Matador Network's Blog, page 556
November 2, 2021
The most romantic winter vacation spots for couples
Summer has lost its spark, and after twenty months of COVID-19 lockdown, so have our romantic relationships. Today’s reality is that most couples haven’t spent this much time together in modern history, and in less than idyllic circumstances (Zoom meetings while homeschooling, anyone?). Home 24/7, “hot dates” have meant Chinese takeout and rewatching Tiger King. It’s time to shrug off bad habits and start thinking about romantic winter getaways.
Sophy Singer, CEO and professional matchmaker at San Diego-based Sophy Love Exclusive Matchmaking, knows something about this pandemic lull. Her business involves intimately getting to know singles and navigating them through the dating scene — even in a pandemic. One of her secrets? It’s all about travel.
“When couples hit a lull in the relationship or feel like they need to work on it more, they plan a getaway to jumpstart things,” says Singer. “But during the lockdown, our options for getting away were limited — most of us could only do as much as move from the living room to the kitchen. Without the option to do the things that can rekindle a relationship, it can be tough to keep the spark going.”
But at long last — go science! — we’re veering from that apocalyptic phase of the pandemic and cautiously returning to “normal.” And booking one of these romantic winter getaways may be a crucial first step for relationships to rekindle the flame that’s been slowly dissipating over the last two years.
“Now, more than ever before, couples must take trips together,” explains Singer. “First of all, it finally feels safe — we understand the virus, most people are vaccinated, and the anxiety is much lower. Secondly, things have gotten stale during the pandemic, as we’ve all been dealing with stress, fear, and monotony.”
So let’s get to the sparking: Take a trip with your partner to any of these romantic winter getaways below, and watch your romance heat up again.
We hope you love the romantic winter getaways 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. Partake in sexy time in New Orleans, Louisiana
Photo: Virgin Hotels
New Orleans — where jazzy melodies and black magic permeate colonial balconies and smoky dive bars — has always been a mood. But in post-COVID times, it also sets the mood. Like this: The Saint Hotel has the Archangel Lucifer Suite (all in red and black with a private stage and dance pole!) and an Archangel Michael Suite (all in white, lots of glass and stainless steel).
Singer agrees that traveling somewhere sexy as a couple is a chief way to reignite bedroom sparks. “Couples, especially ones with kids, tend to ‘do it’ in their bedroom, almost every single time,” she explains. “Same time, same place. After almost two years of lockdown life, that old spot has little to offer in terms of spice and excitement. Having a new environment to be intimate in can heat things — new sounds, smells, colors, lighting, and textures.”
Not only does the Saint Hotel need to be christened in late 2021, but so do other big names in The Big Easy, such as The Four Seasons (with its unrivaled Mississippi River views) and Sir Richard Branson’s just-opened downtown Virgin Hotel in the colorfully rambunctious French Quarter.
Singer adds one vital note to evade potential mortification, however: “Don’t forget the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your doorknob, and to order room service to share when you’re done!” But you’re in New Orleans — so if that service is not beignets, you’re doing it wrong.
2. Flirt and dance in Nashville, Tennessee
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
Nashville, beloved for bachelorette parties, greasy chicken, and general raunchiness, is the ultimate city to momentarily forget this strange reality, get your body moving, and shamelessly flirt with your partner (because who doesn’t love the flirting stage?).
Singer suggests we follow the science — and the Pabst Blue Ribbon — to Music City. “Listening to music raises your heart rate and breathing, both physiological signs of arousal,” says Singer. “Pleasure from music can prepare the body and mind for sexual pleasure because it has a direct effect on bonding and the limbic system of the brain.”
If you’re looking to ride that dopamine rush with your lover, saddle up to Robert’s Western World on Broadway, where cold beer, riveting country music, and fried bologna are constantly flowing. Another surefire way to create some bedroom honky-tonk? A dancing date at the newly opened Twelve Thirty Club, a modern take on a vintage 19th-century supper club, buzzing with DJs, household names, and impromptu jam sessions every night. And once sweaty and sticky from dancing, share some late-night Hattie B’s extra-spicy hot chicken…before that extra-spicy end of your night.
3. Share an adrenaline rush in Orlando, Florida
Photo: ICON Park/Facebook
Okay, we get it. Hugs from Goofy and zooming down the Tower of Terror may not have screamed “hot date” pre-COVID. But after so many months being cooped up back home, Orlando — with its pristine sidewalks, castle gardens, and even those exorbitantly priced ice-cream cones — now conjures up more seductive vibes.
And with ten major theme parks in Orlando’s vicinity, your itinerary will be brimming with titillation. “Sharing an exhilarating experience as a couple will give you both that adrenaline rush which instantly creates feelings of intimacy and lust,” explains Singer. Plus, there’s nothing quite like young puppy love, which is”why we never forget our first crush or our first time. Hop on a crazy roller coaster, and you just might rekindle that crazy heat of young love,” she says.
What’s more, Orlando’s racking up more ways for you to get extra cozy with BAE. Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando‘s first launch coaster, showcases four new backward and forward launches, culminating in the steepest vertical drop in Florida (it’s anticipated to open in late 2021). And for that ultimate adrenaline rush, ICON Park is about to open two major thrill rides: The Orlando Slingshot catapults guests 450 feet in the air, and The Orlando Gyro Drop Tower, the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower, sending riders downward at speeds over 75 miles per hour. Yikes — we’re getting hot and heavy just thinking about it.
4. Bask in the chaotic energy of Manhattan, New York
Photo: TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock
Feeling sexy is a state of mind, and the energy in New York City is nothing short of electrifying. And Manhattan, that little-known island home to about 1.7 million folks from all walks of life, is the ultimate spot to un-social distance and relish in that chaotic energy with your partner (and, seriously, there’s no energy quite like the L train after 8:00 PM).
“Having access to romantic dinners and a buzzing nightlife within blocks of any hotel is a hot spark of a change, compared to the cold takeout dinners couples have been calling ‘date night’ throughout the pandemic,” says Singer.
Choose a hotel room in the center of the action, such as the Arlo Nomad, where a corner room with glass walls legitimately sits 46 stories above Midtown’s pulsating sidewalks. For a science experiment of your own, enjoy Manhattan’s just-opened Chemistry Room at Sushi Lab, which serves omakase complemented by eccentric cocktail and sake pairings. After all, says Singer, “The city that doesn’t sleep also doesn’t skimp on romance.”
5. Castaway to the Maldives
Photo: Lifestyle Travel Photo/Shutterstock
The Maldives, an archipelago of coral islands nestled in the Indian Ocean, may seem like a Windows 95 screensaver, but we promise it’s pretty accessible. Only an hour’s flight from mainland India and with a one-island-one-resort concept, this post-COVID escape epitomizes privacy within striking nature, which is a much sexier way to get intimate than the living room couch.
And a beach vacation is a no-brainer for a romance reboot. Singer says they’re ideal for sexual experimentation with your partner. Why? “Couples can recharge their COVID-drained batteries on the beach and then take that energy back to their hotel room later that evening,” she says.
Consider adults-only properties in the Maldives to relish with your lover, such as Hurawalhi Resort, home to the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, or the isolated Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, surrounded by exotic marine creatures blissfully swimming in turquoise lagoons.
