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Watch a pilot debunk a viral TikTok on how to survive a plane crash

There’s a general rule of thumb that you should probably follow when planning your trips, or just generally looking for serious advice: Don’t get your information from TikTok. One viral TikTok video advises viewers how to survive a plane crash, but there’s a problem — it’s completely inaccurate. Inspired by this and other TikToks doling out travel advice that ranges from wrong to downright dangerous, this pilot made a YouTube video to debunk them.

Among other things, the TikTok tells viewers not to assume a commonly accepted physical safety position in the event of a crash, alleging that it would do more harm than good. The video also claims that airlines tell you to assume the brace position because they don’t actually want you to survive and “sue them for millions of dollars” (all of this, of course, without evidence). Instead, the TikToker recommends putting your feet up on the seat in front of you and keeping your back straight.

The pilot then begins debunking the video, saying, “Um, so that’s mostly all wrong.”

“You can break your back and survive,” he says. “It literally happens all the time. But you know what’s harder to survive? A projectile going through your head.”

In another TikTok video, a woman claims that she can “confirm that airline companies want you to die whenever you get into a plane crash,” because airplane seats aren’t built with safety in mind and wouldn’t even fare well in a car crash.

To this, the pilot addresses her false equivalency between planes and cars. “When I see people spreading this type of fear,” he says, “it makes me laugh, because it’s not even logical … What does she want the seats to be made of?” He goes on to explain that no matter what airplane seats are made of, it wouldn’t make a difference to your chances of survival.

He also debunks other videos, like how to save a plane from crashing if both pilots are unconscious.

If you’re torn on whom to trust — a pilot or TikTokers — for the love of God trust the pilot.

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The 6 most charming LGBTQ-friendly B&Bs in New England

Bed and breakfasts are the romance novels of vacation stays: doting hosts, inviting environments, and hearty communal meals are a few of the hallmarks that make this intimate style of lodging feel more personal than staying at a sanitized hotel.

But as an LGBTQ traveler, getting personal can be stressful. Although most Americans show support for LGBTQ+ rights, there’s still a quarter of the country that openly discriminates against queer folx and many more who lack the knowledge to create and maintain safe queer spaces.

Nobody wants to feel unwelcome on vacation — particularly while sleeping under someone else’s roof — so to ease the burden of the unknown, queer travelers should consider staying at B&Bs owned and operated by people from the LGBTQ community. This way, they can live out their queer Danielle Steel fantasies shame-free.

The following list of LGBTQ-friendly lodging covers New England — an area of the country begging for Fabio Lanzoni to do an uber-gay photo spread. From Victorian mansions tucked between mountains to seaside escapes in summer towns, here are six of the most charming LGBTQ-owned New England B&Bs ready to fill your vacation fantasies.

1. Frog Meadow Farm — Newfane, Vermont

Photo: Frog Meadow

In 1995, husbands Scott Heller and Dave King built a hilltop home in bucolic Newfane, Vermont, as their sanctuary. Then, in 2007, they decided it was time to share the fruits of their labor with gay, bi, and trans men looking for a similar escape. Today, Heller and King’s B&B is a community-oriented Elysium where men of all ages can cast off their worries (and their clothes, if they choose) while reconnecting with nature.

Frog Meadow Farm unfurls over 63 private acres equipped with a spring-fed pond, perennial gardens, hiking trails, and a wood-fired hot tub ideal for an end-of-day soak. The inn accommodates 12 to 14 people at a time, split between Heller and King’s main house, a New England-style red barn, and a brook-side cottage tucked into the surrounding forest.

While Newfane is undoubtedly beautiful, the real reason to visit Heller and King’s oasis is for the people. Heller and King foster a judgment-free, all-inclusive space through a series of men’s gatherings and retreats, potlucks, outdoor adventures, and fundraisers for nonprofits. Its Spring and Fall Work Camp program provides $25-per-night lodging in exchange for six hours of either indoor or outdoor labor. As it says on the website, “it’s the all-boys sleep-away camp you wished your parents had sent you to!”

2. Notchland Inn — Hart’s Location, New Hampshire

Photo: The Notchland Inn/Facebook

Husbands Ed Butler and Les Schoof didn’t hightail it from New York City to eastern New Hampshire in the 1990s just to beat the endless city bustle — they also found the ideal location to start a B&B. Notchland Inn is a 19th-century granite mansion tucked away on 100 private acres and surrounded by alpine peaks. Animals like blue herons, black bears, and moose amble along the nearby Saco River; seasonal activities invite guests to canoe down sunny waterways or hit the slopes of ski resorts. To say the pastoral property unfolds like a New England fairytale is an understatement.

All of Notchland Inn’s accommodations come equipped with real wood-burning fireplaces, ideal for getting cozy on cold New England nights. Guests who prefer their privacy should opt to stay in one of the free-standing cottages located on the property. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning; in the evening, an on-site chef serves a five-course meal using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets, farms, or the inn’s garden.

3. Devonfield Inn – Lee, Massachusetts

Photo: Devonfield Inn/Facebook

Devonfield Inn expertly blends old-world charm with modern amenities. The Federal-style house, wood-burning fireplaces, and antique furniture all scream Main Street Americana, while the heated inground pool, whirlpool baths, and flat-screen TVs denote contemporary opulence. Much of this is thanks to owners Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the gay couple responsible for maintaining Devonfield’s 32 rolling acres.

Travelers can relax on-site in the sitting room, around the fire pit, or on the lawn while watching a series of live concerts that run through October. In the morning, a country-style breakfast is served on fine china at either communal or private tables.

Although it’s tempting to spend an entire weekend lounging on Devonfield’s sundeck or wading in the pool, the best of the Berkshires requires further exploration. Cultural institutions like Jacob’s Pillow, Tanglewood, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are only a stone’s throw away. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing year-round. Nearby towns including Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge are also worth a stop: These rural hamlets are like colorful gemstones dotting western Massachuessetts’ mountainous crown.

4. Dragonfly Guest House — Ogunquit, Maine

Photo: Dragonfly Guest House/Facebook

Artsy Ogunquit is a queer haven worth calling home between May and October — when temperatures rise and lobsters are in peak season. Those in search of LGBTQ-friendly lodging in New England should try the gay-operated Dragonfly Guest House. Owners Charles and David have been hosting visitors at their five-bedroom inn for nearly a decade and take pride in sharing the best this quaint coastal-Maine enclave has to offer.

