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White Sands National Park: Everything You Need To Know To Plan Your Trip

White Sands National Park, née White Sands National Monument until 2019, is a vast, glistening field of snow-white gypsum in southern New Mexico. It’s directly between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo, about 100 miles north of the US-Mexico border at the northern end of North America’s largest desert – the Chihuahuan Desert.

The unusually large gypsum deposit comes from minerals carried runoff from the nearby mountains, which settled into the floor of Lake Lucero. Over the last 10,000 years, Lake Lucero slowly shrunk, leaving behind the dramatic fields of white sand visitors can enjoy today.

What makes White Sands special

Photo: Melyssa Holik

During the 15 years I lived in southern New Mexico, I spent hours exploring White Sands, and it never lost its appeal. At 275 square miles, White Sands is the world’s largest gypsum dune field and there’s no place else on earth like it. Being out on the dunes looks and feels like being on another planet.

I’ve always loved how you can walk just a short distance out onto the dunes and feel complete solitude. The vast emptiness of the desert can be disorienting, but I’ve always found in it a sense of quiet calm. As you get attuned to your surroundings, small details begin to leap out at you: lone animal tracks, subtle differences in the ripples, the sound of your own steps, the way the sand shimmers in the light. It’s no wonder people often go to the desert to have spiritual experiences. It’s very centering and breathtakingly beautiful.

When to go

The best time to visit White Sands National Park is during September or October. The weather is cooler but not yet cold, the summer storms have subsided, and there are slightly fewer crowds. In addition to ideal weather, you can catch one of the full moon nights when the park stays open late if you time your visit. Those nights start in May and last through October. The twice-yearly open houses for Trinity Test Site are usually held in April and October.

Spring is the windiest time of year, and blowing sand reduces visibility and can irritate your skin and eyes. The summer is a popular choice but visitors must be mindful of the heat and sudden the potential for sudden rainstorms.

Weather and climate

Photo: Chad R. Getz/Shutterstock

White Sands has a typical desert climate – so, in a word: harsh. Summer temperatures can climb into triple digits and the landscape offers no shade whatsoever. Heatstroke is the most significant risk in this area, and it can happen alarmingly fast. Ensure every person in your party carries adequate water (one gallon per person per day, with no exceptions) and hydrates frequently, even on short hikes.

Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (from around noon to 3 PM), and don’t hike if temperatures are warmer than you had anticipated. Always wear adequate sun protection, including sunscreen and protective clothing.

Conversely, with little humidity to trap heat, desert temperatures plummet as soon as the sun goes down. It’s common to experience temperature swings of 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit between the day’s highs and lows. Winter nights can be well below freezing and December lows average a chilling 21 degrees. If you plan to camp overnight, dress in layers and be prepared for both extremes.

July and August are the rainiest months, known locally as “monsoon season.” Expect thrilling lightning displays and sudden, heavy rains during this time. Luckily, these storms usually pass quickly.

But no matter when you go, the odds are good you’ll have sunny skies for your trip, as southern New Mexico averages 290 days of sunshine per year. The region can go more than 100 days without any measurable precipitation.

How to reach White Sands

The closest airport to White Sands National Park is El Paso International Airport in neighboring Texas. You then need to drive 100 miles north to the park and will almost certainly want a car since New Mexico has minimal public transportation options. The park has a single entrance on Dunes Drive, just off US Highway 70.

White Sands National Park is next to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), a US Army missile testing and training facility. The army shuts down Dunes Drive and public access to the dunes for visitor safety during missile tests. US Highway 70 may also be closed during missile testing. These closures usually last between one and three hours and can happen on short notice. You can find information on missile test closures on the park website.

What to do in White Sands National Park

Photo: Melyssa Holik

Drive or bike Dunes Drive: Dunes Drive is the only road in White Sands. The scenic drive loops through the park past a picnic area, hiking trails, and educational exhibits, with many stops along the way to take photos or explore the dunes on foot. Mountain bikes or beach bikes are recommended for experienced cyclists who ride on Dunes Drive.

Enjoy the full moon: White Sands stays open late on nights when there’s a full moon. From May through October, visitors can stay in the park until 10 or 11 PM and enjoy a surreal nightscape lit by moonlight so bright it casts shadows. The atmosphere in White Sands becomes even more otherworldly as the moon rises over the dunes and reflects off the glowing sands. Visitors can stick to Dunes Drive or join one of the ranger-led full moon hikes. Dates and times for these special evenings vary, so check the ranger programs page for more information.

Sand sledding: One of the most popular activities in White Sands National Park is sand sledding. It’s exactly what it sounds like: riding down the dunes on a sled. It’s particularly popular for families with children but it’s a blast for anyone. The soft sand is usually more forgiving than hard-packed snow, and you can buy sleds at the White Sands Trading Company gift shop in the visitor’s center.

Photo: Shannon Serpette/Shutterstock

Ranger programs: Besides the full moon hikes, another popular ranger program is the Sunset Stroll. New Mexico sunsets are gorgeous, and these one-hour guided hikes are an excellent chance to see the sunset over the dunes while also learning about the unique geology and wildlife in the area.

Stargaze: If you’re lucky enough to be in the park after dark, White Sands has incredible night skies. Minimal light pollution, low atmospheric humidity, and often cloudless skies combine to create optimal conditions for stargazing.

Visit the historic Trinity Site: The Trinity Test Site is where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945, and the military allows visitors to the site twice each year. Dates and details are usually posted on the Trinity Test Site Website: https://www.spacehalloffame.org/trini...

Top hikes in White Sands

Photo: sunsinger/Shutterstock

The Alkali Flat Trail is the park’s most strikingly beautiful hike. Since the winds are ever-shifting, the 4.6-mile trail is marked by a series of vertical trail markers which guide hikers along the correct path. It’s the trail to take to see the park’s famous endless white sand against (usually) clear blue skies.

Take the Interdune Boardwalk for a short and easy walk over a maintained boardwalk. It’s a great chance for small children, novice hikers, or anyone with mobility difficulties to enjoy the dunes. It’s the only trail in the park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

The Backcountry Camping Trail is a short two-mile loop that provides access to backcountry campsites, but it is also open to day hikers. It’s a perfect shorter option for getting out onto the dunes or if it’s just one of many trails you’re doing on a New Mexico road trip.

White Sands is one of the few parks in the country where the trails are dog-friendly, so by all means, go for a hike with Fido by your side.

Visitor centers and amenities

White Sands National Park has only one visitors center, which greets visitors as they drive along Dunes Drive. It has restroom facilities, water supply, ranger information, and a small gift shop that sells water, snacks, sleds, and souvenirs. There are no gas stations or restaurants in the park and the closest are 13 miles away in Alamogordo.

Camping in White Sands

Photo: John A Davis/Shutterstock

White Sands does not have any developed campgrounds or campsites inside the park and doesn’t allow overnight RV parking. The closest campground is Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (24 miles away) or the White Sands KOA in Alamogordo. You can camp in Lincoln National Forest farther to the east, or go southwest to Aguirre Spring Campground near Las Cruces.

Backcountry camping in White Sands is suspended as of April 2022, but when it’s allowed, rangers distribute passes on a first-come, first-served basis. So you’ll want to get to the visitors center early to reserve your spot, especially since there are only seven sites available.

Once you have a site, you’ll reach it via a hike on the Backcountry Trail. Backcountry sites do not have water sources or bathroom facilities. As of the last time backcountry camping was allowed, campers were not allowed to leave the park overnight, so be sure to bring anything you’ll need in terms of food and water.

