Matador Network's Blog, page 54

This Affordable DSLR Is the Best Travel Camera for Stepping Up Your Photo Game

As a travel editor, taking photos is part of the gig. I’ve shot stories from the high peaks of the Tien Shan in Kyrgyzstan to the shorelines of Alaska’s Inner Passage, typically with a landscape focus but now and then with the need for a precision action shot. I’m a writer first, and a photographer second – meaning that I typically use the photos I take to back-up or emphasize the written content in a story. While this can negate the need to carry with me multiple lenses and an expensive, tech-heavy photo setup, it doesn’t change the ultimate goal of taking quality photos. Over my 15-year career I’ve come to trust the Canon EOS Rebel T6 (called the EOS 1300D outside North America) and later, the T7, as a dependable but easy-to-learn and affordable DSLR camera that packs well and takes a great shot without too much fuss.

We hope you love the Canon EOS Rebel T series! 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.

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How I landed on the Canon EOS Rebel T series

The Cliff Mountain Fire devasted the landscape around Hell’s Canyon, in Idaho, in 2021. I captured this image just above the confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers on a four-day expedition through the area just after the fire. Photo: Tim Wenger

There’s no better motivation to learn a new skill than a casual episode of workplace embarrassment. So it went for me, shortly after becoming a Matador Network editor, when I was sent on an assignment to produce a branded content piece in Aurora, Colorado. I offered to take photos to prevent the need to send a photog out separately, and received the following message from an editor above upon submission: “These photos aren’t of the quality that we can send to a client and expect them to be excited about it.”

Beyond the immediate moment of panic that my firing was imminent and my career was doomed, this kicked in the following action points for me:

Ask for specific feedback on what would make the photos betterResearch and identify the right camera to buy based on that feedback (I’d borrowed an old DSLR from a photog friend for the assignment)Take a DSLR photography class to immediately rectify my photographic inabilitiesHead back to Aurora, about 30 minutes from where I lived at the time, to retrace my steps and take better photos.

And, I had to do all of this before the story’s final deadline, which loomed just two weeks away.

The general feedback I got from the editor was that my photos weren’t crisp enough – they lacked clarity and didn’t “pop” in the story. I’d put my minimal photo knowledge to use on the assignment. I followed the rule of thirds, I swapped lenses based on distance and conditions, and used the auto setting on the camera, which I (falsely) believed would optimize each shot. When it was brought to my attention that the latter two objectives there had failed, I spent some time researching photography forums and posting in Matador’s Creators community to help me identify the right camera to address this. I specified that it needed to cost under $1,000 and be easy to learn, without the need for a bunch of added gear to take on travel shoots.

The resounding answer from within Matador Creators was the Canon EOS Rebel series. Users noted the camera is ideal for beginner photographers looking for their first DSLR, particularly those who want better image quality than what a smartphone or compact camera can provide. Social media aficionados in the community noted its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which allow for easy image sharing. I was sold. I bought one for around $500, case included, and brought it that weekend to a DSLR photography course in Denver.

Why the Canon EOS Rebel T series has been my go-to ever sinceThis seal rose to check us out as we slowly drifted by in a ducky. Inner Passage, Alaska, 2023. Photo: Tim WengerMy first time seeing a real glacier. Inner Passage, Alaska, 2023. Photo: Tim Wenger

The first lesson in the course was to always shoot on Manual mode rather than Auto. This stressed me out upon hearing it because it sounds like more work, but after the instructor walked us through the basics of Manual mode, I immediately fell in love with the Canon EOS Rebel. While looking through the viewfinder, the shutter speed, aperture, and F stop settings are displayed and easily adjustable via the dial on the top of the camera. I learned within the hour how to set these based on light, distance, and subject. I couldn’t believe how easy it was with this camera.

The T6 was released in 2016, I bought mine in early 2018. Equipped with an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor, it delivers good image quality (even for those who, like me, tend to be better with words than images) with an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). Although I don’t tend to use it, the 9-point autofocus system includes one cross-type point for improved accuracy. The camera’s 3 fps burst mode and Full HD 1080p video recording make it suitable for shooting stories and short videos that I can use as embeds in my articles, but I have found the camera to struggle with fast-action photography, like capturing a snowboarder right in the moment that she slams a power turn and sends powder flying into the air.

There is a 9-point autofocus, although I rarely use it. The Rebel T6 features a 3.0-inch fixed LCD screen that isn’t a touchscreen but does have an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% frame coverage. As the MC users noted, one of its standout features is its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which I’ve used to share photos to my computer in many a coffee shop or parking lot over the years. The battery life lasts for around 500 shots per charge when using the viewfinder. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses, offering a wide range of lens options for users looking to expand their photography capabilities. Mine came with 8-55mm & 75-300mm lenses, which I recommend having for varying travel conditions and settings, although there is a cheaper option of the T7 (and many used options for the T6) on Amazon that are camera-and-small-lens only. Full photography kits can also be purchased, including the camera along with additional lenses, a tripod, and more goodies.

As an entry-level DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and T7 has its strengths and limitations. It is an affordable and beginner-friendly camera with simple controls that make it easy to learn. There is USB, HDMI, and NFC connectivity. Available aspect rations include 16:9, 1:1, 3:2, and 4:3, and the camera can save as RAW or JPEGs. I tend to use the latter for publication, though a few of my favorite shots from over the years I’ve saved as RAW files in case I motivate myself to order prints at some point.

What else to know about the Canon EOS Rebel T series

Bootpacking to the summit of Chych peak in Kyrgyzstan, 2023. Photo: Tim Wenger

The included case fits the camera, two lenses, battery pack and charger, and a few other gizmos. It has a shoulder sling, and I appreciate that the case fits easily into a carry-on backpack or can squeeze in with just about any other type of luggage (I’ve even packed it in the outerwear compartment of my snowboard travel bag on more than one occasion).

The bottom line is this: If you need a dependable DSLR camera to capture travel moments and the people you meet along the way, but don’t want to drop thousands on a professional’s kit, the Canon EOS Rebel T series is perfect for you. It takes consistently quality shots, is easy to learn, and you’ll never feel over-burdened carrying it around. To close with some personal stoke, my second round of Aurora photography was far more successful than the first, thanks to the new camera.

Price: $649 camera with full photography kit, $559 camera with two lenses, $479 camera with just 18-55mm lens

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Shop Now Now – Camera with Two Lenses

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Surf Legend Lakey Peterson on the New Film ‘Making Waves’ and Her Top 5 Surf Spots

Looking at Lakey Peterson’s accomplishments, it can feel like she was born to be in the water. Her mom was a national swimming champion, and Peterson swam and played water polo in high school. At 11, she started regularly surfing. At 14, she secured the National Scholastic Surfing Association Open Women’s Title with the first successful aerial maneuver in a women’s competition, and went pro at 16. She’s a regular on the competition circuit (and the podium) and the World Surf League’s Women’s World Championship Tour (where she has been a fixture near the top of the rankings multiple years).

Peterson grew up in Santa Barbara, on the central coast of California, where she was involved in a multitude of sports. When she was five, her family went on a round-the-world trip and stayed in Australia for a month. She learned to surf there on Manly Beach, though it took some time for her to pick up surfing back home. There was no looking back once she did.

Photo: 805 Beer, Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Despite her undeniable successes, there have been two notable setbacks: Peterson missed the Olympic cutoff by one spot and was selected as an alternate for both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. She talks candidly about both sides of her story in the new film Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story, from from 805 Films, the documentary arm of the 805 Beer brand from Firestone Walker Brewing Company. The film features professional surfers like Conner Coffin, Sage Erickson, Strider Wasilewski, and more. It was shot by surf filmmaker Morgan Maassen using new footage shot at Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa, and archival video from the World Surf League.

“Many people see the stories of athletes’ successes,” Peterson told me over the phone from Portugal, where she was getting ready for a competition. The film doesn’t shy away from her achievements, but also shines a light on the challenging moments around the Olympics for a more nuanced perspective. “It’s sometimes a story people need to hear,” Peterson said, adding, “it doesn’t define who you are and it’s not the thing that, in my opinion, brings a happiness to your soul.”

