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July 22, 2021
The three sites delisted by UNESCO
Just about everyone can name a UNESCO World Heritage site, be it Vatican City, Machu Picchu, or the Taj Mahal. In some cases, designating these landmarks is all people know about what UNESCO actually does. Yet the World Heritage List, which recognizes and conserves monuments of “outstanding universal value” all over the world, wasn’t established until 1975, a full three decades after the organization was founded.
Among the first sites inscribed for their natural, cultural, or dual significance were the Galapagos Islands; the Historic Center of Kraków, Poland; the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia; and Yellowstone National Park. To date, there are 1,121 World Heritage sites across 167 countries. New sites are added each year, both protecting our global heritage and inspiring new travel plans. On rarer, sadder occasions, World Heritage sites have also lost their designations.
Fifty-three sites are currently endangered, meaning they’re at risk of being destroyed or critically damaged by human conflict, natural disasters, climate change, tourism, etc. In the history of the World Heritage List, only three sites have been fully removed and a fourth partially delisted. These are the stories of those delisted UNESCO sites.
1. Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City — England
Photo: N.M.Bear/Shutterstock
Liverpool is the latest World Heritage site to lose its UNESCO status. The backbone of one of the world’s most important ports in the 18th and 19th centuries, the city’s docklands earned the trading hub its UNESCO designation in 2004. Not only was Liverpool’s port recognized for its technological innovations and impressive operations, but the entire city center was deemed historic enough to merit a World Heritage inscription. Less than a decade later, in 2012, a development project known as Liverpool Waters landed Maritime Mercantile City on UNESCO’s endangered list.
The point of the Liverpool Waters project was to modernize the city’s docklands. The undertaking ushered in a range of new developments, including apartments, hotels, and offices, all of which were written off as “detrimental to the site’s authenticity and integrity” by UNESCO despite creating housing and jobs for locals. Further development also contributed to Liverpool’s deletion from the World Heritage List, including the possibility of a new Everton FC soccer stadium that’s been proposed for the Bramley-Moore docks.
2. Arabian Oryx Sanctuary — Oman
Photo: Katiekk/Shutterstock
Of the four antelope species that belong to the Oryx genus, three are native to arid regions of Africa while one traces back to the deserts and coastal hills of the Arabian Peninsula. Though the Arabian oryx was classified as extinct in the wild in 1972 due to poaching and habitat degradation, the species was successfully bred in captivity in the United States and eventually introduced back into the Omani wilderness a decade later.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said established the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in 1982 to restore the antelope population in Oman, a move that UNESCO acknowledged in 1994 when the sanctuary was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Along with the hundreds of oryxes released, which numbered 450 in 1996, the nature reserve was also a breeding site for the Arabian wolf, Arabian gazelle, endangered houbara bustard, and other significant species. Sadly, the reserve’s glory days were short-lived as the Omani government slashed its size by 90 percent in 2007 after oil was discovered within the reserve’s bounds. By then, due in part to a resurgence of poaching, the Arabian oryx population had dwindled down to double digits.
Following Oman’s decision to drastically reduce the park’s size, and compromise the oryx’s viability, the World Heritage Committee made the difficult decision to remove the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary from the World Heritage List, making it the first site to be delisted in June 2007.
3. Dresden Elbe Valley — Germany
Photo: Haidamac/Shutterstock
Two years after Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was delisted, Dresden’s Elbe Valley, a cultural crossing throughout history that was once compared to Florence for its contribution to the European architectural landscape, also got the boot from the World Heritage Committee.
It was originally added to the World Heritage List in 2004 for its more than 10 miles of artifacts lining the Elbe River, which include everything from the baroque Pillnitz Palace to bridges and funiculars dating back to the Industrial Revolution and any number of 18th- and 19th-century urban developments. The valley was also recognized for its scenery and flora, be it found in large swaths of meadows, grand gardens, or relics of early viticultural practices.
Though much of the valley was destroyed during the bombing of Dresden during World War II, the valley’s most impressive monuments were restored long before receiving UNESCO status. You may be wondering what, then, rendered the rebuilt Elbe Valley no longer eligible for UNESCO’s stamp of cultural approval. That would be the four-lane Waldschlösschen Bridge.
After years of back and forth, and pleas from the United Nations and German government to abandon the project, the Dresden City Council rejected federal funds offered to build a tunnel and went forth with its plans to build a bridge across the Elbe to ease traffic congestion. The majority of residents supported the plan, despite warnings that it would forfeit the valley’s UNESCO World Heritage status and, in turn, much of its tourism. Construction began on the controversial Waldschlösschen Bridge in 2007 and finished in 2012. Midway through in 2009, the Dresden Elbe Valley was removed from the World Heritage List.
4. Bagrati Cathedral — Georgia
Photo: monticello/Shutterstock
Only three UNESCO sites have been officially delisted, but there is a fourth that lost half of its heritage status. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral and neighboring Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second city after Tbilisi, were inscribed as icons of Georgian architecture and hubs of community life from the 10th and 12th centuries on, respectively. Following major renovations to the medieval Bagrati Cathedral that seriously compromised its authenticity and historical worth, the holy site was removed from the World Heritage List in 2017 while the Gelati Monastery, with structures that were built between the 12th and 17th centuries, remains.
