Matador Network's Blog, page 580
September 14, 2021
A couple is raffling off their beautiful Italian villa for just $35
If Italy is the country of your dreams, now is the time to try to snag a home there for cheap. Couple Jon and Annmarie Nurse are raffling off their fully furnished, $470,000, four-bedroom, four-bathroom Italian villa with a garden and a private pool in the Tuscan countryside, and each ticket only costs $35. And the best part of this raffle? The proceeds will be going to children’s charities.
Photo: Jon Nurse
The couple has raffled off two homes before and raised a total of over $85,000 for children’s charities.
The winner can do anything with the property, whether that means turning it into a vacation home, permanently moving in, or renting the house out.
Photo: Jon Nurse
The winnings cover all transfer taxes and legal fees, a pair of flights to Italy, as well as car rental and accommodation for two days while the ownership transfer of the Italian villa is signed.
But for the raffle to go through, there must be at least 20,000 paid entries. Otherwise, the prize will be shifted to cash winnings.
The villa is located in the Garfagnana area in the northern part of Tuscany. It’s a one-hour drive to Lucca, a two-hour drive to Florence, and the coast is just a little over an hour away.
The ground level houses the living room, kitchen, and one of the bathrooms. The kitchen has been refurbished with locally sourced chestnut wood and seats eight in its indoor and outdoor eating areas. The living room has a fireplace and double doors leading to the terrace with views of the surrounding mountains.
Photo: Jon Nurse
On the first floor, you’ll find the bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms have en-suites, and all have stunning views.
Photo: Jon Nurse
Entries must be received by January 22, 2022, and you must be at least 18 to participate. One raffle ticket costs about $35. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions. 
The post A couple is raffling off their beautiful Italian villa for just $35 appeared first on Matador Network.
The best Outer Banks budget Airbnbs for couples, digital nomads, and small groups
Traveling for a beach escape sounds dreamy to most travelers, and the Outer Banks offers a myriad of communities for seaside adventure, nature, history, or simply, a respite. Find the famed First in Flight site, the Wright Brothers Memorial, take in some scenic drives, and have family fun on the deck of your very own cottage, while still finding time for productivity. The Outer Banks destination is multi-layered, with gardens, Airbnb homes and cottages for week to month stays, and a number of nature and heritage sites. These are the best Outer Banks budget Airbnbs for your upcoming trip.
Avalon Beach Bungalow in Kill Devil Hills
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: A small family, group of four, couples.
This intimate bungalow is good for a few friends to gather, family of four, or solo traveler seeking a scenic remote workspace. The small space is efficient, with plenty of welcome distractions for guests, and their pets. Hammocks, an outdoor shower to rinse after a beach walk, fishing pier, bicycles, boogie boards, surfboards, and other features make this a good option for a work and play stay. The bungalow is a central location for day trips to Corolla, Duck, Manteo, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $212 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Small groups, families
Nature lovers and remote workers will feel they have arrived in their personal sanctuary at this nice home with all the green–plants, the marshland location and proximity to Manteo Marsh. The simplicity, small area, and relatively new cottage in a quiet neighborhood make this an enviable spot. The office workspace for productivity during the day and the porch at sunset overlooking the Croatan Sound on Roanoke Island are a few bonuses to this home. Nearby eateries offer all the favorites, including seafood, burgers, deli, barbecue, pizza, and ice cream. Check out the farmers’ market for local eats on hand while working and venture to the restaurants for dinner. Exploration of Manteo means a celebration of nature, heritage, wildlife, craft beverage, aquatic life, and art. Find time for the Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and N.C. Aquarium, among other sites.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $170 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Small groups, extended families
Seeking seclusion for productivity, the geodesic dome house is an enigma worth discovering. The simplicity of decor will remove distractions, perfect for guests seeking productivity and focus time. The balance of nature and backyard that abuts protected marshland, with scenic trails. The dome house has updated, modern areas within the home to evoke a coffee shop feel.
Coffee in the morning on the swing and drinks on the deck amidst the soft string lights are an escape as much as excursions to the Outer Banks communities. A few minutes away, guests can drive to eateries for seafood, pizza, burgers, Asian meals, ice cream. Nights at home are perfect for board games and Salvo is perfect for serenity; a month’s stay provides a balance for time to work and explore Hatteras and additional towns for history, art, lighthouses, and more.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $375 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Extended families, group of friends
Idyllic beach trips are those picture-perfect seaside escapes, with a cottage and the kind of light decor that appeals to all tastes. The Coastal Cottage is a perfect fit for a group of friends or extended family, with the kind of space indoors that makes you want to stay inside and enjoy the home and venture out for sun, sea, and good food and drink. The Kitty Hawk home has a good blend of history, with modern conveniences. It was originally built to stable horses for a life saving station in the late 1800s. The horses transported lifeboats from the boathouse to the water as needed. In the mid ‘50s, the horse stable was lifted out of the sand and transformed into a home, seemingly like magic but actually through major renovations.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $420 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Groups, extended families
This Nags Head stay is for active adventurers seeking an opportunity to live like a local. The sunroom, two-minute walk to the beach, fire pit, indoor spaces for privacy, and quiet neighborhood provide an easygoing vacation, for a couple of couples or an extended family looking to spend time separately or together. The seasonal farmers’ market and Jockey’s Ridge State Park are essential stops on the itinerary.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $265 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Families, two couples, small group of friends
Private deck, porch, and plenty of space to comfortably work and relax, this historic home is close to downtown. Walks, bicycle excursions, or paddling, guests find themselves able to have as active or as relaxing an experience as they desire any particular day. Adirondack chairs, swing, and rockers each provide a corner of the cottage for gazing with coffee and time alone, with friends, or to work. The home pays homage to mother vine, the oldest known grapevine in colonial U.S. and the magnolia tree is appealing, too. Fifteen minutes away, the drive to more lively areas for dinner and/or live music create a fun outing.
