Matador Network's Blog, page 637
June 10, 2021
Curaçao is now open and giving a fourth night free to travelers who book stays before October
If you’re looking to head to the Caribbean for your hefty dose of sunshine and turquoise water, consider Curaçao. After reaching a record-low positivity rate of 0.15 percent of COVID-19 cases in the last three weeks, Curaçao is fully open to all travelers.
Several restrictions have also been lifted, including the country-wide curfew, and outdoor restaurants, bars, and lounges are now operating at full capacity. If that’s not enough to make you pack your bags, maybe a free night’s stay will.
From now to June 29, 2021, Curaçao is offering an island-wide promotion — buy any three-night stay and get the fourth night free. The promotion applies to participating hotels, ranging from “family-friendly boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts to luxury villas, private island retreats, trendy bungalows, and internationally known brand-name properties with suites of all sizes,” according to a Curaçao Tourism Board press release. The offer is valid between June 19 and October 30, 2021.
For entry to the country, the same rules apply to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Travelers must complete a digital immigration card online before departure, fill out a Passenger Locator Card 48 hours before departure, and carry a printed copy with them upon arrival. They must also submit the negative results of a COVID-19 PCR test and schedule an antigen test at a Curaçao laboratory on their third day on the island. Travelers can fill out the documents at www.dicardcuracao.com. 
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A new program offers ‘study abroad’ for adults. Is it worth the cost?
There’s a common line of thinking that your early twenties are your formative years. Studying abroad in college, gap years, overseas volunteer trips, and vacations with your friends are certainly great ways to gain perspective, but it’s not like your thirst for adventure disappears when you hit 25. However, there is the risk of forgetting to carve out time for exploration because you get too consumed with your career and the other constricting realities of life as you get older.
That’s why Sojrn, a study abroad-type program for adults, is a welcome opportunity to relive your younger years without being that awkward old guy at the bar.
Sojrn describes its mission thusly on its website: “In college, study abroad allows students to continue their academic experience in another cultural setting. Sojrn does the same for people who are out of school but want to temporarily experience life through a different cultural lens without giving up their career, home, etc.”
Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, launched Sojrn this past April to encourage adults to take a “gap year” at a rather unconventional time in their lives. Sojrn offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work abroad.
Each Sojrn “chapter” lasts four weeks and includes private accommodations, dedicated workspaces with Wi-Fi, a local host, and a curriculum of activities designed to immerse you in the culture. This year’s program begins in September, with chapters including Philosophy in Greece, Wine in Tuscany, Mental Wellness in Bali, and Spanish in Colombia. The average age of participants so far is around 34, though anyone age 21 and up is eligible.
In the Tuscany chapter, guests will be able to work from a Tuscan vineyard, learn to read a wine list, participate in a pairing workshop, and get their taste profile analyzed by a sommelier. In concert with Sojrn’s mission to stay conscious of travel’s socioeconomic impact, all activities take place in collaboration with locals.
Though Cappel has lived and worked abroad in five separate countries, she understands that spending time abroad isn’t just a concept that applies to college kids. A midlife gap year is a great way for adults to take a break from their otherwise hectic lives, reflect, and return refreshed.
As you might expect, the experience isn’t cheap. Rates for each chapter start at $2,800 depending on the specific accommodation you book, though you’ll get 20 percent off if you sign up with a friend or significant other. The 2021 chapters are nearly sold out, but Sojrn already has an enticing slate of options for 2022, including Fashion in Paris, Technology in Tokyo, Design in Stockholm, and Surf and Sustainability in Costa Rica. You can join the waitlist for your trip of choice by registering online.
Sojrn might be a convenient choice for remote workers who don’t mind spending the money, but you don’t need a package service to take that midlife gap year. Studying abroad in college is great, but living and working abroad in your 30s or 40s — even if it’s just a few weeks — is a perfect way to press the reset button and gain some new perspective.
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June 9, 2021
Zion National Park is now a certified International Dark Sky Park
If you want to stargaze, the best places to do it have next to no light pollution. And while you might want to look into some of the darkest places in the world, the truth is there are plenty of great places to look at the beauty of the night sky right here in the US, including Zion National Park.
The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has determined that Zion National Park has met all the requirements to be named an International Dark Sky Park. The National Park Service announced the certification and will host astronomy-based programs so visitors will have another reason to appreciate the park’s beauty. To celebrate, all ranger-led activities the week of June 7th will be focused on the night sky.
“Zion National Park is committed to conserving the park’s night skies for all future generations and to educating visitors about the values of this important resource,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, park superintendent, in a press release.
Zion is the last of the so-called “Mighty Five” national parks in Utah to receive this certification, following Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks.
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Portugal will soon open to US vaccinated travelers
Portugal has become another destination you can check off your must-see list as soon as this summer. Portugal will soon open to US vaccinated travelers.
Travelers must have received their final vaccinations at least 14 days prior to travel from any of the vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which includes Moderna, J&J, Pfizer, and Vaxzevria (previously named AstraZeneca).
