Matador Network's Blog, page 619
July 12, 2021
Why a Nile cruise is the most comfortable way to see Egypt’s beautiful temples
Until the 19th century, the Nile was Egypt’s artery, transporting goods, effigies of gods, mummies, and people. But cruising the Nile for leisurely purposes was perhaps most famously endeavored in 47 BC, when Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII, Egypt’s final and most illustrious queen, are said to have gone on a sightseeing tour up the Nile. Equally enamored with Cleopatra and the sumptuous riches of her kingdom, Caesar ensured that Egypt would remain sovereign for the rest of his tenure at the helm of the Roman Republic.
Today, over two thousand years after the sailing of the Nile by these historical characters, the tradition lives on. Cruising the Nile has become a highlight of any visit to Egypt, whether you’re a queen, a statesman, or just a regular tourist. This is, perhaps, because it’s the best way to see the country’s extant temples. Unlike ancient times, however, the modern spin on a Nile cruise can take many forms depending on your budget and interests.
Cruising the Nile vs sightseeing by roadPlanning a trip to Egypt can be a daunting task since the country is geographically enormous. And it doesn’t help that its major tourist sites are far apart: There’s Cairo and Alexandria in Lower Egypt (the northern half the country, bounded by the Mediterranean) separated from Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt by an overnight train or a 12+ hour bus ride.
This is where cruising comes in handy. A Nile cruise is the most efficient way to see Upper Egypt.
The other dimensions to consider, on which Nile cruises beat sightseeing by road, are safety and ease.
Despite Egypt’s stability since the Arab Spring of 2010, tourists still prefer to take extra precautions. Nile cruises ensure a secure environment from which you can observe the landscapes of Egypt without having to step foot off the boat if you so choose.
Ease is self-evident. Luxury cruises provide gourmet meals, entertainment, and they serve alcohol — something you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Which boats to chose to cruise the Nile?There are two ways to sail the Nile: By luxury cruise boat or felucca. The former option is the fastest and most comfortable mode of transport.
Luxury cruise boat
Photo: Sanctuary Retreats/Facebook
The baseline cost for a luxury Nile cruise is around $150 per night for a single cabin with a queen-sized bed. Larger cabins with balconies will be pricier. However, just about everything in Egypt is negotiable. If you’d like to try your hand at bargaining, cruise tickets can be purchased from salespeople at the docks in either Aswan or Luxor. You’ll most certainly find the best deal this way. But for those travelers who like planning in advance, opt to buy online. However, note that prices will be significantly higher.
Different companies provide different standards of luxury. But, across the board, you’ll have roof deck pools, some nightly entertainment, and gourmet meals. While it’s often the case that Westerners encounter stomach issues when traveling in Egypt, you should be able to let your guard down on a Nile cruise. Though, it’s always advisable to stay away from uncooked vegetables, ice, and water.
An example of a solid but luxurious Nile cruise option is the Nile Sanctuary Adventurer, which starts at $1,307 for a four-night cruise, $327 per night. The Sanctuary Sun Boat III from the same cruise company is a more intimate option, taking only 36 passengers on board. Inquire for rates on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III.
Felucca
Photo: Alexandree/Shutterstock
Traveling by felucca is for a different genre of tourist altogether: It beckons adventurers, daring solo travelers, and outdoors types.
Feluccas are an ancient mode of transport that rely on nothing but wind to reach their destination. They were zipping around the Nile back when Cleopatra’s royal barge sailed her and Julius Caesar.
Feluccas are operated by individual captains who will agree upon a price and itinerary with you in advance. Journeys include meals that the captain prepares. If you thrive on spontaneity, adventure, and authentic, local experiences, a felucca trip might be right for you. The best part of all: Each night, you’ll dock somewhere along the Nile and sleep under the stars.
Nile cruise boats saunter downriver at a leisurely 10 mph. But even at that rate, they outpace feluccas. Regardless of your itinerary, you can expect a felucca journey to take twice as long as a cruise.
Nile cruise itinerariesNile cruises depart from either Aswan or Luxor. Cruises departing from Aswan sail northward; Cruises departing from Luxor sail either north or south.
Regardless, Nile cruise itineraries are temple-focused. And most, if not all, of the extant temples along the river in Upper Egypt were built, or rebuilt, during the Ptolemaic Period of Egypt. This was the last 300 years of Egypt’s existence as an autonomous kingdom, named after the Macedonian-Greek family that ruled at the time: the Ptolemies.
The Ptolemies were descendants of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra VII being the last among them. And despite their ethnically Greek identity, Ptolemaic pharaohs adopted Egyptian customs and endorsed various cults within the ancient Egyptian pantheon.
Aswan to Luxor
Photo: Nicola Pulham/Shutterstock
A standard Aswan-to-Luxor cruise itinerary takes three days and will hit the two major Ptolemaic temples en-route: Kom Ombo and Edfu.
Kom Ombo is a temple of original Ptolemaic construction devoted to two divinities: Horus, the falcon god and the great crocodile god, Sobek. It bears evidence that worship of crocodiles continued under the patronage of the Ptolemies. Inside a chamber at Kom Ombo, there’s a room filled with mummified forms of these menacing beasts of the Nile. According to papyrus records, living crocodiles were once kept in the temple.
Farther downstream, the temple of Edfu stands as a shrine to Horus, the falcon-headed sky god, the son of Isis and Osiris. Edfu is a Ptolemaic construction on the site of an earlier temple. Here, statues dedicated to the god depicted as a falcon flank the looming entrance to the temple’s antechamber.
After Edfu, you’ll arrive at Luxor, better known as Thebes, during ancient times. Thebes was the most important religious and civic center of Pharaonic Egypt for thousands of years. In modern Luxor, you’ll find a chaotic city bejeweled with Egypt’s most treasured ancient sites. Most cruises will organize tours to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at this stop.
