Matador Network's Blog, page 636
June 11, 2021
7 of the prettiest towns for a quick day trip from Rome
To visit Tuscia in central Italy would be a feat. Not because it would require traveling a great distance (it’s located just north of Rome), but because it would require traveling in time: Tuscia, or Etruria prior to Roman conquest, was the historical territory of the ancient Etruscans, who occupied what is now Tuscany, Umbria, and northern Lazio between the eighth and third centuries BCE. On modern-day maps, much of this region falls within the province of Viterbo.
Tuscia was lively through the Middle Ages. It was frequented by wealthy popes and nobles, and later became a haunt for mid-20th-century artists. However, tourism is slow today. But the region deserves to be more than a mere backdrop for travelers driving between Florence and Rome. Next time you’re in either city, keep a Tuscia town in mind for the ultimate day trip through central Italy’s idyllic, historic countryside.
1. Montefiascone
Photo: Stefano_Valeri/Shutterstock
The modest elevation Montefiascone manages atop the tallest of the Volsini hills makes it one of the best places in Tuscia to admire the region’s scenery. Some of the town’s most panoramic views are seen from the Castello della Rocca, a castle that hosted historic figures from popes and statesmen to nobles and artists during the Middle Ages. From the gardens, visitors can take in a pastoral patchwork of peaks, neighboring towns, Lake Bolsena, and the lush greenery that stitches it all together. Worth admiring up close are the massive Duomo di Santa Margherita, San Flaviano and Saint Andrea churches, and the Rocca dei Papi fortress. And after a long day of sightseeing, there’s no better reward than indulging in Montefiascone’s wines and olive oils.
2. Bolsena
Photo: leoks/Shutterstock
This Tuscia town in northern Lazio takes its name from the lake it borders. Europe’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Bolsena was formed when the Vulsini volcano erupted in 104 BCE, which also explains its striking black sands. Later, in 1263, Bolsena became the site of a Catholic miracle when a traveling priest witnessed a consecrated Communion wafer seep blood during mass, renewing his faith in transubstantiation. By papal decree, the event, the feast of Corpus Christi, has been celebrated around the world ever since. Year-round, visitors can also appreciate Bolsena’s secular culinary heritage, notably traditional preparations of the lake fish coregone.
3. Viterbo
Photo: ValerioMei/Shutterstock
Viterbo is the capital city of the province of the same name in the Lazio region. It’s located an hour north of Rome and is one of the more popular day trips. Even still, it’s criminally overlooked. The well-preserved architecture surrounding the central Palazzo dei Papi was fit for the pope when the city served as the seat of the papacy in the 13th century, as were the town’s thermal baths, Terme dei Papi, which are still in use today.
4. Civita di BagnoregioPhoto: Andrea Sirri/Shutterstock
It’s hard to say where Civita di Bagnoregio begins and the bluff it crowns ends. The timeworn hill town is clearly removed from the rest of the valley it rises above, however. It connects only to its sister town, Bagnoregio, by way of a 1,200-foot pedestrian bridge. Over time, the bulk of its population migrated across the footpath, yet visitors are becoming increasingly aware of Civita’s splendor. This uptick in tourism is deliberate: A decade-long tourism push has helped the Tuscia town that was once nicknamed “the dying city” due to the constant threat of erosion it faces, survive.
5. Soriano nel Cimino
Photo: ValerioMei/Shutterstock
Those traveling on the Autostrada A1 from Rome to Florence may stumble upon Soriano nel Cimino, which sits just a few miles off the expressway. They’d be lucky if they did. The town trickles down around the large, boxy, crenelated Orsini castle, which served as a papal summer residence for the medieval elite. The town is also backed by the Cimini Mountains, whose woodsy trails are rife with chestnut trees. Chestnuts feature in a variety of local dishes, alongside locally grown porcini mushrooms, and lend their name to the annual Sagra delle Castagne festival, which doubles as an all-out medieval reenactment fair.
6. Bagnaia
Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock
Some 60 miles north of Rome, Bagnaia is everything you’d expect of small-town central Italy. Contemporary restaurants abut ancient landmarks. Friends and families populate the main piazza with espresso or gelato in hand. The unhurried pace is alone worth visiting for. But there is one standout attraction in Bagnaia: the 16th-century Villa Lante, a maze-like Mannerist garden complete with large, sculptural fountains; a frescoed manor; and an arrestingly green grotto.
7. Caprarola
Photo: Jack Kavanagh/Shutterstock
Caprarola’s claim to fame is Villa Farnese, a Renaissance-era mansion with pentagonal architecture that represented some of the region’s most impressive architecture in its day. Even now the villa is recognized for its resplendence, having been featured in films like the 2019 Oscar-nominated drama The Two Popes and Guy Ritchie’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The views from the villa are equally grand, with Lake Vico to the west and the Cimini Mountains to the north. They’re best enjoyed nibbling on local cookies like tozzetti and amaretti, which are the sweetest part of Caprarola’s prolific hazelnut production. 
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National forests are trending for summer travel, and we’re here for it
In the hierarchy of American wilderness, national parks are at the top.
Yosemite’s 750,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada are more in demand than the four million acres of adjoining national forest. Yet the Stanislaus, Inyo, and Sierra national forests that surround the park on three sides share what is essentially the same land, giant sequoias, granite behemoths, and all. Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone, the first and second most visited national parks in the country last year, are similarly cradled by national forests. Were the boundaries between these wilderness areas unmarked, the millions of people who visit the United States’ most popular parks each year would be hard-pressed to tell where they end and their neighboring forests begin. Yet the visitor numbers suggest clear favoritism.
In fairness, it’s hard to say how many people visit Inyo National Forest, which shares California’s tallest peak, Mount Whitney, with Sequoia National Park, in a given year. Or how exactly the traffic in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park compares with that of Bridger-Teton National Forest, which sits between them. Unlike the National Park Service (NPS), the United States Forest Service (USFS) does not keep close watch over who is enjoying the land it manages.
