Matador Network's Blog, page 819

Budapest regulating Airbnb stays

Budapest is the latest in a string of European capitals to impose restrictions on Airbnb rentals, which are largely held responsible for the overtourism problem major European cities have been experiencing since the home-sharing platform launched in 2008.

The Hungarian capital approved new legislation on Tuesday that will help limit the number of days hosts in Budapest are allowed to rent out their properties. Lawmakers hope that increased regulations will curb the skyrocketing housing costs that are displacing locals, as well as the overwhelming nightlife in the city center. Establishments in the city’s party district will also be held to stricter standards, such as not being allowed to stay open past midnight.

As of 2018, there were upwards of 10,000 Airbnbs operating in Budapest, reports Bloomberg. Not only do these rentals attract rowdy crowds that drive up noise, trash, and crime in popular neighborhoods, but they are also financially “out of reach even for a middle-class [Hungarian] family,” says Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karacsony.

Budapest is not the only city suffering from the tourism low-cost flights and short-term rentals have drummed up. Last month, Amsterdam banned Airbnb from three districts in the city center. Paris, Prague, Madrid, Barcelona, and other overtouristed European destinations have also pushed back against Airbnb and other home-sharing platforms.

Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karacsony is following their lead. “We need comprehensive regulations following the example of Amsterdam, Berlin, or London that limit the period when entire apartments can function as hotels,” he says.

This wave of new regulations is not meant to cobble tourism but help locals reclaim their cities. Travelers are still welcome to appreciate Budapest’s many cultural riches. As for the legendary nightlife scene, it’s not all bad news: “We are not going to kill the party district,” says the recently elected mayor of Budapest’s seventh district, Peter Niedermuller. “But we do need some changes because people living in the district cannot sleep at night.

The post Budapest passes legislation to limit Airbnb rentals and regulate nightlife appeared first on Matador Network.

Eurovision Song Contest history

A few years back, 37-year-old Icelander Sólveig Reynisdóttir and her friend were on their way to a house party to watch the Eurovision Song Contest about an hour away from Reykjavik in the Icelandic countryside — and they were running late. Listening live on the radio, they realized it had started, and they wouldn’t make it in time to see Iceland take the stage.

“So we decided to drive up to the next farm we saw, knocked on the door, and asked the very surprised faces if we could watch Iceland on stage on their TV,” Reynisdóttir says. The family let them in, and they ended up watching the show with perfect strangers.

That kind of national enthusiasm for the real song competition, which was fictionalized this year on screen for the Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, is indeed serious business in Iceland. In fact, Iceland has continually boasted the highest Eurovision viewership: 98.6 percent of people who watch television tuned in last year.

But it’s hardly just an Icelandic sensation. In 2019, the three-night broadcast from Tel Aviv reached 182 million people live on television and gained another 40 million unique viewers from 225 countries on YouTube.

“The Eurovision contest is the one night where anything goes with Europeans,” Anna Forward, 27, of Eastbourne, England, describes. “It’s the musical version of Euro football.”

As the American travelers in the Netflix film tried to understand its significance, attempting to liken it to our own competitions like The Voice and American Idol, the contest actually runs so much deeper in the cultural fabric of Europe and Scandinavia. Not only has it been the launching pad for global music sensations like Julio Igelasis who competed for Spain in 1970, ABBA who won in 1974, Olivia Newton-John who represented the UK in 1974, and Celine Dion who won for Switzerland in 1988, but the contest itself is symbolic of the national pride for each country, as well as a collaborative sense of spirited competition for the entire Eurovision community.

Why did Eurovision begin?

Photo: Netflix

As television and radio became more essential after World World II, Westerns European broadcasters came together in the British seaside town of Torquay for a meeting that ended up creating the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 1950.

Marcel Bezençon of the programming department prioritized making content from each country available to others within the union, which became known as the Eurovision network, based on a name coined by London Evening Standard journalist in 1951.

By 1955, Bezençon was focused on creating content that had an appeal across borders and thought a song competition might be the trick. Inspired by Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival, which had started in 1951, he launched an international version of the song contest, initially called the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson Européenne, in which each country would enter an artist to perform original music.

On May 24, 1956, seven nations competed in the inaugural contest in Lugano, Switzerland (the first year required two song entries each, while subsequent years have had one, as the number of countries entered grew), with the winner being voted on by juries from each nation (after the first year, countries could no longer vote for themselves).