Portugal’s decision comes after statistics show 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. 1.2 million US tourists went to Portugal in 2019, but in 2020, only 135,229 made the trip, according to Reuters.
“We are in a position to approve the opening of non-essential travel and flights to people from the U.S. to Portugal as long as they have a vaccination certificate,” Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira, cited by Portuguese radio Renascenca, said on Tuesday.
“I believe that next week we will be able to have this up and running,” he said. No date has been officially announced for the reopening of Portugal to vaccinated US travelers yet.
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The 20 best hiking beers, according to 11 brewers
The best hiking beers are refreshing, flavorful, and worth carrying in your pack during your journey until it’s finally time to crack open a cold one. It doesn’t matter what type of hiking you prefer to get into — whether it be an urban hike with metropolitan views or a hike along one of the country’s stunning scenic trails — a hiking beer feels like the cherry on top when enjoying the views you trekked miles to see. Few people know this as well as the brewers themselves.
We got in touch with 11 brewers from Vermont to California and everywhere in between for advice on the best hiking beers to pack before heading out. Each brewer gave two options: One beer from their own brewery, and one beer that another brewery makes. Some picked easy drinking, low-alcohol lagers while others opted for high hop IPAs. All are worthy of consideration the next time you’re browsing the grocery aisles looking for a hiking beer to add to your snack and refreshment options.
These are the best hiking beers, according to brewers.
El Sully Mexican-style lager and Relapse IPAShaun O’Sullivan, co-founder and brewmaster at 21st Amendment Brewery in San Leandro, California
From 21st amendment: “My favorite 21st Amendment hiking beer is hands down and without a doubt El Sully Mexican-style lager with it’s lighter body, crisp clean flavor and light straw color. It won’t fill you up and the alcohol is at a respectable 4.8% so it won’t knock you on your ass. My secret is to store a couple of limes in my backpack.”
From elsewhere: “Relapse IPA, a cold IPA from Wayfinder Brewing in Portland, Oregon is a wonderful beer for hiking. It’s crisp, clean, with great bitterness and hop aroma. I also won’t stop talking about this new sub-style, Cold IPA. What it isn’t is an India Pale Lager, which are flabby and lack a distinct crisp note. What it is, is a beer brewed with lager yeast, with flaked rice or corn giving this beer a snappier flavor with lower maltiness and to make it even better, it’s hopped like a west coast IPA. Perfect for hiking without filling you up and to top it off a solid IPA.”
Flavorwave IPA and Coors BanquetEric Larsen, brewer at Indeed Brewing in Minneapolis, Minnesota
From Indeed Brewing: “For me being outside is about enhancing the senses. The juicy tropical fruit aroma of our Flavorwave IPA is a great collaborator with woodsy wildflowers and blooming pollinators.”
From elsewhere: “I’d be remiss to not name Coors here. Possibly the original American hiking beer? It’s tough to beat a crisp Banquet Beer after getting on top of one of Colorado’s peaks, but be mindful of that altitude!”
Hills & Valley pilsner and El Sully Mexican-style lagerBarry Braden, co-founder and owner of Fieldwork Brewing in Berkeley, California
From Fieldwork Brewing: “Hills & Valleys, our American Pilsner. ‘Refreshing’ will probably be a common answer to the question of why a beer is perfect for hiking, but it best describes the feeling. It reminds me of hiking hut to hut in the Alps where we would stop for lunch everyday at these beautiful mountain refuges and have an omelette or bread and cheese and a cold European lager. A great break before the second half of the daily trek.”
From elsewhere: “El Sully from 21st Amendment. Just a tremendous Mexican-style lager. One of the best beers brewed in America. This beer is in my fridge year round for the great hiking we have here in Northern California.”
Pivo Pils and Schönram Hell
Photo: Firestone Walker Brewing
Matt Brynildson, brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing in Paso Robles, California
From Firestone Walker: “FlyJack hazy IPA is a great hiking beer. It ticks all the boxes – it comes in a can, it’s low ABV, and is very refreshing. That said, I would actually pick Pivo Pils as my go-to hiking beer, there is something about a pilsner beer at the top of the mountain that just can’t be beat. Dropping a couple cans of Pils into the river to chill down as you are soaking your feet and then sharing some sips with your partner before you head back down is about the best thing I can think of.”
From elsewhere: “Last year when I was living in Europe I had the pleasure of hiking in the Alps with a couple of my good friends including Eric Toft who is the Brewmaster at Private Landbrauerei Schönram in Southern Bavaria and who makes one of the best Helles beers on planet earth. It was a steep and challenging climb that day, which was rewarded with a surprise bottle of Schönram Hell at the peak. That beer, in that time and place, was the most delicious beer I have ever drank – period. It’s a beautiful memory I will never forget.”
