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Published on January 15, 2025 08:54

Cheap Airbnbs in ski destinations

Not that a vigorous ski vacation ever feels like a ripoff, but holy Alberto Tomba has the sport gotten expensive. Lift tickets are regularly over $125, condos can go for $2,500 a week or more, and drinks at après ski bars are often pricier than they are in Vegas nightclubs. Skiing was never a budget sport, but now it’s approaching equestrian and skydiving as a “take out a loan” sport.

While we can’t do much about the price of drinks or lift tickets, we can help you control your cost of accommodations. We put our heads together with Airbnb, who dished on the 10 hottest North American ski destinations this winter, based on increased booking demand. In each spot, we found the coolest Airbnb you can rent for affordable rates, with a tolerable proximity to the mountain.

We hope you love the ski destination Airbnbs 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.

Ski-in/ski-out lodge — Summit County, Colorado

Photo: Airbnb

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Villa Panda stands at an elevation of 8,900 feet amid the Gore Range of the Rocky Mountains. Keystone Resort, Frisco Nordic Center, and Breckenridge are the closest ski areas whereas downtown Silverthorne is just a mile away. The rental has heaps of space indoors plus a hot tub and kids’ playground outside. This Play Airbnb for skiers also has a games room with classic arcade consoles and shuffleboard.

Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $800 per night

A-frame cabin near Breckenridge — Alma, Colorado

Photo: Airbnb

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This 1970s cabin in Colorado has been spruced up with modern appliances, premium bedding, and a hot tub perfect for a snow day. The interiors are mindfully styled with just the essentials, ensuring the focus stays on the epic mountain scenery. Breckenridge Ski Resort is half an hour up the highway and there is a gas-burning fireplace and forced air heat to keep the cabin warm and snug.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $215 per night

Family Airbnb in Paradise Valley — Livingston, Montana

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This exceptional cabin near Big Sky Resort was custom-built and designed using a sloping roof and retaining walls to blend into the natural landscape. The decor leans mid-century modern and maximizing the scenery took priority. Wildlife sightings are common and the Milky Way is known to put on a show. The property sits on a 30-acre estate shared with one other rental which has its own designated yard space.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $449 per night

Converted barn and stilo ski retreat — Morristown, Vermont

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A short drive from Stowe Mountain Resort, Camel’s Hump, and Bolton Valley, this is one of the best Airbnbs for skiers in the North East of the United States. The hand-hewn timber barn, a characterful abode turned out with vintage appliances, is the hub of the home. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms are found in the silo with a hallway connecting the two units. There’s a treehouse in the yard and acres of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

Five guests, five bedrooms
Price: $820 per night

Skiers log cabin — Upper Jay, New York

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This Guest Favorite Airbnb near Whiteface Mountain Resort will delight skiers and leave the whole clan longing to get snowed in. Highlights include the open-air hot tub and cedar sauna, which skiers of all abilities will appreciate. The property is split across the main chalet, a studio cabin, and a lean-to glamping cabin, thus allowing a greater sense of space – and adventure. The lifts are a 20-minute drive.

Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $448 per night

Luxury ski cabin in the Adirondacks — Remsen, New York

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This family-friendly Airbnb for skiers near NYC has a water wheel and brook in the backyard which summons the most idyllic holiday card backdrop. There’s a fire pit outside for evenings devoted to stories and s’mores. Back indoors, the chalet is traditionally styled and furnished with premium amenities. You’ll have access to 11 acres of skiing and snow shoe trails from the property while Woods Valley is a 30-minute drive.

Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $315 per night

Downtown ski condo and hot tub — Anchorage, Alaska

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Enjoy mountain views, downtown conveniences, and proximity to Alyeska Resort at this four-bedroom retreat for families and large groups. There’s a hot tub on the terrace primed for morning sun and evening stargazing. Rooms are sizable and the main salon’s high ceiling adds a sense of grandeur to this contemporary vacation home. In case you fancy a return for summer, the blackout curtains keep the pesky midnight sun at bay.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $268 per night

Stylish winter base camp — Park City, Utah

Photo: Airbnb

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This ultra-glamorous townhome near Utah’s finest ski resorts includes a free door-to-door shuttle service to and from Deer Valley during the season. Besides being dressed up all ready for a magazine shoot, practicality plays a major role in this rental pad. There is ample storage space for skis and boards as well as washing facilities for freshening up your thermals between hitting the slopes. It’s a steal if you can fill all the beds.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $600 per night

Ski-in/ski-out Airbnb with epic views — Comox Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Photo: Airbnb

See more photos This charcoal-hued cabin rental near Mount Washington Alpine Village cuts quite the contrast with the heavy British Columbia snowfall. The interiors are comfortably appointed with a cozy room in the gabled roof, a rustic kitchen, and a huge storage facility. A luggage sled is provided during the snow season when the road is inaccessible. You’ll ski out to the Sunrise Chair and ski in at the end of the day.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $261 per night

Slopeside chalet — Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada

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This ski-in/ski-out Airbnb opens directly onto the Sasquatch Mountain Resort. As a six-bedroom chalet, it offers far better value than booking condos and makes post-piste debriefs all the more fun with options to sit fireside or soak in the hot tub. There’s a huge kitchen stocked with everything needed to whip up poutine and cheese boards. Configuration-wise, it’s ideal for families and adult groups alike.

Thirteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $643 per night

Mountain Lakeshore Condo — Bozeman, Montana

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On a clear winter day the view here will trick all your internet friends into thinking you’re staying at some luxe ski getaway, rather than paying just $72 a night. This 1,200-square-foot, two-bedroom condo has a covered deck situated right on a lake, with mountain views right behind. It’s about 25 miles from Bridger Bowl and 45 miles to Big Sky, so you’ll still have a bit of a drive to the slopes. But your distance from skiing is more than made up for with your proximity to the breweries and bars of this mountain college town, also one of our Coolest Towns for 2018.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $93 per night

Dog-friendly chalet with hot tub & sauna — Girdwood, Alaska

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Long flights be damned, the Alyeska Resort near Anchorage has seen an 83-percent uptick in demand this year. Fortunately, that hasn’t driven prices up yet, and you can get this two-story, two-bedroom chalet with vaulted ceilings and glacial views for $200 per night, about the price of a mid-range hotel. The chalet also has a private hot tub on the deck, a wood burning stove, and a pullout sofa bed if you want to fit six people inside. And it’s only a few minutes from the slopes, meaning you won’t be driving all over sprawling Anchorage to get to your skiing.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $175 per night

Three bedroom modern condo at the village — Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada

Photo: Airbnb

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Though Ontario has never been top of mind for many Americans as a big ski destination, Airbnb saw a 142-percent increase in demand for Blue Mountain this year. This condo puts you right in the heart of the ski village, with three bedrooms spread over two stories and 1,700 square feet. The main living area has floor-to-ceiling windows that allow maximum light in to start your morning, and the master bedroom features an oversized bathtub to soak in after a long day on the mountain.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $526 per night

Downtown old Colorado City with panoramic views — Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Aspen? Vail? Telluride? Great spots. All also painfully expensive. This is probably why less-traveled Colorado Springs has seen a massive increase in demand this year. This second-floor apartment in a four-story house, available for $110 per night, has panoramic views of Cheyenne Mountain and Garden of the Gods, with heated floors and clean, white decor. The kitchen has a dishwasher, but no range. But you’re only a short walk from trendy Colorado Avenue, where you’ll find no shortage of places to eat, drink, and do whatever else one does in Colorado.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $110 per night

Golf course-front home with shared hot tub, easy ski access — Mt. Hood, Oregon

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This 1,596-square-foot house sits right along the fairway at the Three Nines Golf Course, which dates all the way back to 1928. If you’re hearty, winter might not keep you off the greens, but if it does, the house is also only 12 miles from Mt. Hood Skibowl, 19 miles from Timberline Lodge, and 24 miles from Mt. Hood Meadows. The house is part of the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, and staying here also gives you access to the resort’s sports courts, spa, playground, and other amenities.

Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $180 per night

Two-bedroom condo near Mountain Rd. — Stowe, Vermont

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Stowe is underrated younger brother to blown-out Killington, a quiet little town with a challenging mountain and a world-class ski resort. Lodging, however, is limited — so a big, modern condo four miles from the mountain is quite a find. This two-bedroom spot has a wood-burning fireplace and is only a couple of miles from quaint downtown Stowe. You’d be well advised to hit the restaurants at the Stowe Mountain Lodge, as well as its underground speakeasy at Linehouse.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $206 per night

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Published on January 15, 2025 06:00

January 14, 2025

When Exploring the Towns of Lake Como, Appetite Comes With Eating

The Melbourne-based travel writer Paul Manser has written for major newspapers and magazines that demand a sort of glossy sheen to stories. Real-world travels, and life in general, rarely reflect the glow of a mainstream travel story. Those tales may not make it into Manser’s typical outlets, though they did make into his book, “Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins” (Hardie Grant).

Photo: Hardie Grant

The book is for travelers who aren’t afraid of the messier side of travel, and who embrace the uncomfortable, occasionally dangerous, and often humorous (at least when looked back at after a generous passage of time) things that come along with seeing the world. As Manser put it in a previous interview and excerpt of his book published on Matador: “Think of every mishap as a plot twist, not a problem. Missed connections? A gift from the travel gods to explore the place where you’re stuck. Food poisoning? The ultimate character-building experience. That miserable bus ride through rural nowhere? That’s where the stories are born.”

Here, an excerpt from “Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins” about eating one’s way through Lake Como — with much less of the glitz and glam typically associated with the famous (and celebrity-stocked) Italian destination.

Confessions of an International Pasta Mule

Photo: Paul Manser

A thick, greasy film coats my skin.

The torrential sweat doesn’t dampen my shirt, it drowns it.

With every shuffling movement of my feet, I can feel their eyes on me. They wear navy-blue uniforms, blank expressions and behave like they are fresh from a personality lobotomy. I know they are looking at me. Their eyes are drawn to my nervous appearance and enlarged stomach.

The security cameras turn and follow my path as I walk down a short hallway. It’s only a matter of time until I get stopped. It’s only a matter of time until I appear on an episode of Border Patrol.

I fumble around in my pocket for my passport. It spills to the ground.

I have a waking nightmare involving rubber gloves, a dimly lit room and a customs officer smiling like a psychopath.
I wait an eternity for my luggage. I think about just leaving it at the airport and trying to rush through the final security checkpoint. Finally, my haggard suitcase is spat out onto the baggage carousel like a gristly piece of meat at a high-priced steak restaurant. I grab my luggage and wonder if they have already searched it. What have they found?

My ears drown in the noise of my thumping heart. It beats so fast, so loudly, that it echoes in my brain. I wheel my bag to the exit.

When I reach the front of the queue, a customs officer thrusts out a hand full of short, sausage-like fingers.

“Landing card and passport please,” he asks. His eyebrows rise when he takes in whatever coded note passport control had scribbled on it earlier.

I feel like gravity just got heavier.

It’s all too much.

I can’t take it anymore.

I blurt out, “I’m not actually smuggling five kilos of heroin in my belly. I may look eight-months pregnant, but I’ve actually just eaten my body weight in food in Italy.”

Sausage Fingers frowns. He says, “I didn’t think you were an international drug mule, but, if you want, I can arrange for someone to check and just make sure.”

It’s fair to say that I didn’t pack on a modest layer of insulation from eating in Italy, more that I evolved into a whale-like creature whose thick blubber could survive the coldest Antarctic waters. From fresh pastas oozing with creamy pesto-infused sauces, to risottos so thick they could cement brickwork in place, I ate everything Italy’s Lombardy region could offer, and then went back for dessert.

Photo: Paul Manser

The setting for my Italian feast was a small town called Bellagio that spilled down a lush green hillside to the edge of Lake Como. It was an elegant muddle of laneways overlooked by immaculately presented period houses, with overflowing flowerboxes on their narrow balconies.

Maria and I would normally rise early to gorge ourselves on sticky, sugar-powdered pastries at a waterfront café.
As the ferries docked at the small local port, we would watch as new waves of tourists from America, Germany and Russia descended upon the town like invading Vikings. Armed with credit cards and crisp euro notes, they would funnel into the town’s laneways, ready to pillage the local tourist stores of their antiques, oil paintings and Italy-shaped fridge magnets. Against a backdrop of international accents trying to calculate exchange rates, we would sip at thick, dark, diesel-like coffees.

