Matador Network's Blog, page 644
May 28, 2021
San Francisco Bay’s coolest, most eclectic islands
The San Francisco Bay is central to the Bay Area’s identity. It’s right there in the name. Yet most people conjure images of cities when they think of the Bay Area: San Francisco, the East Bay’s Oakland and Berkeley, and maybe Sausalito on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. They may picture a sailboat or two passing beneath the bridge but likely fail to envision the islands that pepper San Francisco Bay itself — aside from Alcatraz. Few probably even know that the area hosts almost 20 islands, each with its own character. From wild archipelagos to beachy cities, here are nine of the most scenic, historic, and quirkiest islands around and in San Francisco Bay.
1. Angel Island
Photo: Radoslaw Lecyk/Shutterstock
Angel Island is the largest of San Francisco Bay’s natural islands. It’s also a state park of great natural and historical value, with a human history tracing back to the Indigenous Coast Miwoks. Spanish explorers arrived next. Then, in the first half of the 20th century, the island was used to process half a million immigrants, similar to New York’s Ellis Island. During the World Wars, it variously served as a disembarkation point for US troops or to detain residents of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry. Later, it served as a missile base until the mid-1900s. Now, Angel Island is a popular day trip from San Francisco, with an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, a couple of picnic-ready beaches, and historic sites like Immigrant Station and Fort McDowell to visit.
2. Alameda
Photo: Gareth Bogdanoff/Shutterstock
Alameda is an island like Manhattan is an island. You have to cross the water to get there, via bridge or tunnel from Oakland, but once you’re there, it’s a city unto itself. Unlike Manhattan, this city of roughly 78,500 residents feels more like a big beach town. Crown Memorial State Beach is a favorite for wind and kitesurfing. However, as water sports go, it’s hard to beat kayaking past the USS Hornet naval aircraft carrier, if not climbing aboard to tour the sea, air, and space museum now operating there. Afterward, consider an Alameda brewery hop, starting with the bay views from Faction‘s deck, or channel your inner vintage gamer at the interactive Pacific Pinball Museum.
3. Treasure Island
Photo: kropic1/Shutterstock
Of the islands in San Francisco Bay, Treasure Island holds the distinction of being human-made. It was built to host a 1939 World’s Fair, which in part commemorated the newly erected Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. The island later became a naval station during the Second World War and remained one until the 1990s. Today, it’s somewhere between a ghost town and a destination, with a handful of restaurants, wineries, and scenic overlooks for visitors to enjoy. The most popular event hosted there is the monthly TreasureFest flea market, which showcases local food and drinks, thrifted clothes and upcycled goods, botanical stands, as well as live music and entertainment. Attached to the island via causeway is another of San Francisco Bay’s islands, Yerba Buena, which is primarily residential but also plays host to a calm beach at Clipper Cove.
4. The FarallonesPhoto: Pete Niesen/Shutterstock
Rugged and remote, the Farallon Islands don’t sit within the bay but in the open ocean, roughly 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge. The archipelago belongs to a national wildlife refuge that spans more than 3,000 square miles of the Pacific coastline. Whale watching is a major draw to the wild Farallones, which are visited by gray, blue, humpback, and killer whales throughout the year. Other sea life, including dolphins and sea lions, can be spotted year-round. Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge also plays host to the largest breeding colony of seabirds in the contiguous United States, protecting such species as puffins, cormorants, and gulls. For the best wildlife watching, visit between July and October to catch humpback and blue whales before they leave for Baja.
5. The Brothers
Photo: aspen rock/Shutterstock
Tiny twin islands East and West Brother are situated in San Rafael Bay, which separates San Francisco Bay from San Pablo Bay. West Brother Island is little more than a hunk of rock, but East Brother Island is a proper attraction as it’s primarily occupied by a Victorian-era lighthouse that has doubled as a bed and breakfast since 1979. Guests will appreciate the inn’s seclusion while admiring views of San Francisco and Marin County, including Mount Tamalpais.
6. Brooks Island
Photo: Gareth Bogdanoff/Shutterstock
A regional preserve located just south of the East Bay city of Richmond, Brooks Island is most impressive as a nesting ground for 18 bird species. However, it’s not all fauna here; Among the most striking flora are the island’s spring wildflower blooms. Tours of the nature sanctuary are allowed by reservation only. East Bay Regional Park District naturalists guide visitors by kayak, spotlighting the island’s natural attraction and relics of its human history. While surveying Brooks Island, visitors should look out for shell mounds, ancient refuse heaps made up of organic material that the island’s first inhabitants left: Ohlone Indians.
7. Bair Island
Photo: TierneyMJ/Shutterstock
Bair Island is not one but three islands in San Francisco Bay: Inner, Middle, and Outer. It’s located within the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Together, they’re considered the largest undeveloped island in San Francisco Bay, and roughly two-thirds of their combined 3,000 acres belong to the Bair Island Ecological Reserve. Once used as salt ponds, the reserve has been restored to its natural state as a tidal wetland. Visitors are welcome to survey the wildlife, which includes endangered species like the salt marsh harvest mouth. Both fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
8. Belvedere
Photo: FourthNovemberStudio/Shutterstock
The city of Belvedere spans two islands in San Francisco Bay: Belvedere Island and the much smaller Corinthian Island, which connect to mainland Marin County via causeways. Together, they comprise one of the highest-income cities in California and even in the United States. Belvedere primarily showcases some impressive architecture, ranging in style from Victorian to mid-century modern; the Valentine Rey House designed by Willis Polk in 1893 is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Club (the oldest on the Pacific Coast and one of the finest in the country) are also located in Belvedere. Both are renowned for their regattas, though guests can also seek sailing instruction at either club.
