Matador Network's Blog, page 737

Best cities and worst cities expats

Remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle is now an option for an increasing number of people, so it may be time for those in need of an escape to consider their future destinations. To help future expats make a decision, InterNations has released its ranking of the best and worst cities for expats to live in, based on surveys on 25 aspects of urban life, such as Leisure & Climate, Local Friendliness, Housing, Transportation, Job & Career, Finance, Health & Environment, Work-Life Balance, Safety & Politics, and more.

Photo: InterNations

It’s immediately obvious from looking at the list that warm-weather destinations are dominating. The Iberian Peninsula scores 5 of the top 10 spots, with Valencia, Alicante, and Lisbon ranking first, second, and third respectively. Malaga and Madrid come in at the sixth and ninth spots.

The 10 best cities in the world for expats according to InterNations:

Valencia
Alicante
Lisbon
Panama City
Singapore
Malaga
Buenos Aires
Kuala Lumpur
Madrid
Abu Dhabi

At the other end of the scale, Salmiya in Kuwait came at the bottom of the list, at 66th, largely due to issues with quality of life and difficulties for expats to get settled. Rome didn’t do much better, at 65th, receiving low scores for Quality of Urban Living and in the Urban Work Life Index. Seoul also ranked poorly, at 64th, due to the difficulty of getting settled into the busy South Korean city. It also ranked last for work-life balance.

The 10 worst cities in the world for expats according to InterNations:

Hong Kong
Dublin
Santiago
Johannesburg
Paris
Nairobi
Milan
Seoul
Rome
Salmiya

For more information, check out the complete and detailed report.

More like thisExpat LifeThe 15 best digital nomad visas from around the world

The post The best and worst cities in the world for expats in 2020 appeared first on Matador Network.

Virtual shopping at Marrakech Medina

Small shop owners and artisans in cities that rely heavily on tourism are suffering greatly from the current travel restrictions. So, this year, replace your Amazon holiday shopping with one that benefits the people of Morocco.

A new partnership between group travel operator Intrepid Travel and live video shopping startup Local Purse is aiming to bring souvenir shopping right into your home. They have organized two online shopping experiences in Marrakech’s medina so you can purchase unique holiday gifts for your loved ones and do good, all in one.

The one-hour Marrakech Spice and Wellness Experience on December 8 will feature Marrakech native Abdeljalil Raqas as your virtual tour guide through the medina to the Koutoubia Herbal, his own shop, while explaining the benefits of Moroccan food and wellness specialties. Guests will be able to purchase a variety of products, including fragrances, spices, herbs, and spa products.

Photo: Intrepid Travel/Local Purse

The second one-hour event on December 9, called the Traditionally Moroccan Berber Rug Experience, will be led by Aziz Mejbar. It begins in Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage square of Jemaa El Fna, and takes you through the medina’s alleys to his handmade rug shop, Dar Mjber.

Photo: Intrepid Travel/Local Purse

Each tour, which begins at 7:00 AM ET, costs $12, with proceeds going to the NGOs, artists, and local guides who run the program.

Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, told Skift, “It could be a great thing to do long-term in addition to operating trips as the pandemic eases. By the end of the first quarter, we should have everything ready to launch and start scaling globally.”

More like thisTITLE OF PIECE

The post This year, do your Christmas shopping virtually at Marrakech’s medina appeared first on Matador Network.

EasyJet to charge for overhead bins

It’s never really surprising when budget airlines try to nickel-and-dime their passengers, but fans of EasyJet are likely to be disappointed by its latest move. Starting February 10, 2021, the airline will start charging passengers to use overhead bins. Small carry-on bags will need to be placed under the seat.

Right now customers are allowed to store cabin bags, including rolling suitcases, in overhead bins at no extra charge. Now, to travel with a large carry-on (one that does not fit under the seat in front of you) you’ll have to buy a more expensive ticket, like an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, with prices ranging from $10 to $40 more expensive than the basic fare. Travelers with a Flexi fare and members of the airline’s frequent flyer programs will still be allowed to store their carry-on for free.

Travelers with an existing booking for after February 10 will be able to check a large cabin bag free of charge.

As reported by the BBC, according to Robert Carey, chief commercial and customer office for EasyJet, “Punctuality is important to our customers and we know that if they have their bags placed into the hold at the gate due to the limited space onboard this can cause flight delays, and it can be frustrating for them too. Our new policy will improve boarding and punctuality for everyone, as well as give our customers certainty of what they will have with them onboard.”

More like thisAirports + FlyingThe newest airplane seat designs, ranked from great to hellish

The post EasyJet will start charging for overhead bins this winter appeared first on Matador Network.

Vermont: 4-season travel guide

4 seasons of Vermont: A year-round travel guide to the Green Mountain State

By: Charu Suri

Montpelier during fall. Photo: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone



We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to explore Vermont.

