Matador Network's Blog, page 538
December 22, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine is the most important travel innovation this year
It hasn’t exactly been an even playing field this year when it comes to travel innovations. Sure, new drones have taken the travel videography world by storm, and apps like Wanderlog are making it easier than ever to plan your trip. But amid a traumatic pandemic, unprecedented travel restrictions, tanking tourism economies and closed borders that separated loved ones, one innovation stands high above the rest in the world of travel: the COVID-19 vaccine.
Industry experts and Matador staff voted for the most important and consequential travel innovation this year, and the winner was clear. The COVID-19 vaccine — encompassing all three FDA-approved shots — did more than just inoculate our immune systems against a deadly virus. It acted as a key, unlocking the borders of shuttered nations. It illuminated your favorite airline’s “book now” button, and quite literally reopened the door to your neighborhood restaurants. Two years ago, it would have been unfathomable that a single invention could change so much, so quickly.
The vaccine’s greatest benefit, however, goes far beyond mere access. Peace of mind is more tangible, and personal, than antibodies. With an extraordinary efficacy that exceeded anyone’s expectations, the vaccine did what we might have thought impossible during the darkest throes of the pandemic: make us feel safe again. It eased our nerves, calmed our minds, reassured us that we could safely board a plane to move through a crowd on Rome’s Spanish Steps. It not only boosted our immune system, but our confidence in adventure and exploration.
While we should certainly celebrate the success of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to acknowledge that much of the world has yet to benefit from it. Whether due to poverty, politics, or logistics, many countries have only vaccinated a small fraction of their population. For them, life remains restricted and the future is still uncertain. That’s why, as with any major technological advancement, accessibility is as important as invention. The COVID-19 vaccine has been a boon for wealthy Western nations, but we can’t claim victory over the virus until the whole world has access to it.
We still have a long way to go in this pandemic, but the vaccine represents a momentous step toward opening borders, achieving peace of mind, and getting “back to normal.” And that’s worth more than even the coolest new travel app. 
Airbnb Toronto: best places to stay
As with most major cities, it takes time to get to know the true character of Toronto. Most visitors cluster downtown, exploring the neighborhoods there — and there’s plenty to see. Many are doing this through the experience of a home-away-from-home environment via Airbnb Toronto. Here’s a quick guide to the best Airbnb Toronto downtown listings for every type of traveler.
We hope you love the Toronto Airbnb stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Old Town waterfront penthouse overlooking Lake Ontario
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you only have time for one neighborhood, make it Old Town, the birthplace of the city. From this waterfront penthouse, grab breakfast or lunch at St. Lawrence Market (Tuesday to Saturday). Then follow the tree-lined Esplanade to the Distillery District, a pedestrianized area of Victorian industrial buildings converted into high-end shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Make your way back along King Street East and take in the old red-brick buildings, many of which date back to the mid-19th century. Admire the gardens in St. James Park next to its eponymous cathedral before walking down Church Street to the Flatiron building. Don’t forget to check out the mural and small park at the back.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $268 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
From this apartment, you have access to the financial heart of Canada. Go on a weekday when the place crawls with suits, and the shops along the underground walkways (PATH) are open. Start at Nathan Phillip Square for the modern City Hall and beautiful old City Hall (now the Court House). Meander between the glass-and-steel skyscrapers to discover courtyards with sculptures and fountains, such as “Tembo, Mother of Elephants” in Commerce Court Plaza and “The Pasture” on the grass next to the TD Centre. At Front and Bay, visit the atrium of Brookfield Place and have lunch at the Marché Restaurant. Then walk up stately University Avenue, designed to resemble a French boulevard.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $283 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Buzzing with activity on weekend evenings, this is Toronto’s playground, centered around Queen and King streets, just west of the Financial District. From your room in this arts-centric home, easily access the trendy shops, have dinner at The Queen Mother (or anywhere else that looks good), catch a Broadway play or a movie, then hit a bar or a nightclub to round up the night. For something a little more laid-back, keep walking west on Queen Street past Bathurst Avenue to hip West Queen West for art, culture, and fun. Relax in spacious Trinity-Bellwood Park, and have a full meal and live music at The Drake or The Gladstone hotel. On the way, check out Graffiti Alley, squeezed between Queen and Richmond Streets, west of Spadina.
Price: $72 per night
CN Tower view from affordable high-end loftPhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Here’s the thing about this high-rise unit — it delivers BIG TIME on its promise of an epic view. If you’re like us, you’re itching to get to Toronto just so you can stay in this apartment and hang out on the balcony. If you do manage to take your eyes off the CN Tower, the inside of the unit is trimmed nicely with a modern kitchen and bedroom. You can walk through the streets of Chinatown and Kensington Market easily while taking advantage of the dining, nightlife, and other epic scenes of downtown Toronto from throughout the neighborhood.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $162 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Easily make your way to Toronto’s best restaurants, bars, and shopping from this upscale, 700-square-foot apartment across from the Rogers Center. The condo has views of the city skyline stretching out across the water and an interior lined with modern furnishings and 10-foot ceilings. Guaranteed, you won’t find a better view of the whole of Toronto to wake up to in the morning.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $113 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Toronto’s main Chinatown at Dundas and Spadina is always busy and atmospheric, especially on weekends. From this luxurious Chinatown apartment, go for dim sum (arrive by 11 a.m. to get a table), then follow the crowds of shoppers into Asian grocery stores, bakeries, and shops. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Dundas. If you’re around later in the day, have an early dinner at Lee Garden. To the west of Spadina is Kensington Market, the most multicultural area of the city. Walk around this bohemian neighborhood and pop into vintage clothing stores. Take a break at one of the small family eateries running the gamut from Lebanese to Mexican. Admire the urban art or shop for fresh food.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $135 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This apartment has open views of downtown and toward Lake Ontario, and the surrounding Harbourfront area is where all downtown sites and tourists converge on a warm sunny day. Start early to avoid the crowds and take the ferry at the foot of Bay Street to Centre Island. Rent a bike or walk to Hanlan’s Point and its clothing-optional beach, or take a shorter walk to Ward’s Island. Have a bite to eat on the shady terrace of The Rectory Café on the way to Ward’s old-fashioned residential community. Back on the mainland, head west along the lake to Harbourfront. Take a cruise on tall ship Kajama, enjoy the buskers or a free show on the open-air stage, then try some tasty snacks at the food stands (summer only). If you can afford the admission price, go up the CN Tower (on a clear day).
