Matador Network's Blog, page 419

These Active Experiences in Aruba Showcase the Island’s True Spirit

It’s time to escape to the beautiful island of Aruba. Know for its beaches and luxury vacations, you can easily get away from the crowds by venturing out on outdoor activities such as a hike or an early-morning sunrise yoga session on the beach. Whether you want to explore the water by snorkeling or take a hike and learn about Aruba’s Arikok National Park, your options are endless — start by checking out these cool Aruba experiences.

We hope you love the Aruba Airbnb experiences we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Sunrise Hike and Bites in paradise

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Who doesn’t love a good sunrise? This sunrise hiking adventure gets you out on the trail in Arikok National Park bright early. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and tropical wildlife, on a journey that’s sure to get your heart pumping but itsn’t too strenuous for hikers in moderately good shape. The hike concludes with a delicious local meal, and your guide will cover the natural history of the area while on the trail.

Price: From $45 per person
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Caribbean Cooking Class with Chef and Steward

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

It’s time to grab that apron because, in this experience, you will bring some of the island back with you. Learn the way of Caribbean cooking family style in this unique experience. Join Host Kari in her home as she teaches the history of the Caribbean and the way of cooking practiced here for generations. You’ll prepare chicken, seafood, and a variety of bright and colorful vegetable dishes to share with your crew.

Price: From $125 per person
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Snorkeling at Mangel Halto Aruba

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This excursion is calling out to all water enthusiasts. Take on a snorkeling adventure and learn about the vibrant sealife that surrounds Aruba, including more than 100 different species of fish. Join this journey of what’s underwater and see what you can find. Every experience is different, so you’ll never know what extraordinary sea creature you will see next — it could be a blue marlin, an Atlantic Sailfish, or even a dolphin.

Price: From $34 per person
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Blokarting adventure in Aruba

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Are you more on the wild side and looking for an Airbnb experience in Aruba to match? Then this adventurous blokarting expedition may be up your alley. This experience will teach you how to use small blokart crafts and ride with wind power. It’s kind of like Mario Kart with sails — and there’s nothing on the island that can get those competitive juices going quite like this.

Price: From $95 per person
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Beach Yoga Practice

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Relax and unwind with some morning yoga on the beach. Come out and practice all forms of fusion yoga at Eagle Beach, led by a professional instructor accustomed to getting you in sync with the waves and the island vibes. With stunning views of the crystal clear water and the feeling of the soft white sand under your mat, this yoga practice will put anyone in a relaxed state. Yogis of all levels are welcome to experience a sunrise or sunset yoga session.

Price: From $24 per person
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Follow This Guide To Catalan To Better Navigate Barcelona Like a Local

If the three Spanish regions where the Catalan language is spoken suddenly became independent from Spain, the resulting country would instantly turn into one of the world’s top-10 tourist destinations. In 2019, almost 43 million international travelers made it to the Mediterranean-washed shores of Catalonia, the Valencian Region, and the Balearic Islands. A figure on par with the entire population of Spain.

Yet, despite Catalan-speaking Spain’s whooping popularity, many visitors remain blissfully unaware of its millenary linguistic heritage. Worse, it is not uncommon for tourists to mistake Catalan as a dialect of Spanish (in fact, it derives directly from Vulgar Latin). And while it is true that Spanish is universally spoken and English will take you a long way, even a clumsy “bon dia” — good morning in Catalan — will have everyone nodding appreciatively. This traveler’s guide to the Catalan language is all you need to venture off the beaten tracks of La Rambla and Sagrada Família and into the locals’ hearts.

The author:

Marcos Bartolomé has lived in Barcelona for less than two years but he is often mistaken as a native Catalan speaker. “Is menorquí [a dialect of Catalan] your mother tongue?”, asked his examiner after he completed the oral exam declaring him officially proficient. He taught himself the language before moving to Catalonia through music lyrics and the Catalan public broadcaster’s satirical TV shows. As a native Asturian, he is an ardent champion of linguistic minorities and speaks seven languages himself. He has conducted research on the Moroccan project to revitalize the Tamazight language at Georgetown University, where he graduated with a Master’s in Arab Studies, and has been a Spanish teacher at a public high school on the French East African island of Mayotte.

Where is the Catalan language spoken?The different types of CatalanWhich language is Catalan closest to?Catalan vs. Spanish: The Catalan alphabetCatalan language pronunciation guideHow to say “thank you”, “good afternoon”, “hello”, etc. in the Catalan language?Catalan words, sentences, and phrases for eating and drinking to your heart’s contentCatalan words and sentences you need to find a good accommodationCatalan words and sentences you’ll need to get aroundNumbers in Catalan and words you’ll need when shoppingCatalan words and sentences you’ll need if you hikeWhere is the Catalan language spoken?

Contrary to what its name suggests, Catalan is by no means confined to Catalonia, whose constitution grants it the status of “native language.” So does the Valencian Region — under the label of valencià (Valencian) — and the Balearic Islands, where the distinct local varieties of the Catalan language are named after each island: mallorquí (Mallorca), menorquí (Menorca), and so forth. Across these regions, Catalan has a prominent — yet uneven — presence in school, everyday life, and the media alongside Castilian Spanish. Pockets of the Catalonia-adjacent region of Aragon are also Catalan-speaking.

All in all, more than one in ten Spaniards speaks a variety of Catalan at home, an impressive figure given Spanish dictator Francisco Franco’s almost four-decade-long war on linguistic diversity in the country.

Yet, this is only half of the story. Owing to the Mediterranean expansion of the Kingdom of Aragon in the Middle Ages, to this day Catalan is spoken in places as far from the language’s cradle as the city of Alghero (L’Alguer, in Catalan) on the Italian island of Sardinia. Catalan can also regularly be heard in New York’s UN General Assembly, or the Eurovision, as it is the only official language of the Principality of Andorra, a microstate sandwiched between Spain and France. Lastly, around five percent of France’s Pyrénées-Orientales – which before 1659 belonged to the Crown of Aragon — are also Catalan-speaking.

Just like any other language, Catalan reflects the stories of its speakers. As most of the Iberian Peninsula was for centuries under Arab control, modern-day Catalan is rich in Arabic loan words. On the island of Menorca, ruled by the British for almost a century until 1802, people still use (catalanized) English words like “xoc” (chalk) or “escrú” (screw).

The different types of Catalan

The Catalan language is split into two groups of dialects: Eastern and Western Catalan. The first meridian east roughly marks the border between both. Eastern Catalan provides the basis for standard Catalan.

Apart from this official division, Catalan speakers also refer to other varieties:

Xava: A word used — often derogatorily — to describe a distinct type of Catalan found in Greater Barcelona. As Spain’s earliest industrial hub, the Catalan capital received a wealth of Castilian-speaking workers from the economically disenfranchised South. The language contact resulting from this rural exodus gave way to a variety of Catalan heavily influenced by Spanish. Català salat: Literally salted or seasoned Catalan, it refers to the varieties where definite articles are pronounced with an “s” instead of with an “l” ( e.g. “sa platja” instead of “la platja” for the beach). Although now confined to the Balearic Islands, this dialect used to be found on mainland Spain too. Place names like Sant Esteve Sesrovires (famous singer Rosalía’s birthplace) are proof of this heritage. Lleidatà: Heard of Alcarràs, the first Spanish movie to win the Berlin Festival’s Golden Bear since 1983? Well, Carla Simón’s masterpiece was filmed in lleidatà, a Western dialect characterized by the shift of a verb’s third person singular final “a” into an “e”. “Ell torna” (he comes back) becomes “ell torne”).Which language is Catalan closest to?

Catalan’s closest living language is Occitan, spoken in Catalonia’s Val d’Aran, Southern France, Monaco, and some valleys in Italy. Together, Catalan and Occitan form the Occitano-Romance language group. Catalan is also closely related to French and Spanish and, more distantly so, to all Romance languages, such as Romanian.

Catalan vs. Spanish: The Catalan alphabet

Catalan and Spanish use the same alphabet save for the Spanish “ñ”, which is to say that the English and the Catalan alphabets are the same.

