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

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

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

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

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

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

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We hope you love the Nomadix travel towel! 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.

Photo Credit: Nomadix

Photo credit: Tim Wenger

Photo credit: Tim Wenger

Nomadix towel review

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

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

Nomadix travel towel for yoga

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

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

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

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

Bonus features and sustainability

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

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

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

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

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

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Apple AirTags Helped Recover a Bag With $15,000 in Jewelry That Was Stolen From Baggage Claim

In recent years, I’ve joined the group of travelers who prefer to always check a bag. Measuring out toiletries to be under 3.4 fluid ounces, significantly limiting the amount of clothing you can bring, and lugging a carry-on through the airport are things I just don’t want to worry about. However, there is a major concern for many travelers who are committed to being team carry-on: hopping off a flight only to find out that your luggage never made it to baggage claim. Losing baggage is not that common but, of course, it is frustrating. In the first half of 2021, a study found that 690,000 bags had been lost or mishandled. One tiny device has recently saved the day for some passengers: Apple AirTags.

On August 11, in Okaloosa County, Florida, the county sheriff’s office posted on Facebook that thanks to the combined efforts of the airline, the police department, and a victim’s AirTags, the police were able to recover luggage allegedly stolen by an airline subcontractor — and one contained $15,000 worth of jewelry. Unfortunately, another passenger’s bag that had $1,600 worth of items were allegedly stolen by the same subcontractor who found and disabled the AirTag in her bag. The stolen items were never recovered.

Apple AirTags cost $29 for one, or $99 for a set of four. They can be used on anything from your car keys to your wallet to your luggage, and there are plenty of ways to attach them. Though it is important to know that they should be hidden if possible, as they can be turned off by anyone who finds them. Cici in the Sky, a flight attendant and TikToker, recently made a video about how investing in the little dots almost guarantees that your bags will make it back to you safe and sound.

@cici_inthesky Reply to @kathiecole1 #greenscreenvideo @cici_inthesky #travelhacks #airtag #flightattendant #flightattendantlife #flightcrew #airplanetips #flighttipsandtricks ♬ original sound – ℂℂ

Of course, if you end up out of luck anyway, the good news is that all airlines have policies to make sure that you are fairly compensated for the lost luggage by reimbursing you (if you know how to fill out all the right paperwork and follow up).

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Valencia Is the Region of Spain You Need To Visit if You’re Obsessed With Food

Hear the name Valencia and most likely you’ll think of oranges. Oranges were first brought to Valencia by Muslims, aka the Moors, in the 10th century. They loved their colorful aromatic properties and used orange trees to decorate mosques, palaces and courtyards. Nowadays fewer farmers work their orange fields in Valencia, but the fruit is still a symbol of the city. Orange blossoms are included in bridal bouquets, the color appears on football jerseys, and the word orange is even used as a term of endearment. In Valencia, food is part of the city’s identity.

Valencia’s old town center Barrio del Carmen is packed with churches, restaurants, towers, pastelerías (cake shops) and narrow alleyways leading off in all directions. An enticing blend of Roman and Arabic architecture is a nod to the city’s early residents, but of the most impressive buildings in the city is the Mercado Central.

At just over 86,000 square feet, this vast cathedral-like space with a roof made of iron girders, glass panes and wood, contains 1500 food stalls. There’s a feast of delights to taste, including paper thin slivers of jamón ibérico, gooey cheeses, acres of olives and of course, oranges by the bag full. Valencia food is hearty and savory, with Mediterranean flavors and a heavy reliance on seafood.

Valencia is also home to the futuristic City of Art and Sciences, a sprawling complex built on the banks of the river Turia, and a raft of pretty palm trees line the beaches in this area. Local residents say the paella served at the beachfront restaurants is some of the best to be had in Spain. It’s not surprising because the first rice grown in Spain was in the Valencia region.

Lunch is an important meal in Spain and shouldn’t be rushed. Reasonably priced menu del dias, three course fixed menus, are the way to go. Given most restaurants don’t reopen until 8 p.m. at the earliest, because dinner is typically served later in Spain than other parts of the world, you’ll want to set yourself up with enough energy to get through the rest of the day. Or at least until it’s time for a mid afternoon snack.

Whatever the time of day, make sure you leave space on your itinerary and in your stomach for these 7 dishes that make Valencia one Spain’s most legendary food regions.

Paella

Photo: username/Shutterstock

Valencia is indisputably the birthplace of paella, and its certainly the region’s signature dish. Fresh paella is made at lunchtime in paellera, flat round two-handled pans the dish is named for and served in. Traditional versions of this one time agricultural workers’ meal contain chicken, rabbit or snails, and sometimes local white beans called garrafó. Contemporary versions feature shrimp, mussels, and other seafood cooked in squid ink and vegetarian combinations. Make sure to try the socarrat, the crispy layer of rice caramelised onto the base of the pan.

Agua de Valencia

Photo: Glowe/Shutterstock

It’s an established fact that oranges are one of the most iconic symbols of Valencia, but in this part of Spain they’re even better when imbibed in a glass of agua de Valencia. The name is slightly misleading because while the name means the water of Valencia, the drink is actually a refreshing cocktail. Cava, a sparkling white or rosé wine originating from Spain, vodka, and gin, are combined with orange juice. It’s comparison to water just goes to show how much the people of Valencia must love to sip this bubbly cocktail.

Chufa

Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock

Also known as tiger nuts, chufa are a popular snack sold by vendors in the Plaza de la Virgin and other parts of town. Like agua de Valencia, the name is another misnomer as these so-called nuts are actually a type of edible tuber. Originally from Egypt, they have a wrinkly texture, a sweet almost almond-like taste and are highly aromatic.

Bunyol

Photo: BasiliAdvertiser/Shutterstock

March in Valencia is associated with parades of floats called fallas carrying ninot, giant figures made from wood and fabric, and eating bunyol. Bunyol are a deep fried pastry in the shape of a ball or a ring, liberally sprinkled with sugar. They’re also associated with Lent and the traditional version lists pumpkin as one of the ingredients.