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $119 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This apartment is above Yorkville and offers easy access to the entire neighborhood. Start at Yonge Street and walk west on Bloor, window shopping at the upscale boutiques and department stores. Pop into the Manulife Centre at the corner of Bay Street and have a drink at The One Eighty on the 51st floor for amazing views of the city. Pay a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum and its jaw-dropping architecture or the unusual Bata Shoe Museum. In the early evening, people-watch while sitting on “The Rock” in Cumberland Street’s urban park, and see how many luxury cars you can spot on Yorkville Street. Wrap up the day with a meal or a drink on the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s or with sushi at Asuka.
Price: $307 per night
Private loft with balcony at boutique hotel
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The Sonder Toronto is among the city’s most elevated hotels, a boutique establishment that offers a refined downtown aesthetic while still remaining quirky and personable. This room shows exactly why — trimmed to hipster perfection and with easy access to the best of the Financial District, Old Toronto, Chinatown, and the neighborhoods closer to the waterfront. Walk the streets, popping into cafes and bars wearing your best outfit — this is the financial district after all — and experience the casual elegance that Toronto is known for.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $376 per night
A version of this article about Airbnb Toronto was previously published on June 20, 2017, and was updated on September 12, 2021, with more information.
More like thisWhere to StayThe 10 best Airbnbs in MontrealAirbnb with hilarious quirks goes viral on TikTok
When most people step into an Airbnb, they expect a set of instructions detailing the proper method for locking the door and where to throw out the trash before they leave — the basic tasks that all polite guests are willing to complete to accommodate their host and make their stay seamless. But recently a woman on TikTok, who goes by the username @authentiffany_, encountered an Airbnb owner who went above and beyond in creating a strict set of rules for guests in her home. The video she recorded documenting her experience went viral on TikTok.
@authentiffany_Respect the home, Tiktok about it later #fyp #airbnb #funny #controlissues #foryou #toomuchsauce #lol #airbnbhost
♬ original sound – Authentiffany
The whole Airbnb is full with laminated cards in precise handwriting outlining how each and every item in the house should be used, according to the owners’ specifications. Some are reasonable and understandable; for instance, she specifies that there is no smoking or candles permitted in the room. But some are plain bizarre.
According to this Airbnb host’s rules, the shower curtain has to be opened from right to left. There’s a hand-drawn guide to the TV remote control, explaining the purpose of each button. There’s a note explaining how an air vent on the floor works, and how guests are allowed to use the room’s storage bins (they should be stacked and used for “food and other supplies”).
One of the strangest moments of the video comes when @authentiffany_ explains that when the owner noticed that she was using a tall cup for water, she informed her that she should in fact be using the squat cup because the tall cup is intended to store a toothbrush only. In a text overlay, @authentiffany_ explains that the owner promised to properly label the cups for future guests.
Ultimately, none of the rules moved @authentiffany_ to leave this Airbnb or to feel uncomfortable in the room. In a later video, she specifies that she picked the Airbnb room last minute, and that it has high ratings on the Airbnb site. She even praises the host for sending her detailed instructions on where to park her car. But she actually met the host, they chatted for an hour and she revealed that she feels as though she has to “stupid-proof” everything in the house. @Authentiffany_ was able to laugh at the situation, though. She says after talking with her host, she simply went up to her room and fell asleep – no harm done.
Matador 2022 Travel Awards: Sustainable Destination
Rwanda allocates nearly 40 percent of its land to conservation activities, and its conservation revenue-share program is the most generous in Africa. The country is a conservation leader and inspiration not only on the African continent, but around the world. And the country’s approach to travelers is one big reason why this level of ecosystem protection is possible.
Gorilla tourism is core to Rwanda’s conservation success. It’s one of the few places on the planet to see mountain gorillas in the wild. According to Visit Rwanda, more than 17,000 individuals visited the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park in 2019, and the revenue for gorilla tourism alone brought in $107 million. Most of that income came from international gorilla trekking permits, which cost $1,500 per person for a single hour with the gorillas. Ten percent of the revenue from gorilla permits goes directly to local communities to build infrastructure like schools and roads, and another 5 percent of permit revenue is set aside to compensate locals whose crops are damaged by wildlife.
Photo: Deeper Africa
The area around Volcanoes National Park is home to a range of exclusive lodges, including One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge, and the Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) established the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, an eco-tourism enterprise that facilitates local ownership, and the AWF has contributed more than $400 million to the national economy since it opened.
