Matador Network's Blog, page 659
May 4, 2021
Get paid $10,000 to travel cross country with Days Inn for two weeks
As summer approaches, many young people are thirsting for travel and looking for a job, and Days Inn by Wyndham has the perfect gig to satisfy them. The hotel chain wants to task one travel enthusiast with social media and photography skills to be its “Suntern” for two weeks this summer.
The “Sunternship” participant will pack their bags and head out on a cross-country road trip. Their storytelling and photography skills will be put to the test, taking photos and videos for Days Inn to use on its website and social media platforms. The destinations are flexible and customizable, so you can design the perfect road trip, just as long as you stop at Days Inns along the way.
“For over 50 years, we’ve made it our mission to help guests make the most out of their travels, and after more than a year of being confined to the four corners of our homes, that mission feels even more important than ever,” said John Henderson, brand leader and president of operations at Days Inn. “Whether it’s skydiving in Seattle, hiking through Yellowstone, or parasailing in Daytona Beach, we want our Suntern to have a summer they’ll remember forever.”
The “Suntern” will receive a $10,000 after completing the trip, a $250 daily stipend to spend on fun in the sun, and for the next five years, they’ll enjoy the perks of being a Wyndham Rewards Diamond level member. Not to mention hotel accommodations and ground transportation are completely covered.
Applications are due June 1, and the sun-soaked adventure will begin this August. Applicants must submit a photo and a 300-word essay explaining their dream American road trip itinerary. You must be at least 21 and a US resident to apply. 
The post Get paid $10,000 to travel cross country with Days Inn for two weeks appeared first on Matador Network.
Mexican president apologizes for historic abuses committed against Mayan people
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador gave a speech at an event in Quintana Roo marking the 500th anniversary of Spanish conquest and 200 years of Mexican independence from Spain. In the speech, he apologized to the indigenous Mayan people for the historic abuse they have undergone during the centuries since the Spanish conquest.
“We offer the most sincere apologies to the Mayan people for the terrible abuses committed by individuals and national and foreign authorities in the conquest, during three centuries of colonial domination and two centuries of an independent Mexico,” López Obrador said, as reported BBC News.
López Obrador focused specifically on the period between 1847 and 1901, when the so-called Caste War revolt took place, claiming the lives of over 250,000 Mayans.
According to Al Jazeera, Olga Sánchez Cordero, Mexico’s secretary of the interior added, “We apologise to the Maya people of Mexico…for the wrongs committed against them throughout history and for the discrimination that they are still victims of today. Today, we ask forgiveness in the name of the Mexican government for the injustices committed against you throughout our history and for the discrimination which even now you are victims of.”
Guatemalan leader Alejandro Giammattei was also present at the ceremony. Guatemala is a country home to indigenous tribes that have similarly suffered throughout history.
“We have managed as a region to overcome aspects such as slavery, internal wars, and open confrontations between peoples,” Giammattei said. “However, by revisiting our history, we can analyse the present and realise that we are still facing the loss of human lives but now at the hands of organised crime, because of malnutrition, and the tireless search for the dream and opportunities that so many people pursue.”
The apology is a recognition of the suffering and slaughter of the Mayan people and will be an important milestone to Mayan leaders and those who are working on reconciliation efforts within communities.
The post Mexican president apologizes for historic abuses committed against Mayan people appeared first on Matador Network.
Germany officially cancels Oktoberfest 2021 due to COVID-19
Oktoberfest is still several months away, but as fears of contagion in large gatherings continue, Germany’s famous beer festival has officially been canceled for a second year in a row.
On Monday, Bavarian officials announced that the event will not be taking place over concerns of COVID-19 spread. The region’s governor, Markus Söder, said that the decision has been made “with heavy hearts,” the Associated Press reported. He also promised that the festival “will be held again” as soon as the pandemic has been managed, offering a glimmer of hope for 2022.