Arroz de Horno

Photo: lma_ss/Shutterstock

This hearty meal is one of many rice based Valencian dishes. Slabs of pork rib, chunks of sausage and slices of bacon are baked in the oven with a mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic and onion. It’s spiced with bay leaves, a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, and coloured with a sprinkling of saffron. Best consumed at lunch, followed by a long siesta.

Horchata

Photo: Yana Demenko/Shutterstock

Horchata is the specialty drink of Valencia, known for its refreshing cinnamon flavor that’s best enjoyed throughout the summer. Called orxata in Valenciano, the local language, horchata has a milk-like texture and look to it, but it’s completely non-dairy. Made from tiger nuts, Valencians take this drink very seriously, with numerous small cafes called horchateria throughout the city only selling horchata and sweet treats to go with them.

Farton

Photo: Giannis Papanikos/Shutterstock

Farton go with horchata like peaches go with cream. The name comes from the word fart, but don’t be embarrassed to say it. In the local dialect this means fed. These thin sweet extra long pastries were specially designed for dipping into glasses of horchata. The light and airy dough means they absorb more of the liquid.

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It May Soon Be Easier To Get Refunds for Delayed Flights

The Department of Transportation is considering a policy change that would make it easier for air passengers to get reimbursed for significant changes to their travel plans, including cancellations, major delays, rerouted flights, additional connections, and changes to seat class or aircraft if passengers are left with fewer amenities than promised at booking. According to a news release, the agency opened up the proposal to a 90-day public comment period.

One of the biggest questions the proposed policy change would address is what constitutes a significant delay. Travelers flying in and out of the US are already entitled to reimbursement in the event of flight cancellations, major delays, and downgrades in service, but refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and what’s considered a significant disruption is nebulous. Under the new rules, a significant delay would be defined as three or more hours for domestic flights and six or more hours for international flights. Any flight that was logged in an airline’s Computer Reservation System when a ticket was purchased but was not ultimately operated would officially be considered canceled.

The new rules would also require airlines to issue non-expiring flight credits or vouchers to passengers whose travel plans are impacted by the pandemic, such as if they become sick or due to government-imposed travel restrictions. Any airline that receives significant federal pandemic aid would be required to issue refunds, rather than credits or vouchers.

The proposed policy change comes following a summer of trying air travel, one marked by countless cancellations and delays that caught the attention of the federal government. In the news release published earlier this month, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “When Americans buy an airline ticket, they should get to their destination safely, reliably, and affordably. This new proposed rule would protect the rights of travelers and help ensure they get the timely refunds they deserve from the airlines.”

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Mount Kilimanjaro Is About To Get WiFi. But Is That a Good Thing?

Pretty soon, you may be able to check in on your favorite social media app from Africa’s highest peak.

An announcement from Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology on August 16 is bringing both cheers and grumbles from alpinists and hikers around the world.

“I am hoisting high-speed internet communications (broadband) on the Roof of Africa. Tourists can now communicate worldwide from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro,”  Minister Nape Nnauye said in a tweet on August 16. WiFi on the summit had been teased for a few months, but the new announcement seems to cement the project, which the department hopes to have up and running by the end of the year.

At 19,300 above sea level, the summit of Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s “seven summits” — a collection of the highest peaks on each continent. Reaching the top is no small feat, though it’s attempted by roughly 35,000 tourists per year. While it’s far less technical and requires less training than peaks like K2 or Everest (the latter of which also has WiFi), it’s still quite challenging. Even the easiest route (known as the Rongai Route) is 46 miles long and takes seven days while gaining roughly 12,700 feet of elevation.

The Horombo Huts are a basic lodging option for climbers who prefer not to sleep in tents each night. Photo: Andrew McMillen/Shutterstock

Soon, travelers will have WiFi connectivity for the entire journey. The Minister’s announcement paired with the installation of WiFi at the Horombo Huts lodging cabins, roughly 12,200 feet above sea level. If all goes according to plan, the government will pay to install broadband WiFi devices on Uhuru Peak — the highest of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones — within the next four months.

WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro: the pros

Climbers will content with weather ranging from blazing heat to significant snow. Photo: Ingus Kruklitis/Shutterstock

At first glance, the announcement of WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro may seem like a good thing, especially in regards to safety. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, hiking is one of the most dangerous extreme sports in the world, killing roughly one in every 15,000 participants (likely from injury or exposure). That makes it more dangerous than bungee jumping, skiing, or snowboarding. With that comes an increased risk of injuries, especially if hikers are unable to reach someone to call for help.

This is the major selling point for adding WiFi to the mountain — it will increase both hiker safety and the speed with which hikers can be rescued if needed, especially as there are no fitness or experience requirements mandated to climb the world’s tallest freestanding peak.

Another pro, depending on who you ask? Backpackers and climbers will now be able to stay in touch with people around the world through Instagram posts, emails, texts, and even the ability to live-stream a Kilimanjaro summit attempt.

WiFi on Mount Kilimanjaro: the cons

Uhuru Peak is the tallest in Africa. Photo: Salparadis/Shutterstock

If the words “live stream a Kilimanjaro summit attempt” made you shake your head and bemoan the loss of natural spaces, you’ll likely see WiFi on the mountain as a con. For travelers who value the silence and disconnectedness of wild spaces, the introduction of WiFi will certainly not be welcome.

It’s also possible that adding WiFi to Kilimanjaro could increase injuries if hikers are looking at their phones or focused on anything other than the demanding hike, especially once they’re fatigued after a few days of trekking. And phone location and tracking services can be unreliable, leading to potentially catastrophic issues if trekkers decide to follow their phones instead of their expert guides.

