Matador Network's Blog, page 505

Best US state at Wordle

If you’re not playing Wordle at this point, you’re sleeping under a rock. Swaths of people worldwide are racking their brains every single day to find the winning five-letter combinations and avoid the dreaded X/6 score. Since the game’s launch in October 2021, it has reached millions of players and even inspired spinoffs like Airportle, a version for airport codes. Josh Wardle recently sold the game, which he had originally created for him and his partner to play, to The New York Times.

Wordle has brought a little bit of rivalry among groups of friends and family who compete against each other daily to be the fastest at finding the word of the day. And while you may know who is the best at solving Wordle among your people, don’t you wonder what US states, and countries are the current Wordle champions?

Wordtips, a website dedicated to helping you succeed at word games like Scrabble, crosswords, and of course, Wordle, conducted a study to see where in the world are people the best at solving Wordle. The company extracted 195,248 tweets with hashtag #wordle and grouped the data by user locations in city, state, and country.

Photo: Wordtips

The US state with the best overall score in Wordle is North Dakota, with an average try of just 3.65 tries. Delaware trails behind at just 3.70 tries, and in third place is New Hampshire, with 3.73 tries. Players in Alaska need to step their game up — taking an average of 4.22 tries to nail down the daily word.

In terms of US cities, players in St. Paul, Minnesota, are Wordle royalty with an average of just 3.51 tries. Reading, Pennsylvania, follows at 3.56, and players in Ann Harbor, Michigan, need about 3.59 tries.

Photo: Wordtips

On a worldwide scale, the US ranks as the 18th best county, with an average of 3.92 tries as a nation. Sweden, on the other hand, is the world’s best country at solving Wordle, taking 3.72 tries nationwide, while players in Switzerland take 3.78 tries, and Poland barely trails behind at 3.79 tries. However, in Australia, the fourth best Wordle-playing country overall, the players in the city of Canberra are smoking the competition with just 3.58 tries — followed by Jerusalem, Israel, at 3.63 tries, and Malmö, Sweden, with players taking 3.66 tries.

So the next time you’re playing Wordle, just know it’s bigger than you. You’re playing for an entire country.

No pressure.

More like thisAirports + Flying9 Games You Can Play Even in the Most Cramped Airplane

Iceland’s Ice Caves Could Last for Decades — or be Gone Next Month. Here’s how to See Them.

Standing in the middle of a white void, it’s impossible — at least to my untrained eye — to tell north from south, east from west. There’s no obvious horizon line and all the curves and hills we’re told will be along our route are completely invisible. It turns out Langjökull, known locally as “The White Glacier,” lives up to its name. The view in front of us is as blank as a fresh sheet of paper.

I had just enough time to get settled onto the back of my first-ever snowmobile ride when it suddenly accelerated forward, headed blindly into the white vacuum of space. I was off to visit a newly discovered natural wonder: Langjökull Cave, one of the biggest and most captivating Iceland ice caves. Unlike solution (or rock) caves, ice caves are temporary, at the mercy of temperatures and glacial melt. They may sit mostly unchanged for years and years — or they could disappear come May, never to return again.

What’s the deal with Iceland’s ice caves?

Photo: Casira Copes

As the name would suggest, ice caves are made from ice, and they’re somewhat of a blend between an annual and perennial experience. They don’t completely thaw and reform each year, but most of the ice and much of the shape melts in the summer, reforming again come November. It’s also worth noting that they’re technically called glacier caves, but ice cave is just the term that caught on in the country.

The Langjökull Cave is newly discovered, but Iceland’s caves in general have been well-known for centuries. Early Icelanders likely used them for shelter or ceremonial purposes. Modern-day tours of Iceland’s ice caves didn’t start until around 2010, though rock caves tours were popoular before that.

The tourism website for Visit Iceland advertises a host of experiences to see various Iceland ice caves that can range from a few short hours to multiple days. As the “land of fire and ice,” Iceland is fortunate to be home to a number of ice caves, which is rare as there are only a few parts of the world where the conditions are ripe for the ice caves to form. Oh, and the country also has the “fire” part covered with volcanoes, hot springs, and other natural wonders.

The new cave at Langjökull was discovered in fall of 2021 on the Langjökull glacier — the second longest glacier in Iceland — and was described by Icelandic news outlets as “unusually large.” Amazing Tours, the company I toured with this past winter, was one of the groups to actually discover the new site. Icelandic tour companies regularly conduct searches for new caves, and when they find them, they then set to work improving access and ensuring they’re safe for visitors. This new site took roughly four weeks of preparation before it was deemed safe and accessible. The companies tested for any signs of collapse, chopped away ice that was likely to fall, and installed lighting fixtures before beginning tours.

When I traveled in late November, this latest cave had only been open to tours for about a week. And though I didn’t know it at the time, the most remarkable part of the discovery is that it may disappear forever come spring. According to Jón Kristinn Jónsson, glacier guide and co-owner of Amazing Tours, the new cave will likely melt away after 2024, if not sooner. It’ll be a missed opportunity if you don’t see it before it melts: as a 12-year veteran in the industry, Jónsson has stated that this cave is the biggest he’s ever seen.

Inside Iceland’s Langjökull Cave

Photo: Casira Copes

Even the most rugged of Jeeps won’t get you to this particular cave, which involves a 2,600-foot elevation gain to reach its entrance. Starting at the Skjól Campground, our tour group lined up on snowmobiles. I had expected to glide smoothly over the snowy terrain, but that couldn’t have been further from reality. I’d never been on a snowmobile, and getting accustomed to the acceleration and braking was a bumpy experience. As a rear passenger, I found myself clutching hard on the handles and praying we didn’t completely tip over (which is a thing that happens more than you’d hope with snowmobiles).