Photo: Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock
Unlike the Bagrati Cathedral, the Gelati Monastery has been largely unadulterated over time. Erected during the Byzantine Empire, its arched, stone exterior represents the golden age of Georgian architecture while the interior preserves mosaics like the artwork of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus decorating the apse of the main church, as well as striking frescoes and intricate wall paintings. One of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, it also doubled as an academy that inspired years of scientific and academic progress, securing its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as one of Georgia’s most historic, best-preserved landmarks. 
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Beyond Tahiti, here are some stunning family-friendly islands to visit in French Polynesia
Paradise really does exist here on Earth and it’s found roughly halfway between California and the east coast of Australia in French Polynesia. Better known as the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls stretch over 1,200 miles in the South Pacific Ocean, serving as a massive natural water playground for families. Beyond swimming and water activities, families can enjoy a pleasant climate and a range of accommodation options including brand-name resorts.
The unique blend of French and Polynesian cultures makes for the perfect family-friendly vacation experience. As each of the islands in French Polynesia has its own character and attributes, the only hard part of visiting is choosing where to explore and make a base. From Tahiti to the well-known Bora Bora through to lesser-visited islands such as Raiatea, here’s a rundown of five stunning family-friendly islands in French Polynesia.
1. When visiting the islands in French Polynesia don’t skip Tahiti
Photo: Tahiti Tourisme/Facebook
Tahiti is your first introduction to French Polynesia as all international flights land here. Over 60 percent of French Polynesia’s residents call Tahiti home and as a result, the capital Papeete has everything you could possibly need, including the colorful markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and knick-knack supplies. As far as capital cities go, Papette is compact and therein lies its great charm.
Many people jump straight on a plane to the outer islands of Bora-Bora or Moorea from Tahiti without taking time to explore its stunning coast, beautiful black sand beaches with mountainous backdrops, swimming holes and iconic surf breaks.
The island’s coastal road follows a roughly figure-eight shape as Tahiti is divided into two circles connected by an isthmus. The larger circle is home to the capital and is known as Tahiti Nui (Big Tahiti) and the smaller is known as Tahiti Iti (Little Tahiti).
The east coast of Tahiti Nui is full of natural wonders for families to explore. Here you will find the Faarumai Waterfalls, a series of three waterfalls which you can hike to. Vaimahutu, the first, is only a short walk from a nearby parking lot and is easily accessible by those with a young family in tow. The other two, Haamarere Iti and Haamarere Rahi, fall side by side and require another 20 minutes of walking.
Families with a keen surfer may have heard of the surf spot Teahupoo, which is found on Tahiti Itti. The Tahiti Billabong Pro is held here every May, a surfing competition that attracts the best surfers from all over the world. Boat excursions are a fun activity here too and a half-day trip usually involves a visit to Vaipoiri Cave, a picnic lunch, and a trip out to the big waves to watch the die-hard surfers.
2. Huahine is perfect for families who prefer under-the-radar destinations
Photo: The Islands of Tahiti
Huahine is less commercially developed than Tahiti and this is probably its greatest charm for families who thrive on experiencing lesser-visited destinations and don’t necessarily require a five-star resort to have a great time. That’s not to say that luxury can’t be found, it definitely can, but it doesn’t dominate the island with brand-name resorts like on Bora Bora or Moorea.
Like Tahiti, Huahine actually consists of two islands, Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) and Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) except on this island, the two sections are connected by a man-made bridge. Huahine Nui is home to most of the main tourist facilities and the village of Fare. In contrast, Huahine Iti is quieter with long stretches between tiny villages, the island’s best beaches, and a wonderful azure lagoon.
Although your accommodation can organize a tour for you to see the highlights of Huahine, the barely trafficked roads make hiring a car to explore on your own a really easy option. Lagoon tours are an enjoyable outing for families to experience Huahine’s sparkling lagoon and usually include stops for snorkeling among coral gardens, a picnic on a motu (a very small island), and a visit to a pearl farm.
3. Head to Moorea for picture-perfect scenery and comfort
Photo: The Islands of Tahiti
Moorea’s lagoon and mountainous peaks are out of this world and due to the wide range of brand-name resorts and pensions (private guest houses) to choose from, and its ease of access by boat from Tahiti, the island is a popular choice for families.
While many of the other islands in French Polynesia involve a plane trip over the ocean to reach them, you can get to Moorea in 45 minutes via a catamaran at a cost significantly less than plane travel. This is of particular benefit to families who are often forking out for three or more tickets compared to a single or couple.
One of the best ways to experience the island is by taking a 4WD land tour. Most tours visit the two beautiful waterfalls in Afareaitu, the island’s administrative center, Opounohu Bay, a vanilla plantation and pineapple farm, archaeological sites, and the fruit juice factory. The tours cover a lot in one half-day and provide the opportunity to learn of the island’s history from the guide.
Likewise, the best way to discover Moorea’s lagoon is by joining a lagoon excursion. Typically this will include a stop at two bays, shark or fish feeding, swimming with stingrays, and a picnic lunch.
4. Raiatea is the best island in French Polynesia for a local experience
Photo: The Islands of Tahiti
Home to the second-largest town in French Polynesia (after Papeete in Tahiti), Raiatea shares its large lagoon with a smaller island, Tahaa. Raiatea features a lush-green mountainous interior and is considered to be the spiritual center of all the islands due to Marae Taputapuatea — the most important traditional temple in French Polynesia. Raiatea does not get many tourists making it ideal for families seeking to truly experience French Polynesia without the tourist hype.
