Matador Network's Blog, page 594
August 23, 2021
Here’s what you need to know about the changing cost of travel as the pandemic drags on
Travel made a huge comeback this summer as we thought we could see the end of COVID-19. Many were booking flights and hotels, taking road trips, renting Airbnbs, and finding the next tropical destination that would soon be open.
But the Delta variant is causing people to question vacationing, and the travel industry is trying to adjust. Along with this, the cost of travel is starting to rise. Destination Analytics found in a recent survey that people’s optimism in travel had crashed by 40% since early June.
Here’s what the New York Times reported on how prices are rising and what you can expect when planning your next trip this fall:
AirfareThe Consumer Price Index reported fares increased 7% between April and May and had a 3% increase in June and July.United Airlines plans to operate with 26% fewer flights in its third-quarter, compared to 2019.Southwest has experienced a decrease in booking and an increase in cancellations.Hopper expects a 10% decline in domestic airfare in the fall and predicts that fall leisure travel will continue as people figure out how to travel during a pandemic.AccommodationsAirbnb and other vacation rentals are beginning to increase by 20%, compared to 2019.Holiday bookings have increased by 250%.Hotels in popular destinations like the Florida Keys and Myrtle Beach, S.C., increased in price. The August 2019 four-week average in the Florida Keys is $239 compared to $499 this month.There are still deals to be found in big cities. ( Ex.— New York City is at roughly $205 on average compared to $240 in 2019)Car rentals and ridesharingDue to the shortage of drivers, prices for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have increased.Car rental rates went up 73% according to Consumer Price Index report and most likely will continue to rise.COVID-19 is continuing to cause changes to travel rates and regulations, but we’ll keep you updated.
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August 20, 2021
The FAA has fined unruly passengers more than $1 million in 2021 so far
A growing number of passengers are flying again as travel restrictions are being lifted. With that, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also noticed a rise in cases of unacceptable passenger behavior. After FAA Administrator Steve Dickson signed an order a Zero Tolerance Policy toward unruly passenger behavior on January 13, 2021, the administration has fined 120 passengers a total of over $1 million in 2021 as of August 19. Of the 3,889 reports, 2,867 are for passengers who refused to follow the federal mask mandate.
The second most expensive fine was $42,000 against a passenger on a JetBlue flight on May 16 from New York to San Francisco. The passenger was fined for interfering with crewmembers after failing to comply with the facemask mandate, making non-consensual physical contact, throwing things, and threatening bodily harm, including stabbing gestures toward other passengers. The passenger was also found snorting what “appeared to be” cocaine from a plastic bag.
The policy was adopted not only because of mask mandates. The FAA noticed an increase of reports they attributed to alcohol consumption, as well as violence towards flight attendants. Although FAA regulations specifically prohibit alcohol consumption aboard an aircraft that isn’t served by the airline, some airlines have even gone as far as to ban alcohol from in-flight menus. But the FAA has also requested airports ask concessionaires to discontinue alcohol to go, which can cause passengers to believe they can carry that alcohol onto their flights.
Other major fines trend toward the egregious. On a Republic Airlines flight on Feb. 28, from Key West, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, a passenger was fined $17,000 for failing to comply with the facemask mandate, drinking alcohol not served by the airline, and attempting to use a vape pen. A $10,000 fine resulted from a passenger on an Allegiant Airlines flight on April 29, after failing to comply with the facemask mandate and urinating on the lavatory floor, which leaked into the galley area.
The FAA is only able to fine offenders but instructs airlines to call for law enforcement when necessary. Along with traditional PSAs, the FAA has also created a “Kids Talk” video where kids disapprove of adults who behave poorly on flights. It has also created memes that it shares on social media.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The FAA (@faa)
“As a former commercial airline captain, I know firsthand that disruptive passengers pose a safety risk to the crew and to other passengers. Flying is the safest mode of transportation and we intend to keep it that way,” Dickson said in a Public Service Announcement on July 16.
