Matador Network's Blog, page 421

Why Are Flights so Expensive Right Now?

While budget travel doesn’t have to be a thing of the past, it’s hard not to wonder why it seems like all flights are so expensive right now. Travel isn’t immune to the skyrocketing inflation that’s moving at its fastest pace since 1981, in large part because of elevated, but lowering, gas prices. So unless you consider renting an electric vehicle for a road trip, transportation is pricey.

There are a lot of factors that go into more expensive flights. These are the ones most impacting the prices you’ve been seeing (and will continue to see in the short term).

Why are flights so expensive right now?Demand for travel

The ridiculous price slashes that we saw at the beginning of the pandemic are over. In 2020, TSA checkpoints saw as low as 87,000 people in one day. On August 14, 2022, 2.3 million people were recorded. On top of that, summertime demand is always high because that’s when more people are able to go on vacation.

Jet fuel prices

The price tag on jet fuel has increased for a few reasons, though it is starting to decrease since its peak in June. The war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect on gas prices as countries put trade restrictions on oil from Russia. Demand also creates an issue. Lower demand during the pandemic that transitioned to a sharp increase in demand once restrictions started to lift has put a strain on immediately available oil supplies.

Staffing shortages

While the number of people wanting to fly has significantly increased, the airline industry as a whole is still working with downsized staff from the pandemic. Estimates show that there are 15 to 20 percent fewer flights than needed, according to Scott’s Cheap Flights. Flights were cut from the typical summer schedule to avoid disastrous mass delays and cancellations due to weather and staffing problems. The pilot shortage in the United States was already unsustainable before the pandemic. Now, experts expect it will take years for enough people to be trained to end the shortage.

Will plane prices go down?

The good news is flight prices have already started to go down. According to The New York Times, fares fell 7.8 percent in July compared to June, and those trends are expected to continue now that summer travel is almost over. According to Hopper’s third quarter travel index, prices are expected to average $286 this month, down 25 percent from May. Once things cool down in fall and winter (minus the holiday season), prices are expected to continue to fall.

What day is the cheapest to book flights?

The idea that booking on a middle-of-the-weekday will get you a better deal is somewhat of a myth. A study by CheapAir.com found that buying flights in the middle of the week only had an average difference of $1 in fare prices. However, there are other travel hacks to help you find the cheapest fares. You can get creative by checking to see if booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than booking roundtrip, or by booking cheaper tickets using hidden city fares. You can also use tools like newsletters, book directly with the airline, and check prices on travel agencies to see if you have can nab a mistake fare.

How far in advance should I book a flight in 2022?

The general rule of thumb for the prime booking window is between six weeks and four months before your departure. However, this information can vary depending on where you’re trying to travel. For example, tickets to Asia are likely to be cheapest 10 months in advance, so the sooner you book, the better. However, tickets to the Caribbean and Central and South America can have cheap fares even one month before departure.

Searching for great flight deals might sound like a full-time job, but it might be worth it if you can save a significant amount of cash.

More like thisAirports + FlyingHow To Hack Buying Your Flight To Get the Best Price, According To an Expert

You Can Make Your Own True Jamaican Chocolate on the Island at Pure Chocolate Company

As I walked into the artisan chocolate studio at Pure Chocolate Company’s location in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, co-owner Rennae Johnson handed me a cup of chocolate tea. The traditional Jamaican drink is typically made with cocoa, spices like cinnamon, and milk (in this case coconut milk). The warm liquid is thick, rich, and just sweet enough that I don’t get saccharine overload despite quickly finishing the entire cup. Pure Chocolate’s final version is still in the works, but it’s a fitting start to an experience that highlights what local Jamaican chocolate is all about.

@foodwtf Making #chocolate from scratch at Pure Chocolate Company in #OchoRios #Jamaica #foodtiktok #cookingclass #chocolatemaking ♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer

Jamaican-born Johnson and her husband Wouter Tjeertes started Pure Chocolate in 2017. Both worked as pastry chefs at a Jamaica resort before becoming partners (in life and business), and Tjeertes spent three decades as a chocolatier and executive pastry chef across Europe and the Caribbean. When they struck out on their own with Pure Chocolate, the primary focus was on doing everything as local as possible.

The company uses local cocoa that can be traced back to a small group of farmers that it buys from directly at above-market prices. Pure Chocolate uses single-origin Criollo and Trinitario beans from the John Crow Mountains, which run adjacent to the Blue Mountains where Jamaica’s famous coffee grows. The beans are fermented and dried by hand on the island, and even the wrappers are tied to Jamaica: the art-driven labels are created by local artists like Taj Francis and Kokab Zohoori-Dossa.