Plus, the Maldives welcomes a plethora of new properties in winter 2021 to enjoy with your babe, including Siyam World Maldives, a playground-like escape with Southeast Asia’s biggest floating waterpark, and JOALI Being, an immersive nature wellness retreat that curates an individual menu of experiences for couples to relax and feel reinvigorated (in all the ways).
6. Hit the slopes and get your groove on in Vail, Colorado
Photo: Arina P Habich/Shutterstock
If you’re guilty of watching Hallmark holiday films, you know that all mountain towns somehow have this ability to make even Solo Sam feel sexy and desired (generally in a hot tub, clinking cocktails with the hometown prom queen). While we don’t think it works quite like that IRL, crisp mountain getaways can renew a stale relationship, especially if they involve activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
“Being active together also produces a natural sensation of connection,” explains Singer. “Activities give us endorphins, so doing those things as a couple provides the chance to end the day melting and relaxing into each other.” She says that emotions follow body movement, so if we go somewhere cold and then snuggle up with our partner, that physical act of warming up will translate into how we feel for each other. “To turn up the thermostat on your relationship, head somewhere cold and then literally turn up the heat.”
And Vail, the Austrian-modeled ski village just two hours from Denver, is the pinnacle of mountain resorts, pun intended. This amorous getaway boasts palatial hotels, innovative dining, and, of course, miles and miles of scenic skiing and hiking trails. But Vail stands out amongst the country’s many mountain towns not only for its luxurious caliber of literally everything but also as a mecca for winter music festivals, including their signature outdoor Vail Snow Days in early December. Be sure to spend a night at Vail’s newest resort: The Hythe, in the nucleus of Rocky Mountain action, set to debut in winter 2021.
7. Relish in nature in Tucson, Arizona
Photo: Mike Ver Sprill/Shutterstock
They say that Mother Nature is the best (and cheapest) therapist. And while all us city folks are still psychologically recovering from isolating in 50-foot apartments, there is no better place to head with our partners than somewhere that epitomizes space and fresh air.
Singer gives many reasons we should head into nature right now, but one of the most obvious is its immediate mood-boosting ability. “When the air is stale, so goes the relationship,” she explains. “Retreating to a ranch, the desert, or the mountains together forces couples to turn off their phones and look up — and you become more fully present in the moment as well as more fully present in the company you’re with.”
Tucson, that naturally and culturally rich city in Arizona, is the optimal post-COVID romantic retreat: with relaxed charm and stark desert scenery surrounded by snaggletoothed mountain ranges, the cacti-rich Saguaro National Park, and incessant night skies, being present comes naturally here.
The region also offers plenty of outdoor activities, which Singer says will increase your brain function, reduce stress, and offer feelings of vitality. “When you play outside together, those feelings translate into the emotions you feel about each other,” she says.”Then there’s the opportunity to cozy up together in front of a fire, staring up at a clear sky filled with stars.”
After exhausting all the verbs — hiking, trekking, star-gazing, relaxing — take your beloved to The Citizen Hotel, Tucson’s first wine hotel opening in late 2021, located in the city’s historic newspaper building. Not only will this boutique property feature a robust partnership with a local wine producer, but will also have freestanding soaking tubs in every room, which we hear pair perfectly with bubbles — of the soap and champagne variety.
8. Nerd out at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, UAEPhoto: Breslavtsev Oleg/Shutterstock
Part of the reason our relationships have gotten stale throughout these months of pandemic life is because we’ve already discussed every topic imaginable with our partner — or so we think. Singer suggests that a simple way to reinvigorate sparks in a relationship is to introduce newness and discovery. “We do this by seeking out things you wouldn’t otherwise encounter in day-to-day life.”
Singer says that nerding out on cool topics together can reignite the parts of the brain that thrive on surprise and connection, increasing passion and jumpstarting a cold relationship. “Studies have shown that couples who participate in new and novel activities reported improved relationship quality, and more importantly, increased passion for each other.”
The reason? Vulnerability. “When you’ve been with someone for a long time, you’re used to a certain level of vulnerability with each other, and there isn’t anything new about that. But when you enter an environment where one of you isn’t an expert, and you can learn together, that newness and vulnerability you experience with the subject matter can translate into a deeper shared connection.”
And getting your geek on is even more accessible in late 2021 because the postponed World Expo 2020 is finally happening in Dubai. After an eternity of getting our meager cultural fix by rewatching Emily in Paris, you’ll finally unearth some new material at the Expo. The multi-month event will showcase some 190 country pavilions and address concerns surrounding sustainability, the future of transport, and global coexistence.
“The Expo might reveal that your partner has deep knowledge about a scientific topic you had no idea they knew about, or you might be able to show off your own skills in something unexpected,” said Singer. This sense of surprise and wonder is sexy and a huge turn-on.” Oui, some heartier conversation starters than Emily’s love triangle.
9. Get pampered in Miami, Florida
Photo: Acqualina Resort and Residences/Facebook
It’ll take more than a few foot rubs to decompress after these last twenty months. But a good place to start is by heading on a much-needed spa holiday with BAE.
Singer attests that spalidays can be therapeutic for a suffering relationship. “You can’t be a good partner or lover if you aren’t also good to yourself, and one paramount way for couples to tap back into their passion and reconnect after a year and a half of pandemic stress is to head to the spa and practice self-care, together,” she explains.
Singer maintains that getting a massage or facial together as a couple accomplishes two important goals: It allows a couple to reconnect through a shared experience and lowers stress and anxiety levels, paving the way for feelings of reconnection and intimacy to come powering back.
The third benefit, she says, is that massages encourage intimacy. “Any human touch, and especially the sort of deep therapeutic touch of massage, will release hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, the love hormone. While you’re getting a couples’ massage, your feelings of affection and your desire for intimacy will naturally rise as your therapist works out on your knots,” she explains. “A spa is the ideal spot for working out your muscle kinks to getting kinky with your partner after.”
And few places bring that heat quite like Miami, a haven for shameless self-indulgence in our own backyard. Treat your partner to a pampering day at Acqualina Resort, which re-debuts an exclusive experience, inviting couples to rent out the entire spa with a private after-hours Royal Spa Suite. Or head to The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for a sensory-stimulating Signature Guava Massage with your lover. And afterward, jump hand-in-hand into the Biltmore’s iconic column-lined pool, because how romantic does that sound?
10. Eat your heart out in Napa Valley, California
Photo: Lukasz Szwaj/Shutterstock
There’s a sixth all-powerful love language that’s somehow been neglected thus far: food. Whether experimenting on a new recipe or indulging in something delicious, sharing a meal with a partner incorporates the five other love languages and all five senses. But twenty months of monotonous takeout or the same banana bread recipe from TikTok may have turned our tastebuds — and relationships — stale.
“Relationships turn stale when two people spend so much time together and fall into such an easy routine that they begin to think they know everything there is to know about each other,” explains Singer. “With familiarity comes fatigue, and an easy way out of this rut is to try something entirely new together, like food.”
