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Ask a Musician: Dan Aid’s Perfect Road Trip Playlist To Get You Through Late Night Drives

Road trips come with a lot of positives: a sense of adventure, time to decompress from the stresses of everyday life, and of course, the cheap culinary delights of gas station hot dogs. It also comes with one inevitable drawback: boredom. You’ll probably run out of podcasts by hour nine, and your well-worn road trip playlist will start getting pretty monotonous around hour 14. Luckily, we spoke to an expert for advice on how to solve your driving blues with some fresh new tunes.

Dan Aid is an actor, musician, and writer currently based out of Los Angeles. He came up in the Denver punk scene as the front man for The Snobs, White Leather, The Hate, and Wiredogs. He’s recorded and released two solo albums, and also works as an actor.

“From frantic boat rides across Canadian lakes, to midnight plane rides out of Finland, to waking up on the road in the middle of an American desert,” he says, “I have been been lucky enough to get to spend a few years of my life touring the world. In that time I have had a lot of opportunities to find the right music for the right moment. Hopefully listeners will find a tune on this playlist to fit their moment.”

Here Aid shares his 10 go-to songs on the road, and why these are his favorite driving songs.

1. Light Year by Gregory Alan Isakov

On tour you are often sharing a small hotel room, and more often then not a bed with a band member. And that band member may or may not snore with a profound vigor and volume. This song (really the entire This Empty Northern Hemisphere record) were what I would fall asleep to with my earbuds in most nights.

2. Angeles by Elliott Smith

I distinctly remember driving through the German countryside somewhere past this power plant with these massive cement smoke stacks on a rainy afternoon and listening to this song. The whole B side of Either/Or is always a sentimental go-to for me when I’m in a van.

3. Smoke Signals by Phoebe Bridgers

One of the best late night drive songs ever. Many after show drives spent laying back, staring out over my shoes at the deep darkness just past the windows with this on in my bunk.

4. The Ballad of El Goodo by Big Star

This one makes me think of being out in Chicago for Riot Fest and drinking margaritas at Big Star Tacos in Wicker Park with my old band Wiredogs. We ended up playing basketball in the rain with some local kids that night, sliding all over the court, missing pretty much everything thrown at the rim, but we were having the time of our lives.

5. John The Gun by Hiss Golden Messenger

I discovered this record (Hallelujah Anyhow) sitting at the airport about to get on a flight to Japan to start our tour with Hey Smith!. I remember turning my bass player Mikey onto it, and we just geeked out on these tunes the whole tour.

6. Pledge Wore Thin by Hot Water Music

It took me a long time to get on the HWM bandwagon, but when I finally heard their Exister album I swear it was all I listened to for a year on tour. Many a Hilton Garden Inn gym treadmill has been vigorously walked on while listening this one.

7. Dorks by Aesop Rock

We had a tour manager for a US run that turned me onto this one. We would sit up front jamming this in between stops at Buc-ee’s and the Czech Stop.

8. Slow Burn by Kacey Musgraves

My friend Kimi turned me on to this record and I like to listen to it on planes. Over the years I’ve become a more anxious flier and this one always feels soothing on the ol’ nerves.

9. Everything Apart by Foxwarren

Kolby took me to see Andy Shauf at the Larimer Lounge in Denver and I fell in love with Andy’s songwriting. I remember listening to this on the bullet train to Osaka during Authority Zero’s first headlining tour of Japan.

10. Smile by Descendents

You always need a couple Descendents tunes on your playlist. I remember hitting up Bill when I wanted to learn how to play drums, and I’ll never forget him sitting cross legged on the floor of the drum room at the blasting room putting together cymbal stands for me to borrow. Good times.

More like thisCultureThe 11 Coolest Record Stores in America for the Rarest and Most Beautiful Vinyl

This Interactive Map Is a Video-Guided Tour of the Ultimate Australian Road Trip

After a long pandemic closure, Australia finally opened its borders to international travelers in 2022. If you’re trying to make plans of where to go and what to see, TikToker Sid Hewison, who runs sid.ventures, has created all that you need to see the best parts of the country, from where to find the coolest animals in Australia to cultural sites to the most beautiful scenery. And it can all be seen on one (very long) road trip. Hewison just completed his six-month trek around Australia via motorcycle and has created a map for anyone looking for cool sites.