Upon arrival to the cave, it was impossible to tell where the sun was, but the blinding whiteness of the landscape made everything incredibly bright. The Langjökull glacier is known for being particularly unusual for the variety of colors in its ice, including blue, white, gray, and black. Approaching the entrance of the cave, you’re dwarfed by massive walls of bright blue ice, frosted with snow to create a picturesque arctic backdrop.

As we entered, the guides spoke about the cave’s geology and formations, like how the color of the darker gray and white ice comes from the remnants of volcanic ash mixing with the water that flows through the cave. Guides installed small lamps to make some of these features more visible. They also stabilized some of the larger rocks and added makeshift wooden stairs to make the descent easier. Daring travelers have the opportunity to climb down into some of the tighter cavern spaces using rope — only a few at a time, naturally — to access the deeper tunnels carved by flowing water. Skip it if you’re claustrophobic

You get about 30 minutes in the cave and the guides made sure everyone got the opportunity to take all the photos they wanted. Unsupervised, these types of caves are dangerous places to be — stepping onto the wrong ledge or rock could easily result in a broken limb. But this tour felt expertly managed, and the cave was well-marked and partitioned to keep guests out of unstable areas.

I’m not a rugged adventurer. Most of my Icelandic vacation was spent in the city of Reykjavík, strolling idly through the main shopping center and filling my stomach with pastries and crepes. This excursion was by far the most extreme travel activity I’ve ever done – but what’s amazing is that it’s still just a day trip. From the basecamp (the meeting point for tours just outside the city), everyone piles onto a bus to meet the snowmobiles for the trip in the snowy wilds. Before sunset we were back at the basecamp, eating brick-oven pizza and sipping sweet hot cocoas in the cafe.

In other words, it was the perfect adventure for an absolute beginner. But there are definitely a few important things to know if you plan to visit any of Iceland’s ice caves.

Tip: Don’t carry anything delicate

As a photography enthusiast traveling into such a naturally beautiful environment, I wanted to bring my camera everywhere. But the mental image of it accidentally smashing into a wall of ice or falling into one of the cave’s crevices was enough to make me glad I had left it behind. My phone was the only truly valuable thing I had on me, and I didn’t dare pull it out while we were driving.

Anything you bring with you should be kept in a zippered pocket close to your body. You will definitely get time for selfies and quick shots once you actually get to the cave, but only with whatever equipment you’re willing to risk on the ride there. If you drop something while in the middle of the icy tundra, there’s a very strong chance it’s gone forever.

Tip: Pack light

For day trips to other parts of Iceland, I carried a backpack with some basics like a water bottle and snacks. I brought that same bag to the Iceland ice cave tour meeting point, but I left it on the bus. Navigating the environment in the cave was challenging enough without carrying extra weight. It’s also important to have your hands free in the cave to grab climbing ropes and pushing yourself off the snow when you slide or stumble.

It’s also very important to have your hands free when ice caving. You’ll be grabbing onto ropes to haul yourself in and out of the caves, and to pull you through the thickly packed snow. Most people are likely to fall at least once or twice – maintaining your balance on slopes, slippery surfaces is no easy feat.

Tip: Be prepared for a workout

Photo: Casira Copes

The difficulty level of this particular tour was advertised as “challenging,” and I was surprised by how accurate that was. From the area where we parked the snowmobiles to the cave required a long walk through several feet of snow, crossing slopes marked only with stakes and ropes. It took nearly an hour to reach the cave. Weighed down by heavy snow gear and trudging through freezing temperatures, it doesn’t take long for your heart rate to skyrocket and breathing to accelerate. Be sure to wear a moisture-wicking base layer on your torso and legs. Try to avoid cotton socks, too.

Tip: Bring thick gloves

More than any of my other cold-weather gear, I wish I had brought thicker, more durable gloves. I was sweating a bit while hiking, but my fingers were freezing for most of the trip. You’re risking frostbite without gloves, and even with the gloves I had, the strong wind and cold temperatures were very uncomfortable and left my fingers feeling stiff, especially during the snowmobile ride. I was constantly flexing my fingers to keep the blood circulating and just to make sure I could still feel them.

It goes without saying that you’ll be coming into a lot of direct contact with the snow and ice and guides will provide properly insulated snow gear to keep warm. Still, it never hurts to have your own trusty pair of gloves as used gear can get compressed and worn down. Water- and wind-proof accessories are going to be your best friends.

How to visit Iceland’s ice caves

The most important thing to know is to go as soon as you can. In the summer, much of the cave ice melts, and when it reforms in late autumn, the formations and save of the cave could be quite different — or it could be completely gone; the beauty of Iceland ice caves is that they’re ephemeral.

With all that in mind, it doesn’t take much to begin adventuring into one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland. Tours run October through April, and all you need is a valid driver’s license. Several companies offer various tours to Langjökull Cave, among others, including a tour that includes a drive to the cave entrance in a monster truck. Expect to pay around $300-$400 per person, depending on where you leave from and the length of your tour. While Langjökull is the most recently discovered ice cave, it’s not the only one. There are several caves in Vatnajökull National Park open to tourists as is Katla Ice Cave. If you’re visiting in the summer, you may want to take a tour to Hjörleifshöfði Cave, which served as Yoda’s home in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

As challenging as the experience was, it was well worth it to see the crystalline beauty of the cave, surrounded by the purest snow I’ve ever witnessed. This marvel won’t be around forever, and I’m glad to have seen it in all its glory. While I haven’t been fully converted into a hardcore adventurer, this trip definitely encouraged me push beyond my comfort level for the sake of seeing the truly unique and wonderful things in this world.

But I still strongly recommend relaxing with a hot chocolate afterward.