Cacao originally comes from the upper section of South America (cacao refers to raw beans, while cocoa refers to the beans after they’ve been fermented and dried) and people on Jamaica have grown the plant and used cacao beans for hundreds of years — historians found evidence that a drink of hot cocoa, milk, and cinnamon has been made on the island since at least 1494. English colonists exploited the cacao farms after taking the island from the Spanish in the 1700s. Jamaican chocolate never reached the same volume as sugar or garnered as much recognition as the island’s premium coffee and rum. According to Forbes, cocoa production shrank from 2,000 tons per year in 1995 to 200 to 400 tons in 2010.

Interest is slowly coming back, however, and Johnson and Tjeertes say they hope that Pure Chocolate can be one of the catalysts to increase the awareness of the quality of Jamaican chocolate that’s made on the island. By buying direct from the source, the couple can provide a better life for farmers, ensure no child labor is used, and more sustainably source a crop that is highly impacted by climate change.

The investment makes sense: better treatment of farmers leads to better beans, Tjeertes explained. Jamaican artisan chocolate quality in large part comes from the island’s “fine or flavor” cocoa beans as opposed to “bulk” or “ordinary” beans. The International Cacao Council lists that Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Dominica, and Saint Lucia grow 100 percent fine or flavor cacao beans, and Jamaica is certified for 95 percent. Fine or flavor cocoa has fruity, floral, and nutty notes and most often come from Criollo or Trinitario varieties.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PURE Chocolate Company (@purechocolatecompany)

At the Pure Chocolate location in Ocho Rios, Johnson and Tjeertes mention the farmers they work with by name as I pour chocolate into a mold with a cacao bean pattern. Fermenting and drying takes place in Spanish Town, where Johnson is from. The production of the chocolate liquor, and then that liquor into bars and other treats, happens here next to the grinders that whirred away as I finished topping my bar with dried fruit.

I packaged my chocolate that I made as soon as it cooled in the fridge. It was plenty to take home and share, though it was hard to resist the chocolates made with rum, jerk spices, matcha, and a wide variety of other things that are sold at the storefront.

Pure Chocolate’s two-hour chocolate making workshop can be booked online, and takes place at the Island Village shop in Ocho Rios. Pure Chocolate also offers virtual tasting events and chocolate pairing events with things like rum, wine, and cheese. Aside from the store in Ocho Rios, there are a number of outlets in Jamaica (and a few in the Netherlands) that sell Pure Chocolate products. Regardless of how you get your hands on one of the award-winning bars, the taste of true Jamaican chocolate is one you’re not likely to forget.

More like thisDessert6 Must-Visit Destinations for Chocolate Lovers

Everything You Need To Know About Seeing Wild Horses in Colorado

Centuries ago was the height of the Wild West era in Colorado, where the indigenous Ute tribe and gold-hungry settlers roamed the land. Although the state has lost some of its wildness over the years, one remnant of that time is the wild horses of Colorado, whose ancestors were used by settlers and Ute alike. Now, these free-spirited creatures live in Colorado’s four Herd Management Areas (HMAs) where, if you’re lucky, you might be able to see them in action. Here’s where to find wild horses in Colorado.

How many wild horses are in Colorado?

Photo: Visit Grand Junction

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which runs the state’s HMAs, currently estimates that there are 1,800 wild horses living in Colorado. Since the state’s designated wild horse land is only suitable for close to half that number, the BLM often pursues controversial “roundups,” in which horses are gathered, trapped, and then sold in order to keep population numbers sustainable.

Roundups are done to cut down on the negative effects of wild horse overpopulation. If there are too many horses on the state’s HMAs, some may wander off in search of food on private land and end up grazing on grass meant for animals on farms and ranches. Wild horses may also prevent other species (like sheep, pronghorn, and elk) from getting water, driving the other animals that share their land away.

The good news about Colorado’s healthy wild horse population is that you have a good chance of finding and observing them from a distance…if you know where to look.

What kinds of wild horses are in Colorado?

Photo: Visit Grand Junction

Colorado is home to a diverse array of wild horse breeds, with everything from newly-introduced curly horses to paints, roans, and appaloosas. Most of the wild horses you’ll find in the state have Spanish, Arabic, or North American origins. Many of Colorado’s wild horses are mustangs, which are technically classified as “feral” rather than “wild” horses because they originated with domesticated breeds. These mustangs have become mixes of different breeds throughout the generations and appear in a variety of colorings, such as palomino, blue and red roan, or sorrel.