The differences between national parks and forests do not end. National forests are typically free while national parks have entry fees. Reservations are rarely required for national forests, and visitation is neither counted nor capped. Prohibited activities in many national parks, such as hunting and dispersed camping, are generally permitted in national forests. More often than not, even dogs are welcome in national forests but not on national park trails.
The reason behind these differences is baked into their designations. The NPS was established in 1916, more than 40 years after Congress founded the first national park, Yellowstone. Its mission is to preserve the nation’s natural and cultural resources, as well as provide space for outdoor recreation. The USFS already existed when the NPS was established. It was founded in 1905 following the Forest Reserve Act of 1891 in which Shoshone National Forest, one of the four national forests surrounding Yellowstone, became the country’s first. The land that the USFS oversees is multi-use, prioritizing not only preservation and recreation but also commercial activities such as logging and mining. As a result, the rules and regulations in national forests are typically looser than those of national parks. This, in many ways, makes them more enjoyable, a fact it would appear is finally being recognized by travelers.
Recently released Airbnb data comparing summer bookings in 2019 and 2021 suggests that interest in national forests is spiking. Though rural travel and road trips are trending generally, bookings do not overwhelmingly favor national park territory. Alongside interest in Whitefish Mountain and West Yellowstone, Montana, which are located near Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, respectively, is demand for destinations like Hiawatha National Forest in the Michigan Upper Peninsula and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota also made the list of top destinations for summer travel, though considering its location as the backdrop to Mount Rushmore, the demand for that particular national forest is less surprising.
It is, however, a nice reminder that some of the most exciting wilderness in the US exists outside of its national parks. And considering the USFS manages 154 forests spread over 193 million acres while the NPS oversees 63 national parks spanning 84 million acres, it stands to reason that much of that wilderness is USFS land.
To suggest that national parks are overrated would not be fair. The rules, regulations, and fees that the NPS imposes are there to help preserve the land that the service protects. And even the crowds that swarm attractions like Half Dome and Old Faithful cannot diminish their wonder. On the other hand, the ease of access and freedom of exploration that travelers are afforded when they think outside the national park system is underrated.
If there’s one travel trend we can get behind this summer, it’s giving national forests the credit they’ve long deserved. Whether that means exploring Dixie National Forest instead of vying for a reservation at neighboring Zion National Park, prioritizing San Bernardino National Forest over Joshua Tree National Park next door, or visiting Olympic National Forest in lieu of Olympic National Park, there’s more than enough USFS land to go around.
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June 10, 2021
How to see Chile’s otherworldly Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth
>Northern Chile isadventure-seeking travelers, landscape photographers, and outdoors enthusiasts. It’s even one of our favorite places to take kids.
Most visitors to the region chose to base themselves in the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, a groundwater-fed oasis. San Pedro is located close to the Atacama Desert’s prominent landmarks, from salt flats to volcanoes. The town center is filled with tour operators who offer guided desert activities such as horseback riding, sandboarding, and stargazing. These tours are the best way to take full advantage of the Atacama’s natural wonders surrounding San Pedro.
Regardless of what you plan to do in this special place, you’ll want to arrive equipped and organized. Here’s what you need to know before booking a trip to the Atacama Desert in Chile.
When to visit Chile’s Atacama Desert
Photo: Delpixel/Shutterstock
There are three distinguishable seasons in the Atacama, despite it being a desert. Since the Southern hemisphere’s summer season is from November through February, this is the most popular time for tourists to visit, despite the days being long and scorchingly hot. Temperatures reach upward of 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and the dry climate exacerbates the heat.
Most tours and activities in the summer season run in the early morning or late afternoon to try t to avoid the hottest part of the day. However, once the sun sets, temperatures cool off and stay around 60 degrees since there’s no moisture in the air to retain the heat.
The Atacama is the least crowded during its shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November. Temperatures during these months are typically in a pleasant range between 75 and 80 degrees. To avoid the blistering heat and crowded tours and hotels, consider visiting during the winter. From May to September, daily temperatures hover around 70 degrees and can drop below freezing overnight.
How to get there
Photo: Nataliya Hora/Shutterstock
From Santiago, you can take a two-hour flight to Calama and book a car transfer to San Pedro. The car journey takes around one hour and is usually included in hotel rates. This is the easiest and quickest way to arrive in the Atacama, but it’s not the only way. Since having a rental car is ideal for exploring the region, you could also rent one at the airport and drive to San Pedro. Your rental will almost certainly be a desert-road-ready, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Alternatively, you can take a local bus. From Santiago, you’re looking at anywhere from 20 to 25 hours of a long, slow slog. Those planning to brave the bus journey should consider breaking it up with stops in other towns along the way.
Getting around
Photo: Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock
Renting a car is the optimal way to get around the Atacama Desert, especially if you want to have total freedom over your explorations. Without a vehicle, you’ll be entirely dependent on booking tours to transport you into the desert. A rental will inarguably give you more liberty to explore the natural sights at your leisure and on your schedule. Also, if you’re hoping to hit up landmark locations at specific hours for lighting and photography, having a car is vital.
Rental Cars is an excellent resource for finding the option that’s right for your budget. Unfortunately, tourists outnumber available cars in the desert, especially during peak season, so make sure you book your rental as far in advance as possible. However, many accommodations in San Pedro are relatively close to the town center, so you should be able to walk in and out of town without a problem.
Photo: streetflash/Shutterstock
Bike rentals are another affordable transportation alternative to get you into town but are generally not recommended as a means to get you to the farther afield. You can find bikes to hire at a number of vendors in the town center, and most accommodations offer bike service. Shop around before you rent and make sure you try and haggle — you should be able to negotiate for as little as $4 per day. Depending on where you stay, your accommodations may also have a limited number of bikes available for guests.