Catalan language pronunciation guide

Phonetically speaking, Catalan lies somewhere between Spanish and French. For instance, while the language features the rolled “r” found across Spain and Latin America rather than the raspy French “r”, it lacks the characteristic “th” as well as the strong “kh”, two sounds Castilian Spanish is known for.

Catalan has two types of accents: obert (à, è, ò) and tancat (é, í, ó, ú). While the grave accent opens the vowel, the acute one closes it. Whenever a word has an accent, that’s where the stress will fall. If there are no accents, your best chance to get the word right is to place the stress in the second-to-last syllable.

LettersPronunciationNYIt’s the Catalan equivalent of the Portuguese “nh” and the Spanish “ñ”. Pronounce it as in canyon.LThe Catalan “l” is more emphatic than in other languages. Make sure you stress it enough to sound like a pro.L·LThe geminated “l” with a flying point marks that a word contains two “l”s belonging to separate syllables. Articulate a longer “l”, like in slow motion.LLTwo “l”s without a flying point sound similar to that of “million” in English.S, SS, C(E), C(I) and ÇPronounced like “s”S between vowels and ZPronounced like “z”VPronounced as “b” in many dialects of Catalan, including the standard.TX/IGPronounced like “ch” in English, as in “chosen”.

 

How to say “thank you”, “good afternoon”, “hello”, etc. in the Catalan language?EnglishCatalanHelloHolaHow are you?Com vas?/Què tal?Good morning (used from sunrise until lunch, typically eaten at 2 or 3 PM)Bon dia Good afternoon/evening (used from lunchtime until 8 PM)Bona tardaGood nightBona nitWhat’s your name?Com et dius?My name is…Em dic…Thank youGràcies (also merci in Catalonia and gràcis in the insular dialects)I don’t understand youNo t’entencYou’re welcomeDe resPleaseSi us plau / Per favorPleaseSi us plau / Per favorSorryPerdóByeAdéuBonus track, untranslatable: use liberally to express surprise, admiration, emphasis, or pretty much any other feeling you may be experiencingDéu-n’hi-do!

 

Catalan words, sentences, and phrases to help you eat and drink to your heart’s content

Photo: VTT Studio/Shutterstock

Paella is delicious but it has become a tourist trap over the years. If you go to a restaurant in Valencia, you might as well order “arròs del senoyret” which translates as “the lord’s rice” (it’s called like this because all the seafood has been peeled before being served so your hands won’t get dirty). If you are in the mood for a really hearty dish, order “arròs al forn.” Both dishes are lesser-known relatives of the traditional paella.

EnglishCatalanBreakfastEsmorzarLunchDinar (yes, a false friend)DinnerSoparWaterAiguaCoffeecafèMay I orderPuc demanar?Cheers!Salut! (health) or Txin-txin! (more informal, it imitates the sound of clinking glasses)I am a vegetarianSoc vegetarià/vegetarianaI am a veganSoc vegà/veganaMay I have the menu, please?Em pots portar la carta, si us plau?Can I have a vermouth?Em pots posar un vermut? (yes, you want to order vermouth instead of sangría)May I have the bill?Em pots portar el compte?Bon appetitBon profit!Let’s throw a calçotada! (a gathering during green onion harvesting season where these vegetables are grilled over a fire. Catalans often spend the winter bumping into acquaintances and making plans for calçotades set to never materialize.)Fem una calçotada!I look like a boiled carrot (meaning I feel like going home because I’m too drunk/tired).Semblo una pastanaga bullida.Menorcan gin with lemonade.PomadaA refreshing drink made with tiger nutsOrxata

 

Catalan words and sentences you need to find a good accommodationEnglishCatalanCheck inArribadaCheck outSortidaI want to book a roomVull reservar una habitacióHow much per night?Quant per nit?One nightUna nitDouble bedLlit de matrimoni or llit dobleSingle bedLlit individualSingle roomHabitació individualDouble roomHabitació dobleA room with a viewUna habitació amb vistesA typical house in the countryside with a gable roofUna masiaWhat’s the wifi password?Com és la clau del WiFi?Does the house have a pool?La casa té piscina?Is there a rooftop?Hi ha terrat?Is smoking allowed?Es pot fumar?How does the AC work?Com funciona l’aire condicionat?We’ve had a great timeEns ho hem passat molt bé

 

Catalan words and sentences you’ll need to get around

Photo: Viktoria Bakina/Shutterstock

EnglishCatalanHow can I go to…Com puc anar a…?AirportAeroportTrain stationEstació de trenTaxiTaxiCar rentalLloguer de cotxesSingle ticketBitllet d’anadaReturn ticketBitllet d’anada i tornadaIs it necessary to wear a mask?Cal dur mascareta?How long does it take?Quan es triga?Can I used your Google Maps for a second?Puc fer servir el teu Google Maps un segon?Does this bus/train/metro stop in…?A quest bus/tren/metro para a…?Is it possible to go on foot?Es pot anar a peu?HitchhikingFer autoestopLost & FoundOficina de troballes

 

Numbers in Catalan and words you’ll need when shopping

They say that “Barcelona és bona si la bossa sona”, meaning that your stay will be worth it if your bag is full of clinking coins. Coined by Italian merchants, these days the sentence asserts that having a good time in Barcelona requires a lot of money. Not true. While Barcelona — as well as Palma and Valencia — are admittedly some of Spain’s most expensive cities, prices are not even nearly as high as in most European cities further north. Avoid the overcrowded old towns and places advertising paella and sangría and you’ll do just fine.

EnglishCatalanHow much?Quant costa?PricePreuCheapBaratExpensiveCarCan I pay by card?Et puc pagar amb targeta?OneUnTwoDosThreeTresFourQuatreFiveCincSixSisSevenSetEightVuitNineNouTenDeuHundredCentThousandMil

 

Catalan words and sentences you’ll need if you hike

Photo: Unai Huizi Photography/Shutterstock

From the scenic “camins de ronda” originally built to patrol the turquoise Costa Brava and stop smuggling, to the “Ruta de la pedra en Sec” in the Mallorcan mountains, there’s a whole world of hiking waiting for you.

But, beware! Just make sure to grow familiar with the surroundings and how to respect them before your hike, lest you be mocked as a “pixapins” or pine-pisser, as countryside dwellers mockingly refer to urbanites unaccustomed to rural life.

You could also be called a “camacu.” This word, derived from “Què maco!” (how beautiful) which typically describes bohochic Barcelonians who stop at every turn to exclaim “how pretty!” before snapping a pic for the gram.

EnglishCatalanMountainMuntanyaPeakPicForestBoscTrailPista, sendaDescendingDescendintFallCaureShoesSabatesShelterRefugiWater bottleAmpolla d’aiguaGoing mushroom picking (Catalonia has a well-established mycological tradition)Anar a collir boletsWhispering (remember music and loud voices disturb the wildlife)XiuxiuejarNap (yep, there’s a word for “siesta” in Catalan too).MigdiadaTo reach a summitFer un cimMy legs are tired Les cames em fan figa (idiomatic, it literally means my legs are making fig)I can’t anymoreNo puc mésLookGoita!Cove, sandy shore smaller than a beach, typically forming a shellCala

 

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This Tiny Canadian Fishing Town Is One of the Best Places on the Planet for Coastal Adventures

Tofino, BC, has earned the title of one of the best cold-water surfing destinations in the world – but travelers not into braving the brisk waters need not worry. There’s much more to the rugged, coastal destination than just surfing.

On the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the laid-back Canadian town has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a year-round outdoor adventure destination for surfers, storm-watchers, hikers, spa-goers, paddlers, and general outdoor enthusiasts. Even scuba diving is possible in Tofino for divers with the correct cold-water gear.

How to get there

Photo: Ugur OKUCU/Shutterstock

By air, travelers can get to Tofino, BC, via floatplane from downtown Vancouver or downtown Victoria with Harbour Air, or by turboprop from Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Travelers planning on driving should take one of the BC Ferries ships from Vancouver or the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island; they leave several times a day. Reserving a vehicle spot on the ferry is recommended during the summer and most weekends.