Four guests, three bedrooms
Price: $204 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Groups, extended families
Bay to beach, this picturesque home is an idyllic spot for a family reunion or gathering among friends. The two hanging swings that face each other are a big draw for coffee and talk time or evening cocktails while simply enjoying each other’s company. Bicycles or short drive, the beach is not too far and the home offers plenty of atmosphere to relax, eat, and work, with the hot tub and nature views in a quiet neighborhood.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $379 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Groups, extended families
This is the perfect pad for guests seeking their own personal paradise, pool included. Gather or hide, the home is large enough for both, and the proximity to the essentials–grocery and beach–make it a typical beach getaway in a modern home with all the luxuries. Sun and shade, porch picnics or coffee on a hammock chair, side by side with a friend or significant other, the home is part of the experience in the Outer Banks. Equally important are the significant sights, including the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $443 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Groups, extended families
Luxury home with modern furnishings and setting for nights at home or after a day at the beach, the tables indoors are good for laptop work or lazing. Chill in the shade on adirondack chairs or in a hammock, with a hint of sunlight, or on the terrace. The house has its charm and comfort for a work and play retreat. Nearby, grocery stores, coffee shops, and eateries offer a mix for entertainment and opportunities to take in sightseeing.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $316 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Couples, families of four
This intimate rental is ideal for a family or couple, this space is much like a lovely suite or apartment efficiency with the essentials to make meals and relax. Dine indoors or grill outside and eat at the picnic table. Beach pass in hand, venture to paradise for sunny days at the shore or early walks to see the sunrise.
Four guests, 1 bedroom
Price: $114 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Couples
Intimate stay at a condo with a view of the sea from the rooftop deck. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is mystical and guests can begin and end their days worshipping the sun, surf, and natural beauty of seemingly untouched beach areas. The romantic getaway offers three decks (everyone has a favorite level) for views. Condo, cabana, or bungalow, this space is perfect for those seeking outdoor time, daily excursions, and plenty of activities and exploration.
Two guests, 1 bedroom
Price: $96 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Groups, extended families
Beach access, nearby pool, hot tub, multi-level decks, shuffleboard, and a beach volleyball court are a handful of amenities that make this house worth the trip. Togetherness when it makes sense and at meal times or time away to do whatever one likes while some guests work, the home is a haven for down time and proximity to area attractions.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $335 per night
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10 epic outdoor adventures in Dubai beyond the camel rides
While Dubai’s claim to fame might lie in its reputation as a city of scintillating skyscrapers, slick sportscars, and snazzy malls the size of small towns, a trip to the city need not be just about the luxurious and ostentatious. If you’re looking to enjoy Dubai’s abundant sun, sand, and sea through the lens of adventure, the city and its neighboring emirates are not short on epic offerings.
Some of the outdoor options are as over-the-top (and pricey) as you might expect from Dubai — as in ziplining between skyscrapers or snow skiing when it’s 120 degrees. Others offer the serene escape from the urban glitz that you may be seeking. Think kayaking alongside mangroves or hiking in the Hajar Mountains. Whichever adventure you seek, avoid pursuing it during the height of summer between May and August to avoid the real risk of dehydration.
1. Hike and bike in the Hajar Mountains in Hatta
Photo: Sudarsan Thobias/Shutterstock
A 90-minute drive from downtown Dubai, the exclave of Hatta in the Hajar Mountains is a major adventure destination in Dubai. This landscape that surrounds the town of Hatta is one of craggy peaks, dry wadis (valleys or ancient riverbeds), lakes, natural springs, and farmland, and it offers plenty of opportunities for active travelers through marked hiking and biking trails.
Hikers can explore 20 miles of trails through five marked routes, while cyclists are free to explore over 30 miles of trails with maps and route information available from the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center. Trails vary in suitability for different levels and all are free to use. At the Hatta Wadi Hub, where several trails begin, you can also try zorbing, axe-throwing, archery, and tube sliding. Other than toilets and showers, a café and food trucks are also available here. The beauty of the calm, azure waters of nearby Hatta Dam is best enjoyed by renting a kayak ($16 for a single kayak and $32 for a double) and paddling around the dusty peaks.
To appreciate Hatta from the air, tandem paragliding tours at $176 per 15-minute flight are also available. Don’t leave without visiting the Hatta Heritage Village, a restored village dating to the third century BC. For a glimpse of rural life in the old days, wander through reconstructed stone houses, courtyards, a majlis, and a museum. The restored mud and stone-built Hatta Fort dates back to 1896 and the two watchtowers offer views over lush date plantations.
2. Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
Photo: Skydive Dubai/Facebook
Palm Jumeirah, the man-made archipelago that looks like a palm tree when viewed from above, is one of Dubai’s most impressive engineering marvels. While most visitors drive around or book yacht tours to see this group of islands that are home to residences, luxury resorts, shopping malls, and beach clubs, its most unbeatable views are from the sky.
