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Kentucky’s National Quilt Museum Will Make You Fall in Love With Textile Masterpieces

Paducah, Kentucky, is Quilt City USA. Over the past few decades, the town of less than 30,000 people has become a center for quilting thanks to passionate quilter Meredith Schroeder. Schroeder founded the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) in 1984 and co-founded the National Quilt Museum in 1991 with her husband, Bill. Those two events elevated and brought much-deserved recognition to the art of quilting. It also defined Paducah as an artist town.

Those who smirk at the idea of quilting as a museum-worthy art form should make their way to Paducah and get ready to eat their hats. The National Quilt Museum displays contemporary quilts that boggle the mind with their beauty and intricacies. No matter how you currently feel about quilting, you won’t be bored or disappointed here.

I visited the National Quilt Museum and talked to its CEO Matt Collinsworth to give you the lowdown on this exceptional cultural venue.

When is the National Quilt Museum open?Ticket price for the National Quilt MuseumWhen is the National Quilt Museum free?How much time do I need to visit the National Quilt Museum?Where is the National Quilt Museum and how to get there?Parking at the National Quilt MuseumThe best times to visit the National Quilt MuseumWhat makes the National Quilt Museum so special?The best tip for visiting the National Quilt MuseumMust-sees at the National Quilt MuseumTours and audio guides at the National Quilt MuseumNational Quilt Museum gift shopAQS QuiltWeek and The National Quilt MuseumWhen is the National Quilt Museum open?

Paducah’s Quilt Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s also open on Sunday between March 1 and November 30, 1 PM to 5 PM.

The museum is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Ticket price for the National Quilt Museum

A ticket to the museum costs $12 for adults, $11 for people over 62, and $5 for students. Military personnel, children under the age of 12, and museum members enter for free.

Tickets are available for purchase at the front desk of the museum the day you want to visit. There is no advance ticket purchase online.

When is the National Quilt Museum free?

While there are no set free days at Paducah’s Quilt Museum, there are certain occasions when entrance is free. Local residents can visit the museum for free in March. The museum also waives the admission fee to coincide with certain local events.

How much time do I need to visit Paducah’ Quilt Museum?

“Forest Walk” by Pat Durbin. Photo: Jesse Adams

The museum is a relatively small space. If you’re the type of museum-goer who is thorough about admiring the works, looking at the explanation cards beside the pieces, and visiting the gift shop, then you’ll probably be there for just over one hour. Collinsworth says the average visitor spends 60 to 90 minutes in the galleries, which is a good amount of time to appreciate the beauty of every quilt displayed.Where is Paducah’s Quilt Museum and how to get there?

The National Quilt Museum is located in the beautiful and artsy town of Paducah, Kentucky. The best way to get to the museum is by car. It’s about 140 miles from Nashville (about a 2.5 hour drive) and 180 miles from Memphis (a 3.5 hour drive).

Paducah is often one of the stops on American Queen’s steamboats itineraries on the Ohio River, and the museum is usually offered as one of the free excursions for passengers.

Address: 215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001, US

Parking at the National Quilt MuseumParking at Paducah’s Quilt Museum is free. There are two parking lots to accommodate visitors, including room for RVs and trucks. Alternatively, you can park on the nearby streets.The best time to visit the National Quilt MuseumThe museum is rich in works of art, but it’s a small museum in a small town, so you’ll never really have to worry about crowds. The only times when the museum may be busier than usual is when the American Queen steam boats are docked in Paducah and during the annual American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek (an event that art lovers should strive to attend). That said, you’d be hard pressed to ever see a line for tickets at the front desk. As Collinsworth explains, “really, there is no bad time to visit the museum or our home city.”What makes the National Quilt Museum so special?

“The Beatles Quilt” by Sisters Pat Holly and Sue Nickels. Photo: Jesse Adams

When Collinsworth speaks about what he thinks is so unique about Paducah’s Quilt Museum, he doesn’t first mention the fact that it is clearly underrated as an art venue. Instead, he mentions the artists.

“Whereas most art museums in America and around the world have scrambled to acquire more works by women over the past decade, 95 [percent] of our collected and exhibited quilts were made by women,” Collinsworth says.

If you needed another reason to make your way to Paducah’s Quilt Museum, this is it.

The best tip for visiting Paducah’s Quilt MuseumBecause there are no crowds and the museum is rather small, it’s easy to see every single work of art. Unlike in large and extremely popular museums, you don’t have to skip anything or rush through galleries. Collinsworth insists that you should take the time to really take in all the quilts and admire the details — it’s very much worth it.Must-sees at the National Quilt Museum

Quilt made of wood by Fraser Smith. Photo: Jesse Adams

While the museum is obviously a space dedicated to textile art, with amazing displays of contemporary quilts, the one thing that will blow your mind above all else is Fraser Smith’s wood quilt displayed in the lobby. You would never guess that this piece is made of carved and painted wood unless you read the explanation card. Smith specializes in wood carvings that resemble textiles, such as quilts, coats, and hats. Take the time to look at this piece, but know that no matter how long you stare at it, it won’t ever look like wood.

“Puffins” by Shirley P. Kelley. Photo: Jesse Adams

Among all the quilts displayed in the museum, my personal favorite is “Puffins,” a 2004 creation by quilter Shirley P. Kelley. It’s hard to fathom that such a level of artistry can be achieved with fabric and a sewing machine.

Tours and audio guides at Paducah’s Quilt MuseumThe collections rotate regularly, and new exhibitions happen so often that there are no guided tours or audio guides at the museum. But that’s hardly an issue. The explanation cards beside each piece provide enough details. However, if you have any questions, Collinsworth suggests you address them to the friendly and knowledgeable docents who walk the galleries.Paducah’s Quilt Museum gift shopThe National Quilt Museum gift shop offers a variety of items relating to quilting, postcards featuring some of the museum’s pieces, and the works of local artists such as ceramics, among many other disciplines. A few quilts are also available for sale.AQS QuiltWeek and The National Quilt Museum

AQS QuiltWeek (AQS stands for American Quilter’s Association) is an event that takes place annually in the spring in Paducah. During AQS QuiltWeek, visitors can take quilt classes, attend lectures, and shop for fabrics, quilting tools, and more. There are also quilt exhibits and quilt contests.

During AQS QuiltWeek, the museum hosts an auction and reception for the museum members.

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How To Take the Perfect Family Vacation in Santa Fe

My nine-year-old son stared, transfixed as an artist painstakingly painted pottery with a single, nearly invisible horsehair. He stood on an open-air train car enjoying the cool, honey-scented breeze as we chugged out into the arid landscape in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Then he crawled through the fireplace in a Victorian house and popped out in another dimension. And that was just in the first 24 hours of our Santa Fe family vacation.

The nation’s oldest capital city doesn’t really market itself as a family-friendly destination, but don’t let that fool you — there’s a plethora of immersive and unusual things to do in Santa Fe with kids. Many are infused with or inspired by the city’s creative traditions. This is the first UNESCO-designated Creative City in the US and it’s been a hotbed of artistic collaboration for centuries. I visited with my parents and my fourth grader to experience how this eclectic community makes art and history feel playful and provocative.

We hope you love the experiences and stays we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

The city different

Photo: Margaret Wiktor/Shutterstock

Northern New Mexico is a place where tradition lives close to the surface. The dusky pink tinted mountains, stark desert light, and vivid blue sky have inspired and attracted artists, builders, and dreamers for generations. The oldest colonial adobe structures in Santa Fe date back to the 1600s. But the region’s Indigenous Pueblo communities have been creating sculptures, pottery, and jewelry for thousands of years. Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo creatives added their own artistry to the mix, followed by hippies, spiritual seekers, and counter-culturalists. You can see this artistic lineage at work in Santa Fe’s 20 museums and 250 art galleries.

