Matador Network's Blog, page 606
August 3, 2021
This airline’s latest sale offers flights for just $39
The pandemic put a lot of events on hold — weddings, parties, family reunions, and other social gatherings. But now that restrictions are easing up, it’s time to rebook. So for the next three days (from August 3 to 11:59 PM PT on August 5), Alaska Airlines is now the “Official Airline of Rescheduled Events,” offering one-way tickets for as low as $39.
The tickets are good for travel between September 7 and November 17 or between November 30 and December 15, 2021, to travel destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, San Diego, Portland, Las Vegas, and Cancun. Change fees have permanently disappeared for any flight booked on or after May 1, 2021, so if restrictions get tight, there’s always the chance to reschedule again.
Expect $39 flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco; $59 flights from Seattle to San Diego; $69 flights from Seattle to Las Vegas; $99 flights from San Jose to Maui, Hawaii; and $149 flights from Seattle to Kona, Hawaii.
The sale is supposed to be the airline’s biggest of the year, so be sure you don’t miss out. 
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Hike and bike along old railway lines that are now epic paths in every US state
More than 1,400 unused railways traverse the plains, mountains, coastlines, and cities of the United States, according to Abandoned Rails. Some once carried cargo and coal, others shuttled workers to job sites and dreamers towards their visions of gold and glory in the wild west. By the early 1900s, more than a quarter-million miles of active rail stretched across the country. Now, groups of visionary minds led by the Rails to Trails Conservancy are repurposing some of these abandoned railways as biking and hiking trails. These “rail trails” are achieving notoriety. By 2021, every US state has rail trails, with more than 2,000 miles of them currently available for public use. These are our seven favorite rail trails.
For more information on trails designed from former rail lines visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a non-profit group working to repurpose out-of-use public spaces into trail systems.
1. Northern Rail Trail, New Hampshire
Photo: Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire/Facebook
The Northern Rail Trail runs 59 miles from Boscawen to Lebanon, New Hampshire. En route, you’ll pass the maple and red spruce that provide much of the state’s famed fall foliage. Parts of the trail are crushed stone hard pack, according to the trail’s site, while the rest is made of cinder. An old caboose lies in route, a testament to the trail’s original use. Riders who do not wish to do the entire ride in one day can book lodging in East Mandover or camp at the Mascoma Lake Campground.
Santa Fe Rail Trail, New Mexico
Photo: Tara Kenny/Shutterstock
The Santa Fe Rail Trail is unique on this list because it follows a still-active rail line, built and operated by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Bikers, hikers, and runners can traverse 15 miles from the Santa Fe Depot in town to US Route 285. Views along the way include the historic city center and the desert southwest landscape that surrounds it, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains towering in the background. Part of the route is paved, though much of it is dirt trail, making this route ideal for gravel bikes.
3. Peaks to Plains Trail, Colorado
Photo: Clear Creek Canyon Park
Colorado’s Peaks to Plains Trail currently runs 4.2 miles through Clear Creek Canyon in Jefferson County west of Denver. The vision of both the state government and county governments is to create 65 miles of rails to trails from the west Denver suburbs to Loveland Pass. The paved portion currently runs along the Colorado Central Railroad former path, with the final trail descending (or ascending in the opposite direction, for hardy riders) from the high Rockies to Golden, where riders can take a dip in Clear Creek.
4. Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon
Photo: Friends of Stub Stewart State Park and Banks-Vernonia Rails to Trails/Facebook
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail runs 21 miles between Banks and Vernonia, appropriately. Riders cross the 80-foot-high Buxton Trestle, with views out over the lush green valley below and into the dense hillsides of the Coast Range on either side of the trestle. An interesting feature of this trail is that it consists of a paved section for bikers and runners, along with a dirt trail section for equestrians and hikers running adjacent to the paved segment. As a result, it is accessible to a wider range of recreationists.
5. White River State Trail, Wisconsin
Photo: White River Trail
Wide-open country views and charming towns make the White River State Trail among the most popular of rail trails in the US. The trail runs 19 miles and passes through Elkhorn, Springfield, Lyons, Burlington, and Kansasville. Turn it into a full day or more by staying overnight in one of the towns. We recommend turning your ride into a “cheese curd tour,” stopping at two or more of the following: 1175 in Kansasville, Fred’s Parkview in Burlington, Flat Iron Tap in Lyons, Craftsman Table and Tap, and Culver’s in Elkhorn. In Springfield, If you wish to pedal further, the White River State Trail is part of the larger Route of the Badger, which offers more than 300 miles of connected trail across Wisconsin.
6. Catskill Scenic Trail, New York
Photo: Catskill Scenic Trail
Upstate New York is home to nearly two dozen rail trails. None encapsulates the region’s natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna like the Catskill Scenic Trail. Here you can ride on bike or horseback, or hike your way through the rolling green Catskills, experiencing the route that the Ulster & Delaware Railroad used to run vital goods and supplies across New York from 1875 until 1932. In the winter, this trail is perfect for cross-country skiing, with long flat stretches punctuated by slight inclines that get the heart pumping.