But perhaps the most compelling argument against installing Mount Kilimanjaro WiFi is what it may indicate about the country’s priorities. Some people think the small villages and residents of Tanzania, about 17 percent of whom don’t have access to cell service or internet, should be prioritized above Mount Kilimanjaro, which caters almost exclusively to tourists. The Center for Global Development estimates that it would cost around $10 million US to install additional towers to cover the rest of the population, who are primarily in rural areas like those around Mount Kilimanjaro.

the World Bank estimates that roughly 10,000 Tanzanians work as porters, carrying heavy gear for tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Photo: Vadim Petrakov/Shutterstock

That said, The World Bank estimates that revenue from tourists climbing Kilimanjaro brings in about $50 million US, or roughly 18 percent of the country’s GDP (GDP is the annual total economic value of a country’s goods and services). The same report claims that roughly $13 million of that income goes toward improving infrastructure and opportunities in surrounding villages. This huge tourists spend, which doesn’t even take into account revenue from visits to sites like Serengeti National Park, is one of the reasons Tanzania’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world.

With the ever-rising costs to climb Mount Kilimanjaro — travelers can expect to spend between $2000 and $6000 per person —  it’s not surprising to see the government prioritizing amenities and access on the mountain. Perhaps by continuing to raise trekking costs (and including benefits like WiFi to justify that cost) the country can continue to better pay porters, guides, and cooks higher wages, giving locals and their families even more economic agency.

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These Airbnbs Have Epic Waterslides To Keep Your Crew Refreshed

It’s one thing checking into a vacation home from Airbnb’s “amazing pools” category but another entirely when your swim space comes with a waterslide. Whether you’re traveling with children or looking to appease your inner big kid, there’s no better way to refresh after a day of exploring than by plunging into a sparkling pool. Slide, don’t walk to book these incredible Airbnbs in the US with waterslides you need to see to believe.

Best overall Airbnb waterslideBest Florida Airbnb rentals with waterslidesBeautiful California Airbnbs with waterslidesCoolest Airbnbs with a waterslide nationwide

We hope you love the Airbnbs with waterslides 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.

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Best overall Airbnb waterslideParabull’s Point – private dock, lakefront deck, 75-foot water slide, hot tub

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This Lake Lure, North Carolina, Airbnb is the OG of vacation estates with waterslides! The stainless steel slide drops straight from the property’s backyard into the depths of the lake. But the fun doesn’t stop there, this lakeside rental is polished off with a games room and open-air hot tub. Not forgetting the private dock where you can launch the provided SUPs and kayaks onto the water. Interiors are beautifully appointed with spacious bedrooms, luxe soaking tubs, and a chef’s kitchen.

Sixteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $2,260 per night

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Best Florida Airbnb rentals with waterslidesWaterfront – two-story waterslide fun

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Why take the stairs when a slide gets you there in half the time? This Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, links the second story to the pool with the help of a nifty waterslide. While you wait your turn, you can shoot hoops into the aquatic basketball net or whip up a frozen margarita in the tiki bar. Located in a waterfront community, the property has a boat slip with water access as well as a mini private beach. Paddle boards are provided by the host.

Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $810 per night

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Amazing home with waterslide – one block off the beach

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This pet-friendly Holmes Beach, Florida, Airbnb with a waterslide is perfect for families. The backyard pool is fully fenced and fringed by palms and tropical flora while the upper floor features a roof terrace. A short and sweet waterslide is built into the landscaping and is ideal for younger kids that are getting started with swimming. Bedrooms and living spaces embody a maritime vibe which is fitting; the closest beach is a mere 400 feet away.

Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $325 per night

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Hidden Bleu tropical mansion on one acre

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Create everlasting memories at this West Palm Beach, Florida, Airbnb rental with a waterslide. The heated outdoor pool is made even better with the addition of a slide that peeps out of the vegetation. Designed in the Key West style, the roomy property fuses comfort and luxury. The kitchen is well-stocked while the master suite comes with a decadent hot tub bath. The hosts are in partnership with local fishing charters and are on hand to organize an outing for the angling enthusiasts in the group.

Fifteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $430 per night

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Beautiful California Airbnbs with waterslidesAirbnb with lazy river, waterslide, race track, arcade room

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

There’s no reason to leave the rental when you book this awesome Coachella, California, Airbnb with a waterslide. Complete with a slide, fountains, hot tub, and a lazy river, the swim space is poised for hours of joy under the Californian sun. Meanwhile, younger tots can burn even more energy on the playground and go-kart track and the whole group will find amusement in the retro games room.

Fourteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $795 per night

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Waterslide, game room, BBQ, and bar near wineries

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Escape the bustle of Los Angeles at this Temecula, California, Airbnb vacation home in the heart of wine country. The one-story compound is immaculately put together with sophisticated minimalist interiors and full emphasis on recreation. Starting with the pool, you have fountains, a spa tub, and, of course, the waterslide. Overlooking this, you’ll find a Palapa hut, pizza oven, and al fresco fireplace. Lawn games and a pool table add a final layer of fun.

Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,020 per night

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Splash pad, waterslide, basketball, arcade, pool, and spa

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Cool down at this Indio resort-style home in Southern California’s Colorado Desert region. The backyard is rigged with a pool with a waterslide, hot tub, and floating seats. Toddlers and smaller kids will relish the splash pads while guests of all ages can channel their inner LeBron on the private basketball court. Interiors are tastefully styled with attention placed on high-quality linens and upholstery.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $850 per night

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Coolest Airbnbs with a waterslide nationwideEnjoy pools and lazy river at a seven-bedroom villa in Vegas

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Surely one of the most extravagant Airbnbs with a waterslide, this Las Vegas, Nevada, mansion is laid out like a tiny resort. The two swimming pools are designed with waterslides, waterfalls, caves, and 30-foot-high water jets. Meanwhile, a swim-up bar makes it easier to stay on top of those all-important hydration levels. Harmonious bedrooms and multiple en suite bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs are perfect for winding down.

Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $2,400 per night

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Oceanfront luxury waterfalling estate – private waterfall, pool, and more – Hawaii

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Follow in the footsteps of Justin Beiber with a getaway to this luxurious Nīnole vacation complex on Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast. Perched on the cliffs, the property experiences breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The 25-meter Olympic swimming pool is fashioned with a diving platform and a two-story waterslide. Elsewhere, you’ll have access to a nine-tee golf course, tennis court, basketball court, and fitness suite. The hosts are available to arrange grocery shopping, private chefs, yoga classes, and beyond.

Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $3,555 per night

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Half a million dollar pool with lazy river – Scottsdale, Arizona

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This one-of-a-kind Scottsdale, Arizona, Airbnb with resort pool and waterslide revolves around a lazy river with a waterfall. Other epic amenities that make this property stand out include the driving range, basketball court, yard games, and indoor games room. Bedrooms and communal areas are relatively humble in comparison with an emphasis on comfort and the sense of space.

Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $1,325 per night

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Carlisle: Westlake Hills with pool – Austin, Texas

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Replenish and rejuvenate at this Austin, Texas, Airbnb in the middle of the Westlake Hills. The vacation home is afforded utmost privacy courtesy of the surrounding forest but you can catch a glimpse of the city on the horizon – a quick 15 minutes down the road by car. The swimming pool is lashed with sunshine while the slide allows endless hours of entertainment.

Price: $535 per night

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This Vegas Resort Is the Ultimate Adult Playground for Sports Lovers

We hope you love the resorts 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.

Change is just about the only constant in Las Vegas. One section of the City of Sin where that’s been especially noticeable over the past decade is downtown. Yet despite all of the investment that downtown Las Vegas has seen with the Fremont Street Experience and Arts District, it wasn’t until October 2020 that the area got it’s first new hotel in 40 years when Circa opened. Today, Circa is the best place in Vegas to be a sports gambler.

Circa is the third hotel and casino from Derek Stevens, who, with his brother Greg, renovated two other downtown hotels: the Golden Gate in 2008 and Fitzgeralds (now The D) in 2011. It’s the first Stevens opened in Vegas that’s designed from the ground up. Still, the building is a nod to the Vegas of the past and what Stevens sees as the Vegas of the future.

The name Circa is a reference to the various decades of Vegas through the 20th and 21st centuries. Stevens left it at Circa rather than choosing just one era such as “Circa 1940” or “Circa 1960” because there’s something notable in every time period.

“There isn’t one greatest era in Vegas, so we wanted to represent it all,” Stevens told me in July as we walked through his newest casino.

One connection to the past is the 25-foot Vegas Vickie kicking cowgirl neon sign. It hung on the building that was previously on the lot Circa sits now, the Glitter Gulch, for nearly half a century. Vickie is an icon among neon fanatics, and “Circa was built on sacred ground” when it comes to the city’s neon history, says Jeff Young, senior vice president of YESCO, the company that restored the sign.

“I always want to take something from the past and move forward,” Stevens said, looking over the inside balcony where Vegas Vickie now spans two floors, her head and cowboy hat eye-to-eye with people in the casino and at the Vegas Vickie’s Cocktail Lounge. “Vickie has been hanging on the streets for 40 years. She got a lift, and now she’s inside.”

While the sign and connections to Vegas’s past and future are impossible to ignore, people largely come to Circa for the sports.

Photo: Circa

It’s easy to see Circa as an adult playground for sports lovers. It was the first 21-and-over only casino on Fremont Street. That means no strollers, no kids splashing in the pools, and you don’t have to pull out your ID to do the things that you’re in Vegas to do.

Ask anyone who knows Stevens — and there’s plenty of people to choose from, considering nearly every worker we passed as we toured the property gave a fist bump or wave — and they’ll tell you the casino matches the owner. Stevens lives and breathes sports. As we walked into the small on-site TV studio where he does weekly shows, he rattled off facts about the teams closest to where I’ve lived, from central California; to Auburn, Alabama; to New York City; and finally Denver.

The best experiences come from people who live and breathe what their business is about. That’s quite literal at Circa. Case in point: VSIN, a TV channel that runs 21 hours of live programming a day that’s shot inside Circa. Stevens has his own weekly show, and describes the programming as “to sports betting what CNBC is to the stock market.”

Photo: Ryan Gobuty

When I was inside the watch room, two guys discussed college football futures while a single screen made up of 85 million pixels displayed their faces and what felt like a thousand other sports statistics in the betting lounge. For comparison, a standard 50-inch TV has about two million pixels. Fitting for the world’s largest sportsbook to also have what has to be the world’s largest TV dedicated solely to showing sports and only sports.

At Circa, sports are king. But even those just looking for a different vibe than what you’ll find at a Strip pool party or the rest of Fremont Street will be entertained here.

Circa Las Vegas restaurants and bars

Photo: Black Raven Films

Barry’s Downtown Prime: A traditional steakhouse through and through, the type where you might get the meat sweats just thinking about the menu. As this is a restaurant housed in Circa, sports are ever-present, of course, and some of the private rooms have TVs. Barry Dakake himself will come out and talk about the dry aged steaks and the rest of the menu (a massive American wagyu tomahawk graced my table on my visit, along with a seafood tower and Dover sole). The wine list covers the hits, but the table service cocktail cart steals the show when it comes to drinks. There are two options: an old fashioned or Manhattan, but you can customize your liquor and garnish choices to make it your own. I went with a Manhattan made with añejo Patron that was then dosed with a smoke machine.

Victory Burger & Wings Co.: Victory Wings is run by Chris Sotiropoulos and Grace Keros, the third-general owners of Detroit’s 103-year-old American Coney Island. The wings are a standout, of course, but the burgers, sauces, and massive shakes are hard to beat whether you’re placing a bet or just looking for a bite to eat.