Northbound cruises from Luxor
Photo: romeovip_md/Shutterstock
Itineraries that travel northward from Luxor are bound for the Dendera complex nearby the modern city of Qena. The Dendera Temple Complex, another one of Ptolemaic construction, was dedicated to the fertility goddess Hathor. Her signature countenance is emblazoned on all the capitals (the top of the columns) surrounding its structure.
AswanWhether you begin or end your journey in Aswan, the main attraction here is the Temple of the goddess, Isis, on the island of Philae. It was originally constructed during the Ptolemaic Golden Age, a period of prosperity early on in the reign of the Greek pharaohs. Today Philae is perhaps the most recognizable ancient monument in Upper Egypt.
Abu Simbel
Photo: Paul Vinten/Shutterstock
South of Aswan, only a stone’s throw from the border of Sudan, is Abu Simbel. This outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the temple of King Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. It was discovered buried under sand during the first half of the 20th century and has since become one of the great surviving treasures of Pharaonic Egypt.
Abu Simbel is a three-hour drive south of Aswan and is one of Upper Egypt’s must-see attractions. If departing from Aswan, visitors should plan to go before embarking on their Nile cruise. Cruise operators generally don’t arrange Abu Simbel excursions, but any hotel in Aswan will be able to accommodate this.
Getting to departure points from CairoAlmost all international flights to Egypt arrive at Cairo International Airport. So you’ll need to make a plan for getting from the capital to your cruise departure point, either Luxor or Aswan.
Fly: Egyptair operates direct flights between Cairo and Luxor several times per day. The total flight time is one hour, and tickets can range between $40 and $200 depending on how far in advance you book. Cairo-to-Aswan flights are also available but less frequent, and have a total flight duration of 1.25 hours. Flying is a fast, safe, and inexpensive way to get to your cruise departure city.
Overnight train: Take a ride on the Watania Express, the overnight train that connects Cairo with Upper Egypt, for an unforgettable adventure. Trains are advertised as a luxury, which is a highly debatable description. But the charm of the experience is worth it in its own right: You’ll be served dinner and breakfast in your cabin with views of the Nile and the Desert. Tickets can be purchased online or from Ramses Station in central Cairo as late as the day of your trip. The Watania Express leaves daily at 7:45 PM, arrives at Luxor the following morning at 5:55 AM, and continues for abàut 3.5 hours to reach Aswan. The cost for a one-way trip starts at $80.
Bus: There are plenty of buses that run between Cairo and Luxor. But the recommended company for tourists is Go Bus, which has air conditioning, Wi-Fi and typically departs and arrives on time. Travel time from Luxor to Cairo is about eight hours. 
The post Why a Nile cruise is the most comfortable way to see Egypt’s beautiful temples appeared first on Matador Network.
This company will pay you $10,000 to stay in multi-million dollar homes
The best kind of job is the kind that pays you $10,000 to go on vacation. AvantStay, a luxury short-term rental company, is looking for a social media savvy “digital duo” to spend 10 days staying in three luxury multi-million dollar homes. You and your best friend, significant other, or partner in crime will each receive $5,000 for your time.
The fancy properties are located in Coachella Valley, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Paradise Valley, Arizona. The Moonshine home in Coachella Valley fits 12 and includes five bedrooms, a pool, fire pit, wet bar, and a full outdoor kitchen. The Primrose in Scottsdale sleeps 23 guests and has a private screening room, pool, spa, basketball court, table tennis, pool table, two outdoor fireplaces, an outdoor grill, sauna, salon, two wet bars, and a putting green. And finally, the Black Rock in Paradise Valley can host up to 18 people in 11 beds, and has a pool, fire pit, in-home bar, and theater.
AvantStay will cover all transportation costs and meals throughout the stay. Expect to document all the wild activities AvantStay has planned, including hot-air balloon rides, private chef dinners, and poolside massages.
Eligible applicants must be over the age of 21 and a resident of the United States. You’ll also need Tik Tok and Instagram Reels skills and a passion for travel. The application process includes showcasing four TikToks or Reels that best showcase your and/or your partner’s content creation capabilities and an essay, 500 words or less, explaining why AvantStay should choose you. Entries open July 8, 2021, at 12:00 AM and end at 11:59 PM PST on July 22, 2021.
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Stay in this tiny house with views of 80 volcanoes in France for just $1
Airbnb and French mineral water brand Volvic have teamed up to offer two guests the fantastic opportunity to stay in a unique accommodation in France: a LUMIPOD on a volcanic field.
A LUMIPOD is a round tiny house with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, creating the amazing feeling of sleeping outdoors.
Photo: Airbnb
The LUMIPOD, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, has amazing views of the 80 volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the source of Volvic’s natural mineral water.
The Airbnb listing is hosted by award-winning ski mountaineer and long-distance runner Kilian Jornet and is priced at just one euro ($1.18, plus taxes and fees).
“It has been difficult to reconnect with nature after a year of staying inside. Many of us are itching for the opportunity to reset and recharge and what better way to do so than by unplugging, breaking out of your routine in the stunning area of Volvic where our water is born,” said Shweta Harit, global Vice President of marketing at Volvic, in a press release. “We are excited to bring a bucket-list experience to nature-loving consumers via our partnership with Airbnb. We can only hope travelers will feel refreshed from this experience as they see just how much strength nature can truly provide.”
Photo: Airbnb
Guests will begin with a virtual welcome video call from Jornet and then will enjoy plenty of activities, including a guided tour to learn about the rich biodiversity of the natural park; a Michelin-starred, locally sourced dinner by chef Adrien Descouls; a private morning yoga session with views of the volcanoes; a volcanic hike; and, if the weather allows, a hot-air balloon ride.
Booking opens on July 19 at 12:00 AM PT and is first-come, first-served.
The post Stay in this tiny house with views of 80 volcanoes in France for just $1 appeared first on Matador Network.
Watch: How to hunt for glow-in-the-dark rocks around Lake Superior
Whether or not geology is your thing, you’ll definitely be interested in these glow-in-the-dark rocks you can find in Michigan. By day they look like normal stones, but at night, with a few tools, you could be lucky enough to find Yooperlites®, a special kind of rock that glows in the dark.