Napa Valley may be heralded for its wine, but it’s also becoming quite the tantalizing gastronomy destination with food offerings for every palate. Truffle connoisseurs should book it to NorCal in December 2021 for the Napa Truffle Festival, which will showcase the delicacy prepared in several ways and teach festival-goers about their history and how to serve them.
And the sheer variety of Napa’s culinary choices — from progressive Michelin-starred restaurants such as La Toque to taco fixes at Gran Electrica — stimulate more than just the appetite. “Food on its own can be an aphrodisiac. Watching your partner take on an adventurous spirit while enjoying the sensual pleasure of food can be such a turn-on, and sharing that experience builds passion and connection that lasts long after the plates are cleared.” If you ask us, that’s a good excuse for seconds. 
The 7 most exciting US wellness retreats on Airbnb Experiences right now
As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, self-care is more important than ever. Winter wellness can take many different forms, whether it’s a yoga retreat in the tropics or an afternoon of forest bathing in your own backyard. Either way, Airbnb Experiences has you covered. From Hawaii to Maine, these seven wellness offerings are just what travelers need to ward off the winter blues — and maybe find themselves in the process.
We hope you love the Airbnb Experiences we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book an Airbnb Experience. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Massage experience at an animal sanctuary in Kaneohe, Oʻahu, Hawaii
Photo: Airbnb
Equal parts spa, farm, and tropical paradise, the Aloha Animal Sanctuary on O’ahu invites guests to pick the massage treatment of their choice before mingling with the sanctuary’s goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, and chickens on a property tour. The spa menu includes lomi lomi, deep tissue, Swedish, and pregnancy massages. According to past reviews, the deep tissue treatment is not to be missed, especially for couples if you’re traveling with your partner.
Price: From $110 per person
2. Vibration meditation and margaritas in Nashville, Tennessee
Photo: Airbnb
Nothing says modern mindfulness like sound bathing in a speakeasy. That’s exactly what the HAUM Nashville experience offers, complete with chakra singing bowls, elemental wind chimes, and gongs to create healing vibrations, plus crystal therapies on request. HAUM also makes a signature rose quartz margarita that comes free with every session, though non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Private sessions start at $110 for singles and $165 for duos.
Price: From $35 per person
3. Rejuvenating Wim Hof spa experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Photo: Airbnb
The Wim Hof Method is a wellness practice based on deep breathing and cold therapy. Guests of this retreat get to experience both in a tranquil forest a half-mile from the beach, starting with a Wim Hof breathwork tutorial. From there, they’ll hop in a sauna for a cleansing meditation in preparation for an icy cold-water plunge. The cold therapy can be intense, but it makes the jacuzzi, hookah, and herbal tea session afterward feel that warmer.
Price: From $70 per person
4. Forest reiki and intuitive healing in Blue Hill, Maine
Photo: Airbnb
This energy healing experience combines the tranquility of forest bathing with the gentle yet powerful effect of hands-on reiki therapy. According to the host, Heather, sessions target “shadow self, grief work, and ancestral healing” while helping guests strengthen their immune systems, combat acute injuries and chronic issues such as asthma and headaches, and overcome addiction, as well as encouraging breakthroughs in the realm of consciousness.
Price: From $125 per person
5. Sacred sound and tea ceremony in Yucca Valley, CaliforniaPhoto: Airbnb
In a word, this meditative experience hosted near Joshua Tree National Park is transformative. Guests get two healing experiences: a sacred sound bath designed to “stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system” and a chakra tea ceremony intended to help participants “immerse into the power of the present.” As an added bonus, travelers to the Yucca Valley can fully lean into their wellness trips with a separate “third eye sensory journey” via Airbnb.
Price: From $50 per person
6. Astral projection and lucid dreaming in Asheville, North Carolina
Photo: Airbnb
Some wellness practices connect people with their bodies. This Airbnb Experience focuses on the out-of-body experience. Sessions begin with a lesson in astral projection and lucid dreaming, followed by a tea ceremony and guided water meditation. The host, David, an ordained minister with the non-denominational Universal Life Church, then lulls participants into a trance-like state through a yoga nidra meditation to help them explore the metaphysical corners of their mind.
Price: From $96 per person
7. Sunrise yoga at the Makai Golf Club in Kauai, Hawaii
Photo: Makai Golf
The Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s north shore allows golfers to practice their swings in view of the renowned Hanalei Bay and Ha’ena Mountains. It’s also open to yogis, both beginner and advanced, thanks to this Airbnb Experience. After a gentle flow session, guests can soak up the scenery and even stage a yogic photoshoot, compliments of the beloved host Tulasi.
Price: From $25 per person
More like thisWhere to StayAirbnb’s most wish-listed properties in all 50 statesNovember 1, 2021
Professional musician gets her $2.3 million violin confiscated by airport security
Customs officers at the Chisinau airport in Moldova confiscated a $2.3 million violin from world-renowned professional violinist Alexandra Conunova.
While traveling from her native country of Moldavia to Moscow for a concert, Conunova was stopped by customs officers at Chisinau airport and her instrument was seized on suspicion of smuggling. Customs employees filed a criminal case against Conunova for not declaring the high value of the instrument during routine customs procedures.
Voir cette publication sur InstagramUne publication partagée par Alexandra Conunova (@aconunova)
Conunova plays a 1785 Giovanni Batistta Guadagnini violin worth several million dollars, however she does not own the instrument. It’s a loan from Cedric Berger, a Swiss music supporter, The Strad reports.
It’s not uncommon for musicians with valuable instruments to run into similar issues when crossing borders. Professional violinist Natasha Hall was stopped by a customs agent in Moscow because she was traveling with a violin by Honoré Derazey with a fake Stradivarius label (which isn’t unusual in the violin world). When the customs officer saw the label, he thought she was smuggling the instrument out of the country, and it took her a long time to get out of this tensed situation.
“I’m just glad that I was able to actually leave Russia,” Hall told Matador Network when describing the best ways to safely travel with an instrument. “Because for a while I was not sure I’d ever make it out — as much as I like Russia!”
In Conunova’s case, the violin she was using has been retained at the airport for the past two weeks, though Moldova’s culture minister, Sergiu Prodan apologized for the incident.
“It is an unfortunate confusion and an excess of zeal,” Prodan said, according to BalkanInsight. “The Culture Ministry is in contact with Alexandra and is making every effort to clarify the situation.”
Moldovan customs are continuing to work with Interpol to make sure the paperwork stating the authenticity, provenance, and ownership of the $2.3 million violin are legal before releasing back the instrument to Conunova.
New study found the safest, and most dangerous, airlines for pets
There’s a long list of rules, suggestions, and guidelines to follow when it comes to flying with your pet. Ultimately, however, the experience is largely defined by which airline you take (and, of course, if you take off or land in a pet-friendly airport). And if you want to know which are the best, one good place to start is by checking how often an airline transports pets and how often an incident occurs.
Veterinarians.org gathered and analyzed this information using consumer report data from the United States Department of Transportation from 2015 to 2020. The result is a list of airlines to keep in mind — as well as which ones to avoid — the next time you’re looking to fly the pet friendly skies.
