Matador Network's Blog, page 409

I’m Not Outdoorsy, but This Tinyhouse Hotel Made Me Feel Like I Could Be

When I typically travel, I err on the side of comfort. I usually opt for luxury hotel rooms in pretty beach destinations or spend my days exploring modern cities. While my coworkers boast hiking 500 miles a year in a beloved pair of hiking boots and enjoying camping in the dead of winter, I question how anyone can find getting bit by mosquitos, sleeping on the ground, or going to the bathroom in the woods to be enjoyable activities.

But with camping becoming more and more popular among millennials and zoomers, there is one aspect of camping that has serious appeal — a lack of cell service.

While I’m attached to my beloved iPhone, I’m that person whose almost always has it on”do not disturb.” Still, a quick peek at my screen time showed that I spend an average of about four hours a day looking at my phone. So when I decided to take two days off to explore Getaway House Big Bear, an upscale cabin experience, I was a bit nervous. Still, knowing that the comfortable resort didn’t require guests to sleep on the ground made me decide to take a chance on a nature experience.

While the trip required a bit more planning than is normal for me — and a big step outside my comfort zone — I found the Getaway House experience to be enriching, especially as someone less inclined than many to spend time in the Great Outdoors.

What is Getaway House?

Photo: Olivia Harden

Getaway House is a modern, tiny cabin hotel experience in a few locations around the US, usually no more than two hours or so away from major cities. There are a few locations (which they call Outposts) in the western half of the US, but most outposts are in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Getaway House also recently opened a few traditional campground locations, complete with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, so guests aren’t completely roughing it.

The classic Getaway cabins offer around 140 to 200 square feet of floorspace, decked out with almost everything you need for the perfect escape into the woods. The company promotes complete immersion in the outdoors, meaning the cabins have limited-to-no cell service — and cell phone lockboxes to reduce the temptation to use them.

I decided to bring my partner along for the ride to spend some quality time together. Before our arrival, the company emailed us information about the property and a map of the grounds to download before arrival. We also received a pin code to open our assigned cabin. The property is entirely contactless, so if you’re wary about the pandemic, you can easily avoid people.

Photo: Olivia Harden

While Getaway Big Bear (elevation: 6,000 feet) is a bit of a misnomer considering it’s in Running Springs, California, about 30 minutes from Big Bear Lake (usually just called Big Bear). But the outpost is actually closer to Los Angeles, so that was fine with me. The drive up the mountain wasn’t tough, and when we arrived, I first noticed how cool it was. California was having one of the hottest summers on record during my visit, yet the temperature in Running Springs was about 30 degrees cooler than where I live near Palm Springs.

The cabins have enough space between them to give you a sense of privacy and parking in front, making it easy to bring in our things.

Photo: Olivia Harden

Outside each cabin are picnic table and firepits with firewood and firestarters available for purchase. Inside are kitchenettes with two-burner stoves, sinks, cookware, cutting boards, tea kettles, cooking and eating utensils, and plates, cups, and bowls. In each cabin is the option to buy a s’mores kit, coffee and tea, and insect wipes.

If you don’t want to grocery shop, you can pre-order a sustenance box that includes oatmeal, soups, pasta, pasta sauce, jerky, candies, and cookies. And there’s a table if you’d rather eat inside. There’s also a bathroom with running hot water in the shower, a toilet, and an air conditioner and heating unit.

But the best part of our room was the comfortable queen-sized bed next to a giant window with stunning views. We opted for the forest view since other guests booked the mountain view rooms, but I was still in awe. Staring out into the forest and watching the sunset every evening made the trip alone worth it. We ended up keeping our phones in the lockboxes for most of the trip. However, one thing I didn’t notice in the room that may have made me less inclined to pull my phone out was a clock to keep track of time.

What to pack for Getaway House

Photo: Olivia Harden

Getaway House recommends traveling light since the cabins are so small. My partner and I each brought a small weekender bag with comfortable lounge clothing and some athletic wear for outdoor activities. I packed a small toiletry bag, including sunscreen and bug spray, and brought my laptop with some downloaded movies to watch when the sun went down, along with a deck of cards.

One of my hidden talents is being a pretty decent cook, so rather than heading into town, I wanted to see how well I would do utilizing a small kitchen. I made a grocery store run to pack fixings for easy-to-assemble meals with versatile ingredients like items for tacos, chips, salsa, and guacamole for snacks, and eggs, bacon, and potatoes for breakfast. And, of course, lots of water. The fridge was pretty spacious, so there was more than enough room for the groceries and leftovers. I did have to bring some spices as the kitchen only has salt and pepper, but I knew that ahead of time so it was easy to plan.

What to do

Photo: Olivia Harden

One of the more intimidating parts of this getaway was figuring out what to do with all that free time without my phone. But Getaway House offered quite a few ideas on their website for how to spend your days. The property has a 24-hour quiet hour policy, making it truly an oasis for relaxation. Inside the room was a set of cards and dice, plus a book explaining more than 100 card games. I decided to brush up on my solitaire skills, fascinated by all the different ways you can play.

There were also other books for guests to peruse and even sets of Mad Libs. We spent a lot of time chatting and catching up, even though we see each other daily. We also used the fancy vintage-looking Bluetooth speaker while cooking and took advantage of the peacefully quiet surrounds by investing in a few naps.

There are quite a few hiking trails not too far from the property, all of varying difficulties to accommodate hikers looking for easier or more challenging trails. But once we settled in, the atmosphere was so cozy that we opted for the walking trail just off the property. There was no pressure to get to the top of a mountain or cover any set distance — it was just a relaxing way to get close to nature. We also walked around the outpost’s stunning grounds, including epic mountain viewpoints, lush green trees, and even a small creek.

Photo: Olivia Harden

I’ve always assumed that a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without s’mores. Fortunately, s’mores kits were readily available inside the cabin. The intimidating part was figuring out how to create a bonfire. There were directions inside, apparently, which I missed — but we made do by making the tiniest fire ever. It may not have been up to the standards of a s’moresologist, but marshmallows got roasted, and we crushed a few s’mores. Which is, ultimately, I think all that matters.

At the end of our trip, the Getaway House team texted me instructions on how to check out, and I grew increasingly sad to leave. I wish I could’ve snuck in one more day, but it was time to get back to the noise of everyday life. I would definitely recommend Getaway House to anyone who’s ever been nervous about camping in the great outdoors. And while I’ll never give up trips to fancy hotels on the beach, I can now understand what the glamping hype is all about.

More like thisCampingTaking Someone Camping for the First Time? Making It Fun Is on You.

23 Puerto Rican foods

The food in Puerto Rico is bold, enticing, and varied. Guests and locals alike are hard-pressed to leave a Puerto Rican event without at least two meals crammed between paper plates and enveloped with aluminum foil. After all, traditional Puerto Rican food this good is worth having again at midnight and for lunch the next day.

Puerto Rican food is a blend of indigenous and foreign influences. Some ingredients predate Spanish settlement, such as yucca and plantains. Others, like olives and salted cod, were introduced by European colonialists. After Puerto Rico was designated as a port along the slave trade route, African influences and cooking methods were brought to the island.

Today, Puerto Rican food has evolved into a blend of flavors and spices that reflects its diversity. These 23 delicious Puerto Rican dishes are just an introduction to the island’s cuisine that people around the world should know and love — and don’t forget that almost all of them can be paired with tropical drinks.

1. Mofongo

Photo: Rachel Moon/Shutterstock

This local favorite is made with mashed and fried plantains mixed with oil, garlic, and spices. Shrimp and chicharrónes are sometimes added as well. Mofongo is one of Puerto Rico’s most important dishes, and it’s a blend of cultures and traditions. The dish can trace its roots back to fufu, a West African dish of mashed root vegetables that was brought to Puerto Rico by slaves. On the island, the mashing was done by a pilón, the mortar and pestle used by the indigenous Taino people, and the mixture fried. Finally, Spanish sofrito sauce (which is made with onions, garlic, and peppers) was added. Today, this combination is served and loved all over the island.

2. Tres leches

Photo: Anna_Pustynnikova/Shutterstock

Puerto Ricans take traditional yellow sponge cake to the next level by drenching it in three types of milk: condensed, evaporated, and regular. The dessert soaks overnight in the milks, and then it’s topped with whipped cream before serving for a sweet, satisfying dessert. It’s similar to the tres leches made in Central and South America, Europe, and elsewhere around the world.