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This rich investor plans travel using a spreadsheet of his friends’ income
For us regular folk, the lifestyles of the wealthy and privileged can be an endless source of fascination, entertainment, and righteous scorn. Take the case of TikToker @tcruznc, who stirred up controversy with a video (which is no longer on his feed but still available reposted on Twitter) in which he reveals how he and his friends plan luxury vacations. In the clip, Cruz shows a spreadsheet that outlines his friend group’s incomes, PTO, and gambling habits. The spreadsheet is titled the “Forbes Friend List.”
Cruz, who bills himself as an “Investor w/ 380+ rental houses,” is unapologetically arrogant and tone-deaf throughout the video, which might be why plenty of people on Twitter found it so offensive. Cruz claims that one friend who makes $125,000 per year is nicknamed “Broke Bob,” and shamelessly reveals one column in the spreadsheet is “3rd world destinations? Yes/No.” He also shows columns for how much people would spend on trips of a certain length. For a seven-day trip, the wealthiest friends were willing to spend $125,000 — the same annual income as “Broke Bob.”
In a subsequent video, Cruz reveals that his lower-income friends — those who make around $60,000 annually — “call themselves” the “Welfare 10,” and their spreadsheet includes a column asking whether or not they’re willing to eat at “non-chain” restaurants. But the “Forbes Friend List” includes members of the friend group who (claim to) make as much as $5 million annually — and asks questions geared more toward luxury travel, like which members of the group would be willing to split a private flight.
What in the wealth is this pic.twitter.com/NTPTKT5CZG
— Karim Alammuri (@Radio_Reem) August 18, 2021
After the original video went viral, Cruz, who first became TikTok famous when he showed he had more than $10 million in liquid assets and paid a portion of some people’s bills, had a little explaining to do. He explained in a follow-up video how his friends made so much money (“Broke Bob” is an accountant, while the highest earners were business owners, money managers, and brokers) and how they planned trips. The goal, Cruz said, is for people in the friend group to plan a trip and know who they could invite based on how much it would cost and how much time people can take off because “This way we don’t hurt any feelings.” As for the third world destinations column, Cruz stated that some people “had bad experiences,” and it’s one of the first criteria they look for. He also clarifies that there’s “no income segregation,” and they “all intermingle” — both those on the “Forbes Friends” list and those on the “Welfare 10.”
It’s not hard to see why flaunting the wealth of his friends so openly — especially in a pandemic-stricken world where so many people lost their incomes, jobs, and family members — could be off-putting. Still, there’s an important lesson here for everyone who plans to take a vacation with friends: It is important to be open about finances before a group getaway.
Cruz calls his spreadsheet “pragmatic,” and honestly, he’s right. Perhaps the most useful aspect of Cruz’s spreadsheet is that there are columns for how much people are willing to spend on three-day and seven-day trips. That’s a great question that more people should be ready to ask their friends non-judgmentally. That level of openness gets expectations out in the open and decreases the chance of stress, conflict, or confusion about expenses later in the trip when you should be enjoying yourself, not worrying over money.
Listen, it makes sense that this style of communication is not suited for every friend group. It does take vulnerability to share your yearly income (which might not even be necessary for the average person who wants to adopt a version of Cruz’s strategy) and travel budget. If you do decide to try out a similar spreadsheet, you should be prepared to accept that some people might not be willing or able to participate in the luxury vacation you had been envisioning. It’s important to take that news without pressuring or shaming anyone.
If you can pull it off, as long as everyone involved is comfortable, it will likely result in a vacation where everyone is on the same page, more relaxed, and less likely to strain friendships if someone feels forced to spend money they don’t have on expensive activities or meals that weren’t discussed beforehand. For instance, at one point, Cruz stipulates that his friend group makes it clear who is willing to gamble on a trip and who isn’t.
The next time you’re planning a group vacation, try outlining the cost of each activity or restaurant you want to visit on the trip and get a sense of who is willing to pay and who would rather not stretch their budget. Consider even offering to pay (if you can afford it) for activities you’re especially excited about or interested in so that everyone can participate.