Photo: Circa

Saginaw’s: Paul Saginaw is Michigan royalty thanks to his Ann Arbor deli, Zingerman’s. Stevens, who grew up in Michigan, turned to his home state and brought Saginaw along with him when Circa opened. When it comes to the move from the Midwest to Vegas, Saginaw referenced his uncle who was “one of the biggest bookies in Detroit, so it’s in my blood to be in Vegas.” That bookie was Chickie the Bookie, who was immortalized in a 1974 Detroit Free Press obituary with the headline “Chickie the Bookie, Friend To Hundreds, Laid to Rest.”

“When I realized food and beverages was going to be my career,” Saginaw said, “my dream job was to open a restaurant in a casino and live in a suite, but I couldn’t get that in the contract.”

He didn’t get the suite, but he did get the 24-hour casino restaurant. The restaurant name was originally going to pay tribute to Chickie, but “Derek didn’t want any connection to organized crime,” Saginaw said. Still, the Saginaw family is ever-present in the restaurant. A photo wall has blown-up pictures of the family going back generations, while another wall features old photos of the original Zingerman’s deli in Michigan. Order a sandwich on rye — the bread took a year to get right because the water and lack of humidity changed the recipe compared to what was made in Michigan. It was well worth the trial and error.

Project BBQ: Chef Rex Bernales has turned a food truck into a permanent haven for anyone who loves good barbecue right outside of Circa on Fremont Street. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu whether you prefer sausage, brisket, or pulled-pork tacos. If you’re really looking to go all out (this is Vegas, after all) Project BBQ has a “hogstravaganza” platter with a whole Carolina-style roast pig served with pork rinds, grilled veggies, and other sides. Just know that when you make this special occasion order, all eyes will be on you. The whole pig comes out with sparklers and party horns, letting everyone in earshot know that you’re not afraid of excess.

Photo: Circa

Mega Bar: This being Vegas, there are a number “mosts” and “biggests” and “bests” at Circa. Mega Bar is one of them. It’s the longest indoor bar in the state, and the only competition for that title comes from the Long Bar at The D, Stevens’s other property. The two are also the longest indoor bars west of the Mississippi. Mega Bar is 165-foot-long with TVs lining the back wall. Drinks are served up by the property’s famous flair bartenders, so you get a show with your beverage (at any of the bars at Circa, just look for the bartenders in the bowling shirts — those are the ones who know how to turn making a drink into a full-on performance).

8 East: Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai dishes come together in this pan-Asian restaurant. Everything on the food-market-inspired menu hits at just the right level of flavor and spice — definitely don’t miss the lobster fried rice.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Vegas Vickie’s Cocktail Lounge: Circa’s lobby bar takes its name from the nearby sign. Here, you’ll find a number of fine cocktails whether you like classics or specialty drinks. Order the off-menu spicy encounter to start, and then cap it off with the wish you were here, which comes with a Vegas Vickie postcard that the staff will mail out for you.

Legacy Club: Circa is the tallest building in downtown Las Vegas, and Legacy Club, the property’s premiere cocktail lounge, is on the 60th floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor area make it easy to take in the sights of the Strip, downtown, and the mountain ranges. Inside is just as striking — in no small part thanks to the 1,000 ounces of pure gold shaped into 500 bars in a glass case at the entrance. The drinks here skew fancy, and so does the well-dressed clientele. If you’d like to learn a little more about how to make fine cocktails, Legacy Club offers mixology classes where you can learn three classic drinks and cocktail making basics.

Things to do at Circa Las Vegas and Fremont Street

Gambling, of course, takes center stage when it comes to activities. But here, gambling is far from the experience that you’d get at one of the casinos on the Strip or the rest of Fremont Street.

Photo: Circa Resort

The World’s Largest Sportsbook: Stadium seating in three stories of seats facing the massive screen is always a good choice for a group who wants to wager on whatever game is playing at the moment. The massive screen splits up into live games, VSIN programming, and stats and betting lines. For big events like the Super Bowl, it’s taken over by one game entirely. If you don’t want to shell out for a VIP table, there’s bar seating above on the gaming floor. Fill the experience out with drinks and food from Victory Burger & Wings Co.

Photo: Circa

Stadium Swim: Inside isn’t the only place with a jaw-dropping TV. Stadium Swim (which you get to by taking the longest escalator in the state of Nevada) has a 40-foot-tall, 14-million-megapixel screen playing whatever game is trending at the moment. Gamblers can make their bets from one of the kiosks by the outdoor blackjack tables, or from their seat or the pool (“the cleanest in Vegas,” Stevens tells me, thanks to an impressive filtration system) through Circa’s app. A cabana makes a summer experience easier — on the 110-degree-plus day that I went, I alternated between cooling off in the pool and the air conditioned room with a frozen drink in hand. The pools are always the perfect temperature, even in the winter when they’re heated to a comfortable plunge pool temp. The food menu is provided by Victory Burger & Wings and has a slightly different menu than what you’ll find inside. The highlight is the lobster corndogs, which are worth every penny and have to be the best fried-and-battered-on-a-stick food I’ve had.The rooms at Circa

Photo: Black Raven Films

Basic, yet extremely modern and posh, rooms with all of the amenities can be booked for as low as $120 during the week and in the $500s on the weekends. Flex king rooms make it easy for groups thanks to an extra pull-out or fold down bed.

The suites have an added living room and wet bar area for entertaining. There’s just enough gold colored mirrors and fixtures to make it feel luxurious without being over the top, though the premium suites with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows are on another level. From the suite that I stayed in, I could catch the action on the TV at Stadium Swim (and place bets on what I was watching out the window).

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s almost as easy to be entertained in the room as it is on the casino floor or at one of the bars and restaurants.

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This Hotel-Within-a-Hotel Might Be the Most Relaxing Part of the Las Vegas Strip

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

As a Southern California native, I’ve taken countless trips to Las Vegas. I have memories of visiting the indoor amusement park in Circus Circus, marveling over the Bellagio Fountains, and, more recently, checking out the Cosmopolitan Hotel for a romantic getaway. But even for regular visitors, Vegas can be overwhelming. In 2021, 3.2 million people came to the city — and that’s while still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. Bright lights, crowds, and noisy casino slot machines can dampen the experience if that’s not your scene. But there’s another side to the city if you know where to look. Case in point: the Nobu Hotel Las Vegas.