Since Roman times, Lake Como has been a popular retreat for the wealthy residents of nearby Milan. The lake is the third-largest in Italy and is watched over by both an army of paparazzi looking for a drunken celebrity to snap, and a jagged mountain range that cuts angular silhouettes at sunset.

The roads linking the towns of Lake Como are not easy driving. The asphalt streets twist and turn and hug the shores of the deep blue lake. During peak tourist season, the traffic is so bad that it stands still. The Lake Como ferry system is a far better way to move around. The ferries have unobstructed views of postcard-perfect, stone-built towns and you are washed over by a cooling breeze standing on the outside deck.

Photo: Paul Manser

One afternoon, we indulged in a ferry heading to the village of Varenna led by our stomachs and the promise of fresh pasta.

The ferry rose and fell to the movements of the lake like a toddler walking clumsily up and down a small flight of stairs. The air was heavy with a cocktail of water-spray and diesel fumes.

I applied sunscreen across my limbs with the subtlety of a Jackson Pollock painting. Seagulls circled overhead, their shrill cries piercing through the polite murmurs of passengers. One bird perched on the railing, eyeing me directly with the sort of cold indifference that told you the gulls ate comfortably and had no natural prey.

The ferry captain walked the deck, chain-smoking and staring beyond the passengers. His gaze rested on the horizon like he was expecting a change in the weather.

As Varenna came into view, the ferry’s engine coughed and spluttered, causing the captain to swear.

The village unfolded like a postcard that your mother would proudly stick to the kitchen refrigerator and hope visitors would ask her about. The buildings were painted in a palette of sunset hues, stacked haphazardly like a tipsy architect’s fever dream. Even from a distance, I could see the promenade snaking along the shoreline, lined with villas that seemed to dare you to imagine what they looked like inside.

Photo: Paul Manser

We walked past elegant villas and cobblestone alleyways with steps and archways leading up to the main piazza. Inevitably, our hunger drew us, like a middle-aged divorcee to a bottle of rosé on a Tuesday afternoon, to one of Varenna’s small lakeside restaurants.

The menu unfolded across four massive pages. Vines suffocated a stunted tree and run along thin wires, forming a deep green canopy above the sitting diners.

Our waiter looked like Salvador Dalí. His moustache was waxed into long spears. The greasy lengths of facial hair jutted out above his mouth. He waved his hands expansively like he was conducting an unseen orchestra as he described his favorite dishes on the menu.

I point to a range of the specialties on the menu and say, “Let’s just try one of each of the house specialties and see how far we get.”

Maria cleared her throat. She rested her hand on my protruding belly, raising a single eyebrow.

Dalí Moustache smiled. Speaking in a thick Italian accent, he told us, “Not to worry.” He moved his opened hands to the sky and simply said, “L’appetito vien mangiando” or, “Appetite comes with eating.”

Excerpted with permission from “Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins” (Hardie Grant) by Paul Manser. The book is available now wherever fine books are sold, as well as online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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Published on January 14, 2025 14:18

Ask Matador: How To Pitch Yourself For Matador Brand Collabs

Every week, the Matador Creators team posts new press trip opportunities and gigs across editorial, social media, and branded partnerships. Whether we’re working on a brand collaboration or an editorial project, our first search for the perfect person to work with is always within our own creator community.

As the Matador Creators Manager, I’ve seen the full range of applications. Naturally, some stick out more than others. Here’s what you can do to bring your pitch to the forefront.

1. Fill out your entire Matador Creators profile

A complete Matador Creators profile helps us find and reach out to the right creator for the job based on their interests, location, and specialty. For example, if we have an opportunity for a photographer in the LGBTQ community who is based in California, we can filter our searches to show people who checked those boxes on their profile. The more you fill out about yourself, the easier it is for us to find you.

Additionally, many of the gigs we’re looking to fill require a full profile to apply.

2. Update your location

We know a lot of our creators travel for work (and leisure). If you’re in a new spot for an extended period of time, try to remember to update your location on your Matador Creators profile. Location is one of the main search criteria for brand opportunities, and we may miss you if you haven’t set your location to your current home base.

3. Don’t be shy, share your socials

Certain gigs can attract hundreds of applicants that we have to quickly go through on deadline to find the best fit. For brand opportunities that rely on social media deliverables, we tend to ignore applicants who don’t have socials connected to their profile. If socials are connected but set to private, that’s another application we’ll likely skip. Only considering people with public and linked social accounts is more than a matter of speeding up the selection process — these roles require certain experience, and linked, public accounts are how we judge if someone has that experience. Your content should be front and center, including any website links or portfolios.

4. It’s not always about your follower count

While some brand gigs call for a sizable follower count, others are more focused on a specific talent or content niche. We’ve had opportunities where we automatically rejected creators with massive audiences on socials because their content didn’t showcase the creative “eye” needed for that specific gig. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a sizable audience on socials. If that’s necessary for the opportunity, it will be mentioned.

5. Make sure to (briefly) address the prompt

We can tell when we receive pitches that were copied and pasted from a previous opportunity. Though we understand a novel pitch for a gig takes time, we need certain details to find the right creator. Clients have strict needs for branded work, while editorial projects have specific angles that need to be met. There’s no need for an essay — just send a few relevant sentences in response to that gig’s prompt.

6. Check our platform for updates and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Most of our newly posted opportunities are shared in our weekly creator newsletter. Some are more time-sensitive than others, so consistently checking those emails, as well as browsing the Matador Creators platform periodically, are the best ways to stay in the loop. You can check out the latest gigs here. If you’re not sure if you’re subscribed to our newsletter, shoot us an email at creators@matadornetwork.com and we can check for you.

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Published on January 14, 2025 12:36

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II Is the Do-It-All Compact Camera Made for Travel Creators

If there’s one item that nearly everyone has on hand while traveling, it’s some sort of camera. Whether it’s a smartphone, compact, or full-on camera set-up with interchangeable lenses, capturing photos of memorable moments and scenes is a must. As a travel photographer, I typically have at least a few cameras in my bag that are suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations. While my usual go-to is my professional-grade Sony Alpha full-frame mirrorless camera with multiple lenses, it’s not the lightest kit to carry around when hiking and embarking on other endeavors where it’s not the most practical choice.

