Matador Network's Blog, page 611
July 26, 2021
What to pack for an epic trekking adventure in Latin America
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With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts and home to every adventure activity imaginable, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers. Here we have you covered with this travel gear for Latin America list. Whether you’re hiking on glaciers in Argentina, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, driving 4WD through the deserts of Chile, or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, you’ll be ready for any adventure.
1. Osprey Farpoint 55 backpack
Photo: Osprey
First things first. If you’re traveling around Latin America you’ll need a worthy pack to carry around your clothes, electronics, and everything else that’s coming with you. Get a solid pack that’s built for backpacking and at least 40 liters in size. Backpacks go up to 85 liters, but if you can manage a minimalist lifestyle, your back will certainly appreciate a smaller size pack. Remember, you are the one who has to carry it all. Osprey is a tried and true brand in the backpacker community. Its packs come with a lifetime guarantee, with an emphasis on repair rather than replacement.
We recommend the Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack for trekking and general travel around the region. It’s big enough for your trekking gear, has plenty of straps for a tent and ground pad, and provides easy access to everything inside.
Price: $155 to $390
2. Water-repellant shell layer jacket
Photo: REI
If you plan to hike in the Andes Mountains or trek to Machu Picchu, especially during the rainy season, bring a water-repellant shell jacket with you. The weather in these high altitudes is unpredictable and can turn a hike sour if you aren’t prepared. The North Face Flight Futurelight Jacket is a great choice, as it’s fully waterproof and breathable, making it appropriate for most hiking situations. As a bonus, it folds into itself in one of the pockets, taking minimal space in your hiking pack.
Shop Women’s Futurelight Jacket
Price: $280 to $300
3. Puffer jacket
Photo: REI
Patagonia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in Latin America, but the further south you travel, the colder it will become. A puffer jacket adds some serious insulation to keep you warm and toasty whether you’re hanging by the penguins or standing high on mountains and volcanoes. You’ll likely need it when you’re anywhere above 10,000 feet, as well as at night when camping or relaxing in high-alpine lodges. REI’s lightweight, packable down jacket is a perfect option for your Latin America travel gear list. Its material is highly compressible and packs into its own left-hand pocket, so you can store it away when you’re in warmer regions.
Price: $99.95
4. Baselayers
Photo: REI
Given the variety of climates you’ll encounter while trekking in Latin America, dressing in layers will become your best tool to manage all of the extreme temperature changes. SmartWool Merino wool layers are a great choice. This miracle fabric keeps you cool when it’s hot out or warm when it’s cold out. And when it gets wet, it keeps you warm while it dries. It truly seems like magic.
Shop Women’s Merino Wool Baselayers
Shop Men’s Merino Wool Baselayers
Price: $34 to $125
5. Lightweight fleece sweater
Photo: REI
A lightweight fleece sweater is an essential piece of gear for trekking in Latin America, whether you’re traveling in the dry or rainy season. It will keep you comfortable in moderate conditions and create good insulation when paired with a shell for chiller evenings and high-altitude cities like Cusco. The Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover is a solid option. The sweater is made of quick-drying 100 percent recycled polyester microfleece, the lightest-weight microfleece Patagonia offers.
Price: $59 to $89
6. Hiking boots
Photo: REI
Latin America is home to some of the most epic hiking trails in the world, from the O Circuit in Chile to the Inca Trail in Peru. If you want to tackle some of these bucket-list treks, then you’ll need a solid pair of hiking boots. Ankle support is a must when purchasing hiking boots. Merrell is a well-known brand that makes long-lasting shoes that will get you through any terrain across Latin America. Matador writers and editors have used Merrell boots all over the world and highly recommend them. Grab a pair of Smartwool hiking socks to pair with them. The boots are designed specifically for trail use and will keep your feet surprisingly comfortable even if they get wet due to the wool’s natural moisture-wicking ability.
Price: $96 to $299
Price: $14.93
7. Lightweight scarf
Photo: Zero Grid/Facebook
A scarf is such a versatile travel item. Use it for extra warmth on cold bus rides, as a makeshift towel on the beach, or to wrap around your head for sun protection. There’s no end to the uses scarfs can have, so make sure to pack a light and foldable one. This Zero Grid Infinity Scarf for women even has hidden zip pockets to store your cash, cards, or phone. A perfect item to use when walking through busy cities if you’re worried about theft.
Price: $37.99
8. Comfortable sandals capable of long walks
Photo: REI
Latin America is home to some of the world’s best beaches, so don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable sandals that you use to walk around beach towns. Get yourself a pair of German-made Birkenstocks, which remain comfortable throughout a day of walking and are great for beaches and cities, too.
Price: $135
9. Comfortable travel clothes
Photo: REI
Aside from the items mentioned above, you’ll want to pack seven to ten days worth of comfortable and lightweight travel clothes in your bag. While this might not seem like enough for a multi-month or even two-week trekking journey, remember that laundry is available en route and that keeping your pack manageable is key. Also, you’ll be meeting new people all the time — so no one will notice the outfit repeats. Pack versatile travel clothes that can be used for both outdoor activities and in the city. Aside from your day-to-day outfits, you’ll want at least one pair of hiking or yoga pants, quick-dry shorts, and a bathing suit. A hat and gloves will also come in handy at some point in your journey.
For tops, we again recommend merino wool due to its ability to soak up sweat and remain clean enough to wear even after multiple uses. The REI Sahara Convertible hiking pant is our pant recommendation for trekking in Latin America. Available in both men’s and women’s varieties, these pants are durable in inclement weather, breathable, and can be turned into shorts on hot days.
Shop Women’s Merino Wool Shirts
Price: $69.95 (pants), $50 to $100 (shirts)
10. REI packing cubes
Photo: REI
Packing cubes will save your sanity when you’re living out of a bag. They keep your clothes organized, meaning you can separate your hot and cold weather clothes depending on the region you’re in. The REI expandable packing cubes are great because each can be expanded in size if you pick up a few new items along the way. Plus, each cube has a see-through mesh pocket with a card that lists its contents, so you easily find what you need without unpacking.
Shop REI expandable packing cubes
Price: $26.93
11. EPICKA universal travel adapter
Photo: Epickatech
While most Central American and Caribbean countries use US outlets, some South American countries use the European style, 120 volts to 220 volts. The easiest thing to do is pack a universal travel adapter, and you’ll be able to charge your electronics no matter where you are in the world. This EPICKA universal travel adapter has four USB slots so you can charge multiple electronics at once and save a fight when there’s only one plug in the dorm where you’re staying.