Between the renowned museums, art galleries, and a theater listed in the National Register of Historic Places, there’s plenty of reason to hop around town all day long. Still, guests should make time for quality relaxation at the Dragonfly. Its location, halfway between the breezy shores of Perkins Cove and the shops of Downtown, makes it an easy stop while skipping between activities. Expect fresh-baked cookies if you return after lunchtime; a changing breakfast menu is served daily, too. Guests are welcome to coffee and tea throughout the day — a necessary pick-me-up for those who plan on belting show tunes at the Front Porch Piano Bar until the cock crows. For those less interested in the works of Jerry Herman, you can always unwind in front of the inn’s fireplace after a full day of adventure.

5. The Lincoln Inn and Restaurant — Woodstock, Vermont

Photo: The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant At The Covered Bridge/Facebook

Owner Mara Mehlman likes to say that people stay at the Lincoln Inn for the food. She isn’t wrong: Forbes Magazine voted the on-site restaurant one of the ten best new American dining experiences in 2016. Executive Chef Jevgenija Saromova, Mara’s partner in life and lodge, is the culinary superstar behind the dishes, and together, they’ve transformed this 19th-century inn into a bucket-list destination for epicurious travelers.

Don’t plan on eating anywhere else in Woodstock during your stay — the two-lady team behind the Lincoln Inn and Restaurant serve guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner before sending them to bed dreaming about tomorrow’s menu. All the ingredients come from local farms and the kitchen’s very-own garden, which means the dishes change regularly and vary seasonally. The inn itself is intimate, with six snug rooms located above the restaurant, which means no one wining and dining needs to argue about who’s the designated driver.

6. Snug Cottage — Provincetown, Massachusetts

Photo: Snug Cottage/Facebook

Cape Cod’s LGBTQ mecca is jam-packed with boutique hotels and guesthouses, but few offer the romantic old-world elegance of Snug Cottage, constructed in 1825. Staying at this B&B feels like living in a Louisa May Alcott novel — if the March sisters had in-room climate systems and Jo was openly queer.

Four of the eight guest bedrooms look out onto Provincetown’s buzzy harbor — a prized location considering Snug Cottage’s perch on the town’s second-highest peak. Those hoping for a little more privacy should select the Rutland Suite, which has a separate entrance so visitors can come and go in peace. All guests are welcome to use the patio — a comfortable ocean-view courtyard ideal for watching visitors stroll up and down Bradford Street, otherwise known as “guesthouse row.”

Between the well-appointed rooms, comfortable common areas, and substantial breakfast buffet (not typical for P-town lodging), this LGBTQ-friendly lodging provides a sensible reprieve from the summer debauchery experienced elsewhere in town. If you’re still interested in living the wildlife, don’t worry — P-town’s main drag is only one-and-a-half blocks away.

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7 alternatives to renting a car during this summer’s shortage

Rental cars make it easier for tourists to explore a destination independently. During the pandemic, however, the rental car industry took a major hit as demand dropped and companies sold most inventory. Now that COVID-19 cases are subsiding, summer is here, and travelers are roaring back into action, car rental companies are racing to buy cars quick enough to meet demand.

That means there may not be a whole lot of options depending on where you go — in Hawaii, the shortage was enough to drive people to rent U-Hauls to use as rental cars. So it’s time to get creative, whether that means relying on ride-share apps or throwing it back to the Stone Age and taking a bus. A world without rental cars might sound bleak, but it’s actually a great test of your travel adaptability for longer hauls and short jaunts alike. From RVs to bicycles, these are the rental car alternatives you should consider this summer.

Car-sharing

Renting a car from a traditional agency might be tougher than usual this summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t borrow a vehicle Airbnb-style. Car-sharing services have been on the rise recently, with companies like Turo and Getaround offering up a fleet of cars courtesy of individual owners. Uber and Lyft recently got into the car-sharing and rental business as well.

Instead of renting from Avis, you’re renting from some guy down the street who doesn’t mind lending a stranger his car for a few hours or a few days. When you pick a rental online, the company will give you the car’s location and remotely unlock it for you. Much like renting an Airbnb, you’ll be expected to return the car to its owner exactly as you found it. Car sharing might not be widely available in smaller cities and towns, but it’s perfect for flexibly getting around a city in the absence of a traditional rental car, or taking a quick day-trip without having to worry about public transit.

RVs

2020 was really the year of #vanlife, and there’s no reason 2021 should be any different. It’s more than just a social media cliche. Repurposing an old van or renting an RV are great ways to travel flexibly and affordably without needing to rely on trains, buses, rental cars, or even hotels.

Of course, it’s not exactly cheap to purchase an RV or convert a van (here’s a full breakdown of the cost to convert to van life). You won’t recoup your money in one trip. But if you take a few lengthy road trips per year to the right places, and consider how much you’ll save in transportation and hotel costs, it’s tough to argue against the financial benefits of #vanlife.

Alternatively, you can rent an RV from companies like Cruise America or RVshare for short-term trips without the commitment.

Just make sure you’re cool with spotty WiFi and showering in Planet Fitness locker rooms before you embark.

Bikes

Photo: Checubus/Shutterstock

Bikes have the double-advantage of being more sustainable and also better exercise than other forms of transportation. Cities like Amsterdam and Copehnagen are known for their bike culture, but you can rent a bike in pretty much any city in the world. In the US, cities like Austin and Portland can be navigated by bike, and you can have experiences like exploring the vineyards of Colorado all on two wheels.

Bikes are much cheaper than renting a car, and unlike trying to find a parking space in a city, parking your bike is actually possible without a major headache. Dedicated bike lanes may be more prevalent in some cities than others, depending on the local popularity of cycling, so it’s important to exercise caution when hitting the streets on your bike. That includes signaling your turns and wearing a helmet, especially in high-traffic areas.

Buses

The worst thing about taking the bus is being seen taking the bus. For some reason, buses are often looked down upon as a mundane, almost brutish means of travel, while trains are somehow reserved for true Eurotrippers and seasoned globetrotters. It’s all nonsense. Sure, sometimes buses are confusing to navigate and often don’t get people to their destination quite as efficiently as trains, but they can also completely eliminate your need for a rental car if you know how to use them.

Regional buses take people between and across states if you’re looking to escape to somewhere that you’d normally rent a car to road trip to. And once you’re in the city, local transit apps and Google Maps’ Transit layer can help you navigate a system you’re unfamiliar with.

Airports almost always have buses running to hotels, the city center, and major train or subway transport hubs. There’s really no need to rent a car at the airport if the city you’ll be staying in has a sophisticated public transit network. City bus schedules can be difficult to understand, but don’t be afraid to ask for a little help from the hotel front desk or your Airbnb host. Once you get the hang of it, you can cheaply traverse the entire city. There’s truly no shame in taking the bus, especially if it saves you $500 in rental car costs.

