Matador Network's Blog, page 79
January 9, 2025
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Helsinki
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
New direct summer flights on Finnair will take travelers in the United States straight to one of the most sustainable cities in the world in 2025 (and the Matador Network Readers Choice award winner in the Sustainable Destination category). The Finnish capital has consistently earned accolades for its sustainability efforts, recently topping the Global Destination Sustainability Index with a score of 92.43 percent.
This isn’t just a marketing ploy. Helsinki has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2030 and zero emissions by 2040. Ambitious goals are best understood through first-hand travel. See, for example, the Greenest of the Green Block, a residential area showcasing energy-efficient buildings and green roofs. Sustainable practices extend to transportation, with investments in public transit and cycling infrastructure that simplifies travel without a car rental. The long summer days (almost 19 hours of sunlight at the peak of summer) are obviously one of the most popular times to visit, but Helsinki promotes off-season travel to avoid overtourism and ensure a more balanced visitor experience.
But Helsinki offers more than just eco-friendly initiatives. Explore the city’s pedestrian-friendly zones, like Esplanadi streets and Kasarmikatu, where you can easily navigate through charming shops, cafes, and museums. Nature lovers will find solace in Helsinki’s abundant parks and protected coastlines that have a network of trails. Naturally, in a city with sustainability standards like Helsinki’s, finding eco-conscious accommodations is a breeze. More than 50 hotels hold Booking.com’s “Sustainability” certification, including brands like Scandic Hotels with their Nordic Swan eco-label properties. 
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Nuuk, Greenland
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
High summer heat in the traditional travel hot spots is getting unbearable. Europe saw the hottest summer on record in 2024, with visitors to Athens subjected to temperatures so high popular attractions like the Acropolis were forced to close, and those in cities like Rome and Madrid faced heat that made walking tours (or anything outdoors) extremely uncomfortable at best. So it makes sense that travelers are increasingly skipping hot weather destinations in search of more moderate, or even cold, places to go. The industry even has a ready-made phrase for them: “coolcationers.”
It is hard to imagine a more apt coolcation destination than Greenland. The largest island in the world is more accessible than ever thanks to a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital city, that opened in November 2024. With the new airport come new flights, including the only direct air link between the United States and Greenland. The seasonal, bi-weekly, non-stop United Airlines flight from Newark to Nuuk starts in June 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity for the outdoorsy, culturally curious, and wildlife-oriented travelers to hike the Arctic Circle Trail, witness the wonder of the northern lights, sleep in igloos, learn about dog sledding and traditional garments in Inuit culture, and see whales and seals up close.
Easier accessibility is a big reason why Matador Network readers voted Greenland as the winner of 2024’s Next Big Destination Readers’ Choice Award.
Those who don’t want to plan their own trip can rely on operators like US-based travel company Adventure Life, which recently started offering land-based tours in the territory. Two more airports are scheduled to open in Greenland in 2026: one in Ilulissat (home to a UNESCO-listed Icefjord) and one in Qaqortoq (the northernmost city in the world). It’s safe to say that Greenland is bound to experience a surge of visitors in the next few years. Be ahead of the curve and visit in 2025 while it’s still quiet.
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Atacama Desert
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
The solar eclipse in 2024 spurred an unprecedented amount of travel in areas across North America that were covered by the path of totality. In March of 2025, a full lunar eclipse (when the Earth passes between the sun and moon during a full moon) will pass over the Atacama Desert for an astrological event that’s no less stunning — particularly when you account for the fact that the area is one of the best night sky viewing locations on the planet. That’s just the start for anyone who travels to see natural wonders that are truly one of a kind.
As one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama presents a surreal panorama of salt flats, towering volcanoes, geysers, and otherworldly rock formations. There are the landscapes of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), geysers at El Tatio, and observatories where visitors can look through powerful telescopes to see past the clear high-altitude skies and into the heavens. White salt flats extend as far as the eye can see, punctuated by turquoise lagoons and deep canyons that people can hike through. Massive dunes are an opportunity to sandboard, or watch others take on an incredible feat of endurance during the 250-kilometer Atacama Crossing footrace.
A cap on it all is the reopening of the boutique luxury eco-lodge Tierra Atacama following a complete renovation. Four new suites with an elevated private experience are being added to the year-round property, which will reopen on April 1.
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Rajasthan, India
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
India’s sheer size and diversity of culture, landscape, culinary scene, and wildlife make it equally exciting and intimidating. You can spend a lifetime traveling the country and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. Yet there’s good reason to stick to the Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan. It makes a vacation itinerary feel more doable, and for a first-timer, it’s a sensible place to start.
Rajasthan is a window into India’s cultural history. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is known as the Pink City (pink being the symbolic color of hospitality). The jaw-dropping mountains of the Aravalli Range surround the romantic (and poetically chaotic) municipality that is jam-packed with palaces and forts built under the reign of Maharajas. It seems only fitting when visiting to stay in a hotel that evokes the splendor of the places you’ll be visiting. For this, one of the most chattered about new hotels of 2024, Raffles Jaipur, will do nicely.