Photo courtesy Amazon

While I had yet to find a compact camera that I loved, I was lucky enough to test out the new Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II ($1,098 at Amazon) on a recent trip to Canada’s Banff National Park and Buffalo, New York’s Borderland Music + Arts Festival. Both trips had activities that required a smaller, more compact camera that could still take solid photos and videos without weighing me down. From shooting in low-light conditions to capturing video clips, I was certainly left impressed with this small but mighty newcomer to Sony’s collection. But, is it worth the price tag? I learned that if you’re serious about travel photography, it certainly is.

We hope you love the Sony Alpha ZV-e10! 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.

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II has interchangeable lenses Photo of Banff National Park taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

Banff National Park in all her glory. Photo: Lauren Breedlove, taken with the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

One of the downfalls of a compact camera is the fixed lens. Enter the Sony ZV-E10 II, which allows for interchangeable Sony E-mount lenses to be used, giving you much more versatility with what you’re shooting. This model is the second in this generation, with upgrades to the sensor, video capabilities, and battery life. I love that you can buy the bundle that includes the camera body with a 16-50mm zoom lens. This works well for landscapes, cities, portraits, and in certain situations, even wildlife. But, the beauty is that Sony has a wide range of compatible lenses you can pair with this camera, depending on what you like to photograph.

It’s incredibly lightweight and portable

When I say that this camera is lightweight, it truly is. At under one pound (13.3 ounces), it’s a breeze to tote around and handle without the usual heft that I’m accustomed to with my mirrorless model (which is much lighter than a DSLR). Portable is the name of the game with the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II as well; without a lens attached, it could easily fit in a jacket pocket, measuring 4.63 x 2.75 x 2.25 inches. With the 16-50mm lens, it still fits in my tote bag, purse, or backpack compartment with extreme ease. While at the music festival, it fit right into my small tote with my other essentials, and I could quickly grab it to snap a shot or video without digging through a bunch of gear in my camera pack. Speaking of my camera pack, it typically clocks in between 25-30lbs. So, for certain activities in Banff like wandering downtown or a steeper hike, it was nice to leave the weight behind but still have the ability to capture high-quality content.

You can shoot in automatic and manual modes, and capture JPEG and RAW files Concert photo taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

Borderland Music + Arts Festival. Photo: Lauren Breedlove, taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

A lot of compact cameras only allow for shooting in automatic modes or specialized set modes like “action” and “macro.” As a professional photographer, I shoot in manual to control the settings I want based on my vision for the image and the conditions I’m shooting in, but I also capture RAW files which are much bigger and more detailed, allowing for flexible edits in Lightroom, particularly with shadows. I like that this camera offers those options.

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II is just as good for video as it is for photos

This camera is marketed as a “vlogging” camera, offering fantastic video capabilities with up to 4K/60fps (frames per second), a Cinematic Vlog Setting, and impressive autofocus tracking with Real-time Eye AF settings specific to humans, animals, and birds. I liked the 3-inch LCD touch screen that flips out and rotates easily for taking vertical video, perfect for shooting clips for Instagram reels and stories. I also use interval shooting a lot when I’m in the frame to show scale, or for timelapses, and I was happy to see that the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II offers this feature. For vloggers, it’s possible to live stream directly to social media as well, using the USB-C port/integrated WiFi. There’s also a 3-Capsule directional mic with included wind screen that sits atop the camera like a floofy little toupee. I didn’t love the lack of built-in image stabilization unless you enact the “Active” SteadyShot mode, which crops the shot; it’s not usually an ideal trade.

The battery life is impressive Sunshine Village Gondola with mountain in background, taken on Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

Sunshine Village gondola. Photo: Lauren Breedlove, taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

When you’re out exploring for the day, you want a camera with a long battery life since finding a spot to recharge isn’t always a guarantee. I was impressed with the solid battery on this camera (approximately 610 still shots and approximately 130 minutes for movie shooting), which went the distance from my sunrise to sunset (and beyond) shoots in Banff National Park. I even had a couple of super cold mornings that didn’t seem to drain the battery life too much.

Is the Sony ZV-E10 II worth it? restaurant in Alberta, taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

The camera takes shots equally impressive indoors. Photo: Lauren Breedlove, taken with Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II

Despite the fact that I normally shoot on a 42MP full-frame camera and this one is a cropped, 26MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, I still found this a useful and very functional compact camera for a wide array of situations. I liked the dedicated Bokeh button (for blurring the background), battery life, vari-angle LCD screen, video and low-light capabilities, amazing autofocus tracking, and its easy to carry around, lightweight profile. I didn’t love the lack of a viewfinder or weather sealing, but I still think it’s a pretty stellar option that fills the gap between compact or point-and-shoot models and professional grade DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

The price point feels a bit high ($999.99 body only/ $1,098 with lens) for a run-of-the-mill compact camera, but the Sony ZV-E10 II offers more than that with interchangeable lenses, 4K video, manual shooting, and ability to capture RAW files. I feel that it’s suitable for someone looking to branch out and improve their photography skills without committing to a large camera set-up. It’s a great option for travelers and content creators who want to produce higher quality images and film clips using a lightweight and extremely packable camera.

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Published on January 14, 2025 11:26

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in St. Louis

St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West,” but there’s a lot more to the Missouri city than the Gateway Arch. (Granted, the 630-foot-tall landmark has no doubt earned its icon status as the tallest monument in the US.) On a recent winter visit to St. Louis, I experienced firsthand some of what makes the city special, from its historical hubs and entertainment districts to its growing reputation as a great food city. Here’s how to make the most out of a trip to St. Louis.

Things to do in St. Louis

Spend a day at Union Station things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

Union Station, once a railway hub, is now a lively entertainment district. My first stop was the St. Louis Aquarium, where I found myself captivated by stingrays gliding through the water. After the aquarium, I took a ride on the St. Louis Wheel to catch a glimpse of the city from above.