Before you travel to Vermont, please review all travel guidance and restrictions currently in place.

In Vermont, the seasons unravel at a leisurely pace. You can watch the glory days of summer slowly morph from lake vistas and maple creemees to the unparalleled foliage of a New England autumn. Winter, and all its thrills of chasing down pristine, powdery slopes, thaws into the promise of bloom — and sugaring season.

But regardless of season, Vermont shines brightest outdoors — a fact that’s especially pertinent in the COVID era. With a trove of 55 state parks, 20 alpine and 30 cross-country resorts, and numerous outdoor events throughout the year, the state has long been a magnet for meditative Instagram strollers, hikers searching for a good adrenaline rush, or just those in the mood for some chill, family fun. And passionate foodies? Days could be spent at orchards and farms apple-picking, maple-tasting, and cheese-sampling. All socially distanced now, of course.

But let’s go beyond the vibrant fall leaves and shelves of pure maple syrup — here’s how to take in the Green Mountain State across the year, in all its glorious, unraveling colors.

Note: Some of the businesses and sites listed below may not currently be operating as described due to safety guidelines. Please contact all locations prior to visiting.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with the State of Vermont.






Summer:

Those long, sunny days




















Lamoille Valley Rail Trail






The one-and-only creemee






Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival

Summers in Vermont translate into long days and breezy, balmy nights — which explains the state’s affection for creemees, a rich, “creamy,” 100%-Vermont take on your favorite soft-serve ice cream. If you haven’t had one, you haven’t had one.

In fact, have two. Hop on the Vermont Maple Creemee Trail, where venturing from stop to stop absolutely feels like being a kid in a candy store. The trail includes state mainstays like Allenholm, the oldest commercial apple orchard in Vermont (1870!), and shops like Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, where fresh kettle corn and traditional treats like maple candy and maple fudge are hard to resist. And the free tastings? Nearly impossible.

Even with social distancing in mind, it’s possible to enjoy an outdoor festival or two this season. The calendar is peppered with events like the Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival (in June), where nearly 30 acts have the chance to get your toes tappin’. The Vermont Brewers Festival should be back in 2021, too — it’s one of the country’s best beer fests, and it’s right on Lake Champlain.

And, yes, Vermont knows beer, with 56 craft breweries to choose from. If that number doesn’t sound impressive, keep in mind the state is 10% the size of Florida. Options are spread everywhere, from the family-run Alchemist in Waterbury to The Vermont Pub and Brewery in Burlington, the state’s oldest and a visionary pioneer from 1988.

Of course, maple butter and brews require balance. Spend your summer days outdoors — think waterfalls and plunge pools (Bingham Falls comes to mind), driving scenic routes in search of binocular views, or channeling your inner zen by fishing on secluded lakes. And bust out those bikes! The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is set to be New England’s longest, coming in at 93 miles from the Connecticut River Valley to just shy of Lake Champlain. Mountain bikers jonesing for a little more technical terrain should check out Mt. Snow’s 30 miles of trails; meanwhile, eager novices and families may enjoy the 14-mile Hoot, Toot & Whistle trail along the western edge of the nearby Harriman Reservoir.

For a little outdoors R&R, one particularly gorgeous getaway is Lake Groton — a place that even Thoreau would have approved of — in Groton State Forest, near Montpelier. There are seven state parks in this area, some so close you can walk between them. Nab a campsite at Stillwater State Park, and you could spend an afternoon or two also exploring Boulder Beach State Park, right across the water. See them all, if you can, as entry to one gets you entry to them all.

.map * {
font-family: sans-serif !important;
}
.info-window-link {
display: block;
margin-top: 10px;
padding: 3px 10px;
border-radius: 3px;
background-color: #0099ff;
color: white !important;
font-size: 12px;
text-align: center;
}
.info-window-link:hover {
text-decoration: none;
}

', { style: 'max-width:150px' });
$('').append(marker.title).appendTo(info);

if (marker.scroll_to) {
$('', {
class: 'info-window-link',
href: '#' marker.scroll_to,
}).append('Jump To').appendTo(info);
}

infoWindow.setContent(info[0].outerHTML);
infoWindow.open(map, target);
};

