Matador Network's Blog, page 530
January 18, 2022
Thailand will now charge tourists a fee to enter the country
If Thailand is a destination in the cards for you this year, there’s a new fee to keep in mind. According to senior officials, all tourists will be required to pay a 300 baht ($9) fee beginning in April to cover tourism development and expenses.
Thailand is a coveted vacation with plenty to do for any type of traveler. But the pandemic hit the country’s tourism sector hard, slowing from 40 million visitors in 2019 to 200,000 last year, according to Reuters. The government is hopeful that number will rise to between five and 15 million visitors this year. The country will use the money to cover accident insurance for tourists unable to pay for it themselves, new tourist attractions, and improvements for infrastructure. The fee will be included in the price of airline tickets.
“Part of the fee will be used to take care of tourists. We’ve encountered times when insurance didn’t have coverage for tourists … which became our burden to take care of them,” said Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn, according to local media.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, along with the tourism fee, US travelers are currently required to submit a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken within 72 before departing to Thailand, a Thailand pass, an insurance policy with coverage no less than $50,000 for medical expenses. There are two schemes currently offered for foreign travelers. The Sandbox program is available for fully vaccinated travelers entering through Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao). Sandbox program travelers must provide a confirmed payment for at least a seven-day stay at an approved accommodation, as well as pre-payment for two COVID-19 PCR tests — one upon arrival, and another five-to-six days after staying at their approved accommodation.
The Alternative Quarantine program allows travelers to apply for the Thailand Pass regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travelers will be subject to a 7-night quarantine, while those who haven’t been fully vaccinated will be subject to a 10-night quarantine. All visitors must pre-pay to stay in an Alternative Quarantine accommodation with two pre-paid COVID-19 tests. 
7 perfect Las Vegas Airbnbs for an unforgettable bachelorette party
Take a shot every time you see a bride-to-be tiara on the Vegas Strip, and you won’t remember seeing much of anything the next morning. Sin City is a classic choice for a bachelorette party—and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for raunchy all-night revelry, a classier affair, or an active retreat in the Mojave Desert, there’s much to do both on and off the Strip. Before you plan the perfect itinerary, you’ll want to find a bachelorette party Airbnb with the right location and amenities to suit your dream trip. Here are seven of the wildest, grandest, and most scenic Las Vegas Airbnbs for the ultimate bachelorette party.
We hope you love the Las Vegas bachelorette party Airbnbs rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Luxe estate minutes from the Strip
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If the bride is the leading lady of the bachelorette party, and the bridesmaids are her supporting starlets, why not book an Airbnb fit for an A-list entourage? Once a residence of Nicholas Cage, this four-bedroom villa is full of five-star amenities: a swimming pool, gym, grand piano, fireplace, pool table, fully furnished patio, and room after room of sumptuous decor, to start. Despite promising the utmost privacy, the estate is also supremely well positioned between the Strip and downtown Vegas, both of which are within walking distance.
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,198 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Nothing says doing it up Vegas-style like soaking in an infinity hot tub 500 feet above the Strip, sipping Champagne across from the tallest observation wheel in the world. That fantasy can become your reality at this penthouse suite, located on the 57th floor of the Palms Place hotel. Though there are only two master bedrooms here, both with king beds, there’s more than enough space for a big group of bachelorettes, with a spare queen bed, pull-out futons, and tons of plush, sleeper-size couches to accommodate everyone.
10 guests, three bedrooms
Price: $910 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This four-bedroom Airbnb is the ultimate bachelorette pad. It’s massive, offering 6,000 square feet of pure luxury inside and a half-acre property for your group to spread out, from the waterfall-fed pool, hot tub, and barbecue area to the indoor bar and lounge, chef-style kitchen, and king-sized ensuites to relax and refresh. The house is located in a quiet neighborhood a quick drive from the Strip and Fremont Street in downtown Vegas, with Red Rock Canyon just a little bit farther away if you’d rather trade flashing lights for Mojave views.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,500 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re wary of spending the entire trip at the casino but still want to embrace Vegas’s gaming spirit, this is the spot for you. There’s a mini putt-putt setup in the yard, an arcade machine and all the N64 classics in the house, and tons of board and card games if you feel like setting up a low-stakes poker table one night. Games aside, this pop-artsy two-story villa comes with a pool and jacuzzi, barbecue, large living room, wet bar, and fully equipped kitchen, plus enough space for 16 guests between the private and dorm-style bedrooms, all of which have queen beds.
16 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $177 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Snagging this two-bedroom suite at the Club Wyndham Grand Desert resort takes all the guesswork out of your stay. You know you’re getting hotel amenities like a gym and spa, three swimming pools with waterside cabanas, four hot tubs, and 24-hour concierge service. This particular property also has tanning beds for rent, its very own 3D movie theater, a recreation center that hosts activities such as karaoke and billiards, and a social hour if the singles in your group are looking to mingle. Shuttles to the Strip run from 9 AM to 10 PM free of charge.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $93 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This four-bedroom villa is ideal for groups seeking the Strip’s opulence but none of its crowds. Sure, you’re only 15 minutes away when you want to get in on the action, but when the noise gets to be too much, you can come home to a quiet oasis that provides a more relaxing kind of fun. Think sunbathing in a hammock opposite a pool and jacuzzi, chatting by the koi pond, strolling through the botanic garden and greenhouse, or barbecuing up a feast, followed by nightcaps at the alfresco bar under the watchful gaze of the surrounding mountains.