Hotels in and around White Sands

Except for backcountry camping, White Sands does not offer overnight lodging. However, the nearby town of Alamogordo has many national chain hotels and small local motels available. Places to stay around White Sands National Park aren’t usually fancy, but they’re clean and affordable and provide a comfortable place to crash after a day in the park.

If you’re willing to drive a little farther into the mountains, the town of Cloudcroft is a charming little ski village with lots of cozy private cabins for rent. It’s about a 40-minute drive.

Tips for visiting

Photo; Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

If it’s not a full moon but you want to see one of New Mexico’s glorious sunsets or dazzling night skies at White Sands, you can apply for an Early Entry or Stay Late permit. You have to apply at least a month in advance; two or three months is better.Rangers recommend that you not start any hike in White Sands if the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your best judgment, but assume the lack of shade and dryness are going to be more taxing than you anticipate.Be prepared to get sand in your shoes, your hair, your backpack – basically everywhere. Photographers may want a special case to keep sand out of their cameras.GPS and cell services are not always reliable in remote New Mexico areas. Download a map of the park in advance.

White Sands is a place unlike any other. It’s an invitation to quiet yourself and take a moment of stillness and tranquility beneath the incomparable New Mexico sky. You can’t help but be astonished by the profound power and beauty of the natural world when you stand in the center of the park’s gorgeous landscape.

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Travel Magazine Fifty Grande’s New Food Issue Will Make You Want To Eat Across the Country This Summer

Food and travel go hand in hand. Yes, you need some sustenance to get where you’re going, but restaurants, food trucks, farmers markets, and anywhere else you can buy something to eat all provide insight into the culture and history of a place.

The latest issue of the travel magazine Fifty Grande shines a spotlight on food across the United States that will tug on the heartstrings of anyone with fond memories of road trip pit stops and surprising meals after hours of travel.

Importantly, the well-known food centers of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco don’t get the entirety of the magazine. From the rebirth of Denver’s Casa Bonita to a look at gas station meals in Mississippi, Fifty Grande’s food issue is a guide to the eats that need to be on your radar no matter where you’re touching down for a visit.

“I’ve always said that we’re a mash-up of travel, music, and food, and travel leads the way,” says Fifty Grande founder and editor in chief Chris Walsh. “Initially, this was more about me wanting to create a magazine about these three topics because they are what I love, but it turned out lots of people love this mix. It was also a way for us to stand apart, since no other travel magazines do exactly what we do.”

Walsh and his team ran audience surveys for Fifty Grande to have a better gauge on what people are interested in. They found that 65 percent of their audience considers food as important in their lives as travel, and 35 percent said the same for music.

While travel stories go up on the Fifty Grande site, there’s something special about the experience of reading a physical magazine. The words, design, and art all interact differently on the confines of a page than on a screen.

“If you’re just looking for five places to go this year, you’ll find that in this issue, but you’d be missing the best part of the magazine, which is that lean-back editorial experience. You’re not always looking for that with digital,” Walsh says. “I think Fifty Grande fits well on the coffee table and I’ve heard from a lot of people they go back to it over and over for inspiration. I like that as our place — something that people pick up again and again to be entertained in some way or for inspiration or for planning purposes.”

Photo: Fifty Grande

We caught up with Walsh to learn more about why now is a good time for a food issue and some of the surprising things he found while putting together the magazine.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Matador Network: Why is now a good time to do a food issue?

Chris Walsh: We always knew we’d do issues devoted to food and music in the first handful that we published, since they are pillars of our editorial. But I also think it’s a really exciting time in dining and food in this country. Especially if you’re interested in finding cool, notable food experiences near you and you can’t go to New York or San Francisco or New Orleans or any of the other great food meccas here. So many of the mid-sized American cities have upped their game over the past twenty years. Diners now have a lot more options — more cities to go to and more places in those cities — making these notable food experiences accessible to more people.

What do you think is the most exciting city or region to eat in the U.S. right now and why?

The mid-sized markets in places you wouldn’t necessarily think of right away. For the issue I talked to a couple who quit their day jobs and traveled the country in a RV for five years, painting a series of murals along the way. I asked them the same question and one of them said “every big city has something going on food-wise,” which I think is really true. That’s why I think it’s an exciting time to be looking at food right now. I asked him to pick one city that surprised him and he said Fargo, North Dakota, which surprised me.

But I think every conversation about this country’s best dining cities comes down to a group of five or six, and it’s been like that for a while. You’re always going to be talking about New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, LA, and I’d say Vegas should be in that group too. But there are really so many amazing food cities. Travelers have a lot of options.

Has putting together this magazine changed the way you’ll travel or pick somewhere to eat the next time you head out?

One of the things that I’m doing differently is taking notice of seaweed or kelp any time I see it now. It seems like we’ve heard for a while now that seaweed is going to be the next big thing, because of the health benefits and how eco-friendly it is. So we looked at some of the reasons that it hasn’t taken hold yet in the states. And part of what we heard is the distribution and where it’s available. Now I’m noticing when I see it on sale. I live in Manhattan and just realized that a deli I go to once a week carries kelp snacks, but they’re way, way in the back of the store. Which is fitting, I guess, after you read the story.

There are a lot of people out there who travel first and foremost for what they can eat. What do you wish they knew before planning a trip?

That was one of the questions in our survey — have you ever taken a trip solely to experience a place’s food and restaurants? The split was 62 percent yes, 38 percent no. For people in both groups I think it’s worth noting that having great food while traveling doesn’t have to mean expensive. The idea behind Fifty Grande is that travel should be accessible and attainable by everyone, and there are places in every state worth seeing. The same thing can be said about dining.

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Have you noticed any trends while putting this together that others should expect to see as they’re making their road trips and visits?

That you can get really good chicken fingers at gas stations if you know where to go, like Oxford, Mississippi.

Can you give us a highlight of some of the things that you’re most excited about in this issue?

Man, there’s a lot. I love this issue. There’s a story about a new generation of Pueblo chefs and artists who are building on the foodways of their ancestors that’s really interesting. The focus of that is in New Mexico. The writer was really thoughtful in his approach and it was done while COVID was raging through the country. But he pulled off some great reporting. He’s a photographer too and the photos that accompany that story are so rich and intimate. You’re right there in the story. I think travelers who are interested in the evolution of dining habits and practices, especially in the southwest, will find that to be a great read.

There are also the usual quirky, funny stories. Like the rebirth of an off-the-wall Denver restaurant called Casa Bonita. The journalist who wrote this is the son of a former Denver restaurant critic and he has a unique, funny perspective to it. The art on that story jumps off the page, too. I love those pages.

One of the fun things we do each issue is ask a bunch of artists and chefs one question. So we have Jean-Philip Grobler (St. Lucia singer), Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses singer), Alex Guarnaschelli (author, chef, host of Food Network’s “Alex vs. America”), Maggie Rose (country music singer), Natasha Leggero and Ludo Lefebvre (hosts of TBS’ “Rat in the Kitchen”), Kristen Kish (chef and Bravo’s “Iron Chef,” Travel Channel’s “36 Hours”) and others sharing their favorite American food cities. We did a Q&A with celeb chef Chris Cosentino about his Houston restaurant Rosalie, which is in the Baldwin Hotel. And we did a round-up of the coolest hotels coming this year, and a bunch of other stuff.