Photo: Veterinarians.org
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Skywest Airlines are the most popular choices for pet-carrying travelers. More than 1.9 million animals flew on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines alone. Just because these are popular doesn’t always necessarily mean they’re the safest, though. Except for Alaska Airlines.
When it comes to the best of the best overall, Alaska Airlines stands out. More than 730,000 animals were transported in the five year period on the airline, and there was an average incident rate of 0.26 percent. That’s the lowest of all airlines. When it comes to recent trips, Alaska Airlines fares even better. There were zero reported incidents in 2020 after 107,042 animals transported.
Photo: Veterinarians.org
Other airlines with zero incidents in 2020 (and that flew at least 10,000 animals) are Horizon Air, Skywest Airlines, and Envoy Air. In the case of Envoy Air, the incidence-free record is a major step forward: Envoy Air had the highest incident rate of all time in 2015 with one pet injury for every 1,673 animals transported.
Photo: Veterinarians.org
The worst airline for pets, according to the data set, is Hawaiian Airlines. Out of 55,906 animals transported in the five-year span, the airline had an incident rate of 2.03 percent — about 20 incidents per 1,000 animals transported.
Bigger airlines consistently fared among the worst overall in Veterinarians.org study. United Airlines came in second as the worst for pets with 1.6 percent incident rate out of 448,654 animals transported. Since 2015, United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines are the top three carriers with the most reported pet deaths and pet injuries since 2015.
Photo: Veterinarians.org
So the next time you’re looking to safely fly with your cat or pooch, make sure to do your research on an airline’s track record to ensure your furry friend is as safe as they can be.
Where to travel in the US in 2022, according to your zodiac sign
When choosing the best place for your next US getaway, why not base the decision on your zodiac sign? Even though we all have each of the 12 zodiac signs somewhere in our natal charts, picking a destination based on your sun (star) sign, rising/ascendant sign, or any sign in which you have four or more planets should vibe well with your core characteristics. Zodiac travel will set you up for a vacation that lines up perfectly with your personality.
How to pick a vacation destination based on zodiac travelWhen picking a destination for zodiac travel, some basic concepts can be taken into account, such as your element (fire, earth, air, water), and your “mode” or “quality” (cardinal, fixed, mutable) which denote whether your sign falls at the beginning, middle, or end of a season.
Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) will generally prefer a destination that has lively activities available and a buzzing scene. They also value spontaneity and adventure.Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) will appreciate a nature-centric travel destination that has a cosier, grounded vibe. These signs prefer structure and well-planned vacations.Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) will appreciate diversity and mentally stimulating options, such as galleries or alternative experiences. These signs like to be amongst people so group trips or bustling locations are the perfect combination for them.Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) enjoy creative, laid-back, and intimate holidays, as well as anything by the water of course. They tend to prefer deciding what to do based on how they’re feeling in the moment.Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) kick off new seasons and so love to take charge with the organization as well as voyaging to lesser-known destinations.Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) fall in the middle of seasons and appreciate routine and some level of familiarity.Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) come at the end of seasons and value flexibility and diversity.There are also other characteristics to take into account, but this is a good starting base for planning the perfect trip according to your zodiac sign. Here’s a full breakdown of where each of the zodiac signs should travel to in the US in 2022.
AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPiscesAries — Valley of Fire, NV
Photo: Shutterstock/Ashley Hadzopoulos
Aries begins the astrological year and so loves to be first at anything they do. This means you’ll enjoy discovering up-and-coming destinations that cater to your sense of adventurousness.
The Valley of Fire in the Mojave Desert is the perfect Martian landscape for fiery voyagers like yourself because there’s plenty of active hiking and exploring be done to help you burn through your abundant energy, and even do some camping to get your full Rambo fix. When you’ve had enough of nature, you can head to nearby Vegas and release any remaining steam, as well as getting your adrenaline pumping in a different way using your renowned confidence to make some big bets and potential big wins!
When the heat of the desert gets too much for your already hot blood, you can cool off in Lake Mead National Park, or head to Mount Charleston to enjoy a different type of landscape. You can even do ax throwing at the top of the mountain, appealing to your symbol, the bold ram’s, primal instincts.
Taurus — Miami, FLPhoto: lazyllama /Shutterstock
Taureans love nothing more than indulging in the finer things in life — good food, good drink, and good company. You enjoy luxury but not at the expense of your wallet — for you, any purchase needs to be considered almost as an investment. Yes, you’ll gladly pay extra, but only if it’s a truly worthy buy. Ultimately, leisure travel is the name of your game. If you can squeeze in some spa time (which shouldn’t need much convincing), all the better. Miami makes a great destination for Taurus because of its renowned foodie places, but also because of its familiarity. Harking back to times of younger years, Miami will feel like a distant home away from home, but vacation style.
Taking a tour of the Everglades will allow your symbol, the languid bull, to see the sights and get up close and personal with nature, including crocodiles if you’re lucky, all from the safety and ease of a boat captained by someone else. Plus, there’s plenty of galleries and creative art installations around to appeal to your appreciation for luxury and design as well.
Gemini — New York, NY
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
Geminis are known as the social butterflies of the zodiac, loving novelty and excitement. Flitting between activities and people-watching is ideal for you, making a city break your perfect escape. Enter: The Big Apple. The world’s most vibrant city has everything a Gemini could want — an effervescent social scene, neverending variety, and endless activities. From shopping to galleries to open-mic comedy nights (appealing to your famous sense of humour), your symbol, the twins of the zodiac, will have found their other half in this city.
You can wander around the Meatpacking district or pick up some unique bites to eat in Smorgasburg market, Williamsburg, to satiate your curiosity, before strolling through Bryant Park for some more people watching; grabbing a drink at one of the many uber cool bars on offer, such as speakeasy Mezcalaria La Milagrosa, and ending the night with a bright lights show on Broadway! What more could a Gemini want?
Cancer — Lake Tahoe, CA
Photo: NKneidlphoto/Shutterstock
Mega foodies, the crab of the zodiac appreciates nothing more than a good meal, especially a home cooked one. Laid-back places that invite a nostalgic sense of community and simple times appeal to your family-orientated side, bonus points when this is by a body of water! This makes renting a cabin to share with loved ones at Lake Tahoe a match made in heaven for our Cancerian friends. Plus, you can feast on all the fresh caught fish you can eat. When you’re not taking part in water-based activities or exploring the local restaurants, relaxing with friends and family by the fireplace is the perfect way to end your day, especially if it involves nostalgic reminiscing.
While drinking is more Pisces’ or Taurus’ domain, Cancers do appreciate a fine wine when they taste one. Taking a tour to nearby El Dorado Wine Country will ensure both your palates are satisfied. There’s plenty of hikes around to help you build up an appetite, such as Hope Valley or the waterfall trails at Eagle Falls; simply enjoying the blue waters in Sand Harbor, or even skiing if you decide to go in the winter!
Leo — Los Angeles, CA
Photo: View Apart/Shutterstock
LA is the perfect destination for Leos because it allows you to see and be seen, is full of glitz and glamour and talented individuals showcasing themselves in their best light, and gives ample ways for you proud lions to express your creativity in return! There’s plenty of activities for you to expend your fiery energy and a number of performative things to do to get your spotlight fix. Even though most Leos feel like celebrities already, spotting a real celeb is pretty cool too. You’ve got expansive hikes to release any excess energy still pent up after all your catwalking, such as the hilly wilderness of Griffith Park, or you can wear an extravagant outfit and go rollerblading in Venice Beach to put on your own show!
