Matador Network's Blog, page 675
April 5, 2021
Travelzoo deals in April 2021
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.
Spring has sprung, and so have spring vacation deals both domestically and internationally. With these Travelzoo deals, you have the peace of mind of being able to take advantage of the incredible offers now and book dates later, so there’s no pressure to travel before you’re ready. Each is fully refundable, but none will last for long — these are three of the travel deal site’s hottest bargains this week. So book now, travel later, and smile the whole time knowing that you’re getting the absolute best possible price on these three epic destinations.
New Maldives Private Island Vacation, seven nights for two, save 50% — $1,999Photo: Fushifaru Maldives
When to travel: Through December 23, 2022
Fully refundable: Yes
The Maldives never looked so good as from this private island. You’ll post up at the Fushifaru Maldives, a breathtaking private resort entirely free of distraction from the outside world. Snorkel with schools of technicolor parrotfish, one of the most beautiful species in the Indian Ocean. From your 1,000-square-foot sunset beach villa, step out to the private soaking tub located in a lush garden or proceed straight to the beach — you’ll have direct access from your veranda.
Daily breakfast is included at the onsite Korakali Restaurant (with the option to add daily dinner to the package), and once during your stay, enjoy a complimentary lunch on the overwater floating Handhu platform. The resort’s Raakani Grill, known for its fresh seafood, was voted the best Luxury Beachside Restaurant in the Indian Ocean at the 2020 World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
Also included in this incredible rate is everything you need to get out on the water, including stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and all non-motorized water sports. The resort also hosts a free weekly yoga class. This deal will sell out, so grab it now and secure your spot.
Why this deal is unique:
20 percent discount on spa treatments and onsite dining, including drinksAvoid $439 in local fees and taxes by booking this Travelzoo dealUpgrade to an overwater Jacuzzi Villa, $2799 for twoFour nights for two people at the 4-star Marriott Puerto Vallarta — $319
Photo: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA
When to travel: April 11-October 28, 2021
Fully refundable: Yes
This Travelzoo deal is an absolute bargain — less than $80 per night for TWO guests at one of Puerto Vallarta’s top luxury hotels. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA has six onsite restaurants, including on the beachfront. You’ll be adjacent to the Marina Vallarta Golf Club and have miles of smooth sand to explore from your doorstep. This hotel pulls out all the stops with high-end international dining, beachside cocktails, and easy access to guided tours right from the lobby. Deals like this were almost unheard of before the pandemic, so take advantage now and claim this great rate for your next vacation to Mexico. And if you really want to ball out, you can book an Ocean View room and make your stay all-inclusive for $1199.
Sophisticated & Sleek New Orleans Hotel near French Quarter — $75
Photo: Le Meridien
When to travel: Through December 29, 2021
Full refundable: Yes
Le Meridien, an upscale hotel in downtown New Orleans, encapsulates everything you want out of a stay in the Big Easy. It’s luxurious, with a rooftop pool, fine dining, and classic cocktails onsite. It’s also within walking distance to the French Quarter, so you can pop into the action on Bourbon Street and experience Creole cooking at its finest and most authentic. Also within a 15-minute walk is the Museum District and the Mississippi River. Though with the famed Gulf Coast cuisine of LMNO’s and Marché serving everything you need onsite, we wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to spend time in the room. For $75 — a 57 percent savings — you can’t go wrong with this Travelzoo deal. 
The post Act now to book a private Maldives island for you and a partner for just $1999 appeared first on Matador Network.
Croatia open to vaccinated travelers
Croatia is eyeing up spring and summer travelers, opening up its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from any country. All international tourists who have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson shot, and waited the necessary two-week period, will be exempt from having to show a negative test or quarantine upon arrival in Croatia, the nation’s Ministry of the Interior explains.
Vaccination isn’t the only requirement, though. Travelers must also show proof of paid accommodation in a hotel, camp, private rental, or rented vessel paid in advance. A reservation alone will not be sufficient.
Non-vaccinated US tourists are also allowed to visit, though they will be required to show a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arriving at the border. Travelers who took a rapid antigen test and who are staying longer than 10 days must take an additional test after the 10th day. They can also opt to show proof (a certificate of recovery issued by a physician) that they have already contracted COVID-19 and recovered within the last six months and at least 11 days prior to arrival in Croatia. Getting tested upon arrival is also an option, though you’ll be expected to quarantine until the results come in.
It’s also important to keep in mind that travelers returning to the US will be required to get tested within 72 hours of boarding their flight back to the US.
The post Croatia is opening to fully vaccinated US travelers appeared first on Matador Network.
The CDC announces that fully vaccinated people can travel
The CDC just issued updated guidance for travel, and after a very long time, it’s good news. According to the agency, those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume domestic travel without testing or quarantine.
For those who meet the criteria, it’s also no longer necessary to be tested before leaving the United States — unless stated by the destination — and there will be no quarantine requirement for travelers returning to the country.
The new legalization applies to anyone who has received a full dosage of a COVID-19 vaccine, which means one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
The guidance comes on the heels of new research, which found that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly effective at preventing infections in real-world conditions. According to the data, even a single dose of either vaccine prevents 80 percent of infections, while two doses prevent 90 percent of infections. Scientific research has also proven that vaccines offer significant protection against asymptomatic infections.
It should be noted, however, that all travelers are still required to wear masks on planes and in transportation hubs, regardless of vaccination status.
Travel restrictions may loosen even further as summer approaches, both domestically and abroad, though that will likely depend on the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in the US and around the world.
The post The CDC announces that fully vaccinated people can travel appeared first on Matador Network.