Each tag on the map is a place that Hewison traveled to in search of an adventure. The six-month trip circles the continent, hitting the remote corners of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. The map features 282 destinations separated into six categories: nature, old culture, new culture, animals, geology, and “Sid Stuff” (a very enticing “other” category).

Each pinpoint on the map also has a dedicated TikTok video, so you can see ahead of time what to expect. Say, for example, you’re interested in nature. Hewison visited the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO site in New South Wales. The site has more than 155 miles of hiking trails and a remarkable history that details aboriginal people and languages and nature you can find nowhere else. Animals documented on his trip include box jellyfish, different types of crocodiles, and the elusive platypus.

@sids.ventures #blue #mountains #unesco #frozen #fypシ ♬ Simplicity – Jon Steinmeier

Hewison has amassed more than a million followers on TikTok, and now that the adventure is over, he plans to open his own tour guide business so that some of his virtual tour guide passengers can follow along with him and enjoy all of the treasures Australia has to offer in real life.

More like thisExpat LifeWhat It’s Really Like To Live as an Expat in Australia

Condor's new plane paint job is fun

For airlines, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd. Most airplanes are painted white (for good reason) with a relatively simple differentiator such as an airline logo or a simple color addition. But airplane liveries, if executed well, can make an airline stand out in a significant way. For example, Condor’s new paint job on its fleet of airplanes is a joyful and unique one that we bet you have never seen anywhere else before: colorful, vertical stripes.

Photo: Condor

German leisure airline Condor announced today in a press release that its aircrafts will undergo a massive makeover. Condor’s fleet — which used to be plain and ordinary with its mostly-white fuselage, two shades of gray, and timid orange touches — will soon be transformed thanks to one of the most exceptional paint jobs the world of aviation has seen in recent years.

Photo: Condor

Condor’s new paint job for its fleet consists of vertical stripes in five different colors: yellow, red, blue, green, and beige. Being a leisure airline, Condor wanted to be identified first and foremost with vacations, and the new paint job does just that: The stripes recall the parasols, towels, and beach chairs families take to the shore for a moment of relaxation.

Each colored strippy design has been given a name in line with a theme for different types of vacations:

Green = IslandBeige = BeachYellow = SunshineBlue = SeaRed = Passion

The press release explains that about 80 percent of the fleet will feature Condor’s new paint job by 2024. Only six aircrafts bearing the new livery will fly this summer. Condor is choosing to give its aircrafts the new livery only when their old paint jobs are in need of replacement, in an attempt to be as sustainable as possible in its transformation.

Photo: Condor

In the meantime, the ground and air crews will get new uniforms and accessories that match this striking and beautiful new look, and the Condor brand as a whole (from the website to the on-board blankets) will adopt the cheery stripes in the coming weeks.

More like thisAirports + FlyingHow Airplanes Get Their Paint Jobs, According To a Livery Designer

Passengers See Their Plane’s Shattered Windshield After Flight Makes Forced Early Landing

Imagine boarding your four-hour flight from Salt Lake City to Washington DC. You reach cruising altitude and begin to really settle in, recline your seat, and get ready to nap or watch tv or read a book. And then all of a sudden you hear over the loudspeaker to remain calm — the plane is suddenly diverting to Denver International Airport.

On Friday, April 1, that very situation happened after pilots made the decision to divert to Denver when the cockpit windshield cracked at 30,000 feet. The crack happened about 90 minutes into the flight, and it diverted in about 10 minutes.

A photo posted by passenger Kirk Knowlton on Twitter shows the cracked windshield. No glass fell from the plane, as these windshields tend to be about two inches thick and have several layers. The crew said the crack happened “spontaneously.”