When to go to Tofino, BC

Photo: chrisdonaldsonphotography/Shutterstock

While spring, summer, and fall can offer warmer air temperatures, and summer has the least rain, winter is when the biggest swells bring in the best surf (and the best time for storm watching or photography).

In true Pacific Northwest fashion, Tofino is lush and green with towering old-growth forests, ferns, vines, and other flora all year long. But the best flowers, foliage, birding, bears, and other wildlife viewing opportunities are in the summer. Most restaurants, accommodations, camping, park facilities, and trails are open year-round, so the best of Tofino isn’t limited by time of year. That said, some guided tour operators may only operate in the summer (kayaking, for example), and some wildlife tours are limited by the animals’ seasonality, such as with bear-watching tours.

Supporting Tribal Park Allies in Tofino

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

There are many Indigenous Tribal Parks throughout Canada: areas where Indigenous communities are responsible for most of the policy and management.

In Tofino, visitors can support the local Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park Guardians by spending with businesses designated as Tribal Park allies. Allies are Tofino businesses that directly benefit from healthy ecosystems and agree to a one-percent “Ecosystem Service Fee” for Indigenous stewardship and management of the land. Spending with ally businesses is an excellent way to ensure First Nations people – who have traditionally been omitted from business and government circles – equally benefit from tourism in their homelands.

What to do in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino is the kind of destination where each activity compliments the next. The bike paths connecting the town and area beaches are used by bikes with surf racks and riders in wetsuits on their way to the next wave. And the many spas and wellness centers cater to travelers and locals with sore muscles from hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, and more.

Surfing and paddling

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

There is no shortage of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons, but one that stands out the most is Surf Sister. This women-owned and operated surf shop has locations in Tofino and Pacific Sands Beach Resort at Cox Bay. They offer lessons and surf camps.

Another good option is Swell Paddle + Surf. It’s supported beach life in Tofino since 2014 and specializes in rentals and lessons for both stand-up paddle boarding and surfing. It has two locations at Mackenzie Beach and Hotel Zed and offers lessons and tours.

Kayakers have multiple options for rentals and tours, including Paddle West Kayaking, Tofino Sea Kayaking, or Black Bear Kayak, among others. Tours that pair kayaking with hiking through the rainforest on nearby Meares Island are especially popular.

Hiking in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino and the surrounding area are home to thousands of acres of protected islands, coastlines, and mountains on the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht Peoples. This area is home to one of the most significant acts of civil disobedience in Canadian history: the “War in the Woods,” started in the name of conservation and protecting nature and Indigenous coastal lands.

The successful protests resulted in a new land-use management plan for Indigenous partnerships to protect the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is primarily coastal temperate rainforest accessed by land or water.

One hike not to miss is the Big Tree Trail at Meares Island Tribal Park, where a cedar boardwalk guides visitors through ancient old-growth forests. Meares Island was successfully saved from logging and is now one of the many places under the stewardship of the Tribal Park Guardians. Visitors will need to take a water taxi or a guided tour with companies like Jamie’s Whaling Station.

Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

The Tofino area is jam-packed with epic hiking both in and out of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Before heading out, stop at the information center to get maps, weather reports, and up-to-date information on trail conditions.

For a great hike that blends trails, boardwalks, old-growth forests, and beaches, try the Willowbrae Trail to Florencia and Half Moon Bay (this is also a great substitute for Schooner Cove, which is closed indefinitely as of August 2022). This trail is near the town of Ucluelet, also home to the Wild Pacific Trail. Other hikes not to miss include the Tonquin Trail, Cox Bay Lookout (it’s muddy and not well maintained, but the views are worth the trek), and the South Rainforest Trail.

Cycling in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Bike culture is alive and well year-round in Tofino and is a great way to travel between the beach, town, and rainforest. Visitors can pre-book a cruiser bike (the only type of bike allowed on the beach) at Tofino Bike Co. or Swell Paddle + Surf and take to the sand on one of the many beaches.

Shops will also rent road bikes and occasionally hardtail mountain bikes for the newly opened Parks Canada multi-use pathway. It’s called the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) and is a 15.5-mile pathway through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Storm Watching

Photo: Joel.bourgoin/Shutterstock

A favorite pastime in Tofino is storm-watching: a name for an activity cleverly coined in the destination due to the moody skies, dramatic ocean, and sometimes sideways rain. If the sun isn’t shining (which is often in this Pacific Northwest destination), locals and visitors alike will don their rain gear and head outside anyway.

Storm watching, whether from outside on the beach or inside the comfort of a beachfront resort, is oddly exhilarating and calming as the sounds of crashing waves and rain entertain those brave enough to enjoy nature’s show. One of the best places to enjoy storm watching is from the comfort of a beachfront barrel sauna or hot tub – Pacific Sands Beach Resort is particularly known for this. Photographers will want to bring protective equipment to protect their cameras from water and lenses from blowing sand.

Wildlife viewing and whale watching

Photo: Chatom75/Shutterstock

No matter the season, wildlife viewing and whale watching are always possible on land and from the water around Tofino, BC. Coastal bear viewing from a boat is usually available from spring to autumn, with the best viewing between late august and the end of September. That’s when the salmon run and bears are actively trying to catch food as they bulk up for winter.

Many whale species migrate through the Tofino area between spring and fall, but it’s still common to see resident humpback, orca, and other whale species that call these waters home year-round. Tribal Park allies Jamies Whaling Station and Tofino Resort + Marina have both whale- and bear-watching tours that take guests to the best spots in the area for safe and responsible viewing.

Where to eat and drink in Tofino

Rich agriculture, an abundance of responsibly caught seafood, excellent craft breweries and distilleries that use Canadian ingredients, and – of course – wine from British Columbia’s famous Okanagan Valley create the perfect blend for mouth-watering dining experiences travelers may not expect from a small island town.

Add to that the Tofino Culinary Guild – a non-profit founded by Tofino chefs that connects restaurants and locals with Vancouver Island farmers, fishers, foragers, and food producers – and it’s not surprising that there are award-winning, sustainable dining experiences all over town.

Wolf in the Fog

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Renowned as one of the best restaurants in town and winner of multiple awards, Wolf in the Fog is a fine dining experience not to miss. Reservations are usually booked months in advance, so make reservations immediately after booking travel and lodging.

ROAR

New to the Tofino restaurant scene and located in the funky Hotel Zed, ROAR is a live-fire and charcoal-fueled restaurant with retro-chic inside decor and comfortable fireside lounging outside. It’s known for shaking up some of the best cocktails in town and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and evening cocktails.

Shelter

In the heart of Tofino, Shelter provides a modern surf-meets-ski-lodge vibe with log architecture and wood-burning fires. It serves casual fare; expect to see people in plaid having Tofino Brewing beers at the bar after a surf session – though there’s elevated dining at the tables.

Rhino Coffee House

Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

Rhino Coffee is Tofino’s go-to for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and freshly baked donuts. Its central location makes it an easy stop on the way to or from an adventure. The shop is also a Tribal Park ally.

Surfside Grill

Not as well-known in the Tofino dining scene, Surfside Grill at Pacific Sands Beach Resort has fresh-caught fish daily and serves up the best halibut burger in BC. This casual to-go spot has covered seating around outdoor fireplaces and is a must-stop before or after visiting the beach at Cox Bay.

Tofino Brewing and Tofino Distillery

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino Brewing‘s beers are a favorite around Tofino and most restaurants in town will have one on draft. But the actual brewery is a great place to aprés after a surf or hike. Sit down and have a pint in the brewery or get some beers to go.

Tofino Distillery is next to Tofino Brewing in the industrial area and makes organic spirits with local ingredients. Their spirits are sold in stores throughout Tofino, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland.

How to get around in Tofino, BC

Photo: Alexander-Connor-Sharpe/Shutterstock

Thanks to shuttle buses and bike rentals readily available at many hotels and rental shops, visiting Tofino without a car is entirely possible for travelers who like to stay active and don’t want to stray too far from town.

A free shuttle service runs from the town center to Cox Bay from late June until early September. For car rentals, flying into Victoria, Comox, or Nanaimo is the best chance for car rental availability. There are also car rentals available at the Tofino airport, but flying into a larger airport mitigates the risk of cancellations due to weather and vehicle availability.