How the rules work

Photo: Review News/Shutterstock

Throughout the early years, the contest experimented with different rules until it perfected its formula. While the winner’s nation was meant to host the following year, some of them rejected the honor early on (Switzerland won in 1956 but didn’t want to host again, so Germany did in 1957; the Dutch felt the same way after a 1959 victory, and the runner-up UK stepped in as 1960 hosts), but the rule largely holds up.

The jury’s points system started with a maximum of eight points, then 10, and now 12 — better known as the top spot of douze points. Since 2016, nations now give their first place pick 12 points, second place 10 and so on, down to one point for the 10th pick. And while juries in each country used to determine those rankings, five nations tried public televoting in 1997, which is also widely the standard now.

Countries were also initially asked to perform in their national language, but the rule gave a serious advantage to those dialects that were more universally understood by the judges. Alas, some artists went the way of language-less lyrics, like Massiel’s 1968 “La La La” for Spain and Lulu’s 1969 “Boom Bang-a-Boom” for the UK. While the rule was eliminated in 1973, allowing Sweden’s ABBA to win for the English-language song “Waterloo” in 1974. But the national language rule was eventually reinstated in 1977. The change wasn’t meant to last though: In 1999, contestants were permanently allowed to sing in any language.

European history has also played a large part in the rule formation. When the Cold War ended in 1991, a surge of Eastern Bloc countries wanted to join. By 2004, a semi-final round was added, with a second round of semis added in 2008. Except for France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK (also known as the Big Five) — plus the host country — nations must win a top 10 spot in the semis to compete on the big night.

Even though “Euro” is in the title, the contest isn’t tied to the continent or the European Union, but rather members of the EBU. Western Asian countries like Cyprus, Israel, and Armenia have participated, and in 1980, the first African country, Morocco, joined for the first and only time. Australia became the first country to compete from Oceania in 2015 because its Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is a member of the EBU and now has a guaranteed spot through 2023.

An international fandom

Photo: Netflix

Until the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 competition, the Eurovision Song Contest had been a constant in Europe — and all the EBU nations competing — 1956. It weathered the Cold War, the Berlin Wall’s construction in 1961 and fall in 1989, the formation of the European Union in 1992, and the start of Brexit in 2017. After all, no matter what its member nations were dealing with, much like the Olympic Games every four years, the Eurovision Song Contest provides an annual reprieve.

“It started in the ‘50s following very turbulent decades in Europe where there were lots of internal fighting,” 33-year-old Icelander Tinna Rós says. “It’s something that unites all of Europe in something beautiful and something we can all appreciate. Unity is in its core. Even though it’s a competition, it’s showing how diverse we are in our unity.”

Even Americans who get a taste of the Eurovision fever immediately catch on.

“I arrived in Amsterdam with my two friends, and we were going to change quickly and check out the city and happened to turn on the TV for background,” Us Weekly senior reporter Travis Cronin of New York City remembers. He and his friends were instantly entranced by the “campy fun,” watching Irish twins Jedward and Russian singing grandmas Buranovskiye Babushki perform. Eventually Sweden’s Loreen won the 2012 contest with “Euphoria.”

“We learned much more about European culture from inside the hotel room that night — then the next night, we danced to ‘Euphoria’ at a gay bar and spoke with a bunch of locals about the show,” Cronin said.

That’s how the contest achieves its ultimate mission — bringing people together through the joint appreciation of song, despite any cultural barriers. But perhaps what resonates most about Eurovision is that it allows viewers to let go of everything for a bit and enjoy life.

“The songs are often considered to be a bit tacky, but overall they showcase different cultures and different traditions,” Rós says. “You get to learn about the countries and you get to feel as a family with them.”

Anna Forward agrees: “In more recent years the wacky are accepted and most definitely preferred — someone with a quirky edge is often at a higher chance of winning. From an English perspective it’s actually, I think, considered more for the comical value with the late Sir Terry Wogan commentaries taking humor from the acts often with sarcastic undertones.”

Most people don’t even mind that the fun comes at a self-deprecating cost.

“England has become a bit of a joke in the community often only obtaining nil points,” Forward adds. “But the ‘anything can happen’ feeling is why it continues to grow in popularity as each year is never the same.”

Whatever draws in the viewers, once they’re in, they’re in. Cronin cites one of his friends, originally from Israel, who has gone to the Eurovision finals every year with a group of friends for about a decade. He’s positive he’ll be attending the following year’s finals right away.

