Matador Network's Blog, page 633
June 16, 2021
The 9 best Airbnbs in Cape Town
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 core of Cape Town is anchored in its outdoor lifestyle, coast, and excellent wine, and all of those things are enjoyed to the fullest in an Airbnb home — not a hotel. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and have anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in the city, here’s a selection of some of the best Airbnb options. Most of these have baller status but are reasonably affordable. If you’re packing a surfboard, or just want to enjoy a cold glass of rosé with ocean views, here are the best Cape Town Airbnb options.
1. Fresnaye villa with large garden near beach, shopping
Photo: Airbnb
This villa is close to Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, the waterfront shopping center, sea point, and Table Mountain. The villa also has a solar-heated pool, and a huge garden, which is said to attract many local birds. Even if the property with such easy access to the best of Cape Town and its natural surroundings, don’t overlook the practice of “garden bathing” — it’s like forest bathing, but you don’t have to leave the house.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $912 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This newly renovated loft is centrally located and perfect for couples and solo travelers. It’s within walking distance to V&A Waterfront and De Waterkant and has all the gadgets and modern features you’d need, namely 24-hour security and a saltwater swimming pool. You’ll also be close to nightlife and dining, though if you spend most of your time staring out the window at Table Mountain, we won’t blame you.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $64 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This property is located opposite Glen Beach, an easy two-minute stroll away from Camps Bay. It sleeps six and has exceptional views of the sea and mountains. This home is the perfect escape from the city and ideal for taking advantage of Cape Town’s outdoorsy lifestyle, be that on the incline or in the water.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $284 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This secluded villa, named Maison Noir, is among the mountain ranges and minutes from the coast. The listing highlights a fully stocked wine cellar, entertainment areas, and private cinema. The home is the perfect place for a retreat or group event. If traveling with family, a group of colleagues, or for other organized retreats, there’s no more luxurious Cape Town Airbnb listing than this.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,478 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This four-double-bedroom house has views of Clifton Third and Fourth beaches, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain. The rental price also includes a full-time maid and chef on request. The solar-heated pool is an ideal spot for an afternoon cocktail overlooking the beach, especially if you were out there surfing in the morning. At this price point for eight people, it is the best Cape Town Airbnb for the money.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $307 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The beach bungalow listed here has a granite seawall on two sides and uninterrupted views down the coast. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the property has been designed to highlight the outdoor environment and the stunning landscape. It is built to “blend into” the surrounding landscape, with a relaxing garden on site and a hot tub on the deck. This is the most therapeutic Cape Town Airbnb available, and it’s eco-friendly to boot.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $903 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Panoramic views over the infinity pool sounds like an ideal way to enjoy the scenery of Capetown’s coast. This rental has a three-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, and the promenade. There are also six en-suite sea-facing bedrooms, a jacuzzi, BBQ, pizza oven and full-time housekeeping.
Twelve guest, six bedrooms
Price: $477 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This epic beachside villa sleeps eight and has direct beach access. It is situated in the fishing village of Kommetjie, a 45-minute drive from the city center. A great place to rent if you’re looking to surf or have an interest in outdoor sports, as there is plenty of hiking, biking, and general beachside rabble rousing to do off-property. Of course, you could just lounge in the hammock, moving only for an occasional dip in the pool. No harm there, either.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $219 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Located on the coastal stretch of Victoria Road Ezulwini, this property is isolated from the crowds. Clifton Second Beach is a quick descent down 168 steps that lead from the property. The toughest decision you’ll make here is choosing between beach and pool. 
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,095 per night
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Stanley, Idaho, is the ideal base to explore the wild beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains
With a population of less than 100, the unsuspecting small Idaho town of Stanley is just a blip on the radar. But it’s this town’s proximity to the Sawtooth Range of the Rocky Mountains that makes it a destination for adventurers of all kinds, most notably hikers and backpackers. Stanley is a great jumping-off point for exploring all manner of hikes in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and throughout the two-million-acre Sawtooth National Forest — from easy day hikes to overnight sufferfests to multi-day backpacking trips. In addition to offering views of imposing, jagged peaks, hikes lead through dense forests of spruce, fir, and aspen to cascading waterfalls and impossibly blue alpine lakes above them.
Prepare for weather and bring a map
Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock
Even the most seasoned adventurer will need to know a few things before hitting the trails in Idaho. Idaho weather notoriously changes on a whim, with a beautiful, sunny day suddenly turning dark and rainy in the afternoon. Pack your day bag with layers, sunscreen, water, and a physical map if you’re new to the area — there’s little to no cell phone service in the mountain area. Even if you only plan to hike a short while, make sure someone at home knows your itinerary. And anything you pack in, be ready to pack out (leave no trace).
The five best hikes from Stanley, IdahoLady Face & Bridal Veil Fall
Photo: Nakboon wannarak/Shutterstock
From the Stanley Lake trailhead, try this moderate hike with beautiful views of McGowan Peak and a destination of the beautiful Bridal Veil waterfall. The 7.9-mile round-trip passes Lady Face Falls as well. The elevation gain of 350 feet makes this a fairly easy hike though the distance might be a bit much for children. An alternative is to take a side trail about 2.5 miles into the hike and work your way down an arroyo toward five Lady Face falls — for a shorter five-plus-mile out and back trek. The trail winds through dense forests and meadows before coming out at the base of the waterfall.
Fishhook Creek/Meadow
Photo: Paul A Smith/Shutterstock
The mild elevation gain of 200 feet and distance of 4.2 miles total (out and back) makes this a great hike for the family or those still adjusting to the altitude. In the early summer, you’ll see beautiful wildflowers, as well as views of nearby peaks of Horstmann, Heyburn, and Thompson. Much of the trail is in the shade of lodgepole pine forest so if you get a later start, you won’t be in too much sun.