I wanted a story about Mississippi or Alabama in this issue because our coverage to this point has been really limited. So we took a look at the role that gas stations play in Mississippi’s dining scene, especially in dining deserts there. Photos lead the story in that piece, so it puts you right into these places very quickly. I was skeptical about this whole idea, but the writer was adamant this is a trend there and you can get a “good meal,” which were her words, at a gas station. So, I wanted to know what dining at these places looked like. It’s not like eating at the pump at an Exxon station, but maybe akin to a bodega-deli in New York City, if that makes sense to people.

You launched at a rough time for publishing and for travel. What have been some of the biggest surprises that you’ve found?

Yes, that’s putting it very diplomatically. Our first issue was in January 2020, the second one late 2020. It wasn’t the best time to launch a travel magazine, especially if you’re concerned with reporting and inspiring people to go explore new places. I’m generally a look-at-the-positive side guy, so the flip side of that was, it seemed like people were trying to escape during 2020, and part of that for travelers meant dreaming about travel from home. And I’ve genuinely been surprised at how supportive customers can be. I get really nice, unsolicited emails and messages from people way more often than I expected. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at how many issues we’ve sold in stores. Like everyone, I’ve read my fair share of stories about struggling retail sales and I didn’t expect much to happen in stores. But, the majority of our sales have been newsstands and wholesalers.

What’s the best way for people to get their hands on a copy of the magazine and keep up with all that you’re doing?

They can check us out on FiftyGrande.com or we’re in bookstores nationwide like leading indie bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods, Books a Million, and others. Also, a tip if you want to try the magazine: if you sign up for the newsletter you’ll receive a 50 percent off discount, good for any purchase in our store. So you can grab an issue or a subscription for 50 percent off just by signing up for the newsletter.

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Mexico May Build a Massive Tourist Train Over the Yucatán’s World-Famous Cenotes

A new rail project in Mexico is good news for travelers in the Yucatán Peninsula who want to see more of the region in a fraction of the time – and who don’t want to rent cars or sit in traffic. But a recent proposed change to the route poses a risk to the world’s largest underwater cave system and surrounding jungle, both of which could be damaged or destroyed if the project moves forward.

The Maya Train, or Tren Maya, will cover 932 miles and run through five states in the southeastern part of the country: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The project is led by Mexico’s National Fund for Tourism Development, also known as FONATUR — part of the federal government. One of the main goals of the Tren Maya is to connect more rural areas to tourist hotspots like Cancún, which will ideally bring tourism money to smaller communities and help them benefit from tourism-related economic opportunities.

The full route of the Mayan Train. Photo: Tren Maya/FONATUR

Construction began in June 2020, roughly two years after Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced the Tren Maya project. Though developers still claim the project will be finished by 2024, it’s currently a few months behind schedule. That may be because ongoing lawsuits from environmental groups have led federal courts to order construction pauses to protect sensitive ecological and cultural areas.

Environmental concerns over the Tren Maya

Cenotes like this are part of the larger cave system and are at constant risk of collapse and deterioration. Photo: Nido Huebl/Shutterstock

Most of the environmental concerns about the Train Maya come from a change announced in January 2022 on a section of the route running between Cancún and Tulum. The tracks were originally supposed to run parallel to the current four-lane highway on an elevated platform. But the new route goes inland, laying the track at ground level roughly 2.5 miles inland of the highway – putting them squarely in the dense Mayan jungle. The government gave several reasons for changing the route, citing concerns about potential traffic and highway interruptions during construction, potential lawsuits from private landowners along the route, and the high cost of construction in Playa del Carmen.

One of the most concerning aspects of the new route to critics is that it would pass over Sac Actun, the largest underwater cave system in the world. Most travelers and Mayans know the system best for its cenotes: natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has the highest concentration of cenotes in the world. In addition to being a massive tourism driver, especially for scuba divers and snorkelers, cenotes are sacred to the Mayan people.

Mayans believe that cenotes are sacred as gateways to the underworld. Maya tradition tells that the god of rain, Chaac, lives at the bottom of the cenotes. This may explain the many archeological and anthropological artifacts found within the cenotes, which many researchers think were sacrifices to Chaac in hopes of rain and agricultural fertility. Fossils found within Sac Actun date back to the Ice Age and include the skeleton of Naia, believed to be one of the oldest and best-preserved skeletons ever found in the Americas. The fossils and discoveries have aided research into human history, and only a tiny fraction of the cave system has been explored so far.

Much of the jungle just a few blocks in from Tulum and Playa is undeveloped and dense. Photo: Crystal Egan/Shutterstock

Environmentalists and cultural advocates are concerned that having the high-speed Tren Maya run directly above the cave system multiple times a day would put Sac Actun in danger of collapse. Environmentalists also point to concerns that the noise and vibrations will be significant, which will scare wildlife and change the area’s ecosystem and food web.

Despite the judicial blocks, the government has already cleared massive areas of jungle to accommodate the new route. That’s further driving ire among environmentalists, who say that President López Obrador already broke a promise he made in 2018: “No se va a tirar ningún árbol,” he said. “Not one tree will be knocked down.” Environmental activities predict that the train will require deforestation of more than 6,170 acres of jungle, leading to an extirpation (local extinction) of endangered species like the jaguar, howler monkey, and ocelot. Research on the cave system also shows that the cenotes are (via translation)” highly susceptible to contamination due to their geological composition].”

Cultural concerns over Tren Maya’s new route

Cultural advocates are also generally against the new route, pointing to the cenotes’ historical and cultural significance. The cenotes were the Mayan people’s only source of freshwater and remain the only freshwater source for people living in the region. The country’s National Institute of Anthropology and History estimates that there are 2,288 archaeological sites in proximity to the route, many of which could be destroyed by a combination of foot traffic, construction, and environmental degradation.

The government announced the Tren Maya route change without an environmental impact assessment, something required by law for a project like this. The train has been called the “signature project” of President López Obrador, who has been criticized for pushing too hard to complete the train before his term ends in December 2024. Several significant courtroom challenges to the Tren Maya question its legality in light of failing to do the required environmental diligence.

Calakmul is one of many Mayan sites along the train’s route. Photo: Iren Key/Shutterstock

A group called Tren Sobre Cenotes No, which means “No train over cenotes,” has organized several protests in Playa del Carmen and areas where deforestation is underway. Greenpeace advocates also chained themselves to construction equipment in late March in protest of the train.

Aside from environmental and cultural concerns, anti-train advocates also question the promised economic gains and whether they’ll benefit smaller communities. In an open letter to President López Obrador, Indigenous communities of the Yucátan Peninsula wrote, “It’s a tourism project that will only benefit the wealthy and foreigners. We, who are the owners of the land, will only see it pass by.” Some Mayan communities raised concerns over their ethnic name being used for something they don’t support.

The case for the Tren Maya

With the new train, destinations like Palenque will be much more accessible to tourists without any additional car traffic or pollution. Photo: Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock

However, not all locals are against the train. Many are in favor of it for the new jobs and economic opportunities it could bring. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme predicts that economic growth will double around the route and that poverty in the region will decline 15 percent by 2030. And given the poor quality of roads and heavy traffic in towns like Tulum, the Tren Maya could actually ease some of the over-tourism and environmental problems faced by popular towns along the route.