Working with 805 Beer on this project felt like natural fit. Beyond being a top-selling craft beer, 805 is a lifestyle brand with a series of films about tastemakers and athletes. The brand gets its name from its home area code in Santa Barbara County: 805 — the same area code that Peterson has had on her number since her first phone (coincidentally mine as well, as someone who grew up just north of Peterson in Lompoc).

“I feel like they embody a lot of things that I value, and I’ve always loved the video projects they’ve done,” Peterson said.

Plus, she got to return to one of her favorite locations to shoot new footage for the film.

Peterson’s travel-filled lifestyle has only become more of a never-ending journey since that big trip where she learned to surf when she was 5. She was in Hawai’i at the start of the year, and then Abu Dhabi. Just after the competition Peterson was preparing for in Portugal the week we spoke, she was set to head off to an event in El Salvador and then three events in Australia. After that, more destinations on the World Surf League schedule. The best bet for anyone trying to keep up with her travels and competitions is the regularly updated surf-travel YouTube channel Peterson runs with her husband.

Following our conversation about the inspiration and process for Making Waves, Peterson shared five of her favorite surf spots around the world. It’s a list that surfers and non-surfers alike can find inspiration in.

Photo: 805 Beer, Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

“I just love that wave so much. I get to go a lot of places and surf a lot of great waves, world-class waves, but this is somewhere I’ve just always loved to surf more than anywhere,” Peterson said. She later added, “It’s just this beautiful big canvas and allows you to do whatever you want on the wave.”

There’s a reason Peterson and Maassen chose Jeffreys Bay for the new shots in the film: “I felt like if we wanted to get the best footage and the best waves that looked really good shot in black and white, that was it,” Peterson said. “It was not too hard of a decision.”

It’s a place Peterson has traveled to for competitions in the past, and every visit she tries to get in a game drive as well. “It’s so unique because you can go on a safari an hour and a half away and be around all these animals.”

Tavarua and Namotu, Fiji

Peterson calls Fiji the “number one best holiday surf trip”: “There’s a wave for everyone there, the people are amazing, the food’s amazing. It’s just truly paradise.” And at an 11-hour, direct red-eye flight from LAX, it’s also one of the easier to reach from her home in California.

Photo: 805 Beer, Firestone Walker Brewing Company

East Coast of Australia

“You could go to any coast and have a phenomenal time,” Peterson said, though just outside of Byron Bay on the East Coast is a particular standout. “That being said, you go anywhere in that entire country and you’ll have a great time.”

Portugal

“I’ve been to a lot of countries in Europe — France, Italy, Spain — and they’re all amazing,” Peterson said. “But I feel like Portugal is a lot more affordable. So once you’re here, eating out and Airbnbs are way more affordable than, say, France or Italy in my experience.”

Plus, of course, “the waves are phenomenal.”

Hossegor, France

The small town of Hossegor on the Bay of Biscay in southern France has waves that are worth the trip on their own. Add to that the fact that San Sebastian, Spain — widely regarded as one of the world’s best food destinations — is less than a two-hour drive away. The upscale Biarritz, famous for its surfing and popularity as a resort town for European royalty since the 1800s, sits in between.

“For both Portugal and France, you probably want to go in October before it gets too cold, but the waves are good,” Peterson said.

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Southwest Announces the End of Its Popular ‘Two Bags Fly Free’ Policy

Free checked baggage has taken another step into the realm of ghosts. Beginning May 28, Southwest will begin charging for checked bags, ditching its popular – and trademarked – “Two bags fly free” mantra. The move came as the airline also announced a forthcoming “basic economy” fare, similar to that offered by other major airlines including United that strips away even the ability to accrue mileage for your flight.

From that day, passengers who aren’t achieved loyalty members with Southwest or who aren’t flying Business Select, the airlines’s top-tier ticketing class, must pay for checked baggage. Flyers who have gained “A-List Preferred” status are exempt, with lower-tier rewards statuses including “A-list” members and Southwest credit card holders receiving one free checked bag.

Infographic: Matador Network

Why is Southwest changing its “Two bags fly free” policy?

Southwest has faced pressure from investors including Elliot Management to stiffen its business model in order to achieve higher profits, Business Insider reported. Other recent changes include the end of the airline’s long-running open seating policy, all moves that have brought the airline closer to the business models of the three other major US flyers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines.

The move is an interesting one given that, in an earnings call last year, CEO Bob Jordan noted that the airline’s free checked baggage policy was among the primary reasons its repeat customers gave for choosing Southwest. But the move indicates that the airlines feels the need to boost per-passenger revenue closer to levels achieved by the rest of the “Big Four” in order to remain both competitive and fiscally sound.

While the airline will certainly face blowback from upset or surprised customers at the check-in counter in late May, Southwest said the move is intended to reward the most dedicated flyers – which it will do, as long as you consider not being upcharged for the bags that have always flown for free to be a “reward.”

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US National Parks Just Broke a Visitation Record. It’s Going to Be a Huge Problem This Summer.

The United States National Park Service (NPS) recently released its 2024 park visitation data, reporting 331.9 million recreation visits across the 433 sites managed by the agency. It’s a record high for the agency, which has counted visitors numbers since 1929. The previous visitation record was set in 2016, with 330,971,689 visits to NPS sites.

The US currently has a population of about 340 million, making this number about the equivalent of every person in the country visiting one NPS-managed site in 2024. Nearly 30 national parks set individual visitation records, and 38 parks had more visitors than the 10-year average for every month of 2024.

This surge in popularity couldn’t have come at a worse time.

In the first two months of 2024, the Trump Administration has taken dozens of actions seen as anti-conservation and anti-protected land with a scale and impact never seen in modern US history. Many of these actions will likely be challenged in federal and state courts, and some will be deemed to have no legal standing. However, legal challenges can take years to play out, while the negative effects of the recent actions are being felt immediately.

The most dramatic action has been firing approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees, and giving another 700 a resignation offer. In total, NPS lost 1,700 full-time career employees, or about 9 percent of the total NPS workforce. The government fired another 3,400 employees in the US Forest Service, representing about 10 percent of the workforce there. Among those dismissed were specialists with unique skills: Yosemite National Park lost its only locksmith, responsible for managing hundreds of keys to various facilities, and Devils Postpile National Monument lost its sole emergency medical technician. In early March, the administration flip-flopped and announced plans to hire approximately 7,700 seasonal employees — though many of the HR departments responsible for those hirings were fired, according to FOX News. Conservationists worry that these part-time seasonal roles are unlikely to fill the gaps in institutional knowledge lost by firing career employes.

Public lands have been underfunded and understaffed for decades

 

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These policy changes come at a time when national parks are already struggling — not just against the increasing weight of tourism, but against an already under-funded system. Since 2010, NPS’s full-time staff has decreased by 20 percent, while visitation has gone up 16 percent. During Trump and Biden’s first terms, park personnel were already sounding the alarm on the risk to public lands.

In August 2024 (under the Biden Administration), Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) raised specific concerns about law enforcement staffing within the National Park Service. “The ranks of law enforcement rangers and special agents protecting our national parks have declined to the lowest level this century,” a PEER paper reads, adding that the proposed budget cuts, which were later approved by Congress, would further exacerbate this problem. President Biden gave lip service to protecting old-growth trees and forests in public lands, but failed to act when the US Forest Service undertook logging measures widely seen by conservationists as being too heavy-handed.

The operational impacts of the flurry of actions in 2025 to date have been immediate. Yosemite National Park delayed its summer campground reservations by a month, raising concerns about the environmental impact of having less oversight and regulation of campers in the Yosemite Valley. Great Smoky Mountains National Park advised guests to rethink visiting, citing staffing shortages that left it unable to properly clean up after Hurricane Helene. Traffic backed up for more than half a mile on President’s Day Weekend in Springdale, Utah — Zion National Park’s gateway town — when staffing cuts forced the park to close all but one park gate. Saguaro National Park announced its visitor centers would be closed on Mondays “until further notice” due to staffing shortages

 

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More important than the short-term impact to visitation is the long-term environmental impacts to America’s public lands. They’ll likely suffer not just due to staffing and budget cuts, but due to other actions of the last two months. That includes terminating 34 National Park Service leases (closing at least eight visitors centers) and signing an executive order directing the US Forest Service to “devise methods to promote increased timber production,” and to exempt “timber thinning” and “timber salvage” activities from the National Environmental Policy Act — meaning they can move forward without a review of their environmental impacts. It also included permission for federal agencies to use emergency provisions within the Endangered Species Act to bypass rules designed to protect endangered species.

