Matador Network's Blog, page 518
February 11, 2022
How cryptocurrency is set to revolutionize travel, according to the guy making it happen
Cryptocurrency can be confusing. Even those invested in it often don’t fully understand how it works, or how value is generated at all by something that we can’t physically touch. Regardless of your personal opinion on the topic, it’s undeniable that cryptocurrency is having a moment across many areas of life, and travel is no exception.
Travala is proof that this moment has reached the travel industry. As an online travel agency, Travala exists to connect travelers to accommodations, flights, and other travel experiences. But unlike the websites you’ve used before, Travala allows its users to pay with cryptocurrency if they want to. The company believes that Web3, decentralized finance, crypto, and all these fancy buzzwords are set to play a huge role in the future of travel – and it increasingly has the numbers to back up that belief. Matador spoke with Travala’s chief marketing officer Ben Rogers to get the lowdown on how crypto is influencing travel and what the company believes is coming down the pipeline.
First, a quick explainer of terminologyBeyond the basics of what a cryptocurrency is, some of the terminology discussed in this interview may not be familiar to all readers.
Cryptocurrency: A digital currency in which transactions are verified in a blockchain system and encrypted using cryptography, rather than verified through a traditional bank or financial system.
Web3: Short for Web 3.0. A “futuristic” version of the internet in which users operate anonymously on decentralized platforms, recorded by the blockchain and free of corporate oversight and ownership.
Decentralized finance (DeFi): Financial management based on secure distributed ledgers and not owned by one company or individual.
AVA: Travala’s native cryptocurrency
Fiat: traditional currency
DAO: Decentralized autonomous organization, effectively, a leaderless organization created by a team of developers to automate decision making, growth, and ownership.
Want the full interview? Check out the latest episode of Matador’s No Blackout Dates podcast.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Matador Network: On the surface, Travala is similar to legacy online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com. Except, you are forward-thinking and accept bookings with crypto, and even have your own token, AVA. Give us the rundown on what Travala is and how it works.Ben Rogers: We’re online with the traditional OTAs. So a user who comes to our site is going to know how to use us right away. There’s no need to WalletConnect (a digital connector of blockchain wallets to service providers). Anyone who has used Expedia before is going to be able to book a hotel, a flight, or accommodation with us. When they get to the payment options, there’s going to be a couple more there as well, beyond traditional credit cards. There are 60 cryptocurrencies that we give you the option to pay in as well.
How does crypto actually work, and how do you use a token to book a vacation?Effectively, what happens is you get to the booking stage, and rather than selecting the credit card, you select one of the crypto payment options. It works with a wallet-to-wallet transfer. So if you have that token, we’ll tell you the number of tokens you need to send. Which is the equivalent value of the product you bought – the hotel, the flight, or the activity. And then we’ll let you either scan the QR code or you can copy and paste that wallet address into your wallet that you’re paying from. If you send that across, the payment is taken, and you’ve booked the hotel with us.
Are there people exclusively booking travel with cryptocurrency?Yes. In some of our better months we’ve had better than 80 percent of our transactions are paid for with cryptocurrencies. Our growth as a company and our revenue, we’re very transparent about that. You’ll see that that is for the most part growing.
We also have the Concierge. The Concierge is our luxury travel platform. If you want to book a private island, a private jet, a private castle in the middle of Japan, have some tai chi instructor come stay with you, these kinds of lifetime experiences. 100 percent of our concierge services to date have been booked with crypto.
Why would somebody book travel with cryptocurrency, as opposed to cash our a credit card?If you already have the crypto, and you’ve been quite lucky – made the right investments and things. If you have a holiday coming up, you want to keep your $6,000 in your account to pay rent, mortgage, accidentals, why not spend the crypto directly on that flight you’re going to need, on that hotel room you’re going to need? You take out the middle man.
As for building a line of credit, you’re going to have to pay the piper anyway, as far as changing your crypto into fiat. We just have a frictionless way for you to take those (hopefully) crypto gains that you’ve had and book travel with it.
It seems like you are eliminating the need to ever go to a currency exchange station at the airport. Effectively, Travala could one day give travelers the ability to use the same currency no matter where they travel in the world.That’s definitely part of the mission. The mission is we want to be able to empower you through your entire journey. That’s definitely something that we will down the road want to have a crack at, is the ability for you through the Travala platform to pay be able to interact with whatever you want to do in your trips.
What exactly is Web3, how is it different than the internet we use now, and could that be the future of how we interact online?It’s an internet that’s not owned by a big business. The current iteration of Web3 is the decentralized nature of the ownership of products and the ownership of decision-making in the evolution of products that we interact with and use on the web.
I think there is a major use for this. I think a major driver for the use of this has been privacy concerns, with how companies are tracking us online and what they’re using that data for. The other driver is that the users of these sites and products, they want to sort of reap the rewards of the growth. The obstacle there is that someone is still in charge. Someone still has to set up the DAO, someone still has to set up the genesis team, make the decisions of what code is going to be used to make the front end, the back end. The idea is that they wille eventually shift power to the community and it will take on a life of its own and it will grow.
It’s very early. I think it will be something, I think it will be powerful. In five years time, the whole world will know what decentralized businesses are. I think it will become mainstream, but there are things that need to be worked out first.
Why is Travala so bullish on crypto to the point of basing a business model on something that a lot of people don’t understand?It came from an insight. Crypto people generally travel around the world, they go to conferences, they talk about the technology that they’re building, and where they think the industry is going. It’s generally like-minded people coming together. The problem of traveling with crypto is that moving money between fiat and crypto is hard. Travala eliminates that obstacle. The founders began doing that for these guys they knew, and that became our business model. Crypto has a lot of regulations, a lot of irkiness to it. A lot of people invest that don’t fully get it. But we make it easier for people to pay, whether they understand the technology or not.
The other advantage we have is that due to regulatory nature and other things, it’s harder for traditional OTAs to accept it. They have a lot of regulations and compliance, things in their company they would need to go through in order to take crypto. We were able to make it our bread and butter.
And this audience is growing. We look at the number of people who are buying crypto, holding it. That’s a pretty good base to build your business around. 
You can see an Underground Railroad stop first-hand at this historic site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The US has many historic towns and cities where visitors can learn about the origins and lifestyles of former inhabitants. These places preserve their stories through museum exhibits that display cultural and historic artifacts. One such city is Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where sites of the Underground Railroad are being developed into a new museum and education center. These are located within the home and business of anti-slavery and pre-Civil War Congressman, Thaddeus Stevens, who resided in Lancaster for the last twenty-six years of his remarkable life.
Unlike Harlem’s Black Renaissance and Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, Lancaster is not well known in the popular discourse for its role in African-American history. The charming city lies 71 miles west of Philadelphia and is easily accessible from major Northeast cities.
The discovery of the Underground Railroad site and the stories behind the city’s past residents is enthralling. Interestingly, the site is enclosed within Lancaster Marriott and is currently under preservation.
When visiting, you’ll learn about the radical abolitionist and key political figure of his time, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, and Lydia Hamilton Smith, a free woman of color and his confidante and property manager, whom he lived with pre-Civil War in downtown Lancaster. Stevens adopted anti-slavery as a political cause and their residence was an important stop on the Lancaster Underground Railroad. Their home is historically significant because it shines a light on Stevens and Smith and their dedication to pre-Civil War civil rights efforts.