Where to stay in San Pedro de AtacamaWhile there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from in San Pedro de Atacama, prepare to spend more than you would in other parts of Chile. There’s also a more significant gap between what hostels and hotels provide here. Budget options in the Atacama can be very bare-bone as far as amenities are concerned. For example, breakfast, Wi-Fi, towels, and even bed linens are not always guaranteed. Double-check everything that is included when you make your booking so that you aren’t surprised upon check-in.
Tierra Hotel
Photo: Tierra Hotels
The rooms at the Tierra Hotel overlook the Andes mountain range, and cultural nods are integrated into their design in the form of cowhide rugs and handcrafted pottery. The hotel has somehow managed to find the perfect balance between clean, minimalist interiors while incorporating the surrounding natural landscape. Tierra Hotel’s big draw is its swimming pool, which is sure to cool you off a hot desert day. In addition, they have larger family rooms for those traveling as a group.
Where: San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
Aji Verde Hostel San PedroAji Verde Hostel offers budget travelers the chance to fully embrace their desert surroundings by sleeping in tents supplied with basic cots. Aji Verde is only a short walk from San Pedro’s center, where you’ll find restaurants and local operators to book tours with. Free Wi-Fi and cold showers make the hostel a nice place to cool off and unwind after a day spent out in the heat. Aji Verde is a favorite among backpackers looking to meet fellow travelers.
Where: Ckilapana 69 c, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
Hotel Desertica
Photo: Desertica Hotel
Any accommodation located in the middle of a desert that features a garden surely sets the benchmark for luxury. Throw in a pool, hammocks swinging in the shade, and beautiful linen cabanas, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable stay at Hotel Desertica. Sustainability is at the center of the hotel’s ethos. It utilizes solar energy and supplies guests with locally sourced, biodegradable grooming products. This accommodation option is ideally suited for couples seeking romance and respite in the desert.
Where: Caracoles 455, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
Things to see and do in Chile’s Atacama DesertNature lovers will find no shortage of things to keep them busy in the Atacama. Many of the major landmarks and outdoor recreation here require booking a guide through a tour operator. These are found all over San Pedro’s town center. Most hotels and hostels also can book tours for you.
Piedras Rojas — Red Rocks
Photo: obscur/Shutterstock
Piedras Rojas, or Red Rocks as you may have heard them referred to, are a marvel of nature. Formed by the oxidation of iron, Piedras Rojas are as red in real life as they are in any photos online. Many travel companies in San Pedro offer tours to the Red Rocks, with guides who can talk you through their geological significance. Make sure you bring chapstick and something to protect your face since the flat, ruby-colored landscape is prone to strong wind gusts.
Puritama — Termas de PuritamaPhoto: In art drops
Photo: Gonzalo Sanchez/Shutterstock
Puritama, which means “hot water” in a pre-Incan language indigenous to the area, is a series of thermal pools set at the bottom of a canyon. Ninety-degree water flows from underground, pumping into the natural sulfuric pools for your soaking pleasure. Many locals believe the water in each pool contains healing properties that reduce stress, fatigue, and arthritis. Admission to Puritama is roughly $24, but it’s worth every penny — a hot pool at the end of a sandy day in the desert feels nothing if not rejuvenating. The only item to consider other than the expense is transport. Puritama’s location 19 miles north of San Pedro requires that you book a tour to get you there or have a rental car to drive on your own.
Valle de la Luna — Valley of the Moon
Photo: Joolyann/Shutterstock
A few miles west of San Pedro is the Valle de la Luna. The unique stones in this Valley of the Moon have been formed over time by wind and water erosion. Photographers delight in the natural textures and patterns of the valley. The sky turns into cotton candy colors as the sun sets, so time your visit at golden hour if at all possible — you won’t be sorry.
Mano de Desierto — Hand in the Desert
Photo: Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock
You’ve undoubtedly seen Mano de Desierto on your Instagram feed. Mario Irarrázabal sculpted the giant hand in the 1980s to represent Mother Nature embracing the landscape. Getting to the 36-foot-tall art installation requires you to have a car. If you’re very, very adventurous (and in good physical fitness), you can bike out to the hand, but this isn’t recommended for the average tourist due to the speeding traffic. Mano sits off the Pan-American highway, which has a reputation for trucks zooming along its well-maintained asphalt.
Horseback riding
Photo: Atacama Horse Adventure/Facebook
On horseback, the immensity of the Atacama Desert feels amplified. Taking dedicated trails across sand dunes and through photo-famous canyons will make you feel like a Morochuco — a Peruvian cowboy. No previous horseback riding experience is required, as you’ll be led by expert wranglers.
Most horseback tours are either half-day or full-day excursions, but some horse ranches offer multiple-day treks with overnight camping. A full day riding can cost anywhere from $120 to $250, depending on the ranch you book your tour with. Most full-day riding tours include lunch in the desert, but be sure to pack your own water and some snacks for extra sustenance. There are a few tour operators running trips, but Atacama Horse Adventure and Rancho Cactus offer two of the better experiences.
Hot air balloon ride
Photo: Phaway Atacama Ballooning Experience/Facebook
One of the spendier things to do in the Atacama Desert is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. You’ll find yourself soaring above local landmarks like the Valle de la Luna, Volcano Licancabur, and Laguna Cejar, appreciating the desert’s vastness from above.
Typically, the ballooning company you booked your ride with will pick you up from your hotel before dawn. You’ll be transported into the desert, where giant, colorful balloons are laid out on the ground, being prepared for your flight. The duration of the hot air balloon journey depends on the local weather conditions, primarily the wind. Rides start at roughly $250 per person. It’s very cold in the early mornings, so wear warm layers to ensure yourself a comfortable flight. One of the most reputable companies offering tours is the Phaway Atacama Ballooning Experience.