Vacation should be about bonding with friends and taking your mind off worries, not adding new ones just because it’s a little awkward to talk about money. In fact, your next vacation might just benefit from a frank discussion about money — even if you’re not exactly a member of the tax bracket that can afford a private jet.
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Every type of mask you’re allowed to wear while flying
On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the Biden administration extended the COVID-19 transport mask mandate. This mandate requires travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, and buses — and inside airports and train stations until January 18, 2022.
However, not any mask lying about your house will do. According to Travel and Leisure, air travelers need to be vigilant as not every airline allows every type of mask on their aircrafts.
If you plan to fly anytime soon, here are some tips on which masks are allowed and what masks are prohibited.
US Airlines Delta Air Lines: Passengers on Delta are permitted to wear disposable surgical masks, valve-free respirator masks (N95 or KN95), gaiters with two layers, and cloth masks with “tightly woven fabric” or a clear plastic window. Masks with slits, punctures, or holes, as well as scarves, ski masks, bandanas, balaclavas, and masks with exhaust valves are prohibited. United Airlines: Travelers must wear a face mask that fully covers the mouth and nose with no vents or openings. Bandanas are prohibited. Travelers may wear a face shield in addition to their face masks, but not in place of one. Southwest Airlines: Travelers are permitted to wear face masks that completely cover their mouth and nose, but neck gaiters must have two layers to be worn. Bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, and face masks that aren’t a solid material are prohibited. American Airlines: Travelers can wear masks that fit tightly around their face and cover the mouth and nose. Cloth masks should have two layers. Balaclavas, bandanas, face covers with exhaust valves or vents, masks made with mesh or lace type fabric, gaiters, scarves, and ski masks are prohibited. JetBlue Airlines: Travelers must wear masks that cover their mouth and nose and fit tightly around their face. Masks connected to tubing or battery-operated filters are prohibited. Masks with vents or exhalation valves are not permitted. Travelers may wear face shields in addition to their face masks, but not in place of one. Alaska Airlines: Two-layer, tightly woven cloth masks and gaiters, reusable and disposable masks are allowed on Alaska Airlines flights. Medical masks, N-95 respirators, masks with inner filter pockets, and clear masks are also acceptable. Face masks should not have slits, exhalation valves, or punctures and should fit snugly. Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, sweater or shirt collars, and bandanas are prohibited. Travelers may wear a face shield in addition to their face masks, but not in place of one. Hawaiian Airlines: Travelers must wear face masks made of solid material that covers the mouth and nose and fits tightly around their face. If cloth masks or gaiters are worn, they should be two layers. Masks with vents, mesh, slits, exhalation valves, and punctures are prohibited. Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, and bandanas are not allowed. Face shields cannot be worn instead of a face mask.International Airlines Air Canada: Travelers on Air Canada must wear face masks made with protective layers of absorbent fabric (such as cotton) that fit tightly over the nose, mouth and chin. Prohibited items are non-medical masks with an exhalation valve or vent or made with mesh or lace fabric, neck gaiters, bandanas, and plastic face shields/coverings. LATAM Airlines: Travelers can only wear surgical, three-layers, or superior face masks (KN95, N95). Cloth and reusable face masks are not allowed. Finnair Airlines: Permitted masks are surgical masks, FFP2 or FFP3 respirator masks without a valve, or other valve-free masks with the same standard (N95). Air France: Permitted masks are surgical masks or an FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3 type mask, without an exhaust valve. Masks with exhaust valves and cloth masks are prohibited. Lufthansa: Permitted masks are FFP2-, KN95- or N95-standard masks, as well as surgical face masks.
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Everything you need to know about New York City’s vaccine pass
On August 17, an executive order mandating proof of vaccination to participate in indoor activities took effect in New York City. The directive, named the Key to NYC, has been implemented to curb the surge of COVID-19 cases in New York City due to the Delta variant. Though the Key to NYC plan is already in place, local businesses have been granted a month-long grace period to become compliant. The mandate will be officially enforced on September 13, after which establishments will be subject to fines if they’re found in violation.