Munich’s Oktoberfest, which typically attracts over six million people over two weeks, was scheduled to take place between September 19 and October 4. Maintaining the event, which takes place in large, crowded tents throughout the city, was deemed too unsafe, as social distancing would be impossible.
Last year, Söder said, “This is not a normal year and it is unfortunately a year without the Oktoberfest. It hurts. it is a huge shame.” The festival, which has been running since 1810, has been canceled three times before, due to two cholera epidemics and World War II. This year, there are additional concerns over the spread of new COVID-19 strains.
“For me, personally, it was no easy decision because it is a huge date in the calendar for the mayor. Much more importantly, it’s a huge shame for the millions of fans worldwide,” Mayor Dieter Reiter told AP.
Last month, Germany passed legislation in order to get a better grip on the rising COVID-19 infection numbers. The new rules entail restricting store access in areas that have more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people for three days in a row and a 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM curfew.
A version of this article was previously published on April 21, 2020, and was updated on May 4, 2021, with more information.
More like thisFestivalsThe only guide to Oktoberfest in Munich you’ll ever needThe post Germany officially cancels Oktoberfest 2021 due to COVID-19 appeared first on Matador Network.
Best of the Idaho outdoors
Any “best of” compilation of the Idaho outdoors reads like an Olympic roster or the guest list at the Oscars. The landscapes here play on another level, as if the state’s borders were designed to contain the country’s wildest parts, its most striking features. From lava fields, soaring Rocky Mountain peaks, and roadless forests to sparkling alpine lakes, granite spires, and thousands of miles of whitewater, Idaho’s outdoors have little competition.
Which is to say, any outdoor adventure in the Gem State is a good one — one that might leave your jaw on the floor. But the adventures below? They’ll spoil you to your core.
Best of: Mountain biking
Photo: Visit Idaho
Right up there with Moab and Fruita — but without the crowds — Sun Valley’s mountain biking scene is legendary, with the kind of singletrack that makes even pros work their muscles raw. Smooth, buttery trails all about the scenery wind gently along the lakes and valleys, too. We’re talking hundreds and hundreds of miles to choose from, tireless expert to intrepid beginner.
To help you narrow it down, novices should start out on the scenic 6.8-mile Corral Creek Trail; intermediate bikers will likely enjoy the moderate ascents of the Fox Creek Loop; and the pros tend to book it for the 8-mile Warm Springs Trail, a downhill ribbon dropping some 3,200 feet of vertical on Bald Mountain near Sun Valley Resort.
Runner-up: Tons of mountain biking trails weave around the Boise area, within striking distance of the airport and all those city amenities (like frosty, post-descent pints). Check out Table Rock Trail, in the Boise foothills, for a standout rollercoaster ride.
Best of: Hiking trips
Photo: Blaze Nowara
When someone asks you, “Who’s your favorite child?” you know better than to respond. Well, same goes when someone asks you, “What’s the best hiking trail in Idaho?” Everyone is going to have their suggestions, and while a handful may rise to the occasion more than others, simply put: Any Idaho hike is worth the steps.
But say you’re looking for a world-class overnight hiking trip. In that case, lots of folks will point you to the Alice Lake, Twin Lake, Edith Lake Loop — aka the Alice Lake Hike — a difficult 21.3-mile loop route near Stanley, high in the Sawtooth Mountains. The crystalline blue pools sitting against the towering peaks…this is Mother Nature at her finest.
Best of: Waterfall views
Photo: Brian Lewis
When it comes to waterfalls, Shoshone Falls always takes the cake — it’s easily one of the most stunning cascades in the country, clocking in at 212 feet high and 1,000 feet wide. It’s also just outside Twin Falls, making it an obvious stop if you’re driving I-84. SUPing to it is magical, but viewing it from the overlooks or the surrounding hiking trails makes any afternoon a good one. Visit in spring when the waterfall is flowing in full force.