“When the winner is announced, they book their plane tickets to that country while they’re still in the auditorium,” Cronin said.

When it comes down to it, it’s that intangible energy and excitement that keeps the 64-year-old contest going strong.

“It’s not really possible to explain,” Rós says. “It’s something magical and something you just have to live.”

The post Why the Eurovision Song Contest is so much more than just another singing competition appeared first on Matador Network.

How to understand river conditions

Hitting the river is a summertime rite of passage across the American West and elsewhere, where snowmelt runs its course from peak to sea. But flowing current can be dangerous, and you need to take proper precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing — whether you’re rafting tough whitewater, paddleboarding, or hopping on a tube for a lazy float. While the web has plenty of articles on river safety, you’ll find a lot less information on basic river conditions and how to prepare for and react to them. This is your go-to when a quick question on a conditions report or asked by a river buddy sparks conversation.

First, a basic guide to whitewater conditions

Photo: Lillac/Shutterstock

In the United States, there are six levels of whitewater. Stretches of river classified as Class III onward should not be attempted without an experienced guide or captain, which effectively rules out tubing and paddling (you won’t remain in the tube very long on a Class IV rapid, anyhow). Here’s the breakdown:

Class I: Calm but moving water with a current strong enough to keep rafts and other craft moving downstream at a leisurely pace. Small waves may be present but not strong enough to flip boats. If a lazy afternoon on the tube is your goal, look for Class I. Little paddling is required to stay on course.
Class II: Class II water features waves up to three feet tall, strong enough to cause “rock and roll” on the boat. The field of play is wide enough that narrow channels or sharp turns are not present. Some paddling is required to stay on course.
Class III: Narrower passages and waves up to four feet tall mark Class III whitewater conditions. You’re likely to get wet — and use your paddle ferociously as the boat moves downstream to avoid hitting the banks, rocks, or other objects in play such as tree branches. Rapids are present but quick.
Class IV: Longer stretches of rapids with waves cresting into the boat. Be ready to paddle hard — and pay attention to the captain. Everyone in your party should be a strong paddler with river experience before taking on any Class IV rapids.
Class V: Rapids extend for continuous stretches, and/or large whitecaps are present that make paddling in a consistent line difficult. Your boat is likely to spin and jump, potentially sending butts into the air.
Class VI: The water is nearly unrunnable, except by top-tier professionals and experts. Waterfalls may be present, and navigation of consistently long stretches of rapids through tight channels is required. Not something you’ll find on a basic commercial rafting trip.

Know when high-water season is

Photo: Bob Pool/Shutterstock

River season varies by location but typically begins in late spring and runs through summer. It’s important to note that conditions change throughout the season, and as such, the classification of a certain rapid can go up and down as conditions dictate. In the western United States — in this case, west of the Continental Divide and additional rivers east of the Continental Divide that are fed by snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains — high-water season typically runs from mid-May to mid-June. This can vary depending on snowmelt and location. California may have different conditions than Utah, for example. A higher-than-average number of spring storms can lead to later snowmelt, while in lighter snow years, peak flow happens earlier.

During peak flow, the rafting is more difficult and dangerous. Inexperienced rafters should avoid peak season unless going with a certified guide who is familiar with the river you intend to travel and its current conditions. Once the high-water season has passed, the general rule of thumb is that the deeper the water, the calmer the stretch of river. This is because the rocks that cause rapids are deeper down, and the surface water has more room to level out. Shallow water rapids tend to be more dangerous because the rocks will rub against your boat, cause whitecaps, and make paddling more difficult.

One additional thing to note is that low water can actually be unrunnable if rafts, tubes, or other craft rub against the bottom. The best time to raft for fun but generally safe conditions is mid-summer, while the best time to raft for extreme conditions is late spring and early summer. Tubers are the most likely to have issues with low water, as your butt hangs down below the bottom of the boat. Not fun for anyone, except those onshore pointing and laughing.

Know how to approach rapids (and what to do if you get tossed)

Photo: txking/Shutterstock

Rule number one on the river is this: No matter the conditions, always wear a life jacket (commonly called a personal flotation device). Any respectable rafting outfit will provide these for you, though you can pick one up at any outdoor gear shop that carries on-water supplies.