Trains

Photo: Rudy Umans/Shutterstock

Trains are usually considered a longer-distance form of transportation and not necessarily a replacement for rental cars. When you consider subways and metros, however, you’re looking at an intra-city rail network of transport that can take you pretty much anywhere. If you’re planning to stay in a single city for most of your trip — especially if it’s a larger city — subways are the answer. Getting around London via the Tube is both quicker and more convenient than trying to drive a rental car around a busy urban center (on the other side of the road for Americans, no less).

Even if you’re planning a multi-city vacation, you can still rely on trains for transportation. Amtrak covers much of the US, and even the Amtrak long hauls can be enjoyable if you do them right. In Europe, there are train routes connecting most major cities. Not only is it less stressful than driving your own car on unfamiliar roads, but you can also sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about translating road signs.

Short flights

Flying might not sound like a feasible alternative to renting a car, but hear us out. Short, puddle-jumper flights can be affordable and even quicker than driving, depending on where you’re going. If you’re spending the week in the Northeast and considering driving between Boston and New York, take a flight instead. You’ve just cut your travel time from five hours to an hour-and-a-half, and while airports are certainly timesinks, so are traffic and unexpected construction delays. Not to mention the hassle of finding parking in a major city. It’s also worth noting that short flights often have lower price tags than rental cars. A roundtrip flight between Boston and New York can cost as little as $60. Renting a car for five days to make the same trip can cost as much as $800.

Ride-sharing

Ride-sharing services are facing similar difficulties as rental car companies this summer. Due to low demand this past year, many drivers left and without plans to come back, according to the Washington Post. Still, Uber, Lyft, and taxis might still be a better bet than renting a car.

Assuming ride-share companies are active and available in the city you’re going to, it can be a valuable tool for travelers. Ride-sharing is typically considered a short-distance proposition, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Ubers and Lyfts can take you between close cities, or from a city into the countryside, as long as you find a willing driver. You might have to shell out over $100 for a longer journey, but compared to dropping $800 on a rental car it might be worth it — especially since you won’t have to foot the gas bill.

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9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Nowhere in the continental United States screams beach escape like California. With a whopping 3,427-mile shoreline, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Golden State might as well be nicknamed the Golden Sands State. Vacations on the California coast can be costly, but renting a beach house is the perfect excuse to get a group together. So, round up your closest friends or gear up for a family vacation, and check out these nine oceanfront Airbnbs in California, from Malibu to Mendocino.

1. Seaside home near San Luis Obispo

Photo: Airbnb

The appeal of this beachfront three-bedroom is threefold: It’s steps from the beach, it’s a stone’s throw from the sleepy town of Cayucos and just a bit farther to the wineries in Paso Robles, and it’s a gorgeous place to spend your downtime. The unit is the lower level of a duplex that can be rented in tandem if you’re planning a getaway with a party of up to 12 people.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $380 per night

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2. Serene and relaxing coastal home in Mendocino

Photo: Airbnb

Northern California is notoriously colder than the cities farther south, but its slice of coast is no less worthy of a seaside getaway. See: Mendocino. From whale-watching to agate-hunting on the rocky beach below the property, this roomy studio is perfect for a relaxing yet active couple’s retreat. Fort Bragg’s famous Glass Beach, so named for the vibrant seaglass “sand” that covers its shore, is also just 10 miles away, so be sure to make time for an outing there.

Two guests, studio
Price: $250 per night

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3. Idyllic beachfront apartment in Malibu

Photo: Airbnb

Welcome to Malibu, baby. Guests of this one-bedroom apartment off the Pacific Coast Highway get sun, surf, and sand right out the front door. The interior is comfortable yet refined, with windows throughout to let in the natural light and show off the views. In between, the irresistible patio comes with loungers, a rain shower, and boogie boards and lifejackets to borrow.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $496 per night

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4. Beautiful beach bungalow in Orange County

Photo: Airbnb

This two-bedroom cottage in San Clemente, whose state beaches are frequented by both surfers and hikers, comes equipped with beach essentials like towels, toys, boogie boards, and even a surfboard. You’ll even find bikes on the property that you can ride two blocks to the beach or into town. Back at home be sure to make good use of the courtyard, complete with ample outdoor seating, including a hammock, and beautiful fountains and pond.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $175 per night

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5. Oceanview condo with seaside style near San Diego

Photo: Airbnb

Families visiting the San Diego area will love this three-bedroom condo in Imperial Beach. The unit comes with a travel crib, high chair, and children’s books and toys if you’re visiting with little ones. Everyone else will likely be too mesmerized by the pier views and fun, beachy decor to notice the more banal details, but simple touches like the shelf full of beach reads, fully stocked bath products, and well-equipped kitchen really make this place feel like home.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $492 per night

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6. Hollywood Beach hacienda vibe near Los Angeles

Photo: Airbnb

Swoon for low-key luxury? This hacienda-style cottage is for you. Located feet from the sand in the city of Oxnard, which is roughly an hour and a half up the coast from Los Angeles, this property is perfectly decked out for a beach vacation, from the balcony views to the barbecue to the towels, bikes, and umbrellas available to guests. Be sure to look out for dolphins while you’re strolling along Hollywood Beach — past guests have been lucky enough to spot them.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $673 per night

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7. Garden getaway near Point Reyes

Photo: Airbnb

At a glance, this luxurious studio seems more like a mountain retreat than a beach respite. Such is the joy of the Point Reyes National Seashore, which guests of this unit have the privilege of exploring from their base in Inverness toward the southern tip of Tomales Bay. If you like wild coasts, fresh oysters, beautiful gardens, and spotty cell service, this is the place for you.

Two guests, studio
Price: $310 per night

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8. Chic coastal escape near Santa Cruz

Photo: Airbnb

Travelers to Santa Cruz County not only get access to the beach, which is just a short walk from this three-bedroom townhouse in Aptos, but also incredible hiking in the surrounding state parks and forests. After tuckering themselves out in the surf and on the trails, guests of this self-proclaimed sanctuary can hop in the pool, wind down on the deck, and fire up the barbecue. In the past, families have particularly enjoyed their stays here.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $440 per night

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9. Palatial retreat with a pool in Laguna Beach

Photo: Airbnb

Oceanview rentals that look like they were decorated by the same designers who did Versailles rarely come cheap. But with four bedrooms and an apartment-style poolhouse that can be rented for an additional fee, this palatial property in Laguna Beach might just be affordable for a bigger group. When they’re not on the shore, which is a five-minute walk away, guests will love soaking in the private pool, lounging on the day beds, and sipping cocktails by the fire pit before barbecuing up a royalty-worthy meal to enjoy alfresco on the veranda.

Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $950 per night

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Snap up a deal on this luxury Sonoma County hotel and wine tour discounts

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

The Bodega Bay Lodge is Sonoma County’s most versatile high-end hotel. Fashioned in California’s coastal style between Doran Bay and the Shoreline Highway, the property is a wine country retreat for people bored with traditional wine country retreats. Its on-site restaurant, Drake’s Sonoma Coast, serves locally sourced ingredients and seafood, known especially for its bay scallop crudo and king salmon, and also offers bites in a fireside lounge looking out over the bay.