3. Lechón

Photo: DingLuo/Shutterstock

Like the lechón in the Philippines, few major celebrations in Puerto Rico are complete without a lechón, or whole roast pig, as the treasured centerpiece of the table. The pig is roasted on a spit over a fire for the better part of the day before being taken off and enjoyed. Christmas carols are sung about the unlucky pig at holiday parrandas, and the first meat to go is always the facial cheeks.

4. Harina de maíz

In Puerto Rico, many children wake up to the smell of harina de maíz, which is cornmeal that’s mixed with sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a breakfast similar to oatmeal. This porridge is finer than polenta or grits and has a sweet flavor to appeal to picky eaters.

5. Bacalaítos

Photo: Fanfo/Shutterstock

Salted cod is a beloved side dish around the world on its own, but Puerto Ricans make it more appetizing by turning it into a patty and deep frying it. The cod goes through a desalination process before cooking, so the result is surprisingly neutral, even for those not fond of fish. Bacalaitos go great with a garlic dipping sauce.

6. Pinchos

Pinchos (Spanish for spikes) are shish kebabs that are usually made with chicken, pork, or shrimp. You’ll find street vendor carts lining the beaches of Puerto Rico selling meat that has been cooked on the spot. Don’t be surprised by the lack of vegetables on your skewer, as this street-food favorite is all about the meat.

7. Flan

Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Flan is a custard that’s similar to creme brûlée and is popular in much of Latin America. In Puerto Rico, flan is made with evaporated and condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and caramel that’s cooked in a hot water bath.

8. Tembleque

Tembleque means wobbly, and that’s the perfect way to describe this dessert. It is gelatinous like flan (and looks somewhat similar as well), but has a creamy texture based around coconut rather than dairy. The main ingredients are coconut and cinnamon. Tembleque is eaten throughout the year, but it’s especially prevalent during the holiday season when other coconut treats are popular as well, like coquito.

9. Yucca

Photo: Catherine M Hollander/Shutterstock

Yucca is a root vegetable much like a potato. It can be served mashed or fried, usually in thick wedges. It’s also commonly seen at restaurants boiled, peeled, and served with a dash of salt and garlic. Yucca fries are a staple at fast food chains throughout the island.

10. Tostones

Photo: Hans Geel/Shutterstock

When green plantains aren’t getting mashed to make mofongo, they’re sliced and double fried to make tostones. This is one of the most popular side dishes on the island. You’ll also find them commonly used in place of nachos in a loaded-nacho dish. Be warned: Tostones are much more filling than your average corn chip.

11. Maduros

Photo: Ildi Papp/Shutterstock

Maduros are made of sweet, slightly over-ripe plantains that are simply fried in oil. The simplicity of the treat means ripeness is key: not too brown, green, or yellow. The plantain is sliced diagonally into thin pieces to be quickly fried, and the result is a sweet and lightly crunchy snack.

12. Asopao

Photo: Fanfo/Shutterstock

You don’t get cold weather blues in Puerto Rico, but it is still nice to indulge in a rich soup like asopao. Asopao is made with chicken, sofrito, olives, and spices, and it’s served with a side of rice to drop in your bowl. This piping hot dish is a staple on Puerto Rican menus and is the best cure for whatever ails you.

13. Alcapurrias

Photo: Nerman Riuso/Shutterstock

Alcapurrias are the preferred fried fast-food dish on the island. The fritter’s batter is made from taro root and green plantains which is then stuffed with seasoned ground beef. Alcapurrias are common in the Caribbean, and in Puerto Rico, bell peppers, onions, and olives are often included in the stuffing.

14. Coquito

Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

You know the holidays have arrived when everyone is drinking coquito at a close family gathering. There is always someone in every family with a killer secret recipe. Similar in texture to eggnog, coquitos are made with evaporated and condensed milks, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut cream. The whole thing is mixed and chilled overnight before being doused with a generous portion of rum.

15. Guineos en escabeche

Pickling is not the most common Puerto Rican food preparation method used on the island, but guineos en escabeche are the exception. These pickled green bananas are flavored with onions, bay leaves, and white vinegar. They’re typically served as a side for a hearty meat dish. You haven’t experienced a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving until you’re fed a spoonful of these by a doting Puerto Rican grandmother.

16. Pernil

Pernil is pork shoulder that’s seasoned and slow roasted until it falls apart into thick pieces. And by slow roasted, we mean slow roasted — timing ranges from hours to a full day depending on the thickness of the shoulder. A common lunch or dinner consists of pernil with mojo sauce, rice, and beans.

17. Pasteles

Photo: Mike Herna/Shutterstock

Pasteles are similar to tamales and are typically reserved for special occasion, with most Puerto Rican families preparing them by the dozen. They are made of plantains, potatoes, and pumpkins, and then mixed with meat and secured in a banana leaf with twine before being boiled. They keep well in the freezer, so family members commonly give them to each other by the bagful.

18. Empanadas

Photo: stockphotofan1/Shutterstock

Empanadas are the quintessential savory island pastry, and you’ll find the Puerto Rican version stuffed with beef, chicken, shrimp, or cheese. They are a cheap and easy way to repurpose leftovers and are common in homes and as an on-the-go snack.

19. Arroz con gandules

Photo: Damaris Zoe/Shutterstock

Many Caribbean islands serve rice in abundance, but the distinguishing factor in Puerto Rican rice is the presence of sofrito and green pigeon peas known as gandules. This is the dish around which many meals are centered. In many cases, without arroz con gandules, there is no complete dinner.

20. Bistec

Bistec is beef steak, served either encebollado (with onions), empanizado (breaded), pan fried, or grilled. Bistec is a common lunch-special item, with most restaurants serving your choice of bistec, fish, or chicken a la parilla (on the grill) at a discounted price.

21. Parcha

Parcha is passionfruit, one of the most consumed fruits on the island. It’s consumed in all forms, including jugo de parcha (passion fruit juice), ripe right from the stand, or in drinks. You’ll also find roaming ice cream vendors in the streets of San Juan selling parcha ice cream, a welcome treat on a hot day.

22. Arroz con dulce

Arroz con dulce is a sweet rice pudding made with coconut milk, nutmeg, raisins, cloves, and cinnamon. It can be a tough dish to master as it requires sufficient soaking time to soften the rice, and it must be constantly tended in order to avoid a smoky flavor.

23. Quesitos

Photo: Avaniks/Shutterstock

It’s customary to save the best for last, and quesitos are no exception. These sweet, cream cheese puff pastries are glazed with sugar and oven-baked. Quesitos have no strong or off-putting flavors and they appeal to anyone who likes pastries. They can be purchased throughout the island, even at the airport upon landing.

What is Puerto Rico’s most famous food?

The most famous food in Puerto Rico is probably arros con gandules, or rice with pigeon peas, a type of legume with a nutty flavor. The rice and peas are typically mixed with pork or chorizo. Arroz con gandules is the national dish of Puerto Rico. It’s topped with sofrito, a staple sauce used in Caribbean and Latin American cooking, made from garlic, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, among other ingredients.

What is a typical Puerto Rican lunch?

A typical lunch often begins with Puerto Rican appetizers like bacalaitos, or fried cod fritters. Empanadillas filled with seafood like lobster or crab might also be served. Mofongo is one of the most popular lunch dishes on the island, but soups like asopao — which is similar to gumbo — and stews are a huge part of the Puerto Rican diet as well. Plantains and chicken dishes like arroz con pollo are other lunch favorites.

What do people in Puerto Rico eat for breakfast?

People in Puerto Rico typically eat pastries, porridge, and egg dishes for breakfast. Popular breakfast pastries in Puerto Rico are called pan de mallorca, a sweet bread sprinkled with powdered sugar, and quesito, which is filled with cream cheese.

Crema de maiz is a cornmeal porridge, made with milk and topped with a pat of butter, that might also appear on the breakfast table. Revoltillo is an egg scramble dish, mixed with ingredients like tomatoes or shrimp, that is another popular breakfast option. You might wash your breakfast down with a cafe con leche, too.

A version of this article about Puerto Rican food was previously published on August 22, 2017, by Jen Ruiz and was updated on July, 21, 2020, by food and drink editor Nickolaus Hines.