Runner-up: If you want something quite a bit further off the beaten path, check out Copper Falls, near the Canadian border. Suitable for most ages, it’s just a half-mile hike through the forest to a dramatic view of the 225-foot cascade. And this is just one of northern Idaho’s waterfalls worth a visit.
Best of: For the family
Photo: Visit Idaho
Right in Coeur d’Alene — and on the lake of the same name — Tubbs Hill Nature Trail loops for two easy miles along the edge of a peninsula, jutting out from the evergreens above the water. You can pick it up right from downtown for a run, hike, or leisurely stroll. Sanders Beach and Tubbs Hill Beach are two obvious spots for views, but the whole thing demands your eyes at the ready.
Runner-up: When it comes to educational road trips — for the adults and the kids — it’s hard to beat Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. True to its name, the landscapes here will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon.
Best of: Climbing routes
Photo: Visit Idaho
Idaho is full of places that prove “national park” is just one worthy designation of many, and City of Rocks National Reserve is a perfect case in point. Just north of the Utah border, spires and towers of granite pop out of the sagebrush like skyscrapers in all sorts of different colors, textures, and sizes. It’s a sight to behold.
And to climb — 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes line the granite faces, making this one of the best climbing destinations in the country. There are also hiking trails, campgrounds, and numerous spots to rock-hound and history-hound out here in the Old West.
Best of: River adventures
Photo: Brian Lewis
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is king, there’s no doubt about that. But we’ve covered that one before, and Idaho is famous for its rivers, so what else is out there? Lots. Lots and lots.
For a one- to three-day rafting trip, check out the Lochsa River in northern Idaho — Lochsa means “rough water” in Nez Perce, which tells you almost all you need to know. Emerging from the Bitterroot Mountains, it parallels Highway 12 through the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, some 40 Class IV rapids tumbling their way toward the Selway and Clearwater rivers.
For a solid day trip out of Boise, the Payette River is awesome, too. It begins on the west side of the Sawtooth Wilderness — so you can expect those incredible alpine vistas — and rolls for about 90 miles, building long rapids (up to Class IV) and fun play spots. There are practically as many outfitters as put-ins, and you can go for as little or as long as you please. It’s nature at its boldest and simultaneously most serene, a combination you’ll experience a lot when you’re out here in the Idaho wild.
The post Best of the Idaho outdoors appeared first on Matador Network.
May 3, 2021
The best Airbnbs in Manchester, from a luxury yacht to a renovated bank vault
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, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Manchester, the birthplace of British manufacturing, has risen from its post-industrial decline to emerge as a world leader in culture, music, and sport. To soak up the best that this city steeped in history has to offer, avoid the soulless hotels and book a stay at one of Manchester’s best and most characterful Airbnbs. Tucked away among the towering mills and Victorian townhouses are stylishly furnished lettings by their proud Mancunian owners with details that pay homage to the city’s industrial heritage and deliver on the full Manchester experience.
American style onvertered warehouse
Photo: Airbnb
Groups hoping to revel in Manchester’s legendary nightlife need to look no further than this ten-bed converted warehouse. Up to sixteen people can sleep comfortably in this spacious flat, which is only a short walk from the Northern Quarter and a ten-minute taxi ride to the popular clubbing hot spot of Deansgate. The party needn’t stop when the lights go on in the clubs; pile back into a taxi and take things back to your place, where the outdoor terrace sports a bar, a DJ booth, and, yes, a hot tub.