On a tube, you want to come into a rapid facing backward because this centers your weight over the water and prevents you from being flipped back by whitewater. This seems incredibly unnatural at first, but once you maneuver a few small rapids you’ll become more comfortable with it. You can employ a slight angle to your approach in order to have some visibility of the rapid with your head turned slightly over your shoulder.

You may notice your raft guide approaching rapids at an angle for just the same reason — it gives her more control and keeps the weight on the boat more centered. Paddlers tend to kneel during rapids, though this certainly isn’t always the case on smaller stretches — if you do choose to stand, keep your knees bent for optimum balance and paddle around rocks as best you can.

Photo: B Brown/Shutterstock

Swimming in whitewater is no easy task, but staying afloat is doable with proper technique. The primary technique is a forward swimming position in which you are on your back, feet facing downstream. Keep your knees slightly bent so that you can push off rocks and other debris in the water without injuring your legs. Use your arms to control yourself as much as possible, swimming with the water as best you can as you move towards the riverbank. The primary reason for staying on your back is that it keeps your face above water more easily than swimming on your stomach. If you must swim on your stomach, try to employ a standard arm-powered forward swim towards shore or the boat in the most efficient manner possible.

In the instance that an entire raft is flipped, the guide or captain will attempt to get on top of the raft in order to collect everyone. Do your best to stay close to the raft and to grab hold of a flip line rope on the side. If you are underneath the raft, try to grab onto a flip line rope or anything else you can to stay with the boat and keep your head above the water. Hang tight until the water calms down and it is safe to climb back aboard.

The post What to know about river conditions before tubing, rafting, and paddling appeared first on Matador Network.

The best ways to start a campfire

Gathering around a fire is one of the most cherished camping rituals. But before anyone can pull out the marshmallows, someone has to build the fire — and it feels like just about everyone has their own way of getting a fire started.

Some methods are quick and painless, others fruitless and frustrating. The best are tailored to your situation. Regardless of the method, though, the first consideration should be safety, because there are times when you should forego the fire entirely.

“Make sure you are allowed to have a fire in the area you are camping in,” says Adam Edwards, an outdoorsman who writes about camping for Melanin Base Camp. “Sometimes conditions are such that land managers say no fires in hopes of preventing human started wildfires.”

Scott Elliott, the deputy chief of law enforcement and emergency services for California State Parks, says he only makes fires in established fire rings to keep the risk low — even in places that allow campfires. Just as important is to make sure you properly put the fire out.

With all safety measures considered, there are a few things to avoid no matter the starter style you choose. Damp wood, or freshly cut green wood, is harder to burn and creates a lot of smoke. Fire needs oxygen as well as fuel, so don’t suffocate your fire by adding logs that are too big too fast and blocking airflow.

Finally, there’s the method itself. We spoke to experts who have tried and tested the various ways to start a fire to find the best style for each situation.

The cabin

Essentials: Paper or other tinder, lighter, and sticks

Where it’s best: Campgrounds, beaches

Photo: MAD.vertise/Shutterstock

One fire design for the architecturally minded is to build a little cabin. The proper way to do this is to dig a shallow trough in your fire pit that aligns with the direction of the wind. Then, put sticks over it to make a grate to hold your tinder. The next step is to go full Lincoln logs and stack the cabin a few layers higher with kindling and small-to-medium size sticks. Put a little tinder inside, add a few more stories to the cabin, and there you have it.

The shallow hole under the tinder keeps the oxygen flowing, while the sticks quickly heat up from the tinder.

“Air circulation is critical, but also a balancing act,” Elliott says. “If it’s too windy the fire may have trouble starting. But, importantly, if it’s so windy that it’s hard to get your fire started in the campfire ring, that’s a good indication that it might not be the safest time to be having a campfire, depending on humidity and other weather factors.”

The teepee

Essentials: Paper or other tinder, lighter, and sticks

Where it’s best: Campgrounds, beaches

Photo: Scherbinator/Shutterstock

The stereotypical campfire has the wood shaped like a pitched tent. That is the teepee, which is similar to the cabin but is slightly less sturdy in the wind. It’s made by propping kindling around your tinder in a cone shape, and then propping up larger sticks around that kindling. Leave a small hole to light the tinder and let a little air in.

For tinder, Mark Wilcox, founder of Camping Forge, suggests cotton balls soaked with petroleum jelly.