@paleocrisHunting for glowing rocks at night along the shores of Lake Superior! #geology #crystals #yooperlite #stones #crystals_hunter #gems #ifoundit #rocks
Yooperlites® are syenite rock rich with fluorescent sodalite, which causes them to be streaked with yellow and orange in the dark, especially under a UV light. The term was coined by Erik Rintamak in 2017, according to Pure Michigan. The best place to find them in the state is the Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior.
If you’re interested in hunting for these stunning glow-in-the-dark rocks, you’ll need some tools: a UV light to be able to easily spot the stones, a flashlight or lamp since you’ll be moving around in the dark, a bag to carry around your finds, and warm clothes with a good pair of waterproof shoes. It can’t hurt to bring some water and snacks, glow sticks to help you retrace your steps, and a rock scooper if you’d like to look for some of the rocks in the lake.
@paleocrisGlowing rocks on the shores of Lake Superior! ##gems ##minerals ##crystals ##geology ##yooperlites ##sodalite ##showandtell ##rocks ##stones ##glowing
The most important thing is to look for the rocks at night so you can really get a good look at the stones. However, you should arrive at your hunting spot before dark to scope out your route. The best season to go is in the spring as the ice melts, or after a storm. And be sure to stay safe by bringing some buddies and staying aware of the water and weather. Follow these steps and you could walk away with the coolest rocks right in the US.
The post Watch: How to hunt for glow-in-the-dark rocks around Lake Superior appeared first on Matador Network.
How to enjoy the world’s cheapest beer in Hanoi
I’m hunkered down on a plastic stool that can’t be more than six inches off the ground. About to make a joke about how my knees are at my chin, I look up at my dad — who has about eight inches of height on me – and see that his knees are quite literally touching his shoulders.
The two of us are seated in a tiny bar in Hanoi, Vietnam – if you could call it a bar. It’s more of a makeshift hut in which the asphalt from the street serves as the floor, the roof is held up by a couple of deteriorating concrete walls, and a large open archway serves as both the entrance and as a drive-through for motorcyclists waiting in line for a quick beer to-go. There are a few more plastic stools scattered around the 50-square-foot establishment and a single table with a plate of freshly roasted peanuts in the middle. But the focal point of this sparse joint is the keg. It’s also the reason my dad and I squished onto our bar stools: The keg contains the cheapest beer in the world.
The clock has barely struck 9:00 AM and joining us at this early morning hour are a couple of elderly men who pay a visit to this place every day. A quick hello to their friends and they get down to business, handing over their 4,600 or so Vietnamese dong (about 20 cents) in exchange for a cold frothy pint of the inexpensive and wildly popular beer called bia hoi.
Hanoi is famous for its bia hoi, which translates literally to “fresh beer.” Bia hoi is also the phrase used in these small roadside bars like the one I found myself in that morning, taking part in the daily ritual. Bia hoi also embodies an essential adventure for any visitor to Hanoi.
Bia hoi is brewed fresh every single day and has a short shelf life. Each morning, just after dawn, motorbikes zip around Hanoi delivering stainless-steel kegs filled with hours-old bia hoi to all the bars in the city. It lacks preservatives, making it spoil quickly, sometimes going bad by nighttime the same day. To get the freshest taste of Bia hoi, many locals start their day with a frosty fix.
The French introduced beer to Vietnam in the 1890s, and it was originally intended for the upper classes only. At the time there was only one brewery in Hanoi, called Hommel Brewery, and it was an expensive luxury inaccessible to most local people. Years later, when Vietnam gained independence, bia hoi was introduced as an affordable beer option for all of Hanoi’s residents.
Where bia hoi is made and how it tastes
Photo: /Shutterstock
Hanoi Brewery, Viet Ha Brewery, and South East Asia Brewery are the three most popular breweries that make bia hoi today. Their beer is as ubiquitous around the city as their advertising. You would be hard-pressed to go even a block without seeing the names of the breweries in big bold writing on the side of a keg or a sign plastered inside a restaurant window.
Back at the bar, my dad and I are each handed a cold, golden pint of bia hoi in big clear mugs. After one sip it’s easy to see why it’s so popular, aside from its cheap price tag. It’s clean, crisp, and surprisingly refreshing, even at nine in the morning. At only 3 percent alcohol, it’s easy to drink, and having at least a second seems like the norm.
Where to try bia boi
Photo: Vietnam Stock Images/Shutterstock
Later that evening, my dad and I sat down at another bia hoi joint on what locals refer to as Beer Corner. At the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in Hanoi’s labyrinth-like Old Quarter, a different side of the capital emerges as the sun sets. This neighborhood is the heart and soul of the city, with bustling marketplaces, delicious street food, and narrow alleyways you could get lost in exploring, but after dark, the place to be is a sidewalk bia hoi bar enjoying Hanoi’s favorite beverage.
We sit down on the recognizable plastic stools and take in the sights and sounds of the city as it prepares for the evening ahead. The atmosphere is informal. Friends wave down others passing by to join them, neon lights illuminate the narrow street, food vendors pace back and forth between the crowded bars, and conviviality radiates as more plastic stools are pulled up to accommodate the ever-growing number of people.
Lively music fills the streets as beers slosh onto the sidewalk. I take a sip of the familiar ice-cold, frothy ale, which is beginning to taste of comfort and calmness, very much welcomed as an antidote to the hectic pace of Hanoi. It becomes clear that the allure of bia hoi is much more than the drink itself or its wallet-friendly price — it’s central to the ritual of relaxing and socializing among friends.
Beer Corner is a great starting point for your bia hoi experience. Wander down the narrow streets to find many lively options with ample sidewalk seating, perfect for people watching. Just down the road, Bia Hoi Ngoc Linh has a great local atmosphere and good food. Beyond the Old Quarter, the French Quarter’s Bia Hoi Thien Nga is rumored to be Hanoi’s first bia hoi bar, and Bia Hoi Nha Hang Truc Bach has lovely views of Truc Bach Lake.