The ultimate cross-country road trip for LGBTQ travelers
Pack your ruby slippers and strap on your seatbelts — it’s time to queer the all-American road trip. According to survey data from Airbnb, domestic car travel continues drawing the most interest from American travelers this year — a wise choice for folx hoping to avoid the unpredictability of international travel during the pandemic. That means Mykonos is out, America is in, and it’s high tide you got your car lubed up and ready to ride.
Road trips play an integral role in queer American culture. In the early 1960s, Bob Damron began creating pocket-sized address books to help gay men find queer spaces while traveling around the nation. These guides steered people to queer communities around the country, from San Francisco to Birmingham, giving LGBTQ folx an opportunity to discover what so many privileged Americans already found on the open road: freedom.
But freedom wasn’t always a given for queer people, leading LGBTQ travelers to favor well-known gayborhoods in liberal cities near the US coastlines. According to a study by misterB&B, modern LGBTQ travelers still prefer vacations in destinations like New York and California, reinforcing a coastal binary that improperly excludes a majority of the nation as “flyover country.”
This summer, consider challenging the binary by leaving your coastal comfort zone. From famous LGBTQ metropoles to little-known liberal enclaves, this road trip integrates the coasts with everything in between, giving new meaning to the phrase “fruited plain.”
Note: This itinerary is a two-week excursion that can be divided into smaller sections depending on your desired distance and travel time. You can do the road trip in either direction.
Stop one: San Francisco, California
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
San Francisco is the capital of LGBTQ life in the US and the ideal place to begin this journey. Not only did SF give birth to the rainbow flag, Harvey Milk’s political career, and Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, but it also has more LGBTQ residents per capita than any other major US metropolis.
Queer history buffs will appreciate sites like the National AIDS Memorial Grove and the GLBT Historical Society Museum. Party mavens can pick between leather dives like Powerhouse, dance bars like Beaux, and a healthy list of other queer establishments that rival most towns in the US. Marshall’s Beach, a clothing-optional queer hang beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, is the perfect place to dip your derriere in the Pacific; Dolores Park’s southwest corner is a land-locked “gay beach” that attracts crowds on sunny days.
The grand-zaddy of queer culture, Oscar Wilde, wrote in The Picture of Dorian Gray, “It’s an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco.” It’s no wonder, then, that so many queer travel narratives wind up in the Golden Gate City, including Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl, Less, and Kerouac’s beloved On the Road. San Francisco is magnetic for queer folx, and if you don’t start here now, you’ll wind up here later.
Starting in SF also means driving one of America’s most iconic roadways — the Pacific Coast Highway. This coastal drive, regularly referred to as Highway 1, winds its way from Northern California’s foggy cliffs to SoCal’s white-sand beaches while passing charming seaside towns like Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura. The 8.5-hour excursion can be done in a day, but stopping in one of these towns for a night makes a worthwhile detour.
Travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles: 8.5 hours, 442 miles
Stop two: Los Angeles, California
Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
Perpetually sunny Los Angeles has been perpetually queer since the mid-20th century. One of the country’s earliest gay organizations, the Mattachine Society, was founded in Silver Lake in 1950, and historic queer protests against police brutality at Coopers Donuts (1959) and the Black Cat (1967) led up to NYC’s Stonewall Uprising and the Gay Liberation Movement that followed.
Today, LGBTQ life revolves around West Hollywood (WeHo), where you’ll find the highest concentration of LGBTQ establishments, including the Abbey, LA’s go-to gay bar, and Micky’s, the best spot to see RuPaul’s army of glamazons. Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and DTLA — all on LA’s Eastside — cater to the city’s trendy set of LGBTQ hipsters. Venice Beach calls to urban surfers and street-art lovers. You’re most likely to find queer crowds around the Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower or at Roosterfish, a gay bar that also hocks local art.
When it comes to queer road tripping, the first and last stop through LA should be at Will Rogers State Beach. The LGBTQ section, located at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Entrada Drive, is a five-minute trip from the first stop on the western-most section of historic Route 66. This iconic American roadway, mythologized by Steinbeck as the “Mother Road” in The Grapes of Wrath, slices eastward through LA’s gayborhood as it enters America’s western wilderness.
Travel from Los Angeles to Flagstaff: 7.5 hours, 465 miles
Stop three: Flagstaff, Arizona
Photo: BD Images/Shutterstock
Phoenix might be Arizona’s gayest city, but LGBTQ-friendly Flagstaff sports an abundance of outdoor activities where weary travelers can stretch their legs. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, located 20 miles outside of town, features an extensive network of hiking trails and a 34-mile scenic loop for drivers. The seven-mile Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop brings hikers from forests thick with ponderosa pine to the San Francisco Peaks. Flagstaff also serves as a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park, located an hour-and-a-half north of town.
The small city of Flagstaff can be explored in a single day, leaving plenty of time for big adventures in the surrounding wilds. LGBTQ people can find their crew at the queer-friendly Hotel Monte Vista, a historic downtown lodging from 1927 that houses a popular coffee shop and cocktail lounge. Mother Road Brewing serves locally made beer with a nod to Route 66. MartAnne’s is a colorful breakfast joint with classic American comfort food. Lowell Observatory, a training ground for astronomers, boasts giant telescopes where stargazers can ponder their place in the universe.
Travel from Flagstaff to Santa Fe: 5.5 hours, 383 miles
Stop four: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Photo: Nelson Sirlin/Shutterstock
New Mexico’s capital doesn’t have many LGBTQ-specific establishments, but with a nickname like “The City Different,” there’s no denying Santa Fe is far from straight. Queer folx into fine art will fawn over sites like Meow Wolf, an uber-trippy interactive art installation; the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a Rorschach test for lady lovers; and the Santa Fe Opera, an outdoor summer series for classical music fans. Serious art collectors should head to Canyon Road, where you can search over 100 galleries for a framed souvenir.