While critics argue that those positives don’t outweigh the negatives, proponents of the Tren Maya argue that the state needs to sacrifice some environmental protections to drive economic progress. Huge areas of the Mayan jungle were cleared beginning around the 1980s for mega-hotels and highways, and proponents say this is no different. Proponents also claim that the environmental concerns around potential cavern collapses won’t come to fruition and that the cenotes will still be open, healthy, and enjoyable for tourists and locals. The train will also speed up travel in the region, allowing passengers to go from Palenque (a Mayan ruin site in the state of Chiapas) to Cancún in four hours, rather than the current 10 it takes by car.

Many advocates against the new route are not necessarily against the entire Tren Maya project, but want an environmental impact assessment and reliable assurance that the government will protect the cave system before it moves forward.

Interest parties can learn more about both sides of the issue from the official page of the Tren Maya and from organizations opposed to the new routing, like the Mexican Center for Environmental Law or the Regional Committee for Cave Diving, Ecology and Regulation (CREER).

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Best fossil hunting in the US

Fossils have long captured people’s imagination. Like a window to life on Earth millions of years ago, fossils are the imprint in rocks of ancient organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and finding one is like winning the paleontological lottery. Luckily for those who like a gamble, there are many places across the US where you can ethically and legally go fossil hunting and even keep your finds.

From trilobites to fossilized plants to dinosaur bones, here are the essential stops for a fossil-hunting road trip across the US. But, before setting off, be sure to check out the paleontology community’s set of ethics regarding collecting fossils, and keep in mind it is always illegal to collect fossils from National Parks and Monuments.

Fossil hunting in Pennsylvania: Montour Preserve Fossil Pit, Danville

Photo: Montour Preserve/Facebook

Starting in Pennsylvania, Montour Preserve Fossil Pit is a free fossil collection site open year-round. The site consists of one acre of exposed Devonian Period shale laid down 395 million years ago when Pennsylvania was covered by a shallow sea. Pelecypods (oysters, mussels, clams), cephalopods, crinoids, corals, and trilobites can be found, and visitors can keep any fossils they find. Tools are allowed, and geologists’ hammers, safety goggles, and brushes are encouraged to help break up the shale.

Where: Montour Preserve Fossil Pit, 160 Sportsmans Road, Danville, PA 17821

Nearby attractions: Across the road from the fossil pit, Lake Chillisquaque has boating, fishing, walking trails, and wildlife blinds for animal observation.

Fossil hunting in New York: Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve, Blasdell

Photo: Jimmy Cyrus /Penn Dixie

Next up is The Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve, a 54-acre park near Buffalo, New York, that was once an ancient undersea environment. When the area was quarried, layers of 380 million-year-old Devonian Period rock were uncovered, filled with brachiopods, bryozoans, corals, and (famously) trilobites. The park is open from April to October, and there is a $14 entrance fee. Tools are available for rental, and fossils can be kept, though the park asks to photograph particularly fascinating ones. Staff and volunteers assist visitors, and the park is accessible to wheelchairs, with paved paths throughout. There are also Dig With The Experts events every June.

Where: Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve, 4050 North Street, Blasdell, NY 14219

Nearby Attractions: Woodlawn Beach State Park, a mile-long beach on Lake Erie, is just a short seven-minute drive away, and Niagara Falls is 40 minutes north. The Buffalo Museum of Science, as of 2022, has an exhibit on dinosaurs in Antarctica.

Fossil hunting in Ohio: Olander Fossil Park, Sylvania

Photo: The Olander Park System/Facebook

Moving west, Olander Fossil Park in Ohio is a free, wheelchair-accessible site that is open from mid-April to late October. The park is a five-acre rock quarry consisting of Devonian Period shale, deposited 375 million years ago when northwest Ohio was under a shallow sea. Over 200 prehistoric life species can be found, including trilobites, brachiopods, and corals. Visitors can keep fossils, but no tools are allowed; the shale is soft enough to break apart with your hands.

Where: Olander Fossil Park, 5705 Centennial Road, Sylvania, OH 43560

Nearby Attractions: Fossil Park has biking and walking trails. The Paulding La Farge County Community Fossil Garden, a parking lot used as a dumpsite for a nearby quarry, is located an hour southwest and has Devonian shale with trilobites, brachiopods, and corals.

Fossil hunting in Minnesota: Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester

Quarry Hill Nature Center in Minnesota has two quarries open year-round, where visitors can look for fossils. The fossils are in Platteville limestone layers laid down when southeastern Minnesota was covered by an ocean 450 million years ago. Brachiopods, trilobites, cephalopods, and gastropods can be found, and visitors can keep any fossils they find as long as they fit in the palm of their hand. The Nature Center also has a fossil guide to help with fossil identification, and three large cephalopod fossils are visible in the limestone floor of the new quarry.

Where: Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906

Nearby Attractions: Quarry Hill is also known for birding and geocaches. The Nature Center also has a museum and animal center with 35 species of native animals.

Fossil hunting in South Dakota: PaleoAdventures, Belle Fourche

Photo: PALEOADVENTURES DINOSAUR DIGS/Facebook

PaleoAdventures in South Dakota offers guided, full-day field trips from March through September. Operating from their field station in Belle Fourche, PaleoAdventures takes visitors to dig for fossils on private ranches. Unlike the other sites, Paleoadventures specializes in dinosaur fossils, particularly fossils from the Late Cretaceous Period (100 to 66 million years ago), such as bones and teeth from T.Rexes and Triceratopses. All tools and gear are provided, as well as expert instruction. Visitors can keep any common fossils, such as Triceratops teeth and unidentifiable dinosaur bone fragments. Fossils that have scientific significance are given to universities and museums. A dig day is $175 per person and the days often fill up before the season starts, so early booking is essential.

Where: PaleoAdventures, 1432 Mill Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717

Nearby Attractions: Badlands National Park and the Black Hills are just two hours away. The Mammoth Site is also two hours south and features a museum and an active paleontological excavation site.

Fossil hunting in Colorado: Florissant Fossil Quarry, Divide

Florissant Fossil Quarry in Colorado is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with an entrance fee of $15. The quarry was an ancient lakebed during the Eocene Epoch, 34 million years ago. Ash from a volcanic eruption trapped layers of living animals and plants in shale, and now fossilized insects, plants, small animals, and fish can be found. Fossils can be kept, though any finds of scientific significance, such as the fossil of a new species of shorebird found in 1997, are donated to the National Park Museum. Staff at the quarry provide tools and instruction.

Where: Florissant Fossil Quarry, 18117 Teller Country Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816

Nearby Attractions: Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument, which does not allow digging, is a great place to visit before going to the quarry to learn about the geographic history and fossils in the area. The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is 20 minutes away and features world-class exhibits of dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles, and has a working fossil laboratory.

Fossil hunting in Kentucky: Warfield Fossil Quarries, Kemmerer

Warfield Fossil Quarries in Wyoming are open from Memorial Day to the end of September. The quarries feature rock from the Green River Formation and are known for their fossilized fish Visitors can keep all common fish fossils, but rare species such as stingrays, turtles, reptiles, and mammals stay with the quarry. An hour of digging is $30 per person, and all tools are provided, as well as a guided lesson.

Where: Warfield Fossil Quarries, Farm Field Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101

Nearby Attractions: Fossil Butte National Monument is 30 minutes away and a perfect place to stop before heading to the quarry to learn about the geology and fossils in the area. Blue Moon Quarry is also six miles west of Kemmerer and is open from mid-April through October.