The palatial retreat opened in July 2024, and is just a short drive from many main attractions. The hotel group patiently developed this property, and it seamlessly blends into its culture-rich surroundings with hand-cut marble flooring, meticulous craftsmanship, manicured palm and orange trees — seemingly all topped with a lavish smothering of gold. The 50-key hotel has eight categories of rooms, each with a large balcony and either a plunge pool or a soaking tub. Or, if you’d rather, the rooftop pool with its panoramic views of the Aravalli Hills is another dream-like place to unwind with a Raffles signature gin sling after a long day of sightseeing. A splendid hotel for honeymooners, a stay here will have you feeling like royalty while visiting the magnificent state of Rajasthan.
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Turks and Caicos
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Turks and Caicos must be on your radar if you’re looking for a low-key luxury island getaway this year. With new direct flights from Miami, the Caribbean islands will be the place to see and be seen (or not, if you opt for a quiet stay at a villa with a secluded beach).
The collection of 50 small islands has an international feel (they are British Territory, after all). The main island of Providenciales, commonly known as “Provo,” already has a lot of footfall, but if you look over the turquoise ocean, you’ll find intimate cays where the sand is as pure as white snow — and there are little-to-no crowds. And that’s what’s so appealing. It’s a place of juxtaposition where you can blow your annual vacation budget in a week and holiday like Rihanna, or escape to a reasonably priced barefoot hideaway with a book and jaw-dropping ocean views for company.
The new direct United Airlines flight will link Miami with South Caicos, Provo’s oft-overlooked sister island. Launching in February, the bi-weekly flight will cut out the hour-and-a-half by boat ride from Provo, making the island a new flop-and-drop destination for those wanting a Caribbean escape without throngs of tourists.
Known as the fishing capital of the region, the tourism infrastructure o. South Caicos is on the uptick with the opening of one of the islands’ most anticipated new stays for 2025: Salterra Resort & Spa, welcoming guests in February. Coinciding with the launch of the new Miami link, the Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Collection Resorts property will be in good company with two other exceptional resorts on the island, the five-star Sailrock Resort and the more approachable (and affordable) locally-owned South Caicos Ocean & Beach Resort.
South Caicos is a haven for scuba divers. Dive sites Amos’ Wall, Eagle Nest, and The Arch offer the potential for close encounters with hawksbill turtles, roughtail and eagle rays, Caribbean reef and nurse sharks, and schools of colorful fish. With minimal development, the island’s crystal clear waters are calm, with miles of beaches and open space to paddleboard, kayak, or swim out for conch shells.
25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Paonia, Colorado
See the full list of the best places to go in 2025
In Paonia, a town of 1,500 residents in Colorado’s West Elk Mountains, pitching a tent in the high country and gazing up at the stars is a right of passage. The town in 2024 became Colorado’s sixth International Dark Sky Community and DarkSky International’s 17th International Dark Sky Place. Here, you’re isolated from any semblance of big city life — artificial lighting is scarce, and traffic is nonexistent.
The town is also the hub of the West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA), making it a great place to pair a glass of wine with a stargazing session. This is the highest-elevation wine region in the country, home to 12 wineries. Book a pondside campsite at Big B’s Fruit Co. and experience the best of western Colorado — from stargazing to wine tasting to camping — all in one place. Paonia is about 90-minute drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport and Interstate 70.
January 8, 2025
The 15 US Airports With the Fewest Flight Delays in 2024
In 2024, there’s good news for people who hate airport delays (or bad news, if you like hanging out in airport lounges): there were fewer delays at airports around the world.
A new report from Cirium — a data company that collects and analyzes real-time flight data to help airlines and airports make planning decisions — looked at flight data from nearly every major (and not so major) airport around the world. By analyzing approximately 3 million flights per month, it’s able to say what airports have the fewest delays every year.
In 2024, roughly 78.5 percent of flights at major airports around the world departed and arrived on time. It’s an improvement, albeit a small one, over 2023, but a marked jump over 2022, when the rate was 76 percent. Two-and-a-half percent may not sound like a huge difference, but it represents more about 900,000 flights around the world.
The report analyzed which airports around the world will help you avoid this. Photo: Alex Brylov/Shutterstock
The report divides airports into large, medium, and small airports, plus a global category for massive airports that serve more than three global regions. In 2023, the most on-time airport in the world was in the US: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota. But in 2024, the top spot globally went to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. the country has made massive investments in infrastructure and tourism facilities in the last few years, and Saudia, the national airline of the country, topped the list of the most on-time airlines in the world.
Of the top 20 most on-time airports in the world in 2024, nine entries were in the US. Unfortunately, the average length of delay in the US was more than an hour (66.3 minutes, to be exact). The remaining 11 most on-time global airports around the world had an average delay of just 48 minutes.
