it’s the hotel with the best views of it. From the rooftop terrace, guests at the Sercotel Rosellon get a front-row seat to the impressive basilica, and panoramic vistas of the rest of the city. If you don’t like sharing the scenery with other hotel guests, book a room with a view to enjoy this marvel of architecture from your bed. There’s a cafeteria on site and a bar on the rooftop. A buffet breakfast is available and so is an airport shuttle — but we’re pretty sure you won’t want to leave.

Where: C/ del Rosselló, 390, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $290

Eurostars Monumental

Photo: Expedia

The Eurostars Monumental is a four-star property located a little more than 10 minutes on foot from La Sagrada Família. The hotel is on the small side with only 45 well-appointed, modern rooms fitted with air conditioning and rainfall showers. Several of the guest rooms offer views of the basilica, whether from their windows of their large terraces. The Eurostars Monumental also has a bar-café and a breakfast buffet (for a fee). You can rent bicycles from the front desk if you wish to see more of Barcelona without using public transport.

Where: C/ del Consell de Cent, 498, 500, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $198

Ibis Barcelona Centro Sagrada Família

Photo: Expedia

The Ibis Barcelona Centro Sagrada Família hotel is part of the huge and affordable hotel chain Ibis, so don’t expect a unique and fabulous interior decor. That said, the decor, which is simple but pleasant, is only second to the property’s location — just seven minutes on foot to the Sagrada Família — and the views of the basilica’s tower that guests can get from their room window. The hotel is equipped with air conditioning and WiFi, and there’s a bar on site. Breakfast is available (for a fee).

Where: C/ de Nàpols, 230-232, Hb004593, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $153

The best hotels near La Sagrada Família but without views of the basilica

Well and Come Boutique Hotel

Photo: Expedia

The four-star Well and Come Boutique Hotel may not have views of La Sagrada Família but it’s only 15 minutes on foot from it. Also, it’s packed with great amenities that make up for the lack of vistas: a rooftop with a beautiful swimming pool and sun loungers, a 24-hour health club, a buffet breakfast (for a fee), and an airport shuttle (for a fee). The interior decor is stylish, with 44 spacious guest rooms all simple, yet chic.

Where: C/ de Girona, 158, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $301

Occidental Diagonal 414

Photo: Expedia

The hotel Occidental Diagonal 414, like its name indicates, is located at number 414 of Diagonal Avenue, the largest and main avenue in Barcelona. It is also just a 14 minutes’ walk to La Sagrada Família, and sits next door to La Casa de les Punxes (the House of Spikes), a residential building that resembles a gothic castle. The four-star property has a beautiful rooftop space, where guests can plunge in the pool, or have a drink at the bar and relax on a sun lounger while taking in the city views. All 100 rooms are elegant, furnished with modern, high-quality furniture. There’s a snack-bar on site and breakfast is available (for a fee).

Where: Av. Diagonal, 414, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $297

Room Mate Carla

Photo: Expedia

The hotel Room Mate Carla is a four-star property located 16 minutes away on foot from La Sagrada Família. This property is not a run-of-the-mill hotel with cookie-cutter furniture and art — it’s fun, colorful, modern, and very stylish. The rooms feature bold accent walls that match the carpet while the bar and breakfast space are all about deep cobalt blues, bright yellows, and emerald greens. There’s an honesty bar on site and breakfast is available for a fee (and available until 12 noon). While there’s no pool, there is a small gym.

Where: C/ de Mallorca, 288, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Price per night: Starting at $267

Why is La Sagrada Família still not finished?

Photo: Valerie2000/Shutterstock

The construction of La Sagrada Família started in 1882, just over 140 years ago. The project is immense and very detailed, thus requiring vast amounts of money to be completed. Finishing the project according to the drawing of Antoni Gaudí also means the destruction of several thousands of homes around the site and the eviction of thousands of locals from their houses, which is still very much disputed.

How long until La Sagrada Família is done?

La Sagrada Família is expected to be finished in 2026 with the erection of the very last tower, the Tower of Jesus. The Tower of Jesus will be the central tower and the 18th tower of the edifice. 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.

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Published on August 17, 2023 07:32

August 16, 2023

Make a Trip To the Grand Canyon Effortless With a Stay at One of These Close-By Hotels

The Grand Canyon National Park is situated in the northwestern region of Arizona. The park stretches over 277 miles, encompassing the Colorado River and its adjacent uplands. While the Grand Canyon sprawls across several states, it’s most commonly visited from Arizona, specifically via the well-equipped South Rim. Its sheer size, geological form, and changing colors of the thousands of rock formations makes this natural wonder deservedly popular.

Within the park’s boundaries, there are a handful of decent lodges around Grand Canyon Village. Staying in proximity means you can beat the crowds in the morning and enjoy the various shades of the canyon at different times of the day. But you can also base yourself at nearby towns and cities and do a Grand Canyon day trip. Flagstaff, Williams, and Sedona are all accessible gateways to the park. Due to this, you’ve got quite a few options when it comes to choosing from one of the hotels near Grand Canyon National Park. The most important factor is to decide if you’d like to stay within the boundaries or take a day trip in. The standard (and value for money) of accommodation is vastly improved if you choose the latter, but it depends on what kind of experience you want to have and your itinerary. The hotels outside of Grand Canyon National Park have been selected for their connection to the outdoors, so even if you’re not sleeping with a view over the canyon, you’ll have an equally special vacation in Arizona.

What is the best month to see the Grand Canyon?

The shoulder seasons between March through May and September through November are best. During these periods, the daytime temperatures are manageable and there’s less footfall. You will also find that accommodation options are more available and reasonably priced.