Fossil hunting in Utah: U-Dig Fossils, Delta

Photo: U-Dig Fossils/Facebook

U-Dig Fossils in Utah, open from March to October, is a remote, 40-acre park with limestone shale from the Cambrian Period that is 500 million years old. The park is famous for its trilobites and is one of the most prolific trilobite sites in the world. For an hourly fee, visitors are provided tools and instruction and can keep any fossils found. The staff on-site will also help with polishing fossils.

Where: U-Dig Fossils, Death Canyon Road, Delta, Utah 84624

Nearby Attractions: The U-Dig site is surrounded by BLM land with primitive camping. Utah deserves its own fossil road trip; if you have time, visit the state’s numerous dinosaur museums and dinosaur track sites.

Fossil hunting in Washington: Boot Hill Fossil Site and Stonerose Interpretive Center, Republic

Boot Hill Fossil site in Washington is a great place to end a road trip. The site is open May through September and features Eocene Epoch shale from 50 million years ago. The area was once a lake bed that was filled with volcanic ash, trapping animals and plants in the layers. Fossils of leaves, flowers, fish, and insects can be found. Finds are identified by staff members, and any discoveries of scientific value must remain at the site. Visitors can take three fossils home, and there are tools for rent. The Stonerose Interpretive Center on-site is wheelchair accessible.

Where: Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Site, 15 N. Clark Ave, Republic, WA 99166

Nearby Attractions: Curlew Lake State Park, an 87-acre park, is just down the road and has fishing, birding, and camping.

More like thisRoad TripsThis US Road Trip Will Take You To the Best Places To Dig for Gems

11 Stylish Santa Barbara Airbnbs Right Near the Beach

Sunsets, sandy beaches, and sunshine collide in glamorous Santa Barbara. With the Santa Ynez Mountains looming in the background and pretty Spanish downtown streets to explore, this central California resort suits outdoor enthusiasts as well as city slickers and foodies. All you need is a place to get your beauty sleep. Here’s our selection of the coolest Airbnb Santa Barbara homes and beach house rentals.

Beach house Airbnbs Santa BarbaraPet-friendly Santa Barbara AirbnbsBest Downtown Airbnb Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Airbnbs for larger groups

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

Beach house Airbnbs Santa BarbaraDreamy beach cottage

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Designed with lovebirds and honeymooners in mind, this seaside hideaway is located in The Mesa, two blocks from Leadbetter Beach. The interiors follow a beachy theme with the likes of wood paneling, rattan furnishings, and Tiki touches. Your beachside Airbnb in Santa Barbara comes with a private backyard where you can loll beneath the beating sun on the loungers and hammock. Remember to raid the beach wagon before heading out to the sand. Bodyboards, towels, and a parasol are provided to reduce your packing list.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $385 per night

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Sweeping ocean views

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Escape to this bluff-top property in The Mesa where the only sounds you’ll hear are rustling palms, ocean waves, and the calls of seabirds. A patio, backyard, and panoramic windows offer unparalleled views over the Pacific Ocean. Whichever bedroom you claim, you’ll be privy to front-row seats at the epic sunrises and sunsets Santa Barbara is famed for. When you do feel like getting out and about, complimentary paddleboards and bicycles are available. Spend evenings alternating between the garden and the fireplace.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $730 per night

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Modern beach house with spa

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This funky beach house Airbnb in Santa Barbara is constructed from redwood and enveloped in lush green plants and romantic fairy lights. The kitchen has recently undergone a facelift and comes with whizzy appliances that will inspire you to unleash your culinary creativity. Each of the three bedrooms has a private bathroom with fetching Spanish tiles. Leap into the jetted hot tub after a day touring the region and let the tropical vibes wash over you

Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $790 per night

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Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides:These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtownThe best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groups

Pet-friendly Santa Barbara AirbnbsStunning yurt on 11 acres

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Grab your loved one and retreat into the Californian wilderness at this sensual yurt buried among oak, pepper, sycamore, and walnut trees. A skylight opens the space to the elements while a wood burner is on hand to keep you warm. Freshen up with a view in the private bathroom fashioned from redwood. You’ll share a swimming pool and hot tub with two other rental units. Dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly Airbnb Santa Barbara with hippy vibes.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $320 per night

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Bohemian Santa Barbara cottage

Photo: Airbnb

This cheerful Santa Barbara rental with a hot tub for two and an outdoor shower is perfect for a nature-loving couple. The backyard is seriously secluded yet downtown is a mere 10-minute drive from the Bel Air neighborhood. Snuggle up on the loveseat in the living room or kick back with a movie in the boho-style bedroom. Two dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly urban oasis with prior approval from the host.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $310 per night
Book here

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Serene Mesa Gardens home with Jacuzzi

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Located in The Mesa, this fashionable villa is stylishly appointed with a kitchen that will make any chefs in your group clap their hands with glee. One patio is set up as an alfresco dining zone. Meanwhile, the kitchen opens out bar-style onto a second terrace where a sizzling fire pit awaits. Navigate your way past the koi fish pond and pretty flora to find the Jacuzzi on your third and final outdoor patch. A super private boutique Santa Barbara Airbnb for small groups seeking rest and relaxation.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $510 per night

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Best Downtown Airbnb Santa BarbaraLe Petite Maison Blanche

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Draped with romantic wisteria, Le Petite Maison Blanche is the cutest Airbnb in downtown Santa Barbara. A secret garden complete with a fire pit and lanterns will make you want to order in every night. Rooms at this historic cottage are compact yet divinely presented with premier linens and scatter cushions. Bicycles and helmets are provided making it even more fun to see the local sights and beaches.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $350 per night

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Santa Barbara Airbnbs for larger groupsSpanish Gem and Pool Oasis

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

East of downtown Santa Barbara, this elegant vacation home balances mountain living with the beach. The single-level home opens out onto a vast garden with a swimming pool, fire pit, and outdoor TV lounge. Bathrooms are adorned with intricate Spanish tiles while the master suite comes with a Jacuzzi bath. Despite the feeling of seclusion at this luxury Airbnb in Santa Barbara, you’re within walking distance of restaurants and grocery stores.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,950 per night

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Stunning view property with luxe amenities

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This swanky Airbnb near downtown Santa Barbara wows with its views across the city, harbor, and ocean. The private pool is set upon an observatory deck while the kitchen – a floor higher – opens out onto a gorgeous wraparound balcony. If you like what you see, follow the canyon trail from the villa for even more photogenic vistas. Indoors, the rustic kitchen and homely family lounge keep it real. Evenings can be spent perfecting your aim on the billiards table or sneaking a pampering session in the master bathroom’s spa tub.

Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,750 per night

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Montecito Mid Century

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Experience luxury living in east Santa Barbara at this glamorous bungalow with killer views of the ocean. Soak up the Californian sun from the poolside and share stories in the evenings around the fire pit. The interiors benefit from airy ceilings, oversized bathrooms with decadent tubs, and panoramic windows. A separate patio off the kitchen is shrouded with greenery and begs for nightly feasts under the stars.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $975 per night

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Tranquil sunny Montecito retreat

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This idyllic vacation home oozes comfort, class, and fresh mountain air. It’s situated in the mountains a short and sweet drive out of downtown and the beach zone. Strategic windows and balconies maximize the viewing potential while the external hot tub is the best place to spend a night beneath a starry sky. The space consists of one main house plus an adjacent cottage which is available at a surcharge should you need extra space at this family-friendly Airbnb Santa Barbara.

Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $975 per night
Book here

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More like thisOutdoorHow To Have the Perfect Outdoor Weekend in Santa Barbara

I Was Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder, but It Hasn’t Stopped Me From Traveling the World

“Passport, meds, wallet, phone…” My packing list looks the same as most people, but my medication is not as easily replaceable as the usual ibuprofen and imodium that most travelers carry. For years I have guarded my them carefully in my carryon, knowing that in some countries they’re not available at all.

While much progress has been made in the US to decrease the stigma of having a mental health diagnosis, many parts of the world aren’t there yet. This brings an extra layer of challenge to international travel for people like me.

I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2000, and like many who struggle with mental health didn’t accept treatment immediately. After a difficult two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco, I realized that I would not be able to travel and lead the life I wanted without treatment. Since starting a regimen, I have traveled on five continents and I’m living the life I always wanted.

Travel can be a joyful and exciting experience, but it takes us out of our normal routine, which can be challenging or even dangerous for those of us with mental health conditions. I have traveled in over thirty countries, which means that I had to develop strategies for managing my mental health on the road and in the air. Here are eight tips that I have developed over decades of bipolar travel.

We hope you love the book that is recommended! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to order.

Maintain the good habits you already have

My first piece of advice comes from Ellen Forney, author of Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice from my Bipolar Life. I take a copy of her book with me when I’m going on a particularly challenging trip. Her acronym “Smedmerts” stands for: Sleep, Meds, Eat, Doctor, Mindfulness, Exercise, Routine, Tools, Support System. It sums up everything we should do at home, which is exactly what we should try to do while traveling.

Of course, most of these are very challenging to keep up while on the road. The routine goes out the window and I have found that sleep is my biggest challenge. Still, our goal should be to continue all these as best we can, no matter where we are. In her book, Forney’s travel advice focuses on sleep, namely why we need to prioritize sleep while traveling and what to do if jet lag throws off your circadian rhythm.

Don’t try to do everything

Whether I’m planning a weekend getaway or a month long trip, I build breaks into my schedule. Also, if I’m tired after scuba diving or hiking, I let myself rest. Running myself ragged by trying to do everything just leads to disaster. When I asked if Forney had any other advice for travel, she brought up the issue of trying to keep up with other people.

“When we travel, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves (and often get pressure from our travel mates) to get out and do as much as we can, go as many places as we can, dance and eat and swim as much as we can,” said Forney. “It can be frustrating to have to prioritize your health if all of your travel mates are going out to a party at midnight. That’s okay. It’s okay to stay in the hotel room in the evening, or sit for an hour on a bench, or read a book in your tent. Enjoy where you are feeling rested, well-fed, and balanced.”

I don’t have to do everything to enjoy the places I visit. Whether I’m traveling alone or in a group, I’ve learned that saying no to some experiences can make the trip much better.

Check that you can contact your doctor

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in online medical services. I have been able to video chat with my psychiatrist in Seattle while in South America. Before you leave home, check with your doctor about options for contact while you are out of the country.

If your doctor doesn’t have any way for you to contact them during an international trip, find a counselor who does. Hopefully, your regular counselor can do video chat appointments and emergency appointments. If you must get a new counselor, find one who does all their appointments by phone or online. Try to have a few appointments with the new counselor before your trip, so that they can get to know you and see how you are at home.

When choosing a new counselor, Laura Robinson M.A., Professional Counseling Associate in Oregon, cautions to check that the counselor is licensed in the state you live in and is able to see you in the country or state you visit while on your trip. Even before your first appointment, tell the new counselor where you’re traveling and how you would be able to contact them while you’re on the road. If they aren’t a good fit, keep looking before you commit to the first appointment.

Happiful’s counseling resources include a link for finding an online counselor. Healthline has another great resource for finding online counselors. You can also ask your regular doctor or counselor if they have any recommendations.

If I’m going somewhere that doesn’t have any cell service or internet access, I use a journal or app to track thoughts and feelings to discuss with my doctor or counselor later.

If you take meds research if you can buy medications where you’re going

Though I guard my meds in my carry-on as if my life depends on it, I also plan for the possibility that I may need to buy meds while I’m away from home. If you’re traveling within the US, check with your pharmacy to see if they would be able to fill an emergency prescription in another state. If you’re traveling internationally, remember that every country is different in how they sell and control medications. For example, one of my medications, Lamotrigine, is available without a prescription in Turkey and Mexico.

Unfortunately, it can also go the other way. I spent a full day in Hanoi going around to pharmacies and even tried a hospital only to find that Lamotrigine isn’t available at all in Vietnam.

In Peru, I was required to have a prescription from a Peruvian doctor. However, at a clinic that is popular with travelers in Cusco, a doctor was happy to write me a prescription after I produced my prescription from my doctor back home.

Since it’s not always possible to call a pharmacy in the country you’re traveling to, check for resources online. The US Embassy websites in many countries include resources for travelers who need to buy medications. Also, check for Facebook groups of expats living in the country you’ll be visiting. They can be a wealth of practical information. Mobility International has a great list of how to find out if you can buy your medications in other countries. They also have tips for taking medications with you to other countries.

Be honest with travel companions

This can be hard in a society that still stigmatizes mental health. However, it is essential. I have been pleasantly surprised by many people’s reactions when I tell them that I have bipolar disorder. Real progress has been made in destigmatizing mental health and I expect that the trend will continue to improve.

If you are traveling with others, find a time to talk to them before you leave for the trip. This can be awkward the first time, so try creating an opportunity that’s not the two of you sitting down for a serious talk. You can compare it to diabetes or any other medical condition that requires constant awareness, daily maintenance, and for most, medication. Priory Group has a great list of tips for talking with somebody for the first time about having depression. These tips can be applied to conversations about a variety of diagnoses.

Ask for feedback from your travel companions

Travel companions can be helpful for this, but if you are traveling alone, choose a person back home with whom you can check in daily. Consistency is important. If they only see you once a week, it’s harder for them to give you useful feedback. With WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime and all the other new tech out there, it is easier than ever to make this possible. Be sure to check with places where you’ll be staying if they have Wi-Fi or other internet access.

If this is absolutely not possible, take a journal with you. This worked on my last Patagonia trip, when I was without electricity or cell service for over a week. I tracked my thoughts, feelings, and sleep patterns every day. Noticing our own unhealthy behaviors is difficult, which is why this is a last resort. It’s much better to have feedback from a person who has an outside perspective on what we are doing and saying.
Again, consistency is important and what we really need is a daily check to help us notice changes. Be open to feedback from others and make it clear to them that you will listen to them and not be offended.

That said, if there are specific phrases that you find upsetting, give them the words that you need to hear. Sometimes what I really need to hear is that I’m talking nonstop or too quickly. Sometimes I need somebody to ask me how much I’m sleeping and remind me how much I normally sleep when I’m home. Travel is more likely to trigger a manic episode than a depressive episode for me, so I make sure to ask for feedback around signs that may point to the beginning of a manic episode.

There are also a lot of great apps that help you track sleep, thoughts, and feelings. Very Well Mind has a great list of apps for specific diagnoses.

Have emergency plans

Just like going camping with a first-aid kit and knowing your embassy’s phone number in the country you’re visiting, you need to make specific emergency plans for your situation. This looks different for everybody, depending on your diagnosis. For me, this is identifying a safe place that I can go if I need help. I check to see if any nearby hospitals have a mental health clinic. Not all countries have systems for mental health, but most tourist destinations have clinics that will have somebody on staff who speaks English.