Other attractions at Union Station include a ropes course, a carousel, and a mirror maze inspired by the one at the St. Louis-hosted 1904 World’s Fair. Grab lunch or dinner at The Train Shed after a day of recreation (and keep an eye out for seasonal cocktail pop-ups like February’s Violet’s at the Shed or the Sleigh Shed, which was on during my December visit).

Union Station: 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103

Take a breather at the Missouri Botanical Garden things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Prosper106
/Shutterstock

I visited the Missouri Botanical Garden during the Garden Glow event, which sees the site decorated in two-million-plus lights between November and January. It’s a spectacle anyone would be lucky to see, but the garden shines no matter when you visit.

Inside, you’ll find peaceful trails connecting a variety of plant collections. Some, like the Lehmann Rose Garden and the Goodman Iris Garden, center on a specific type of flora. Others have geographic themes, including the Japanese Garden and the Pfautch Bavarian Garden. Take it all in on a self-guided stroll or book a docent-led tour by foot or tram.

Oh, and if you happen to visit during a special event like Garden Glow, which can see as many as a quarter million visitors in a week, plan to arrive early.

Missouri Botanical Garden: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110

Snap a photo at the Gateway Arch things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

The Gateway Arch was erected in 1935 as a testament to the idea of westward expansion. Today’s visitors can ride a tram to the top to get a view of the St. Louis cityscape, including the Mississippi River whose west bank the city occupies. I found the tram to be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once I reached the top, the panorama made it all worth it.

To build out your visit, the Gateway Arch belongs to the greater Gateway Arch National Park, which also includes an American history museum and the stately Old Courthouse.

Gateway Arch National Park: St. Louis, MO 63102

Get whimsical at the City Museum things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

The City Museum was hands down one of my favorite experiences in St. Louis. A place to embrace your inner child, the indoor-outdoor museum is a self-described “architectural playground” that’s filled with an eclectic collection of objects (everything from vintage machines to wacky sculptures and taxidermy) as well as interactive obstacles (think tunnels, slides, and caves). Every square inch holds something unexpected — including the rooftop school bus that peeks out over the side of the building.

For extra excitement, try to catch an acrobatic show when you’re there. Throughout the year, students from Circus Harmony showcase their circus arts skills at the museum.

City Museum: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103

Embrace your sporty side at Ballpark Village things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

Ballpark Village is a sports-themed entertainment district by Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Based on how busy it was when I visited, you’d never know that I was in town during the off-season. From live music to dinner, drinks, and events, there’s always something to do at Ballpark Village (which is also a convenient place to stop if you’re out exploring downtown St. Louis). Of course, if you’re lucky enough to visit during baseball season, catching a game at Busch Stadium is the ideal lead-in to your Village experience.

Ballpark Village: 601 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102

Head to the Central West End things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: RozenskiP
/Shutterstock

There are a couple of specific attractions in the Central West End (the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis and the World Chess Hall of Fame come to mind). But you really go there to experience the neighborhood as a whole, which quickly became one of my favorite St. Louis neighborhoods. Situated on one edge of Forest Park, the Central West End has a nice mix of historic architecture, boutique shops, and cafes and restaurants that make it easy to spend a whole day just walking around the area. For me, that meant finding a cozy bookstore tucked away on a side street and spending hours browsing through curated titles.

Central West End: St. Louis, MO 63108, 63110

Choose your adventure in Forest Park things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo:
Kalina Mondzholovska/Shutterstock

Forest Park is the St. Louis equivalent of New York City’s Central Park — only bigger. At approximately 1,300 acres, the park is a beautiful green space that also hosts cultural attractions like the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and The Muny, an outdoor theater. One of the highlights for me was stumbling upon the Jewel Box, a greenhouse filled with exotic plants that blew me away. In between attractions, you can enjoy trails, greenery, and recreational facilities like a golf course and tennis center.

Forest Park: St. Louis, MO 63112

Visit the Pulitzer Arts Foundation things-to-do-in-st-louis

Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation — or simply “the Pulitzer” to locals — is a museum that houses both historic and contemporary art (although the minimalist architecture gives the physical space a distinctly modern bent). There are just three sculptures in the permanent collection, so it’s the rotating exhibitions that make the museum stand out. When I visited, I had the chance to see a modern art installation that made me see everyday objects in a completely new light.

Pulitzer Arts Foundation: 3716 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Admire The Walls Off Washington

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Along Washington Avenue in the Grand Center Arts District, a collection of more than 25 murals creates an open-air art gallery in the heart of Midtown St. Louis. Themes range from colorful surrealist and abstract works to pieces with powerful historical or political overtones. How long any one mural is displayed varies, with some becoming semi-permanent fixtures for at least five years while others might rotate out after one year — meaning that the experience can feel fresh every time you visit St. Louis.

For a self-guided tour of The Walls off Washington, head to the side entrance where Josephine Baker Boulevard meets 3333 Washington Avenue and enter between 1 PM and sunset when walk-ins are welcome.

Walls Off Washington: Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103

Where to eat and drink in St. Louis

Idol Wolf Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

If you’re near Ballpark Village, Katie’s Restaurant is a family-owned spot that serves regional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Do yourself a favor and get the toasted ravioli, which is both a St. Louis specialty and a classic Katie’s order. For a meal that doubles as a cultural experience, head to Idol Wolf at the 21c Museum Hotel near the City Museum. Its Spanish-inspired tapas were a highlight of my trip — shoutout to the seafood paella — and the second-floor art gallery transforms dinner into a full sensory experience.

Salt + Smoke Photo: Mya-Breyana Morton

A block away from Forest Park, Yellowbelly is a classy spot that’s known for seafood dishes like the crab dip and cocktails like the rum punch. For a more down-home taste of St. Louis, Salt + Smoke delivers authentic barbecue at its best. The smoky brisket and toasted ravioli are local favorites, and the extensive whiskey selection makes this a great spot for an evening out.

Where to stay in St. Louis

The Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark is a good choice for anyone visiting the city. The biggest perk is its location, which not only means guests get great views of Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch but also that they’re within walking distance of all the downtown attractions. The hotel’s rooftop bar, 360 St. Louis, is another good excuse to stay there — especially if you’re visiting in the winter like I did. A great place to unwind year-round, the bar transformed into a cozy holiday pop-up when I was in town, which made for a pleasant stay.

Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark: 1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Getting around St. Louis

Photo: Jon Rehg/Shutterstock

St. Louis is a walkable city, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. For longer trips, rideshares and public transit and readily available. In fact, the whole Metro Transit system has an excellent reputation for being a safe, convenient, and reliable way to get around St. Louis.

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Published on January 14, 2025 10:00

Start 2025 Off With a Bang With a Year of Free Flights With Frontier Airlines

Despite the often gloomy and cold days, I enjoy January. It’s the month to map out the year, allowing my type-A personality to go into overdrive and plan trips away. But imagine if you were to start 2025 with the prize of a year’s worth of free flights. That would dramatically change the trajectory of the months to come, right?

Budget airline Frontier Airlines is running a new promotion from now until January 31. The prize: one year’s worth of free flights with the airline. The “New Year, New Adventure” promotion will allow you to choose from a range of international and domestic routes.

“We’re giving away a year of free flights to one lucky winner to start crossing the dream destinations off their bucket list,” the competition site reads.

Eligible participants must be over the age of 18 and in the US, but for some reason, residents of Florida, New York, and Washington D.C. can not enter. Matador reached out to Frontier Airlines for clarification on this matter but has not had a response at the time of publication.

To enter the contest, all you need to do is quickly fill out this entry form on the Frontier website. It literally takes seconds. If you want an additional bonus entry, you’ll need to sign up for SMS and/or share the competition on social media.

Now, back to the planning — even if it is imaginary at this point. Frontier Airlines flies to numerous destinations throughout the US, including major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, as well as smaller regional airports. Internationally, the Denver-based airline serves destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

The announcement of this competition comes on the heels of the airline’s bold move with its “Go Wild! Pass,” an all-you-can-fly pass that allows travelers to fly unlimited flights worldwide for a year. The pass was capped at $299 for the first 5,000 buyers before increasing to $599. However, a few caveats make this “deal” less appealing to many: domestic flights can only be booked the day before, international 10 days in advance, there are blackout dates, seats are not always available, you might get bumped off the flight, and you still need to pay for baggage and seats.

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Published on January 14, 2025 07:10

January 13, 2025

The 5 Best Hotels in the Caribbean for 2025, According to Caribbean Experts

Most major travel organizations do some kind of annual award each year, from Travel & Leisure’s best hotel awards to the 50 Best Pizza Awards and annual World Culinary Awards. Matador Network also does its own, with our experts and travel team designating everything from the best wellness destination to where to go for adventure travel in 2025 and beyond.

But the Caribbean Travel Awards, inaugurated by Caribbean Journal in 2014, are a little different: the judges are all experts on the Caribbean, with a combined hundred years of experience in island travel.

Most of Caribbean Journal’s staff and freelancers live in the Caribbean, or in Miami, making frequent trips to the islands. It’s the largest news and travel website focused on the Caribbean, focusing on everything from conservation and green energy to new restaurants and culinary events. So it’s pretty likely that the winners of the 2025 Caribbean Travel Awards were heavily vetted, researched, and tested by people who know the islands inside and out. According to the announcement, judges spent time “exploring the region in depth and immersing themselves in the Caribbean with on-the-ground travel” when deciding on the winners.

While there are multiple awards, among the most exciting are those celebrating the best hotels in the Caribbean. Here are the big winners from 2025, from the best overall hotel to the best new openings.

The best Caribbean hotel of the year

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The top spot for the best hotel in the Caribbean went to British Colonial Nassau, in Nassau, in the Bahamas. While Atlantis Paradise Island gets most of the attention from US travelers, the town is loaded with historic and luxurious hotels, including the British Colonial. It has a storied history, starting with its original construction in 1901 by American industrialist Henry M. Flagler. After a fire destroyed the initial structure in 1922, a new seven-story hotel was swiftly erected, opening its doors on January 7, 1924.

It has a 300-foot-long private white-sand beach, with complimentary snorkeling and kayaking. It’s home to several restaurants, and has a tropical garden and freshwater pool overlooking the harbor. Interestingly, the hotel was a filming location for the 1983 Bond movie Never Say Never Again, staring Sean Connery as James Bond. The awards describe the property as “a symbol of the continued renaissance of downtown Nassau.” Rooms start in the low $200s per night in the low season.

The best Caribbean small hotel of the year

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Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve took the top spot for the best small hotel in the Caribbean. It’s a luxury property purchased in the early 1980s by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who bought the then-abandoned lodge to use as family hideaway. After more than a decade as a private retreat, Coppola opened the property to the public in 1993, and now, it’s a 20-room resort combining natural beauty with rustic luxury.

The lodge’s rooms have big decks overlooking the jungle and river, and some even have private plunge pools. It’s close to attractions like Big Rock Falls and the Caracol Mayan ruins, though it’s easy to spend at least one day lounging at the resort, thanks to the on-site Thai spa and cool Jaguar Bar. The awards describe it as “a truly unique, bucket-list travel destination.” Standard rooms start around $359 night, and the lodge participates in the World of Hyatt program.

The best new Caribbean hotel of the year

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The experts chose Six Senses La Sagesse, on Grenada, as the best new hotel of the year, praising it’s “extraordinary blend of modern luxury and immersive wellness.” Because it’s a Six Senses hotel, it’s definitely expensive, but the brand is always a five-star experience. It’s the first Six Senses in the Caribbean and has no shortage of amenities, including a spa inspired by a traditional Caribbean village with treatments that incorporate local herbs and spices. Resort restaurants serve dishes that highlight Grenada’s rich culinary heritage — after all, it’s called “The Spice Isle” for a reason. Guests can choose from activities ranging from waterfall meditation sessions to tours with local farmers to guided rum tastings, among other offerings.

The best all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean

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To stay in the best all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean of 2025, you’ll need to head to Antigua. Galley Bay Resort & Spa, on the island’s west coast, is an adults-only, all-inclusive retreat spread across 56 acres of beach and gardens. A highlight are the “Gauguin Suites,” inspired by artist Paul Gauguin, each with a private plunge pool. And for foodies and cocktail fans, the Rum Shack is a huge draw. It’s a traditional “rum shop” where guests can sample Caribbean rums and participate in curated tastings.