Sixteen guests, three bedrooms (ten beds)
Price: $834 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This contemporary one-bedroom flat is situated in a waterside haven that strafes two of Manchester’s trendiest modern neighborhoods, Ancoats and New Islington. The apartment has a cool, airy feel courtesy of a stylish white interior and large windows that bathe the kitchen and living area in sunlight during the day; ideal for the solo remote worker admiring the canal-side views from the comfort of their home office. Wind down in the evenings by exploring the host of independent shops, cafes and pubs that line the city’s waterways, or take in a show at the award-winning Hope Mill Theatre, right on this apartment’s doorstep.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $139 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For couples wishing to escape the grip of the city, the leafy suburb of Didsbury is home to an abundance of well-received Airbnb options. However, for those who really want to lock themselves away from the hustle and bustle, consider hunkering down in the vault room of an old bank in the heart of West Didsbury. In an exquisite Grade II listed building, this basement apartment has been meticulously refurbished in an arts and crafts style. It has at its centerpiece an impressive mural by the Brazilian street artist Mateus Baion. At $174 a night, the best part is you don’t have to break the bank to afford a stay here.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $174 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Manchester’s skyline is ever-evolving, and this studio flat on the twenty-first floor of one of the city’s many new builds boasts stunning views of the Salford Quays area. Once a run-down industrial dockland, Salford Quays has benefited from a $1.4 billion urban regeneration project which has transformed the area into one of the most vibrant places to work and play in Manchester, with Media City, the new home of the BBC, offering a wealth of restaurants and bars. The flat’s owner has painstakingly redesigned the space to closely resemble a luxury hotel room. However, at just $67 a night, you’d be paying a fraction of the price to stay here than you would at one of Manchester’s five-star establishments. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site gym and supermarket, as well as the excellent transport links — the tram to the city center stops right outside the building’s entrance.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $67 per night
You can’t get more central to Manchester at a better price than with this fashionable studio apartment. For couples on a weekend retreat, this cozy retreat offers the perfect jumping-off point to explore Manchester by foot, with plenty to do in every direction: within a few blocks, you’ll find Chinatown and the Manchester Art Gallery to the north, the Grand Palace Theatre to the west, and the beating heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene on Canal Street to the east. After a long day’s exploring, you’ll welcome the walk-in shower like an old friend before retiring to your king-size bed — or get suited and booted and dance the night away back in the Gay Village.
Luxury Deansgate two bed loft apartment with free parking
Photo: Airbnb
This two-bedroom loft apartment in Deansgate in the city center is quite close to the action. Inside, the industrial furnishings are a nice touch, as is the free parking. History buffs will enjoy the nearby John Rylands library, as well as the reconstructed remnants of an old Roman fort near Deansgate station and the People’s History Museum — or national museum of democracy — which explores the history of ideas worth fighting for. This was, after all, the city that birthed the women’s suffrage movement. Those of more party-going persuasions might prefer to get dressed to the nines and go celeb-spotting at one of Manchester’s high-end nightclubs. The Bijou Club just about trumps Club Liv thanks to its riverside terrace.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Photo: Airbnb
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a New York penthouse upon arriving at this gorgeous apartment in Manchester’s most bohemian neighborhood, the Northern Quarter. Light pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hardwood floor and furnishings complement the walls’ crisp white tones to give the apartment that chic, minimalist feel of a New York-style loft. The comparisons with the Big Apple don’t end with this apartment’s interior design. Step outside and the red-brick facades of former industrial buildings so closely resemble parts of downtown NYC that filmmakers have turned to the Northern Quarter to double as New York for films such as the Jude Law remake of Alfie and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $132 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Also tucked away in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is this hotly-reviewed apartment in a converted mill. The host, Manchester-born Amy, is lauded by her guests for her attention to detail, tremendous local knowledge, and her creative energy that manifests itself in little decorative flourishes such as an antique gramophone and a pop-art portrait of Margaret Thatcher. In the heart of a city once laid low by Thatcher’s policies of deindustrialization, the latter piece of artwork somehow finds a way to work, and it serves to give the apartment a quirky personality befitting of the bohemian neighborhood it’s situated in. With its street art exhibitions, Scandinavian-chic coffee shops, craft-beer pubs, and vintage clothes stores, the NQ certainly attracts a certain clientele. But don’t let its reputation as a hipster hangout put you off; there’s something for everyone in this fashionable corner of the city.