12 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $557 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This retro three-bedroom Airbnb is colorful, sunny, and fun—just like Vegas. It’s perfect for summertime bachelorette parties, with a saltwater pool that’s not heated but is extra refreshing when the temperature soars. Between the resort-style outdoor area and the Golden Age of Hollywood-inspired decor inside, the Airbnb feels a little bit like a glitzy Palm Springs hideaway though it’s just a five-minute drive to the Strip, giving guests the best of both worlds.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $106 per night
10 of the most iconic regional sandwiches to try across the United States
The sandwich is a staple of American food culture. Who, exactly, created this ever adaptable food is up for debate (was it truly the famed Earl of Sandwich, or is there some truth to the origin story involving Ancient Roman street food?), but there’s no denying that the United States has fully embraced all things sandwich.
It’s easy to see why: The country is home to some of the most delicious versions of bread-filling-bread out there. And the US largely has its immigrant communities to thank for that.
Immigrants from France, Italy, Cuba, Germany, Spain, and elsewhere have all lended a hand in crafting the best sandwiches in the US. After all, every culture around the globe has its variations on the sandwich, from South Africa’s Gatsby to the Caribbean bokit and beyond. Sandwiches in the US got regional twists wherever people were making them.
These 10 region-specific sandwiches epitomize the melting pot mentality of the US and have since become as American as apple pie.
1. Italian cold cut from New EnglandThe influence here is in the name. This sandwich leans on Italy’s famous cured meats and Provolone cheese that’s topped with fresh vegetables and olive oil and Balsamic vinegar for a filling. All of the goods are nestled in a light and fluffy Italian loaf. Today, you can procure this popular sandwich in practically any town in America, but the best of the best are found in New England — and, according to legend, so is the original. Legend has it that Italian baker Giovanni Amato created the sandwich in 1899 in Portland, Maine, according to New England Today. What was once designed as a portable, inexpensive working person’s lunch is now ubiquitous.
Where to try it: Monica’s Mercado in Boston quite possibly makes the very best cold sandwich in America — certainly in the case of Italian cold cuts. Walk into the shop and your senses are assaulted with the lingering smell of fresh-baked loaves and cured meat. It’s a little slice of sandwich heaven.
2. Po’boy from New Orleans
Photo: Jean Faucett/Shutterstock
Short for poor boy, this sandwich is made by packing a crisp on the outside, soft on the inside New Orleans style French loaf with fried shrimp, crawfish, or oysters. The name comes from the first patrons of the sandwich; hungry streetcar workers on strike. The story goes that the Martin brothers invented the sandwich to feed the streetcar workers for the duration of a strike despite the fact they couldn’t afford to pay.
Where to try it: Po’boys are common in gas stations all across Louisiana today. But for the tastiest version done the classic way, you’ll have to pay a visit to Parkway Bakery and Tavern in New Orleans. Order your sandwich “dressed” and topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
3. Fry bread from the SouthwestWhile the rest of the sandwiches on this list were largely inspired and created by immigrant communities, sandwiches made with fry bread are the opposite. When the Diné Indigenous peoples were displaced and forced to walk 300-miles to internment camps by the US government, they were given army rations of flour, sugar, lard, and salt. With it they made crispy and fluffy fry bread out of necessity. Today, you’ll find it topped with sweet ingredients like pumpkin or sugar, but the slightly sweet dough also lends itself extraordinarily well to ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Where to try it: You’ll find high-quality fry bread all across the Southwest, particularly on or near Native American reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. It’s most often sold at roadside stands rather than sit-down restaurants.
4. Philly Cheesesteak from Philadelphia
Photo: Ezume Images/Shutterstock
Popular and seemingly simple sandwiches can rarely be traced back to one person, but the title for the original first Philly cheesesteak is most often given to Pat Olivieri from Pat’s King of Steaks. In the 1930s, Olivieri was running a hot dog stand in the open-air Italian market when he decided to try a new concoction of caramelized onions and thinly sliced rib-eye grilled up on his flattop layered on a thick white hoagie bun. The cheese came almost 10 years later (these days there are people who prefer melty Provolone and those who opt for Cheese Whiz).
Where to try it: Today you can grab a classic cheesesteak on seemingly every corner in Philadelphia, but John’s Roast Pork stands out. Not just in flavor, but in atmosphere. Open-air seating on communal picnic benches creates a social environment much like the Italian market the sandwich was first created in.
5. Pimento cheese sandwich from the SouthFirst things first: Pimento cheese isn’t actually from the South. There’s no doubt that Southerners adopted, perfected, and celebrated the concoction of mayo, cheese, and Spanish pimento peppers spread between two slices of white bread. But its rich cheesy origins date back to cheese producers in the late 1800s in New York, according to Serious Eats. Combining Spanish red peppers (pimento) and a very American take on the French Neufchâtel cheese, now known as cream cheese, New Yorkers really started the pimento cheese sandwich movement.
Where to try it: Today, you can find the cheese on the shelves of any reputable Southern grocery store to make the famed sandwich at home. Perhaps no where is a more famous to order one, however, than at Augusta National, the home of the Masters gold tournament.