$('#' id).on('click', '.info-window-link', function(e) {
e.preventDefault();

var target = $(e.target).attr('href');
$('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: $(target).offset().top - 55 }, 1000);
});

for (var i = 0; i < markers.length; i ) {
var marker = markers[i];

if (marker.lat !== undefined && marker.lng !== undefined) {

var markerObject = {
map: map,
position: { lat: parseFloat(marker.lat), lng: parseFloat(marker.lng) },
animation: google.maps.Animation.DROP,
locationId: i,
}

if(atts.ordered !== undefined) {
markerObject.label = labels[labelIndex % labels.length];
}

if(marker.icon !== undefined) {
markerObject.icon = marker.icon;
}


var mapMarker = new google.maps.Marker(markerObject);

if (mapBounds) mapBounds.extend(mapMarker.getPosition());

if (marker.title) {
var infowindow = new google.maps.InfoWindow({ content: marker.title });

if (markers.length === 1) {
setTimeout(function() {
openInfoWindow(marker, mapMarker);
}, 1200);
}

google.maps.event.addListener(mapMarker, 'click', function() {
openInfoWindow(markers[this.locationId], this);
});
}
}
}

if (mapBounds) {
map.fitBounds(mapBounds, {top:boundPadding, right:boundPadding, left:boundPadding, bottom:boundPadding});
} else if (atts.zoom) {
map.setZoom(parseInt(atts.zoom));
} else {
map.setZoom(16);
}
});
});

Photo credits: String River Studios/Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival, Shutterstock/fetrinka, and Shutterstock/Sara B Johnson




Fall:

A world in orange, crimson, and gold




















Groton State Forest






Sleepy Hollow Farm






Vermont countryside near Stowe

This is the season when Vermont comes alive with absolute unparalleled resplendence. Millions of maple trees — approximately one in every four Vermont trees is a maple! — shed their green hues in favor of a gamut of colors, including the deepest reds and brightest yellows. The state is 76% forested, and its unique ecology of soil, moisture patterns, and landscape are all factors contributing to a rich tapestry of colors that result in stunning drives and a painterly ambiance.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to go, sign up for weekly fall foliage reports delivered straight to your inbox — they’re filled with suggestions of scenic drives and places to pause and savor the sights. Because of this, fall is the perfect season to check out one of the state’s 10 designated byways, which range from 14 to over 400 miles. Many are dotted with art galleries and souvenir shops, making them well-suited for art fans as well as leaf-peepers.

Speaking of art — if you’re an artist eager to capture the Midas touch of the season, why not simply station your easel near a covered bridge and paint until the sun sets? The 465-foot Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the longest two-span covered bridge in the world and the longest wooden bridge in the US. In autumn, it’s an extra-special sight.

Wherever you choose, though, inspiration will find you — outdoor art exhibits and sculpture parks crisscross the state, each a COVID-friendly opportunity to explore Vermont’s art scene. Many are easily accessible and make great fodder for morning walks — case in point, the downtown Rutland murals.

Fall is still harvest season, of course, and pleasant strolls can also be had at many of Vermont’s farms. Sam Mazza’s in Colchester, just one prime example, grows fresh produce on 250 acres and features an in-store bakery and fantastic corn maze for the family. Then there are farm stands and farmers markets — about 85 of the latter dot the state, with tiny towns holding markets on the village greens. The Burlington Farmers Market has an impressive lineup, though markets in smaller cities, like Rutland and Montpelier, certainly hold their own.

Tip: If you’re looking for great foodie experiences, lean on Dig In Vermont for all you need to know.

.map * {
font-family: sans-serif !important;
}
.info-window-link {
display: block;
margin-top: 10px;
padding: 3px 10px;
border-radius: 3px;
background-color: #0099ff;
color: white !important;
font-size: 12px;
text-align: center;
}
.info-window-link:hover {
text-decoration: none;
}

', { style: 'max-width:150px' });
$('').append(marker.title).appendTo(info);

if (marker.scroll_to) {
$('', {
class: 'info-window-link',
href: '#' marker.scroll_to,
}).append('Jump To').appendTo(info);
}

infoWindow.setContent(info[0].outerHTML);
infoWindow.open(map, target);
};

$('#' id).on('click', '.info-window-link', function(e) {
e.preventDefault();

var target = $(e.target).attr('href');
$('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: $(target).offset().top - 55 }, 1000);
});

for (var i = 0; i < markers.length; i ) {
var marker = markers[i];

if (marker.lat !== undefined && marker.lng !== undefined) {

var markerObject = {
map: map,
position: { lat: parseFloat(marker.lat), lng: parseFloat(marker.lng) },
animation: google.maps.Animation.DROP,
locationId: i,
}

if(atts.ordered !== undefined) {
markerObject.label = labels[labelIndex % labels.length];
}

if(marker.icon !== undefined) {
markerObject.icon = marker.icon;
}


var mapMarker = new google.maps.Marker(markerObject);

if (mapBounds) mapBounds.extend(mapMarker.getPosition());

if (marker.title) {
var infowindow = new google.maps.InfoWindow({ content: marker.title });

if (markers.length === 1) {
setTimeout(function() {
openInfoWindow(marker, mapMarker);
}, 1200);
}

google.maps.event.addListener(mapMarker, 'click', function() {
openInfoWindow(markers[this.locationId], this);
});
}
}
}

if (mapBounds) {
map.fitBounds(mapBounds, {top:boundPadding, right:boundPadding, left:boundPadding, bottom:boundPadding});
} else if (atts.zoom) {
map.setZoom(parseInt(atts.zoom));
} else {
map.setZoom(16);
}
});
});

Photo credits: Shutterstock/Songquan Deng, Shutterstock/Green Mountain Drone, and Shutterstock/youli zhao




Winter:

Falling snow and falling temps




















Snowboarders at Killington






Lake Champlain






Traditional red Vermont farm

The feel of powdery snow underfoot. The swoosh of skis on steep slopes. Pale blue, mountainous horizons. A Vermont ski trip is hard to beat, and the state’s 20 alpine ski resorts and more than 7,000 skiable acres give you plenty of terrain options.