On a tandem skydive at the Palm Jumeirah Dropzone, you’ll leap out of a plane at 13,000 feet together with an instructor. The exhilarating freefall at 120 mph lasts for approximately 60 seconds, which go by quickly with a skydiving photographer taking photos and videos of you. Afterwards, you get to enjoy the view of the palm, with its fronds and a crescent that neatly frames it, while paragliding over Palm Jumeirah for a few minutes. Schedule three to four hours including time for instructions, weight and BMI check, gearing up, and a video interview. The whole experience through Dubai Skydive with an expert instructor and video footage, costs AED 1,799, or about $490. (It’s $50 less without the video)
3. Ride a dune buggy in the desertPhoto: matej_z/Shutterstock
A thirty to forty-minute drive from the city, the sublime golden landscape of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is best enjoyed between October and March when the weather is agreeable enough to wander between undulating dunes, see the desert on camelback, and experience a sunrise or sunset in the desert.
However, few adventures can equal the excitement of donning a helmet and strapping into a four-wheel-drive dune buggy, complete with roll cages and off-road suspension, and driving over massive dunes to reach speeds of up to 50 mph, roaring engines and all. With different tours, you do get what you pay for, with the pricier operator like Arabian Adventures giving you access (for $188 per person) to a powerful vehicle that’s better equipped for sharp twists and turns on the dunes. If you’re not feeling too confident about driving yourself, tours with a driver are available. Expect around two hours of driving time including a stop for drinks. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an Arabian oryx or two.
4. Sand board down a dune
Photo: Kseniya Resphoto/Shutterstock
If you’d rather enjoy the dunes without the sound of revving engines, trade them for the scraping of sand underneath your sandboard. Sand boards look like snowboards, but they are in fact designed to slide down dunes — although we can’t promise they are as easy to maneuver. Several outfitters will take you out to the desert to try this sport yourself, with a three-hour excursion costing only $24 per person.
5. Kayak in the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi
Photo: Eusaphzae/Shutterstock
A 90-minute drive from Dubai to the capital Abu Dhabi transports you to the tranquil Eastern Mangroves, a protected nature reserve of mangrove forests inhabited by diverse marine and birdlife.
A kayak trip through the mangrove forests offers the chance to get up close with flamingos, herons, turtles, fish, stingrays, and crabs, easily spotted in the calm, clear water. You can join a guided trip or rent a kayak for as little as $13 from one of the operators in the area — such as SeaHawk. It’s a good idea to bring your binoculars for a bit of birdwatching. The trips are also suitable for beginners, with plenty of time to stop for a rest or enjoy a picnic.
6. Go parasailing with views of Ain Dubai
Photo: Novikov Aleksey/Shutterstock
Right next door to cool restaurants, cafes, shopping, and a cinema, the lively JBR Beach is an excellent way to spend a morning in Dubai. There are plenty of watersports here, and you can rent stand-up paddleboards for $16/hour — but a parasailing trip offers truly breathtaking views over Dubai Marina, JBR, and Ain Dubai, the world’s largest ferris wheel that stands 820 feet high on Bluewaters Island.
Secured to a parasail that is being towed by a boat, you’ll soar above the Arabian Sea up to a height of 500 feet to get a bird’s-eye view of skyscrapers, beaches, yacht marinas, the islands of Palm Jumeirah, and the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. While initially stomach-lurching, the ten minutes spent in the air are actually quite relaxing — although not cheap at about $95 a pop. You can choose to parasail solo or in tandem with a companion.
7. Scuba dive in Fujairah
Photo: Al Boom Diving/Facebook
For a refreshing change of scenery from the concrete-glass-steel cityscape of Dubai, take a day trip to Fujairah, an emirate on the eastern coast of the UAE that offers fantastic diving opportunities along its long coastline.
The beaches here are along the Gulf of Oman — which means a warmer sea and vibrant marine life, fed by currents, that’s richer than elsewhere in the country. On diving trips around one of Fujairah’s many diving sites — such as Snoopy Island, Martini Rock, and Dibba Rock, expect to see coral gardens, lionfish, stingrays, turtles, among other creatures. Dives are available for all levels of proficiency, and some operators like Al Boom Diving also offer night dives. If you’d like to make a day of it, then get a package that also includes a barbeque lunch on the boat after your dives. Both diving and snorkeling gear are available to rent.
8. Kitesurf in Jumeirah
Photo: Ashraf Hamdan/Shutterstock
Kite Beach is Dubai’s coolest weekend hangout spot, especially between October and March when the weather cools down considerably. With groups playing beach volleyball, live capoeira, live music, food trucks, pop-up markets and cinemas, beach yoga, fitness sessions, trampolines, and other activities, Kite Beach is worth a visit. Here you can choose to swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, run on the two-mile track, or just lie on the beach and enjoy views of the Burj Al Arab.
The name of the beach comes from its popularity with kitesurfers, who can often be seen launching off over the water at one end of the beach. There are a couple of different kitesurfing schools here; among them are Kitesurf School Dubai, which offer lessons, with options available for beginners and intermediates, along with equipment rental. Thanks to calm waters that are perfect for beginners, most schools also offer stand-up paddling (SUP) lessons (including SUP board rental).
9. Zipline among skyscrapers
Photo: Dubai XLine/Facebook
On most itineraries, Dubai Marina is a must-visit, thanks to the beautiful skyscrapers that rise along the promenade on both sides of the marina, creating the perfect photo opportunity. While boat tours are a good way to take it slow here, if you’re looking for more excitement than relaxation, consider ziplining among skyscrapers on the world’s longest urban zipline.