7. Great American Rail TrailPhoto: Great American Rail-Trail
Rails to Trails’ biggest project is the Great American Rail Trail. This behemoth of a project aims to offer a coast-to-coast cycling experience, and when complete will stretch over 3,700 miles across 12 states. Currently, the trail begins in Washington, D.C. and runs along the northern US to Washington state, passing through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho along the way.
In 2020, the group added over 100 miles in eight states to the 2,000 miles already in existence. The route will include established trails along with newly developed trails to connect them. One hundred percent of the trail will be separated from vehicle traffic, offering a peaceful and scenic way to explore the northern United States. No firm opening date has been announced, but the entire route is currently more than half done.
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You can surf and ski in the same day at these places around the world
If you love to surf and ski then you’ve probably faced the near-impossible task of choosing between the beach and the mountains. But what if we told you that scattered around the world are a number of special places where you can surf and ski on the same day? You’ve heard it right. You can achieve the dream in the wilds of Canada’s Vancouver Island, California’s Orange County, and Maine. There’s opportunities around Biarritz, a swanky resort on France’s Basque coast, and Christchurch, set between New Zealand’s Pacific shoreline and rugged mountains, too.
At these thrilling destinations the waves and snow are less than a four hour drive away, meaning that you can paddle out to an uncrowded lineup and carve up on powdery slopes in the same day. Here we’ll opt for a morning surf and an afternoon ski, but ultimately the order of play is down to you.
Biarritz, France
Photo: livcool/Shutterstock
Ever since surfers started riding the hollow waves at Cote des Basques and Grand Plage in the 1950s, Biarritz has been the historic surfing capital of Europe. The surf at this stylish Basque seaside town works all year round, although wintertime brings notably huge swells — the legendary Belharra wave in the nearby town of Saint Jean-de-Luz is known to reach 50 feet and over. Ask any hardcore local surfer and they’ll probably trade the sun-drenched and overcrowded summer for the chill of winter. For classes on Cotes des Basques beach try the French Surf Federation-approved Jo Moraiz Surf School.
Photo: La Pierre Saint-Martin/Facebook
For the afternoon adventures, drive inland for just over two hours (about 95 miles) to the La Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort in the western Pyrenees. Consider parking up at Cave Verna to tour an illuminated cave system and underground waterfalls before continuing to the slopes. The resort itself has 25 pistes at heights of up to 7,200 feet and spread over 185 acres of skiable terrain. Besides skiing and snowboarding, the family orientated resort offers snow scooter riding, snowshoeing and tobogganing. You might want to book an overnight stay at one of the village’s chalets for a well-earned rest amid a pristine pine forest.
Note: Famed for its almost 4,000-foot vertical drop, Station Gourette is an alternative skiing option located in the western Pyrenees region.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Photo: peacefoo/Shutterstock
Thoughts of New Zealand regularly evoke images of lush valleys and snowy mountains, but the Pacific nation is a superb surf destination, too. Start in the coastal suburbs of Christchurch that sit along the shores of Pegasus Bay. Beginners should stick to Scarborough Beach, where waves are best two to three hours either side of high tide. Those in search of a fast moving beach break and barrels can check out Taylors Mistake Beach, which works well on all tides. There’s free beachfront parking at both spots, and changing facilities at Taylors Mistake, should you want to clean up before moving on.
Photo: Mt Hutt/Facebook
From Christchurch it’s just a 90-minute (70 mile) cruise through rural landscapes to the 900-acre Mount Hutt Ski Area. If you haven’t refueled around Christchurch then take the chance to delve into the Canterbury region’s viticulture. Melton Estate offers lunches and wine tastings from Thursday to Sunday — of course, it all depends on how much time you have and if you can decide on a designated driver. After all, you’ll be eager to hit the slopes on 7,185-foot-tall Mount Hutt, which receives a monster snowfall from June to October.
Note: Remember that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the ski season is opposite to the US.
Orange County, US
Photo: Dez_Buell/Shutterstock
With rugged mountains rising above a dramatic Pacific coastline, Southern California seems made for the surf-and-ski crowd. Winter surfing SoCal-style means big waves, small crowds and chilly waters, and surfers are spoiled for choice in Orange County. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are consistent year-round and remain mellow in wintertime, thus invite beginners to enjoy the fun. Drop into Newport’s Endless Sun Surf School for classes. Confident boarders can join the pros and natives at the five breaks of Trestles — it’s a mile-long walk from the parking lot to the beach, but the adrenalin rush will make it feel like a short hop.
Photo: Big Bear Mountain Resort/Facebook
It’s the best part of a three hour (120 mile) drive to Bear Mountain Ski Resort, either via a section of the Cleveland National Forest or with a detour around the Temecula Valley Wine Country. We wouldn’t blame you for stopping for a tour of the award-winning Wilson Creek Winery or being tempted by a hike along the short San Juan Loop Trail. However, over 400 acres of skiable area, 55 runs and some of the best terrain parks in the US await on Bear Mountain. There’s plenty of waterfront accommodation in Big Bear Lake, too, if you’ve nowhere else better to go.