Foodies should sample Santa Fe’s Mexican-inspired cuisine at spots like El Parasol and The Shed, located in one of the historic adobe haciendas that’s characteristic of the local architecture. There probably won’t be time to taste the 45 different margaritas on Santa Fe’s fabled Margarita Trail, but if you want to try the city’s classic cocktail, head to Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen. The old-school restaurant serves one-hundred variations.
Travel from Santa Fe to Carlsbad: 4.5 hours, 273 miles
Stop five: Carlsbad, New Mexico
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
The Pride of the Pecos River isn’t overflowing with queer life, but travelers don’t stop here for the city — they visit for the surroundings. Carlsbad offers access to the Chihuahuan Desert, the most ecologically diverse desert in the Western Hemisphere and an abundance of aquatic features like Sitting Bull Falls, a 150-foot canyon cascade and Rattlesnake Springs, a serene marine-side birding spot.
Alluring though these sites may be, Carlsbad’s crowning jewel is the one you can’t see: Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park, located 25 minutes south of town, welcomes around 400,000 visitors annually to a subterranean maze with roughly 73 square miles of over 100 caves. If you’re visiting between spring and fall, make sure you’re back above ground by sunset. Approximately 400,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly from the cave’s mouth and into the night sky every night. If you’ve been dying to test out some super-queer Batman and Robin cosplay, consider this your bat signal.
Travel from Carlsbad to Austin: 7.5 hours, 460 miles
Stop six: Austin, Texas
Photo: Chase Hahn/Shutterstock
ATX defines itself as queer with a motto demanding commitment: “Keep Austin Weird.” Luckily, the locals consistently deliver. Austin is a liberal bastion in a sea of Southern conservatism. Even though it’s landlocked, it’s considered America’s “third coast.” The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge share a backyard with steely skyscrapers and luxury hotels. Fine dining happens at food trucks, acclaimed musicians play at hole-in-the-wall bars, and the natural landscape makes this busy metropole an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It’s no wonder Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US — it’s got a little something for everyone.
The most significant LGBTQ nightlife scene is Downtown on 4th Street, including (but not limited to) Oilcan Harry’s and The Iron Bear. For a gay daytime hang, drive 30 minutes to Lake Travis where you’ll find friendly queer folx sunbathing at Hippie Hollow — the Lone Star State’s only legal nude beach.
Don’t feel beholden to queer spaces, however. Austin’s all-are-welcome attitude means you can join the crowds at Barton Springs Pool, go shopping for fashionable threads along South Congress Avenue, or search the streets for world-class graffiti without ever feeling out of place.
Travel from Austin to Fayetteville: 8.5 hours, 530 miles
Stop seven: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Photo: Puritan Coffee & Beer/Facebook
Queer-friendly Arkansas is an oxymoron. But every rule has an exception, and in Arkansas, that exception is Fayetteville. Tucked into a bucolic corner of the Ozark Mountains, this cozy college town feels worlds away from the conservative sensibilities found elsewhere in the state. On top of holding the state’s largest LGBTQ Pride celebration, Fayetteville is also the first city in Arkansas to join the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
West Dickson Street, which runs into the University of Arkansas, is the cultural epicenter of town. Be sure to visit Condom Sense, a quirky mom-and-pop sex shop; Dickson Street Bookshop; an enormous used-book store; and Puritan Coffee and Beer, the local go-to for everything brewed. Arsaga’s Mill District, located nearby, is the tastiest and trendiest restaurant in town. LGBTQ nightlife lives at C4 Nightclub and Lounge.
If you’re looking for outdoor excursions, rent a bike to ride along the Razorback Regional Greenway — a 36-mile trail that weaves around Northwest Arkansas. Those who prefer trails with an ABV content should check out the Fayetteville Ale Trail — a craft brew adventure that visits 17 local beer joints.
Travel from Fayetteville to Nashville: 8 hours, 529 miles
Stop eight: Nashville, Tennessee
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
Like Austin and Fayetteville, Nashville is part of a liberal archipelago in the American South that acts as a magnet for LGBTQ travelers. Queer folx will find chosen family at the Lipstick Lounge, an inclusive lesbian bar; Trax, an unpretentious dive; and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, Asian-fusion food with a side of drag queens.
This honky-tonk town is the Country Music Capital of the World, and no visit is complete without sampling the local sound. Stars like Dolly Parton came of age at the Grand Ole Opry; Stetson-clad singers get their start at open mic nights in the bars of Lower Broadway; up-and-coming songwriters (like Taylor Swift back in the day) test new tunes at Bluebird Cafe. If you want to keep it queer, press play on Spotify’s Orville Peck station and drive to hip ‘hoods like East Nashville (the Williamsburg of the South) and the Gulch, an area for eating and shopping, while getting serenaded by the gay icon of country music.
Travel from Nashville to Columbus: 6 hours, 378 miles
Stop nine: Columbus, Ohio
Photo: Experience Columbus/Facebook
Columbus isn’t just the capital of Ohio — it’s also the queer capital of the Midwest. The city has more LGBTQ residents per capita than Chicago, two gayborhoods, Short North and German Village, and a friendly cornfed vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
Short North Arts District, home to gay haunts Axis Nightclub and Union Cafe, is packed with contemporary art galleries, locally owned restaurants, and chic boutiques. A stroll down North High Street will lead visitors to the neighborhood’s best shops. The historic German Village, which retains architecture built by 19th-century German immigrants, gets a modern update with LGBTQ hangs like Tremont Lounge, a neighborhood dive; Club Diversity, a quirky piano lounge; and Daddy’s, a queer bar with vegan food trucks on the Southside of town.