We were on our way to the ACC meeting when it was announced that we we would need to make an unplanned landing in Denver because the windscreen cracked. Apparently it was spontaneous. Fortunately, we landed safely and are about to get back in air. We are grateful for safe flights pic.twitter.com/lK6kq5UiY2

— Kirk Knowlton, MD (@KirkKnowlton) March 31, 2022

“They kept coming on saying for everyone to stay calm, to be calm, and we were calm so being told to stay calm while we were calm made us feel a little panicky,” passenger Rachael Wright told KUTV.

Shortly after the crew of Delta Flight 760 “declared an emergency due to a cracked windshield,” the flight landed safely at Denver International Airport around 11 AM, according to The New York Times

“Delta flight 760 from Salt Lake City to Washington D.C. experienced a maintenance issue mid-flight. Out of an abundance of caution, the flight crew diverted into Denver and the plane landed routinely. Our team worked quickly to accommodate customers on a new plane, and we sincerely apologize for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans,” Delta said in a statement.

Although it’s unclear whether the cabin lost pressure, airplanes are designed to remain safe with a shattered or cracked windshield and pilots are prepared to descend to reduce pressure and divert to the closest airport if necessary.

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This Frequent Flyer Tool Finds the Best Reward Program for You Based on How Much You Travel

If you’re a frequent flyer, one of the easiest tricks to get the most out of your trips in the sky is to pick one or two airlines to fly with and stick with it. Now, as flight prices get ready to shoot up in the coming month, it’s more important than ever to enroll in a frequent flyer program that’s right for you. The question is, which program to choose? The personal finance company WalletHub released its report on the best frequent flyer program of 2022 along with a tool to help you decide which meets your needs best.

The frequent flyer calculator ranks programs based on how much bang for your buck you’ll get based on what your budget is for travel. The most highly recommended programs by WalletHub’s measure are Alaska Airlines and United MileagePlus. However, the overall extent of these great benefits is determined by how many points you can rack up per year.

Finding an excellent frequent flyer program means more than just free miles. The best programs offer other benefits like free checked bags, access to lounges, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, higher priority on overbooked flights, and expedited baggage services. This year, Alaska Airlines beat out the United Airlines program as the best mileage program, with rewards worth 2.4 times more than if flyers had purchased the the same thing at full price.

The best frequent flyer programs of 2022Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: best overall and rewards valueUnited Airlines MileagePlus: best airline coverage and partner coverageDelta Air Lines SkyMiles: best redemption policiesHawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: most additional features with the best rewards valueAmerican Airlines AAdvantage: best airline coverage

WalletHub assigned points to programs in different categories: airline coverage, partner coverage, rewards value, earning policies, redemption policies, and other features. Airline coverage was worth 10 points for the number of US destinations and five points for the number of international destinations. Partner coverage was worth 10 points with categories for partner airline earning and redemption and the US and international destinations on partner airlines.

WalletHub found the value of the rewards by considering the different amounts someone might spend on travel per year and how that translates to miles earned redemption value and the value per $100 spent. To find a score for earning policies, WalletHub considered whether there were earning limits, whether you could still earn points by booking through third-party websites, and whether you could retroactively reclaim points. And finally, the other category included if and how fast miles expired, the ease of achieving elite status, transferring between accounts, and the overall valuable membership perks.

The truth is, you’ll also want to consider which airlines you actually like, so you’ll be encouraged to stay loyal. But if you can’t give up shopping around for the lowest prices, take on investing in a good travel credit card instead.

Outdoor guide to Wilmington, NC

As winter draws to a close, a change of scenery can be more needed than ever. Whether you’ve got Cabin Fever, Spring Fever, or Summer Friday Syndrome — all valid reasons to call in sick, really — the best remedy just might be a trip to Wilmington and Beaches, on the North Carolina coast.

With endless greenspaces to explore at your pace; sunset sails, surf lessons, and riverboat tours to fill the hours; and fantastic waterside restaurants fit for foodies or the whole family, that much-needed breath of fresh air is carried on the sea breeze around Wilmington. Here’s where to enjoy it.