Santa Fe’s motto, “the city different,” is a rare thing — a marketing slogan that actually rings true. Low-slung buildings in the Pueblo Revival style seem to glow in the sunset light. Strings of chiles hang to dry against terracotta-colored walls, a timeless tableau.

But instead of being mired in the past, this community’s eclectic mix of cultures and its many artists inject a Santa Fe vacation with a jolt of creative energy. Here’s how to use that energy and a few of the best things to do in Santa Fe with kids.

The Plaza and Downtown

Photo: Tourism Santa Fe

Start at the Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. This shady square is centuries old, but it’s still a prime spot for stellar people-watching, summer concerts, and festivals all year long. Many of the city’s historical attractions, boutiques, and over 400 restaurants are a just short walk away.

Get an overview of the neighborhood from a colorful Santa Fe pedicab. Guides can create customized tours for kids, art lovers, history buffs, and tourists pressed for time.

Or dig deeper during The Santa Fe Creative Adventurer Scavenger Hunt, an engaging interactive game guided by your cell phone. Teens can play on their own team, but younger kids do best paired with caregivers.

Buy authentic pottery and jewelry from the Indigenous artists who sit under the portal of the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the country still in use. It’s now part of the engaging New Mexico History Museum, which held my nine-year-old’s attention for a few hours. It’s free for kids 16 and under, so if your kids aren’t as interested, it’s not a big deal. Museum-trained docents also run walking tours of historic downtown Santa Fe. They’re a fun way to get the family learning on the move while the littlest ones doze in strollers or carriers.

Treat the kiddos to food truck fare on the Plaza or indulge in a Frito Pie (a portable chips and chili concoction) and souvenir shopping at the Five and Dime General Store. Or put your name on the list at The Shed, a local favorite that’s been serving up addictive red chile enchiladas and other Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican-influenced dishes since 1953. (The brick and flagstone patio is especially atmospheric.) Pop into the shops, galleries, or the Neo-Romanesque St. Francis Cathedral (home to the oldest statue of the Madonna in the nation) while you wait for the text that your table is ready.

“Many restaurants also have a kid’s play area, which helped when the kids were younger and wouldn’t sit through a meal and adult conversation,” explains Betsy Dahms of Carrollton, Georgia. She’s the mother of two teenagers and visits Santa Fe every year. “The Cowgirl has really good burgers and a nice outdoor space for kids. Afterward, you can walk around and window shop or poke your nose into an art gallery.”

“They have an ice cream thing that looks just like a baked potato, but is made of ice cream,” adds Greg Gellar, a Santa Fe resident and father of three. “Kids love it. I personally prefer the chocolate lava cake.”

The Santa Fe Railyard

Photo: New Mexico TRUE

We found many of the most fun and affordable things to do in Santa Fe with kids in the Santa Fe Railyard district. The neighborhood is anchored by Railyard Park (an award-winning green space full of gardens, public art, a children’s play area, and free family-friendly events like concerts, singalongs and sand play Saturdays for toddlers) and the Santa Fe Railyard Plaza and water tower.

The neighborhood hosts the Santa Fe Artists Market on Saturdays, the Railyard Artisan Market on Sundays, and the excellent Santa Fe Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Locals and tourists gather for free summer concerts by the water tower, outdoor movies, gallery hopping in the seven-block Santa Fe Railyard Art District, and a host of other festivals, races, and public performances.

My son insists that stopping for local and organic ice cream at La Lecheria is an absolute must. A flight of four mini scoops is perfect for curious and/or indecisive ice cream fans. Bee Hive Books stocks a cozy cottage with children’s books steps from the Railyard. Geller recommends a few other neighborhood spots to add to your Santa Fe vacation experience.

“The Violet Crown movie theater is a fun place to watch movies,” he says. “Also, there are often people who gather to play board games or DnD. There’s a chess club, a go club, a backgammon club, and probably others. There’s also Site Santa Fe, which always has really interesting art installations.”

Photo: Puzzah!

All three generations of my family had a blast at Puzzah! which offers two different escape rooms that adapt to your skill level. But our favorite Railyard attraction was the Sky Railway. Look for the engines covered in graffiti-style art, then hop on the vintage train cars for a leisurely ride to Lamy and back. There are complimentary snacks, cold drinks from the cash bar, live music and an open train car where you can (and should) stand and wave to cyclists and hikers along the Santa Fe Railtrail as the train rolls by only slightly faster than they do. It’s delightful.

Museum Hill and beyond

Photo: Tourism Santa Fe/Kitty Leaken

Visiting the Santa Fe Children’s Museum is one of the most perennially popular things to do in Santa Fe with kids. And for good reason—dozens of hands-on exhibits and activities encourage kids to build, jump, climb, and experiment. Look for a dedicated Toddler Zone, a garden and outdoor classroom, weekly story times, workshops with scientists, and engaging craft sessions.

Photo: New Mexico TRUE

I didn’t think The Museum of International Folk Art would appeal to children, but the locals insist it’s a fun and affordable addition to a Santa Fe family vacation itinerary. (It’s free for kids 16 and under.) Activity areas are packed with books, toys, discovery boxes, miniature tree houses, puppets, and craft stations. Much of the museum’s vast collection (130,000 objects from over 100 countries) is showcased in interactive exhibits. Even the newest and youngest museum-goers can appreciate and understand dolls, animal sculptures, costumes, and toys.

Eat before you go or stop for sandwiches, salad, or brunch at Museum Hill Café. It’s upscale casual (and features a nice wine list) which can feel like a respite for parents and grandparents.

“If you don’t want to spend restaurant money, then definitely bring snacks,” Geller advises. “There are places where you can buy snacks at both the Folk Art and Children’s Museum.”

If you need a little fresh air, stroll through Santa Fe Botanical Garden, which showcases orchards, roses, annual crops and traditional plants in a piñon-juniper woodland. It’s free for kids 12 and under.

Photo: Tourism Santa Fe

Or lace up your hiking boots and head to the nearby Dorothy Stewart Trailhead. The Dorothy Stewart Trail is an easy one to nine mile loop.

Immersive experiences elsewhere in Santa Fe

Some of the most transfixing things to do in Santa Fe with kids are along Cerrillos Road and just outside the city. All the kids at our hotel pool were buzzing about two things — going up in a hot-air balloon and visiting Meow Wolf, the most surreal interactive art experience in town.

Photo: Kate Russell, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf: The House of Eternal Return is a trippy, explosive fever dream that sends you on a journey into the multiverse via 70 rooms of colorful, touchable, crawlable and occasionally climbable interactive art. My dad loved a pastel-colored room that looked like a game of Candyland exploded inside the walls. My mom sat in the dark gleefully making music with lasers. My son and I teamed up with a bunch of strangers to crack codes, open safes, and unravel the mystery that serves as a throughline. You can interact with the space however you like. Wear something comfortable, set aside at least two hours for your visit, and just accept that you’ll never see or understand everything.

Floating away from the city in a hot-air balloon is the exact opposite kind of experience: gentle, tranquil, and brimming with a quiet wonder. Peering down at the countryside as the balloon drifts softly on the breeze feels both serene and somehow magical. The Santa Fe Balloons experience includes pick up and drop off from local hotels, a champagne toast, and a light post-flight brunch. This bucket list experience is a splurge, but it’s the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years. Kids aged six to 12 must ride with a parent.