“Primate habitat on the African continent is limited and under constant threat from humans who work to clear cut forests,” says Karen Zulauf of Deeper Africa, a tour company that offers sustainable travel to Rwanda and across Africa. “The Rwandan government has stepped up to support primate conservation and tourism in a big way within the last ten years. The Rwanda primate travel experience has a lot of depth to it.”
Rwanda’s sustainability model isn’t just about gorillas; the country offers some of the most spectacular eco-lodges and resorts in East Africa. Akagera National Park is home to the big five thanks to African Parks, which operates Ruzizi Tented Lodge in the south of the park, and Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris in the north. Nyungwe is the oldest protected mountain rainforest in Central Africa. Travelers seeking luxury can stay on the edge of the park at the One and Only Nyungwe House.
Photo: Deeper Africa
Add to that a decade-old plastic bag ban and monthly community cleanups, and it’s clear that the people of Rwanda are truly dedicated to sustainability.
Runner Up: New Zealand“They are embarking on a massive campaign to restore native wildlife populations across the country, many of which are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on earth,” says panel member Charles Post. “Alpine parrots, penguins that nest in the rainforest, and curious songbirds that live amongst the mountain peaks are just a few of the fascinating animals that call New Zealand home, all of whom directly benefit from New Zealand’s energized approach to conservation. Moreover, they have enacted huge, widespread efforts to train and hire New Zealanders to work in the conservation space, and forge career paths and connection between the public and the restoration and preservation of their country’s nature.”
December 21, 2021
Matador 2022 Travel Awards: influencer to watch
There are plenty of travel influencers in the field who have something to offer. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, also known as JetSetSarah, is a Miami-based travel influencer who sets herself apart with her passion for the Caribbean in all its warm-weather glory. She calls herself a “Carivangelist,” spreading the news of all there is to love about the diverse region.
“There’s a misconception that all Caribbean countries are the same: sun, sea and sand destinations indistinguishable from each other. But the truth is that the region’s 30+ islands are diverse and culturally rich, with different languages, topography, cuisine, music. As a “Carivangelist,” it’s my mission to share the beautiful diversity of “my” Caribbean with the world through my work, in print, on line and on camera,” Greaves-Gabbadon says.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by SARAH GREAVES-GABBADON✈️📝🏖 (@jetsetsarah)
Greaves-Gabbadon’s passion for the Caribbean also shines through in her love for fashion. In her videos on Instagram and Youtube, you’ll find her sporting bright, colorful clothing reminiscent of her travels to Anguilla, the Virgin Islands, her home base of Miami, and everywhere in between. She documents her love for shopping in new places on her blog and Instagram @jetsetshops, and she always seems to be in tune with the trends.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by SARAH GREAVES-GABBADON✈️📝🏖 (@jetsetsarah)
At Matador Network, we believe travel should be a force for good for everyone. Greaves-Gabbadon is vocal about the needs to diversify travel writing and decolonize destinations that were affected by colonialism. Her love for the Caribbean goes beyond the beautiful beaches and extends to the people who live there and their culture. And as a traveler in her 50s, she touches on her experiences as a solo traveler, her natural-hair journey with her locs and going gray, and her love for running and fitness. You’ll find her in colorful workout gear training for 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by SARAH GREAVES-GABBADON✈️📝🏖 (@jetsetsarah)
Greaves-Gabbadon has been featured in, and written for, numerous publications, including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, USA Today, The Telegraph, and the Caribbean Journal. You can follow her journeys on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram. She also puts out a quarterly newsletter, the JetSet Letter, that’s all things JetSetSarah, including articles she’s reading, things she’s buying, people she’s meeting, and stuff she’s writing. She even co-hosts a podcast with Brian Major called Complete Caribbean that covers everything you need to know for your travels.
One thing we know for sure — we can’t wait to see where JetSetSarah goes next.
42 words that were added to the dictionary in 2021
We tend to think of dictionaries as authorities on language. But new words and phrases are invented all the time. First they’re used colloquially, then they become widespread. It’s only after these terms are already functionally part of our vocabularies that they’re added to the dictionary, which like language itself is a living thing.
In today’s day and age, internet-speak, current events, and the moving target that is modern slang are largely behind new dictionary additions. At least a thousand entries have been added to various dictionaries in 2021 alone. Here are some of the most hilarious, vital, and topical terms you can now play in Scrabble, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Collins, and Dictionary.com.
Dictionary additions 2021: Collins DictionaryAs of July, HarperCollins added nine new words and phrases to its dictionary in 2021. These are some of the highlights.
Capsule hotel n. a hotel that offers cheap accommodation in very small compartments
Crypto n. slang short for cryptocurrency
Dad joke n. informal a joke that is regarded as weak or corny, esp one involving a laboured pun
Tourist tax n. a tax levied on tourists, esp to discourage overcrowding in popular destinations
Vacay n. American and Canadian informal short for vacation
Dictionary additions 2021: Dictionary.comDictionary.com added around 600 words and phrases to its collection of definitions this year. These are some of the highlights.
DEI abbr. diversity, equity, and inclusion: a conceptual framework that promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially in the workplace, including populations who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity, disability, etc
Doomscrolling n. the practice of obsessively checking online news for updates, especially on social media feeds, with the expectation that the news will be bad, such that the feeling of dread from this negative expectation fuels a compulsion to continue looking for updates in a self-perpetuating cycle
Supposably adv. as may be assumed, imagined, or supposed
Y’all pron. you (used in direct address usually to two or more people, or to one person who represents a family, organization, etc)
Yeet excl. slang an exclamation of excitement, approval, surprise, or all-around energy, often as issued when doing a dance move or throwing something.