Stevens’ residence is on 45 South Queens Street and since the Lancaster Marriott is built around the brick home and the adjoining Kleiss Tavern — a business also owned by Stevens — visitors can view the preservation process behind glass in the lower level of the hotel. The display is accessible through the far end of the lobby and down a flight of stairs.
During archeological digs under a courtyard in the back of Stevens’ home and office, a water-collection cistern was also unearthed. The hypothesis is that this was used as an emergency hiding place for those who were enslaved before they moved further north to freedom.
Photo: Randolph Harris, Research and Community Outreach Coordinator for Lancaster History and its Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site
You can also visit the Vine Street lobby area of the Lancaster County Convention Center, there you’ll be able to stop at a viewing area that showcases the cistern and view photos and other artifacts.
The sites of the Underground Railroad are under ownership by the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, a local organization that “contributes to the economic vitality of Lancaster by providing a world-class event destination.” The rights to develop this into a historic museum are held by Lancaster History — a group focused on educating people about Lancaster County’s role in Pennsylvania and US history.
According to Randolph Harris, the Research and Community Outreach Coordinator for Lancaster History, the Underground Railroad site is slated for opening in late 2024. Although the development is still in conception, Harris shared that there are plans to create interactive exhibits, community meeting spaces and a historic recreation of people and events. Detailed museum activities will be finalized before opening.
Photo: DiscoverLancaster.com
In addition to sites of the Underground Railroad, the city of Lancaster has well-preserved architecture and plaques depicting major moments in US history, a blossoming food scene, and a walkable downtown of independent shops, cafes, and galleries. Discover Lancaster currently has a superb 22 percent off a staycation in the county and a great catalog of trip planning content to help you get the most from your visit.
Don’t wait until 2024 to experience Lancaster and its offering. Add this under-the-radar city to your domestic tourism itinerary for history and events that still have significance in present-day discourse.
The 10 best mountain retreats in the US for 2022
Respite from the city, endless adventure, snow covered peaks and sweet-smelling forests — venturing into the mountains is one of our favorite ways to retreat from the stress of everyday life. Whether you’re looking to hit the single track on your bike or the slopes, finding where to lay your head every night can be overwhelming. To help plan your escape we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite luxury resorts and lodges in the mountains. Here are some of the best mountain vacations in the US for 2022.
We hope you love the resorts in the mountains 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.
1. Taylor River Lodge — Almont, Colorado
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
If you didn’t know what hygge is, let Taylor River Lodge show you how it is done. With a post-adventure bathhouse complete with sauna and saltwater pool, offerings like Fire and Ice massages, sound healing, and forest bathing, Moroccan rugs and hickory wood furniture, and the gentle babbling of the Taylor River outside your window, the Taylor River Lodge is the ultimate combination of exploration and relaxation.
To put it simply, “Taylor River Lodge’s spa menu is as extensively decadent as the culinary menu, but what makes it truly unique is the adventure menu. Set out to explore the surrounding winter wonderland on snowshoes or cross country skis with an expert (and infectiously spirited) guide, only to return to a cozy collection of riverfront cabins drenched in hygge goodness,” Andy Banas, Marketing Director for Taylor River Lodge shares with Matador Network. It’s easy to see how this mountain escape combines luxury, adventure, and relaxation into a perfect vacation package.
2. Resort at Squaw Creek — Olympic Valley, California
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Located at the base of Palisades Tahoe, the Resort at Squaw Creek isn’t just a winter destination. Ski-in/ski-out, spa accommodations, and views of the towering peaks might draw you there in the winter, but a championship golf course, fly fishing center, and scenic hiking trails make it a year-round mountain retreat.
Kressa Olguin, the area director of marketing for Resort at Squaw Creek notes, “Resort at Squaw Creek is an ideal destination to take part in all of the amazing experiences available here in North Lake Tahoe year-round. In the winter months, our resort offers a premier ski-in/ski-out experience with lift access to Palisades Tahoe. We also provide a variety of recreational activities including guided snowshoe and cross-country ski tours, broomball, ice skating, and an on-site sledding hill. During the warmer spring and summer months, our guests can enjoy everything from fly-fishing at our on-site ponds stocked with rainbow trout, to a Pedal Paddle Tour where guests ride bikes to the lake for a paddle board session.” It’s easy to see why this property, surrounded by epic mountains and located 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe, is a favorite mountain retreat of ours.
3. Tordrillo Mountain Lodge — Tordrillo Mountains, Alaska
Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
The last frontier, Alaska is home to some of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the United States. The Tordrillo Mountain Lodge offers an endless number of adventures. Activities like “Kings and Corn” enable you to ski in the morning and fish for King Salmon in the evening. They also have an array of family activities such as the Via Ferrata Climbing Adventure as well as whitewater rafting and alpine hikes.
Mike Overcast, heliski pioneer and owner of Tordrillo Mountain Lodge shares with us, “Known for its world-class outdoor exploration, the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge offers multi-sport Alaskan adventures and a true remote luxury experience. Located on the shores of the Talachulitna River and Judd Lake in the Tordrillo Mountains, the remote Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is the perfect base for the Alaskan trip of a lifetime. Just a 40-minute flight from Anchorage, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is a remote, multi-sport, luxury lodge in the heart of the Tordrillo Range where outdoor adventures by day give way to world-class accommodations at night.” The Tordrillo Mountain Lodge has everything you could want in a mountain retreat — ensuring you’ll get your dose of nature and high-end comfort.
4. The Peaks — Telluride, Colorado
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Hidden in the San Juan mountains, The Peaks Resort and Spa has easy access to both Telluride and relaxation amenities. Located in Mountain Village, The Peaks is a ski-in/ski-out property, which means you’re only an elevator ride away from hitting the slopes. This mountain retreat is home to Altezza, a restaurant that has unparalleled views and a cozy atmosphere so you can end your day with a tasty cocktail while watching the sun set over the valley. To wind down from a day of exploring, The Peaks Resort is also home to the largest spa in Colorado, which offers a variety of treatments, fitness activities, customized wellness plans, and more to help you relax and recharge.
“The Peaks offers a convenient a ski-in and ski-out experience and “heli in / heli out” with our friends at HeliTrax. We hope to welcome you to our resort so you can enjoy all of the amenities we have to offer, including the largest spa and fitness center in Colorado,” says Patrick Latcham, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Telluride Ski and Golf. Escaping to Telluride is an adventure within itself — and pairing that with The Peaks makes it a blissful retreat. Nearby trails, local bars, and the world-renown Telluride Ski Resort make this small town a must when vacationing in Colorado.
5. Continuum, Teton Village, Wyoming
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
We love a cozy wood-clad, fireplace-filled mountain lodge. That said, we have to include the Continuum in Teton Village not just for the simplistic, modern design and perfect location at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, but for the atmosphere they create. If you’ve never been immersed in an adventure-born community, the Continuum is a space you want to visit. A 12 screen Megatron with three additional televisions display adventure films and competitions year-round in their large common room. This space welcomes those staying at the hotel as well as those looking for a beer and communal hooting during competitions like Natural Selection.