Where to stay

Whether visiting Tofino on a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or as a solo explorer, there’s likely to be a good lodging match in Tofino. Many of the town’s accommodations are quite unique and cater to different types of travelers.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

If a beachfront condo steps from Tofino’s best waves sounds ideal, Pacific Sands Beach Resort should fit the bill – and it also has hot tubs on some of the balconies. Also on the resort property are Surf Sister, the Surfside Grill, and Tuff City Saunas; visitors need not be hotel guests to book the latter. The resort is big on sustainability and leads multiple beach cleanup initiatives throughout the year.

Hotel Zed

Photo: Hotel Zed/Tofino

Somewhat newish to Tofino is the funky Hotel Zed. The hotel offers an arcade, disco, sunken-in living room, barrel sauna, hot tub, and boardwalk to a private platform on the inlet perfect for bird watching.

Hotel Zed combines surf-town vibes and modern amenities with a 1970s feel. It has family suites and pet-friendly rooms, plus on-site bike and paddle rentals. There’s even a tarot card reader who occasionally drops by. There are also Hotel Zeds in Victoria and Kelowna.

Tofino Resort + Marina

Photo: Tofino Resort and Marina/Jill Salter

Within walking distance from the town, Tofino Resort + Marina is a great option for those who want to be centrally located to amenities but still have a view of the water. It’s known for its new floating sauna experience, which takes guests to a remote inlet for a private wellness experience. Tofino Resort + Marina is also a Tribal Park ally and offers activity and adventure booking through its Adventure Centre.

Unlike many other towns known for surfing, Tofino, BC, has activities for serious outdoor adventurers that extend well beyond the beach. With Indigenous stewardship and partnerships, sustainable culinary options, and outdoor activities based in conservation and awareness, Tofino checks most of the boxes for travelers looking for an eco-friendly British Columbia getaway.

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This Tiny Fishing Town Is One of the Best Places on the Planet for Coastal Adventures

Tofino, BC, has earned the title of one of the best cold-water surfing destinations in the world – but travelers not into braving the brisk waters need not worry. There’s much more to the rugged, coastal destination than just surfing.

On the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the laid-back Canadian town has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a year-round outdoor adventure destination for surfers, storm-watchers, hikers, spa-goers, paddlers, and general outdoor enthusiasts. Even scuba diving is possible in Tofino for divers with the correct cold-water gear.

How to get there

Photo: Ugur OKUCU/Shutterstock

By air, travelers can get to Tofino, BC, via floatplane from downtown Vancouver or downtown Victoria with Harbour Air, or by turboprop from Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Travelers planning on driving should take one of the BC Ferries ships from Vancouver or the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island; they leave several times a day. Reserving a vehicle spot on the ferry is recommended during the summer and most weekends.

When to go to Tofino, BC

Photo: chrisdonaldsonphotography/Shutterstock

While spring, summer, and fall can offer warmer air temperatures, and summer has the least rain, winter is when the biggest swells bring in the best surf (and the best time for storm watching or photography).

In true Pacific Northwest fashion, Tofino is lush and green with towering old-growth forests, ferns, vines, and other flora all year long. But the best flowers, foliage, birding, bears, and other wildlife viewing opportunities are in the summer. Most restaurants, accommodations, camping, park facilities, and trails are open year-round, so the best of Tofino isn’t limited by time of year. That said, some guided tour operators may only operate in the summer (kayaking, for example), and some wildlife tours are limited by the animals’ seasonality, such as with bear-watching tours.

Supporting Tribal Park Allies in Tofino

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

There are many Indigenous Tribal Parks throughout Canada: areas where Indigenous communities are responsible for most of the policy and management.

In Tofino, visitors can support the local Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park Guardians by spending with businesses designated as Tribal Park allies. Allies are Tofino businesses that directly benefit from healthy ecosystems and agree to a one-percent “Ecosystem Service Fee” for Indigenous stewardship and management of the land. Spending with ally businesses is an excellent way to ensure First Nations people – who have traditionally been omitted from business and government circles – equally benefit from tourism in their homelands.

What to do in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino is the kind of destination where each activity compliments the next. The bike paths connecting the town and area beaches are used by bikes with surf racks and riders in wetsuits on their way to the next wave. And the many spas and wellness centers cater to travelers and locals with sore muscles from hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, and more.

Surfing and paddling

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

There is no shortage of surf shops that offer rentals and lessons, but one that stands out the most is Surf Sister. This women-owned and operated surf shop has locations in Tofino and Pacific Sands Beach Resort at Cox Bay. They offer lessons and surf camps.

Another good option is Swell Paddle + Surf. It’s supported beach life in Tofino since 2014 and specializes in rentals and lessons for both stand-up paddle boarding and surfing. It has two locations at Mackenzie Beach and Hotel Zed and offers lessons and tours.

Kayakers have multiple options for rentals and tours, including Paddle West Kayaking, Tofino Sea Kayaking, or Black Bear Kayak, among others. Tours that pair kayaking with hiking through the rainforest on nearby Meares Island are especially popular.

Hiking in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino and the surrounding area are home to thousands of acres of protected islands, coastlines, and mountains on the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht Peoples. This area is home to one of the most significant acts of civil disobedience in Canadian history: the “War in the Woods,” started in the name of conservation and protecting nature and Indigenous coastal lands.

The successful protests resulted in a new land-use management plan for Indigenous partnerships to protect the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is primarily coastal temperate rainforest accessed by land or water.

One hike not to miss is the Big Tree Trail at Meares Island Tribal Park, where a cedar boardwalk guides visitors through ancient old-growth forests. Meares Island was successfully saved from logging and is now one of the many places under the stewardship of the Tribal Park Guardians. Visitors will need to take a water taxi or a guided tour with companies like Jamie’s Whaling Station.

Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

The Tofino area is jam-packed with epic hiking both in and out of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Before heading out, stop at the information center to get maps, weather reports, and up-to-date information on trail conditions.

For a great hike that blends trails, boardwalks, old-growth forests, and beaches, try the Willowbrae Trail to Florencia and Half Moon Bay (this is also a great substitute for Schooner Cove, which is closed indefinitely as of August 2022). This trail is near the town of Ucluelet, also home to the Wild Pacific Trail. Other hikes not to miss include the Tonquin Trail, Cox Bay Lookout (it’s muddy and not well maintained, but the views are worth the trek), and the South Rainforest Trail.

Cycling in Tofino, BC

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Bike culture is alive and well year-round in Tofino and is a great way to travel between the beach, town, and rainforest. Visitors can pre-book a cruiser bike (the only type of bike allowed on the beach) at Tofino Bike Co. or Swell Paddle + Surf and take to the sand on one of the many beaches.

Shops will also rent road bikes and occasionally hardtail mountain bikes for the newly opened Parks Canada multi-use pathway. It’s called the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) and is a 15.5-mile pathway through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Storm Watching

Photo: Joel.bourgoin/Shutterstock

A favorite pastime in Tofino is storm-watching: a name for an activity cleverly coined in the destination due to the moody skies, dramatic ocean, and sometimes sideways rain. If the sun isn’t shining (which is often in this Pacific Northwest destination), locals and visitors alike will don their rain gear and head outside anyway.

Storm watching, whether from outside on the beach or inside the comfort of a beachfront resort, is oddly exhilarating and calming as the sounds of crashing waves and rain entertain those brave enough to enjoy nature’s show. One of the best places to enjoy storm watching is from the comfort of a beachfront barrel sauna or hot tub – Pacific Sands Beach Resort is particularly known for this. Photographers will want to bring protective equipment to protect their cameras from water and lenses from blowing sand.

Wildlife viewing and whale watching

Photo: Chatom75/Shutterstock

No matter the season, wildlife viewing and whale watching are always possible on land and from the water around Tofino, BC. Coastal bear viewing from a boat is usually available from spring to autumn, with the best viewing between late august and the end of September. That’s when the salmon run and bears are actively trying to catch food as they bulk up for winter.