Whether you’re a New York City resident or have plans to visit the Big Apple in the near future, the Key to NYC initiative requires blanket proof of vaccination. Here’s everything you need to know about patronizing indoor venues now that the order is in effect.
What constitutes proof of vaccination?
Anyone who has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) is eligible for a Key to NYC pass. There are three ways to show proof of vaccination: present a paper vaccination card, upload a photo of a vaccination record to the NYC COVID Safe app, or download the Excelsior Pass released by New York state. The NYC COVID Safe app and Excelsior Pass also allow users to upload negative COVID-19 test results for a limited time.
Unlike the NYC COVID Safe app, which does not store information on databases, the Excelsior Pass requires users to input basic information such as their full name, date of birth, ZIP code, and phone number. Once a user’s vaccination record is verified, the Excelsior Pass will generate a QR code that can be used to enter indoor venues. Note that the Excelsior Pass is only available to those vaccinated in New York state or permanent New York residents who received their vaccinations out of state.
Where is proof of vaccination required?
The Key to NYC plan is being implemented across indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment facilities. Included in the list of venues that are required to enforce vaccination passes are restaurants, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, gyms, indoor pools, dance and yoga studios, movie theaters, concert halls, museums and galleries, aquariums and zoos, performing arts theaters, athletic arenas, convention centers, bowling alleys, arcades, adult entertainment venues, and similar covered spaces. Businesses are allowed to permit entry to people who will be indoors for fewer than 10 minutes, such as to make a delivery or use the restroom, without requiring proof of vaccination. However, mask mandates will still be in effect.
Excluded from the list of indoor venues required to demand proof of vaccination are restaurants without indoor dining, residential and office buildings, senior and community centers, pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public and non-public schools, child care programs, charitable food services, and churches hosting potlucks or similar gatherings.
Who is required to show proof of vaccination?
Everyone looking to participate in indoor activities in New York City will need to show proof that they have received at least one dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine before they will be permitted entry into covered spaces. The mandate applies to residents and visitors alike, as well as both staff and patrons of indoor venues. Children under 12 who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from the Key to NYC requirements, as are non-resident performing artists, professional athletes, and related personnel visiting the city for work.
How can international travelers provide proof of vaccination?
Foreign nationals visiting New York City should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination at indoor venues. Any vaccine that the WHO has approved is considered valid, including the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. International travelers can download the NYC COVID Safe app to create a digital record of their government-issued vaccination card.
The post Everything you need to know about New York City’s vaccine pass appeared first on Matador Network.
A look inside Cartagena’s Embassy of Salsa Music, a must-visit for any music lover
Anyone who hass seen a “Best Bars” list for Cartagena, Colombia, has likely noticed that Donde Fidel always figures prominently. The “Embassy of Salsa” in Cartagena is nothing less than a landmark in its own right. It’s an iconic old-school salsa joint that draws everyone from visiting tourists to international music stars who gather for a fun-filled fiesta that usually includes dancing with strangers.
Located inside the clock tower and right on the Plaza de Los Coches, which buzzes with nocturnal activity every night, Donde Fidel occupies three full storefronts. It’s always packed, even when Cartagena is having a dead night. Stepping into the bar is like entering another world. The intense hustle of tour salespeople and souvenir vendors gives way to the soul-soothing syncopated sounds of classic salsa while friendly faces that span multiple generations offer up welcoming smiles.
The secret to Donde Fidel’s vibe and unparalleled success is, of course, Fidel Lotteau himself, the bar’s namesake and a constant presence seven nights a week.
“The name Donde Fidel is a reference point in this city, and it’s a reference to both me and this salsa bar,” Lotteau tells me one early Wednesday night as the bar slowly starts to warm up. “It simply means ‘where Fidel is’ — and I am always here.”
Sitting against the wall and wearing a brightly striped polo shirt, he is backed by endless photos of himself posing with different salsa stars from all over the world. In every picture, he wears a brightly striped polo shirt of different color combinations.