We hope you love the hotels near Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Enchantment Resort

Photo: Expedia

Located in Sedona, about two hours away from the park, Enchantment Resort offers luxury accommodation amid the red-rock landscape. The resort’s remote location in Boynton Canyon is arguably the most spectacular spot in Sedona Red Rock country. Enchantment’s buildings are modern and complement the environment.

The resort delivers over 100 weekly activities, including stargazing adventures, artistic workshops such as beading and pottery, and mountain biking, climbing, ballooning — the list goes on. There’s also three swimming pools, tennis courts and croquet courts.

Enchantment Resort is a great option if you’re after luxury, comfort and amenities. Keep in mind the distance from the Grand Canyon National Park, but a stay here gives you access to Sedona’s landscape and makes for an unforgettable vacation.

Enchantment Resort : 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ, 86336

Price per night: $643

Backland Glamping Resort

Photo: Expedia

This pet-friendly, luxury glamping eco-resort is located about 20 minutes from Williams on 160 acres of private land. The road to Backland is part of the adventure. The section from town is scenic and beautiful, but it’s an unpaved Forest Service track. A four-wheel drive is not necessary, unless you are staying during heavy winter conditions. From the resort, it’s just over an hour to the Grand Canyon.

Backland’s accommodations are far from “roughing it”. Perfect for groups and families, large glamping tents (sleeping four to six) feature a king-size bed with a large window for stargazing, twin bunk beds, a sofa bed, an en-suite bathroom, and climate control. The spacious tents also have a glass front with a private deck. On-site evenings can be spent at the farm-to-table restaurant, or under a blanket of stars at the communal fire pit.

Backland Glamping Resort : 6929 E Rosilda Springs Rd, Williams, AZ, 86046

Price per night: $395

Thunderbird Lodge

Photo: Expedia

Situated within the park itself, Thunderbird Lodge provides easy access to the South Rim. It’s ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. However, availability can be limited due to high demand.

It’s just a stone’s throw away from restaurants, gift shops of Grand Canyon village, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, and the Bright Angel Trail Head. Thunderbird Lodge has all the amenities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. There’s a family-focus with accommodating staff and some rooms have a partial view of the canyon.

Thunderbird Lodge : 7 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $270

Yavapai Lodge

Photo: Expedia

Also located on the South Rim, Yavapai Lodge offers large, comfortable rooms and is pet-friendly, making it another great option for families. Again, during peak season, it can get quite busy, so you’ll need to book in advance. If traveling with kids, it’s worth considering staying in the park. Yes, the accommodations are not as luxurious, but they are geared towards making a trip to the canyon as easy, fun, and educational as possible.

On-site there’s a decent restaurant serving hearty dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a tavern, and a coffee shop. Recently, the business also added electric car chargers to the car park. Staff are friendly and can help you plan your stay and exploration of the park.

Yavapai Lodge : 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $216

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Photo: Expedia

The Grand Hotel provides a more upscale lodging experience near the park. It’s about a mile from the South Rim entrance, offering convenience without compromising on comfort. Built in 1998, the hotel resembles a sprawling three-story chalet with renovated guestrooms that are bright and comfortable. Star amenities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and adjacent fitness center.

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon : 149 State Highway 64 – Tusayan, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $199

High Country Motor Lodge

Photo: Expedia

For budget-conscious travelers, the High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff provides affordable rooms and is roughly a 90-minute drive from the park. The modern-day motor lodge’s vintage design reflects its iconic 1960s origins, with guest rooms leading onto an inviting courtyard with a large pool, fire pits and lawn games. There are 120 guest rooms and suites available and for groups and families, there are three stand-alone cottages. Pet-friendly accommodations can be booked, just mention this in advance.

High Country Motor Lodge : 1000 West Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001

Price per night: $190

Maswik Lodge

Photo: Expedia

Another in-park accommodation, Maswik Lodge, offers a range of rooms amidst Ponderosa pine forest. From the front door, it’s a short quarter-mile walk or bus ride from the canyon’s edge.

Its central location makes it a popular choice, but keep in mind this is a pretty basic accommodation. The lodge is a super option for those passing through the park, aim on spending most of the time outdoors, and want somewhere clean and comfortable for a night or two. The 280-room lodging complex houses a gift shop, food court, and pizza pub. Maswik also offers rooms with kitchenettes, making this a great budget option for those who want to save money on eating out.

Maswik Lodge : 202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $180

Book NowMore like this Travel End an Action-Packed Day at Acadia National Park at One of These Gorgeous New England Luxury Hotels

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Published on August 16, 2023 22:51

Affordable Things To Do in Miami so You Can Splurge on World-Class Food and Hotels

Miami needs no introduction. From beautiful parks and beaches in the day and a lively bar and club scene at night, to incredible Latin and Michelin-star restaurants and tourist attractions even locals love, there’s no shortage of draws to the Magic City and its 250-or-so days of sunshine a year.

Winter is traditionally the best time to visit Miami, but thanks to the Miami Visitors Bureau’s Miami Temptations initiative, which incentivizes you to experience luxe Miami for less, you can find a good reason to visit Miami any time of the year. Each month, Miami Temptations has a different theme. Want to stay in luxury for less? Visit from June through September for Miami Hotels Months. Want to bliss out with a spa treatment? July through August are Miami Spa Months. Miami Spice Restaurants Months welcomes those who travel for the food first and foremost from August through September, while September through May — high season for Miami — beckons with discounts to experience Miami’s best art and attractions.

Best of all, you don’t necessarily have to drain your savings account to have a good time, regardless of the season. Thanks to a wide range of affordable things to do, Miami activities can easily be enjoyed on a budget so you can save that splurge money on dining and world-class accommodations.