9. Hog Island
Photo: Jeremy Borkat/Shutterstock
Hog Island is a well-known name in the Bay Area, owing to the Hog Island Oyster Company, a leader in the oyster farming industry with popular restaurants across the Bay Area. The island itself is actually located in Tomales Bay, approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco in West Marin, where it abuts Point Reyes National Seashore. On sunny days, kayakers enjoy paddling around Tomales Bay and Hog Island before filling up on fresh oysters from the Hog Shack off the Shoreline Highway. Note that the island is also a stomping ground for harbor seals, so access is limited during pupping season between March and June. 
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New skyscraper in Russia will be the second-tallest building in the world
If you’re looking for extraordinary views, in the future you might want to consider a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. On May 25, 2021, Scottish architecture firm Kettle Collective announced it would be building the second-tallest skyscraper in the world. The Lakhta Centre II will 2,306-foot tall. New York’s Empire State Building stands at 1,250 feet — the Lakhta Centre II will be almost double in height.
The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, measuring 2,717 feet, but the Lakhta Centre II will still break a record with the world’s highest viewing gallery and occupied floor of any building at 1,936 feet.
Photo: Kettle Collective
The new skyscraper will be the sibling of the Lakhta Centre, the headquarters of Russian energy firm Gazprom also in St. Petersburg, and the highest building in Europe. Although the exact location of the new building is currently undetermined, Gazprom will be providing the land plot “on the outskirts of St Petersburg,” according to a press release.
Photo: Kettle Collective
“The tower is born out of a daring idea that has been inspired by energy in all of its forms, from helical waves generated around deep space quasars to the spirals of wave energy. The outer layer of the building is created from spiraling columns that form an open organic helical diagrid, while the structure is carved out by a series of spiral atriums shared with green vertical spaces,” said Kettle Collective design lead Tony Kettle. “The design is both aesthetic and functional as it will reduce considerable wind forces that will impact the structure, in turn reducing the size of structural elements required within the building.”
While the current renderings of the Lakhta Centre II depict it as isolated on an island, the tower will be on land.
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Cruises are restarting, these are the best ones you can take in 2021
For the last year, pretty much everyone has struggled to answer one question: how do we know when the pandemic is over? Well, it depends on your personal barometer for normalcy. Is it when Costco brings back free samples? When buffets reopen? For me, the most hopeful sign of normalcy is the return of cruising.
In early 2020, cruise ships were viewed as petri dishes for COVID-19 outbreaks, and it was one of the first industries to shut down fully. Now cruising is making a comeback, with many cruise lines having implemented health protocols designed to give travelers peace of mind.
The summer of 2021 will be known as the season cruising finally returned, and there are already tons of voyages waiting to be booked. Here are some 2021 cruises you should consider taking.
Norwegian
Photo: Anatoly Vartanov/Shutterstock
Norwegian Cruise Line is now allowing passengers to book cruises to Alaska for summer and fall. While cruises to Alaska were paused last year after Canada banned all large ships, new Congressional legislation would allow cruise ships to skip Canadian ports and pass directly to Alaska. The Dawes, Glacier, Juneau, & Ketchikan trip leaves from Seattle this August, stopping at Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria.
Norwegian is also offering trips to Greece and the Caribbean this summer. The Norwegian Jade will sail from Athens to the Greek islands with dates starting July 25. The seven-day itinerary includes the villages of Santorini, the vineyards of Corfu, as well as stops on other popular islands like Mykonos and Rhodes. Docking at a new port each day, you’ll experience the best of Greece’s islands and mainland, like the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, island ruins, and traditional Greek cuisine. It’s among the first weeklong trips Norwegian has offered since early 2020.
Uniworld
Photo: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises/Facebook
Just in time for Europe’s reopening to US citizens, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announced its first sailing dates for this summer. The first 2021 cruise will take place in Italy on June 18, with the Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary. Guests will spend two days in Milan before traveling to Venice, where they will board the luxury S.S. La Venezia. Once onboard, guests will take an eight-day journey from Venice along Northern Italy’s coastline, with activities including a lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica.
France is also a Uniworld destination this summer. The Brilliant Bordeaux trip aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage will bring guests on an eight-day trip through beautiful Southwest France along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers. The Paris & Normandy itinerary on the S.S. Joie de Vivre is an eight-day adventure from Paris through the countryside of Normandy, and the Burgundy & Provence trip aboard the S.S. Catherine will bring you through wine country on the Rhone and Saone rivers.
Celebrity Cruises
Photo: Sterling Images/Shutterstock
Celebrity Cruises operates luxurious cruises all around the world, but while all your friends are going to the Caribbean, take advantage of Celebrity’s Galapagos Outer Loop trip. This seven-night voyage leaves Baltra in the Galapagos Islands, and continues to Espanola, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, and Santa Cruz Island. On the way you’ll see wildlife like puffins and tortoises, and some of the most pristine nature in the world.
If you prefer a more northerly climate, check out the 14-night Iceland & Greenland Cruise. The cruise departs from New Jersey, then stops in Nova Scotia before arriving in Qaqortoq, Greenland. From there you’ll head to Reykjavik and Akureyri in Iceland before finishing your trip in Scotland and England. Summer is the perfect time to visit this chilly northern climate, experience the midnight sun, and see a part of the world few ever visit.
Dates for both Galapagos and the Iceland & Greenland cruise are available throughout the summer.
Royal Caribbean
Photo: Igor Grochev/Shutterstock
Royal Caribbean might be famous for its namesake Caribbean cruises, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s most enticing cruises this year are actually happening in Asia. The five-night Fukuoka & Sasebo Cruise aboard the Voyager of the East sets sail on October 11, 2021. Starting in Beijing, the cruise takes you to Fukuoka and Sasebo in Japan, giving you a tour of the region for just $349 per person.