Kelly Bajorek, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for Continuum remarks that Continuum is a “Modern, stylish, and comfortable, Continuum is Teton Village’s home base for the adventurist. The hotel offers 90 well-appointed rooms and lofts, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub for year-round relaxation and fun, and a bar and grill serving as the social hub for Teton Village.” Kelly’s note on being a social hub is spot on, and we want to make sure you feel as immersed in adventure culture as the Continuum enables.
6. The Society Hotel Bingen — Bingen, Washington
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area is an 80-mile long river canyon nestled against the peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range. This is the backdrop of The Society Hotel, making it a picturesque all-season mountain retreat for adventurists and wellness seekers alike.
The Society Hotel is a relaxing start and end to days filled with exploration. Jonathan Cohen, the co-owner of The Society Hotel, comments, “Our guests are drawn here for the area’s endless scenic hikes, top ski resorts on Mount Hood, endless mountain bike trails, and Gorge winds that make the area the wind sports capital of the world — as well as world-class wineries and local breweries. Best of all, after a day on the slopes, in the water or on the trail, guests can take a relaxing soak in our Spa and Bathhouse, which features an indoor saltwater soaking pool, outdoor hot pool, cold plunge pool and cedar sauna.”
7. Sun Valley Lodge — Sun Valley, Idaho
Photo: Sun Valley Lodge
Photo: Sun Valley Lodge
If you haven’t been to Idaho, put Sun Valley on your list. Known for its ski resorts, Sun Valley also has year-round activities like sleigh rides, golf, mountain biking, and fly fishing. The Sun Valley Lodge is near some of our favorite outdoor activities and has a 20,000 square foot destination spa, a world-class fitness center and yoga studio, a glass-enclosed outdoor pool and pool café, and all new re-imagined and re-appointed restaurants, lounges, lobbies, and event space.
“At the Sun Valley Lodge, après ski could include a signature cocktail in the Duchin Lounge, ice skating on our year-round outdoor rink or bowling at our private lanes. Wander through the twinkling Resort Village in the evening and either pop into some of our fabulous retail outlets such as Brass Ranch, or dine in one of five delicious restaurants. And if you can squeeze in a visit to our world-class and award-winning spa, you won’t regret the full relaxation experience,” says Bridget Higgins, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Sun Valley Resort. We’ve fallen in love with the Sun Valley Lodge for its easy access to adventure and incredible spa.
8. Sheldon Chalet — Denali National Park, Alaska
Photo: Sheldon Chalet
Photo: Sheldon Chalet
Photo: Sheldon Chalet
The Sheldon Chalet is truly a one-of-a-kind mountain retreat. Perched on a nunatak in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Denali’s magnificent Ruth Glacier, just 10 miles from the summit, Sheldon Chalet is more than a place to stay — it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Luxury accommodations are matched by the awe-inspiring mountain views, all paired with no WiFi meaning this is the only mountain retreat on our list to keep you totally disconnected from the world. Images and words barely do the Sheldon Chalet justice, as the feeling of this mountain retreat is unparalleled to anything we’ve experienced.
Robert Sheldon, owner of Sheldon Chalet shares, “Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, Alaska is the perfect destination to immerse in the beauty of the aurora this upcoming season. Perched on a nunatak 6,000 ft above the Don Sheldon Amphitheater within the park, the Sheldon Chalet is only accessible by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna and uniquely the only lodging on the flanks of Denali. Five acres of scenic private property at this luxury chalet offers unique access to views of some of the most dramatic vistas in the Alaska Range and on earth.” Location isn’t the only thing that is important when deciding on a mountain retreat, but if it were, this would be our number one.
9. Sleeping Lady — Leavenworth, Washington
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Leavenworth is what you might picture when you envision a European ski town: Alpine-style buildings, cozy pubs, and small local shops that all offer a warm welcome to visitors. Sleeping Lady, a mountain resort is located just outside of town, offers a blend of traditional rustic elements with luxuriously modern accents. A spa, organic garden, and access to incredible hiking trails and backcountry skiing offer endless possibilities for your next mountain adventure.
The director of marketing at Sleeping Lady, Danielle McKee says, “Everything at our resort is designed to relax and inspire. Environmental sustainability is a way of life for us. We have a two-acre organic garden that provides much of the produce and herbs used in our resort restaurants, and all of our on-property vehicles are electric. Furthermore, every stay at the Sleeping Lady supports the Icicle Fund, which in turn supports non-profit organizations focused on the environment, the arts and cultural history in North Central Washington.” Sustainability aside, the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort gives you mountain views and the cozy aesthetic you’re looking for in any mountain retreat.
10. Sonnenalp — Vail, Colorado
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Vail, Colorado is well known for its skiing — but its hiking and biking trails, along with incredible views, mean Vail should be on any mountain-lovers bucket list. Located in the heart of Vail Village, the Sonnenalp is in the Colorado Rockies. The Sonnenalp Spa is a rejuvenating space for both mind and body, and is outfitted with a state-of-the-art fitness center and oxygen bar. Their pool overlooks the banks of Gore Creek, and the rooms offer views of the surrounding mountains.
Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail tells Matador Network, “Based in the pedestrian village of Vail surrounded by world renowned skiing and hiking terrain, Vail is the perfect mountain destination in both summer and winter. Our Sonnenalp guides offer private hikes and our guests can access our 18 hole championship golf course, tennis and fitness classes at the Sonnenalp Club exclusive to members and our guests. The Sonnenalp Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure and offers heated indoor and outdoor tranquility pools with the best views of Gore Creek. The modest lodge our family established over 40 years ago led to the hotel and resort that rests at the heart of Vail today — a renowned, destination intertwined in the fabric of an iconic community which shares a welcoming spirit cultivated by a history of family ownership and management that makes staying at the Sonnenalp an unforgettable resort experience.”
If the location of the Sonnenalp didn’t make us fall in love with the property, the Faessler family’s view on hospitality sealed the deal.
February 10, 2022
The case for putting unruly airline passengers on a federal no-fly list
It’s been a tough couple of years to work in the airline industry. From health concerns, to constantly changing travel regulations, to flight cancellations, it’s hard to think of a more precarious time to work for an airline. And that’s not even counting one of the biggest threats: the passengers themselves.
Masks are the biggest, but not the only, issue: 72 percent of unruly passenger reports to the Federal Aviation Administration (4,290 of 5,981) by December 31 were mask related, according to CNN, and 205 of 323 reports in 2022 as of February 1 were mask-related.
Now the CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian, is asking the federal government to step in.
Bastian wrote a letter to attorney general Merrick Garland stating that people who disrupt flights and don’t follow crew instructions or mask orders belong on a government no-fly list.
“This action will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft,” the letter reads, according to the New York Times.
Individual airlines already have this power. The New York Times notes that Delta alone has put about 1,900 people on its no-fly list for mask violations, and has referred more than 900 people to the TSA for civil penalties that can be as high as $1,000 for first-time mask offenders and up to $3,000 for second-time offenders. A federal no-fly list would in this case keep people from doing the same on one airline after being banned from another.
It’s not just businesses trying to stem the concerning trend: the Federal Aviation Administration opened about 1,100 unruly passenger investigations — more than all of 2014 through 2020 combined — and that doesn’t include anything reported to the TSA. Airline alcohol bans haven’t done anything to mitigate the situation.