Best places to see wild horses in Colorado

Sand Wash Basin, Northwest Colorado

Photo: Visit Moffat County

Sand Wash Basin is an open HMA in northwest Colorado off County Road 67, west of Craig. This BLM land covers 157,730 acres, and is home to a mixture of wild horse breeds, although most bear the greatest genetic resemblance to the Iberian Spanish horses of the 16th and 17th centuries.

While you can find wild horses of all colors here, you’re most likely to come across gray and sorrel ones. Locals claim that the best way of pursuing a sighting is to simply drive the county road through the BLM land, or take advantage of the area’s many hiking paths. Keep in mind that a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle will make for the most comfortable excursion. To increase your chances of a sighting, take a private tour with Wild Horse Warriors, and when you’re done looking for wild horses, stay in the popular hunting town of Craig in Colorado’s arid plains.

While iconic wild horse Picasso is no longer grazing in Sand Wash Basin, if you’re lucky, you may come across Mystic, a wild white mare with haunting dark eyes, or stallion brothers Caliente and Augustus.

Spring Creek Basin

Located in between Norwood and Cortez in southwestern Colorado lies Spring Creek Basin. The herd here is one of the smallest in the state at under 100 horses, but at Spring Creek Basin you’re also likely to glimpse elk or antelope, making this HMA a top wildlife destination. Plan a fun day with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and take road CR19Q (four miles down highway 142 from Naturita) to K20E in Disappointment Valley.

Local legend suggests that the wild horses of Spring Creek Basin were brought to the area by a conman from Montana who had stolen them and hoped to make a profit. Instead, the man was forced to flee to avoid criminal charges and left the horses behind. Keep an eye out for spirited Sundance (recognizable by his long white mane and many battle scars) and his band of mustangs on the rugged terrain.

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse HMA

Photo: Visit Grand Junction

After exploring Colorado’s fruit and wine country in nearby Grand Junction and Palisade, head to the sagebrush-dotted canyon that makes up the Little Book Cliffs HMA. Your best bet for seeing horses here is to go by four-wheel-drive vehicle to Indian Park, where you’ll glimpse a diverse array of breeds.

You may need to get the binoculars out to find wild horses here or tramp through the fields to look for flat, open stretches where the herds gather. Just be prepared for the heat and keep your distance and stick to slow movements and gentle voices to ensure safety. Probably the most fun way to explore this HMA is taking a tour by horseback (not wild horse, of course) with Rimrock Adventures through Little Book Cliffs to spot one of the 150 horses that make their home here.

Piceance-East Douglas HMA

The Piceance-East Douglas HMA is located in the northwest of the state and is home to 100-250 wild horses on a little over 190,000 acres of public land. Hiking and 4×4 trails offer the best chances of finding bands of horses here, and a tour from Piceance Mustangs is coming soon.

For the highest chance of coming across a herd, head to Yellow Creek or 84 Mesa in springtime. During the summer, the wild horses leave the lowlands for higher elevation, and in the winter bands head toward slopes and ridges, so plan your visit accordingly. For great views that may just include bands of wild horses, drive Rio Blanco County Road 103 to the Cathedral Bluffs.

This HMA was the site of a particularly controversial roundup in the summer of 2022 and is also known for being an oil, coal, and gas-rich section of BLM land. While Piceance-East Douglas is open to the public year-round, be aware that there are no facilities on the property, and phone service may be spotty–perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The towns of Meeker and Rangely are the closest places to find food and gas.

More like thisOutdoor8 Places To See Wild Horses in North America

The Sexiest and Most Provocative Shows You Can See in Paris

Paris has more to offer than quaint cafés, strolls by the Seine, and long, cultured days in the Louvre — it has a sexy side. After all, Paris is home to the Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the French cancan. It has a reputation to maintain, and it does so flawlessly.

The French capital is home to a wide range of adult shows, from the gently provocative Paris cabaret to the full-blown erotic. There is something for everyone, no matter their preferences and their levels of shyness. On top of that, Cabaret shows in Paris often come with dinner and Champagne, making it a perfect way to indulge fully.

Sexy Paris cabaretFéerie at Le Moulin Rouge

Where: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, FranceWhen: Several shows per day, including matinées, and options including dinner, champagne, and surprises.Price: From $90 to $430Age restriction: Children from age six are allowed to enter with a parent or legal guardian.

Situated in the heart of Pigalle, Paris’ former red-light district, Le Moulin Rouge is world-famous but continues to exceed visitors’ expectations.