Note: November through March is prime time for spotting gray, humpback and minke whales off the Southern California coastline.
Scarborough, US
Photo: Sara Armas/Shutterstock
It’s usually only local New Englanders and true surf fanatics that are brave enough to plunge into the Atlantic waters of Maine in winter. Yet, if you are happy with that ice-cold sensation and want to score big surf then a trip to Scarborough will produce some memorable sessions. One thing is for sure, you won’t be competing with crowds along the seven mile stretch of surfable water at Old Orchard Beach, which can witness ten-foot-high waves. Elsewhere along the coastline, Higgins Beach and Fortunes Rock are the places to be. Stay at the forested Bayley’s Camping Resort and you’ll be a quick drive from a sunrise surf at Pine Point Beach.
Photo: Shawnee Peak Maine/Facebook
From nearby Portland the US Route 302 leads all the way to Shawnee Peak (about an hour’s drive). The drive is a delight, passing a collection of glacial lakes, such as the immensely deep Sebago Lake, on the way. With an offer of 40 trails, seven glades and three terrain parks, there’s enough to make you want to swap the surfboard for a pair of skis or snowboard. There’s uphill and night skiing, too, in case you’ve the energy reserves. You’ll also be just an additional hour’s drive from the notably larger Sunday River Resort and its 135 trails.
Note: Maine’s ski season extends into early April, which is handy if you want to wait for slightly milder temperatures both in and out of the water.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Photo: Ilhamchewadventures/Shutterstock
Few people are aware that Tofino, on the wild western coast of Vancouver Island, is the surfing capital of Canada. The peninsula outpost has 22 miles of all-but empty beaches, many of which fall within the Pacific Rim National Park. Akin to many surf spots, the waves are higher here in winter. That said, Chesterman Beach, Covey Bay Beach and Long Beach all have forgiving days ideal for newbies. If this is your first time in the water, the Pacific Surf Co. will soon have you popping up. Come with a tent and you can pitch at Covey Bay and Long Beach in preparation for the dawn surf that’ll allow for the afternoon ski.
Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort/Facebook
To reach British Columbia’s Mount Washington Alpine Resort, you first need to embark on a three and a half hour road trip past mirror lakes and around old-growth forests. Cathedral Grove is certainly worth a pit stop to admire giant cedars and picnic on a lakeside, and so is the Cumberland Brewing Co. for crisp craft beers. It’s hard not to have fun on Mount Washington, which receives some of North America’s heaviest snowfall. You can ski here until late-March and the extra spring sunlight aids in making surf-and-ski days last longer.
Note: Vancouver Island is accessible via a one and a half hour ferry ride between Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver, and Nanaimo.
The post You can surf and ski in the same day at these places around the world appeared first on Matador Network.
The 5 types of travel friends you’ll make and never forget
New friends often enter our lives through the front door — school, mutual friends, or a workplace environment. Travel friends enter through the windows. They show up when we least expect it, on airplanes and guided tours, and in dive bars and hostels. They might not stay long, but they often leave an impression more indelible and enduring than those we meet in the context of our everyday lives.
“Friend” might sound like a heavy word to apply to someone you know for less than 24 hours, but people we meet while traveling hold a special place in our hearts. Still, promises to stay in touch usually fall through. Drunken vows to visit each other rarely come to fruition. But somehow, those fleeting friends we’ll never see again manage to touch us in profound ways. While the types of “travel friends” are varied and limitless, these are the travel friends you’re most likely to meet on the road.
1. The Hostel RoommateThe Hostel Roommate can go one of two ways, and usually there’s not much gray area: He’s the guy you curse under your breath while you’re trying to sleep because he thinks “natural herbs” are a deodorant substitute, or he’s your new BFF for the weekend.
The Hostel Roommate is a crash course in friendship. Usually you know someone for a few years before you decide to live with them, or even share a hotel room with them. Bunking with a total stranger in an unfamiliar place, presumably where you’re both looking to have new experiences, sets the stage for a pretty speedy connection. When you go out drinking and come back at 4:00 AM, the Hostel Roommate is the guy you commiserate with about not meeting anyone that night, and by 6:00 AM, you’re telling him about the ex-girlfriend who broke your heart 12 years ago. He’s the guy who coaxes you out of your comfort zone to try street food on a swelteringly hot afternoon in Bangkok. It’s just pork on a skewer, but it feels somehow meaningful.
You knew the Hostel Roommate for 24 hours six years ago, but it feels like you traveled together for years.
2. The Bar BFFThe Bar BFF’s value really lies in their utility. You’re feeling lost and awkward at a bar in a foreign country. Maybe you’re alone, or with a friend. Maybe you feel too sober. Then, as if taking a cue from a phantom director offstage, he appears.
“What’re you drinkin’, bud?”