More like thisSpirits + CocktailsThe 8 Piña Coladas You Need To Try in Its Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

This Museum Puts You Inside the Art in the Wildest Way

New York has no shortage of world-class museums (MoMA, The Museum of Sex, etc.), but for a non-traditional museum experience, head across the Hudson. The TiLT Museum in East Rutherford, New Jersey puts visitors inside the art — literally.

TiLT launched in 2021 as the brainchild of street artist Tracy Lee Stum. Alongside a team of artists, Stum created 25 paintings that double as optical illusions. These artworks range from a snake-surrounded Chutes and Ladders to a Statue of Liberty primed to be climbed. Housed in the American Dream Mall, TiLT is a museum that lets you get up close and personal with any painting. Here, you don’t have to worry about crossing the velvet ropes and setting off any alarms — you can step right inside the artwork.

Knowing how to play into the pieces’ illusions requires a fair share of creativity. To help you get the most out of your visit to the TiLT Museum, we spoke to Tracy Lee Stum.

TiLT Museum tickets, discounts, and hours of operationThe best times to visit the TiLT MuseumGetting to and parking at the TiLT MuseumHow long should I spend at the TiLT Museum?The #1 piece of advice for visiting the TiLT MuseumWhere to start your visit at the TiLT Museum?What makes the TiLT Museum unique?How to best capture the TiLT’s Museum illusions on cameraMust-see optical illusions at the TiLT MuseumWhat you can skip at the TiLT MuseumTiLT Museum tickets, discounts, and hours of operation

The museum is open daily, from 11 AM, however, the hours of closing depend on the day. You can visit the TiLT Museum until 8 PM on Sunday, 9 PM from Monday through Thursday, and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

General admission costs $20, with senior and military discounts available. Children under two get in for free. You can either order tickets online ahead of your visit, or buy them at the counter when you walk in. The best times to visit the TiLT MuseumCome on a weekday, and come early. During the summer, the museum tends to be crowded most days, but, according to museum staff, it especially picks up around 1 PM. Once school is in session, however, weekends are TiLT’s busiest days. So plan accordingly if you’re hoping to have the artwork to yourself. Getting to and parking at the TiLT Museum

The TiLT Museum is located inside the American Dream Mall. The mall has no shortage of entertainment options, including luxury stores, an ice skating rink, a Nickelodeon theme park, and a DreamWorks waterpark, just to name a few. With so many attractions, you can easily stretch your museum visit into a day-long excursion.

To get to the museum, New Jersey Transit makes TiLT accessible via bus. If you choose to drive, park in lots B or C, which cost $5 per vehicle. If you only stay an hour, parking is free. How long should I spend at the TiLT Museum?Because the museum is self-guided, you can wander at your own pace. To ensure you have ample time with every installation, however, Stum recommends allocating 45 minutes to one hour to your visit. Once you make your way through the museum, you may want to circle back to your favorite artwork.The #1 piece of advice for visiting the TiLT Museum

For an ideal visit to the TiLT Museum, Stum recommends sharing the experience with friends or family. The museum is all about fun so hop in a scene together and experiment with new poses. It’s also nice to have someone guide you so you’re hitting the right angles for each illusion to come to life.

“Kids love to go crazy on the artwork,” said Stum, who cited children, as well as older people, as the museum’s most enthusiastic visitors. “If you have a group of friends, you can have a group interaction shot and just have a lot of fun with creativity that way.”

And just because your friend stands in the artwork alongside you, doesn’t mean you’ll have to forgo a photo. Ask museum personnel or other wanderers in the room. TiLT is truly a team effort.Where to start your visit at the TiLT Museum?

Maneuvering around the museum is fairly straightforward, as TiLT consists of just one floor. The museum’s floor plan allows visitors to naturally progress between installations, so you’ll have no trouble navigating it for yourself.

“Start at the beginning and kind of work your way around the museum,” said Stum. “There’s a natural traffic flow that happens there.”

You’ll enter through the gift shop and start at a 3-D painting of a flying hot dog. From there, you can go either clockwise or counter-clockwise, and work your way from one colorful artwork to the next. What makes the TiLT Museum unique

Interactive art museums have been popular for quite some time, thanks to pop-ups like Meow Wolf and digital Van Gogh exhibitions. While less dynamic than some, TiLT stands out for its hybrid nature; the museum merges the paintings of traditional art museums with the form and fun of interactive pop-ups, presenting fully-finished artworks as inviting illusions.

“This is very different in that you can actually go and touch the artwork,” said Stum. “You can stand in it. You can be part of the art. That’s one of our taglines.”

To keep the paintings durable for many feet, TiLT uses acrylic paint, covered with a protective coating. Other than standard wear and tear, this approach helps the paintings withstand any number of poses. So step on up, lay down, take a seat, or do a handstand. You won’t ruin the art.How to best capture the TiLT’s Museum illusions on camera

Photo: TiLT Museum

There’s no right or wrong way to engage with TiLT’s displays, but if you’re looking for inspiration, the wall text has your back. Beside every painting you’ll notice a picture and a corresponding instruction manual. These are intended to help you interact with each piece — though they’re certainly not the only ways to engage with the works. In fact, Stum encourages visitors to think outside the box.

“Certainly your imagination should not be limited,” said Stum. “So if you can think of a different way to interact or a different way to pose with the artwork, by all means go for it.”

Likewise, camera decals along the floor delineate where the photographer should stand to bring the illusion into fruition. Must-see optical illusions at the TiLT Museum

Photo: TiLT Museum and Anna Staropoli

The Statue of Liberty

One of the museum’s first artworks, the Statue of Liberty greets visitors immediately upon entering — but with a twist. Lady Liberty is painted sideways so you stand right atop her nose.

“It looks very confusing when you go in and you look at it,” said Stum, noting that the statue is one of her favorite pieces in the museum.

Once you take the photo, however, rotate it on your phone. With the altered perspective, it looks like you’re climbing up the statue’s face.

Dragon Slayer

In this illusion, you’re directly in a dragon’s line of fire. Simply standing in front of the painting will transport you to a fire pit, and if you angle your arms just so, you’ll soon seize a sword. Ready for battle, you’re poised to defeat the dragon — and become the hero of this action-packed piece.

We’ve Created a Monster

Photo: Anna Staropoli

This illusion draws you into a nightmare. The painting features a man — a monster, rather — with wide eyes that peer out ominously. One of his palms is cupped, the other curled into a claw, ready to grab anyone who comes within reach. If you so dare, step between his curled fingertips and take a seat. Once you snap a photo, it will look like you’re caught, quite literally, in the palm of the monster’s hand.

Splat!

“Splat!” ups the ante of playing with perspective, positioning you beneath a giant sneaker. The painting features a red and blue shoe protruding at the perfect angle for you to crouch down beneath it. Position yourself right under the sole and look up, as though you’re about to be crushed. Here is a 3-D illusion for anyone who’s ever wondered what bugs experience — or visitors who’ve watched the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids one too many times.

The Ames Room

Photo: TiLT Museum

Branching off the main circuit of the museum, The Ames Room begins with a window through which you see a room filled with colorful paint canisters. Inspired by American scientist Adelbert Ames, Jr., the room markets itself as “a distorted room that creates an optical illusion.” Leave your photographer peering through the peephole while you step inside the trick. Press yourself up against the vibrant line of paint, and you’ll grow and shrink à la Alice in Wonderland. If you stand toward the top of the angled room, you’ll look large in comparison to the paint cans. But if you move down the ramp, you’ll become miniscule. This illusion works best with two people for comparison, so have fun with a friend. What you can skip at the TiLT Museum

While every illusion is certainly worthwhile, some will appeal to your preferences more than others. Aspiring astronauts may flock to “Tilted Space Station,” while large groups could spend an entire visit toying with positions in “Who’s Afraid Of Heights?” Because it’s a self-guided museum, you can bypass any illusion that doesn’t speak to you. You have the freedom to experiment and choose the artworks you want to inhabit.

More like thisMuseumsHow To Make the Most of Your Day at New York City’s Museum of Sex

An Airbnb Superhost Explains How To Rent Your Home To Pay for Your Next Big Trip

Listing your home or apartment on Airbnb is a great way to make extra money while you travel. In some cases, you can even fund your entire trip simply by renting your property while it sits otherwise vacant as you gallivant around the world. At the very least, short-term rentals provide a way to cover your rent and home expenses so you aren’t doubling up on costs while on the road. Airbnb provides the added perk of being much easier to manage than overseeing the subletting process entirely by yourself. Renting out your home on Airbnb while you travel is a great way to put your home to good use and give back to other travelers — a rewarding and potentially profitable way to bring your travel lifestyle full circle.