Killington Ski Resort, the largest in the eastern US with a vertical drop of 3,050 feet, naturally attracts a lot of attention, but — especially during COVID — keep an eye on the state’s smaller resorts, too. Ski Vermont can help you vet your options, and they’ll keep you up-to-date on statewide conditions.

Winter in Vermont doesn’t have to be confined to skis, of course. Spots like the Mountain Top Inn and Craftsbury Outdoor Center provide dozens of miles of snowshoeing trails. Winter hiking is another option, with 55 state parks to choose from (you can even winter-camp in a cabin). There’s also an abundance of ice-fishing opportunities — Lake Champlain attracts scores of avid anglers throughout the winter, each looking to catch landlocked salmon, perch, bluegill, and northern pike.

If you’re into decorating for the holidays, Vermont gives you the option of cutting your own Christmas tree and bringing the scent of fresh fir to your home away from home. Or simply enjoy the coziness of being indoors, curling up with a book of poems by the iconic Robert Frost, whose farm is a National Historic Landmark in South Shaftsbury.

Otherwise, there’s no better time to hit the Vermont Cheese Trail (yep, this state has all the best things). Check out stops like Grafton Village Cheese, where small-batch, award-winning aged cheddars are still made by hand; or Ice House Farm in Goshen, with its grass-fed goats grazing over a charming 18th-century property. Around 40 other stops populate the map, representing some of the country’s best cheeses — sheep, cow, and goat.

.map * {
font-family: sans-serif !important;
}
.info-window-link {
display: block;
margin-top: 10px;
padding: 3px 10px;
border-radius: 3px;
background-color: #0099ff;
color: white !important;
font-size: 12px;
text-align: center;
}
.info-window-link:hover {
text-decoration: none;
}

', { style: 'max-width:150px' });
$('').append(marker.title).appendTo(info);

if (marker.scroll_to) {
$('', {
class: 'info-window-link',
href: '#' marker.scroll_to,
}).append('Jump To').appendTo(info);
}

infoWindow.setContent(info[0].outerHTML);
infoWindow.open(map, target);
};

$('#' id).on('click', '.info-window-link', function(e) {
e.preventDefault();

var target = $(e.target).attr('href');
$('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: $(target).offset().top - 55 }, 1000);
});

for (var i = 0; i < markers.length; i ) {
var marker = markers[i];

if (marker.lat !== undefined && marker.lng !== undefined) {

var markerObject = {
map: map,
position: { lat: parseFloat(marker.lat), lng: parseFloat(marker.lng) },
animation: google.maps.Animation.DROP,
locationId: i,
}

if(atts.ordered !== undefined) {
markerObject.label = labels[labelIndex % labels.length];
}

if(marker.icon !== undefined) {
markerObject.icon = marker.icon;
}


var mapMarker = new google.maps.Marker(markerObject);

if (mapBounds) mapBounds.extend(mapMarker.getPosition());

if (marker.title) {
var infowindow = new google.maps.InfoWindow({ content: marker.title });

if (markers.length === 1) {
setTimeout(function() {
openInfoWindow(marker, mapMarker);
}, 1200);
}

google.maps.event.addListener(mapMarker, 'click', function() {
openInfoWindow(markers[this.locationId], this);
});
}
}
}

if (mapBounds) {
map.fitBounds(mapBounds, {top:boundPadding, right:boundPadding, left:boundPadding, bottom:boundPadding});
} else if (atts.zoom) {
map.setZoom(parseInt(atts.zoom));
} else {
map.setZoom(16);
}
});
});

Photo credits: Shutterstock/Outlook, Shutterstock/Gerlach Photos, and Shutterstock/Cvernet Photography




Spring:

Blooms and sugar shacks




















Hildene Manor






Maple syrup farm






Shelburne Museum

Learning about maple syrup is as fascinating as tasting it is delightful. With Vermont producing almost 50% of the country’s stock — almost all from sugar maples — spring is a great time to roll up your sleeves and get behind the scenes to discover how the syrup goes from tree to your plate of pancakes. Fun fact #1: Some 40 gallons of maple sap — collected from several mature trees — makes just one gallon of pure maple syrup. No wonder it’s called liquid gold!