Sandboarding
Photo: Sandboard San Pedro de Atacama/Facebook
Somewhere between surfing and snowboarding lies sandboarding. The extreme sport dates back to the ancient Egyptians, but it’s a long-standing favorite among tourists visiting the Atacama. The name of this sport kind of gives it all away: Essentially, you ride a board along the top of a sand dune right down to its base. Sandboarding guides will supply you with helmets, elbow and knee pads, and the board you’ll be using to glide. You can book your sandboarding excursion in San Pedro’s town center, and you’ll often get a better price by doing so in person since most operators try to beat their competitors. That said, if you’d like to organize in advance, Sandboard San Pedro offers excellent experiences.
Stargazing
Photo: Fotografo de los Andes/Shutterstock
The absence of skyscrapers or spotlights makes the Atacama ideal for spending an evening enjoying the wonders of the nights’ sky. Unlike the Northern Lights phenomenon in the opposite hemisphere, seeing the stars in the Atacama is a sure thing. Astronomers have called it one of the best places on Earth to study the sky because it’s at a high altitude and devoid of precipitation, which not only causes cloud coverage but also distorts images viewed via telescopes.
SPACE is highly reputable for its stargazing tours, but there are plenty to choose from in town. Stories of the constellations in the pitch-black are offered in French, Spanish, English, and German, so make sure you book the right tour language for you. Like rental cars, stargazing tours book up well in advance — and usually only occur during moonless evenings — so don’t hesitate to make a reservation if you do want a guide.
There’s always the option to stargaze without a tour group, but doing it on your own will mean you miss hearing the local myths attached to major star clusters. Tours also include the bonus of looking at the stars through a telescope.
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Southern Ocean now officially recognized as the world’s fifth ocean
To celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8, the National Geographic Society decided to add a fifth ocean to its list of officially recognized oceans.
Oceans cover 71 percent of the Earth’s mass and are technically one large body of water, but oceanographers have previously divided it into four: the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian, and the Arctic oceans. Now, National Geographic recognizes the water that surrounds the continent of Antarctica (beyond the 60° South latitude) as the Southern Ocean.
“Anyone who has been there will struggle to explain what’s so mesmerizing about it, but they’ll all agree that the glaciers are bluer, the air colder, the mountains more intimidating, and the landscapes more captivating than anywhere else you can go,” said Seth Sykora-Bodie, a marine scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a National Geographic Explorer to .
While this is new for the National Geographic Society, a non-profit scientific and educational organization that has been designing maps and atlases since 1915, it’s not unheard of. The US Board of Geographic Names already recognized the Southern Ocean. Still, there has been international debate about whether or not the waters around Antarctica were distinct enough to be considered an ocean. National Geographic Society Geographer Alex Tait describes the debate as “geographic nerdiness.”
The Southern Ocean is distinguished by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) from when Antarctica separated from South America 34 million years ago, making Antarctica’s water “colder and slightly less salty.” The ACC has also caused thousands of distinctive species to live in those waters and nowhere else in the world, according to National Geographic.
“We think it’s really important from an educational standpoint, as well as from a map-labeling standpoint, to bring attention to the Southern Ocean as a fifth ocean,” Tait told The Washington Post. “So when students learn about parts of the ocean world, they learn it’s an interconnected ocean, and they learn there are these regions called oceans that are really important, and there’s a distinct one in the icy waters around Antarctica.”
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Spirit Airlines is adding 30 new routes to its flight schedule
Budget airline Spirit is adding 30 routes to its flight schedule that go in and out of Miami International Airport (MIA). The Florida-based company is known for its flights in and out of Fort Lauderdale.
According to CNBC, the move shakes up the market as Miami is known for being dominated by American Airlines, which accounted for 55 percent of the airport’s flights in the last month.
Miami has become a popular destination recently, particularly for the ease it provides to get to the Caribbean. The new routes added by Spirit Airlines include 10 international cities and 20 domestic ones.
Other airlines breaking into the Miami market include JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest. Spirit’s move is particularly interesting because, with 30 routes, the budget airline will now become the second-largest carrier with Miami flights, according to The Points Guy.
The new 30 Spirit Airlines route to and from Miami include:
Atlantic City, New Jersey (ACY)Atlanta, Georgia (ATL)Baltimore, Maryland (BWI)Bogota, Colombia (BOG)Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)Medellín, Colombia (MDE)Newark, New Jersey (EWR)Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP)Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL)Barranquilla, Colombia (BAQ)Boston, Massachusetts (BOS)Cali, Colombia (CLO)Chicago O’Hare, Illinois (ORD)Cleveland, Ohio (CLE)Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)Denver, Colorado (DEN)Detroit, Michigan (DTW)Hartford-Bradley, Connecticut (BDL)Houston Intercontinental, Texas (IAH)Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)Myrtle Beach, South Carolina(MYR)New York LaGuardia, New York (LGA)Orlando, Florida (MCO)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL)Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU)San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)San José, Costa Rica (SJO)San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT)The significant expansion into Miami doesn’t mean Spirit plans to downsize its presence in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, according to The Points Guy, Spirit has added 30 more flights during the pandemic.
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10 São Paulo Airbnbs with rooftop pools, serene gardens, and bohemian vibes
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.
Long in the shadow of Rio de Janeiro in certain circles of international tourism, São Paulo is ready for its moment. The city is artsy and vibrant, with shopping and dining that rivals any Latin American capital — not to mention with the uniquely Brazilian bravado of late nights and hot, dance-fueled parties. Positioning yourself well is key when visiting this vast and geographically widespread city of nearly 13 million. These 10 São Paulo Airbnbs put you close to the action happening around the city.