Photo: El Rancho De Las Golondrinas

For a more grounded family activity, add El Rancho De Las Golondrinas to your Santa Fe vacation to-do list. This living history museum brings an 18th-century hacienda to life with costumed guides, demonstrations, crafts, and live animals every April through October. Reserve guided tours in advance. Kids 12 and under visit free.

Order locally-sourced salads, panini, and burgers from the on-site restaurant. Or try sopapillas, green chile chops or red chile pork ribs at Tortilla Flats. Southside Santa Fe has plenty of restaurants to choose from.

“We love to go to Counter Culture for breakfast,” Dahms says. “My kids adore the lemon ricotta pancakes and I love that they have an indoor section for kids with toys that you can take outside to your table. The kids can play with tiger figurines on the ground while the adults visit and enjoy a cowboy bowl with red and green chile.”

Traveling with children doesn’t have to feel childish. Channel Santa Fe’s creative energy and laid-back vibe to customize a family vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Family-friendly places to stay with kids in Santa Fe

La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on The Plaza celebrated 100 years in 2022. But there’s been an inn (or fonda) on this corner of the Plaza since 1607. On-site babysitting makes it easy for parents to slip away for sunset cocktails in the Bell Tower Bar, innovative New Mexican cuisine in the atrium dining room, or a massage or body treatment at the spa. (In-room treatments are possible too.) Kids dig the hotel’s heated courtyard pool and chocolate shop.

Drury Plaza Hotel

Always hungry? Try the Drury Plaza Hotel. Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast, popcorn, and soda in the lobby and complimentary hot food and cold drinks at the 5:30 PM Kickback every night. Mingle with the locals over green chile brisket pizza at The Kitchen + Bar or relax in the rooftop pool and hot tub. Book family-friendly packages so kids can score their own art kits or tackle a treasure quest.

Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & Spa

The city’s only Indigenous-owned hotel mixes homey pine furnishings and indigenous art with luxe extras like an on-site spa, robes, and slippers for in-room relaxation, and a sunny courtyard restaurant called Amaya. Book a massage or facial, then treat the kids to ice cream and prickly pear lemonade by the Hotel Santa Fe pool. The complimentary shuttle service brings guests to all the key tourist spots. Junior suites with balconies sleep up to six.

The Sage Hotel

Boho flair and a budget-friendly price tag make The Sage Hotel a go-to for families who want to save without sacrificing style. Start the day with coffee and a hot breakfast. Stretch out in the sunny courtyard, cool off in the seasonal pool, or snack on frybread tacos or chile-topped fries at Social Kitchen + Bar. Walk to Santa Fe Railyard Park or hop on the free shuttle to the Plaza.

Convenient and comfy home rental

Larger families will be comfortable in this three-bedroom rental home — it sleeps up to nine. Kids love the bunk beds and the nearby park’s pool, playground, and baseball field. Parents will appreciate the fully stocked kitchen, complimentary breakfast, fenced backyard, and gracious outdoor patio and dining area complete with a grill and hammock. A highchair, pack and play, and toys are available upon request. Walk to the Plaza or key bus stops.

Four-bedroom home close to the Plaza

This sunny Santa Fe-style rental home is within walking distance of the Plaza. But the views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the fenced, half-acre yard feel connected to nature. Enjoy complimentary coffee on the patio, share a family meal in the newly remodeled kitchen, check out the collection of books, video games, and board games or curl up by the fire. The four-bedroom home sleeps eight.

Tips on things to do in Santa Fe with kids

Photo: Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock

Dress the family in layers. Temperatures can vary widely during the day, especially in winter.If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, bring the crew to The Genoveva Chavez Community Center.Santa Fe Public Library offers singalongs, storytime (including bilingual sessions in Spanish and English ) and other family-friendly activities at multiple locations.The June-September monsoon season often brings afternoon rain. Plan accordingly.The Santa Fe Climbing Center is a great place to burn off excess energy, and a shareable punch card saves families a few bucks. More like thisTravel9 Experiences To Reinvigorate Your Senses in and Around Santa Fe, NM

At Least 25% of Drivers Don’t Know What These Common Road Signs Mean

Whether you’re heading on a road trip or simply commuting to work, you need to know what the road signs mean. And while it might have been a long time since you went to the DMV to take your driver’s license test, forgetting the meanings of common road signs is not a good, or safe, look.

A group of ophthalmologists and optometrists surveyed 1,060 American drivers on their knowledge of road signs and their meanings. Most of these drivers had had their licenses for about 25 years, yet many failed to recognize even the simplest and most common road signs.

Road signs that American drivers have trouble figuring out

Photo: myvision.org

While it’s worrisome that 16 percent of those surveyed couldn’t recognize a school zone sign, the fact that 27 percent of them can’t recognize an obvious road work sign or that 35 percent don’t know the sign indicating an upcoming road turn is plain scary.

Here’s a refresher on some of the most common aspects of road signs:

What does the color of a road sign mean?

The color of a road sign is the first indication of its importance. The Department of Transportation lists all road sign colors and the meaning behind them. Here’s the gist of the most important ones you need to know:

Red: stop, yield, and prohibited areasYellow: warning messageOrange: temporary signage for warning and guidance in a work zonePink: temporary signage used for accidentsGreen: direction and traffic movementFluorescent yellow and green: school zones and pedestrian crossingsWhite background: rules to followWhat does the shape of road signs mean?

Like the color, the shape of a road sign is significant and indicates the potential danger or rules to follow. Here are the ones you absolutely need to know before getting behind the wheel:

Octagon: stopInverted triangle: yieldDiamond: warningPentagon: school zoneRound: railroad crossingVertical rectangles or square: rules of the road More like thisTravel7 Countries You Can’t Enter if You Have a DUI

Mexico City’s Oldest Suburb Is Also One of the Coolest Parts of CDMX To Visit

Mexico City is one of the top destinations for anyone looking for a city break in the Western Hemisphere. Besides the seemingly endless museums and parks, and the majestic Colonial City Center, it’s the city’s many historic neighborhoods that make Mexico City such a fascinating, multi-faceted, world-class metropolis.

Santa Maria la Ribera is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. It was the first suburb when it was built in the late 1800s, and was home to the first houses and public buildings constructed outside of the Spanish centro historico. Over the years the number of residents ebbed and flowed, and the city proper quickly grow around the neighborhood.

Today, Santa Maria la Ribera isn’t as posh as more famous tourist-friendly areas like Roma, Condesa, and Coayacan, but that’s exactly where its charm lies. The compact neighborhood bustles with activity. The historic barrio is full of working class and multi-generational families, food stalls and local markets, and a bustling street life that makes simply wandering around a rewarding experience.

Photo: Ocean Malandra

The avenues of Santa Maria la Ribera are lined with trees, 19th-century homes, and real-deal restaurants and bars. At the center of this small but densely packed neighborhood lies the Alameda de Santa Maria, a lush greenspace built in 1592 that was the first public garden in Mexico City. In the evening, neighbors gather to talk, lovers look for shadowy corners to smooch in, and music and dance groups gather to practice here. On weekends the park hosts a full-on neighborhood dance party, which is a display of collective joy and community solidarity that outpaces anything else in the city for sheer exuberance and authenticity.

Those who want to experience one of the most interesting neighborhoods to visit in old-school Mexico City should head over to Santa Maria la Ribera.

What to do in Santa Maria la Ribera

Photo: Ocean Malandra

Kioska Morisca: Located in the center of the Alameda de Santa Maria lies the Kioska Morisca (Moorish Kiosk), a fabulous, Islamic-style open-air temple that was originally built to represent Mexico in the 1894 World Expo in New Orleans by architect José Ramón Ibarrola. After the expo, it was moved to the park and has become its crown jewel and most iconic feature — as well as the best place to watch all the activity from a slightly elevated vantage point.