Trump also removed the US from the Paris Accord (an international treaty designed to combat climate change), and appointed the former CEO of a lumber company as the director of the US Forest Service. A federal spending freeze order left park rangers unable to buy toilet paper for visitor centers or gas for park rangers’ vehicles.

Combined, these actions mean less research and less on-the-ground protection for endangered flora and fauna; less regulation of, and ability to respond to, illegal behavior in the backcountry; fewer rangers available for rescue when people get hurt; more trash and pollution piling up in parks; less trail and facility maintenance; and, likely, a general deterioration of the health of public lands, as was seen during the 2019 government shutdown that lasted for for just 35 days. During that shutdown, endangered trees that take 300 years to grow were chopped down. Parks that were open but understaffed reported overflowing bathrooms and trash pile ups. Roads weren’t maintained. Marine animals suffered and water stopped being tested for toxic chemicals.

Both parties care about protecting public lands

It was Republican president Richard Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency, pushed for and signed into law the successful Endangered Species Act, and signed proclamations officially creating Redwood National and State Parks, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Gateway National Recreation Area. Photo: Steve Olson/Shutterstock

Yes, I’m pro conservation — but so are most people. We just differ on the degree to which we prioritize it against other issues. And yes, some of the seasonal staff who will be hired (if they’re able to be hired) can collect trash and issue permits for campgrounds. But the concerns raised over the last decade, especially during the last two months, are going to hurt everyone, regardless of how you vote. Everyone has access to use public lands (and many do as the numbers show), and maintaining them for public use shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Both Democrats and and Republicans want to breathe clean air and have places to go camping and hiking with their families. Making public lands private hurts every American equally, and helps only private companies, which kick the public off the land to extract and sell the resources back to Americans.

States that voted Republican in 2024 have 41 national parks, while blue states have just 22. Public lands serve as vital training grounds for US military forces, and more than 4,800 US Forest Service employees are veterans. Both Democrats and Republicans should be able to advocate for basic environmental preservation without being publicly attacked or worrying they’ll lose their jobs.

 

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That’s likely why the public response to the cuts has been largely negative. Polling from Data for Progress found that only 10 percent of voters support decreasing federal funding for national parks and forests. An overwhelming majority support either increasing funding (30 percent), or keeping the budget the same (53 percent). Two-thirds of likely voters reported being “very” or “somewhat” concerned about these staffing cuts, including 70 percent of independent voters and 50 percent of Republicans. Many members of the public may also be concerned about the financial losses that will arise from cuts to public lands. In 2023, the National Park System generated $55.6 billion for the national economy, supporting 415,400 jobs and providing $19.4 billion in labor income.

Also easy to understand the heightened risks of forest fires caused by logging. Non-partisan and bi-partisan sources like the Congressional Research Service (CRS) and the peer-reviewed Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project found that logging increases the spread and severity of wildfires. “Timber harvesting removes the relatively large diameter wood that can be converted into wood products, but leaves behind the small material, especially twigs and needles,” the 2000 CRS report states. “The concentration of these ‘fine fuels’ on the forest floor increases the rate of spread of wildfires.” (The full report is not available online.) When fires do arise, staffing cuts will make it harder to fight them.

What can be done?

Volunteers in Olympic National Park. Photo: National Park Service/Ian Shriner

America is a democracy, and that means you can and should tell your elected representatives what you think. Hundreds of articles on ways to make your voice heard are available online, from calling your elected officials to donating to causes and advocating for what you believe in. But there are some things you can do on-the-ground in national parks and forests this summer to help ease the burden visitation will have on the environment this summer.Pack out your trash: One of the most significant ways visitors can reduce their impact is by taking full responsibility for their waste. With maintenance staff reduced, parks will struggle to keep up with trash collection and facility cleaning. If you can collect and dispose of your trash elsewhere, it’ll relieve pressure on national parks and hopefully counter the reckless visitors who leave their trash sitting outside trashcans (which is both illegal and extremely harmful to wildlife).Leave it better than you found it: Carry a trash bag with you while visiting parks and pick up trash you find, even if it isn’t yours. The goal is to leave the park cleaner than you found it.Stop pooping in the woods: Some parks have started requiring that overnight backcountry users carry out their waste, as poop is becoming a big problem (and that’s not just for national parks, as seen in California beach camping bans and trail closures in Hawai’i). Do your part to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse by carrying WAG bags on backpacking trips. If you run out, properly dispose of human waste in catholes at least six inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trailsReduce your dependence on visitor centers: Visitor center staff are likely to be stretched thin. The more you can download park maps, trail information, and safety guidance before your trip, the better. On the National Park Service App, you can download complete information about every park, so you have all the info you’ll need even without service.Spend money: Buy that t-shirt from the park non-profit. Drop a few bucks in the donation box on your way out. Round up your restaurant bill to give to the local fire and rescue group. Parks funds will also be stretched thin, and any extra you as a visitor can give to help fill that gap will go a long way.Volunteer: Nearly every site in the National Park System welcomes volunteers and has organized park clean-up events. Do an online search to find one near you, then go to it and tell all your friends to do the same.Speak up if you see something wrong: When you see a fellow park goer doing something wrong, speak up. Camping without a permit or walking off-trail may not seem like a huge issue, but it becomes one when thousands of people are doing it. Politely letting your fellow campers know they’ve left food sitting out or didn’t extinguish their fire properly can keep animals alive and prevent massive forest fires. If you see someone committing a serious crime like disturbing wildlife, vandalizing a site, or starting illegal fires, record the location and time, and try to take a photo if you can. That can help parks enforce the rules and issue fines and fees that go back into park coffers. More like thisTravelThe Optimal Itinerary for a US National Park Road Trip, Mapped

Ask Matador: So, You’ve Been Selected for a Press Trip. Now What?

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned travel journalist, knowing how to navigate a press trip professionally can make all the difference. From understanding your deliverables to building strong relationships that lead to future opportunities, this AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Matador Creator Coordinator Tolu covers everything you need to know about conducting yourself on a press trip.

Below, I break down the process, expectations, and best practices to help you make the most of the experience while keeping the door open for more collaborations down the road.

How many press trips can I go on?

As many as you’d like! Once selected, I’ll personally reach out and guide you through the entire process from start to finish. You’ll receive an introduction to the press trip host, a deliverables agreement, and detailed guidelines for your article, as well as any vertical content you may be capturing.

What happens once I’m on the press trip?

Before your trip, the press trip host or PR rep I introduce you to will handle all bookings and logistics. Once you’re on the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore, create, and enjoy the experience, either individually or with a small group of other journalists. After the trip, I’ll follow up to check in, thank you for representing Matador Network, outline steps for your deliverables submission, and introduce you to the editors who will work with you on your article.

How should I conduct myself during the trip?

Since you’re representing Matador Network, professionalism is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Stay communicative – Check in with our team when needed and respond promptly.Engage fully – Attend scheduled events, connect with hosts, and immerse yourself in the experience.Follow the guidelines – Respect the rules and expectations that the hosts set.Maintain professionalism – Have fun but think, “What would Matador do?” If it’s something that could cost you future invites, skip it. Enjoy yourself, but don’t be the cautionary tale!How much creative freedom do I have in my storytelling?

The great thing about writing for Matador is that you’ll have creative freedom over your story while still following our style and writing guidelines. To get an idea of what we’re looking for, here are some examples of previously published stories by creators like you.

When is my article due?

Deadlines typically range from 14 to 21 days after the trip, depending on your deliverables. If an emergency comes up, just let us know. We can be flexible, but clear communication is key.

How long does it take for my article to go live?

Once submitted, your piece usually goes live within three to four weeks. As soon as it’s published, we’ll send you the link. We highly recommend adding it to your Matador Creators profile and sharing it on your socials. Not only does this boost your visibility, but it also helps us keep track of our past collaborations.