6. Muffuletta from New Orleans
Photo: Jim Bowie/Shutterstock
Every inch of this circular sandwich is Italian, from the round Sicilian sesame loaf to its signature olive spread. Yet you won’t find the muffuletta anywhere in Italy. That’s because this colossal sandwich is a New Orleans creation. The Sicilian owner of Central Grocery noticed the Italian immigrants purchasing all the familiar ingredients from their homeland to enjoy separately. In a “Eureka” moment he put them all together to create an instant bestseller in his community.
Where to try it: The muffuletta is still served over the counter at the Central Grocery in the French Quarter of New Orleans 100 years later. Consider this a must-eat.
7. Rueben from New YorkThere are competing theories on whether the Rueben was created in a New York City deli or at a poker game in Omaha, Nebraska. The world may never know the truth, but we do know that the Reuben — made with sliced corn beef, swiss cheese, Sauerkraut, and dressing piled onto rye bread and grilled to buttery crisp perfection — is now a staple in every New York Jewish deli worth its salt.
Where to try it: New York’s Court Street Grocers makes about as perfect of a Reuben as you can get.
8. Dipped roast beef from Chicago
Photo: Leigh Loftus/Shutterstock
Without Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, the sandwich scene in the US would lose a lot of great flavors. This cheap Chicago favorite comes from Italian stockyard workers who were earning a meager wage. They often brought home the tough meat from their factories that couldn’t be sold and turned it into deliciously spiced and thinly sliced sandwich material. It exploded in popularity after it became a wedding staple, due to its affordability when feeding large crowds.
Where to try it: Al’s #1 Italian Beef has locations all over Chicago and has proven since 1938 that it can make a mean-but-messy lunch favorite. Don’t forget to get it dipped with hot peppers.
9. Roast beef sandwich from New EnglandDon’t get this confused with Chicago’s syle of roast beef sandwich. In New England, the sandwich is made with a soft, often sesame seed-covered roll stuffed with thinly sliced roast beef cooked medium-rare, covered in melted cheese, and if you so choose, drizzled with mayo and barbeque sauce. Edible Boston writes that Kelly’s is hailed as the original creator of this region’s version of the roast beef sandwich as we know it today. The style pays homage to both its Irish and Massachusetts heritage serving the sandwich alongside lobster rolls, corned beef, and fried clams for a true mish-mash of New England culture.
Where to try it: Kelly’s. This local chain is also the inspiration behind Arby’s signature roast beef sandwiches.
10. Cuban from Florida
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
You would be forgiven for assuming that the Cuban sailed its way to the States from Cuba. But really, it was the brainchild of Cuban-Americans. In fact, the pressed sandwich made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, salami, mustard, and pickles can be traced back to Tampa.
Where to try it: There are many places that serve the perfect Cuban throughout Florida, but for one of the best of the best head to Sanguiche de Miami in Little Havana.
Airbnb wants to set you up rent-free in a designer house in Sicily for one year
Airbnb is starting 2022 with what has to be among the most appealing contests it’s ever run: Set up one traveler in a designer house in Sicily rent-free for one year.
Starting June 30, 2022, the lucky winner of this contest will move to the small village of Sambuca, where they can stay for up to one year, rent-free. The catch: They’ll need become Airbnb hosts for nine of the 12 months. The good news: They can bring a friend, partner, or family with them as Airbnb allows for a maximum of two adults and two children.
Airbnb will also pay for the selected participant’s flight to Italy, the airport transfer, Italian lessons for one month, and four cooking lessons, so you can learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes. They’ll also get to keep their earnings from hosting Airbnb guests. However, they’ll be responsible for utility bills, their own groceries, and the costs associated with the maintenance of the property.
Photo: Airbnb
Sambuca is a village of 6,000 inhabitants located in western Sicily. While the village is small, the winner of the Airbnb contest will not be too isolated — Sambuca is only one hour and 15 minutes from the capital of Palermo.
Part of a project to rejuvenate the village of Sambuca, the house was one of many empty properties that were for sale by the municipality for just one Euro in the hopes of drawing younger people to an aging part of Italy. The property has been renovated to the highest standards by Sicilian architecture firm Studio Didea. It now has six beautiful, modern rooms (including two bedrooms) on three floors. The winner of the contest will get to choose which bedroom they prefer and keep the other one for hosting a maximum of two Airbnb guests at a time.
Photo: Airbnb
To enter the contest and take your shot to live in a house in Sicily rent-free, all you need to do is answer a few questions on Airbnb’s 1-Euro House site (and have a good look at the fine prints and terms and conditions). You have until February 18, 2022 to enter.
The 11 most stunning indoor hotel pools around the world
Outdoor pools are fantastic — until it’s too cold to take a dip. Fortunately, many hotels around the world embrace a guest’s desire to swim no matter the weather. These aren’t your cookie-cutter pools, however. Think columns, fine art and walls of windows framing a killer view. From North Carolina to Tibet, here are 11 hotels with indoor pools that are worth staying at — even just for a swim.
We hope you love the hotels with indoor pools we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Club Med Quebec — Quebec, Canada
Photo: Club Med Quebec
In December this ski resort debuted at the foot of the Massif in the charming Charlevoix region – which only means its prized mountains are in full view from the pool, thanks to its all-glass enclosure. Hammocks are poolside as is an art installation of hand-painted canoe paddles. For a steamy plunge, step outside to the elevated hot tub for an even better view.
2. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — Dubai
Photo: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Photo: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Guests at the hotel, with its iconic skyscraper design, can easily seek respite from the desert heat at the infinity-edge pool, featuring floor-to-ceiling tile, gold sconces, walls of windows and views of the Arabian Gulf that are hard to find, even in this destination already rich with towering buildings also boasting bird’s-eye views.
3. Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris — Paris, France
Photo: Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris
Photo: Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris
Photo: Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris
Right on the Champs-Élysées, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels spares no luxury, even at its basement-level Diane Barriere spa where reproductions of fine art—trust us, they’re not cheesy or cheap—are hung on the walls. Black columns woven into the pool’s architecture are a refreshing departure from typical lighter hues and waterfalls on the pool’s edge are a playful touch.
4. Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo — Monte Carlo, Monaco
Photo: Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
Photo: Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
Flaunting serious fashion cred, the “Odyssey” pool area at this hotel was designed by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. It sports a celestial feel as the crystal chandelier reflects on the water’s surface. Black-and-white wall-size screens depict seaside life nearby and sliding-glass doors open to a garden.
5. La Sultana Marrakech — Marrakech, Morocco
Photo: La Sultana Marrakech
Photo: La Sultana Marrakech
Photo: La Sultana Marrakech
Vaulted ceilings, marble arches and Moroccan-style lanterns at the hotel’s Sultana Spa create an elegant Old World design. Another architectural anchor here is a hammam, which is a steam bath popular in Muslim cultures but dates back to the Romans.
6. Hotel 1898 — Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Hotel 1898
Photo: Hotel 1898
Photo: Hotel 1898
In the heart of bustling Barcelona, Hotel 1898‘s pool at the spa is in a location with serious roots. Before it was a spa, the spot served as the Philippines Tobacco Company’s chambers and, before that, a coal bunker. Exposed-brick walls and shimmery green and blue waters (due to soft backlighting) make the spa a hidden historical wonder.
7. 7132 Hotel — Vals Valley, Switzerland
Photo: 7132 Hotel
Photo: 7132 Hotel
The thermal spa’s indoor pool is entirely clad in slabs of Vals quartzite, creating a very modern-design immersion at the hands of Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, a Pritzker Prize winner in 2009. The ESPA-brand spa at this hotel is home to eight thermal baths, including a fire pool, ice pool and spring grotto.
8. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort — Tibet, ChengguanPhoto: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
The hotel’s gold-tiled pool — fittingly called the Gold Energy Pool — is about as luxe as it gets. And while views of the surrounding Himalayas are stunning, so is the pool area’s architectural design. Dark-wood tones; art on the walls; and a cathedral ceiling crafted from wood planks cultivate a cozy environment.
9. Room Mate Grace — New York City, US
Photo: Room Mate Grace
Photo: Room Mate Grace
Just like The City That Never Sleeps, this hotel snug in Times Square, the pool on the ground floor, where a lobby normally might be, stays open late (until 9:00 PM). There’s also a pool bar, sauna and gym adjacent. But what sells the space is the colorful backlighting, including pinks and purples, for a jazzy vibe.
10. The g Hotel — Galway, Ireland
Photo: g Hotel
Emerald-green back-lighting is just one of many design details courtesy of famed Irish milliner Philip Tracey in the pool area of ESPA at this Galway hotel. With 12 treatment rooms and spanning two stories, it’s also considered the area’s most luxurious spa.
11. Omni Grove Park Inn — Asheville, North Carolina
Photo: Omni Grove Park Inn
Photo: Omni Grove Park Inn
Taking a dip in the 18,000-square-foot spa’s pool feels very subterranean, thanks to rock sculptures in the shape of towering columns. A definite spot to linger, the resort’s spa also features a café, treatment rooms, sauna and a steam room infused with eucalyptus.
January 14, 2022
5 winter adventures around Reno
Glowing beneath the Sierra Nevada, less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and minutes from Tahoe National Forest, Reno can’t be rightfully compared to anywhere else in the Mountain West — especially come winter. It’s the first stop on the Burner Byway; the gateway to both the Black Rock Desert and the country’s largest alpine lake; and the jumping off point for the highest concentration of ski resorts in all of North America. In short, Reno in winter makes for a heck of a getaway.
Whether you’re here for a night, a weekend, or an extended work-cation, Reno’s snowy side includes everything from neon-lit and family-friendly to high, steep, and adrenaline-fueled. Here are five winter adventures you could have once you’re here — all close enough to town that you can look forward to laying your head on a fluffy hotel pillow at the end of each epic day.
1. Practice your pirouettes — under the stars and neon lights
Photo: Grand Sierra Resort
Maybe you’re the type that can twirl around the ice like an Olympic hopeful. Or perhaps you’re of the less-graceful variety, grasping the wall as you make your way around the rink. No matter how you approach the ice, you’ll have a better time doing it at The Ice Rink at Grand Sierra Resort. Expect both views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains and all the cozy winter amenities a skater could dream of: fire pits, ‘smores kits, warm cocktails, and a heated pool.
If the weather outside is frightful, head across town to Reno Ice and enjoy the fun (and comfort) of skating indoors. To add a little boogie to your ice-skating experience, the ice rink at The Village at Northstar — less than an hour from downtown Reno — hosts live music on Saturdays, and skating is free if you bring your own skates. (Rentals are available, too.)