Goat Lake/Goat Falls
Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock
Goat Falls is the largest waterfall in the Sawtooths, cascading 650 feet down over a rocky mountainside. Like anything worth experiencing, it’s going to be a bit of work to get there. The hike is 8.2 miles total with an elevation gain of 1,814. The trail varies from moderate to strenuous but is well worth the effort. Some parts of the trail are not well-maintained or well-marked — particularly the last part to the top of the falls, which is a bit of a scramble. Be sure you feel confident scampering up the final stretch and, in any case, bring a map. The falls spill from stunning Goat Lake, with blue water so clear you will want to stay longer to admire it. Consider making this hike an overnighter so you can do just that.
Sawtooth Lake
Photo: J K Floyd/Shutterstock
The Sawtooth Recreation Area has hundreds of lakes, and Sawtooth Lake is the largest among them. It is also the most photographed lake in Idaho. Considered difficult at 10 miles roundtrip and a gain of 1,740 feet, the trek to Sawtooth Lake is nonetheless among the most popular hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains. Just 5.5 miles out of Stanley, the path starts at the Iron Creek Trailhead and has great views of Iron Creek for the first couple of miles. Like other hikes in the area, this one is a mix of mountain views, meadows, and picturesque vistas. About four miles in, you’ll pass a sign to Alpine Lake, which is a great spot for camping or stopping for lunch. If you’re hiking early in the season, you might run into snow on the last part of the trail or find a frozen lake. Even when there’s still snow on the ground, the trail can get quite hot in the afternoon so getting an early start is recommended.
Fourth of July and Washington Lakes
Photo: Katie Dickinson/Shutterstock
While more of a drive from Stanley, at 14.5 miles south of town, this hike will give you the chance to explore the White Cloud range. Fourth of July Lake is just 2.25 miles in, with 400 feet of elevation gain, so it can be a great spot to backpack into and then used as a base to explore the other trails that are accessible from it. You’ll also be camped right on the lake with views of Patterson Peak watching over it. If you choose to continue on to Washington Lake as a day hike, it’s just a 200-foot descent to this larger lake.
Activities after hiking
Photo: Mountain Village Resort
Once you’ve exhausted yourself on these hikes in the Sawtooth wilderness, you’ll have plenty of fun activities to do in Stanley. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the crowd favorite Stanley Baking Company. Opened in 2000, this family-owned operation often has lines out the door on busy weekend mornings, as in-the-know locals and visitors wait for the homemade baked goods and tasty menu offerings.
No visit to the Stanley area would be complete without a stop at Redfish Lake, located about a 10-minute drive from Stanley. The lake is synonymous with Redfish Lodge, located on its shores. Visitors can grab burgers and hotdogs outside or sit down in the lodge’s restaurant. Sunbathers line the warm, sandy beaches and on the water you’ll find boaters, paddleboarders, and kayakers; all equipment can be rented. Along with Stanley Lake, Redfish Lake is also among our favorite places to camp in Idaho.
For a bit of warmer water and to ease your tired muscles, head to one of the area’s natural hot springs. For the ultimate Instagramable moment, visit Mountain Village Resort’s private hot springs, available for rent by the hour for $25 (or free if staying at the resort). The pool sits on the riverbank in a small log building with views of the mountains. Other natural hot springs abound in the area so just ask around for the best spots to dip.
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Borrelen is the Dutch after-work drinks ritual you need in your life
It’s 5:00 PM in Amsterdam. The workday is done, dinnertime is not for a couple of hours, and you’re ready to crack open a pilsner. Like many other places in the world, this is a familiar late-afternoon ritual in the Netherlands: happy hour, or borreltijd in Dutch.
To understand the Dutch tradition of after-work drinking first requires a lesson in the Dutch language. Borreltijd loosely translates to “drink time.” The word borrel may refer to a small glass of a spirit, traditionally a Dutch gin-like spirit called genever, but more broadly describes a social gathering centered on having drinks and snacks in a non-restaurant setting. These snacks, primarily finger foods, are known as borrelhapjes. A borrel can occur anywhere, anytime. Borrelen, on the other hand, refers specifically to post-work, pre-dinner drinks.
In cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you may hear yet another word used to describe post-work drinks: vrijdagmiddagborrel, or vrijmibo for short, which translates to “Friday afternoon drinking.” Dutch professionals originated vrijmibo as a way of socializing with colleagues at the end of the week. Often, these gatherings occur in-office. It’s a newer phrase, if a relatively timeless phenomenon, that’s also been co-opted by non-professionals who borrel on Friday afternoons. According to Benjamin Vanderveen, a Dutch student and server currently living in Amsterdam, the practice is still more popular among friends than colleagues.
Borreltijd is a happy time in the Netherlands. People gather in bars, living rooms, and, weather permitting, gardens across the country to drink, snack, and socialize. Biterballen, a type of meat-based croquette, is almost always present. Other popular borrelhapjes include kaasstengels (deep-fried cheese sticks), ossenworst (raw beef sausage), french fries, salted peanuts, bites of cheese with mustard, and borrelplank, which is a Dutch take on the charcuterie board. Beer is often the drink of choice though beverages, typically alcoholic, vary.
Borrelen is not synonymous with happy hour, however. Unlike happy hours elsewhere, which may be facilitated by bars to promote drink specials, borrelen is an entirely socio-cultural phenomenon, according to Vanderveen, and it’s a relatively universal one at that. This is his favorite thing about the tradition.
“There’s an element of intergenerational contact and cohesion happening because everybody is drinking at the same time,” he tells me via email, adding that it’s customary for groups to crowd around a bar rather than isolate themselves at a table when they borrel. Even still, the tables in Dutch bars are generally pushed close together, he notes.