More like thisSustainabilityYou Need to See These Glaciers Before They’re Gone

From Butter Cheese to Whoopie Pies, Try These Treats in Pennsylvania Amish Country

When I tell friends I am planning yet another trip to Amish country in rural Pennsylvania, I get surprised looks. For decades, my family has made the annual pilgrimage to the rolling hills just over an hour from Philadelphia each May. On the drive, we trade the skyscrapers and crowded highways for farmlands and one lane roads. The mess of traffic quickly gives way to horse-drawn carriages and adults riding non-electric scooters. On our yearly weekend getaway, the destination is always the same: Lancaster County, home to most of Pennsylvania Amish country.

Lancaster County is home to America’s oldest Amish settlement. Pennsylvania Amish country feels frozen in time yet draws in millions of tourists every year.  That’s because here you can catch a glimpse of a lifestyle that exists both simultaneously and in such stark contrast to our own. Free of most modern technologies, the Amish are mostly farmers, and agriculture their primary business. Every day but Sundays — their day of rest — a booming tourism industry comes alive with people who flock to this region of Pennsylvania to sample the many treats prepared by Amish butchers, bakers, and brewers.

The birthplace of the whoopie pie is known for their fresh dairy, meat products, and authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking using locally sourced ingredients. With moderate weather and plenty of nearby accommodations, spring and summer happen to be the perfect times of year to visit. You will find some welcomed peacefulness alongside some incredible food. Here are six places to try the best foods in Pennsylvania Amish country.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (@juliussturgispretzelbakery)

The true origins of the pretzel may lie in Old-world Europe, but the birthplace of the hard pretzel happens to be in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Julius Sturgis founded the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States in 1861 and it is still in operation to this day. Housed in a historic stone home on the town’s small main street, the shop offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the history of the beloved snack.

A small retail shop welcomes guests in, but the real draw is an interactive tour through the factory. Original factory pieces are on display from the days long before mass production. The tour is led by a knowledgeable and passionate staff that culminates in guests learning firsthand how to twist a pretzel.  On the way out, I can never resist grabbing a large bag full of their signature hard pretzels as well as freshly baked on-site soft pretzels.

Where: 219 East Main St., Lititz, PA, 17543

Miller’s Smorgasbord

Miller’s Smorgasbord is Lancaster’s first buffet restaurant and a quintessential dining experience. The Amish restaurant has been in operation for over 90 years by the Miller family and continues to serve their classic fried chicken. The aforementioned is still the entrée of choice but other protein options include baked chicken, tender roast beef, and turkey. The traditional smorgasbord, including its many food stations, is the preferred way to dine but they also offer an a la carte menu.

With a surprising air of elegance, Miller’s Smorgasbord has successfully changed my opinion on buffet style meals. The dining room looks out onto rolling green hills dotted with cattle. After finishing the meal off with local ice cream, I love exploring the complex that houses Miller’s. Here, you can find a gift shop, a quilt shop, and a locally made food shop that serves baked goods, jellies, and jams. Reservations are an absolute must at this Amish institution.

Where: 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572

Busy Bee’s Farm Market

It would be all too easy to drive right past Busy Bee’s Farm Market. After all, it is located on a family’s farm in a converted shed. Adorned with floral lawn accents crafted by the Fisher family, this roadside gem operates only from spring to fall. Crafts and handmade goods are for sale, but the main draw is their selection of seasonal fruits and produce harvested on-site.

The stand is open every day but Sunday, but I love visiting on Saturdays when they offer a small selection of ready to eat options, including house-made potato chips and Pennsylvania Dutch style soft pretzels. These are made fresh and hand rolled in butter resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth quality making theirs the best in the area.

Where: 3378 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks, PA 17572

Stoltzfus Meats & Deli

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stoltzfus Meats (@stoltzfusmeats)

For more than 60 years, Stoltzfus Meats & Deli has sold locally raised meats, baked goods, and fresh cheeses. This family-run Dutch deli and market is home to a large retail space. Here, you will find aisle after aisle of cheeses, including my favorite creamy Amish butter cheese. Their fresh meat snack sticks are made right in Lancaster County just down the road at the family’s production facility. The shop also sells a number of baked goods, but the fresh whoopie pies are a staple of the area. A large fresh meat counter is the butcher shop of your dreams: fresh and cured sliced meats and prime cuts are all on display. It’s also home to the best scrapple in town — a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty that is made from cornmeal and buckwheat flour mixed with pork.

Attached to the market and deli, you’ll find their restaurant, Amos’ Place. Once you make it past the inevitable lines that appear during the breakfast and lunch rush, you can dine alongside locals at this bustling counter service spot. Their soups and sandwiches make for the best lunch in town. The vibe is unassuming and there’s just a handful of indoor and outdoor seating available.

Where: 14 Center Street, Intercourse, PA 17535

Kitchen Kettle Village

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kitchen Kettle Village (@kitchenkettle)

On any given day you will find a packed parking lot full of family vehicles and motorcoaches at Kitchen Kettle Village. This quaint, walkable village is home to dozens of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch shops highlighting local Amish artisans and products. Their shops are complimented by both full-service and quick dining options, including an outpost of Lapp Valley Farms Ice Cream.

Specialty food shops are what keep bringing me back to the property, including an olive oil taproom and cheese shop. The working canning kitchen is lined with hundreds of jarred products made in-house, including jams, pickles and sauces. Because it is a working facility, you can watch the staff craft that day’s products, but be mindful that photography is not allowed. Samples of the products are available before purchasing. If you want an overarching taste of what Lancaster has to offer, this is a must-visit.