Where: Av. Hidalgo s/n, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Museum of Geology: Just across the street from the park, the palatial Museum of Geology is an Art Nouveau masterpiece built from a volcanic rock called ignimbrite and decorated with iron and bronze details. Run by the National University of Mexico (UNAM) the museum explains how the country was formed from earthquakes and volcanos and hosts everything from dinosaur skeletons to a massive mineral collection.

Where: Jaime Torres Bodet 176, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Photo: Ocean Malandra

Biblioteca Vasconcelos: Although technically located a block outside the neighborhood, no visit to Santa Maria la Ribera is complete without a visit to the ultra-modern Biblioteca Vasconcelos. The 400,000-square-foot library is a bibliophile’s dream come true. The world-famous architectural marvel was constructed in 2006 and features crystal floors and ceilings that give the interior a luminous and futuristic Matrix-like feel, while several balconies and patios open onto leafy gardens.

Where: Eje 1 Nte. S/N, Buenavista, Cuauhtémoc, 06350 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Where to Eat and drink in Santa Maria la Ribera

Photo: Ocean Malandra

Oaxacaqui: The streets surrounding the Alameda de Santa Maria are lined with cafes and restaurants with sidewalk seating that make for great people watching, but when you are ready for a stand-out meal head to Oaxacaqui. Giant tlayudas (thin corn flatbreads) dripping with queso oaxaqueno and juicy coloradito (red mole) enchiladas are just some of the delights that await at this Oaxacan restaurant that often has a line down the block.

Where: Dr. Atl 205- B, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mercado de la Dalia: For a real neighborhood experience, grab lunch at bustling Mercado de la Dalia. Besides endless rows of fresh produce and household essentials, the market also hosts a small food court where family-run comedores like Sabor de la Tierra serve up set-price lunches that come with a soup, drink, and the option of half a dozen or so different daily main dish specials for one low price.

Where: C. Sabino 225, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Photo: Ocean Malandra

Pulqueria de la Joya de Santa Maria: Pulque is a pre-Colombian fermented alcoholic beverage made from the maguey (also called agave) that was sacred to the Aztecs and is reputed to have potent medicinal powers. Santa Maria la Ribera is home to the oldest pulqueria in the city. Pulqueria de la Joya de Santa Maria dates back to 1907. Try a natural or a curado (mixed with seasonal fruit) and be ready to make instant new friends — just get here early as it closes at 8 PM.

Where: C. Eligio Ancona 122, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Where to stay in Santa Maria Ribera

Santa Maria la Ribera is close enough to the Centro Historico of Mexico City that it’s easy to visit for the day, preferably in the afternoon or early evening, by metro (Buenavista Station) or in a short taxi or uber ride. But the neighborhood also makes for an interesting place to base yourself on a visit to Mexico City.

Hotel Santa Maria: This cozy and economically priced hotel has an ideal location just a half block from the Alameda de Santa Maria in the heart of the neighborhood.

Where: Manuel Carpio 82, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Hotel MX Forum Buenavista: For something more modern and upscale, the Hotel MX Forum Buenavista sits right on the edge of the neighborhood and just across the street from the massive and modern Forum Buenavista shopping mall and the metro station.

Where: Av. Insurgentes Nte. 226, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Casa MX Alameda: Backpackers and budget travelers will find this hostel a great place to set up basecamp, meet new friends, and explore the area. Located in the nearby Guerrero neighborhood, it sports a large rooftop terrace and bar where local bands and DJs play on the weekends.

Where: C. Soto 72, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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8 Tips To Plan a Four-Day Vacation in Fiji From the US

Yes, you can make the Fiji vacation of your dreams happen in a long weekend.

Some destinations are true bucket-list places, like Bora Bora, Easter Island, or maybe Mount Everest. They’re expensive, far-away places that require at least a few weeks away from work to devote to the destination. And most people would probably agree that Fiji is one of those places.

Except for the fact that there are direct flights from the US to Fiji. And it’s not that far away, at least compared to places like Thailand or Maldives. And perhaps most importantly, you don’t need weeks to take a vacation to Fiji. In fact, you don’t even need one full week.

it’s absolutely possible to plan a vacation to Fiji in a long weekend — four days truly will give you an excellent taste of the island nation. Sure, you’ll certainly want to go back and spend more time on a longer trip, but a quick vacation to Fiji may be a lot more doable than you think. Here are seven things you need to know about planning a short trip to Fiji, along with recommendations and tips for how to make it happen

Take a redeye from SF or LA

This one is probably the hardest to pull off, especially if you live on the East Coast. Most flights into Fiji arrive to Nadi Airport, the largest airport in the country on the main island of Viti Levu. Fiji Airlines is the only airline that offers direct flights to Fiji from the US (from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu). That means you can step on the plane Wednesday night after work, sleep for about 10 hours (from San Francisco), and wake up the following day when you land in sunny Fiji. Considering you’d probably sleep for about 10 hours Wednesday night anyway, you might as well put that time to good use by traveling.

If you don’t live in LA or SF, it’s going to be hard to plan a four-day vacation in Fiji. But what you could do is add it on to a trip you’re already thinking about taking. Fly into LA, spend a few days surfing or hitting the beaches, then head to the airport and go further west for the last four days of your vacation. Yes, it sounds a bit over-the-top, but if you take away one thing from this article, it’s that a short vacation to Fiji actually is fairly doable.

Use “Bula Bids” to fly business class for a fraction of the cost

Photo: Suzie Dundas

It goes without saying that cost will limit the ability of some travelers to do this. But you’re going to be able to hit the ground running when you arrive if you sleep on the flight, and flying business class is by far the best way to count on being able to snooze. Not having to take a nap as soon as you arrive will help you get acclimated to the time zone and make the most of your few days on the island.

Fortunately, if you fly Fiji Airlines, it may actually be cheaper to fly in business class than you think. About a week before flights depart, the airline reaches out to anyone who bought an economy seat to offer a chance to participate in an auction for empty business-class seats. Rather than paying the full fare, you can bid on how much you’d be willing to pay for a business-class seat.

If there are 10 unsold business seats, the 10 highest bidders get their offers accepted. It’s risky, but may be a good way to get a first-class ticket for less. It’s called “Bula bidding” and it’s only available from Fiji Airways.

If you don’t win the bidding system, download the Fiji Airlines app and keep an eye on your seat selection. I flew business class one way and economy the other way, but I switched my economy seat at the last second to get an empty row, and slept almost as well across three empty seats as I did in business class.

Stay on Viti Levu

Photo: Ignacio Moya Coronado/Shutterstock

Don’t bother trying to island hop on a four-day vacation to Fiji. Stay on Viti Levu, the main island with the international airport, and explore the beaches nearby. There’s no point in spending more time traveling to smaller islands when Viti Levu itself is already so gorgeous.

Sure, some islands are close (like the Mamanucas, at about 45 minutes from Nadi), but you’re still going to spend precious time traveling to the ferry building, buying tickets, waiting for the ferry, actually traveling, and then trying to get to your hotel. It’s not impossible, but after a long flight, adding on more transportation may feel fairly onerous.

Make your taxi rides into a tour

A combined taxi and tour company can arrange your transportation on Fiji and reserve activities, like a visit to the Cloud 9 floating bar. Photo: Ignacio Moya Coronado/Shutterstock

It may be tempting to book a downtown Nadi hotel so you can get to your room quickly and minimize time spent in transport. But some of the best hotels in Fiji are a little outside the city. Fortunately, if you stop thinking about taxis and start thinking about driving tours, you can make the journey into the destination.