Photo: Bodega Bay Lodge

Location is your biggest asset here at the Bodega Bay Lodge, apparent both in the hotel’s dramatic views of the coast and in its ease of access to nearby tastings, dining, and even golf. From the hotel you can quickly escape to the rocky beaches Northern California is known for, or head to the wineries farther inland. Bodega Bay itself is encased between a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy quick-hits to moderate challenges. Try the Bodega Head Trail and Bodega Bay Trailhead, both a quick loop around Westshore Road from the hotel. Afterward, relax at either Campbell Cove Beach or Bodega Dunes Beach.

We suggest heading back towards the Bodega Bay Lodge in the early evening, however; the sunset views from the nearby Pinnacle Beach, at the end of the 1.2-mile Pinnacle Gulch Trail, are the best around. While the hotel is luxurious and welcoming, it distinguishes itself from the rest thanks to its service and location, proving there’s more to wine country than tastings.

Price: From $479 per night

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Grab this $29 Sonoma and Napa wine passport for discounts at over 75 wineries

Photo: CAN BALCIOGLU/Shutterstock

When To Travel: Anytime in 2021
Fully refundable: Yes

Whether or not you stay at the Bodega Bay Lodge on your visit to Northern California’s wine country, take advantage of this incredible Travelzoo deal that secures your buy-one-get-one wine tastings at more than 75 wineries in the Sonoma and Napa wine regions.

In addition to the BOGO tastings, this passport entitles you to discounts on bottle purchases at most participating wineries and a handful of other discounts varying by location. Popular wineries included in the passport are Rutherford Ranch Winery, Tamber Bey, Korbel Champagne Cellars, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery, among others. The passport is unlimited, meaning you can use it as much as you like. Say you love a particular spot and want to lap it several times — go for it. Or get a count going and see how many wineries you and your wine touring partner can visit by the end of the year. For $29, you can’t go wrong.

Buy Now

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Blaze down Andean peaks and support rural communities at the same time

As we ramp up travel to international destinations, let’s remember that where your dollar goes counts. Tour operator 2WheelEpix ensures this by using the ever-growing popularity of mountain biking to provide a lasting benefit for rural communities in Latin America. In this week’s Climate Win, we chat with the adventure company’s founder.

The company takes mountain bikers on multi-day tours to far-flung destinations including the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico; Ecuador’s CotoPaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes; and Peru’s Sacred Valley outside the high-altitude city of Cusco. These countries are now open to US travelers although some testing requirements and in-country curfews may be in place.

The expeditions are as focused on hitting as much epic singletrack as possible as they are on ensuring that the impact on the places visited is as positive as the experience of the riders who visit them.

“My whole goal is to build these tours where all these rad trails are, to support local economies,” Tony Marin, founder of 2WheelEpix, tells Matador. “Not only are these areas something people want to see and ride their bikes in, but we have the ability to go in and stimulate those economies.”

Each location Marin and his team guide at is selected on two factors — the potential for massive downhill descents and the ability to immerse in the destination by employing local residents and giving back to the community.

“I go on Google Earth and find countries with large elevation drops,” Marin says of how he landed on the company’s three current tour locations.

Photo: Tony Marin

Once a location is identified, Marin builds relationships there by visiting and speaking with local community leaders to develop a sustainable tourism plan. Once permission and support are granted, tours are built to include food and stays prepared locally. Marin visits public leaders and private homes in every community where the company operates to build these relationships.

Growing up in Sun Valley, Idaho, where 2WheelEpix is based, Marin developed an early passion and fell in love with mountain biking while at college in Durango, Colorado. Through the bike, he began exploring the Andes, attending traditional ceremonies, and connecting with communities. He spent time doing humanitarian work in Bolivia and moved to South America for a while, captivated by its rugged Andean peaks and the potential for adventure offered by the forests that blanketed these mountains.

While teaching English in Cusco after college, Marin rented a mountain bike and met up with a local guide. The idea for 2WheelEpix was born.

“I got obsessed with seeing all these really cool Indigenous communities and with exploring the Andes,” he says.

From the start, the focus has been to stimulate local economies through outdoor recreation. 2WheelEpix pays local kids to build and maintain trails in their Peru and Ecuador tour destinations and buys the supplies needed to do so.

“I try to build an itinerary that brings as much money to local businesses as possible,” Marin says.

In Bolivar, one of the poorest regions of Ecuador and the location for the company’s Ecuador operations, cultural tours happen at local cane sugar operations, for example, and meals are sourced from local cooks using traditional ingredients and recipes. Lodging is sourced locally, often in the form of a guest house or small hotel.

In Oaxaca, 2WheelEpix partners with hometown tour operator Coyote Aventuras to host riders on local trails and also to visit family-run palenques, the traditional name for mezcal producers.

Marin confidently states that 70 cents of every dollar spent on his tours goes into local economies. The ultimate goal in Bolivar is to create trail networks that locals can adopt as their own, and host not only tourists but also themselves and others from around the country. To up the stoke, 2WheelEpix hosts riding workshops with local kids to teach biking skills and maintenance.

Photo: Tony Marin

“When you come off the mountain, there are 10 to 15 kids running up to you the last half mile,” Marin says. “It’s so awesome to see their level of excitement.”

Marin and his team recently founded a foundation in Ecuador to bring products made in these communities to nearby cities for sale. It also collects bikes to send to local kids.

“It’s all about building alternatives,” Marin says. “People are starting to understand that this mountain biking thing could be sustainable for [them].”

More climate wins

The United Kingdom will cease operating all coal-fired power plants in October 2024, Forbes reported. This pushes the initial deadline for quitting coal forward by a full year, though the country still plans to mine coal for export — if anyone is buying.

France’s top administrative court ordered the country to speed up its progress towards reaching its goal of cutting emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, The Guardian reported. The court noted that the country must take “all necessary steps” in the coming nine months to ensure it reaches the goal.

A proposal that could force shipping companies to pay $100 for every metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent they emit will be discussed at meetings of the International Maritime Organization at its meetings in October, Grist reported. The industry’s emissions account for three percent of global emissions.

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8 foodie experiences on Molokai

We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to join us on the Island of Molokai. Read more about current safety protocols.

Before embarking on any culinary adventure across Molokai, you’ll want to brush up on your Hawaiian vocabulary. You’ve got aloha and mahalo down, right? Time to get talking about food.

Start with a pupu, or appetizer. Be sure to try the island’s poke (diced raw fish) at least once. If you’re enjoying your meal, let your host know that everything is ono (delicious). And if ono doesn’t cut it, the meal brok da mout — food so good it “broke your mouth.” There are no words.