Shop EPICKA universal travel adapter
Price: $22.99
12. Otterbox Powerbank
Photo: REI
If you plan to do a multi-day trekking adventure in Latin America and want to keep your phone alive for photos, it’s essential to have a power bank. These are also helpful for those long, long bus rides where you play music and podcasts for hours on end. The Otterbank FastCharge Powerbank is great because it can store up to 20,000 mAh, meaning you’ll be able to charge your phone multiple times before needing to recharge the bank. It also comes with both USB-A and fast-charging USB-C ports that let you charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Price: $55
13. Travel filter water bottle
Photo: REI
The tap water isn’t drinkable in many places throughout Latin America, so be sure to pack a travel filter water bottle in your bag. It looks like a normal water bottle, but the technology used in the LifeStraw Go removes 99.9 percent of bacteria, meaning you can safely drink water from anywhere. Not only is this much better for the environment than buying plastic water bottles, but you’ll save a few dollars each day which adds up fast when you’re traveling for weeks or months on end.
Price: $39.95
14. Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Photo: REI
To make your trekking experience as enjoyable as possible, grab a pair of Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles. These trekking poles are perfect for long hikes and collapse to a packable size that can be strapped to the side of your pack. Trekking poles also help maintain balance during ascents and descents on steep patches of trail, keeping your movement as smooth as possible.
Shop Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Price: $169.95 
The post What to pack for an epic trekking adventure in Latin America appeared first on Matador Network.
8 memorable experiences on Molokai
We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to join us on the Island of Molokai. Read more about current safety protocols.Tranquil and authentic, the Hawaiian island of Molokai still hasn’t hit the average tourist’s radar. You won’t believe the statistics: Somewhere around 5,000 visitors hop over to this island every year. On any given day, you’ll be sharing Molokai with fewer than 15 tourists.
As a result, Molokai has managed to remain far less developed than most of its neighbors, offering those who do decide to check it out a seriously authentic, sustainable alternative. If you can respect the land, the sea, and the island’s people, a world of natural wonders will open to you: quiet hikes along mountain ridges, tropical farms with acres of brilliantly colored flowers, pristine beaches and nature reserves that can feel like your own. Here’s what you’ll experience — and never forget — on Molokai.
1. Scoping some of the world’s highest sea cliffs
Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Molokai’s rocky northern shore is home to some of the highest, steepest sea cliffs in the world, with a near-vertical drop that starts about 3,300 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent formations were created over a million years ago when a massive portion of the island collapsed into the waves.
Visitors can see these remote cliffs from the Kalaupapa Overlook at Palaau State Park. Or, for a glorious bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, helicopter tours from Maui — like those with Sunshine Helicopters — provide a look you won’t forget anytime soon.
2. Calling Halawa Valley home for a day
Photo: Brooke Dombroski/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Around 1,300 years ago, the sprawling Halawa Valley was home to some of Hawaii’s earliest inhabitants. Its level land is a rarity on Molokai’s northeast coast — and, incidentally, it’s the only one of the northeast valleys that can be reached by car.
There are several sites of note here, including the double-tiered, 250-foot Mooula Falls. Take a tour with Greg Solatorio, who’ll lead you on a moderate hike through the valley and share more cultural knowledge than you’ll ever be able to remember. Along the two miles to the falls, you’ll pass fresh mountain streams and heiau, “hidden” traditional places of worship fit for contemplation.
Note: This is private land, so please be respectful, and be sure to arrange your visit in advance.
3. Trekking the sand dunes of Moomomi Preserve
Photo: Shutterstock/Fire Tator
You won’t find any other place in Hawaii like Moomomi Preserve — this two-mile stretch on Molokai’s northwestern shore comprises the most intact coastal sand dune ecosystem on the islands. As such, it’s a vital cache of biodiversity, with over 20 native species of indigenous plants, grass, and shrubs growing among the undulating sand formations.
While on the windy shoreline, you’ll most certainly spot wildlife — the area attracts plenty of rare waterfowl (like the Hawaiian owl), as well as nesting sea turtles and other marine species. When here, do your part to protect the land and the life it sustains, and leave only well-placed footprints.
4. Having one of Hawaii’s largest beaches to yourself
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
With over three miles of soft white sand, Papohaku Beach is famous for being Molokai’s longest. It’s also incredibly wide, at around 100 yards, and — best of all — secluded. Here, you can spend the day admiring the scenery (check out the views of Oahu’s Diamond Head), strolling along the water’s edge, and relaxing on the sand.
Papohaku has a rough shore break — year-round, though slightly calmer in summer — so swimming here doesn’t come recommended. Instead, bring your own food (bonus if it’s from a Molokai farmers market) and make a picnic of it. At Papohaku Beach Park, there are barbecue grills, plenty of tables, parking, restrooms, and shower facilities to set you up for a memorable beach day.
5. Wandering a rainforest boardwalk through Kamakou Preserve
Photo: Shutterstock/Aga Monka
Situated on Molokai’s eastern side, Kamakou Preserve stretches for nearly 3,000 acres along the slopes of the island’s highest mountain (which shares the same name). Home to several rare birds in dire threat of extinction, such as the Molokai thrush or olomao, as well as some 250 native plants and trees, most of which only grow in Hawaii, this dense rainforest hides countless secrets.
A 4WD vehicle is needed to reach the preserve; proper shoes and a long-sleeve shirt are equally essential. Visitors who prefer a guided tour can sign up for one of the monthly hikes (between April and October) offered by the Nature Conservancy, but the three-mile boardwalk trail through the pristine rainforest is open to independent hikers as well.
6. Mailing your best friend a coconut
Photo: Heather Goodman/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Go on and “Post-a-Nut.” Visitors who stop by the tiny post office in the town of Hoolehua can select, decorate, address, and send a real coconut through USPS to just about anywhere in the world. The coconuts are free, and there are plenty of colorful markers and pens to transform yours into a whimsical work of art. About 3,000 coconuts fly through the mail every year!
Note: For delivery within the US, postage ranges from about $15 to $20 per coconut.
7. Stopping to smell the orchids at Halawa Tropical Flower Farm
Photo: Shutterstock/Leigh Anne Meeks
Tucked away in the aforementioned Halawa Valley, Halawa Tropical Flower Farm overflows with brightly hued flowers and plants of all shapes and sizes. Towering over it all — in the background of your Eden-esque selfies — is the epic Mooula Falls.