You’ll take off from a skyscraper at a height of 560 feet, cover the .6-mile distance at speeds of up to 50 mph, zip over the luxurious yachts and bustling promenade, and finish at ground level at the Dubai Marina Mall. If you’d like to share the adventure with a companion, a second zipline offers the chance to do it in tandem. Singles are about $175 and, if you go tandem, it’s about $325 for the two of you.
10. Indoor ski at Ski Dubai
Photo: Rob Crandall/Shutterstock
Ironically, the one adventure here that is pursued indoors is only an outdoor activity anywhere else in the world. Even more oddly, you’ll most want to do it the hotter it gets — and it’s the one thing you could do in mid-summer. At Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort that is spread over 22,500 square meters with temperatures as low as 25°F, you can ski and snowboard even in the height of summer.
A 915-square-foot mountain and five slopes of varying difficulty offer options for everyone, whether you’re a novice or an intermediate skier. Ski and snowboard lessons are also available for beginners. Afterwards, soar 16 feet above the slopes on the 5000-foot long Snow Bullet zip line or go sledding in the snowpark.
The post 10 epic outdoor adventures in Dubai beyond the camel rides appeared first on Matador Network.
You can now rent this Winnie The Pooh house on Airbnb
If your dream was to ever live like Winnie the Pooh and friends in Hundred Ace Wood, your wish has come true — in Disney fashion. As part of Disney’s 95th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh, you can now stay at the Winnie The Pooh house on Airbnb.
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.
Host and Disney-appointed Winnie the Pooh illustrator Kim Raymond, who has been drawing Pooh and friends for over 30 years, curated the house and brought Pooh’s home to life using inspiration from the book’s original artwork and decorations by author E. H. Shepard.
“I have been illustrating Winnie the Pooh for thirty years, and I continue to be inspired by the classic decorations of E.H. Shepard and the more recent Disney stories. The ‘Bearbnb’ is a unique experience that brings the charm of Pooh to life for fans, whilst honoring the original adventures that have been so important to many people for 95 years, said Kim Raymond in a press release.
Photo: Henry Woide/Airbnb
This cute and quaint Winnie the Pooh home or ‘Bearbnb’ is located in and inspired by England’s Ashdown Forest. The Bearbnb can sleep up to four guests at a time, and guests will get to experience a tour of the original Hundred Acre Wood and eat ‘hunny’-inspired foods.
Along with the home being just like the one from the books, this Winnie the Pooh-inspired home has many book references like Mr. Sanders’ inscribed above the doorway, Bespoke wallpaper designed by host Kim Raymond and also Pooh’s ‘hunny’ pots in the cabinets.
This charming Bearbnb will be open to families for a limited time. Bookings open September 20th and will be available for two separate stays on September 24th and 25th. Bookings start at $105 per night.
To reserve your stay at this Bearbnb check out the Airbnb listing.
The post You can now rent this Winnie The Pooh house on Airbnb appeared first on Matador Network.
The ultimate gear guide for your multi-day rafting adventure
Whether you are joining an organized whitewater rafting trip or setting out with a group of friends, having the right gear for a multi-day wilderness river trip is imperative for comfort and safety. Besides the obvious items to get down a river like a raft, inflatable ducky, or whitewater SUP boards, there is a lot more that you need to pack into your dry bags.
Note, if you are going with a professional river outfitter like OARS some of these items (tent, camp chair, water purifying device, and cooler) will be provided to you. But if you are planning your own DIY adventure, you’ll need to chat with your group about who is bringing what. Regardless, this what-to-pack gear guide will help get you started.
We hope you love the fall camping gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Tent
Photo: Amazon
Check out the Kelty Night Owl 2 Person Tent. Designed for backcountry trips, it is lightweight and also super easy to set up — thanks to the company’s Quick-Corner Technology. The tent has an oversized tour-door design, with lots of space inside as well as built-in storage. The best part about bringing this tent on a river trip, however, is its stargazing fly that can be open and closed from the inside. Roll it open if you want to check out the night sky, but easily roll it down when the rain starts or a sandstorm moves through.
price: $229.95
Dry Bag
Photo: REI
Dry bags, which are durable waterproof bags to keep gear dry, are absolutely essential for a river trip. If you go on a guided trip with an outfitter, these will be provided to you — but if you’re heading out on your own, you’ll definitely want to make sure you pack enough of these to store all your gear in. The size and number of dry bags you will need for your trip of course depends on how much gear you are packing.
Sea to Summit is a reputable company that makes traditional roll-top dry bags in a number of sizes. Most are very lightweight. You’ll want a small bag to clip near you that carries your day gear, as well as one or two larger bags for storing tents, sleeping bags, clothes and other gear. The Sea to Summit Big River Dry bag is a good choice for the latter. It can store up to 65 liters of gear. It pairs well with the company’s three-pack of lightweight dry bags in smaller sizes.
price: $16.95 to $64.95
Sleeping Bag
Photo: REI
Camping for five nights can be uncomfortable without the right gear. We love Big Agnes for sleeping bags, as well as for easy-to-inflate air mattresses that fold up to be about the size of a water bottle. Try the Big Agnes System, which is designed so that the sleeping bag attaches to the sleeping pad so you don’t roll off in the middle of the night.