The five-night Kagoshima & Okinawa Cruise, aboard the Spectrum of the Seas, gives travelers another window into China and Japan. Departing on July 4, 2021, the cruise starts in Shanghai before sailing to Kagoshima and Okinawa in Japan, and then returns to China on day six. In six days, you’ll see Kagoshima’s Samurai Garden, the picturesque Naminoue Shrine in Okinawa, and take in the historic beauty and local cuisine of Shanghai.
American Cruise Lines
Photo: jdpphoto/Shutterstock
If you’re not quite comfortable traveling internationally yet and prefer a memorable cruising experience close to home, American Cruise Lines is offering plenty of voyages throughout the country. The Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise is probably the best 2021 cruise taking you on a coastal adventure through the waters of New England and Maine’s most picturesque portside towns. Beginning in Portland, the cruise sails to Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor, and Bath before returning to Portland on the eighth day. The small ship will travel through Maine’s rivers, bays, and harbors, where you’ll get intimately acquainted with the state’s national parks and historic towns.
For a real trip back in time, take the Upper Mississippi River Cruise. Taking place aboard the Queen of the Mississippi, a period-style ship that resembles an old steamboat, the trip will give you a Huckleberry Finn-esque adventure, albeit with a lot more comfort. Indeed, once the ship departs from St. Louis, Missouri, you’ll stop in Hannibal to check out Mark Twain’s childhood home. From there, you’ll head up the river to Fort Mason, Davenport, and Dubuque in Iowa, and Winona, Red Wing in Minnesota before ending your trip in St. Paul. Along the way, you’ll see the region’s historic Victorian homes, learn the history of Native American tribes that once called the land home, and wildlife like bald eagles.
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Southwest Airlines’ Memorial Day sale has fares for as low as $49
Flight prices are expected to increase with travel rising from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Southwest Airlines has something else in mind. Southwest Airlines’ Memorial Day sale has fares for as low as $49.
Travelers can book flights until June 10 with fares as low as $49 for a one-way ticket for travel between August 17 and November 5. According to Southwest Airlines, examples of these low fare one-way ticket include places like:
$49 one-way between Baltimore, MD/Washington DC and Myrtle Beach,SC$49 one-way between Fresno, CA and Las Vegas,ND$89 one-way between Nashville, TN and Houston, TX$94 one-way between Denver, CO and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN$139 one-way between San Diego, CA and Honolulu, HISeats, days, and markets are limited, and blackout date requirements will apply with the tickets.
Experts weigh in: What to eat before, during, and after a flight
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Disneyland finally welcomes back out-of-state visitors
If you’ve been itching to visit Mickey Mouse, there’s not much longer to wait. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, will welcome back out-of-state visitors as soon as June 15, 2021.
Disneyland reopened its gates to California residents on April 30, 2021, but the rest of the country can now start planning a trip to the popular park.
Disneyland will continue to enforce mask-wearing indoors and social distancing to keep everyone safe. Guests will not have access to those skip-the-line programs like Masspass and Extra Magic Hours, and some attractions and shows will remain closed.
If you are looking to plan a trip to Disneyland, you’ll need to make a reservation for the day and park you want to visit. Reservations for out-of-state visitors opened on May 26, The Points Guy reported.
Disneyland recommends that visitors have been fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVD-19 test before visiting. Neither is mandatory to get into the parks.
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How to explore the best of Siwa Oasis, Egypt’s most underrated destination
In Siwa, the call to prayer sounds out over mud-brick rooftops of an ancient fortress, echoing within its labyrinthine pathways. A glance beyond the fortress walls reveals a striking and wonderful contrast between clumps of lush palm trees, a vast salt lake, and the world’s third-largest dune field. Add the region’s hundreds of natural hot and cold springs, buoyant salt pools, and the possibility to discover the fascinating Berber culture, and you’ll wonder why tourists aren’t flocking to visit in the thousands.
The answer is simple: A journey to Siwa Oasis is not for the faint of heart. It’s a part of Egypt that few have heard of, and those who have are not often willing to brave the bumpy 10-hour desert drive from Cairo. The oasis’s relative isolation from the outside world has preserved the culture of its Indigenous Amazigh people, setting it apart from the rest of Egypt and rendering it a unique cultural destination. In the middle of a vast expanse of sand, the fertile and enchanting Siwa Oasis offers an experience that is hard to come by — total seclusion from the modern world.
If you are determined and curious enough to make your way to Siwa Oasis, here is how you should fill your days.
Soak in a natural sulfuric hot spring
Photo: Homo Cosmicos/Shutterstock
There’s no better way to wash off a long journey through the desert than a relaxing soak in hot sulfuric waters. As one of the largest groundwater reservoirs in North Africa, Siwa Oasis’s healing waters are bountiful. Most of the pools are set in very scenic locations, making swimming and soaking an unforgettable experience.
There are hundreds of natural springs in the oasis, but not all are active or accessible. Some of the more popular hot pools include Bir Wahed, Ali Khaled (also known as Mountain Camp Siwa), and Al Maza.
Bir Wahed is in the middle of the Sahara and necessitates governmental permission to enter, so it’s best to visit while on a desert safari. On the other hand, Ali Khaled and Al Maza are located close to the town of Siwa and easily accessible anytime. If you happen to visit at night, you’ll likely find yourself soaking under the light of a clear, starry sky with Berber music in the background.
Pay a visit to Africa’s largest exporter of date syrup
There’s a reason Siwa Oasis is known in ancient Egyptian as “Sekht-am” or “Palm Land.” Just minutes from the heart of downtown is Golden Siwa, Africa’s largest exporter of date syrup. Owned and operated by a Siwi Amazigh local, Youssif Sarhan, the factory processes over 14,000 tons of dates each year. Thousands of Siwi men and women participate in the harvest, which typically lasts four months, from September to December.