Where: 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534

Rumspringa Brewing Company

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Saber (@tomsaber)

Craft brews are starting to pop up in Amish Country as the area slowly ushers in the modern times. As tourism continues to steadily grow, so does the number of options to appease its diverse clientele — including alcohol. Rumspringa Brewing Company is nestled on the second floor of a barn-like structure that houses Mount Hope Wines. The name is a play on the Amish tradition of Rumspringa where Amish youth are given a grace period to experience life outside of their community.

The roomy taproom showcases the area’s first nano-brewery. Both year-round and specialty craft beers are offered, including the mainstay favorite, Harvest Gold. The brewery is small but there’s an ample amount of seating and the vibe is local, but welcoming. Sampling the taps is welcomed before settling on a choice, but I’ll always go with a flight. Ciders and a selection of wines from Mount Hope Winery downstairs are also served.

Where: 3174 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, second floor

More like thisDessertThe Ultimate Chocolate Road Trip Through Pennsylvania

Museum of Death New Orleans

Death is an ever-present aspect of New Orleans culture. Second lines, the jubilant parties where folks dance down the street while a brass band jams, are synonymous with the city. These celebrations stem from an African-American funeral ritual in honor of a deceased member of the community. At the same time, cemetery tours are among the most popular attractions in NOLA. Before COVID-19, an estimated 200,000 people visited the St. Louis #1 Cemetery in the French Quarter each year. It houses the tomb of Marie Laveau, the “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans,” making it a pilgrimage to those interested in the supernatural. Ghost tours are another ubiquitous tourist activity, focusing on everything from haunted hotels to vampire lore. So it only makes sense that the city is home to the macabre Museum of Death.

“It’s definitely a big draw for especially the true crime, serial killer crowd but we offer so much more than that,” explained Zach Frazier, Manager of the New Orleans location of the Museum of Death (there’s another one in Hollywood). “It’s not just in that vein, we cover everything related to death.”

There’s taxidermy, serial killer paraphernalia, and photos of beheadings. But there’s also a section explaining the logistics of embalming a corpse, and one that highlights the sensationalization of murder by the press.

The Museum of Death is morbid so true crime fans and lovers of the occult will undoubtedly connect with the content. But if you’re just a curious traveler that enjoys museums and learning, you can certainly appreciate the experience. Here’s all of the intel you need to make the most of your visit to the New Orleans Museum of Death.

Where is the New Orleans Museum of Death?The best times to visit the Museum of Death in New OrleansWhat you need to know before visiting the Museum of DeathGuided tours at the New Orleans Museum of DeathHow long should I budget to visit the New Orleans Museum of Death?How to buy tickets for the New Orleans Museum of DeathWhere to start your visit of the New Orleans Museum of DeathThe must-see exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of DeathUnderrated displays at the New Orleans Museum of DeathWhere is the New Orleans Museum of Death?

Photo: Janna A. Zinzi

The Museum of Death is located at 227 Dauphine Street between Bienville and Iberville streets in the French Quarter. It’s on a block with quintessential New Orleans businesses like a po’boy sandwich shop and a costume shop. It’s a short walk from the Canal Street streetcar (#47 and #48), or most hotels in the Quarter, and even the Central Business District (CBD).

There are numerous bus lines that also stop on nearby Canal Street (#32, #60, #90). But ride sharing or the Canal Street streetcar are the best options to get to the museum, especially on the weekends because street parking can be sparse and parking in a lot can be expensive.

The best times to visit the Museum of Death in New Orleans

The New Orleans Museum of Death is open every day, Monday through Sunday from 11 AM until 6 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and of course Mardi Gras Day (which changes every year so check the calendar!).

“Halloween is one of our biggest seasons, definitely one of the biggest weekends of the year,” offers Frazier. “Weekends especially during Mardi Gras season are packed.”

But all throughout the year, lines can be down the block on Saturdays and Sundays which means a wait to get in and then more crowds inside. Frazier suggests going early on a weekday, especially Monday through Wednesday during slower tourism months (May through November), to have space to walk around the exhibits and time to watch the videos and look closely at the artifacts.

“During the week, there won’t be a line, you’ll get right in without it being crowded in there. You can see everything you want and take your time and don’t have to worry about it being congested and the flow,” noted Frazier. “Also if you have any questions, you get more one-on-one time with us. That’s also important for a lot of folks because if it’s busy we’re not going to be able to have a conversation to talk about any of this stuff.”

What you need to know before visiting the Museum of Death

The New Orleans Museum of Death displays potentially disturbing content, including grisly photos of autopsyies, and crime scenes, for example. If you’re squeamish, pass your way.

“I let people know that it can be graphic on the inside. That is something that is important especially if they want to bring younger kids,” shared Frazier. “We don’t say no, we just want people to know before they come in.”

Also photography is prohibited inside the Museum of Death, so keep your phone in your pocket or bag.

Guided tours at the New Orleans Museum of Death

There are no guided tours at the Museum of death. That said, the museum’s staff are always happy to answer questions about the exhibits.

How long should I budget to visit the New Orleans Museum of Death?

While it’s a small space, there’s a lot of details to take in. Most visitors spend about an hour at the Museum of Death, but you can easily spend more time watching documentaries on the various screens throughout the museum. There’s also the Theater of Death, a mini movie theater in the back of the museum with rows of benches for visitors to watch true-crime videos. There’s a gift shop with some shirts, aprons, and other keepsakes so account for any shopping time in your trip planning.

Cost of admission and how to buy tickets for the New Orleans Museum of Death

Photo: Janna A. Zinzi

Admission for one adult costs $17 plus tax. You pay at the check-in counter located in the lobby and gift shop. The staff gives you a quick orientation of the museum and then you can start your self-guided tour. No timed entry and no buying tickets online. It’s first come, first served so get there early!