Big Agnes System Bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weights. You’ll want to choose a bag that fits the temperature rating for the destination you are going — since there’s nothing worse than being cold at night. The company has also created bags specifically for sleep positions. For instance, if you’re a side sleeper and don’t mind a snug fit, the Sidewinder Mummy was created specifically for this sleep style.
price: $159.95 to $349.95
Sleeping Pad and Pillow
Photo: REI
Like their bags, the Air Chamber Sleeping Pads are also created for different seasons and are very economical, with their lightest weight pad, the Air Core Ultra, costing just $59.95. Air chamber bags use a second bag as a hand pump, take less than 5 minutes to fully inflate and always place at least 3.25 inches of air cushioned padding between you and the ground. For colder weather trips, purchase one of their insulated sleeping pads to add more warmth.
All Big Agnes bags and pads are highly compressible and great for fitting in dry bags due to their small size. With gear this small, you might have space to bring your favorite bedroom pillow as well — since having the proper pillow makes a big difference when it comes to sleep quality.
price: $59.95 to $249.95
Sun shirt and sarong
Photo: REI
It gets really hot on flat-water days, and by day three the sun can feel relentless. A sunburn and a sandy beach campsite don’t mix well either, so you’ll definitely want to pack sun shirts. The long-sleeved and hooded NRS H2Core Silkweight Hoodie is what most of the river guides chose to wear and will keep you comfy on even the hottest days. Drench the shirt in water and it will keep you cool for around 30 minutes; that works well for hikes as well. The shirts also have friction-free underarm zones to keep you from chafing while oaring or paddling. Plus, they wick excess moisture from your body.
REI Co-op also makes an assortment of reliable UPF 50+ sun shirts for various body types. A sarong is also highly recommended. It can be soaked in water and draped across your body to provide more cool-down methods.
price: $59.95
Sandals
Photo: REI
Running rapids in flip flops is not the smartest idea, and many commercial outfitters will outright forbid it. It is much smarter to bring a proper pair of river sandals that stay attached to your feet and protect your toes in some manner. Chacos is one of the top brands, with sandals designed by river guides. The Classic Z is their most popular river sandal model, offering adjustable straps for personalized fits and made in a rainbow of color choices for men and women.
price: $105
Satellite texting device
Photo: Somewear Labs/Facebook
If your rafting trip is going to take you out of cell phone range, then bringing a satellite texting device (especially if you are not traveling with a commercial outfitter) is important for emergency situations. Somewear Labs makes a lightweight satellite hotspot that pairs with your smartphone via a slick app. The device allows you to send and receive SMS messages and also has an emergency SOS button that, when pressed, will send a SOS signal to the closest local emergency services. The company offers plans as low as $9 per month. These can be paused when you aren’t using them. The device itself costs $250.
price: $250, then plans from $9/month
Portable power bank
Photo: Amazon
If you want to charge your electronic devices on the river, you’ll need some kind of battery charger. If you care less about weight and just want a charger that will keep your smartphone and cameras charged for multiple days at a time then check out the Omni Ultimate by Omnicharge. The portable power bank is boxy and weighs around 3 pounds, but you can charge devices multiple times before the bank runs out of power.
Solar chargers are another option. The Solar 7 by Box Synergy is a lightweight and affordable option, but note that solar takes a much longer time to charge a device. Also when temperatures are extremely high, your device may overheat attempting to charge. Still if space is tight and you want a featherlight device, then it’s a viable choice.
price: $90 to $399
Polarized sunglasses
Photo: REI
You’ll be rafting through a desert and it is hot, dry, and dusty. High quality sunglasses will save your eyes. You’ll find a range of pieces and styles, but the Cheeca Polarized sunglasses with green lenses by Costa del Mar look great and are super comfy. They even stay on in whitewater.
price: $199
Headlamp and lantern
Photo: REI
Headlamps make after-dark river life a lot easier and keep your hands free. The BioLite Headlamp 2000 is full USB rechargeable, so you don’t need extra batteries. Aslo small and USB rechargeable is the AlpenGlow 250 by BioLite lantern. It’s also practical for inside your tent as well as fun for riverside dance parties. It has a full range of color modes from candle flicker to a multicolor party mode that can be activated by shaking. The lantern also doubles as a power bank that can charge your phone if necessary — although this will quickly drain the lantern’s battery.
price: $49.99 to $59.99
Water purifier
Photo: REI
If you are going with a commercial outfitter, then you won’t need to worry about purifying your water on your trip as your guides will have purification systems. But for DIY trips, the Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier is a great choice that’s also very easy to use. Simply click a button and gently agitate the water in a 16-ounce, wide-neck water bottle. It takes less than a minute using UV-C light rays to purify clear water by destroying 99.99 percent of protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), bacteria, and even some viruses.
price: $119
Cooler
Photo: YETI
Bringing the wrong cooler on a river trip can ruin your entire adventure. If you plan to bring perishable food on your river trip, this is not something you want to skimp on price- or brand-wise. Yeti coolers are what river outfitters like OARS use. When packed correctly and not opened too many times, they have the capacity to keep ice from melting and food and drinks icy cold for days on end.