Hazy Pup and Sierra Nevada Pale AleVictor Novak, brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles
From Golden Road: “Whenever I’m getting ready to hit the trails and soak up some California sun, my go-to beer is Golden Road’s Hazy Pup. It’s light and crisp with a ton of fresh hop character and only 95 calories. After a long day of hiking, it’s restorative without being too heavy.”
From elsewhere: “When I’m hiking outside of my immediate area or even out of state, my go-to is and always will be Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Nothing transports me back to my earliest days of drinking craft beer outdoors in the Bay Area than a super fresh, Cascade hop-forward Sierra Nevada Pale. Still a world-class beer!”
Storm Surge Hazy IPA and Pilsner UrquellJoel Kosic, lead innovation brewer at Redhook Brewery in Seattle, Washington
From Redhook: “My wife and I go backpacking a lot in the summer months up in the Washington mountains. I always bring three or four crowler cans of Redhook Storm Surge Hazy IPA and my friends make fun of how heavy my pack is because of the gallon of beer I’m carrying. But it’s always worth it when we set up camp, and I don’t have to share it.”
From elsewhere: “We also take a ‘victory’ beer on day hikes for when we reach the summit of a mountain or alpine lake or whatever we are hiking to. I always try to make it a Pilsner or IPA – Pilsner Urquell in cans is a favorite!”
Stone IPA and Societe The Pupil
Photo: Stone Brewing
Jeremy Moynier, senior manager of brewing and innovation at Stone Brewing in San Diego, California
From Stone Brewing: “Stone IPA in the forest. Dank, resinous, and piney itself just like the forest with crisp, fresh air. Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager is perfect for all other hikes, especially if you are by any body of water. Super refreshing to help you recover from many miles logged with nice salinity to keep you wanting more.”
From elsewhere: “It’s tough to narrow it down but lately Societe The Pupil has been perfect for my weekend hikes: lots of tropical flavors and aromas and very crisp and clean. Some folks may want lower ABV for hiking but I feel you earn it with miles so 7.5 percent is just fine.”
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and AVL IPAKarissa Norrington, brewing manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina
From Sierra Nevada: “From our portfolio, hands down Pale Ale is the best post-hiking beer around. It is the perfect combo of piney hops with a crisp finish that hits the ‘I-deserve-a-reward-for-being-an-awesome-hiker’ spot.”
From elsewhere: “Though I could drink SNBC beers every day and not want for anything else (and often do), I would say that Highland Brewing’s AVL IPA is also up my alley when it comes to beers to pair with a great hike. Juicy and fruity, but also refreshing after a day on the trail.”
Broken Compass Ginger Pale Ale and Slow Pour PilsJason Ford, founder of Broken Compass Brewing in Breckenridge, Colorado
From Broken Compass: “My favorite hiking beer of ours is our Ginger Pale ale. It uses both fresh ginger for great ginger flavor and aroma as well as a ginger tea to give it a nice little bit of spiciness. Super refreshing on the trail or on the river.”
From elsewhere: “My favorite hiking beer (now that you can get it in cans!) from another brewery is hands down Bierstadt Lagerhaus Slow Pour Pils. This is everything a Pils should be. Voted top brewery in Colorado by peers two years in a row with this beer voted best beer by peers in 2020. World class.”
Highwayman and Sippin’ PrettyMax Shafer, brewmaster at Roadhouse Brewing Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
From Roadhouse Brewing: “Highwayman is without a doubt my favorite beer for hiking. The 16-ounce can leaves me perfectly content after a long day on the trail or while sitting on top of a high peak or at a pristine mountain lake. This beer is crisp, refreshing and quenching and at 4 percent alcohol by volume, I don’t feel full or inebriated after one can — dare I even say hydrated and replenished! And don’t forget, if you pack it in, pack it out!
From elsewhere: “Odell Brewing Company’s Sippin’ Pretty is one of my favorite beers to pick up before I hit the trail. The balanced tartness of the beer and sweetness from the fruit makes for a delectable treat while on the trail — especially when retreating from the hot summer sun under a tree or in a cool river or lake.”
Nicole’s Extra Ginger Beer and Zero Gravity Green State LagerKenny Richards, brewer and founder of Halyard Brewing Company in Burlington, Vermont
From Halyard Brewing: “Well, it depends on what type of hike. If it’s me, my partner, and the kids on a leisurely family stroll through the Vermont woods or to a gentle look-out, I like to stuff a few Nicole’s Extra Ginger Beers into the baby carrier backpack (along with plenty of salty snacks, cheese, water bottles, apples, gummy bears, toilet paper, bugspray, sunscreen) to share and enjoy along the way. If I am going to tackle a mountain or spend all day in the woods, I love to bring a can of our Mountain Aid: Black Currant Ginger Beer and enjoy at the summit. It is tart, low abv (4.5 percent — still have to hike down!), and super refreshing.
From elsewhere: “Zero Gravity Green State Lager. This is a really great and clean Vermont lager. Plus, I like to tell myself that lagers are a great source of trail-hydration. When I lived in Colorado, I often grab Oskar Blues’ Mama’s Little Yella Pils for the same reason.”