The hotel pool has a cascading waterfall, and nearly all activities are included, including sailing and sailing lessons on the resort’s easy-to-steer catamarans. The Caribbean Journal offered personal insight on the resort, noting “every time we’ve stayed here, we’ve remarked at how breathtakingly beautiful it is.” Rooms are quite pricey, starting around $1,000 per person, per night.

The best small all-inclusive hotel of the year

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The best small all-inclusive is also on Antigua, but this time, it’s on the island’s Turners Beach, slightly to the south. It’s Keyonna Beach Resort, and it’s an adults-only boutique hotel with just 29 rooms. Many rooms have private pools and outdoor showers, and beachgoers will love one popular perk: there are enough Balinese day beds for every room on the beach, ensuring you don’t have to stress about finding space to lounge. It’s also the only hotel on Turners Beach, ensuring you aren’t surrounded by screaming kids and stressed family vacationers.

Foodies in particular may like this Caribbean hotel, as it serves meals in an open-air restaurant. And you won’t find any buffets at Keyonna Beach Resort. Instead, it focuses on plated meals using local ingredients, and all rooms rates include beer, wine, and cocktails — no nickel-and-diming for guests when you’re there. Rates start in the high $600s per night.

The best new all-inclusive resort of the year

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Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a much larger all-inclusive hotel, but it’s also adults only. It’s on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, which is one of the country’s “Magic Cities.” There are 109 suites, each with a private balcony offering views of the ocean, mangroves, or resort grounds.

Guests’ unique experiences start before they even arrive, as many guests chose to be met by the resort’s private boat at the Isla Mujeres Ferry terminal. The resort uses mostly natural materials and decor, to the point where it looks a little Tulum-esque, but with fewer fist-pumping nightclubbers and more adult couples looking for luxury and privacy. In Isla Mujeres, you’ll find small fishing towns, access to scuba diving, and several tour companies offering the chance to swim and snorkel with seasonally migrating whale sharks. The Caribbean Journal award team praised it as “one of the region’s must-visit all-inclusive destinations.” .

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Published on January 13, 2025 20:43

The World’s Most Powerful Passports of 2025 Are Also Some of the Prettiest

Many of us may take for granted the idea that our passport gives us the ability to travel to just about any country we want. But depending on what country issued your passport, visiting some destinations may be a bit harder than you’d think.

That’s because not every passport is treated the same way. Or, more accurately, not every country treats visitors from every other country the same way. Depending on where you’re from, you may have to take extra steps to visit certain countries, or may be able to visit others without so much as an ID check. Passports reflect the diplomatic relationships and visa agreements between nations, meaning that travel between certain countries is easier depending on what passport you have.

Every year, the Henley Passport Index studies travel around the world to create a list of the most powerful passports you can hold. It’s a globally recognized ranking system that looks at how many destinations each passport allows the holder to visit without a pre-approved visa. It’s based on data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and supplemented by ongoing research, and reflects not just practical traveler data, but broader global trends in freedom of movement and international partnership.

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The first rankings of 2025 are out, and there aren’t too many surprises. Singapore’s passport ranked as the most powerful passport for the second year in a row, and Japan dropped to second after spending the last seven years winning the title of world’s most powerful passport. (Countries can be tied in the rankings). France, Finland, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain all tied with the third most powerful passport in the world, and several countries tied for fourth, all swept by Europe: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

The US ranked 29th on the list but was ranked as the ninth most powerful passport in the world, tied with Estonia. It reflects a steady decline since 2016. That could be related to several causes, including the US’s perceived political unwillingness to participate in global agreements (for example, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord or the Iran Nuclear Deal), political rhetoric emphasizing “America First” that may be perceived as hostile to other countries, and reciprocation for the US’s stricter immigration and travel rules, which included complete bans on citizens from several nations.

There are 199 countries in the world that can issue passports, creating extreme variety when it comes to design, images, color scheme, and more. But interestingly, the word’s most powerful passports are also some of the most beautiful — perhaps indicating the designers at a government level know people around the world will be admiring their designs.

Here’s what each of the most powerful passports in the world looks like in 2025.

1. Singapore

Photo: Ivan Mark>/Shutterstock

Singapore passport holders get access to 195 countries around the world without the need to secure a visa in advance. And that means your chances are high of seeing one of the country’s passports in the wild. It’s recognizable for its vivid red cover. Inside, there are full-page images of recognizable landmarks spread across the open pages, such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage, and the Botanic Gardens, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed in 2017.

2. Japan

Photo: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Japan holds the second position, granting its citizens access to 193 destinations without prior visa approval. It’s not just one of the most powerful passports in the world but also one of the most elegant, with a deep red cover with the national emblem (a chrysanthemum) embossed in gold. The interior pages showcase traditional Japanese art and landscapes, such as cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, rendered in subtle tones. They’re all by Katsushika Hokusai, a well-known expert in woodblock art, called ukiyo-e. At the end of 2024, Japan introduced new passports with a plastic photo/ID page, but the design is the same otherwise.

3. Italy

Most powerful passports in the world - italy horse statue

Photo: Suzie Dundas

Italy also ranks third and, like all EU passports (except for Croatia), is red. The cover has the national emblem (a five-pointed star encircled by a cogwheel and olive branches) pressed in shiny gold on the front. The inside cover has a purple image of a famous Roman statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback, which is replicated, along with artistic representations of other sides, in faded colors on the blank pages for stamps.

3. Germany, France, and Spain

most powerful passports - french outline

Photo: Matador Creators

Like Italy’s passports, the German passport has a deep red cover and a gold-embossed federal eagle on the cover, symbolizing the nation’s unity and freedom. Inside, an interior page has a colorful image of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate — but you can only see it using a special light, which helps prevent counterfeiting.

The Spanish passport features a burgundy cover, consistent with the EU standard, displaying the Royal Coat of Arms of Spain and inscriptions in Spanish: “Unión Europea,” “España,” and “Pasaporte.” Inside, one page has an image of a Spanish aerocar, designed by Leonardo Torres Quevedo. It’s an early predecessor to cable cars, designed in 1915. The French passport is similar, with the French emblem on the front and interior pages showing islands and regions of France.