The story behind the farm might be what gets you here, though: Artist Kalani Pruet cleared the land, created the three-acre property, taught himself the flower business, and is one of half a dozen or so who live sustainably, off-grid, in the valley. In addition to ginger, hibiscus, and Hawaiian orchids, he also harvests an abundance of fresh tropical fruits, including mango, papaya, bananas, and dragonfruit. Grab a smoothie after your guided tour or hike to the falls (by appointment only) — they’re complimentary, but a donation is appreciated.
8. Getting on the water with the Waakapaemua Canoe Club
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
How’s this for a pro tip? Arrive at 7:15am any Thursday morning at Kaunakakai Harbor to join in the Waakapaemua Canoe Club’s weekly practice. You don’t need to book ahead of time — just show up. They’re a welcoming group that delights in teaching newbies the joys of paddling wooden outrigger canoes on the open ocean. You’ll get to partake in an ancient Hawaiian tradition, make new friends, and spot some sea life, all while enjoying a memorable paddle atop the waves.
And get this: It’s free. If you needed a perfect example of what to expect on a visit to Molokai, that’s it right there.
The post 8 unforgettable experiences you can only have on Molokai appeared first on Matador Network.
July 23, 2021
Hawaiians are thrilled about Olympic surfing, but they’re not so sure about the US flag
On Sunday, July 23, the sport of surfing will debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games. World champion Carissa Moore is heavily favored to win in the Women’s category. But, for the first time ever, the Honolulu native won’t be permitted to compete under the Hawaiian flag.
Surfers from Hawaii will have to compete under the US flag, and many Native Hawaiians feel ambivalent about that.
“The conflict I, and many other Native Hawaiians, feel about Carissa and John John [Florence] surfing under the United States flag goes back to the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” says Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Chief Brand Officer for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
Waving the Hawaiian flag
Photo: Dane Gillett/Shutterstock
In surfing competitions around the world, surfers from Hawaii have the Hawaiian flag beside their names on the scoreboard, on their jerseys out on the water, and, if they win — which they often do — draped over their shoulders on the victory walk from the sand to the podium.
That’s what Kalani Vierra says he has done in the tandem surf competitions he and his partner have won in places like Spain or Australia, and in locations like New Zealand, where they were the highlight of tandem surf exhibitions.
“For myself, when I did travel, I waved my Hawaiian flag,” Vierra told us by phone as he did a pre-dawn drive to surfing on the west side of Kauai.
Commenting on the two Hawaiians on the US Olympic surf team, Ka‘anā‘anā says via email, “Without question, they are two of the biggest names in professional surfing who have been able to compete in the World Surf League under the Hawaiian flag as they recognize Hawai‘i’s unique history as the home of surfing.”
It’s not that Hawaiian athletes in any sport should compete under their flag, but that surfing wouldn’t exist without Hawaii. Hawaii didn’t just invent surfing; it was one of the few places that could have done so.
It couldn’t have started anywhere else
Photo: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock
“There is no way to know where, when, or how people first surfed on waves,” says DeSoto Brown, a historian who curated the recent exhibit Mai Kinohi Mai: Surfing in Hawaiʻi at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. “However, we can say with certainty that by the time the first outside people arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 and documented and described the surfing they encountered, Hawaii had achieved the highest evolution of the sport.”
A key factor, notes Brown via email, is that Hawaii had warm water. Surfing was a sport that could only have been invented in the tropics, Brown tells us, because the water is too cold in most of the world to be used for recreating without modern equipment.
“Visiting Europeans and Americans from temperate climates mostly could not even swim at all, even sailors, so to see everyone from babies to old people playing actively in the water was an astounding sight in the late 1700s and early 1800s,” says Brown. “For many foreigners, the ocean was a threatening enemy, not a welcoming environment.”
It would be nearly two centuries before wetsuits would make surfing in cold water — even alongside floating ice — possible. Brown also notes that Hawaii’s geographic location at the cross-section of ocean swells, along with its varied coastal topography, meant that there were surf breaks in many different places, and with varying conditions, throughout the Hawaiian archipelago.
“These physical attributes were crucial in surfing’s development, but it was up to the creativity and physical prowess of the Hawaiians to have created surfing,” says Brown. “And make no mistake, the sport of surfing which is now international is the outgrowth specifically of what Hawaiians invented.”
An equalizing sport
Photo: brycekauai/Shutterstock
Surfing was not limited to the wealthy nor just to men. “While Hawaiians of the time lived in a very stratified society with very specifically defined gender roles, both males and females actively surfed, along with everyone from royalty to commoners,” says Brown.
Perhaps it was the sight of scantily clad women, more so than the men, that first shocked the Christian missionaries who came to Hawaii in the 1820s. While the oft-cited contention that these missionaries outlawed surfing is debated, one thing we know for certain: The arrival of Westerners, which began even before the missionaries’ arrival, resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of surfers.
For one, Hawaiians suffered the social and economic dislocation brought on by foreigners who soon set up plantations and imported workers from countries like Japan to work at them. Moreover, foreigners brought diseases to which the Hawaiians — much like so many Indigenous peoples in the Americas — had no immunity. It’s estimated foreign-brought illnesses may have killed more than 80 percent of Native Hawaiians in less than 60 years. The effect of this devastation on the number of Hawaiians who could enjoy their ancient pastime in the water was drastic.
Although the arrival of Westerners endangered surfing, the sport persisted. It’s a testament to surfing’s central place in Hawaiian culture.
“Surfing, or He’e nalu, is a Hawaiian cultural, artistic, and athletic sport. It has been practiced in our culture for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. We have always identified with surfing as a part of our identity and it enables us to connect to our kupuna (ancestors) today,” says Isaiah Walker, Academic Vice President and member of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts at Hawaii’s Brigham Young University.
From royalty to the Olympics
Photo: Library of Congress
We can also give credit for surfing’s survival to Princess Ka‘iulani, the last heir to the Hawaiian crown before the kingdom was overthrown by the United States in 1893. In a just-released book, Women on Waves: A Cultural History of Surfing: From Ancient Goddesses and Hawaiian Queens to Malibu Movie Stars and Millennial Champion, author Jim Kempton argues that Hawaii’s Princess Ka‘iulani was not only an avid and accomplished surfer, but may have been responsible for ensuring its continued existence in Hawaii.
Kempton says it was Princess Ka‘iulani who paved the way for the Hawaiian surfer better known for bringing surfing to the world: Duke Kahanamoku.
This brings us back to the Olympics. Kahanamoku is credited with introducing surfing to California in 1912 and to Australia in 1914 — which both became surfing powerhouses in the following years. But the world’s eyes were on Kahanamoku in the first place because he was a highly accomplished Olympian, having racked up gold and silver medals in swimming at three different Olympics.
