Matador Network's Blog, page 447
June 28, 2022
What is a tui-na Chinese massage
For first-time visitors to a Chinese massage parlor, terms like meridian pathways and energy points can be perplexing. What does it mean to have your energy channels unblocked and your flow corrected? Even for those who frequent Thai massages or Swedish spas, the idea of bone alignment and joint cracking may sound daunting. But fear not. The ancient practice of tui-na has long been used to heal disharmony in the body. Once you’ve experienced a session, you’ll understand why tui-na has grown in popularity both in China and abroad. Here’s everything you need to know before receiving your first tui-na massage.
What is Chinese massage?The basics of tui-na massageWhat happens during a Chinese massage?The best Beijing massage providers for tui-naHow to stay safe on the roadWhat is Chinese massage?Tui-na is a rigorous massage technique with over 5,000 years of history. Records of massage doctors and therapists can be found in documents dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties (221-206 BC). Alongside traditional Chinese medicine, they established the theoretical basis of massage in the Yellow Emperor’s Classics (475-220 BC), a distinguished medical publication that details the general overview, history, and basic principles of massage. Today, in combination with herbal products and acupuncture, tui-na massage has become a staple in Chinese medical education.
The basics of tui-na massage
Photo: Minerva Studio/Shutterstock
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, blocked meridian pathways will cause long-term physical discomfort. Tui-na is guided by the objective of “dredging” meridian pathways and promoting ch’i and blood flow. Meridians are closely connected points within the human body that form a complete circulatory system. If ch’i flows smoothly along the meridian pathway, then people are healthy. If there is blockage along the pathway, pain and discomfort will occur.
TCM practitioners use their elbows, fingers, and hands to stimulate acupuncture points rhythmically, thus producing a vibration that influences the flow of energy through the body. Since energy points correspond with our organs, a quality tui-na session can have a positive effect on our physical well-being.
What happens during a Chinese massage?Like most Western massage modalities, tui-na sessions generally take place on a massage table. Yet, unlike the privacy you’d get in some countries, it is not uncommon to share a room with others receiving similar treatments in China. Techniques such as gliding, kneading, and rolling are used to provide a relaxing and medicinal experience.
Each session places focus on a specific region of the body. To begin, the practitioner will ask whether you have any physical discomfort or health conditions. They will then start with slow movements to boost blood circulation and pick up the pace along the way. By manipulating soft tissues and stimulating specific energy points, practitioners aim to knead out the built-up tension within the body. Due to the repetitive movements along the problem area, you might experience slight soreness. It’s also common for the practitioner to correct your spinal alignment by twisting and cracking a few bones here and there.
The best Beijing massage providers for tui-na
Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock
To accommodate its residents’ growing interest in healthcare and rehabilitation, Beijing has evolved into a city with a selection of wellness centers. From Turkish baths to Korean jjimjilbangs, there isn’t a lack of diversity in spa facilities. But for the most traditional tui-na experience, we’d recommend going to a local hospital. Hospitals in China usually have a traditional medicine department that hire tui-na practitioners with a master’s or doctorate in TCM. They are trained professionals with a solid understanding of human anatomy and can offer a diagnosis alongside massage treatments. Here are some hospitals you can visit, in addition to a few more casual options.
1. Beijing Massage HospitalBeijing Massage Hospital uses a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and physical therapy to treat a variety of soft tissue injuries and chronic diseases. The hospital combines academic learning with traditional tui-na applications to carry out Chinese massage therapy through the most technical means.
Where: 7 Baochan Hutong, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
2. Zizhi Tongjian Chinese Medicine Spinal CenterThe Zizhi Center specializes in treating spinal discomfort with rigorous tui-na sessions. A multi-level massage parlor that combines tui-na applications with Western massage modalities, Zizhi’s top floor is a health center that focuses on correctional therapy for conditions such as acute low back pain or a strained neck. For something a tad more relaxing, head to the lower level for a Western-style spa treatment.
Where: Bottom floor of Building 4, Happy Home Mall, Guangqumen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
3. Tianhao Tui-Na Massage Spa (Wangjing Store)After a casual stroll and some quick bites at Wangjing’s popular street food market, it isn’t uncommon to detox at Tianhao and call it a night. Located in a popular residential area, Tianhao is a small spa known for its traditional application. The walls are decorated with scrolls of human anatomy and the staff has extensive experience in diagnosing patients’ physical pain and discomfort.
Where: You Lok Fu Hui Wing Street Business District, Block D 301, Beijing, China
4. Jun Peng Blind MassageBlind massages are quite common in China. Every city has a few clinics tucked away in a small street. Although hidden, they are often busy with new clients and frequent patrons. In Beijing Jun Peng has become a popular choice for those looking for an affordable tui-na professional. Many say that the practitioners have a heightened sense for locating tension spots and a gift to knead them away.
Where: Building 16, No.1, Mingjia Garden, Beiqing Road, Beijing, China 
June 27, 2022
9 Flight Attendant Tips To Survive This Year’s Hectic Flight Delays
If you’ve been looking forward to your summer travel plans, unfortunately, flying can more stressful than it was even in pre-pandemic times. Getting through security is one thing, then there’s the shortage of pilots, and the available ones are showing rising signs of pilot fatigue. To help navigate your travel planes, a flight attendant named Kate, who goes by @kateeya_ on Twitter, provided some tips to make sure you make it to your destination. And you might not like some of them.
Just fwding these :
Flying this summer is ROUGH!!! I feel like as a Flight Attendant I should attempt to share some tips to get you through airline travel for the foreseeable future.
1. Things are not good….. if its less than 7 hours – DRIVE! I'm not kidding.
— KATE
(@kateeya_) June 23, 2022
Flight attendant tips during 2022’s hectic travel seasonIf your destination is less than seven hours away, consider drivingTake advantage of your airline’s app to have the most up-to-date information and avoid long lines at agent desksFly a day or two early so you have time to regroup if something goes wrong.Book earlier flights to avoid summer thunderstormsMake sure your layovers are at least three hoursStaffing issues along with fatigued crews means that some delays are just inevitable. Flying staff are only legally allowed to work up to 16 hours. Back up crews are not likely to be available. Try to be patient.Don’t be that drunk passengerGet trip insurance, and pack smartAnd finally, be nice!
Flying might be a little bit more taxing now than it has been in the past, but with a little patience, skill, and a bit of luck, hopefully you’ll be at your destination eventually.