The post How to enjoy the world’s cheapest beer in Hanoi appeared first on Matador Network.
Everything you need to backpack through Europe
We hope you love the travel gear for Europe we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Having the right gear on an international trip is the key to staying organized. For a backpacking trip around Europe, compact and condensed is the goal. Here is the ultimate gear guide for backpacking in Europe to keep you moving efficiently and with less stress. Each of these items can be purchased through Amazon Prime via the links here, saving you both time and shipping costs.
1. Osprey Farpoint 55 or Fairview 55 backpack
Photo: Osprey
For a backpacking trip in Europe, you’ll need a durable and comfortable backpack. There are two types of backpacks to consider before you hit the road: a “backpacking” backpack, like the ones you see many international travelers using, or a trekking backpack like you’d bring on an overnight hiking trip. A 40- to 65-liter “backpacking” backpack like the Osprey Farpoint 55 or the Osprey Fairview Trek 50 (made for women) is the perfect travel companion. These versatile packs offer a large zippered panel for easy access to the main compartment (it opens like a suitcase), and also come with a daypack that you can fit your laptop in. If you’re planning on doing outdoor adventuring while on the road, a trekking backpack like the Osprey Atmos AG 65 for men and Aura AG 65 for women is also a great choice for its comfortable straps that can double as your travel pack as well if you don’t mind a bit of extra bulkiness around the hips.
Price: $150-$300
2. Fjallraven Kanken Pack
Photo: Fjallraven
Unless you’re going to be carrying your backpack every hour of every day, you’ll need a day bag. If your main backpack doesn’t come with one like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview mentioned above, having a smaller bag to carry your smaller items when your pack is sitting at the hostel is essential. This Fjallraven Kanken Pack from the Swedish sustainable gear company is the perfect balance between functional and stylish (something that is nice to consider when you’re in Europe). It’s big enough to fit a camera, your water bottle, a pair of shades, and a sweater, but it’s also compact enough to fold into your larger backpack when you’re not using it. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors.
Price: $65
3. Eagle Creek Pack-it Starter Set
Photo: Eagle Creek
High-quality packing cubes to roll or fold your clothes are a must-have travel accessory for packing efficiently. It’s a lot easier to take out a packing cube to grab an item than to reach for a shirt at the bottom of your bag, just to have all of your other clothes fall out. This Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set will help keep your clothes compressed and compartmentalized in your backpack. The folder that comes with the two packing cubes is great for nicer items that you’d like to keep wrinkle-free during your travels.
Price: $40
4. LifeStraw Go water filter bottle
Photo: LifeStraw
Grab a filtered reusable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic usage abroad. If you’re traveling to a country like Greece where it’s not advised to drink the tap water, having a filtered water bottle will not only give you some peace of mind with every sip, but it will help you avoid buying plastic water bottles that might end up floating on beautiful beaches. This trusted LifeStraw Go bottle has a two-stage integrated filter for clean drinking water on the go.
Price: $37
5. Conair Travel Smart All-in-One Adapter with USB
Photo: Conair
Having several travel adapters on hand is always a smart idea if you want to be able to charge your devices. Shop this Travel Smart All-in-One international travel adapter to connect your electronic devices to European outlets, as well as those in China and the US. This one comes with both an EU and UK adapter, along with a USB port.
Price: $29
6. Sea To Summit Travelling Light hanging toiletry bag
Photo: Sea to Summit
A nice hanging toiletry bag will save you the frustration of finding a clean countertop to set your toiletries on at a hostel or Airbnb. You also want a bag that’ll fit all of your goods from back home, but that isn’t too big to avoid over-packing your toiletries. This Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag is the perfect size, has multiple zip compartments, comes with a built-in mirror, and is also waterproof just in case something happens to spill.
Price: $46.95
7. Lermende TSA approved clear toiletry bag
Photo: Lermende
Along with a hanging toiletry bag, bringing a TSA-approved clear toiletry bag will save you from having to throw away your favorite shampoo bottle at the airport. Airports in Europe tend to be stricter than the US when it comes to limiting liquids to a quart-sized bag and they will usually make you take out all of your liquids to put in their provided plastic bags. Save yourself the trouble by readily storing your liquids in this Lermende TSA-approved clear toiletry bag for a quicker pass through airport security.
Price: $9
8. ProCase Accessories Bag electronics organizer
Photo: ProCase
A compact and heavy-duty electronics organizer is essential for keeping all of your electronics in order. The ProCase accessories bag features some elastic loops for cables, two larger pockets for bigger items like camera chargers, as well as some mesh zipper pockets for smaller items like SD cards and USB flash drives. We love how this one rolls up and can be easily thrown into your backpack.
Price: $8.99
9. RoomyRoc Mesh laundry washing bag
Photo: RoomyRoc
To keep from having to question whether or not you’ve washed a clothing item in your backpack after days or weeks of wandering, make sure to bring a large but foldable laundry bag. This one from RoomyRoc also doubles as a washing bag to help filter out microfibers released from clothing.
Price: $9.99
10. PackTowel Original Quickdry Microfiber Towel
Photo: PackTowel
A microfiber towel is great for when you don’t want to pay for towels at hostels. They’re compact, easily absorb water, and dry quickly. The PackTowel Personal towel is really soft and the towel also folds into the included pouch for convenient storage.
Price: $13.95
11. Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger
Photo: Anker
Mobile phones have become an important part of our lives, and our travels. Having a dependable portable charger can be a lifesaver if you need to use your phone to access travel documents when your battery is low and there are no charging outlets around. The Anker PowerCore 13000 has two high-speed USB ports and has enough power to keep you going for days.
Price: $36.99
12. Master Lock TSA approved luggage lock
Photo: Master Lock
Bringing a lock on your backpacking trip will help keep your personal belongings safe, especially when leaving your backpack at hostels. A combination lock like the Master Lock 4688D is better to have than a key lock (keys are usually easy to lose). The Master lock is also TSA approved, so screeners can inspect and relock your luggage at the airport without damaging it.