Gardens, greenways, and flower power

Photo: Wilmington and Beaches

Throughout spring and summer, Wilmington is a riot of color, its azaleas putting on the showiest of shows. Time your trip for when the blooms are at their most colorful at Airlie Gardens. Some 75,000 azaleas and tulips pop up, complementing a massive live oak tree more than 475 years old and paths that transport you past ponds, creeks, and the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel.

Then there’s the New Hanover County Arboretum, seven acres of gardens for families to traverse year round. The seasonal gardens come themed, like the whimsical butterfly garden and the Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and Japanese maples. For an experience you’ll get nowhere else, keep an eye out for the meat-eating plants that grow natively in only one place on Earth: right here around Wilmington. Find loads of Venus flytraps and other carnivorous flora at the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden and on the Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park, too.

Speaking of trails: Go for a walk, jog, or ride among more pitcher plants and azaleas at Greenfield Park; along the River to the Sea Bikeway, stretching for 11 miles from the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach; the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail; and Carolina Beach’s Island Greenway, part of the East Coast Greenway. Families with thrashers can bring their skateboards and grind their wheels at the skate parks at Greenfield Lake and Ogden Park, the latter spanning 10,000 square feet of bowls and rails. Or keep things waterside by heading further down the island, where Kure Beach and Fort Fisher await.

At Kure Beach, you can spend the day searching for shells and fossils (at low tide) or even hike out to a World War II bunker — find it along the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. With the right permit, four-wheel-drive vehicles are welcome to drive right on the beach. Set up some fishing poles or a seaside picnic and keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles, piping plover, and more wildlife. (For a guaranteed wildlife sighting, check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, where you’ll see a rescued bald eagle, an albino alligator, and more aquatic creatures than you can count.)

Just up the road, Sugarloaf Trail (and aforementioned Flytrap Trail) at Carolina Beach State Park will keep you exploring the wild side of town. If you’ve got kids in tow, the playgrounds at Carolina Beach Lake Park and Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion put you within walking distance of some nice lunch spots as well as the rustic beauty of the wooden Kure Beach Fishing Pier. If you’re more central in town, the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is a gentle hike that takes you through neighborhoods and past tranquil ponds, creeks, and the UNC Wilmington campus.

Tours, cruises, and wild Wilmington

Photo: Wilmington and Beaches

Birders and wildlife lovers have plenty of reasons to get excited about the area. The North Carolina Birding Trail connects more than a dozen great birdwatching spots in the area, where you might glimpse anything from painted buntings to brown pelicans to bald eagles and osprey while you’re out and about. Zeke’s Island, just south of Fort Fisher, and Masonboro Island, accessible only by water, are both hotspots for bird activity. Spy on plenty of our feathered friends anywhere around Wilmington and take in the breezy coastal sights and sounds on a guided tour or cruise:

Traverse marsh creeks by kayak with Cape Fear Adventure Company, Mahanaim Adventures, or Kayak Carolina.Uninhabited islands can be your destination on a cruise or sailing charter with Blockade Runner Surf to Sound Adventures, an outfitter that also rents kayaks, paddleboards, and other gear and offers lessons in how to use them.Give the folks at Epic Excursions a call and they’ll take you on a tour of whatever you want, from explorations of shores and creeks, to sunset cruises, to trips to secret surf spots.Kids love the Pirate Island Treasure Hunt and the Eco-Scavenger Hunt from Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Or hunt for shells and shark teeth with Island Time Water Tours.Explore the waters of the Cape Fear River — and take your pick of river cruises, fishing charters, and classic riverboat excursions — with Wilmington Water Tours and Cape Fear Riverboats, Inc.

To put your skills to the test, try your hand at sailing with Shamrock Sailing Adventures or Blockade Runner Sailing School. Or go underwater with a dive from Aquatic Safaris, WB Diving, or Carolina Beach Scuba. You’ll visit shipwrecks — so many shipwrecks — and shoals in the warm waters that lap the shores of Wilmington’s island beaches.

For something lower key, try standup paddleboarding with Wrightsville SUP, Paddle NC, or Cape Fear Paddleboarding; they’ll help you perfect your technique or get you paddling for the first time. Of course, you could just take in the scenery from a hundred feet in the air with Wrightsville Parasailing Company — sitting there comfy-cozy in your harness, you’ll have the view of a lifetime. Large groups and families of up to 20 will enjoy booking a private boat tour and shore excursion from Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours & Water Taxi.