Though many Dutch people partake in borrelen weekly, not all partakers borrelen the same. As a server in the Jordaan neighborhood in west Amsterdam, Vanderveen has come to learn that “borrelen has a very personal connotation that varies quite a bit.” For teenagers and young adults, late-afternoon beers may snowball into nights of heavy drinking. The older crowd generally breaks for dinner around 7:00 or 8:00 PM, after which they might head back out for evening drinks, which would no longer qualify as borrelen. It all depends on the individual and the day. “Everybody borrels differently, so to speak,” says Vanderveen.
For travelers, borrelen has the advantage of being a quintessentially Dutch experience that requires no invitation, no ticket, and very little planning. Wander into any bar in any Dutch city at that magic hour and you’re likely to see borrelen in action, particularly during summer. In heavily touristed cities like Amsterdam, post-work drinks also more accurately reflect the Dutch drinking culture than bar hopping at night, an activity that’s largely driven by non-locals.
If you do find yourself in Amsterdam one late afternoon, Vanderveen recommends heading outside of the city center to borrel. His picks are Pllek, de Verbroederij, and Noorderlicht in Amsterdam-Noord, in the north, or Café ‘t Smalle, Café de Prins, and P96 in Jordaan.
Wherever you end up, simply sidle up to the bar, order a pint of Hertog Jan and a plate of bitterballen, and settle in for a few rounds. The concept of post-work, pre-dinner drinks may not be unique to the Netherlands, but the Dutch borrelen is happy hour at its finest.
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Portugal is now open to US travelers
Portugal has become another destination you can check off your must-see list as the nation is now open to US travelers.
Currently, there are no vaccination requirements for US travelers to travel to Portugal. Travelers over two years old must simply submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Only tests carried in labs will be accepted. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as a PCR test, performed in the last 72 hours or a rapid antigen test (TRAg), performed within 24 hours of boarding will be needed for all US travelers wanting to visit Portugal at the moment, the US Embassy and Consulate in Portugal reported.
The Azores and Madeira, two autonomous regions of Portugal, currently have their own requirements for US travelers to visit. Visit the website of the US Embassy and Consulate in Portugal before you travel to those destinations for more information.
The current requirements for US travelers to visit Portugal will be reviewed every two weeks, so expect possible changes.
Portugal’s decision comes after statistics showed its tourism sector is suffering. Tourism accounted for 15 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2019, and the number of tourists to the nation reached a record high that year. However, in 2020, tourism numbers fell 76 percent. About 1.2 million US tourists went to Portugal in 2019, but in 2020, only 135,229 made the trip, according to Reuters.
A version of this article was previously published on June 9, 2021, and was updated on June 16, 2021, with more information.
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June 15, 2021
9 of the best places to travel this August for festivals, beaches, and island escapes
Summer is like the fun friend that sneaks into a party and then sneaks out just as quietly. It shows up a little late, is in the backdrop to some unforgettable memories, and before you know it, it’s gone. August is your time to catch summer before it leaves without a word.
If you haven’t made travel plans yet this summer, the clock’s ticking. Luckily, August is the ideal time to visit many destinations. It’s the month when the initial summer rush has passed, kids are starting to go back to school (or preparing to do so), and people are already looking forward to fall. This month’s list includes enticing domestic destinations. And, in honor of the recent reopening of many European countries to US citizens, destinations on the Old Continent. From Rockland, Maine, to the beaches of Parnu in Estonia, these places (listed from international to stateside locations) belong on any August travel wish list.
1. Ajaccio, Corsica
Photo: Eva Bocek/Shutterstock
This island in the Mediterranean, located off the coasts of France and Italy, is more than just the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Though part of France, Corsica has its own culture and culinary traditions that make it a unique summer getaway. Ajaccio, the island’s capital, is your best bet for a home base. It will immediately become evident to you that the city is inextricably bound to its Napoleonic past. The central thoroughfare, Cours Napoleon, was built at the direction of Bonaparte. In addition to several statues in his likeness, you’ll find that monuments, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and the airport bear his name.
Once you’ve thoroughly brushed up on your Napoleonic history by exploring the city’s old town, which dates back to the 15th century, check out the island’s green side just minutes from the city. Go west toward the Lava Gulf, where you’ll find some of the best views and beaches on the island. You can also take a boat trip from Ajaccio itself to enjoy the coastal scenery from the water. Make sure not to skip Iles Sanguinaires (which translates to the Blood Islands), an archipelago west of Ajaccio known for its reddish hue and a lighthouse from 1870.
Corsica is also known for its canyons. The natural features present a perfect opportunity for nature lovers who want to get their hands dirty. From the family-friendly Vecchio Canyon, which has a river that’s perfect for children to swim, to the Zoicu Canyon near the village of Soccia, located in the Corsican Mountains, Corsica has no shortage of outdoor adventure.
2. Tisno, CroatiaPhoto: Michal Dziedziak/Shutterstock
This small town of just over 3,000 people on the Croatian coast may look unassuming, but it’s home to one of Europe’s most epic music festivals. From August 5-10 this year, Tisno will host Defected Croatia, a house music festival featuring acts like Gorgon City, Armand Van Helden, and Todd Terry. If August travel to Croatia isn’t on the horizon for you, the town also hosts other festivals throughout the summer, including Love International, Outlook, and Dimensions.
Located primarily on the mainland and partly on the small island of Murter, Tisno is a quiet destination when there are no festivals in town. That means you can strike a balance between sleepless nights and a relaxing beach vacation. There are two main beaches in Tisno: The pebbly Jazina Beach on the mainland and Iza Andrija on Murter Island. The coast is perfect for diving, and Tramonto Diving can help get you outfitted and prepared to hit the water.
