Matador Network's Blog, page 77
January 14, 2025
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 profileA 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 locationWe 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 socialsCertain 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 countWhile 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 promptWe 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 newsletterMost 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. 
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
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 portableWhen 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
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 photosThis 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. 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?
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.
More like thisTravelDJI Osmo Action 4 Review: A Lot of Tech in a Little CameraWhere 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. LouisSpend a day at Union Station
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 WashingtonView this post on InstagramA post shared by The Walls Off Washington (@wallsoffwashington)
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. LouisThe 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.” .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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”).
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
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
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.
What It’s Like to Sail on the Biggest Cruise Ship in the Mediterranean
Bigger isn’t always better. But when it comes to cruise ships, bigger always means more choices: more food and drink venues, more entertainment, and more places to play and relax. It’s certainly the case for MSC World Europa, the largest cruise ship by capacity to sail the Mediterranean.
MSC World Europa, launched in December 2022 and sailing around the Mediterranean since April 2023, can accommodate a whopping 6,764 passengers on its 22 decks.
Photo: maudanros/Shutterstock
In November 2024, I was invited to spend one week on board MSC World Europa, traveling in a closed loop from Marseille to Genoa, Rome, Palermo, Valetta, and Barcelona. While I was part of Yacht Club, the closed-off VIP section of the ship, I did not spend my days in this luxurious, secluded cocoon. Instead, I attempted to see everything the ship had to offer — and there’s a lot. I managed to try every specialty restaurant, visited every bar and snack venue; checked out every pool, hot tub, and every slide; spent time in the spa; dropped some cash at the multiple arcade games spread out around the ship, and even spent a little money at the casino. From my experience, here is what you need to know before taking a cruise on board MSC World Europa.
Best food and drink venuesMost fun placesWhere to take a break from other cruisersBest places to swim and chillThe best food and drink venues on MSC World EuropaAs a Yacht Club member, I could have had every single meal and drink in the lavish and exclusive Yacht Club restaurant and lounge, but everything served there was fine, it certainly wasn’t anywhere as special as what you can get in the specialty restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Specialty restaurantsThere are five specialty restaurants on board World Europa:
Kaito Sushi Bar & Kaito Teppanyaki for Asian fusion (deck seven)Butcher’s Cut steakhouse (deck seven)Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Mexican specialties (deck seven)Chef’s Garden Kitchen for modern Nordic cuisine (deck eight)La Pescaderia for all things fish (deck eight)
Inside Chef's Kitchen Garden. Photo: MSC
Hola! Tacos & Cantina. Photo: Jesse Adams
Hola! Tacos & Cantina. Photo: Jesse Adams
Inside Butcher's Cut. Photo: MSC
Hola! Tacos & Cantina. Photo: MSCChef’s Garden Kitchen has, by far, the most innovative menu, and the most impressive decor. It serves elegant and refined food, with unique ingredient combinations that make for a surprising, yet delicious, meal. The restaurants itself, with its open kitchen and hydroponic garden, is a sight to see. But it is Butcher’s Cut and Hola! Tacos & Cantina that I returned to when I was given the chance. In both dining venues, the decor is on point, the staff is incredibly attentive, the portions are generous, and the menus are all about indulgent, delicious, yet comforting food that is perfectly in tuned with the theme.
Bars
Inside Masters of the Seas. Photo: MSC
Inside Masters of the Seas. Photo: MSCWhile I am a sober cruiser, I did visit every bar on the ship in an attempt to test out the mocktails on offer and gauge the ambiance in each venue. From my experience, the virgin strawberry daiquiri from the Dolce Vita bar on deck six is the tastiest and most refreshing non-alcoholic drink on board (on par with Hola! Tacos & Cantina’s virgin margaritas and horchata). However, the best atmosphere and decor is to be found at Masters of the Seas (deck seven). The pub has very good live music, and serves traditional pub food for when you feel peckish. But perhaps most importantly for beer drinkers, it is where you can try out MSC’s own beer made from desalinated ocean water at the onboard microbrewery.