“Féerie” (which translates as wonder) takes you on a journey through space and time: from the sleepy gardens of a windmill to the bustle of a pirate ship. The performance is a perfect blend of provocation and storytelling. Even better, if you wish to it comes with dinner — a French gastronomical meal cooked by the Moulin’s in-house chef.

Despite containing some nudity — with topless female dancers and skimpy costumes — today, the Moulin Rouge brands itself as family-friendly, stepping away from its scandalous past.

Totally Crazy: The Crazy Horse Show

Where: 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, FranceWhen: Sunday to Friday 8 PM and 10:30 PM; Saturday at 7 PM, 9:30 PM, and 11:45 PM with options including champagne, dinner, private tours, and more.Price: From $92 to $280Age restriction: Children from age 10 are allowed to enter with a parent or legal guardian.

Crazy Horse is one of Paris’ biggest cabarets. What sets it apart from the rest is the cheek of its performances, combined with the intimate setting of the venue, with its soft lighting and hidden corners. For 90 minutes, enjoy the grace and sexuality of dancers from all over the world.

“Totally Crazy” is tasteful but risqué: Skilled dancers’ near-naked, voluptuous bodies are shrouded in whirling light effects. The show contains almost-complete nudity, with male and female dancers dressed only in diamante or leather G-strings.

Paris Merveilles at the Lido

Where: 116 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, FranceWhen: Three performances per day at 3 PM, 9 PM, and 11 PM with Champagne and dinner options among others.Price: From $77 to $460Age restrictions: Children from four years old are allowed to enter with a parent or legal guardian.

A Vegas-style performance with all the modern frills, “Paris Merveilles” is a breathtaking experience that celebrates the City of Light with a provocative and sensual show created by Franco Dragone — the man behind Cirque du Soleil.

Over the years, the Lido has made a name for itself as one of Paris’ best cabarets. Its racy shows are performed by iconic dancers — the Bluebell Girls and the Lido Boys. “Paris Merveilles” takes the venue’s artistic and sexy skillset to a new level, celebrating its 75th anniversary with this special show dedicated to the city of Paris.

Expect well-choreographed dances, mind-blowing acrobatics performed in lingerie, topless dancers, both male and female, and suggestive acts that will have your pulse racing as high as the cancan dancers’ legs.

L’Oiseau Paradis at Le Paradis Latin

Where: 28, Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, FranceWhen: Every day at 2 PM and 9:30 PM with several options for lunch, dinner, and more. Price: From $72 to $200.Age restrictions: Children from age six are allowed to enter with a parent or legal guardian.

At Le Paradis Latin, performances blur the line between dance and live sex show. There are BDSM-inspired pole-dances in strappy G-strings; three naked bodies caressing each other; two wet and steamy acrobats in a bathtub. Each scene of the “L’Oiseau Paradis” performance is expertly performed, erotically charged, and unafraid of crossing boundaries.

While the show is 100 percent modern, Paradis Latin is one of the oldest cabarets of Paris. It was founded by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802, at the time named Théâtre Latin. Since then, it has drawn many illustrious patrons, including Honoré de Balzac.

The main vedette of L’Oiseau Paradis (which translates as Bird of Paradise) is former Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere. The show is directed by Kamel Ouali, who reinvents classics such as the French cancan with special effects, sophisticated machinery, and amazing costumes.

Cabaret Burlesque at La Nouvelle Seine

Where: 3 Quai Montebello, 75005 Paris, FranceWhen: Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 PM. Courses on Sunday afternoons.Price: $10Age restrictions: Children from age 12 are allowed to enter with a parent or legal guardian.

“Le Cabaret Burlesque” leans into the vintage aesthetic of the art of burlesque, providing a cheeky show filled with energy. Both men and women show off their rhinestone-studded and feather-covered bodies in this expertly directed performance.

If that wasn’t atmospheric enough, the entire thing takes place on a Bateau-Mouche, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Seine — as long as you can take your eyes off the scantily clad performers. The show involved topless men and women and a lot of lingerie.

The venue also offers courses in Burlesque if you want to take a turn on the stage.

The Brunch and Queen at Acqua e Farina

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par The brunch and queen (@thebrunchandqueen)

Where: 45 Quai de Valmy 75010 Paris, FranceWhen: Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5 PM.Price: $30 with the all-you-can-eat buffetAge restrictions: N/A

The mimosas are bottomless, and the drag performers are scantily clad at this tasty brunch. The award-winning Lolita Banana, alongside a team of guest drag queens from all over the planet, presents an unforgettable show as decadent as the chocolate fountain and dessert counter included in the buffet.