Affordable things to do in MiamiMiami Design District

The Miami Design District is famous for its concentration of some of the world’s most renowned fashion houses—think Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Balenciaga—as well as fine dining like the Michelin-starred COTE Miami. But you don’t have to drop money on high fashion to enjoy the Design District. Thanks to the Rooted by Design Project, the neighborhood has one of the best urban orchid collections with rare native and Caribbean species as well as a wide range of tropical flora that draws rare and exotic birds and insects. More than 100 QR codes guide visitors through the plants of the neighborhood in both English and Spanish.

Start your visit at Palm Court to get a bird’s eye view of Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome, then let yourself wander. Notable stops within the district include Nereida Garcia Ferraz’s Open Studio on 40th street, which is the current home of Cuban-born artist Ana Mendieta, and Mia Market, a chef-driven food hall on the second floor atrium.

Miami Design District: 140 NE 39th St., Miami, FL 33137

Art Deco Walking Tour

Located in the heart of South Beach’s iconic Lummus Park, the Miami Preservation League offers a fantastic 1.5 to 2 hour leisurely walking tour that delves deep into the architectural styles that define Miami Beach: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo). Great for history and architecture buffs, the tour is educational and fun, with stops at iconic buildings such as the Breakwater Hotel, the Versace Mansion, and The Carlyle.

Miami Preservation League Art Deco Museum: 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) USA. FLORIDA. MIAMI. JULY, 2017: Perez Art Museum Miami

Photo: Mia2you/Shutterstock

Dedicated to 20th and 21st century art, the PAMM is Miami’s modern and contemporary art museum. Located within the Museum Park in Downtown Miami next to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the permanent collection features over 3,000 pieces of art spread across eight galleries, with works that uniquely represent the Latin experience in the United States.

Pérez Art Museum Miami: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Rubell Museum

The Rubell Museum is a must-see for art lovers. One of the most significant privately held art collections in the world, the 100,000 square foot campus debuted in December 2019 in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood with 36 galleries spanning 53,000 square feet of exhibition space. Museum holdings include more than 7,400 works by more than 1,000 artists, with pieces by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, and Cecily Brown. The museum is home to two Yayoi Kusuma infinity rooms, as well as one of her most seminal works, Narcissus Garden, created in 1966 for the 33rd Venice Biennale.

Rubell Museum: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Miami, Florida, USA - September 25th, 2021 - Frost Museum concrete, glass and steel open air design third floor at the children's health, stem, science building and marine aquarium downtown Dade.

Miami, Florida, USA - September 25th, 2021 - Frost Museum concrete, glass and steel open air design third floor at the children's health, stem, science building and marine aquarium downtown Dade.

Photo: Microfile.org/Shutterstock

It’s easy to get lost at this spectacular science museum. Debuting in 2017, and built to the tune of $305 million, the museum houses a spectacular aquarium, planetarium, and two wings dedicated to scientific exhibits that deal with the ocean, human body, the universe, and more. Visit to the top of the museum to touch stingrays as they glide across the water, and don’t miss the aquarium’s oculus for the best views of the sharks.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Located in Coconut Grove, this 20th century estate is home to spectacular and extensive Italian Renaissance gardens. A National Historic Landmark, the villa and grounds occupy 50 acres and were the original home of businessman James Deering, who built the property over several years beginning in 1912 at a cost of $15 million. The villa has more than 70 rooms featuring Gilded Age architecture and antiques dating back to the 15th century. A popular wedding venue, the estate has been featured in numerous movies, and provides a wonderful backdrop for photos. Plan to spend at least an hour or two wandering through the gardens and villa.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Superblue

Visit Superblue to take an immersive roller coaster ride through various forms of immersive art. You’ll see digital art change according to touch, have your heartbeat transmitted and reflected through hundreds of string lights, walk through a light space that challenges your perception of reality, and so much more. There’s a charge to experience the teamLab’s Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life, but it’s worth it to see yourself walking through clouds (made of soap bubbles, but it’s very cool all the same).

Superblue: 1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

Where to eat and drink in MiamiOcean Social

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Eden Roc Miami’s new oceanfront restaurant offers direct beach views and a delicious menu. Helmed by executive chef Tristan Epps, a Chopped champion,and the former executive chef of Red Rooster Overtown, the menu is largely farm- and ocean-to-table, featuring surf and turf and a “Fire to Table” section of shareable plates from the wood fired grill. Come before sunset to enjoy cocktails at the 28-seat bar, then request an oceanfront booth as you feast on plates like the Caribbean Kanpachi Crudo, butter roasted lobster, and hearth-roasted whole local fish.

Ocean Social: 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Mila

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One of the sexiest and buzziest restaurants in Miami Beach, Mila is more than just a rooftop restaurant and bar. The cocktail bar itself is a destination, but the indoor-outdoor vibe, cuisine, and the entertainment take things over the top. You can order a la carte, but splurge on the omakase to experience the best of what Mila has to offer, from the spectacular sushi and sashimi plates to the hot pots, wagyu, and more. Dress to impress, enjoy some cocktails, and make sure to arrive in time to catch the fire dance show on the outer patio.

Mila: 1636 Meridian Avenue Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139

News Cafe

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An iconic South Beach cafe and gathering spot since it opened in 1988, News Cafe is famous not only for its location but for its famous patrons, such as the late fashion designer Gianni Versace. Now re-opened and re-imagined, the cafe serves up healthy(ish) American fare, with great patio seating for fantastic Miami Beach people watching. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menus are printed on newspaper, and feature American and Continental classics such as avocado toast, lobster linguine, and steak and eggs.