1. For trendy travelers: Designer apartment in Vila Madalena
Photo: Airbnb
Hip and bohemian, the neighborhood of Vila Madalena offers vibrant nightlife, independent designer shops, hip cafes, and colorful street graffiti. This is where people come to drink specialty coffee at Coffeelab, enjoy beer at one of the neighborhood’s many botecos (local bars serving alcohol, cheap snacks, and appetizers), and sip on handcrafted cocktails. From Vila Madalena, it’s a short stroll to Beco do Batman — an alley covered with street art of various styles. This one-bedroom Airbnb apartment is close to the buzzing nightlife. It hosts up to two guests and features a dedicated workspace and a spacious and modern kitchen.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $185 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Downtown São Paulo is a cool mix of simple clothing and textile shops, good cafes, and stunning architecture. Some of the city’s grandest buildings, like the art museum Pinacoteca and Estaçao da Luz train station, are architectural standouts in the neighborhood. This bright and colorful two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to six guests, and is just a few blocks from the Tiradentes metro station, making this an ideal place to base yourself when exploring other parts of the city.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $46 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A mix of tranquil green space and busy metropolitan streets, many of the attractions of Jardim Europa are concentrated around Avenida Brigadeiro Faira Lima. The boulevard runs right through the neighborhood and is one of the most pleasant parts of São Paulo. The surroundings of this artsy Sao Paulo Airbnb are peaceful and leafy, with art adorning the streets and buildings. Here, you’ll find Shopping Iguatemi, a major shopping center popular with visitors and locals alike, and sleek Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in everything from Japanese to Italian cuisine. Be sure to visit Museu da Casa Brasileira, especially if you’re here over the holidays — the museum hosts an epic Christmas fair featuring Brazilian handicrafts throughout December. The house can sleep up to nine guests and is beautifully decorated with stunning artwork. There’s also a serene garden and a pool. A doorman is on site and the host speaks English, German, and French.
Nine guests, five bedrooms
Price: $223 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Exclusive Vila Olimpia is home to the city’s shiniest skyscrapers. This is where you can mingle with São Paulo’s socialites over happy hour in the neighborhood’s lavish wine bars and fancy pubs. This tastefully decorated Airbnb flat is perfect for couples and is located close to the upscale shopping mall JK Iguatemi. The rental has everything you need, including a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a washing machine and dryer, making it ideal for longer stays.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $45 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Most international tourists are unaware of the Vila Pompeia neighborhood, which is one of the most local-centric parts of the city. This charming Airbnb puts you right in the middle of one it. The home has a beautifully decorated communal area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy private yard. One of the city’s best bakeries, Santiago Padaria Artesanal, is also close by, as is the cultural center SESC Pompeia, which hosts various theater and dance shows.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $119 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just west of the city center, the Pinheiros neighborhood has one of São Paulo’s best markets, Mercado do Pinheiros, as well as some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. This cozy Airbnb room for one person or a couple is in an eclectically decorated flat. This simple rental is ideal for those who are in the city for a few days. And if you are in need of a haircut, the host runs his own barbershop next door.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $14 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Atop of Avenida Paulista, the city’s commercial hub, Bela Vista is home to São Paulo’s most famous museum: Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (or simply MASP). This penthouse Airbnb is situated right in the middle of Bixiga, the megalopolis’s Little Italy. Bela Vista is a fairly low-key area considering its central location, but it’s within walking distance to a lot of student-centric bars as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, and cinemas on Avenida Paulista. This industrial Airbnb Plus loft houses up to 10 people across a big open space with fold-up beds, futons, and a projector where you can Netflix and chill.
Ten guests, studio
Price: $256 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The residential area of Jardim Paulista is centrally located and has a huge range of fine dining and shopping options. The neighborhood is busy during the week with residents, professionals, and tourists alike, but it is surprisingly quiet on Sundays. Located just a few minutes walk from Ibirapuera Park where you can visit museums, go for a morning run, or take a leisurely bike ride, this spacious Airbnb has room for up to 10 people. It’s furnished with a mix of old-world Japanese touches and colorful paintings.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $267 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Itaim Bibi is the area known for buzzing nightclubs along with São Paulo’s most exclusive shops and upscale bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also adjacent to the beautiful Ibirapuera Park and the Museum Afro Brasil and modern art museums. Itaim Bibi is home to some of the city’s wealthiest inhabitants and amenities to boot, putting you a short walk from nightlife to dining. This one-bedroom Airbnb flat, housing up to four people (although better for two), doesn’t disappoint with some of its unusual extra treats — the building has a sauna, swimming pool, and gym on the rooftop.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $50 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This studio is a perfect rental for solo travelers. The space is modern and compact, but the rental also comes with access to the building’s rooftop pool with skyline views and a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a co-working space with proper office chairs — a major win for remote workers and digital nomads in São Paulo who don’t want to be stuck in the flat or at a cafe. Situated right on Rua Oscar Freire, just off Avenue Rebouças and close to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, cinemas, cafes, and shops, the location is not too shabby either. The iconic Havaianas flagship store is just a couple of blocks away, as is Bacio di Latte, which is famous for its gelato. A short 10-minute walk away is Av. Rebouças and R. Dr. Melo Alves where there is a mural of Brazilian national hero and formula one driver Ayrton Senna.
Three guests, studio
Price: $35 per night
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Romania’s Danube Delta is the wildlife-watching destination you never knew existed
The Danube River is mighty. As it flows eastern from Germany’s Black Forest mountains, the largest river in Central Europe touches on ten countries before branching out into the Danube Delta and emptying into the Black Sea. The Danube Delta, most of which lies in Romania with a small portion in Ukraine, is Europe’s largest wetland and a UNESCO recognized bioreserve teeming with birdlife.
On its entrance into Romania, the Danube passes through the Danube Gorges that squeeze the massive river. In earlier times, ships were lost here as the water boiled with dangerous currents reaching depth of 300 feet — until a series of dams were built to harness the river’s incredible power and control its treacherous flow.