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Airbnb is offering 12 people to live for free anywhere in the world for one year
If you’re eager to escape the four walls of your cramped apartment after more than a year of mainly living indoors, you might be excited to hear that Airbnb has launched a program that transports a dozen people back into the great unknown. Called “Live Anywhere on Airbnb,” the initiative seeks 12 people to live “exclusively in listings on Airbnb for approximately one year” (from July 2021 to July 2022). In addition, the company will cover any fees associated with the listings and even “provide an allowance for transportation for the duration of the program.”
All you have to do in return is provide the company feedback about the overall Airbnb experiences, including “Ideal types of accommodations for solo travelers or groups like families” and “Connections to local community members and businesses.”
That doesn’t mean that if you’re picked for the program, you’ll stay at the same Airbnb listing for the entire 12 months. The company specifies that you might be moving from location to location throughout the year, so applicants should be prepared to be flexible and on the move.
According to a press release from Airbnb, the program is inspired by work and living conditions that have become more flexible since the start of the pandemic. Indeed, employers are now more open to people working remotely, and eagerness to travel has skyrocketed now that most lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Airbnb says it’s especially interested in diverse candidates, “young families,” “empty nesters,” and “remote workers” — people for whom picking up essential belongings and living and working on the road for a year wouldn’t be a burden. It’s also a chance for anyone looking for an adventure to strike out on their own after a challenging year. Participants in the program can also choose to rent their homes on Airbnb to earn extra income while they’re away.
Starting today, interested families and individuals can apply to participate here until June 30. If you’re selected, Airbnb will help structure your journey and pick out the best listings for you throughout the year.
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The 5 hardest places to get an Uber pick-up, and why it just got easier
You’re in a hurry, and you’ve ordered an Uber to get you to your destination — only, it says that your driver is here, but you cannot, for the life of you, find them. Uber feels for you and has come up with some new features to help make your life a lot easier.
Uber has figured out that it can be pretty tricky to get picked up at some destinations. After doing some research, Uber discovered its five hardest destinations for riders to be picked up:
New York City, New York: Regency Hotel (62nd Street and Park Avenue)
Chicago, Illinois: Cloud Gate (E Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue)
San Francisco, California: Jefferson Park (Ellis Street and Gough Street)
Washington, DC: Sherman Circle (Sherman Circle and Kansas Avenue NW)
Miami, Florida: Westchester Shopping Center (87th and Coral Way)
The biggest problem was that millions of app riders would drop their pin, but it often ended up in the middle of the street, and drivers would end up on the wrong side of the road. Uber’s new Side of Street feature will show the side of the street a rider is on, along with a landmark associated with the rider’s location for smoother pickup.
Uber’s navigation is also getting an upgrade to ensure you get to your destination faster. Drivers will now have access to up to two alternate routes, as well as traffic-based rerouting, so you won’t be late for your meeting downtown or have plenty of time to catch your flight.
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The ultimate week in Switzerland, from fondue to cliff walks and spectacular train rides
More than half of the land in Switzerland is made up of the Alps. While the country is a hub for skiers and hikers, you don’t need to do either to enjoy its iconic mountains, thanks to an impressive train system that includes the highest railway station in Europe. The rails will give you the chance to experience everything Switzerland is celebrated for — from views of shimmering lakes backed by soaring peaks to fondue meals in cozy village restaurants.
In fact, Switzerland is so easy to navigate that in one week you can have a more varied vacation experience than you can find in most places — enjoying thrilling adventures one day and the sublime flavor of the world’s finest chocolate on another. Start by picking up an eight-day Swiss Travel Pass that covers all your trains, cable cars, and buses, and strap in for the ultimate tour of Switzerland in one week.
Day one — Chocolate immersion
Photo: Lindt Home of Chocolate/Facebook
Start your week in Switzerland in Zurich, the country’s biggest city — with 420,000 inhabitants. If you’ve worked up an appetite on your flight, pay a visit to the sweetest place of all, Lindt’s Home of Chocolate on the banks of Lake Zurich. Reserve your tickets online — 15 Swiss francs ($16.75) for adults — to tour the factory and learn about the history of chocolate in Europe, following the process from cocoa bean to melt-in-your-mouth treat. Don’t leave without a visit to the biggest chocolate shop in the world, where you can design your very own chocolate bar and pick up some supplies to keep you going for the week.
Located in downton on Zurich’s elegant Bahnhofstrasse, not far from haute labels like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, lies another classic for chocolate lovers: Sprüngli, which opened in Zurich 185 years ago and is now part of Lindt. Pop in to try the legendary truffles and Luxemburgerli mini-macaroons that have been on the Sprüngli menu since the 1950s. Or pay a visit to the buzzing cafe on weekends and try one of three delicious brunch etagères. For a complete chocolate trifecta, hit up the Läderach store inside Zurich’s main train station before your departure. Pick up a chunk of the dark-chocolate-and-almond sheet, and try not to eat it all on your first train ride.