Planning a Portugal Trip? Do Yourself a Favor and Go To the Southern Coast.
The journey northward from the promontory of Sagres, Portugal, at the southwestern tip of Europe, takes you past lonely sand coves etched into 200-foot earthen cliffs and mile-wide beaches with no edifices save a single, inviting restaurant. Most man-made structures are found only inland, where tiny, whitewashed towns with cobbled streets and a handful of small farms dot a protected area full of endemic wildlife.
National parks make up the majority of Portugal’s southern coastline and construction is limited. The biggest of these protected areas is the 346-square mile Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, half of which lies in the Algarve – a region of Portugal more typically associated with high-rise hotels and overdevelopment.
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s five mainland provinces, and it’s over-built only on a swath of its southern edge, where warm, calm waters lap busy beaches. On its western coast, the other Algarve looks out onto chillier, powerful Atlantic swells. Long known primarily to surfers, the charms of that wilder and emptier Algarve are slowly getting more attention.
“It’s like a gift to have something like this,” says Maxime Vels when talking about the national park that makes up the western Algarve. Vels is a French surfer who moved with his young family six years ago to this region, a place he called “a diamond of Europe.”
There are four main places you can base yourself as you explore the other side of Algarve. Each of allows plenty of beaching, hiking, and other ways to savor the natural environs.
Sagres
Photo: Sopotnicki/Shutterstock
Sagres marks the southern end of western Algarve. The Sagres Promontory and the Cape of St. Vincent offered a wealth of things to see, among them the ruins of a 16th-century fort, a church from the same era, and a lighthouse. Legend has it that Henry the Navigator – a name later given to the Portuguese prince who inspired his country’s Age of Discoveries – met with cartographers and planned his explorations of Africa in this area.
While it’s likelier that Henry held his meeting in a location due east, it’s still fun to picture Prince Henrique standing atop the promontory, surveying the wild seas, and determining that what lay beyond could be reached and explored. A walk out to the Sagres lookout promises not just a lot of wind and historic contemplation, but also incredible vistas.
If you look back and down, you’ll see a more modern scene at Tonal Beach far below: a collection of colorful beach towels and plenty of surfers out in the water. Sagres is one of the best surf areas in Portugal, and Tonal Beach is a prime wave-catching spot. As at many of the beaches here, the heart-stopping trek down the cliff to the sand is both long and worth it. This is a stunning stretch of coast you don’t need to be a surfer to appreciate.
Given its dizzyingly high bluffs and the vistas they offer, Sagres is a super place to hike. While you walk, you can take in the wildlife that thrives within this protected zone. The Sagres Birdwatching Festival, scheduled in October for 2022, is a testament to the varied birdlife. From the sinuous, red-beaked black storks to the icy-eyed northern Gannet, over 200 bird species can be spotted here.
Where to stay in Sagres: Since Sagres is the most developed of the four western Algarve areas, accommodations are easy to find. The most notable, and expensive, of these is the Pousada Sagres. Pousadas are hotels in historic or luxury locations that were once run by the government, but are now part of the privately owned, and well operated, Pestana Pousadas. Since Sagres is still relatively busy for anyone looking for a remote experience, you can take in the promontory, grab lunch at Bossa Brew House, and then head north. Another option is the Sagres outpost of Arte Bianca, which was started in Aljezur by an expat Italian.
Vila do Bispo
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Over two decades ago, northern Europeans started coming to Vila do Bispot to live cheaply and surf. Some never left. When I first visited the area years ago, it struck me as a laid-back, bohemian surf town. The word I’ve heard used to describe the vibe here is “hippie,” which in Portuguese is more of an adjective than a noun.
The surf shops have a chill attitude and you’ll find plenty of vegetarian options at restaurants around here, like Izzy’s Market. You’ll also find vast beaches with a sense of remoteness that seems improbable for somewhere a mere three hours from Lisbon. One of those expansive beaches is Praia da Cordoama. At its south end across the rocks, a smaller beach, Praia do Castelejo, has tall cliffs, roaring surf, and one excellent spot for a fresh fish lunch. For its part, Amado Beach is a great place for beginning surfers at its south end (at least in summer, when swells are smaller) and for families at the calmer north end.
In between Cordoama and Amado are tiny beach nooks like Praia do Mirouço and Praia da Pena that you can reach on dirt roads. These slivers of sand backed by towering bluffs are some of the most memorable beaches you’ll see in Europe — or anywhere, really. Just beware the tides before you go, since these sandy hideaways get even smaller as the tide comes up.
If you prefer, you can look at these beaches from on high on a six- or nine-mile loop that is one of the many hiking trails in the area.
Where to stay in Vila do Bispo: A good place to stay here is Aldeia da Pedralva, which has seven basic cottages to rent. The on-site restaurant Sitio da Pedralva is also worth a visit.
Aljezur
Photo: Cmspic/Shutterstock
This is the hottest new area in the western Algarve. It’s here that French surfer Vels moved with his family years ago. His kids attend a public school that now has 37 nationalities, according to Susana Otão, a Portuguese journalist who moved to the area from Lisbon with her family seven years ago and now sits on the city council.
After they drop their kids at school in Aljezur town, folks stop for a coffee at KOYO Specialty Coffees, a roastery and café that Hungarian Gyula Ellaes opened in 2020. Ellaes says that unlike earlier “hippie” transplants, the latest arrivals appreciate high-quality coffee and will pay €1.20 (about $1.25) for an espresso.
While they send their kids to school in Aljezur town, Ellaes, Vels, and Otão live in Vale da Telha, another whitewashed town lying between Aljezur town and Arrifana Beach. On the hillside above Arrifana Beach, a few new white houses are visible; this is one of the few places north of Vale do Bispo where you find homes with ocean views.
Along with Praia Arrifana, Praia da Bordeira is the top surf spot here. That said, plenty of folks choose to live here for reasons other than surfing, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic. They want a place that is cheaper and less fast paced than the big cities they left.
They’ve fueled a boom in new restaurants like Varzea and O Paulo, which is situated atop a breathtaking rocky bluff. When you visit, you can eat there or enjoy a pizza outdoors at Arte Bianca’s Arrifana location.
Where to stay in Aljezur: Stay cool by choosing lodging in Arrifana, since it lies over the water. Surfers may want to stay at the Arrifana Surf Lodge, while families can rent a tiny cottage from Casas do Mar.