The most on-time global airports in the world
Photo: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
For an airport to be considered global, per the Cirium report, it needs to have the capacity to serve at least 23 million flyers per year (meaning the combined number of seats on flights arriving to and departing from the airport needs to total at least 23 million), and must have data available for at least 80 percent of flights. It also needs to fly to at least three regions, such as North America, Asia, and Middle East/Africa. Airports that don’t meet that criteria are instead considered small, medium, or large.
Kansai International Airport, Japan: 79.85 percent on time (avg. delay: 48 mins)Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, AZ: 79.97 percent on time (avg. delay: 61 mins)Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan: 79.97 percent on time (avg. delay: 34 mins)Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Colombia: 80.11 percent on time (avg. delay: 54 mins)Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, GA: 80.15 percent on time (avg. delay: 62 mins)Abu Dhabi Zayed International, UAE: 80.32 percent on time (avg. delay: 52 mins)Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA: 80.51 percent on time (avg. delay: 52 mins)Philadelphia International Airport, PA: 80.75 percent on time (avg. delay: 77 mins)Los Angeles International, CA: 81.06 percent on time (avg. delay: 65 mins)Copenhagen Airport, Denmark: 81.37 percent on time (avg. delay: 44 mins)Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar: 81.38 percent on time (avg. delay: 48 mins)Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway: 81.91 percent on time (avg. delay: 41 mins)Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, MI: 82.06 percent on time (avg. delay: 72 mins)Washington Dulles International Airport, DC: 82.23 percent on time (avg. delay: 72 mins)Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, MN: 82.27 percent on time (avg. delay: 68 mins)Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Chile: 82.84 percent on time (avg. delay: 49 mins)Salt Lake City International Airport, UT: 83.8 percent on time (avg. delay: 68 mins)Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico: 84.04 percent on time (avg. delay: 57 mins)Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, Peru: 84.57 percent on time (avg. delay: 56 mins)Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, Saudi Arabia: 86.65 percent on time (avg. delay: 50 mins)The most on-time airports in the US
Photo: DragonWen/Shutterstock
The airports above represent on-time statistics for the biggest airports in the world. But if you include small, medium, and large airports, the most on-time airport in the US isn’t Salt Lake City International. (In fact, it’s about 3,000 miles away.) Taking into account global, large, medium, and small airports in the US, there are the top spots where you’re least likely to encounter flight delays.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, MI: 82.06 percent on timeWashington Dulles International Airport, DC: 82.23 percent on timeMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, MN: 82.27 percent on timeNew York LaGuardia Airport, NY: 82.39 percent on timeSacramento International Airport, CA: 82.77 percent on timePittsburgh International Airport, PA: 83.49 percent on timeJohn Glenn Columbus International Airport, OH: 83.79 percent on timeSalt Lake City International Airport, UT: 83.8 percent on timeLouisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, KY: 83.9 percent on timeIndianapolis International Airport, IN: 83.93 percent on timeWill Rogers World Airport, OK: 84.31Portland International Airport, OR: 84.86 percent on timeHonolulu International Airport, HI: 85.45 percent on timeBoise Air Terminal, ID: 86.21 percent on timeEllison Onizuka Kona Intl Airport at Keahole, HI: 88.61 percent on timeMore like thisEpic StaysThe 9 Best Hotels Inside Airports Where You Can Actually Rest
January 7, 2025
8 Carry-On Luggage Dupes Half the Price of Their Trendy Counterparts
When I first began traveling, I never considered luggage to be a product for which style or fashion mattered. But with the rise of trendy carry-on bags from brands like AWAY and Monos in the last 10 years, luggage has left the sole realm of practicality, and is now at least dipping its proverbial toe in the world of style and design.
And honestly, I’m into it. Traveling should be fun, and if having a chic suitcase helps you enjoy the experience more, go for it. But as with most products that suddenly become trendy, prices have gone up. A carry-on roller from Away is $275; a similar-sized bag from ultra-luxe brand SteamLine Luggage is closer to $700. Those brands, and many others like them, make truly high-quality bags designed to last decades, if not lifetimes. Our editors have reviewed and tested some high-end luggage brands, and we liked most of them quite a lot (including Monos, Away, and SteamLine).
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But you don’t have to spend the equivalent of a round-trip plane ticket to love your luggage. And with news about the faux-Hermès Birkin Bag selling out at Walmarts across the country, it’s clear that for some people, it’s the design that matters, not the brand name. Matador Network always supports buying from brands that do good and make gear that won’t end up in landfills within a year, so we’re not suggesting your entire travel closet should be filled with only budget items. And products from pricier brands often have more thought put into them, often use higher-quality and sustainable materials, and usually offer better warranties and enhanced customer service.
But for now, if you’re looking for a trendy luggage dupe that won’t break the bank, one of the products below could be a good pick. These are eight luggage dupes that are similar to the real thing, but cost half the price (or less).
