Matador Network's Blog, page 370
January 4, 2023
Tupper Lake Is the Best Place for a Family Vacation in the Adirondacks
In the Adirondack Mountains lies Tupper Lake, a village known for fishing and hiking – and a fledgling craft beer scene. However, what differentiates this town from others in this region – which is already well known for outdoor adventure – is that it’s one of the best places in New York state for family adventure.
Start your adventure at The Wild Center, a kid-friendly immersive nature museum where families can experience a trail of bridges built in the treetops of the Adirondack forest, or embark on a guided canoe trip.
If you have older kids in the family who are ready for a hiking challenge, try Tupper Lake Hiking Triad, a series of three mountain hikes. The well maintained trails are safe for kids, and can be completed in summer and winter.
You probably won’t be able to resist heading out on to the lake itself, either. For canoeing and kayaking, try the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad. This series of three pathways through the lake might take you past otters – and are fit for expert and beginner paddlers.
Don’t let winter weather hinder your appetite for adventure. Just grab your winter coats and head to the James C. Frenette Recreational Trails. Not only do these trails offer beginner hiking trails that are appropriate for kids not ready to take on miles of mountain hiking quite yet, but winter time activities include snowshoeing and sledding.
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in Tupper Lake. Make it family friendly by embarking on ice fishing adventures on Little Wolf Pond or Raquette Pond. You can grab your gear in town, as well as a fishing permit.
In the summer, the place to be in Tupper Lake is Little Wolf Beach – sometimes known as the town’s “hidden gem.” There’s a floating dock, playground, and even a designated area for toddlers to swim, so your littlest ones are welcome, too.
Another must-visit spot in Tupper Lake is Bog River Falls. There are scenic pathways on either side of the falls to take in the view, and flat rocks line the shore where your kids can climb or enjoy a picnic lunch.
One adventure that will fill your family with wonder is stargazing at Tupper Lake. Families can head to Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory for the chance to use one of the on-site telescopes, or drive to scenic spots like Rock Island Bay to see the dazzling stars reflected off the lake. 
Four Reno Day Trips You Need To Add To Your Northern Nevada Getaway
Reno, Nevada is a vibrant city with plenty of entertainment options. The area boasts a host of trendy restaurants and bars, along with casinos offering gaming, live music, comedy shows and more. There are also numerous cultural offerings, including world-class museums, performing arts venues, and galleries, plus nearby historic towns like Virginia City and fabulous nearby mountain biking and hiking.
When it comes to Reno day trips, there are plenty of outdoor activities to explore. From picturesque ski resorts and hiking trails to Lake Tahoe’s sandy beaches and hot springs, there’s plenty to fill a vacation. But these are four of the best.
Lake Tahoe
Photo: TopSeller/Shutterstock
Just an hour away from Reno is Lake Tahoe, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities, like skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, as well as hiking and biking in the summer. Visitors can also explore beautiful beaches, hot springs, and a variety of water sports. In the winter, it’s well-known for ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, and Sugar Bowl Resort.
The closest Reno day trips for skiers will be to the two resorts on the Nevada side of the north shore: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, and Diamond Peak. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also good Tahoe winter adventures.
The north shore of Lake Tahoe is about 30-45 minutes from Reno, depending on where you want to go. But know that snowy weather in the winter can greatly slow the drive, or sometimes completely close the roads, so check the status of Highway 80 (to Truckee) and Mt. Rose Highway (to Incline Village) if you’re hoping to drive to the lake during a storm. You will definitely need a car with AWD and snow tires or chains.
Fly GeyserPhoto: Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock
If you want your Reno day trips to take you to the area’s best natural wonders, consider visiting Fly Geyser in Black Rock Desert. Located about two hours from Reno, the geyser is a fascinating site to explore. It was created accidentally in 1964, when well water mixed with geothermal energy and began flowing up through the earth’s surface. Today, the geyser stands about five feet tall, with terraced pools and a rainbow of colors. It’s an incredible sight to see in the Nevada desert, one Reno visitors won’t want to miss.
Fly Geyser is located on private land, so it requires prior permission to visit. The best way to arrange this is through Friends of the Black Rock Desert, which offers guided tours to the geyser. The tours include a walk and access to the site, with knowledgeable guides providing insight into the area’s human and geologic history.