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $257 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The Covid-conscious solo traveler will appreciate the lengths that the owners of this private room in a gorgeous converted Victorian townhouse go to to ensure you have a comfortable (and safe) stay. Warm and welcoming, partners Robbie and Scott are a mine of local knowledge, and at just $41 a night, this homey letting in multicultural Whalley Range — a mere fifteen-minute bus ride from the city center — offers excellent value for money for anybody settling down for an extended stay in Manchester. Just beware of the dog: the resident Japanese Akita, Nikko, carries a real risk of melting your heart.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $41 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Not all of the action in Manchester plays out in the city center, and this self-contained basement flat in Urmston is an excellent base from which to explore the Trafford area. A short bus ride away is England’s third-largest mall, the Trafford Centre. Its Romanesque architecture and marble statues deserving of its status as a gaudy temple of consumerism. There’s plenty for kids to enjoy here, including a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, an aquarium, and a riotous dinosaur-themed mini-golf course. Even better, within walking distance from the flat is Old Trafford, the home of the Manchester United football club. But if you haven’t managed to bag yourself tickets to a match, no worries. The Smart TV comes loaded with all the sports packages you’ll need to enjoy the game from the comfort of your living room.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $91 per night
If you and your friends would prefer to push the boat out, why not hire out a luxury yacht moored in Clipper’s Quay, Salford? Beautifully fitted out with luxury trimmings that belie the owner’s background in interior design, this alternative Airbnb experience is perfect for groups of up to eight looking to share in Manchester’s classier side. Media City is within walking distance, as is the excellent Lowry Theatre. Follow dinner with a show, then drink in the views at one of the many swanky quay-side bars before retiring to your luxury cabin for a nightcap of prosecco (compliments of the owner). But remember that this is a sophisticated venue, not a party boat, so try not to go overboard.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $681 per night
The post The best Airbnbs in Manchester, from a luxury yacht to a renovated bank vault appeared first on Matador Network.
Earn $20k and a year’s supply of beer as the first ‘Champagne of Beers Region’ ambassador
When Miller High Life adopted the cheeky moniker “The Champagne of Beers” for its decidedly lowbrow but almost universally beloved beer (after all, it’s the beer of choice at dive bars all over the country), everyone laughed along at the joke. But here is a much more serious proposition for the beer giant: According to a press release and light-hearted ad, Miller High Life hopes to change the official name of its brewery grounds to “The Champagne of Beers Region.”
The new name plays on the fact that true Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France. The brand is encouraging its legions of fans to sign a petition demanding that the brewery location gets similar treatment, and at the same time, it’s on the hunt for its next ambassador.
This ideal candidate should, of course, be a committed and unwavering beer lover. There are serious perks to the job, too: According to Miller High Life, the chosen ambassador will get $20,000, a year’s supply of beer, and a free trip to Milwaukee, where he or she will tour the newly ordained Champagne of Beers Region.
Photo: Miller High Life
Interested parties can apply between May 6 to May 21, and they should sharpen their writing skills: Applicants must write a short creative essay outlining why they’re the best person for the job. No judgment if you drink a bit while writing to get yourself in the right headspace.
It seems that regular people are being recruited to broadcast their love of American spirits, wine, and beer all over the country. Recently, Murphy-Goode, a California-based wine company, offered a wannabe wine expert-in-training $10,000 a month (and rent-free accommodations) to learn about the Sonoma wine business. Similarly, the Santa Maria Valley launched a program back in February that actually paid tourists to visit the region and enjoy its wineries.
Drinking American-made alcohol has never been so alluring — or lucrative, it seems.
The post Earn $20k and a year’s supply of beer as the first ‘Champagne of Beers Region’ ambassador appeared first on Matador Network.
This record-breaking pool in Dubai is almost 1,000 feet off the ground
It’s officially summer in Dubai, and the luxurious Address Beach Resort at Jumeirah Gate is the best place in the United Arab Emirates to help you stay cool.