Check out the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler. They come with three inches of insulation in the form of a pressure-injected commercial grade polyurethane foam that keeps your ice in its frozen form for days. Pre-chilling the cooler with a bag of ice a few hours before packing it will keep it even colder longer. The cooler also has rubber pull tab latches that create a tight seal when closed. While the Tundra 45 has 32.9 liters of storage, the larger Tundra 65 Cooler has a 57.6-liter capacity.
price: $299.98
Camp stove
Photo: REI
The Eureka Ignite Plus 2-Burner Camp Stove is a great stove choice for group river trips. The two-burner stove runs off propane and has auto ignition. The two-turn simmer control helps with adjusting temperature for optimal cooking performance. The stove is rugged enough to stand up to bumps on the river and has adjustable non-slip rubber feet that keep it level when cooking. The stainless steel drip tray makes cleanup fast and easy, and the stove has sturdy latches that keep it closed even when getting thrown around on the boat on whitewater days.
price: $144.85
Camp chair
Photo: REI
If you are traveling as a twosome or just want more space to stretch out after a long day on the river then check out the Low Loveseat by Kelty. The company dubs it a “camping-friendly cuddle couch” and it is definitely comfier than many camp chairs. It also has a slightly reclined design that makes it even more chill. There are insulated beverage holders on either side and the durable steel frame is rugged yet easy to fold up and down into its roll-tote carry bag.
price: $109.95
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An inside look at Baha Mar’s massive new water park, complete with 24 slides and a casino
There are water parks, and there are water parks where you can jump off a waterslide and play three hands of blackjack. Now that the latter exists, the bar has forever been raised.
Baha Bay, Baha Mar’s colorful slide palace that opened this summer, is unlike any park a luxury resort has ever seen. Across 15 tropical acres, it has 24 waterslides, a beachy 500,000-gallon wave maker, a lazy river, multiple restaurants, and the Caribbean’s first water park casino.
Of course, with this much in one place, figuring the whole thing out can be a little overwhelming. So in the name of public service, I took a quick trip to the Bahamas, tried it all out, and figured out how to make the most of Baha Bay.
First, post up at the beach clubThe park is included in your resort fee at Baha Mar, but for those who aren’t guests at the resort, limited single-day tickets are available for $130 per adult and $65 per kid. Once you’ve gotten in, just right of the entrance you’ll see a velvet rope marking the entrance to the Baha Bay Beach Club. The partitioned-off section of shoreline has two glimmering infinity pools with in-pool seating, plush lounge chairs, and private cabanas with views of the water.
Along with the requisite food and cocktails, Baha Bay Beach Club offers a peaceful place to set your stuff in between trips down the slides. Plush beach chairs start at $75, daybeds start at $200, and private cabanas go for $400 and must be reserved in advance.
Your first slides: Pirates Plunge
Photo: Baha Bay at Baha Mar
The closest slides to the entrance are Pirates Plunge. Though the slides finish with a dramatic drop, they’re an ideal warmup. The short walk up the tower is a great spot for a peek at the ocean, and the short, twisting slides remind you how jostling water parks can be.
After about 15 seconds of high-speed turns, you’ll see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Hold your nose, because you’re about to be dropped between 5 and 7 feet into the water and turned all sorts of disorienting angles. After a couple trips, your body and mind should be ready for the big stuff.
Right across from Pirates Plunge, you’ll also find the park’s casino, a small and breezy open space where you can regain your composure with a quick hand of Pai-Gow. It’s worth doing for the novelty, but spending a day at the water park inside a casino might be indicative that you shouldn’t have committed to going to a water park in the first place.
Move on to the Cyclone RushGet the lay of the land on your way to the next slides by walking past Baha Bay Lagoon, along the lazy river, and through the food market to Cyclone Rush. Cyclone Rush is a group raft slide that combines the swirling of a toilet bowl slide with the high-speed terror of the high-walls.
The raft spins through dark tunnels before dumping you out in a swirling bowl, down a steep descent, then up a wall blasted with raging water.
Head back up the tower and hit the Hammerhead, another raft slide that’s not quite as dramatic. Lines for this one are usually a lot shorter, so you can do Hammerhead until the Cyclone Rush line dies down.
Hit the big time slides at Devil’s Backbone and Thunderball
Photo: Baha Bay at Baha Mar
Back across Baha Bay Lagoon is the imposing tower that marks the beginning of the park’s most eye-peeling slides. The walk up up multiple flights of stairs to Devil’s Backbone and Thunderball is no joke. If you’re not in great shape, you may want to do these one at a time, spread over the day.
The view of the Caribbean at the top is worth the trip, but don’t stare too long. The more you look down, the more you’ll psych yourself out from dropping down the 80-foot Thunderball, Baha Bay’s resident speed slide. Your best move is to step up, dangle your feet out, and let go as soon as the attendant says so. You’ll drop nearly straight down, slowed only by the water shooting up your legs. It’s all over in a matter of seconds, and is the quickest thrill in the park.
Wipe the water out of your eyes and make the trek back up to the top of the tower for Devil’s Backbone. This is a classic trapdoor slide, where you stand in a clear, upright chamber and wait for the bottom to drop out. Devil’s Backbone counts you down as soon as the door closes, so the drop isn’t quite as jarring. Once the initial rush of freefall goes away, it’s a smooth, winding trip to the bottom. The line for Devil’s Backbone is usually longer, while the Thunderball lines are never long.
Relax on the Lazy River
Photo: Baha Bay at Baha Mar
After all that adrenaline, it’s time to relax on the lazy river. Grab a tube at any entrance and enjoy the 15-minute float under dripping waterfalls and past its lone, thunderous rapid. It’s a nice way to take in some sun while still enjoying the action of the park. Just know that while it’s tempting to take a drink on the river with you, it’s technically against the rules.
Finish your first slide tour at the Dueling Riptide CoasterNow that you’ve had a chance to catch your breath on the lazy river, get your heart going again on the last two adult slides you haven’t tried. Race your friends on two-person tubes on the Dueling Riptide coaster along a track-assisted slide that drops, climbs, and twists in and out of dark tunnels. You’ll spot your competition at sunny intervals along the way. But if you’re behind, chill. There’s really no safe way to catch up.