Kahanamoku — whose original surfboard can be seen at the Bishop Museum’s Hawaiian Hall — had dreamed of bringing surfing to the Olympics, and it took nearly a century for that to happen. And for that, Hawaiians are grateful.
“As a Hawaiian, it is very exciting to have Carissa and John John competing in the Olympics as surfing makes its debut in the summer games. Both are incredible world-class athletes who are very proud of their Hawai‘i roots,” says the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Ka‘anā‘anā. “I have no doubt they will have all of Hawai‘i cheering them on to bring home the gold.”
If they do both earn gold, it won’t be a surprise. The same conditions that made Hawaii the birthplace of surfing still make it the training ground for many of the most accomplished surfers in the world. Even Kelly Slater — who at age 49 is still strong enough to serve as the alternate on the three-member US Men’s team — is an 11-time World Champion and widely regarded as the greatest surfer of all time. Although he learned to surf in Florida, he honed his skills as a teenager on Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline.
In fact, BYU’s Walker says Hawaiians will also be cheering on Tatiana Weston-Webb, a Kauai-based surfer who will be surfing for Brazil in these Olympics, and Brissa Hennessey, who will surf for Costa Rica, where she lived until the age of eight before moving to Oahu’s North Shore.
Making the Hawaii story clear once and for all
Photo: Mana Photo/Shutterstock
The hope at this year’s Olympics is that the presence of so many Hawaiians — and the controversy over the flag — will finally draw the world’s attention to Hawaii’s centrality in the existence of surfing. The absurdity of cities like Santa Cruz and Hamilton Beach fighting over the trademark title of “Surf City USA” becomes even more apparent.
“Surfing is a gift to the world, but has often been appropriated into Western culture,” opines BYU’s Walker.
Fortunately, this year is forcing a reckoning of that fact. At least Ka‘anā‘anā believes so.
“There has been considerable national and international media coverage leading up to the Olympics focused on the fact that Hawai‘i was not able to send its own surf team to the games this year,” says Ka‘anā‘anā. “Many of those stories have not been shy to point out the fact that Hawai‘i is the birthplace of surfing.”
For his part, tandem surf world champ Vierra had been hoping to do an exhibition with his partner in Tokyo and had been raising funds to that end before the pandemic derailed those plans. Instead, he’ll be watching the US Olympic surf team compete from his Kauai home. He is looking forward to seeing the Hawaiians show their skills.
“I’m hoping that Carissa and John John bring the Hawaiian flag,” says Vierra. “And maybe they have the opportunity to wave it.”
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Watch this YouTuber explore Albania’s abandoned Communist-era bunkers
Despite the end of Communism in the Balkan region of Europe, much like the rest of Eastern Europe, it remains marked by its past. Military bunkers are one of these lingering remnants. In Albania, bunkers are everywhere, serving as stoic symbols of history. Though many sit abandoned, others have been repurposed in creative ways that breathe new life into otherwise forgotten ruins.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, over 173,000 bunkers were built in Albania during the reign of Enver Hoxha, an authoritarian leader implementing a hard-core version of Stalisnim. Their construction was the result of a program called “bunkerization,”, wherein bunkers were built all across the country for the purpose of defending it against neighbors’ aggression. Hoxha was so paranoid about an impending attack that he ordered every bunker to be manned constantly, even in the absence of an active threat. The bunker program was a tremendous drain on Albania’s economy, resulting in poor infrastructure and housing conditions — an impact that can be felt in the country even today.
The bunkers were never used for war, as intended. After the authoritarian communist government was dissolved in 1992, the bunkers were abandoned and repurposed for residential accommodation, cafes, storehouses, and animal shelters. A nod to the country’s complicated past, the bunkers remain one of Albania’s most notable and ubiquitous architectural features.
This inspired the people behind the YouTube channel Yes Theory to travel to Albania to explore the bunkers, and discover how they’re being used today.
One bunker, known as the “Tattoo Bunker,” now serves as a tattoo parlor. Others have been turned into cafes, while some, located on private land, are being preserved by the owner in their original condition.
“You can do something inside, but it will always remain a story,” he said.
The YouTubers’ trip in Albania ended at a 2,500-year-old castle, which put the bunkers and the country as a whole into perspective. “These bunkers are only the most recent trace of Albania’s heavy history,” they say in the video. “The castle that had been conquered by the Romans, and then the Ottomans, is now standing as a representation of what Albania has gone through for thousands of years. That despite continuous wars and oppression, the Albanian people have held each other together through traditions and culture that have outlived it all.”
While monuments and ruins tend to feel like time capsules, unchangeable and permanent reminders of the past, they also don’t define a country’s future. Nations and cultures have long histories, and while 25 years of “bunkerization” might sound like a lot, it’s just a small blip on Albania’s long, complex timeline.
In the video, the travelers suggest, “remembering the past while taking ownership of it to create a new future.” The creative repurposing of Albania’s bunkers is an encouraging example of owning the past, embracing it, learning from it, and optimistically looking toward the future.
The post Watch this YouTuber explore Albania’s abandoned Communist-era bunkers appeared first on Matador Network.
Tonight’s buck moon is happening during the best meteor shower of the year
A special astronomical event is taking to the sky tonight and will be visible until Sunday morning. The buck moon will be visible after sundown on July 23, but will best light up the sky at 10:37 PM ET, according to NASA. For those in Newfoundland, Greenland, and further east, the moon will actually be the most visible on Saturday, July 24.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Algonquin tribes of what is now the northeastern US named this particular full moon the “buck moon” in relation to the time when male deer, or buck, grow new antlers. It is also called the “thunder moon.”
The Europeans call it the “hay moon” for the hay-making season, or the “mead moon” for the drink made during that time of the year.
Whatever you decide to call it, keep your eyes on the night sky tonight. If you manage to find a place with no light pollution, you might even catch a shooting star or two from the Perseid meteor shower, which will be here until August 24, 2021.
The post Tonight’s buck moon is happening during the best meteor shower of the year appeared first on Matador Network.
The difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala
The joy of scooping up mouthfuls of creamy tomato curry and bites of tender chicken using torn bits of naan is what keeps many Westerners returning to their local Indian restaurants. Britons and Americans have a mutual love for two dishes that fit the bill: chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, though many diners would be hard-pressed to describe the difference. Some might insist that they’re interchangeable; others might wonder why both are listed on a single restaurant menu.
Though butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are similar in both preparation and flavor, each has a unique history and its own subtle characteristics. To better appreciate the dishes you’re most likely already ordering, no matter which one you favor, here’s everything you need to know about chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, from where each comes from to how they differ.