3. Finland

Uusi #passi ja #henkilökortti otetaan käyttöön vuodenvaihteessa. Ulkoasun pääosassa on pohjoinen luonto tuntureineen ja lumihiutaleineen. pic.twitter.com/v4ijnV0UGq

— Suomen poliisi (@SuomenPoliisi) November 28, 2016

Finland has one of the most powerful passports in the world, and one of the prettiest, with beautiful images from the Finnish Archipelago Sea splashed across the blank stamp pages. Inside, under UV light, images of the northern lights and a snowflake appear, adding both aesthetic appeal and enhanced security features. It also has another fun feature: if you flip through the pages, an image of a swan shown on the pages appears to be flying — fitting, as the whooper swan is the national bird of Finland.
3. South Korea

most powerful passports - south korea design

Photo: Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The current South Korean passport was designed in 2021 and displays on the cover the National Emblem of the Republic of Korea: the Taegeuk symbol encircled by petals of the mugunghwa, the national flower. The interior pages are adorned with images of South Korea’s national treasures and cultural heritage sites, including depictions of traditional artifacts and historical landmarks. The design was actually done by one person: Professor Kim Su-jung from the College of Fine Arts at Seoul National University, who won a design contest held by the government.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand Passport
byu/LudicrousPlatypus inPassportPorn

Okay, it didn’t make the top 10. But New Zealand’s passport cover is so darn pretty that we felt like it’s prudent to include. It ranks fifth on the list of the world’s most powerful passports, tied with Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK. It’s one of the world’s few black passports, and has one of the most striking covers, with the right edge displaying multiple large silver fern leaves. Inside, images relate to the country’s diverse environments, from rainforests to rugged coastlines, as well as images of early navigation and travel, something the Indigenous Māori people are well known for. The cover bears the name of the country both in English (“New Zealand”) and Māori (“Aotearoa”).

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Published on January 13, 2025 14:34

You Should Really Be Wearing Compression Socks on Travel Days. These Are the Perfect Fit.

Among the aspects of travel that changed for me in my late 30s was a sudden desire to not look like slob, even on long travel days. I frequently travel on story assignments and to conferences, and particularly for these trips, I want to arrive looking at least somewhat sharp. As such, I wear, among other things, a nice pair of boots when I fly (no need to remove shoes at TSA with Global Entry). No more scuffed shoes or sandals on the plane for this guy. Problem solved – or so I thought, until that pain from constant rubbing, pressure, restricted blood flow would cause my feet to hurt within a few hours of leaving home. To counter this, I got a pair of CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks ($44.99 at Amazon) hoping they would keep the blood flowing and relieve the pressure on my feet. Here’s how it went.

We hope you love the CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.

First impressions of the CEP Flight Tall Compression Sock

Photo: Tim Wenger

Wearing tall socks is a must when wearing boots. The same goes for thickness – you need socks that will prevent excess rubbing of the toes against the sides and top of the toe box. The goal of flight compression socks is to improve blood flow while reducing the risk of deep-vein thrombosis and swelling. I found them to be far more beneficial, actually improving comfort and preventing soreness in my feet across a long day of travel.

The CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks rise nearly to the knees, adding equally distributed pressure from their down through the toes. This helps to stimulate proper blood flow during long periods of sitting. I noticed on the flight between Salt Lake City and Vancouver that I rarely needed to move my legs, other than the occasional stretch into the aisle to pop my knees (the perk of always flying in the aisle seat). Typically on flights longer than an hour or two I find myself frequently fidgeting with my feet, and while not doing that I realized it was at least in part an attempt by my body to keep blood flowing through my legs and feet. This was the first noticeable improvement of flying with compression socks.

Equally important, though, was how comfortable my feet were. The CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks are thick enough that they prevented my toes from rubbing the toe box. The socks move with the legs, due to the 20-30mm HG compression that simultaneously boosts blood flow, which significantly improved comfort. Across a 14-hour travel day that included three flights and a two-and-a-half-hour drive I never felt the need to remove my boots – this being by far the longest I’ve ever kept them on in a single stretch.

The compression prevented the socks from slipping. Often on travel days I find myself pulling up my socks or fidgeting with them throughout the day, but that wasn’t the case with the CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks. When I reached my hotel in Revelstoke, British Columbia, they were as tall as they were when I left my house in Colorado that morning.

What else stood out about the CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks man wearing cep flight tall compression sock

Photo: Tim Wenger

Long days in heavy boots tend to draw some sweat. The same goes for long walks through busy airports on tight turnarounds. I appreciated that the CEP Flight Tall Compression Socks are made of 36 percent merino wool that absorbs the sweat rather than simply becoming wet and gross.

I’m 41 and while I don’t have varicose veins, I suspect that I’m headed that direction. These socks apply graduated pressure to the legs, with the tightest compression at the ankles and gradually decreasing pressure towards the knees. This graduated compression helps to improve blood circulation by gently squeezing the legs, preventing blood from pooling and reducing swelling in the ankles and legs – something that I realized in-flight I should have been doing for years. That’s because by promoting better blood flow, compression socks can help reduce the risk of blood clots (the deep vein thrombosis I mentioned above), something that is made worse by long bouts of air travel.

What could be improved man wearing cep flight tall compression sock

Photo: Tim Wenger

Having returned home and washed the socks, I have noticed that pilling is forthcoming. This isn’t a huge issue – they’re socks, after all – but I hope it’s not a sign that the socks are going to wear out within a year of use. I plan to wear them regularly when I fly going forward, and at the $44.99 price point expect to get at least a year of use out of them.

Wearing flight compression socks can feel a bit restricting, especially at first and for those not accustomed to wearing them. Walking through the airport before my first flight I was acutely aware of the fact that I was wearing socks up to my knees, because I could feel the pressure on my legs. But by the time I was on the plane and in the air, I’d grown accustomed to it and forgotten all about it. I was reminded again, though, at the hotel that night when I removed the socks – my legs suddenly felt so free. That said, I’ll take a bit of pressure over a bunch of pain every time.

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