Odeceixe
Photo: Heinz Schulte/Shutterstock
The disarmingly small town of Odeceixe lies at the northern edge of Algarve province. At any time of day, you’ll see lots of hikers with backpacks and groups of cyclists coming through here, as it’s a popular place to explore on two feet or two wheels. The 15 kilometer (about nine mile) Odeceixe ao Mar walking route follows the south side of the Seixe River on its way to the ample Odeceixe Beach, then travels south along the craggy coastline before looping back around the interior.
Odeceixe Beach is another ample stretch of shoreline, with surf breaks for all levels – although reading a book on the sand is an equally alluring option. The north end has a no-frills cafe with a nice view and outdoor tables, but not much else. Your better choice for lunch is Bar da Praia on the south end. In Odeceixe itself, Assador Altinho is the place to eat. Casa Verde works for a coffee or breakfast on the plaza.
Where to stay in Odeceixe: Those doing longer treks overnight often stay in inexpensive places like the €70 (about $74) per night Residência do Parque. Folks coming for longer may opt to rent a tiny Quinta Azul house across the Seixe River. If you want more upscale accommodations, you’ll have to leave town. Monte do Cardal is an inviting country hotel with rustic furnishings and good food. It also has a beautiful pool. Then again, stunning beaches are just a short drive away.
The 5 Coolest Formula One Locations That’ll Make You Fall in Love With the Sport
To those who don’t have their finger on the pulse of the international racing scene, Formula One (or F1) might sound like a sketchy mouthwash being tested on guinea pigs. However, if you don’t recognize Formula One by name, you’d probably recognize its very specific and eye-catching cars (putting the “formula” in F1) or legendary tracks like the Circuit de Monaco that transcend the sport itself.
With the fastest regulated race cars in the world ripping along some pretty scenic tracks from Singapore to Hungary, F1 is no NASCAR spinoff. An aura of wealth surrounds the sport, of both the steep cost of competing and the luxurious cities in which races often take place. More popular in Europe and Asia than in the US, the sport is becoming increasingly popular as viewers around the world are riveted by the eye-watering speeds and lavish race backdrops.
Whether you’re hoping to catch a race at the end of the 2022 season or looking ahead to 2023, these are the world’s coolest Formula One tracks.
Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco (Circuit de Monaco)
Photo: Bob Cullinan/Shutterstock
Largely thanks to Iron Man 2, the Monaco Grand Prix is perhaps the most well-known F1 event. Taking place in a city-state known for its opulent casino, wealthy residents, and superyachts, the Monaco Grand Prix is a place to both see and be seen.
The roughly two-mile race circuit winds through the streets of the Monte Carlo neighborhood. It’s used on three weekends in April and May for the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, Formula E Monaco ePrix, and Historic Grand Prix of Monaco. Often called the most challenging track in all of Formula One racing, the circuit has both the slowest and quickest corners in Formula One and is defined by its twisting shape that favors driver skill over car power. A few of the most notable stretches include the Avenue des Beaux Arts, the section passing the Monte Carlo Casino, and the dangerous tunnel running under the Fairmont Hotel.
Baku, Azerbaijan (Baku City Circuit)
Photo: Nurlan Mammadzada/Shutterstock
When you think of one of the most opulent sports in the world, you might not consider Azerbaijan as a likely hosting candidate. Azerbaijan is the perfect confluence of old and new. With roots in Soviet-era architecture and industry, the country is now at the forefront of hyper-modern infrastructural development and new buildings that give Dubai a run for its money. Tourism hasn’t yet overtaken the country, but that’s even more reason to check out your first Formula One race here.
The Baku City Circuit spans 3.7 miles and hosts the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It begins next to Azadliq Square, loops around Government House, then goes west to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, before circling the Old City and returning to the start line. The fastest street circuit in the world, Baku City Circuit is also the second-longest circuit on the Formula One calendar.
Mogyoród, Hungary (Hungaroring)
Photo: Geza Kurka Photo Video/Shutterstock
A town of just under 7,000 people in Hungary might sound like an unlikely candidate to host a Formula One race, but Mogyoród is the home of the annual Hungarian Grand Prix. A small, traditional village, Mogyoród is known for its 18th-century Roman Catholic church, a stone statue of St. John of Nepomuk, and a Baroque parish. In 1986, the village became the first to host a Formula One Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain, and the Hungarian Grand Prix remains an iconic race to this day.
Built outside Budapest, the Hungaroring racetrack is likely the reason the small town of Mogyoród is the third most-visited Hungarian destination by tourists. Unique for its dry, dusty atmosphere and twisting shape, the track makes it difficult for drivers to overtake each other. Apart from Formula One races, the track also hosts experiences for visitors, such as Adventure Taxi, Formula One trials, Motorcycle Open Day, and walking tours.
Marina Bay, Singapore (Marina Bay Street Circuit)
Photo: littlewormy/Shutterstock
Like Monaco, Singapore has become synonymous with luxury and progress, making the island nation and city-state the perfect Formula One location. Home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, ancient temples, sprawling gardens, and cutting-edge architecture, there are plenty of reasons to visit Singapore, even if you’re not a Formula One fan. But if you are, the Marina Bay Street Circuit shouldn’t be missed.
The site of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Marina Bay Street Circuit, spans the historic downtown and Kallang, a residential neighborhood. The 3.1-mile track runs along the harbor, under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, down Raffles Boulevard, and continues past City Hall before eventually ending just beyond the floating platform at Marina Bay. The track uses powerful lighting systems to replicate daylight conditions, so events can be held at night there on European time.
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina Circuit)
Photo: Joerg-Drescher/Shutterstock
The United Arab Emirates is known for being on the cutting-edge of technology, innovation, and doing pretty much everything on a grand scale. Formula One in the Emirates is no exception. Yas Marina Circuit is located 30 minutes from the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, on an island. It’s the second Formula One track built in the Middle East (behind the one in Bahrain) and hosts the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi is located on the beautiful Yas Island, a headland separated from the mainland by a canal, and the track runs past the marina through the Yas Hotel. It has five grandstand areas, and part of its pit lane runs under the track. Like at other Formula One circuits, visitors have the ability to drive the track themselves on one of the special drive experiences. You can try out a Formula One car, or simply take your own vehicle to see how it stacks up next to the heavy hitters. There are also go-karts and guided tours available.