Price: $5.99
13. Yamiu travel shoe bags
Photo: Yamiu
You need a way to store your dirty shoes in your backpack without ruining the rest of your clothes and belongings. These Yamiu travel shoe bags are large enough to fit up to a men’s size 14 shoe, are made of waterproof nylon fabric, and also feature a strong zipper.
Price: $13.88
14. First-aid kit
Photo: Johnson + Johnson
This 100-piece first-aid kit can prevent minor mishaps like cuts and scrapes from turning into trip-ruining incidents. Johnson + Johnson’s travel first-aid kit includes all the basic stuff you’ll need to dress, wrap, and cover on the go.
Price: $12
15. Chrome Industries Cobra merino wool hoodie, men’s and women’s options
Photo: Chrome Industries
The number one rule of travel clothing is that it can be worn more than once between a wash. Merino wool is perfect because it absorbs sweat, is light and airy, and can be worn in all seasons as a quick and easy cover. It’s also more sustainable than synthetic or polyester products. Chrome Industries offers the best merino wool travel hoodie, and it’s black — so you know it’ll go well with anything.
Price: $119.95 men’s, $80 women’s
The post Everything you need to backpack through Europe appeared first on Matador Network.
7 unexpectedly warm dive sites around the world
Tropical destinations are the gold standard for many divers. The water is inviting, the reefs teem with colorful marine life, and in many cases wetsuits are optional. What’s considered cold-water diving is largely subjective. Some divers draw the line at 70 or 75 degrees Fahrenheit while others measure the water temperature by what millimeter wetsuit they’d be comfortable wearing, whether it’s a fullsuit, shorty, or nothing at all. No matter the metric, there are a handful of dive sites around the world that boast warmer waters than most divers would expect — opening up a whole new world of underwater destinations. From Iceland to Arkansas, these are seven of our favorite unexpectedly warm dive sites.
1. Homestead Crater, Utah
Photo: The Crater (The Homestead Crater)/Facebook
About an hour southwest of Salt Lake City, in Midway, Utah, the Homestead Resort offers one of the coolest (well, warmest) diving opportunities in the lower 48: a 10,000-year-old hot spring hidden below a 55-foot-tall karst formation. Created by snowmelt from the Wasatch Mountains, the Homestead Crater is heated by subsurface magma that keeps its mineral-rich waters, which plunge to 65 feet, a balmy 90-96 degrees year-round.
Divers can take a one-hour underwater tour for just $22 Monday through Thursday and $27 Friday through Sunday. Beginners are welcome, and new divers can even get their Open Water certifications inside the crater. Soakers, swimmers, and snorkelers are also welcome. There’s even a paddleboard yoga class on offer.
2. Gozo Island, MaltaPhoto: DAAgius/Shutterstock
Europe is not the first continent that comes to mind when we think of warm-water diving, despite the Mediterranean climate down south. For the warmest waters, divers should head to Gozo Island, the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago after Malta, where the summer temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees.
Visibility up to 100 feet and a variety of interesting underwater terrain, from swim-throughs to caves, are two of the biggest boons for divers in Gozo Island. The Blue Hole is the most famous dive site in the area, alongside attractions like Zurziep Reef, Cathedral Cave, and Xlendi Bay Tunnel. Three popular wreck sites there are also not to be missed.
3. Sodwana Bay, South Africa
Photo: sirtravelalot/Shutterstock
South Africa’s climate is generally mild, with the average daytime temperature hovering around 60 to 70 degrees depending on the season. The average water temperature is variable but typically similar, which feels a lot colder than it does on dry land. In Sodwana Bay, however, the water is pleasant and swimmable year-round, rarely dropping below 70 degrees with highs up to the low 80s.
Located on the Indian Ocean near the Mozambique border, Sodwana Bay, or Sordies, has been a national park since 1950. It’s home to the southernmost coral reef off the African continent, which attracts not only divers and snorkelers but also anglers. The visibility here is spectacular. Expect to be able to see at least 40 to 50 feet in front of you and as much as 130 feet. Look out for dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, turtles, and over a thousand different fish species as you swim, alongside more than 90 types of corals and sponges.
4. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Photo: Kat Byrd I/Shutterstock
Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs, Arkansas, is yet another unexpectedly warm dive site in the contiguous United States. It’s the state’s largest lake with some 40,000 acres of inviting waters and more than 200 islands, which make for the best dive sites.
The water temperature is hard to pin down due to the lake’s thermocline, which refers to layers of water that are variably hot and cold. Even in the warmer months, the surface temperature can range from frigid 40s to balmy 90s, but the sun’s warmth can usually be felt up to 20 feet down. A three-millimeter wetsuit tends to suffice for shallower summer dives; anything deeper may merit seven millimeters. No matter your depth, Lake Ouachita promises solid visibility, at least 20 to 40 feet, as it’s considered one of the cleanest lakes in the country.
5. Lake Kleifarvatn, Iceland
Photo: VicPhotoria/Shutterstock
Iceland is not an unheard-of destination for intrepid divers, but Lake Kleifarvatn, located roughly 30 minutes south of Reykjavik, qualifies as an unexpectedly warm dive site compared to the rest of the country. It’s both the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of the deepest in Iceland, reaching depths up to almost 300 feet.
Geothermal activity explains the uncharacteristically warm waters, which can reach up to 60 degrees at the surface during summer, as the lake lies above the volcanic meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It’s a shallow dive, capping around 40 feet, but that’s plenty deep to witness the air bubbles rising from the lake floor and even feel the surrounding rocks vibrate from the pressure.
6. Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock
Despite its proximity to Australia, New Zealand has a much colder climate, meaning chillier waters that are less enticing for many divers. The Poor Knights Islands, off the northern tip of the North Island, are an exception. Though the temperature tends to taper off in the high 70s during summer, the islands sit at the intersection of tropical and temperate waters, with a warm current that’s carried over from Australia’s Coral Sea. The visibility is better from May to September, but November through May has the warmest waters.