About 500 miles downstream, the Danube Delta is a different story. The Danube flows into the Black Sea via the Chilia, Sulina, and St. George branches and creates one of the youngest
territories of Europe. The mix of new sediments, older banks, and guano make this land — simply called “the Delta” by the locals — unique.
While I’ve paddled the Danube at its entry into Romania, as well as where it flows halfway across the country, in Oltenia, I know the Danube Delta best — as I’ve enjoyed paddling the Danube Delta annually for years. It never gets boring and it retains so many mysteries. Even those areas that are very familiar constantly change under different water levels, changing temperatures, and times of year that bring varying migratory birds — adding to the total of over 300 bird species found there.
Paddling the Danube Delta
Photo: Calin Stan/Shutterstock
The best way to experience the wildlife here is by canoe or on a kayak. The St. George Branch splits off from the Danube first, and the Sulina Branch splits off from that. Further eastward lies the Chilia Branch, which feels wilder than the other branches. On the north side of the Chilia Branch lies Ukraine, but the highlights below are all based on the Romanian side. In between these tributaries, lie numerous lakes and marshes that provide a habitat not just for the many birds but over 25 species of fish.
Cormorants at Coop Lake
Photo: Calin Stan/Shutterstock
Off of Route 1, between the towns of Plauru and Pardina, you’ll find the Mila 35 canal, one of the longest canals in the Danube Delta. You can launch from there under the bridge and head south on the canal — or, alternatively, you could also paddle to this point along the Danube’s Chilia Branch.
As you paddle down the Mila 35 canal, make the second right turn onto the Sireaşa brook and a lush universe will open. Continue to paddle until you reach a stilt house to your right. It is now time to make a left turn and discover one of the most beautiful lakes in Romania: Lacul cu Coteţe, which means Coop Lake.
Its name already suggests the variety of birds found here; it has lately been a favourite of pelicans and swans. From there, a canal connects it to one of the Delta’s best-kept secrets, a congregation of cormorants and spoonbills. You can return to your launching spot by paddling to the side of the stilt house and turning right. It will connect you back to Mila 35.
Turtles on the Stipoc Canal
Photo: Romeo Huidu/Shutterstock
Just before reaching Pardina, when heading east from Plauru (either paddling or driving on Route 1), you’ll see the Stipoc Canal, where you can see turtles swimming and where you can have a dip, too. As you paddle down the Stipoc Canal, you can enter the adjacent lakes, depending on the water level. If you’ve brought a hammock along, you’ll likely find an embankment at which to tie it between two willow trees. Relaxation can be magical here, with mornings punctuated by the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
Doing it sustainably all the way
Photo: aaltair/Shutterstock
The above options allow you to drive to certain entry points for a day of paddling, while staying at accommodations overnight. You also have the option of a full kayaking expedition via Chilia Branch — by paddling downstream to Periprava over several days, stopping to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds along the 65 miles. Be sure to check out the pelican lake just outside of Periprava, and, in the town itself, admire the sandy roads that connect the village. From Periprava, you can go full circle by taking the boat back to the town of Tulcea, near the start of the Chilia Branch.
The Upper Delta
Photo: Calin Stan/Shutterstock
Due west of Tulcea lies the “Upper Delta,” near the towns of Şomova and Parcheş — before the Danube River forks into its branches. This area is less well known among paddlers, which may explain why so many animals gather here. A family of pelicans returns here annually; you can almost see it on the first lake to your right as you enter the main canal at Parcheş. While it’s not accessible when the water is low, this is one of my favorite places in the world and my favorite in the Delta. There is also a beautiful oak forest nearby.
While paddlers are rare in this part of the reserve, interactions with fishermen are common and the magic of water life can be found around every turn — like swans, cormorants, great egrets, herons, terns, kingfishers, otters, etc. Even European beavers have been spotted again after an absence of almost two centuries.
There are several lakes and smaller canals to explore along the main one while paddling toward the Danube. About two-thirds of the way there lies a canal to your right, accessible during the higher waters of spring and connecting with beautiful Morun Lake. When water levels permit you to keep paddling from there to the mighty Danube itself, the sight is breathtaking.
Family paddlers
Photo: Porojnicu Stelian/Shutterstock
Further along the Chilia Branch lies the town of Chilia Veche, which is a good option for families. There are several accommodations, facilities, and stores for that extra bit of comfort for families traveling with children. Kids will not get bored here, paddling routes will be easier for them, and opportunities to spot wildlife are still plentiful. Even the road to Chilia Veche will make it easy for an entire family to see bird species like the colourful bee-eaters and perhaps even the elusive jackals, whose numbers have been making a comeback.
How to plan for a trip
Photo: TutuIonatan/Shutterstock
When to go — Most travelers visit from the beginning of April to the end of October, although a winter expedition would also be highly interesting. If autumn is mild and long, birdwatching is possible until the beginning of November. The water level is highest in spring months, when there’s runoff from melting snow far upriver. This gives you the most opportunity to explore various tributaries and lakes in the Delta — but the bigger canals are still navigable in summer.
Getting there — The towns of Brăila or Galaţi are a three-hour-drive from Romania’s capital, Bucharest. From there, a ferry can take you to the Upper Delta. To reach the road along Chilia Branch, you will need to take the Tulcea-Tudor Vladimirescu ferry. Tulcea, a 3.5-hour drive from Bucharest, is also the best place to rent kayaks and gear.
Permits — You will need permits for visiting, fishing (if it’s allowed during the time of your trip), and vehicles. They can all be purchased and paid online and then shown, together with an ID, to the rangers patrolling the waters or to the border police officers. The website of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority, where you can purchase your permits and make reservations, is in Romanian — but you can use your browser to translate it. You can also email directly with questions about permits.