A waterfront meal to remember

Photo: Wilmington and Beaches

After all that exploring, treat yourself to the region’s standout cuisine — smoky barbecue and seafood, of course — with a water view. Here’s where to go:

You’re in for a treat when Chef Cabo cooks up something special using ingredients from the seaside garden at EAST Oceanfront Dining at the Blockade Runner. Down the street at Oceanic Restaurant, you’ll find a kid-friendly menu and al fresco seating in their pier-side dining area.In Carolina Beach, there’s seaside dining at Carolina Smokehouse, The Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar (come back during the fall and try their chowder; it’s worth the trip), and the casual Hurricane Alley’s.Plenty of tables treat you to a view of the Cape Fear River, too. Along downtown Wilmington’s Riverwalk, Elijah’s Restaurant, Pilot House Restaurant, and The George on the Riverwalk all have scenery as tasty as the food.In Wrightsville Beach, you’ll get your fill of sights and bites at The Fish House Grill, Bluewater Waterfront Grill, and Dockside Restaurant, all on the busy banks of the Intracoastal and serving up everything from burgers and fries to fine steaks and seafood platters.

There are so many more spots — South Beach Grill for daily chalkboard specials sourced from land and sea, along with great cocktails; Stoked Restaurant, at the Carolina Beach Marina, for locally caught seafood; Smoke on the Water for a taste of Carolina-meets-Texas ‘cue and killer sunset views. So, question: How long can you stay?

This Calculator Shows How Much You Could Make Doing Your Job in a Different Country

If you’ve been thinking that now is a good time to test out expat life, one of the biggest things to consider is employment. Sure, there are more jobs than ever that allow for remote work these days, but there’s also the option of working in a different country. And with that comes different salary expectations. William-Rusell, a company that provides expat insurance, created a calculator to give you an idea of what you could be making if you did your same job in a different country.

The calculator compares the average salaries of careers in the 38 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Switzerland had the highest average salaries (and the highest cost of living) followed by the United States. Turkey had both the lowest average salary and the lowest cost of living.

To use the calculator, all you have to do is a pick a profession that you’re curious about, select whether you want the results listed in British pounds or American dollars, and then see the results.

Average for a journalist in the United States is listed as $54,000, for example, while it’s more than $118,000 in Switzerland. In Mexico, the average journalist earns a little more than $6,000 per year. Healthcare professions are an interesting example as well. Countries with private healthcare options have higher paid medical professionals (and, of course, higher cost to individuals). The average dentist in the US makes about $166,000 while in Germany that number is closer to $54,000.

Bartenders in the US make about $33,000 on average. That’s on the higher end for the countries listed, though Australia ($36,000), Denmark ($38,000), and Switzerland ($51,000) all have higher averages.

Of course, just because there are higher paying options in other countries doesn’t mean that you could get the same job. That depends on the visa requirements, timing, and whether there are even any jobs available that you qualify for. It’s relatively easy for US citizens to live and work the expat life in Costa Rica, while there are special programs for anyone interested in becoming an expat in Australia.

You also have to consider the cost of living. Some countries pay a lot more for jobs simply because it’s a lot more expensive to live there. Living in Zurich is even more expensive than living in San Francisco, for example. A lower average salary may actually go further than a higher one when you factor in living expenses.

William-Russell also calculated the least expensive countries to live in based on OECD data on price level indexes.

The least expensive countries to live inTurkeyColombiaMexicoPolandHungaryLithuaniaChileCzech RepublicLatviaCosta Rica

Despite the many factors that influence the average salary and how much it costs to live in a country, the tool is an interesting look at what you could be making elsewhere.

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This Is Not a Test: Stay at the Luxe Mercure Maldives Resort for Half Off With This Deal

Travel season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate warm weather than going to a tropical location? The Maldives is America’s favorite place to visit, is the perfect place to soak your toes in the soft, warm sand, fruity drink in hand, and the sound of beach waves crashing in the background.