“The biggest mistake is that people use wood that’s too large for fuel,” Wilcox says. “You don’t want pieces that are larger than an adult forearm. If you are camping at a campground that provides firewood, they often provide large logs. If this is the case, bring some artificial wood-like Duraflame.”

While it’s quick and easy to make, the teepee will collapse on itself as it burns down, so make sure you only use this method when you have complete log roll control.

Teepee-log cabin combo

Essentials: Kindling, sticks, and either a propane blow torch or fire starters

Where it’s best: Wet and rainy areas, mountains

Edwards prefers to mix the benefits of both of the above in a teepee-cabin combo. He puts the kindling at the base and builds a teepee around it. Then, he makes a cabin around the teepee, which protects the fire against the elements more than one or the other alone.

A propane blow torch is the easiest way to get things started, but it’s not always an option. Edwards suggests keeping a lighter or matches on hand as well as a stash of a homemade firestarter made out of an egg carton filled with dryer lint and coated in wax.

Mixing both methods together means Edwards can adjust when he needs to. Whatever you do, be adaptable.

“I actually find I always modify my method based on the environment I am trying to light the fire in,” Edwards says. “Don’t limit yourself to one style, work with the tools nature provides you.”

The slow build starter

Essentials: Fire starters, tinder, vaseline

Where it’s best: Backpacking

Light, efficient fire starters can be a time saver and a space saver, and they’re ideal for when every added pound in your pack counts. Alison Watta, editor and founder of the site Exploration Solo, suggests compressed balls of wood sold at stores like REI.

“They weigh almost nothing and will burn long enough to allow your tinder to catch fire,” Watta says. “For added insurance, you can rub a bit of vaseline on them. I do this before heading out and place the vaseline coated ball in a ziploc bag.”

As soon as the starter gets going, add tinder on top and then kindling followed by logs.

Magnesium and flint

Essentials: Magnesium, flint, tinder, kindling

Where it’s best: Most situations, but especially shines in wet environments

Photo: josefkubes/Shutterstock

When the lighter won’t light and the matches won’t make a spark, magnesium and flint could save the day. Gina Bégin, founder of the Outdoor Women’s Alliance, prefers the easily packable keychains with both magnesium and flint on them.

First, scrape magnesium shavings onto the dry tinder. Then all there is to do is strike the flint for some sparks. The magnesium will burn on contact and quickly light the tinder and the subsequently added kindling and logs — just be sure to take your time so as not to smother the small fire.

“It’s straightforward, easy to use, and works in damp conditions, which is fantastic whether I’m back home in Florida or up here in rainy British Columbia,” Bégin says. “Just make sure you’ve got some small pieces of dry tinder before the magnesium is going because it burns fast!”

Magnesium shavings are so helpful to keep on hand in damp situations because they can burn at more than 5,600 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s more than three times hotter than matches.

“This is an ideal method if it’s wet, windy, or your kindling just won’t catch because magnesium is highly flammable,” says Julien Heron, co-founder of the blog Outdoors Generations. “It’s also a good option if you’re in the mountains or at the beach because magnesium can help get your fire up to a high temperature without burning through excessive amounts of small twigs and sticks.”

If you don’t have the flint but do have a lighter, magnesium shavings can still be useful to get the fire started.

The post The best ways to start a campfire, regardless of the conditions appeared first on Matador Network.

Train travel in the age of COVID

Has COVID-19 changed your summer vacation plans? Your summer anything plans? Probably. But maybe it’s also opened up your schedule — think of all the time you’ll save not saying “hi” and “bye” to each of the 50+ people at an average family gathering. Not to mention being spared the wet kisses from that one tia.

Maybe it’s also helped you reignite past hobbies and shown you that life’s been a little too hectic. That begs a few questions: What pandemic habits could actually be good for us? What might we be able to rediscover with fresh eyes during this time? How can we slow down and live more purposefully and peacefully?

One answer? Train travel. And in the US, that means Amtrak. With both long-haul cross-country routes and a denser network of regional routes in the Northeast and the Midwest, increased health and safety protocols in place, and more space for passengers than ever before, on Amtrak you can sit back, slow down, and sip your cafecito in peace — while still social distancing. Here’s how.

Planning your trip

Amtrak goes far more places than you might realize, reaching from North Dakota to New Mexico, Washington to Florida, California to Massachusetts. In all there are 30+ routes across 46 states and parts of Canada.