Cafés and loungesFor those who prefer a hot beverage to a cold one, MSC World Europa has three excellent options, all of which are worth visiting:
Coffee Emporium (deck eight)Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café (deck six)Raj Polo Tea House (deck eight)
Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Café. Photo: MSC
Coffee Emporium. Photo: MSC
Specialty coffee from Coffee Emporium (left). Classic Hot Chocolate Sensation from Jean-Philippe Chocolate & café (right). Photos: Jesse Adams
Raj Polo Tea House. Photo: MSCCoffee Emporium has a very thorough specialty coffee menu from which you can order to go or to stay. And because it’s not a place for kids, it’s relatively quiet, with only adults, many of them with their books, spending some quiet time in front of a caffeinated beverage.
Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Café is the most indulgent food venue on the ship. It’s a great place for exquisite gelato and sorbet, milkshakes, crepes, deserts, and chocolate treats. But it’s the delicious, thick, and rich hot chocolates they make that won my heart. The Classic Hot Chocolate Sensation is a winner and will ruin every other hot chocolate for the rest of your life.
Much like Coffee Emporium, Raj Polo Tea House is a quiet adult venue. There is a wide selection of delicate teas, all served in fine tableware and accompanied by cookies.
The most fun places on MSC World EuropaIf you like cruise entertainment, which usually consists of skilled performers singing and dancing their heart out on stage, you’ll be able to enjoy some every day at either the World Theatre or the Panorama Lounge. But because those performances are not my cup of tea, I sought out different places to play during this sailing.
Photo: MSC
Photo: Jesse AdamsThe most obvious spot to have fun on board the ship is the Venom Drop. This impressive snake-shaped slide consists of a narrow and transparent spiral that spans 11 decks (from deck 20 to deck eight). You need to sign a waiver before queueing up for the attraction, adding even more thrills to an already nerve-wracking situation. Once it’s your turn, you’re given a felt blanket on which to sit and you’re off down the very vertical tube.
Photo: MSC
While the Venom Drop is a dry slide, the three slides at the Aquapark aren’t, so you’ll need your bathing suit to enjoy those. Although they might look less vertical, the Aquapark slides are much faster and more exciting than the Venom Drop. The raft slide requires that you sit on a large inflatable donut and hang on tight while you buzz down in a show of flashing lights. But the scariest of them all is the drop slide, which requires that you stand on top of a platform that opens up under your feet to hurtle you down a long and steep pink tube. Note that you also need to sign a waiver to enjoy the Aquapark.
Games Arcade venue. Photo: MSC
One of the free arcade games at Pizza & Burger. Photo: MSCFor something a little less thrilling but just as fun, try out the many arcade games spread out over the ship. There are some classic ones at the Pizza & Burger venue on deck six, including Super Mario World, Space Invaders, and PacMan, all of which are free. Just across the way from the Pizza & Burger venue, at Games Arcade, you’ll find a basketball shootout game, among many others. The MSC Sportplex on deck 20 and the Hall of games on deck 19 also have some very fun skiing and bowling arcade games that kept me and my partner entertained for hours on end.
The best place to take a break from other cruisers on MSC World EuropaThe problem with being on a ship with over 6,000 other people is that common areas can become very busy, especially during the evenings and on sea days. The best solution to escape the crowds on MSC World Europa is, when booking your trip, to select one of the few Yacht Club suites. That way you can have access to the quiet and luxurious Yacht Club area that spans several decks and is kept off limits to other cruisers. Yacht Club members have their own sundecks, pool, hot tubs, restaurant, café, and lounge that are spacious, and usually very peaceful. But, of course, booking a Yacht Club suite costs a lot more money than a regular stateroom, so if it’s not an option for you, you’ll need to find some calm in other parts of the ship.
Raj Polo Tea House. Photo: MSC
Enjoying some tea, cookies, and quiet at Raj Polo Tea House. Photo: Morgane CroissantThe Galleria on decks six, seven, and eight make the heart of the ship. It is where most of the stores, restaurants, bars, and lounges are located; therefore this is the busiest and loudest area of the ship. That said, the Raj Polo Tea House, located in the Galleria on deck eight, is a haven of tranquility. The decor is a mix between that of a gentlemen’s club and a colonial tea plantation house, with gentle lighting, huge plush seats and sofas, low tables, and a piano. The selection of tea is superb and every beverage you order comes with a couple of cookies. But more importantly, it’s very quiet. While there were always a few people in this venue when I visited, everyone kept their voice low, even when playing some of the provided board games. The Raj Polo Tea House also has a rarely used, outdoor private deck area where you can sit to enjoy your order — it’s the ultimate retreat.