There aren’t tons of must-see monuments in Columbus, but travelers don’t come for the sites — they come for the food. A few C-bus favorites include Katalina’s for brunch, Condado Tacos for lunch, and Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace whenever you’re feeling naughty. At North Market, a cornucopia of local food vendors serve everything from savory international cuisines to award-winning sweet treats. The craft beer scene is equally robust, and visitors should try Hoof Hearted Brewery (check out the swimming pool), Brewdog Franklinton (check out the rooftop), and Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (check out the free Saturday tours). On sunny summer days, get your meal to go and head to the Scioto Mile — a well-maintained green space hugging the river that bisects town.
Travel from Columbus, to Pittsburgh: 3 hours,186 miles
Stop 10: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
In 1949, pop art pioneer Andy Warhol left his home in Pittsburgh and never looked back. This blue-collar town wasn’t always a great place to be gay. But in the past decade, Warhol’s Rust Belt city received a makeover RuPaul might applaud and attracted a dynamic LGBTQ community. The town is now one of the Midwest’s most significant cultural hubs, and perhaps to Warhol’s dismay, home to his work’s most comprehensive collection. The Andy Warhol Museum takes a fascinating look at the artist’s career, making it the most notable “Pitt” stop in town.
Those who explore deeper will find that queer life extends from Downtown to Oakland and even beyond. A mix of university students and young professionals enjoy nightlife options like classic gay clubs, saunas, and go-go joints.
Pittsburgh is only three-and-a-half hours from Columbus and six hours from NYC, so while it makes a fine day-long detour, you can easily pull an Andy and run off to the Big Apple soon after arriving.
Travel from Pittsburgh, to New York City: 6 hours, 371 miles
Stop 11: New York City, New York
Photo: Glynnis Jones/Shutterstock
End your queer-themed road trip where the modern LGBTQ rights movement began. Much like San Francisco, NYC is a queer capital that requires a few days to scratch the surface. Consider returning your car upon arrival (if it’s a rental) or parking in a garage to avoid the fines regularly issued by ticket-happy meter maids.
For a crash course on LGBTQ history, visit Christopher Park and the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, a compact art space with famous and lesser-known queer talents. On balmy summer days, bring a towel to Christopher Street Pier to join a see-and-be-seen crowd of speedo devotees. Central Park’s Sheep Meadow transforms into a DIY gay bar for “Second Sundays” — a free shindig that attracts shirtless boys to the grassy field between May and September. Jacob Riis Beach, located in Queens, is the local seaside escape for a diverse mix of LGBTQ folx. For LGBTQ shops, check out Kirrin Finch (menswear for women), Park and Ronen (classy designs for gay sophisticates), Leather Man (kinky clothes and accouterment), and the Bureau of General Services — Queer Division, an all-volunteer LGBTQ bookstore.
Queer Manhattan comes alive at night, and choosing where to stay should be based on where you want to go out. Broadway chorus boys set the scene in Hell’s Kitchen at an ensemble of gay bars like Industry. The West Village is a historic place to soak up old NYC. Stonewall and Julius’ are mandatory stops for visitors while the Duplex and lesbian-focused Cubby Hole make a fun addendum to any evening. The East Village attracts friendly faces to spots like Club Cumming, a bar and performance space frequented by colorful creatives, and Boiler Room, which serves the cheapest cocktails in town. Trendy Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Park Slope have their fair share of queer establishments, too, with Metropolitan, 3 Dollar Bill, and Ginger’s leading the charge.
If you’re visiting between May and October, consider escaping NYC’s frenetic energy by taking a trip to Fire Island — a seasonal Elysium off the Long Island coast. The Pines and Cherry Grove, two LGBTQ communities dating back to the 1940s, are the Disney World versions of Sodom and Gomorrah. There’s tons of delightful depravity with none of the biblical destruction.
The best part? Fire Island’s queer section is car-free — a welcome respite after driving roughly 4,000 miles around the US.
The post The ultimate cross-country road trip for LGBTQ travelers appeared first on Matador Network.
10 RV camping tips from a pro
Since buying my Roadtrek years ago, I’ve traveled across the country, roughed it in national forests as well as taken it easy in pricey RV resorts, squeezed into some uncomfortable positions to replace broken fixtures, and learned more than a few lessons my wallet and I will never forget. My 20-year-old camper van has wheezed up mountain passes, sheltered me from massive thunderstorms, and broken down just feet from the entrance to Mount Rushmore. I wouldn’t change any of it — except maybe for that breakdown — and if I have a spare day or three, you’d better believe I’m racking up even more miles on the odometer.
In my years on the road, I’ve also had the benefit of friends, both old and new, sharing their RV wisdom. The way I see it? Valuable lessons and silly mistakes are often one and the same — but the silly mistakes don’t have to be yours. Take in these 10 tips, and you won’t need to come by the lessons the hard way.
Tip #1: Ask more of your gear — and get rid of the rest.
Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
De-clutter your RV at the top of the season — the smaller your rig, the more ruthless you’ll have to be. Remember your mom’s mantra as she forced you to clean your room as a kid: A place for everything, and everything in its place. Does it not have a place? You don’t need it.
Unless you do, and then you need to create a place. Some of my larger camera gear, for example, doesn’t fit in my van’s built-in storage, so I use large plastic bins to keep everything tidy and easily move it from the sleeping area to the front of the van at night. If I’m only planning to kayak one day out of a two-week trip, I’ll rent one at the destination instead of bringing my own. Other situations are more cut-and-dry — haven’t used that massive lantern in a year? Into the garage it goes. (We can worry about de-cluttering the garage later.)
And if you’re in the market for gear, try to buy items that will serve double duty or collapse down, like my go-to Steinhauser fishing rod. And make sure your closet serves double- duty, too — I mountain bike a lot, so I buy jerseys and shorts that won’t look out of place off the trail, allowing me to bring fewer clothes.
Tip #2: Pack that map and compass — and know how to use them.
Photo: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
Even in the digital age, a paper map is invaluable. Whether you’re driving with or without GPS, a good road atlas will help you navigate in and out of inevitable no-signal situations. Even more importantly, if you’re out on a long hike with no cell signal, a paper map and compass can be the literal difference between life and death.