Day two — Eagle flight
Photo: Jungfrau
Catch the train to Interlaken, a small resort town of just 5,000 tucked in between two sparkling emerald lakes at the foot of three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This unique position makes it the perfect launchpad point for those in search of an adrenaline rush.
First on the agenda is a trip up toward Grindelwald, a picture-perfect village that looks straight out of a fairytale, albeit a rather posh one. The soaring mountains are so close they feel like they’re falling in on you. Fuel up with a coffee in one of the terraced cafes before continuing higher on the First Cable Car. The best option is to purchase an adventure package; ascending the cable car an unlimited number of times and doing the four downhill activities described below for 99 francs ($110) for adults.
Now is your chance to know what it might feel like to soar through the sky like a bird. Strap in at the First Glider, which is like a zip line but you’re prone like a bird and you have the wings of a giant flying eagle above you to enhance the thrill of gliding through the fresh mountain air at a cool 52 mph.
Keep your heart racing up on the First Flyer, an epic flying contraption that pulls you nearly a half-mile over the alpine landscape. Before heading back down to the valley, take in the view from the First Cliff Walk. Jutting 150 feet out into the open landscape, this viewpoint is not one for the faint-hearted — but rewards you with an epic valley and mountain panorama.
Now, make your way back down the mountain through the meadows and farmhouses on board Grindelwald’s funkiest transport: a Trotti bike. Grab one of these funky scooters and cruise through the landscape at your own leisure. End the day on a high note, relive your youth in a Mountain Cart, which is summer’s answer to the sled. Get low and slide your way the final mile downhill to Grindelwald’s town center.
Day three — A visit to the Top of Europe
Photo: Peter Stein/Shutterstock
Today you’ll be venturing to the “Top of Europe” via the highest train station in Europe. This journey to the summit of the Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most popular excursions thanks to its promise of year-round snow and views of jagged, glacier-topped Alpine peaks.
The Eiger Express cable car, which completed a $560 million remodel in 2020, whizzes you silently over the valley in only 30 minutes. For the last leg, you’ll ride on the very same train that put Jungfrau on the map when it opened to visitors back in 1912.
From a height of 11,332 feet, the feeling of infinite expanse from the top is hard to comprehend. The view from the Sphinx Observation Deck, perched atop an impossibly narrow mountain peak, opens up to reveal the Aletsch Glacier, as well as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Take your time exploring the ice palace and learning more about the history of the site before making your way back down via the town of Lauterbrunnen, for the best views over the valley that inspired JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
The train will take you back to Interlaken. Once you’re back to valley level, rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board at Hightide Kayak School and spend the afternoon paddling on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz while marveling at the summits you just visited.
Day four — Fondue and a castle
Photo: Ballons Château-d’Oex/Facebook
You could make your way to Montreux with the Swiss pass you’ve already purchased, or you could splurge on a first-class seat reservation aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic train. That reservation, costing about $60, will put you in the train’s front seats, which offer unobstructed views of the valley through the glass cabin.
Switzerland’s cuisine is rich in cheese, but once you try these dairy confections you’ll understand why even locals find them so irresistible. A good place to learn more is with a stop halfway along your train journey to pay a visit to Le Chalet restaurant in Château-d’Oex. This homey fromagerie makes seriously good fondue, and you can witness local cheese production while enjoying lunch. Over the wood fire, a cheese maker transforms up to 50 gallons of organic milk into hard cheese before your very eyes.
Beyond its unforgettable cheese, Château-d’Oex is also known for its hot-air balloons. You can take a ride over the valley at any time of year — although the nearly $370 price tag may be a bit much. If you happen to visit at the end of January, the view is almost better from the ground — as the sky is brought to life with balloons for International Hot Air Balloon Week.
In the late afternoon, continue onto Montreux, the photogenic lakeside town that seduced many famous artists. A stroll along the promenade will take you past Freddie Mercury’s statue honoring the Queen frontman who spent many years living and recording here. You’ll also pass the casino that inspired Deep Purple’s classic “Smoke on the Water” and the terraced vineyards for which Prince declared his love in the song “Lavaux.” Savor the view over the Alps and the historic steamboats that cruise across Lake Geneva linking France and Switzerland.
After a 45-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the well-preserved Chillon Castle, which has stood on its rocky island since the 12th century. The location of this medieval fortress against a steeply-sided mountain and over the shimmering lake, is already compelling. If you have time, it’s worth the 13.50 francs ($15) for a look inside; you’ll marvel at the medieval prison, dining halls, and guard towers.
Day 5 — All eyes on the Matterhorn
Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock
Leave Montreux behind as you travel via train to Zermatt. While Zermatt’s charming wooden chalets, car-free streets, and buzzing mountaineer vibe are captivating, the real hero here is the Matterhorn. The most photographed mountain in the world looms over the town, popping out from behind hotels and chalets as the clouds shift. But the best place to get to know this iconic pyramid is from up high.