Can this lead to more opportunities?

Absolutely! If we have a great experience working with you, this could open the door for future press trips, branded partnerships, and even paid campaigns. Some brands specifically request certain writers, so if your work stands out, you could be top of mind for upcoming projects.

How can I get started?

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to land exciting press trips, join our Creators platform and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest opportunities.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at creators@matadornetwork.com, and we look forward to supporting you!

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This Ancient Tourist Destination Is Packed With Museums, History, and Modern Adventure

“Jeddah is the birthplace of tourism,” said Khalid Took, our trained and accredited tour guide through Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, as we sipped spiced coffee in espresso-sized cups and munched on sugary dates. With easy warmth and a contagious smile, he gestured grandly with sweeping hand movements as he spoke of the deep-rooted tradition of hospitality in the region.

Arabic coffee is infused with a unique blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves. It’s a milky brew, always paired with a local sweet treat. It’s a fundamental part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, woven into the very essence of their culture. It’s a symbol of hospitality, a way to provide sustenance for desert travelers, and a reminder of home for Saudis, no matter where in the world they are.

Arabic coffee and sweet dates. Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority

Serving coffee and dates is a deep-rooted tradition of Bedouin tribal hospitality. Hosts would welcome weary travelers into their homes, offering a place to rest along with Arabic coffee and and the small, sweet fruits from the date palm tree. Later, religion forged a new reason for travelers coming to Jeddah, and in many ways, tourism in the city began with the adoption of Islam. For centuries, Muslims from around the world on sacred pilgrimages stopped in Jeddah, where locals welcomed them with refreshments before they took their final steps to the city of Mecca.

Today, Jeddah exudes quintessential coastal vibes, framed by aqua waters and swaying palm trees. Yet, this Saudi Arabian city feels distinct from more popular beach towns. It’s steeped in tradition, where glowing mosques line the shore, most women wear niqabs that reveal only their eyes, and men don red-and-white checkered headscarves. Closed to leisure tourism since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia only opened its proverbial doors to the world in 2019. Today, Jeddah serves as a welcoming gateway to experiencing the country’s seaside and cultural allure.

Positioned between desert dunes and the Red Sea, Jeddah is a place where you can spend the morning scuba diving on coral walls teeming with brightly colored fish, but be strolling through a desert landscape by sunset. The city’s dichotomy of tradition and modernity coalesces in its historic town centers, where Arabic-inspired architecture and deeply rooted traditions blend with international tourism and modern hotels and restaurants. In Jeddah, the Middle East’s past and present mesh in a way you won’t find in too many countries around the world.

Here are the best things to do in Jeddah if it’s your first time visiting the historic city.

Walk the Streets of Old Town in Al Balad

The author and her guide in Jeddah’s Old Town. Photo: Kelsey Wilking

Established as a UNESCO site in 2014, the city’s old town, called Al Balad, was granted the honor for its historical and cultural significance as a major trading port and pilgrimage destination. Visitors can see centuries-old whitewashed buildings, where brown-and-green latticed accents stand next to centuries-old fortresses made from coral. Walking through the streets and local souqs evokes a sense of lively community, with bustling markets selling everything from daily groceries to handmade home decor. Among the unique items is one of the earliest forms of toothbrushes: a natural Salvadora persica tree branch with bristles.

Many visitors start their walks on Qabil Street, admiring the traditional architecture of the 18th-century roshan tower houses — homes decorated with intricate wooden panels on the facades. A popular stop is the Bayt Nassif (Nassif House) museum, a former home where beloved Saudi King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud stayed after claiming Jeddah in 1925. It was a pivotal moment in the unification of Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Sergey-97/ShutterstockPhoto: Matyas Rehak/ShutterstockPhoto: Osama Ahmed Mansour/ShutterstockPhoto: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

During my visit, I passed by the Bab Makkah gate, a defensive town gate constructed in 1509 to protect Jeddah from invaders. Now, the carefully preserved structure, with its intricately laid coral stone, serves as one of the many entrances to the Old Town.

As evening deepened, I headed to Souq Al-Badu, one of Jeddah’s oldest markets, near the Bab Makkah gate. There, you can peruse shops filled with incense and selling all manner of colorful mounds of spices and freshly harvested dates. Traditional rugs hang from store windows, while Arabic coffee cups, intricately crafted dress swords, and brightly colored porcelain plates saturate everything in color. In the market, vendors offered local dishes and unique souvenirs, like abayas (a drapey robe that comes in many colors) and polished golden oil lamps.

Ending the night strolling through Jeddah’s Old Town while snacking on camel’s milk ice cream and watching the fairy lights flicker on felt both alluring and familiar. I loved being part of the city’s rich history, but also being in a bustling and lively market.

Learn a different kind of history

The sprawling Al Tayebat Museum in Jeddah. Photo: Sergey-73/Shutterstock

I never learned about the in-depth history of the Middle East in high school, or even much in college. Sure, I watched Lawrence of Arabia, but nothing compared to learning about it firsthand at the city’s museums, all of which celebrate the country’s unique and extensive history.

The Al Tayebat International City Museum offers an in-depth journey through Saudi Arabia’s past and present, showcasing how the kingdom evolved into what it is today. With 12 different buildings and 300 rooms, you can start on the ground floor to explore Saudi Arabia’s 2,500-year history, then move through the different floors to peruse exhibits on art, fashion, housing, coins, and more. Plan to spend three to four hours to hit the highlights. The museum can’t be fully consumed in a single day, so ask museum guides (either when you arrive or in advance through the website), for a guided tour of the most important displays.

For those eager to dive deeper into Saudi’s musical history, the eponymous Tariq Abdulhakeem Museum honors renowned Saudi musician’s legacy. He’s famous for writing the country’s national anthem: Chant of the Saudi Nation.

Visit Jeddah’s Mosques

Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah. Photo: Osama Ahmed Mansour/Shutterstock

Islam is a massive part of Saudi Arabian culture — you cannot separate one from the other. It shapes the country’s history, government, and daily life. Visitors can admire the stunning mosques that line the coast and serve as religious and landmarks very important to the Saudi culture. These sacred spaces showcase the unique heritage of the Hijazi region (the area along the Red Sea from Jordan to Yemen), reflecting the design influences of seafaring trade with other cultures and the daily rituals of Islam.

Note that non-Muslims are allowed to visit some mosques in Jeddah, but must avoid arriving during prayer times, and should observe proper etiquette out of respect for the space and its worshippers. Women are required to cover their hair and head before entering any mosque.

Al Rahma Mosque: Also known as the Floating Mosque, the iconic structure appears to hover over the Red Sea. It’s a stunning architectural masterpiece and is likely the most famous mosque in the area.Island Mosque: This mosque stands out with a striking white-washed exterior against the backdrop of the Red Sea, on the seaside promenade.Al Shafee Mosque: In historic Jeddah, the dome-shaped towers serve as a place of prayer within the city center, surrounded by the charm of Al-Balad’s traditional architecture.

Catch sunset on the promenade

Sunset at the Jeddah Promenade. Photo: Kelsey Wilking

The promenade is a place to wander, people watch, and grab a snack while strolling along the shoreline. With its wide spaces and excellent sunset views, it’s a popular place for families to picnic on the grass or take leisurely walks, stopping at food trucks offering local favorites as well as Western-style grab-and-go treats like ice cream, iced coffees, and burgers.

This area comes alive at night after the heat of the day has passed, and is most crowded during late afternoon and sunset. After visiting a few mosques, visitors can head further north to the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina to check out truly beautiful (and expensive) boats, and dine at one of its waterfront restaurants.

Dive into the Red Sea

Photo: Lamcah Mosawer/Shutterstock

The Red Sea is bluer than I could have imagined. Snorkeling felt peaceful and meditative, with reefs towering three stories tall, coral arches, and rock caves to explore. Swimming in and out of these underwater wonders revealed an array of vibrant fish species, including massive pufferfish, colorful parrotfish, manta rays, and countless other rainbow-hued marine creatures.