Where to start your visit of the New Orleans Museum of Death

There’s no one particular place to start your visit since the museum is so small. The first section when you enter is dedicated to taxidermy and skeletons while the exit is through the cannibalism exhibit. But you can basically choose your own adventure in between. The museum is set up like a gallery broken up into sections taking visitors along a U-shaped path.

The must-see exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Death

Frazier highly recommends spending some time at the Kevorkian Machine exhibit. Also known as “the Death Machine”, “the Suicide Machine” or “The Thanatron” (a Greek word for “Instrument of Death”), the Kevorkian machine is an apparatus created by Jack Kevorkian whose medical license was revoked after he assisted 130 patients to commit suicide. Kevorkian, nicknamed “Dr. Death” spent eight years in prison for second-degree murder. He was released in 2007 and passed away in 2011 at the age of 83. The Kevorkian Machine is a simple “automated drip hooked up to an intravenous needle,” WIRED explains. The New Orleans Museum of Death has the original Kevorkian Machine and the box it came in. Jack Kevorkian’s “60 Minutes” interview plays besides the display of the machine.

Underrated displays at the New Orleans Museum of Death

The funeral section is less sensational than some other exhibits, but it’s one we suggest you take the time to check out. The exhibit offers antique items like the Victorian mourning rings, embalming instruments, and mouth shapers that were used to beautify corpses. Lining the wall in that same section are embalming face casts of famous people such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, and Robin Williams. This area also offers a break from some of the graphic content.

Also, make sure you peak into the Theater of Death to have a look at the gorgeous Day of The Dead altar. Setting up an altar in honor of your departed loved ones is a Mexican tradition that takes place yearly on November 1 and 2. Día de los Muertos is a time to acknowledge mortality, remember ancestors, and celebrate their memories. The altar at the museum is a colorful and ornate example that is worth taking the time to observe — it brings joy and levity to an intense space.

More like thisBudget Travel17 Free or Cheap Activities in New Orleans and Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

Light Pollution Solutions: Easy Ways to See More Stars, from the International Dark Sky Association

When it comes to stargazing, unlike most situations in life, it has to be completely dark for you to see anything. That not only means turning off your own lights, but distancing yourself from city and neighborhood light pollution. And that’s easier said than done.

Light pollution refers to the excessive use of artificial light, whether from exterior and interior lights in buildings, glowing advertising signs, streetlights, outdoor lighting in homes, or pretty much anything that stays illuminated after dark. It might feel inconsequential, but light pollution severely restricts our ability to see stars, meteor showers, the Northern Lights, and whatever else might be up there. According to the International Dark Sky Association, “The fact is that much outdoor lighting used at night is inefficient, overly bright, poorly targeted, improperly shielded, and, in many cases, completely unnecessary.”

You might think the biggest consequence of light pollution is a steep electric bill, but there are less tangible detriments too. From skyglow, which inhibits your ability to see the stars, to unnaturally bright nighttime lights that confuse nocturnal animals, there are plenty of reasons to be wary of light pollution. And that’s not even counting how annoying the glare from outdoor lights can be when you’re walking or driving at night.

Don’t worry, though. You’re not totally at the mercy of the light polluters out there. There are a few light pollution solutions you can easily implement around your own home or business to make your skies a little darker, and ensure you’re not contributing to the problem. Here are the easy light pollution solutions recommended by the International Dark Sky Association.

1. Choose useful lighting

Make sure the light around your home or business has a clear purpose and think about how it may impact the surrounding area, including wildlife. Instead of installing permanent outdoor lighting, consider using reflective paints or illuminated markers for signs, curbs, and steps. “Lights that aren’t necessary or don’t have a clear purpose not only waste money and energy,” says the International Dark Sky Association’s Communications Manager Lauren Scorzafava, “they contribute to light pollution.”

2. Targeted lighting

Photo: tales of stars/Shutterstock

Only direct your light where it’s absolutely needed. You can also use shielding to aim the light where it’s most necessary. For example, you probably don’t need a massive flood light illuminating your driveway, your neighborhood road, and the neighbors driveways all night long. “We want to light the ground to see,” says Scorzafava, “not the undersides of clouds or other people’s property.”

3. Keep the lights dim

Make sure your lights aren’t brighter than necessary. When determining your light level, keep in mind that surfaces reflect light into the night sky, and some surfaces are more reflective than others. That means your light may be producing more light pollution than you think.

4. Controlled lighting

Putting controls on your lights can save you a lot of hassle and help automate your low-light strategy. Timers and motion detectors can be hugely helpful in making sure lights are on when you need them and off or dim when you don’t. In addition to being an effective light pollution solution, dimmers and timers are also a good way to save on your electricity bills.

5. Warmer colors

Warmer color lights are better for the environment and for the night-sky-viewing experience. Shorter wavelength (or blue-violet) light is much brighter, so keep that to a minimum. Opt for oranges and yellows — akin to the warmer hue your phone or tablet may take on automatically at night. According to Scorzafava, “You can find a Kelvin rating printed on the bulb or box of most lightbulbs. Lower Kelvin ratings such as 3000K or less are considered warm and generally emit less harmful blue light. You can find good options for home use at 2700K or less.”

For primo stargazing, you’ll need to escape light pollution entirely

While limiting your own light pollution is always an environmentally friendly strategy, oftentimes, you’re simply not in control of your own stargazing experience — especially if you live in a major city. Sometimes the only way to truly see the night sky in all its glory is by visiting an area certified as one of several designations by the International Dark Sky Association. These are locations that have demonstrated community support for dark sky protection, and met specific requirements for limiting light pollution.