The amenities at the Address Beach Resort at Jumeirah Gate, which opened in December 2020, have reached new heights. The resort’s pool is now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest outdoor infinity pool. Located on the resort’s 77th-floor rooftop, the massive pool (almost twice as long as an Olympic pool, according to CNN) is over 964 feet up in the air.
Photo: Address Hotels by Emaar/Twitter
Views from the edge of the pool include Bluewater’s Island, Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands, Dubai’s Marina Coastline, the Burj Al Arab, and more.
Photo: Address Hotels by Emaar/Twitter
But this stunning infinity pool is not the only record the Address Beach Resort at Jumeirah Gate has broken. The resort has a skybridge connecting the top 63rd level to the 77th, and it broke the record for the highest occupiable skybridge floor at 965.7 feet high.
The post This record-breaking pool in Dubai is almost 1,000 feet off the ground appeared first on Matador Network.
Puerto Rico adventure park breaks world record for longest bicycle zip wire
Move over, zip lines, bicycle zip wires are the new mid-air attractions. ToroVerde Adventure Park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, set out to create a bicycle zip wire, and it’s now the longest cable bike circuit in the world.
Photo: gwr_es/Twitter
The ride, named “Torobike,” allows four participants to ride at the same time and consists of four tree-shaped platforms. Riders can take in breathtaking views of Puerto Rico’s north coast while riding above the mountainous terrain. There are four stations of different lengths; the longest one is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records at 1,057 feet and 3 inches.
Photo: gwr_es/Twitter
The world record was rewarded on April 28, before the ride officially opened on May 4.
Travel Pulse explained that an expansion of the bicycle zip wire is already in the plans for 2022. The second phase of the circuit will include an outdoor dining room serving freshly-baked bread and locally grown coffee.
The post Puerto Rico adventure park breaks world record for longest bicycle zip wire appeared first on Matador Network.
What it really costs to convert to the vanlife, according to someone who did it
The truth is, I never intended to live in a van. I was far more interested in exploring the far-flung corners of the globe than becoming a vagabond in my own backyard. But when the world of travel came to a screeching halt in the spring of 2020, I found myself in India and forced to return home with no job, no apartment, and no immediate means to remedy that situation.
Time, however, was a resource I had in abundance. Time to scroll past countless Instagram depictions of young couples van-camping against breathtaking backdrops. Time to browse Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for cheap vans. And time to convert my newly acquired hunk of junk into a log cabin-esque masterpiece.
Although every single day on the road toggles between exhilarating freedom and frustration, choosing to trade in my backpack for my 1994 Dodge Ram Van has overall been a blessing. It has allowed me to explore the most remote corners of the US and try on a more minimalist nomadic lifestyle, which I’ve documented on my blog Beyond the Bucketlist and my Instagram.
Before I divulge my tips for hopeful van-lifers, let me just get one thing straight: Those Instagram accounts that depict living in a van as a luxurious lifestyle where you camp with spectacular views of snow-capped mountain tops and lush green valleys aren’t telling the whole truth. Unless you’re wealthy or able to make a sizable income on the road, your vanlife experience is going to be wildly unglamorous. Sleeping in Wal-Mart parking lots when you just couldn’t be bothered to uncover a scenic vista, for example, or getting the dreaded midnight knock that means it’s time to pick up and leave. Then there are times when you find yourself sneaking into grocery stores for a bathroom that’s not a hole you dug yourself. It’s not all sunshine and roses.
Fortunately, I grew up loving the great outdoors. Family vacations were spent in the wilderness far from the nearest campgrounds, and my early 20s were spent living out of a backpack in South and Asia. Like many nomads, I craved adventure and happily found that the benefits of living in a van far outweighed the drawbacks. Since then I’ve explored 25 national parks across 39 states and more than 20,000 miles in my trusty old van.