We hope you love learning about becoming an Airbnb host! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page.

Airbnb provides support to help new hosts feel comfortable and confident enough to let travelers rent their home and suggests a number of ways that hosting can benefit frequent travelers:

Earn extra income: Hosting is a great way to earn extra income by putting your space to work. Hosting can provide you with a new revenue stream to help fund your passions.Host how you want to: You can host as much or as little as you want, from a second home to your place when you’re traveling, or a spare room when you have time. You have complete flexibility in what you host, and when you host.You’re fully protected: Every Host on Airbnb is protected by AirCover, free top-to-bottom protection that’s included every time you host.Get support from Airbnb: Have questions? An Airbnb Superhost will work with you to answer them, help set up your listing, and support you with your first booking.How to rent your home on Airbnb while traveling

First, some basic stats on Airbnb hosting. The amount of money you make depends on several factors, including how big your property is, where it’s located, and how much you charge per night. According to independent studies, the average host makes about $924 per month renting their property on Airbnb. For listings with four bedrooms or more, that average jumps to $2,345.25. There are many examples, though, of hosts who earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per year hosting on Airbnb.

The bottom line is that even if you don’t own a picturesque cabin overlooking a lake with a serene backdrop and antique furniture, you can still bring in a decent amount of money per month.

If you plan to travel for several months or more, renting to guests staying for 30 days or longer is a great way to minimize the time and effort you have to put into managing your listing. It may not always work that guests want those perfect monthly stays, but when it does, it’s important to be prepared. Airbnb notes that it charges guests differently for stays longer than 28 days, requiring the first month upfront and then collecting payment again at the beginning of each 30-day period.  Most hosts offer a discount for stays of 30 days or longer. Airbnb recommends basing this discount on your typical (or expected) vacancy rate. So, if you expect the property to be vacant for 20 percent of the month were you to offer shorter-term stays, you’d give the long-term guest a 20 percent discount on your listed price (check out the average vacancy rate in your area).

Advice from Airbnb on how to get started hosting

Airbnb provides detailed walk-thru guides to help you list your home with confidence and gusto:

Discover the world of hostingVideo guides to help you get ready to hostThe basics of hosting on Airbnb

Of course, you probably still have questions about how to list your home on Airbnb. So we asked a pair of experts – Stephan and Adriana, two photographers who are Airbnb Superhosts themselves. The couple has two properties listed on the site: a California cabin and an apartment in Rio de Janeiro. Below, they answer all the basics from a place of experience and provide some extra tips to set you up for success.

Photo: elRoce/Shutterstock

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador Network: How long does it take to get set up as a host?

Stephan and Adriana:Listing your property on Airbnb’s platform doesn’t take a long time, I’d say maybe two to three hours of computer work. But it’s getting the home ready before listing it that can take an indefinite amount of time — it just depends on how much effort you put into it! Since we rent our own home for just a couple of months per year, I had a lot of fun decorating it and making it feel like a home for us, but also for our future guests. I’d say the whole process took us three to four months of a lot of work.

What have you found works as far as design aesthetic? Do people expect a place that is really well done on the inside, or is a more basic white-wall approach ok?

I think it depends on how much you want to charge per night. The more you want to charge, the more you want to make sure your home is welcoming, well thought out, and also an experience for whoever is staying there. It makes a difference for the guests, as they see the value in your listing, and also for what you can charge as a host.

What are your tips for taking property photos for your listing?

My husband is not only a wedding photographer, but he’s also an amazing real estate and interior design photographer. His attention to detail is insane, so I got really lucky with that. I definitely think professional photography is a must, and it makes a whole lot of difference on how people see your listing on a search.

Examples of quality Airbnb listing photos:

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

How do you craft copy for your listing? What catches a traveler’s eye the most?

I personally think the more information the better! I’m a big fan of setting expectations correctly from the beginning, so I tried to write about my listing with as much information as possible. For example, one of the things I always mention is that we have satellite internet, and it’s a mountain home, so it’s slow. If they read it, guests won’t expect lighting fast internet, because where we live that’s not a reality.

Any tips for appearing higher up in searches for your location?

Since Airbnb changed their platform a bit earlier this year, I think a lot of hosts are still playing around and trying to figure it out. But I do believe professional photography helps in this matter as well.

If you were to set up another Airbnb property, what would you do differently this time?

I would try to stress less! Things won’t be perfect right away, but as long as you’ve put in the effort and you have an amazing cleaning company or person, then chances are everything will work out.

If someone is considering listing their property while they are gone for an extended period of travel, can they realistically expect to cover the costs of the home?

It depends on a lot of factors, and I think the most important of all of them is the location. Our home is 15 minutes from the gates of Yosemite National Park, so it was 90 percent booked for the summer. I believe if your area has a medium to high demand for tourism or even work related trips, then I think they wouldn’t have a problem.

Can you easily block out large amounts of time when the property is not available?

You can hide your listing for an indefinite amount of time if you need to. And you can also just block off the dates you won’t be renting it out as non available. The platform is very user friendly, I’m a fan.

Any other tips or advice for someone considering listing a property?

I think the most important thing is to put effort into it, especially when it comes to decoration and comfort. Thinking about what makes a house feel like a home, and what enriches the guest experience (even if it’s just a fully stocked kitchen), will make a difference once you start getting reviews.

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

How To Take the Perfect Dog-Friendly Vacation To Breckenridge, Colorado

As I sat in a gondola making its way from Breckenridge Station to Peak 8, my two dogs, an English Bulldog named Daisy and a Pomeranian-Chihuahua named Scout, stood staring out at Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve from the side window. They wobbled a bit as the gondola moved before they looked at me with what most resembled confusion. After all, many dogs get to go on car rides and some even get to fly, but few get to ride a gondola to the peak of one of the most famous ski regions in the United States.

I found these types of unexpected dog-friendly experiences just about everywhere in Breckenridge, Colorado, when I visited in August. In warmer months, the mass of people with skis and snowboards are replaced with mountain bikers, runners, and travelers hitting the town and the trails with their dogs. In Breckenridge, it’s possible to plan an entire weekend trip without ever leaving your pup.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

For one, pretty much all of the outdoor recreation space is dog friendly (things are slightly harder in the colder months, but summer happens to be one of the best times to visit Breckenridge). The Cucumber Gulch, as a wildlife preserve, is one area that is not to keep pets away from the frogs, beavers, and moose. Other than that, dogs are invited in most of the places that people are. Many restaurants have large outdoor patio space, and some even have dog menus. A good chunk of the breweries and bars have dog-friendly patios, too, and some allow four legged friends indoors.

Sure, anyone who has visited their share of mountain towns knows that they’re generally pretty dog-friendly places. But Breckenridge takes it a step further: Not only are pets allowed on the gondolas, but well-behaved dogs are allowed on all town and county buses, too.

Over the course of a weekend, Daisy, Scout, and my fianceé Heather joined me on a romp around Breckenridge to explore the best dog-friendly things to do in town (well, at least the things to do that a 12-year-old English bulldog could keep up with). And as for that look of confusion Daisy and Scout had on the gondola? On the trip back down after lunch, both hopped in and settled on the seats without hesitation for the 10-minute ride like any well-seasoned mountain dog would.

Dog-friendly things to do in Breckenridge

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Tiger Dredge Pond: As a former mining town, Breckenridge is full of spots that were historically mined by dredge boats. Dredging was an incredibly effective way to get gold out of the ground, but also an incredibly environmentally destructive way that tore the bottom off the floor of a body of water, extracted the gold, and then spit out the remaining dirt into a piling heap. What was left behind was certainly not a pretty sight during the Breckenridge gold rush in the mid 1800s. But today, many sites have been repurposed, beautified, and, in many ways, restored. Tiger Dredge Pond is one of those, and it only takes a short and easy hike to get to. Wildflowers line the pathway up as well as the river, and people fish for trout that can be seen from the shore. The water is cold — perfect for a hot dog looking to cool their paws off.

Carter Park Dog Park: Sometimes the day calls for sitting back while your dog gets their energy out with with own species. Let your dog run free with other pups at Carter Park Dog Park, which has nearly an acre of enclosed park space — plenty of room if you have a semi-social dog like Scout that likes to wander alone for a bit in between short bouts of play time.