Photo: Ocean Malandra
First opened in 1985 in Getsemani, the historic barrio just outside of the Old City that was once home to the walled Colonial seaport’s lower classes, Donde Fidel started as a neighborhood salsa bar. But it soon became famous among international travelers looking for an authentic experience in Cartagena, a place to rub shoulders with locals, immerse in Colombia’s music culture, and try their feet on the dance floor.
Realizing that he had a good thing going, Lotteau decided to move over to the Old City in the late 90s and put up digs in a choice location. Besides the three indoor rooms, the bar also operates four rows of outside tables backed by the ancient stone walls that once protected Cartagena from pirates. People watching is some of the best in the entire city here, and salsa spills out of the bar onto the patio.
“What we have created is something that I believe is very special, a kind of place where there are no vices or perversions, where there is no discrimination or racism,” Lotteau says. “The white and the black and the yellow or whatever color all mix equally here.”
Photo: Ocean Malandra
“People tell me that after being here for just an hour or so, they get this strange feeling that they have been coming here all their life.” Lotteau says. “They come by themselves, or with their partner, or friends, or family, and instantly become part of something larger.”
As the bar starts to pack with people, couples begin dancing to their favorite songs. Tourists look on while the house DJ starts racking up the selection for the night. Yellow-polo-shirt sporting servers weave between the tables and bar, keeping everyone well lubricated.
“Donde Fidel is a place where you are free, it is a temple of sorts, and it is a temple of this music called salsa that at its very roots is meant to inspire happiness and connection between people,” says Lotteau. Explaining that salsa transcends national and cultural barriers is why it is so important for him to act as an “ambassador” of it for visitors to Cartagena.
“I always say that where they listen to salsa is always a good place to be,” he says. “Why? Because salsa is a genre that is special in that it is full of good feelings. The salsa comes from a time some 70 or 80 years ago and is grounded in certain principles, these principles include respect. Respect for your fellow human, respect for the whole world.”
Photo: Ocean Malandra
Salsa music was born in Cuba in the early 1900s and was influenced by people in Puerto Rico and immigrants in New York. The Caribbean and Latin American nations created this new sound like a kind of stew, or “salsa,” of ingredients with slightly different but similar backgrounds. Full orchestras include horns, pianos, guitars and many other Western instruments, and it’s all driven by an array of African-influenced percussion instruments like the Conga drum. It quickly took the world by storm, pumping this infectious, happiness-producing rhythm into every corner of the globe.
Colombia has always been one of the most prolific salsa producing nations, and although the city of Cali, the “World Capital of Salsa” takes things to a whole other level in terms of salsa-fanaticism, other major cities like Bogota, Medellin, and of course Cartagena are all centers of salsa in their own right. In fact, the country’s most famous salsa singer, Joe Arroyo, whose anti-racism hit “La Rebelion” still gets constant airplay in salsa bars around the world, is a native son of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
“What’s really amazing is that salsa seems to be getting more popular than ever lately,” Lotteau says. “And so this place has become a magnet for the movement.” He adds that salsa stars from all over the world like to come to his bar when they’re in town for a big concert, and often come on their night off just to hang out. He sweeps his hands toward the photo-covered walls to demonstrate his point.
“Many times they perform impromptu as they feel inspired, improvising or a cappella, and then they mix with the public,” he explains. “And it becomes a place where they too can become part of the pueblo again, even if they have 40 or 50 years as a star musician. They too like to become one with everyone else. “
Photo: Ocean Malandra
As the night wears on and the liquor wears in, some of the wallflowers — mostly international visitors — are now up and trying their stuff on the dance floor. Some kind of get it, others well, need a bit more practice. But the magic of salsa music, the sentiment that Lotteau is trying to capture and express, does seem to be this: salsa is a powerful medium for experiencing happiness, joy, and union with your fellow human being. All of that is on full display the night I visit Donde Fidel.
“And that is what gives me pleasure more than anything else,” Lotteau tells me. “To have a place where people come and have a nice time, and listen and learn about this form of music and feel they are part of it — because they are. Salsa is for everybody.”
The post A look inside Cartagena’s Embassy of Salsa Music, a must-visit for any music lover appeared first on Matador Network.