For a fun day on the water in Jeddah, visitors can rent yachts for a variety of activities. Rental companies around the area offer private or group diving and snorkel trips. Group trips are around 400 SAR (about $106) per person, but private all-day rentals are available for around 2,550 SAR (about $680).

Share a meal with locals

The author with her HiHome lunch hosts. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Many Jeddah locals pride themselves on their hospitality. HiHome, a Saudi platform, helps connect travelers with local Saudi families for immersive meals and homestays. It’s only available in Saudi and was created to give visitors an opportunity to share meals and activities with local hosts, ranging from coffee-making classes to home tours, hosted lunches, and other ways to experiences Saudi culture and customs.

During our visit, we were hosted by a friendly Jeddah family in their home, and greeted, of course, with traditional Arabic coffee and dates. We shared piles of chicken pilau, stuffed vegetables, and cheesy pastries — all common dishes the family would normally make and share with guests — in a feast that took considerable willpower to resist multiple helpings. Our hosts let us know it was a safe place to ask questions, and we talked openly about customary differences and perceptions. We left their house feeling completely stuffed, holding a thoughtful bag of local treats, and wishing similar experiences were available in more destinations around the world.

Where to eat and drink in Jeddah

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

As with most places, Jeddah’s history and geography have profoundly shaped its culinary traditions. Having welcomed foreign pilgrims for more than a thousand years, the city has a diverse cuisine infused with multiple ethnic flavors. Thanks to its coastal location, Jeddah’s local dishes are prepared using freshly caught fish from the Red Sea. Popular options around the city include:

Al Basli Restaurant: A no-frills seafood spot where the cooked fish is served whole (bones, eyes, and all). We were handed rubber gloves and dug in with our hands. It’s clearly well-loved, with walls covered in photos of celebrities who have dined there before. It’s consistently packed and is a messy, delicious experience that was my favorite meal of the entire trip. Suq Bab Makkah, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22236, Saudi ArabiaKuuru: A unique eatery serving an inspired mix of Peruvian and Japanese tapas and sushi. A great spot for those craving an upscale, modern dining experience in Jeddah with killer mocktails. Al Malik Road, Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah 23422, Saudi ArabiaNoug: A canvas-covered open stand lined with fairy lights along the road. Noug’s absolutely delicious camel milk ice cream is a must-try. My saffron-infused scoop was creamy, earthy, rich, and perfect. F5MP+PC8, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia

Where to stay in Jeddah

The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah

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With deals starting around $228 a night, rooms here are far more affordable than you’d expect from the Ritz Carlton brand. The Ritz Carlton Jeddah is on the waterfront with views of the Red Sea and all the usual amenities you’d expect from the luxury brand.

Beit Jokhdar Hotel

 

 

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The charming Beit Jokhdar Hotel is a historic roshan-style home in the center of Old Town, where heritage and hospitality mesh together flawlessly. It puts guests within easy walking distance of everything in Al Balad, ensuring they can experience Saudi history with sacrificing modern comforts.

A trendy downtown Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This two-bedroom retreat in a central part of the city has a pool table and game corner, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. It’s in Al-Baghdadiya Al-Gharbiyah, putting guests just steps from Jeddah’s vibrant dining scene, charming cafes, and bustling local shops. Iconic landmarks like the Corniche and King Fahd Fountain are within easy reach, making it an excellent base for sightseeing. Rates start around $150 per night.

Blending seaside charm with desert allure, Jeddah seamlessly weaves centuries-old history and modern luxuries into an experience straight out of a dreamy travel novel. It should appease travelers anxious to go somewhere new, whether they’re drawn by daily adventures on the water or the architectural charms and museum of Old Town. No matter what you decided to do in Jeddah, just make sure you set some time aside to savor the Arabic coffee, sweet dates, and welcoming Saudi hospitality.

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6 Affordable Wellness Retreats in Thailand for a ‘White Lotus’ Experience

It turns out, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to take a White Lotus-style wellness vacation to Thailand. The natural backdrop of the kingdom’s islands, and the coastline do most of the heavy lifting, and affordable retreats with some of the world’s leading health practitioners round it out, making Thailand one of the top destinations for wellness. If the sound of fresh papapa, spicy ginger shots, back cracking, energy sessions, generational trauma therapy and healing heads with a rhythmic sound track of cicada song, screeching monkeys, and the calls of the Asian Koel sounds like heaven to you, these are some of the best retreats where your health journey won’t bankrupt you. These jungle hideaways and beachfront havens offer packages for all budgets. I also included one luxury award-winning option in case you’re lucky enough to have White Lotus money.

We hope you love the wellness retreats 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.

Absolute Sanctuary

Photo: Absolute SanctuaryPhoto: Absolute SanctuaryPhoto: Absolute SanctuaryPhoto: Absolute SanctuaryWhere: Koh SamuiWho it caters to: Those seeking structured detox, fitness, and lifestyle transformation programs.What the centre specialises in: Detoxification, yoga, Pilates, and weight management.

Perched on the leafy hillside of northeast Koh Samui overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Absolute Sanctuary offers structured programs focusing on specific health goals. Whether shedding a few pounds or resetting the digestive system, packages are designed for those who want tangible results from their time at the retreat. Expect daily schedules packed with Pilates (including reformer), yoga, and boot camp style functional fitness sessions, set meal plans, colon hydrotherapy, and liver flushes. The center’s good value retreats, holistic approach, and success stories, mean they get a lot of repeat guests who vacation here once or twice a year and return home feeling a little lighter.

One of the most popular treatments is the 12-day Signature Wellness Program. It begins with a personalized health assessment, including bioelectrical impedance analysis. The first three days focus on intensive detoxification with daily colon hydrotherapy and a cleansing diet of liver flush drinks and coconut water, followed by seven days of physical conditioning incorporating yoga, Pilates, gym workouts, and stretching. After all that you get to relax with two days of massage therapies, reflexology, and a Buddhist temple visit for a monk’s blessing. The package includes Mediterranean-style accommodations, unlimited access to group meditation, yoga, and fitness classes, a welcome dinner, spa discounts, full facility access, and round-trip airport transfers.

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Kamalaya

Photo: KamalayaPhoto: KamalayaPhoto: KamalayaPhoto: KamalayaPhoto: KamalayaWhere: Koh SamuiWho it caters to: Those seeking holistic wellness, stress management, and emotional balance.What the centre specialises in: Holistic wellness programs, including stress and burnout, emotional balance, and sleep enhancement.

Kamalaya, situated on the Koh Samui shoreline, is a wellness retreat for those looking for substantial personal transformation. Founded by John and Karina Stewart, whose backgrounds include traditional yogic practice and Chinese medicine, the retreat draws those aiming to address deep-seated issues, grappling with concerns such as gut health, anxiety, or long-term emotional trauma.

The retreat’s origins are closely tied to the island’s spiritual history. Buddhist monks have long recognized Koh Samui for its perceived healing properties, and the Stewarts, initially drawn to the island in search of a specific medicinal herb to help John’s liver disease, came across a 300-year-old meditation cave which now serves as the central point of Kamalaya.

The grounds are a maze of pathways that weave through treatment spaces, yoga pavilions, and accommodations, all set amidst tropical vegetation. The robust team of staff, including therapists, registered nurses, TCM and functional medicine doctors, Ayurvedic specialists, naturopaths, nutritionists, and energy healers, are selected for their expertise and alignment with the retreat’s philosophy.

There’s a clear focus on spirituality here, but Kamalaya is a multifaceted health resort that supports mental and physical renewal. It offers 18 results-oriented programs tailored to fitness, weight management, detoxification, and to address deeper emotional needs. Unlike many of the centers in Thailand, you’ll not find overly restrictive regimens, and you are free to make informed choices about your wellness journey, although 24/7 support is available to help you during your stay. There’s also over 70 wellness treatments and therapies on the lengthy menu. We’re talking IV therapy, ozone therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, so if you’re a wellness warrior like me, you’ll be like a kid in a candy store.

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Museflower Retreat & Spa

Photo: Museflower RetreatPhoto: Museflower RetreatPhoto: Museflower RetreatPhoto: Museflower RetreatWhere: Chiang RaiWho it caters to: Those seeking a peaceful and nature-focused retreat, emphasizing holistic wellness and self-discovery.What the centre specialises in: Holistic wellness, yoga, meditation, and natural therapies.