What to bring — Apart from your kayaking gear, insect repellent is a must. Mosquitoes are there from April to October and they become unbearable for one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. Remember that the data coverage may be weak or nonexistent, so cash payments are the norm. There are restaurants and bed-and-breakfast-style hotels, but they might be fully booked during summer, so come prepared.
Bring plenty of water and food. You should not forget water shoes, a hat, your bathing suit, and sunscreen. The temperature usually drops during the night, so hoodies and long trousers will keep you warm in spring and autumn.
If camping, 10-degree sleeping bags are needed for the colder seasons, along with cooking utensils. A mobile shower could be a nice touch; of course, you should also bring environmentally friendly shower gels.
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This Amtrak pass lets you travel all across the US for only $299
If you’re trying to decide your summer plans, how about a cross-country train adventure? Amtrak is having a huge sale on its USA Rail Pass, and it’s a tough one to say no to.
Amtrak has relaunched its USA Rail Pass, and for just $299, travelers will be able to take up to 10 trips on any route they want for 30 days. The sale will save you $200, but passes must be purchased before June 22. The pass can be activated within 120 days after purchase before it expires.
The USA Rail Pass is not really for commuters, as it only allows for two round-trip tickets (four one-ways) over the same route. It is also only eligible for coach tickets, with no upgrades offered at this time — although coach tickets on Amtrak are notoriously known for being much more comfortable than an airplane with way more legroom, gracious views, and no middle seat. Plus, you can hop off and explore any of the great places on the route.
Keeping COVID-19 in mind, masks are required on all public transportation, per federal law. Filtration systems offer fresh air every four to five minutes and Amtrak has set a goal for its staff to be 100 percent vaccinated. In addition, Amtrak is looking to make the trip as touch-free as possible with its app, where customers can book, get boarding information, and check train status from the comfort of their cellphone.
“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris in a press release. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”
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Breckenridge asks travelers to join in sustainability initiative through volunteer trail work
Nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, in a trailhead parking lot outside of Breckenridge, Colorado, a group of locals and tourists gathered on a recent Saturday morning — many donning work gloves and carrying large plastic bags. Those who weren’t visitors or among Breckenridge’s 5,000 residents hailed from the surrounding Summit County, one of the country’s most popular ski destinations. All were there for the same reason: To keep Breckenridge sustainable.
Specifically, the men and women from teen years to retirement age planned to clean up the B&B trailhead, a popular hiking and mountain biking trail in the area. The work day was one of many scheduled over the course of the summer, where locals and visitors can work together to maintain and develop local trail systems. The effort is part of a broader plan to encourage sustainable travel in Breckenridge.
Most travelers certainly don’t plan to wield a shovel or drive a trail dozer while on vacation. But for those who do want to give back, a local government-run group called Friends of Breckenridge Trails is offering a chance to learn what goes into keeping these trails, which draw hikers and mountain bikers from around the world, usable.
“The Friends of Breckenridge Trails program offers a variety of projects throughout the summer,” said Tony Overlook, the Breckenridge Open Space and Trails supervisor, to Matador via email. “Some of these projects are more family focused and friendly, such as planting tree seedlings or weed removal. New trail construction is the most strenuous activity, but we do try to find the right tasks according to the person’s ability and skill level.”
This program is only a part of the sustainability initiatives that the Town of Breckenridge has enacted to reduce its environmental impact and keep this place, which sees some three million annual visitors, in pristine shape for future generations. What’s most exciting is that visitors are encouraged to participate.
A local trail organization is asking visitors to help keep the trails functional
Photo: Friends of Breckenridge Trails/Facebook
Sustainable travel in Breckenridge has been the town’s goal since 2011, when a series of studies and public input resulted in the Sustainable Breck plan. The plan developed by the Town of Breckenridge encompasses transportation, local businesses, and public spaces including trails and parks, with the goal of reducing both emissions and the impact on the environment. Visitors are among the most common users of Breckenridge trail systems, frequenting popular hiking trails like the Burro Trail and Sawmill Trail and the biking routes on the east end of town through Carter Park.
Friends of Breckenridge Trails was part of that effort, and each year it schedules a series of volunteer work days throughout the summer for families and recreators of all stripes to put a bit of sweat labor into local trail systems. Tasks include thinning forest overgrowth and general trail construction and maintenance. In 2021, these work days generally start at 9:00 AM and end by 2:00 PM.
Signing up to volunteer for a full day, or even just an hour or two, ensures a hands-on way to learn about outdoor recreation, meet other visitors and locals with similar hobbies, and give back to the community you visit. Upcoming work days include maintenance on the Barney Ford Trail and the season wrap-up on September 12 on the Little Corporal mountain bike trail, with other events scheduled in-between.
“We also understand that families are busy and may not be able to stay an entire work day,” Overlook said. “Even if a family can only build with us for a couple of hours, we consider it better than not participating at all.” Visit the Friends of Breckenridge Trails’ event page to learn more about how to help the group maintain area trails or to sign up for an upcoming working day.
Sustainable travel in Breckenridge initiatives encompass public transit, waste diversion, and renewable energy
Photo: Jiujiuer/Shutterstock
Beyond keeping its trails in good shape and protecting the land that surrounds them, Breckenridge is working to minimize its environmental impact in other ways. The launch of the Sustainable Breck program in 2011 made Breckenridge a pioneer in sustainable high-mountain tourism. Born out of a series of studies conducted by the town beginning in 2008, Sustainable Breck is a branch of the town government focused on addressing environmental issues including power, waste, and transportation, and developing annual action plans to minimize the impact of each. Vail Resorts, which operates Breckenridge ski resort, has committed to being 93 percent renewable-powered by 2023 and has already reached a 50 percent waste diversion goal.