Most visitors base themselves in the mainland town of Tutukaka, where several boat services ferry divers to sites like Blue Maomao Arch and Rikoriko, one of the world’s largest sea caves. Dolphins and whales are common sights, as are both Pacific game fish and tons of tropical species. Above all, divers are almost guaranteed to see rays, so keep an eye out.
7. La Jolla, California
Photo: Greg Amptman/Shutterstock
For a famously beachy state, California’s waters skew on the colder side. The water warms up the farther south you go, but even the Catalina Islands off the coast of Los Angeles, one of the most popular areas for scuba, keep many divers bundled up in seven-millimeter wetsuits. For the most unexpectedly warm dive sites in California, set your sights on La Jolla.
La Jolla is located just north of San Diego. It’s not the tropics, but the water here reliably reaches 70 degrees during summer. Among the highlights for divers are La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve’s kelp forests and canyon wall, as well as boat dives in nearby Wreck Alley. Freediving with hammerhead, mako, and blue sharks is also possible here.
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Travel by RV to these 5 events
The country’s best events are back, and it’s about time. We’ve all been locked up or locked down for months, and it’s glorious to get out into the fresh air again. So glorious in fact, why hold back? You’re ready to soak it in and make up for all that lost time, ready to turn events into experiences. Gather the friends and get back out there, because from NASCAR to Bonnaroo (and lots in between), you’ll get more out of the nation’s biggest happenings if you travel by RV. Here’s how to do it.
BonnarooWhere: Manchester, Tennessee
Photo: Mubashir Abbas Zaidi/Shutterstock
Rolling Stone has praised Bonnaroo as changing the face of rock n’ roll, and it’s not just A-listers like Lizzo and Foo Fighters making this four-day fest a cultural force. Many up-and-coming acts make their debut here on the 10+ performance stages. Beyond the music, four 24-hour campground party barns, eclectic workshops, parades, food vendors, surprise popup events, and yoga classes will keep you entertained. (Do you want to run a 5k between all this? Believe it or not, you can.)
You’ll need an RV pass to park and camp in your rig at Bonnaroo. As with car camping, you can choose between General Admission, VIP, and Platinum campgrounds (whichever matches your ticket level for the festival). RV hookups are available for an extra fee. Rent an RV for this music celebration if you’re new to festival RVing.
How to do it rightThis one’s all about creating an inviting space for serious lounging between sets. Start with a patio mat, and go one size bigger than you think you need (you can always fold it!). Add a few comfy chairs, ottomans, floor poufs, side tables, and patio lights. If the party doesn’t land at your rig, bring a wagon so you can seek out fellow RVers and not arrive empty-handed. Last but not least: You’ll want a solid pillow and earplugs for efficient napping.
Pro tip: Bonnaroo is green — is your RV? Check your batteries and your solar panel output, and learn how to conserve and create power for your RV. If you need more juice, portable and folding solar panels make off-grid camping a breeze.
NASCARWhere: Fort Worth, Texas; Daytona Beach, Florida
Photo: Jenny Farhat
RVers get their own kind of first place at NASCAR — you can chill in the middle of the track from the comfort of your home on wheels. Best seat in the house, folks!
Let’s highlight two notable stops on the NASCAR circuit. At Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, you can choose from among 4,500+ RV spaces, about one-third of which are infield, next to the action. In Daytona Beach, Florida, you can opt for premium spots (suitable for all models, from Class A to popups) with available full hookups and even wifi. For the most full-throttle experience of them all, book one of the 52 high-demand spaces at the burnout track.
Note: At some NASCAR events, RV sites are first-come, first-served. Fans tend to dry camp, though it varies by location. Do your research, come prepared, and you’ll have a heck of a time.
How to do it rightYou have a way to watch from your roof, right? Because that’s the ultimate view when you’re this close to the track. Beyond that, bring a portable/outdoor TV so you don’t miss a thing. A generator or solar panels will keep you operating off-grid, and they can even power things like an RV-specialized 40” 12-volt flatscreen!
Like the engines on display, NASCAR RV sites run hot. Ain’t nothin’ like ice-cold drinks race-side, so upgrade that cooler. Make sure you have a favorite chair and an extra (or three) for fellow race-day warriors. Pick up some folding tables for pong games and drinks, and bring your own grill and BBQ supplies. You won’t be leaving the action for grocery runs.
The Great American Beer FestivalWhere: Denver, Colorado
Photo courtesy of Brewers Association
With four-thousand brews to sample, paired with top-drawer food, it’s no wonder the Great American Beer Festival packs in 60,000 attendees. But don’t expect a brewhall party: This is the premier beer competition in the nation. Hundreds of breweries enter from all over the US, and only a handful will walk away with coveted medals.
That said, it’s the attendees who really win big. You’ll have access to the country’s best brews for sampling, comparison, and purchase (at a discount!). Whether your preference is a hazy IPA, fruited sour, or imperial stout, your craft beer is here. These are your people. Cheers.
How to do it rightRun your own beer tastings on your decked-out patio from your fully stocked RV kitchen. Choose non-slip glasses for indestructible wares, or stock up with proper glass pints, snifters, and goblets (keep the original boxes and store them under your RV’s couch so they’re safe in transit). To match the level of the festivities, why not roast a beer-can chicken with the crowd-fave brew on your tabletop BBQ?
Pro tip: There are multiple Good Sam campgrounds on the outskirts of Denver, just 15 minutes from the Colorado Convention Center where the festival takes place. Try Dakota Ridge, which also happens to be down the road from Camping World of Denver should you forget any accessories or essentials.
Country Thunder ArizonaWhere: Florence, Arizona
Photo: Leeroy Todd/Shutterstock
With some of the biggest names in country music — Luke Combs, Eric Church, Old Dominion — this four-day fest brings some 30,000 revelers to Florence, Arizona, a tiny town just south of Phoenix. It’s those who travel by RV who really get to experience the event in style. The “Premier Camping Package” includes access to a private skybox (with great views of the main stage), grey and black water pumps, freshwater refill, and three meals a day for two people. You’re still in the thick of the action, just from the covered VIP seats.