Visitors at Golden Siwa can get an inside peek at Sarhan’s syrup-making process and sample an assortment of his products, which are soon expanding to include local Siwan olive oil and pomegranate syrup.
Wander through the maze-like ruins of the Fortress of ShaliPhoto: NickolayV/Shutterstock
The Shali Fortress sits atop a hill at the heart of Siwa Oasis. Made entirely from ‘kershef’ (a material consisting of salt and clay), the fortress was built in the 13th century and served as the center of Siwan life for over 800 years. The fortress’ mosque is still in use today, with many of the homes restored, and some even turned into local guesthouses.
Wandering the winding pathways of this city is like stepping back in time. You can enter the fortress through its original gate, Bab Anshal, located adjacent to shops selling handcrafted carpets, salt lamps, and other souvenirs. A climb to the top offers incredible views of the city. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Learn more about Berber history at the Siwa House MuseumSiwa Oasis is considered the eastern-most extension of North African Indigenous Berber culture, commonly known as Amazigh.
Having inhabited the area for thousands of years, Siwis have developed a very distinct culture due to the oasis’s somewhat isolated position in the heart of Western Sahara. For centuries, Siwa’s only contact with the outside world was with caravan traders. Today, Siwa’s society still has little in common with mainstream Egyptian culture. Every day local traditions and Siwi, a local dialect of Tamazight infused with Egyptian Arabic, continue to dominate.
The Siwa House Museum is a replica of the traditional Siwan kershef houses from the Shali Fortress. The museum displays a collection of historical clothing, jewelry, pottery and artwork. It pays homage to the history and traditions of the local Berber people while showcasing how the adaptation of modern technology is changing the Siwan landscape.
Have fun in the world’s third-largest dune field
Photo: Mohamed M. Raheem/Shutterstock
Known to locals as the Great Sand Sea, Siwa Oasis’s large expanse of ever-shifting sand is a sight like no other. The best way to explore Siwa’s rolling silica is by safari; an entire day spent driving up and down the legendary dunes, sandboarding, swimming in a secluded freshwater lake, and relaxing in the mentioned above Bir Wahed hot spring.
Most safaris also include a traditional Bedouin-style dinner featuring a cooking technique called “Abou Mardam,” where the food is slow-cooked underground. If you’re lucky, there will also be drums, dancing, and starlight like you’ve never seen before.
Enjoy some R&R at an eco-lodge
Photo: Nabil Tarazi
Perhaps one of the more miraculous things about Siwa Oasis is that it can convince even the most luxury-obsessed travelers that simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication. Many of the town’s lodges still run on candlelight, and day-to-day life is designed to embrace the natural elements. It’s also home to some of the most exclusive eco-lodges in the world, including the iconic Adrère Amellal and Taziry.
Siwa’s eco-lodges strive to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding area, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the oasis. Rooms are hand-built from kershef and olivewood, blending effortlessly into the landscape. On-site pools are fed from natural springs, and furniture and crafts pay tribute to talented local artisanship. At night, rooms are softly lit by a magical combination of beeswax candles and starlight from the desert sky.
Walk through ancient history at the Temple of the Oracle
Photo: schusterbauer.com/Shutterstock
Also known as the Temple of Amun, this temple was famously visited by Alexander the Great. It was here that Alexander was told that he was a son of Zeus, which he used to strengthen his rule on the region.
Located on a hill, the Temple of the Oracle has stunning views over Siwa Oasis’s lush vegetation and salt flats, so it’s worth the climb to the very top.
Climb the Mountain of the Dead
Photo: Cortyn/Shutterstock
The Mountain of the Dead, or Gebel Al-Mawta, is one of the most important historical sites in Siwa Oasis. The mountain is home to tombs dating back to the 26th dynasty (664—525 B.C.). Carved from soft sandstone rock, the tombs cover the mountain base to peak, creating a striking cone-shaped burial ground that dramatically rises out of the surrounding verdant backdrop.
Walk into an Egyptian tombWhile visiting Gebel Al-Mawta, don’t miss the opportunity to go inside one of the tombs. There are four particularly famous rock-cut tombs on the Mountain of the Dead: Si Amun, Mesu Isi, Niperbathot, and the Crocodile tomb.
Inside the tombs, you will find painted chambers with alcoves where the mummies were laid to rest. The walls and ceilings are covered in shades of ocher, red, and cobalt blue and feature inscriptions about those buried inside. Si-Amun’s tomb is typically considered the most beautiful, dating back to the third century B.C.
Catch the sunset overlooking Siwa Lake (Birket Siwa)
Photo: PiCPiCK/Shutterstock
Desert sunsets are undisputedly some of the best in the world. There are numerous spots to watch the sunset in Siwa Oasis, but Fatnas and Taghaghien Islands are the best two spots.
Located about three miles from Siwa town, Fatnas Island is a beautiful peninsula covered in palm trees. Nicknamed “Fantasy Island” for its idyllic setting, the peninsula is surrounded by the salt lake of Birket Siwa. There are also several cold springs on the peninsula, making it the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon.
Opposite Fatnas on the other side of Birket Siwa, you’ll find Taghaghien Island. With beautiful views of the lake, jagged sandstone hills, and the famous Taziry rock, Taghaghien is home to a natural cold spring 13-foot deep. The island also features its own eco-lodge, offering ultimate tranquillity and a traditional Berber atmosphere. It’s also significantly more affordable than the above-mentioned Adrère Amellal and Taziry lodges, so if you’re looking for a modest, secluded place to truly get away from it all, Taghaghien might just be for you.