Both Raiatea and Tahaa have very few beaches but don’t let this put you off, as the lagoon surrounding the islands features numerous white sand motus, that make up for it. Many of the motus are picture-perfect, particularly Moto Ofetaru which you can visit on a day trip to enjoy the turquoise water, coconut trees, and great snorkeling.
Moto Ofetaru is particularly suitable for families as the snorkeling is shallow, ensuring they don’t miss out on the bright tropical fish that swim around the large heads of coral. There are toilets on the island but no shops so you will need to bring your own lunch.
Much like in Moorea, one of the easiest ways to experience the island is by a guided excursion. The day trips often focus on the island of Tahaa but also ensure you see the best of the islands, including snorkeling in a coral garden, visiting a pearl and vanilla farm, and a picnic lunch on a beautiful motu.
5. Bora Bora is ideal for a luxurious flop and drop family vacation
Photo: Alexandree/Shutterstock
Despite its reputation as a honeymoon destination, Bora Bora’s expansive lagoon, brand-name resorts, and countless tourism offerings make it particularly family-friendly. The fact that it looks exactly, if not better than the tourist brochures is a huge bonus.
Bora Bora is particularly mountainous and as a result, the airport is located on its own tiny island, where visitors are then transported by boat to either their accommodation or the town of Vaitape, the island’s main settlement. Regardless of whether you stay in an ultra-luxurious over-water bungalow or a value-for-money pension, this is a very safe and comfortable option for a family vacation.
A half or full-day cruise on Bora Bora’s lagoon is one of the best ways to orientate yourself and tour operators know the best spots for snorkeling and swimming. Although the island is all about the lagoon, a 4WD excursion into the mountainous interior is a great introduction to the WWII historical sites, local archaeological stops, and lookouts that you may want to come back and explore at your own pace before you leave.
One particularly enjoyable attraction is the traditional dance shows held at various brand-name resorts a few times a week. The entertainment is family-friendly with traditional Polynesian dancing, costumes, drumming, and ukulele playing. A buffet is usually on offer with a variety of food to please even the pickiest of young eaters.
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July 21, 2021
China just one-upped itself by building the world’s fastest train — again
China has long been committed to high-speed rail to link the many large cities spread out on its vast territory. Previously, the fastest commercial train in the world was the Shanghai Transrapid, hitting speeds of 267 mph per hour. But as of Tuesday, July 20, 2021, China has one-upped itself and launched a maglev bullet train, the new fastest commercial train in the world, which can reach speeds of up to 373 mph.
Magnetic levitation, or maglev, creates the illusion that the train is floating while an electromagnetic force causes the train to move above the train tracks.
China’s new maglev bullet train is said to generate less noise pollution and require less maintenance, according to the deputy general manager and chief engineer of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Sifang Liang Jianying.
There is currently only one maglev track in use, which connects Shanghai’s Pudong Airport with the Longyang Road Station in the metropolitan area. The 30-kilometer (19-mile) trip takes fewer than eight minutes. New maglev tracks are now under construction, CNN reports.
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Win a $25,000 trip to Antarctica for you and a friend
If you’ve been dreaming of traveling to Antarctica but the price tag of such a trip is way too high for your budget, now is your chance. The adventure travel company Intrepid Travel is celebrating the inaugural season of its new polar expedition vessel with a giveaway you can’t pass on: a free trip for two to Antarctica, valued at $25,000.
The 11-day trip will take place on the Ocean Endeavour, a cruise ship equipped with a gym, spa, library, heated saltwater pool, and jacuzzi. Besides those amazing amenities, Intrepid Travel wants you to have a more personal experience, so for every eight passengers, there is one crew member ready to make this experience as memorable as possible.
On board, several guides with expert knowledge in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history will be able to answer your questions and make this trip to Antarctica as educational as possible. And guests will not just stay on the ship and admire the seventh continent from afar — they’ll be able to kayak, snowshoe, and take in all of Antarctica’s beauty up close.
While cruises are far from being environmentally friendly, the Ocean Endeavour’s trips to Antarctica, like all the cruises available through Intrepid Travel, 100 percent offset their carbon emissions. There are no single-use plastics onboard, and the company only uses biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.
The giveaway will close on August 23, 2021, at 10 AM ET. If you’re the lucky winner, be sure to book your trip by September 30 to depart before December 30, 2021, if you’re craving a 2021 escape.
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Cristalino tequilas are trending in Mexico, and the US is next
When Aron Marquez was in Mexico City about 10 years ago, he kept hearing people talk about cristalino tequila. He had long enjoyed blanco, reposado, and anejo tequilas, but at the time, cristalino was something new to him that he hadn’t seen in the US: an aged tequila that drinks like an anejo, but is as crystal clear as a blanco.
The style takes a few extra steps to make than an unaged agave spirit. It starts with a blanco tequila made from Blue Weber agave. That distillate is then aged for at least a year and a half to make an anejo tequila. Lastly, the spirit is filtered to remove the color, but leave the flavors from barrel aging like chocolate and vanilla that make anejos so easy to sip.
Today, Marquez owns the tequila brand Flecha Azul with co-founder and PGA golfer Abraham Ancer. Along with the aged and unaged offerings more commonly seen in the US, Flecha Azul sells a premium cristalino like the ones he first encountered a decade ago. For Marquez, the option of a cristalino makes it easy to find a tequila for every mood or occasion.