A great option is Rosie Holidays, a woman-owned transportation and tour company that will pick you up at the airport and drive you along the coast to your hotel, with as many sightseeing stops (and facts and stories about Fiji) as you’d like along the way. Since they run both tours and transfers, they can build a tour for you that picks up at the airport and ends at your hotel, stopping anywhere from mud baths to waterfalls to the Cloud 9 floating bar on the way.

Scenes from the Bula Coffee tour. Photos: Suzie Dundas

If you’re headed in the direction of Pacific Harbour, they can arrange a stop for you at the fascinating Bula Coffee Plantation, where you can take a coffee tour, enjoy a coffee by the beach, and learn all about the various types of coffee trees found across the island (which is crazy, considering most types of coffee are non-native and no one recalls planting them). It’s a good spot for a tasty pick-me-up after a long flight and provides a place to stop (and kayak or hang out on the beach) if you can’t check in to your hotel until the afternoon anyway.

Stay near Pacific Harbour

Photo: EcoTrax Fiji

If you thought sitting on the beach was the only activity available on Viti Levu, think again. You can do whitewater rafting, scuba dive with multiple species of sharks, soak in skin-friendly mud pools, hike, ride rail bikes through the jungle, and a heck of a lot more. Fiji is mountainous and diverse, creating lots of recreational opportunities.

You could stay in Korotogo if you want to pedal rail bikes through the jungle or hike through Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. But otherwise, the average person will want to consider staying near Pacific Harbour. It’s known as Fiji’s “adventure capital” and is just minutes from the Bega Lagoon (famous for shark diving).

But it’s also the pick-up point for whitewater rafting and paddling trips with Rivers Fiji, and since the Navua River meets the ocean in Pacific Harbour, it’s a great spot for sunset happy hour tours and paddleboard rentals. Waterfall ATV tours, fishing charters, scuba diving lessons — they’re all going to meet in Pacific Harbour, so you might as well stay there.

Whitewater rafting through the canyon with Rivers Fiji. Photo: Tourism Fiji

Book a hotel with plenty to do on site

Fire walkers at the Pearl Hotel Fiji. Photo: Suzie Dundas

It’s time to consider your hotel’s amenities after you’ve narrowed down what area you want to stay in for your four-day vacation in Fiji. But don’t think your hotel is just a place to lay your head. Book a hotel with entertainment activities on-site so even your downtime at the hotel is exciting.

In Pacific Harbour, The Pearl Fiji is a surprisingly affordable hotel offering everything from river cruises to weaving to raft-building classes, as well as more active adventures like guiding kayaking — plenty to fill up every day of your quick Fiji vacation. It’s also only about a one-minute walk from the scuba diving shops in Pacific Harbour, one of the island’s top dive sites. Try to schedule your trip for the weekly fire walking demonstration, when a mix of hotel staff and area residents explain the history of (and demonstrate) fire walking, a rite of passage in traditional Fijian communities.

A private pool at a Nanuku Resort villa. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Just a few miles away is Nanuku Resort, an ultra-luxurious property so beautiful you may be tempted to never leave, especially once you see your private pool. Fortunately, you don’t have to, with activities like coconut husking, cooking classes, evening traditional dance performances, and beach bonfires available to guests.

Many hotels have dance troupes that perform traditional Fijian dances for diners. Before you write it off, ask the hotel for more details about the dancers. Many of the city’s dance troupes are comprised of local young people, who have day jobs but perform with dance troupes in the evenings to keep their local traditions alive. The troupes can fund themselves and teach younger dancers because they get paid to perform at hotels, so participating in and enjoying the shows can be a great way to help keep the traditions alive.

Let the ocean give your system a jolt

A curious underwater friend saying hello to divers at the Beqa Marine Reserve. Photo: Suzie Dundas

If you’re a certified scuba diver planning on diving, plan it for the afternoon of your first day. Being in the water will wake you up, especially if you decide to dive with sharks (and honestly, can you imagine falling asleep underwater? No.) Aside from the fact that you’ll want to have at least an 18-hour buffer between diving and flying, doing a dive first thing can be a great way to get your adrenaline flowing, help you stay awake, and wear you out enough that you’re ready to sleep at the appropriate (Fijian) time. It also gives you time to rebook a dive for the next day if the weather doesn’t participate or you love it so much that you need to go again.

The closest popular dive site to the airport is in Pacific Harbour, home of the world-famous Beqa Lagoon, known as the only place in the world where you can dive with nine species of shark at once. Highly regarded shops in the area include Beqa Adventure Divers and AquaTrek Fiji, two companies that greatly contributed to the establishment of the Shark Reef National Marine Park.

If you don’t dive, plan an alternate activity to get in the water on your first day to help your body adjust from jet lag. It could be a snorkel tour or a paddleboard session, or ask your tour guide/taxi driver to take you to a lush swimming hole for a morning swim after you land. A good option is Orchid Falls in the Sleeping Giant park, about 30 minutes from Nadi.

Go during the rainy season

Photo: Suzie Dundas

Planning a quick vacation in Fiji during the rainy season may seem like a bad idea, but it really depends on what you want to do. If you’re planning to scuba dive or go whitewater rafting, it really doesn’t matter if it’s raining or not. And traveling during the rainy season will mean more last-minute availability at hotels and on tours, fewer cars on the road (which means quicker drives), and generally lower prices on everything from hotels to airfare. And if you like waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to visit during the rainy season as that’s when they’re flowing the most. They can nearly dry up in the aptly named dry season.

If you’re down with a little rain but don’t necessarily feel like driving on muddy roads or trying to map your way across muddy trails, use a guiding company. Talonoa Treks is one of the island’s most sustainable guiding companies and offers custom hikes through small villages to waterfalls, summits, and more. The company works with local villages to secure permission and guides, helping to bring tourist spending to smaller, off-the-beaten-path communities.

Hiking with locals via Talanoa Treks. Photo: Suzie Dundas

If that strikes you as too risky, consider visiting in May, which is usually the end of the rainy season, but just before the summer crowds start to arrive. Late October is also a good time to visit, though it is a tropical island, so there’s a chance of rainy days any time of year. 

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Follow These Simple Tips To Save Money When Dining Out in France

If there’s one thing that all tourists want to do when traveling in France, it’s to eat the renowned, elegant food and try the celebrated wines. But it often doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, there are a couple of tricks for all restaurant goers to save some of their hard-earned money while wining and dining in France: Learn how to ask for the free stuff and avoid certain surcharges.

How to ask for tap water in French

Don’t order water from the menu — you’re wasting your money. In France, tap water is the most controlled food, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention draws out a thorough report every year on the quality of the water in every French town. French tap water is even praised as being safer to drink than bottled water, as well as 100 times more economical and obviously more environmentally friendly.

But to get tap water instead of the expensive bottled stuff, you need to know how to ask: “Et une carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît” at the end of your order will get you a free pitcher of tap water. To ask for more, just say “Est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir une autre carafe s’il vous plaît?” (May we have one more pitcher, please?), or “Est-ce qu’on peut avoir plus d’eau, s’il vous plaît?” (May we have more water, please?). It’s that simple. And don’t be shy to ask, restaurants in France must provide free water to clients who ordered a meal, it’s the law. Knowing all that, remember that in France there’s a saying that goes “l’eau, ça fait rouiller”, meaning “water makes you rust,” so don’t abuse the stuff.