Spend the day lounging in a treehouse at Ali Khaled Camp
Photo: Mountain Camp Siwa/Facebook
Also known as Mountain Camp, Ali Khaled lies at the foot of Dakrur Mountain amid a thick carpet of palm groves. Here, visitors can relax in a garden complete with hammocks, day-beds, and a treehouse. There’s also a hot spring and freshwater plunge pool, so you can alternate between lounging in the shaded canopy and soaking in the refreshing waters. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can hike up the nearby Dakrur Mountain, known for its healing sand baths. The mountaintop is also an excellent spot to take in the sunset over Siwa town.
Float in the crystal clear waters of Siwa’s famous salt lakes
Photo: Humza Bin Yousuf/Shutterstock
Siwa Oasis’s claim to Instagram fame is its salt lakes. Hundreds of crystal-clear blue salt lakes dot the desert landscape. Created by the excavation of salt, Siwa’s prime export, the lakes have a higher salt concentration than the Dead Sea. Visitors are welcome to enter the quarry and float in the mineral-rich waters.
Wash it all off at Cleopatra’s Bath
Photo: Sun_Shine/Shutterstock
Perhaps the most famous spring in Siwa Oasis, Cleopatra’s Bath has crystal-clear natural water that gurgles up into a large stone pool. A popular bathing spot for locals, it’s surrounded by cafes selling fresh fruit juice and the locally famous “Siwan drink,” a beverage made of dates, honey, and milk. It’s also the perfect place to refresh after floating in the salt lakes, as the briny water tends to leave a thick trace of salt coating the skin.
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May 27, 2021
This amazing Paris museum is reopening after five years and $70 million of renovations
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, the Louvre likely tops your list of must-sees. But it’s not the only remarkable museum in the city. In fact, if what you’re looking for is a deep dive into the history of Paris, you’re better off heading to the Carnavalet Museum (Musée Carnavalet). After five years and $70 million worth of renovation, Musée Carnavalet, the oldest museum in Paris, is set to reopen on May 29, 2021, and you won’t want to bypass it — it’s a stunner.
Photo: Cyrille Weiner/Musee carnavalet
The museum, which opened in 1880 and was dedicated to keeping a record of Paris’ past, closed in 2016 to renovate its magnificent building — inside and out — and to provide museum-goers with a modernized experience.
Photo: Antoine Mercusot/Musee carnavalet
Today, 3,800 items from the immense collection (618,000 pieces) of Musée Carnavalet’s collection are displayed in chronological order, from the Mesolithic period (9600-6000 BCE) to the 21st century. Items from prehistoric times to the middle of the 16th century — such as neolithic canoes and first-century BCE gold coins — are kept in a new underground area while the more modern pieces are kept upstairs in equally fascinating rooms that have been beautifully restored.
Photo: Pierre Antoine/Musee carnavalet
Photo: Pierre Antoine/Musee carnavalet
One of the most eye-catching rooms in the entire museum is the Salle des Enseignes, which features old Parisian shop signs and which is meant to give you the feeling of passing by stores on a Parisian street.
Photo: Cyrille Weiner/Musee carnavalet
The museum has increased accessibility by adding more ramps and lifts. Over 10 percent of the museum’s exhibits are now lower to the ground at child’s height — including paintings, sculptures, posters, photos, and artifacts.
Photo: Pierre Antoine/Musee carnavalet
Photo: Pierre Antoine/Musee carnavalet
Entrance to the permanent collection of the Musée Carnavalet is free. Admission will be charged for temporary exhibitions. The museum opens on May 29, and booking a time-stamped ticket is mandatory.
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The best beaches on Oahu that are wonderful for families
Home to Honolulu and legendary surf beaches, Oahu is where most of Hawaii’s diverse population lives. There is no denying that Oahu has many epic beaches, but not all of the well-known options are actually suitable for families. Although loved by surfers, the gnarly waves featured at some of the beaches are a parent’s worst nightmare.
Don’t let this put you off, though. While the big wave beaches get a lot of media attention, Oahu has plenty of wonderful beaches where you and the kiddos can swim without stressing about massive swells and dangerous conditions. From the well-known through to little-known local favorites, here are some of the best Oahu beaches for families.
Windward Coast (East Oahu)Kualoa Regional Park
Photo: Christian Mueller/Shutterstock
Kualoa Beach really turns on the charm when the conditions are right. The park features a green lawn that grows right up to the sand and a free parking lot with walking access to the beach. Although the stretch of sand here is a little on the thin side, the scenery makes up for it. Casting your eyes oceanside, you will see a small island known as Chinaman’s Hat, which you can actually visit by kayak if you’re up for it. Views of the Ko’olau Mountain range from here remind you that Oahu’s interior is just as dramatic as the coastline.
Lanikai BeachPhoto: EGUCHI NAOHIRO/Shutterstock
Often touted as the most beautiful beach in Oahu, Lanikai beach feels very much like a local’s beach. There are no facilities, but visitors will enjoy around half a mile of clean white sand and turquoise water that will instantly level up their Instagram feed. The beach has no lifeguards, but luckily there are no waves at all — so while you should always watch your kids, you don’t need to panic.
Located in a residential area, Lanikai Beach is not set up for tourists and is reached by parking on the street and walking via one of the public beach access paths. This is the kind of beach where you pack your lunch and drinks in a cooler bag, grab some sand toys, and throw in a ball to flop here for at least half the day.