Anyone who has flown over the past couple of months likely has their own stories about other passengers — and there’s a good chance that many have seen first-hand why Bastian felt the need to send this letter. On a recent international flight to Mexico, I saw a middle-aged American who appeared intoxicated loudly complaining about how the airline was determined to stop their fun by banning alcohol on-board, and the passenger threatened to start opening the mini bottles in their carry on. Flight attendants repeatedly, and with the most patience I’ve personally ever witnessed on a plane, told the passenger to put their mask back on every time it slipped off during a slurred rant.
On another flight from Denver to New York City, I saw a passenger push another passenger out of the aisle while deplaning following an argument about keeping masks over their nose.
These are relatively minor issues, but point to the broader normalization of aggressive behavior while people are all locked in a big metal tube. And if we can’t respect basic decency for people around us, how can we expect people to do the things that are clearly out of line?
Bastian’s letter follows a growing acknowledgment by the federal government that something more needs to be done. In 2020, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said a federal no-fly list has merit, and Garland told US attorneys that prosecuting crimes that threatened commercial flight safety is a priority. More recently, Buttigieg told CNN on February 7 that the government needs “to take a look at” policy recommendations for a federal no-fly list.
That doesn’t mean the no-fly list is an easy solution. Barry Steinhardt, the director of the technology and liberty program at the American Civil Liberties Union, put out a statement about profiling that resulted from the no-fly list after the proposed Computer Assisted Passenger Pre-Screening System.
Steinhardt wrote in a statement that “innocent, law-abiding Americans have found themselves subject to relentless hassles, interrogation and searches every time they try to travel by air. They may share similar names with those who have been placed on suspect lists, or be the victims of random error, malicious discrimination, or mysterious bureaucratic quirks.”
The federal no-fly list was started in December 2001 in response to the terror attacks on 9/11. It included people who aren’t allowed to fly in the country, as well as listed people who would more thorough security searches.
Buttigieg also told CNN that “there are enormous implications in terms of civil liberties, in terms of how you administer something like that. I mean even when it was over terrorism, it was not a simple thing to set up.”
It’s still unclear whether anything will come from the letter. Department of Justice spokesperson Joshua Stueve later gave a statement to CNN: “The Department of Justice is continuing to prioritize the investigations and prosecutions of those who engage in criminal behavior that threatens the safety of passengers, flight crews, and flight attendants. We are fully committed to holding accountable those who violate federal law. We will be referring Delta’s letter to appropriate departments.”
But when there are passengers punching flight attendants so hard they chip their teeth, there’s not really another option. We need a no-fly list that can keep the people who get us from point A to point B just as safe as they keep us.
Amtrak Valentine's Day BOGO sale
Forget the chocolates, the roses, and even the accessories meant to spice up your love life. The most romantic gesture you can make this Valentine’s Day is to organize a surprise trip for you and your beloved. And if that trip includes a charming train journey, you’re sure to score a few extra smooches. With Amtrak’s Valentine’s Day sale, not only will you secure your status as a thoughtful partner, you’ll also save some of your hard-earned dollars — maybe even enough to book a fancy adult-only hotel.
From February 9 to February 16, 2022, Amtrak’s Valentine’s Day is a heck of a deal: book a trip for two for the price of one. It’s valid for trips from March 1 to August 31, 2022 (not during Valentine’s weekend), which means you can plan a surprise trip for later in the year.
Amtrak’s Valentine’s Day sale includes the following super cheap trips:
New York, NY, to Providence, RI, for just $25 in coach or $66 in business classLos Angeles, CA, to Seattle, WA, for just $101 in coachNew York, NY, to Chicago, IL, for just $10 in coachBoston, MA, to New York, NY, for $69 in business classPhiladelphia, PA, to Savannah, GA, for $112 in coachCharlotte, NC, to New York, NY, for $101 in coachAmtrak’s Valentine’s Day sale is valid for travel in coach on most routes in the US, as well as on Acela Business Class in the Northeast. So don’t limit yourself and look into some of the most scenic train rides on offer — perhaps even those that go through US national parks. The Empire Builder Amtrak route, for example, runs between Chicago and Seattle via Glacier National Park. It even stops at East Glacier Park train station inside the park and just a few steps away from the grand Glacier Park Lodge.
To take advantage of Amtrak’s sale, book from their sale’s page or apply the code V214 on the Amtrak app.
Watch: This influencer just got real about what vanlife is like in winter
Vanlife may look glamorous on Instagram, but it may not be so glamorous when you realize you need to sleep in three layers of long underwear.
Photo: Georgia Broderick
Vanlifer and semi-influencer Georgia Broderick just shared on her Instagram a series of behind-the-scenes videos on what vanlife in winter is really like. Broderick, who lives around the Toronto area, is a route-setter at her local climbing gym. She and fiancé Alejandro have been living the vanlife full-time for the last two years in the Great White North, and if her videos are any indication, it’s not all the carefree lifestyle you may see on Instagram. Since Broderick lives near Toronto, she’s no stranger to cold temperatures. “The coldest night we’ve spent in the van so far was -35 degrees Celsius,” she told Matador — about -31 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re thinking about buying that sweet Sprinter van you’ve seen on Craigslist and traveling through North America, you may first want to check out her videos on vanlife in winter and make sure you have the will (and the thick sweaters) to make it work.
On staying warm in winterView this post on Instagram
A post shared by vanlife ❊ climber ❆ skier (@georgiabroderick)
While Broderick has a diesel-powered heater in her van, that’s not all you need to stay warm. She advises making sure your van is well-insulated as you build it, and also suggests double-pane windows to avoid drafts. And to keep their feet warm, they have extra foam panels they put on the floor during winter to keep their toes off the cold laminate floor.
“The first step for staying warm is insulation,” she told Matador. “The first winter we spent in the van we didn’t have a heater, but our insulation was a life saver. My tips for staying warm when you don’t have a heater are to get a really warm sleeping bag, sleep with a hot water bottle, if you can have a hot shower before bed do that, and wear really good thermal layers.”
On showering in winterView this post on Instagram
A post shared by vanlife ❊ climber ❆ skier (@georgiabroderick)
Broderick’s van doesn’t have a shower (they use an outdoor solar shower in the summer), but her job at a climbing gym comes with a helpful perk: access to showers in the locker rooms. If you’re planning on vanlifing through the winter, you’ll definitely need some kind of membership to ensure you have access to a hot shower nearby. Don’t forget your college-style shower caddy!
On the pros and cons of vanlife in winterView this post on Instagram
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While parts of being a vanlifer in winter are tough, like sweeping snow out of your van and having your plumbing freeze, other parts are simply wonderful, like having a beautiful winter wonderland outside your front door.
And by the way, Broderick doesn’t have Wi-Fi in the van, but says that their unlimited phone plans are enough to work. Just remember that you’ll need to stay in an area with good cell service if your vanlife plan includes tethering internet from your phone.
On the extra steps you have to take in the morningView this post on Instagram
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Mornings when you’re a vanlifer in winter include a few extra steps you may not have to take if you stayed in a hotel. That includes having to remove your window insulation and possibly having to unfreeze all your water bottles and jugs. When it’s -20 degrees Celsius (about -4 Fahrenheit), Broderick has to run the van for about 20 minutes to warm it up enough to drive it somewhere to use the restroom. From there, she boils her (hopefully unfrozen) water to make coffee, bundles up in gloves and an insulated jacket, and heads out to wherever the day takes her.