I also try to find contacts where I’m going, either through my network or through social media. This is especially important if you don’t speak the language of the country you’re visiting. Many expatriates love to show visitors around, so look for the expat community. These days, most of them have groups on Facebook but you can find them everywhere on social media. You don’t have to broadcast your diagnosis to a bunch of strangers but it’s good to know which cafés or parts of town are the main hangouts. Find out where you could go to easily meet up with somebody from your home country.

Besides emergency plans for during the trip, think about what you would do if you needed to cut the trip short and go home. If possible, buy plane tickets that are changeable or refundable. In a worst-case scenario, is there somebody from home who could go to you if you’re unable to travel? If you have a person who could do that for you, talk with them about that possibility before you leave.

The Copeland Wellness Center has some great resources for creating individualized plans. Their WRAP program also helps people develop their own personalized plan for recovery after a mental health episode or stressful event.

Bring something comforting

Not everybody wants to travel around with Ellen Forney’s book, even if I think that we all should. Books aren’t comforting for everyone but do bring something that you can hold or do that is comforting to you. What do you have or do at home when you’re having a bad day? Find a way to take that with you, even if it takes up a lot of space in your luggage. Knitting and coloring are calming for some people, as is sudoku. If it’s your childhood teddy bear, take it with you. It’ll be worth it.

If you need some ideas to help you choose what to take, check out StarWard’s article on comfort objects. I appreciate StarWard’s observation that “while being attached to an object like a soft toy or blanket can seem quite childish, it’s actually an important and healthy process for adults.” Whatever you decide to take, I recommend including it in the carry-on with your meds.

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You Can See Remnants of Halley’s Comet Fly by This Week. Here’s Where To Look.

A glorious astronomical event is set to grace us with its presence this spring. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower’s annual return is upon us from April 19 to May 28. But to sneak a peek at these shooting stars, you’ll need to either stay up late or wake up early.

Eta Aquarids meteors are made up of the remnants of comet 1P/Halley. Although Halley’s Comet is only viewable once every 76 years (it won’t make its next return until 2061), you can see what it has left behind during its peak season in early May, according to NASA. But what makes Eta Aquarid meteors special are their speed. Traveling at about 148,000 mph (66 kilometers per second) into Earth’s atmosphere, the meteors will leave behind glowing “trains” for several seconds to minutes. You can see anywhere from 10 to 30 meteors per hour depending on what side of the globe you’re on.

To best find the Eta Aquarids meteors, you’ll need to search for the constellation of Aquarius, which is the meteor’s radiant. You can use the “square” in the constellation Pegasus to guide you toward Aquarius, according to EarthSky, in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres during the pre-dawn hours. The Southern Hemisphere is better for viewing the gorgeous meteors, whereas The Northern Hemisphere will only have an hourly rate of about 10 meteors.

Try to head out around 2 AM local time and get as far from light pollution as possible (here are some tips from the International Dark Sky Association). You’ll need your eyes to be fully adjusted to the night, so allow for at least 20 minutes. Bring your sleeping bag, blanket, and lawn chairs to lie flat on your back with your feet facing east, and avoid looking at your phone or using a flashlight as much as possible so your eyes stay well adjusted. With some patience and a little luck, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of meteors until dawn.

More like thisAstronomyFrom Meteor Showers To Supermoons, Here’s Every Night Sky Event You Don’t Want To Miss in 2022

Where To Stay: White Sands National Park

There’s no place quite like White Sands National Park. 275 square miles of desert engulfed in wave-like sand dunes, all surrounded by the Sierra Blanca mountains, is an unforgettable sight to see. With outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and even dune-sledding, the park is among the most unique national parks in the country, and one of its most beautiful. Of course, a good trip to the park requires at least one overnight. Here are the best lodging and hotels near White Sands National Park.

We hope you love the lodging near White Sands National Park 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.

Alamogordo lodging near White Sands National ParkLas Cruces lodging near White Sands National ParkRuidoso lodging near White Sands National ParkAlamogordo lodging near White Sands National ParkHome2Suites by Hilton Alamogordo

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

With Home2Suites you’re getting Hilton comfort with enough space for the entire family. Alamogordo is the closest town to White Sands National Park, and while it doesn’t have the mountain town charm of Ruidoso it does put you within 20 minutes of the dunes. Redeem or earn Hilton Honors points here, and take advantage of the excellent breakfast (waffles!) and suites with a living room space for post-adventure lounging.

Price: From $181 per night

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Classic Desert Aire Motel

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

For a true New Mexican experience near White Sands National Park, it doesn’t get better than the Classic Desert Aire Hotel. Southwestern aesthetic dominates the vibe here from the interior decorating to the landscaping. The rooms are cozy and quiet, good for crashing out after a long day in the park, and close to the town center for dinner, drinks, and any supplies you need to pick up last minute. Staff is friendly and helpful. Suites with a kitchen and lounge space are available and perfect for families.

Price: From $68 per night

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Las Cruces lodging near White Sands National Park

 

Pet-friendly oasis in the heart of Sonoma Ranch

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This newly remodeled luxury home is in the heart of Sonoma Ranch. This home has wood floors throughout the house and brand-new appliances. There is an open floor plan with the kitchen and spacious living room featuring a 14-foot sectional and 84-inch TV with surround sound. There is an office area and a backyard with a heated pool and hot tub.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $289 per night

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Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

 

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is the best family lodging near White Sands National Park, and a glimpse at its pool is all you need to convince the kiddos to make the trip. The hotel has multiple rooms to choose from, including deluxe guest rooms, executive guest rooms, deluxe junior suites, terrace guest rooms, and presidential suites. The property is known for its full-service day spa (a nice treat after a day of exploring the park), and a renowned on-site restaurant that serves New Mexico cuisine. There’s also a nightclub and lounge that serves creative cocktails, in case a bit of unwinding is in order.

Price: From $338 per night

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Sunset retreat with massive backyard

 

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This colorful, newly renovated home features a spacious living room and kitchen with all new appliances, cabinets, and interior. The house has a freshly renovated big backyard and new furniture and equipment for BBQ. Relax and replenish at this cozy colorful home and watch the sunrise and sunset from the backyard.

Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $184 per night

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Drury Inn & Suites Las Cruces

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

This Las Cruces hotel offers king deluxe rooms, deluxe queen rooms, and a deluxe room suite. The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub and offers a complimentary breakfast. Drury Inn is 11 miles from Las Cruces International Airport, a short distance from New Mexico University and Historic Old Mesilla, and 60 miles from White Sands National Park.

Price: From $285 per night

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Modern industrial farmhouse

 

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Make this industrial farmhouse your home base for your New Mexico vacation. This home has an open concept floor plan with an oversized sectional in the living room and a fully stocked kitchen. The main bedroom features a king-sized bed and access to the back patio. There is a fireplace and BBQ grill.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $150 per night

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Ramada by Wyndham Las Cruces Hotel & Conference Center

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

The Ramada is one of the best hotels near White sands National Park, located near popular attractions and outdoor activities. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city near New Mexico State University. This Spanish hotel offers rooms from king bed deluxe suites to queen studios, and all rooms come with a microwave and small fridge. There is a cigar shop, art shop, and salon located on-site and a Mexican cuisine restaurant and evening lounge called Sabor Restaurant.