Start the planning process by browsing available routes, not just destinations. The California Zephyr, for instance, runs from Chicago to San Francisco by way of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains — it’s among the most scenic rides in the world. Take the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to LA, and you could stop to see Big Bend and Saguaro National Parks between cityscapes. (Note: If you plan to disembark, you’ll need a separate booking for each leg of your trip.) Have family in New York or DC? Reunite via the Acela or Northeast Regional.

Next, decide what kind of ride you want. Travelers will be happy to learn Amtrak is limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. They’re actually encouraging single passengers to spread out and put their belongings on the seat next to them. You no longer have to hope the person coming down the aisle takes the hint and picks another seat.

Those who feel more secure having a door between them and everyone else — or who have parties of two to four — can opt for a private roomette or bedroom, making for one heck of a “coronacation,” room attendant service and all. This is an excellent option for family travel.

Prepping for your trip

Amtrak’s no-touch ticket system is the cure for the social awkwardness we’ve all developed during lockdown. You can scan your passes and board without physically exchanging money or documents with an attendant. Just make sure to download the Amtrak app — in addition to displaying your eTicket, it’ll give you boarding information and track your train, so you always know what’s up.

Once you book your ticket, know that it’s totally flexible. All change fees are waived through August; if you second-guess your decision to step out into the world, you won’t pay a dime extra for changing your mind.

As for your bags, anyone not so great at packing light — or prone to serious souvenir shopping — will appreciate the two carry-ons and two personal items allowed per person. Certain routes allow checked baggage, too. And pack that mask! It’s mandatory for passengers (and employees) to wear a mask at stations and onboard trains.

While on board

Anyone with dietary restrictions, serious cravings, or simply wanting full control over the handling of their food can and should pack their own snacks. PB&Js for the kids or mom’s favorite quesitos fresh from the bakery — you get to load up and call the shots. And while the usual communal dining has been temporarily suspended, café takeout and lounge seating are still available, both including protective measures: Customer-service counters have been retrofitted with plastic barriers, high-traffic surfaces like doors and seats are being wiped down throughout the day using EPA-registered disinfectants, and all transactions must be cashless. Where applicable, Amtrak’s “flexible dining” options have been expanded to nearly all long-distance routes and include individual room service.

If you get a bit restless on board, know that you can move between cars by tapping the newly added “automatic door open” button with your foot. What’s more, the onboard air filtration system has an exchange rate of fresh air every four to five minutes. This isn’t train travel like your abuela knew.

At your destination

Make sure to stay up to date on any COVID-related restrictions where you disembark. Rules will vary by destination — it’s possible for state or local governments to take any number of actions, such as imposing stay-at-home orders, mandating quarantine upon arrival, requiring proof of a negative virus test as a prerequisite to entering the state, or closing borders outright.

And of course, theme parks, bars, performance venues, and other large gathering spaces remain affected nationwide. Regardless of what you’d like to do, it’s best to confirm opening hours before arrival and have backup plans in case you’re unable to follow through on your original itinerary. But the main benefit of train travel is that the journey itself is an experience. After months of being limited to perceiving the world through a computer screen, having the nation’s most iconic landscapes outside your window will be revelatory.

How and when you choose to travel again is a personal decision with no one right answer. So just remember: When you’re ready, there’s an Amtrak train waiting for you.

The post Understanding train travel in a COVID-19 world appeared first on Matador Network.

7 reasons to travel by train

Summer is finally here, and we’re all thinking about ways to travel safely — beyond the backyard kiddie pool. Our usual lives may be on hold, but our reasons for traveling? Those are as strong as ever.

Whatever your reasons — maybe you planned to make the trek to your hometown this year to see your family, to give the kids a blues lesson on Beale Street, to finally visit Glacier National Park — if you hadn’t yet considered it, you may be pleasantly surprised by how safely you can travel by Amtrak. And easily and comfortably, too.

With some of the strictest cleaning protocols in the industry — including contact-free boarding, limited bookings, and required masks in stations and on board — the trip comes with some serious peace of mind. You could even book your own private room, the landscapes out your window putting any hotel view to shame.

After all, it’s not a usual summer — why have a usual trip? When you’re feeling ready to travel, here’s why you should go with the unusual — with Amtrak.

1. Physical distancing is easier on a train.

Amtrak has clearly articulated plans to keep you safe: Masks are required for both employees and passengers at stations and onboard trains, and they’re limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas — on top of the already generous legroom.