News Cafe: 800 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Leku Miami

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Beautifully executed Basque cuisine awaits at Leku Miami. Housed on the Rubell Museum campus, this indoor-outdoor restaurant features a lovely patio surrounded by lush greenery, along with a beautiful mural that runs the length of the back bar. Expect fantastic execution by executive chef Carlos Garcia, who turns out beautiful pintxos, rice)= dishes, and an exceptional Basque cheesecake.

Leku Miami: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

Sofia Miami Design District

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Located in the heart of the Miami District, stepping into Sofia feels a bit like you’ve stepped onto the set of a luxurious movie. Though the umbrella-covered patio is absolutely darling, the interiors make the ultimate design statement with ornate crystal chandeliers, pink velvet chairs, booths, and Andy Warhol-esque wall art depicting Marilyn, Brigitte Bardot, and Sofia Loren. The menu is Italian featuring classic salads, pizza, and pasta, but the draw here is definitely the design, which is so gorgeous it’ll surely blow up your Instagram and TikTok.

Sofia Miami Design District:140 NE 39th St Unit #133, Miami, FL 33137

Fiola Miami

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Swanky and upscale, this Italian restaurant is one of the finest dining destinations in Coconut Grove. Classically designed with dark wood and brass accents, feast on contemporary takes on Italian classics. The crudos are outstanding, but then so is the lobster ravioli. There’s a rooftop bar as well, so plan to retire upstairs for a digestif after your meal.

Fiola Miami: 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Where to stay in Miami

There are plenty of Miami Airbnbs and Miami Beach Airbnbs ranging from affordable to luxury. That said, like with food, accommodations are well worth splurging on in Miami for a stay unlike any other.

We hope you love the spaces 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.

Hotel Eden Roc eden roc miami hotel premium room view

Photo: Expedia

The iconic Hotel Eden Roc is the embodiment of Miami chic. Located in the heart of Miami Beach, the hotel blends old world glamor with contemporary amenities. Rooms are spacious and feel appropriately breezy, with primary palette of white and pale wood set against splashes of pale turquoise or red. Rooms face either the bay or the ocean, so you’ll have a water view whichever room type you choose. There are three pools, a dreamy on-site spa, and the several dining options as well, from the grab-and-go Cafe Inez, to Nobu Miami, to the beachfront Ocean Social. Complimentary one-hour bike rentals also come with each stay.

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden mayfair house miami lobby

Photo: Expedia

If you want to stay in Miami but can do without the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is the oasis you need. Newly re-opened after an extensive $50 million renovation, the hotel is located in Miami’s oldest, most charming and walkable neighborhood, steps away from countless boutiques and restaurants. Designed as an all-suite hotel, the rooms come with every single amenity you could need or want in a pied-a-terre. Each room is spacious with its own free standing tub, balcony, sitting area and desk. A vintage typewriter with a type-written welcome note tucked in it is just one of the thoughtful gestures that you’ll encounter here, while the design of the room itself—by New York-based interior design studio Goodrich—exudes a lush, vibrant luxe, in Wes Anderson Art Deco sort of way. A verdant, leafy central courtyard with cascading fountains and iron flamingo sculptures enhances the oasis effect. To complete the package, the hotel also boasts a dreamy roof top pool; SipSip, a lively roof rum bar; and an excellent all-day restaurant, Mayfair Grill.

More like this Travel The 10 Best Miami Tourist Attractions That Are Actually Worth Visiting

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Published on August 16, 2023 13:48

How To Get Over Jet Lag, According To Science and Experts

Jet lag is the obnoxious sidekick of long-haul travel, always waiting for us at the arrivals terminal with unpleasant welcome gifts such as drowsiness, irritability, headaches, indigestion, and confusion. There’s no way to avoid jet lag if you’re traveling long distances, but the science of exploring how our body’s routines affect our overall health has come up with helpful travel hacks to reset our internal clocks at a faster rate. From expert advice to ticks used by frequent travelers, this is everything you need to know about jet lag, including how to avoid and overcome it.

What is jet lag?Jet lag symptoms Can jet lag be prevented?Can fasting prevent jet lag?How to get over jet lag Jet lag treatments Melatonin for jet lag Jet lag self-care Is jet lag worse going east?What is jet lag, and what causes it?

Jet lag is a phenomenon that occurs when you cross multiple time zones quickly. It’s characterized by a disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, hormonal secretions, and various physiological processes.

Think of a person’s sleep-wake cycle as their master clock. It tells the body when to start its daytime activities and when to do repairs during sleep. This cycle is so crucial that the body sets up backup alarms in other organs, such as the digestive cycle and skeletal muscle activation. Our circadian rhythms are initially set by exposure to daylight and darkness and then become habitual based on the time of day. Once these habits are formed, our bodies can wake up at normal times for a period of days even without sunlight. But when time drastically changes, such as after a long flight, our circadian rhythms are thrown off and struggle to catch up.

The master clock that runs our routines can only naturally reset at an average rate of an hour a day. For instance, if you have a six-hour time change, your biological rhythms aren’t fully back to normal for six days. In the meantime, travelers experience the effects of jet lag, most notably in our immune systems and thought processes.

Jet lag symptoms: What does jet lag feel like, and how long does it last?

Jet lag is a nebulous affliction. Many travelers associate jet lag with daytime fatigue and nighttime sleeplessness after jumping time zones. Some travelers experience more targeted symptoms, such as headaches and upset stomachs. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of jet lag include difficulties adapting to time changes, an inability to focus or function, digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea, generally feeling unwell, and moodiness.