From Tisno, it’s easy to visit Vransko Lake Nature Park, one of Croatia’s most picturesque nature parks. The park is home to Croatia’s largest lake, as well as over 260 bird species like herons and egrets. You can also set up camp at one of the park’s campsites or hike the panorama trail around the lake.
3. Stockholm, Sweden
Photo: Umomos/Shutterstock
You’re probably familiar with Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city, but you might not be quite as familiar with the city’s archipelago, which is composed of approximately 24,000 islands and islets. Easily accessible by ferry, many of these islands serve as summer vacation destinations for Swedes, much the same way that Cape Cod is a popular summer retreat for New Englanders. However, unlike Cape Cod, you don’t have to sit in traffic for four hours to enjoy the archipelago — just hop on one of the Waxholmsbolaget ferries.
Vaxholm is one of the archipelago’s most popular islands for both Swedes and tourists alike. The capital of the archipelago, Vaxholm, has museums, art galleries, restaurants, and an old town with pastel-colored wooden houses. Also, make sure to check out Vaxholm Fortress, a defensive citadel dating back to the 1500s, which was once used to defend Stockholm.
For a more nature-centric experience, visit the island of Grinda, known for its beaches, trails, and outdoor adventure. Part of a nature reserve, Grinda is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, and it’s perfect for a day trip since it’s under a two-hour ferry ride from Stockholm. From kayaking around the island to exploring its forest hiking trails and sunbathing on the beach, look no further than Grinda for a summer day trip.
For a truly relaxing experience, check out Svartsö — a smaller island known as the “greenest” in the archipelago. Swim in the lake, or rent a bicycle and travel the picturesque trails or rock-lined roads. Since the island only has 100 residents, you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped the masses.
4. Parnu, Estonia
Photo: MisterStock/Shutterstock
Northeastern Europe might not come to mind when you envision a summer vacation, but that’s probably because you’ve never been to the beaches of Estonia. The Baltic country is a bit far removed from classic European summer destinations that usually make these lists, but that’s precisely what makes it so special. Between the country’s beach towns, national parks, and lake retreats, Estonia is one of Europe’s best summer vacation spots.
One of the country’s most popular leisure destinations for locals, Parnu is filled with small, locally owned shops, tree-lined streets, and pastel-colored buildings reminiscent of a Caribbean resort town. In Parnu, it’s all about the Beach Promenade. This walking and biking path is the best way to access the beach. While it lacks the bustle of Barcelona’s beachside strip, its simplicity is exactly what makes it so appealing. With warm water, surfboard rentals, ice cream stands, and a park, what more do you need?
For an island escape, head to the island of Saaremaa. To get there, travel an hour northwest of Parnu to Virtsu and take the short ferry ride to Muhu Island. From there, you can drive to Saaremaa. Sareema is full of hiking trails, traditional Estonian villages, and of course, beaches. Its capital of Kuressaare is home to a 14th-century castle standing on an artificial island surrounded by a moat. Outdoor concerts are often held in the castle’s yard throughout summer.
5. Echternach, Luxembourg
Photo: rphstock/Shutterstock
Sandwiched between Belgium, France, and Germany, Luxembourg is often overlooked by travelers who choose to visit the country’s larger neighbors. That’s great news for travelers looking for a summer trip where they won’t have to share with thousands of like-minded tourists. Echternach is the perfect home base for a trip to Luxembourg, though since the whole country is smaller than Rhode Island, you’ll never find yourself with an accessibility problem no matter where you choose to stay.
Echternach is located right on the German border, on the banks of the Sûre River. Although the city is known for its proximity to the famous Mullerthal Trail, you could easily spend a few days in Echternach exploring the seventh-century abbey and the expansive old town center (not to mention ducking into the many bars, restaurants, and cafes). However, the Mullerthal Trail is most certainly the area’s chief attraction, with three loops of some of the best hiking and cycling in the country. The 70-mile trail begins in Echternach and brings you through a lush green forest and past epic rock formations, small waterfalls, canyons, and caves.
Just under an hour’s drive from Echternach is the Moselle Valley, otherwise known as Luxembourg’s wine country. With wine producers who grow riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay, and pinot noir, the Moselle Valley is home to plenty of wineries that are more than happy to let you sample their craft. The Kox winery in Remich is a family-owned operation producing Luxembourgish wines since the 1970s and offers tours and tastings. Make sure to try the cremant, a sparkling wine that’s pretty much the country’s unofficial national beverage.
6. Rockland, Maine
Photo: Yingna Cai/Shutterstock
Visiting Maine in the summer isn’t exactly a brand new idea, but many travelers never make it farther north than Portland. It’s worth the extra drive to venture up the coast to Rockland, about an hour-and-a-half north of Portland. Downtown Rockland is full of art galleries, including the Farnsworth and the Dowling Walsh Gallery, historic buildings, and seaside views that will leave you with no doubt that you’re in Maine.
Rockland is perhaps best known for its old-fashioned schooners, which depart regularly from Rockland during the summer on tourist trips along the coast and to Maine’s many islands. The Maine Windjammer Association operates many cruises, and the company fully immerses passengers in the sailing experience, including setting the sails or bringing up the anchor.
If an August travel experience in Rockland is in your future, make sure to coordinate your trip with the Maine Lobster Festival. Taking place this year from August 3-7, the festival began back in 1947 as a way to revive coastal Maine communities. Now it’s become one of the state’s most widely recognized and longest-held traditions. Each year thousands of hungry visitors and lobster fishers come together to share their love of lobster and dine together on Maine’s signature seafood.