How to ask for bread in French

Usually your meal will come with a little basket of freshly cut bread. That bread is included in the price of your meal, much like the tap water and the service, and should never appear on your final bill. If the wait staff didn’t bring bread to your table, ask for it. “Est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir du pain, s’il vous plaît?” (May we have some bread, please?) and you shall receive it. If you want more, again, just ask for it: “Est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir plus de pain, s’il vous plaît?” (May we have more bread, please?). Don’t be shy to ask for bread twice or more. It is entirely normal to eat bread throughout the meal and nobody will think you’re abusing the generosity of the restaurateur.

Know where to sit to pay less

What may come as a surprise to many, sitting outside at French cafés or restaurants can cost more than sitting inside. It’s called a “droit de terrace” (patio fee) and while not extremely pricey (it often amounts to a couple of dollars) it’s often still noticeable when the bill comes. Patio fees are the results of patio taxes imposed on restaurant and café owners in many towns and cities, including Paris. Be aware of this fee and sit inside if you don’t want to have to pay for it.

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Israel’s Incredible Campsites Offer Nature, History, and Culture All in One

Prospective visitors to Israel are likely very familiar with – and enthusiastic about – the Dead Sea, ancient Masada plateau, the diverse religious culture of Jerusalem, and the legendary Tel Aviv nightlife. The country’s scenic camping opportunities, on the other hand, likely aren’t top of mind. Well, they should be. From the coast to the desert to lush nature reserves, there’s a wide range of stunning natural landscapes perfect for camping. These are the best campsites in Israel to experience the country’s natural beauty.

Gofra Beach

On the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Gofra beach is one of the country’s most popular beach campsites. Full of eucalyptus trees (meaning there’s plenty of shade for tents), the area certainly isn’t lacking in natural beauty. There are thermal springs nearby as well. If you’d prefer a less rugged camping experience, there are campsites available with fridges, lighted areas, and picnic tables.

Campsite Masada West

Photo: Seth Aronstam/Shutterstock

Masada is a must for any traveler to Israel. The famous rooftop fortress overlooking the Dead Sea was the site where Romans laid siege to the Jewish people who rebelled against Roman rule in the first century. Located near three national parks – Masada National Park, Tel Arad National Park, and Tel Be’er Sheva National Park – the Masada West campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Campsites feature “field kitchens” with fridges, showers, fire pits, and electrical sockets, and the nearby hills and ridges make for perfect sunrise hikes.

Yehiam Fortress

Photo: Eli Schwartz/Shutterstock

The Yehiam Fortress campsite is steeped in history. You’ll be camping just minutes away from Yehiam Fortress National Park, which is home to an ancient fortress dating back to the era of the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire. When you book a campsite, lantern and fortress tours are available to further immerse yourself in the area’s history and learn about the mid-century Independence War. Campsites are equipped with lighting, faucets, electrical outlets, picnic tables, field kitchens, and a restroom – but keep in mind that showers are not available.

Dor HaBonim Beach

Photo: Altosvic/Shutterstock

Just south of Haifa, Dor HaBonim Nature Reserve is home to rocky coves, a long sandy beach, and dramatic sandstone quarries. It’s also replete with wildlife like foxes, sand cats, gazelles, sea turtles, and ghost crabs. The main campsite is on the beach, with picnic tables, fire pits, showers, and a small offshore shipwreck that’s easy to explore. Dor HaBonim is the best of all outdoor worlds, as you’ll get a rugged camping experience and a beach vacation all in one. Take the Dor HaBonim Beach Trail for a perfect romantic sunset hike.

Tel Arad

Photo: RnDmS/Shutterstock

Tel Arad is one of the most important archeological sites in Israel. It’s the site of the remains of a Canaanite city and fortresses, dating back as far back as the 11th century BCE. In addition to the fortifications themselves, there’s also the remains of a Judean temple, a water reservoir, and access to the Israel National Trail – a hiking path that crosses the entire country. The campground offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the ancient Canaanite city, making it one of the best campsites in Israel to wake up and marvel at the country’s beauty.

Amud Stream

Photo: A.Pushkin/Shutterstock

One of the most scenic campsites in Israel, the Amud Stream Nature Reserve, near the Sea of Galilee, is filled with streams, natural pools, wildlife, and caves. The reserve is one of the best places in Israel for historic remnants from the 1930s Great Palestinian Revolt, the Second Temple, and the 50,000-year-old Mousterian culture. Campgrounds are located in the middle of the reserve, with drinking fountains, solar lighting, and bonfire areas, and many offer unparalleled views of the nearby mountain town of Tzfat.

Yarkon National Park

Conveniently located near Tel Aviv, Yarkon National Park offers a woodsy getaway for those looking to escape the city for a bit. Campsites have access to the Yarkon River for boating and kayaking, colorful gardens, bike trails, hiking, and a water park that’s one of the largest in Israel. The campground at Yarkon also has cooking and bonfire areas, a water heater, restrooms, and rental mattresses. Various tours are offered, like a night cooking tour or lantern tour, to fill out the experience based on your interests.

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Beginner’s Guide To Train Travel in Germany

Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in Germany

By: Conor O’Rourke

Photo: ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Max Lautenschläger

Germany beats like the heart of Europe, at the center of a flowing, intricate web of connections. But this web is built of iron and steel, traversed by a fleet of high-tech trains offering quick, comfortable, and sustainable travel — without breaking the bank. (And without the security lines and baggage limits.)

Whatever your travel taste, Germany’s got it, and Deutsche Bahn can get you there. Using the train-travel primer below, soon you could be hiking the jagged hills of Sächsische Schweiz National Park or tasting wines in the Rhine Valley. You could be plumbing the depths of Berlin’s nightclub scene or exploring the Port of Hamburg, Germany’s “door to the world.” With Deutsche Bahn, you’ve arrived at the door to the world, indeed.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Deutsche Bahn and the German National Tourist Board.

PLAN YOUR DREAM JOURNEY Dresden Cologne Cathedral Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria Speicherstadt District, Hamburg

Munich or Frankfurt to Berlin? Less than four hours. Berlin to Hamburg? Less than two. Cologne to Frankfurt? Around one. Beyond speed, most airports in Germany are connected to ICE trains; Super Saver Fares start at €17.90; and long-distance trains are 100% green. (And once you get off your train, Germany makes it easy to stay sustainable.) If you’re somehow not sold yet, check out where you can go.

Bavarian Route. Here in the land that gave us Oktoberfest, you’ll find everything your inner Günther desires. Fairytale castles — like the famous Neuschwanstein, inspiration of the Disneyland castle — dot the subalpine landscapes around Munich and Nuremberg. Breweries craft 400-year-old recipes. In the summer, hike through mountain valleys to find hidden glacial lakes. In the winter, strap on your skis and hit the slopes.

Rhineland Route. Compacted into a corner of western Germany, the Rhineland is a densely populated expanse of rivers, vineyards, and cities. Here, you get a lot of bang for your traveling buck — travel between major cities like Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf rarely takes longer than an hour. With its Roman history, you’ll want to be sure you visit the Ruins at Trier, Germany’s oldest city and one-time capital of the Roman empire. Also check out the local wine scene, and, of course, cruise the famous river that gives the region its name.

North Coast Route. Bookended by Germany’s two most famous and beautiful islands, Rügen and Sylt, this route will ensure you keep the sea in view at all times. Many of the cities along this route — Lübeck, Kiel, Hamburg, etc. — were members of the historic Hanseatic League; nowadays, you can see the Hansa influence in traditional Brick Gothic architecture exhibited on the region’s cathedrals and town halls. The area is known for its excellent bike trails, made all the more welcoming (and leisurely) by its extremely flat landscape and beautiful sea views.