Originally from Mexico, Lolita is making a name for herself as one of the top drag performers in Paris. Her quirky sense of humor and unique style always keep guests entertained.

Erotic shows in ParisSensual pleasures at Théâtre ChoChotte

Where: 34 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, FranceWhen: Rolling performances from 12:30 PM to 00:30 AM, Monday to Saturday.Price: $56 for men, $40 for women, $87 for a coupleAge restrictions: 18+

Théâtre ChoChotte is a cross between a cabaret and a strip club, and its quirky, innovative performances are sure to awaken your deepest desires. With special rates for couples, this erotic theater presents rolling 15-minute shows, each a uniquely sensual experience. The majority of the performers are women. You will see bare chests, butt cheeks, and dancers getting hot and heavy on stage.

Until 1986, Théâtre ChoChotte was a haute couture boutique held by Madame Caussade. After spending her entire career dressing women in the most elegant of outfits, Madame Caussade decided she would rather help them get undressed. So she transformed her shop into an erotic theatre with new performances every week.

Sweet Experience at Sweet Paradise

Where: 12, Rue Marie Stuart, 75002 Paris, FranceWhen: Wednesday to Saturday at 8:30 PM.Price: $30Age restrictions: 18+

Take the staircase down to a secret stone-walled basement, where talented exotic dancers nicknamed the Sweeties will help you live out your wildest fantasies. Before the show begins, you are given a color bracelet to show how involved you want to get — blue if you only want to observe, yellow for limited interactions, and red to give the Sweeties permission to do whatever they desire. Sweet Paradise calls itself a “bar of fantasies” for a reason — nothing is off limits here, they say, within the confines of the law.

Half strip club, half theater, the “Sweet Experience” offer two performances: on Thursdays, “Murder at Sweet Paradise” which is an erotic detective show in which the Sweeties investigate the audience to find the culprit. On Fridays, the show revolves around the Sweeties asking for the audience’s help to find the key to paradise. This show is particularly adapted for swingers and couples. Expect full nudity.

The Shower Show at Le Raidd

Where: 23 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris, FranceWhen: Three shows per night. The first one starts around 12:30 AM.Price: No cover chargeAge restrictions: 18+

“In our shower, we are all equal” is Le Raidd’s catchphrase, one of Paris’ most popular gay bars. Located in the heart of the Marais, the city’s queer district, Le Raidd is famous for its sexy shower shows. Every night, four hunky men make a dirty show of getting nice and clean. They strip down before lathering up in a glass shower cubicle in the center of the bar. Expect full nudity — only covered by suds. The bartenders also work topless.

The bar is popular with young Parisians, international students, and the local LGBTQ+ crowd and has a lively atmosphere free of taboos. There is no cover charge, but drinks are pricey and you should expect a long line to get in on the weekends.

More like thisCouplesOrgasm Workshops Are a Thing, and These Are the Best Ones To Try

Americans Are Shocked at This Example of ‘Work-Life Balance’ in Barcelona

Spain is an excellent country for digital nomads. At the beginning of the year, the government announced its new digital nomad visa, and one index named it among the best countries for remote workers. If you need more convincing, this video from Thomas Manuel, a digital nomad and travel content creator currently living in Barcelona, created a TikTok that shows his work-life balance in Europe.

@thomaslmanuel

Balance is the keyword

♬ Sundays – Just Piano Version – FKJ

Manuel ditched the 40-hour work week, and frankly, his schedule seems more “life” than work. The video has racked up over four million views and over 900,000 likes in just four days. Many viewers commented about Manuel’s five-hour coffee break.

“I was waiting for the part you go back to work after your coffee break but life just kept happening,” Amadou Bah commented.

“I’m over here like, ‘Damn, that’s a long lunch break,’ and then he just never went back to work,” Ashton commented.

Some users in the comments said that this life wasn’t attainable for every digital nomad that makes their way out of the United States because most jobs don’t have the flexibility. Manuel disagreed.

“I usually work four hours a day in the office, but sometimes I’ll do more, sometimes less, TikTok and content creation is a 24/7 job,” he said. “It does work with a lot of professions and if you travel around the world you’ll see plenty of countries have adopted this type of work schedule.”

So if you’re looking to make a change, or you’re already working remotely, it might be time to give Barcelona a shot.