Zaddy n. slang an attractive man who is also stylish, charming, and self-confident
Dictionary additions 2021: Merriam-Webster DictionaryMerriam-Webster added almost 1,000 words and phrases to its dictionary in 2021. These are some of the highlights.
Air fryer n. an airtight, usually small electrical appliance for quick cooking of foods by means of convection currents circulated rapidly by a fan
Amirite interj. slang used in writing for ‘am I right’ to represent or imitate the use of this phrase as a tag question in informal speech
ASMR n. a pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect
BIPOC abbr. Black, Indigenious, (and) People of Color
Bit rot n. the tendency for digital information to degrade or become unusable over time
Copypasta n. data (such as a block of text) that has been copied and spread widely online
Dad bod n. a physique regarded as typical of an average father, esp one that is slightly overweight and not extremely muscular
Deplatform v. to remove and ban (a registered user) from a mass communication medium (such as a social networking or blogging website)
Crowdfunding n. the practice of obtaining needed funding (as for a new business) by soliciting contributions from a large number of people especially from the online community
Digital nomad n. someone who performs their occupation entirely over the Internet while traveling, esp such a person who has no permanent fixed home address.
Flex n. an act of bragging or showing off
Fluffernutter n. a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow crème between two slices of white sandwich bread
Folx pl. n. folks, used esp to explicitly signal the inclusion of groups commonly marginalized
Hard pass n. a firm refusal or rejection of something (such as an offer)
Horchata n. a cold sweetened beverage made from ground rice or almonds and usually flavorings such as cinnamon or vanilla
Hygge n. a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable
Otaku n. a person having an intense or obsessive interest especially in the fields of anime and manga
Super-spreader n. an individual who is highly contagious and capable of transmitting a communicable disease to an unusually large number of uninfected individuals; an event or location at which a significant number of people contract the same communicable disease
Vaccine passport n. a physical or digital document providing proof of vaccination against one or more infectious diseases (such as COVID-19)
Whataboutism n. the act or practice of responding to an accusation of wrongdoing by claiming that an offense committed by another is similar or worse
Dictionary additions 2021: Oxford English DictionaryThe Oxford University Press added around 750 words and phrases to its dictionary in 2021. These are some of the highlights.
Birdo n. a birdwatcher
Boomeranger n. a person who throws a boomerang
Blockchain n. a sequence of digital records or ‘blocks’ linked using cryptography so that each block is verifiable and virtually unchangeable, which is distributed and managed typically in a peer-to-peer network, and used esp by cryptocurrencies as a record of transactions; the technology underpinning this
Comfort eat v. to consume food in an attempt to alleviate feelings of anxiety, boredom, negativity, etc, rather than to satisfy hunger, typically large quantities of food with a high sugar or fat content
Dine-and-dasher n. a person who hastily or furtively leaves a restaurant, cafe, etc, to avoid paying for his or her meal
Gen Z n. the generation of people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s and following Generation Y, noted in particular as the first generation to grow up in the era of widespread use of digital technology (esp the internet and social media)
Innerwear n. clothing designed to be worn under other garments, esp next to the skin
Non-fungible adj. of a product or commodity that has been contracted for: that cannot be replaced by another identical item without breaking the terms of the contract. More generally: not interchangeable or replaceable
Tots n. bite-sized croquettes of shredded potato, fried or baked and typically served hot as a side dish
Wabi-sabi adj. relating to or designating a Japanese aesthetic or world view characterized by finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, or simplicity; designating a style, appearance, etc, reflecting this aesthetic
Xennial n. a person born between the late 1970s and early 1980s, after (or towards the end of) Generation X and before (or at the beginning of) the millennial generation, and typically regarded as exhibiting characteristics of both of these generations
6 essential kitchen tools from Asia every home cook needs
From Vietnamese pho to Japanese sushi, dishes from the Asian continent are undeniably among the most popular foods in the Western world. Some people think of Asian food as restaurant-only fare, but the more ambitious among us know that many dishes can be recreated at home. All you need is the right appliances to help cook a few essential dishes in the expansive pantheon of Asian cuisines: rice, stir fry, and noodles.
Rice is of course the foundation of many cuisines throughout Asia, and can be paired with almost any dish. Mastering the art of perfect right is a necessary right of passage for any home cook. Noodles are essential in stews, soups, and other convenient and filling one-pot dishes -– with the added bonus that they soak up the flavors of the accompanying ingredients. Stir fries are easy to customize, and can contain any combination of vegetables and meat that you can dream up.
Grab these six essential cooking tools (and read up on a couple cooking tips from Morimoto Asia’s executive chef Yuhi Fujinaga) before the next time you head out to your closest expansive pan-Asian supermarket for Kewpie, spices, and every other ingredient you can imagine.
We hope you love products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Tools to make the best noodlesHot pot
Photo: David MG/Shutterstock
Hot pot might seem like a lavish meal best enjoyed in a restaurant, but with the right tools – namely a hot pot with an S-shaped divider – it’s simple to create at home. Hot pot is the ultimate comfort food and makes for ideal dinner party fare.
Diners are presented with plates of raw ingredients – everything from slices of sweet potato and mushrooms to cubes of tofu, dumplings, thinly sliced meats, and types of noodles from vermicelli to ho fun – that are dipped and cooked in the steaming broth. Noodles should be cooked last and for just a few moments, until they become soft. The noodles soak up spicy, umami-rich broth. The divider allows you to cook two flavors and many ingredients at once (which is especially convenient if only some of your guests prefer spicy food).