Most state and national parks sell detailed maps at their visitor centers — not only do they make for great souvenirs afterward, but nabbing one also makes planning your return trip so much easier.
Tip #3: Take care of your gear, but expect it to break.
Photo: Tyler Cave
When I’m traveling, you can usually find me hitting the local mountain-bike singletrack. The tools I keep in my Roadtrek allow me to better maintain my gear and repair most minor mishaps, but every now and then, I’ll snap a seatpost or taco a wheel, stuff that can’t easily be fixed in the trailhead parking lot.
Likewise, on my last big van trip, my RV’s serpentine belt snapped, and I had to be towed to the next town for repair. It’s frustrating, but I no longer let incidents like this ruin my day. When you’re having fun, ripping it up in the woods or on the roads, things are going to break. It’s a fact of life. I see buying replacement gear as a “fun tax”: You hate to pay the money, but ultimately, it’s worth it.
On the same token, you’re not powerless — accept that something may break, and accept that you may be the one to fix it. On every trip, I bring a screwdriver with removable bits; wrenches and a socket set; a folding saw; zip ties (these have saved me on more than one occasion!); and any sport-specific tools I need.
Tip #4: Check in with your travel partner regularly.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Communication is the key to making your trip go smoothly, especially if it’s a long stint. And now, thanks to COVID-19, it’s even more important.
If you’re veteran RVers, get on the same page when it comes to forming new habits, like packing extra supplies, making fewer stops, or avoiding crowds. Personally, I’m a stickler when it comes to safety precautions and even gave up one of my favorite pre-pandemic pastimes: brewery-hopping. If my wife, Dee, and I do decide to grab a beer or dinner outside our campsite, we call ahead to make sure they have socially distanced outdoor seating. If we stay at a campground, we use our own bathroom facilities and typically don’t engage with our neighbors beyond a friendly wave.
If you’re new to the RV life, it’s even more important to make these plans beforehand. Soon after I bought my Roadtrek, I began planning my first trip with Dee. I made an offhand remark about boondocking in a remote location, and she was taken aback — she’d assumed we’d stay in established campgrounds with electric hookups. That led to a conversation about what she was and wasn’t comfortable with on our trips. We talked it out, compromised, and now, several years later, we’ve got our camping down to an art.
Tip #5: Get a cell-signal booster.
Photo: Kaca Skokanova/Shutterstock
I do a lot of camping in areas where cell signals can be virtually nonexistent, but work often requires access to wifi. Climbing to the top of a hill is often enough to get a stronger signal from the nearest tower, but what if you’re just wanting to surf the Internet or check in with the family for a bit before bed?
I mounted a cell-signal booster to a telescoping pole on the exterior of my van, and it works wonders. When I park for the night, I extend the pole and instantly go from a weak one bar to three or four.
Tip #6: Slow down — but don’t be afraid to quickly change things up.
Photo: Pi-Lens/Shutterstock
Here’s a lesson I learned the long and hard way: Try not to fit too much into your trip. It’s almost impossible to truly experience a city or national park in a single day, and you’ll end up spending more time behind the wheel instead of on the trail or lake. I hate arriving at a park after spending 10 hours on the road and being too exhausted to do more than a short hike. That’s never the goal.
Lesson learned, I always try to build in some extra time between destinations, so if I’m having a great time in one place, I can extend my stay. Likewise, if I think I’ve tapped out the activities, I simply leave earlier than planned. Don’t be afraid to move on even if you’ve booked an extra night or two at a campground. Your time — and enjoyment — is worth far more than the $20 or $30 you’ll throw away.
Tip #7: Always bring a portable stove.
Photo: Tyler Cave
My Roadtrek has a serviceable two-burner stove inside, but if the weather’s nice, I prefer to cook outside. A basic two-burner camp stove doesn’t take up a lot of storage room and allows you to spend time with your friends and family around the picnic table — or simply gives you an opportunity for more time outside in the fresh air.
Tip #8: Go solar when possible.
Photo: Voyagerix/Shutterstock
If I’m boondocking in one place for a while, I rely on my solar setup to stay energized. It’s efficient, reliable, and sustainable, so what’s not to like? Until you run out of water or need your black tank dumped, you can just stay out in nature — potentially for weeks!
That being said, know its limitations. While I can keep my electronics topped off, I can’t run my coffee maker, microwave, or air conditioning on solar alone. Invest in a power pack to serve as a backup in case the clouds roll in.
Tip #9: Designate camera- and phone-free moments.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Yes, that’s a gorgeous sunset over the mountains. Have you seen it?
As a landscape photographer, this is advice I have to force myself to take sometimes. Many of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced — sunset at Yosemite, a momma brown bear and her frolicking cubs in Katmai National Park — were seen entirely from the viewfinder of my digital camera. I’m not sure I would do it that way again.
Learn from my mistake: Fire off some quick snapshots for social media, but then put your phone or camera away and just take in the moment. This is doubly true if you’re standing there next to your significant other. Those are the moments you’ll truly remember forever, photograph or not. Keep the words of the immortal Kurt Vonnegut in mind: “I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.’”
Tip #10: Invest in your memories.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Last year, I did two RV trips to Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one solo and the other with Dee. The first time around, I considered two afternoon paddling trips: one was a bit pricey but looked amazing from the photos; the less expensive one had decent — but not spectacular — reviews. I chose the cheaper option and got exactly that. When I went back with Dee, we booked the more expensive tour operator, and the two of us had an amazing time. It was a good reminder that you always get what you pay for.