2. Snowshoe through the woods to desert and mountain views
Photo: Scott Sporleder
For those who love hiking, snowshoeing is a great way to explore when your favorite trails are buried in the white stuff. About 20 minutes from downtown Reno, the trails at Galena Creek Regional Park accommodate all skills levels — as well as all timeslots on the itinerary. Squeeze in a half-mile loop or go for a nine-mile all-day adventure to soak in views of the surrounding mountains. Trail maps are available at the Galena Creek Visitor Center, and dogs are welcome to join, on-leash.
To keep your feet moving, continue up Mount Rose Highway to Tahoe Meadows. There’s plenty of space to roam here, but the highlight is the short ascent to the top of Chickadee Ridge. Your reward for the climb is phenomenal views of Lake Tahoe — plus you’re sure to be greeted by the winged locals for whom the ridge is named. Though they’ll try to convince you otherwise, don’t feed the chickadees! They’ll likely land on your hand if you simply stretch out your arm.
Note: If you prefer letting an expert show you the way, several resorts in the Reno Tahoe area offer guided snowshoe tours, including Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, and Homewood Mountain Resort.
3. Carve some Reno Tahoe turns
Photo: VisitRenoTahoe.com
There are so many ski resorts close to Reno that your arrival in town always holds the possibility of same-day slope crushing. The closest resort, Mount Rose Ski Tahoe, is just a 30-minute drive from downtown.
First-timers might want to check out Diamond Peak in Incline Village and Northstar California in Truckee, both offering excellent lesson programs with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain to practice new skills. More advanced skiers and riders can head to the steeps of Palisades Tahoe or Sugar Bowl Resort.
To adventure beyond resort boundaries, expert skiers and riders with avalanche training can book a guide with an outfit like Alpenglow Expeditions or North American Ski Training Center to access some of the most prized powder stashes in the area. If you’re looking to maximize the amount of vert skied, hit up the folks at Homewood Snowcat Adventures.
Lastly, trade that after-dinner apéritif for a ski or ride under the stars at Boreal. Open until 8pm daily, they offer night-skiing and the region’s only all-mountain terrain park, no sunscreen required.
4. Score some throttle therapy
Photo: VisitRenoTahoe.com
You can explore miles — and miles and miles — of mountain ridges, powder-filled valleys, and pine forests, all while taking in the beauty of Lake Tahoe, on a snowmobile. If you want to cover some serious ground in one of the most scenic regions in the country, this is how to do it.
Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours will customize a trip to match your desires — and your schedule — whether it’s your first time on a sled or you’re looking for an adventure a little more off the beaten path. Clothing and gear rentals are offered, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable day even if you packed light.
For experienced riders looking for a self-guided adventure, Adrenaline Connection in nearby Truckee offers snowmobile rentals (and delivery service). Enjoy a few hours or a whole day discovering what these mountains have to offer while getting your adrenaline fix, all within a short drive of the comforts of Reno.
5. Head for the hills
Photo: VisitRenoTahoe.com
It doesn’t take anything more than a few inches of snow, a small hill, and a sled to have a full day of winter fun in and around Reno. Sledding often serves as a person’s maiden voyage into winter adventure, but the joy it brings is just as bright the 100th time as it is the first — doubly so when you get to watch the kids having a blast.
For a self-guided sled day, Tahoe Meadows offers a variety of hills ranging from mild to wild, as do the Sno-Park areas on Donner Summit. If you’d prefer to sled somewhere with access to hot cocoa, head to one of the nearby resorts: Homewood Mountain Resort and Boreal each offer sledding or tubing and snow play.
For a real treat and the beats to match, Disco Tubing at Palisades Tahoe is the place to go — just like how Reno Tahoe in winter is the place to be.
Travelers are sharing the biggest culture shocks they experienced in the US
Traveling to another country can be a thrilling experience, but even the most well-traveled people can experience culture shock. Being disoriented by a different way of life is completely normal, but there are ways to defeat it. In fact, you might get so adjusted that you experience reverse culture shock once you come home.
, travelers from around the world are posting about the biggest culture shocks they experienced in the United States. Many of these things may seem perfectly normal to you, but when considered from a different perspective, things can take on a whole new meaning.
So. Much. Driving.
Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock
1. “You can drive 11 hours in the us and only go from one state to another.” — u/PriorSolid
2. “Where I come from, 3 hours of driving are enough to cross half the country, in the US it’s just a small drive to go see a relative or something.” — u/salderosan99
3. ”You can drive for 11 hours in Los Angeles and still be in Los Angeles.” – u/KirkMouse
4. “There are no sidewalks in my US town. Not even between the high school and the library which are very close. Also the only thing within realistic walking distance from my house is other houses and a cemetery. But again, no sidewalks. You’re basically on house arrest until you can drive and have access to a car unless you have people to drive you around.” – u/Snailpics
Huge portions, free refills, and so many choices
Photo: Day Of Victory Studio/Shutterstock
5. ”When we first arrived, and I walked up to a soda machine. We never had those, and I think I drank 10-15 refills of coke before my parents started yelling at me. UNLIMITED SODA ARE YOU KIDDING ME WTF.” – u/Lord_Disagree
6. ”The different kinds of flavors for beverages. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options… until I came to the US I had no idea I liked Blue Raspberry flavored soda and I found out that I liked to mix different kinds of sodas from the fountain and make a cocktail soda occasionally.” – u/howwouldiknow–
7. ”Your sugar has very little food in it.” – u/manjeete
Way too many advertisements
Photo: dibrova/Shutterstock
8. ”This was weird for me. When I go to the doctor he/she tells me what medication I need but all the ads say to ask my doctor to prescribe that medication. It’s so odd?” – u/thecolourofchai
9. ”Lawyer commercials and ‘if this happened to you, you can sue them’ commercials.” – u/RegnumRico
10. ”Random objects are shouting at me to buy shit every waking moment of the day. US TV has at least double the advertising of UK TV I’m sure of it. It’s got to have an impact on your sanity being bombarded with so many adverts.” — u/Heikold
11. “Billboards. They are everywhere. You can go hours in the UK driving without seeing one. In Florida, I saw one every few minutes.” – u/IAmTheGlazed
12. “First few times I tried to watch a movie on US cable I ended up giving up after the fourth or fifth commercial break. Growing up in France they usually don’t put commercial breaks in the middle of a movie. Or if they do it’s it’s once in the middle, like an intermission. I quickly switched to renting and buying DVDs.” – u/Bigstar976
That American hospitality
Photo: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
13. “People kept asking ‘how are you?’ and seemed utterly perplexed when I actually answered literally.” – u/barsknos
14. Everyone I met treated me like a long lost friend” – Red_Ranger75
15. “Americans are as one Canadian Redditor once said ‘collectively crazy, but individually the nicest people you’ll ever meet” – e2a0s1
16. “Overwhelmingly how friendly and generous most people are. Even people who might be rude or grouchy, will still help someone. Americans are a much nicer people than their reputation indicates or that they will themselves admit.” – u/BlueLantern84
Study confirms: producing electric vehicles emits fewer emissions than producing traditional cars
DRIVING ACROSS THE United States in an electric vehicle keeps getting easier. Electric vehicle (RV) charging stations are increasingly popular on roads through big cities, surround national parks, and dot interstate highways, and the number of miles an electric vehicle can go on one charge continues to increase. There are even electric-only “gas stations” popping up in Europe and the Americas.
However, producing electric vehicles does emit harmful gases and uses rare minerals such as lithium, a frequent criticism of an industry poised to reinvent how the world commutes. Often cited as a concern in manufacturing electric cars is the need for large lithium batteries and other minerals whose sourcing taxes the environment. Rumors abound that producing an EV offsets any carbon emissions saved by driving one. But a new study from the Yale School of the Environment published in Nature Communications firmly debunked those rumors.
The Yale study flags the year when hitting the road will be doable in a manner that isn’t overly taxing on the planet. And that year is 2035.
The study looked at modeled scenarios of producing electric vehicles at scale. It also analyzed the life cycle of those vehicles and combined the two angles to produce a “carbon price” on large-scale EV production and adoption. Comparing those criteria against gas-powered vehicles showed that emissions over the lifecycle of an EV were far lower — and that by 2035, emissions from the transport sector can and very likely will be much lower than they are currently.
“A major concern about electric vehicles is that the supply chain, including the mining and processing of raw materials and the manufacturing of batteries, is far from clean,” Ken Gillingham, an economics professor at the YSE, said in a release from the university. “So, if we priced the carbon embodied in these processes, the expectation is electric vehicles would be exorbitantly expensive. It turns out that’s not the case; if you level the playing field by also pricing the carbon in the fossil fuel [non-electric] vehicle supply chain, electric vehicle sales would actually increase.”
This study showed that large-scale EV adoption resulted in reduced consumption of gasoline and diesel, increased electricity consumption (a positive if generated from renewable sources), and a lower environmental toll of producing the vehicles. As an exciting bonus, the study found that “a large–scale adoption of electric vehicles is able to reduce CO2 emissions through more channels than previously expected.”
Of course, to achieve mass adoption of electric vehicles, prices for new EVs must be on par with traditional vehicles, and the market needs enough used EVs that consumers can buy affordable used vehicles. Last year, according to InsideEvs, the average price of a used electric vehicle actually increased due to higher consumer demand and low availability. But EVMatch cites data showing a steadily increasing supply of used EVs available for $15,000 or less. Supply will likely increase over the decade as major carmakers (including Ford and General Motors) transition to EVs, and as startups like Rivian are finally able to deliver vehicles on a consumer scale.
More good news for 2035 – a separate study showed the average American household saves $1,000 per year by owning a fully electric vehicle. Though this seems a long way off – and it is, given that climate change is already impacting daily life for millions of people around the globe – the full transition to EVs will likely happen long before 2023. In a survey of US voters in 2021, 55 percent supported a mandate that all cars be electric by 2030, according to Elektrek. That number is almost certain to rise long before the end of this decade as EV technology improves and prices continue to drop when dealer lots become full of electric options.
The Climate Win’s bold prediction? The gas-powered car will be all but obsolete in the garages of Americans by 2030, if not sooner. Mark your calendars.
More climate wins this week
Photo: Matteo Fes/Shutterstock
Powering all those EVs will take a lot of energy. A study published by How Stuff Works found that installing photovoltaic solar panels on half of the world’s roofs would produce to enough energy to meet the world’s power needs, and then some. In addition to rapid growth in wind power, harnessing solar power to this extent could be the solution.