Photo: Barbara Kraft

Caesars Palace is one of the best-known hotels on the strip, and it’s easy to live lavishly in the Romanesque adult playground. But the resort’s best-kept secret is a boutique hotel with a whole different vibe tucked away inside one of the corridors. The Nobu Hotel made its debut as the first of its kind in 2013, named after chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who’s best known for his upscale Japanese restaurants that can be found on four different continents. This past January, the luxury boutique hotel announced a facelift with 182 redesigned guest rooms and suites and a hotel that draws inspiration from kintsugi, a Japanese artform where broken pottery is repaired with gold epoxy.

Stepping into the Nobu Hotel makes you feel like you’re in a whole other world than what’s just beyond its walls. I have no sense of direction, so I had to stop a few times in the massive Caesars Palace before finding Nobu. But at the check-in desk, it’s like the walls are soundproof with how much separation there is. The lobby is a masterpiece all on its own with low lighting that makes it feel intimate, while the walls are like the most intricate puzzle.

The Japanese influence continues in the rooms, but not in a kitschy way. I stayed in a Deluxe King Room with a luxurious king-sized bed, lots of Japanese artwork, a sofa, and a kintsugi-style coffee table. The room has lots of redwood and black accents, and the bathroom is spacious with great lighting that’s perfect for hair and makeup with has a separate vanity table. The black tiled walk-in rainfall shower is massive, and the sink bowls are porcelain white. The room’s elegance on its own is enough to provide a space to feel relaxed, but the ambiance overall makes the stay peaceful.

Food options at Nobu Hotel Las Vegas

Photo: Caesars Entertainment

In 2021, WalletHub named Las Vegas the eighth best city in the country for foodies, and I couldn’t agree more. While I cringe at the moniker, I consider food as one of the most important parts of a destination. And with celebrity chefs constantly opening restaurants across the Strip, Las Vegas brings the Food Network straight to your plate.

The Nobu Hotel may feel distinct from Caesars Palace, but the two share amenities and Nobu guests can access all of the amenities and restaurants by walking out into Caesars. If you’re craving some lemon ricotta cookies from Giada Pronto and are not interested in leaving your room, for example, no problem. Caesars Eats is the resort’s food service app that lets you order food from eight of the resort’s restaurants that can deliver food to you wherever you are.

Breakfast

Giada De Laurentiis, the long-time star who is currently the host of the Food Network show Giada at Home, opened her fast casual restaurant in the hotel in 2018, and it’s the perfect choice for breakfast. The Italian chef’s restaurant has plenty of options for breakfast, whether you’re in the mood for a quick pastry on the go, a healthy parfait, or a breakfast sandwich. For a full breakfast experience, try the All American Breakfast that comes with two eggs; toast; your choice of spinach, bacon, or sausage; and a side of lemon smashed potatoes. The lemon smashed potatoes outshine everything else on the plate, making me wonder if I have enough skills to follow her recipe and make them at home.

Lunch

The world’s first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant transports you to the show’s set, making you feel like you’re watching it live. If it’s not too windy, the HK outside is set aflame to let you know what you’re walking into. Check in at the lobby, where guests are greeted by a hall of fame with photos of each contestant that won the last 20 seasons of the hit reality show. Once seated, the dining room has a very open floor that still feels elegant while you watch the magic happen in the open kitchen where the chefs have nothing to hide. Chefs on each side of the red and blue teams split responsibilities, with one side making entrees and the other making appetizers and desserts.

The menu offers American dining with lots of neat party tricks. Cocktails smoke and change color, for example, and desserts are plated with dry ice. We ordered the pan-seared scallops served on a pea puree, pickled fennel, and sherry braised bacon lardons for appetizers. I enjoyed it, though I’m not very fond of peas. But my favorite thing we ordered at the restaurant was the lobster risotto. Luxurious butter-poached lobster is served out of the shell on top of a truffle oil risotto. Truffle oil is one of those ingredients you either love or hate; luckily, I love it (this appetizer isn’t be for you if you don’t).

I couldn’t leave the restaurant without ordering Ramsay’s signature dish — a beef Wellington served medium rare wrapped in golden-brown puff pastry with a layer of finely chopped mushrooms served with potato puree, glazed root vegetables, and a red wine demi-glace. The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, but the potato puree ultimately tied the entire entree together to make it delicious. For dessert, the famed dish is sticky toffee pudding. Still, we decided to split the chocolate sin cake served with caramel mousse and chocolate gelato, and the coconut three-ways — a coconut sorbet, passion fruit caramel, coconut cake that’s super refreshing and served on dry ice. Be sure to bring lots of friends as the portions are generous and you’ll want to try a bit of everything.

Dinner

Located within walking distance from the casino, Giada, De Laurentiis’s main restaurant, is inside a boutique hotel called The Cromwell. The sit-down restaurant screams elegance with superb elevated views, crisp white linen tablecloths, golden chandeliers, and plates with her name on them. The dishes are straightforward — there are no fancy tricks or fluff, just well-executed, tasty food from an Italian chef obsessed with lemon. I opted for the tasting menu, which is a four-course meal. A perfectly executed salad topped with pancetta, the signature spaghetti with shrimp, petite filet, and Giada’s signature cookies covered the courses. I wasn’t expecting much from cookies, but the lemon ricotta one is an experience I might never forget.

Photo: Olivia Harden

I am convinced you’re sleeping under a rock if you haven’t heard of Nobu. There are two locations of the Japanese restaurant with a Peruvian twist in Las Vegas — one just outside the Nobu Hotel, where, if you stay there, you get priority access for reservations, and one in the Paris hotel just a short walk down the Strip. Don’t be surprised if you walk out with a bill topping several hundred dollars, but Vegas is all about living large. I’ve eaten at a Nobu in Los Angeles before and I wasn’t that impressed. During this trip, it was clear the party I went with in Los Angeles ordered all wrong.