Many whale species migrate through the Tofino area between spring and fall, but it’s still common to see resident humpback, orca, and other whale species that call these waters home year-round. Tribal Park allies Jamies Whaling Station and Tofino Resort + Marina have both whale- and bear-watching tours that take guests to the best spots in the area for safe and responsible viewing.

Where to eat and drink in Tofino

Rich agriculture, an abundance of responsibly caught seafood, excellent craft breweries and distilleries that use Canadian ingredients, and – of course – wine from British Columbia’s famous Okanagan Valley create the perfect blend for mouth-watering dining experiences travelers may not expect from a small island town.

Add to that the Tofino Culinary Guild – a non-profit founded by Tofino chefs that connects restaurants and locals with Vancouver Island farmers, fishers, foragers, and food producers – and it’s not surprising that there are award-winning, sustainable dining experiences all over town.

Wolf in the Fog

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Renowned as one of the best restaurants in town and winner of multiple awards, Wolf in the Fog is a fine dining experience not to miss. Reservations are usually booked months in advance, so make reservations immediately after booking travel and lodging.

ROAR

New to the Tofino restaurant scene and located in the funky Hotel Zed, ROAR is a live-fire and charcoal-fueled restaurant with retro-chic inside decor and comfortable fireside lounging outside. It’s known for shaking up some of the best cocktails in town and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and evening cocktails.

Shelter

In the heart of Tofino, Shelter provides a modern surf-meets-ski-lodge vibe with log architecture and wood-burning fires. It serves casual fare; expect to see people in plaid having Tofino Brewing beers at the bar after a surf session – though there’s elevated dining at the tables.

Rhino Coffee House

Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

Rhino Coffee is Tofino’s go-to for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and freshly baked donuts. Its central location makes it an easy stop on the way to or from an adventure. The shop is also a Tribal Park ally.

Surfside Grill

Not as well-known in the Tofino dining scene, Surfside Grill at Pacific Sands Beach Resort has fresh-caught fish daily and serves up the best halibut burger in BC. This casual to-go spot has covered seating around outdoor fireplaces and is a must-stop before or after visiting the beach at Cox Bay.

Tofino Brewing and Tofino Distillery

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

Tofino Brewing‘s beers are a favorite around Tofino and most restaurants in town will have one on draft. But the actual brewery is a great place to aprés after a surf or hike. Sit down and have a pint in the brewery or get some beers to go.

Tofino Distillery is next to Tofino Brewing in the industrial area and makes organic spirits with local ingredients. Their spirits are sold in stores throughout Tofino, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland.

How to get around in Tofino, BC

Photo: Alexander-Connor-Sharpe/Shutterstock

Thanks to shuttle buses and bike rentals readily available at many hotels and rental shops, visiting Tofino without a car is entirely possible for travelers who like to stay active and don’t want to stray too far from town.

A free shuttle service runs from the town center to Cox Bay from late June until early September. For car rentals, flying into Victoria, Comox, or Nanaimo is the best chance for car rental availability. There are also car rentals available at the Tofino airport, but flying into a larger airport mitigates the risk of cancellations due to weather and vehicle availability.

Where to stay

Whether visiting Tofino on a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or as a solo explorer, there’s likely to be a good lodging match in Tofino. Many of the town’s accommodations are quite unique and cater to different types of travelers.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck

If a beachfront condo steps from Tofino’s best waves sounds ideal, Pacific Sands Beach Resort should fit the bill – and it also has hot tubs on some of the balconies. Also on the resort property are Surf Sister, the Surfside Grill, and Tuff City Saunas; visitors need not be hotel guests to book the latter. The resort is big on sustainability and leads multiple beach cleanup initiatives throughout the year.

Hotel Zed

Photo: Hotel Zed/Tofino

Somewhat newish to Tofino is the funky Hotel Zed. The hotel offers an arcade, disco, sunken-in living room, barrel sauna, hot tub, and boardwalk to a private platform on the inlet perfect for bird watching.

Hotel Zed combines surf-town vibes and modern amenities with a 1970s feel. It has family suites and pet-friendly rooms, plus on-site bike and paddle rentals. There’s even a tarot card reader who occasionally drops by. There are also Hotel Zeds in Victoria and Kelowna.

Tofino Resort + Marina

Photo: Tofino Resort and Marina/Jill Salter

Within walking distance from the town, Tofino Resort + Marina is a great option for those who want to be centrally located to amenities but still have a view of the water. It’s known for its new floating sauna experience, which takes guests to a remote inlet for a private wellness experience. Tofino Resort + Marina is also a Tribal Park ally and offers activity and adventure booking through its Adventure Centre.

Unlike many other towns known for surfing, Tofino, BC, has activities for serious outdoor adventurers that extend well beyond the beach. With Indigenous stewardship and partnerships, sustainable culinary options, and outdoor activities based in conservation and awareness, Tofino checks most of the boxes for travelers looking for an eco-friendly British Columbia getaway.

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Why Tenerife Is the Best of the Canary Islands for Outdoor Adventure, Cuisine, and Working Remotely

As the dregs of last winter took hold, I was sitting in Ohio, dreaming about my first European summer. For years I wanted to spend the summer in Europe, drawn by the desire to experience the rustic coves, crystal-clear waters, gastronomic endeavors, and sunny days the continent is known for during peak season. Lingering over conversation – and perhaps an extra pour of wine – with friends as we watched the sunset, well, that would be the clincher.

We hope you love the Hotel Vulcano and other Tenerife hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

A work trip to Tenerife, Spain, checked off each of these things, proving to be both a beautiful locale for a getaway and a productive place to post up and work. As a nomadic traveler for over a year, I’m always on the hunt for places that combine work and vacation while keeping the true essence of a place intact. Whether you’re looking to visit the island for one week or one year, there is something for every type of traveler to discover and get lost in.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s seven Canary Islands and sits off the coast of West Africa. Airlines including SWISS, Air Canada, and Lufthansa operate direct flights from New York to Tenerife, making it easier than ever to visit the island. The island’s weather is warm all year round, with temperatures averaging 74º F. From the lush forests, majestic volcanos, and black sand beaches, this island is an excellent place to meld a passion for both seaside and on-water activities with hiking and other mountain excursions.

Hotel Vulcano is an ideal place to base yourself

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

During my time in Tenerife, I stayed at Hotel Vulcano. When you first walk into the lobby, you’re greeted with a garden-like design as plants flow over the ceiling and ledges. The hotel is situated in a great location, making visiting the many beaches and shopping there convenient. The dining at the hotel is buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The average room rate is €170 (about $170) per night, with many deals and packages offered throughout the year. The hotel offers several room types; with the standard room, the beds are on the smaller side and smaller than a regular twin-size bed.

The rooms also have a balcony that provides picturesque views of the island and pool area. In addition, the hotel is equipped with amenities such as a gym, spa, and rooftop pool, which I enjoyed taking advantage of. The hotel is located in Tenerife South which has the most hours of sun on the island. It is also populated with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. I had a comfortable stay for the week and would recommend this hotel to families and travelers looking to stay in a central location.

There isn’t an official business center in the hotel, but the lobby area has an “internet zone” that was suitable for any quick emails I needed to send. However, Tenerife is packed with several coworking spaces making this a perfect place for digital nomads to call their base. My only regret is that I didn’t organize a more extended stay.

Tenerife proved to be the perfect place to cowork

For remote workers looking for the best of the city, beaches, and pristine weather for an affordable price, Tenerife may be the next best place to call home. Tenerife Work & Play is an online resource helping nomads and remote workers navigate and move to the island. They offer assistance from everything in figuring out transportation to the best accommodation options. On average remote workers can cover all their basic expenses for about $1,500.

While strolling through the island’s north side, I visited San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1999. La Laguna still has its original layout but has modernized with the streets being filled with local thrift shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. You could easily get delightfully lost with every turn. While walking around, I stumbled upon a coworking space called SOHO La Laguna. This vibrant space in the heart of La Laguna is perfect for creative entrepreneurs looking to build with the community.

Another coworking option in ​​Santa Cruz, a port city on the island, is Espacio Kernel. The coworking space is in a central location and is designed to encourage collaboration among remote workers. They have flexible membership options and are open to adopting the space to travelers’ needs so they can feel at home and create their best work.