The origins of butter chicken and chicken tikka masala
Photo: Vibs/Shutterstock
Understanding the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala begins with understanding their origins. By all accounts, butter chicken, or murgh makhani, came first. It’s widely accepted that a Pakistani refugee named Kundan Lal Gujral popularized the North Indian dish, first serving it at his restaurant in Delhi in the 1950s. Gujral is also credited with popularizing tandoori chicken, which is marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor that was traditionally used to bake flatbread. How Gujral came to start serving tandoori chicken in a rich, buttery tomato-cream sauce is unclear. Some say the dish was a happy accident. Others assume it was a means of repurposing leftover chicken.
Even less is clear about the origin of chicken tikka masala. The dish is generally accepted as a derivation of butter chicken, but little about its history is universally agreed upon. Central to the debate is whether the dish can be considered Indian at all, or if it’s actually British.
One of the most popular legends surrounding chicken tikka masala attributes it to a Bangladeshi chef in a curry shop in Glasgow, Scotland, around 1970. As the story goes, the chef whipped up an impromptu batch of spiced tomato gravy to serve over chicken that a customer had complained was dry. In some versions, the chef is anonymous, and the gravy began as a can of Campbell’s tomato soup. Others identify the chef as Ali Ahmed Aslam, owner of the Shish Mahal restaurant, who takes credit for inventing the recipe and even petitioned the EU to recognize chicken tikka masala as a Glaswegian dish, much as Champagne and Parmigianno Regianno have a Protected Designation of Origin status.
Another theory traces the dish back to British India where British soldiers were served chicken in a creamy tomato gravy to tone down the spice. Even the story behind the boneless, bite-sized pieces of meat that are characteristic of chicken tikka masala is disputed. Many believe that the first Mughal emperor originated the poultry’s trademark preparation, owing to his insistence that he only be served deboned chicken in fear of choking.
For the British, chicken tikka masala’s origins are not only historically hazy but also controversial. In 2001, then British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook gave an infamous 2001 speech on the value of the nation’s multiculturalism, spotlighting the dish as an example.
“Chicken tikka masala is now a true British national dish, not only because it is the most popular, but because it is a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences,” Cook claimed, garnering considerable criticism. “Chicken tikka is an Indian dish. The masala sauce was added to satisfy the desire of British people to have their meat served in gravy.”
Perhaps author Lizzie Collingham presents the dissenting opinion best in her book, Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerers, when she writes that chicken tikka masala “was not a shining example of British multiculturalism but a demonstration of the British faculty for reducing all foreign foods to their most unappetizing and inedible forms.” Other critics, such as restaurateur Iqbal Wahhab in an article for The Independent, questioned the entire institution of British Indian restaurants as being inauthentically multicultural at best, and colonial at worst.
The question of where chicken tikka masala originated invites more questions than answers. What is clear is that despite the dish’s popularity in the US and particularly in the UK, where it’s said to make up one in seven curry sales, travelers would be hard-pressed to find chicken tikka masala on many restaurant menus in India. The same can’t be said for murgh makhani.
The difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala
Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Origins aside, what actually differentiates butter chicken and chicken tikka masala is subtle. Exactly how either dish is made largely depends on who’s making it, although the foundation is the same: pieces of chicken swimming in a spiced, aromatic, velvety tomato curry.
One common, if somewhat pedantic, way of differentiating the dishes is to say that butter chicken is served in a creamy tomato sauce while chicken tikka masala is slathered in a creamy tomato gravy. The former is considered creamier, owing to the butter or ghee that’s often incorporated, while the latter is thought to be more tomato-y. Others say chicken tikka masala is more flavor-forward, though both dishes are loaded with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chili, as well as spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, which often come pre-blended in a spice mixture known as garam masala. Turmeric, fenugreek, and nutmeg are also commonly used in both dishes.
The last notable difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala concerns the chicken itself. While butter chicken can be served with bone-in poultry, the meat in chicken tikka masala is always boneless, bringing us back to the legend of the first Mughal emperor.
Where to try butter chicken in IndiaWhile butter chicken is available on restaurant menus globally, it goes without saying that nowhere makes murgh makhani like India. The restaurant in Delhi where chef Gujral popularized the dish, Moti Mahal, is now a franchise with many locations in India and around the world, including several restaurants in New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram in the National Capital Region, plus dozens more across the states of Gujarat, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and others. Internationally, the franchise has locations in Sri Lanka, New York, the Maldives, and New Zealand.
Where to try chicken tikka masala in the UKThe restaurant where chef Aslam claims to have invented chicken tikka masala, Shish Mahal, is still operating in the Kelvinbridge area of Glasgow’s trendy West End. If you’re traveling around London, Brick Lane in East London is jam-packed with curry houses that are said to serve some of the best Indian food in England. Aladin Indian Restaurant is among the most raved about.
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You can now listen to a 100-track playlist of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite songs
Morgan Neville, director of the newly released documentary on Anthony Bourdain, set out to create an intimate portrait of a man he clearly admired. Although Neville is now facing understandable backlash for both his choice to use an AI generated version of Bourdain’s voice and his decision to not interview Asia Argento, his original intention to pay respects to the near-universally beloved Bourdain remains clear. Further proof of his respectful intention: Neville put together a 100-track playlist featuring a selection of Bourdain’s favorite tunes.
Bourdain’s love of music and movie soundtracks were a big part of his role as a television host. He very intentionally picked the songs to accompany episodes of No Reservations and Parts Unknown. Music is a recurring theme in the documentary too: Bourdain’s friend David Chang reveals one of favorite songs harkened back to the days when Bourdain used heroin, and Neville also uses clips from a conversation the travel host had with Iggy Pop.
Esquire reports that Neville, “took note of the songs Bourdain has mentioned [and] asked for some help from the chef’s friends,” to compile the epic playlist. Songs by The Beach Boys, Patti Smith, and David Bowie are all featured — as well as from some of his musical friends, including Iggy Pop and Queens of the Stone Age.
“When I started making the documentary Roadrunner, pretty much the first thing I did was to put together a playlist of all the music that Tony mentioned,” Neville told Rolling Stone.
The 18-hour-plus playlist is available on Spotify. It will probably make for perfect listening after a viewing of Roadrunner, which is out in theaters now. Just be forewarned that both listening and watching Neville’s tributes to Bourdain are likely to leave you a nostalgic, emotional wreck. At least through this playlist and documentary, he can live on in our memories.
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Southern hospitality shines at these discounted Atlanta boutique hotels
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.