But most importantly, plan ahead to make sure you get a taste of Molokai’s best, freshest grindz (food) from both land and sea, starting with the eight experiences below.

1. For a perfect first meal: All Things Molokai

Though Hawaiian meals can sometimes be full of rich, hearty, ono foods, All Things Molokai keeps it light. Put this place toward the top of your to-eat list, as the shop operates as something of an informal visitor center. If you’ve got questions about your trip, need some local knowledge, or just want to talk story, the staff is there to make sure you start off on the right foot.

This is a great spot to get fueled and get acquainted with the island — though with a vibrant, healthy menu full of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, fruit bowls, and juices, it’s a solid grab-and-go option any day.

2. For serious eats: Kualapuu Cookhouse

If, however, you step off the plane and a light sandwich isn’t going to do the job, head straight to Kualapuu Cookhouse. You’ll take out a meal so hearty the rest of your day will be best spent lounging on a beach, staring out over the ocean — a great afternoon in anyone’s book.

We’re talking heavy-duty loco mocos (rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy), sticky baby-back ribs covered in house-made guava sauce, spicy ahi with hints of cilantro and lime, and plenty more. Remember to bring two things: cash and your appetite.

3. For a morning power boost: Hula Bean Cafe

If you’re heading out for some early morning fishing or whale watching, Hula Bean Cafe is where you’ll want to start your day. This little cafe has amenities you may be accustomed to seeing back home but are fairly rare on Molokai — namely air conditioning and wifi — to go along with a full menu of coffee and espresso drinks. Grab a breakfast sandwich, an açai bowl, or a panini for lunch, and you’ll be set for explorer mode.

4. For a much-needed pau hana: Paddlers Restaurant and Bar

Though Paddlers Restaurant and Bar is a popular spot for lunch, you’ll really want to visit during pau hana (happy hour, or “finish work”), 2–5pm Monday through Saturday. Along with a bangin’ food and cocktail menu, you’ll find karaoke or live music fairly regularly — pretty much the extent of the nightlife on Molokai.

Definitely come hungry for their extensive pupu menu. The Spicy Haole Crab and Paddler Fries are worth getting your hands dirty for, and they pair perfectly with a Primo, Hawaii’s original beer. The menu continues with salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and other entrees — portion sizes are no joke.

5. For romance and oceanfront views: Hiro’s Ohana Grill

For something with a bit of magic, Hiro’s Ohana Grill offers the best fine dining experience on the island. There are stunning views across the Kalohi Channel to neighboring Lanai, making this little restaurant tucked inside Hotel Molokai the perfect place to get starry-eyed.

High-quality ingredients like locally caught fish and Certified Angus steaks match the five-star ambiance, and even if the nightly live music is on pause, the sound of the ocean waves never quits.

6. For island tradition: Kanemitsu Bakery & Coffee Shop

It’s not often an eatery can gain both critical acclaim and cult status among locals, but Kanemitsu Bakery & Coffee Shop has pulled it off. By day, it’s a local bakery that residents frequent, starting their day with a cup of coffee and pastry or — if they’re mixing it up — a breakfast sandwich. By night, a different story emerges.

In 2018, the 80-year-old bakery was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Baker category. Follow your nose down the dimly lit alley to Kanemitsu’s back window, and you’ll see (and smell) exactly why. The round, hefty sweetbreads served out the back come stuffed with your choice of classics like cinnamon and cream cheese, or island favorites such as guava, sugar, and butter. Does the thrill of the hunt make them taste even better? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

7. For the love of dessert: Kamoi Snack-n-Go

When your inner Willy Wonka strikes, Kamoi Snack-n-Go is the place to sate that sweet tooth. There are 48 ice cream flavors — all made in Hawaii — that are just as tasty in a housemade waffle bowl as they are in a milkshake. Caramel macadamia nut, green tea, guava sherbet, haupia (coconut), honeydew mochi, Hawaiian mud pie, Kona coffee, kulolo (taro and coconut)…pretty much every local flavor imaginable.

Kamoi also has seven flavors of Icee that can be made into a float or topped with li hing mui: dried plum powder that’s sweet, tangy, and salty at the same time (trust us, just try it). For the road, grab an Icee float, an assortment of candies, and Hawaiian-made snacks, and you’re set.

8. For classic lunchtime fare: Manae Goods & Grindz

The island’s dining scene centers around Molokai’s main town, Kaunakakai, but if you’re heading out east to explore old fishponds and gorgeous coastlines, you’ll definitely want to stop by Manae Goods & Grindz. Expect to find drinks, snacks, and an assortment of options that define the Hawaiian lunch experience, like bentos, plate lunches, saimin (noodle soup), açai bowls — anything “Molokai” you could be craving. There’s also a good chance their fried-rice loco moco will change your life, just saying.

Of course, when you’re in search of some grindz, there’s a lot more on the island than the above. But no matter where you are and what you’re eating, don’t be surprised if your brain drifts off to a common phrase heard around the island: “Molokai mo bettah.” And now you know why.

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8 LGBTQ outdoor resorts that put the ‘camp’ in camping

Camp can mean a number of things to queer folks. It’s a word that demands context. Is it John Muir lighting a fire or Liberace lighting up a stage? Is it Cheryl Strayed’s Wild or Shelley Long’s Troop Beverly Hills?

“Camp is the spirit of extravagance,” writes Susan Sontag in her famous 1964 essay on the subject. Camp is also the spirit of simplicity, as Henry David Thoreau outlines in the dreamy prose of Walden.

So which is it? Camp! or camp?

This year, it’s a little bit of both as queer American travelers are breaking down the binary by donning Patagonia drag, pitching tents, and shirking big cities for a new kind of vacation destination: LGBTQ campgrounds.

After a year of pandemic-induced cabin fever, it’s no wonder Americans are antsy to get campy. Outdoor escapes provide a much-needed cure. According to Kampgrounds of America’s annual North American Camping Report, over 10 million people camped for the first time in 2020, citing the health crisis as a critical factor in their decision-making process.

This year, camping is shaping up to be busier than ever. The e-commerce company Pattern, which tracks consumer behavior, found that demand for camping tents was up 97 percent compared to this time last year and up 85 percent from 2019. And as popularity booms, the demographics of who’s camping is starting to change, too.

“The average camper is evolving,” states the 2021 North American Camping Report, “and with it, we are seeing more people from backgrounds of all types finding their own space in the great outdoors.”