Study: 25% of Travelers Using Public Wifi Abroad Are Hacked. Here’s How To Stay Safe.
One in four people have been hacked while using public WiFi abroad, according to new research from cybersecurity company NordVPN.
“It is typical to scroll through your phone while waiting for a flight or train. However, when on vacation, people tend to forget about their online security,” said NordVPN cybersecurity expert Daniel Markuson in a statement to TravelPulse. “Hackers take advantage of that and use the public WiFi network weaknesses in airports and train stations to get their hands onto sensitive personal or corporate data.”
One of the biggest problems comes with fake WiFi hotspots that have convincing names. If you’re working in a coffeeshop, for example, the business may have free WiFi. Yet on the list of available networks, a slew of similar sounding WiFi names that use a variation on the coffeeshop’s actual WiFi may be available. Linking into one of those can connect you with a hacker who could then steal any personal information that you input while online.
The best way to avoid these types of attacks is to double check that you’re using the correct connection and turn off the auto-connect setting on your device. If you’re unsure, avoid connecting altogether. It may cost money to use a personal hotspot or data, but it’s a lot cheaper than having to recover all of your information after your credit card information is stolen.
And then there’s the problem of unencrypted, but legitimate, open networks. Hackers can intercept information being sent on these open networks. In these cases, a VPN, or virtual private network, is your best form of protection. These do the work for you by encrypting your data and blocking third party interception (and in some cases, can even help you find cheaper airfare).
According to NordVPN, 85 percent of travelers from the United States fear they’ll be hacked on vacation, and 63 percent didn’t know if they used secure networks (though it should be noted that the company sells VPN networks, which it suggests as the primary solution, and doesn’t note its methodology or polling base).
Transit and public gathering points are the places most called out as prime hacker entry points. Unsecured hotel networks can be an issue in the latter case since anyone near a hotel can access the network and monitor the traffic to connected devices.
These suggestions apply just as much to traveling in the US as they do abroad. For frequent travelers who need to stay connected for work, the best way for piece of mind is to purchase a mobile hotspot, use a VPN, and be generally aware of the networks you’re connecting to and what information you’re putting into websites when connected to unsecure networks.
These Ocean City Airbnbs Let Live Your Best Maryland Beach Life
With 10 miles of sandy beach on offer, Ocean City, Maryland, is one of the nation’s favorite seaside resorts. The OC Boardwalk hums with tempting food shacks, amusements, and kooky sculptures. Stretching out between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay, conditions are ripe for surfing, kayaking, and swimming.
Accommodation speaks to all types of travelers with beachfront condos and family homes all up for grabs. You’ll find your perfect Airbnb Ocean City, MD, vacation rental right here.
We hope you love the Airbnb Ocean City, Maryland, 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.
Boardwalk & Midtown Airbnb Ocean City, MDEdgewater Escape – bayfront condo with private porch
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Constructed during the 1960s, this oceanfront condo block hangs over the bay and is suggestive of the “castaway experience”. This split-level Airbnb Ocean City, MD vacation home is linked by an ornate spiral balcony with retro furnishings adding to the charm. French sliding doors open out onto a knockout private porch. The beach and boardwalk are just a quarter of a mile on foot meaning you get the ideal combination of convenience and quiet.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $315 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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This seriously swanky oceanfront Ocean City MD Airbnb townhouse with a private dock will appeal to fishers. Ask the host for the lowdown on the local spots and for advice on renting a boat. At the same time, a swim platform is handy for those with kayaks, paddle boards, and strong swimmers. Three full bathrooms come with oversized showers while elegant artworks adorn the house.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $600 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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This awesome Ocean City Airbnb beachfront home overlooks the ocean and is rounded off with a sun trap of a terrace. Follow the path and you’ll be in the water in moments. A haven for surfers, this is where you’ll find some of the best surf conditions in town. Interiors are appointed with modern appliances, contemporary decor, and ample space to spread out and recharge your batteries.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $850 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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This lush bayfront Airbnb Ocean City, MD brings the spirit of Key West to the northeast coast. Shrouded with tropical foliage and furnished with a rustic seaside theme, the home is the quintessential vacation rental. The private backyard looks over the water and comes with a hot tub and bar-style seating. A huge, well-stocked kitchen will delight the chefs in your group.
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $950 per night
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This family-conscious and pet-friendly holiday home runs over five bedrooms with an additional sofa bed in the lounge. The balcony overlooks the canal and is perfect for morning coffee, sundowners, and sunsets. When you’re not out exploring the beaches and local attractions, the games room with a billiards table, air hockey, and more provides copious entertainment.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $2,855 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
This postcard-pretty cottage was recently refurbished and features a comprehensive kitchen and a fireplace in the lounge. The deck is equipped with a hot tub and grill for sociable evenings. Dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly Airbnb Ocean City, MD with secure fencing. Dozens of eateries are within walking distance while the Boardwalk and Midtown are a 10-minute drive.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $500 per night
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This vibrant beach house is adorned with funky turquoise walls with custom art. Sit out on the deck with a glass of wine and stream your favorite movie on the projector and help yourself to the kayaks provided. Staying at the property grants access to two shared pools during the high season as well as a tennis court. Consider renting a boat at this Airbnb Ocean City, MD with a private dock for a swashbuckling stay.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Freshly remodeled, this luxurious Ocean City MD Airbnb features a state-of-the-art kitchen and tasteful bedrooms with wooden ceilings. Deluxe bathrooms are fitted with tubs and double vanities. The vacation home has three balconies designed for eating, movie nights, and winding down in the plush hanging chairs. Access to a shared swimming pool is included as per the rental agreement and pets are welcome.
Sixteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,885 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
Designed for families and friends alike, this playful “beach house” comes with its own oversized sandpit, hammocks, grill, and tiki bar. Situated on Assawoman Bay, the home grants direct access to the ocean. Which is especially handy if you have your own boat to moor in the private dock. Cozy interiors occupy one story with a ginormous sofa for movie nights.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $655 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Located across the street from Martha’s Landing, this West Ocean City MD Airbnb promises solitude and bay views. The home is laid out over three floors with a multitude of balconies to make good use of the setting. Meanwhile, the backyard leads you to a crab gazebo where you can wind down with a view of the water. Communal spaces and rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,145 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This brand new Ocean City waterfront vacation rental offers sweeping skyline views away from the hustle and bustle. Nifty black-out blinds add a nice touch to lighter sleepers. A pool table is provided and there’s an al fresco hot tub on one of the multiple terraces. Six bikes are provided as well as beach gear including towels, chairs, and boogie boards. Pontoons and kayaks are welcome in the private dock.