Mattress company Leesa polled more than 1,000 frequent travelers between the ages of 18 and 85 to better understand jet lag. The survey broke down the results by age group, comparing the experiences of baby boomers, Generation X, and millennials. According to the study, the most common symptom of jet lag across travelers of all ages is headaches, which 42.4 percent of millennials and 41.2 percent of Gen Xers reported experiencing after flying. That number increased among baby boomers, 49.8 percent of whom reported experiencing headaches as a symptom of jet lag.

More than one in 10 baby boomers also reported experiencing backaches and constipation after flying. Younger travelers, on the other hand, noted non-physical symptoms of jet lag, namely missing social plans for millennials and missing work for Gen Xers. The study found that nearly 50 percent of travelers experience jet lag on both ends of their trips for roughly two to three days. Perhaps surprisingly, baby boomers, the oldest of the three age groups studied, were able to recharge fastest, generally needing about 2.5 days to recover from jet lag. Millennials reported needing between 2.5 and three days and Gen Xers nearly 72 hours.

Can jet lag be prevented?

The question of whether or not jet lag is preventable depends on your definition of prevention. Is there an over-the-counter pill you can take to stop the onset of jet lag? No. But there are measures you can take to reduce its impact — even before you touch down in your destination.

One strategy for beating jet lag is to start adjusting to your destination’s time zone before your trip. The most basic way to reset your sleep schedule is this: A week before you leave, start moving your meal and sleep times by either 30 minutes or an hour each day. If you’re heading east, go to bed and wake up a little earlier each day. Heading west, start pushing your sleep and wake times back as much as you reasonably can. Even small shifts make a difference before departure. Online calculators, such as Jet Lag Rooster and British Airways’ jet lag fighter, as well as apps like Timeshifter, do the math for you and provide detailed, individualized plans.

If reworking your sleep schedule before travel isn’t feasible, try to start adjusting on the plane by sleeping when it aligns with your destination’s bedtime. As soon as you board, take steps to mimic the time zone that you’re moving toward. Block out or minimize light (including screens of electronics) and noise when it should be nighttime, and expose yourself to light, ideally sunshine, when it should be daytime.

When it’s time to sleep, try to create ideal sleep conditions. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and slip-on shoes. Bring a supportive pillow, an eye mask, and earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Shrouding yourself in stimuli-blocking sleep paraphernalia, such as headphones, a mask, a pillow, and possibly a cinched-down hoody creates a cozy personal sleep zone and sends a clear signal to those around you that you’re trying to sleep.

In between, hydrate. Drinking plenty of water can reduce jet lag and help you acclimate quicker to new destinations. It also helps if you indulged in a drink or two. Alcohol hits you harder in the air due to the lack of oxygen and dry atmosphere in flight. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, or use judiciously. Drinking fluids will also help keep your digestive system on track to avoid undesirable constipation that can result from dry, sedentary plane travel.

Plus, the more water you drink, the more you’ll need to get up to use the bathroom, which is a good thing. Movement circulates blood and oxygen, prevents stiffness, and reduces the risk of dangerous blood clots. In your seat, try exercises like lifting and lowering your heels, moving your spine in all directions, and opening your chest.

Can fasting prevent jet lag?

Science says there might be another trick to overcoming jet lag: fasting. In 2008, Dr. Clifford Saper and a team of researchers from Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center located a second body clock in mice that operates based on food availability rather than the light-dark cycle.

As it relates to jet lag in people, Dr. Saper told NPR, “The prediction would be that if you want to engage the [food-oriented body clock] the way to do it would be to take a fast of maybe 12 to 16 hours, and then eat breakfast, so to speak, on the same time that they eat breakfast in the country you’re going to.”

The methodology has only been tested anecdotally, but it’s not the first time regulating food intake has been used as a method of preventing jet lag. In the 1980s, a chronobiologist at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory developed a diet to help prevent jet lag.

A streamlined version of the Argonne Anti-Jet-Lag Diet, the anti-jet-lag fast disrupts and resyncs a person’s master clock. When a body is fasting for at least 12 hours, the back-up “digest clock” suspends the circadian rhythm to conserve energy, effectively stopping time-based routines. When we eat, we start the clock again, and the body pays attention to daylight and darkness to reset the clock instead of time.

Simply, if you fast, your body won’t care as much what time it is back home but will instead pay attention to the light cues when you’re at your destination, making jet lag recovery faster. Watch your fasting start time before departure to get at least 12 hours and pass on those flight meals and snacks. Instead, jump-start your trip and your internal clock with a good meal when you arrive.

Upon landing, Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert with Maple Holistics, suggests that you “plan where you will be eating ahead of time so that you don’t find yourself starving and winding up at the nearest fast food joint. If you’re able to stay somewhere with a kitchen that’s ideal, but if not, look up farmers markets nearby, as well as clean restaurants in the area to make sure you’ve got healthy options around you.”

How to get over jet lag

To get over jet lag once you’ve arrived at your destination, the most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy energy level, immunity, and metabolism is to continue your efforts to adjust to the local sleep schedule. The first nights of your arrival are key to this. Good sleep hygiene routines can help trigger sleepiness if the timing is challenging. Things like limiting screen time before bed, keeping your room dark and cool, not skipping bedtime hygiene routines, reading with gentle light, and listening to music are helpful ways to get your sleep back on track.

If you hit a wall during the day, a nap is allowed, but the CDC recommends limiting naps to 15 or 20 minutes to combat jet lag. Caffeine can also help, but try to resist late-in-the-day coffee runs. It’ll be easier to adjust to the local time and schedule without the 4 PM espresso.