Price: From $198 per night

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Ruidoso lodging near White Sands National ParkMCM Elegante Lodge & Resorts

 

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Looking for hotels near White Sands National Park with an on-site golf course? Well, MCM Elegant Lodge & Resorts is the place for you. This retreat has everything you need to keep you entertained with a lobby bar, spa, pool, on-site golf course, walking, and cycling track, two outdoor fireplaces, a central fire pit, and more. The lodge is 20 minutes from Ruidoso Downs Race Track and 60 miles from White Sands National Park.

Price: From $298 per night

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Cozy cabin in the trees

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Get comfortable in this cozy cabin that sits among the tall pine trees. This cabin features a living room with a pull-out sofa, fireplace, and desk space, and there is a full kitchen with a mini coffee bar. The outdoor area features seating and a two-person hot tub with stunning views of the mountains. The cabin is a 10-minute walk to Midtown and the village center for shopping and restaurants.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $164 per night

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Hotel Ruidoso

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Stay at one of Ruidoso’s newest hotels near White Sands National Park for your New Mexico adventure. Hotel Ruidoso is located in the historic Midtown District of Ruidoso and is just a walk to shops, restaurants, and galleries (and New Mexico’s best brewery, Lost Hiker Brewing Company) and just 60 miles out from White Sands National Park. The hotel is an AAA-approved three-diamond-rated hotel.

Price: From $178 per night

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Sitzmark Chalet Inn

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

Photo: Booking.com

The Sitzmark Chalet Inn is nestled in the tall pines of Ruidoso and surrounded by beautiful mountains. The inn has accommodations for everyone, including queen suites, economy suites, and king suites with fireplaces. Each room is fully furnished and equipped with a fridge and microwave, and the property has plenty of room for kids to explore. If you need a bit more time outdoors yourself, take advantage of outdoor amenities including a game area and BBQ facilities.

Price: From $140 per night

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New Study Shows How Long the Average Person Can Be Comfortable in an Economy-Class Seat

How long can you sit on a plane before your butt starts going numb or low back starts hurting?

Given the complaints in the last five years about airlines doing all they can to nickel and dime customers, including making narrower seats with less leg room and less padding, it’s a bit of a surprise to see that most people can get through several hours of flying in comfort. That’s according to according to a new survey from PhotoAID, a company that takes online, biometric-ready photos for travel documents. They surveyed 1,000 users in February 2022 with quality-control questions and reviewed the answers with their data team. The survey was focused on what users consider to be bad airplane behavior and what annoys them while flying.

More than a third of respondents (36 percent) said they can comfortably fly for up to four hours at a time. Twenty-two percent said seven hours was their cutoff for comfort, nine percent said they can be comfortable for up to 10 hours, and four percent of people said they can comfortably fly for more than 10 hours — we suspect those are the first-class flyers.

Photo: PhotoAID/PassportPhotosOnline Travel Survey

These numbers are a bit surprising to see in 2022, when the average economy class plane seat is small, to say the least. On US airlines, the average economy class plane seat is 16.5 inches wide, as compared to 18 or even 18.5 inches in the 1970s and 80s. The seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the seat in front of you, which basically translates to legroom) on an economy class plane seat is now around 30 inches — six inches less than in the 1970s.

And seat thickness? Well, that’s gotten the budget-cutting treatment, too — after all, if you have less leg room, the seat can’t extend as far out as it used to. Most US airline economy class plane seats have a cushion no thicker than about two inches — and that’s before it’s been sat on thousands of times. And if you think you’re going to be more comfortable in the exit row, think again. Those cushions are shorter to make it easier to move past the seats in an evacuation. And if the armrests are fixed in position, you can expect slightly thinner and narrower cushions to accomodate the extra space they need.

Not great. Photo: Noey smiley/Shutterstock

Given those stats, it’s surprising to see that the majority of flyers can make it four hours in comfort, roughly the distance from New York to Denver. Though the survey doesn’t specify who replied, we’d guess that those people are probably on the shorter and smaller side, since even the slimmest of travelers can have trouble flying if they’re quite tall.

And speaking of slim: while airplane seats have been getting smaller, the average American has been getting larger. In the early 1970s, when travelers could expect larger seats, the average American woman was 5-foot, 3-inches tall, with an average weight of 144 pounds. Men were an average of  5-foot, 9-inches tall, and about 173 pounds. Today, while our heights haven’t changed, our weights have: the average American man now weighs 199.8 pounds, while the average woman weighs 170 pounds. Which is yet another reason we’re stunned that so many people find economy class plane seats comfortable for hours on end. They’re certainly not designed with the average American body in mind.

Other survey questions

Photo: PhotoAID/PassportPhotosOnline Travel Survey

Another question the survey asked respondents was about their most annoying plane pet peeves, and the responses reflect the current age of travel we’re living in. Many of the most annoying behaviors have been around for decades, like clapping when the plane lands (annoyed 58 percent of people), crying babies (annoyed 67 percent of people), and seat recliners (annoyed 74 percent of people).

But the number one most annoying bad behavior on an airplane was passengers who don’t cover their mouth while sneezing or coughing. This annoyed 76 percent of respondents and should come as no surprise. Even without bacteria, it’d still be gross to feel the hot breath of someone next to you as they sneeze or cough. But add in the annoyance of getting sick when you travel or risk of catching COVID, and it’s almost shocking that this number wasn’t higher.

Pre-flight pet peeves

Survey takers were also asked “what is your biggest pre-flight pet peeve?” Not surprisingly, the top two responses were both related to traveling during COVID: constantly changing travel restrictions (which 67 percent of respondents found annoying) and pre-flight COVID testing, which annoyed 56 percent of respondents. COVID aside, however, the most annoying pre-flight pet peeve was exactly what you’d expect: flight cancellations and delays.

Photo: PhotoAID/PassportPhotosOnline Travel Survey

For the full stats and more infographics, visit the 2022 Air Travel Pet Peeves report.

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You Can Customize Your Favorite YETI Travel Mug for Free This Week

YETI, a brand well known for its durable coolers as well as for keeping your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold for anywhere from hours to days, is stepping up the game with customizable mugs this spring. The trendy bottles, tumblers, wine glasses, can cozy, and pet bowls will make the perfect gift for the special mom in your life. And to celebrate, YETI is offering free text and monogram customization on its Rambler line of bottles, coozies, and tumblers, and even its 8 oz. Boomer dog bowl.

We hope you’re as excited about the YETI Mother’s Day sale as we are! 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.

There’s a lot to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options (non-customized — what will yours say?), with photos below:

36 oz. bottle,20 oz. bottle20 oz. tumbler12 oz. can coozie12 oz. bottle10 oz. wine tumbler10 oz tumbler

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

Photo: REI

The YETI Mother’s Day Sale has something for all active moms

Choose from any of the products in the available line and pick your favorite color — the deal includes seasonal colors like Bimini Pink and Offshore Blue. Then add your text or monogram in the customization section, and YETI will cover the cost. The deal does not include limited-edition Mother’s Day designs, user uploaded graphics, or licensed designs. And keep it clean! YETI will cancel any licensed, copyrighted, profane, or political orders.

This promotion only runs through April 19, so you’ll want to be quick! It can take up to two weeks for processing, so you’ll want to get your order in as soon as possible to make sure it arrives in time for Mother’s Day. The orders will not include gift messages, so you’ll want enough time to wrap your present and get the perfect card to go with it.

So go ahead and get mom her personalized YETI, and with this promotion, it’s worth getting one for yourself while you’re at it.

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