Fourteen guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,175 per night
The 8 Best Places To Go Beach Camping in Texas
Beach camping in Texas is a statewide pastime. Although there’s close to 400 miles of pristine coastline, finding the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy a beautiful ocean view on the sandy shores can be a challenge. So we’ve done the legwork for you and selected our favorite places, from secluded spots to those providing all the amenities. All you need to do is grab your tent, sunblock, and gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience on the Lone Star State’s coast.
Padre Island National Seashore
Photo: Travel Texas
Any conversation about Texas beach camping usually begins with the picturesque settings at Padre Island. The Padre Island National Seashore is a designated national park and is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. The seasonal sea breeze, dark open skies, and near-complete solitude make the park an extremely popular destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Padre Island National Seashore has five camping areas:
The Malaquite Campground offers semi-primitive sites where tent campers are welcome to set up on the beach, while RVs and vehicle campers can do so on the paved parking. This campground has flush toilets, cold-water rinse showers, and picnic tables with shade structures and grills available on the gulf side of the campground.
Bird Island Basin is known throughout the windsurfing world as one of the best flat water sailing sites in the continental United States. It’s common to find adventurers from around the world gliding on the water and through the air on any given day at Bird Island Basin. Windsurf equipment and kayak rentals are available at Worldwinds Windsurfing nearby.
The North Beach Campground is popular with primitive camping visitors who want to set up their tents or RVs wherever there’s an open spot. There are no designated camping sites as long as you set up as close to the dunes as possible, so traffic doesn’t get backed up. It’s a beautiful area where the sunrise and sunset hit just a little bit differently and make for incredible lifelong memories.
South Beach is 60 miles of sand and shore open to tent and RV campers.
A mere 15 miles south of the Malaquite Visitor Center is Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only through the four-wheel-drive area of South Beach, or by boating down the Laguna Madre.
Though the Padre Island National Seashore is exquisite, remember that the lands and animals (some 380 bird species) are heavily protected by national laws. Any tampering or unauthorized driving in off-limits areas will result in heavy fines.
Padre Island National Seashore fees and amenitiesWhile Padre Island National Seashore charges a daily entrance fee, a camping permit is free as long as you purchase a seven-day pass. Park entry fees vary from $10 per vehicle, per day to $5 for pedestrians and bicycles, or $7 per motorcycle. Fees and passes are available for purchase online or in person at the entrance station. All campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are taken for campgrounds.
The Malaquite Campground is $14 per night and Bird Island Basin is $8 per night in addition to park entry fees.
The nearest amenities from the park are 12 miles away, so you’ll want to come fully prepared. Flush toilets and cold-water rinse showers are only available at the Malaquite Visitor Center.
Where: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Sea Rim State Park
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Near the southeast corner of Texas is Sea Rim State Park which blends 4,000 acres of marshland with 5.2 miles of beach shoreline. This special combination creates an ecosystem that draws travelers from around the world.
At Sea Rim State Park, visitors can camp, bird watch along the Gambusia Nature Trail, swim, fish, kayak along two different coastal trails, and, depending on the season, hunt. Equestrian fans will be happy to know that more than three miles of beachfront lands are yours to enjoy with your hooved friends. They can even camp with you, although there are no facilities and you’ll need to bring a portable pen or tether your horse to a trailer.
The park offers travelers 15 campsites with utilities at Piping Plover Campground, a more modern cabin experience, drive-up primitive campsites on the beach, and a floating (yes, floating) primitive campsite that has to be experienced at least once.
The floating campsite is a 13-by-20-foot wooden platform located in the park’s marshland, nearly two miles from the boat ramp. It is accessible by either a shallow draft boat, canoe, or kayak (which can be rented at the park). You’re required to bring a five-gallon bucket and a solid waste bag with enzymes to help to neutralize your waste. You won’t be building a fire on the wooden platform, so be sure to pack your gas stove.
Sea Rim State Park fees and amenities
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Daily entry fees are $3 for adults 13 years of age or older while those 12 years old or younger are free. If you have a Texas State Parks Pass you and your guests are free to enter. Day passes and camping permits can be obtained online.
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Campsites that have both electricity and water hookups are $20 nightly, while camping out on the beach will set you back $10 plus entrance fees. The floating platform camping experience is $15 an evening.
Reservations are recommended for campsites with utilities and the Sea Rim cabin, which is $95 per night plus the daily entrance fee.
Primitive beach campsites cannot be reserved and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park is home to alligators, so keep a watchful eye on small pets.
Where: 19335 TX-87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655
Matagorda Beach
Photo: Damon Rushing/Shutterstock
On the Texas Gulf Coast at the mouth of the Colorado River is the quiet community of Matagorda. It’s a small Texas town with a big draw: Matagorda Beach.
Matagorda Beach is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, complete with rolling sand dunes, salty sea air, and sparkling water. The beach is part of the Matagorda Bay Nature Park which consists of over 1,000 acres of beautifully preserved land with beachfront access. The first eight miles of beach, beyond the dunes, are private property, but after that, it opens up with both hiking and kayak guided trails to explore.
Visitors can drive on the beach (best left to the 4WD vehicles because of the soft sands) or park and walk the shoreline while you collect seashells or explore the pier area. Beach vehicle permits are required and can be purchased at local businesses or vendors.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park has many camping options including primitive tent camping on the beach, two Airstreams, 12 sites with full RV hookups, 17 waterfront sites, and 10 beach bungalows.
Matagorda Beach fees and amenitiesPhoto: LCRA Parks
Standard, full hookup campsites range in price from $40 to $63 per night, while the classier beach bungalows will cost you $275 to $300 per evening depending on the season. Airstreams are around $250 per night with a two-night minimum.
Primitive camping on Matagorda Beach is free but will cost you the $10 beach vehicle permit fee.
The entrance fee to the Matagorda Bay Nature Park is $5 for adults, while children 12 years old and younger are free. There are discounts for seniors (65 and older) and people who are disabled that drop the entry fee to $2.
Amenities include a boat ramp, campground host (for those not staying on the beach), dump station, fish cleaning station, laundry, souvenir shop and nature center, and a fishing pier. Flush restrooms are available in the nature park as well. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, and you should call ahead to check on any pet fees.