Sawmill Reservoir: Let the dogs splash around in Sawmill Reservoir, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking that’s just minutes from downtown. A mile-and-a-half hike (minimal elevation gain, plenty of shade) along a stream from Snowflake Lift ends with the reward of the reservoir. Its accessibility makes it popular among families and people looking to take it a little easier than the many other more involved trails that you can get to from downtown.

Gondola ride: The BreckConnect Gondola is a free, 10-minute ride that takes you from Breckenridge Station in town to Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 8. Along the way, you and your dog can look over the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve and see the Ten Mile Range (plus get plenty of pets from the gondola workers on either end). At the top, there are dog-friendly restaurants like Robbie’s Tavern, outdoor family-friendly activities, and plenty of views. The gondola runs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, but note that weather — especially from the afternoon thunderstorms common in the summer — could cause delays or service cancellations. If that happens, you can always take the black route on the Breck Free Ride to get back.

Breckenridge Arts District: Walk around the Arts District to see the thriving artist community working with a wide variety of mediums in Breckenridge. Note that not all venues, exhibits, and areas are dog-friendly, but there’s still plenty to see that is.

Take a hike: If you have a more active dog, check out the many trails that are either walking distance or a short drive from Breckenridge on AllTrails. Just remember to clean up after your pet, leave no trace, and keep your dog leashed where it’s required.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Breckenridge

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

In many cases, outdoor areas are dog friendly. While there’s a good chance that your pup will be allowed to sit alongside you, call ahead to double check before going or head to one of these tried-and-tested spots.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Kenosha: Nothing says “dog-friendly restaurant” like a dogs-only pawtio menu. Take a seat in the back with the dogs and you’ll quickly find that the staff are the only people who like your pet as much as you think everyone likes your pet. For people, there’s a solid selection of craft beer (including occasional picks that are rare on this side of the country, like Heady Topper) and other drinks, as well as a food menu with hearty burgers with heavy toppings, steaks, fish, and classic barbecue joint sides. The dogs get extra special treatment, too, with a menu that includes a full plate option filled with bacon, a hamburger patty, carrots, and fresh pupsicles.

Cool River Coffee House: This well-shaded corner cafe with an outdoor wraparound patio is the perfect spot to fuel up in the morning before heading out. The house-made cinnamon rolls are the type of sweet that even someone who doesn’t like sweets will appreciate, while the breakfast tacos are more than satisfying.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Robbie’s Tavern: After your trip on the gondola, head over to Robbie’s Tavern for a meal and a drink with your dog by your side. Start with the wings and go straight to the Philly cheesesteak as you watch the bikers head down the mountain.

BreckFast: While the name might sound like it emphasizes only one particular meal of the day, BreckFast is also a lunch spot. Bonus: The restaurant and patio sit under Broken Compass Brewery, so you can take your dogs from early beer time to lunchtime with ease. Order the Breck Bahn Mi, which is made with a French baguette from La Française, a bakery across the street started by a France native Margot Heraud that makes its bread daily.

Dog-friendly bars and breweries in Breckenridge

Broken Compass Brewery: The vibe of this Main Street taproom is clear from the slogan: “Drink beer, pet dogs.” All friendly dogs are welcome indoor and out, so you can hideaway inside during any afternoon showers or late night chills while sipping award-winning beer. The original location, which is also where the beer is made, is just north of town, and is also dog friendly.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

RMU: Go all-in on the outdoor mountain life at RMU. Inside, you’ll find skis, bikes, and all the gear you could hope for. Outside, a lively patio bar serves as a respite from activities (plus a bike wash center on the side, if you rode up dirty). The bar serves up beer and cocktails, while a grilled cheeserie provides the food. There’s also a stage for live music.

Breckenridge Distillery: The world’s highest distillery is, of course, also the world’s highest dog-friendly distillery. Sip on the many award-winning whiskeys neat or in cocktails and indulge in some lawn games on the patio. Don’t leave without spoiling your pup with locally made dog treats and a branded bandana.

Dog-friendly accommodations in Breckenridge

Photo: Gravity Haus

Gravity Haus Breckenridge has a prime location near Main Street and the base of Peak 9, and you’ll find one of the 60 rooms perfectly suited for you and your pet thanks to the amenities (doggie bed, bowl, and treats included), coffee shop, and restaurant and bar. Dogs get their photo taken and get to sign their name in the guestbook upon check-in. There are a number of other dog-friendly accommodations in Breckenridge as well that can be found on the Breckenridge tourism site.

More like thisEpic StaysThese Gorgeous Summit County Airbnbs Are the Perfect Home for Your Group Ski Trip

Where To Find the Best Breakfast in Annapolis, From Crepes To Bagels

Annapolis, Maryland, a quaint waterfront town on the Chesapeake Bay, is known for its colonial history, seafood, and spectacular waterfront scenery. Widely referred to as ‘America’s Sailing Capital’, it is also the headquarters of the United States Naval Academy and home to countless sailors and other people who make their living on the water. If you’re passing through on a trip to get a taste of American history, you’ll also want to stop for breakfast in Annapolis.

In a town where most people are up and out on the water before the sun rises, breakfast in Annapolis is essential. You wouldn’t think a city known for its seafood is also a hotspot for breakfast restaurants, but Annapolis is home to breakfast joints serving everything from huevos rancheros to crepes. And if it’s seafood you want, you can find that for breakfast in Annapolis, too. Landlubbers and sailors agree, these are the best spots for breakfast in Annapolis if you want to start your day off right.

Where to eat in breakfast in AnnapolisMiss Shirley’s

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miss Shirley's Cafe (@missshirleys)

Miss Shirley’s has made headlines for its colossal portions and decadent takes on chicken and waffles, stuffed French toast, and savory biscuits. You can find traditional egg dishes too, but Miss Shirley’s is where you go when you want an epic breakfast feast or a brunch celebration with friends. The shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and coconut cream cheese French toast have all been featured on The Food Network.

After indulging in hot honey fried chicken deviled eggs or a gravy train skillet, save room for the monkey bread—a pull-apart cinnamon treat covered with bananas, chocolate chips and chocolate sauce. Breakfast and brunch are served until 3pm every day, but be prepared to wait. Miss Shirley’s does not take reservations and the lines on weekends can wrap around the block.

Where: 1 Park Pl, Annapolis, MD 21401

Naval Bagels

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Naval Bagels (@navalbagels)

It is possible to find a New York-style bagel three hours from the Big Apple, and Naval Bagels is the spot. Located in West Annapolis, a short walk from the Naval Academy gates, Naval Bagels has every flavor of bagel imaginable. There are almost two dozen bagel sandwiches on the breakfast menu, so diners have a wealth of options.

The store’s namesake bagel, the Naval bagel, is a tower of fresh Nova lox, cream cheese, tomato, onions, and capers. For a locally inspired bite, try the Annapolitan, a bagel piled with jumbo lump crabmeat, scrambled eggs, melted cheddar and Old Bay seasoning. To turn up the spice factor, order it on an Old Bay flavored bagel. Don’t be put off by the long lines, Naval Bagels churns out orders with military efficiency.

Where: 609 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401

Chick and Ruth’s

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chick & Ruth’s Delly (@chickandruthsdelly)

In a town teeming with breakfast joints, Chick and Ruth’s delicatessen is legendary. Open since 1965, this delicatessen serves up diner classics in a retro environment. Slide into a narrow booth or pull up a stool at the counter and watch wait staff—some of whom have been working there for decades—call out orders for eggs, waffles, and bacon.

You won’t find avocado toast or chia pudding on this menu; it’s all about diner classics like cream chipped beef on toast and buttermilk pancakes served with a side of scrapple. At Chick and Ruth’s, the orange Formica booths and framed photos of local politicians still look the same as they did in the 1960s and the milkshakes, egg creams, and root beer floats haven’t changed a bit in more than fifty years. Weekday mornings at 8:30am (9:30 on the weekends), every guest is asked to stand, face the American flag, and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Where: 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Boatyard Bar and Grill

Boatyard Bar and Grill in the Eastport area of Annapolis is one of the most popular restaurants in town, and their brunch offerings on weekends should not be missed. While Boatyard offers traditional classics like chicken and waffles and huevos rancheros, their seafood-based brunch items are the real standouts.