On getting ready for bed in the winterView this post on Instagram
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Broderick’s bedtime routine isn’t drastically different between winter and summer, though they do have to make sure to fill their diesel tank before going to bed to power their heater.
If you’re wondering why Broderick doesn’t just drive south, there’s an easy answer (aside from the fact that her fiancé’s job is in Toronto). “We are both climbers and skiers so it’s really important for us to be able to travel to destinations where we can do those activities,” she says. “Also, we’ve been able to save enough money to buy a house living this lifestyle and not having to pay rent. We will travel to climb and ski every weekend and anytime he [Alejandro] can get time off!”
Want more winter vanlife tips? Broderick has even more videos and tips about the pros and cons of vanlife on her TikTok account.
More like thisRoad TripsIn my #vanlife journey through 40 states, these 5 states stood out as the best
Best airport bars in the US
Grabbing a stool at an airport bar generally means selecting an overpriced, watered-down cocktail or a short pour of wine from a sticky laminated menu. That might not sound appealing but anyone who has ever taken a flight knows sometimes it’s necessary: After rushing through security and lugging your bags to the right gate and terminal, there’s nothing you need more than to sit down with a beer or a glass of wine before your flight departs. Thankfully, bars around the US are upping their game, crafting enticing cocktail and wine menus, offering local beers on tap, and serving tasty bites to go along with upscale beverage options. If you’ve ever celebrated arriving at the airport on time with a flute of champagne or said ‘cheers’ with your friends with a shot before settling in for a long flight, these sophisticated bars will be an oasis in the midst of the usual hustle and bustle of the airport. Here are some of the best airport bars in the US that will make a long layover or pre-boarding jitters a more pleasant experience.
Root Down: Denver International Airport
Photo: Denver International Airport/Facebook
The first thing you’ll notice at Root Down is the custom glass-topped bar top jetting out from the wall. Look through the glass and you’ll see individual compartments fitted with open suitcases adorned with clothing, jewelry, accessories and other curios from different eras. The vignettes are designed to be a snapshot in time to communicate the imaginary story of a traveler who used that luggage.
“It completely elevates the bar experience… communicates in a deeper level and somehow elicits an emotional response to go deeper into the human experience all the while being sociable,” says Justin Cucci, the owner of Edible Beats, the hospitality group that runs Root Down.
The menu features classic drinks like the Negroni and Sazerac, as well as contemporary ones like Beet Down (gin, Aperol, beets, lemon, and mint), Pepper Blossom (vodka, St-Germain, jalapeño, grapefruit, lemon, and basil) and Don Draper, a citrus-infused riff on an Old Fashioned. Twenty-two taps spotlight Colorado’s vibrant beer scene while the food menu tempts with harissa carrot and quinoa salad, bento boxes, Colorado lamb sliders, and blackberry sesame duck wings.
Where: Concourse C
One Flew South: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportInspired by Japanese Zen Buddhism, you’ll find sushi on the menu at One Flew South, a high end restaurant and bar. The sushi bar is constructed from pink marble and the floors from heart pine, both native to Georgia. The cocktail menu has an interesting too: It’s theme is “Salute to the Aeromarine,” a reference to Aeromarine Airways, which “carried wealthy passengers from Miami to Nassau and Havana aboard flying boats (‘Floatplanes’) so that the guests could drink legally during the Prohibition era,” according to the restaurant’s website. You’ll find an eclectic mix of drinks here, using ingredients like pineapple rum, chili liqueur, and cinnamon-turmeric syrup.
Where: Concourse E
Uncork’d: San Francisco International AirportOffering charcuterie boards and flights of local wines, Uncork’d is a modern wine and beer bar that offers travelers a classy experience amongst the chaos of the airport. There are California craft beers on tap as well, alongside bigger bites like sliders, pizzas, and sandwiches.
Where: Terminal 3
Deschutes Brewery: Portland International AirportPhoto: Courtesy Deschutes Brewery Airport Pub / Andrew Cebulka
Bring a beer home for a friend from this Portland-based brewery, which has an outpost in the Portland International Airport. The cozy atmosphere features a digital fireplace and around 15 beers on tap – plus it’s cheaper than most airport restaurants and bars: 20 ounce beers cost around $6. There’s also a full cocktail menu on offer, which includes four variations on the classic Moscow mule, made with ingredients like giant syrup and jalapenos.
Where: Concourse D
Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen: Louisville International Airport
Photo: Louisville International Airport – SDF/Facebook
If you flew into Louisville, chances are you came to sample the bourbon. Whether you need a little something to quench your thirst right when you touch down or you already miss the native corn-based whiskey before you even leave, you’ll love perusing the list of more than 85 bourbons. The list at Book and Bourbon Southern Kitchen includes rare labels like Pappy van Winkle and Jefferson’s Presidential Select. Sit on a stool next to walls adorned with barrel heads from iconic brands and sip one while enjoying a buttermilk chicken sandwich. As for the “book” part of the moniker? The bar’s menu touts tasting notes, a primer on distillation and aging, while library cards let imbibers brush up on whiskey cocktails at home.
Where: Main Terminal
Beaudevin: Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Photo: Courtesy HMSHost Beaudevin
This sophisticated wine bar counteracts the busy airport atmosphere. Offering a list of around 30 different wines, an elegant selection of small plates that include dishes like smoked salmon and melon and prosciutto, Beaudevin hopes it evokes a “chateau cellar.” It was also Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2013 Business Travel Awards winner for Best New Airport Bar.
Where: Main Terminal
Vino Volo: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportVino Volo wine bar offers domestic wine selections from California, Oregon, as well as international wines from France, Italy and Australia. Wine flights are on the menu, and travelers can purchase a bottle to take on board.
Where: Concourse C
Cask & Larder: Orlando International Airport
Photo: Orlando International Airport (MCO)/Facebook
A 6,000-square-foot space on Airside 2 with a 220-seat dining room, grab-and-go market, and two bar areas gives travelers lots of room to spread out. Though the name Cask & Larder may make you think it skews heavy on whiskey, the menu really has something for everyone. There are Gotham Project wines on tap, proprietary drafts, and fresh cocktails like the Gin & Jam and a Moscow mule riff made with lemonade. A Shot and a Wash section of the menu serves up an ounce of a spirit with a half pint of beer while Stubborn sodas are cane-sugar-based zero proof options. Use any or all of the above to wash down a Southern-inspired menu of conch hush puppies, shrimp and grits, and pimento cheese.
Where: Terminal C
Le Grand Comptoir: John F. Kennedy International AirportThis is not the place to go for a cheap drink at JFK airport, but you will find solid opportunities for people watching at Le Grand Comptoir, alongside an extensive wine list. Pair your glass of wine with a simple snack like a bowl of olives or a cheese plate, and relax before the flight attendant calls your boarding group.