When headed up an incline, get ready for a rush of water to the face when you reach the top, followed by a quick descent into darkness before you head up again. The slide is worth doing a few times since lines are short, and the loser will always want a rematch.
Lunch in the Market and a trip to the kid slidesAfter your first lap of slides, you’ll probably be hungry. While water park food is typically considered “good” if the chicken strips aren’t too stale (and this is coming from someone who knows his chicken strips), Baha Bay offers the best food I’ve ever seen. Cleo, a middle eastern restaurant from Miami that’s also in the resort, offers falafel, hummus, and other spicy stuff. Vegans can delight in offerings from Mr. Plant. A short walk away you’ll find an Umami Burger with an impressive beer bar. You just might want to head back to the beach club for a nap after eating here.
The Market is also conveniently across short bridges from Baha Bay’s two kids’ areas – Stingray Cove and Turtle Beach. If you’ve got small kids, lunch is the ideal time to take them to the childrens’ slides while the other parent eats.
Photo: Baha Bay at Baha Mar
Post-lunch is a good time to return to the Baha Bay Lagoon to get some sun. Taking a dip in the inviting 500,000-gallon wave pool might seem appealing, but it’s kinda like getting knocked around on a rough day at the beach.
Across the path, near Pirate’s Plunge, you’ll find The Surf. This is the park’s surf simulator and is fun if you know what you’re doing. Riding the waves makes for a nice change of pace from all the vertical speed, but with big crowds, your wipeouts will be on public display.
Wait until you’ve done a full tour of the park before getting your drink on. Not only for safety reasons, but also because those types of thrills are best experienced with all your faculties. Once you’ve tried everything there is to try, retreat to the beach club for a couple of cocktails, or sip rosé in the infinity pool. Early-to-mid afternoon is a good time to alternate a drink with a waterslide.
The park closes in the early evening, and Baha Mar’s best restaurant is right outside the entrance. Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus sits in a whitewashed Caribbean house right on the beach, where you can grab sunset cocktails on the roof in your water park best, then head downstairs for a hearty, Southern-Caribbean meal. The cornbread is a must, but the fried yard bird is what made the chef famous. And the black crab Bolognese is an island take on an Italian classic.
Between a day on the waterslides and a big meal at Marcus, no one’s going to blame you if you call it a night back in your room. There’s plenty to see in the rest of the resort, but with a shiny new spot like Baha Bay beckoning every morning, it might be hard to see anything else.
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Watch: This animation of banknotes from around the world will hypnotize you
Money has a powerful effect on people, but who knew world currencies could put you through a trance like this? This mesmerizing animation of banknotes is so hypnotic that you’ll be hard-pressed to take your eyes off the screen.
This animation of banknotes was created by Los Angeles director and animator Lachlan Turczan in collaboration with musician Blake Mills. The animation, titled “Money Is The One True God” is a “kaleidoscope of currency [that] reveals what humans have valued over time,” Turczan explains in the Vimeo caption.
To create this animation, Turczan scanned banknotes from 23 countries. The banknotes are not all modern, they range from the 1800s to the present day and feature world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela; scenes of slavery; iconic landscapes and landmarks; as well as historical figures.
Photo: Lachlan Turczan/Vimeo
Photo: Lachlan Turczan/Vimeo
In this animation of banknotes, Turczan also focuses on the tiny details one tends to overlook on banknotes, like the colorful background motifs, the small symbols and crests, as well as the repeated geometric patterns that offer counterfeit protection. It’s those intricacies, when animated, that cast a spell on the viewers.
Photo: Lachlan Turczan/Vimeo
Photo: Lachlan Turczan/Vimeo
“Iconic scenes throughout history are also shown: the age of exploration leads to industrialization, wonders of the world are replaced by office buildings, and icons of freedom stand in stark contrast to images of slavery. The project culminates with the collective eyes of all world leaders staring back at the audience,” said Turczan.
Photo: Lachlan Turczan/Vimeo
To see more of his work, visit his Instagram or website.
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September 13, 2021
Everything you need to know about British Columbia’s vaccine passport
British Columbia is the latest destination to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access certain establishments and events. The BC Vaccine Card rollout will be enforced in two stages: As of Monday, September 13, Canada’s westernmost province requires proof of partial vaccination, meaning at least one dose of a certified COVID-19 vaccine, while proof of two doses or full vaccination will be mandated on October 24. This mandate is currently in effect until January 31, 2022, with the option to be renewed.
If you live in British Columbia or have plans to visit, and are at least 12 years old, here’s everything you need to know about the BC Vaccine Card.
What’s required to get a vaccine pass?To obtain a BC Vaccine Card, residents of the province are required to submit their date of birth, Personal Health Number, and date of vaccination through the provincial government’s online Health Gateway. Residents who already have a Health Gateway account can log in using their BC Services Card App. Entering this information will yield unique QR codes that will serve as proof of partially or fully vaccinated status. In addition to the BC Vaccine Card, British Columbia residents should be prepared to show a government ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
A grace period has been set to ensure a smooth transition to the BC Vaccine Card system. Through September 26, alternate forms of documentation will be accepted as proof of vaccination, including an immunization record issued by your vaccine clinic, pharmacy, or the National Defence of Canada; a printed immunization record from Health Gateway; a Provincial Immunization Registry or Immunize BC record; or immunization records from health authorities such as Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, or Northern Health.