Next thing you know, you’re saddled up to the bar with a like-minded traveler. Fueled by alcohol and a common sense of purpose, you spend the next few hours partying like you’ll never see each other again (because you probably won’t). Maybe that means sitting in a low-lit pub in deep conversation, throwing back Guinnesses until you can’t stand, or maybe it means shredding every dance floor that dares to get in your way. Either way, the Bar BFF is an Icarus-esque friendship that burns bright, flies too close to the sun, and crashes back to Earth by morning.
3. The Foreign Fling
Photo: TZIDO SUN/Shutterstock
More than any other travel friend, the Foreign Fling makes you temporarily lose your grip on reality. You become Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris meeting a girl in an old Parisian record shop. You’re Colin Farrell in In Bruges drinking with Chloe by dim candlelight in a medieval Belgian square. Maybe it’s nothing more than the rosy filter of a new country, but romance abroad seems somehow more passionate on cobbled 13th century streets and in dim Elizabethan taverns than it does on the heartless urban pavement of America.
I could wax poetic wondering why foreign romances feel so special, but the answer is pretty obvious: There’s an expiration date. The relationship has a maximum lifespan of days, not months or years, which makes it exponentially easier to ignore flaws and focus on the positive. Maybe you’ll see the Foreign Fling again if you stay in touch, and if you’re both still single five years from now when you revisit the same country — but probably not. Foreign Flings aren’t life partners, they’re baubles of fond memories wrapped in possibilities and endless “what ifs.” You’ll never see them again, but honestly, it’s probably better that way.
4. The Airplane SeatmateAs Will Mackenzie from The Inbetweeners astutely points out, “anyone can be your friend, you just have to hang around them long enough.” Airplanes are the perfect place to simply “hang around.” Airplane Seatmates are the friends you make against your will (as for finding love on an airplane, well, that’s a different story). They’re the people we talk to because we have nowhere else to go, and you can’t excuse yourself to use the bathroom more than once an hour or it just looks suspicious.
In the Airplane Seatmate, you have a captive audience. It’s like speed dating on steroids. Sure, you might be silent the whole time, glued to your movie or podcast, but if the floodgates of conversation do open, good luck not becoming fast friends. When you spend hours sitting so close to someone you forget which elbow is yours and which is theirs, you can’t help but connect. You’ll probably disembark thinking, “Wow, what a cool guy. Can’t wait to stay in touch,” only to realize you live six hours from each other and will never speak again. But nonetheless — thank you Airplane Seatmate, for making that international flight feel like six hours rather than seven.
5. The Nice Older CoupleThe Nice Older Couple are the perfect travel friends for the first-time traveler, or someone who finds themselves alone in an unfamiliar place looking for a semblance of comfort. They’re the parents vacationing without their kids, or retirees taking a summer holiday. Maybe you’ll meet them on a guided tour of a city, or a sunset booze cruise, or while strolling around a museum. The Nice Older Couple are your home away from home.
This is a short-lived friendship, perhaps lasting only an afternoon, but that doesn’t matter. It’s as refreshing and comforting as finding your favorite TV show on a hotel television that otherwise only has foreign-language channels. It’s the equivalent of a much-needed phone call home to your family during a stressful trip. You won’t hit the bars with the Nice Older Couple or likely have any wild experiences, but the conversation will feel comfortable and natural, and they’ll probably try to set you up with their son or daughter by the time you part ways. Despite everyone’s best intentions, you’ll never see the Nice Older Couple again and definitely won’t meet that son or daughter. But if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get two Facebook friends out of it who — much like our actual parents — will diligently “like” every travel photo you post for the foreseeable future.
The post The 5 types of travel friends you’ll make and never forget appeared first on Matador Network.
The 10 most expensive airport parking lots in the US
When planning your trip, you’re factoring in hotels, flights, andbfood, but are you including the price of airport parking in your budget? Airport parking is notoriously expensive, but just how much should you put aside for parking your car at the airport parking lot while you’re vacationing?
To save you from spending more than anticipated, Zutobi, an online resource for all things driving and driver safety, has ranked the most expensive and cheapest airport parking lots in the US.
Zutobi looked at the airports that received the most commercial passengers in every state and visited their websites for pricing options for a full day’s parking. The parking lots were then ranked into four categories: highest maximum daily rates (when parked in the short-term areas), lowest minimum daily rates, most expensive average daily rates, and cheapest average daily rates. The average prices are based on all the parking areas — short-term and long-term.