The best way to order at Nobu is to leave your menu to the server and the chef. Let your server know your favorite flavors, dietary restrictions, and how much you want to pay per person up-front, and get ready for a curated menu of your dreams served family style. I doubt you’ll be able to leave here without feeling stuffed. Still, I promise you, dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth yellowtail jalapeno sashimi, the rock shrimp tempura, and the tataki filet served with truffle butter on a hot stone are worth it. A plethora of traditional sushi creates a dining experience you might dream about for days.

Things to do when staying at the Nobu Hotel

Photo: Olivia Harden

One of the best parts of traveling to Vegas is the large talent pool of performers. Fan favorites like Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group have entertained audiences for decades. After a period of pandemic restrictions and audience size limitations, shows have come back in a big way. If you’re a cult follower of the reality show Ru Paul’s Drag Race, you’ll be obsessed with the live performance that premiered at The Flamingo in 2020. The show rotates out fan favorite queens, so you’ll never know who you’ll get. It’s combination of comedy, runway, lip-syncing, and dancing challenges that will make you feel like you’re sitting at the judge’s table. I was in awe once I realized my favorite queen, Naomi Smalls, was in the performing cast. Derrick Berry performed her signature Britney Spears impression, and Latrice Royale, who won Ms. Congeniality during the fourth season, stole the show with a showstopper number.

If you’re looking for something a bit more fantasy, Absinthe is a must-see show that’s held in a giant circus that made me feel transported to an adult playground conducted by The Gazillionaire and his green fairy. This show combines circus, burlesque, and vaudeville with acrobatic numbers and cheeky moments of cabaret in lingerie. My favorite number was the bathtub (as you might guess, water is involved, but the front row is offered a giant tarp to prevent from getting soaked). This show is 18-plus, and for a good reason. The jokes can be kind of raunchy, and the host is quick to pick on victims in the audience, so if you’re a bit of a prude, you might want to pick something else.

Photo: Caesars Entertainment

If you’d like to relax, my favorite part of my visit was a trip to the Qua Baths & Spa. This 50,000-square-foot spa takes relaxation to the next level. The facility doesn’t allow phones inside, making it perfect for immersing yourself and just living in the moment. I checked in and got a tour of the facility, which has two wet rooms with Vichy showers, a cedar sauna, an herbal steam room, a whirlpool, a tea lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Beyond what you would expect in a spa are the specialty rooms. The arctic ice room is a great (but freezing) way to cool down while running the traditional spa circuit. Snow bubbles fall from above, and if you’re like me, you’ll only be able to hang out there for a few minutes before switching to the whirlpool or the jacuzzi. The Laconium Room is the opposite if you’re wanting to sweat it out, but the Roman Baths make the spa a marvel. You can bathe peacefully as the Romans did in cool, warm, or hot water pools while a waterfall rains from above.

The spa treatment menu features a variety of choices. There’s a little something for everyone with prenatal treatments, couples massages, and even bridal party experiences. I opted for the signature Mojave Rain experience. It’s a specialty massage that uses the Indigenous community’s sacred plants, oils, and the Four Directions. The 80-minute treatment begins with a sage smudging. Then several different warmed essential oils are cascaded along the body, and finally, a massage and energy work completes the experience. I’ve never left a treatment feeling so relaxed and zen.

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The 15 Worst Pieces of Travel Advice Ever, According To Reddit

Have you ever gotten some bad advice when it comes to following directions or deciding which restaurant to try while traveling? Bad travel advice can be a bummer, but what if the bad travel advice you got was way more serious — like getting hauled off a cross-country train because you failed to buy the correct ticket?

Travelers on Reddit are sharing the worst travel advice they’ve ever gotten and some of these are really bad — as in, ruin your trip bad. Fortunately, these Redditors are sharing their stories so you can avoid the same mistakes. Of course, there’s plenty of variety in the responses. For every person who says they shouldn’t have eaten the street food, another person will say they regret going to formal restaurants every night.

These are every Redditors words and opinions, but in a few cases, we’ve edited for clarity and length.

“You should haggle for everything”

Photo: Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

“I get that occasionally you should bargain for souvenirs or when booking a rickshaw/tuk tuk or something. But, like, I’ve seeing the most inane instances of foreigners trying to bargain. Like dude, you’re not going to be able to bargain down the price of an official bus ticket from the national bus ticket office.

Also, I hate people who over-haggle for like really cheap things. Like, you’re literally paying cents for some bread and a few bananas, and you come from a first world country — you don’t need to haggle the roadside grocer down for every cent.” – Vaynar

Your trip has to be culturally focused

Photo: anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock

“This might be an unpopular opinion, but all the ragging on people for their trips lacking ‘culture.’ Don’t get me wrong: I love recommendations for local food joints, neighborhoods and arts; however, for new travelers, I think immersing yourself in culture is unique to each person. One of my favorite things about my time traveling is watching the evolution of my trips and how much I have changed over the years, including my tastes, spontaneity and comfort with local language/local transportation/food/art, etc.” – Ash1989

Try the local food

Photo: CGN089/Shutterstock

“Eat the food out of the back of some lady’s car. I mean, I’ll do it again, but the simultaneous diarrhea and vomit did not jive with my four-day surf trip.” – Thisgigsucks

Always pack a jacket

Photo: akimov konstantin/Shutterstock

“When I was going to Thailand and Singapore in November: “pack a jacket.” Um, its gonna be hot every day and the night included. Never once was cold. If anything, was dripping in sweat everyday.” – OFFRIMITS

Pics or it didn’t happen

Photo: Victoria Chudinova/Shutterstock

“I think a lot of rookies forget that travel is supposed to be fun while you’re doing it, and not a competition to collect photos in front of as many landmarks as possible so that you can later say you’ve been there. If going to the next attraction on your list feels like a slog, it’s fine to skip it. Go relax, have a chill beer and/or a nap, and then hit go again when you’re really excited about it.” – anon83479953