During waking hours, the science of health routines emphasizes one main truth: You need natural light to reset and feel like yourself. If you need help waking up earlier than you otherwise might, push yourself to get outside and get natural light as soon as possible. If you need to stay awake for longer, make sure you are out and moving in the late afternoon sun all the way to sunset. If you’re at a location that lacks radiant sunshine, never fear, even a gloomy, cloudy sky allows for natural light, and it can still help reset your clock.

Exercise can also help to reset your clock, especially in the natural light. That might mean skipping the hotel gym to plan runs, walks, or stretches outside, although sightseeing alone is a good way to achieve your daily step count abroad. There are even things you can do from the comfort of your hotel room. Restorative yoga poses can work wonders on your hormonal and physiological processes. One simple move is to lay on the floor and raise your legs up the wall over your hips, position your bum several inches from the wall, and use a thin head support for comfort to reverse the settling of blood and fluids into the feet that’s caused by sitting for hours on a plane. Practice this pose daily in the days following your flight.

Fitness and nutrition specialists suggest that, when it comes to sleep, you should focus on aerobic efforts in the morning and do anaerobic activities — such as weight lifting, sprinting, and any intense exertion — later in the day.

As far as nutrition is concerned, in the early days of your travels, it’s better to eat the bulk of your calories earlier in the day and try to be done eating by 6 or 7 PM local time. Our body clocks are powerful — even our livers have clocks to turn on the conversion of calories to energy by day and to shut down and store calories at night. Pushing our livers into overtime work with full meals late in the evening throws all of the other functions off tempo too, making it even harder to reset to a new time. Once the rest of the body resets to the new time zone, the liver will be able to be more flexible with late meals and free-flowing libations.

Jet lag treatments

There’s no cure for jet lag, but light therapy and sleep aids can help travelers combat it. In lieu of natural light, Mayo Clinic suggests using artificial lights to simulate sunlight during waking periods, such as light boxes, desk lamps, or light visors. The nonprofit also notes that sleep medications such as Ambien, Edluar, ZolpiMist, Lunesta, and Sonata (nonbenzodiazepines) or Restoril and Nayzilam (benzodiazepines) can be used during flights and upon arrival but should only be taken if no other jet lag treatments have worked.

Chamomile, valerian root, and passion flower are among the most popular choices for natural sleep aids in addition to melatonin supplements — more on that below.

Melatonin for jet lag

Fundamentally, jet lag is a sleep disorder. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain produces to help regulate the sleep cycle, which can also be taken orally as a supplement to combat sleep disorders. Some travelers swear by over-the-counter melatonin as a jet lag remedy.

When our bodies are adjusted to a particular time zone, outside darkness signals the release of naturally occurring melatonin to help us fall asleep in the evening. Melatonin continues to be secreted throughout the night, generally peaking between 2 and 4 AM. When we travel, the night sky may reflect that it’s time to sleep, but if our body clocks are set to an earlier time zone, our brains will resist releasing melatonin, therefore preventing sleep.

Melatonin supplements can help reset our body clocks. Travelers may opt to take melatonin supplements during a long plane ride to get a jumpstart on adjusting to a time change or choose to take melatonin as needed on arrival. Physicians recommend taking 0.5 to five milligrams of melatonin 30 minutes before you intend to sleep, according to the local bedtime. Studies show that melatonin supplements are most effective when travelers cross five or more time zones and that doses above five milligrams are ineffective at providing additional sleep support.

Sounds like a perfect jet lag remedy, right? Unfortunately, some people report increased feelings of grogginess after taking melatonin, especially if taken too early in the evening. In fact, according to the Leesa poll, travelers cited medications such as melatonin as the one factor that delayed their recoveries the most, with all three generations saying it took well over three days to feel ripe again. In contrast, taking naps and, perhaps contradicting that, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule were cited as the best way to recover from jet lag quickly.

Jet lag self-care

A lot of what could be considered jet lag self-care has already been covered as methods of preventing and overcoming jet lag. This includes restful sleep at appropriate times; getting fresh air, sunlight, and exercise; and eating fresh foods full of fiber and antioxidants. However, time is a key factor in the jet lag equation, as well.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that jet lag doesn’t disrupt your schedule too much on either side of your travels is to budget time for it. If there’s a specific reason for your travels, such as an event, try to give yourself a few days on the front end to adjust to your destination’s time zone. Even if there’s nothing particular you’d like to be fresh-faced for abroad, acknowledge that you might have trouble hitting the ground running from day one of your vacation — that’s okay.

The same thinking applies to your return trip. Back home, factor in at least a week to recover completely from jet lag. Set different psychological expectations and, when possible, scale back on your activities to allow extra time for rest. Consider booking flights that ensure you have a weekend of rest before you get back to work. Those first few days of work might still be challenging as you reset your body clock, so try to limit your social commitments and prioritize self-care when you return, as well.

Is jet lag worse going east?

While everyone’s body clock is different, science has shown that circadian rhythms tend to last slightly longer than 24 hours, which affects how we experience jet lag both individually and universally. Because most of our body clocks are tuned to longer days, it’s generally easier to adapt to westward travel.

Analyzing data equivalent to more than 1.5 million nights of sleep from people traveling in all directions across different time zones, the Sleep Cycle Institute determined that traveling east is, in fact, much worse for sleep than traveling west.

Looking at the first five days of travel, the study showed that people experience far less severe jet lag when traveling west. Furthermore, their quantity and quality of sleep, as well as their wake-up mood, actually improved over those who hadn’t traveled at all. Interestingly, according to the data, travelers tend to sleep fairly well on the first night of their trips, but sleep quality declines on the second night — not fully returning to normal until day 10.