Airports with the highest maximum daily rates
Denver International Airport ($144)Jackson Hole Airport ($100)O’Hare International Airport ($77)Salt Lake City International Airport ($55)Portland International Airport ($48)Hector International Airport ($48)Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport ($45)Newark Liberty International Airport ($44)Philadelphia International Airport ($44)John F. Kennedy International Airport ($42)Airports with the lowest minimum daily rates
Des Moines International Airport ($4)Will Rogers World Airport ($6)Denver International Airport ($6)Eppley Airfield ($6)Charlotte Douglas International Airport ($7)Sioux Falls Regional Airport ($7)Baltimore/Washington International Airport ($7)St. Louis Lambert International Airport ($7)Wilmington Airport ($8)Boise Airport ($8)Airports with the most expensive average daily rates
Denver International Airport ($75)Jackson Hole Airport ($58.50)O’Hare International Airport ($49.50)Los Angeles International Airport ($40)Boston Logan International Airport ($38)Seattle–Tacoma International Airport ($34.70)Philadelphia International Airport ($34)Hector International Airport ($33)Salt Lake City International Airport ($32.50)Newark Liberty International Airport ($32.50)Airports with the cheapest average daily rates
Eppley Airfield ($9)Yeager Airport ($10)Sioux Falls Regional Airport ($10.50)Clinton National Airport ($10.50)Albuquerque International Sunport ($10.50)Bradley International Airport ($11)Burlington International Airport ($12)Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport ($13)Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport ($13.50)Baltimore/Washington International Airport ($14.50)For more information and to find the best rate for airport parking, visit Zuboti’s website.
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Pharrell Williams’ Goodtime Hotel is a joyful escape from real life
A modern take on Miami’s famous and fabulous Art Deco architecture with an air of effervescence, the Goodtime Hotel is a perfect expression of joyful elegance.
If you’ve heard the name, it’s likely because it’s the much-hyped hotel that singer and music producer Pharrell Williams opened with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality (responsible for other major Miami hotspots like LIV and Story) on April 15, 2021. It’s the duo’s first hotel collaboration, and its concept centers on providing an escape complete with revelry, top-notch service, and, of course, nothing less than a good time.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
The hotel is in South Beach, and just up the street from the pleasures of the sand and the sea. It’s also a block away from the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, meaning you can easily walk to many of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you’re able to snag a coveted reservation, head over to the recently opened Carbone for dinner or enjoy the delectable lobster eggs benedict at The Local House. And if you’re seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, make sure to get a table at Intimo, the Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei gastronomic venture of acclaimed Peruvian chef Juan Chipoco. One can find the original luxury beach club, Nikki Beach, a short distance away for DJs who play deep house beats for crowds of stylish revelers.
Art Deco meets Wes AndersonAmerican designer Ken Fulk and his team aced the design of the Goodtime Hotel — it feels elegant, cheerful, inviting, and retro all at the same time. The muted pink hues paired with bold tropical prints hearken back to the late 1950s and early 1960s (the aesthetic is a mix of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Miami hotel in season three and Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel). While the entire space is immaculately decorated, there are a few areas of the property that will particularly catch your eye.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
The lobby’s hand-painted, jungle-themed mural makes you feel like you’ve arrived in a locale like Hawaii or Cartagena rather than South Beach. It’s bright with a playful, seemingly mismatched array of art and furniture that instills a sense of glee. The strong tones and patterns of the lobby are complemented by extravagant items and touches like brass palm tree sculptures, fringed tabletop lamps, and Art Deco plasterwork.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
On the third floor, you’ll find Strawberry Moon, the hotel’s restaurant and pool club, but you’ll also find what is arguably the most Instagram-worthy room in the entire hotel: The Library. Soft pink curtains, walls, and velvet sofas with teal fringes fill the room and invite you to take a seat under the soft light of a wicker lamp in the shape of a giraffe. This room is a wealth of gorgeous design inspiration, so don’t be ashamed if you find yourself ordering the gold pineapple base round top table off Anthropologie in an attempt to get the look.
Sun and fun at Strawberry MoonStrawberry Moon is the hotel’s restaurant, and it’s also a 30,000-square-foot pool club. The Mediterranean menu has favorites like babaganoush, sheftalia, and kebabs. It’s a busy place but the hospitality doesn’t lapse, and the staff does their best to accommodate guests while they wait (don’t be surprised if the manager comes over to check in and offers up a complimentary drink for a delay). The food is top-notch, but that’s to be expected for the prices, with entrees starting at $32.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
The drinks are delicious and served in the most beautiful display. Try the Purple Reign, a tequila cocktail made with Domaine de Canton, shōchū, yuzu, and butterfly pea lavender garnished with a small purple flower. If you like your beverages sweet, make sure to let the bartender know — they’ll accommodate your taste without a fuss. The signature cocktails are priced at $17 each, which is on par with most places in Miami.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
The pool at Strawberry Moon has the energy and DJ talent to match a Las Vegas pool party. Yet it’s for a more sophisticated crowd — think Millennials who work hard and play hard instead of college students on spring break. Lined with pastel pink tiled walkways shaded by palm leaf sculptures, Strawberry Moon’s two pools are the perfect place to soak up some sun in South Beach. Reserve a cabana for a space to retreat and admire the stunning work of landscape architect Raymond Jungles.
From revelry to relaxationWhile there are few things better than imbibing colorful cocktails poolside at Strawberry Moon, if you’re looking for a quieter environment, head out to the Goodtime Hotel’s exclusive beach.
The beach is located at Seventh Street, and guests can use chaise lounges between Fifth and 14th streets. The beach club is serviced by Boucher Brothers, whose staff will set you up with a chaise lounge and umbrella. If you’re looking for something more active, the company will set you up with a watersport adventure.