Maple Open House, a state-wide event connecting all the best producers, is typically held at the end of March, and it’s a great time for sugar-makers to do their victory dance. Sugar novices, on the other hand, will get to learn about the process and see clouds of maple-scented steam curling from sugarhouse steam stacks.

As the natural world shifts from the nipping cold to buds coming to life, this season is the perfect time to explore the state’s lesser-known but spectacular gardens: Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, is a historic spot to stroll and appreciate the manicured landscape; Cider Hill Gardens, in Windsor, features peonies, daylilies, and elegant cherry blossoms, with an art gallery to boot; and the beloved Shelburne Museum contains over 20 gardens filled with perennials and annuals.

And skiers, take heart — winter sports don’t disappear with the freezing temperatures! Spring is the time for savoring the slopes at the bigger resorts without the crowds, for sitting on an après-patio with a pint, taking off your jacket, and having the sun hit your skin with foreshadows of summertime. There aren’t many places where you can have it all, but Vermont is certainly one of them.

.map * {
font-family: sans-serif !important;
}
.info-window-link {
display: block;
margin-top: 10px;
padding: 3px 10px;
border-radius: 3px;
background-color: #0099ff;
color: white !important;
font-size: 12px;
text-align: center;
}
.info-window-link:hover {
text-decoration: none;
}

', { style: 'max-width:150px' });
$('').append(marker.title).appendTo(info);

if (marker.scroll_to) {
$('', {
class: 'info-window-link',
href: '#' marker.scroll_to,
}).append('Jump To').appendTo(info);
}

infoWindow.setContent(info[0].outerHTML);
infoWindow.open(map, target);
};

$('#' id).on('click', '.info-window-link', function(e) {
e.preventDefault();

var target = $(e.target).attr('href');
$('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: $(target).offset().top - 55 }, 1000);
});

for (var i = 0; i < markers.length; i ) {
var marker = markers[i];

if (marker.lat !== undefined && marker.lng !== undefined) {

var markerObject = {
map: map,
position: { lat: parseFloat(marker.lat), lng: parseFloat(marker.lng) },
animation: google.maps.Animation.DROP,
locationId: i,
}

if(atts.ordered !== undefined) {
markerObject.label = labels[labelIndex % labels.length];
}

if(marker.icon !== undefined) {
markerObject.icon = marker.icon;
}


var mapMarker = new google.maps.Marker(markerObject);

if (mapBounds) mapBounds.extend(mapMarker.getPosition());

if (marker.title) {
var infowindow = new google.maps.InfoWindow({ content: marker.title });

if (markers.length === 1) {
setTimeout(function() {
openInfoWindow(marker, mapMarker);
}, 1200);
}

google.maps.event.addListener(mapMarker, 'click', function() {
openInfoWindow(markers[this.locationId], this);
});
}
}
}

if (mapBounds) {
map.fitBounds(mapBounds, {top:boundPadding, right:boundPadding, left:boundPadding, bottom:boundPadding});
} else if (atts.zoom) {
map.setZoom(parseInt(atts.zoom));
} else {
map.setZoom(16);
}
});
});

Photo credits: Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, Shutterstock/Stuart Monk, and Shutterstock/Wangkun Jia

This post is proudly produced in partnership with the State of Vermont.

The post 4 seasons of Vermont: A year-round travel guide to the Green Mountain State appeared first on Matador Network.

Winter activities in the Midwest

As the weather gets colder and the days shorter, attention turns to the frosted slopes and open fields ripe for a day of snowbound adventure. At least, that’s how it goes in the Midwest, America’s true winter wonderland. Winter is the perfect time to explore the outdoors in the Midwestern states — just make sure you have a warm jacket, gloves, a good pair of earmuffs, and a positive attitude about a little wind chill. Here are the nine most epic experiences to have.

1. Ice fishing in Michigan.

Photo: Brad Whitsitt/Shutterstock

Bundled in the warmest gear, traipsing across a frozen expanse, carefully drilling a hole in the ice, and dangling a line through that ice to reach the frigid water underneath your feet can be an adrenaline-inducing activity. Add in the expectant wait for a bite of something swimming in the unseen liquid lake below, and for many around the world, ice fishing is an exciting wintertime activity. In the US, the Midwest is the place for ice fishing. In Michigan, Higgins Lake has deep waters filled with a variety of fish, including perch closer to the shore and spot trout near the center.

2. Looking for northern lights in Minnesota.

Photo: Matthew Ben Herberg/Shutterstock

When solar activity is high, which you can check using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s aurora tracker, it actually is possible to see the northern lights from several places in the continental United States. Minnesota, with its high latitude and wide-open spaces, is one such place. At Voyageurs National Park right on the border with Canada, position yourself at the south end of one of its many lakes and look north. You could even try your luck further south, since Cook County offers excellent views of the aurora over Lake Superior.