If you’re hoping to experience the United States on a budget, or trying out an alternate lifestyle for a few years, here are some tips to help get you on the road faster — and how much it’ll cost to do so.
How to pick the perfect van[image error]Photo: Geena Truman
I’ve met many vanlifers with all different rigs. Some set out to explore the US with a bare-bones van that has a mattress on the floor and cooking equipment. Others in the tiny home movement spend thousands crafting the perfect van that they can build a life in. Whatever your budget or intentions, if vanlife interests you, use these helpful tips to get you started.
It’s crucial you find a reliable vehicle that can withstand some serious mileage if you plan on investing your time and money to convert it. Depending on your budget that could be a $20,000 Sprinter with ample headroom or a $4,000 musty high-top conversion van like mine. To decide what van is right for you, evaluate your deal breakers.
Do you need to be able to fully stand up? Do you plan on spending time on pot-holed backroads where 4WD and high clearance are required? Do you have the time or the tools to do the conversion yourself, or should you look for a pre-owned campervan? These are the basic questions you should address before you start searching for your dream van.
No matter what vehicle you feel best suits you, be sure to keep to these three rules in mind:
Always have an independent mechanic evaluate the van before you purchase from a private seller. Avoid purchasing a vehicle with excessive rust because there is no fixing it. Be financially prepared to make repairs. If you’re considering the vanlife, be sure to keep an emergency fund of cash for unexpected breakdowns (because they will happen), and some money as a contingency plan in case you hate living in a van full-time. The true costs of converting to the vanlife
Photo: Geena Truman
In total, I spent about $3,000 on the entire conversion process. I gutted the musty carpet and stripped the walls down to the metal, and then rebuilt from scratch. You could spend a ton more if you wanted to invest in a composting toilet, outdoor awnings, or any number of luxuries that make life on the road a little easier. Or you could opt for a life of extreme minimalism and spend a lot less. But this is the list of items that I deemed as must-haves for comfortable van-dwelling.
Overhead vent fan. A tricky installation, but essential if you want to prevent mold and cook inside your vehicle. Cost: $175
Sixty AMP Auxiliary Batteries. Two of these power my electrical system. I chose this option because it was far cheaper than solar power and charged while I drove. You should calculate your own energy needs before you decide on the size of battery. Cost: $120
Six-inch memory foam mattress. My bed is phenomenally comfortable. It sits atop my hand-crafted, U-shaped storage benches and table, and the area can easily convert into a daytime space. Cost: $100
Camping Shower Bag (Solar Heated). Cost: $15
Marine foot-pump water system. This allows me to wash dishes in my sink with ease. Cost: $75
Coleman Propane Two-Burner Grill. I designed a compartment in my kitchen cabinets so that the grill can be stored when not in use. Cost: $40
Reflectix Window Covers. Along with added privacy, these keep the van cool during the sweltering summer days and help, along with the insulation I installed during the build, to keep the van warm on frigid nights. Cost: $15
Ample Storage Space. Whether that’s in the form of roof racks, cabinets, overhead compartments, or shelves, you’ll need to store all your clothing, food, and everything else somewhere. Cost: Depends on your needs and what’s already built in
How to score those epic camping spots (and find free places to stay)[image error]Photo: RoMiEg/Shutterstock
Once you’re road-ready, your biggest question will be how to find those elusive scenic van camping spots. Many you’ll stumble upon, and although they won’t often be “legal” in the strictest terms, stealth camping offers some of the most unique and spectacular views. You can also utilize helpful apps like the Dyrt or iOverlander to locate free and paid sites with amenities like showers or water refills.
If you’re choosing your spot yourself, there are a few important things to consider before you park:
1. Is it safe?If you park in a city, try to find a semi-well-lit area. Along a highway pullout, be sure that you’re parked far enough from the roadway to evade erratic nighttime drivers and always sleep with your head farthest from the road.