You rising starlets will feel right at home perusing the cinematic treasures of the recently opened Academy Museum and, of course, touring the Hollywood Hills or cruising down the iconic Sunset Boulevard. You can cozy up to anyone who’s anyone at restaurants Craig’s or All Time, and imagine your shining star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (hey, there’s still time right?).
Virgo — Zion National Park, UT
Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
Virgoans are down-to-earth and unassuming, you have a keen eye for detail and like things to run like a well-oiled machine. This makes perusing one of the country’s finest national parks the ideal holiday for Virgos because you can get in touch with nature, but also not stray too far from the beaten path, and follow a neat itinerary along the way. If you can pair this with one of the many holistic wellness retreats nearby, all the better for your health-focused sign. It will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, with just enough variety and planning to balance your need for “perfection”.
You can go canyoneering if you’re feeling brave, or simply admire the stars and catch a glimpse of the Milky Way with a nighttime campout. While in Utah, you can explore Bryce Canyon or Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, giving you a sense of satisfaction for crossing even more things off your list! Plus, by giving your money to a national park, you’ll know that it’s going towards an honorable and much-needed use of preservation, protection, and conservation, a double win for your service-focussed sign.
Libra — Hawaii Cruise
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
Librans are known as the lovers of the zodiac and live a relationship-centric life, so your holiday destination should be no less romantic. A cruise down the best destinations of the east or west coast while being wined and dined is perfect for Librans because it allows you to kick back and enjoy the view, without having to make decisions on where to go or what to do (which is not your forte). You’ll also be surrounded by endless conversation opportunities with other cruisers! Choosing a cruise line that goes to Hawaii will satisfy your desire for natural beauty while also stoking your cultural interest, and amping up the romance factor of course.
If cruising all the way doesn’t suit you, you can fly directly to the Big Island. Hawaii is perfect for Libras because it has lush, picturesque landscapes filled with vibrant colours, and a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere that vibes well with your laissez-faire attitude and appeals to your aesthetic eye. The land of honeymoons will fill your hearts up with all the love you could desire and leave you feeling even more harmonious than when you landed.
Scorpio — Salem, MA
Photo: Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock
Your sultry sign loves going in deep and uncovering mysteries, especially if it has anything to do with the occult or history. This makes Salem a double whammy for Scorpions, as you can go on a journey of times past while also exploring the realms of the unseen. You can connect with the land’s heritage and perhaps even access some shadow work or past life healing! After taking a historic walking tour to get an overview, you can finish up in the Witch House to channel your inner mystic or go on a candlelit ghost tour if you’re feeling brave. You’ll leave with your spiritual curiosity satisfied and perhaps even amplified more than before.
If any Scorpios are looking for something a little lighter, then the mysteriously built Coral Castle, Florida, or the cosmically esoteric Mount Shasta, California, home to sacred Native American sites and worshipers, will appeal to your magical side too.
Sagittarius — Sedona, AZ
Photo: Nikolas_jkd/Shutterstock
Sagittarians are the eternal explorers on a constant quest for discovering what’s just beyond. For you, something that combines adventure and variety is key. And so, a road trip is the perfect vacation idea for satiating your adventurous spirit. Nothing satisfies you more than ticking things off your neverending bucket list, and with a road trip, you’ll be able to get through several! When picking a final destination, it’s important for Sagittarians to have some thrill-seeking activities along the way. This makes Sedona ideal for you archers because it allows you the freedom to explore otherworldly landscapes, while also giving you ample time for spontaneity, stopping as and when you feel called to along the way.
Sedona is also said to be home to several energy vortexes (one of few such spots in the world), which is ideal for topping up your personal fuel tank as well as appealing to your philosophical, expansive worldview.
Capricorn — Washington DC
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Grounded and reliable, you Capricorns like to earn your play, and so if you can go somewhere where it feels like you’ve worked for the privilege of relaxing, all the better. You also value tradition, making Washington a perfect match for the sea-goat to learn about the country’s history firsthand and take in all the culture it has to offer. Capricorns also make highly capable leaders, and so visiting the city leading the country appeals to your sense of natural duty. When you’ve done all the sightseeing you can muster, escaping to nearby nature reserves gives you your well-deserved break.
After visiting the Smithsonian, Capitol Hill, perhaps the National Archives and, of course, the White House, you can then soak in some fresh air at Shenandoah National Park. There are beautiful, quiet hikes here that will appeal to your reserved and sometimes shy Capricornian nature.
Aquarius — Portland, OR
Photo: Dee Browning/Shutterstock
Known as the odd-balls of the zodiac, Aquarians dance to the beat of their own drum. For you, anything alternative and unusual makes your heart sing. Portland is perfect for the waterbearer because it’s full of quirky locales to pique their interests, as well as a rich culture scene to keep you intellectually satisfied. It’s also great for mingling with the crowds when you want, and equally easy to get away into quieter landscapes when you need a break (which this loner sign usually does). Getting involved in one of the city’s many community-oriented initiatives will also speak to your humanitarian hearts.
If Portland’s not kooky enough for you water-bearers, there’s always the famous UFO hotspot Roswell, New Mexico! Or the eerily beautiful Marfa Lights in Texas for a natural, yet not entirely explicable, phenomena.
Pisces — New Orleans, LO
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
This final sign of the zodiac is the dreamiest, most mystical of all. You Pisceans are happy living in your fantasy land, making you content with idleness and taking it slow. Trip ideas for you include getting lost in new cities, rambling around natural landscapes, or simply anywhere you can float on by and let your imagination do the wandering. As music touches you deeply, the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans, is the perfect escape for you. With whimsical streets and ethereal swamplands nearby, this city offers everything the symbol of the fish could desire. Plus, the city’s rich spiritual history and culture, with Voodoo traditions, gives Pisceans a way to explore your own inner mystic too.
You can peruse the artisan crafts of the French Market before visiting the rest of the French Quarter or meandering to the grand Garden District. Maybe even paying your respects in one of the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries along the way before heading to cocktail bar Haus of Hoodoo to finish your visit off with another activity you often enjoy, drinking.
October 29, 2021
The Mexican spirits you need to know if you like tequila
Tequila is by far the most popular spirit from Mexico. It has long been loved by people on both sides of the border and around the world, and recently, the appeal of premium tequilas in the United States has spurred interest in other types of liquor unique to the country.
Today, bars and liquor store shelves are stocked with everything from Mexican whiskey — Abasolo, which is made using traditional corn nixtamalization — to a wide variety of sustainable mezcals, sotols, raicillas, and bacanoras.
The next time you’re looking to sip something from Mexico, take a step out of the tequila comfort zone for one of these traditional spirits.
BacanoraBacanora hails from the northwestern state of Sonora, which follows the border with the United States from the Gulf of California to New Mexico.