Photo: Goodtime Hotel
After a long day of basking in the sun, shopping on Collins Avenue, or perusing art galleries in the area, escape back to your room at the Goodtime Hotel. The guest rooms are minimalist and small, but incorporate the hotel’s joyful design. Each room comes with a signature pink mock-rotary dial phone that makes for a great photo opp while donning the flowy patterned robe — a real Norman Rockwell-esque image. Guest rooms range from queen-bed accommodation to suites with beautiful views of the ocean. The rooms are complete with custom bedding, bespoke drapes, and Ortigia Sicilia bath amenities. You’ll wake up rested and ready to spend another day poolside at Strawberry Moon.
For a complete tour of the Goodtime Hotel, check out Architectural Digest’s video where owners Pharrell Williams and David Grutman give an all-access tour.
The post Pharrell Williams’ Goodtime Hotel is a joyful escape from real life appeared first on Matador Network.
How to celebrate Pride all year long
Every June, the United States erupts in a riot of rainbows to celebrate Pride Month and commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — an act of resistance that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The month-long panoply of parades, parties, and protests helps forge safe queer spaces, affirm identity, and fight against injustices plaguing LGBTQ+ Americans.
But the end of June doesn’t mean the end of Pride. Much like Stonewall, June is a starting point. Looking at the world through rainbow-colored glasses can be done year-round, and it’s the eleven months outside of June when taking part in Pride can have the greatest impact.
After all, participating in Pride isn’t only about marching down Main Street — it’s about creating support systems that combat intolerance and its effects. Whether you’re an ally or a member of the Alphabet Soup Mafia, here are five ways to celebrate and show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.
Editor’s note: We collaborated with Athletic Brewing Company to create this list of ways you can support the LGBTQ+ community year-round. Actions they take include employing members of the LGBTQ+ community in leadership within the company, sponsoring LGBTQ+ athletes, donating to organizations such as Athlete Ally, and funding important programming to create an always-on impact.
1. Show your support — however you’re able
Photo: Athletic Brewing
For all the progress LGBTQ+ Americans have made since 1969, ongoing prejudice profoundly affects queer folx today. This year, a record number of states passed discriminatory legislation targeting transgender youth. Trans women of color continue facing a nationwide epidemic of violence. Queer individuals struggle with adversity in healthcare, housing, education, and employment. Simply put, championing LGBTQ+ advocacy groups is the most direct way to support queer communities. That might mean spreading the word, donating your time,…or something as simple as drinking the right beer.
Case in point: Queer and trans athletes — from grade schools to the NFL — are in a moment of reckoning, and that’s why Athletic Brewing Company, a revolutionary leader in the non-alcoholic craft beer industry, teamed up with LGBTQ+ activist and rock climber Alex Johnson to create Rainbow Wall, a limited-release Blood Orange IPA celebrating Pride. 100% of Rainbow Wall’s profits benefited Athlete Ally, a national nonprofit providing LGBTQ+ athletes greater access and opportunity within sports communities. Athletic Brewing also assists similar programs by donating one percent of their total revenue to organizations building inclusive spaces in the worlds of craft beer and athletics.
While you may not have your own proceeds to give away, donations — monetary or otherwise — are one of myriad ways to benefit LGBTQ+ causes. Volunteering for organizations like the Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline supply queer youth and transgender individuals with life-saving services. Even the click of a button makes a difference! Following organizations like Athlete Ally and promoting Athletic Brewing’s campaigns for equality are both meaningful forms of activism. How cool is it that you can support and celebrate Pride just by cracking open a cold one?
2. Get outdoors — beyond Pride
Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
For people intent on attending official Pride events, many US cities celebrate all things LGBTQ+ after June turns the page. San Diego hosts Pride every July; Eugene, Oregon, begins festivities in August; Miami Beach’s march hits South Florida’s streets in September; and Atlanta Pride heats up Georgia’s capital every October.
But Pride festivals only scratch the surface of queer-centric gatherings. In early summer, athletically minded Californians participate in AIDS/LifeCycle — a 545-mile bike ride through the state — to raise money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Queer folx pitch tents in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest every August for Rendezvous, the area’s largest LGBTQ+ camping event. Snow bunnies add extra swish to the Wasatch slopes during February’s Utah Gay Ski Week, and lesbians flock to Palm Springs every October for The Dinah, a five-day music shindig. (Maybe bring along a case of Athletic’s beers?)
Virtual events, film fests, museum exhibits, and circuit parties abound throughout the year. You can start planning via The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s website and their non-exhaustive list of queer events.
3. Use your wallet wisely
Photo: The Gender Spectrum Collection
In a time when bakers can refuse to make cakes for gay weddings, it’s imperative to spend money at companies that share your values. LGBTQ-owned businesses offer an antidote to discrimination and build a bedrock upon which queer communities can grow.