Atlanta is like no other US city — it’s a beautiful mix of urban and traditional charms. Even a short trip to “The Big Peach” should include saucy barbecue, a dressed-up night out, and boutique accommodations that exude warm hospitality. These three Atlanta boutique hotels fit the bill perfectly. Each combines nicely appointed guest rooms with Southern dining and a central location to ensure you get the full Atlanta experience.
Experience the finest levels of boutique service at the Glenn Hotel
Photo: Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection/Facebook
Few things are as welcome after a long day of travel as a warm, scented towel with which to place over your weary face. The feeling is pure magic. The Glenn Hotel offers such a moist towel at check-in, along with a cool drink to soothe you from the city’s hot summer temperatures. Before you drift off into cocktail and moist-towel-induced fantasy, remember that you haven’t even left the check-in desk yet. Atlanta boutique hotels are known for their charmed hospitality, and the Glenn Hotel is one of the best examples of this tradition; it has an open-air SkyLounge up top for evening drinks under the stars and 110 exquisitely-trimmed guest rooms below.
Photo: Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection/Facebook
Room options range from standard to penthouse, and all include ornate bathrooms with large showers along with original artwork from celebrated local and international artists. Southern-influenced cuisine is served nightly at Glenn’s Kitchen. The hotel is located on the edge of downtown Atlanta, across from Centennial Park and nearby to State Farm Arena, the Georgia Aquarium (see below for discounted entry), and the CNN Studios, which offer tours where you may catch a glimpse of Wolf Blitzer.
Price: From $208 per night
Take in Atlanta’s history while sipping a coke at the Candler Hotel
Photo: The Candler Hotel/Facebook
Iconic food and drink companies keeping their masterpiece recipes hidden in strategic locations is nothing new (if you come across KFC’s seven spices, let us know). According to legend, the Candler Hotel is ground-zero for Coca-Cola. The hotel was built in 1906 by Asa Briggs Candler, founder of Coca-Cola, and it’s believed by many of the soda brand’s hardcore devotees that the original recipe for the soft drink is kept in the basement vault to this day. Regardless of the validity of this claim, a stay at the Candler Hotel is an excellent opportunity to experience a piece of Atlanta history.
Photo: The Candler Hotel/Facebook
You’ll be within walking distance to the World of Coca-Cola and the downtown installment of the Landmark Diner, the legendary Atlanta breakfast spot. The Candler opened as a hotel only in 2019, after many years as office space, so on top of being right downtown, the property features 265 hip and modern guest rooms in a mid-rise tower not far from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Of all Atlanta boutique hotels, the Candler Hotel has the coolest backstory.
Price: From $204 per night
Stay near the Beltline at the Wylie Hotel
Photo: Wylie Hotel
Atlanta’s Beltline is a 22-mile urban park consisting of converted old rail lines that encircles Atlanta’s urban core. A stay at the Wylie Hotel puts you adjacent to this urban oasis, an ideal place to access the trails for a hike or find a good spot to settle down for a picnic. Because the hotel is in the city core, it also gives you easy access to sports, museums, and Atlanta’s legendary music scene.
Photo: Wylie Hotel/Facebook
What makes The Wylie Hotel a standout property is its homelyness. Each room features an artisan pantry of local snacks. The onsite restaurant, Mrs. P’s Bar & Kitchen, serves local, seasonal cuisine in a small space that hasn’t forgotten about its southern roots. Overnight guests can enjoy a drink in The Parlor or The Sunroom before retiring to their room for the night. The overall experience makes you feel at home the way that a B&B does, while also offering the amenities and services of a top-notch hotel.
Price: From $199 per night
Tour the Georgia Aquarium for over 50 percent offWhile you’re in town, stop by the Georgia Aquarium with this Travelzoo deal that gets you in the door for just $33 — more than 50 percent off the full price. Here you can check out African penguins, American alligators, Manta Rays, and more. Add-on activities include swimming with whale sharks and specialized encounters with dolphins, penguins, seals, and more.
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The best places to visit in Jordan for every type of traveler
The Middle East is full of treasures, but the region is not an easy one to visit, whether because of violent conflicts or the difficulties foreigners face when trying to obtain tourist visas. Jordan is an exception. Surrounded by Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, Jordan is the safest and most stable country in this part of the world. Add to that the fact that US citizens wishing to explore the nation can effortlessly obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for just $60, and you’ve got another country to include to your must-visit list.
It’s hard to go wrong with a trip to Jordan, but depending on your interests, some spots are better suited for you than others. From archeological wonders to unique diving spots and nights in the desert, here are the top places to visit during your trip to Jordan.
For desert safaris: Wadi Rum
Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock
Wadi Rum is a spectacular desert. Its intense scenery of rolling sand dunes punctured with arching sandstone formations explains why it has been a filming location for so many movies, from Lawrence of Arabia to Rogue One and The Martian.
Exploring Wadi Rum should be a multi-day trip and there are several ways to travel through this protected area. Jeep tours are the most efficient way to see large areas of Wadi Rum in a short amount of time, but camel tours are a more traditional and peaceful transportation method. Likewise, there are several ways of enjoying a night in Wadi Rum — Wadi Rum Night Luxury offers you the opportunity to rent your own Bedouin-style tent, or you can glamp in a unique and luxurious stardome. If you’re looking for adventure, Wadi Rum Nomads offer guided trips that allow visitors to camp under the desert’s beautiful clear skies for an unforgettable stargazing experience. Most tours offer a combination of travel methods and their own sleeping accommodations.
Nearly all tour guides are operated by the local Bedouin population. Ancient Bedouins were nomadic people, herding goats and sheep, moving regularly and establishing temporary settlements as they went. While some Bedouins continue to maintain a nomadic lifestyle to this day, most live somewhat permanently in Rum Village, the only town in the desert area. Many elements of Bedouin life remain pervasive in Wadi Rum, allowing visitors to enjoy an additional cultural experience.
For open-air museums: Petra
Photo: Truba7113/Shutterstock
Half-built and half-carved into the rose-colored rock face by Nabataeans, the ancient caravan city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, is currently Jordan’s most-visited tourist attraction. It is easy to see why you cannot skip it during a trip to Jordan; this extraordinary archeological site — consisting of a winding sandstone canyon, tombs, and temples — can be visited via eight walking routes (ranging in difficulties), making Petra worthy of at least a two-day trip.
To get the full Petra experience, you’re going to walk through sand and rocky terrain for several miles (to reach the Monastery, intrepid travelers must ascend around 800 steps). Sensible shoes and sunscreen are highly advised. Local tour guides also offer donkey and camel rides if you are interested in an easier journey.