The spirit gets its name from the town of Bacanora, just like how tequila is named after the town of Tequila in Jalisco. Bacanora has a history just as long as the tequilas and mezcals made farther south, but it’s only recently gained more mainstream attention outside of its home region thanks to a changing legal and classification framework.
Anti-alcohol religious thinking led to a bacanora ban in the early 1900s that lasted until 1992. In 2000, the Official Gazette of Mexico published a declaration that only bacanora made in Sonora can go by the name.
It’s made from agave, specifically a variety called both Agave Pacifica and Agave Yaquiana that grows in the mountains where there are large diurnal swings between hot days and cold nights.
Typical bacanoras have less of the smoke flavor that you’ll find in many mezcals. It’s made in a similar way, however.
The agaves, often harvested from the wild, are roasted in an underground pit. They are then crushed — traditionally this was, and in some cases still is, done with a donkey powered stone wheel called a tahona or by men wielding wooden mallets. The fibers are wild fermented in nature by ambient yeast before the lightly alcoholic liquid is distilled twice and bottled.
Bacanoras to try: Sunora, Cielo Rojo
Mezcal
Photo: Haitman RG/Shutterstock
Mezcal is both a specific type of liquor and a blanket term for all agave-based distilled alcohol. Tequila, for example, is a type of mezcal and sets itself apart by rules that dictate where it can be made and the type of agave used.
When you ask for mezcal at a bar or see mezcal on a bottle, however, it’s referring to the legally classified spirit versus the more encompassing definition. Mezcal can only be made in nine states (Oaxaca is the most prominent, though great mezcal is also being made in Michoacán, Durango, Puebla, and elsewhere). Dozens of varieties of agave are allowed. Espadin is most common, though wild varieties like tobala and cuishe make distinct tasting mezcals. Grassy and lightly sweet flavors are common, with some varieties adding citrusy, floral, and even pickley notes.
Whichever agave variety the mezcalero chooses, the pinas (agave hearts) are cooked in an underground pit, which gives many (but not all) mezcals a distinct smoky flavor, and then fermented in the open air.
Bars in the US will often mix mezcal into cocktails, but the most traditional way to is to sip it neat alongside an orange and sal de gusano (salt with dried and ground up worm).
Mezcals to try: Campante, , Gracias a Dios
RaicillaRaicilla (pronounced rye-SEE-ya) is made in the state of Jalisco in central western Mexico. The category is generally split into raicillas made in the coastal style (de la costa) and the mountain style (de la sierra). The former is typically made from the varieties Agave angustifolia and Agave rhodacantha, while the latter typically uses Agave maximiliana baker and Agave inaequidens.
While it’s been made for hundreds of years and has a history of unregulated illegal production, raicilla has recently become more formalized. Mexico granted raicilla Denomination of Origen status in 2019. Under the rules, raicilla can only be made from 100 percent agave in 16 municipalities in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta) and one municipality in the state of Nayarit. It’ll be some time before the raicilla market is more formalized, however. Regulations aren’t as clearly defined or monitored as with tequila due to it being such a new category.
Still, there are some things consumers can expect when giving raicilla a go.
More industrial tavernas (raicilla distilleries) use ovens, mechanical roller mills, and stainless steel still. What’s labeled artisanal racialla or ancestral raicilla is made by cooking the agave in underground pits and distilling in pot stills (for ancestral, these are clay and wood pot stills and the agave fibers are included in the first distillation). Regardless of the style of production, raicilla is typically unaged.
Raicillas to try: Balam, Las Perlas
Sotol
Photo: Marfa Spirits Co.
While Mexico’s most famous spirits are made from agave, sotol takes a different approach. It’s made from the sotol plant, which is also called the desert spoon in English.
“Most people think sotol is made from an agave plant and it is not,” says Jacobo Jacquez, sixth generation master sotolero at The Marfa Spirit Co. ”Sotol is the rich cousin of the agave plant. The name is also unique because it is one of the only distilled spirits that is named after what it is made out of.”
It’s highly aromatic and has deep earthy notes. While it can stand out in a cocktail, it can also be enjoyed neat like a fine tequila or mezcal — just don’t expect it to deliver the same sweet agave flavors. If you have a chance to visit where sotol is produced, there’s also the traditional sotolero method of drinking the spirit.
“I like to drink sotol straight out of a bull horn with nothing else added,” Jacquez says. “Sotol master distillers check the ABV by using bull horns and swirling the spirit back and forth. The aromas like to attach themselves to oxygen, and given sotol is less dense than water, from this many ‘pearls’ will form. When the pearl is formed, the master distiller will be able to tell the spirit’s quality and ABV. I like to taste this way because it brings back memories of time spent with the many sotoleros in my family.”
Sotols to try: Chihuahuan Desert Sotol, Ocho Cientos, Sotol Clande
Climate Win this week
This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.
In advance of the UN-sponsored COP26 Summit, which starts on Sunday, corporations, institutions, and local governments have made big announcements about their moves towards a sustainable future. This week, we look at major initiatives to move away from fossil fuels and into an electric future.
EV road trips are here, todayThis week, the rental car giant Hertz announced a $4 billion deal with Tesla to buy 100,000 electric cars for its US and European customers, creating what will be one of the largest fleets of electric rental vehicles. If your Thanksgiving travels will take you to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or Washington, DC this year, Hertz will have Tesla Model 3 sedans available to rent in those locations. And if you prefer not to drive in a new city, it’ll become even easier to use your Uber app to travel in an electric car — as Hertz then announced a deal with Uber to rent half of its Teslas to Uber drivers. Hertz’s customers will be able to use Tesla’s network of Supercharger stations.
That brings us to another announcement this week: On Tuesday, General Motors said it plans install 40,000 electric-vehicle charging stations in the US and Canada, as Reuters reported. The follows GM news last spring about deals with several EV-charging providers to access over 60,000 charging stations in those countries.
Once a major concern for potential buyers and renters of electric cars, the availability of EV charging stations is rapidly becoming a non-issue. As we reported in this column last year, Electrify American has established a network of charging stations along interstates 15 and 70, so you can easily drive your EV from LA to the nation’s capital, if you want to go that far.
Fossil fuels take another financial blowYet another major university announced it would divest from fossil fuels. The University of Toronto said Wednesday that it will begin to sell off all its fossil fuel investments from its $3.2 billion endowment. That follows Harvard University’s overdue announcement, after years of protest by activists, about divestment last month. Harvard notes that fossil fuels represent only two percent of its investments, but when you consider the endowment is a whopping $41.9 billion, two percent is no small number.
Harvard was hardly a trailblazer here, seeing as Oregon’s small Unity College announced oil and gas divestment nearly a decade ago, as writer Bill McKibbon, who has long rung the climate alarm bell, wrote in the New York Times this week. But as the oldest university in the country, Harvard helps set the agenda for others to follow.
To paraphrase David Attenborough, if you’re investing in the future, you shouldn’t put your money into activities that are destroying that future. But it seem money managers were single-mindedly focused on short-term dollar signs. As McKibbon notes, they made a bad bet. In the past five years, the market has increased about 16 percent annually, while the fossil fuels sector has sunk by three percent year over year. As money for oil and gas companies gets tight, so does their ability to maintain operations at current levels.