3. Dog sledding in Minnesota.

Photo: Tone Coughlin/Shutterstock

Alaska may have the Iditarod, but Minnesota has the longest dog-sledding races in the Lower 48, the 300-mile-long John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. This is all to say that dog sledding is arguably as much a winter sport in Minnesota as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are, and there are plenty of places to do it. Wintergreen Dog Sledders have been taking people on multi-day guiding dog sledding trips, complete with expert guides and photographers in Minnesota — as well as on trips as far as Greenland and Scandinavia — for over 35 years.

4. Winter sightseeing in South Dakota.

Photo: Tony L. Callahan/Shutterstock

South Dakota’s winters are certainly not mild, so it’s not exactly a place you’d love to go for a long winter trek. But South Dakota’s badlands look somehow more special with a light dusting of snow, which lends the forbidding peaks a gentler aura. An early winter drive on the Hwy 240 Badlands Loop Road will show these spectacular formations in a different and quiet light. Just be sure to check the Badlands National Parks’ winter road closure information before you go. Then warm up for the evening with a stay in Rapid City or another small Black Hills town, which is a fascinating way to spend a winter weekend.

5. Cross-country skiing in Wisconsin.

Photo: Alisha Bube/Shutterstock

Wisconsin is home to the largest cross-country ski event in North America, the American Birkebeiner, and with good reason. It has open meadows, forested lanes, and gentle rises that make for an exciting cross-country circuit, whether you are in a race or simply out Nordic skiing with a friend. And while we are big fans of cross-country ski races, we think Wisconsin’s beauty is best enjoyed with a pair of skis in places like Nine Mile Forest Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Marathon County or the Wolverine Nordic Trails near Lake Superior.

6. Ice skating in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Miune/Shutterstock

Ice skating on a frozen lake is a wonderful thing to do in winter, and there are plenty of places to do so throughout the Midwest — such as the 10-acre-lake you can skate on in Edina, Minnesota. But there is also something to be said for ice skating on a city rink, particularly before the holidays, when everyone is in town and in an end-of-the-year festive frame of mind. In Illinois, ice skating on the McCormick Tribune rink in Millennium Park is Chicago’s answer to NYC’s Rockefeller Center — but nearly twice the size. It’s urban winter at its best, with the Chicago skyline and its own oversized Christmas tree. Right next door to Millennium Park you’ll find the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, which wends its way between trees to cover twice the distance of a normal lap around an ice rink.

7. Snowshoeing in Wisconsin.

Photo: Life Atlas Photography/Shutterstock

The morning after a big snowfall, it’s a privilege to be somewhere where you can put on a pair of snowshoes and walk through the forest, savoring the silence of the snow. It’s at this time of year, in these kinds of expeditions, that you can spot the furry creatures, which are easier to find in the winter. Wisconsin is a tremendous place to snowshoe in winter, not only for its many forests but also for places like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can snowshoe on the mile-long Lakeshore Trail from Meyers Beach to the area’s impressive sea caves. (Just be sure you check in at the Visitors Center about weather conditions before doing so.)

8. Snowmobiling in Wisconsin.

Photo: Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock

Snowmobiling is a part of life in Wisconsin, as much a functional way to get around during the frozen months of the year as a fun way to enjoy winter’s bounty of snow. One thing cheeseheads love to do is race snowmobiles, and Eagle River, Wisconsin, is home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, which takes place in January every year. Snowmobiling is of course a great way to get out on Wisconsin’s natural wilderness and ride over its frozen lakes.

9. Sledding in Ohio.

Photo: Jennifer Stone/Shutterstock

Let’s not forget the cherished winter tradition of sledding. While the Midwest may not have the mountain peaks you want for downhill skiing, it’s chock full of hills and even fuller of the snowfall needed to prep those hills for a winter season of dive-bombing on plastic, wooden, or even flimsy makeshift cloth sleds (that would be a parka). Just outside Cleveland, Ohio, the rolling hills of its leafy suburbs make great sledding ramps after the first flakes fall.

More like thisParks + WildernessThe most beautiful American deserts to visit in winter for rocks, cactuses, and snow

The post The 9 most epic winter experiences to have in the Midwest appeared first on Matador Network.

What is hot Dr Pepper?

Soda in hand, it probably doesn’t occur to many people to heat up their drink. Bubbly drinks, including the sugary kinds, have a reputation as thirst-quenchers. They’re beverages you crack open on a hot day while condensation drips down the can. Travel back in time to the 1960s though, and things were different. Heating up one specific type of soda — Dr Pepper — was a favorite holiday tradition.

Advertisements for “hot Dr Pepper” began popping up in the 1960s in spreads that featured a cheerful snowman enjoying a steaming cup of the beverage, or in black and white commercials that featured a happy couple setting up Christmas decorations before boiling a pot of Dr Pepper topped with lemon slices. According to Serious Eats, Dr Pepper devised the drink as a way to keep sales booming, even in the winter months when sales of cold drinks tend to slump.