In fact, your entire trip will be as contact-free as possible. To board, your eTicket simply needs to be scanned by an attendant from the Amtrak app on your phone, so there’s no need to handle any documents. The café (many trains have a dedicated café car) only takes cashless payments, and you won’t even have to touch the doors between cars to get there — use the new foot-activated buttons to open them.

Many routes also have completely private rooms available. “Roomettes” and bedrooms comfortably fit two adults; family bedrooms and bedroom suites can accommodate two adults and two kids. Consider it your home on rails with ever-changing views and a personal attendant.

2. Your booking is totally flexible.

Concerned that your travel plans might change? Honestly, we all are. Along with their pledge to provide you with a safe and comfortable ride, your Amtrak booking also comes with the peace of mind of a hassle-free cancellation. All bookings made between now and August 31, 2020, can be changed or canceled without a fee. There are no complicated criteria to decide which tickets are eligible, and in many cases, they can be changed online.

3. Your bags won’t weigh you down.

If you’re the type who’s used to shoving all your belongings into one tiny under-seat bag, get this: Amtrak lets you carry on up to four items. Depending on where you’re headed, you may be able to check up to four bags as well, with no charge for the first two. Certain routes even allow you to bring oversized items like a bike for free.

4. Go ahead, pack the fridge if you’d like.

If you’ve ever watched a fidgety, unenthused kid start absentmindedly playing with their food instead of eating it, you’ll know how much easier it can be to just bring something for them that they’re definitely going to like. And on Amtrak, you can pack as much food as you need to satisfy your picky eaters — even if that picky eater is you! From a simple sandwich to something more gourmet, you have the ability to create your own onboard menu.

But don’t worry if you forgot your favorite travel snacks (or already worked through your stash), as café service is available on many routes for a quick drink or bite to take back to your seat. And if you’re traveling in a sleeping car cross-country, you get complimentary flexible dining service — that’s three meals a day of your choosing, delivered by your friendly sleeping car attendant.

5. Amtrak is setting the standard for safer, cleaner travel.

Amtrak has taken it upon themselves to enact some of the strictest cleaning standards in the travel industry. The onboard air filtration system has an exchange rate of fresh air every four to five minutes, and their own Medical Services Team is following guidelines that come directly from the CDC. They’re continuously auditing policies to stay aligned with the most up-to-date information available.

6. You’ll get peace of mind, station to station.

Amtrak is the sole operator of intercity passenger trains in the United States, which means you’ll find the same strict safety protocols during every leg of your trip. It doesn’t matter whether you’re making the short hop from DC to NYC or crossing the country on a long-distance route. They’ve got it under control, so all you have to do is relax, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

7. There’s no better way to see the country.

Have you ever thought about exploring the nation’s jazz corridor starting in the City of New Orleans? You can, on the train of the same name. Or if your tastes sway more toward the naturalistic, you’ll love watching the sunset over the ocean from the observation car of the Coast Starlight. Even if you just have your eyes set on a quicker trip up or down the Eastern Seaboard, the view out your train window is guaranteed to give you a new perspective.

So if you’ve never traveled by train, this is the perfect year to treat yourself to a new kind of journey. “Getting there” is often seen as merely a means to an end, but a voyage made by rail becomes part of the adventure. How and when you choose to travel again is a personal decision with no one right answer. So just remember: When you’re ready, there’s an Amtrak train waiting for you.

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Joe Biden releases climate plan

Presidential candidate Joe Biden released an ambitious climate plan on Tuesday, one that would cost $2 trillion and would almost entirely remake how multiple sectors of the American economy operate. The plan’s highlight is that it actually sets specific targets for greenhouse gas reductions. From investment in carbon-capture technology to a complete transition to renewable energy by 2035, Biden’s team massively ramped up their climate initiatives in a broad appeal to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. The plan also appears to be a “boots on the ground” attempt to attract supporters of the Democratic Party’s liberal wing, which largely backed Bernie Sanders in his run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Biden’s report promises jobs in energy and manufacturing, as he aims to use the American labor force in developing both renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms and electric vehicles. He even hinted at converting fleets of US government vehicles to electric. “The auto industry and its deep bench of suppliers will step up, expanding capacity so that the United States, not China, leads the world in clean vehicle production,” Biden said in a Medium post outlining his plan.