And divestors (that’s a new word) are including ever more companies, schools, foundations, and even religious institutions. These include several Catholic ones, following Pope Francis’s repeated calls — most recently yesterday via the BBC — to address the climate emergency. Put together, these divestors manage assets worth nearly $40 trillion, a very big number.
No more noisy leafblowersWith more on the move from gas to electric, California this week became the first state in the country to say it will phase out gas-powered lawn equipment by 2024, reports The Washington Post. This is a big deal since as The Post notes, California’s Air Resources Board says that the tiny, two-stroke engine of a leaf blower pumps as many particulates into the air in a single hour as Toyota Camry would on a 1,100-mile drive from LA to Denver.
It’s also great news for the health of those people who use these highly-polluting two-stroke engines. The California Legislature is backing up the move with funding that will help the country’s biggest lawn-care manufacturers go fully electric in the future — something that is already underway.
Diving with sea creatures in Mexico
THE SUN HANGS HIGH above the Pacific on a warm summer afternoon. A light breeze stirs the tide off the island of San Benedicto, a day’s sail from Baja California Sur, Mexico. You’ve just emerged from an afternoon of diving in deep blue water, surrounded by the manta rays that have for decades brought divers here to the islands of Socorro and San Benedicto. Back aboard the ship, happy hour and hot tub sessions are in full swing.
This isn’t fantasy. It is reality aboard the Nautilus Explorer, a dive ship operated by Nautilus Dive Adventures. The company’s nine-day dive excursions from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to Soccoro Island are the premiere way to experience the mantas, dolphins, and sharks that call the area home. And, the crew guarantees a stellar onboard experience that includes catering, happy hours, and plenty of time to soak up the scenery in the ship’s hot tub.
@matadornetworkDiving #SocorroIsland in #Mexico with @Nautilus Dive Adventures is a trip you wont forget! 🦈 #divetrip #mantarays #traveltiktok #diverlife♬ originalljud – absolutesnacc
This summer, travel filmmaker Brad Womack ventured to Socorro to experience the region’s legendary diving culture with Nautilus. Here, he found it all — and not just the mantas that divers come for. Brad also dove with bottlenose dolphins. He immersed himself in a sea of sharks and watched in awe as they swam around him. And he returned to the mainland with a crew of new friends already deep into talks of where they might head on their next dive excursion.
Nautilus Dive Adventures specializes in full-circle dive experiences around the world. The Socorro trip is among the most popular, due to the ease of encountering mantas, dolphins, and sharks, but also due to its departure point — Cabo San Lucas — being accessible by direct flight into San Jose del Cabo from dozens of US cities.
The on-ship experience with Nautilus is as immersive as the diving. Each nine-day trip includes five days of diving, a welcome party and diver orientation, and water transport and accommodation from Cabo San Lucas to the dive spots and back. Brad and the others aboard dove at Socorro and Roca Partida, and snorkeled under floodlights with silky sharks. Meals are fully catered aboard the ship (including Natilus’ famous Mexico Taco Fiesta on the upper deck), and post-dive happy hours give divers the chance to post up in the hot tub to recap the day’s adventures.
Upcoming Natilus Dive Adventures trips to Socorro depart December 23, 2021, and January 23, 2022 — will we see you there?
The coolest Airbnbs on Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is home to the world-famous beaches of Waikiki and the North Shore, places where dreams come to life on a daily basis. The Hawaiian island of Oahu is defined by lush green mountains, a rich multicultural vibe, sandy coves lapped by turquoise water, and some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever have. These are the best Oahu Airbnbs to stay close to the action without getting caught up in the flow.
We 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.
Honolulu areaNorth ShoreEast Coast1. Modern two-bedroom apartment in Waikiki
Photo: Airbnb
Who wouldn’t want to feel like they are on top of the world while in Hawaii? Well, this classy, cozy modern two-bedroom apartment will deliver a vacation you’ll never forget. This apartment has a stunning bathroom with a double shower and dual sink, a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs with cable, and a Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard. It’s also a five-minute walk to Waikiki Beach.
Six guests, two bedroom
Price: per night
Photo: Airbnb
Out of all condos located in Oahu, this highrise luxury condo is the only privately-owned condo located on the beach. There are 240-degree views of the Diamond Head mountain, Waikiki city lights, coastlines, and beautiful Hawaii sunsets. It has floor-to-ceiling infinity doors that lead guests to the covered patio and there’s a fully equipped kitchen as well as an entertainment center perfect for the kids.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,240 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Waikiki is the center of the party on Oahu, with shopping, nightlife, and every take on dining — from fish tacos to filet mignon — a short walk away. This studio apartment is in the center of it all, an ideal way to experience Oahu’s most famous strip at an affordable rate. Two of the United States’ most famous beaches, Queen’s Beach and Kuhio Beach, are just beyond the building. Your balcony view will afford the luxury of plotting a spot on the sand in advance, overlooking not just the beach but the tropical greenery that Waikiki is known for.
Two guests, studio
Price: $160 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Located in one of the prominent, quiet, and safe neighborhoods in Oahu, Diamond Head, this large three-bedroom house is also centrally located and within walking distance to many beaches, surf spots, and a three-minute drive to Kahala Mall.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $2,036 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Sometimes you just have to go all out. In Oahu, there’s no better place to do so than with this luxurious marina-front home. The property has a sparkling pool overlooking Koko Head Crater, room for 13 guests with space to chill, and an amazing reflection of the morning’s sunrise beaming off the hills. Diamond Head, Honolulu, and Waikiki are a short drive north; though if you do decide to venture out of the neighborhood, we suggest heading the other direction and cruising the eastern coastline. Surf, more fish tacos, and the stunning views of Oahu’s rugged coastline await.
Thirteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,500 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just half a mile away from Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline this surf house is the perfect layout for catching some rad waves out in Hawaii. You have views from your private yard of North Shore’s Pipeline all the way down to Sunset Beach and also views from the master bedroom. Private beach access and an outdoor patio. This Oahu Airbnb is perfect for young couples with its private patio and outdoor beach access and families as it’s near Rocky Point that has a kid-friendly swimming hole.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $600 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Surfers come to the North Shore to experience some of the fiercest waves in the world. Even if you don’t partake, walking the shoreline and watching the surfers in action is an experience in itself. This garden retreat just off the beach is a cozy guesthouse that’s away from the action but within walking distance of it, ideal for a relaxing vacation.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $250 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Combine the perfect beach — Ke Iki, known for the North Shore’s best sunset — with a well-trimmed beach bungalow whose hosts are accustomed to the musings of the beach-going wayfarer, and you have the Ke Iki beach bungalows. This bungalow is outfitted with a cozy living space opening to the palm-lined beach, world-class surf, and coastal culture right outside the door.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $466 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This chic open floor plan loft is an ideal rental for any surfer as its private deck offers views of the nearby swell. It is also a short six-minute stroll to Sunset Beach and the Pipeline. This Oahu Airbnb features a small kitchen with a mini-fridge and wet bar and the dining room and the bedroom overlook the water. There is also free parking and a laundry room on the premises.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $300 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Cookie-cutter tourist experiences are easy to find on Oahu. Far rarer is something that none of your friends or family have done before. Try this coffee farm stay on a 7.5-acre tropical coffee farm, tucked away near the North Shore. The property owners call it a “secret garden cottage,” and it certainly feels like it — the property couldn’t possibly be more lush and green. Legendary surfing and fish tacos are just up the road at the North Shore, though you could also just chill here and sip coffee (or wine) in the gazebo.