Eastern Route. Travel through Germany’s ex-communist east, the former lands of the German Democratic Republic. You’ve got both ends of the spectrum here: old Soviet-style factories decay amid picturesque, unspoiled forests and lakes. With just a few hours’ train ride, you can travel from Berlin’s thumping nightclubs to Dresden’s reconstructed Baroque city center to the fantastical limestone rock formations of Sächsische Schweiz National Park.

The Grand Tour. For the completionists among us, it’s possible to visit all of Germany’s major cities by rail in just a few days. Start in the historic Römerberg neighborhood in Frankfurt; an hour away in Cologne, witness the Cologne Cathedral; head to Hamburg’s UNESCO-designated Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district; two hours later, scope out Berlin’s impressive museums or party the night away (or both). For your last and longest leg, a four-hour ride gets you to Munich, home of Oktoberfest, where you can finally sit down in a traditional biergarten, toasting to your journey.

 

Photos in this section: GNTB/Kaletsch Medien GmbH, GNTB/Guenther Bayerl, GNTB/Florian Trykowski, and GNTB/Ingo Boelter

 

 

NAVIGATING TRAIN TRAVEL ICE trains Regional travel Buying tickets on-site Germany’s rail system has set the standard for rail travel across Europe for generations — from investments in solar power to bike-friendly cities, the whole country has rebuilt itself for sustainability and ease of access. Trains are separated into four distinct categories, each serving slightly different purposes but booked identically. When you need your ticket, here’s what to know.

ICE/IC/EC/regional trains. By and large, Germany’s high-speed Intercity-Express (ICE), Intercity (IC), and Eurocity (EC) lines are for longer-distance travel. These trains are generally more advanced, even faster, and a bit more amenity-laden than their regional counterparts, offering first- and second- class tickets, dining cars, and so on.

The ICE Sprinter. This is the pride of German rolling stock, offering more legroom than on planes, free Wi-Fi, plugs for your electronics, on-board catering, “quiet zones,” and more. First-class travelers can travel without worry, since they get seat reservations and meals, drinks, and snacks. But here, the real seller is definitely the speed — on some routes, ICE Sprinter trains reach speeds of 185mph (300 km/h). You’re not wasting any time getting to your destination.

Buy early and online. Buying tickets for Deutsche Bahn can definitely take place at the station, but for better prices, it’s best to book in advance (or to be under 27 years old). If your trip is starting or ending in Germany, the easiest way to get tickets is to book online, either at the Deutsche Bahn website or using the DB Navigator app on your mobile phone. Those traveling internationally may also find Rail Europe useful in their own trip-planning.

Get a Eurail Pass. The ultimate choice for a flexible European vacation, the Eurail Pass allows you to travel in 33 countries for a set number of days based on the ticket you buy. Most trains don’t require you to make a reservation either — you can use your Eurail Pass whenever you want. For convenience, a mobile phone pass is also available and, if you lose your phone, it’s simple to get a replacement pass so your vacation won’t be stalled.

 

Photos in this section: ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Max Lautenschläger

 

 

THE PERKS OF TRAIN TRAVEL Flexibility Sustainability On-board services In Germany, trains are the most modern and sustainable way to travel this side of the humble bicycle (a good option once you get off the platform!). In terms of speed, sustainability, comfort, and affordability all rolled into one, there’s no competition.

Speed. For most single-country journeys — especially in or around Germany — train travel is often equivalent or faster than flying. When you factor in showing up at the airport early, checking baggage, going through security, the flight itself, time at baggage claim, and customs lines, train travel can look downright speedy by comparison.

Sustainability. Trains today are far removed from the coal-burning steam engines of the nineteenth century. Today, all of Deutsche Bahn’s ICE, IC, and EC trains within Germany are powered by 100% renewable power, mostly from wind, solar, and hydroelectric sources. And as part of its ambitious climate goals, DB aims to be totally climate-neutral by 2040. Many of the local city-rail networks DB operates across Germany run entirely on renewable energy as well.

Comfort. Prefer to overpack? Trains let you bring as much baggage as you can carry. Like to spread out while you’re traveling? Trains offer more space than planes or buses. Picky eater? Just bring your own food and drinks on the train with you. Desperately need Wi-Fi? Long-distance ICE trains have free, unlimited Wi-Fi, and many train stations offer free Wi-Fi for an hour.

Train travel is also far quieter and smoother than traveling by bus or plane, making it that much easier for you to close your eyes, stretch out your legs, and get some much-needed shuteye. And, yes, there is air-conditioning, so you can enjoy that mid-summer travel. To sum up: Until they get around to inventing flying massage tables, trains have got to be the most comfortable way to do long-distance travel.

Affordability. While the price of oil (and therefore airfare) rises, train operators in Germany and beyond are working to reduce the costs of train travel. Deutsche Bahn now offers Saver Fares and Super Saver Fares that offer prices competitive with or cheaper than the equivalent journey’s airfare. Saver Fares include local transport at departure and destination cities, cancellation for a fee, and free travel for anyone under 15 years old who’s traveling with an adult. Super Saver Fares offer an even cheaper base rate for those comfy with no cancellation option — available from as little as €17.90 for long-distance services within Germany.

 

Photos in this section: ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Tobias Gromatzki, ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Daniel Korbach, and ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Stefan Wildhirt

 

 

TIPS & TRICKS Better service More space Bring all your luggage There are definitely perks that make train travel a smoother experience than going by plane and more relaxing than going by car — as long as you’re prepared and keep just a few things in mind.

Bring your ID. As we touched on above, luggage is no problem, so feel free to pack as much as you can comfortably carry. There are some essentials, though: tourists need to carry an ID recognized by Germany on their person at all times. Note: American drivers’ licenses do not count as legal ID in Germany.

Keep your essentials portable. For greater peace of mind, it’s a good idea to bring a small bag for your essential documents, money, and valuable items like jewelry or phones. That way you can easily bring it with you on your way to the bathroom or dining car.

Bring something to keep busy. While essential info is available on your ICE ride in English, onboard entertainment comes in German — you might want to load a tablet or other device with some movies and TV shows unless you speak Deutsch. Books, games, or a journal are also classic train companions, but to tell you the truth, there’s something magical about putting your headphones on and just gazing out the window at the passing landscape.

 

Photos in this section: ©Deutsche Bahn AG/Oliver Lang

 

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Deutsche Bahn and the German National Tourist Board.

Meet Fatima Haidari, Afghanistan’s First Female Tour Guide

“When I was seven years old, I gave tours to my sheep every day in the nature and high hills, to find food for themselves. I had no idea that being a tour guide was a real job.”

Before Fatima Haidari set a remarkable precedent in the tourism industry, these were the only “tours” available to Afghani women. Today, Haidari is Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, trailblazing a path for women in a country where doing so carries serious risks.

Globally, females represent only three percent of accredited adventure tour guides. This is largely due to cultural expectations in many regions of the world, and fewer opportunities for education, including language, business, and leadership training for women. Cultural obstacles are particularly crippling for women in Afghanistan, where they traditionally play subordinate roles and aren’t encouraged to pursue professional careers. The situation for women has deteriorated even more since the Taliban retook control of the country last year. Now, women are barred from most of the workforce and even from attending school past the sixth grade, the United Nations reports. Within this extremely unjust system, Haidari is seeking to break the mold.

When she started university, she was tasked with researching the tourist attractions of Afghanistan, mainly in the city of Herat. That’s when she first became acquainted with Afghanistan’s many cultural, natural, historical, and archaeological sites, and set out to educate others about her country’s beauty. Her goal was to change the perception of Afghanistan as a place defined by conflict, bombings, and draconian laws, and emphasize the stunning landscapes and historical attractions to be found there. She started posting about historical sites on a Facebook group, and soon, people began contacting her for tours of Herat.