7. Payson, Arizona
Photo: YES Market Media/Shutterstock
At first glance, Payson might not look like it’s in Arizona at all. Located at a high elevation in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim, this town of 15,000 people has a geographic anomaly in a state known for its desert: It’s surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and is home to a lush park with a popular fishing lake. You can find the best fishing along the Mogollon Rim that surrounds Payson. The area has several lakes and rivers brimming with native fish.
In Payson itself, Green Valley Park is considered to have some of the best urban fishing in the country, with a lake, fountain, and multiple covered areas for picnics. There is also an abundance of walking trails. If you’re looking for a more adventurous outdoor experience — and don’t mind the summer heat — check out the Mazatzal Mountains, about an hour northeast of town. Here, you can hike to an altitude of 8,000 feet and see birds, bears, and mountain lions (hopefully from a distance) along the way.
Payson’s biggest claim to fame is the Payson Pro Rodeo — the world’s oldest continuous rodeo that’s been in operation since 1884. Since you really can’t take a trip out West without seeing a rodeo, you might as well schedule your visit for the weekend of August 20 this year, which is when the rodeo takes place. You’ll be treated to some of the rodeo industry’s finest saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and mutton bustin’. And if you don’t know what any of that means, it’s the perfect time to learn.
8. Memphis, Tennessee
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
When you visit the birthplace of rock n’ roll, you can expect your trip to be all about music. While that’s partially true, there’s more to Memphis than its storied musical past. Located on the Mississippi, Memphis is one of the best gateways to exploring the river. The Big River Crossing pedestrian and bike bridge extends across the river from Memphis to Arkansas, with dramatic views of the mighty Mississippi the whole way. At night, an LED display illuminates the bridge for an even more dazzling effect.
In the city itself, make sure you spend some time on Broad Avenue. The city’s arts district is perfect for casually wasting a summer afternoon. Home to more than 70 boutique shops, art galleries, artist studios, restaurants, and bars, this district embodies the character of contemporary Memphis better than anywhere else. From The Liquor Store — which is actually a Cuban diner and bar — to the delicious Muddy’s Bake Shop and the locally renowned T Clifton glass art gallery, Broad Avenue is the beating heart of Memphis.
But of course, you can’t leave Memphis without at least a tiny dose of rock n’ roll. You can visit Elvis Pressley’s Graceland estate any time of year, but in August, there’s an entire week dedicated to the music legend himself. Elvis Week occurs from August 11 to 17 this year at Graceland, including concerts, contests, special tours, and panel discussions. If you didn’t care about Elvis before coming to Memphis, you sure will when you leave.
9. Grand Junction, Colorado
Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
Most visitors of Colorado focus their attention east of the Rocky Mountains in Denver or flock to the mountains for world-class skiing in the winter and trails and outdoor activities in the summer. The Western Slope of the state, however, shouldn’t be missed. Grand Junction is a beautiful four-hour drive across the Rockies to the desert-like landscape of Western Colorado. While the whole state is ideal for outdoors enthusiasts, Grand Junction is home to a vast network of hiking and biking trails at Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa, not to mention the rafting, skiing, and other outdoor sports the area is known for.
The area’s two main geological highlights are undoubtedly Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa. The latter is a laptop wallpaper-esque landscape of red rock formations dating back as far as a billion years. Go bicycling along Rim Rock Drive, explore the various canyons, hike the numerous trails, or spend the night camping at the Saddlehorn Campground. Grand Mesa is about an hour-and-a-half east from town, but the drive is worth it. The largest flat-top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa, towers over the surrounding landscape 10,000 feet above sea level. You can hike its trails or just drive the byway stretching 63 miles through the forest for incredible mountain views.
In Grand Junction, August is synonymous with the Palisade Peach Festival. No, Georgia doesn’t have a monopoly on peaches. The annual festival has been held in the neighboring town of Palisade for the past 52 years, with vendors from all around the region, live music, a “biggest peach” contest, peach throwing contest, orchard tours, parade, car show, and more. There’s even a “backyard peach BBQ throwdown,” in case things were looking a little too friendly for you. This year’s festival is being held across four days, from August 19 to August 22.
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Yellowstone National Park is testing out electric driverless shuttles this summer
Yellowstone National Park is filled with wildlife and photo-perfect views, but the latest attractions visitors can expect to see in the park are TEDDYs. We aren’t talking about the stuffed bears you can pick up at the gift shop. TEDDY stands for The Electric Driverless Demonstration in Yellowstone.
TEDDYs (in honor of Roosevelt) are driverless, electric shuttles that started operating on June 9, 2021, and the shuttles will continue to be used until August 31, 2021.
“We’re very pleased to participate in this shuttle pilot and test this evolving technology,” park superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement. “As visitation continues increasing in Yellowstone, we are looking at a range of visitor management actions that focus on protecting resources, improving the visitor experience, and reducing congestion, noise and pollution. Shuttles will unquestionably play a key role in helping achieve these goals in many of the busiest areas of the park.”
In April 2021, Yellowstone had 67,000 recreational visitors pass through its entrance — 40 percent more than April 2019, and more than the record of 59,000 people set in 2016. After a year of people staying home, Yellowstone is expected to break visitor records in 2021, according to Billings Gazette.
The $360,000 TEDDY project was funded in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, and the vehicles, which can transport eight passengers, were provided by Beep and Local Motors.
“Our 3D-printed vehicle structure is made from recyclable materials, and the vehicle utilizes a fully electric drivetrain, reflecting our commitment to making mobility more sustainable. We are excited to be bringing this technology to the NPS,” Local Motors president Vikrant Aggarwal said in a press release.