If I’m buying a bike or a kayak or another piece of equipment that I’m going to spend hours upon hours using, I spend extra to make sure it’s comfortable and works well — that way I both use and enjoy it more. Same goes for your RV and all its accessories: Even if it’s just patio lights, spending a little money on those extra accoutrements can make your RV days, your RV memories, that much more inviting. And you definitely want those to last a lifetime.
The post Ask an RV Pro: 10 camping tips that will transform your travels appeared first on Matador Network.
April 2, 2021
The best Airbnbs in Stockholm
Stockholm is both trendy and classic, one of the cities that never really goes out of style and remains cool, no matter what. You can take advantage of this by booking a Stockholm Airbnb right in the middle of whatever action it is you’re looking for — be that the Swedish capital’s cultural offerings, its great food scene, lake activities, or nature views. These are the best Airbnbs in Stockholm from which to experience the city and live out your Scandinavian design dreams.
1. Home away from home in Vasastan
Photo: Airbnb
If Stockholm has a trendy neighborhood to rival Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, it’s Vasastsan, and this loft is right in the heart of it. You’ll be across the street from the Michelin-starred Sushi Sho restaurant and within blocks of many of the city’s other dining hotspots and hopping pubs. This is the loft to book if experiencing the social side of Swedish culture is your priority in Stockholm as it’s literally at your fingertips — and the rest of the city is a quick train or bus ride away.
$208 per night
2. Cozy place in Kungsholmen
Photo: Airbnb
Nothing provides the iconic Stockholm lodging experience like an apartment in an old row building right in town. Here, you’re walking distance to many of the city’s major tourist attractions, as well as cafes and pubs, and high-end dining for that big night out on your last evening in Stockholm. The amazing Vasa Museum and the train station are right up the road for your convenience. From inside the unit, you’ll have the coolest views of the city.
Price: $92 per night
3. Stockholm house close to fair/townPhoto: Airbnb
When “Villa Berkle” was built in the 1950s and ’60s, engineer Lars Berkle made sure every detail was attended to. The six-bedroom house is a perfect example of Scandi retro, from the furniture to the wallpaper. While you may think this makes the house antiquated, it’s far from it — just take a look at the light fixtures and enjoy the timeless beauty of Scandinavian good taste. If you feel like getting away, the metro station and bus stops are a short walk away.
Price: $275 per night
4. Topmodern apartment in trendy Söder
Photo: Airbnb
This three-bedroom Södermalm apartment is a mix of clean decor and inspiring, colorful art and fixtures, from prints to plants. A three-minute walk from the metro, the apartment is also a short walk from the boats that’ll whisk visitors off to the archipelago. If you decide to stay at home for the day but crave some sunlight, there’s a balcony to lounge on.
Price: $343 per night
5. Sea cottage on the water with waterside sauna
Photo: Airbnb
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Saxarfjärden only sleeps four, but it’s unlikely you’ll want anyone other than your significant other with you at this seaside getaway. The cottage is on an island without car access or local transportation, so it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your alone time. While the clean, minimalistic interior has its merits, let’s not forget why we like this place so much — location, location, location.
Price: $229 per night
6. Unikt skärgårdsställe, Saxarfjärden
Photo: Airbnb
Another seaside listing, only accessible by boat, this house has windows with impressive views of the natural surroundings. This large rental has a patio on one side and a good-sized terrace on the other, allowing guests to bask in the sun at all times of day. And with a fireplace in the mix, you’re unlikely to get too cold — but, if you should, there’s a sauna you can access to get your sweating in.
Price: $672 per night
7. Stockholm archipelago paradise
Photo: Airbnb
Windows cover the living-room walls of this six-bedroom home in the Stockholm archipelago. It isn’t a terrible place to bring the kids with you as there’s a slide, swing, and trampoline available. When you come back in from the great outdoors, there’s a sauna to warm up in. Reminiscent of many homes in America’s Pacific Northwest, this home has a loft, portholes, and a small boat ready for your use.
Price: $264 per night
8. Small studio house with panoramic seaview, large terrace
Photo: Airbnb
This small home is ideal for the artist or remote worker looking to get away for a while, without having to leave the metro area. The WiFi is strong, and you’ll be right on the water, with rowboats and bikes available for a small upcharge. Inside, enjoy the privacy of your own tiny home with a dedicated workspace and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen. Plus, the home is accessible via bus from downtown Stockholm.
Price: $108 per night
9. Three-room apartment in the heart of Stockholm
Photo: Airbnb
This modern apartment is iconically Scandinavian, with a bright, simple interior that simultaneously speaks to efficiency and charm. It’s a social spot, with a large kitchen welcoming guests for a chat over a glass of wine before heading out to experience central Stockholm on foot. The living space and bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, offering an inspiring vibe that makes it tempting to spend an evening in — if there weren’t so much to see and do in the neighborhood.
Price: $229 per night
10. Exclusive villa with pool near Stockholm city and lake
Photo: Airbnb
This luxurious spot south of the city has its own private pool and deck, and it puts you near to a golf course and a free tennis court. It’s also an ideal spot for families as there are a trampoline and a playhouse for the kids to enjoy. Getting into Stockholm for dinner is easy, though there’s a beach and shopping center close to the house so you can also stick close to the pad if that’s what you prefer.
Price: $497 per night
11. Trendy, elegant, and spacious 1920s apartment in Södermalm
Photo: Airbnb
Calling all writers, indie musicians, and artists — this spot is perfect for an inspiring stay in the city. The walls are lined with books, there’s a guitar in the corner, and plenty of space to spread out and create when you aren’t out walking the town and checking out the trendy cafes nearby. The balcony looks out over the street below. It’s impossible not to feel a “part of it all” when staying in this cozy spot.
Price: $264 per night
12. Large villa 10 mins from city
Photo: Airbnb
Just across the channel in Boo, this house is the ultimate crash pad for you and up to 14 total guests. Split the cost and enjoy the privacy without giving up easy access to the city center. The ocean is a short walk away for a swim, and during summer, your chilling sessions on the decks can extend nearly all waking hours as the sun almost never sets. This spot is a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, while still being an easy commute to downtown Stockholm.