Black Rock Desert
Photo: Travel Nevada /Sydney Martinez
The Black Rock Desert is a vast expanse of Nevada desert, and Reno day trips to the area allow visitors to explore its stunning landscape. It’s home to Fly Geyser, as well as other natural wonders like Humboldt Peak and Fossil Hill. It’s a long Reno day trip (about 100 miles) so you may want to camp or stay overnight at a nearby hotel. The area around the Black Rock Desert usually isn’t very crowded outside of August, when the annual Burning Man Festival happens.
The Black Rock Desert is best explored on foot or by four wheel drive vehicle, so be sure to plan your Reno day trip accordingly. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert can be very hot and dry. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, so take extra precautions when exploring the area and be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles.
David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort
Photo: Travel Nevada /Sydney Martinez
Now called the “Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort, an IHG Hotel,” this hot-spring resort in Gardnerville, Nevada is just under an hour from Reno. It has one large heated outdoor pool and five thermal water spas; the hottest is about 104 degrees. If you’re visiting as a Reno day trip, you can buy a day pass to the pools without reservations; just roll up and pay the day pass fee.
This is one of the best Reno day trips to plan toward the end of your trip as the hot water can be really relaxing for muscles tired from a few days of skiing or hiking. Unlike more natural hot springs, this one requires swimsuits, so pack accordingly.
Visiting This Remote National Park Is Like Hiking Through a Martian Landscape
Tsingy National Park (full name: The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park) is a national park in Madagascar. The name “tsingy” comes from a Malagasy word meaning “walking on tiptoes,” which is an apt description of the landscape of the park. It is known for its unique karst formations, formed by rain that dissolved the soft limestone over time, creating sharp, rocky spires.
It’s one of the wildest looking places on earth and a must-visit national park for hikers who love exploring the world’s most unique places on foot. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endemic species like bamboo lemurs and the rare fossa (similar to a large weasel mixed with a house cat).
How to reach Tsingy National Park
Photo: takmat71/Shutterstock
Getting to Tsingy National Park isn’t easy. You’ll first need to travel to Madagascar, then make the 14-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo to the western part of the island, near the town of Bekopaka. There’s a daily shuttle with Cotisse Transport that you should book in advance. You can also charter a flight to the park; they are, as you might expect, not cheap. However, they are much quicker and allow you to see the park in a single day trip. If you go that route, book with a reputable company like Cactus Tours.
If you book an organized tour, you’ll probably also visit other nearby areas like the stunning Avenue of the Baobabs.
Hiking in the park
Photo: ScottYellox/Shutterstock
If you’re gotten yourself to Bekopaka, rather than going as part of a tour, you’ll need to arrange another tour or guide to visit the park. It can only be visited with a guide, so you can’t walk in by yourself. There are no roads or other forms of transportation within the park, so travel on foot is basically your only option.
Most of the popular hikes in the park are in the namesake features: the Great Tsingy and Little Tsingy. These are the two area of the park with the jagged and sharp limestone formation shown in the video above. In the last decade or so, the country added dozens of rope bridges and various assists for moving across the tsingies, but you should still be prepared for a very physical hike. The Tantely and Andadoany circuits are the easiest in the region, while the hardest is probably the
How to visit
Photo: Pierre-Yves Babelon/Shutterstock
The park is only open between mid-April and mid-November as the winter rainy season can render transportation impossible (and have an increased risk of flash flooding). At the park visitor center, you’ll have to pay both an entrance fee (usually around 55,000 Malagasy Ariary, or $12). You’ll then need to sign up for a tour which has an extra fee. The park website lists all the available options. At the Tsingy National Park visitor center, you can also arrange other activities like boat tours or cave walks.
You can also buy your park tickets at the tourist office in Antananarivo before heading to Bekopaka.
Discover Stunning Crater Lakes at This Extinct Volcano Outside Mexico City
Ever wanted to experience an extinct volcano up close? All you need to do is take a day trip from Mexico City, to Nevado de Toluca. Although the volcano is no longer active (which makes it safe to visit), it does offer exceptional views of several turquoise crater lakes. You might even see snow.
Nevado de Toluca is the fourth highest peak in Mexico, just outside the city of Toluca. It’s about a three hour drive from Mexico City. If you’re staying in Mexico City, a hike on Nevado de Toluca might be just what you need from fresh hair and a break from the chaos of city life.
It might be counterintuitive if you’re in Mexico, but if you plan to visit Nevado de Toluca, you need to pack a few layers. It gets cold up on the mountain, so bring a warm jacket, a hat, and perhaps even a scarf and gloves. The peak of the mountain is sometimes even dusted with a light layer of snow – an uncommon site in Mexico.