Kailua Beach
Photo: Eddy Galeotti/Shutterstock
Nearly as beautiful and not too far away from Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach has the same natural beauty. The benefit of choosing Kailua Beach though is that it has much better parking options and offers restroom facilities and showers. Kailua is excellent for just beaching around, and because it’s such a large stretch of sand, there is plenty of room to spread out. Its water is calm enough to just splash around in, but some spots have just enough waves to break out the boogie board.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Photo: Barnes Ian/Shutterstock
Here on Oahu’s eastern stretch, you will find the enormous 75-acre Waimanalo Bay Beach Park and Recreation Area, which features a lengthy and lovely stretch of sandy beach. There are few people here, making it one of the best Oahu beaches for families. But what really stands out is the stunning turquoise-hued water that we’ve come to know and love about Oahu’s beaches. When the conditions are ideal (they often are), it’s the perfect off-the-tourist-map place for families to swim and snorkel.
Bellow Fields Beach Park
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Bellow Fields Beach Park is a bit of a secret to visitors and is found just a little farther north from Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. It’s only open to the public on the weekends; during the week, it serves as a military base. Bellow Fields Beach has clear water similar to Waimanalo, and if you’re looking to strike up a conversation with a local family, this is the place to be. Restroom facilities are also available, and there is even a cafe located at the military base entrance where you can head for breakfast and lunch.
Leeward Coast (West Oahu)Ko’Olina Beach
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Families with younger kids will particularly love Ko’Olina, which aptly means “place of joy” in the Hawaiin language. Located around 20 miles west of Honolulu, it is here on Oahu’s leeward side that you will find four picture-perfect human-made lagoons with white sand beaches.
The four lagoons connect by pathways that are surrounded by manicured lawns and palm trees. Although Ko’Olina is privately owned with upscale brand-named resorts close by, the lagoons are still open to the public. Parking near the lagoons is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so families need to get in quickly. Of course, if you are staying at one of the resorts, parking isn’t an issue — as you can just use good old-fashioned foot power.
Historically, this area was considered a sacred place by Hawaiian chiefs and royal families, but these days, it’s also loved as one of the top Oahu beaches for families. The area allows little ones to splash safely in the lagoon, while older kids can rent a paddleboard or snorkel.
Paradise Cove and Lanikuhonua Lagoon
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Located just a little farther west from the Ko’Olina lagoons is Paradise Cove, known for the nightly Luau that takes place here. A raised coral reef naturally protects the cove from the ocean, leaving a calm pool of water and resulting in a pretty great place to swim for families.
Paradise Cove is one of those special places that sea turtles frequent, so make sure to bring your snorkel and keep your eyes peeled. Lanikuhonua Lagoon is connected to Paradise Cove via a shallow stretch of water. If you don’t wish to wade through the water to reach it, there is a rocky path down to it that begins at the Four Season Resort — but, with large lava rocks to hop over, it isn’t suitable for younger kids.
HonoluluAla Moana Beach Park
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Ala Moana Beach is one of the best-loved Oahu beaches for families. It’s located not far from the Hilton Lagoon in Honolulu but offers a more relaxed experience with shady places to sit. It’s squished between Ala Wai Harbour with its million-dollar yachts and Kewalo Basin Harbour, both of which are lovely to stroll around.
The water at Ala Moana Beach is protected by a reef, resulting in clear, calm water that’s just pure bliss for families, particularly those with younger kids. The views of Diamond Head in the background make for some great photos, and there are plenty of shopping options nearby if you forget to pack lunch.
Keep walking to the tip of the beach park, and you will find Magic Island Lagoon. This is a favorite swimming spot among locals and was created by an artificial peninsula with a large sea wall that extends outward.
Hanauma Bay
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There’s a reason Hanauma Bay is so popular, and it truly does live up to its reputation. Translating to “curved bay,” Hanauma Bay State Park is a nature preserve found along the southeast coast of Oahu in Honolulu. The bay was historically used as a recreational area by Hawaiian nobility, and it’s easy to see why.
Families will find excellent snorkeling and swimming at Hanauma Bay, with around 400 species of fish, including the pretty parrotfish and green sea turtles making their home on the reef. It might not be the best beach on Oahu, but it’s often touted as the best snorkeling spot for families. Even those not confident in the water can quickly duck their head under and instantly be wowed by the bright-colored fish going about their day.
A marine education center was opened back in 2002 and, if you’re a first-time visitor, you will be required to watch a nine-minute video before entering the park to learn about the preservation and safety rules. You can reserve your video viewing time up to 48-hours in advance on the Hanauma Bay site. Walking on or touching the coral is a big NO.
There is a standard entry fee of $12 for each guest; however, kids under 12 years of age are free, as are locals with a state ID and active local military. This fee includes a free tram ride up and down the steep path to the water. There’s an additional $3 parking fee, should you wish to drive yourself. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public every Monday and Tuesday to give the fish a day off to eat without interruption.
Waikiki Bay
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Waikiki Bay is home to many popular beaches, including Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, Fort DeRussy, and Kahanamoku Beach. Families with older kids will likely enjoy Waikiki Beach for its surfing opportunities, but families with younger kids will love setting up right next to the well-known Hilton lagoon.
The fact that Waikiki Bay is the tourist mecca and high-rise center of Honolulu surprisingly doesn’t detract from how wonderful it actually is. Sunsets are stunning most evenings along this stretch, and if that wasn’t enough, every Friday, the Hilton Resort lights up the sky with a free fireworks show.
North ShoreWaimea Bay
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Waimea Bay is known for big waves but visiting in summer is an entirely different experience. The water is mostly calm, and surfers can be counted on one hand, if at all. The current at Waimea Bay can still be strong, and the water is deep, even when it’s not big wave season — which makes it more suited to older kids. However, younger kids will still have a great time playing in the sand. There are lifeguards and facilities featured here.
October through to mid-March is a whole different beast. This is when the big waves happen due to major winter storms that form off the coast of Japan and Kamchatka. Even when it’s not suitable for swimming, it’s still fun to go and watch the pro surfers in action while the kids play in the sand. If you get to Waimea Bay and it’s a bit rough, head inland to Waimea Falls. It’s not technically a beach, but you can swim in a beautiful freshwater swimming hole here. A small fee is required to enter into Waimea Valley, which is owned and managed by Native Hawaiians, and then through the valley it’s a short 20-minute walk to the falls.