North of Chiang Rai’s urban hum, where village roads wind through the green landscape of the Mae Kok Valley, lies Museflower Retreat & Spa. Spread across around 10 acres, the property feels both expansive and intimate. The retreat is known for its holistic wellness, blending mindful practices and yoga teachings with immersion in nature.

Guests come here to recalibrate and step away from the relentless churn of daily life. Founder Tania Ho’s path to wellness began with childhood fascination with aromatherapy. Drawing on her expertise in the luxury spa sector, she sought to create a space that prioritized genuine connection with nature, a refuge for those seeking restoration.

Museflower offers a range of programs designed to facilitate this reconnection. These include yoga and meditation sessions, often conducted outdoors, and workshops on holistic living and personal growth. The retreat’s spa treatments draw on traditional Thai therapies and natural ingredients, offering a restorative touch that complements the overall wellness experience.

Looking ahead, Museflower will host “Sacred Rest with Nature: a soulful retreat” from December 5-10, 2025, led by nature and forest therapy guide, Youmin Yap and spiritual guide, Tania Ho. This six-day, five-night program is designed to release the burdens of the year and enter the new one with clarity. It includes forest bathing, yoga nidra, cacao ceremonies, and shamanic healing to foster deep rest and inner reflection.

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The Sanctuary Thailand

Photo: The Sanctuary ThailandPhoto: The Sanctuary ThailandPhoto: The Sanctuary ThailandWhere: Koh PhanganWho it caters to: Those seeking a more relaxed and spiritual experience to personal transformation and healing.What the centre specialises in: Detox programs, yoga, meditation, holistic therapies, and a focus on raw and vegan food.

Far removed from the raucous full-moon parties of Koh Phangan is The Sanctuary. Although cliché, it’s hard not to see similarities between this bohemian community of healers and that depicted in Alex Garland’s The Beach. The retreat is situated on Haad Tien Beach, a stretch of shoreline grounded in granite quartz rock and shaded by mature trees that are said to have healing properties.

The haven initially served as a gathering point for travelers seeking respite from their journeys. This ethos of disconnect to reconnect remains, though the scale and scope have expanded. What began as casual gatherings has evolved into a packed calendar of structured learning, with immersive yoga, detox and general wellness programs. The detox programs, lasting three to ten days, are designed to reset the body and mind. They integrate ancient fasting practices with contemporary nutritional science, using a low-glycemic-index approach incorporating vegetable juices, herbal supplements, and elixirs.

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Samahita

Photo: SamahitaPhoto: SamahitaPhoto: SamahitaWhere: Koh SamuiWho it caters to: Those seeking structured yoga, fitness, and wellness programs.What the centre specialises in: Yoga (Ashtanga Vinyasa), fitness, meditation, breathwork, and wellness programs, with a focus on sustainable health and well-being.

On the quiet southern shores of Koh Samui, Samahita is an understated yoga retreat. Established in 2003 by breathwork master and yogi Paul Dallaghan it’s quickly become one the places to go for yoga in Asia. The dedication of Samahita’s staff and the beautiful grounds and amenities attract both those new to yoga and seasoned teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of asana, pranayama, and meditation, alongside fitness and recovery components.

Samahita offers structured programs from intensive yoga retreats, tailored wellness stays, and specialized training courses. The wellness center provides a spectrum of treatments (such as herbal steam rooms and saunas) intended to complement the physical and mental practices and aid in recovery.

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The Spa Koh Chang Resort

Photo: The Spa Koh Chang ResortPhoto: The Spa Koh Chang ResortPhoto: The Spa Koh Chang ResortPhoto: The Spa Koh Chang ResortWhere: Koh ChangWho it caters to: Those looking for a flexible detox and rejuvenation experience.What the centre specialises in: Detox programs, spa treatments, yoga, meditation.

The coast of Ko Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, has undergone a significant amount of development over the past decade. You’ll find a thriving party scene juxtaposed with the protected inner core of the jungle-covered peaks of Mu Ko Chang National Park. And although it’s undeniably a package-tour destination, there are pockets of the coast, especially in East Koh Chang where you can still feel remote and can have an authentic local experience.

Family-owned The Spa Koh Chang opened in the early 2000s, a time when Koh Chang was still largely a backpacker’s destination. The founders sought to create a space harmonizing with the island’s natural beauty. The resort’s gradual expansion has maintained this ethos, with the slow, organic development of traditional Thai-style cabins on stilts and the holistic wellness center that now attracts those seeking genuine rejuvenation without the heavy price tag.

Wellness spaces spill out into the open air, with massage salas perched on stilts overlooking the water, and herbal steam rooms tucked into the jungle foliage. This is very much an a la carte detox retreat. You can tailor your stay to what you need. There are three main packages, a weekend cleanse, 3.5 days, or a week of fasting. The seven-day experience includes herbal steam bath, far infrared sauna, yoga classes, massages, and spa treatments. The others have a few add-ons but you’ll need to pay extra to be kneaded and stretched under a canopy of leaves. Even if you opt for a light cleanse, you’ll still benefit from the beautiful soundings. Platform pagodas and hammocks are scattered throughout the grounds where you can have a quiet afternoon siesta and check out for a while.

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Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Photo: Chiva-SomPhoto: Chiva-SomPhoto: Chiva-SomPhoto: Chiva-SomPhoto: Chiva-SomWhere: Hua HinWho it caters to: Discerning travelers who can afford a more comprehensive wellness retreat, focusing on personalized programs and long-term health improvements.What the centre specialises in: Holistic wellness, medical spa treatments, fitness, nutrition, physiotherapy, and emotional well-being, with a focus on preventative health and lifestyle transformation.

If you have the means, one of the leading wellness centers in Thailand, Chiva-Som Hua Hin, has been a sanctuary for wealthy health conscious travelers since 1995. Spanning almost seven acres of beachfront, expect a blend of luxe traditional Thai glamour and new-age wellness practices. The serene landscape of lotus ponds, banyan trees, and structures that echo the architectural heritage of the World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya, maintain a refined, understated elegance, and you’ll find some of the best wellness practitioners in the world steering the ship.

The offerings are based on seven pillars; aesthetic beauty, holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition, the spa, and aging well. Personalized health journeys begin with consultations with health and wellness advisors who will create a curated retreat. The menu runs the gamut with almost 200 different sessions and treatments, including cleanses, laser therapies, body contouring, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a diverse array of classes, from yoga nidra and mat Pilates to aqua boxing, longevity treatments, genomic testing, epigenetics, and sleep enhancement. Days here are spent floating from one treatment and class to another in resort white cotton pyjamas. If you are looking for somewhere you can get away from it all — while getting back to yourself, it doesn’t get better than this.

Book NowMore like thisTravelThis Estate in White Lotus Season 3 Is Available on Airbnb

For Multi-Sport Days, Nothing Beats Whistler in Spring

Skiers and snowboarders the world over hold Whistler Blackcomb in high regard as the largest ski area in North America. It’s a veritable winter wonderland — that much we know. But Whistler is so much more than its slopes, especially in spring. In fact, many locals and sage travelers say spring is the time to visit for an even wider range of action sports, outdoor thrills, and big wilderness — plus the bustling arts, dining, and entertainment scene that “the Village” is known for.

There are two main reasons for this: First, as the seasons transition, you can enjoy early spring savings and more availability at local accommodations, culinary deals, and better value on everything Whistler has to offer, including end-of-season skiing. (Californians can save even more, thanks to an extra favorable exchange rate of $1 USD to $1.42 CAD. That’s 30 to 40 percent less right now on top of already discounted spring rates.) Second, as the days stretch out and thaw, you can take even more advantage of Whistler’s two dozen multi-sport activities in a single day.

To help you plan, save, and make the most of a trip to wonderful Whistler this spring, here are five things nature lovers, energetic travelers, and active couples and families should consider before booking their next stay.