How to get to Nevado de TolucaIf you have a car, the journey is easy – simply hop in your car and drive from Mexico City, until you get to Toluca, then follow the signs to the volcano. Public transportation makes it easy to get there too though: You can take the Flecha Roja buses from either the Observatorio or the Central del Norte bus station in Mexico City, headed toward Toluca. From there, you can either take a taxi or a bus to the basecamp.
From basecamp, the camp is a four hour walk, so you’re committing to a grueling hike if you take that route. If you have a car, you drive all the way to the car park near the top of the volcano (or ask the taxi to drop you there) – saving you the longer hike – but it shuts down when it snows. Basecamp is also where you’ll have to pay the entry fee into the volcano.
Whether you’re driving or hiking to the peak, keep in mind that the air thins out as you gradually enter higher elevation, which causes some people to feel nauseous and dizzy.
The car park is located near the Nevado de Toluca’s famous crater turquoise crater lakes. From the car park, there’s a short hike to the peak which overlooks the lakes. Because of the elevation, you’ll want to take this hike slowly – even though it shouldn’t be too taxing for people who are in good shape. From there, there are rocky (not well maintained paths) that lead down to the shores of the lakes if you want to take a closer look at the water.
One travel blogger who has been there before recommends bringing along change for the toilets located near the car park, as well as your own lunch and water, because there is only one small stall near the peak selling snacks.
The Views From the Highest Via Ferrata in the World Are Jaw Dropping
For those seeking an adventure unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before, look no further than Laojun Mountain via ferrata. With its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all levels of adventurers — from beginners just getting started with mountaineering to seasoned veterans looking for something truly special.
@visit The via ferrata on China's Laojun Mountain is one of the highest in the countryIG @chinainsider #viaferrata #Laojun #chinatravel #climbingtok ♬ original sound – Visit
The Laojun Mountain via ferrata route is one of the most popular routes in China. It stretches over 800 meters and is a mix of rock climbing and hiking. The entire route takes around six to eight hours to complete, depending on your skill level and physical fitness. Along the way, climbers can expect to traverse a variety of terrain including steep slopes, narrow passages, ladders, and even sections of natural rock wall. This makes it an ideal route for experienced climbers looking for something a bit more challenging than the usual hike.
During your ascent, you will be surrounded by lush mountain forests filled with vibrant greenery and wildflowers as you make your way up the mountain path. If you’re lucky enough to ascend during sunrise or sunset, you’ll be treated to spectacular hues of pink, orange, purple, and yellow painted across the sky. Also keep an eye out for rare wildlife such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and black bears that inhabit this area.
While the route is considered moderate in difficulty, it’s important to be aware of some safety precautions before attempting the climb. As with any climbing excursion, before embarking on your journey up the mountain climbers should wear appropriate footwear (sturdy shoes with good grip) as well as long pants and sleeves for protection against scrapes or falls. It’s also important to have an experienced guide who can provide tips and advice throughout the climb — especially when approaching more difficult sections of the route.
This Kyoto Hotel Blends History With Luxury Amenities
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital city, is steeped in history and culture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, the city has been inhabited since 794 A.D. and was the imperial capital of Japan for more than a thousand years until 1868. AOI Hotel Kyoto is located in close proximity to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, making it the perfect base for exploring Kyoto’s rich culture and history.
@epic.stays #Kyoto is a popular city in #Japan known for its Buddhist temples, gardens and imperial palacesBe sure to start your trip at
Aoi Hotel Kyoto
@adi_hashamonai #japantravel #traveltok #kyotohotelguide #japanhotelguide ♬ original sound – epic.stays
We hope you love the AOI Hotel Kyoto! 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.
About the hotelThe AOI Hotel in Kyoto is a luxurious 5-star accommodation that offers guests an unforgettable experience. Located in the picturesque Higashiyama district, AOI Hotel offers guests stunning views of the local area and nearby attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine. Guests can also enjoy easy access to some of the city’s most popular cultural attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The AOI Hotel offers a range of modern amenities and services to ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay. Guests can choose from one of two restaurants – Aoi Restaurant, which serves Japanese cuisine, or Ippudo Aoi, which serves a range of international dishes. Aoi Spa is also available, offering indulgent treatments and relaxation facilities. AOI Hotel also provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel.
The AOI Hotel in Kyoto is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an unforgettable stay in Japan’s ancient capital city. With its luxurious amenities, stunning views and convenient location, AOI Hotel is sure to make your trip to Kyoto an unforgettable one.