Buy one: Kerykwan Divided Hot Pot Pan, $49
Clay pot
Photo: Tataya Kudo/Shutterstock
The Instant Pot is often praised for its ability to create one pot meals, and a Chinese clay pot serves a similar purpose. Clay pot dishes often include steamed rice cooked with Chinese sausage, pork belly, mushrooms, bok choy, or chicken. However, seafood stews are another popular dish to prepare in a clay pot. Often paired with shrimp, prawns, or pork, clay pot noodles can be topped with mushrooms, ginger, or pickled vegetables. A Japanese donabe is a similar tool, in which you can prepare udon noodles or stews with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and glass noodles.
Buy one: Kotobuki Donabe, $140
Tools to make the best riceBamboo steamer
Photo: Zhitnikov Vadim/Shutterstock
Bamboo steamers are versatile appliances that can cook soup dumplings, bao buns, steam fish, all sorts of vegetables, and hard boil eggs. You can even get playful and use sake or beer to add an extra layer of flavor as you steam the food. A bamboo steamer can also cook rice. Steam for about 30 minutes to achieve perfectly fluffy rice – the perfect side dish for vegetables or fish, which, conveniently, can be cooked in the same vessel for an easy dinner clean up.
Buy one: Noble Nest Deluxe Bamboo Steamer Basket, $32
Rice cooker
Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock
The rice cooker is the traditional choice for anyone who regularly eats steamed rice. In countries like Japan, nearly 6 million rice cookers were sold in 2020. Fast, inexpensive, and intuitive to use, rice cookers take the guesswork out of preparing rice. Simply measure out the rice, add water, and switch the device on. When the rice is done cooking, it automatically switches off the cooking process. In the interim, you can walk away and do other chores while your rice happily cooks away. Even if you only plan to make rice once a week, a rice cooker is a worthy investment. And incidentally, you can also prepare oatmeal and hard boiled eggs, among other dishes.
Buy one: Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice Cooker, $30
Tools to make the best stir fryWok
Photo: IVASHstudio/Shutterstock
This deep, high-walled pan originated in China, and it’s essential for many dishes that require high heat. The pan’s steep walls trap heat, encouraging ingredients to cook faster. The high walls also allow the cook to toss food together without losing any pieces, which promotes even cooking and well-combined ingredients.
The most popular dish to cook in a wok is probably stir fry. The wok creates crisp vegetables and tender pieces of meat, and the ingredient options are endless: beef, udon noodles, green beans, bell peppers, shrimp – whatever type of stir fry you dream up, a wok can cook it up.
Buy one: Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok, $60
Spider skimmer
Photo: Lesterman/Shutterstock
This handy tool, which can be made out of metal or bamboo, is a must-have wok accessory. The long handle on the skimmer is especially designed to lift stir fried vegetables from the scalding wok, but it’s particularly useful for removing ingredients from boiling liquids – when deep frying or blanching vegetables, for instance. And when made from bamboo, the elongated handle stays cool even in the hottest kitchens.
Buy one: Stainless Steel Spider Natural Bamboo Handle, $12
More like thisFood + DrinkInstantly elevate your home cooking with these Asian kitchen tools8 beautiful Airbnb Santiago rentals for an epic stay in Chile’s capital
The vibrant capital of Chile is among the most diverse cities in South America. Immersive yourself in Santiago‘s street art and galleries, visit museums, and innovative design stores. Discover Santiago’s enticing food and drink pallet with restaurants, cafes, and bars. No matter your plans for adventure, you’ll be right there in the heart of Santiago, Bellavista, Providencia, and other popular hotspots while staying at these Airbnb Santiago rentals.
1. Loft apartment located in heart of the Santiago tourist district2. Bright and vibrant apartment in renovated historic home3. Decorative minimalist loft apartment in Bellavista4. Cozy apartment space near major attractions5. Contemporary apartment perfect for couples6. Elegant Las Condes apartment with city views7. Spacious apartment with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains8. Remote cozy cabin with a garden and mountain viewsWe hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Loft apartment located in heart of the Santiago tourist district
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious loft is in Santiago’s tourist district, called “Bellas Artes.” The loft has a full kitchen and a breakfast bar perfect as an eating area, and in the living room, there is a sound system and smart tv. Access to the balcony happens from here, and bright yellow avocado chairs await. Upstairs in the loft area is a double bed and another balcony.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $54 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
A colorful Santiago Airbnb will surely brighten up your time in the city. This kaleidoscopic apartment space is located on the second floor of a remodeled 1939 home. The spacious living room is filled with colorful artwork and decor, and there is a full kitchen with all appliances and two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two twin beds perfect for the kids or other guests. There is also a back patio with a seating area for guests to enjoy the beautiful Santiago weather.