Sharks Cove
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The good news is that Sharks Cove at Pupukea Beach Park is not actually known for sharks. It’s called this because the rocks at the beach resemble the teeth of a shark. Sharks Cove has a decent rocky snorkeling spot that is perfect for families due to the calm waves. Keep in mind that you will need swim shoes here as the rocks get pretty slippery.
Up the other end of the park is a small beach and snorkeling spot called the Three Tables. Pupukea Beach Park is safer in the summer months as, once the big wave season starts, the ocean crashes over the rocks with force at high tide.
Turtle Beach
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Turtle Beach at Kuilima Cove on the North Shore is another great snorkeling area for families — except this one allows you to see the coral without the crowds. Aptly named Turtle Beach for its turtle spotting opportunities, the water here is not as clear as other beaches in Oahu. Kuilima Cove is the place to glimpse Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumu. Turtle Bay resort right next door is a great option for avoiding the crowded resort area in Honolulu.
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New York will give you a free State Park Pass if you get vaccinated this week
New York COVID-19 vaccination rates peaked in April, but since then, they’ve been on the decline. To make sure people keep getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo is pulling all the stops. He recently announced that anyone who gets vaccinated in New York state between May 24 and May 31, 2021, is eligible for a free two-day State Park Pass to any of the 181 state parks.
“Providing those who get vaccinated with a free park pass is an incredible summer-season incentive, and a great way to get more people outdoors to enjoy all that New York has to offer,” Cuomo said.
The offer is valid for any person who gets vaccinated with either a first dose, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. The free-two-day State Park pass will be valid through September 30, 2021, and can be picked up at any New York State Park.
The state is also setting up pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics at 15 state parks to make getting your shot even easier, so you can snatch up that free State Park Pass before it’s too late. Vaccinations will be available at the following:
Belmont Lake State Park: May 30thBuffalo Harbor State Park: May 29th – May 31stDenny Farrell Riverbank State Park: May 29th – May 31stFDR State Park: May 29th – May 31stGrafton Lakes State Park: May 29th – May 31stGreen Lakes State Park: May 29th – May 31stHarriman State Park at Lake Welch: May 29th – May 31stHeckscher State Park: June 5thHempstead Lake State Park: June 6thLetchworth State Park: May 29th – May 30stRobert Moses State Park: May 29th – May 30thRoberto Clemente State Park: May 29th – May 31stSunken Meadow State Park: May 29th, May 31stTaughannock Falls State Park: May 29th – May 31stWestcott Beach State Park: May 29th – May 30stNew York City residents can double dip, as the city is offering up its own promotions. It’s bringing pop-up vaccination centers to its own parks and beaches this Memorial Day weekend, according to NBC 4. Sites include:
Coney IslandBrighton BeachRockawaysOrchard BeachBrooklyn Bridge ParkCentral ParkFlushing Meadows Corona ParkProspect ParkGovernors IslandAnd to take it a step further, On May 25, 2021, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that anyone 16 or older who got their COVID-19 vaccination at The Pennsy Food Hall at Madison Square Garden on May 27, June 1, or June 3 would be entered to win tickets to a Knicks game.
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How to spend a weekend in Zurich without going broke
Going to Zurich on a budget is like going to Vegas sober. It’s an impossible-sounding proposition, and you might even wonder if it’s worth the trip at all. The most exciting city in Switzerland is also one of the world’s most expensive. The average cocktail costs $15. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of $27, and the average hotel will set you back $250 per night. Luckily, if you know where to look, it’s entirely possible to visit Zurich without exhausting your entire budget on a single night out.
Skip the hotel for an AirbnbHotels are often the most expensive part of any trip, and that’s doubly true in Zurich. With the average hotel costing $250 per night, you’d be looking at a $750 price tag for a long weekend. That might be doable if you’re working a Swiss job and making Zurich cost-of-living wages, but it’s pretty untenable for most travelers. Airbnbs, however, offer an affordable alternative. You can get a perfectly serviceable Airbnb in Zurich for as little as $50 per night, giving you more wiggle room to splurge elsewhere.
Another huge benefit of Airbnbs is their kitchens. Travelers staying in hotels often find themselves at the mercy of local restaurants. Unless you’re willing to stick to fast food the whole trip — which isn’t the worst thing in the world — you’ll find yourself paying exorbitant prices at most of Zurich’s restaurants, even those not considered upscale. Airbnbs allow you to cook your own meals for the cost of a quick grocery run. That doesn’t mean you can’t still treat yourself once or twice during your trip, but at least you won’t be beholden to menus you can barely afford for every single meal.
Take a look at a map before you rent an Airbnb. Towns on Lake Zurich may not be considered Zurich city, but are actually just a 15-minute train ride from town. You may even get a lake view at one of the Airbnb apartments on Seestrasse (Lake Street) in towns like Herrliberg or Meilen.
BYOB
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My first night in Switzerland, I went to a relatively casual bar and ordered a Jack and Coke. The first of many, I thought, until I got the $17-bill. Just like that, my epic night out turned into a chill two-drink evening. Even at restaurants and bars, you might consider being inexpensive, liquor will run up your tab. Going out to eat is one thing, but adding $35 to every bill just for the drinks quickly becomes unsustainable.
To solve this problem and save money in Zurich, simply buy your own liquor. Whether that means buying a six-pack to drink at Park Platzspitz or stocking up on booze to drink in your Airbnb before hitting the town, BYOB in Switzerland is a lifesaver for your wallet. When it comes to water, you’re better off skipping the pricey still and sparkling water at restaurants and simply asking for tap water — although some restaurants may even charge you a couple of Swiss francs ($2) for it. If you’re walking around, there are over 1,200 fountains around the city producing high-quality drinking water, which locals freely help themselves to. Bring a water bottle and enjoy.