For a spa day: The Dead Sea
Photo: Fadi Sultaneh/Shutterstock
The Dead Sea is the lowest land-based point on Earth. While it is referred to as a sea, it is actually an extremely salty landlocked lake. Its salt concentration is so high, in fact, that people can effortlessly float in its waters. Furthermore, mud from the shores along the Dead Sea is naturally rich in minerals; Dead Sea mud masks are often used in spas and many skin care products.
To enjoy all the benefits the Dead Sea has to offer, we recommend that visitors purchase a day pass from hotels like the Mövenpick Resort or Dead Sea Marriott Resort. Both hotels have a Dead Sea salt water pool and offer treatments like massages, facials, and more. Just make your reservations for your spa day over the phone, as priority is given to their hotel guests. If you’re ready to splurge, the Kempinski Hotel offers luxury spa treatments, such as body scrubs and wraps that use Dead Sea mud products to exfoliate and hydrate your skin.
Be aware that the waters of the Dead Sea can be extremely dehydrating. Soak for no more than fifteen minutes at a time to prevent your skin from drying out. Once you get out, remember to cover yourself in Dead Sea mud and relax as its minerals exfoliate you. Hotels offer hoses to wash the mud and remaining salt off your skin, which will be necessary to prevent skin dehydration.
For Roman ruins: Jerash
Photo: Hamdan Yoshida/Shutterstock
Jerash, a city located in northern Jordan, is famous for its extremely well-preserved Roman ruins. Compared to the crowds that come to see Petra, the archeological city of Jerash receives fewer tourists, but it’s very much worth the detour.
Jerash is roughly one hour by car north of the capital city of Amman. The drive from Amman to Jerash is itself very pleasant; while southern Jordan is characterized by desert landscape, northern Jordan is full of sloping hills and groves of olive trees.
The full site can be explored in one day, and while the entire ancient city is beautiful, there are structures that visitors should not skip, such as the Hadrian’s Arch, a sprawling triple-arched gateway that lead to the archeological site; the temple of Artemis, perched on the highest point of the city, which honored the city’s patron goddess; and Jerash’s hippodrome, built between the mid-2nd to 3rd century AD, which hosted chariot races and gladiator fights in its heyday.
The only way to explore the ruins of Jerash is by foot, so wearing practical footwear is a must. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. There is not much natural shade in Jerash, and the Jordanian sun can be strong.
For outdoor adventures: Wadi Mujib
Photo: Iuliia Khabibullina/Shutterstock
Wadi Mujib — a canyon whose river flows into the Dead Sea — offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for swimming, canyoning, and hiking. The entrance to Wadi Mujib canyon is roughly an hour by car from Dead Sea resorts like the Dead Sea Marriott Resort or the Hilton Dead Sea Resort.
The Siq Trail — the most popular trail through Wadi Mujib, open from April 1st to October 31st each year — begins by entering a wide canyon, where you will tread through calm, shallow water. However, the water deepens as the sandstone walls close in. This trek continues by climbing up three small waterfalls — some effort is required to ascend these falls, using preset ropes bolted to the canyon’s walls. But the reward is worth the journey. The trek concludes at the base of a stunning thirty-foot waterfall. You are required to rent life jackets at the visitor’s center, which may be necessary as you navigate through the waterfalls.
You can hire a guide to pick you up from your hotel and help you navigate through the Siq Trail, although guides are not necessary to enjoy the full experience.
For religious pilgrimages: Mount Nebo
Photo: VLADJ55/Shutterstock
Jordan is home to many religious sites, such as Jesus Christ’s baptismal site (Al-Maghtas). One of the most accessible and popular ones is Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised land.
Mount Nebo, located about one hour south of Amman, can be visited as a short day-trip from the capital city. A guide is not necessary to visit Mount Nebo. Most visitors reach the summit by car, although you can also get there on an easy thirty-minute hike. From the top, on a clear day, you can see across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the West Bank city of Jericho and Jerusalem. Sunsets over the West Bank are particularly stunning. Don’t skip a visit to the fifth/sixth-century basilica built on the summit; it contains beautiful Bizantyne mosaics.
For nature lovers: Aqaba
Photo: blue-sea.cz/Shutterstock
Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, offers visitors the unique opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive in the Red Sea. The Aqaba International Dive Center and the Coral Garden Diving Center can help you get your PADI certification (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), rent gear, or take you to one of the many dive sites located along Aqaba’s coastline. Some of the area’s unique diving sites include coral reefs, an eel garden, a shipwreck, and even a submerged tank.
Bird watchers should make their way to the Aqaba Bird Observatory to watch the many avian species that pass through Aqaba. Aqaba is a natural resting site where many birds rest and eat before continuing their journeys north in the spring and south in the fall. Over 250 migratory bird species — including greater flamingos, gray and purple herons, and great egrets — can be spotted feeding Aqaba’s marshlands before they resume their long journeys.
For shopping: Madaba
Photo: Patrik Dietrich/Shutterstock
The Middle East is famous for its souqs. Madaba — a small town located less than 25 miles south of Amman — is the best place in Jordan to experience the Middle Easterm shopping culture. Artisans sell their goods in open-air shops in the center of the city. Products are not labelled with fixed prices, so bartering is a must. Souvenirs to consider include locally made, hand-painted ceramics, as well as hand woven Bedouin rugs.
If you enjoy Middle Eastern food and want to cook it for yourself, you might want to consider buying sumac (a red spice sprinkled on hummus), za’atar (a mix of dried herbs and roasted sesame seeds used to season pita bread and meats), or cardamom (seeds which are used to accentuate coffee). Buying spices is a fully sensual experience in open-air markets; spices are held in large baskets, displayed so that shoppers can smell, touch, and even taste the product before purchase.
Madaba is also famous for Saint George’s Church, a Greek Orthodox Church that is notable for its ancient mosaic. Go and visit in between shopping sessions.
The post The best places to visit in Jordan for every type of traveler appeared first on Matador Network.
Travel agents tell all on what taking a trip really looks like right now
Travel has been in flux for over a year, with many people eagerly awaiting what has been called the return of travel. Of course, this long-anticipated return was never going to happen overnight. Certain countries are dropping restrictions and reopening, while others are ensuring travel is more sustainable when it picks back up. Others still are trying to contain COVID-19 by keeping their borders closed. In short: travel might have returned in earnest, but it doesn’t look anything like it did in 2019.