Photo Credit: Kernel Coworking

Enjoying island cuisine with Spanish and African flavors

The food on Tenerife does not disappoint. Everything I had was an electric combination of savory and sweet, an ode both to the island’s near-African locale and Spanish colonial influence. One must-try dish is watermelon salmon salad, by far the best salad I ever had, just enough to turn me into a pescatarian. My favorite part of traveling is wandering areas and finding hidden places to eat.

During my excursions around the island, I found two places that I highly recommend, the first being Parador de las Cañadas del Teide. This restaurant is located inside a rustic hotel within Teide National Park. It is perfect for anyone visiting the island’s must-see volcanic sites. It’s a mountain house that blends into the surroundings with priceless views and food to match. The second place I indulged my taste buds was Hotel Laguna Nivaria, in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. This is more of an upscale dining place that serves a mix of fresh fish and meats.

Travelers can never go wrong with wandering through Mercado Nuestra señora de Africa in Santa Cruz and buying local crafts from artisans, flowers, and fresh fruits and cheeses.

What to see and do around Tenerife

Photo: Baisa/Shutterstock

There is no shortage of things to do on the island. For convenience, I booked all my tours through the operator Touring Canaries. Our tour guide for the week, Cristo, brought our trip come alive with local insight and an insider’s perspective that even a long-time digital nomad couldn’t offer. He also kept us on our toes with new and existing things to experience, such as touring Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We also stopped at Anaga Rural Park, which covers 14,500 hectares (35,800 acres) of lush green mountainscape, hikes within which provide some of the best ocean views on the entire island. There are also a plethora of hidden beaches on the island. With rental cars being $50 a day, spending a free day driving along the coast is an affordable and beautiful way to see the island. To cut this cost down further, rent a scooter. You won’t make it as far, but with some many beaches to visit — One of the most beautiful being Playa Montaña Amarilla, not far from the hotel — there’s no need to venture too far.

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How To Visit the Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve

Most zoos and aquariums offer limited opportunities to get up close and personal with the animal inhabitants, but at the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve, 15 miles north of Downtown, human-animal interaction is the name of the game. The park is home to over 40 species of marine life, mammals, and birds, most of which visitors can touch, pet, or hand feed. There are other family-friendly activities too. From a bounce house to arcade games, virtual reality to zip lining.

I’m a Texas family travel expert and a mom of tweens. Our family has visited the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve three times. This guide will give you a complete overview of what to expect from your visit, including strategies on how to get from most from your experience and how to budget for a family-friendly day out.

How to get to Houston Interactive Aquarium

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

The Houston Interactive Aquarium is located on 5440 N Sam Houston Parkway E. The easiest way to get here is by car. If you’re familiar with driving in Houston, you probably already know that the city is full of toll roads. Most locals have EZ TAG or TxTag, which automates toll payments. If you’re visiting Houston, one of these toll passes will make your life easier.

Also, make sure you don’t confuse the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve with the Houston Downtown Aquarium. They are completely different activities.

Parking options

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

Parking is included in the cost of an admission ticket; however, the parking lot is extremely small and typically fills up within an hour. There is an overflow lot just before you get to the aquarium, but it is not well-marked and easy to miss. Since the aquarium is on a one-way interstate access road, make a U-turn to get to the overflow lot if there’s no space.

There’s a $5 fee to park in the second option, which is unpaved with no parking space marker lines. There is a golf cart shuttle that will take guests to the front door, otherwise, it’s about a five-minute walk.

Tickets and opening hours

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

Tickets are $24.95 for adults (12+) and $19.95 for kids, military, college students, and seniors 55+. Annual memberships, called Adventure Passes, are $69.95. Purchase three or more Adventure Passes and the price drops to $49.95, making this a sweet deal for families who visit more than twice a year.

Purchase tickets online or at the entrance. Guests who buy online will receive an email with a bar code, but you will still need to queue to have the purchase transferred to an admission card.

Operating hours are 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays. The park is open every day except Christmas Day. Holiday hours for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are clearly stated on the website.

The best time to visit the Houston Interactive Aquarium

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

This park is busy during summers and school holidays and on weekends. Visitors trying to dodge crowds are best to go during the week when school is in session or after 3:00 PM. Morning arrivals are popular with families with young kids, so timing when the early birds are leaving for the day usually means lighter crowds.

There’s little shade in the outdoor areas and Houston is hot and humid much of the year. The good news is that there are misters in the outdoor areas that do a fair job of keeping guests cool-ish when the temperatures rise. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring sunscreen.

Credits and add-on experiences

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

My number one piece of advice for visiting the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is to become very familiar with the pricing structure before you go. The base price includes admission, but feedings and close encounters cost extra.

The ticket price gets you in the door and access to most of the animal exhibits. Enhanced experiences and extras are categorized as credits or add-on experiences. Credits are used to buy animal food and get up close to certain animals, such as lemurs, sloths, and toucans. Snorkeling, snuba, and bounce house admission are categorized as add-on experiences, which require visitors to pay an extra fee to take part. Credits versus add-ons can be a little confusing, so I’ll break it down. 

The credits are $10 per 100 credits. Most activities cost between 60 and 120 credits per person, although there are a handful that are more. Turtle and fish food are 30 credits per small cup. Credits can also be used for snow cones, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and a myriad of other things designed to grab a child’s attention.

You can purchase credits at the ticket window or at a white self-service kiosk scattered around the venue. They then put these on your admission card, which is scanned prior to entering any activity that uses credits. The scanner will display how many credits you have. Note, you can use credits on future visits for up to one year from purchase.

It’s possible to enjoy the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve without purchasing extras, although some expectation management will probably need to happen. Kids seeing other kids petting lemurs and riding ponies are naturally going to want to do the same thing, so if you’re firm on not paying extra, I recommend prepping the kids before you go. If you’re watching your budget, I suggest picking one or two things you really want to do and factoring that into the cost of the outing.

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

You can add snorkel and snuba experiences and bounce house admission to your ticket. Snorkeling is $49.95 and snuba is $69.95. Participants must be at least six and a paid adult must accompany kids under 12. Bathing suits are required, and participants must be able to swim. The masks are included, but a wetsuit can be rented for an additional $9. The in-water experience lasts 20 minutes.

The bounce house in the arcade is $8.95 for kids 12 and under. The arcade is free to enter, but the games use credits. This is a popular spot for birthday parties and school groups to hang out and the area may get crowded.

What does a standard ticket give you access to?

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

It’s free to see most of the animals — there are a couple behind closed doors, but you can view all. With a standard ticket, you can also pet many of the animals.

Pony rides cost extra, but it’s free to enter the pony pen and engage with them. The stingrays won’t be super interested in you if you’re not offering food, but you can put your hands in the water and touch them — no credits required.

And while it costs extra (60 credits) to see a toucan up close, there are plenty of other large birds you can see in the indoor area, including a blue macaw who might want to chat with you. 

How much time does it take to explore the Houston Interactive Aquarium?

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

There are four main areas at the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve.

The aquarium houses small sharks, rays, otters, and several tanks full of colorful and interesting fish. There’s a large room that houses reptiles, birds, and small mammals, such as rabbits, a sloth named Peaches, and the immensely popular lemurs. The outdoor area houses a selection of mammals, such as donkeys, warthogs, ponies, emus, giraffes, and more. There’s also a separate walk-through aviary where you can check out various species of birds.

It’s very easy to see everything on a single visit. If you don’t purchase credits or book add-on activities, an hour and a half to two hours is plenty of time to explore. On our most recent visit, my kids and I spent three and a half hours, and that included four animal encounters we had to wait in line for. We left no stone unturned and saw everything.

The most popular habitats are the lemurs, the aviaries, and the petting zoo. You’ll need some expectation management if you opt to do the lemur experience because it isn’t exactly like the pictures. Both the website and the video playing outside the habitat show a more robust level of human-lemur contact than what actually happens. Guests are allowed to pet the lemurs perched on a post under the close supervision of a zookeeper. The interaction only lasts about five minutes.