Right now, Travelzoo has the web’s best deal on travel to the Maldives — pristine luxury and epic overwater bungalow included.

You’d better hurry because you don’t want to miss out on this luxury beach Maldives Travelzoo deal.

We hope you love this Maldives travel deal! 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.

Photo: Travelzoo

Photo: Travelzoo

Photo: Travelzoo

Photo: Travelzoo

Photo: Travelzoo

When to travel: Through December 2023
Fully refundable: Yes

Who doesn’t want to stay at a five-star villa and relax and relish in the beauty around them? It’s time to snag this great deal before it’s gone. Enjoy the private island resort Mercure Maldives resort for an unlimited, all-inclusive offer of five nights for two in one of their stunning accommodations. Save more than 60 percent and stay starting at $2,899, a deal that you can only get through Travelzoo.

With this fantastic Maldives Travelzoo deal, you and your plus one have the option of staying at the Beach Villa ($2,889), which sits directly on the beach, the Water Villa ( $3,129), which sits above the waves, or either the Sunset Water Pool Villa ($3,849) that sits over the resort’s lagoon.

Experience everything from excursions like sunset fishing and dolphin cruises to guided snorkeling at the house reef to other activities like jet skiing, spa treatments, and more. Take advantage of this secluded getaway at Mercure Maldives Resort and indulge in endless amenities and activities, including restaurants and bars, spa treatments, private dining options, beach volleyball, and tennis.

If five days isn’t enough and you want to indulge in the luxury for a bit longer, Travelzoo offers another deal for a nine-night stay. The nine-night vouchers will also be discounted from $3,999 and come with a complimentary excursion hosted by the resort.

This Maldives Travelzoo deal is for you if you’re looking for the world’s perfect white sandy beaches and beautiful clear water. Book now because this high exclusive Maldives Travelzoo deal only lasts until December 23, 2023, and you won’t want to miss out on your chance to experience this five-star dreamy Maldives vacation.

Book Now

More like thisFinancial SavvyA Dream Maldives Vacation Is More Affordable Than You Think — With These Tips

We Stayed in the World’s First Cartoon Network Hotel, and It’s as Fun for Adults as It Is Kids

We hope you love the pllaces 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.

Among the pastures and strip malls of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, sits an oasis for fun-loving kids and quirky adults — the Cartoon Network Hotel. Along Lincoln Highway East, an area that’s gray and a little gloomy in the colder months, the Cartoon Network Hotel sets itself apart with glowing magenta lights and Adventure Time’s Jake stretched over the entrance. You get the immediate feeling, before even stepping inside, that staying here is an experience.

Photo: Cartoon Network Hotel

Before I go any further, I think it’s worth it to explain that I mostly consider family getaways like this to be fun for kids only. I don’t expect peace, quiet, decent prices, or any real enjoyment for myself beyond watching my kids have a good time. Perhaps I’ve been jaded by our trips to Disney parks. Plus, with two elementary-school age kids and a teenager, it is extremely rare that every member of our family will experience the same level of fun. The Cartoon Network Hotel was the exception.

We arrived on a cold Friday evening after a three-hour drive from north New Jersey. Upon unloading the trunk, I was prepared to drop our duffel bags and curl up under the covers. But, I quickly realized that wasn’t going to happen. Each member of my family, myself included, contributed to a soft symphony of oohs and aahs upon stepping into the striking open lobby. We were immersed in bright colors depicting Cartoon Network’s cast of eccentric characters. The building was so bewitchingly gorgeous, I didn’t even mind that Pitbull was pumping from the speakers.

Photo: Cartoon Network Hotel

The Toon Room, an activity space to the right of the lobby immediately lured my little ones in. My teen approached with caution, either assuming the activities were meant for younger kids or just trying to maintain a cool, adolescent composition. The cozy space included several activities — a color-your-own character area where designs could be animated and projected on a large overhead screen, four Powerpuff Yourself stations, a toe-tapping floor tile game, and a Summer Island themed virtual tag wall. A few minutes in, my teen was designing her own Powerpuff Girl.