Photo: Honcho/Facebook

For LGBTQ travelers, the influx of curious campers has caused an increased demand for queer-centric tent retreats. Tickets to Honcho, a queer music festival where attendees spend the weekend roughing it in rural Pennsylvania, sold out within minutes of going on sale earlier this year. Weekend sites at The Woods Campground, a seasonal gay resort in the Poconos Mountains, went just as fast when bookings opened in March. The summer’s busiest weekends will draw roughly 2,000 visitors to the grounds.

This newfound camping craze coincides with a recent cultural shift away from iconic queer spaces like urban gayborhoods and gay bars. Camping, in many ways, is the antithesis of these places. At a queer campground, the honking horns of big cities are replaced with birdsong, and the blaring music of packed bars is swapped with the hum of crackling campfires. Campsites, often tucked into remote corners with spotty cell service, encourage disconnecting from digital devices and reconnecting with nature. It’s egalitarian in its affordability, too. Unlike Fire Island, where a one-night rental averages roughly $500, a two-night tent site at The Woods costs only about $140.

But LGBTQ campgrounds aren’t only about roughing it like Thoreau — people who go to these spaces know how to camp it up Sontag-style, too. Most of these spots host themed weekends like those in Provincetown, encourage wild costumes characteristic of Atlantis cruises, and leave plenty of room for DIY debauchery. Many offer on-site glamping options like temperature-controlled cabins, RV hookups, and sizable indoor communal spaces. Bathrooms and showers are par for the course, as are shops selling essentials like potable water, firewood, and food. Drag queens are as common as white-tailed deer. Andrew Christian is as ubiquitous as North Face. Queer campgrounds offer a diversity of options and amenities so visitors of varying backgrounds can choose an adventure that fits their desires.

If all this talk of pitching tents leaves you fantasizing about Brokeback Mountain cosplay, it’s time to consider visiting LGBTQ campgrounds. Here are some of the best US-based sites worth checking out.

1. Campit Outdoor Resort in Fennville, Michigan

Photo: Campit Outdoor Resort/Facebook

Unlike many of these campgrounds that specify as gender-specific sites, Campit Outdoor Resort is an all-inclusive getaway that welcomes everyone from the LGBTQ community — including their friends and allies. The site also offers ADA-compliant spaces so disabled campers can enjoy the resort’s offerings.

Themed weekends like Trans Week, Leather Week, and Drag Fest bring a diverse group of campers to the 33-acre grounds from April to October, though visitors aren’t beholden to the social camp bubble. Located 10 minutes from Saugatuck, Michigan’s seasonal gay enclave, Campit offers a cost-efficient way to enjoy the summer destination without worrying about expensive in-town rentals.

Guests can choose between camping, RVing, renting one of the on-site log cabins or vintage trailers, or staying in a shared bunkhouse with five private bedrooms. Miles of woodland and creek-side trails wind from the tent sites to various amenities, including a heated pool, an outdoor recreation area, a clubhouse, a convenience store with camping essentials, and an adult toy store for sex-related goodies. With so much to enjoy, travelers may reconsider driving to Saugatuck at all.

2. The Woods Campground in Lehighton, Pennsylvania

This clothing-optional retreat, located two hours west of NYC and an hour and a half north of Philadelphia, is the inland antidote to pricey East Coast getaways like Fire Island. Inexpensive, unpretentious, and all-inclusive, The Woods Campground feels like an adults-only Neverland at the edge of civilization. The only problem is its popularity: Summer weekends usually sell out within minutes of going on sale.

Located on 161 acres of rolling hills replete with nature trails, babbling brooks, a four-acre lake, and an abundance of on-site amenities, The Woods gives visitors a good reason to stay put for their entire trip. In addition to a convenience store that sells everything from firewood to jockstraps, there’s a restaurant and poolside cabana that serves breakfast food and pub grub all weekend long. An in-ground pool and surrounding sun deck act as the ground’s midday meeting place. At night, crowds commune around a Burning Man-sized bonfire before heading to an indoor-outdoor dance floor that hosts themed parties every weekend.

Some people love The Woods so much that a mere weekend isn’t long enough. A ton of tiny homes and RVs owned by seasonal residents fill the spaces between rental sites for cabins, campers, and tents. This community-oriented contingency is The Woods’ greatest asset — it’s what makes everyone, visitors included, feel safe and secure while sleeping naked under the stars.

3. Roseland Resort and Campground in Proctor, West Virginia

Photo: Roseland Resort And Campground/Facebook

John Denver’s iconic “Country Roads” has tried to convince us that West Virginia is “almost heaven” since 1971. Lucky for him, Roseland Resort and Campground corroborates his claim. This clothing-optional, gay-owned and -operated campground offers men a chance to leave their worries behind while frolicking freely on 222 acres thick with vegetation.

Guests can choose between camping in a tent, parking an RV, renting a cabin, or booking a hotel-style room with non-camping niceties. An on-site dining hall and bar keep visitors well-fed, while a convenience store hocks all the necessary camping items for those who choose to rough it. But roughing it is a far cry from what happens here. Between a heated pool, two hot tubs, a sauna and steam room, and professional massages offered on-site, camping at Roseland is synonymous with pampering yourself.

Men can choose to visit during themed weekends offered year-round, like a three-day leather festival in August, September’s Bear Fair, and Nude Years Eve — which gives new meaning to the term “ball drop.” Check their homepage for updated information. The themed parties aren’t always what make Roseland heaven, however. It’s hiking around the ground’s eleven miles of trails and lounging in a hammock that makes guests feel like Adam in Eden.

4. Vitambi Springs Resort and Campground in Clewiston, Florida

Vitambi Springs Resort and Campground is a primarily male resort and campground that welcomes both rugged tent-pitchers and fine-linen fairies. Guests can bring a tent, park an RV, or choose from on-site accommodations like rustic cabins, private homes, and a group military barracks.

The campground, located two-and-a-half hours northwest of Miami, stretches over 269 acres of South Florida’s tropical forests. Paved pathways snake through green groves of live oaks and palms, providing campers shade and privacy. There’s a clothing-optional pool, an indoor gym, and an air-conditioned entertainment center that offers yoga and dancing for those excited to socialize.

Themed weekends abound at Vitambi, including a leather weekend (July 23-25), a bear weekend (August 13-15), and a women-only weekend (October 1-3). Still, this doesn’t mean you’ll put up with rowdy all-night shenanigans: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM are resort-sanctioned quiet hours for all guests.

Clewiston — a Lake Okeechobee town located thirty minutes north — is the closest you’ll get to a town, but guests won’t likely need to visit. Everything necessary to enjoy a short stay can be found on-site, including a store that carries camping essentials and a cafe and bar that serve food and drinks during the weekend.

5. Windover Women’s Resort in Owendale, Michigan

Photo: PAstudio/Shutterstock

Windover Women’s Resort is a sapphic space located in Owendale, a sleepy hamlet in the thumb of Michigan’s mitten. The women-only campground is open from April through October and has everything from rustic tent sites to trailers equipped with heating, air conditioning, stoves, refrigerators, and a personal bathroom.