You don’t need a ticket

Photo: chernobrovin/Shutterstock

“Transportation. I was told, ‘Oh I’ve been taking buses in Florence without getting a ticket for a couple of months, don’t bother.’ Didn’t want to take the risk, got and validated a ticket on my first bus. Two stops later, a ticket officer came on and checked the whole bus.” – Mercival

Pack everything you could need

Photo: GaudiLab/Shutterstock

“Overpacking and over worrying about packing. Packing light is so much less stressful. If you mess up and forget something, anything you forgot other than prescriptions can be purchased.” – galaxystarsmoon

“It’s my number one safety tip as a solo female traveller. Make sure you can hold your luggage over your head (imagine putting it into an overhead bin) and that you can run with it (like you’re running for a train).” – anthrogeek

Redditors also shared bad travel advice about specific destinationsNew Zealand

Photo: Blue Planet Studios/Shutterstock

“At Uni, I shared a house with a woman who did a ‘year in industry’ in New Zealand. She said it was a deadbeat, backwards, boring, no-life town, with nothing to do, nowhere to go, and she was also furious at how steep all the streets were. She couldn’t drive and said the train ran about once a day so you couldn’t even get anywhere else on south island easily.

It genuinely put me off visiting the place for basically all of my 20s and 30s until I ended up going to Aukland for a work thing and thinking ‘Hell, might as well make the most of it’ and renting a camper for a fortnight on north island.

HOLY ***. Now I look back on it, and she was an outdoors-averse, seriously unfit, socially inept gamer and beer snob, and I think, yeah, maybe I see why there wasn’t that much for her in the country.” – AF_II

Japan

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

“On r/JapanTravel, there seem to be some users who really obsess about visiting the “real Japan” and tell people to avoid Tokyo and Kyoto or whatever. I’ve seen some incredibly dull places been recommended where I feel like they’re just trying to flex their Japan knowledge by recommending places that nobody visits.

I definitely agree that you can find some amazing places by getting off the beaten path a bit, but there’s often a reason why a lot of places aren’t on the beaten path in the first place.” – lewiitom

Columbia’s Salt Cathedral

Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

“Anything and everything (blogs, friends, family, etc.), that says the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral outside of Bogota is a worthwhile day trip. I went there thinking it would be an interesting cultural and historical excursion. Instead I got the Disney World of salt mines.

The entrance and ticketing area are laden with cheesy tourist stuff and a bunch of kids running around. You have to wait in line until a predetermined time along with your group where you’re met by a guide who’s wearing a fake mining outfit and helmet who gives a cookie cutter tour of the mine, which in itself is okay but hardly the cultural highlight you’re led to believe it is. It’s just hokey.” – Edward_the_Penitnent

Bangkok, Thailand

Photo: TZIDO SUN/Shutterstock

“First time in Bangkok: didn’t really research because I was mostly interested in the southern islands. Looked around the interwebs, not very hard, saw a recommendation for Khaosan Road, and stayed there.

Now looking back, I don’t hate it as much, but man, I really loathed that place. It was the physical embodiment of everything I hated about travel.” – uReallyShouldTrustMe

Venice, Italy

Photo: Don Mamosser/Shutterstock

“Going to Venice. I’ll say it again and again and again. Despite what praises people sing about it with their gratuitous number of gondola photos on r/travel and how ‘CUUUUUUTE’ the city is with all the twisting paths and such, — I had my reservations, but I made it part of my Italy trip earlier this year because ‘you have to go.’

23 countries, I haven’t been to a place i despised more than Venice, and a place that I know 100 percent I will never revisit in my life and my next lifetime.” –Mug3N

But also, Venice

Photo: givaga/Shutterstock

“I was told to spend maybe 1.5 or two days max in Venice and to instead take a week for Florence. Definitely should not have listened to that. Wish I had an extra day in Venice and would’ve easily taken it from Florence!”- rebelX

Brussels, Belgium

Photo: Yury Dmitrienko/Shutterstock

“Most of the travel related subreddits absolutely hate Brussels, but I had an amazing time there and absolutely loved it. Fries, beer, chocolate, and liege waffles, what’s not to love? People have different interests and likes and if after doing your research there’s a city you really want to see and explore, check it out for yourself so you can form your own opinions on it.” – o_sndvl

If all else fails, remember:

Photo: encierro/Shutterstock

“Bad experiences make great stories.” – L5R

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You Can Literally Walk Into the Mediterranean Sea From This Airbnb in Greece

Imagine staying in a place where you can truly experience every day in peace and solitude — and by peace and solitude, we mean stepping from your Airbnb into the Mediterranean Sea with no one around to disturb you. Milos Island is where Greeks and in-the-know travelers go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and this unique Airbnb epitomizes the Greek island experience.

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

@bucketliststays #stitch with @ioanna.sym You need to checkout this #airbnb in Greece #milos #bucketlist #stay #travel #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – Unique Stays Worldwide

Traveling to Greece? Check out Matador’s accommodation guides to Athens, the islands, and more:These Greek Villas Make for a Unique and Cozy Stay in Athens9 dreamy Airbnbs in the Greek islands

Clock out and relax at this unique Greek Airbnb and you’ll never want to leave. The Seaweed House is a cave-like building intended to protect boats in the winter but has now transformed into a seaside villa for a calming and secluded vacation.

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This Greek Airbnb features a full kitchen, a large bedroom with a double bed, and an unforgettable gorgeous beachfront view. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery or fall asleep to the sounds of the water while staying here. The Seaweed House is five minutes from the port of Adamas and ten minutes to villages Klima, Plaka, and Tripiti if you’re looking to travel outside the house.

The Seaweed House is a great place for solo or couples looking for a secluded dreamy area right on the water for about $174 per night and is the perfect place to escape your noisy neighbors. If your private vacation awaits you, hurry because this stunning Greek Airbnb waits for no one.

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