Four guests, two-bedroom
Price: $80 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Experience the diverse cultures of Chile in this roomy Santiago Airbnb. This loft immerses guests into the culture of northern, central, and southern Chile with materials such as ceramics, fabrics and wicker, and furniture created from native stones. There is an indoor fireplace in the living room along with more cultural decor. There is a full kitchen with a dining area for seating and eating, and the bedroom has a double bed and a full bathroom. Guests can access the recreation area terrace with mountain, sunrise, and sunset views.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $44 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located in Santiago Chile’s historic center near shops, restaurants, and cafes, this cozy apartment is the perfect Santiago Airbnb for a solo or couples’ trip. The unit has a fully equipped kitchen, a full bathroom, and a balcony where guests can sit out and have a cup of coffee.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $41 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Here we have a mid-century modern apartment perfect for a couples getaway. This recently renovated apartment has a new kitchen with the latest appliances, and the spacious living room features a seating area and dining area for two with a view. The sleeping area has a queen bed with a full newly-renovated bathroom. The apartment is near the famous Teatro Municipal and other historical sites and iconic locations in Santiago.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $49 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This boutique apartment has everything you need for your Santiago stay. There is a full kitchen, dining area, and an open spacious living room where bright light enters the apartment. There are two bedrooms. The first bedroom has a queen-sized bed and the second has a double bed, and there is also a patio that has panoramic views of the city. The recreation area downstairs has an outdoor playground for the kiddos or young-at-heart.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $113 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located in a quiet and safe neighborhood, this Santiago Airbnb mixes vintage and modern stay with resort-style amenities. The kitchen has an oversized island enough for five to eat and sit. The open and spacious living room has impeccable views of the city—two bedrooms with amenities like heated floors and room darkening shades and two full bathrooms. There is a terrace where you can see the breathtaking Andes Mountains. This apartment also accommodates children and young infants as it provides cribs and children’s mesh on the balcony.
Six guests, two-bedroom
Price: $103 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Here is a cottage fit for a family retreat or group gathering. This jungle-like seven-bedroom cottage is surrounded by nothing but trees and the jungle and will sure give guests that remote feel. The cottage has a full kitchen and roomy living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a door that leads to the spacious backyard.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $142 per night
Matador 2022 Travel Awards: Emerging Destination
A bustling art scene, serious surf culture, amazing shopping, and delicious seafood — there’s a seemingly endless list of reasons to visit Dakar, Senegal, on the edge of West Africa. As the late Anthony Bourdain put it: “Senegal is one of the best arguments for travel I can think of.” Dakar is a multisensory, complex city defined just as much by its art galleries and museums as it is the beaches and open-air market. It’s an international cultural capital that, for the past couple of years, has been on the rise in terms of access and things for tourists to do to experience the city of more than a million. Which is why we chose it as our Emerging Destination for 2022.
Photo: Africa Tourism Association
The modern Blaise Diagne International Airport opened just outside the city in December of 2017. With it came an eight-hour direct Delta flight from New York’s JFK airport. In 2021, Air Senegal launched direct flights from Washington DC and New York. “The fact that bookings for the new route are running near full is an indication that people are thirsty to visit Senegal as well as the region in general,” says Ernest Dikoum, Air Senegal’s marketing director.
Photo: Air Senegal
For those in the know, Dakar has been a hot spot for years, as well as a place for big ideas. Hip-hop artist Akon announced AkonCity in 2020, a futuristic new city just south of Dakar that fueled by a new cryptocurrency and renewable energy. Akon isn’t the only Black celebrity working in Dakar. Kehinde Wiley, who painted Barack Obama’s portrait for the National Portrait Gallery, established Black Rock Senegal, an artist residency in the Yoff neighborhood that has been attracting creators from around the world since its inception in 2019.
Photo: Africa Tourism Association
Dak’Art, a biennial contemporary African art fair, secures works by artists from more than 30 countries and places the pieces in venues and galleries across the city. The Musée des Civilisations Noires, or Museum of Black Civilizations, which opened in December 2018, houses several captivating collections, ranging from tribal to contemporary.
Photo: Africa Tourism Association
At its core, Dakar is a beach town complete with beachside cafes and restaurants, surfers, and sunsets. The majority of surfers in Dakar are Senegalese, and you will often see children on half-broken boards surf alongside local professionals. One of the most famous spots to catch waves is the Ngor Right on Ngor Island, which sits just off the mainland. It’s one of around 15 surf spots within easy reach of the city, with many clustered along the Almadies Peninsula.
With all that Dakar has to offer, as well as the promise of the future, this is one city to keep on your wish lists.
Photo: Africa Tourism Association
Runner Up: Saudi Arabia: “Right now, you might not know anyone who has been to Saudi Arabia, but in two years, everyone you know we’ll have been here,” says panelist Natasha Martin. “Saudi Arabia is ramping up to host major tourism numbers, creating incredible tourism experiences, accommodation options, and insisting on high levels of protection and sustainability.”
How to move to Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica, a tropical paradise full of empty beaches, jungles, and volcanoes is easier than you think. After our fourth visit to Costa Rica, my husband and I packed up our dogs and moved there. And if we did it, you can do it, too.
Costa Rica’s cost of living might be higher than other Central American countries, but here you’ll find a stable, flourishing economy, excellent and affordable healthcare, convenient public transportation and still spend far less than you would in most US cities. Plus, you might have toucans in your backyard.
Here’s how you, too, can move to Costa Rica and start living the Pura Vida on a budget.
How to move to Costa Rica:
1. Do I need a visa to live in Costa Rica? Which one?
2. Best places to move to in Costa Rica
3. Can I move to Costa Rica with my pet?
4. Eating well and for cheap in Costa Rica
5. Finding a doctor in Costa Rica
As a foreign national, there are a few different ways you can move to Costa Rica. According to the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, you can enter the country:
As a permanent or temporary residentOn a tourist visaAfter receiving a permit for working, studying, or volunteeringNot yet mentioned on the Embassy website is the brand-new digital nomad visa, which was approved in October 2021, and will likely be implemented for qualified foreign nationals in early 2022.
You’ll undoubtedly want to test the waters before committing permanently to Costa Rica by filling in a residency application (a very doable, but time-consuming process), so we’ll focus on the tourist visa, work, and study permits, and the soon-to-be-implemented digital nomad visa.