Where: Terminal 7
Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar: Los Angeles International AirportGoing on a long-awaited vacation with your spouse or partner? Flying economy but want to feel like first class? Then Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar is the spot for you. Sip on bubbles like the refined frequent flier that you are, while enjoying a decadent bite of charcuterie, or smoked salmon. There are also around 20 varieties of vodka on the menu to pair with the caviar. The “caviar in the air” picnic pack includes caviar, blinis, and crème fraiche so you keep the sophisticated party going on the plane.
Where: Tom Bradley International Terminal
Stone Brewing Co.: San Diego International Airport
Photo: Courtesy Stone Brewing Co.
A “scaled down” version of the Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido County, Stone Brewing Co. is an elegantly appointed alternative to the many other casual bar options in most airports. There are twelve beers on tap, cocktails, and an array of snacks to tide you while you wait for your flight to board.
Where: Terminal 2
Area15 Las Vegas promises an immersive, psychedelic art experience. So we went to check it out.
The moment you step into Area15 Las Vegas, you’ll feel as though you’ve departed Earth for another world. The lobby looks like a spaceship, from which doors open to the cavernous main floor of Area15 — dark except for blobs of neon green, purple, and blue lights. In the middle of space stands an artificial tree, decorated with purple, magenta, and electric blue light up leaves. This is the room where your Area15 adventure begins.
The vast entertainment complex offers interactive and immersive art exhibits, trippy light shows, and virtual reality simulators, alongside more traditional gaming options like golf and axe throwing. Almost every aspect of Area15 is family-friendly, but there’s a distinct raver vibe to the experience, from the psychedelic light show bouncing off the walls to the many experiences within Area15 that favor mind-bending combinations of color, music, and lights.
There is so much to do in Area15 that planning your visit might feel like an overwhelming task. So we decided to tour Area15 ourselves, experiencing the art exhibits in person, to figure out if the much-hyped carnival of the senses is really worth a visit. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit to Area15 Las Vegas, from what exhibits to see to how to get tickets.
What is Area15How to get Area15 ticketsWhat to do in Area15Upcoming Area15 eventsWhat is Area15?
Photo: Courtesy Area15
Area15 bills itself as an “immersive playground,” and there are certainly many opportunities for play and adventure here. Area15 is a two-story complex that hosts a series of interactive activities. The most exciting aspect of Area15 are the art exhibits created by a series of artists, including Chris Wink, one of the co-founders of The Blue Man Group, and Vegas entertainment company Meow Wolf.
Area15 functions like a mash-up between a futuristic carnival or theme park (without the roller coasters) and a museum. It’s focused on interactivity — art that visitors can see, touch, and more or less be part of. The emphasis is on multimedia artwork that integrates not just visual elements but also objects, music, and narration. In many cases, guests are encouraged to not just sit and look at the artwork, but to explore the exhibits.
Especially on a day when Area15 isn’t crowded, the main floor might sparse — there’s little more than a cocktail bar under a canopy, a few benches, seats molded into the shape of rocks, and then entrance to Omega Mart on the left side of the building, among a few other shops and a restaurant. But this atmosphere of relative calm is deceptive. Each doorway in the complex leads to room that will take you on a surreal journey to feed and challenge your imagination.
How to get Area15 ticketsPasses to Area15 are free. It’s best to claim a pass online before you arrive so you can bypass any lines of people that didn’t plan ahead.
That’s where the free ride ends, though. All the exhibits within Area15 have an entry fee, and sometimes it’s steep (for instance, Omega Mart costs $49 for adults and $45 for kids). That’s another reason it’s smart to plan your trip to Area15 ahead of time: While it’s theoretically easy enough to sit on one of the many benches on the main floor and purchase tickets to the exhibits you want to see (which is what I did because I had no idea what to expect when I walked into Area15), most of the tickets have a timed entry. So if you plan your schedule in advance and buy the tickets online, you could potentially plan out an entire three-hour adventure inside the complex, seamlessly bouncing from one exhibit to the next.
Area15 also offers family passes for two adults and two kids that allows access to select experiences. Kids are welcome until 10:00 PM, after which Area15 becomes a 21-and-older venue. If you’re eager to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Area15 is mid-afternoon on a weekday. That may be a tough sell for families, but it’s the safest way to avoid contact with strangers and have as much space to yourself as possible.
What do in Area15
Photo: Courtesy Meow Wolf
The most effective way to plan what certainly will be the first of many trips to Area15 is to head to the website and decide which exhibits you want to see most to ensure you don’t miss anything. Area15 is home to around 14 so-called experiences on permanent display, a cocktail bar called Oddwood, and The Beast, which is a restaurant run by James-Beard award-winning chef Todd English. on top of an ongoing series of events that includes immersive Van Gogh and Klimt art exhibits, concerts, and a silent disco. There’s even a zipline called Haley’s Comet that slingshots riders around the inner perimeter of the building.
The biggest draw to Area15, however, is probably Omega Mart, a massive art installation created by Meow Wolf, a production company that specializes in interactive art work. At first glance, Omega Mart looks like a grocery store from a mirror universe: There are cereal boxes with slogans like “Simply Does Not Contain Spiders,” lemon-lavender canned beverages called Gender Fluid, and liters of shrimp-flavored blue liquid that supposedly expires 18 minutes after being opened. It’s all for sale.
Photo: Elisabeth Sherman
The grocery store aspect is just the opening act to this frankly mind-boggling experience, though. There are hidden door ways throughout the store that serve as portals to different layers of Omega Mart. For instance, you can walk upstairs to a corridor that leads to more doorways (some of which lead to interactive sound machines) until you reach a twisting, MC Escher-esque jungle gym. Or you can walk through a mock refrigerator case holding soda only to find yourself immersed in what looks like an abandoned village, complete with a science lab and cozy huts. There is a narrative to follow in the chaotic maze that is Omega Mart, but visitors can also wander aimlessly through the installation, absorbing the interactive artwork.
Photo: Courtesy Area15/Laurent Velasquez
Wink World is a much simpler though equally enjoyable experience with a similarly psychedelic tone. The installation consists of six mirrored infinity rooms, each one containing a timed, strobing light show brought to life by objects like slinkies and ribbons. Speakers blast dubstep music and narration ruminating on how the human brains perceive the concept of infinity plays over the hypnotic combination of light and motion — giving it a certain acid-tripping hippie flavor — but it’s entertaining and mesmerizing without any illegal substances needed.
One more light show you might consider visiting, especially if you have kids in tow, is Museum Fiasco, a single concrete room featuring columns outfitted with panels that project colorful fluorescent patterns of light as pulsating dubstep plays in the background. The light show is 12 minutes long and leans into the narrative that Area15 is a spacecraft to another world. Before the music starts, an audio track explains that you’re about to embark on an exploration of an alien world. Creepy sound effects meant to intimate an otherworldly visitor play throughout the show and the room frequently flashes back and forth from brightly lit to pitch black, which makes for a disturbing experience that I couldn’t wait to escape — though I could see how an alien-obsessed kid could find the whole show deliciously frightening.
Upcoming Area15 eventsRight now, Area15 is hosting immersive art exhibits that examine the life and work of Van Gogh and Klimt, but there are many more upcoming events that might appeal to an adult audience. A Burlesque show called Rated Red will play at Area15 on Thursday and Fridays until the end of April 2022. Other options include mixology classes, a silent disco, and a “Torture Garden” (a fetish and BDSM performance), all coming up later in 2022.