2. Are you allowed to park here or are you going to get the midnight knock?There’s nothing worse than settling in for bed and waking an hour later, groggy and confused, to an officer knocking at your window. If you don’t master the art of stealth camping, this will happen to you often.
3. Is it scenic?My favorite vanlife memories have not been made in parking lots. It’s been sipping my warm mug of coffee looking out on the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Or nestled up to the ocean, parked just out of reach of high tide, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Or finding a slice of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management near the North Cascades that has stunning views of Mount Baker in the distance. Remote, scenic, and free — these campsites all left me feeling immersed in nature.
The post What it really costs to convert to the vanlife, according to someone who did it appeared first on Matador Network.
Stay at this luxurious Koh Phangan beach resort for nearly 50% off right now
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.
From Koh Phangan to Disneyland, Travelzoo is loaded with incredible travel deals right now. In our round-up of the site’s best offers, you can spend a week on a paradisiacal Thai island for a bargain rate, sip Cape Codders (extra vodka) on Cape Cod, or escape to Southern California on the cheap. Booking with Travelzoo is perfect for 2021 because you can select where you want to go now without having to select a date — and the deals are refundable if anything changes. Get on these deals now, because they won’t last long — once each is sold out, it’s gone forever. These are the best Travelzoo deals this week.
Escape for two people to a Koh Phangan five-star resort for just $665[image error]Photo: Panviman Resort Koh Phangan/Facebook
When to travel: Through December 28, 2022
Fully refundable: Yes
Koh Phangan is among Southeast Asia’s most popular island destinations, and not only because it’s the home of the legendary full moon parties. This Travelzoo deal is the perfect chance to experience the more refined side of the island, from a deluxe room at the Panviman Resort. This deal is for seven nights, meaning for less than $50 per person, per night, you can experience the best of the Thai luxury beach life with daily breakfast included.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the resort crafted into the cliffs lining a crescent bay and private beach. Rooms feature balconies and soaking tubs to relax after a day spent lounging by the water or exploring the island. If you do choose to attend the monthly Full Moon Party, the resort provides a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
This deal also waives the resort’s speedboat transfer fee from Samui International Airport to the resort, saving you $191. Plus enjoy 30 percent off spa treatments, late checkout, and free WiFi to boot.
Why this deal is unique:
No hassle, no planning — the resort transfers you to and from the airportTwo restaurants and a bar on siteTons of hiking trails and cultural highlights to check outHit the water in free kayak rentals from the resortSave $100 on a high-end Cape Cod getaway
Photo: Treehouse Lodge
When to travel: Through October 30, 2021
Fully refundable: Yes
Stick closer to home with this incredible deal on Cape Cod this summer and fall. Check into a Canopy room at The Treehouse Lodge and receive complimentary parking for just $99 (weeknights) and $119 (weekends) this spring and fall, and $199 on weeknights this summer. The hotel is just 90 minutes from Boston and Providence, and once you’re here, you’re set — the best lobster tacos of your life are a jaunt away at Quicks Corner, the water is right there, and you can spend evenings lounging by the fire pit with a drink in hand. If a bit of nightlife or dining is in order, downtown Woods Hole is within walking distance. This Travelzoo deal is a tribute to your good taste in coastal relaxation — and in tacos.
Stay steps away from Disneyland for $99-$145 through September
Photo: The Anaheim Hotel/Facebook
When to travel: Through September, 2021
Fully refundable: Yes
Stay near Disneyland and experience the magic of Southern California at the Anaheim Hotel for $145 or less through September. Head out this spring for the best deal, from $99 to $115 per night for an Executive two-king room or Park View two-queen room, or visit this summer from $125 to $145 per night with the same room options. The hotel is dog-friendly, has plenty for the kids to do, and is just a few minutes’ walk from Disneyland. When hunger strikes, the popular dining options of the Anaheim Garden Walk are right next door.
The post Stay at this luxurious Koh Phangan beach resort for nearly 50% off right now appeared first on Matador Network.
[image error]Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