There are International Dark Sky Communities, parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and “Urban Night Sky Places,” all of which offer ideal stargazing for visitors. There’s also an interactive map to help you find an IDSP (International Dark Sky Place) near you.

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

What is Uitwaaien? How the Dutch Activity Could Improve Your Wellbeing

During uncertain times, we’ve taken comfort in customs borrowed from other cultures. The Danish concept of hygge, or embracing coziness, and Norway’s friluftsliv, time spent out of doors, are two ways to help us take care of our inner selves — so we can better face what the outside world may throw at us.

And just when it seemed we could exhale, we might be best off inhaling a deep breath of gusty air first. In the Netherlands, wind is the source of mental cleansing. When the Dutch need to get refreshed, clear the mind, and prepare for what comes next, they go uitwaaien, or “out-blowing.”

“It’s actually something very normal,” says Jalou Langerlee, a three-time world champion kitesurfer from the Netherlands. “Like if you will be sitting the whole day at home and you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m going to go outside and uitwaaien, just to get a fresh mind.’”

For Langerlee, who excels in many water sports and is also an avid cyclist, uitwaaien is best achieved in nature. She recognizes, though, that not everyone has that option.

“For people in town, it’s probably nice if they have a little walk in the park; that for them is uitwaaien… getting out of your house and catching some fresh air,” says Langerlee. “But in my eyes, I advise going to the beach, being in the forest, really catching a breath and being away from buildings. That for me is uitwaaien.”

Photo: kutena/Shutterstock

The term was first recorded five hundred years ago, but back then its meaning was more limited, says Caitlin Meyer, Assistant Professor of Dutch Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam. It could evoke a “flag flapping in the wind” or “blowing out a candle,” she says in a Zoom conversation from her home on the blustery Dutch coast.

In the 1800s, the meaning of uitwaaien extended to freshening up your clothes on a drying line in the wind. By the end of the century, the term was used to mean freshening up people as well, says Meyer.

“Typically that would involve angry people, like ‘Do you need to cool down in the wind?,” a concept that Meyer notes can be intuitive. (Think of storming out of the house to get a breath of fresh air). In time, uitwaaien became less of an activity for dealing solely with negative moments and instead was seen as a good thing to do any time.

“It sort of became a more general verb in the early 20th century,” says Meyer. Since then, the Dutch have been seeking out wind for its favorable effects. And it can be a frequent activity, since most Dutch people are outdoorsy, own hiking boots, and ride their bikes everywhere, says Meyer.

It’s so central to the Dutch way of life that Meyer says her students can’t understand the fuss among foreigners about the term, as if it is something special. “My students were like, “This is just life.’”

Similarly, Denmark’s hygge is just a way of life, in that it can help Danes cope with their long winters. Likewise, Sweden’s fika, or the meeting with friends for coffee and cake, can brighten a cold, dark afternoon.

Add to that list friluftsliv, the Norwegian dedication to being outside, which is more like uitwaaien in that it’s an embrace of the outdoors, rather than retreating from it. Yet another Nordic term, sisu, the Finnish well of inner strength, is less of an activity and more of an attitude — yet it’s still a way to cope with harsh winters and any other challenge that comes your way.

All of these habits and habits of mind can be good for our long term health, as can uitwaaien. But uitwaaien is also seen as bringing immediate short term benefits.

“You have a fresh mind,” says Langerlee of the sensation you get from uitwaaien. “You’re more happy. And you’re clear in your head.”

As such, uitwaaien may be more like shinrin yoku, the Japanese pursuit of “forest bathing,” or spending time in the forest for its documented boons to psychic and physical health. That said, uitwaaien is not necessarily a meditative walk in the woods.

“It’s a purposeful kind of activity,” says Meyer, who says uitwaaien should leave you with a clear mind, feeling refreshed. “It’s not necessarily spiritual. It’s very pragmatic and down to earth. But it is supposed to be a relaxing activity.”

As the flattest country in Europe, exposed to the North Atlantic’s occasionally gale force flows, the Netherlands has wind to spare. Everyone owns a thick coat, says Meyer, and dogs are used to taking walks with their fur blowing everywhere. But you don’t need a cyclone to achieve uitwaaien.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be like 50 knots before you can go uiwaaien,” says the kitesurfer Langerlee. The important thing is to get outside and get the fresh air. She notes, though, that in her country, “We always have a little breeze.”

More like thisWellnessThe 7 Destinations Out of Cell Range where You Can Totally Unplug

Different types of meditation

As meditation continues to become more and more popular, many meditation and yoga studios have begun to offer unique meditation classes that push past the limitations of stereotypical meditation. If you tend to feel uncomfortable or awkward during traditional meditation, rejoice in knowing that other, more lively options exist. No more sitting silently, cross-legged on a pillow for 60 minutes — nope, these intriguing types of calming meditation will, quite literally, have you soaking in sound and rolling on the floor in laughter.

1. Foam rolling meditation

Photo: Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock

This type of meditation encompasses a fitness and physical recovery aspect, unlike most other meditations that focus solely on mental and emotional health. During a foam rolling meditation, you combine self-myofascial release (SMR) and meditation to loosen up both body and brain, respectively.

SMR refers to the act of manipulating your own soft tissue, much like a massage therapist would during a massage. Benefits of foam rolling include easing the pain of sore muscles, improving flexibility and mobility, encouraging healthy blood flow, and more. Combine that with the benefits of meditation — reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, increased focus and alertness — and you’ve got a total brain and body recovery regimen.

Experience it: At Unplug Meditation Studio in Los Angeles, California, you can find unique foam rolling meditation classes that involve 45 minutes of SMR and mindfulness. If you can’t find a foam rolling meditation class near you, many yoga and fitness studios offer foam rolling sessions — just attend one of those and meditate on your own (you don’t have to tell anyone). Additionally, foam rolling meditation can be done in your home, outside, or anywhere you have enough physical space to foam roll and enough mental space to meditate.