Tourist visaMany long-term travelers and expats (including myself) have simply moved to Costa Rica as a “perpetual tourist.” It doesn’t get easier: you arrive in Costa Rica with proof of an onward destination and you’ll typically be granted a 90-day tourist visa upon entry to the country. For stays longer than 90 days, you just have to complete a “border run” which means heading over to the Panama border or taking a short flight to a neighboring country and returning as soon as the next day for a new entry stamp.
Many long-term expats use this exact process to stay in the country for years (and as an excuse to visit Panama and Mexico for long weekends every 90 days). I intend to live in Costa Rica permanently, but I went with the perpetual tourist option while pursuing my legal residency status because it’s the easiest. The only downside is that it can be a hassle to travel every 90 days and upon re-entry you’re at the mercy of the immigration officer. It’s their right to give you a shorter visa if they feel like it. Fortunately, this is rare.
Work, study, and volunteer permitsIf your move to Costa Rica is the result of a work, study, or volunteer project, you can apply for a temporary permit that allows you to stay in the country. Before arriving in Costa Rica, you will need to apply at the nearest Costa Rican consulate and must be able to produce your acceptance letter from a recognized Costa Rican institution stating your admission as a student, volunteer, academic, or researcher. You must also be able to prove you have the economic means to support yourself during the intended duration of your stay in Costa Rica.
Work permits for Costa Rica
In reality, it’s unlikely that you will be granted a Costa Rican work permit – the laws are designed to protect the jobs of local Costa Rican workers from foreigners. However, if you are highly skilled in an area where that skill is in demand by an employer who cannot find a Costa Rican for the job, you or your employer can apply for a work permit for one year. If you want to explore the work permit option, you can start looking for job offers on the following websites:
Expat.comBusco empleoCraigslistElempleoLinkedinCr.IndeedStudy permit for Costa Rica
If you are a foreign national wishing to pursue your studies at one of Costa Rica’s public or private universities you will need a Costa Rica student permit. But before you apply, you’ll need to be accepted into a program in Costa Rica. Upon applying for a study permit, you’ll need to present your offer of acceptance issued by the educational institution where you have been accepted.
Digital nomad visa
In October 2021, Costa Rica passed legislation for a new digital nomad visa, which will enable visitors that earn their income abroad to remain in the country legally for one year. While the Costa Rican government has announced the new digital nomad visa in the summer of 2021, at time of writing, it’s not yet been implemented. Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is to be rolled out in early 2022, so keep your eyes peeled for an announcement on Costa Rica’s immigration website.
Best places to move to in Costa RicaWhile a relatively small country, Costa Rica has a very diverse landscape that includes beaches, rainforests, mountains, and cities. Choosing the part of the country you want to live in is an important decision that will shape your experience. When picking a town you should consider three things: Climate, price, and infrastructure.
Each can vary greatly depending on the part of the country you find yourself in, so it’s generally recommended you visit a few different areas before committing to a move. You also might fall in love with a rental house that has epic volcano views, but then discover it’s 45 minutes along bumpy dirt roads to the closest bank, which might work for a two-week vacation, but could prove inconvenient for your six-month lease.
Climate in Costa RicaIf you choose to live by the beach, you should expect temperatures in the high 80s with very high humidity. Popular beach communities include the Southern Zone (including the towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal), the Central Coast (Manuel Antonio, Quepos, and Jaco), and the Gold Coast (Playa Hermosa, Playa del Cocos, Tamarindo, and Nosara). These regions are typically the hottest in the country but within each you can expect to find microclimates.
I live in the Southern Zone where temperatures are often in the high 80s, but just a few miles up the mountain, the ocean breezes bring the temperature down considerably. The general rule is: the closer to the beach, the hotter it’s going to be.
If you can’t stand humidity and don’t mind driving an hour to the beach, consider Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The towns of Atenas and Grecia have a near-perfect spring climate year-round, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains studded with coffee plantations.
Price of living in Costa RicaEven within the same town, prices can vary dramatically depending on the size and quality of the home. The available rentals in your target area could range anywhere from $500 to $5000 a month, depending on what amenities you require. Prices during the high season (December and January) can increase in beachside locations, so plan ahead or be prepared to make some compromises. That being said, there are deals to be had everywhere, so don’t be shy about skipping a few North American luxuries in order to afford your dream pad.
Infrastructure in Costa RicaCosta Rica’s infrastructure can also vary considerably. In the more popular tourist and expat towns, like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and Uvita, you can expect to find paved roads, public buses, and medical clinics. Your rental might even have high-speed internet. Of course, there are exceptions.
Where I live is popular with expats, but there’s only one ATM in town and it’s frequently out of commission. Often I need to travel to Uvita, about 20 minutes away, to run errands like going to the veterinarian, bank, or hardware store. Also, the driveway up to my house is an extremely rough, 4×4-only adventure. However, there are tons of restaurants, pristine beaches, and amazing wildlife, even a handful of yoga studios nearby, so I am happy with the compromise.
Another consideration should be how close you need to be to the airport. While the Gold Coast and the Southern Zone are at least a three-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport, Jaco is only 90 minutes and the Central Valley is less than 30 minutes. Consider this if you need to leave every 90 days on a perpetual tourist visa and you don’t plan on buying a car.
Finding a place to live in Costa RicaThere are several websites devoted to real estate rentals in Costa Rica:
Encuentra24Mercado LibreProperties in Costa RicaPoints2HomesCosta Rican Craigslist and the classified section of local newspapers like Tico Times and La Nacion also have rental listings.