Natural sleep expert Dr. Catherine Darley says, “Based on sleep physiology, it makes sense that westward travel is easier, as it’s easier to lengthen the circadian rhythm. Not only is mood worse but people can feel an increase in anger and performance problems. It’s important to note that these effects can last for several days and to take that into account when planning.”

Additional reporting for this story by Ilana Murphy, Jen Ruiz, and Rebecca Toy

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Published on August 16, 2023 12:00

How To Visit Provence, France, Home of the World’s Most Beautiful Lavender Fields

For most French people, Provence conjures up the sound of the cicadas, the lovely accent of the inhabitants of the region, sunny weather, and olives. To most outsiders, Provence is all about lavender fields. No matter where you’re from and what you think Provence is like, you won’t be disappointed because it’s all the above. The historical region of Provence is an area of simple beauty and unhurried, uncomplicated pleasures, all of which are best enjoyed in the late spring and summer.

Provence is a historical and cultural region of southeastern France. It is not, however, an official administrative region. Provence was a sovereign state from the 10th century to 1481 when it became part of France.

Where is Provence?

The geographical boundaries of Provence have changed over the centuries and remain inexact. It is generally accepted that the boundaries of the region are: the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Alps to the east, the Rhône river to the west, and the town of Embrun and Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to the north.

The Provence region is now encompassed in the administrative region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, aslo known as PACA. PACA consists of six French departments:

Alpes-de-Haute-ProvenceHautes-AlpesAlpes-MaritimesBouches-du-RhôneVarVaucluseIs Nice in Provence?

Provence’s loose boundaries throughout the centuries means that Nice was once part of Provence, but today is not considered as such (even by the inhabitants of the city.) Nice is, however, part of the administrative region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, also known as PACA.

What is Provence, France, known for?

The Provence region is mostly famous for its sunny weather, varied and beautiful landscapes, fields of lavender, small villages, and markets selling fresh produce, including the star fruit and vegetables of the area: olives, garlic, and tomatoes. The Provence region is also well-known for having inspired many artists who settled in the area, such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, and more.

How far is Paris from Provence? Can you take the train?

Because Provence is a large, historical region and not a city, it is hard to determine the exact distance between Paris and Provence. Instead, we can determine the distance between Paris and Aix-en-Provence, the historical capital of the region.

Aix-en-Provence is located around 450 miles south of Paris, i.e. a 7.5-hour drive. For a quicker trip, you can opt to take the three-hour direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to the high-speed train station of Aix-en-Provence. The high-speed train station is 11 miles out of the city center of Aix-en-Provence. If you’d rather arrive right in the city center of Aix-en-Provence, you’ll have one connection on the way and the trip will be a little longer. Visit the French railways’ website (SNCF) to learn about departure times and prices.

How to get from Provence to Marseille?

Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is located in the Provence region. If you want to travel between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, there are hourly direct trains that will take you between the two cities. The train ride takes around 40 minutes and costs less $11 (10 €) in second class. If you’d rather drive, the trip takes 35 minutes.

How to get from Provence to Avignon?

Avignon is located in the Provence region. If you want to travel between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, you can take the high-speed train from the high-speed train station of Aix-en-Provence (11 miles out of the city) and the high-speed train station of Avignon (3.7 miles out of the city). The trip takes just 20 minutes and the trains run twice every hour. If you’d rather go to city center to city center, that’s possible by train too, but it takes over two hours and involves at least one connection in Marseille. If you’d rather drive, the trip takes just over one hour.

How to pronounce “Aix en Provence”? How to pronounce “provençal”?

“Aix-en-Provence” is pronounced [x-on-provons]

“Provençal”, which means “from the Provence region, or typical of the Provence region” is pronounced [pro-von-sal]. “Provençal” is also the name of the endangered dialect spoken in Provence.

When does the lavender bloom in Provence? Lavender in the plateau de Valensole in Provence, France

Photo: username/Shutterstock

In Provence, lavender blooms in the summer months: June, July, and August; however, not all the fields of lavender bloom or are cut at the same time. Blooming starts first in the areas around the Rhône river, such as in the Vaucluse department, where the blooms open mid-June and are cut before the start of August. In the Vaucluse, the blooms are best observed in the Plateau de Claparédes and in the area around Sault. In the Alpes de Haute-Provence department, where the most famous lavender fields are in the Plateau de Valensole, the blooms start in late June and are cut in August. The third Sunday in July is the Fête de la Lavande de Valensole, an event celebrating the fragrant purple flowers in all its shapes.

No matter where you go to see the lavender fields of Provence, make sure to either go very early in the morning or at sunset, they’ll be very few people around, it won’t be too hot, and the light will be soft and beautiful.

What does Provence mean?

The term “Provence” comes from the Latin Provincia Romana, which means “Roman Province”. The romans occupied this area between the years 125 et 121.

What are herbs de Provence exactly and are they from the Provence region of France?

Herbs de Provence (or as they are known in French herbes de Provence) is a specific mix of dried herbs commonly found growing in the Provence region of France, including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory.

Was the series Murder in Provence filmed in Provence? Where exactly?

The English detective series Murder in Provence, a Britbox original show, was and is filmed in Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the region.

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Published on August 16, 2023 06:27

The Best Chiang Mai Hotels Inside and Outside the Walls

Chiang Mai is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Thailand. Located in Northern Thailand, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and modern lifestyle — not to mention incredible cuisine. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. With its ancient temples, beautiful natural surroundings, and vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to see why this city is both a digital nomad hotspot and an essential part of any Thailand travel itinerary.

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We hope you love these Chiang Mai 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.