Try eggs benedict topped with lump crabmeat or the Chesapeake avocado toast, a mix of lump crab and avocado on sourdough. Any visit to Annapolis should include crab cakes, and Boatyard’s version is one of the best. Boatyard’s Killer Cake and Eggs is eggs benedict topped with fried green tomatoes and hollandaise accompanied by two of their ‘World Famous All Killer, No Filler’ crab cakes. The restaurant’s dining room is draped with marine flags and crammed with sailing memorabilia.

Where: 400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403

Rise Up Coffee

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rise Up Coffee Roasters (@riseupcoffee)

With several locations in the Annapolis area, Rise Up Coffee is known for its organic, fair-trade coffee. Sure, the coffee is legit—full-bodied and delicious—but it’s the massive breakfast burritos that will truly satisfy your breakfast cravings.

Served out of a food truck behind the coffee shop, Rise Up’s burritos are served until 3 p.m. every day and are large enough to share. The most popular, the Rise Up burrito, has scrambled organic eggs, chorizo sausage, potato, avocado, and cheese. You can’t go wrong with the Sunset burrito, either, a combo of tater tots, chorizo sausage, black beans, pickled jalapeno, sour cream, and cheese.

Where: 2042 Somerville Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401

Iron Rooster

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iron Rooster (@ironroosterallday)

At Iron Rooster, the motto is ‘We’re always makin’ bacon!’ This café located right near City Dock serves up mason jars of mouthwatering crispy bacon at any time of day. The menu focuses on Southern comfort dishes like chicken and waffles, Cajun fried shrimp, and fried green tomatoes, but also includes locally inspired dishes like a crab hash bowl with Maryland blue crab meat, fried eggs, hash browns, and Old Bay hollandaise.

Iron Rooster serves breakfast all day, and has an extensive menu of entrees, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. No matter what time of day you visit, order a RoosTart. The restaurant’s version of a pop tart, RoosTart flavors change seasonally, though mixed berry and brown sugar are always on the menu. With a cup of Iron Rooster’s bottomless coffee, it makes the perfect starter to share or a sweet ending to a meal.

Where: 12 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401

Lighthouse Bistro

When you want to feel good about where you eat, there’s no better choice than Lighthouse Bistro. Lighthouse Bistro is owned by The Lighthouse Shelter Homeless Prevention Support Center and the bistro trains its employees in the culinary arts, while providing them with a living wage.

The menu is focused on breakfast classics like fluffy buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and benedicts, but the ever-changing menu of specials is where the kitchen really shines. From chef scrambles to fried green tomato benedicts, everything is made in-house, right down to the hot sauce and blueberry pomegranate jam. Lighthouse Bistro also sells granola that can be purchased to go.

Where: 202 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Sofi’s Crepes

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sofi's Crepes Annapolis (@sofis_annapolis)

Sofi’s Crepes, tucked away on a side street near City Dock, is the kind of hidden gem only locals know about. This petite café offers an extensive list of sweet and savory crepes that are American twists on Parisian classics.

Traditionalists will love the light and fluffy Florentine crepe or the ham and gruyere, but the Bananarama, a combination of banana, granola, peanut butter, is a must-try. For a sweet and savory combo, try the bacon, egg, cheese, and maple syrup crepe. It may not be Paris but watching the boats as you stroll City Dock while enjoying this handheld treat is sublime in its own right.

Where: 1 Craig St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Evelyn’s

A relative newcomer to the local breakfast scene, Evelyn’s has quickly gained popularity for its all-day breakfast menu using ingredients that are sourced from nearby farms. The menu offers classics like Belgian waffles and breakfast burritos, and an extensive omelet selection, including the popular ‘Feed the Navy’ omelet, a three-egg omelet stuffed with steak, sausage, bacon, cheddar, and home fries. You can’t go wrong with the house made sweet potato biscuits, and if you’re in the mood for savory fare, leave room for Evelyn’s award-winning cream of crab soup.

Where: 26 Annapolis St, Annapolis, MD 21401

More like thisFood + DrinkThis Map Guides You To the Top-Rated Breakfast Spots in Every State

You May Soon Be Able To Renew Your Passport Online

Good news, American passport-holders: You’re one step closer to being able to renew your passport online.

The US Department of State launched a pilot program to help Americans renew their passports more efficiently by eliminating the need to mail in expired passports and supplementary documents. The first phase of the program is already complete: As of August 12, the agency has accepted 25,000 initial applicants to test out its online passport renewal service. Phase two opened in September and will allow another 25,000 first-come, first-served applicants to trial the service. A broader rollout is expected in 2023.

To qualify for phase two, applicants must be at least 25 years old and renewing a passport that was issued between 2007 and 2013 and is already expired or set to expire within a year. People who’ve previously reported their passports as lost or stolen aren’t eligible to apply, and changes to name, gender, date of birth, and place of birth can’t be updated through the online passport renewal service at this time.

Though one ultimate goal of online passport renewals is to decrease processing times, the State Department currently estimates comparable wait times for electronic and mail-in renewals: eight to 11 weeks for the standard service and five to seven weeks for the $60-extra expedited option. Renewal costs are also the same, excluding postage and mailing fees: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, and $160 for both.

Nonetheless, if your passport is expiring and you meet all 10 of the agency’s requirements to participate in the pilot program, it’s hard to argue with the convenience of uploading a digital passport photo and entering your payment information electronically. To throw your hat in the ring for phase two, all you have to do is create, verify, and register a MyTravelGov account, then keep an eye out for the “renew passport” option to reappear in September.

More like thisAirports + FlyingIt May Soon Be Easier To Get Refunds for Delayed Flights

These Hot Tub Boats Are the Coziest Way To See the Seattle Skyline at Any Time of Year

When you think of Seattle, there’s a good chance that oysters, salmon fishing, rain, and a baseball team that never quite lives up to its potential come to mind. Now you can add “hot tub boats” to the list. Lake Union’s Hot Tub Boats experience combines the two most relaxing things you can imagine: a day on a boat, and a dip in a hot tub.

Docked on Seattle’s Lake Union, Hot Tub Boat lets you enjoy views of the city from the comfort of a floating hot tub that you can rent for two hours. To make them float, the tubs are embedded in what looks like a skiff. They come with a Bluetooth speaker, heating, a dry storage hatch for your personal items, and joystick navigation so you can steer the “boat” wherever you wish.

@emitoms In Seattle you can rent a boat with a hot tub #seattlecheck #washingtoncheck #fyp #seattle #summer2020 ♬ Myself – Bazzi

Driving the boat is as easy as playing Pacman. Just use the joystick on the starboard side to maneuver through the calm waters. You can reach the joystick while sitting in the tub or sunbathing on the deck, so the driver won’t miss out on any hot tub action. The onboard heating is another crucial feature of the experience, as it allows the tub to remain a toasty 104 degrees even in mid-winter.

The experience begins with a visit to the changing hut, where you’ll prepare for your adventure before receiving a safety demonstration on the boat. Then, you’re free to explore Lake Union, which includes views of Gasworks Park and the Seattle Skyline, as well as watching seaplanes take off and land. Once you disembark, a hot shower will be waiting for you, equipped with luxury soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and essential oil bath salts.

More like thisEpic Stays10 Hotels With Bathtubs so Luxurious You’ll Never Want To Leave the Room

11 Egyptian Pyramids You Can Actually Go Into and What’s Inside Each

While Pyramids can be found throughout the world, like in Mexico or Sudan, these immense structures are more often associated with Egypt. And luckily for visitors to the country, many of the mortuary monuments that are the Egyptian pyramids can be admired both from the outside and the inside. But with over 100 pyramids in Egypt, deciding which ones to visit and enter can be a bit overwhelming. To get the inside scoop on what pyramid visitors should prioritize, we spoke with Nick Brown, an Egyptologist and PhD candidate in the Near Eastern Languages and Culture department at UCLA. Brown is an expert in the field – he studied Egyptology in Cairo and has worked on archaeological sites throughout Egypt.

Note from the writer: Pyramids and tombs are often reopened or closed to visitors, so be sure to check on the Ministry of Antiquities’ Facebook page for any announcements regarding visiting the sites.

Inside the pyramids of the Giza Plateau

The Giza Plateau is home to numerous funeral monuments, including the three most iconic (and tallest) pyramids of Egypt, built by three succeeding generations of pharaohs.