Ride the Gornergrat train to 10,134 feet above sea level and arrive in a brave new world of white mountainscapes. From here, you can spot 38 four-thousand-meter peaks. Check out the views on a summit hike if the weather permits, then head inside the Zoom experience center and try out the brand-new VR experience that will take you parasailing over the Matterhorn.
Day 6 — The incomparable Glacier Express
Photo: Eva Bocek/Shutterstock
No trip to Switzerland is complete without a ride on the Glacier Express, the world’s most scenic train. The train ticket is included in the Swiss Rail Pass, but you will need to pay for a seat reservation — which can run about $40.
The eight-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz chugs by at a leisurely pace. That’s probably because with those panoramic windows, plush comfortable seats, on-board restaurant, and informative audio guides, most people don’t want this train ride to end. Even so, endless views of the most beautiful landscape Switzerland has to offer make the trip pass more quickly than you realize. Have your camera ready for the snowy curves through the Oberalp Pass, the deep valleys in the Rhine Gorge, and the towering viaducts. For the best photos, pop your camera (or phone) out the sliding windows at the end of the carriages. Just be sure your camera strap is over your neck or have a solid grip on your phone.
Day 7 — Unwind in St. Moritz
Photo: Fabio Michele Capelli/Shutterstock
On your final day, take in the glitz of St. Moritz, Switzerland’s most luxurious resort town. Rent a bike at Lake Bike and straddle the shores of the region’s many sparkling alpine lakes. (Mountain bikes are 30 francs, or $33.50, for an all-day rental, while e-bikes are 50 francs, or $56; you can also opt for less expensive one- or two-hour rentals). In summer, you might even be tempted to have a dip in Lake Staz, where the temperature reaches 68 degrees on sunny days.
The healing powers of St. Moritz’s carbonated and iron-rich mineral waters have been documented as early as the 1500s — drawing health-seekers ever since. So spend the afternoon soaking your tired muscles and reflect on a perfect week in Switzerland at Ovaverva pool and spa complex. (A four-hour visit to the communal spa is 30 francs, or $33.50). The jacuzzi beds in the outdoor pool are the best place to take in the mountain views while soaking in the therapeutic waters and contemplating how well you savored Switzerland in one week.
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The difference between fettuccine alfredo in Italy versus the US
For many, one dish instantly pops to mind at the mention of Italian-American cuisine: fettuccine alfredo. Beloved for its signature rich, thick, and luxuriously creamy white sauce (and derided for the exact same quality), some say it should be shunned for its lack of authentically Italian characteristics. Yet for Americans, the heavy, filling, and slightly greasy dish is considered a classic that’s found on both Olive Garden menus and at upscale restaurants in centers of Italian immigration like New Jersey.
There’s still debate over whether or not fettuccine alfredo can really be included in the pantheon of genuine Italian cuisine. Once you look at the history of the dish, you realize the story is more complicated than you might think. Here’s everything you need to know about the origins of this controversial but beloved dish, and the differences between the original fettuccine alfredo and its American counterpart.
The origins of fettuccine alfredo
Photo: Evgheni Lachi/Shutterstock
There are two popular and widespread versions of how fettuccine alfredo was created. Both focus on one central figure: Alfredo di Lelio. What history agrees on is that the chef and restaurant owner created the dish for his wife. Then the stories diverge.
In the first version, his wife, Ines, suffered from debilitating nausea while pregnant and couldn’t keep any food down, so her husband prepared her pasta in bianco — fresh pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese and butter. It became the only dish she could stomach, and di Lelio added it to his restaurant’s menu.
The second version of the story posits that he prepared the dish for her after she gave birth. In 1908, after delivering their son Armando, Ines didn’t have an appetite. Hoping to build up her strength and help her recover, di Lelio prepared her a dinner of noodles with butter and fresh Parmesan. Six years later, in 1914, di Lelio opened his restaurant Alfredo in Via della Scorfa, and Ines suggested that he add the memorable dish to his menu.
The second version of the story would seem to be the official one, at least according to the website for the Il Vero Alfredo, or “The True Alfredo” — the second restaurant that di Lelio opened in 1950 — but it’s hardly the most widespread or accepted version. An article for HuffPost, for instance, repeats the story that di Lelio created the dish to combat his wife’s pregnancy nausea.
What we do know is that, in the 1920s, silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford visited Italy on their honeymoon and stopped by Alfredo di Lelio’s restaurant. The couple were so enamored with di Lelio’s hospitality (and cooking) that they later gifted him with a gold engraved fork and spoon, which read “To Alfredo the King of the noodles.”
Soon the restaurant became a tourist destination among couples who wanted to relive Fairbanks and Pickford’s date night, according to the same HuffPost article, and the restaurant gained a reputation for its impeccable fettuccine dishes.