Rooms at the AOI Hotel KyotoThe AOI Hotel Kyoto offers guests a range of comfortable and stylish accommodation options to suit all tastes. Guests can choose from Standard, Deluxe or Suite rooms, each with its own private balcony offering stunning views of the city. All rooms come equipped with high-quality amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi access. AOI Hotel also offers a range of additional services, including laundry and dry cleaning.
What to do near the AOI Hotel KyotoThe AOI Hotel in Kyoto is located near some of the city’s most famous attractions, making it a great base to explore the area. A few of the top places to visit include:
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine – A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and sake, featuring thousands of vermillion torii gates.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace – A large complex that was once the residence of Japan’s imperial family.
• Gion District – A historic geisha district with traditional wooden buildings, shops and restaurants.
• Nijo Castle – A magnificent castle that was built in the early 17th century.
More like thisTravelKansai Is One of the Most Underrated Regions of Japan. Here’s Why.What It Really Looks Like To See the NYC Skyline From a Helicopter
For many travelers, taking in the iconic New York City skyline from a helicopter is an experience like no other. If you’ve been wanting to get up close and personal with the Big Apple without having to brave the chaos of Times Square and its surrounding streets, then a helicopter tour of Manhattan might just be what you’re looking for. Read on to find out what it really looks like to take in the sights from above!
@visit The best way to see New York City is definitely from above@aureliestory #helicopterride #NYC #newyorkthingstodo #tiktoktravel ♬ original sound – Visit
From your seat in the sky, you’ll be able to see all of Manhattan—from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty—in one breathtaking glance. Depending on which tour company you choose, your pilot may even point out some of NYC’s most recognizable landmarks as they come into view. Keep an eye out for famous structures such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and Brooklyn Bridge.
From up high, the buildings look remarkably small and almost insignificant. You can make out patterns in streets and parks that weren’t visible before; these patterns become apparent once they are seen from an aerial view. And while some parts appear neat and orderly, others appear chaotic – which is part of what makes this city so special. As if these views weren’t enough, your pilot might even fly lower so that passengers can see details like rooftop gardens or people walking their dogs on balconies.
In addition to being able to take in all of New York City’s most famous attractions at once, flying over Manhattan also gives you a unique perspective on how vast this city really is. Whether it’s from a distance or up close, there’s nothing quite like seeing the sheer number of skyscrapers that make up this metropolis firsthand. The aerial views are even more impressive when nighttime arrives and all those bright lights start twinkling below.
This Four Seasons Hotel Is Among Italy’s Poshest Properties
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a luxurious 5-star accommodation located in the heart of Florence, Italy. Set against the stunning backdrop of Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, it offers guests an unforgettable experience that reflects the city’s cultural and historical significance. With its modern design, plush interiors, and impeccable service, the hotel offers a unique combination of luxury and comfort.
The property boasts three exquisite restaurants that serve Italian and international cuisine. For leisure activities, guests can take advantage of the modern gymnasium, the outdoor swimming pool, and the spa, which offers a range of treatments including massage and beauty therapies.
Guests also experience exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly and helpful, and always available to assist guests with any needs they may have. Additionally, the hotel provides concierge services such as airport transfers, car hire, and private tours.
We hope you love this hotel! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel FirenzeThe four restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offer a range of dining experiences. Il Palagio, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves Italian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and views of the city’s skyline. For more casual dining, guests can visit La Terrazza, which serves Italian and Mediterranean specialties. La Mamma restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes in a rustic atmosphere and La Loggia provides light snacks and drinks throughout the day.
On-property activitiesThe four-star hotel also features extensive leisure activities for guests. Guests can take advantage of the modern gymnasium and the outdoor swimming pool, both of which offer great views of Florence. Additionally, the hotel’s spa offers a full range of treatments such as massage and beauty therapies, designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. For those looking for more excitement, there is a putting green, tennis courts, and a nearby golf course.
Sights to see near the hotelThe four-star hotel is within easy walking distance of some of Florence’s most popular attractions. Guests can take a stroll through Piazza della Signoria or explore the Uffizi Gallery and its incredible collections of Renaissance art. The city’s iconic Duomo, with its stunning dome and elaborate facade, is also nearby. Additionally, guests can take a day trip to the beautiful Tuscan countryside or explore the nearby cities of Siena and San Gimignano.