From navigating confusing restrictions to the rising popularity of travel insurance, many are left wondering if travel has actually “returned”? If anyone knows the answer, it’s a travel agent. They have their finger on the pulse of the travel industry, and we talked to several to learn what the return of travel actually looks like right now.
Demand is risingIf there’s one certainty about travel in 2021, it’s that people are more eager than ever to do it.
“People are ready to travel now,” says Christine Petersen, CEO of smarTours. “Travelers have been vaccinated and are ready for some revenge travel. We recently surveyed our travel panel and only 15 percent of survey respondents reported that they don’t know when they are ready to travel next, compared to 35 percent in July 2020.”
Americans were largely confined to their own country when it came to planning vacations for the past year. While domestic travel is still popular, international travel is encouragingly on the rise again.
“We are starting to see business travel domestically in the United States and some short haul international travel start to pick up,” says Sudeep Shah, CEO of Travel King International. “The fact that business travel is increasing is a great sign that air travel is headed back to a more normal state.”
John Potts, who runs the Happy Gringo travel agency in Ecuador, has noticed a rise in demand from foreign tourists looking for a South American escape.
“Here in Ecuador, we have seen a decent increase in demand from foreign tourists, especially from the USA,” he says. “These past three months in particular (April, May, June) are up over 200 percent in terms of customer contacts compared to the first quarter of 2021. I think there are more North Americans willing to travel now that they have been vaccinated.”
This dramatic increase in demand also applies to wedding and honeymoon travel — one of the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. Destination weddings can sometimes be a tough sell, with only a fraction of the invited guests actually attending, but that trend seems to be changing.
“The pent up demand is real,” says Jared Benoff from Vacationeeze, a family-run travel agency that handles weddings and honeymoons. “We’re not just seeing it from brides and grooms, but also their guests. Normally we expect about 30 percent of invited guests to attend a destination wedding, but right now we’re seeing an incredibly high conversion rate north of 60 percent.”
Destination preferences are changing
Photo: VGstockstudio/Shutterstock
Travel demand might slowly be returning to 2019 levels, but that doesn’t mean the same destinations are in demand. Unsurprisingly, domestic destinations were more popular than international ones this past year, and as global travel resumes some are deciding to continue traveling domestically while others are broadening their destination wish lists.
“Prior to the pandemic,” Benoff says, “there was a ton of interest in Southeast Asia and Europe as honeymoon destinations, but it’s nearly 80 percent Hawaii right now given the concerns for international travel restrictions.”
Even those who do choose to travel internationally are sticking closer to home.
“People are choosing locations that are close to the US and mostly staying within a five hour flight of the United States,” Shah says. “Mexico and the Carribean are open and, due to demand, you’re seeing flights and hotels that are almost double what they were in 2019.”
Lauren Doyle, president of The Travel Mechanic, acknowledges that travel certainly hasn’t returned in full, especially places that used to be popular tourism draws like Asia and Southeast Asia where borders are still closed.
“Many of our clients who would have chosen Europe or Asia for a honeymoon or dream vacation are sticking to places that are open now such as Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean,” she says.
Potts, speaking about Ecuador tourism, notes a rise in interest for private, custom-made trips compared to package cruises.
“The trend is that travelers are looking for flexibility and more control of their trips,” he says, “Demand for outdoors activities and national parks is also far outreaching demand for city breaks.”
This trend might also indicate that travelers are wary of traveling in large groups, preferring private tours with people they know and trust.
Insurance is keyThe return to travel is also accompanied by a healthy dose of trepidation. More flexible cancellation policies and robust travel insurance options might be the best thing to come out of the pandemic.
“Travelers are looking for some form of surety that they won’t have any issues,” says Shah, “or in the worst case, if there is an issue we are able to help them salvage their vacation. Most of our clients are purchasing some form of travel insurance.”
Cancellation policies are also being extended types of travel they haven’t always applied to.
“A lot more people are asking questions about the travel policies and advocating for themselves,” says Jared Benoff from Vacationeeze, a family-run travel agency. “We’re seeing people add things like cancellation policies on our wedding sites, which we’d never done prior to the pandemic. In the past, only a small percentage of our guests would opt for travel insurance but now it’s a much more normal line item for people to tack on to their trip.”
Sarah Reiss, a travel agent with Engineered Adventure, makes no secret about her feelings for travel insurance.
“I refuse to sell a package without travel insurance,” she says. “None of my customers ever complain about this either. There are too many variables post-COVID that weren’t a concern before like canceled flights or last minute restrictions in their destinations.”
Travel insurance used to fall more into the optional category for many people. Now travel insurance has become part of the essential travel toolbox. We live in a time when peace of mind is priceless, yet you can get close with a $40 travel insurance policy.
Perhaps equally rattling the nerves of travelers these days are questions surrounding travel restrictions. Confusion about which destinations are actually open, and what is required to go there, could easily prove daunting enough to discourage travelers from planning a trip at all.
“Travelers are looking for help navigating which countries have reopened,” Petersen says. “Understandably, many are very confused as almost every country is different. They also want to make sure that the venues and activities they want to do are actually open and available.”
Spontaneity is king
Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Given travelers’ growing preference for flexibility, it’s not surprising that last-minute trips are in vogue. Since travel restrictions can change on a dime, travelers are increasingly booking last-minute to avoid the hassle of trip cancellations and rebooking.
“Younger, more intrepid travelers are booking last minute trips to Sicily,” says Allison Scola, owner of the Experience Sicily travel agency. “They feel more confident in traveling on a plane and dealing with it [even if] things aren’t exactly smooth. Those over 55 are reserving their tours closer to departure for fall 2021 than they normally would have. This started to happen once it was clear that Italy was accepting vaccinated Americans without having to quarantine.”
Shah has also seen that clients are more eager to book within a month of travel unless there’s an extremely flexible cancellation policy.
“Most of our clients are booking within 30 days of travel,” she says. “It’s almost too hard to predict what travel restrictions will be in place further out than that. The clients that are booking further out than that are usually trying to take advantage of a great deal or have a fully refundable option so they are able to come out losing very little if all doesn’t go as planned.”
Despite the trend toward last-minute bookings, spontaneous trips might just be temporary thirst quenchers while people plan longer-haul trips down the road.
Cindy McCabe, Owner of Bethany Travel, says that clients are booking shorter last minute trips for now just to have somewhere to go.
“At the same time,” she says, “many are also booking a second trip for 2022 that is longer, or to a destination where they will feel more comfortable traveling to in the future including places such as Alaska, Hawaii, and both river and ocean cruises.”
The post Travel agents tell all on what taking a trip really looks like right now appeared first on Matador Network.
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