“Being born in Mexico and raised in Mexico for the most part, tequila is the way we celebrate and how we mourn,” Marquez says. “It’s a big part of our culture.”
It might take some time (and some tastings) for drinkers in the US to catch on to the style, but a sign of its potential can be seen across the border.
“A lot of times it really takes the locals to give the stamp of approval before it’s fully adopted in the US,” Marquez says. And, he adds, “in Mexico, if you travel to any part of Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta or Cabo or any other big cities, cristalino is without question one of the most popular tequilas.”
Photo: Lorenza Ochoa/Shutterstock
“Cristalino tequila is definitely getting more and more popular in Mexico,” Adam Fodor, founder and president of Tequila Connoisseurs, says. “Its more widespread consumption is probably only limited by its higher price — cristalino products are usually priced higher than their añejo ‘peers’ and so it is inaccessible to many Mexican consumers at that price range.”
It was the early days of the style when Marquez first started hearing about cristalinos in Mexico City a decade ago. One of the first cristalino tequilas to hit the US market was Don Julio 70 in 2011. Over time, other producers have joined the market and found an audience.
“Cristalino became very famous about three to four years due to it being a new concept of making tequila,” says Audrey Formisano, the tequiler (a job that’s like a tequila sommelier) at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa. Formisano prefers drinking cristalino chilled or on the rocks (especially as a way to cool down on a hot summer Puerto Vallarta day). “The results are very surprising. People were curious about it and they became, like myself, addicted to it.”
Despite its increasing popularity, cristalinos can be polarizing among some tequila aficionados. Aging and filtering strips some of the natural agave flavors, which makes it more approachable for some but can leave drinkers who enjoy the more raw agave flavor wanting something else.
“Consumers should know that they are buying a product which is very far from the real natural agave-based taste of tequila,” Fodor says. When drinking tequila, he prefers blancos and reposados with a strong agave flavor. “I do enjoy a good añejo too, but I personally think that the real strength of a wonderful tequila lies in its connection with the agave plant and it is hard to maintain it within an añejo tequila.”
Some other bartenders and tequila experts I got in touch with feel similarly. Alejandra de Aguinaga, bartender at Guadalajara’s El Gallo and ambassador for Tromba Tequila, notes that she’s seen cristalinos trend in Mexico recently, but prefers blanco tequilas where agave flavors take the spotlight.
For many American drinkers, the barrel-influenced flavors of aged tequilas are popular — a sign that cristalinos could take off as a luxury clear tequila in the States like it did in Mexico.
“You see producers [who] started to age tequila to cater to the American market,” Fodor says. “Every second bottle of tequila made in Mexico goes straight to the US, so there is a huge focus within the industry to cater for their American clientele.”
Photo: pacoadame/Shutterstock
As with any drink, each style has a time and place, and cristalino’s popularity in Mexico shows that tequila drinkers are interested in giving it a try.
“We thought we definitely need to have cristalino in our portfolio because it could open up people to sipping their tequila rather than squeezing a lime and pinching your nose to take a shot,” Marquez says. “It’s a great bridge for someone who normally consumes a vodka, or even a whiskey drinker. It’s a really good way to introduce you to tequila, and then go and try something more full like an extra anejo or something lighter like a blanco or reposado.”
People can get the cristalino introduction to tequila by buying a bottle to drink at home — Flecha Azul is one of a handful of producers selling cristalino in the US. If you’re in Mexico, you might hear people talking about the style just like Marquez did and be inspired to try it for yourself. Regardless of where you get that first taste, expect to see this tequila style rise in popularity in the US just like it did in its home country.
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This city will host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games for the very first time
The International Olympic Committee has elected Brisbane, Australia, to host the 2032 Olympics. The committee came to a final result during their secret ballot after Brisbane received 72 yeses from 77 valid votes.
Brisbane, located where Australia’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast meet, will be the third Summer Olympics to be held in Australia, after Sydney 2000 and Melbourne 1956. Many Australians are excited about the news, taking their celebrations to South Park to cheer on the announcement of Brisbane’s winning 2032 bid.
Celebrations at South Bank #Brisbane2032 pic.twitter.com/d3XZLsveuk
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 21, 2021
“I am proud of Australia, proud of Queensland, and proud of our team that secured this win for our country. The Commonwealth Government has supported Brisbane’s candidacy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games right from the very start,” Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a press release. “We believe in this bid. We know it’s a huge opportunity for our nation, just like the Melbourne Games in 1956 and the Sydney Olympics in 2000.”
As the planet continues to warm, The Brisbane Plan offers a relative guarantee of optimal weather, since July and August are actually winter in Australia. Top temperatures in those months currently average only 68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plan also aims to use existing venues in three district zones in South East Queensland: Brisbane Zone, Gold Coast Zone, and Sunshine Coast Zone. Whether it be a coastal national park or countryside, each zone will be transformed into its own unique atmosphere. In addition to those 31 venues, Brisbane will also add six new entertainment and sports venues.
Before we get too excited about the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, let’s not forget about the Tokyo Summer Olympics, which will start this Friday, July 23, 2021, with five new, ultra-exciting sports. After Tokyo, we can look forward to the Summer Games in Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026, and LA 2028.