How to visit: The Giza Plateau is nine miles from Cairo and can be reached using the Cairo Transport Authority bus, lines 355 or 357, or by booking a guided tour.

Admission fee: 100 Egyptian pounds ($10)

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

Photo: ImAAm/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2570 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 200 Egyptian pounds ($20) to enter the pyramid.

The Great Pyramid, built by Khufu, is the oldest of the three main pyramids of Giza and the largest in Egypt. The only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Pyramid of Khufu, at 455 feet, was the tallest building in the world until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in England in 1311.

What’s inside this pyramid: Visitors can walk the Great Gallery to the King’s Chamber, which holds the empty granite sarcophagus of Khufu. The mummified remains of the pharaoh have never been found and are thought to have been stolen, along with all of the pharaoh’s grave goods, over a thousand years ago.

The Pyramid of KhafreConstruction date: 2540 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 100 Egyptian pounds ($10) to enter the pyramid.

The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest pyramid in Egypt, standing at 450 feet tall. Built by Khufu’s son, Khafre, it is one of the few pyramids to retain some of its outer limestone casing.

What’s inside this pyramid: Inside is a burial chamber carved out of the bedrock with gabled roofs and a sarcophagus made from granite. The sarcophagus has long been empty (the pyramid may have been broken into as early as 2100 BCE), and archaeologists are unsure if Khafre was ever buried here, as there are no burial inscriptions on the walls.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

Photo: Zsolt Szekretar/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2510 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 100 Egyptian pounds ($10) to enter the pyramid. According to Brown, the Ministry of Antiquities often closes either Khafre or Menkaure’s pyramids, so be sure to check if the pyramid of your choice is open.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the main pyramids of Giza, standing at 215 feet tall. Built for Menkaure, the son of Khafre and grandson of Khufu, the pyramid features unfinished granite blocks, leading archaeologists to believe that Menkaure died before the pyramid itself was finished.

What’s inside this pyramid: A corridor clad in pink granite leads to a chamber with decorative panels, a “cellar” room with six niches, and a burial chamber. In 1837, Egyptologist Howard Vyse found two sarcophagi inside the burial chamber: a black stone sarcophagus and a wooden one bearing the name of Menkaure but containing a young woman’s bones. Unfortunately, the stone sarcophagus was lost at sea on its way to England in 1838. The wooden sarcophagus can be seen in the British Museum.

Inside the pyramids of the Saqqara Necropolis

The Saqqara Necropolis was a royal burial place for over 3,000 years, covers over square miles, and is home to both pyramids and massive funerary complexes.

How to visit: Saqqara is 18 miles south of Cairo. Public transport is limited, so it is best to book a tour, hire a private guide, or book a round-trip Uber from Cairo. Be sure to visit the Imhotep Museum on site, and brown also recommends booking a horseback ride to visit nearby Abusir, a nearby complex of 14 small pyramids!

Admission fee: Entrance to the Saqqara Necropolis is 80 Egyptian pounds ($4).

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

Photo: trappy76/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2670 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional fee to enter the Stepped Pyramid.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, rising in steps rather than smooth-sided, is believed to be the earliest stone-cut monument in the world and the first pyramidal tomb in Egypt. The Step Pyramid was a huge departure from previous burial architecture, which largely consisted of small, single-layer tombs known as mastabas, also seen at Saqqara.

What’s inside this pyramid: The pyramid was opened in 2020 following a restoration project that took 14 years, cost $6.6 million, and included the building of accessible entrances for wheelchair users. Visitors can step inside the burial chamber and see Djoser’s massive granite sarcophagus, as well as chambers decorated in blue tiles and carved reliefs of the pharaoh. Artifacts found in the pyramid are in the Imhotep Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Pyramid of Unas

Photo: EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2360 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional fee to enter the pyramid.

The Pyramid of Unas is a small, largely ruined pyramid. Though unassuming from the outside, the pyramid is famous for having the oldest known Egyptian religious texts inscribed on the walls of its subterranean chambers.

What’s inside this pyramid: The inside features three rooms and an empty sarcophagus. A mummified arm, possibly belonging to Unas, was found nearby and is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. More impressively, the pyramid is home to the “Pyramid Texts”, a series of incised hieroglyphs filled with blue pigments that represent the oldest known Egyptian religious texts. These texts were believed to have magical properties and include 200 spells that protected Unas in the afterlife. These texts became a trend amongst Egyptian pharaohs, and Egyptologists believe they were the inspiration for the later coffin texts and the Book of the Dead.

Teti’s Pyramid

Photo: noemosu/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2345 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional fee to enter Teti’s Pyramid.

Teti was Unas’ successor, believed to have been murdered by his own bodyguards. His pyramid is largely ruined and resembles a natural hill. Like the Pyramid of Unas, Teti’s Pyramid is best known for containing pyramid texts carved into the inner rooms.

What’s inside this pyramid: Teti’s Pyramid contains pyramid texts in the inner chambers, though they are not as preserved as those in the Pyramid of Unas. A starry night is carved into the ceiling of one chamber, and a basalt sarcophagus is found in the burial chamber.

The Tomb of MererukaConstruction date: 2310 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional entrance fee of 80 Egyptian pounds ($4).

While not a pyramid, the Tomb of Mereruka, the vizier to Teti, is worth a visit. Built during a time when high officials were building funerary monuments that rivaled their pharaohs’, the tomb is a spectacular, physical example of the changes in Egyptian politics at the time, as local noblemen increasingly took on wealth and power.

What’s inside this tomb: With 33 carved rooms, the mastaba is the richest nobleman’s tomb and the most elaborate non-royal tomb in Saqqara. The rooms are painted with scenes of Mereruka painting and playing board games, hunting and fishing scenes, and furniture and jewelry-making scenes. The central chamber has painted columns and a life-size statue of Mereruka.

The Dahshur Necropolis

The remains of seven pyramids have been found at the Dahshur Necropolis, though two have been completely destroyed and others are badly damaged. However, Dahshur, is home to two of the best-preserved early pyramids of Egypt, and visitors are allowed inside both of them.

How to visit: The Dahshur Necropolis is 20 miles south of Cairo. Public transport is limited, so it is best to book a tour, hire a private guide, or book a round-trip Uber from Cairo.

Admission fee: The entrance fee to the Dahshur Necropolis is 60 Egyptian pounds ($3).

The Bent Pyramid

Photo: Gurgen Bakhshetyan/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2600 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional entrance fee.

The Bent Pyramid, built by Khufu’s father, Sneferu, gets its name for its crooked shape. Originally, the pyramid was built at 54-degree angles, but the steepness made the pyramid unstable, and the angle was reduced to 43 degrees, giving the pyramid its unique shape. It’s thought to be one of the earliest examples of a smooth-sided pyramid, rather than the stepped pyramids previously built.

What’s inside this pyramid: The Bent Pyramid was recently opened to visitors for the first time in five decades. Visitors enter through a narrow 230-foot tunnel and can visit the burial chamber. Inside are corbelled ceilings and portcullis blocking systems to seal the main chamber after Sneferu’s burial. The pyramid is also home to hundreds of bats! The nearby Queen’s Pyramid, possibly built for Sneferu’s wife, Hetepheres, is also open to visitors.

The Red Pyramid

Photo: Eric Valenne geostory/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2590 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional entrance fee.

The Red Pyramid, also built by Sneferu, was originally white. Like most pyramids, the white limestone casing that covered it is no more; much of it was stripped to build parts of Cairo during the medieval period. Now, only the red limestone blocks remain. It’s thought to be the first straight-sided pyramid and the inspiration for the Pyramids of Giza.

What’s inside this pyramid: The Red Pyramid was reopened to visitors in 2019. The entrance is part way up the side of the pyramid, and once inside, visitors descend a 200-foot-long tunnel to two well-preserved chambers featuring beautiful corbel-vaulted roofs and smooth floors, as well as a third, smaller chamber (perhaps the intended burial chamber) whose floor has been removed and destroyed by grave robbers over the centuries.

Others Egyptian pyramids you can enterThe Pyramid of Lahun

Photo: Victor V. Hoguns Zhugin/Shutterstock

Construction date: 1180 BCEAdmission fee: 60 Egyptian pounds ($3).