If you want to feed the birds who live in one of two onsite aviary rooms, go as early in the day as possible. A palm full of bird seed is less appealing to a bird when they’ve been snacking all day long. Guests that get in there early have the best chance at hungry birds and hungry birds are interactive birds. Clothing and hair are subject to random bird droppings — expect to get messy. 

Potential downsides are a lack of labeling on some habitats in the aquarium and reptile areas and queues that feel chaotic. Although not all the enclosures have labels to clue visitors on what’s living inside, there are QR codes on some of the habitats that pull up TikTok videos of the animal in different settings.

The animal encounter can only handle a few people at a time and there’s no dedicated spot to get in line. The area between the lemur habitat and aviary (two of the most consistently popular experiences) is a high-traffic area and it gets confusing to figure out where the line is.

Where to start with a visit to the Houston Interactive Aquarium

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

The natural path after you scan your card at the entry will lead you into the two aquarium galleries. After you exit the second and largest section of the aquarium, you’ll see a three-way sign pointing you to the other parts of the park and you can make your decision from there.

There are maps scattered around that show the location of the various animal habitats so you can make your decision on what to do first based on what you’re most interested in seeing. It’s also easy to do a quick walkthrough to determine how you want to spend your time. 

Photo: Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve/Facebook

There’s no wrong way to explore and no specific order you need to get the most out of this activity. The weather may dictate the timing of exploring the outdoor portions versus indoor portions. It might make sense to explore the outdoor areas early in the day when it’s hot outside and save the cooler indoor exhibits for later in the day. 

While a trip to the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is full of opportunities for animal education, the wow factor is the more intimate interactions than what’s typical of most zoos and aquariums.

The Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve are not currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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New Data Analysis Shows the States Where People Smile the Most

Let’s be honest — we’re living through a global pandemic, climate change, ongoing inflation, and increased political tension across the United States. If you’re having a regularly scheduled existential crisis like me, it can be hard to crack a smile. But studies have shown that smiling is good for us — it helps reduce the body’s response to stress and can lower heart rate and blood pressure. And more good news — smiling is contagious, so if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, being around smiling faces can be good for you. HouseFresh, a company dedicated to fresh air in homes, conducted a study to find the happiest and smiliest states in the US using Instagram and facial recognition software.

The study found that the facial recognition software was able to distinguish between forced smiles like Hide Your Pain Harold. It found that Utah is the smiliest and happiest state in the US, with a 70.7 percent average of faces shining bright on Instagram. But the overall town with the most cheesy grins is Concord, California, with almost 75 percent of its residents showing off those pearly whites. However, California as a whole is the least smiliest in the entire US, with an average of only 32.41 percent of analyzed faces showing up smiley.

The top 10 smiliest states in the USUtah: 70.78 percentWisconsin: 68.46 percentNebraska: 68.12 percentVermont: 67.74 percentIowa: 67.67 percentWyoming: 67.65 percentColorado: 66.20 percentNorth Dakota: 65.63 percentWashington: 64.10 percentIdaho: 63.37 percent

To find the smiliest cities and states in the US, analysts at HouseFresh used Microsoft Azure’s facial recognition software that places numerical estimates on emotions on people’s faces based on characteristics and facial expressions. HouseFresh analyzed photos from Instagram from the 100 largest populated cities in the US. The software had to reward smiling faces with a score of at least .75 out of one to count. Then it averaged out the Face API happiness scores.

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Airbnb Is Launching ‘Anti-Party Technology’ To Keep Ragers Off Its Platform

The days of Airbnb ragers are over — at least without the property owner’s approval.

A temporary party ban that went into effect in August 2020 has been continuously extended. Then, in June 2022, the ban was codified into Airbnb’s policies permanently. Airbnb is now introducing “anti-party technology” on its booking platform, which uses information like the history of positive reviews (or lack thereof), how long the guest has had an Airbnb account, the length of the trip, how far the user lives from the listing if the booking is on a weekend versus a weekday, and more.

“These new anti-party tools come on the heels of our announcement last month that we are codifying our previously temporary party ban. We’ve seen a 44 percent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports since the temporary ban went into place in August 2020, and our hope is that this new anti-party technology announced today builds on that progress,” an Airbnb official noted in an press release.

The company tested out a similar product in Australia in October 2021, and it saw a 35 percent drop in incidents of unauthorized parties. The technology is now a permanent fixture in the country, and the company is testing the software in the United States and Canada.

Airbnb used to be a simple way to book a venue for a house party. But in recent years, the company has cracked down on parties in an attempt to protect hosts from property damage and to reduce the number of noise complaints. In 2019, the company banned open house parties after a shooting that killed five people in San Francisco.

The permanent policy against house policies only applies without explicit permission from the host, so if you’re really trying to book the perfect Airbnb for a summer pool party, you can message the host directly to come to a working agreement.

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These Berlin Airbnbs Showcase the German Capital’s Artsy Side

Standing out as one of the hippest cities in Europe, Berlin’s fusion of grunge and glamour is a siren’s call for travelers. Whether you’re flying in to tick-off museums or for the legendary nightlife, top on your agenda is deciding where to stay in Berlin. Perfect for first-timers, Mitte is the historic heart of the city. Meanwhile, outlying neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain give you a flavor of what it’s like to call the German capital home. Run your eyes over our pick of the coolest lofts and trendiest Airbnb Berlin, Germany, vacation rentals.

Best Berlin Airbnbs near MitteBeautiful Kreuzberg Airbnbs in Berlin, GermanyBest Neukölln Airbnb in Berlin, GermanyTop-rated Berlin Airbnbs in Friedrichshain

We hope you love the Airbnb vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Quirkiest Airbnb in Berlin, GermanyCozy houseboat with hot tub/bathtub

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

A wild card for anyone seeking a night out of the city limits, this pet-friendly Berlin Airbnb houseboat is moored on a small islet on the River Spree. The structure consists of a studio with a basic kitchenette and bathroom. Out on the floating deck, comfy couches alongside a fire pit and a private hot tub mark the lounge. The host provides a pedal boat to ferry you to and from the riverbank and paddle boards are available on request.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $205 per night

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Best Berlin Airbnbs near MitteTwo downtown apartments side by side

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

One of the best Airbnb Berlin rentals for larger groups, this listing applies to two sister apartments each with its own kitchen and lounge. Both are New Yorker-styled with exposed brickwork, piping, and custom-made design elements. The hosts are poised to arrange such services as tours, groceries, and arrival champagne. A fantastic option for two families or couples traveling together.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $575 per night

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Sunlit loft in Berlin Mitte with terrace

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This light-filled Berlin Airbnb loft is a five-minute walk to Alexanderplatz and Museum Island. The contemporary home is appointed with chic upholstery, funky portrait art, and a fully-equipped kitchen. But, best of all is the private roof terrace. This verdant patio is teeming with greenery and capitalizes on the view over central Berlin.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $360 per night

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Luxury penthouse with sauna and rooftop terrace

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Centrally located and impeccably decorated, this 5-star Airbnb Berlin penthouse with a sauna gives you a taste of luxury living. Each of the swanky three bedrooms comes with its own deluxe bathroom complete with a soaking tub. Internal living quarters consist of an open-complex kitchen, lounge, bar, and dining area. An expansive roof terrace overlooking Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and City Palace adds further sparkle.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $2,240 per night

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Beautiful Kreuzberg Airbnbs in Berlin, GermanyStylish three-room apartment in the best location

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

You’ll feel right at home in this colorful Kreuzberg Berlin Airbnb overlooking the Spree Canal. The property is spread over two bedrooms with the lounge providing additional sleeping space. One bathroom is fitted with a tub while the second comes with a power shower. Lively works of art and snug fabrics accent the house and make it the ideal base for long evenings setting the world to rights.

Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $225per night

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Artist loft 113 – film/photo available

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This dreamy Kreuzberg loft is one of the most Instagrammable Berlin Airbnbs. The apartment has been lovingly curated as a modern oasis without sacrificing its heritage charms. Luxury touches include the wood burner in the lounge and the clawfoot bath on the roof terrace, which in turn grants epic views across Berlin Mitte. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a photo shoot.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $700 per night

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Best Neukölln Airbnb in Berlin, GermanySpacious and elegant three-bedroom in hip Neukölln

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Convenient for the vintage bars and buzzing bars of Berlin’s up-and-coming Neukölln neighborhood, this airy rental property is well-suited to a couple or small group. Occupying an 1890s building, the renovated apartment enjoys high ceilings and natural light. Sleeping arrangements span a king room with a mezzanine and a pull-out in the lounge while a raised dining and relaxing platform in the custom-made kitchen is ideal for sociable evenings.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $275 per night

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Top-rated Berlin Airbnbs in FriedrichshainCozy living in Friedrichshain

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Whimsical and homely, this serene F’Hain studio home features a bespoke siesta nook where you can nap, read, or kick back with a glass of wine and a movie. The bed is cordoned off to create a sense of space while preparing morning coffee in the scarlet kitchen will put a spring in your step. Book this Friedrichshain apartment during the summer months to benefit from the terrace.

Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $205 per night

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Four-bedroom loft with big kitchen, library, and swing

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This pet-friendly Airbnb Berlin, Germany, is an awesome pick for families – under 16s stay for free! Even better, the swing in the lounge will provide endless hours of entertainment for all ages. The kitchen is meticulously stocked and will delight traveling chefs while bibliophiles will be in their element in the book-filled lounge.

Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $540 per night

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Enchanting 142m² loft/flat in Friedrichshain

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Styled with timeless sophistication, this historic loft enjoys high ceilings, oak floors, and French double doors. Vintage furnishings and original artworks adorn the property and add nostalgic glamour. A gigantic salon marks the heart of the apartment and comes with a piano and room to lay down a yoga mat or shake your hips around to a retro playlist. The bathroom is fitted with a luxurious free-standing tub.

Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $485 per night

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New home – downtown four-bedroom urban design retreat

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Tucked away down a peaceful bicycle-only street, this F’Hain Airbnb, Berlin is steps away from the neighborhood’s best restaurants and bars. High-quality designer furniture includes box spring beds and wooden moveables while artwork by local artists adorns the walls. With lightning-speed Wi-Fi and designated workspaces, this contemporary apartment is curated with remote workers and digital nomads in mind.

Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $405 per night

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What It’s Like Dining on the Ocean Floor in Sea Caves Carved by the World’s Highest Tides

When the tide goes out twice daily in the Bay of Fundy, it goes out far. As the ocean funnels into, then back out, of the bay between the Atlantic Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, it rises, then drops some 50 feet, making it the world’s largest tidal range. That gives Bay of Fundy Adventures a six hour window to host Savour the Sea Caves: An Ocean Floor Culinary Adventure, a dining experience hosted at caves carved into red cliffs by monumental tidal forces.

In the days leading up to our arrival, the Bay of Fundy Adventures team lowers over the cliff the equipment required to pull off this daring dinner. On the high tide preceding the dinner, they land food and drink by boat.

The experience, which is only offered one or twice per year, is open to groups of 24 people. I grabbed one of the last tickets, and followed instructions to gather at the tiny village of St. Martins about 45 minutes from the coastal city of Saint John and three hours north of Maine. The tide goes so far out around this time that the gravelly ocean bottom stretches between the parking lot and the water. With the tide so far out, we had enough time to complete our four-hour dining experience. The congenial group chatted as we waited to be led down into the caves and begin our adventure.

Here’s what it’s like to dine on the ocean floor where the world’s highest tides ebb and flow.

What to expect during the Savour the Sea Caves dining experience

On the trek to the dining room sea cave, the guides take their time, stopping to educate guests about the history of the Bay of Fundy. As we walk and pause, walk and pause, that old saying, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” comes to mind.

Walking a couple planks across a small stream is the first of many small obstacles diners confront on their way to the sea cave dining room, but it just made the walk more of an adventure. The worst outcome here would be a wet foot. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

Bay of Fundy Adventures guide, Joe Brennan talks science, telling us how these extreme tides happen. The motion of water sloshing back and forth is called a seiche. That’s what happens twice daily as a billion tons of ocean (more than the flow of all the world’s rivers combined) rocks in and out of the bay.

We stopped at the mouth of a shallow cave to snack on appetizers. A natural stone lintel (a beam that typically spans the opening of a fireplace or window) the size of a bus makes this cave a bit too dangerous to enter.

The table of appetizers and drinks is a colorful contrast to the chocolate and coffee shades of the stone walls around us. I grabbed a mason jar of fruit and veg bites—blueberry kabobs, sweet peppers, snap peas, melon, prosciutto, cheese and breadsticks. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

This pink drink is called a Fundy Fizz, the first of many beverages the chef has paired with foods from one end of the Savour the Sea Caves experience to the other. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

A silver platter of oysters chilling on ice is waiting for guests. I select one and add a dash of mignonette sauce. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

After we enjoy our appetizers, the group embarks on the journey to the larger sea cave, where we’ll be seated for dinner. I feel so small, clambering around on the rocky outcrops covered in thick layers of seaweed. Up and down we go, along a path so far from the bay, it’s hard to believe it’ll all be under water six hours from now.

The guides have carefully cleared narrow paths through the slippery seaweed. In one tricky spot, they’ve set up these temporary stairs so that guests can navigate the boulders. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

Up over the last ledge and around a corner, we finally arrive at our destination: A long picnic table is set up at the mouth of the cave. It’s clear there’s no other way to get to this sea cave—much larger than the previous ones—than to hike across the ocean floor at low tide.

This short gorge was gouged from the landscape by those legendary tides. When we turn the corner, and head down to the ocean floor, we’re greeted by lively, traditional Acadian fiddle music. This is also where the mouth of the sea cave comes into view. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

Chef Alain Bossé welcomes us to his kitchen with that spirit of hospitality Canada’s Maritime Provinces are famous for. As is obvious by his attire, he’s known as The Kilted Chef, though his heritage is French Acadian. He’s originally from New Brunswick, which is, surprisingly, the only officially bilingual province in what is generally considered a bilingual country. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

As we arrive and explore the outdoor dining room, Bossé and the Bay of Fundy Adventures team are already getting the first course together.

Fresh, local seafood is the focus of this dinner. Peeking out from inside a pan, the first course, lobster cakes, are ready to take center stage. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

This custom-made cooking barrel works by pulling air in through a hole cut in the side to feed the fire. Chef Bossé is using it to cook salmon tied to planks and grill beef tenderloin. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

While the main course cooks, the team pops and pours sparkling wine to complement the lobster cakes served on a bed of seaweed remoulade. Bossé tells us he literally chopped the seaweed from the rock to make the remoulade. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

The atmosphere is casual around the communal table where I meet couples, many of whom seem to seek out these kinds of dining experiences as a hobby. We swap stories of memorable meals and road trips, creative chefs and inspiring landscapes. Because our voices echo off the stone walls surrounding us on three sides, the ambiance is one of intimacy, even though we’re outside in such a large space.

A boulder at the mouth of the sea cave serves as the prep table. Bossé calls it his “chef’s pulpit.” He prepares dinner while guests sit at the long communal dinner table. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

For the next course, a local Fundy scallop the size of a marshmallow arrives on the half shell flavored with sea buckthorn vinaigrette. It seems chef Bossé isn’t just passionate about local seafood. He’s also an avid forager. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

The main course arrives: maple planked salmon on a bed of edamame and succotash. Bossé tells us he planned the meal around this salmon dish because New Brunswick and its rivers are famous for the fish, and with oysters, lobster and scallops on the menu, the theme as of the evening is local seafood. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

The end of meal is nearing. Now it’s time for dessert. Because we’ll be assembling our own dessert, Bossé begins with a demonstration.

Grown up s’mores begins by dipping marshmallows into a jar of brandy. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

Grabbing a plate with ginger cookies and fine chocolate, I’m ready to head over to the cooking barrel. Even with that brandy, the child inside me is having a great time with s’more ready to assemble and marshmallows to brown over the open fire. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

In preparation for departure, our culinary captain leads us in a joyful, country dance before the return of the world’s highest tide. Photo: Darcy Rhyno

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