For more about Brisbane 2032, you can follow @olympics and #brisbane2032 on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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The Delta variant is surging. Here’s how to still travel safely.
It’s a dangerous gamble to declare that the pandemic is “over” or that travel has “returned.” Of course, there have been encouraging signs the past few months. The EU recently recommended that its member states open their borders to US travelers, domestic travel has rebounded close to 2019 levels, and the country seems to be slowly emerging from the economic, physical, and emotional morass of the pandemic.
But as with all roads to recovery, the US comeback from COVID-19 is plagued by obstacles — most notably the highly transmissible Delta variant. Now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the US, Delta is causing many around the country to dust off their masks and reconsider their travel plans. While health and safety are paramount, and you should always evaluate your personal risk level before booking a flight, the new variant doesn’t mean you have to put your travel plans on hold.
Get vaccinatedThe best way to keep yourself and your family safe is by getting vaccinated. Vaccines have proven to be effective against the Delta variant, so getting vaccinated should be your first and most effective line of defense against catching COVID-19. More than 97 percent of COVID hospitalizations, and 99.5 percent of deaths, are among unvaccinated individuals, according to CNN. Experts also say that people who are vaccinated aren’t really spreading the virus, according to Healthline.
Many countries around the world have vaccine requirements, meaning you can’t enter at all unless you can show proof of vaccination. Always take your personal risk level into account — including any preconditions that might make you more susceptible to serious illness — but if you’re vaccinated, you can travel with more peace of mind.
Research the destinationEvery destination has different travel requirements and restrictions that will impact your trip. It’s common for countries in Europe to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, while others, like Mexico, have no requirements at all (though you will need a test to get back into the US). For peace of mind while traveling, you should also take COVID-19 case numbers into consideration. The vast majority of new COVID-19 cases are among the unvaccinated, but if you’re vaccinated and anxious about a destination’s rising case numbers, it might be better to go elsewhere. The UK, for example, has experienced a sharp uptick in cases over the past month, and the US State Department has issued a warning about traveling there. In other countries and regions in the US, however, cases have remained relatively stable, perhaps making them less anxiety-inducing family vacation destinations.
Get travel insuranceWith the global health situation evolving unpredictably, booking a trip can be nerve wracking. You don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for flights, hotels, and experiences just to have your trip canceled or postponed for COVID-related reasons. That’s why the right type of travel insurance is more important than ever. Many countries now require proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 before they’ll allow travelers to enter. For those that don’t, it’s still a good idea to have it. Medical travel insurance is relatively cheap, usually costing between $30 and $50, and covers any medical attention you may need abroad due to COVID-19. There’s also trip cancellation insurance, evacuation insurance, and more specific insurances that may fit your needs.
It’s also advisable to pay attention to your airline and hotel cancellation policies. Flexibility is key, and if you think your plans might change last-minute, it’s important to book accommodations, flights, and experiences that won’t penalize you for canceling or rescheduling. Matador Trips is a great example of the kind of refund policy you should look for. If the traveler must cancel due to COVID (including quarantine, canceled flights, or a positive test result), Matador will issue a 100 percent refund. This kind of flexibility goes a long way toward relieving COVID-related travel concerns.
Alternatives to international travel2020 was the year people discovered the joys of domestic travel, and there’s no reason 2021 should be any different. Due to international border closures travelers were forced to explore their own backyards, and discovered something pretty inspiring: our backyards are pretty cool. If you’re not comfortable with international travel right now, there are plenty of domestic options to keep you busy this summer and beyond.
Last summer was the summer of camping, with people hitting the wilderness in droves and lining up for campers and RVs like it was PS5 release day at Best Buy. Whether it’s a long camping weekend, taking a cross-country road trip, or visiting a national park, there are no shortage of domestic staycations that are both easily-accessible and COVID-safe.
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Why you should visit Fargo, North Dakota, for so much more than its famous wood chipper
A blood-spattered wood chipper isn’t exactly the ideal civic mascot. But in Fargo, they roll with it.
The notorious piece of landscaping equipment where Steve Buscemi met his unfortunate end in the movie Fargo is on display at the Fargo-Moorhead visitors center. There’s even a selfie-friendly replica outside so the lines inside don’t get too long.
Next to the chipper, you’ll see families making all sorts of grizzly poses as people try to climb inside like aspiring human fertilizer. The wood chipper adorns everything from blood-covered t-shirts to Christmas tree ornaments — all available in the visitors center gift shop.
To some, the wood chipper is a fun roadside attraction along Interstate 29 that’s a nice stop next to a strip of chain restaurants that makes for a fun photo op and a way to check North Dakota off their list of states to visit. But stopping in Fargo only for its wood chipper is missing what makes it so charming. Delve in a little further, and you’ll find a college-cool historic town where it’s hard not to have a great time.
Red bricks and neon make for a perfect downtown
Photo: Guy William/Shutterstock
Fargo was originally founded as a rail town, built where the Northern Pacific Railroad crossed the Red River on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Though the railroad has long since lost its spot atop the American transportation hierarchy, Fargo still bustles like a major railroad hub.
Maybe it’s the college-aged energy – the city is home to North Dakota State University – or maybe it’s because it’s the largest city between Minneapolis and Seattle along this northern stretch of America, but Fargo exudes the feel of a city five times its size in downtown’s few square blocks.