However, once you decide on the part of the country you would like to settle in, one of the easiest ways to find your future apartment is by visiting the local Facebook group online (such as Costa Rica House & Apartment Rentals) and asking the community if anyone knows of a rental available in your budget.
Lining up an Airbnb for your first week (or month) is also a great idea. During that week, speak to your hosts, local real estate agents, expats, and locals in the area. Costa Rica is a small country and after you’ve been here for a little while, you’ll realize that everyone knows somebody with a house to rent or a car to sell. Speaking to people face to face will also help you find the best deals.
Can I move to Costa Rica with my pet?Don’t let your love of Sir Barks-A-Lot and Princess Whiskers keep you from moving to Costa Rica. While it takes a little legwork to get all the paperwork complete, it’s certainly doable to move to Costa Rica with your pets.
There are two ways to bring your pet into Costa Rica:
Both methods will require a health certificate and the appropriate vaccinations. The Costa Rica Embassy in Washington, DC, has outlined the requirements but the easiest way to get your furry crew on the ground in Costa Rica, is to employ a Costa Rican pet broker to help you with the paperwork, permits, and logistics. I used PetLoungeCR. After I loaded my four furry first-time flyers onto a DHL cargo jet in Fort Lauderdale, I was reunited two days later in my Airbnb with some confused but perfectly happy pups.
The best ways to get around Costa RicaPublic buses in Costa RicaIf you’re looking to get around cheaply in Costa Rica, public buses will be your best option. Costa Rica has a modern and extensive bus system that can get you around the country safely and cheaply. Check out Tracopa’s website for schedules and fares. A one-way ticket for a three-hour journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio will cost you under $10 and the local buses will take you from one side of town to the other for 60 cents a ride.
Uber in Costa RicaUber isn’t available everywhere in Costa Rica, but it’s certainly very practical for getting around San Jose. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but the ride can be significantly cheaper when compared to a regular city taxi. A ride from Juan Santamaría International Airport to a hotel in Santa Ana costs about $8 with Uber, but nearly $14 in the city taxi.
Shared Shuttles in Costa RicaIf you’re looking to travel a little more comfortably within the country you can do so with a shared shuttle. These shuttles will cost you around $30 for a one-way ride but will come with air conditioning. Two popular companies in Costa Rica are Interbus and EasyRide Costa Rica.
Domestic airlines in Costa RicaAnother way to get around the country is flying the domestic airlines of Costa Green Airways and Sansa Air. Flights are obviously more expensive than buses but they allow you to save some time by cutting down a three-hour bus ride to a 20-minute flight.
Purchasing your own car in Costa RicaThe car purchase process in Costa Rica is a little more complicated than in the US, but it can be a relatively affordable way to see the country on your own schedule.
Websites like CR Autos offer thousands of listings all over the country, so you can get an idea of what your budget will get you. We recommend that you get a real 4×4, rather than AWD. Costa Rica’s dirt roads demand it and getting stuck on a jungle track in a rainstorm isn’t a good time. Also, get your vehicle inspected at a mechanic before purchasing it. Most sellers should be agreeable to this as you’ll be paying for the inspection (about $120).
Eating well and for cheap in Costa RicaThere’s no chance of you moving to Costa Rica and not eating well. But if you want to keep it cheap, the trick is to eat and shop like a Costa Rican. Visit the weekly farmers market, known locally as “la feria”. If you keep your purchases simple and unprocessed, you can support local farmers and buy a week’s groceries for under $50. If you don’t feel like cooking, visit a local “soda”, i.e. a locally owned restaurant that serves typical Costa Rican food for under $5.
A few of Costa Rica’s most interesting regional ferias are:
San José Province:
Feria del Agricultor Zapote: The largest feria in San Jose and, probably in Costa Rica.Desamparados: Large San Jose market known for high-quality meat.Feria de Pavas: Popular capital region market where you can find organic products, as well as Colombian imports.Feria del Agricultor Pérez Zeledón: The largest agricultural market in the Brunca region.Alajuela Province:
Feria del Agricultor Grecia: Well-run market with parking, bathrooms, and a lunch cafe.Cartago Province:
Feria del Agricultor Oreamuno: The largest farmer’s market in Cartago province.Limón Province:
Campo Feria Del Agricultor Limón: Enormous selection of fruits and several lunch cafes.Puntarenas Province:
Uvita Farmers Market: Fun, local market with artisanal products.Guanacaste Province:
La Paz Feria: Organic and artisan market held under a massive Guanacaste tree.Finding a doctor in Costa RicaThe Costa Rican healthcare system is fantastic. Medical clinics and laboratories are found all over the country and the range and quality of services are not only superb but cost far less than in the United States. To find a recommended doctor in your local town, ask on Facebook in your region’s expat group or stop by the local pharmacy for a suggestion.
Some of the more active Costa Rica Facebook groups for expats are:
Expats Living in Costa RicaExpats in GuanacasteCosta Ballena ConnectionsExpats in Santa Ana and EscazúCosta Rica LivingCosta Rica Resources for Expats & TouristsCosta Rica doesn’t require prescriptions for many of the same drugs that require a doctor’s authorization in the US, so make sure you visit the pharmacy before you book a doctor’s appointment.
If you are looking for a specialist, or any kind of doctor in the San Jose area, look on HuliHealth, a service which allows you to filter by medical speciality and languages spoken, as well as book and manage your appointments online. Expect to pay from $30 for a simple lab visit to $100 for an appointment with a specialist.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