The Pyramid of Lahun, built by Senwosret II, is now a ruin, though the unassuming lump of mud bricks hides some beautiful inner rooms. In the 1840s, when British archaeologist Sir Flinders Petri, first documented the pyramid, it took him months to find the entrance inside, hidden in the southern courtyard of the structure. Nearly every other pyramid in Egypt has its entrance on the north side, following the religious belief that pharaohs needed to leave his tomb to the north in order to become a deity. The Pyramid of Lahun is a relatively young pyramid, however, and at the time of its construction religious beliefs had changed to follow a cult of Osiris, in which the celestial orientation of tombs was less important.

What’s inside this pyramid: A vaulted corridor leads to a hall with a ritual well and into the granite burial chamber, featuring a spectacular arched roof and a red sarcophagus. An alabaster table, possibly used for offerings, stands before the sarcophagus.. A small side chamber of the burial chamber once contained leg bones, possibly Senwosret II’s.

The tomb of Senwoseret’s daughter, Sat Hathor, was found near the pyramid, and her jewelry and toiletries can be seen in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One of the largest collections of papyri, many discussing medical and medieval topics, was found near the pyramid and is now housed at the University College London.

How to visit: The Pyramid of Lahun is in Fayoum, 60 miles south of Cairo. There is no public transport, so hire a private driver or book a private tour. There has also been historically a heavy military and police presence in the Fayoum area, and there could be numerous checkpoints and requirements of police escorts to get to the pyramid.

Meidum Pyramid

Photo: PRILL/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2600 BCEAdmission fee: The admission fee to the Meidum Pyramid is 100 Egyptian pounds ($10).

The Meidum Pyramid stands almost as high as the Pyramid of Menkaure in Giza and was likely Sneferu’s first attempt at pyramid-building, though it’s possible his predecessor Huni started it and Sneferu simply finished it. It was first built as a series of steps, like the Step Pyramid, and then later modifications added a limestone facing to give the pyramid a smooth-sided appearance. The outer cladding collapsed in ancient times, possibly during construction, as many components of the burial chamber and mortuary complex were never finished.

What’s inside this pyramid: The entrance to the pyramid is high above the ground, and leads to a descending corridor. A small ladder at the end leads up into the burial chamber. The burial chamber itself is uncompleted, with raw walls and wooden supports still in place.

How to visit: The Meidum Pyramid is 60 miles south of Cairo. The site is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s best to book a tour in Cairo, hire a driver, or book a round trip Uber.

More like thisArchaeology3 Mysteries Archaeologists Still Haven’t Figured Out About Ancient Egypt’s Pyramids

This Airbnb Lets You Sleep in a Bedouin Cave INSIDE the Lost City of Petra

It was 6 AM sharp. I was totally alone, sitting in the long shadow of Petra’s most famous monument. Two miles away, along a thin dusty trail through a maze of towering slot canyons, the gates to Jordan‘s Lost City of Petra were just opening to the public. Over the next several hours, a steady stream of visitors from around the globe would filter through the turnstiles toward the famous facade of the Treasury. This small space would quickly fill with tourists. But I had beat them to it. I was already basking in the desert silence and photographing the handful of scarf-laden Bedouin residents with their colorfully adorned camels.

We hope you love the Indiana Jones Bedouin Cave Airbnb! 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.

Although the spectacularly photogenic faces of both the Treasury and Monastery have become synonymous with Petra, there is far more to the historical city. Truthfully, spending less than two full days inside the park allows you only to scrape the surface. There are ridgeline hikes to panoramic teahouse lookouts, a wall of tombs, and countless photo-worthy vantage points to view the most famous sites. Petra is large and wild enough to allow you to feel like an explorer, even while being one of the most visited tourist attractions on earth.

But by no means is it empty. Bedouin men with kohl-rimmed eyes ride horses, donkeys, and camels throughout the park, offering rides and guided tours. Markets fill the dusty paths of the park daily, congregating near the most-popular monuments. These shops are kept by Bedouin women and children with limited means, hoping to make a living in the blossoming Jordanian tourism market.

There is a way to see this new world wonder without the crowds. The secret lies with the Bedouins. Specifically with a man named Feras; and his Indiana Jones Cave Home that he lists on Airbnb.

Arguably, the Lost City of Petra belongs to the Bedouins. For centuries, the nomadic indigenous group has lived within the park boundaries farming the desolate land and managing herds of goats. They carved trails through the pink-hued sandstone and lived in communal cave housing bored into the high-desert cliffsides. When Petra was “re-discovered” and deemed both a world-wonder and UNESCO Heritage site worthy of protection, the Bedouins were relocated to the nearby cities by the government of Jordan to avoid the destruction of the protected structures.

This transition from nomadic self-sufficient living to metropolitan life did not go smoothly for most, and 35-50 families have since returned to the park and their cave homes. Technically, illegally. But the Jordanian government has done little to remove or deter them.

Keeping alive a long-standing way of life

Photo: Popova Tetiana/Shutterstock

Feras is the head of one of these families.

His Indiana Jones Airbnb Cave is a traditional Bedouin dwelling with two cavernous rooms hollowed into the sandstone cliffs deep within the park boundaries centuries ago. One room, the Airbnb rental, is adorned with colorful woven rugs spread across the floor and three beds loaded with blankets for chilly nights.

Postcards from previous guests turned long-time friends cover the walls. Outside you’ll find a coal firepit overlooking a scenic canyon framed by jagged peaks. The cave next door has a small kitchen and loads of floorspace where Feras sleeps, usually joined by a handful of other Bedouins who linger long into the night eating, drinking tea, and smoking shisha.

Cave Airbnb guests arrive in Petra just like anyone else. On foot. Feras meets and welcomes you at the iconic Treasury. You’ll then hit the trail together to the cave for a hot cup of tea and an introduction to the desert landscape. From here on out, you are free to explore as much or as little as you wish.

For an extra fee, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the property. I highly recommend a fireside dinner beneath the stars after a long day exploring Petra on foot. It’s not uncommon to traverse ten or more miles in a single day while attempting to make it to all the most popular sights.

The obvious benefit to sleeping in the Indiana Jones Cave is your exclusive access to the Treasury and Monastery without the crowds. You shouldn’t leave your cave until the park gates officially open to abide by park laws. But with your significant headstart, you’ll beat even the earliest risers.

Book Now

Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

The not-so-obvious benefits of staying in the cave home instead of in the nearby town of Wadi Musa are three-fold.

1. You get to experience the rich Bedouin culture.

Almost everyone who visits Jordan develops a fascination with the Bedouins. Often acting like Arabian cowboys, these Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-likes are everywhere. Spending the night in the cave opens the door for you to get to know them. My two-night stay consisted of shared breakfast halva and Zaatar bread overlooking the red swirls of sandstone in the canyon below, stargazing while my hosts smoked endless shisha and played the Rababa (a local instrument), and candid talks about the Bedouin way of life.

2. You support the indigenous peoples of Jordan.

Most people who visit Petra see the Bedouins as simple entrepreneurs, infiltrating the park boundaries and selling trinkets for easy money. Considering you’re most likely to find them at the base of the Treasury enticing Instagram tourists to pay their 20 JD ($26) fee for a red carpet photo shoot overlooking the monument— you’d be forgiven for thinking that. But knowing their history with the park and their limited means of employment, or education for that matter, you’ll come to see them a little differently.

Staying with Feras supports the Bedouin community.

3. You get the inside scoop on where the off-the-beaten-path sights are hiding.

Not a single human on planet earth knows the Lost City of Petra better than the Bedouins. And they are all more than willing to share their secret hideouts with you. Bedouins are known for their hospitality, after all. All my best recommendations for sunset views and hikes within the park came from Feras and his friends, not the guidebooks. They guided me to several lookout points not indicated on any official park map, where I found small tea houses tucked into the rock ledges overlooking incredible vistas. I sipped gallons of sweet mint tea and watched the sun sink behind the layers of mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.

Despite the seemingly wide-open expanses of desert, Petra is still somewhere it is easy to get lost. Predominately because everything starts to look the same when traversing rock faces rather than well-trodden trails. It never hurts to have the guidance of someone who knows the area well.

Sleeping inside the Lost City of Petra in a traditional Bedouin dwelling is one of those unforgettable travel experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come. This is hands down the most incredible experience to have in Jordan. A combination of indigenous culture, traditional cuisine, incredible historical architecture, and genuine hospitality that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Book Now

More like thisArchaeology9 Pro Tips for Visiting Petra Without Looking Like a Total Tourist