Wherever you are in the world, patronize these spots, from 1851 Club in Arlington, Texas, to Adam’s Nest in Provincetown, Massachusetts, to any of the other thousands of bars, restaurants, and shops grounding the queer community across the country. They promote inclusion, employ people from marginalized groups, and uplift queer voices. And head’s up: They’re for everyone.
Note: Supporting vocal allies matters, too. Patronize a new restaurant thanks to the flags displayed on its facade. Introduce your friends to impactful products like Rainbow Wall. And when a business doesn’t align with your values, let your wallet do the talking.
4. Visit historic LGBTQ+ sites
Photo: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock
New York City’s Stonewall Inn is more than a gay bar — it’s the epicenter of queer liberation, and in 2016, it became the first LGBTQ+ site declared a US national monument. Honoring historic places like this is a cornerstone of Pride. Public spaces dedicated to LGBTQ+ Americans normalize queer lives, reduce stigma and shame, and offer a roadmap for building an equitable future.
Travelers can find iconic LGBTQ+ sites from San Francisco to Fire Island. In Washington, DC, the Rainbow History Project offers downloadable brochures for self-guided tours so visitors can learn about the city’s queer past. The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project hosts an interactive digital map showcasing local areas of importance. For a list of federally protected LBGTQ heritage sites, visit the National Park Service website.
5. Make Pride a daily practice
Photo: WAYHOME Studio/Shutterstock
Pride can be very simple: Read books by LGBTQ+ authors. Watch interviews with LGBTQ+ leaders. Introduce yourself with your gender pronouns; add them to your social accounts and email signature. Remember to do your research — practices within the LGBTQ+ community are constantly evolving, and both queer people and their allies must take personal responsibility for staying up to date. Speak up against LGBTQ+ discrimination. Fly the Progress Pride Flag all year long.
Pride is not only a noun — it’s a verb, an active word that can be enjoyed daily. June may be over, but the best time to celebrate Pride is now.
The post How to celebrate Pride all year long appeared first on Matador Network.
August 2, 2021
If you liked Netflix’s ‘The Parisian Agency’ you’ll love these 8 luxurious Paris Airbnbs
Some watch Netflix’s The Parisian Agency for the drama going on in the Kretz family, others for Majo’s amazing sense of style, but what we’re obsessed with here at Matador Network are the properties showcased in the reality show. The Kretz’s, a Parisian family of seven that runs a luxury real estate agency from their mansion in the outskirts of the city, take you to some of the most luxurious houses and apartments for sale in the French capital. Most of us cannot afford owning a pied-à-terre with views of the Eiffel Tower, but luckily, Airbnb is here to save the day with jaw-dropping properties in Paris’ most sought-after neighborhoods. That way we get to live like the Kretz’s clients for a few days, but keep our hard-earned dollars to spend on delicious French pastries, museum visits, or espresso shots at the local cafés. Here are eight luxurious Paris Airbnbs for a French vacation like they show on TV.
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. Bright apartment steps away from the Moulin Rouge — Paris’ 18th arrondissement
Photo: Airbnb
Located at the bottom of the Montmartre Hill, just a few steps away from the iconic cabaret Moulin Rouge, this beautiful apartment can host two guests. While it’s small, it’s full of natural light and authentic Parisian charm, like herringbone-patterned parquet floors and a wrought-iron balcony. The Blanche metro station is just across the street, but because you’re in the 18th arrondissement, you can check out a multitude of iconic attractions on foot, like the Sacré Coeur basilica just a 20-minute walk up the Montmartre staircases, or the Café des Deux Moulins which gained international after being featured in the movie Amélie.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $95 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A former wood workshop that’s been entirely renovated, this Airbnb is a simple, tasteful, and comfortable option for your trip to Paris. The ground-floor loft is filled with light, and decorated with contemporary taste and elegance in mind. The Airbnb’s front door and windows don’t face the streets and its ongoing flow of pedestrians, instead it is located in a typically Parisian courtyard, keeping the noise and the nosy people out of your vacation. This Airbnb is very close to the Canal Saint-Martin, the perfect place for a romantic walk.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $83 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This large Parisian apartment located in the heart of the Marais neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, transports you to another era. With timber beams on the ceiling, parquet floors, art, and antique furniture, this Airbnb is not only comfortable and beautiful, but it’s an experience in and out of itself. Former guests rave about the book and music library, the feeling of homeliness, and the apartment’s perfect location — it’s only a two-minute walk from the Pompidou Center, the leading European museum for modern and contemporary art.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $262 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious and very elegant apartment is perfect for a trip to the French capital with family or friends as it can host up to eight guests in four bedrooms. Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a very chic, village-like neighborhood, you’ll be very close to iconic cafés Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore, and just a 20-minute walk from the Musée d’Orsay. You and your loved ones will feel like you’re staying in the lap of luxury in this sophisticated Airbnb that features beautiful art, tasteful period furniture, a fireplace, classic Parisian herringbone parquet floors, and a large patio with views on the roofs of the city. The building is in a quiet private courtyard, so you won’t be bothered by the noises of the city.