More like thisDigital NomadNew Data Show the Best Countries in the World To Work Remotely

For Your Culinary Bucket List: Pizza a Portafoglio Is the Perfect Italian Street Food

The modern version of pizza as you know it today – one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in the history of, well, all of humanity – was created in Naples, Italy. Today, in the Campania region, pizza is everywhere: shops lining every street, street vendors, and cafes. And yes, you can even find it on the beach — especially a portable folded version called pizza a portafoglio.

The name translates loosely to pizza wallet because of how it’s folded, and, according to Visit Naples, the first came from a pizzeria that dates back to 1738. It’s not just around Naples. You can find pizza a portafoglio in multiple parts of Italy as a common (and cheap) street food, but if you’re headed to Naples specifically, you must add it to your culinary bucket list. Served hot enough to scorch your tongue, these personal pizza pies are folded up in paper, almost like a big piece of pita, so that you can eat it as you explore.

@foodwtf Beachside #pizza vendor in #Naples #Italy IG: @kikka_cry #foodtiktok #pizzatiktok #traveltok ♬ Silenzio Bruno. Chiquitita by ABBA slowed – (taylor’s version)

A TikTok video posted by @@kikka_cry where a beachside pizza vendor in Naples can be seen serving pizza a portafoglio is a perfect example. Beachside pizza vendors in Naples push a small cart with a large metal barrel. Inside, the hot pizzas are stacked and ready to be served to hungry beach goers. The sandy beach is dotted with tables outfitted with umbrellas.

A sizzling hot mini pizza might not be the first thing you think to eat while relaxing in the sand, but this is Italy after all – anytime is a good time for pizza. And undoubtedly, there will be good gelato nearby for when you need to cool down.

Pizza a portafoglio joins other dishes like panzerotti and cuoppo as the most famous street foods in Naples. Everywhere you look, there is another piping hot delicious fried food filled with cheese and tomatoes – the biggest challenge you’ll probably face on your Italian getaway is what to try first.

More like thisFood + DrinkFollow These Food Rules To Eat Like a Local in Italy

This Bali Glamping Experience Puts You Above the Ocean With Perfect Views

Glamping spots worldwide transform places and concessions like tipis, tents, villas, pods, domes, and treehouses into luxury stays. It seems that the “glamping movement” is in no way slowing down but has become more popular as more stays are popping up all around. Want to hop on this movement and experience a cool Airbnb glamping experience? Then check out this Cliff Side glamping experience in Bali.

We hope you love this glamping Airbnb in Bali! 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.

@ditchinthe9to5 This has to be the best Airbnb in the world?? #bali #airbnb #fyp #foryou #travel ♬ Fall in Love with You. – Montell Fish

If you want a unique glamping experience, check out this lush Airbnb glamping bungalow in Bali. This tropical glamping cliffside stay sits on the edge of a cliff high above the crystal blue waters. The beautiful bungalow features a 180-degree view of the ocean, an eco-friendly bamboo design, indoor and outdoor showers, a shooting “star net,” and more amazing features. There are other features like room service and inclusive breakfast.

This Airbnb glamping experience is perfect for those wanting to get away and surround themselves with nature with beautiful sunrise-facing views and friendly visits from the turtles and manta rays. Cliffs Edge brings you that mixture of luxury while connecting with mother nature, all while soaking up the island of Nusa Penida.

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Who wouldn’t want to come to this relaxing, dreamy space, hang out on bean bags or the star net, or take in the beautiful water views on the raised balcony? Immerse yourself and feel like you’re the only one left in the world here at this stunning glamping stay. If you’re looking to stay at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb glamping space in Bali, it costs about $320 a night, and it’s waiting for you, so you don’t miss out.

Book Now

More like thisBeaches and IslandsCraving a Bali Beach Getaway? Consider These Alternative Islands in Indonesia

The Gibraltar Airport’s Runway Intersects With City Traffic for the Wildest Takeoff Experience

Fly into or out of Gibraltar and you may find your plane’s takeoff or landing has an unexpected hazard: highway traffic. As seen in the below TikTok video, the runway at Gibraltar Airport actually intersects with a normal road to create what just may be the world’s most unique 4-way intersection.

@top_fives_ 15 Most Dangerous Airports in the World#top_fives_ #mustard ♬ original sound – Top 15 Video About Obscure Sub

The Gibraltar Airport was built in 1939, and as both the airport and the city that surrounds it have grown in the decades since, the runway was expanded and, with nowhere else for it to go, it intersected with Winston Churchill Avenue. Of particular note here is the fact that this highway is the primary access point for drivers coming into and out of Gibraltar. That means that not only is the road in use, but that it’s in heavy use. In order to prevent plane-auto collisions, the road is shut down for 10 minutes each time a plane arrives at or departs from the airport.