Price: $1,372 per night
A version of this article was previously published on October 11, 2014, and was updated on April 2, 2021, with more information.
More like thisCultureThe 8 coolest places in Sweden worth visiting outside of StockholmThe post 12 of the best Airbnbs in Stockholm appeared first on Matador Network.
Airplane cabin designs
Although the airline industry took a serious hit in 2021, flying is far from dead, and innovations in the field of airplane cabin designs are constant. New concepts are being devised to make flying more comfortable, efficient, and environmentally responsible, from collapsible beds to sustainable food trays. The Crystal Cabin Awards highlight the most innovative and exciting ideas out there. The shortlist was initially announced in January 2020 though COVID-19 delayed the ceremony by a year. Finally, the designers were honored at a long-overdue virtual ceremony this week.
Carmen Krause-Bösterling, the project director at the Crystal Cabin Award Association, told CNN, “If the demand for air travel is to increase again, what is needed now are convincing ideas that inspire passengers in equal measure and give them a good feeling, how an industry is responding to the challenges of our time.”
The following are some of the coolest ideas from the Crystal Cabin Awards that we selected:
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Loft
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Loft was created for Virgin Atlantic’s first A350-1000. It features mood lighting in the entry area where passengers board and replaces the previous Upper Class bar with a unique lounge for premium class passengers to gather, grab a drink, or dine during the flight.
Collapsible beds for the Flying VPhoto: TU Delft
Developed by the Delft University of Technology in cooperation with KLM, these collapsible beds utilize wing space to create sleeping bunks in economy class in this uniquely shaped aircraft. The new configuration would allow three passengers to lay down horizontally. With this design, both passengers and luggage take their place inside the wings and the seats/beds would be made much lighter, reducing airplane fuel consumption.
Coffee House Cabin
Photo: University of Cincinnati in cooperation with The Boeing Company and The Live Well Collaborative
Developed by the University of Cincinnati in partnership with The Boeing Company and The Live Well Collaborative, the Coffee House Cabin is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a productivity-minded zone focusing on the needs of business travelers, offering dedicated workstations and personal space.
ZERO — Economy Meal Tray
Photo: PRIESTMANGOODE
This sustainable product created by PriestmanGoode would reduce the amount of plastic waste created by the meal service on passenger flights. These lightweight, sustainable trays are made of edible, biodegradable, and compostable materials.
Greywater Reuse Unit
Photo: Skycolors/Shutterstock
This innovative system takes hand-wash water from the sink in airplane bathrooms and repurposes it for flushing the toilet. This significantly reduces the amount of potable water used by a plane, resulting in CO2 savings of about 550 tons per year per aircraft.
The post These design concepts gives us a glimpse into the future of flying appeared first on Matador Network.
Venice bans cruise ships from center
Venice has long been a controversial destination port for cruise ships, but Italy’s government is finally stepping up its effort to protect the city and its lagoon from the negative impact of such large vessels.
A new decree enacted Wednesday, March 31, prohibits passenger ships over 40,000 tons and container ships from passing close to Venice’s historic center. A new terminal may be built outside the lagoon for such boats so that they don’t pass in front of St. Mark’s square. In the meantime, ships fitting these descriptions must dock at the industrial Marghera Port, far from the Grand Canal.
According to Reuters, Italy’s Culture Minister Dario Francheschini said, “Anyone who has visited Venice in recent years has been shocked to see these ships, hundreds of metres long and as tall as apartment buildings, passing through such fragile places.”
For years concerns have swirled around large ships in Venice’s lagoon. In 2019, a cruise ship collided with a dock and tourist boat in Venice as it approached a passenger terminal, injuring four people. Attempts by the government have been made before to address the issue in 2013 and 2017 without success.
In a statement, the government said its ultimate goal is to “reconcile the needs to protect the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Venice and its lagoon with those related to cruise activity and goods traffic.”
The post Italy bans large cruise ships from sailing past Venice’s historic center appeared first on Matador Network.
How is Easter celebrated in Finland?
It’s long been known that Halloween has its origins in the fall equinox, when nights get longer and winter sets in. Likewise, Easter, despite being a Christian holiday, has elements rooted in the pre-Christian celebration of another equinox: the spring one. After all, it makes sense to celebrate the ascension of Jesus just when the world seems to be coming back to life after winter’s chill.
And it also makes sense that, somewhere, the early pagan rituals around these equinoxes might somehow be conflated and perhaps mixed and matched a bit.
So it is in Finland — where witches don’t emerge on October 31 but rather on Palm Sunday or on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Young kids dress up as little witches, emphasizing the witches’ youth by painting tiny freckles on their faces. They stroll the neighborhoods, offering blessings in return for treats.
“We dress up as witches and give out sticks that are decorated with feathers and other stuff and people give us candy or money,” says Eevi Paasivaara, a Finnish university student. “It’s pretty much the same as trick or treating.”
Photo: The Visual Explorer/Shutterstock
In fact, the event combines non-pagan concepts as well. The sticks that the kids give out are said to represent the palm branches that were laid down when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem in what now is celebrated as Palm Sunday.
Given that palms are rare in these northern parts and that leaves aren’t found around during this season either, twigs will do. The tradition was adopted from neighboring Russia, where the Russian Orthodox church used birch twigs in place of the palms.
In fact, the holiday’s name, Virpoa, comes from the Finnish word for twig, which is “varpu.”
“Virpoa only means this particular tradition, but the etymology is from twig. Same as my name,” says Virve Kuusela, who used to celebrate it in her hometown of Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland.