Note: If Arizona isn’t on your next road-trip itinerary, know that Country Thunder also hits stages in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Florida every year.
How to do it rightIf you don’t splurge for the festival’s premier package, you still gotta eat. Here are three ways to keep the party rolling:
Bring that griddle/grill combo, 4.5-pound propane tank, and appliance adaptor. With this equipment, anything is possible.Go old-school-modern with a proper charcoal grill and add some Southwest flavor to this week of Americana.Go all the way with a tabletop pellet smoker/grill combo for some serious smoked treats. Smoked tortillas for lunch and a smoked rib steak for dinner? Now you’re RVing like a pro.Tip: If you do the above correctly, you might attract some neighbors. Ask them to bring drinks.
Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaWhere: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
The photo ops here are spectacular, what with hundreds of balloons launching in the crisp New Mexico morning. There’s also daily entertainment on three stages, street performers, and events like chainsaw carving. You can build skills like wicker weaving and try your hand at crafting a gondola. Join a ballooning demo, where normal folks get technical instruction on setting up balloons for flight. All this takes place across nine days. No need to sit in traffic on that drive home — stay the night, you’re traveling by RV!
Note: You can set up camp onsite for anywhere from $40/night (dry camping) to $250/night (President’s Compound). Nearby public lands make driving in a cinch, too.
How to do it rightWith nine days, you can really settle down and sink into New Mexico. Deck out your patio space, break out that portable fire pit, and pay homage to New Mexican cuisine with a margarita hour, complete with shakers, salt rims, bar accessories, and a serving tray. Maybe even stock up on charcuterie-board supplies and picnic-worthy wine glasses.
This is a good week to explore local New Mexico specialties. Try your hand at cooking up blue-corn pancakes, brew a delicate cup of locally roasted piñon coffee, or take a crack at your own version of a breakfast burrito. Bring “chilling items” to write, paint, knit, or whittle. Or maybe you’ll finally work on your photography skills with all that camera gear stashed in your RV.
Don’t stop here. What other events are you dying to attend now that it’s safe to do so? There are ultra-marathons and antiques shows, state fairs and art festivals, trade shows and soccer tournaments. Whatever your community and wherever you’re hoping to gather, when you travel by RV you open up a whole world of new possibilities.
The post From NASCAR to Bonnaroo: 5 incredible events made better when you travel by RV appeared first on Matador Network.
July 9, 2021
Dubai just opened the deepest pool in the world, with a ‘lost city’ to explore
Dubai has just added another extreme to its record-breaking architecture — the world’s deepest pool. Deep Dive Dubai is an astonishing 60 meters, or nearly 200 feet, deep.
That’s three times deeper than scuba divers with basic certification can descend in open water, and deeper than all but a few world-class free divers can manage. Fortunately, as soon as you get underwater at Deep Dive Dubai, there’s a lot to see before you plunge towards those eerie, high-pressure depths.
Filled with 14 million liters (3.7 million gallons) of water, the massive pool is set up as an “abandoned” city with apartments, a parked car, and other curiosities that divers can explore. The underwater city also includes some well-tended “artifacts” — among them a working foosball table, a chess board, and a pool table.
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With the water kept at a pleasant 86 degrees Fahrenheit, pool sharks can comfortably finish their underwater billiards game in a light wetsuit before it’s time to ascend. A high-tech sound and lighting system also add to the ambience. Non-divers can check out the action through huge glass windows — a bit like being at an aquarium.
Deep Dive Dubai pool took the Guinness World Record for “Deepest Pool for Diving” from a 45-foot-deep pool in Poland. But Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheik Hamdan makes the deep dive look easy in this video.
“There are so many things it’s really not fair to call it a pool,” Deep Dive Dubai director Jarrod Jablonski told CNN. The pool is currently open by invitation only and will be open to the public in the fall.
Dubai is already home to the world’s largest mall and the tallest building, but, as experienced divers know, it’s not safe to go up after going down. Deep Dive Dubai asks divers to wait a day before ascending to the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa.
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The ultimate week in Dubai, from desert ziplining to heart-shaped lakes
Dubai is well known for its over-the-top opulence and seven-star hotels. And while it can be a fabulous holiday destination for glitz and glamour, there are a wealth of activities and a rich culture underneath the shiny surface that can provide the perfect one-week Dubai vacation for travelers who want to go beyond the emirate’s razzle-dazzle.
The variety that a vacation in Dubai can offer means that you can choose to enjoy some R&R or be as active as possible all within one destination.
Dubai can appear to be vast; however, with the city’s well-connected transport network and affordable private car options — such as the Careem app — it is easy to explore. From taking in sand dunes on a desert safari to admiring panoramic views atop the Jebel Jais mountains in neighboring Ras al Khaimah, you can get a real feel for all the United Arab Emirates has to offer in just one week.
Our suggested itinerary offers a mix of the sublime, the relaxed, and the historical to ensure you get the very best out of your one week in Dubai.
Day one: Desert sunrise and sunset over the creek
Photo: Balloon Adventures Dubai/Facebook
Start your week in Dubai with an experience of a lifetime by taking a hot air balloon trip out over the desert landscape and witnessing the surreal calm of a sunrise at 4,000 feet in the air. Balloon Adventures offer a package with pick-up from your hotel or a designated landmark in Dubai, your hot air balloon journey, and breakfast. Packages range from 1250 UAE Dirhams (approximately $340) and can be upgraded for an additional 100 Dirhams ($27) to include a wildlife safari experience. The balloon trip itself can be a chilly experience even in a hot, arid Dubai summer, so be sure to dress appropriately. Enjoy the tranquility, watch the sunrise, and after landing, jump aboard a Land Rover and ride through the dunes to a heritage camp for a delicious breakfast of eggs Benedict, fresh fruits, traditional Arabic coffee, and more. Once at the camp you’ll also have the chance to see local wildlife such as oryx, falcons, and camels.