Here’s some news that you may already know: you drive less than your parents did. A study of millennial drivers in comparison to older generations, published by Science Direct and analyzed by Quartz, found that millennials – born between 1981 and 1996 – drive eight percent less than Gen-Zers and nine percent less than boomers. With the rise of ride-sharing, continued advancement in the field of autonomous vehicles, and improved public transit, perhaps the EV transition can be even smoother than expected.
On that note, we close with a development on the electric, autonomous vehicle front. Nuro, which specializes in autonomous delivery vehicles, announced this week the coming release of its third-generation delivery vehicle to help clients including Kroger and Chipotle deliver goods in a sustainable way. The vehicle has twice the cargo of its second-generation model and an increased range off one charge.
American Airlines tells Olivia Culpo to ‘put a blouse on’ before boarding her flight to Cabo
We’ve all seen that one airline passenger before. You know the one I’m talking about. He’s probably wearing flip flops or a pair of loose pajamas, and looks downright sloppy. There has been much discourse over whether or not it’s appropriate to dress for a flight like the plane is your own personal bedroom, but sometimes airline dress codes aren’t so cut and dry. Take the case of Olivia Culpo, who recently discovered there’s a line you can’t cross when it comes to appropriate airline attire – and apparently crop tops are on the wrong side of that line.
According to an Instagram story posted by her sister Aurora, the two of them were waiting at the gate to board their flight to Cabo with Olivia’s boyfriend, football player Christian Mccaffrey, when she was called up to the flight attendant desk. The flight attendant on duty then informed Olivia that she would need to “put a blouse on” her ensemble or she would not be allowed to board the flight (Matador Network reached out to American Airlines for comment, but haven’t heard back as of publish time). Olivia then steps into the video’s frame to reveal her outfit: A pair of black biker shorts paired with a plunging black crop top (otherwise known as a bralette) over which she wore a floor-length black open cardigan.
While no belly button or nipple is revealed by the outfit, the former Miss USA apparently didn’t feel like arguing. She borrowed Mccaffrey’s sweatshirt and boarded her flight without further incident. But on her Instagram story, Aurora calls the incident “f*cked up.” Another passenger then approaches the pair to compare her outfit to Culpo’s: A similar style crop top which actually exposes much more cleavage than Culpo’s ensemble and a pair of leggings – except this other passenger was not asked to cover up.
The dust up seems to reveal that airline dress codes seem to be randomly enforced and based on the whims of who is on duty that day. According to the American Airlines conditions of carriage, passengers must “Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed” — a rule that comes right after “Be respectful that your odor isn’t offensive (unless it’s caused by a disability or illness).”
It’s still a mystery why Culpo was targeted and publicly embarrassed, but the slew of passengers who pass through airports in pajama pants and fleece onesies are never called out for wearing inappropriate attire. If the issue is that Culpo was showing too much skin, it seems like these rules unfairly fall harder on women – which seems to suggest that some airline attendants believe women’s bodies are inherently offensive or inappropriate. While it doesn’t seem like this is the message that any airline would want to send to its passengers, this sort of incident is unfortunately common. Women are constantly told their totally regular outfits don’t meet airline standards. For instance in 2020, Southwest flight attendants told a woman traveling with her son that her outfit was “lewd,” while just last year flight attendants forced a model wearing a crop on her flight to wear a neon vest designed for the flight crew, telling her “You can’t wear a bikini” on a plane.
Arbitrarily enforcing a dress code that seems to be based not on an established code but the tastes of the flight crew comes off as sexist, and it’s not okay. If airlines want their passengers to dress “appropriately” then they need to be much clearer about how they define “appropriate.” And more importantly, airlines need to make sure those standards don’t disproportionately shame or punish women in particular or dressing comfortably for a flight.
Gorgeous Tennessee Airbnbs across the state for your next Southern roadtrip
Tennessee is the home of country music and whiskey. The barbeque is incredible and music sensations including Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and more called the state home. Tennessee is also home to many popular locations like Memphis, Chattanooga, and Nashville (see our guide to Nashville Airbnbs). Visiting Tennessee, one can experience the nightlife of Nashville and the trails and outdoor activities in the Tennessee Hills. No matter when or why you’re going here are the most stunning Tennessee Airbnbs for your next getaway.