Kayaks, beach chairs, and beach wagons can be rented through Geenbelt Outdoors for a fee. Golf carts make hauling ass on the beach more fun and can be hired from Ranch Water Rentals.
Where: 6430 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457
Surfside Beach
Photo: Steven Bullard/Shutterstock
Surfside Beach is a small community that lies outside of Freeport, Texas, about an hour south of Houston. The village is a great alternative to the over crowded beach camping at popular places like Galveston. The community offers miles of accessible beaches, dolphin watching tours on the back of jet skis, boat rides, surf lessons, bird watching, pier crabbing, fishing, and more.
You may drive your vehicle on the beach as long as it’s street legal (no ATVs) and you stay on the beach east of Highway 332. West of Highway 332 is known as the pedestrian beach and vehicles are strictly prohibited. The sand in both areas is usually hard-packed and easy to drive or walk on.
Primitive tent beach camping is allowed, but only in a specific area. Local authorities do not permit camping within the village boundaries. Instead, you will want to head to the Beach Access Entrance #1 which is located roughly four miles east of Highway 332 on Bluewater Highway. There you’ll be set up outside city limits on Brazoria County Beach and you’ll have plenty of space to watch the dolphins and a spectacular sunset.
Surfside Beach fees and amenitiesThere are no fees for camping on the beach at Surfside. All vehicles driven on the beach must have an annual beach pass which costs $12. This even applies to golf carts.
You’ll be located just outside of town, so while there are no amenities on the beach (besides trash cans), you won’t have to travel far for food or gas. Things like speed limits (15 miles per hour on the beach), open container laws, and campfire laws (no bigger than 3 square feet) are still enforced.
At Stahlman Park nearby, you’ll find flush toilets and showers.
Where: 3312 County Rd 257, Freeport, TX 77541
Mustang Island State Park
Photo: Travel Texas
Located just north of the Padre Island National Seashore camping area, and minutes from Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is one of the most popular spots for camping on the Texas coast.
The park has nearly 4,000 acres of protected lands and five miles of coastline that allows you to set up your campsite right along the water’s edge. Camping within the state park gives your group access to RV hookups and bathrooms while still offering plenty of space for a peaceful stay on the coast.
The state park gives visitors a chance to connect with nature with over 20 miles of paddling trails that cut through the water. The North Trail, the Shamrock Loop Trail, and the Ashum Trail each offer a unique look at landscape and wildlife that make Mustang Island special.
Spend the remainder of your time fishing, bird watching, visiting some of the nearby coastal cities, surfing, or building a sand sculpture. Whatever you decide to do, you’re going to have a blast at Mustang Island State Park.
Due to it’s popularity it’s vital that you book your stay well in advance.
Mustang Island State Park fees and amenities
Photo: Travel Texas
Daily entry fees are $5 for adults 13 years of age or older, while children 12 and younger are free. Use your Texas State Parks Pass for free entry into this state park if you have one.
An additional $10 fee per night will give you access to over 50 drive-up primitive campsites along the coast. You’re allowed to have a small beach campfire at these campsites, but these campgrounds are non-reservable. It’s first-come, first-served, so get there early.
There are 48 campsites with electricity and water hookups, but these sites are about 400 yards from the water. You won’t be able to have a campfire here, but you’ll have a picnic table, an outdoor grill, and a shade shelter. You can reserve spots online, which is highly recommended during peak summer months.
A beach bathhouse with full restrooms is near the park headquarters for all visitors.
Where: 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Crystal Beach
Photo: Wilfred Marissen/Shutterstock
Crystal Beach is a small community near the center of Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Most of the residents are seasonal, and during hot summer months, the population swells as vacationers descend on the area.
While you can choose from hundreds of beach homes to rent, the best camping experiences are right on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Camping is free along the 27 miles of shoreline in Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula, with the only requirement being an annual Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker for your vehicle.
You and your group can access the beach, pick a spot, set up camp, and even start a small campfire with unobstructed views of the waters, and at night, the stars.
Fishing on Crystal Beach is second to none while soaking up the sun and watching the various species of birds that call the peninsula home could fill an afternoon. Dolphins are common residents of the waters at Crystal Beach, so you’ll want to be on the lookout as they play and jump in the air.
Crystal Beach fees and amenitiesAccess to Crystal Beach as well as camping are free minus the $10 for an annual Bolivar Beach Parking Permit. There are restrooms and showers at the Bolivar Beach Pavilion (on Crystal Road, behind the fire station), but the beach itself has no amenities. You’re close enough to area stores, restaurants, and gas stations that if a need arises, you won’t have to travel very far to get what you want.
No reservations are needed for this camping experience, but summer weekends means summer crowds so you’ll want to get there early to claim your spot.
Where: Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, 77550
Magnolia Beach
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Located on the shoreline between Port Lavaca and Port O’Connor, close to the western-most shores of Matagorda Bay, Magnolia Beach is nearly two miles of drivable, camp-friendly beach.
In non-peak summer months, Magnolia Beach is as peaceful and relaxing as any beach in the world, where you can park your RV just a few feet from the water and let the gentle waves of the ocean lull you off to dreamland. The sand is hardpacked with sea shells which makes it easy to drive up and pick a spot, but bring your shoes because those shells aren’t easy on delicate feet.
Campsites are primitive, no hookups are available, and there’s only one store nearby, so you’ll want to make sure you have all of your supplies (like drinking water) with you or you may have to make a 15 minute drive back to Port Lavaca.
Magnolia Beach can get crowded in peak summer season, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. The mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises over Matagorda Bay are worth any potential hassles.
Magnolia Beach fees and amenitiesBeach camping is free at Magnolia Beach, as well as pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along with you just make sure they’re on a leash. Public grills and picnic tables are closeby, as well as well-maintained public restrooms and showers.
There is a boat ramp for launching your water vehicle close by. Unlike most other Texas beaches, you don’t need a Beach Parking Permit to set up camp here.
No reservations are required but for the latest information on camping restrictions or usage it’s best to call the county commissioners office.
Where: 485 N Ocean Dr, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Galveston Island State Park
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
An hour south of Houston is a 2,000 acre state park that provides miles of hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayak trails, fishing areas, and a host of campsites. Galveston Island State Park is a popular destination for sun worshippers and is the only place on Galveston Island where overnight camping is permitted.