At the time, Dr Pepper boasted that the drink would help you “swing right into the holiday mood,” and called it the “distinctive winter warmer.” Since its advent in the sixties, the drink has waned in popularity, but it still maintains a strong hold in Texas and parts of the Southern United States. The Dallas News calls it a “treat for generations of Texans,” that was once served at the Cotton Bowl, the long-running college football bowl game, and recommends adding a touch of bourbon to the mix.

Some Dallas News readers speculated that the drink might have originated in Texas. There might be some truth to that urban legend: The corporation that produces Dr Pepper is based in Plano.

Photo: Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

According to company lore, recorded by the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, the then-president of the Dr Pepper Company, Wesby R. Parker, came up with the idea in 1958 while visiting a bottling plant in a blizzard. He went home and experimented with different methods for serving Dr Pepper hot, ultimately deciding that it should be warmed (not boiled) so that the soda doesn’t burn. Parker added a lemon rind for extra flavor. Another variation on the story claims that a Dr Pepper truck driver came up with the idea during an especially cold winter when he needed something hot to drink during his deliveries.

Hot Dr Pepper remained popular up until the seventies, after which time it became a relic of a different era in American tastes. Case in point: One of the main characters in the 1999 movie Blast from the Past — which is about a 35-year-old man who has spent his entire life living in a bomb shelter with his parents — is a big fan of the beverage. You won’t find too many folks who serve hot Dr Pepper alongside Christmas ham — except maybe in Texas and other parts of the South where it’s still sometimes called the “ultimate cold weather drink.”

I decided to make a batch of this cold weather beverage for myself to find out if it’s really worth the fuss. Turns out, hot Dr Pepper tastes remarkably like a hot cup of black tea, Lipton in particular, especially with the addition of the lemon. If you’re a fan of hot toddies, you might add a splash of bourbon or other whiskey, too.

Dr Pepper also has a distinct cherry or plum flavor that adds a herbal tea quality to this drink. The touch of citrus tempers the sweetness, and as it warms it thickens and becomes slightly syrupy. It’s crucial that you don’t bring the Dr Pepper to a rough boil; if you do, you’ll scorch the liquid and it’ll taste burnt.

If you wish your tea was sweeter, you might try hot Dr Pepper (although sweet tea also fulfills that criteria). But with all flavors of herbal tea now widely available in the United States and growing in popularity, hot Dr Pepper does feel outdated. Still, if you want to embrace a vintage vibe this holiday season, give it a try. You might find out that this bygone holiday tradition deserves a revival.

More like thisWineHow spoiled wine inspired the Basque Country’s most famous mixed drink

The post Hot Dr Pepper was once America’s holiday drink of choice appeared first on Matador Network.

Most scenic national parks in US

The 62 national parks in the United States were dubbed “America’s Best Idea” by the acclaimed writer Wallace Stegner, as they ensure the conservation of our diverse landscapes and the ability for all to appreciate them. But that doesn’t mean all parks are created equal. Outdoors site Outforia ranked the most scenic national parks in categories ranging from wildlife to highest peak to the most popular park on Instagram. While judging the best overall national park is purely subjective, there’s no need to argue over the stunning beauty each of the winners offer. These five boast the most notable stats, with the full scientific breakdown of the methodology below.

Most Instagrammed — Grand Canyon National Park

Photo: Amanda Mohler/Shutterstock

No surprise here, as Grand Canyon National Park offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country, many of which are accessible by car. Also working in its favor is the fact that most visitors stay up on the rim, where the expansive viewpoints are, rather than hiking down into the canyon, making it an easy accomplishment for this park that sees roughly six million visitors a year to rack up 3.8 million Instagram tags.

Most animal species — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photo: jo Crebbin/Shutterstock

Many head to Yellowstone in search of bison or bears, but for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience, it’s best to head southeast. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some 1,778 species of wild animals, and the population is quite diverse — more than 200 types of birds, 50 species of fish, and nearly 100 types of reptiles and amphibians live there. Of course, there are the usual suspects as well, including bears, elk, deer, and more. Plus, the park is home to 2,671 plant species, so even the flora-finders will have plenty to keep them busy.

Most roadside natural hotspots — Yellowstone National Park

Photo: Lorcel/Shutterstock

Yellowstone might not boast the most animal species, but it does take the title for scenic spots. Outforia notes 122 total “natural beauty spots” in the park, with 28 natural notspots to pull over at, more than 300 animal species, and peaks topping 11,000 feet. Yellowstone draws more than four million annual visitors to its geysers, trails, canyons, and campsites — add in the near-guarantee of wildlife spotting and you’re looking at the most diverse national park experience.

Least rainfall but still a surprising amount of animal and plant life — Death Valley National Park

Photo: Bill Perry/Shutterstock

Death Valley National Park is quite parched — it only gets 4.4 inches of rainfall each year. Despite this, 486 animal species and 1,164 plant species have been identified within the park. It boasts a surprising amount of life, especially considering that temperatures regularly top 100 degrees in summer and have even broken the 130-degree threshold (we’ll say “no thank you” to a visit on those days).