Downtown Fargo is a low-slung maze of red brick and neon, where a trip down Broadway on a Friday brings you under bright beckoning signs for packed bars like the Toasted Frog and Blarney Stone.
While one might think an agricultural college town stuck out on the prairie would be all about drinking, it’s not so. Downtown is equally as impressive for its collection of restaurants, where the fine dining spot Mezzaluna could hold its own with any upscale, big city Italian joint (go for the brilliant white pesto bucatini and Dakota-adapted bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf). The Boiler Room is a cozy, underground hangout that plates up a delightful short rib stroganoff, alongside Marge’s World Famous Hotdish, a bison and mushroom platter that may or may not be a tribute to Frances McDormand’s legendary character.
The Boiler Room sits in Roberts Alley, a tucked away stretch of bars, restaurants, and the city’s best ice cream shop, all hidden half a block off Broadway, Fargo’s main drag. Just off the alley you’ll find Young Blood Coffee, the state’s best roaster and a regular stop for morning cyclists and sluggish students.
Roberts Alley is also one of Fargo’s many homes for decorative murals. There’s a short walking tour you can follow, but the star of the Instagram show is the Mario Wall, which is a brick façade painted to look like the first level of Super Mario Brothers. If you don’t try and head-butt a question mark box, don’t even bother taking a picture.
The Fargo Theater anchors downtown, and the historic 1926 art deco building is the city’s other signature photo-op. A few blocks down Broadway is the Hotel Donaldson, one of the coolest hotels in America that few have ever slept at. Each room at the HoDo is designed by a different artist, meaning no two stays are the same. And it boasts a sunny rooftop from which to enjoy summer drinks, with a 50s-era cocktail bar on the ground floor so you can enjoy them when the North Dakota weather isn’t cooperating.
Fargo is intrinsically walkable, as you can stroll from the historic rail depot down Broadway to Front Street, enjoy a beer at DCR Brewing, check out the rooftop at the Donaldson, and walk back along the Red River in under an hour. You can even stop at Broadway Square, a small public park with a skating rink in the winter a spot for outdoor movies in the summer.
A city spread among two states offers scenic state-line paddling
Photo: year/Shutterstock
Fargo’s walkable, energetic downtown sits right along the Red River, and it’s a literal stone throw from Moorhead, Minnesota. That city is effectively the eastern half of metropolitan Fargo, and it’s where you’ll find the area’s historical museum at the Hjemkomst Center. Don’t get too caught up in trying to pronounce it, though listening to your GPS try to is entertaining.
Under the towering tarpaulin you’ll find the ship for which the museum is named: a Viking ship recreation that sailed from Duluth, Minnesota, to Norway in 1980. In the backyard, you’ll find the museum’s most impressive asset, the Hopperstad Stave Church. This intricate wonder of woodworking is an exact replica of a Nordic cathedral in Vik, Norway, and is the life project of Guy Paulson.
Just outside the museum, kayaks and canoes sit next to the Red River, ready to be rented for a trip into frontier exploration. As far as outdoor activities in Fargo go, this is your best option. It allows you to traverse the city’s center by water, paddling and stopping at grassy parks and inlets along the way.
Delving further into Moorhead, you’ll find a couple of the area’s best breweries at Junkyard and Swing Barrel. The latter is a Donkey Kong-themed endeavor, with a Honey Peach ale called Sweet Melissa that pairs perfectly with the brewery’s sunny side patio.
Fantastic beers and ciders you have to come to Fargo to find
Photo: Dekker Brewing Company/Facebook
Though you’d be hard pressed to find a city in America that doesn’t tout its collection of craft breweries in 2021, Fargo’s really does stand out. It’s just that, aside from Fargo Brewing’s 2019 adoptable-dogs-on-cans campaign, you never really hear about the breweries unless you’re in the area. North Dakota breweries don’t typically have a wide distribution, so if you want to try it, you’ll have to come visit.
Dekker Brewing is the city’s coolest place to kick back with a cold one, and it’s set in an 1883 rail shop they’ve dubbed Brewhalla. The massive space is as close to a boisterous beer hall as you’ll find in Fargo, and it’s become a gathering place for the city on weekends. On any Saturday when it’s above freezing, you can find college kids lounging inside, families on the outside patio playing games or relaxing by a fire pit, and plenty of young professionals drinking what’s become some of Fargo’s favorite beer.
Fargo Brewing is also a top spot for suds. Its Iron Horse Pale Ale and original lager are the two stalwarts, but sample the seasonal beers and other one-off stuff while here. During summer, the brewery also has frequent concerts in its sprawling parking lot.
But perhaps Fargo’s most notable brewery isn’t a brewery at all, but rather a cider house. Wild Terra Cider will delight even non-cider drinkers, as the experimental brews cover such a broad range of flavors it’s hard not to agree with at least one. The options run from dry to sweet, and taste especially refreshing on a hot, windy summer afternoon. Enjoy one or two outside, but remember most of them hover around 7% ABV. Don’t let the fruity flavors fool you.
Fargo college football weekends are a must for any fan
Photo: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock
Though Fargo’s heart may be an agricultural hub, its soul is a college town. You’ll see this if you visit on a Saturday in the fall, when the entire city buzzes in excitement for their beloved Bison. They’ve won eight of the last nine FCS championships, and regularly beat schools from the division above them like Iowa and Minnesota.