More daylight, more sports

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

It goes without saying just how fast time flies. The good news is that the days get longer (and warmer) in Whistler with the arrival of spring. That means more time for biking, hiking, zip-lining, and other outdoor recreation (plus the start of golf season). Of course, ski season doesn’t end with the arrival of spring, either. So you still get Whistler and Blackcomb’s world-class slopes on top of all the added activities and daylight that shines on the Fitzsimmons Range in the Coast Mountains beginning in March. (Fun fact: March is the snowiest month.)

Maybe you’ll dedicate one spring day to water sports: Wake up to waterfront yoga, rent a SUP at Lakeside Park, take it for a spin on Alta Lake, and then up the exhilaration with some whitewater rafting on the Green River. You could start another day with righteous groomers off Blackcomb’s 7th Heaven lift, then swap the snow for a beautifully forested cross-country bike trail near Lost Lake to experience one of the area’s most peaceful pockets. (To pair downhill with downhill, Whistler Mountain Bike Park generally opens in May, too.)

Want a slower pace with a hint of a thrill? You could book a morning tee time at one of Whistler’s four golf courses — Big Sky, Nicklaus North, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, or Whistler Golf Club — then venture off-road on a two-hour Easy Rider ATV Tour through the woods. Or perhaps you’d prefer to tackle a sizable section of the Whistler Valley Trail on foot. The car-free trail network that connects Whistler’s neighborhoods and open spaces should be (mostly) snow-free by early spring, so it’s yours to meander.

You get the idea. Whistler in spring is all about two-for-one outdoor fun.

It takes a village

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Is après-winter a thing? It should be. Because the arts, entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural energy don’t stop in Whistler at winter’s close. In fact, the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village is just as vibrant and more temperature-friendly in spring — and there are patios aplenty to lean into the vibe. Earn your Whistler cred at the rollicking The Longhorn Saloon or keep it breezy (literally) at HandleBar.

Late spring kicks off the Whistler Farmers’ Market. Starting in May, producers from across the region congregate at the Upper Village Stroll to share their grown-with-love crops, responsibly raised meats, pre-prepared specialties, and more. May also sees the return of the Whistler Children’s Festival, which has been entertaining families with tunes, scavenger hunts, magic shows, and roving performers for more than 40 years — longer than any other festival in Whistler. In other words, the community heats up in more ways than one with the arrival of spring.

Delicious dining for less

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Few settings are as stunning as Whistler. But beyond the views, Whistler also “tastes” fantastic as an established culinary hotspot that successfully merges the great outdoors with fine dining. In spring, visitors can sample fresh and inspired new menus at the many restaurants, pubs, and eateries that fill the area.

Coastal-inspired, local-focused Wild Blue is one to have on your radar if you’re feeling celebratory — specifically, the seafood towers (that’s right, plural). Elsewhere, the tapas at Bar Oso and many plates of pasta at Il Caminetto are standouts for continental fare, while Sushi Village brings a whole different culinary tradition to Whistler. For something quicker (and more portable if a picnic in the park or trailside lunch is calling), Portobello is an all-day go-to for breakfast bowls and burritos, signature sammies, and baked goods (try the donuts).

Better yet, many participating restaurants offer dining deals and special rates on multi-course meals in spring. New offers on upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine, sustainable seafood, charcuterie boards, farmers market fare, noodle bowls, and loaded waffles begin mid-March — just in time to complement the overall value of spring.

Stay longer, save more

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mirae Campbell/Scandinave Spa

Truth be told, there’s never a bad time to visit Whistler. But during spring, when virtually every activity is available, it just makes sense. This is especially true for travelers seeking extra discounts to prolong and maximize their vacation dollars. With so many ways to save in spring, you’ll want to stay longer to take it all in.

For guests coming from California, additional discounts and spring savings are offered to those who extend their stay to more than just a weekend. For example, a midweek stay of three nights or more at select properties in April or May starts at $95 per night. Talk about taking advantage of all the activities that spring affords without breaking the bank.

Stay longer and do more for less (a lot less with an enticing exchange rate for those heading north). It’s a no-brainer.

Stargazing and Surreal Architecture Come Together at This Gaudí-Inspired Colorado Airbnb

We hope you love the spaces 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.

I had heard about the supernatural vibes around Crestone, Colorado, even before moving to the state. The town of under 200 people is at the edge of the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border. The valley is an agricultural center, but is perhaps equally known for its independent-minded residents and otherworldly landscape: the San Luis Valley is the world’s largest alpine valley, sitting at an average elevation of above 7,500 feet and sandwiched by Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Juan Mountains. “Otherwordly” in landscape and in energy. Green, graffitied alien heads are painted on plywood boards along both major and minor roads, and the valley is home to the state’s original UFO watchtower.

Hearing the stories and driving through the region is one thing. It’s something else entirely to spend a weekend exploring the valley, as I found when my wife, toddler daughter, and I needed a midway point between Denver and Durango to visit family. We picked an Airbnb that embodied the off-the-beaten-path nature of the town: Crestone Hobbitat.

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The outside is striking, to put it mildly — even in a town loaded with homes that don’t adhere to any standardized building code. The Crestone Hobbitat was built in the style of Antoni Gaudí (of Sagrada Familia fame) with flowing exterior walls that look washed and wind-blown into shape. Colorful tile artwork on the front replicate scenes from Van Gogh paintings, and the brick-lined wall around the rooftop patios contrast with the bright white concrete.

The theme follows to the inside, with the main room ceiling swirling to a circular window that’s reminiscent of an image of a black hole. Blue tiles make the bathroom feel almost underwater, while the kitchen is cave-like. Concert posters of Grateful Dead shows and other psychedelic-adjacent bands dating back to the 1960s line the first floor walls between circular windows. A brick-red staircase with a wavy handrail circles up to the mezzanine and then the main sleeping area, both with doors to the outside patios. On the far side of the top floor, a bright meditation room with sun-yellow accents faces the mountains.

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Jeffrey and his wife, the owners, greeted us when we arrived and explained the quirks of the home (beyond the appearance). A pellet-fire stove heats the place and needs regular checking in on — our trip timed up with the deepest cold snap of the winter that far, with temperatures not getting much above the single digits, if above zero at all. Jeffrey’s artist studio through the door in the kitchen was off limits, though he was eager to point out a couple of their sculptures around the house and outside. There’s no TV, but a couple of bookshelves held titles ranging from wildlife photography to sustainable architecture guides to fiction (in the case of the latter, all titles were on sale for just $3).

A photobook on the mezzanine coffee table tells the story of how the Crestone Hobbitat came to be. The owners visited Barcelona in the 1980s and fell for Gaudi’s architecture. In 2007, Jeffrey and his son studied how to build similar homes at a workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, under Steve Kornher of FlyingConcrete. Kornher agreed to build a studio in his distinctive style in Crestone that evolved into the building today.

My daughter, Margot, couldn’t climb everything inside and out fast enough. At night, we turned on the home’s star projector and bundled up in blankets on the sleeper-sofa, blending the projection with the actual stars visible from the ceiling window. In the quiet of the morning, we the three of us and our 16-year-old pomchi bathed in light in the meditation room and then took a brisk walk to see some of the deer, birds, and other wildlife that roam the property.

During the day, we stopped into town for breakfast and coffee at The Cloud Station. Locals were setting up the band stage for a show that night, and hikers filtered through for healthy eats. A denim jacket with a hand-painted howling wolf on the back tempted me at Tiny Gallery Crestone, but not as much as the sewn fox in socks toy my daughter left with. Or the Himalayan-inspired toys and gemstones at Crestone Creative Trade Co. Later, we drove out to the Crestone Ziggurat, then drove farther down the roads by the foothills that are lined with meditation retreats and centers of worship.

On our last night, Margot refused to let the cold air stop her from seeing the real stars outside this time. We put on all of our jackets, wrapped up in a blanket, and stepped outside. The view of the stars through a scattering of clouds elicited an immediate “woooooaaaaawww” from Margot. Even partly covered, the sky in this International Dark Sky Community — the first with a Rights of Nature Resolution — was filled with more visible stars than I had seen in a long time, and for Margot, likely ever. We shuffled inside when we couldn’t feel our noses, unwrapped, and curled up by the pellet stove. The whole place, inside and out, took us to somewhere completely new and yet just a three-hour drive from home. .