More like thisEpic Stays25 Dreamiest Airbnbs in ItalyBarracuda Lake Is the Most Unreal Looking Place in the Philippines
Blessed with a plethora of exciting sights and stunning natural beauty, the Philippines is undoubtedly home to some of the most captivating and breathtaking places in the world. From postcard-worthy beaches and glorious mountains to eye-catching waterfalls and flowing rivers in the jungle, the country is a paradise for travelers looking for adventure and natural beauty, both above and below the water. From dazzling coral reefs to rainforests full of exotic jungle life, there’s beauty throughout the vibrant country.
Because there are so many beautiful places in the country, it can be hard to build out the ideal itinerary. But if you’re at all able, consider putting Barracuda Lake on your agenda.
@visit Barracuda Lake in the Philippines doesn’t even look real@Traveling Turtle #philippinestravel #BarracudaLake #Coron #tiktoktravel ♬ original sound – Visit
The lake boasts of crystalline turquoise-colored waters, making it a paradise for divers and swimming enthusiasts alike. It’s known as Luluyuan Lake by locals and is a popular scuba diving destination because of its halocline: a murky layer where freshwater on top of the lake blends with saltwater near the bottom. But since it’s only about 13 feet below the surface (depending on rainfall), swimmers who can hold their breath can also swim down to take a look (but probably don’t swim through it).
Photo: Alex Traveler/Shutterstock
Swimmers in Barracuda Lake should bring an underwater camera as the water is clear and beautiful. Stay in the water long enough, and you’ll probably see the famous fish the lake is named for — but they’ll leave you alone if you leave them alone, especially since the clear water allows them to see very easily that you’re not a tasty meal.
The lake is surrounded by tall cliffs covered in bright green foliage.The best time to visit is December though May, since that tends to be the dry season in the country. That said, it’s still a tropical destination, so you may want to be flexible with your plans in case it’s raining on the day you plan to visit Barracuda Lake, as that can affect the water clarity. And if you’re hoping to plan a full day trip, you could combine a visit to Barracuda Lake with visits to swim at the nearby Green Lagoon or Kayangan Lake. both are quite popular, so try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
How to get to Barracuda LakeBarracuda Lake in the Philippines is known for its breathtaking beauty and fascinating aquatic life. It’s on Coron Island, in the western part of the country north of the popular scuba diving island of Palawan and south of Mindoro Island. The easiest way to get there is by plane, and local airlines fly from cities like Manilla and Cebu into Busuanga Airport a few times a day; it’s about an hour-long flight from Manilla. You can also take a ferry from El Nido if you’re already on Palawan.
From wherever you are in Coron town, you’ll either need to charter a boat or go as part of a tour, which may be the easiest option. Do an online search for “Barracuda Lake Tour, Coron,” and you’ll find plenty of affordable options. If you go on your own, have cash to pay the 200 PHP entry fee (about $4).
The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Are a Magical Frozen World
Mendenhall Glacier, just a short distance from Juneau, Alaska, is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. If you’re not yet an expert outdoor adventurer but you still want to experience one of the most remote, rugged landscapes in the world, this is the place to go. Hidden within this frozen world are the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves – wondrous caverns that reflect ombre hues of blue.
Although there are many easy hiking trails that will get you an up close view of this glacier, the safest way to experience the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves is with a more experienced tour guide. The caves form when water flows through the glacier, creating passageways through the ice – sometimes large and easy to walk through but sometimes narrow and more claustrophobic. Because glaciers are moving and changing shape constantly, some caves might be on the verge of melting or collapsing and trained guides can identify those with the stability.
There are many ways to approach the Mendenhall Glacier. For expert hikers, there are 10 mile hikes that explore the entire glacier, including the ice caves. There are also tours that take visitors on kayaking trips around Mendenhall Lake, followed by a hike to the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves.
Once you get to the glacier itself, you’ll want to look out for a stream trickling out of the glacier – remember that the caves form when water cuts a passage through the ice. Once you find an opening, you can head inside. At this point, you’ll technically be under the glacier, and it might be an unnerving feeling. The groaning sounds of the glacier moving, melting, and shape shifting will surround you. But once you take a look around you, you might be so astonished by the view that all your nervousness quickly disappears.
One travel blogger compared the experience of the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves to being inside a sapphire. The sun reflects off the ice, creating refracting patterns of color and light. The shades of blue range from turquoise, to royal blue, to cobalt in almost ombre pattern, and change depending on where you’re standing or looking within the ice cave. If you’re able to find one of the stable Mendenhall Glacier ice caves, the experience will be worthwhile and magical.
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