As one can imagine, this tends to cause quite a scene during busy traffic periods. While those on board the plane don’t experience anything unusual beyond witnessing the scene through their windows, It’s not uncommon for those held up in traffic while a plane comes in to exit their vehicle in order to document the occasion on their phone. This could make for a great way to play a quick game of “guess where” with a friend or loved one, as they certainly won’t be expecting a video of you standing mere meters from an airport runway as a plane rumbles past.

More like thisAirports + FlyingThose Numbers on Airport Runways Mean a Lot More Than You Think

Colombia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Makes the Country One of the Best for Working Abroad

Stroll down Calle 10 in the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellin, Colombia, and you’ll notice many fellow pedestrians who don’t quite look like tourists on holiday, but certainly aren’t locals. The city, and El Poblado in particular, has become a major hub for digital nomads – those who work remotely and have the ability to travel the world as they please. The Colombian government is making it easier for the laptop-inclined set to spend more time in the country. On October 22, the country will debut a digital nomad visa that grants extended stays to those people can prove they work remotely and meet a specific set of requirements.

Currently, those arriving in Colombia from the United States, UK, and many other countries receive the general Visa on Arrival at the airport and are permitted to stay in the country for 90 days, with the possibility of renewing that visa for an additional 90 days. The new Colombia digital nomad visa ups that to two years (the same as Costa Rica’s new digital nomad visa), with a slew of additional perks designed to further the country’s authority in the remote work arena.

In order to qualify for the visa, one must meet the following requirements:

Earn at least $684 per month (this is significantly lower than the income requirement for many similar visas worldwide, including Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa, which requires an income of at least $3,000 per month)Provide a letter from an employer, written in English or Spanish, proving remote employment or prove that you earn the required income through entrepreneurial or freelance work (your best bet, in this case, might be to ask a client to provide a letter for you if you don’t have an incorporated business outside of Colombia)Have a valid passportObtain international health insurance

Unlike most digital nomad visas, Colombia’s comes with an incentive to start a business there, and though it’s yet to be formalized, this would seem to indicate that visa holders will be able to open a bank account in Colombia. More information is likely to come prior to the October release date. Applications for the visa are not yet open.

More like thisExpat LifeThese Nomad-Friendly Visas Let You Stay in the European Union Longer Than 90 Days

Portland Has the Best Urban Wilderness in America. Here’s How To Explore It Yourself.

Portland is weird, sure. Seemingly every brewery in town seems to be competing to see who can make a more death-defying IPA, and nobody would bat an eyelash if someone opened a store selling nothing but organic, non-GMO sponges. But beyond its quirkiness, Portland also has the best urban wilderness of any American city, where you can escape from downtown into a maze of Douglas Fir trees in a matter of minutes. Then, an hour later, find yourself kayaking to a secluded island beach.

Other cities have nature, sure, but nowhere is it as abundant and easy to access as it is in Portland. And with 12,591 acres of public parkland just within the city limits, finding where to hike, and for how long, can be a little overwhelming. But from beginners to people who want to hike from sunrise to sunset, the Rose City has something for everyone.

Forest Park

Photo: Ethan O Cusick/Shutterstock

The crown jewel of Portland’s urban wilderness is Forest Park and its 5,200 acres of pure northwestern forest set completely inside the city. Seventy miles of trails run through the park, crossing over lava-formed streams, up lush hillsides, and deep into miles of Douglas Fir trees. You could spend an entire vacation just exploring what’s inside, but the signature experience is the Wildwood Trail. The 30.2 mile path covers the entire park from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Zoo to Newberry Road, and if you come in the summer an ambitious hiker can do it all in one day. If that sounds a little extreme, you can pick the trail up in plenty of places around the park to get a small taste.

You can also take a trail to the Pittock Mansion, a 1914 French renaissance chateau built for newspaper tycoon Henry Pittock. Even if you don’t care to tour the home, the views from the immaculate front gardens are a welcomed place to take a load off after a long hike. While you can walk the park yourself any time from 5 AM to 10 PM, taking a tour with Around Portland Tours will educate you about the history of the park. And you’ll learn jaw-dropping stories about the people who’ve lived on the possibly-cursed land over the centuries.

Willamette River

Photo: Josemaria Toscano/Shutterstock

The shining blue waters of the Willamette seemingly beg to be explored as you see them from almost everywhere around the city. The most relaxing way is to paddle a kayak around Ross Island, a one time dredging port in the middle of the river. You’ll glide through green wilderness, past slow-moving boats, and out to the bridges leading to downtown. The whole loop can be done in a couple of hours, but packing a few beers and a picnic to enjoy on one of the island’s beaches is well worth the extra time.