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Steamline Luggage Dupe: $219
Photo: Steamline Luggage and Urecity/Amazon
SteamLine Luggage Carry-OnDesigner Vintage Trunk CombinationSize: 18 x 12.5 x 7 inches (smallest size)Size: 21.7 x 13 x 8.7 inches (briefcase is 12.6 x 9.1 x 5.1)Materials: Fiberboard, vegan leather, metal alloyMaterials: Aluminum, polyester, synthetic leatherWheels: Two rollersWheels: Four spinnersWarranty: Two years (and an optional repair program)Warranty: Unclear — somewhere between three and 10 yearsWeight: 8.8 poundsWeight: 8.2 pounds (briefcase is 2.9)Price: $695+Price: $219The SteamLine Luggage Carry-On is a premium suitcase, priced starting at $695, depending on design. It comes in multiple chic color combos, all of which have vintage-inspired designs and original patterns and prints on the silky inside lining. Depending on the bag, it’ll have accents like gold metal buckles and vegan leather trim. Inside, the bag has zippered pockets and a detachable laundry bag, as well as a canvas storage bag to prevent scuffs when not in use. It’s also undeniably stylish and will attract envious looks from across the airport terminal. They’re reminiscent of the golden days of travel, and I wish I could afford them.
But if you can’t afford the $695-ish starting price tag (larger carry-ons and different patterns can be more than $1,100), consider instead the Designer Vintage Trunk Combination Luggage Sets on Amazon. A two-piece set with a 20-inch carry-on (roughly the same size as the SteamLine Carry-On) and a 12-inch matching carry-on case is $219. It comes in multiple color combos and, like the SteamLine Carry-On, has telescopic handles, silent-glide wheels (four, not two), TSA-approved locks, and interior pockets. It also comes with a protective cover, and while we wish it used more recyclable and sustainable materials like SteamLine, the look is almost exactly the same.
Buy Now: $219Rimowa Lugagge dupe: $259
Photo: TravelKing/Amazon and Rimowa
Rimowa Classic CabinTRAVELKING All-Aluminum Carry-OnSize: 21.1 x 15.8 x 9.1 inchesSize: 21.6 x 14.6 x 9.1 inchesMaterials: Aluminum, polyester, leatherMaterials: Aluminum, plasticWheels: Four spinnersWheels: Four spinnersWarranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)Warranty: Three yearWeight: 9.5 poundsWeight: 9.7 poundsPrice: $1,525Price: $259The RIMOWA Classic Cabin is an aluminum carry-on suitcase priced at $1,525. For that, you get a grooved aluminum shell, reinforced aluminum corners, and leather-wrapped handles, plus smooth-rolling wheels and internal, adjustable dividers for easier packing. While it may have a utilitarian look that doesn’t scream “expensive” at first blush, it’ll attract attention from savvy travelers in-the-know — if you know about the luxury brand, you’ll recognize it when you see it on a plane (almost certainly in a first-class cabin). It has an excellent warranty and is one of the highest-rated luggage brands on the market.
However, $1,525 will make a dent in most travelers’ wallets. So if you want a more affordable bag in the meantime, consider the TRAVELKING All Aluminum Carry-On Luggage on Amazon, priced at $259. It has a similar outer material as the RIMOWA (aluminum-magnesium, as opposed to all aluminum), with a grooved exterior and TSA-approved combination locks, plus 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle for convenient handling. It also has internal dividers, though they’re fixed, not adjustable. With the same size and weight, a similar design, and reinforced corners, it’s extremely similar in appearance to the much pricier RIMOWA bag.
Buy Now: $260Monos Luggage dupe
Photo: Monos and Coolife/Amazon
Monos Carry-On ProCOOLIFE Luggage Carry-On SpinnerSize: 21.1 x 15.8 x 9.1 inchesSize: 21 x 14 x 9.5 inchesMaterials: Polycarbonate, vegan leather, recycled polyesterMaterials: PolycarbonateWheels: Four spinnersWheels: Four spinnersWarranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)Warranty: Two years (not wear and tear)Weight: 7.8 poundsWeight: 6.7 poundsPrice: $295Price: $99The Monos Carry-On Pro is a modern suitcase for frequent travelers, priced at $295. It has a sleek polycarbonate shell, an easy-access front compartment designed to hold laptops up to 15 inches, and an ultra-minimalist aesthetic. Other highlights include smooth-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels, a multi-step telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. Inside, there’s plenty of room to stay organized, with compression straps and a zippered divider. The laptop compartment is a standout feature, making it ideal for business travelers or anyone who needs quick access to electronics. It’s a stylish and functional choice that balances modern design with utility.
While $295 makes it one of the more affordable bags on this list, the similar COOLIFE Luggage Carry-On Spinner on Amazon is less than half the price, at $99.99. Like the Monos Carry-On Pro, it has a lightweight polycarbonate shell and a fold-out front laptop compartment, so you can grab your laptop and other items without opening the main compartment. The COOLIFE carry-on also has 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle. While it lacks a few of the refined details, like the matte finish, it still captures a similar modern aesthetic. The internal organization is slightly more basic, but it still includes compression straps and a divider.