How can international travelers provide proof of vaccination?Residents of Canada visiting British Columbia from elsewhere in the country will be required to show an officially recognized vaccine record issued from their province or territory alongside a government ID. The rule is similar for international visitors. Any vaccination record that granted foreign nationals entry into Canada, such as the one uploaded in ArriveCAN, will be accepted as proof of vaccination in British Columbia in conjunction with a passport for proof of identification.
Where is proof of vaccination required?As a rule, anyone over the age of 12 looking to recreate indoors in British Columbia should be prepared to show proof of vaccination. This includes dining and drinking venues outfitted for indoor and patio seating, fitness facilities, entertainment venues such as movie theaters and casinos, performing arts centers, sports arenas, venues facilitating team sports and classes, and organized events such as weddings and workshops with 50 or more people.
Where is proof of vaccination not required?Day-to-day services are largely exempt from the BC Vaccine Card mandate. Included in this list are grocery and liquor stores, pharmacies, banks, retails stores, local public transportation, dining facilities without indoor and patio seating such as coffee shops and fast-food restaurants, food banks and shelters, hairdressers, entertainment venues without table service such as arcades and bowling alleys, and accommodations such as hotels and campsites unless it’s being used as a venue for organized events of 50 or more people.
Exemptions also apply to certain events, including worship services, K-12 school programs and activities, recreational sports for participants who are 19 years old or younger, and organized events with fewer than 50 people with the exception of adult sporting events. For a more complete list of examples, consult the British Columbia government website.
The post Everything you need to know about British Columbia’s vaccine passport appeared first on Matador Network.
Squaw Valley Ski Resort name change
After a year-long deliberation, California’s Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows ski resort has officially changed its name to Palisades Tahoe in order to rectify the offensive terminology used in its previous moniker. Derived from the Algonquin language, the word “squaw” originally translated to “woman” but became perverted over the years as a derogatory term used to denigrate Indigenous women, one that the famed ski resort has finally erased from its vocabulary.
The process of adopting a new name, which has also unified the resort’s two mountains, demanded careful consideration. It involved extensive research into the region’s Indigenous history, consultation with the local Washoe Tribe, and a look into the resort’s cultural impact since its establishment in 1949. Numerous surveys yielding over 3,000 replies, and a series of focus groups targeting various members of the local and resort communities, provided invaluable insight into what name would better serve the Olympic Valley mainstay. In the end, Palisades Tahoe was chosen to honor the resort’s legendary granite faces and chutes.
Newly appointed Palisades Tahoe President and COO Dee Byrne acknowledged the necessity of the name change in a press release earlier today. “It is inspiring that after seven decades in operation, a company as storied and established as this resort can still reflect and adjust when it is the necessary and right thing to do,” she said, adding, “We have a reputation for being progressive and boundary-breaking when it comes to feats of skiing and snowboarding. We have proven that those values go beyond the snow for us.”
With the name change also comes a new logo. Depicting two of the resort’s iconic peaks and the outline of an eagle, a sacred Washoe symbol and token of the resort’s legacy as freeskiing capital, the new imagery captures the spirit of Palisades Tahoe’s past, present, and future.
These changes go beyond branding. They also represent a commitment to education, one that’s anchored by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. In partnership with the tribe, Palisades Tahoe launched a Washoe Cultural Tour series this summer to offer visitors an Indigenous perspective of Olympic Valley from the stewards of their ancestral lands. The resort also plans to display Washoe artifacts at High Camp and is currently working with the tribe’s historic preservation and resources offices to make “skiing more accessible” to its members.
A version of this article was previously published on August 28, 2020, and was updated on September 13, 2021, with more information.
More like thisWinter SportsNorth Lake Tahoe is awesome in winter — even if you don’t skiThe post appeared first on Matador Network.
Some Virgin planes will soon have lounge booths for the chicest in-flight cocktail experience
Anyone who has flown knows that the amenities in first class are quite enviable when compared to economy tickets. Now Virgin Airlines is taking first-class amenities to a whole new level that might make you want to splurge for the coveted seats. The airline, which is already known for its in-flight bar and loft area, recently announced a new interior and cabin configuration of the A350 aircraft that includes “The Booth,” which puts bar-like seating in the sky.
The Booth is built like the booth-seating you’d find at a restaurant or bar with leather seats and a table in the middle for two people. It also includes two 27-inch touch screen monitors to showcase a digital art gallery featuring up-and-coming artists and a camera with live footage of the aircraft making its way through the sky.
“We’re famous for our on-board social spaces and the introduction of The Booth elevates the customer proposition for our leisure travelers to new heights,” chief customer and operations officer Corneel Koster said in a press release. “We love creating brilliantly different experiences, which is why we’re always evolving our ideas to offer something different and exciting in the air and on the ground.”
The Booth will first be available to travelers in December 2021 who are traveling between London and Orlando, Florida, and it will roll out to A350 aircrafts to other sunny destinations like Barbados in 2022.
“I’m delighted that we’ve curated The Booth specifically for our customers jetting off on holiday to our sunny destinations, such as Orlando, offering a truly stylish start to their trips,” Koster said.
Other changes to the A350 aircraft include expanding its capacity to 397 seats — 16 upper class suites, 56 premium seats, and 325 economy seats. The Upper-Class suites will now have all window-facing seats with a fully flat bed, and all cabins now have the largest entertainment screens available on any Virgin Atlantic plane.
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