Three guests, studio
Price: $185 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If traveling to Hawaii with extended family or several friends who want to stay waterside, this spacious home off Kailua is a great option. You’ll awaken to the sound of the waves each morning, with plenty of space for kids to sleep away from the parents. The large living space is perfect for game nights, social hours, and preparing meals for larger groups. Each bedroom opens to a private yard, though the beach is just steps away.
14 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $695 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This single-story villa was designed for entertaining. It’s one of the best Airbnbs on Oahu for groups of friends or families. Kailua is a world-famous kitesurfing location, so it’s also ideal for those who enjoy water sports and there are well-established kite surf schools minutes away if you want to learn the ropes. Kailua villa is air-conditioned and has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two other sleeping areas.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,280 per night
Where to travel in 2022 if you’re a Scorpio
When choosing your next vacation, why pick your destination by zodiac travel? By looking at the elements of your star sign you can line up a trip that fits your personality. This month are celebrating Scorpios and, as the eighth astrological sign, you, my Scorpio friend, are the most mystical, mysterious, and deep of all the zodiac signs.
You’re not afraid of delving into the depths of the shadows and alchemizing what you find. Your archetype, in fact, is known as The Alchemist. There are also two other symbols for Scorpio, other than the scorpion; the snake, and the eagle/phoenix.
The snake is a higher octave of the scorpion, representing its innate powers of transmutation and ability to shed its skin. As such, places where you can retreat and uncover parts of yourself and explore your inner psychology, such as retreats and sacred spaces, are well-suited for you.
The third symbol, the eagle/phoenix, is the highest expression of Scorpio. This symbol represents learning something new, rising from the ashes and teaching others how to do the same. Learning how to do a new healing practice or trying out a different form of activity, perhaps one that is tied into spirituality or ancestry would also be suitable, your sign does fall in the midst of spooky season after all!
Your ruling planets are Pluto and Mars, traditionally, indicating you aren’t afraid of power, leadership, and taking action — a trip where you can truly feel the awe-inspiring magnitude of power in nature will help you feel right at home.
As a water symbol, you are deeply in touch with your emotions, intuition, and creativity. Destinations near bodies of water, places that inspire an emotional reaction, or where you can get your creative juices flowing will also be beneficial for you.
Finally, as a fixed sign (the ones that denote the middle of seasons), there is also a certain staying power, rigidity, and appreciation of tradition with you. Zodiac travel destinations that involve visiting historical sites or that require some stamina, such as a pilgrimage or trek, vibe well with you too.
Here are the top seven zodiac travel destinations for you Scorpio — basically anywhere you can be by water and nature, while also exploring history, culture, and tradition; and expanding on your spirituality and sense of awe in the process, is ideal for you.
1. Cairo, Egypt2. Dry Tortugas National Park, US3. New Orleans, US4. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka5. Cape Town, South Africa6. Iguassu Falls, Argentina / Foz do Iguacu, Brazil7. Dubrovnik, Croatia1. Cairo, Egypt
Photo: Gabriel Seixas/Shutterstock
The land of infinite myths and mythologies, that has spawned countless fantasies, is sure to stoke your curiosity, Scorpio. This is the ideal destination for you because it allows you to explore ancient history and unknown mysteries. After wandering around the Pyramids of Giza and connecting to these mystic wonders, you can get lost in the epic Khan el-Khalili bazaar and use your scorpionic powers of persuasion to snag yourself some deals. Plus, both of these activities allow you to get your infamous detective hat on and get to the bottom of things.
2. Dry Tortugas National Park, US
Photo: Mia2you/Shutterstock
National parks bode well for you Scorpio because they are delineated areas where you can roam free. There is some element of containment, which as a fixed sign you will appreciate, but it also allows you to take the lead to explore — when you’re inside this vast expanse of nature, after all, it seems endless. Dry Tortugas National Park is even better for you because it’s surrounded by water. You have to arrive by boat (which is enough of an exciting adventure for you already) and then can tour around uncovering the 19th Century Fort Jefferson and seven surrounding islands. The snorkeling is also second to none!
3. New Orleans, US
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
The home of jazz, spirituality and rich tradition, this city is perfect for you Scorpio because it allows you to get in touch with your creativity, imagination, and spiritual side. You can let your mind wander as you peruse the whimsical winding streets that almost seem stuck in time, and get lost in the eerily beautiful landscapes nearby. Learning about Hoodoo and Voodoo will also satiate your thirst for knowledge on history, religion, spirituality, and magic. This city is sure to capture your heart and soul. There’s also a variety of exciting accommodation options from unique boutique hotels to Airbnbs.
4. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Photo: Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
This is an excellent zodiac travel destination for you Scorpio because it holds aging ruins, a rich traditional history, vibrant local culture, and luscious greenery. The awesome Lion Rock fortress has intriguing, innovative architecture and waterway systems dating from the 5th-century C.E, it’s even been dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World. While you’re in Sri Lanka, why not take the Insta-worthy Kandy to Ella train and round out this trip near the ocean in the chilled coastal town, Weligama.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Photo: Juergen_Wallstabe/Shutterstock
This seaside city has the perfect mix of water, nature, and urban buzz. There are many natural scenic spots to enjoy such as Table Moutain. Its expansive views welcome a laid-back culture that gives you the best of both worlds. After you’ve finished hiking to the top, you can cool off at Boulders Beach and mingle with the native penguins. If you have time, visit the prized surrounding vineyards for hearty, robust wine, and extend your trip up the beautiful Garden Route — where spotting whales on the horizon is common practice. Or, head to Kruger National Park for a safari in Johannesburg to end your voyage on the wild side.
6. Iguassu Falls, Argentina / Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
Photo: Nido Huebl/Shutterstock
This epic waterfall has got to be on your zodiac travel bucket list, Scorpio. Regardless of which side you visit, this vast network of waterfalls truly is a sight to behold. The sheer potency of water is palpable here. On the Brazilian side, you have a wide-open landscape to take in the sheer beauty in all its glory. And on the Argentinian side, you’ve got the breathtaking power of The Devil’s Throat. This part allows you to walk on an iron walkway right up to the crest. As you gaze mesmerized into the depths, you will hypnotically feel that you are simultaneously one with the waterfall and being taken by its currents.
7. Dubrovnik, CroatiaPhoto: Shutterstock/Lals Stock
You’ll love this zodiac travel destination because of its historical heritage (and familiarity for any Game of Thrones fans!), and location immersed in beautiful coasts and a plethora of islands to choose from (one of the most in Europe — more than 1200). After exploring the Old Town, you can end your evening with fresh-caught fish at a sea view table sipping local wine. There are also lots of exciting day trips and nearby Split, the so-called Saint-Tropez of Croatia. If you have the time, the intricate web of Plitviče waterfalls in the north are straight out of a fairytale.
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