Buy Now: $100Baboon to the Moon dupe
Photo: Baboon to the Moon and MIER/Amazon
Baboon to the Moon GO BagMIER Water Resistant Backpack DuffleSize: 10.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 inchesSize: 21 x 13 x 9 inchesMaterials: BPA-free PVC, polyesterMaterials: Water-resistant tarpaulinWheels: n/aWheels: n/aWarranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)Warranty: Two years (not wear and tear)Weight: 3.5 poundsWeight: 3.3 poundsPrice: $199+Price: $45+As far as trendy duffel bags go, the Baboon to the Moon Go Bags are pretty reasonably priced, in line with similar options from brands like Patagonia and Eagle Creek. But it’s still a premium bag, priced at $239 for the large size or $199 for the small. The bags are recognizable for their shiny, waterproof exteriors (it’s a rugged, waterproof tarpaulin material), combining extreme durability with a bold aesthetic. The large is 60 liters, making it technically a checked size but it would probably pass as a carry on as long as it’s not full. The small holds 40 liters worth, making it always carry-on ready. It has tuck-away backpack straps that can reconfigure as a shoulder strap, plus internal and external pockets. Its vibrant colors and fun design also make it just plain cool.
But if $200 or more for a duffel bag feels steep, a more budget-friendly option is the MIER Water Resistant Backpack Duffle on Amazon, priced at $49.99. Like the Baboon to the Moon Go Bag, it’s crafted from water-resistant materials (though not BPA-free ones) and comes in bright color options like blue and orange, echoing the playful, eye-catching aesthetic of its pricier counterpart. The MIER duffel comes in a 40-liter or 60-liter option, also with stow-away backpack straps. Design-wise, it’s not quite as glossy as the Go Bag, but it’ll still draw attention (and be easy to find at the luggage carousel, especially in bright orange).
Buy Now: $50Solgaard Carry-On Closet dupe
Photo: Olosar/Amazon/ and
Solgaard Carry-On ClosetMIER Water Resistant Backpack DuffleSize: 20.8 x 13.4 x 9 inchesSize: 19 x 9.2 x 7 inchesMaterials: Polycarbonate, aluminum, recycled plasticMaterials: Water-resistant ripstopWheels: Four spinnersWheels: n/aWarranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)Warranty: NoneWeight: 7.5 poundsWeight: n/aPrice: $345Price: $29+The Solgaard Carry-On Closet is one of the most clever pieces of roller luggage on the market, with a built-in collapsible shelving system, allowing for easy access to all your belongings without the need to really even unpack. It’s particularly convenient for frequent travelers or those staying in multiple locations, as it eliminates the hassle of digging through your bag. You can also hook the shelves to the telescoping handle, so it stands upright without a closet rod to hang it from. It’s super durable, highly rated, and made with recycled ocean plastics. However, it’s more than $300 (though as of publication, it’s on sale for $240). That makes it one of the more reasonably priced bags on this list, but still not inexpensive.
A much more affordable alternative is to stick with whatever roller bag you currently have, and buy something like the Olosar Suitcase Organizer to use inside it. It’s a collapsible shelving system that mimics the functionality of the Solgaard’s built-in design, offering the same pull-out shelving design. It doesn’t stand on it own, so you’ll need a closet rod to hang it from. But otherwise, it’s similar, with multiple shelves, zippered compartments to keep everything in place, and side pockets for smaller items like jewelry and toiletries. It comes in multiple sizes so you can use it in a carry-on or a checked bag.
Buy Now: $26+Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag dupe
Photo: Bagsmart/Amazon and Calpack Travel
Calpak Stevyn Duffel BagBAGSMART Weekender BagSize: 19 x 14.5 x 10.5 inchesSize: 18.5 x 8.7 x 11 inchesMaterials: PolyesterMaterials: NylonWheels: n/aWheels: n/aWarranty: One year limited Warranty: One year limitedWeight: 3 poundsWeight: 1.8 poundsPrice: $112Price: $30+The Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag is designed as a roomy carry-on with a main compartment, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and a large zippered bottom compartment specifically for shoes (or any other items you’d like to separate, like dirty clothes). It has padded top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, plus trendy color options.
If the Stevyn’s price point feels steep, the BAGSMART Travel Duffel Bag is perhaps the most similar dupe of any on this list. Like the Calpak bag, it includes a dedicated bottom compartment and is made with water-resistant polyester that weighs even less than the Calpak bag. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap and multiple pockets, and even a similar one-year warranty. The Stevyn has more padding on the handles and a slightly more rigid shape, but the BAGSMART duffel comes with a small toiletry bag, as well as a top strap for carrying a yoga mat or similar item.