2. Laughter meditation

Photo: mimagephotography/Shutterstock

This may be the simplest yet weirdest type of meditation on this list. Laughter meditation capitalizes on the health benefits of laughing, which include soothing tension, relieving stress, making you happier, and even stimulating your organs to function better. You may feel silly making yourself laugh, but it’s important to laugh often in a world where there’s much to be taken seriously. Laughter meditation can help you zero in on the good things in your life and cultivate a mindset of appreciation and gratefulness.

Experience it: If you feel nervous about making yourself laugh, you may want to try this at home first. You can try it alone or with a person you feel very comfortable with. Induce laughter by watching a funny video, telling yourself a joke, or recalling a hilarious memory. Let all your laughter out and, as the laughter subsides, fall into a joyous meditation. Allow any subsequent laughter to bubble up — don’t stifle it!

If you’re up for the challenge, try group Laughter Yoga at Charlotte Meditation Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, or find a laughter meditation studio near you with Laughter Yoga University.

3. Brain massage meditation

Photo: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

Also called binaural beat meditation, this intriguing type of guided meditation attempts to help you reach deeper states of relaxation and focus than other types of guided meditation. Brain massage meditation involves gentle guided visualizations and utilizes technology to enhance the experience.

Binaural beats are considered “auditory illusions.” When listening to a binaural beat, you’ll hear two tones at slightly different frequencies (no more than a 30 Hertz difference), but your brain will process the difference between the two. For instance, if the two tones are 121 Hz and 110 Hz, your brain will process the sound at 11 Hz. These beats have been linked to relaxation, deep sleep, focus, and creativity.

Experience it: In my search for strange types of meditation, I found just one place to experience brain massage in a group setting: Unplug Meditation in Los Angeles. However, you can try brain massage on your own with a digital guided meditation.

4. Crystals and chakras meditation

Photo: Holly Mazour/Shutterstock

Okay, so crystal and chakras meditations have become so commonplace that you may not think they fall into the realm of “strange” types of meditation. But for beginners, crystals and chakras sure can sound like a lot of woo-woo information. The seven chakras are the energy centers of the body, and when clogged, they may prevent you from functioning optimally (think bad moods, poor sleep, cravings, lethargy, etc.). You can use crystals to unblock your chakras by placing the appropriate crystal on the blocked chakra and meditating.

Experience it: Most meditation studios and many yoga studios around the world offer crystal and chakra classes. If you have your own crystals and know a bit about the chakras, you can perform this type of meditation anywhere. Doing a crystal and chakra meditation outdoors, especially in a lush and quiet environment, can offer double the benefits, as connecting with nature is proven to improve mood and health.

5. Sound bathing meditation

Photo: Microgen/Shutterstock

Sound bathing is an ancient wellness practice that is experiencing a surge in popularity. This sound-healing practice is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote restfulness. During a sound bath, you’ll meditate to various sounds, from Tibetan singing bowls to gongs to didgeridoos. The relaxing frequencies of these tools guide you into a deep meditative state that almost feels like you’re emerged in the sound, similar to being emerged in bathwater.

Experience it: Like crystals and chakras, sound bathing has become a common practice in the world of mindfulness and meditation. Almost anywhere you go, you can find a meditation or yoga studio that offers sound bathing. Some studios, however, are dedicated solely to the therapeutic effects of sound bathing. One such place is the Center for Sound Therapy in Boardman, Ohio. And the above mentioned Unplug Meditation in Los Angeles is another studio known for its sound bath classes.

A version of this article was previously published on December 4, 2019, and was updated on March 9, 2022.

More like thisLifestyle9 Workouts You Can Do on Literally Any Vacation

Meet the Woman who Inspired People to Book Nearly $2 Million Worth of Airbnbs in Ukraine

Airbnb and its independent charitable arm, Airbnb.org, are no strangers to charity. The accommodations platform launched its Help Ukraine landing page on March 2, and announced it would offer free, temporary housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing the war. Nearly 30,000 hosts signed up to help from 160 countries around the world, and nearly 14,000 people have directly donated more than $1.2 million in aid. Airbnb.org also partnered with the UN Migration agency International Organization for Migration to help provide free, short-term housing in Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Outside of the company initiatives, one host from Utah, Sarah Brown, has inspired people to go even further by booking Airbnbs in Ukraine. There’s no intention of visiting, of course, but instead the bookings are being made to send money directly to the Ukrainians who need it.

In all, according to NPR, the bookings have led to nearly $2 million in revenue to hosts in Ukraine, and Airbnb has waived all host and guest fees.

We caught up with Brown to learn more about her inspiration and the impact her movement has had.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador Network: Can you explain how you first came up with the idea to send money through Airbnb bookings?

Sarah Brown: My co-worker, Kelli, and I were talking about how hopeless we felt about the situation in the Ukraine; how we wished we could give everyone a hug and tell them that it would be ok. A couple of hours later, I was communicating with some of our guests on the Airbnb platform and it was like a light bulb went off. We CAN give some of these people a virtual hug…..and monetary support. We immediately booked an Airbnb and told the host that we were sending love their way, (But weren’t actually staying.)

Have you connected with any people you’ve inspired to help, or anyone in Ukraine?

The response has been incredible. One host that we booked with said, “Thank you sooo much for your support and everything you’re doing for us. It does matter and it does help us to survive these hardest days. It gives us strength and motivation. We’re staying in Kyiv, hoping and believing in our Victory soon.” Someone stateside reached out to say they were inspired by our efforts and donated $50,000 to Ukraine through a humanitarian fund.