Best Rio street art tours
Round a corner in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and you’re likely to be greeted by a bright, evocative image — sometimes small, sometimes very large. The city is awash in creative and colorful street art.
“Rio has a lot of street art projects going on, a lot of talented artists, and a lot to say,” says Nina Gani. In 2014, Gani founded the Rio Street Art Tours, the first company to take travelers on tours of Rio’s colorful, bold street art.
Brazil legalized street art in 2009; all that’s needed is permission from the property owner. The scene got a boost with Rio’s hosting of the 2016 Summer Olympics, when the city revitalized its old port area and added street murals throughout.
Artist Eduardo Kobra’s stunning, 620-foot-long Etnias depiction of Indigenous peoples is the best known, but the entire area is packed with murals — like the one of a spunky young woman by Amora Moreira. In fact, the port is the starting point for one of the two tour routes we recommend below.
Photo: Amora/Instagram via Rio Street Art Tours
Artist Bruno Carneiro Mosciaro, better known as Bruno Big, says Rio’s explosion of street art has democratized art, which had previously been limited to museums and galleries.
“Street art helped art become part of the life of the Carioca in general — from the most humble to those with a lot of money who are also observing what’s happening in the street,” he says, using the word “Carioca” to mean a person from Rio de Janeiro.
Mosciaro’s art is found in famed locales like the Sugar Loaf cable car, where his vibrant work decorates all three station houses. But he’s also appreciative of the chance to bring art to the city’s less fortunate residents.
Voir cette publication sur InstagramUne publication partagée par brunobig (@brunobig)
“Street art opened the door for me to go to places I wouldn’t have gone,” he says, describing painting in underprivileged areas as more welcoming than in many wealthier neighborhoods. “When you’re painting in a favela community, people offer food, beer. They are happy that you are there sharing your art.”
Better yet, says Mosciaro, is that it’s been reciprocal. “There has also been a street art boom in the communities, in the favelas.” He says these artists “discovered that they could, through their art, add value to the place where they live… So many artists developed first within those communities, then they won the world.”
Mosciaro isn’t exaggerating. Take artist Marcos Rodrgio, who goes by the name Wark Rocinha after his home “Favela da Rocinha,” the country’s largest favela. Since he started painting at 17, he has traveled far with his spray cans and paint rollers, bringing his bright hues and deceptively joyful characters to big outdoor spaces around the globe. His Instituto Wark foundation also trains other Rocinha youth in art.
Voir cette publication sur InstagramUne publication partagée par Wark ®️ (@warkrocinha)
While each artist has his own language, Mosciaro says Rio’s street art — which Brazilians call “grafite,” pronounced “grah-fee-chee” in the Rio accent – seems influenced by its tropical, seaside surroundings. What we call graffiti, with tags and letters, they call pixação, although artists like Marcelo Ment sometimes include elements of one into the other.
“In Rio our culture is a little less urban… We have a lot of ocean, a lot of forest, a lot of mountains — so that certainly influences the artists here,” he says. “I’m a surfer so I have a lot of connection to the ocean, and there are a lot of mountains in my city. So all of that influences my work and I ended up translating that into all those lines, the fluidity in my art,” says Mosciaro.
Gani contrasts Rio’s art to that of São Paulo, which she says reflects the city’s very vertical, concrete, and urban feel. In Rio, Gani says art tends to be less imposing. “It has more of a Rio vibe, which is more horizontal, more relaxed,” she says.
Gani comments, though, on the growing number of outside artists. “While it’s great for Rio that we have artists from outside who come here to paint, there’s the flip side that you begin to lose a little of the essence so typical of Carioca art,” she says. “I think you see that in Berlin and Buenos Aires and New York, where so many artists come from outside but each city still has its own style.”
“Rio de Janeiro has a lot of history,” says Nina. Indeed it does. After the area’s Indigenous residents were nearly decimated by Portuguese colonists who first arrived in the 1500s, an estimated 900,000 enslaved Africans were forcibly brought through Rio de Janeiro alone. Despite that tragic history and its ongoing, wrenching inequality, Rio exudes a vibrancy that comes through, for example, in its Carnaval parades. These conflicting passions infuse Rio’s art.
Even though Gani offers discounted street art tours to Brazilians, she says that 90 percent of her clients are from outside Brazil. They enjoy the opportunity not only to see street art on her two- or four-hour tours, but also, when planned in advance, to meet some of the artists.
“It’s not just the visual part that is impactful, but what captivates me is understanding the city a bit better through that art. Who are these residents and what are they saying?” she tells me. “Murals are kind of like a collective memory of the city.”
Rio Street art toursAs Gani points out, Rio’s street art isn’t concentrated in one place. She leads separate walking tours focused on one area, such as one in the Olympic port area, one in Jardim Botánico, and one at the Arpoador. She has also taken groups to some favelas to see art, which we only recommend doing so with someone like Gani, who knows the artists and where to go.
If you want to spend just two hours touring street art, then you should also concentrate on just one area – like the Olympic port area or the Santa Teresa neighborhood. However, we’ve included some longer tour options here, if you have more time to spare.
Rio street art tour one: Port to Santa TeresaThis tour will take you most of the day. If you don’t have that kind of time, just enjoy the area known as the Boulevard Olímpico. Alternatively, walk around Santa Teresa, one of Rio’s oldest residential neighborhoods. Santa Teresa has leafy streets, old buildings, Boho vibes and stunning examples of Rio street art.
1. Boulevard OlímpicoVoir cette publication sur InstagramUne publication partagée par Eduardo Kobra (@kobrastreetart)
The Gamboa neighborhood around the renovated port is a must-see spot for expansive and bright murals. While the area is also called the Boulevard Olímpico, it’s actually on Avenida Rodrigues Alves that you’ll find the moving Etnias, the largest single piece of street art in the world. Here, you’ll be surrounded by artworks created by the who’s-who of Rio’s best known street artists. You could spend the morning taking in the works stretching from the Rio Aquarium at one end to the Museum of Tomorrow. The Museum of Tomorrow focuses on applied science, not art, but the building’s architecture and the aquatic setting are worth admiring.
2. Escadaria SelaronPhoto: RPBaiao/Shutterstock
A 15-minute taxi ride from the Boulevard Olímpico will take you to the Escadaria Selaron. While not the work of Brazilians wielding spray cans, these 215 steps lined in showy mosaics tiles were the work of artist Jorge Selarón, who was born in Chile. They are certainly street art, since Selarón at first used scavenged tiles from construction sites and wherever he could find them to fix a long set of steps leading uphill near his home. Today the steps have thousands of tiles from dozens of countries. In this neighborhood, known as Lapa, there’s plenty of street art to be found.
The Selarón stairs will take you up into Santa Teresa. At the top of the stairs there’s usually a vendor selling ice cream, which may be just what you need. It’s less than 15 minutes to walk to the Museu da Chácara do Ceu. The city views from this one-time wealthy home are sweeping and, while the art is more staid than what you’ll see out on the street, the collection is impressive.
3. Santa Teresa
Photo: RafaMon/Instagram via Rio Street Art Tours
Santa Teresa is one of Rio’s oldest residential neighborhoods, crowned on top with an 18th-century convent and served with a tram built in 1872. Artists like RafaMon, aka Rafaela Monteira, whose festive imagery nearly jumps off the walls, call Santa Teresa home. She has decorated plenty of the walls there, including a portrait of a past resident for whom the neighborhood’s cultural center Centro Cultural Laurinda Santos Lobo is named.