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1501 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This beautiful apartment in the Latin Quarter has everything you’d want from your Paris accommodation: Herringbone parquet floors, a corner fireplace, elegant furniture, an eclectic art collection, and a touch of romanticism in the bedroom. And on top of being elegant, it’s also cozy, with large plush sofas and house plants that bring nature to this city lodging. The Latin Quarter is home to the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company, the botanical garden, the Panthéon, and more, allowing you to see some of the best attractions in Paris just by taking a leisurely stroll.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $202 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Only a five-minute walk to the famous Champs-Elysées and with a view of the tip of the Eiffel Tower, this luxury apartment in the eight arrondissement of Paris is what dreams are made of. Extremely well appointed with parquet floors, period furniture, and a modern bathroom, this Paris Airbnb is as sophisticated as it gets. It’s also in the best location: Close to the Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde, the Alexandre III Bridge, and many more must-see attractions.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $832 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you come to Paris for the Eiffel Tower, this is the Airbnb you want to book. From the balcony of this apartment in the seventh arrondissement, you get the best view of the iconic French monument — it’s so close, you could almost touch it! Not only is it great by day, but at night, when the monument is fully illuminated, the spectacle is even more magical. Beyond the view, this Paris Airbnb is elegantly decorated with subtle tones and simple, yet beautiful furnishings, as well as a modern kitchen and bathrooms, for a comfortable and sophisticated stay in Paris.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $975 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This apartment in the second arrondissement is a unique offering. With timber beams running along a magnificent cathedral ceiling, this Paris Airbnb makes you feel like you’re in the belly of a ship. The fireplace and the furniture all work toward making guests feel cozy and at home. The kitchen is a work of art in black and while and the bathroom is a beautiful mix of colors. The apartment is within walking distance from the Louvre, and the Palais Royal.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $249 per night
The post If you liked Netflix’s ‘The Parisian Agency’ you’ll love these 8 luxurious Paris Airbnbs appeared first on Matador Network.
The cheapest and most expensive cities to stay in a 5-star hotel
If you’re looking for a luxurious five-star hotel, it might not be worth it to break the bank. If you have some flexibility with your destination, you could get that luxury experience in one of the world’s cheapest five-star hotels.
LuxuryHotel.com recently conducted research and rounded up the most expensive, and thankfully also the cheapest, five-star hotels. The study judged cities in over 100 countries and found the average price rounded out to about $236 per night. The luxurious city of Abu Dhabi offers the most five-star experiences, as 32 percent of the country’s hotels and resorts are rated five stars.
Claiming the top spot for the most expensive stay in the world is in the United States. A hotel in Los Angeles will run you an average of $675 per night. Paris, the city of romance, will cause a breakup with you and your wallet at $664 per night. In Orlando, expect to spend an average of $663. Other US cities in the top ten include Honolulu and Miami.
Los Angeles, USA — $675.84Paris, France — $664.53Orlando, USA — $663.11Honolulu, USA — $585.35Rome, Italy — $558.49Venice, Italy — $518.90Florence, Italy — $493.45Miami, USA — $477.89Milan, Italy — $473.65Toronto, Canada — $472.24That being said, if you’d like to get the best bang for your buck then take a trip to India, where the cities are home to seven out of 10 of the cheapest five-star hotels. You can get a room in Chennai, India, for as low as $47 per night. In India, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Bangalore tie for second place at $57 per night.
Here are the cheapest cities for a five-star luxury stay worldwide.
Chennai, India — $47Johor Bahru, Malaysia — $57Bangalore, India — $57Agra, India — $58Kolkata, India — $69New Deli, India — $69Mumbai, India — $72Jaipur, India — $78Phuket, Thailand — $79Cebu, Philippines — $79Wherever you decide to go, you might want to reference the full study to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
The post The cheapest and most expensive cities to stay in a 5-star hotel appeared first on Matador Network.
The best cities in the world to study abroad in 2022
A recent study conducted by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds, the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector) ranked the best cities to study abroad in 2022.
To be considered in the study, each city must have a population of over 250,000 and also have at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings®. 125 cities were selected and looked at very closely to draw this ranking.
The ranking is based on six categories: university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student view (“based on a survey of students and recent graduates around the world,” the website explains). The six categories are given equal weight when calculating the overall numerical ranking.
The top 10 best cities to study abroad:
1. London, United Kingdom2. Munich, Germany3. Seoul, South Korea3. Tokyo, Japan5. Berlin, Germany6. Melbourne, Australia7. Zurich, Switzerland8. Sydney, Australia9. Boston, United States9. Montreal, Canada9. Paris, France12. Edinburgh, Scotland
London got the top place for the second year in a row. Several cities scored the same, like Seoul and Tokyo and Boston, Montréal, and Paris holding the ninth spot. Boston is the only US city in the top 15 — New York City ranks 15th and San Francisco ranks 24th.
For the full ranking of the best cities to study abroad, visit the QS website.
The post The best cities in the world to study abroad in 2022 appeared first on Matador Network.
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