This trendy Bozeman motel is perfect for remote work with low rates through winter
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.
America is in the midst of a massive motel makeover the likes of which it hasn’t seen since the heyday of Route 66. Across the country, and especially in the West, motel and hotel properties once thought to be outdated and on their way to oblivion are being repurposed and retrofitted into hipster hangout havens. The best ones are not just crash pads, but entire social hubs that combine comfortable rooms with a vibrant lobby scene fueled by craft beer, local food, and easy access to the great outdoors.
In Montana, Bozeman’s The LARK is a prime example of this concept done extremely well. On any given evening, the lobby is full of young adventurers recounting the day’s excursion into the hills or out on the water. Inside the rooms, artwork inspired by the local landscape adorns the walls above spacious, clean beds. There’s room for your bike and your skis, but no room for clunky old furniture or bad vibes. Staying here is cozy and modern, with a nod to Montana’s rugged aesthetic, as well as the current trendiness of the hotel’s host city.
Photo: Expedia
The lobby of The LARK is outfitted to accommodate remote work and the modern lifestyle it allows for. The Wi-Fi is fast, the coffee strong, and the environment draws inspiration as much from the hard-working crowd as from the free-wheeling, feet-up lifestyle of adventure towns throughout the Rockies. The LARK is the ideal way to experience the new Bozeman, where locals and guests clock as many days on a mountain bike or kayak each year as they do on skis.
Everything in downtown Bozeman is within walking distance of The LARK’s Main Street location. You can walk to some of the city’s finest restaurants including Urban Kitchen and Revelry. Hop on a bike and hit Bozeman Taproom and Spirits or Montana Ale Works. And of course, Big Sky and the rest of the towering Madison Range is just an hour away.
Matador Network is excited to offer you rates as low as $135 per night at The LARK this fall and winter through Expedia. If you plan to take a fall or winter trip to the mountains of Montana, book this downtown Bozeman hotel now to get the best rate possible for your travel dates.
Price: From $135
More like thisPaddlingThe ultimate floating tour through Montana, from Yellowstone to Glacier National ParkThe post This trendy Bozeman motel is perfect for remote work with low rates through winter appeared first on Matador Network.
If you’re a traveler or digital nomad, there’s a climate-friendly bank for you
This is the Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.
Whether you’re a traveler, digital nomad, or remote business owner, a new bank offers you remote banking in a way that lets you run your finances in a climate-friendly, socially conscious manner. Climate First Bank, which opened its first physical branch in St. Petersburg, Florida, this spring, is on a mission to be the largest values-aligned bank in the United States.
“What you know with certainty when you bank with Climate First is that your dollars will not be used for a handful of exploitative industries,” says Jared Meyers, Founding Director of Climate First Bank. “Additionally, a depositor would know that we purposefully and intentionally seek out positive loans.”
Meyers, a veteran entrepreneur who has founded two certified B-Corp businesses in the hospitality industry, joined forces with serial green bank founder Ken LaRoe to bring to life the notion that banking — and financial services in general — can be a force for good.
The bank’s loan model is built upon the ideas of Project Drawdown, a business and societal framework based on the ideas outlined by author Paul Hawkens in his book, Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. Its mantra of removing carbon from the atmosphere and developing a society that prioritizes equitable values over profit appears to run counter to the common perception of banks. The very idea that a bank with plans for growth and expansion might keep outside factors in mind while doing so might come off as suspect.
Rightfully so. Rarely is news surrounding financial institutions a win for the environment. Bloomberg reported in April that the combined carbon emissions of the banking industry’s investment portfolios and loan programs — i.e. how they make money — is 700 times greater than that of their actual office operations and accounts for three percent of global carbon emissions.
Climate First Bank is a bank, first and foremost. Its board and founders acknowledge that it must make money. LaRoe said himself in a 2020 interview in the Orlando Sentinel that in addition to being an environmentalist, he is a “rabid capitalist.”