In 2019, Breckenridge released an updated Destination Management Plan that included a Responsible Tourism Initiative called “B Like Breckenridge.” Calls to action include messages so common in outdoor-centric towns that they are nearly boilerplate, such as Leave No Trace and “stick to the trail” when recreating outdoors. But it also prompts locals and visitors to go deeper by leaving their car parked in favor of two free public transit lines traversing the town or even pedaling one’s way down Main Street (the town has plenty of bike parking). Businesses are prodded to follow water conservation and waste mitigation guidelines. Locals and tourists alike are tasked with treating each other, along with the common areas and public lands they share, with respect.
“[T]he Town Council has adopted a variety of new policies, programs and plans that help achieve tangible goals on projects such as green commuting, climate action, waste reduction, destination management, water efficiency and sustainable business,” said Austyn Dineen, public relations director with the Breckenridge Tourism Office.
Indeed, minimizing environmental impact in a place where visitors generally outnumber residents is no easy task. But the group continues to make tangible strides. The town recently installed 22 electric vehicle charging stations in parking lots and at businesses and access points frequented by visitors. Plans for an additional 40 by the fall of 2021 are in the works. As noted above, two free bus lines serve most of central Breckenridge including lodging and dining areas at the base of the ski resort and downtown (check out schedules and plan your routes in advance). Buses in Breckenridge connect to the Summit Stage bus system, which offers free rides across Summit County including to Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
The town is phasing out single-use plastic
Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
Eight US states have extensive plastic bag bans as of spring 2021. Colorado is not among them, a disappointing fact in a state known for its natural beauty and, increasingly, for progressive politics. The state appears nowhere close to implementing a ban, opting instead to pursue a ten-cent fee for plastic and paper bags beginning in 2023. This leaves jurisdictions within Colorado to go their own route to eliminate plastic waste. Breckenridge first put a disposable bag ordinance in place in 2013 that minimized use in some situations and put a fee on their use in others, and will implement a full ban on all single-use plastic bags beginning September 1, 2021. Also from that date, paper bags must contain at least 40 percent recycled material and will incur a 10-cent fee.
“Breckenridge guests can expect the phasing out of plastic to further the Town’s sustainability goals related to waste reduction,” Dineen said. “Breckenridge seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of single-use plastics on public welfare and the environment and to help drive recycling markets in recoverable materials.”
Some local businesses are ahead of the game, including the innovative lodging and outdoor recreation-based social club, Gravity Haus, which opened in late 2019 and has been plastic-free since its inception. Nonprofit group High Country Conservation Center is working with other lodging partners in the area to implement Earth-friendly cleaning products, energy-efficient lighting, and waste management plans, according to GoBreck.com, and leading an initiative to help local residents and businesses install rooftop solar panels. The town partnered with Pivot Energy in 2020 in an effort to run all municipal buildings on renewable energy by 2025. For the entire town, the long-term goal for residents, businesses, and sustainable travel in Breckenridge is to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
“Preserving the character of our town and the nature that surrounds us has always been at the heart of the Breckenridge community,” Dineen said. “To a large part, our collective desire to protect this special ecosystem is what draws people here in the first place — both to live, and to visit.”
How you can travel green in Breckenridge
Photo: stellamc/Shutterstock
To keep your car, and its emissions, at bay, bring a bicycle and a good pair of hiking boots. You can also stop by Carver’s Ski and Bike for bike rentals, as well as tune-ups and gear. Another non-car option is to take the Summit Stage and the local bus. Consider taking the Bustang from Denver or western Colorado rather than driving to Summit County altogether.
Bring portable water, coffee, and food containers in order to avoid single-use items. And support lodging, dining, and other small businesses that emphasize sustainability efforts. That’s easy to do, since GoBreck.com maintains a current list of environmental practices in the area.
The post Breckenridge asks travelers to join in sustainability initiative through volunteer trail work appeared first on Matador Network.
Australia’s 30 most Instagrammed national parks
While Australia is currently closed to international visitors and might remain so until 2022, once it reopens, you’ll know how to plan a trip Down Under thanks to research recently done on the country’s most instagrammable national parks.
My Protein, a sports nutrition brand, dug deep into Instagram and compiled a list of Australia’s largest and most popular national parks on the social media platform. It looked at the number of photos that included the parks’ names in a hashtag and associated hashtags, and combined these figures to create an overall ranking of the 30 most instagrammable national parks in Australia.
Photo: RugliG/Shutterstock
With large expanses of sandy beaches, waterfalls, amazing rock formations — all filled with the country’s unique wildlife — Australia’s national parks are incredibly diverse, providing every traveler out there with options that suit them best.
Here are Australia’s top 30 most instagrammable national parks:
Blue Mountains National Park — 1,587,113 photosWhitsunday Islands National Park — 1,092,221 photosUluru–Kata Tjuta National Park — 662,600 photosGreat Sandy National Park — 519,417 photosGrampians National Park — 320,702 photosCradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania — 298,149 photosDaintree National Park, Queensland — 253,625 photosFreycinet National Park, Tasmania — 208,903 photosDandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria — 189,679 photosKakadu National Park, Northern Territory — 189,397 photosRoyal National Park –169,573 photosKalbarri National Park — 158,717 photosMoreton Island National Park — 137,477 photosSpringbrook National Park — 135,365 photosNoosa National Park — 96,934 photosKarijini National Park — 94,711 photosIkara-Flinders Ranges National Park — 91,746 photosKosciuszko National Park — 81,466 photosPort Campbell National Park — 76,370 photosLitchfield National Park — 57,110 photosWilsons Promontory National Park — 57,048 photosTasman National Park — 53,435 photosDorrigo National Park — 46,851 photosLamington National Park — 46,184 photosCarnarvon National Park — 43,090 photosNitmiluk National Park — 42,461 photosCoffin Bay National Park — 36,586 photosMaria Island National Park — 33,096 photosCape Le Grand National Park — 32,300 photosPurnululu National Park — 27,428 photos
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