Are you surprised by the response at all, or did you have a feeling this would connect with people?

I am blown away by the response!! I thought it was a lovely way to connect with people just like me going through something I can’t imagine. As I shared my efforts with other hosts through forums, I thought some people would be inspired to do the same, but never in my imagination did I expect the movement to grow like it did.

How do you think this fits into the wider conversation of how people can donate to Ukrainians in need?

I think it’s important to remember that this is a small way to connect with individuals and show solidarity to the Ukrainian people. It does not take the place of “boots on the ground” humanitarian efforts such as CORE, or the International Rescue Committee. And don’t forget, Airbnb.org is doing amazing things to help place refugees in the countries surrounding the Ukraine.

What makes Airbnb an ideal platform for something like this?

On a micro level, Airbnb gives us a direct channel to communicate with individuals directly, which is amazing. Last week, I knew no one in Ukraine. Now I have had conversations with someone living through this and I care about what happens to her, her family, and her community. It’s made this war much more personal.

On a macro level, I trust Airbnb.org completely to honor its commitments to partner with organizations and house refugees.

Who did you have in mind as the people who would donate? Do you think you’ve reached that intended audience, or even exceeded it?

I thought a few hosts would donate. In reality, the whole world is jumping in. My mother-in-law and all her friends called me to ask, “how do we do this whole Airbnb thing?” “How does it work?” It’s been neat to see that people from all walks of life want to connect with each other at a personal level.

What would you say to people who argue that monetary donations are better sent to an organization like the Red Cross?

I don’t disagree with that statement. I think there must be a multi-pronged approach to giving. An Airbnb booking is a small way to connect and offer solidarity, but it does NOT take the place of experienced organizations who know how to help and give relief. That said, once someone has connected with a real person experiencing the horror of war, I believe they will be inspired to give to these organizations as well.

Were there any Airbnb hosts in Ukraine that particularly caught your eye or inspired you?

I’m inspired by every single Ukrainian. I can’t imagine what it’s like to watch your world come apart. They are making unbelievable decisions daily. Their strength amazes me.

When did you first realize that your idea was really starting to take off?

It took a couple of days, but all of a sudden, I was getting emails and messages from people that I didn’t know all over the US. The world needs some good news right now, and I’m thrilled that this has connected and empowered so many people. Airbnb hosts might have the smallest part in this defense of democracy, but I am proud that we didn’t just stand on the sidelines.

More like thisNewsAirbnb is Offering Free Temporary Housing to 100,000 Ukrainian Refugees

The Most Common Dreams that People Have Around the World

Sleep is a necessity for all of us. But as important as sleep is, scientists still haven’t been able to figure out why we dream. Many people believe that our dreams are visions that can be interpreted to real-life circumstances, while others believe it’s just a random by-product of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep that makes connections from things we see on a regular basis.

While your dreams might feel like a personalized experience, the truth is some dreams are seen in cultures around the world. Mornings.co.uk, a company dedicated to helping you sleep better, conducted a survey to see what people dream about based on Google search data.

The company broke dream down into a couple of categories: the human body, death, animals and nature, family, love and relationships, and money and other objects. On a global scale, the most commonly Googled dream was about snakes. Out of the 147 countries surveyed, one-third of the countries surveyed had snakes as the number one most commonly searched dream, and it had high ranks across the rest of the world. Snake dreams were particularly popular in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. For the rest of us, I guess those legless crawling animals just don’t sit right with us — snake dreams only snatch the number two spot in the US and the UK.

The most commonly searched dream in the the UK and US is about teeth falling out. The same goes for 9 other countries mostly located in northern countries. In all, about 81,000 people in the US monthly are trying to figure out why in the world they’re having dreams about their teeth falling out.

If you’re wondering whether you’re having similar dreams to the rest of the country, these are the top 10 dream searches monthly in the US:

Teeth falling out — 81,000 monthly searchesSnakes — 19,400 monthly searchesExes — 7,000 monthly searchesSpiders — 16,000 monthly searchesVacations — 14,000 monthly searchesBeing chased — 9,600 monthly searchesWedding — 9,200 monthly searchesFlies — 8,600 monthly searchesSex — 8,400 monthly searchesBears — 8,300 monthly searches

So the next time you’re having a weird dream about snakes, exes, or your teeth falling out — turns out you’re not alone. And if you’re really worried about it, maybe try a sleep vacation.

More like thisLifestyleSleep Habits from Around the World that will Make You Rethink Your Daily Nap

This Travel Subscription Can Get You Sold Out VIP Tickets to Coachella

The pandemic may have delayed Coachella, but now that the festival is on the return, it’s coming back with a vengeance and a must-see line-up with Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Ye headlining the three-day show. And you’ll only be seeing the show IF you scored tickets. If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who scored the tickets that sold out in just one hour, now’s your chance to score VIP Coachella tickets that include access to VIP venue areas with specialty food and drinks, shaded seating areas, and full cash bars, plus you’ll get tickets to the Neon Carnival after-party that’s loaded with carnival games and rides, cocktails, and celebrity DJs through the T+L Club.

The T+L Club is a subscription travel club that scores you access to hard-to-book events and the best properties around the world. That means following your VIP Coachella experience, you can relax at properties like Holiday House or Sparrows Lodge with boutique hotel rooms that offer the perfect Instagram-worthy backgrounds to top off your weekend.

To join T+L Club, travelers can sign up for the subscription service for just $14.95 a month and enjoy savings of up to 60 percent off select hotels and activities plus customized concierge services. It’s a win-win.

More like thisMusic + NightlifeExperts Reveal Their Best Tips on how to Stay Safe at a Concert