Although the shuttles are autonomous, each one is monitored by an attendant for anything unexpected. Visitors will be able to ride for free through the Canyon Village campground, visitor services, and adjoining visitor lodging area.
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How a Marriott resort became Cancun’s best spot for mezcal
Walk along the beach in Cancun, Mexico, and eventually you’ll stumble across the best mezcal bar in the city. It’s fairly quiet (if you get there before the DJ sets start later in the evening), with comfortable cushions strewn about and wooden chairs and tables placed directly on the beach sand. It’s a place the managers say attracts both tourists and locals alike, where the food makes use of Yucatán ingredients and the drinks program is custom-built to offer something you can’t find anywhere else in this part of Mexico.
Surprisingly enough, it’s not a small business or the kind of millennial-run restaurant where you might expect to find a forward-thinking cocktail program. It’s SacBé Beach Shack, one of several restaurants at the Marriott Cancun Resort. And, as improbable as it may seem, it’s the best place to drink mezcal in all of Cancun.
The world famous party destination, which lies on the Yucatán Peninsula just south of where the Gulf of Mexico joins the glittering Caribbean Sea, isn’t exactly known for its restraint. That’s particularly true of the Zona Hotelera (the Hotel Zone), a thin ribbon of an island that lies just off the coast.
While Cancun’s mainland downtown area, El Centro, is where locals live, the Hotel Zone is where you’ll find Cancun’s all-inclusive resorts, thumping nightclubs, and extravagant international restaurants. It’s where you’ll end up if you’re in the market for a vacation that requires minimal effort to plan on your part, where the drinks at the swim-up bar flow like water and you don’t have to worry about where to eat. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all large brands and standard drinks — at least not in the case of SacBé.
Photo: Marriott Cancun Resort
Manuel Benavente, the consultant and mezcalier supplying SacBé’s spirits list, finds it puzzling Marriott is the only resort in the area that has taken the time to thoughtfully develop a mezcal program. Benavente says that mezcal isn’t hard to find in Cancun, it’s just that what’s on offer tends to be corporate and uniform.
“I don’t understand why the hotels, if they’re selling a very expensive mezcal, don’t do their research to understand what they’re selling,” he tells me.
Benavente is referring to a phenomenon well-known in the tequila world, which also plays out in mezcal: a mezcalero (the people who distill mezcal) might sell the exact same spirit to multiple brands, who then resell it as distinct products with different labels and price points. The end result is that mezcal lists at hotels, resorts, and restaurants often aren’t reflective of the true breadth and variety of what the category has to offer.
“As a hotel, if I was the owner I definitely wouldn’t invest my money in the same product in different boxes,” Benavente says.
Photo: Marriott Cancun Resort
Benavente’s program is far more dialed in. His mezcals, which include both spirits sourced directly from palenques (mezcal distilleries) and his own eponymous house brand, are distinct and small batch — qualities he says you won’t find anywhere else in Cancun. One of the mezcals he supplies, called Huajuco, is from the state of Tamaulipas, an area which he says is home to very few palenques thanks to the impact of drug trafficking. According to Benavente, Huajuco’s aroma is like that of old dairy, smoke, and wet earth, with the taste of pineapple, guava, and lemongrass, and a lingering aftertaste of chamomile and honey. If you want to try Huajuco in Cancun, you’ll have to go to SacBé.
Another of SacBé’s spirits is Toro Muerto, from the state of Guerrero. Toro Muerto derives its distinct flavor in part from being fermented in a wooden tub. The end result is a mezcal with the aroma of caramel, smoke, and ripe banana; and the taste of pineapple, blackberry, and sugarcane. The brand, Benavente says via email, recently had its clay distilling pots destroyed by narcos.
The goal of SacBé’s drinks program isn’t simply to provide mezcals that you can’t find anywhere else, though. It’s also to draw in locals, and to have a connection to the community that other resorts lack.
Dominic Esposito, the director of food and beverage for Marriott Cancun Resort (and it’s adjoining sister property, JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa) says that “the way that we rate success is how much of the local population visits our restaurants.” This is an essential metric: capturing local business doesn’t just mean that Marriott’s marketing is working, it also signals that the restaurant is offering something distinctive enough to draw in people who aren’t staying at the resort. Having a developed mezcal program that stands out is one way to make that happen.
SacBé is, by design, easy to access, and it lies outside of the gated Marriott complex. While you can park on the property and visit without being a checked-in guest, you don’t need to enter the property: just walk south from the public parking lot at Playa Ballenas until you come across it and you can get a table, no questions asked.
Photo: Marriott Cancun Resort
Both Benavente and Esposito say that the artisan-focused mezcal program at the hotel also has benefits for the mezcaleros supplying them. The placement at the hotel helps the brands gain exposure, and as the program ramps up there’s potential for the hotel to purchase larger and larger volumes of spirits, thereby helping to create a more stable revenue stream for the mezcaleros.
The issue of economic stability in mezcal isn’t a minor one. In his book Understanding Mezcal, author and agave expert James Schroeder writes that the “rural and underserved communities in which mezcal is often produced are insulated from receiving a fair share of the profit generated due to a pervasive subsistence mindset and a cultural-economic disconnect.”
The issue Schroeder outlines is especially relevant when a mezcalero is selling their spirit to a brand instead of marketing and selling it themselves. In those cases, Schroeder explains, producers can make as little as $4 from a bottle that sells for $50 at retail.
Benavente’s system of supply and distribution helps extend a little more profit to the Mexican families who make mezcal, which at this moment is particularly needed thanks to the impact of the pandemic. “I know some of my producers are a little bit desperate,” he says, adding that they’re not selling the volume of spirit they want to be. Having their products carried by somewhere like Marriott provides some stability — particularly if the resort decides to increase the volume of spirits it has on hand.