Photo: Iryna Rasko/Shutterstock
Next on the agenda is a trip to the traditional Al Bastakiya area of Dubai. This area, which is known as Old Town or Old Dubai, offers insight into the once sleepy fishing port that was a hub for pearl diving and gives you a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day Dubai. A short walk through the neighborhood will allow you to witness the world’s first version of air conditioning atop the buildings or visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn more about the history of the region and meet talented traditional weavers and other craftspeople. When you’re done strolling the beautiful streets of this special neighborhood, take a traditional abra boat journey down the Creek for 1 Dirham (around 27 cents). The boat will take you to a traditional Emirati market where you can purchase spices, coffee, souvenirs, and gold.
Day two: A trip to Lebanon and the Palm
Photo: The Island Dubai/Facebook
Catch a small boat to the wonderful World Islands — a human-made archipelago shaped like a world map. Lebanon Island offers day access from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for 300 Dirhams (about $82). Join the boat, which leaves every hour from Jumeirah Fishing Port, and enjoy the fantastic beaches, beach club, or volleyball court for a secluded day in the sunshine. From the shore, the views of the soaring skyscrapers are spectacular, but we recommend you take out a kayak to take in the full splendor of the views of Dubai’s cityscape.
Photo: Jag_cz/Shutterstock
In the evening make your way to another human-made island: Palm Jumeirah. The palm is host to one of Dubai’s most elaborate fountain displays — it even won the Guinness Book of World Records award for the world’s largest fountain. The show is amazing and can be watched from the Pointe Dubai, a venue on the shores of the Palm with views out to the famous Atlantis Hotel and Resort. The Pointe is home to a range of shops and dining options, some of which are blessed with spectacular fountain views.
Day three: Lamborghinis and Ladies Day
Photo: Bla Bla Dubai
If the third day of your week in Dubai happens to fall on a Tuesday, then get ready to experience the glamour that this rich city is renowned for. Choose one of the famous pools, such as Bla Bla or Missippi’s, to unwind with drinks and poolside bites by day, then head to Ce La Vie for cocktails and unrivaled views of the world’s tallest tower — the Burj Khalifa. A snap on the swing here is an Instagram must-do, but the restaurant and bar deserve all of the hype — the food and ambiance are terrific. People watch or Lamborghini spot as you gaze out at Dubai’s cityscape. Dubai has a male-to-female ratio of 2.3, therefore on a Tuesday, the deals are all for the ladies. Ladies pay 150 Dirhams ($40) for pool access, towels, unlimited drinks, and food from a selected menu at Blah Blah. Men pay 199 Dirhams ($54) for pool access, towels, and four beers, spirits, or soft drinks.
Day four: A mix of thrill and relaxation
Photo: frantic00/Shutterstock
Start your morning right by cycling around the picturesque Dubai Marina on an electrified bicycle hired from your Careem app. These bright green bikes are located around the marina so you can pedal the eight-kilometer loop around the waterfront. After your cycle, stop at Pier 7 for breakfast with a view at The Scene by Simon Rimmer. This gastropub experience allows you to enjoy the full aspect of the yacht-dotted waterfront.
Photo: MOTIONGATE Dubai/Facebook
Spend the afternoon at the theme park Motiongate for thrills. Zombieland blast-off and the Swinging Viking should keep your adrenaline pumping. After your theme park fun, head to Kite Beach for a sunset paddleboard experience on the Persian Gulf with views of the Burj Al Arab. You can hire a paddleboard locally at Kite N’Surf. Kite Beach is free to use and has great street vendors and food options to suit all palates. SALT is perfect if a day of activities has built up an appetite — choose one of their fantastic sliders and milkshake combos.
Day five: Beyond the Burj
Photo: Creative Family/Shutterstock
Escape Dubai for one day and head to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. There, you’ll explore the Jebel Jais mountain range where you can undertake the world’s longest zip line at the Toroverde Adventure Park. A pass for one adult costs 300 Dirhams ($81). Transport via RTA Taxi or Careem car is relatively cheap in Dubai, but with the luxury hotel options available in Ras Al Khaimah, an overnight stay is a treat. Book in for a five-star stay at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert for a room with your own private pool. With bicycles included with your accommodation, you can travel around the acres of this beautiful site or take in a stargazing lecture on the viewing platform in the evening.
Day six: Love Lakes
Photo: creativei images/Shutterstock
Head back to Dubai for a relaxing day by the pool. Kick back and enjoy the sumptuous surroundings at the Bab Al Shams resort. This beautiful hotel has desert views, a great spa, and is perfect for access to the Love Lakes at Al Qudra — your next stop. Pay your driver to wait at the Love Lakes at Al Qudra. The lakes are heart-shaped and centered in a nature conservation area where you are bound to spot some wildlife — including some phenomenal Koi Carp donated by the Sheikh. This is an Instagram or TikTok lover’s dream with photo opportunities built into the landscape, and it’s an amazing way to round off your day.
Day seven: Go big before you go home
Photo: S-F/Shutterstock
No week in Dubai is complete without a trip to one of the world’s most visited lifestyle attractions — the Dubai Mall. Explore the Aquarium, visit the VR Park, cart at Ekart Zabeel, or just take a walk and wonder at the sights and sounds — the Pearl Diver waterfall is breathtaking. Have your camera ready for the fountain display at the Burj Khalifa, which runs from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and starts every 30 minutes. Enjoy dinner at one of the many fountain-view dining options in the area — Thiptara at the stunning Palace Downtown for Thai cuisine or Serafina for Italian fare. For something a little different, head to the fabulous Time Out Market in Souk al Bahar, which offers a pop-up range of some of Dubai’s finest dining options under one roof. Enjoy duck bao from the BB Social stall while you mull over how you managed to squeeze so much out of the city-state of Dubai in one week.
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