Guests will find tons of on-site amenities, like a heated swimming pool, a fully-stocked camp store, and a clubhouse outfitted with a pool table, TV, and games. Those looking to commune with nature will find a short forested path leading to Pigeon River — a gentle waterway hugging the ground’s outskirts.

Port Austin, a quiet village kissing the shores of Lake Huron, is only a half-hour away by car and a must-visit for kayakers. The aqua-marine landscape is akin to Lake Tahoe, with calm waters leading to dynamic rock formations. Caseville, another coastal town, hosts an annual Jimmy Buffett-style Cheeseburger Festival that’s worth its weight in kitsch. As for Windover, the site’s biggest weekend is always Music in the Valley — a three-day festival with live performances. This year’s shindig will take place from July 30 to August 1.

6. Rainbow Ranch in Groesbeck, Texas

Photo: Rainbow Ranch Campground/Facebook

The stars at night are big and bright on this LGBTQ campground centrally located midway between Dallas, Houston, and Austin. A far cry from the state’s urban areas, Rainbow Ranch offers nearly 700 acres where guests can hike, bike, swim, and fish under an endless expanse of Texas sky.

This all-are-welcome queer camp sees a fair amount of “perms,” or permanent residents, who set up residence in RV spots — some of which get a glow-up with additions like decks and patios. Visitors looking for a short stay can choose between tents, cabins equipped with creature comforts like heat and air conditioning, a 2800-square-foot house that sleeps 15, a fully-equipped apartment that sleeps five, and RV sites with water and electrical hookups.

The property includes a swimming pool, a large fire pit, and a pavilion with a pool table, DJ booth, and flat-screen televisions. Fisherfolk will appreciate its beachfront location on Lake Limestone, which is filled with largemouth bass and catfish.

Rainbow Ranch throws themed parties throughout the year, including multiple weekends solely for men or women. Be sure to check the schedule before booking your stay.

7. Triangle Recreation Camp — Granite Falls, Washington

If there’s one thing you can count on at Triangle Recreation Camp, it’s getting wet. The 80-acre site is surrounded by a patch of Pacific Northwest rainforest cross-hatched with waterways fed by the nearby Cascade Mountains.

The list of must-haves at TRC doesn’t end with waterproof clothing. This delightfully sparse site requires campers to bring everything they need. Granite Falls, the closest substantial town 30 minutes away, is the last place travelers will have cell service and be able to pick up food before setting up camp. That’s right: TRC is an off-grid location, so if you’re looking to disconnect, this is the place to do it.

Visitors can choose between tent or RV camping, and all must join the TRC community by signing up for the yearly membership to book their stay. The membership is worthwhile — TRC is renowned for throwing rowdy theme parties, like July’s hanky code weekend and August’s Summerween, which turn the old-growth forest into a midsummer night’s dream. There’s always a reason to return.

8. Jones Pond Campground and RV Park in Angelica, New York

Photo: Jones Pond Campground/Facebook

It’s raining men at the clothing-optional Jones Pond Campground and RV Park that’s cloaked in the wilds of Western New York. Located on 117 acres in the Genesee Valley (an hour south of Rochester and five hours north of NYC) this remote site is a one-stop shop for adults hoping to escape the city hustle.

A series of nature trails give visitors private access to a serene stretch of deciduous forests, and an in-ground pool offers social butterflies a sunny spot to make new friends. There’s a full-service restaurant open on the weekends and an indoor lounge featuring a TV and pool table. Themed weekends draw various crowds from May to October, and guests should come prepared to dress accordingly. Whether you opt for Pirates of the Pond, Christmas in July, or Cowboy Weekend, you’ll find that Jones Pond regulars don’t hold back when it comes to costumes.

Aside from tent and RV sites, visitors can rent a three-bedroom guest house, log cabin, or shared bunkhouse for their stay. Opting for roof-covered lodging is wise if traveling outside of summer. New York’s weather is notoriously capricious in spring and fall, and a little extra coverage can do a body good — even at a naturist’s campsite.

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Turkey’s Cappadocia is a wonderland of underground cities and stunning natural beauty

Cappadocia, the region in central Turkey characterized by unusual rock formations often dubbed “fairy chimneys,” was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. Wind and water shaped the region’s soft volcanic rock into towers and pinnacles, and humans later carved up the landscape to make cave homes, churches, and even entire cities below ground.

Cappadocia is one of the world’s great sights, so if you have some time in Turkey, make sure to reserve a weekend in the area to see the highlights.

Fly from Istanbul to the airport cities of Kayseri or Nevşehir in about one hour, then drive an hour to Cappadocia’s most popular tourist destinations of Göreme, Urgüp, or Uçhisar. The cities can also be easily reached via Turkey’s comfortable long-distance bus network.

Most people stay in Göreme and splurge for a cave hotel. Urgüp and Uçhisar are less touristy but still have plenty to offer; the area’s other towns are more tranquil still. Every style of lodging is available. Kelebek Special Cave Hotel in Göreme is an excellent mid-range choice. One of Cappadocia’s best hotels is Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge in Uçhisar.

Day one in Cappadocia: Get your feet wet

City Hammam of Urgup Town in Cappadocia Region

When you check in at your hotel, ask for advice on choosing a hammam. Your first evening in Cappadocia is ideal for your appointment since the treatment will knock you right out. At a Turkish hammam, you’ll lose all your dead skin via an abrasive kese glove, get covered with so many soap bubbles you’ll feel like you’re made of whipped cream, and get the most vigorous massage of your life.

Some hammams focus on a local clientele while others are aimed at tourists. Your hotel may have one too. Large hammams have different areas for men and women; smaller ones have specific times for women only, men only, or when couples are welcomed. Ask for advice on treatment options and what to wear underneath the peştemal towel you’ll be supplied with.

After you’ve secured your hammam appointment and taken a photo of your cave room, it’s time to start exploring.

Get a feel for whichever town you choose by first wandering through its side streets. Keep your eye out for unusual rock formations and caves. While some caves are used by residents for storage, some are open to the public; you might find ancient tech like stone mills within. In the center of town, check out the open-air food markets and start scoping the restaurants and shops you want to visit.

Street snacks to look for throughout your weekend include freshly squeezed orange juice, bagel-like round simit, pita-wrapped dürüm sandwiches, and kumpir, or baked potatoes with toppings of your choice. Look for street vendors frying lokma — tiny doughnuts. Cherry juice is on offer year-round, with the fruit in season from April to August. Pumpkin seeds and desserts are popular in September. Whether in winter or summer, don’t miss dondurma — Turkish ice cream. Its taffy-like texture is due to the addition of pine tree resin and powdered orchid bulb.