The SacBé mezcal program is a win for everyone. The mezcaleros have a new, high traffic home for their mezcals and Benavente gets to partner with a business interested in some of his more artisan products. And, surprisingly enough, visitors to the Marriott Cancun Resort get access to the most distinct mezcal list in all of Cancun.
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Australia’s island of Tasmania has 19 national parks filled with natural wonders
South of Australia lies Tasmania, a triangle of an island that looks like it broke off from Australia and is slowly drifting toward Antarctica. Measuring 25,000 square miles, this Australian state has nearly half of its wild countryside designated as national parks. In these parks live unusual wild animals that are hard to spot anywhere else and that make their homes among the diverse eucalyptus trees native to the area.
“Tassie” is just a puddle jump from the mainland city of Melbourne. Its 19 national parks have rugged mountains, pale-sand beaches, and vast stretches of woodland home to endemic wildlife. Much of this land, representing more than 20 percent of the island’s total, is under UNESCO protection as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Hiking in Tasmania is an opportunity to experience nature in an intimate manner, though many of the top attractions don’t require much of a walk at all. Here’s a rundown of memorable things to see and to do in Tasmania and its national parks, by activity.
The best national parks for hiking in Tasmania
Photo: urbancowboy/Shutterstock
Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is located in the island’s mountainous Central Highlands. It’s home to numerous trekking routes, including the 40-mile Overland Track, a strenuous high-alpine that covers the park’s entire bushland. En route hikers pass streams, lakes, and waterfalls, all surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful mountains and glacier-etched valleys. Note that, despite being 3,000 miles from Antarctica, nothing but ocean lies between Tasmania and the frozen continent — so storms can appear even during the warm months of summer.
As such, if you plan to hike the entire trail, do so with a guide from Trek Tasmania. Alternatively, choose a short section or embark on a relaxed, three-mile journey across the boardwalks of the Crater Lake Circuit. Here you’ll visit Wombat Lake — where you’re likely to see an actual wombat — along with Lake Lilla and climb up a bit of the Crater Wall to overlook the namesake lake down below.
Two popular treks are located in Tasman National Park in the far southeast of the country, on the Tasman Peninsula. The 6.3-mile Cape Hauy Track can be done in less than one day by moderately fit hikers, with multiple stops along the way to look out over the cape into the Tasman Sea, making for ideal picnic spots. For a much longer hike, the Three Capes Trek generally takes fit hikers four days to complete, traversing the cliffed coastline to Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy over the course of four days. As a guided trek, the experience covers just under 30 miles and includes lodge stays each evening. You can also hike to individual capes as shorter day hikes.
In the peninsular Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast, the Wineglass Bay hike leads to a lookout over mountains and water with the park’s views stretching from the Tasman Sea inland across the bay. Mount Field National Park, 90 minutes northwest of the capital city of Hobart, is ideal for medium-distance day hikes that offer a decent challenge but can be done in a half-day or so and allow you time to get back to lodging in the city afterward. Try the four-mile Lady Barron Falls Circuit or the 5.5-mile Mount Field East trail from Lake Nicholls.
Walk to beachside attractions in Freycinet and Tasman national parks
Photo: Benny Marty/Shutterstock
Tasmanian national parks encompass diverse landscapes, with coastal mountains dropping to beaches at times devoid of footprints. Offering great reward for little effort, Friendly Beaches in Freycinet National Park is a short walk from a well-marked adjacent parking area. Here, walking the pale sand alongside crashing waves takes over half a day to cover nearly five miles to Friendly Point and back, or head to Rocky Isaacs Point just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot. Don’t be fooled by the beach’s moniker, or the avid, wetsuited surfers offshore. Despite being called “friendly,” it is a wild beach with serious riptides and, like many Tasmanian beaches, cold water that can catch you off guard. Best to admire the aquamarine water from the soft sand.
If taking the Wineglass Bay hike in Freycinet National Park, an extra half hour of walking puts you at Wineglass Beach, the park’s other and more hidden spot for a beach day. Remember that you must add 30 minutes of walking back out as well, plus however long you spend on the sand.
Tasman National Park is best known for the Tasman Arch, a towering rock arch overlooking the water in this park on the Tasman Peninsula. You can visit the arch along with the trench of Devil’s Kitchen via an easy walking path from an adjacent parking area. Also stop to see the Blow Hole, where waves pass through a rock tunnel and shoot water up through the “blow hole” when the tide is in.
Where to see wildlife in Tasmanian national parks including wombats, Tasmanian devils, and wallabies
Photo: Oleksii G/Shutterstock
A popular thing to do in Tasmania and its wild places is to see a wombat while on the island. A common wombat-sighting spot is Ronnie Creek in Cradle Mountain-St. Clair National Park. An even better place is Maria Island National Park, where the wombat’s famously cube-shaped poop can be found dotting the park’s roads and trails. Hop on a bike or don hiking boots and hit a trail, as you’re likely to see the wombats emerging from their burrows.
Maria Island is an island off the state’s east coast that is entirely designated as a national park. This is the best place to see a Tasmanian devil. Healthy devils were relocated to Maria, as it’s known by locals, to repopulate the species as the spread of devil facial tumor disease began to decimate the population in the early 2000s.
Freycinet National Park is the best place to see wallabies in Tasmania’s wild. These smaller cousins to the kangaroo are as popular as Tasmanian devils and wombats. Book a campsite in the park and you’re likely to see many wallabies wandering by. You may also see possums and pademelons.
Mount William National Park, in the northeast of Tasmania, is often overlooked by visitors, but if you’re a birder, your entire itinerary should be built around this park. You’re likely to spot wrens, finches, cockatoos, and honeyeaters, along with migrating birds depending on the season. Forester kangaroos and wombats are common, as well. Hike to the summit of Mount William and back in under two hours, including time to gaze at the birds soaring past.