What stands out most about Climate First Bank is that its directors appear to have stumbled on a concept that has long eluded many self-proclaimed capitalists: that making money doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Climate First is a Certified B-Corporation and a member of 1% for the Planet. It operates a climate-neutral business model. The bank does not invest in the fossil fuel industry or in other industries deemed harmful to the environment or social justice, as rated by the B-Corp certification and Drawdown frameworks.
Climate First gives its customers a chance to put their beliefs into action through its loan programs. Based on the principles of Project Drawdown, which outline a three-prong solution to the climate crisis including bringing emissions to zero, uplifting the carbon cycle, and supporting environmental justice, clients are able to obtain a lower rate on loans
“Thinking of your bank and your money counteracting all the work that you do every day is painful,” Meyers says. “I tried with a number of banks in Florida to be more responsible by asking them to work through the B-Corp framework. I wasn’t successful. So when Ken reached out to me about starting this bank, I said, ‘Absolutely, let’s do it.’”
Of particular pride to Meyers is Climate First’s solar loan program, which he believes is among the best in the country. The bank prioritizes loans financing projects such as EnergyStar or LEED-certified developments.
The bank’s first branch opened this spring in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the company plans to open further branches throughout central Florida and eventually beyond. Travelers who are not based in Florida can open a personal checking or savings account remotely. Those accounts can serve their general banking needs, and they can rest easy knowing that their deposits are simultaneously funding these positive projects.
“I hope we never become one of the bigger banks that treats their customers like an account number,” Meyers says.
More climate wins this weekA federal judge in Alaska blocked the approved construction permits for a massive oil and gas project in the state’s North Slope, The New York Times reported. The Willow Plan, as it was known, had been approved by the Trump administration and backed by the Biden administration. The judge ruled that its proposal had failed to note the project’s impact on wildlife and the climate.
The Environmental Protection Agency will ban the use of chlorpyrifos on food, The New York Times reported. Chlorpyrifos has been found to cause neurological harm to children, and the ban on its use as a pesticide on common grocery items will take effect in six months.
A new railway in the United Kingdom will be constructed using 3D-printed concrete, which is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the project by nearly 50 percent. The first phase, from London to Birmingham, is slated to be complete in 2026, Construction Dive reported.
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This company will give you $3,000 to explore a top beer city
As the summer season is slowly but surely coming to an end, many people are getting ready for fall celebrations like Oktoberfest. However, travel restrictions are still in place in parts of the world, and many of the most famous Oktoberfests are again canceled this year. But one company is helping someone make their own perfect fall beercation by giving them $2,000 in bar tab money and $1,000 in travel expenses.
Move.org is seeking a “Chief Beer Baron” and footing the bill for someone to drink beer in one of America’s beer capitals to celebrate Oktoberfest.
As a Chief Beer Baron, you’ll get to choose one city from Move.org’s Best Cities for Beer Lover’s Report to visit and hit up as many breweries and beer bars as you responsibly can. The 10 cities to choose from are:
1. Portland, OR
2. Denver, CO
3. Cincinnati, OH
4. Richmond, VA
5. Spokane, WA
6. Seattle, WA
7. Tacoma, WA
8. Saint Louis, MO
9. Minneapolis, MN
10. Pittsburgh, PA
If you’re selected, you’ll receive $1,000 for your travel accommodations, $2,000 for all your hard work and dedication to your title, and $500 in moving expenses if you feel the vibe is right and want to move to that city (though it’s important to note that you don’t have to move). After you visit your chosen city, you’ll fill out a questionnaire to review the city’s beer scene based on its culture, beverages, and food.
Applications are open until September 10, and Move.org will choose an applicant for their Chief Beer Baron on September 15.
To apply, you must be 21 and over and eligible to work in the US, a beer enthusiast, and be ready to take your taste buds to the next level. If this sounds like the dream job for you and you want more information and to apply, you can visit the website.
The post This company will give you $3,000 to explore a top beer city appeared first on Matador Network.