The best spots to swim and chill on MSC World EuropaWhile many would expect the most relaxing place on a ship to be the spa, it’s unfortunately not the case on MSC World Europa. The MSC Aurea Spa is large and offers many indulgent treatments, but the fee-based thermal suite is a bit of a disappointment. Although it is a good size and has great amenities, including several saunas and steam rooms, a snow room, a Himalayan salt room, a hot pool, heated loungers, and more, it’s often extremely busy. It’s also, unfortunately, not properly monitored by staff, with people reserving all heated loungers with their towels, or even watching loud videos on their phones without headphones in the relaxing room.
Botanic Garden pool. Photo: MSC
One of the two Zen pools. Photo: MSCThere are seven pools on board the ship, but the Aurora Borealis Aquapark (deck 20) is meant for small children, and the indoor Botanic Garden Pool (deck 18), although spacious, gets incredibly busy. La Plage pool, the main outdoor pool, located on deck 18, was relatively empty when I was on board as it seems that everyone has chosen to swim indoors in November. The hot tubs around La Plage, however, were always packed. The smaller two outdoor Zen Pools (deck 18) were also always deserted.
Yacht Club sundeck, pool, and hot tub. Photo: MSC
La Plage pool. Photo: Jesse AdamsIf relaxing around a pool or in a hot tub is an important part of your cruising experience, I would recommend that you book a Yacht Club suite. That way, you have access to the Yacht Club members-only sundecks, pool, and hot tubs. Those areas were never busy during my sailing, even on hot and sunny days, and I had the choice among hundreds of extra-comfy loungers for my downtime. I had both the pool and the hot tubs to myself, too. Another perk of being a Yacht Club member is the dedicated staff who makes sure that you always have a dry towel, a drink, or anything else you might need while you’re taking in the sun.
I Tried an Airplane Phone Holder and It Revolutionized My In-Flight Streaming Experience
The Perilogics Universal Travel Phone Holder is a versatile and reliable way to watch movies or stream other content on your phone while flying, without having to hold the phone the entire time. This airplane phone holder offers a few other bonus uses that make travel photography, videography, and media viewing both easier and more convenient (need a new selfie stick?) – which, for a pricepoint under $10, is a sweet deal. I recently tested this airplane phone holder on a flight from Salt Lake City to Vancouver, and used it again a few days later. Let’s get into how this went.
We hope you love this airplane phone holder! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
First thoughts on the Perilogics Universal Travel Phone Holder
Ready to use. Photo: Tim Wenger
I ordered the Perilogics Universal Travel Phone Holder at the recommendation of a colleague. I’m typically not one to immediately order something without first taking the time to thoroughly research it, but because this device cost all of $9.78 on Amazon, and I already had a few things in my cart to qualify me for free shipping, I ordered it straight away. It arrived a few days later in a small box that actually fit inside my PO Box.
This airplane phone holder is pretty straightforward, but I recommend taking it out of the box and doing a test run at home before heading to the airport. I failed to do so and spent the first moments of the flight clicking and clacking the holder as if I were playing with a Rubix Cube, trying to configure it into shape. Included in the box with the airplane phone holder is a quick instruction sheet that outlines how it’s supposed to open – note, remember to twistthe arm out like a clock arm, rather than yaking it up, otherwise it may snap. When contracting the device to put it away, simply follow the reverse of what you did to set it up — rotate the arm back inside the body, and push it all together. The phone holder expands to the size of all smartphones — I use an iPhone 14 and it could fit a phone much wider or thinner with ease.
The airplane phone holder operates in vertical and horizontal mode. It can clip onto edges and is therefore useful for much more than plane rides. For example, you could clip it onto the edge of a restaurant dining table so your kiddo can watch a movie while you eat. It also can be a selfie-stick or headphone stand.