The Galveston Island State Park offers both beach and bay sides, with overnight camping allowed on the bay side of the island. In years past, the beachside portion was an extremely popular overnight tent camping option, but this side of the state park is currently closed, with a reopening date so far unannounced.
If your guests absolutely refuse to sleep on the ground for some reason, then you’ll want to consider the park’s Ranch House or Stewart House options. They both have all the modern comforts of home including airconditioning, fireplaces, and most importantly, private bathrooms.
Its proximity to both Houston and Galveston make this park extremely popular and chances are you’ll be sharing the sun with visiting travelers. The campgrounds can get full so nearby RV parks such as Jamaica Bay, which offers a lazy river and mini-golf for the kids, is a fun option.
Galveston Island State Park fees and amenities
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Daily entrance fees are $5 for adults while children 12 years and younger are free. Your Texas State Parks Pass will take care of any entrance fee plus give you a discount on camping, park store purchases and equipment rentals.
Bayside tent campsites with water are an additional $15 per night plus the daily entrance fee. They come with a picnic table, shade shelter, fire ring with grill, and restrooms with showers are nearby.
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
RV campsites with water and electricity hookups are $20 per night plus the daily entrance fee. These sites are for RV and trailers camping only and come with a picnic table, plus access to close by restrooms with showers.
Campsites are highly sought after in summer months so you’re advised to go online and make reservations before heading out.
There is a store within the park where some equipment and goods are available. Fish cleaning stations, and canoe and kayak launch sites are open to public use. Swimming is done at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present.
Where: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
6 Under-the-Radar Outdoor Adventures To Seek Out in British Columbia
If you’re ready to tackle the road less traveled, British Columbia’s Gold Rush Trail — in the wild Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC’s central interior — shines with off-the-beaten-path treasures. Meandering northward from just east of Vancouver into the heart of the province, this nearly 1,200-mile road network is alive with history and uncrowded adventures for living your best outdoor life.
You certainly won’t have to work as hard as bygone Gold Rush prospectors to find treasure in them thar hills. Not to mention, the favorable exchange rate with the Canadian dollar makes this about 20% more affordable than a drive through the US, and fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test when entering the country. So get ready to strike it rich with these golden nuggets of under-the-radar opportunities that glitter on BC’s adventure corridor.
1. Mountain biking in the famous South Chilcotin Mountains
Tyax Adventures. Photo: Blake Jorgenson/Destination BC
South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park is home to some of the prettiest and gnarliest mountain biking routes in British Columbia. This vast wilderness comes woven with interconnecting trail systems and more than 124 miles of bike paths winding through valleys, along alpine meadows, and up mountain peaks. With the sheer number of options, there’s a track — or three — for every level of rider and preference.
Plan your own adventure, pair it with a flightseeing tour of alpine lakes dotted with icebergs, or book a floatplane Fly & Bike trip with Tyax Adventures. With that last option, you’ll get dropped into the backcountry for a multi-day ride through grassy meadows and over mountain passes, bunking down each night in a cozy glamping tent or rustic cabin, complete with a lakeside view, wood-fired sauna, and unlimited starry skies.
2. Full immersion into Indigenous cultures of the Fraser River Canyon
Xat’sūll Heritage Village. Photo: Jonny Bierman
The Gold Rush Trail is filled with living history, best told by Indigenous storytellers who are the original caretakers of the land. These experiences can be found along the Fraser River — the largest undammed river in North America and a very important habitat for salmon.
Join a guided cultural tour in Stó:lō territory [stoh-lo] in Chilliwack, visit the “great berry picking place” of the Tuckkwiowhum Heritage Village [tuck-we-ohm], take an Indigenous cultural tour with Xwisten Experience Tours [hoysh-ten], or check out Xatśūll Heritage Village [hat-sull]. Of course, this is just a sampling of the many experiences available in the region. For the full list, visit the Gold Rush Trails’ Indigenous Experiences page.
But for a deeply immersive experience, participate in a sweat lodge ceremony at in Soda Creek. On the banks of the mighty Fraser River, you’ll dive into Nlaka’pamux [Ingla-kap-ma] culture and history via stories straight from village Elders. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Hiking into BC’s wild backcountry
South Chilcotin Mountains. Photo: Jonny Bierman
If you want to hike some seriously pristine trails, lace up your boots and hit the backcountry trails at Whitecap Alpine. Your basecamp at Whitecap’s McGillivray Pass Lodge grants access to your pick of hikes through delicate wildflower meadows and along ridgelines and scrambles where you might just bag a peak or two.
Need more of a rush? Stuff that backpack with your best gear and prep for a multi-day tour of the South Chilcotin Mountains. Wander from hut to hut over three, four, or seven days with your Tyax Adventures guide, staying in all-inclusive backcountry glamping tents or rustic forest cabins. And for guided hiking experiences in BC’s famous Cariboo Mountains and Bowron Lake area, check out White Gold Adventures.
The Gold Rush Trail profiles a range of other self-guided hikes on their hiking experiences page, along with info on how to be prepared and stay safe.
4. Embracing wide-open spaces and cozy cabin guest ranches
Wettstone Guest Ranch. Photo: @VanCityWild
Are you a fan of the hit TV series Yellowstone? How about stepping into nature surrounded by grazing horses and cowboy culture galore? BC’s Gold Rush Trail has multiple guest ranch experiences that range from affordable lakeside family adventures to luxury glamping sites and lodges.
For the best in family adventures, try Flying U Ranch, Wolf Valley Guest Ranch, Wettstone Guest Ranch, or Ten-ee-ah Lodge. For luxury, wellness, or couples retreats with elevated cuisine and adventure, check out Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Siwash Wilderness Resort, or Sundance Guest Ranch. And for a truly unique experience that highlights conservation, outdoor education, and backcountry adventure on multiday pack trips or cabin stays, get in touch with Chilcotin Holidays.
Ranches and rodeos were common sights on the Gold Rush Trail in its treasure-seeking heyday. Tap into that history and roam wild and free on the back of a horse at Flying U Ranch, overlooking jade-hued Green Lake. Built in 1849, the Flying U is believed to be the oldest ranch in Canada — you’ll be sleeping in the same (updated) cabins and riding the same trails as those Gold Rush miners back in the 19th century.
For a mix of Western cowboy culture and Eastern wellness, ride, meditate, and enjoy a massage in the sumptuous wilderness of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa. You can connect with your horse, practice shinrin-yoku (aka forest bathing) in the boreal forest, and hike or meditate over the “Grand Canyon of the North,” the arid and beautiful Fraser Canyon.