The concept of witches came from Sweden and Western Finland, where according to tradition witches emerged on Maundy Thursday, the day that Judas was said to have betrayed Jesus, unleashing evil — and hence sorceresses — into the world.
The freckles and smiles are a way to upend that concept and make it fun, particularly for kids.
Sari Hey, PR and Media Manager for Business Finland – Visit Finland, says she usually walked with a couple of friends through her building, where she knew the fellow residents who would open the door to give out treats. She would also go door to door at her grandmother’s apartment building, which she says felt different as she wasn’t sure who’d be behind the door. But that building had an upside as well.
“You would get more treats from the elderly as fewer kids would be visiting,” Hey says over email.
While nowadays some kids might don witch hats like those we see on Halloween, they are still more likely to be wearing headscarves scrounged from a mother’s closet. Headscarves are something we might associate with, say, the old hag who gave Snow White a poisoned apple.
Like scary witches, the kids have a rhyming incantation, as well — although its meaning is actually rather friendly. In fact, they are meant to bring good fortune and drive away bad spirits.
“Virvon, varvon, tuoreeks terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks; vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!” they say.
This translates to “I wave a twig for a fresh and healthy year ahead; a twig for you, a treat for me!”
Photo: Visit Finland – Business Finland
Twigs aren’t only given away; they are also used to decorate houses at Easter time — hung with painted eggs. The eggs harken back to the pre-Christian celebration of the fertility goddess Ostara, from whose name the holiday is derived, at the spring equinox. The lovely effect is like a more sparse take on a Christmas tree.
Lest the little witches’ blessings fail to fully drive the bad spirits away, bonfires are also lit on Maundy Thursday to really make sure they get the message.
While girls may once have outnumbered boys in celebrating the tradition, Finland is an egalitarian place, and the chance to collect Easter chocolates, candies, or even coins is shared with boys as well.
“Both boys and girls do it,” assures me Kuusela. And despite the snow still on the ground in a place like Lapland, the weather was always pleasant enough to go door to door, says Kuusela. She adds that she has “only good and very friendly memories” of the tradition.
Hey of Visit Finland agrees. “It is a lovely tradition, and I am glad that it still exists (even this year despite the pandemic),” says Hey.
The post In Finland, kids go ‘trick or treating’ as little witches for Easter appeared first on Matador Network.
The US goes big on wind power and environmental justice
This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.
Wind power took a major step forward in the United States this week. On March 29, the Biden administration released a plan to boost offshore wind energy development and boost overall development of wind power along the densely populated East Coast from Long Island to the Jersey Shore. The plan, detailed in a release from the White House, will develop 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes and keep 78 million metric tons of greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
“For generations, we’ve put off the transition to clean energy and now we’re facing a climate crisis,” said Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland in the release. “The climate crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income families. As our country faces the interlocking challenges of a global pandemic, economic downturn, racial injustice, and the climate crisis — we have to transition to a brighter future for everyone.”
The plan is built around three primary goals to address these issues:
Creating thousands of high-paying, unionized jobsInvesting in the country’s infrastructure, in this case by increasing our energy independenceCollecting data on the processes and sharing it, in an effort to track effectiveness and make future wind development projects more efficientA Scottish offshore wind project provides a good example of how this project on our side of the Atlantic could be impactful. An offshore wind project there run by the Norwegian company Equinor has allowed that firm to cut costs by 40 percent, The Guardian reported, while taking advantage of persistent sea winds that have consistently made the floating turbines both profitable and effective. As a result, Equinor plans to add more turbines in the Atlantic waters, as do other companies, furthering the impact that offshore wind can have on energy production there.
It would not be out of line to project that a successful initiative here would attract massive interest from both private companies and utilities looking to create wind power at scale for Americans.
Read more about the proposed wind energy projects via The Washington Post.
How wind energy development ties into travelThese developments aren’t going to reduce emissions from commercial aviation or directly make travel more sustainable. But they will indirectly help with one of the United States’ favorite pastimes, the road trip. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 28.2 percent of total US emissions come from automobiles. As Americans transition to electric vehicles in the coming years, that rate will decline — but how rapidly depends partially on how those electric vehicles are charged.
Sure, a car itself might not be spewing emissions, but if the EV charger that filled it up is powered by fossil fuels, it’s impossible to call that an entirely clean commute. Renewable energy accounted for just 11 percent of the US power supply in 2019, according to the US Energy Information Administration. These wind power developments will add more clean energy into the power grids along the Northeast coast, some of which will be sucked up by EV chargers.
The proposal could also have a big impact on environmental justice, which plays into who gets to travel in the first place. By creating high-wage jobs and prioritizing diverse hiring, the projects to build and maintain these offshore wind farms can help the families of employees increase their financial stability, thus providing more access to luxuries such as more frequent travel. Further, by developing clean energy away from neighborhoods adjacent to factories and power plants, these projects will decrease dependence on the fossil fuel power plants that are polluting neighborhoods in the first place — improving the health of residents while simultaneously opening the door to further economic development in those areas.
“This commitment to a new, untapped industry will create pathways to the middle class for people from all backgrounds and communities,” National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy said in the White House release.
More climate winsMassachusetts Governor Charlie Baker formally signed the state’s climate bill into law, the Boston Herald reported, committing the state to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The bill also sets in action a course to more clean energy jobs and EV adoption throughout the state.
New Mexico this week finalized a rule to eliminate the practice of gas venting and flaring in oil fields. The rule will reduce emissions produced onsite and wells and drill sites.
Finally, if you’re like us and enjoy nerding out on cool clean energy projects, check out this incredible floating solar farm in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It’s Europe’s largest floating solar park, and Architectural Digest reported that it yields 20-30 percent more power than land-based farms because it rotates with the sun while being cooled by the water underneath the panels.
The post The US goes big on wind power and environmental justice appeared first on Matador Network.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