Selfie-stick mode. Photo: Tim Wenger
Its primary use, though, is to hold your phone stable on the seat back tray while in-flight. It does this by fastening onto the back of the tray. To fasten efficiently there’s a small lever I’d pull to open the clamp, and then release slowly to tighten the clam onto the back of the seatback tray. I never noticed any sliding of the screen or other distractions while watching. In fact, the airplane phone holder made the viewing experience much better than when I hold the phone in my hands – it eliminates shaking and vibrations much like a tripod does for photography.
Photo courtesy Amazon
It’s possible to use the airplane phone holder either with the seat back tray down (by clipping it onto the back of the tray, near the seat in front of you) or with the seatback up (by clipping it onto the top of the folded tray). Both work just as well.
I’d never thought to use an airplane phone holder because I tend to use my laptop for movies on planes — but this is far more convenient if I’m also eating or drinking, or have my daughter with me and need to entertain her. I also found it to be better for watching a movie with someone in the next seat over because you can elevate the phone holder on the back of the folded-up seatback tray, preventing either person from having to crink their neck to view a laptop sitting on the other person’s tray.
The Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder is designed for hands-free entertainment during air travel. Here are some of its key specs:
Offers 360-degree rotation on two axes, allowing for flexible viewing angles in both portrait and landscape orientationsFeatures a strong clamp that can securely attach to various surfaces, including tray tables, luggage handles, and even gym equipment.Lightweight and easy to pack, making it convenient for travel.Designed to accommodate a wide range of smartphone sizes.What could be better about this airplane phone holder
I took my phone out to take some notes, and the airplane phone holder remained in place while I ate a meal. Photo: Tim Wenger
The Perilogics Universal Travel Phone holder is effective – but it’s also quite noisy when putting it together. Each part makes a “snap” as it twists into shape, which isn’t a big deal but it caught me off guard initially.
During the flight the person in front of me got up multiple times for either himself or the person next to him to go to the restroom. When this happened, the stand would shake a bit – not fervently. This never caused playback to skip or otherwise impaired my media consumption, rather it was simply a slight annoyance. Really, I couldn’t expect a sub-$10 piece of plastic to perform any better than it did. Due to its small size, their airplane phone holder has secured itself a permanent spot in my travel pack, so it’s always there when I need it.
Hawaiian Airlines Now Lets You Check Your Surfboard, Bike, and Kayak as a Standard Checked Bag
Hawaiian Airlines, the flagship carrier for the state of Hawaii, is making it easier for sports enthusiasts to travel the world. Surfers, golfers, bikers, and more don’t have to pay exorbitant fees to bring their equipment with them any longer.
A press release explains that, since January 8, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines is accepting a large variety of sports equipment as standard checked baggage on every flight. Prior to this announcement, travelers had to check their sports gear as oversized luggage and pay the high fee associated with it.
“Hawaiʻi is synonymous with surfing and many ocean and land-based activities that draw visitors from around the world,” says Sandra Wang, product manager at Hawaiian Airlines, in the press release. “We are excited to extend this new benefit to our visitors and kamaʻāina so they can enjoy their favorite sports and hobbies while exploring Hawaiʻi and anywhere they travel in our network, including Asia, Oceania and the US continent.”
Hawaiian Airlines will now allow the following sports equipment as standard checked baggage:
Bicycle gear up to 70 pounds and 115 linear inches Windsurfing gear up to 70 pounds and 115 linear inches Archery gear up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesCanoe, canoe paddles, and kayaks up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesGolfing gear up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesHockey, lacrosse, pole vault gear up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesSkateboards up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesSki, snowboard gear up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesSurfboard, paddleboard, kiteboard up to 50 pounds and 115 linear inchesBowling gear up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesBaseball gear up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesBoogie, wakeboards, and skim boards up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesFishing gear up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesFootball, tennis, and paintball gear up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesScuba gear up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inchesTravelers whose sports equipment exceeds the weights or dimensions listed above will need to pay for overweight and/or oversize bag fees, which vary according to weight, size, and destination. Overweigh/oversize fees start at $35.
With Hawaiian Airlines, First-Class passengers, as well as passengers flying internationally (except Australia and New Zealand) benefit from one free checked bag. Travelers going to neighboring Hawaiian islands pay $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second one. Travelers going to North America pay $40 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second one. Passengers traveling to Australia and New Zealand get one free checked bag; checking a second bag costs $100.
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