Photo: Maria Studio/Shutterstock

Have dinner early so there’s time to digest before your hammam visit. You can find typical Western dishes at most Cappadocian restaurants, but look for Turkish specialties instead. Nevşehir mantı is local ravioli served with a garlic yogurt sauce. Kofte are spiced ground meats, usually beef or lamb, pressed into various shapes. Mercimek köfte is a vegetarian version made from red lentils and bulgur. Kayisi yahnisi is a mixture of meat and apricots cooked in a clay pot. The Turkish version of spanakopita is called gozleme. Pide — wood-fired pizza — is a favorite of even picky eaters. Lahmacun is the version topped with a mixture of minced beef or lamb, onion, and red peppers, best finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and squirt of lemon.

For tomorrow’s dinner, place an advance order for the traditional version of testi kebab, Cappadocia’s signature dish. Lentils, meat, and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot in an earthen oven; when it’s time to serve, the pot is broken at the table.

Day two in Cappadocia: Carve out the day for exploring

Photo: Delpixel/Shutterstock

To explore Cappadocia’s rocky features, you can book a ticket for the red, green, or blue tours via several companies (each tour covers a different area). However, we recommend hiring your own driver; that way you choose the specific sites and how long you stay, and you get to skip the shopping stops. A knowledgeable guide will set your imagination soaring rather than just explain the basics.

Cappadocia’s 300-odd underground cities were first dug out of the volcanic ash tuff rock as early as 2,600 years ago and then enlarged over the centuries. The people who normally lived on the surface in houses used them as safe places to hide from invaders, sometimes for months. The cities had fresh air and water, kitchens, wineries, shops, schools, worshipping space, temporary graveyards, stables, and apartments for families. In 2014, a new city was unearthed that’s estimated to be five million square feet and 370 feet deep. Experts think they’re all connected by deep tunnels.

Most people visit Derinkuyu, which once housed 20,000 people in 18 underground stories. Kaymakli, smaller but less crowded, is the second most popular option. While you can wander through on your own, a guide will explain how cooking fire smoke was dissipated so that the cities were invisible from above ground, show you the defenses used in case enemies penetrated, and point out mysteries like how the immense stone wheels that act as doors got inside the narrow tunnels.

Photo: Todor Stoyanov/Shutterstock

Travelers would be remiss by not visiting the Selime Monastery, carved in the eighth and ninth centuries and later turned into military headquarters. Think of it as a small underground city built into a hill. The lower levels have stables, kitchens, and a cathedral with carved columns and frescoes from the 10th and 11th centuries. As you explore, you’ll discover steep rock-cut stairs and ladders, secret passageways, hidden drop-offs, and ankle-breaking booby traps.

Ask your guide for advice on hikes. If you want to focus on caves, churches, and frescoes, good options are the valleys of Ihlara, Soganli, or Monks. For fairy chimneys, choose Love, Sword, or Devrent valleys (the latter is nicknamed Imagination Valley because of its animal-shaped rocks). Entrance to Pasabag Valley also includes access to the Zelve Open-Air Museum. For a spectacular sunset spot, try Red Valley or, in the city, Uçhisar Castle.

Day three in Cappadocia: Up, up, and away

Photo: Olena Tur/Shutterstock

The views of the sun rising above fairy chimneys will make your 4:30 AM wake-up call worth it. Cappadocia is one of the most popular places in the world for hot-air ballooning (so be sure to book in advance). Some balloon operators are so skilled that, under the right conditions, they can bring you close enough to a tree to pluck an apricot before taking you back hundreds of feet in the air for sky-high views of what you visited yesterday.

Back in Göreme, walk up the hill to the Göreme Open Air Museum. You’ll need about two hours to admire its 10th- to 12th-century cave churches and their restored Byzantine frescoes. It’s best in the early mornings or late afternoons (summer closing time is 7:00 PM) to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The Nunnery has several stories to explore. The Dark Church requires an additional fee, which helps the preservation of its brightly-colored frescoes. The large 10th-century Tokalı Church and its underground frescoes are included in your ticket; it’s outside the museum zone about 160 feet down the hill toward town.

Before you depart Cappadocia, you should have time for a little shopping. You’ll find better prices here than in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar; good-natured bartering is expected. Cappadocia was a trading crossroads on the Silk Road, and you’ll still find unusual items — even antiques — amongst the replicas and typical Turkish souvenirs.

If you’re seriously considering buying a carpet, accept the offer of tea (black or apple) and take a seat while you watch carpets whirled from their stacks onto the floor in front of you while the shopkeeper explains the virtues of each. You’ll need a few refills for the bargaining process.

Photo: Lizavetta/Shutterstock

Look for thumb-sized stones with an animal carved at one end — they’re letter seals of the ancient Hittites who lived here around 1600 BCE. Other souvenir choices include red-clay pottery made in the Cappadocian town of Avanos, flat-woven kilim carpets, and Turkish lace. You’ll likely find a good deal on silver filigree jewellery. Beautiful, cheap knock-offs of intricately decorated tiles and plates are everywhere but might not actually be made in Turkey.

No visit to Turkey is complete without buying your own nazar boncuk. These blue glass pendants hang in every Turkish home, shop, car, plane, and hot-air balloon to bring good fortune. Perhaps it will bring you luck for a return visit to Cappadocia.

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Spectators have just been banned from the Olympic Games in Tokyo, two weeks before it starts

Spectators have just been banned from all Tokyo events at the Summer Olympic Games as Japan enters a state of emergency to cope with soaring cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The announcement comes only two weeks before the start of the games, which begin on July 23.

It’s a sudden reversal from a plan laid out just 18 days ago to fill venues at half capacity, permitting 10,000 spectators to watch the Olympic Games. The Organising Committee of the Olympic Games made the decision after Japan declared the state of emergency, which will last from July 12 to August 22.

The announcement is yet another setback for the Olympic Games, which were already postponed for an entire year due to the pandemic. Japan is struggling to rein in COVID-19 cases and doesn’t want Tokyo to be a vector for the new Delta variant, Reuters reported. While new cases are down from a peak in May, the country is still experiencing 1,500 new cases a day and only 15 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Japan officials are worried about the arrival of 11,000 athletes, along with thousands of support staff, journalists, and others needed to pull off the Olympic Games, which will last 16 days and hold 300 events across dozens of locations in and near Tokyo — including five sports that are new to the Summer Olympics, among them surfing and skateboarding.

Already, Japan had barred all foreign spectators from the Olympic Games, as well as banning alcohol from the venues. Spectators will be asked not to line up on streets to watch events like the Olympic triathlon, Reuters reported. However, a limited number of spectators will be allowed at venues outside the Tokyo metropolitan area.

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