However, the dish that di Lelio served at his restaurant in Rome differs from the fettuccine alfredo that appears on restaurant menus in the United States.
The difference between Italian-American fettuccine alfredo and the original dish
Photo: Lifestyle Travel Photo/Shutterstock
Before delving into exactly where the recipes for the two dishes diverge, it’s important to get some background on how di Lelio managed the fame that accompanied the popularity of his restaurant. The legendary chef retired in 1943 and left the family business to his son Armando. Just three years later, he sold the restaurant to two of his waiters.
But the family wasn’t ready to divest from the restaurant business. In 1950, Armando opened Il Vero Alfredo, or “The True Alfredo,” with his father’s blessing. The restaurant is still in the family; management passed to Alfredo III and his sister Ines di Lelio in 1982.
Here is where fettuccine alfredo as Americans know it comes into play: The family opened a second location at Rockefeller Plaza in 1977 called Alfredo of Rome (which has since closed). It was there, on American soil, where the recipe for di Lelio’s original fettuccine alfredo transformed into the dish we know today. The alfredo sauce, which now catered to American tastes rather than Italian, evolved to include ingredients like flour, cream, milk, and shrimp or chicken.
To this day, di Lelio’s original recipe only contains three ingredients: fettuccine, young Parmesan cheese, and butter. That’s what you’ll get if you order the dish at Il Vero Alfredo. In fact, across Italy, you’re likely to encounter blank stares if you request “fettuccine alfredo” and expect to be served fettuccine noodles doused in a heavy cream sauce.
What we call alfredo sauce here in the US doesn’t exist in Italy. Its closest cousin is similar to di Lelio’s invention: a sauce known in Italy as “al burro” (with butter) — pasta served with melted butter that’s sometimes infused with fresh sage, as well as grated Parmigiano. So if you want to try the Italian version of fettuccine alfredo, you might have better luck ordering fettuccine al burro.
Where to try the original fettuccine alfredo in Italy
Photo: Alfredo alla Scrofa/Facebook
Today, Il Vero Alfredo still claims to be the home of “Le Vere Maestosissime Fettuccine all’Alfredo” — the original fettuccine alfredo. It’s the house special, so if you’re visiting Rome and want to see where this story began, head there. However, there is another option.
Di Lelio’s first restaurant — the one Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford visited on their honeymoon — is still open. It’s not owned or operated by the same family anymore (remember, the di Lelios sold it in 1950) but it too claims to be the original home of fettuccine alfredo. Called Alfredo alla Scrofa Restaurant, its slogan is “birthplace of Fettuccine Alfredo.” No matter which claim you chose to believe (and technically, both are true in their own ways) you’ll get the same dish: fettuccine noodles in butter and Parmesan cheese — no cream.
Hopefully this settles the debate over the authenticity of fettuccine alfredo: The dish is an Italian invention, but the ingredients of the Italian original differ from the American classic. Fettuccine alfredo evolved into the creamy, heavily sauced dish Americans are familiar with today not at its original home in Rome, but once it migrated to American shores.
Where:
Alfredo Alla Scrofa Restaurant: Via della Scrofa, 104/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Il Vero Alfredo: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The post The difference between fettuccine alfredo in Italy versus the US appeared first on Matador Network.
11 coastal Airbnbs and hotels in Puerto Escondido with ocean views and beach access
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.
There are all types of vacationers coming to the Oaxaca coast in southern Mexico and every single one of them can find what they’re looking for. Some flock to Puerto Escondido’s social, happening beaches for some of the biggest surf in Mexico. Those not looking to surf all day and party all night can find secluded Airbnbs by the calmer and quieter beaches on the outskirts of town, or even trek a bit further from Puerto Escondido to the sleepy beach towns of Mazunte and Zipolite. From surf shacks to beachside villas and apartments, here are the best Puerto Escondido Airbnbs and hotels for an amazing seaside vacation.
1. Boutique beach villas near La Punta and Playa Zicatela
Photo: Airbnb
This brand new development is an oasis in the most desired location of Puerto Escondido. Just steps away from the famous La Punta beach and surf break, Lunaya, as the property is named, is a collection of four private getaways built on the principles of minimalist design and natural surroundings. Each of the four identical mini-apartments in this Puerto Escondido Airbnb are equipped with a king-size bed, a large bathtub, a private pool with an outdoor lounge bed, and decorated with beautiful tropical plants. The owners of the space operate a health food store nearby and have included natural bath, coffee, and kitchen products to go along with the earthenware pottery tucked carefully into the simple-yet-stunning kitchen.