The football team’s success has turned Fargo into one of the biggest college football scenes west of Nebraska. The entire state converges on the Fargodome for one of the great American tailgate experiences. Much like the city, it’s not all about drinking, either. Sure, someone will inevitably offer you a shot on a ski within half an hour of showing up in the Fargodome parking lot. But you’ll also meet farmers, Native Americans, Norwegians, and all the people that make North Dakota such a unique place.
Fargo’s not an easy place to reach. It has a regional airport, yes, but the only nonstop flights are to hubs like Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Chicago. And rarely are tickets cheap. But Fargo has organically created what other small cities try to capture, making itself a legitimate tourist destination and not just a place to stop on a road trip. That said, if your only reason for visiting would be a stop along a cross-country drive, do yourself a favor and plan a few days here. If nothing else it’ll make you a lot more knowledgeable next time someone brings up the wood chipper.
The post Why you should visit Fargo, North Dakota, for so much more than its famous wood chipper appeared first on Matador Network.
This website’s new feature is a game changer for travelers with a disability
Traveling is always a bit of a hassle that requires special considerations and planning, but this is particularly true for those with disabilities. Thankfully, companies and services have become available in recent years to make exploring the world more accessible for travelers with a disability. One of those companies, Wheel the World, focuses on empowering those with mobility issues.
The site’s new accessibility mapping system (AMS) allows travelers with a disability to customize their own personal accessibility profiles. These are then matched with trips compatible with the individual’s needs in over 50 destinations, complete with places to stay, activities, and tours. Destinations with wheelchair accessibility, braille signage, adaptive equipment availability, bed heights, and transcription assistance, are also spotlighted. This information is crowdsourced from mappers who visit over 200 data points around the world and log the details in the app.
“Thanks to our volunteer mappers,” the company’s co-founder and COO, Camilo Navarro, said in a statement, “we have the most thorough and up-to-date accessibility information of any online travel site. Having this information so readily available is a game changer for travelers with disabilities. What might have taken them hours to research in the past, can now take just minutes.”
The site was started by a group of students at the University of California, Berkeley, who wanted to help a quadriplegic friend travel with them to Chile. They’ve since assisted thousands of travelers with a disability visit countries around the world.
The post This website’s new feature is a game changer for travelers with a disability appeared first on Matador Network.
Monaco is more than a millionaire’s playground. Here’s how to visit on a budget.
Fast cars and A-listers who yacht in for the day are par for the course in Monaco. The little principality on the French Riviera holds the record for the most millionaires per capita, due to its status as a tax haven. Signs of wealth are everywhere: Lamborghinis and Ferraris are parked outside Monte Carlo’s famous casino and the posh Hôtel de Paris. And visitors gawk at them the way they might gaze at the Matterhorn, or the Eiffel Tower. In other words, glitz is part of the landscape.
However, existing parallel to this is a different Monaco; the Monégasque’s Monaco. The actual citizens of the principality are a tiny fraction of the population as a whole: Of nearly 40,000 people living there, about one fifth hold Monégasque citizenship — and these Monégasques are often lost in the glamour of it all. You can usually identify the locals by their Italian-tinged accents. They’re the ones who tend to live in the pastel-colored Old Town or the Belle Epoque villas in the La Condamine neighborhood, away from the unsightly and imposing high-rises of Monte Carlo. They also know the hidden and quiet corners of Monaco’s four districts: Old Town, La Condamine, Fontvielle, and Monte Carlo. Their side of the principality is certainly worth discovering: There is a lot of charm and authenticity to be found in what can seem like a paradise of artifice — and it can all be enjoyed on a budget.
Market day is every day and that’s where all the approachable people and good snacks are
Photo: Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock
The heart and soul of Monaco is the daily food market in La Condamine neighborhood situated on the Place d’Armes, just under the ancient ramp leading up to the Old Town. Every morning fruit and vegetable vendors set up their stands, shielding themselves from the hot sun with yellow and orange umbrellas that add an extra touch of color to the stacks of vibrant regional produce. Inside the market hall you’ll find fishmongers, butchers, cheese makers, and traiteurs selling prepared regional specialties. Join locals at the bar of one of the market cafes — they’re the ones sipping an espresso, or, sometimes, a morning Pastis, gossiping and sharing their afternoon plans which usually include a big lunch and long nap. Don’t leave without trying the best of Monégasque street food such as “barbagiuan,” a fritter stuffed with Swiss chard and ricotta, and “pissaladière,” pizza topped with caramelized onions and anchovies. Chez Roger’s stand is the place to try these, as well as the ultimate Riviera snack, “socca,” or chickpea pancake. Roger makes it just right, slightly spongy in some parts and charred in others.
Go sun yourself on a secret beach
Photo: Margarita Hintukainen/Shutterstock
Hiding in Cap D’Ail, a small village just over the border in France, is the ultimate secret Riviera beach. To get there, you can hike the Sentier du Cap D’Ail, (the Cap d’Ail Trail), which locals call the Monégasque’s Promenade. The 3.5-kilometer coastal walk is lined with fragrant parasol pine and orange trees, as well as pretty Belle Epoque villas. At the end of the trail is a set of 153 stairs. Climb down, and voilà: You’re at Mala Beach, a perfect, quarter moon-shaped stretch of soft sand, where the Mediterranean is a particularly turquoise.