You can rent kayaks from Portland Kayak Company, who has space at a private sailing club along the river from which to launch. The kayaks are heavy duty sea kayaks too, so even if the water is a little choppy you won’t get wet (unless you want to).

Southwest Trails

Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

Some cities have color-coded subway maps to help people around the city. In southwest Portland, they have colorful hiking trail maps that guide you in and around neighborhoods through a series of nature trails. The trails crisscross the hills of expensive houses and expansive views, through city parks and into deep woods. For a serious workout, hit Trail 1, which starts at the OHSU waterfront and shoots straight uphill to Marquam Nature Park ending at Raleigh Park in Raleigh Hills.

You can also traverse the entire length of southwest Portland along the 10.6-mile Trail 6, which meets Trail 1 inside Marquam Park. It has the best views of the eastern side of the city, and though it can be hilly, it is definitely worth the effort. The North-South Trail 7 is a little shorter at only 8.7 miles, but lets you take breaks at attractions like the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum.

OHSU Tram and Trails

Photo: Liz DLT/Shutterstock

Along the west side waterfront of the Willamette River you’ll find the base of the Portland Aerial Tram, a commuter tram that takes you from the river to the top of Marquam Hill. It’s part of Portland’s 4T trail, where you can explore the city via train, tram, trolley, and trail. Once you’ve enjoyed the ride up the mountain, you can then take a four mile trail along the hilltop to the Oregon Zoo. The tram also gives you instant access to the Southwest Trails, so if you want to explore them but aren’t up for the initial climb, this is the way to go.

Willamette River Greenway

Photo: Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock

One of America’s most scenic urban greenways runs along the water in Portland, stretching from the southern suburbs up through the city alongside the Willamette River. Like most greenways, it’s a popular spot for runners and cyclists, but it also leads to other trails that travel farther into Portland’s wilderness.

One of the best side trips is in the city’s southwestern section, where you can take the greenway over the Sellwood bridge and into the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Here, you’ll hike through giant fir and maple trees to a low lying wetland that turns purple with wildflowers during the summer. Head north from there and you’ll hit the Tilikum Crossing, Portland’s iconic cable-stayed bridge. You can then head downtown, or hike through the hills on the west side of the Willamette river for an eight-ish mile loop back to the greenway.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Photo: C.M. Zizzo/Shutterstock

Tryon Creek is the only state park in Oregon located in a major metropolitan area, about 15 minutes south of downtown just north of Lake Oswego. The 658-acre swath of second growth forest offers an instant immersion into northwest wildlife, where birds, squirrels, and other small animals scamper among tall fir and deciduous trees. You can do the whole park in half a day, as the eight miles of trails make the entire landscape accessible to most. You’ll also cross eight bridges over the creek, meaning you’re never at a loss for photo ops. And if all the hiking has you tired out you can take a rest on the woodland boardwalk and enjoy the sounds of the forest.

Washington Park

Photo: Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

Portland’s famous International Test Rose Garden sits inside sprawling Washington Park, which is defined by 410 acres of trees, flowers, and historic monuments. While you should absolutely take the time to, literally, stop and smell the over 10,000 roses in the oft-photographed garden, Washington Park also is where you’ll find the Portland Japanese Garden, which feels a little like Okinawa in the middle of a temperate PNW rainforest.

For woodsy hiking, venture into the Hoyt Arboretum, where 12 miles of trails wind between 2,300 species of trees from across the world. The “living museum” was designed to showcase and preserve trees that people would otherwise have to cross the globe to see, and if you know what to look for it’s one of the most unique hiking experiences on the planet.

Mount Tabor Park

Photo: MattxDavey/Shutterstock

No place is better to end the day outdoors than Mount Tabor Park in southeast Portland. Though it’s not technically the highest point in the city, the 636-foot summit of this once-active volcano offers the best vistas for both sunrise and sunset, with perfect views of the city skyline and Mt. Hood in the distance. Though it can skew hilly, hiking here is still pretty easy, and trails as short as a mile wind you through 191 acres of wilderness. You’ll often find sunset yoga classes sharing the top of the mountain, and once a year the park also hosts Portland’s Adult Soap Box Derby, where grown men and women race down a mountain in home-made go karts.

More like thisHiking6 Must-See Waterfalls Near Portland You Can Reach in Half an Hour