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Your Travel Clothing Claims to Be Eco-Friendly. But Is It?

Reading about the environmental impact of your travels tends to be a depressing exercise. The news tends to be bad – the more you travel, the more you pollute. The more gear or clothing you buy, the greater your impact. There’s no getting around these, but there is good news, too. The travel and outdoor industries are at a turning point regarding sustainability. As Neil Baker, Senior Director of Global Brand at Smartwool & icebreaker, said at a sustainability panel at Populus in Denver in March, brands must “move from doing less harm to doing more good.”

Among the many companies discussed in this story, I’ve elected to include Smartwool and icebreaker not simply because reps from these brands participated in this panel, but because in doing so they provided significant documentation of the companies’ efforts to build circular supply chains. There are many brands in the travel and outdoor space working towards circularity, and I believe their efforts deserve to be amplified, even when they aren’t perfect or are still a work in progress, because building more sustainable supply chains for travelers requires scale, and scale stars with awareness.

Sourcing recycled, low-impact, and circular products: Why it matters

Photo: Jerry Horbert/Shutterstock

Making your travel gear setup more “eco-friendly” is a heck of a process. It requires you to be a “discerning traveler” instead of an “average traveler.” This involves a good deal of research and can be expensive. Telling the difference between travel brands who are greenwashing and those taking actual, meaningful action to reduce the environmental impact of their products takes research and a keen eye for connecting dots. Once you get started, though, building a less-impactful travel setup is actually a rewarding and even enjoyable process that ensures you have long-lasting gear and clothing that will perform well on the road and head back into the production circle once its useful life is finished.

The key pillars of eco-friendly travel gear

Most merino wool comes from New Zealand, and it can be farmed sustainable and ethically. Brands that use this wool should make their sourcing practices clear. — Photo: Martina Krivankova /Shutterstock

The first metric to employ is the basic fact that it’s always more impactful to produce something than to do nothing. Every piece of clothing, every roller bag, every reusable water bottle was made from materials that originated as a natural resource. This makes the first step to a better travel setup looking for products and clothing made from recycled materials. It’s easy to distrust marketing departments, but in this case those marketing the products you buy can be your friend because a brand using recycled materials is very likely going to be very forthcoming about the fact that it’s doing so. A brand that doesn’t note that it’s using recycled polyester or nylon or whatever the material may be, isn’t.

When shopping for a product, whether on Amazon or REI or in a physical store, check the label to see if this is noted. To determine if a travel product or clothing brand is misleading about its use of recycled materials, start by looking for specific claims rather than vague buzzwords. Brands genuinely using recycled materials will clearly state the percentage and source, such as “75% recycled polyester from PET bottles,” rather than just saying “eco-friendly” or “made with recycled materials.” Reliable certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), OEKO-TEX, or bluesign help verify authenticity, so check if the company provides these certifications with traceable proof. Be wary of deceptive wording in product descriptions, as some brands highlight “recycled fabric” when only a small portion actually qualifies. Look for 100 percent recycled fabric.

Additionally, reputable brands often publish sustainability reports detailing their material sources and environmental impact, so a lack of transparency can be a red flag (see this goals and progress report from Smartwool as an example). Checking independent watchdog sites like Good On You or EcoWatch can help uncover greenwashing. Price and availability can also be indicators—genuinely high-recycled-content fabrics are more expensive, so if a product is unusually cheap while claiming to be fully recycled, do a bit more digging by looking up the brand online to check reviews or certifications. On a similar note, third-party reviews or investigative reports can help confirm whether a brand is living up to its promises. If a product’s claims feel vague or unverifiable, it’s worth digging deeper before buying.

Buy organic and, where possible, regenerative

Looking for tags that specifically state which materials are recycled, and what percentage — as well as a circular logo — is a good start in finding eco-friendly travel clothing and gear. Photo: triocean/Shutterstock

Much like at the grocery store, a simple way you can be sure your travel clothing, in particular, is less impactful is to buy clothing made of organic cotton, regenerative merino wool, oand other products free of first-use polyester and other plastics. Much like those using recycled materials, brands using organic or regeneratively-sourced materials will be quick to tell you about it. Icebreaker is a leader in regenerative merino, Patagonia a leader in organic cotton clothing. Brands accused of not doing so but making claims of eco-ethics include Allbirds, which faced a class-action lawsuit alleging it misled consumers about the ethics of its wool sourcing.

Alpaca wool has gained much traction in recent years. PAKA produces travel-friendly clothes using alpaca wool, each with a QR code that allows consumers to trace the wool in that product back to the specific South American farm it was sourced from, and learn about the farmer who produced it. This is great – but it’s important to note that not all of the brand’s products are 100 percent alpaca wool, and some use recycled polyester or recycled nylon – and when products use these materials it’s important to check that they are from recycled sources.

Look for brands that are following science-based targets in their sustainability claims

Photo: T. Schneider/Shutterstock

Larger umbrella companies with bigger budgets as well as smaller brands should employ verifiable metrics to document the impact of their production line. The most official of these is the Science Based Targets initiative, which uses data points from climate science and years of research to, in the case of travel gear and clothing brands, help them document difficult-to-quantify metrics like emissions reductions or regeneration efforts.

VF Corporation, which owns major brands like The North Face and Vans as well as gear and clothing companies Smartwool and Icebreaker, is a prime example of leveraging the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce its environmental impact. The company set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals – including a 55% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, using 2017 as a baseline. To achieve these targets, VF is implementing key strategies such as sourcing 100% renewable energy for its owned and operated facilities by 2025, exemplified by a 12-year virtual power purchase agreement for wind energy expected to cut over 100,000 metric tons of CO₂e annually.

The company is also investing in green building initiatives, like its LEED Gold-certified distribution center in Ontario, California, and is committed to sourcing 50% of its polyester from recycled materials by 2026, with a goal of having its top nine materials be regenerative, responsibly sourced, or recycled by 2030. Additionally, VF engages with over 400 supplier factories through the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) assessment and has trained over 1,000 supplier managers on environmental best practices. These efforts, combined with comprehensive supply chain engagement and material sustainability initiatives, demonstrate VF’s commitment to systematically reducing its environmental footprint while aligning with global climate goals.

This is one example, and the company still has work to do to reach its goals – but it’s easy for consumers to read about the process on the company’s website and connect the claims to what is actually happening.

GORE-TEX, on the other hand, is currently involved in a class-action lawsuit over alleged greenwashing which claims that it still uses PFAS in its production cycle, even though the company claims that its products are free of forever chemicals.

Buy from brands that consider end-of-lifecycle logistics

Smartwool is installing these used sock collection boxes at REI stores and other locations to recycle socks. Photo: Tim Wenger

In addition to ensuring that a product is produced with as little impact as possible, it’s important to consider what happens to the clothing or gear after you’re done with it. The goal here is not to throw it away – but to recycle it or repurpose it. The term “circularity’ has a lot of buzz – and that’s because it is the ultimate goal when working towards “doing more good.” Circularity refers to a closed-loop system where products are designed, produced, used, and disposed of in a way that maximizes resource efficiency because little to nothing gets thrown away. Rather, materials are given another life.

This is where brands can get innovative, and many exciting new concepts are springing up. Some brands are taking back end-of-life products and using them to make new stuff. Salt Legacy in Victoria, British Columbia, takes used sails from sail boats and repurposed them into travel backpacks, purses, handbags, and other carrying receptacles built for rugged use on the road. Another BC company, Anian, creates travel and lifestyle clothing made entirely from repurposed materials. Smartwool will send you a cardboard container in which to put used socks (from any brand) to send back to the company for recycling. In the case that these socks are Smartwool socks, your old socks will actually be repurposed via the Second Cut Project into new Smartwool gear (after being thoroughly cleaned, of course) at the company’s factory in Tennessee.

By incorporating these principles of tracing sourcing from production through repurposing, you are doing your part to ensure your travel clothing and gear are as eco-friendly as possible, and using your dollar as a voice to encourage other shoppers and companies to further the same.

“All brands need to be thinking of waste as a resource,” Baker says.

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