Locals like to come for an early morning or late afternoon swim when it’s not too crowded. But even at peak beach time the vibe is low key. Mala is also surrounded by seaside cliffs which beckon the occasional diver. There are two on-site private beach restaurants — Eden Plage and La Reserve — where you can have lunch, or rent a beach lounger and umbrella. Monaco does have its own public beach, Larvotto Beach, but it’s rocky and not nearly as charming.
Visit the locally loved bars, cafes, and restaurantsEach of Monaco’s four districts have locally loved eateries. Generations of Monégasques have been going to the tiny, family-owned Polpetta in the Old Town for Italian classics. Stars ‘n Bars, an American-style sports bar by the Port, is a gathering spot for Monégasques, including members of the princely family, for buffalo wings, burgers, beer, and televised sports games. The atmosphere is very relaxed, i.e. the opposite of what you expect in Monaco. Le Tip Top is a low-key, inexpensive pizzeria and restaurant that’s particularly atmospheric at 3:00 AM when party-goers have poured out of the clubs. Everyone in Monaco, including former Formula One drivers like David Coulthard, goes there.
If all you want is a flat white, the local branch of a certain ubiquitous coffee chain has you covered. While the drinks are run-of-the-mill Starbucks beverages, the Monaco branch’s setting and scene is anything but standard. The patio area of the coffee shop has great views of the Mediterranean, and the clientele always accessorize their carry-out cup with the latest designer handbag or expensive watch.
Find peace and quiet in Monaco’s beautiful gardens
Photo: Cristian Puscasu/Shutterstock
In such a small and famously densely packed micronation there are a surprising amount of dedicated parks and greenspaces. These parks are one of the most delightful ways to spend time in Monaco. Locals like to recharge their batteries at the peaceful Jardin St Martin, in the Old Town, a long sliver of a garden bordering the sea. The garden dates back more than two hundred years; it was created to provide work for residents during a famine. They planted Mediterranean pines and myrtles and pistachio trees. Later, lush exotic species from around the world were introduced. The Princess Grace Rose Garden in the Fontvielle quarter was conceived by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife Princess Grace, and opened two years after her death in 1982. It’s since expanded to a luscious English-style garden with eight thousand rose bushes representing 300 varieties including one that bears the princess’s name.
There are also ancient olive trees to sit under when you need a break from the hot sun. At the Jardin Exotique, succulents brought from Mexico in the 19th century seem to burst out from craggy rocks and tall cacti compete for height with the principality’s skyscrapers. The garden was built into a cliffside and you can also take in splendid views over Monaco. If you need a moment of zen in the fast paced principality head to the Japanese Garden near Larvotto Beach. Landscape architect Yasuo Beppu was faithful to the principles of Japanese garden design, incorporating bamboo hedges, waterways, bridges, and trees. Koi swim peacefully in a pond among water lilies and lotus flowers. A traditional teahouse next to a small waterfall is waiting for you when you want to sit down for a drink.
Do some luxury shopping while staying on a budgetIf you want something fancy to wear or take home then you’re in luck: The mega rich have to do something with the luxury labels they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing twice. So surmised Swedish expat Helen Rimsberg who opened Le Dressing, a designer consignment store full of once-worn luxury labels, where Monégasques in-the-know shop at. Expect a warm welcome and boutique crammed with highest end (and authenticated) labels at, on average, a third of their original price. More second-hand glam is available at the Boutique dur Rocher, a store selling beautiful crafts made by locals, homeware and antique toys, as well as recycled items from the fancy balls Monaco is known for; chic tablecloths from the Bal de La Rose, for example, were recycled into face masks and tote bags. Profits from the shop, which was founded by Princess Grace, support local charities.
Sopranos and soccer provide much better entertainment than celebrity-spotting
Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock
While the opulent opera house, designed, like the one in Paris, by Garnier, is definitely in the glitzy category (it’s even in the same building as Monte Carlo’s famous casino), a night of high culture shines a light on Monaco’s history of promoting the arts for everyone. A larger than usual chunk of Monaco’s state budget goes to the arts. As a result, tickets to concerts and ballets are subsidized and can be had for very reasonable prices. Watch the Ballets des Monte Carlo or the Opera de Monte Carlo in the Opera’s splendid gilded theater. Similarly, you can get tickets to the Monaco Philharmonic’s outdoor concerts in the courtyard of the Prince’s Palace (These are harder to score but worth a try). Also subsidized is the AS Monaco football team, part of the French Premiere League. Though soccer enjoys large popularity in Monaco, there are almost as many seats at the Louis II stadium as there are citizens, so it’s rarely full and generally pretty easy to get a ticket for a match.
When the South of France gives you lemons, make lemonade
Photo: macri roland/Shutterstock
Every species of food and flora seems to get a designated festival in small town France. In this neck of the woods, it’s the lemon that’s celebrated in the neighboring town of Menton (the last stop before the Italian border). Menton is the lemon capital of Europe and La Fete du Citron held every mid-February is a charmingly cheesy affair. All the floats and sculptures present at the carnival are created from lemons and oranges and the scent of citrus flora fills the air. The citruses used in the floats aren’t local. They come from Spain; Menton isn’t known for the quantity of lemons but their quality. If you aren’t in town during the festival it’s still worth a jaunt over to visit the special lemon orchard, La Citronneraie, that these quality lemons are grown in. The Menton Tourist office can set you up on a tour.
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