Food
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By eating at your Airbnb, you will save money in Zurich, but you may miss some of the dishes that Switzerland is known for. Luckily, most of these involve cheese, and high-quality cheese, which costs less in Switzerland than in the US. At the grocery store, buy some Gruyère — that justifiably famous cheese from the region of the same name — in the regular, packaged cheese section. Or, if your Airbnb has a home raclette maker (which is likely), pick up pre-sliced Emmental squares, a bottle of paprika raclette spice, and some small potatoes. Your cheap Swiss dinner will be easy to prepare — and, as you melt the cheese tableside, fun to eat.
From May through September, different towns around Zurich hold month-long carnivals or weekend street fairs. During those months, and again over the holidays, you’ll find kiosks that specialize in specific foods, like raclette and rösti potatoes or grilled sausages or even desserts like apfelrösti, made with cooked apples. They aren’t cheap, but they are a less expensive way to try traditional Swiss fare.
Lastly, no one should leave Switzerland without having some chocolate. And while local chocolatiers like Läderach and Sprungli make mouth-watering confections, their prices are eye-watering. No worries. Since chocolate standards are so high in Switzerland, you can buy top-quality supermarket branded bars at grocers like Coop.
Nature is free
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Above all else, nature in Zurich is free to enjoy. You can walk along Lake Zurich from downtown to the Zurichhorn green space. The mountain and lake views are so stunning you won’t believe you don’t have to pay for them. And, if you do want to get up into the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, it’s a quick train ride to get there. (See the Travel Pass info below for the cheapest way to use Swiss public transport).
The Planet Trail is one of the city’s most popular, learning from Uetliberg Mountain to Felsenegg Mountain. Take the short Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg train to the trailhead. From there, the 3.7-mile hike, with views of Lake Zurich and the distant mountains, is meant to mirror the distances in the solar system. Each meter of the path represents one million kilometers, with markers for each planet. The hike takes you from the sun all the way to Pluto.
If you’d rather forego the planetary allusions, the Rigi Panoramic Trail is one of the most picturesque around Zurich. It’s a 40-minute train ride from Zurich’s main station to the Arth-Goldau train station. From there, a 4.3-mile trail winds along a mountain slope and through forests, offering stunning lake and alpine vistas the whole way.
For the best views of Lake Zurich, take the popular, seven-mile Trail Pfannenstiel. You’ll pass some of the many cascading falls that you find throughout the hills here, and you can climb the wooden, 115-foot lookout tower for sweeping Lake Zurich views. From the Zurich HB train station, ride for 24 minutes to the Forch train station and hike from there.
Free attractions in Zurich itself
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Much like trails, trees, and lakes, Zurich’s historic architecture is also free to appreciate. The city’s Old Town can be explored at no cost and at your own pace. From the famous cobblestoned Niederdorf pedestrian area — home to shops, restaurants, and nightlife — to Augustinergasse street lined with old, colorful houses, and the churches of St. Peter and Fraumünster, you won’t have to spend a cent to enjoy the beauty of Old Town. The Grossmünster (Great Minster) Church is probably the city’s most famous church, often cited as the origin of Zurich’s Protestant Reformation. For just, $4 you can climb the stairs to the top for panoramic views of the city.
The Old Botanical Garden is a great way to experience nature without even leaving the city. Free to visitors, the garden is one of the last remaining Baroque fortifications in Zurich, dating back to 1837. Within the gardens, you’ll find the Gessner Garden, a medieval herb garden located on a hill, which has around 50 plants used by 16th-century healers for medicinal purposes.
Museums are another great way to save money in Zurich. Although some have entry fees, many are completely free to the public. The Paleontological Museum has fossils dating back 240 million years on display, the Museum of Art contains masterpieces by renowned artists, and the Zoological Museum is home to over 1,500 animals.
Get out on the water — or next to it
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Zurich views are dominated by the lake and, behind it, the Alps — which are best viewed from the water itself. Skip any tourist tour of the lake and take a boat ferry instead. Buy a Swiss Travel Pass (details below), and the price will include the boats that ply the lake up and down and are used as public transportation in Zurich. If you’re in a rental car, then take the Meilen-Horgen ferry across Lake Zurich. It departs very frequently, so there’s no reason to look at the schedule. It costs about $8 for a car and is a shockingly smooth ride. You can also walk on ($1.50), or take a bike ($3). If you prefer to ride a bike along the water, and to other locations in the city, you can rent unique, cool-looking cycles from Bike Rental Zurich for about $30/day and $20 for every following day.
Travel passes
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Travel passes are another way to keep things cheap in Zurich, especially if you’re visiting for a more extended period. The Swiss Travel Pass is the most comprehensive, giving visitors access not just to Zurich, but much of the country. It includes unlimited train, bus, and boat travel, entry to over 500 museums, and discounts on a range of other excursions. It’s best for those planning to stay in the country awhile, and take advantage of a wide variety of activities. There’s also a Half Fare Card that focuses solely on discounted transportation deals.
The Swiss Coupon Book is another option. The book offers discounts and two-for-one deals to parks, museums, guided tours, restaurants, UNESCO sites, rental cars, and other experiences. Make sure to browse the book first, so you know if the deals are right for you before purchasing.
Student Passes aren’t exactly travel passes in the traditional sense, but can come in handy if you’re a student looking for discounted rates. Whether you’re at a museum, park, ski mountain, or other attraction, save money in Zurich by always showing your student card and asking about a student rate. You might be surprised by the savings.
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