De Lanna Hotel

Photo: Expedia

Address: QXQM+R6J, 44 Intrawarorot Rd, Sri Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200Price: From $33 per night

This four-star, 62-room boutique hotel feels like a peaceful retreat in the heart of bustling Chiang Mai. It’s in a great location near Old Town and steps from other attractions like Sunday Walking Street Market and Wat Phra Singh. Admire the traditional Thai Lanna style decor, which includes stained glass windows and dark wooden, hand-carved furniture. Enjoy the tranquil inner-courtyard area landscaped with lush greenery, or relax in the saltwater pool. There’s even a poolside bar and an on-site restaurant.

De Naga One Hotel Chiang Mai

Photo: Expedia

See more photos10 Ratchamanka Rd Soi 4, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200Price: From $45 per night

This 55-room, four-star hotel is located in Old Town close to attractions like the Tha Phae Gate and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Guests can enjoy spending time at the pool, hot tub and poolside bar area, relaxing out on the terrace, sweating at one of the health club’s fitness classes, or dining at the hotel’s cafe. There’s also an on-site spa offering treatments like aromatherapy and facials. Guests can admire the property’s ornate, detailed design and architectural elements, including authentic statues and decorative ornaments in the traditional Lanna style.

De Charme Hotel Chiang Mai

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 28 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200Price: From $22 per night

This 69-room hotel features an on-site restaurant, cafe, library, fitness center, and outdoor pool outfitted with lounge seating. It’s located a short walk from attractions, including multiple ancient temples, including Wat Phra Singh, Chedi Luang Temple, and Wat Phan Tao. The property’s design is a blend of traditional furnishings and contemporary technology. Each room features air conditioning, a TV, and private bathrooms.

De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa Chiang Mai

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 6, 3 Thapae Rd Soi 4, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100Price: From $34

This 40-room four-star property features an indoor pool with a poolside bar, an on-site restaurant, a shared outdoor terrace, and an on-site spa. The decor feels bright, welcoming, and modern, with traditional design touches and beautiful artwork on the walls. Guests can rent bikes from the hotel and enjoy a breakfast buffet for a small fee. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and outfitted with a minibar.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 123, 1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100Price: From $235

This five-star luxury resort property is located in the Chang Khlan neighborhood on a river. Outdoors, guests can enjoy the shared terrace and garden space or go shopping at the designer stores right on-site. There’s also a spa with a steam room and multiple treatments, including aromatherapy and nail services. Dine at the resort’s breakfast buffet for an extra fee, or sign up for one of the group fitness classes at the gym — ranging from yoga to aerobics, and more. Settle into the luxurious guest rooms, which feature soaking tubs for relaxation and beautiful wooden accents with a clean, modern aesthetic.

U Nimman Chiang Mai

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 1, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandPrice: From $70

This 147-room hotel is in a great location connected to a shopping center, meaning numerous opportunities for nearby shopping and entertainment. The property offers perks like a complimentary breakfast buffet, multiple pools, a poolside bar, a library, and an on-site spa. Guests can rent bikes to explore the area further or relax in their air-conditioned rooms which are outfitted with comforts like plush bathrobes. The design balances elements of contemporary and elegant, feeling like a sleek and clean spot to spend a night in a bustling location.

T Heritage Hotel

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 153 Ratchamanka Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200Price: From $55

The 29-room T Heritage Hotel is located in the Old Town neighborhood of Chiang Mai. Guests can enjoy spending time soaking up the sunshine on the outdoor terrace or in the garden, lounging at the outdoor pool, or relaxing at the on-site coffee shop and cafe. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving both international and local cuisine. Each room is individually decorated, and some feature patios with nice views of the city. The guest rooms feature a traditional aesthetic blended with modern comforts like premium linens, memory foam mattresses, and soaking tubs.

Kate and Hasu Boutique Chiangmai

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 15/2 Kotchasarn Rd, Chiang Mai 50100Price: From $35

This intimate property is in the Chang Moi neighborhood of Chiang Mai, in the entertainment district. Guests will enjoy a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, as well as perks like a free daily manager’s reception. Spend time outside on the terrace or in the garden, and stop into the on-site cafe for a quick bite. There’s also an outdoor pool, bike rentals, and a concierge to assist with booking tours and exploring local attractions. All 20 rooms are air-conditioned and outfitted with Wi-Fi.

Amata Lanna Village

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 222/2 Chareanprated Rd., Changklan, 50000Price: From $52 per night

This boutique three-star property is in the Wat Ket neighborhood, just a quick car ride from the airport and train station. Guests can spend time getting some fresh air outside on the terrace or taking a dip in the outdoor pool. There’s also a library and a playground for children. The hotel only features 14 rooms, making for a highly individualized experience in every way — from the traditional decor in the guest rooms to extra special touches like a “pillow menu” for the best possible sleep. Guest rooms feature a timelessly sophisticated decor with pops of color, making them feel bright and welcoming.

Moon Dragon Hotel

Photo: Expedia

See more photosAddress: 97 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200Price: From $22 per night

The 28-room Moon Dragon Hotel is located in Old Town in the heart of all the action, close to attractions like Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Ancient Lanna temples surround the property, and it’s just a short walk from the property to the Tha Pae Gate. Guests can spend time outside on the sun loungers at the swimming pool or get fresh air on the terrace. Rooms are spacious and clean, with comfortable beds and elegant furnishings.

What to do in Chiang Mai?

Travelers should be sure to stop by popular attractions like the Wat Chedi Luang temple, the Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan temple, and the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, among other beautiful local Buddhist temples. Wua Lai Walking Street is a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor markets selling street food and souvenirs. The historic Tha Phae Gate is another famous site that dates back to ancient times.

What time is it in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is 11 hours ahead of New York and 14 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?

Guests should plan to spend at least a few days exploring this fascinating and historic city.

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