Two guests, studio
Price: $198 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For a group of friends needing a Puerto Escondido Airbnb with a view of world-famous surf swells, Zicatela Beach is the only place to stay. Surf aficionados will especially love this room right on the beach, with three beds and air-conditioning, where you can listen to the pounding waves all day and all night long. Hotel Acuario is within walking distance from the world-famous Zicatela wave, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. For a great price, a few friends can be right in the middle of all the action with accessibility to surf (and party) just a few steps away.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $43 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Casa Cascada is a unique, and pleasantly cozy, room in a private villa that allows single travelers or couples to enjoy the benefits of staying in a large luxury space right near the beach. The four-story, seven-bedroom-seven-bath villa rents out each room and bathroom individually while offering shared spaces, including one of the nicest infinity pools in all of Puerto Escondido. The property has an on-site cook to whip up daily meals, including a full breakfast. Guests can also take advantage of the rooftop garden, massage table, movie projector, and even a private path down to Playa Manzanilla which is easily the best beach in town for snorkeling and safe swimming.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $116 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” Casa Tiny is a uniquely designed beachfront getaway about 35 minutes from Puerto Escondido. The coastline in this area is rugged and evocative of the southern Mexico coast, making for a perfect setting for an artist’s retreat. It’s also an ideal representation of the tiny house movement — a unique home for two that opens onto the Pacific Ocean. Just down the road from the famous artist community and gardens of Casa Wabi, this house is guaranteed to inspire and relax.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $190 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Casa Naila, a spacious designer home right on the beach, is built into a rocky corner of the sea, with the ocean on all sides. Its wide sliding doors and windows invite the outdoors in and make the kitchen and relaxation areas an inspiring spot to read, write, or simply daydream. Located in Puertocito, 30 minutes south of Puerto Escondido, this large space is perfect for a retreat, family reunion, birthday party, or any large group. Guests stay in the open-concept buildings that sleep 10 comfortably in two large, semi-private beach houses. Each rental contains four beds and two bathrooms that create a social atmosphere without sacrificing privacy. There is an on-site pool designed to blend into the surroundings, equipped with a large tree trunk plank for sunning or enjoying an evening cocktail and the sunset.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $501 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This unique ocean-front apartment has all the comforts of home while still being just a stone’s throw from the beach. Located 10 minutes from Zicatela by car, this apartment has sweeping ocean views, modern furniture, a small plunge pool, and a larger shared lap swimming pool. The on-site beach club provides blankets, umbrellas, and all of the amenities you could need for your beach vacation.
Four quests, two bedrooms
Price: $139 per night
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Photo: Onnis Luque/Airbnb
Villa Rasta, as this large apartment is known, is the ideal location for a large group of surfers (or a family of similar persuasion). Located within walking distance to the calmest and most family-friendly beaches in Puerto Escondido — Playa Manzanilla, Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, and Bahia Principal — guests won’t have to worry about fighting the waves to swim. This ocean-front villa is in a newer development and sleeps 10 comfortably. The 360-degree ocean views and rooftop pool add to the aura of elegance and luxury. The villa comes with amenities such as air-conditioning, a 70-inch TV with streaming capabilities, a washer and dryer, and a modern, fully equipped kitchen.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $314 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Casona Sforza is a luxurious property designed to replicate the aesthetic of old Italy. Designed by well-known architect Alberto Kalach, Casona Sforza was built as a sustainable way to represent and celebrate the artisans of Oaxaca. Everything from the stonework to the house cocktails are made with attention to detail and directly supports community projects and initiatives. Some of the private rooms and suites include additional amenities such as beachfront plunge pools and hot tubs. The common areas and larger pool are directly on the beach as well as a lavish restaurant and bar.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $345 per night
Photo: ZOA Hotel/Facebook
Located just 55 minutes south of Puerto Escondido, Mazunte is a small artistic community adjacent to lush, green mountains on one side and the sandy coast on the other. Hotel Zoa is located just off the drag of the main beach so each of its five seaside cabanas feel secluded in the surrounding landscape. The hotel’s design as well as the chef’s cuisine and cocktails are all meant to celebrate the natural abundance of Mazunte and the Oaxaca coast.
Two guests, one bedroom
From $265 per night
Photo: El Alquimista Zipolite/Facebook
The sprawling beachfront El Alquimista Yoga and Spa is built into the side of the mountain, with rooms winding all the way down to the beachfront restaurant and hotel. All rooms have unique views of Zipolite and with no two cabanas being quite the same, there is a special energy at El Alquimista. The hotel also offers yoga, spa services, a private beach, beachside pool, AC, and some of the best cocktails in Zipolite. The small beach town is about an hour from Puerto Escondido with a wide expanse of beach to explore.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: From $146
Photo: Hotel Nude
Hotel Nude is a newly designed beachfront hotel where clothing is always optional. This includes the restaurant, bar, pool, lobby, and all other common spaces. The property is beautiful and very zen, owing to its beachside locale in Zipolite, which is known to many for being clothing optional. Hotel Nude takes this freedom of expression to the next level by celebrating nudity in all of its forms. You’re bound to meet some interesting people and hear some wild stories when you spend the night here.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: From $120 per night
The post 11 coastal Airbnbs and hotels in Puerto Escondido with ocean views and beach access appeared first on Matador Network.
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