Things to do in Tasmania that most people haven’t even thought of
Photo: FiledIMAGE/Shutterstock
Rare is the North American tourist who plans a ski trip to Australia, despite the popularity of ski and snowboard travel to neighboring New Zealand — whose South Island crosses the same latitude as Tasmania. The skiing omission is regretful, according to Tasmania’s Ben Lomond National Park. Its ski resort of the same name offers seven lifts and some of Australia’s best intermediate skiing along with a cozy lodge offering the après-ski amenities you’d expect at any decent ski resort.
The resort is small, but tell your friends and family you’re going skiing or snowboarding in Tasmania and you’re bound to get at least a few questioning stares — especially because the ski season down south is the opposite of that up north. When the snow melts, rock climbing is a popular activity here.
During Tasmania’s summer months, from December to February, rafting the Franklin River is a popular activity in Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park. Book a trip with Franklin River Rafting and see the island’s extensive rainforest from a unique perspective as you paddle your way across the moderate rapids.
Kayaking and canoeing is a common thing to do in Tasmania in many of the coastal parks with access roads leading to the water. Moulting Lagoon in Freycinet National Park is easy to access and your best chance at spotting a dolphin while in Tasmania. In Southwest National Park, the state’s largest, you can kayak on a number of lakes including Lake Pedder, surrounded by tree-covered peaks in all directions.
How to get to Tasmanania from mainland Australia
Photo: Alistair McLellan/Shutterstock
Tasmania has two airports that receive daily flights from mainland Australia. The largest is Hobart International Airport in the island state’s capital, where flights from Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney are easy to come by. Launceston, the island’s second-largest city with 68,000 residents, also receives daily flights from major cities on the mainland. Flying from Melbourne, the closest major city, takes an hour and 15 minutes and costs between $70 and $250.
You can also get to the island via the Spirit of Tasmania passenger ship. These overnight cruises sail from Melbourne to Devonport, with ships departing from each city nightly at 7:30 PM. Onboard accommodation is booked in a similar fashion to hostels and hotels: You can go basic with a recliner chair in the main lounge, secure a twin shared cabin designed for solo travelers, book a four-bed cabin designed for families, or luxuriate in the Deluxe Cabin, designed for adults seeking a top experience. Fares start at about $100 and rise according to the level of accommodation preferred and whether or not you’re bringing a vehicle. Moving about the island in a rental vehicle is straightforward. It takes about 4.5 hours to cross it, and leaving the relative urbanity of Hobart behind in favor of vast stretches of wilderness takes far less time than that.
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Over 3,000 reports of disorderly passengers were reported by airlines in 2021
As mask mandates remain in place for public transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received over 3,000 reports of disorderly passengers. Of those, 2,300 are for passengers unwilling to comply with keeping their masks on.
Some of the most high-profile cases of unruly passengers on airplanes this year include a Southwest Airlines flight attendant who was allegedly punched in the face and lost several teeth. Also, an off-duty Delta Air Lines flight attendant allegedly assaulted two on-duty flight attendants.
According to CNN, the FAA has identified 465 potential federal rule violations and has taken action in 57 cases.
Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants labor union said Sunday to CNN that the situation was “out of control.”
“We are hearing from flight attendants who are saying I’m concerned about going to work now,” she said. “This is so pervasive in our workplace that I’m concerned about going to work — I’m actually afraid to go to work.”
Airlines like Southwest and American have chosen to ban alcohol from their flights to help combat some of these violent behaviors.
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The world’s coolest streets in 2021, ranked
Cool cities start with neighborhoods, and cool neighborhoods start with cool streets. The publication Time Out is known for ranking the greatest cities and coolest neighborhoods each year. But in 2021, as people have been staying close to their homes this year, it was worth trying to figure out the coolest streets in the world.
To figure it out, Time Out quizzed 27,000 residents of neighborhoods from across the world on four different criteria for their suggestion of the coolest street: food, fun, culture, and community. The publication also tapped into its extensive network of editors worldwide to dig deeper into what each street offered. After thorough research, Time Out was able to narrow it down to 30 must-see streets. Here are the top three.
1. Smith Street — Melbourne, Australia
Photo: Nils Versemann/Shutterstock
The top spot for coolest street in the world went to Smith Street in Melbourne, Australia. The review highlighted the bars and food scene, which included approachable fine dining, independent stores, gay bars, and live music.
2. Passeig de Sant Joan — Barcelona, SpainPhoto: Diego Fiore/Shutterstock
Time Out applauded how diverse the different sectors of Passeig de Sant Joan in Barcelona, Spain, branched off into, from trendy to traditional. But perhaps the coolest part of the street is its commitment to going green, encouraging walking and cycling using dedicated lanes, wide sidewalks, and lots of greenery.
3. South Bank — London, England
Photo: Chrispictures/Shutterstock
The bronze medal winner was South Bank in London, England. The review highlighted that South Bank is made up of all the best parts of London’s atmosphere but never gives up its “idiosyncratic buzz.”
Here are the rest of Time Out’s 10 coolest streets around the world:Smith Street — Melbourne, AustraliaPasseig de Sant Joan — Barcelona, SpainSouth Bank — London, UKSan Isidro — Havana, CubaSunset Boulevard — Los Angeles, USAWitte de Withstraat — Rotterdam, the NetherlandsRua Três Rios — São Paulo, BrazilHaji Lane — SingaporeRua Rodrigues de Faria — Lisbon, PortugalCalle Thames — Buenos Aires, ArgentinaHead to its website to see the top 30.
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