Photo: Cartoon Network Hotel

After the initial excitement, my husband and I were finally able to peel the kids away from their fun to find our room and settle in. We stayed in the Ben10 dream suite, one of the four Dream Suites, which was a quick jaunt up the curved steps of the lobby. The suite had a large living area, a kids’ room with double bunks, a separate room with double beds, a kitchenette and dining area, and two full bathrooms. The space was unexpectedly ample, stylish, and clean. The kids were especially ecstatic about the televisions at the foot of each bunk. We ate dinner at the Cartoon Kitchen, which included affordable entrees and tasty gluten-free options. Then, we explored the Ben10 Omnicade AKA the small, L-shaped arcade off of the lobby that also features two VR cubes. It’s no Dave & Buster’s — only a handful of kids filled the space pretty quickly, but of course, that didn’t bother any of the children, who were too hypnotized by the lights and games.

Photo: Cartoon Network Hotel

The next day we were able to view the immersively designed property in full daylight. My teen and I were entranced by the numerous framed cartoon sketches that covered the walls of the lobby. From the windows, the loops of the Dutch Wonderland roller coasters felt close enough to touch. It was closed for the season during our stay, but opens for the 2022 spring preview (weekends only) on April 16th. Hershey Park, which is about 40 minutes away, was also closed, but opened for their spring preview (also, weekends only) on April 2nd. Note that these parks are open seven days a week starting in June. Surprisingly, my kids weren’t phased by the closed attractions because they were too enthralled by everything else the Cartoon Network Hotel had to offer.

That cold Saturday, we munched on breakfast bites and delicious coffee from the Bearista Café before heading to the Turkey Hill Experience, about 15 minutes away, where we made our own ice cream flavors. It was an enjoyable, although expensive activity ($96 for our family of five), and still we were all more interested in getting back to the hotel.

Back at the Cartoon Network Hotel, the kids painted their own character-themed tote bags in the Toon Room. The attendees were eager to welcome and help the kids with their crafts, despite the overwhelming flurry of children hailing from the property’s 155 standard rooms waiting on supplies and asking questions.

Of course, a stay at the Cartoon Network Hotel wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the pool. Since warm spring temperatures had not yet settled in yet, the Powerpuff Girl “Splashville” Splash Pad, the outdoor pool, and the Land of P’oool concession stand were closed. But, the indoor pool, encased in a mostly glass building toward the back of the property, was heated. Perhaps, the only drawback was the indoor pool’s exterior entry, which meant bearing with the 30-degree temperature in order to get back to the room—a two minute sprint. As many parents may have expected, the kids got a kick out of this, too.

Photo: Cartoon Network Hotel

That evening we dined on seriously delicious BBQ takeout from Smokehouse BBQ and Brews while hanging out in the suite and recovering from the day’s activities. In our pajamas, we took another quick trip downstairs to the Omnicade. Along the way, I noticed separate crews of adults without children enjoying cocktails at the Bearista Café. Some were casually celebrating a birthday, others cosplayed Adventure Time characters. Had the Land of P’oool concession stand been open, there likely would’ve been solo adults there enjoying the frozen libations as well. Even with no children in tow, the Cartoon Network Hotel is an entertaining, aesthetically pleasing spot for adults.

All in all, the Cartoon Network Hotel is an unexpected, shining star in Lancaster. Looking at the surrounding hotels, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. It truly offers trendy, comfortable accommodations and activities for kids and adults. We’re already planning our return in the summer months.

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Best Airbnbs in San Francisco

if you plan to book an AIrbnb in san Francisco, look for three primary qualities. They should be located in or around the city center, they should offer views of either the skyline or Golden Gate (bonus points for both), and they should enhance your experience of the vibrant international culture of the city. These are top-rated best Airbnb San Francisco properties to experience the best of the city.

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

Luxury home by the bay with rooftop hot tub

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Full house Airbnb San Francisco rentals are notoriously pricey, particularly when they are well-placed. This one is worth the price, especially since you can grab a full crew and split the bill. It’s clean and cozy, with the boutique upscale vibe you’d expect at a nice hotel but with home amenities including a stocked kitchen, a rooftop hot tub, and plenty of lounge space. The views of the downtown skyline are worth the price of entry alone — particularly if you have a bottle of bubbly with which to toast.

Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,499 per night

Classic Edwardian home in Mission District

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Superfast WiFi. Nearby cafes and pubs. Historic aesthetic. This classic oasis in the Mission District sets you up for an unforgettable trip to the heart of the city.  From here you can get everywhere, including Haight Ashbury and Golden Gate Park to the west and the bay to the east. The home itself is also quite something, with vibrant decor offering a classic but trimmed aesthetic that’s as welcoming as it is cozy. It’s efficient and comfortable and puts you nearby to the best of the city. And at this price point, it’s also just as affordable as renting an luxury hotel room.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $599 per night

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Pacific Heights apartment with panoramic views

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Pacific Heights is the heart of the action in San Francisco these days, home to some of the city’s best dining and most authentic vibes. One of the best San Francisco Airbnbs, this unit is well-trimmed, with a modern kitchen and incredible views out over the city and the water. For real, these city views most only see from the window of an airplane — including the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, the ocean, and rows of quaint Victorian homes. And should you wish to explore beyond the reaches of Pacific Heights, pubic transit is right there. This is a great unit for a mid-sized group or family.

Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,124 per night

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Warehouse condo on Mint Plaza

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This warehouse condo epitomizes San Francisco chic. It’s in the heart of the city near Mint Plaza, within walking distance or a quick hop to everything from Haight-Ashbury to the Mission to South Beach, and puts you a stone’s throw from the cuisine of every continent. San Francisco Airbnbs that are this comfortable and convenient are tough to come by at this price, making the unit perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to spend some time getting to know the city.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $229 per night

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Quintessential Victorian townhouse in central San Francisco

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Who hasn’t dreamt of staying in a San Francisco Victorian townhouse? A stay here is like living in Full House and Nash Bridges all at once, with an added dose of modernity and less drama. It’s cute, convenient, and offers an experience that you won’t find in most San Francisco Airbnbs. If traveling with family or a small group, the home houses up to five guests with plenty of room to stretch in the backyard.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $249 per night

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Well-heeled private suite in Haight-Ashbury

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Live the San Francisco dream in this private guest suite right in the heart of San Francisco. Walk in the footsteps of locals, experience the city’s best cafes, and wander through Golden Gate Park. Or simply chill with a drink on the patio overlooking one of the most vibrant parts of the city, with views of both the bay and Buena Vista Park. If you’re looking for an easy time in the big city, this is your spot.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $163 per night

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Charming garden apartment on city’s western shore

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This garden apartment offers three primary perks. First, it’s located near where the city meets the Pacific Ocean, offering a unique vantage point of San Francisco and an experience you won’t find in SoMa or Downtown. Second, it’s surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is an absolute pleasure to wake up to each morning. And speaking of waking up, the third charm is the bed. Reviews state it’s huge and ridiculously comfortable. For solo travelers or couples looking for a romantic stay, San Francisco Airbnbs don’t get better than this.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $157 per night

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Hip SoMa loft with inspiring skyline views

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

What makes San Francisco one of the best cities in the US is its international urban culture. This modern loft offers easy access to that vibrancy, along with an inspiring design that emphasizes the city’s skyline from every vantage point. The unit’s spacious design optimizes every square foot, giving you plenty of room in a city known for its often tight quarters. This is an ideal loft for a family, couple, or small crew of travelers looking to experience the best of San Franciso but needing an inspiring place to remain productive as well.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $420 per night

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Family-friendly Noe townhouse that feels like home

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Family travel is so much easier when your accommodations feel like home. This townhome is perfect at accomplishing that — it’s clean and modern and well-equipped for everything a traveling family could need. Bonus that it’s also full of super-inspiring art and the interior design puts it among the best San Francisco Airbnbs for simply lounging. Outdoors is a fire pit around which to dine and share stories, a rare amenity in a big city but one that perfectly complements the modern luxury of this home.

Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,200 per night

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