August 19, 2021
6 blissful boutique hotels in Maui you can still book this summer and fall
As summer comes to a close, the temptation to squeeze in a tropical getaway only intensifies. And where better to plan a last-minute beach vacation than Hawaii. With its sublime coastline, volcanic peaks affording visitors some of the most exciting outdoor recreation in the archipelago, and cultural and culinary scenes beyond compare, Maui is the island of choice for many travelers. Lucky for Valley Isle lovers, it’s not too late to snag a hotel for a late-season trip. Here are six scenic, idyllic boutique hotels in Maui you can still book this summer.
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.
1. Lumeria Maui
Photo: Lumeria Maui
Lumeria Maui is more than an accommodation. The historic property brands itself as an educational retreat center with a focus on well-being. Backdropped by five acres of lush gardens in the Upcountry region of Maui’s North Shore, guests can sign up for classes on topics ranging from yoga, meditation, healing arts, and metaphysical studies to Hawaiian culture, horticulture, movement, and dance. After finding enrichment, guests will enjoy farm-to-table nourishment at the on-site Wooden Crate restaurant and supreme rejuvenation at the healing hotel spa.
Price: From $386 per night
2. Montage Kapalua Bay
Photo: Expedia
This five-star Montage resort sits on 24 acres of Maui’s northwest coast. Nestled in Kapalua Bay, whose namesake beach has been called one of America’s finest, the property offers more than 50 residential-style suites and grand residences, plus five on-site restaurants, four bars, and a full-service spa. When they’re not lounging at the beach club or by the pool, guests can take hula, ukulele, or lei-making classes or attend a “talk story” session. The resort’s cultural ambassador can also arrange activities for kids and teens, from tide pooling to beach volleyball.
Price: From $2,186 per night
3. Ho’oilo House
Photo: Expedia
Simple yet luxurious, Ho’oilo House is the stuff of Hawaiian bed-and-breakfast dreams. The property’s West Maui Mountains location is hard to beat, with easy access to downtown Lahaina and idyllic Kaanapali Beach. The sleepy surroundings are perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. But Ho’oilo House also caters to active types, with hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and golf at their fingertips. Guests can even rent a helicopter for an aerial tour of the island before retiring at the on-site spa.
Price: From $422 per night
4. Paia Inn
Photo: Expedia
A hit with surfers and trendsetters, Paia Inn puts a global spin on the classic Maui-style lodging. The property was designed with Balinese architecture in mind, and the on-site restaurant, VANA, captures Hawaii’s multiculturalism with a Japanese-heavy menu that serves everything from sushi to tapas crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Every room comes with private beach access, and guests are gifted guest passes to the nearby Fuzion Fit gym, which they can enjoy when they’re not doing downward dog on the shore or relaxing at the on-site spa.
Price: From $599 per night
5. The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
Photo: Expedia
The Old Wailuku Inn prides itself on offering guests a local experience in a relaxed, residential neighborhood of West Maui. The inn’s 10 guest rooms are cozy yet well-appointed. Each is equipped with a whirlpool tub where guests can wind down after busy days exploring Wailuku at the doorstep of the sacred ‘Īao Valley. Nature lovers can also visit Haleakala National Park, home to Maui’s highest peak, located roughly an hour and a half southeast on Highway 378.
Price: From $289 per night
6. Hotel WaileaPhoto: Expedia
An adults-only Relais & Châteaux resort that’ll make any couple’s trip feel like a honeymoon, Hotel Wailea boasts unparalleled island views from its hilltop perch 300 feet above the ocean. The 15-acre property is a maze of lush, serene spaces, from the sunset lawn to the tropical gardens and on-site waterfalls. Guests can sip tropical drinks at the alfresco cocktail lounge, sample seasonal ingredients and fresh-caught seafood at the open-air restaurant, and retreat to waterside cabanas when they want some private time. Better yet, the in-suite spa menu ensures a perfect end to any day spent exploring gorgeous Wailea Beach.
Price: From $857 per night
More like thisWhere to Stay9 of the most breathtaking Airbnbs on MauiThe post 6 blissful boutique hotels in Maui you can still book this summer and fall appeared first on Matador Network.
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