Buy Now: $4Fjällräven Känken dupe
Photo: Fjällräven and Amazon/Kah&Key
Fjällräven KänkenKah&Kee Travel BackpackSize: 14.2 x 10.8 x 4.7 inchesSize: 15.7 x 10.6 x 6.7 inchesMaterials: Vinyl/nylon mixMaterials: PolyesterWheels: n/aWheels: n/aWarranty: Limited lifetime (plus repair program)Warranty: NoneWeight: .6 poundsWeight: 1.76 poundsPrice: $90Price: $29Matador Network‘s editorial team are big fans of Fjällräven, praising everything from the warmth of the brand’s down jackets to its industry-leading commitment to sustainability, repairs, and recycled materials. And if there’s one product most people know from Fjällräven, it’s probably the iconic Känken backpack, with its square shape and curved tote handles on top. Once you recognize it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere, especially while flying. It’s a great size for a personal item and small enough to double as a day bag while traveling. It has a simple, beloved design: one big compartment, a small front compartment, and basic shoulder straps. It comes in a host of colors, or can be custom designed.
As the only under-$100 item on this list, we fully support springing for a responsibly made backpack like the Känken. But if that’s out of reach for now, the $29 Kah&Kee Polyester Travel Backpack is a similar alternative. It’s comparable in terms of design (without looking like a full-on rip-off of the Känken), and has the same large primary pocket, small front pocket, and simple shoulder straps as the original Känken. Both are water-resistant, but we wouldn’t recommend leaving either sitting out in heavy rain for too long.
Buy Now: $29Away Luggage Dupe
Photo: Amazon/Travelers Choice and AWAY
AWAY Carry-on FlexTraveler’s Choice Indestructible HardshellSize: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inchesSize: 22 x 14.25 x 9.25 inchesMaterials: Polyester, polycarbonateMaterials: Polypropylene plasticWheels: Four spinnersWheels: Four spinnersWarranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)Warranty: Two year limited (not wear and tear)Weight: 7.9 poundsWeight: 6.3 poundsPrice: $325Price: $96The Away Carry-On Flex mixes durability, style, and adaptability, with an expandable capacity that can unzip to add 2.5 extra inches of space for longer trips. It has 360-degree spinner wheels, is made with extremely durable outer materials, and has a useful interior compression system. The removable mesh panel has pockets for small items and cinches tight across your clothing to help make as much space as possible. AWAY was one of the first trendy luggage brands out there and is beloved by buyers, as well as Matador reviewers.
But for a more budget-friendly alternative, the Traveler’s Choice Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Carry-On, priced at $139 on Amazon, delivers many of the same features at less than half the cost. That includes an expandable capacity to add an extra two inches of space, similar materials, interior organization, and 360-degree spinner wheels. The main aesthetic differences are the overall sense of refinement — the AWAY dupe isn’t quite as polished looking, but it may be a fair trade off for budget-conscious travelers in need of a new roller bag.
The Best Airports for Car-Free Travel, According to the Guy Who Studies Cities
Getting to the airport without having to pay for parking or an overpriced ride-share is an inspiring way to start a travel day. Even despite its often lackluster public transit, North American cities – including many in the United States – actually have incredibly convenient trains and buses to their international airports. Ray Delahanty, on his YouTube channel City Nerd, broke down the best and worst airports based on transit access across the continent.
His list is incredibly thorough – he measured cadence of transit, with cities needing to have service every 15 minutes or so to make the list. Also measured is cost – many of the top cities charge $2 to $5 for travelers to reach the airport via transit, and don’t have a surcharge for airport access. He also prefers transit systems that operate early enough in the morning that travelers can make it to the airport prior to a 6 AM flight. Here are the 10 best.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
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The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers superb public transportation to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) in a city where you might not expect it – in the heart of the Rust Belt. The Red Line provides a quick and efficient journey, taking approximately 27 minutes from downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Station to the Airport Station located on the lower level of the terminal. Trains depart every 15 minutes throughout most of the day, with service available seven days a week from around 3:12 AM to 12:30 AM. A one-way fare on the Red Line typically costs between $2 and $3.
Miami International Airport
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Delahanty makes it clear that he has a few concerns about getting to Miami International Airport (MIA) via the Miami Metrorail system. But it still ranks 9th because, for most travelers, it’s a pretty easy process. The Orange Line connects to the airport station, providing convenient access from various parts of the city. Metrorail typically begins service early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and operates throughout the day with frequent departures. The fare for a single ride is usually around $2.25. Note that on weekends, you do need to transfer to the Green Line as the Orange Line doesn’t go all the way to the airport on weekends.
Vancouver International AirportPhoto: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
The most convenient way to reach Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is via the Canada Line, a rapid transit system, and Delahanty notes that it’s among the most straightforward to figure out when traveling from the city center to the airport or vice versa. Trains depart typically every 10 minutes, and the journey takes about 24 minutes. A one-way fare costs between $4 and $6. The Canada Line operates early morning service typically starting around 5:00 AM. The trains are driverless – and the system is incredibly efficient. Delahanty notes it could be higher on the list, but the $5 surcharge when departing the airport peeved him.
Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
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The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) hits Five Points in downtown Atlanta from Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in 17 minutes.. The airport station is located within the Domestic Terminal, with trains departing typically every 5-10 minutes, and service from around 4:00 AM. A single-ride fare on MARTA is around $2.50 – no airport surcharge here.
Boston Logan International Airport
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Delahanty’s a big fan of Boston Logan International Airport, reachable via public transportation through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in 28 minutes. The Blue Line subway offers direct service to Airport Station, followed by a free shuttle to your terminal. Cadence is about every five minutes, and the fare is only $2.40. Alternatively, the Silver Line SL1 bus provides direct service to all terminals, albeit for a bit longer travel time. Both options operate throughout the day, with early morning service typically commencing around 5:30 AM. For the most up-to-date schedules, fares, and service alerts, consult the official MBTA website or utilize their mobile app.
San Diego International Airport
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Metropolitan Transit System bus 992 operates between downtown San Diego and the airport, serving Terminals 1 and 2. Service typically begins around 5:00 AM and runs until midnight. Buses depart every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays. The fare for the 992 bus is $2.50 – an easy and cheap ride from the heart of the city. Delahanty particularly loved that service is the same even on Sundays, even as many transit systems degrade service over the weekends.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
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The most convenient way to reach Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) via public transportation is by using the Metro Transit Blue Line light rail. This line connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America. Trains typically depart every 12-15 minutes, and service generally begins early in the morning, around 4:00 AM. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled. It also only costs $2, pocket change compared to many major transit systems around the country.
Reagan National Airport, Washington, DC
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Reagan National Airport (DCA) is incredibly easy to access via the Washington D.C. Metro. Both the Yellow and Blue lines directly serve the airport station, making travel convenient and efficient. It literally takes just 13 minutes to get into the heart of the city center – easily could have been number one on this list, as Delahanty notes. Metro service typically begins early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Fares vary depending on your starting point, but generally range from $2 to $6. It’s also incredibly easy to e-bike to Reagan National.
Chicago Midway International Airport
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The rapidly-fast CTA Orange Line puts you in downtown Chicago in less than 30 minutes – notably faster than driving to the airport during most times of the day. Service operates from 22 hours of the day, starting around 4:30 AM, with trains typically arriving every 7-10 minutes during peak hours. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled.
Mexico City International Airport
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Americans tend to take Ubers or book rides in advance, but it’s actually easier to get to Mexico City International Airport due to the city’s often terrible traffic. Five minute headways, and a 30 peso (about $1.50) fare, including an airport fee, make it the cheapest airport service with such regular frequency in North America. The Metrobus Line 4 offers direct service to the airport, while the Metro Line 5 connects to Terminal Aérea station near the airport. Both options provide frequent service throughout the day, with early morning service typically starting around 5:00 AM.
How to See All of Genoa’s Highlights on a One-Day Walking Tour
Genoa tends to be a quick stop on people’s journey to visit the pretty, and very touristy, villages of the Ligurian Coast, including the ones that form Cinque Terre and Portofino. It’s the same for cruise travelers who often only have eight hours to visit the city before going back to their ship and sail to other destinations in the Mediterranean. While a few days on site would be best to explore the birthplace of Christopher Columbus in depth, luckily for those who aren’t afraid of walking a few miles, the highlights can be seen on foot in just a few hours, with enough time for a pesto tasting, a foccaccia lunch, and a chocolate treat.
Genoa’s Cruise TerminalTo get to the town center from Genoa’s Cruise Terminal (Stazioni Marittime), you’ll have to walk for around 20 minutes along a busy, noisy, and, frankly, crummy road. The road is safe, but it certainly doesn’t make a charming introduction to what is otherwise a lovely city.
A free walking tour of Genoa to see all the highlightsOnce you’ve reached the city center, however, walking around Genoa is pleasant. The narrow and picturesque streets of the historic center are lined with independent businesses and mostly reserved for pedestrians. Even Via XX Settembre, the city’s main thoroughfare, and a busy street open to traffic, makes for a very nice stroll.
For the purpose of this walking tour, I used Genoa’s Cruise Terminal as the starting and ending point, but if you’re not a cruise traveler, you may pick up the tour at any point on this itinerary.
Porto Antico and Palazzo San Giorgio
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Porto Antico (the Old Port) is home to four main sights: the Genoa Aquarium, the Biosphere, the Neptune, and Palazzo San Giorgio. Only two of them are worth visiting.
While it is much praised, the Genoa Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe and the city’s number-one attraction, isn’t really worth your time and money. The infrastructure is very tired, the signage not kept up to date, and the animals look very much trapped in small tanks. The place has an air of sadness that we could all do without.
The Biosphere, part of the aquarium but requiring a separate ticket, is a disappointment, too. While the glass spherical exterior looks futuristic and appealing, inside the tropical bubble, there’s not much to write home about. It’s best seen from afar, which you can very much do from the quays of Porto Antico.