5. Rafting glacial rivers and whitewater rapids
Kumsheen Rafting Resort on the Thompson River. Photo: Tyler Cave
Feel the thrilling churn of whitewater as you paddle the Thompson River at Kumsheen Rafting Resort. One of BC’s clear glacial rivers, the Thompson runs deep, wide, and fast, and you can choose to test your paddling muscles against the rapids or just hang on tight in a large, motorized raft steered by an expert guide from this OG rafting company, founded in 1973. Either way, you’ll appreciate hitting the hay after an active day, your canvas glamping tent or teepee awaiting you in the forest.
Or combine the best of all worlds — rafting, glamping, and yoga, that is — on the emerald-green Nahatlatch River with REO Rafting Resort. Choose to be actively paddling downriver one day, then practicing your mountain or warrior poses outdoors amid the pines, peaks, and pikas the next. The last thing on your to-do list? Falling asleep to the sound of the river.
6. Living your best lake life
Eagle Island Resort. Photo: Holly Lowerse
Mine the rich vein of lake life on the Gold Rush Trail, where you can fish, canoe, or paddle a lake a day for every day you stay. Water is everywhere you look, from cascading waterfalls to blue, green, and opaque lakes filled with fish, to wide rivers and small creeks carving their way through steep canyons and forested valleys.
You’ll find some of the best fishing in British Columbia along The Fishing Highway in the Land of Hidden Waters, the stretch of road from Little Fort to 93 Mile House. Large lakes like Sheridan Lake grow big rainbow trout, while on the smaller lakes you might find yourself alone with only the blissful company of an osprey or loon. If you’re a fly fisher, try your hand landing migrating sockeye or chinook salmon on the Horsefly River.
Local outfitters like Sheridan Lake Resort and Loon Bay Resort have the bait and tackle you need and will let you in on all the best spots while providing cabins, camping, and the comforts of home. For more quintessentially Canadian lakeside cabins, check out Cabins on the Lake, Fawn Lake Resort, Eagen Lake Resort, Eagle Island Resort, Little Black Bear Lodge B&B, Peaceful Cove Resort, or Cariboo Bonanza Resort.
Meanwhile, if fish isn’t quite your dish, the region’s lakes are equally outstanding places to pursue your favorite watersports, like paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, swimming, and everybody’s favorite: soaking in the beauty of British Columbia.
June 25, 2022
You Can Now Take European Walking Tours at the Scenes of Your Favorite Netflix Shows
When you binge your favorite Netflix show, you might fall in love with the characters, storylines, and scenes. This summer, you can pack up and head to Europe to immerse yourself in the latter walk the same paths as your favorite characters.
According to a news release from SANDEMANs New Europe Tours, 70 percent of Netflix viewers are consuming movies and TV shows from countries other than their own, and Netflix users are 2.4 times more likely to make the setting of their favorite film or TV show a must-visit place to travel. That’s why Netflix and SANDEMANs New Europe Tours have partnered for the ultimate guided walking tours in Europe. These free guided walking tours highlight must-see locations from your favorite Netflix shows and films. And your knowledgeable tour guide will have plenty to say about what happened behind the scenes, plus can share history and details that illuminate why these cities are so iconic.
A trip to London transports you to Anatomy of a Scandal, Bridgerton, Enola Holmes, The Crown, and Top Boy. You’ll love Lancaster House, St. James’s, and the West End. Embark on a visit to Paris and enjoy learning what you’ve always wanted to know about Emily in Paris, Lupin, and Notre Dame — La Part Du Feu. And enjoy sights like the Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, Notre-Dame and Pont Neuf. And if you’re looking forward to a trip to Spain, you can enjoy diving into all there is to know about Cable Girls, Elite, Money Heist, and Valeria. You’ll explore places like Gran Vía, Callao, and the district of Chueca.
The walking tours will take place July 11-17, and tickets are free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
A ‘Rampant’ Disease Outbreak Is Making Hikers and Tourists Sick in the Grand Canyon
An outbreak from a yet-to-be-confirmed virus has infected at least 118 people visiting the Grand Canyon since May. It’s believed that norovirus is the root cause, though researchers are still looking for a definite answer. And while there are no reported deaths, helicopters have had to fly in for rescue missions.
Arizona hiker Kristi Key described one instance of a rescue in the Facebook group Grand Canyon Hikers. About four miles into Boucher Trail, she spotted four hikers who were on their last day out. Two had been vomiting “pretty violently the night before” while one other looked sick as well. The hikers said they didn’t need Key to call a rescue using her Garmin SOS (there’s no cell service), but after she headed back the group was in the same spot and still throwing up so she called in the rescue. She stayed with two of the hikers for hours until the helicopter arrived and picked up the sickest man while the rest finished the hike back out.
The one healthy hiker, Key noted, was throwing up in his room by the time he got back.
The rangers who came to help the hikers told Key that norovirus was “rampant” at the Grand Canyon Village, and there were several recent rescues on Boucher Trail for the same issues.
Reported cases do seem to be trending down, however, with most cases reported in May.
The chief of communications, partnerships, and external affairs at the Office of the Superintendent at Grand Canyon National Park, Jan Balsom, told the Daily Beast that the park hasn’t seen an outbreak of this kind in about 10 years.
Norovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, body aches, and fever, and it’s extremely contagious and spread through surfaces or contaminated food or drink. It’s the leading cause of illness from contaminated food in the United States. It is not, as you might imagine, something that you want to catch while hiking through remote parts of the Grand Canyon on a scorching hot Arizona summer day.
Though norovirus is the leading suspected cause by the state and federal public health team investigating the outbreak, documenting the true cause is harder to pinpoint in the Grand Canyon than, say, a city neighborhood. Norovirus testing is done through a stool sample that has a tight testing time window that river trips and long hikes usually outlast.
The National Park Service Office of Public Health told the Daily Beast that the investigation of the “heightened GI-illness” will “consider all potential sources. It is unknown at this time what the source of the illness is.” Trips along the Colorado River are the primary focus as of now. Boucher Trail, it should be noted, anecdotally appears to be a hotspot.
Park advisories ask that all visitors boil their water or use a chemical disinfectant (point-of-use filters don’t kill norovirus). People visiting the park should also avoid drinking from natural water sources like waterfalls, pools, and streams.
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