4. The Bonde
Photo: Mikolaj Niemczewski/Shutterstock
To make your way back into town, consider taking the Bonde, the famous street car running through cobblestoned streets that featured in the animated film Rio. Be observant during the first part of your journey, many of the walls on the way down are lined with art.
Rio street art tour two: Arpoador to Jardim BotánicaIf you don’t have a lot of time in Rio, this Rio street art tour will introduce you to the basics.
1. Pedro da ArpoadorThis iconic granite rise separates Ipanema Beach from Copacabana, and the vistas make it a worthy destination of its own. The walls of the Garota de Ipanema Park, named for the famous song by Antônio Carlos Jobim, are full of spray-painted expressions. From here, you can get to Jardim Botánico by Uber or taxi. A 15-minute ride will take you along the Ipanema and Leblon Beaches or along Rio’s lovely Lagao (lagoon), with the Corcovado peak as a backdrop.
2. Jardim BotánicaVoir cette publication sur InstagramUne publication partagée par Marcelo Jou (@marcelojou)
The neighborhood named for Rio’s huge botanical gardens has long attracted street artists. It’s worth visiting the expansive gardens themselves and then spending time admiring the artists’ handiwork. On one walls, the artist Marcelo Jou, best known for his geometric shapes, joined with artist Bruno Lyfe to make a piece that plays on the difference between urban and wild, where the sky is a watermelon but also encloses a city, and potted plants play at being sunrises. Or maybe it’s sunsets.
6 ways to enjoy winter in Vermont
While Vermont resorts plow in the accolades for offering some of New England’s best skiing and snowboarding, you don’t need a lift ticket to experience the state at its winter best. In fact, stepping away from the ski-hill crowd can better position you to savor the unhurried side of Vermont’s Green Mountains, with time to enjoy ice skating ponds, snowshoe trails, and teams of sled dogs gliding through the woods.
It’s not all about outdoor adventure, either. Winter is a perfect time to book a day-long experience at a spa or dine fireside at one of the state’s farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you’re looking to bundle up or channel that cabin-cozy hygge spirit, these are some guaranteed ways to enjoy Vermont in a season that sparkles.
1. Pull on a pair of ice skates — or Nordic skates
Photo: Lake Morey Resort
Many of Vermont’s tiniest towns have community rinks where you’ll see residents gliding around on even the coldest days. Rent a pair of skates and you can join the fun. You may want to start in Stowe, where the slope-side skating rink at Spruce Peak is surrounded by twinkling lights and a bustling après-ski scene. At the Mad River Valley’s Skatium, the rink is divided in two: half for practicing your turns, half for casual games of stick-and-puck ice hockey. (You can rent skates, stick, and puck onsite.)
For a unique experience, make your way to the state’s eastern border and Lake Morey Resort, where a 4.3-mile track around the lake is the country’s longest maintained ice skating trail. In addition to regular skates, you can try out Nordic skates here — they feature free-heel bindings similar to those on cross-country skis and are designed for traveling long distances over natural ice. When in Vermont!
2. Enjoy fireside farm-to-table cuisine
Photo: State of Vermont
Vermont’s deep farming roots and thriving culinary scene add up to meals that truly embody a sense of place — think dishes made from ingredients grown or foraged just down the road. In winter, kick up the coziness by choosing a restaurant with fireside dining, such as the dining room at Warren’s Pitcher Inn, where you can sample a wild mushroom pasta or Vermont cheese board next to an oversized brick hearth.
In Manchester, opt for a fireside seat at Ye Old Tavern, a favorite for classy comfort foods — like cranberry fritters with Vermont maple butter and Vermont-cheddar mac n’ cheese — and old-fashioned cocktails. And you’ll find plenty of Vermont flavor in the French-inspired dishes, including chicken chasseur and steak frites, at New Haven’s Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn, a tranquil spot with a roaring fire and expansive views of the Champlain Valley’s rolling hills.
3. Snowshoe through the forest
Photo: State of Vermont
If you can walk, you can snowshoe, which makes this a favorite beginner-friendly way to get outside in the winter. Rent a pair of snowshoes to get started at Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center, set in the Green Mountain National Forest, where you can explore the local network of trails. And in case you’re immediately smitten and decide snowshoeing is the thing for you, know that not all trails stay local — from here, you can go big and hop onto an adjoining section of the 300-mile Catamount Trail, traversing the entire state.
Guided options are available throughout Vermont as well. Get up early for a sunrise snowshoe hike at Stratton Mountain, or head out after dark for the moonlight snowshoe tour with Umiak Outdoor Outfitters. They’ll lead you to a cabin in the woods where you can warm up with hot cider by the crackling fire.
4. Treat yourself to a Vermont-themed spa day
Photo: Topnotch Resort
Local products star on spa menus all around Vermont, with specialty treatments featuring everything from maple syrup to rye whiskey. (You heard right!)
A maple-sugar body scrub is a highlight at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, while the Stowe Cider Uber Scrub at The Spa at Spruce Peak starts with a spiced-cider sugar scrub and ends with a can of locally brewed hard cider. Nearby Topnotch Resort Spa has the beer-lover’s version — their Total Hops Massage begins with hop-infused massage oil and ends with a post-massage craft beer.
There are plenty of other unique spa-day experiences to be had in Vermont as well. Sweat it out in the outdoor sauna at Savu in Jeffersonville; try halotherapy in the Himalayan salt cave at Purple Sage in Essex; or visit the spa at Castle Hill Resort, where you’ll get to relax in the carriage house of a 20th-century mansion.
5. Meet the team on a dogsledding tour
Photo: State of Vermont
Dogsleds have been a useful mode of winter transportation for thousands of years, and canine teams still run snowy trails through the Vermont forest today. Dogsledding tours are a fun taste of that history, with the chance to get up close and personal with the adorable stars of the show.
Steer the sled left or right — yep, yourself — by yelling “gee!” and “haw!” on a day-long outing with Peace Pups Dogsledding, or join the crew on a four-mile network of private trails at Eden Ethical Dog Sledding. Both Braeburn Siberians and October Siberians, meanwhile, utilize a team of fluffy huskies and offer shorter excursions exploring the forested terrain of the Green Mountains.
6. Rent a fat bike and pedal snowy trails
Photo: State of Vermont
Some Vermont cross-country ski areas groom for fat biking, firming up the snow so you can roll across it on two oversized wheels. Rent a bike at fat-bike-ready trail networks like Rikert Nordic Center in Ripton; Williston’s Catamount Outdoor Family Center; Woodstock Nordic Center; and Sun Bowl Nordic Center in Stratton. Though simple for beginners to learn to ride — they offer more traction and are easier to balance — fat bikes are heavier than your average mountain bike, so they can involve quite the workout!
For the most expansive terrain, head to the rural Northeast Kingdom and fat bike the 31 miles of groomed singletrack at Kingdom Trails. (Bikes are available for rent at nearby East Burke Sports). Wherever you ride, fat biking gives you the chance to survey your Vermont kingdom — and rest assured it looks good in winter.
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