The Neptune, moored in Porto Antico, is a replica of a galleon that was built in 1985 for Roman Polanski’s movie Pirates. The ship is an impressive sight that deserves a stop and a few pictures. For $6.25 (€6) in cash, you can even hop on board.
Photo: Solarisys/Shutterstock
Less than five minutes on foot from the Neptune is Palazzo San Giorgio, easily recognizable thanks to its colorful frescoed exterior walls. While the initial structure dates back to the thirteenth century, what you see today, including the frescoes, is the result of significant sixteenth-century renovations, when the palace housed a bank. (Although it is worth noting that the paintings were refreshed in 1992.) Today, Palazzo San Giorgio is the seat of the Western Ligurian Sea Port System Authority, and can only be visited on a handful of days every year. Admire it from the outside.
San Lorenzo Cathedral
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The San Lorenzo Cathedral, also known as the Genoa Cathedral, is located in the historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from Palazzo San Giorgio, and is unmissable thanks to its black-and-white striped exterior.
Built in the eleventh century, it is the most important church in the city. Access to the cathedral is free but, unless you want to worship, make sure you wait until mass is over before you go in to take a peek. Once inside, where the black-and-white stripes continue, look for the very unusual replica of a bomb in the aisle of the nave. On February 9, 1941, the cathedral was targeted by the Allies but the bomb that went though the edifice’s roof never detonated. The display is meant to remember the grace that was given to the cathedral on that day.
In the cathedral’s crypt is the Treasure Museum of San Lorenzo Cathedral, where you can admire religious relics, art, and furnishings, including the Sacro Catino said to be the Holy Grail. Entry to the crypt costs $5.15 (5€)
Porta Soprana
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In the twelveth century, protective walls were built around the city of Genoa. Three gates marked the points of entry and exit of the city: Porta Aurea, Porta di Santa Fede (today known as Porta dei Vacca), and Porta Soprana. Only the last two remain standing today after substantial renovation work in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Porta Soprana, like Porta dei Vacca, consists of two crenulated towers in between which stands a tall arch. Inscribed near Porta Soprana’s arch, passers-by can read: “I am guarded by soldiers, surrounded by beautiful walls and with my value, I cast away the darts of the enemies. If you bring peace, you may approach this gate; if you seek war, you shall return sad and beaten”. Porta Soprana is only seven minutes away from San Lorenzo Cathedral.
Piazza de Ferrari, Via XX Settembre, Ponte Monumentale
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Piazza de Ferrari is the beating heart of Genoa and marks the transition between the historic center and the more modern part of the city. The immense pedestrian square, where stands an impressive fountain, is surrounded by gorgeous edifices, including three palaces and the city’s opera house. Take a seat around the fountain and admire your surroundings before making your way to Via XX Settembre, Geona’s main thoroughfare.
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The wide sidewalks on Via XX Settembre, made of intricate mosaics and covered by porticoes, make you forget you’re walking down a busy commercial street. Take the time to go in and out of the stores and markets, and admire the impressive buildings that make up this very special street. You’ll soon reach the magnificent nineteenth-century Ponte Monumentale that passes above the street. Continue walking until you can see the remarkable facade of the Palazzo dei Giganti, then cross the street to reach the other side and walk back slowly towards Piazza de Ferrari and the historic Center.
Pietro Romanengo Confectionery shop and Pestobene
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Back in the historic center, just five minutes on foot from Piazza Ferrari, is Pietro Romanengo, a confectionery shop that has been run by the same family since 1780. The carved stone facade and the gorgeous display window are impressive, but nothing compares to what’s going on inside: frescoed walls and ceilings, exquisite wooden and glass display cases, and a huge variety of old-fashioned treats. While the traditional confections for sale are pricey, a little chocolate treat from Pietro Romanengo makes for a great souvenir.
A few minutes of meandering around the narrow streets of the historic center will take you to Pestobene, where you can try some delicious artisan-made pesto. The small store is easily recognizable thanks to its automated mortar and pestle that sits in the window. The automaton continuously grinds basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano to make the world-famous local specialty: Genovese pesto.
If you’re hungry for something a little more substantial, keep an eye out for the long lines that form around the local focaccerias, and join the queue. The focaccerias’ offerings are not only varied and delicious, but portions are usually large and the price is right for a fantastic lunch on the go.
Lanterna di Genoa
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Visiting Genoa’s Lighthouse (Lanterna di Genoa) will add significant mileage to you walking tour. The lighthouse is 50 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the Cruise Terminal, all on a busy, noisy road. But it’s worth the effort.
Genoa’s Lighthouse, dating back to 1543, is the symbol of the city, therefore you’d be remiss to pass on it. With a height of 252 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and the second-tallest in Europe. For $8.50 (€8), you can climb the 172 steps to the first floor of the lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the busy port and the city. Your ticket also gives you access to the Open Air Museum and the seventeenth-century fortifications which are at the foot of the lighthouse.
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