Photo: Untamed Borders

“I decided to start giving tours despite knowing its dangers, because I strongly believed there should be somebody to start it, otherwise it will always remain an unaccepted job for women. I wanted it to inspire other women to have the courage to do what they like to do.”

Haidari currently works with Untamed Borders, an adventure travel company that brings people to some of the world’s most inaccessible places. Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Haidari has been leading virtual tours from Italy, and looks forward to returning to in-person tours in Afghanistan once it’s safe to do so. We spoke to Haidari to learn all about her experience as Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, the struggles it entails, and her goals for the future.

Matador Network: What has been the toughest part about touring people around Afghanistan?

Photo: Untamed Borders

Haidari: Fighting with the society that was trying to bring me down. Strange looks on the streets, insulting me with their bad words, physical abuse, sending negative energy saying, “you’re a girl and can’t do this, do it with a male colleague, you’re putting the lives of tourists in danger, you became non-Muslim, it’s time to repent.” The only gun I used to fight with was just a smile to make them understand I won’t give up. They’re wrong, not me.

What needs to change in Afghanistan for more women to feel comfortable pursuing careers like yours?

Women should not accept the injustice, and all people should be educated to understand human rights and what’s right and wrong. There should be more national and international support for women’s education.

What is the most important thing you hope visitors learn about Afghanistan from your tours?

Afghanistan is beautiful and worth being seen. Everything is not negative about my country. People are hospitable, the culture is rich, and more importantly, Afghanistan is a part of the world we all are living in. An Afghanistan without peace is the world without peace. The world without Afghanistan is incomplete.

For the time being, you are only conducting virtual tours. Explain why, including why you temporarily left the country.

What I had been doing was a red flag for extremists against women’s social activities, and terrorist groups like the Taliban. Yes, I became a target to be killed specially when the Taliban arrived in Afghanistan. So I had to stay or live, and I decided to live. To live, the only way was to leave Afghanistan.

When I came to Italy I decided to not give up and continue fighting, not with guns but with my knowledge and love of my country. No matter how small or how far away I am, I wanted to continue giving tours and introducing my beautiful country to the world from a positive perspective, no matter how bad things get there. Virtual touring was a way I could continue to do my job but from a different window, while supporting female education in Afghanistan even if it’s hidden. So thank you to all those nice people who are supporting my girls out there in Afghanistan by participating in my virtual tours, and making me feel like I’m guiding tours again.

What are you most excited about in the near future?

Photo: Untamed Borders

It’s my job to never give up on the aims I have for future tourism of Afghanistan and women’s participation in it. If there are more people interested in participating and supporting Afghan girls’ education, I would like to expand from Herat and give tours to all the provinces of Afghanistan. Together we could help girls like me in Afghanistan to build their stories, and to be the changers, not the victims.

You can book upcoming tours of Herat with Fatima Haidari at Untamed Borders.

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This Travel Towel Actually Frees Up Space in Your Luggage, and Its 30% Off Right Now

As someone whose work demands being on the road frequently, I’ve developed a streamlined and thorough packing system over the years. While slight modifications are common, rarely am I inclined to add an entirely new item to my already full pack. I made an exception this year after trying the Nomadix travel towel.

I enjoy staying active even while traveling for work. A quick morning yoga session in the hotel room, a long stroll through a city center, or, if staying somewhere coastal, a session at the beach for a surf or swim.

I’d never thought about a towel before, but when presented with the opportunity to bring my own rather than swiping one from the hotel or renting, it made perfect sense. And it turned out Towlie was right all along.

The towel even freed up space in my luggage, taken up by alternative double-up items such as a yoga mat or blanket.

Through August 31, the Nomadix travel towel is 30 percent off. I’ve come to understand that few travel items are as versatile as a towel. Be it for use as a yoga mat, a blanket, or for its actual purpose, the Nomadix travel towel made for an excellent addition that has become a staple on my packing list. Here’s why.

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Photo Credit: Nomadix

Photo credit: Tim Wenger

Photo credit: Tim Wenger

Nomadix towel review

I first tested the Nomadix travel towel on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. A beach vacation seemed the perfect place to pit the towel’s claims of being “an Earth-first solution to drying off” against a traditional towel. The Nomadix travel towel is far superior in several ways. Most notably, its sand-resistant surfaces make it perfect for spreading out on the beach and for drying off after a dip in the water. The towel dries in 10 to 15 minutes — compare this with an hour or more for a cotton terry towel — so there’s no need to worry about it being soaked for the rest of the day after one use.

Additionally, I appreciated the soft feel of the towel on my back as compared to most towels that either overdo the softness and feel fluffy, or underdo it and feel scratchy. The towel can absorb four times its weight in water. That’s enough to dunk it in the pool and then still use it to dry off shortly thereafter. This allowed for frequent hops in and out of the water as I required a cool-off or a fresh beverage from the cabana bar located midway across the pool.

Nomadix travel towel for yoga

The towel’s most significant advantage over traveling with a traditional yoga mat is that it folds into a neat 12-inch by 12-inch square. You can pack it inside your travel backpack or suitcase without taking up much room — and without having to strap it to the side of your pack. This means that not everyone you walk by in the airport instantly knows that you’re a #travelingyogi — but the efficiency and practicality of packing the towel on the inside outweigh the hit to your ego.

Our room in Puerto Vallarta had a large balcony overlooking the ocean, and I admit to feeling quite hip when I laid the towel out for a sunrise yoga session. This was the first time I’d used it for any practical purpose. It’s 72.5 inches long by 30 inches wide. Most yoga mats are 24 inches wide by about 70 inches long — close enough to avoid any noticeable difference.

I flowed through a 30-minute sequence much as normal. The towel allows for easy movement and much as any yoga mat has a surface that grips your feet to prevent sliding or injury. Overall, the Nomadix travel towel is great for yoga, however, two things stuck out to me.

First, there were a few instances where the towel slid slightly with my feet as I moved. Not enough to affect the flow, but enough that I noticed the movement, and as soon as it became possible I needed to pull it back taut. Second, the towel is much thinner than a yoga mat, which adds pressure to your knees during certain poses. On softer surfaces, this is barely noticeable, but on a hard stone or tile surface, it’s something to be aware of.

Bonus features and sustainability

I’ve since taken the towel with me on camping trips in Colorado, in lieu of bringing one of those trendy camping blankets that all my friends have. Its primary function here is to have a place to sit on the dirt or sand without having to dust yourself — and your clothes — off afterward. It can also serve as a thin cushion between your sleeping bag and tent floor, though it’s not thick enough to fully replicate the performance of an inflatable ground pad. I’ve used it as a wraparound warmer while lounging in the camp chair, and while it’s not nearly as warm as a blanket, it’s perfectly sufficient for summer evenings.

The towel is also pet-hair resistant and sand resistant, and through my travels, I’ve seen people wrap the towel around their waist at the beach or pool.

It’s available in multiple varieties including Ipanema Olive, the one I opted for, along with Wave and Stripes Blue Orange. There are also special prints of the towel available now including Mystic Wolf and Pine.

Beyond its durable performance, the Nomadix travel towel boasts impressive sustainability metrics. Each towel is made from 30 recycled plastic bottles and a total of 90 percent post-consumer recycled polyester. The brand is keeping hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans, a stat that backs up its eco-friendly claims. If I weren’t already impressed with the towel’s performance, these metrics put me over the top about choosing this towel over others on the market.

For the cost of one meal out, the Nomadix travel towel adds a versatile item to your travel setup that boosts your ability to stay active on the road, all with a minimal carbon footprint.

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