The best Memphis, Tennessee AirbnbsThe best Chattanooga, Tennessee AirbnbsThe best Nashville, Tennessee AirbnbsAirbnbs in the Tennessee hillsAirbnbs near the Jack Daniels distillery
We hope you love the Tennessee Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
The best Memphis, Tennessee Airbnbs
Newly renovated duplex in Cooper-Young neighborhood
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This duplex is located in the heart of the Cooper-Young neighborhood. The home features a spacious one bedroom with a bathroom and an open spacious living room with a pull-out sleeper couch. The kitchen is newly renovated with modern appliances. The home is close to all of Memphis’ top attractions like Memphis Made Brewery, City Market Grocery Store, Overton Sq., and the Memphis Zoo.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $86 per night
Stylishly remodeled home in historic Memphis neighborhood
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This swanky home, commonly known as the Lucky Number Seven, is newly remodeled with a spacious, decorative living room and dining room. Each room is decorated glamorously, just like the city itself — which you’ll experience with easy access to the city center on foot, bike, Uber, or public transit. This one’s built for groups and pets, with a lounge deck for beers and to take in the smell of early-morning bbq.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $108 per night
Lakefront home with a spacious sun deck and game room
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy a waterfront view at this stunning lakefront home in Memphis. This home is a perfect vacation spot for the family or groups of friends, and it features four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with gorgeous lake views. There is also a game room for more entertainment and an outdoor patio area perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets or grilling.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $500 per night
Sleek and chic home in the Broad Avenue Arts District
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Welcome to this contemporary architect-designed three-bedroom home that’s perfect for a family or group gathering. The home theme is sleek and stylish with its spacious living room with surround sound and a big projector screen for watching movies. The open and big kitchen and dining area is great for cooking meals with friends and family, but if going out is more your style the home is within walking distance to local shops, restaurants, and breweries — as well as the legendary Memphis music scene.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $98 per night
The best Chattanooga, Tenneesee Airbnbs
Cozy and remote tiny home at the foot of Lookout Mountain
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Do you want to go off-grid for a bit? This secluded cabin is a tiny home great for the ideal couples gateway. The open floor plan features a living room, fully equipped kitchen and in the back of the house is the master bedroom that leads to the private hot tub. There are also two twin beds lofted at the top of the cabin, and in the back of the home is a spacious screened-in porch with a seating area to sit and have a cup of coffee. The house is just one mile from South Broad and Ruby Falls.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $119 per night
Modern townhouse in the center of Downtown Chattanooga
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This townhouse is in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. The home has many modern finishes and a full chef’s kitchen, along with an open living room that brings in much light. The house is across the street from a public park, so if the kids want more space to play, they can head to the playground. The home is also close to all of downtown Chattanooga’s amenities and a mile away from Free Shuttle Bus, a free method of transportation for tourists to get around downtown.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $102 per night
Bohemian sunroom suite near Signal Mountain
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Welcome to this cozy bohemian gateway located at the foot of Signal Mountain. This cozy hideaway features vaulted ceilings and panoramic windows that will genuinely immerse guests into the mountains. There is a wooden patio with a seating area and a hot tub. The home is near Chattanooga’s best hiking trails like Signal Point, Rainbow Lake, and Falling Water Falls.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $145 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
You’re truly walking into a storybook when staying at the Tudor cottage. This quaint cottage nestled at the Tennessee Gorge just minutes from Downtown Chattanooga. Guests will have access to 15 acres of land and a beautiful view of the Tennessee River right across the street. There are also other gardens, lawns, and trails that the guests can check out around the property.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $180 per night
The best Tennessee Airbnbs in Music City
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located luxury townhouse with resort-style amenitiesThis luxury four-bedroom townhouse is packed with all the amenities needed for your Tennessee getaway. This townhouse has three floors with spacious bedrooms located on each floor. On the second floor is an open floor plan with the living room and kitchen. The townhouse is within walking distance to West End activities and less than 3 miles to Broadway.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $499 per night
Whimsical tiny house cottage in the city’s Design District
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Come and stay at Tennessee’s most wish-listed Airbnb. This romantic and dreamy tiny home is ideal for couples or singles gateway. The cottage is modern but still has its vintage charm and touches that transport guests back in time. There is a kitchenette, living area, and the bed is lofted at the top of the home. There is an outdoor porch area where guests can sit and enjoy what nature offers.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $100 per night
Nashville’s pink sanctuary
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Another glamorous stay for the ladies and gents who are into all things pink. This pink sanctuary has everything decorated with the color pink. The cabinets in the full kitchen are pink, as well as the dining chairs, and the living room area is decked out in the color pink, and the home itself is even pink. There is an outdoor patio with a BBQ area and a movie theater area with a projector and movie seating.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $452 per night
Airbnbs in the Tennessee hills
Historic Stone Cellar
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Stay at one of Tennessee’s oldest and most historic buildings for your next southern getaway. The Stone Cellar Suite is in the oldest town in Tennessee. There is a private entry to get into the historic home under the building. The home has an open floor plan with a bedroom area and a small kitchen. The home was formerly a boarding house for Jonesborough’s first female college and has now turned into a quaint historic home for guests.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $149 per night
Luxury mountain escape near Appalachian Trail
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury home offers the perfect amount of seclusion that one needs for a quick gateway. The home is filled with luxury amenities, two large porches, a fire pit, and a seating area outside. Guests can also sit and relax outside with the noise of a small waterfall as soothing background noise and other spa amenities include a massage chair and also a jacuzzi bathtub. If you prefer relaxing outside, the Application Trail is nearby as well as other outdoor activities.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $149 per night
Airbnbs near the Jack Daniels distillery
Homey two-bedroom cabin near Tom Lake
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located near Tom Ford Lake is this cozy two-bedroom cabin. The cabin features a spacious living room and kitchen. There is also a wrap-around tree deck and a fire pit outside with a seating area perfect for roasting marshmallows or hanging out by the fire. The home is twelve miles from the Jack Daniels distillery and only 1/2 mile from Holiday Landing Marina & Blue Gill Restaurant.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $130 per night
Lakeside retreat in small private neighborhood
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Here’s another lake-side retreat for your Tennessee vacation. This new stunning lake build has two floors. On the first floor is the spacious kitchen and living room, the master bedroom, and a full patio with a fireplace and outdoor seating, and the second floor has two other huge bedrooms with queen and king-sized beds. The home is just a 15-minute drive to other shops and restaurants, and the Jack Daniels distillery.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $265 per night
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