Highest peak — Denali National Park

Photo: evenfh/Shutterstock

You have to really want to get to Denali National Park in order to make it there. Located in south-central Alaska, far removed from any major metropolitan area, Denali isn’t exactly “road-trippable” for most of us. The effort to reach it is rewarded, however, with views of the highest peak in North America, Denali. At 20,310 feet, you may tweak your neck gazing at its towering facade, so pack a day’s worth of food and supplies and head up as high as you can in the park for a better angle.

Scenic Parks Infographic by Outforia

More like thisParks + WildernessHow to spend the perfect day in Denali out in the wild

The post These are the most scenic national parks in the US, according to science appeared first on Matador Network.

What is Lufthansa’s Sleeper’s Row

Economy class isn’t known for its comfort. Thanks to Lufthansa, that might be about to change. The German airline is currently testing out the Sleeper’s Row experience on its Boeing 747-8 planes between Frankfurt and Sao Paulo, which allows passengers to pay extra to reserve an entire row of three to four seats so they can comfortably stretch out.

Those who reserve a Sleeper’s Row are provided with some amenities, such as pillows, a blanket, and a mattress pad. They also board earlier than the rest of economy class.

The price for reserving a Sleeper’s Row is cheaper than you might think. Rather than setting you back the cost of three separate seats, it’ll actually be an affordable $260. If the current trial period proves successful, these rows could be rolled out across Lufthansa’s entire fleet.

Photo: Air New Zealand/Facebook

New Zealand revealed a prototype for a similar seating setup earlier this year. It’s trying to install pods of flat beds in economy cabins, which would include a pillow, sheets, blankets, earplugs, and a curtain across each bunk.

More like thisAirports + FlyingThe newest airplane seat designs, ranked from great to hellish

The post Lufthansa is turning economy seats into beds to help coach passengers sleep for cheap appeared first on Matador Network.

NZ declares climate emergency

The climate emergency is the defining issue of our time, and more and more countries are officially committing to tackle this immense issue in the coming decades. Today, New Zealand has just declared a climate change emergency and pledged to have a carbon-neutral government as soon as 2025.

A motion tabled in the New Zealand parliament called attention to “the devastating impact that volatile and extreme weather will have on New Zealand and the wellbeing of New Zealanders, on our primary industries, water availability, and public health through flooding, sea level rise, and wildfire,” also citing an alarming trend of the decline of species and biodiversity.

According to Jacinda Ardern, the country’s prime minister, “This declaration [of climate change emergency] is an acknowledgment of the next generation. An acknowledgment of the burden that they will carry if we do not get this right and do not take action now,” she said. “It is up to us to make sure we demonstrate a plan for action, and a reason for hope.”

To act on the climate emergency, Ardern said the government will shift to buying only electric or hybrid vehicles, and all 200 coal-fired boilers in the public service’s buildings will be phased out to become carbon neutral in 2025. The plan is for the government to become an example of what’s possible in other sectors of the economy. New Zealand has also pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

More like thisBeaches + IslandsWhere to find New Zealand’s most heavenly, and often empty, beaches

The post New Zealand has declared a climate change emergency appeared first on Matador Network.

Life-size gingerbread house

Christmas might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still dive headfirst into some good old-fashioned Christmas spirit. The Sea Island resort on the coast of Georgia has perhaps the most Christmassy cottage known to man — the Sea Island Sweet Traditions Cottage. It’s a giant gingerbread house, hand-crafted by the Sea Island Bake Shop using over 1,840 pounds of gingerbread and 820 pounds of royal icing.

Photo: Sea Island

This year, kids are even welcome inside for private decorating tours, where they can design their own little gingerbread house with candy canes, gumdrops, and other treats. And if you’re not a kid but still want to partake in something sweet, you can get treats and refreshments served every morning from the cottage’s window.

Photo: Sea Island

The life-size, walk-in gingerbread house also features hidden decorations inspired by Sea Island’s popular traditions, like sea turtle nesting, golf, bagpiping, sailing, oak trees, and more, so keep your eyes peeled.

Beyond the cottage itself, the resort as a whole is pulling out all the stops for Christmas. This year’s Christmas at Sea Island is a reimagined version of classic Sea Island festivities, including the Reindog Parade at the Beach Club, ornament decorating classes, storytime with Santa’s Elves in the Clubroom, Christmas Eve family-style dinner in The Cloister Ballroom, Children’s Christmas Party at the Beach Club, and the Reindeer Dash Family Fun Run.

More like thisFestivals12 places around the world that go all out with holiday lights

The post This five-star resort in Georgia has a life-size walk-in gingerbread house appeared first on Matador Network.