But the most important part of the plan focused on environmental justice. BIPOC communities are often left unheard in major climate change debates, and Biden’s plan calls for an end to that. The plan addresses pollution and other health issues that tend to plague lower-income communities and communities of color, and would create an office of environmental and climate justice at the US Justice Department. Disadvantaged communities would receive 40 percent of all benefit from the plan, Biden said.

It would likely take a Democratic-controlled Congress to get this bill passed. This is a possibility in the coming presidential election, if Democrats can hold onto the House and retake the Senate.

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Burger King changing cow diets

This week, Burger King announced it would change the diet of some of the cows it uses to include lemongrass, in a bid to cut the methane emissions of the animals by up to one-third. The move comes as the company attempts to respond to dietary trends, including less meat consumption, that stem from a desire to reduce environmental impact. Burger King and other fast-food chains have also added meat alternatives to their menus.

The fast-food chain worked with scientists from the Autonomous University at the State of Mexico and the University of California, Davis to develop a new diet for cows that would reduce methane emissions. The result is that adding 100 grams of lemongrass leaves to the animal’s diet could do the trick and reduce methane emissions by up to 33 percent.

The company has released a social media campaign to promote the effort, which falls somewhere between hilarious and ludicrous. While the addition of lemongrass to its cows’ diets is clearly a marketing ploy, the company does deserve kudos for at least addressing the issue. But it’s still on the consumer to demand better-sourced meat and to consider their own environmental impact when ordering off the menu at Burger King and elsewhere.

cow farts & burps are no laughing matter. they release methane, contributing to climate change. that’s why we’re working to change our cows’ diet by adding lemongrass to reduce their emissions by approximately 33%. learn about our ongoing study: https://t.co/kPCXpjfbGL #CowsMenu pic.twitter.com/DnmF8gVVL0

— Burger King (@BurgerKing) July 14, 2020

Along with the conversion of undeveloped land into grazing land, which harms biodiversity and sometimes removes forestry which acts as a carbon sink (the Amazon Rainforest, for example), methane is the other major environmental issue stemming from the mass production of beef.

Cows’ stomachs ferment food, which produces methane and is then released into the atmosphere through farts and burps. In addition to CO2, methane is a major contributor to rising temperatures as it acts as a “heat trap” in the atmosphere. Methane emissions made up a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector in 2018. The agricultural industry accounts for 9.9 percent of the United States’ total environmental footprint, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Iceland wants you to scream

You may not be allowed to travel to Iceland right now, but you can air your grievances into the country’s wild landscapes as if you were there.

Inspired by Iceland launched a new campaign designed to help people release their frustration by inviting them to scream out their problems into the nation’s beautiful wilderness. The campaign, called “Looks like you need to let it all out,” was developed in partnership with creative agency M&C Saatchi Group, and will run across the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Denmark.

“You’ve been through a lot this year,” the campaign’s website says, “and it looks like you need the perfect place to let your frustrations out. Somewhere big, vast and untouched. It looks like you need Iceland. Record your scream and we’ll release it in Iceland’s beautiful, wide-open spaces. And when you’re ready, come let it out for real. You’ll feel better, we promise.”

Even better — it’s backed by science. According to Zoë Aston, a therapist and mental health consultant, “Part of the beneficial effect of screaming comes from being able to make a loud noise into a wide, open, undisturbed space. This literally allows your amygdala to release the stress stored there and move forward.”

The campaign website even has specific tips for the proper way to scream, and how to get the most out of the experience. Visit the website to scream virtually into one of Iceland’s many breathtaking landscapes.

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COVID vaccine in US in final phase

Every day it seems we receive a new dismal piece of news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Good news isn’t hard to come by, however, if you keep up with the progress of various vaccines being developed around the world.

Although the process has been slow, the first COVID-19 vaccine tested in the United States is about to enter its final phase of testing on July 27. Results of the experimental vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna, were released on Tuesday, and they’re certainly encouraging.

Of the first 45 volunteers who received the vaccine back in March, all of them developed neutralizing antibodies to COVID-19. Equally as important, the volunteers reported no serious side effects.

The results released Tuesday only included younger adults. The test was expanded to include dozens of older adults — the most at-risk group — but those results haven’t been made public yet.

The next stage of testing will include 30,000 volunteers, and will determine whether the inoculation is safe and effective by early 2021.

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