Matador Network's Blog, page 86
November 25, 2024
Planning to Propose on Your Vacation? Remember These Two Airport Security Tips
Planning to propose to your significant other should be fun, but figuring out how to get an engagement ring through airport security can be pretty daunting if you haven’t done it before — which, chances are, you haven’t. It’s not like you can call up TSA and warn them not to let the cat out of the bag by riffling through your carry-on and pulling out the ring box.
Last week, Luton Airport in London launched a marketing campaign with the city-based jewelry company Queensmith to help secret proposers smuggle engagement rings through security.
The very English-sounding initiative called “Ask for Harry” instructed passengers to use the keyphrase “Does Harry still work here?” at security to let staff know they are carrying an engagement ring in their luggage. It’s a smart gimmick that had me googling the jewelers, but in my opinion, that’s as far as it goes.
I can’t imagine anything more suspicious than my partner inquiring about some dude called Harry with a security agent — we’re certainly not posh enough to know someone with that name. However, it got me thinking about whether taking an engagement ring through security is really all that difficult. And to spoil the ending, no, it’s not that hard unless you get unlucky. It certainly does not warrant you using a code word that will make you sound like you’re smuggling illegal substances.
According to recent data from the wedding planning site The Knot, over a third of American proposers choose to pop the question during a planned trip. Although many of these trips are on home soil, there’s been a surge in popularity with international destinations since the pandemic. And unsurprisingly, destinations such as the Maldives, Italy, Greece, and France are popular backdrops for the romantic moment. But even if you’re not going that far, your plans might involve a face-off with TSA. If so, there are two simple things you can do to help avoid getting caught out.
The first cardinal rule is to pack it in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. The second is not to put the ring in your pocket and saunter through the metal detectors. Both are no-brainers, but here are a few more tips I found on Reddit from travelers who’ve successfully managed a secret proposal.
A few commenters suggested to secure the ring in a safe and discreet container. While the original jewelry box may suffice, consider investing in a small, soft-sided ring case. These cases are designed to protect the ring from bumps and scratches and are often more discreet than a larger jewelry box. Place it at the top and avoid wrapping the ring box in plastic or paper when packing as this could trigger a closer inspection by security.
Another essential is to pack your carry-on properly. Ensure your bag is free of any items such as liquids over the permitted amount, sharp objects, or electronic devices with unusual power banks.
Others suggested attaching a small, discreet note to the ring box that reads, “Engagement ring — please handle with care.” Hopefully, this gentle nudge will help security personnel handle the situation with sensitivity. And if you are pulled over to be searched, you may request a private screening, although that might have your other half googling wedding venues in your absence or questioning they are in a relationship with Pablo Escobar.
More concern should be placed on losing the ring when traveling. Ensure you’ve got sufficient insurance. And if it’s purchased in the US, you won’t have to declare the item at customs, but take a photo of yourself with it at home to prove it was not acquired abroad.
After that, all you need to do is focus on planning the perfect location for your destination proposal. 
A New Photo Book Explores The Unending Variety and Allure of Japan’s Vending Machines
A really good film or magazine article — or, these days, an Instagram account — can be enough to inspire a trip’s itinerary. On my first trip to Japan in 2023, it was an old camera from 1963 that I’d bought off eBay that did it. I came armed with a Google Map thickly skewered with pinned locations — coffee shops, tonkatsu joints, vinyl bars, bookstores — but moving between these points, I noticed an understated fixture of the city: vending machines.
Vending machines are everywhere in Tokyo, and in the rest of Japan too. There are some 3.9 million vending machines in operation in the country for the approximately 124 million residents, or about one for every 30 citizens. But it’s not just a numbers thing. Vending machines in Japan come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. These were reasons enough to point my camera at them as something to do while walking the city by myself. Back to that camera — the Olympus PEN-F is a 35mm half-frame camera, meaning it divides every shot on a roll of film into two photos. With this machine in my hand, the project I assigned myself was to fill an entire roll of film with vending machines; 72 photos, 72 machines.
With this idea overlaid on top of my trip, my travel habits started to look different. I sought out new routes between A and B, wandered down alleys, and ventured into residential neighborhoods I wouldn’t have otherwise walked through. I still visited the city’s famous places, but while everyone posed for selfies in front of Sensō-ji, I could be found on the edge of the temple grounds with my eye on the drink dispensers.
The thing about old cameras is that they don’t always work the way you expect them to. A lot of my photos came out blurry, the focus ever so slightly off. But there were enough keepers to know I’d found a subject interesting enough to keep pursuing. Vending machines drew me into all parts of Tokyo and they drew my eye toward the hundreds and thousands of details that, combined, make a city — the color of the tiles on the buildings in one neighborhood versus another, how quickly a busy commercial area blends into a quiet residential one, how urban negative space is utilized (in Tokyo, it’s all utilized).
The Observer’s Guide to Japanese Vending Machines. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Buy: “The Observer’s Guide to Japanese Vending Machines”On a follow-up trip later that year, I knew I wanted to find more vending machines and take their photos. If it sounds like I’m anthropomorphizing, that’s because it’s hard not to when you come across a Coke machine standing underneath its own awning outside the village market (or maybe I’ve simply read too much Murakami). On this second trip, I explored outside the city and found that even in the small villages and along the hiking paths drawn across the Kii Peninsula, vending machines abound. During a long, cold day of hiking, a warm can of coffee can be a real morale saver (yeah, Japanese vending machines serve hot drinks too).
Just as that camera inspired me to take photos of vending machines, the photos that I returned home with inspired me to publish “The Observer’s Guide to Japanese Vending Machines“. The images that made it into the book are the ones that, I believe, do the same thing that the machines did for me once I started to notice them: they draw attention to the basic physical organization of a place that we all feel when we’re there but don’t necessarily notice, the things that give Tokyo and the other places I visited in Japan a little bit of their indelible character.
Groups of vending machines are so common in Tokyo’s busy areas that they can be easy to overlook. Photo: Tanner Bowden
In residential neighborhoods, some vending machines are seemingly positioned in private driveways. Photo: Tanner Bowden
For the sake of coffee, green tea, and other drinks, no amount of leftover space is too small. Photo: Tanner Bowden
One-of-a-kind vending machines aren’t hard to come by either. At Muji’s store in Shinjuku, the Japanese brand sells drinks from its beverage line. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Sometimes it seems like the city’s most basic infrastructure elements were designed with vending machines (and an accompanying recycling bin) in mind. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Even far from the nearest town I encountered vending machines. This one was at the end of a logging road in the Kii Mountains where it intersected the hiking trail I was walking. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Vending machines in Japan are generally well maintained. Some like this one even get their own protection from the elements. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Scale is a hard concept to grasp in a city as sprawling as Tokyo. Vending machines like this one help. Photo: Tanner Bowden
In areas dominated by more traditional architecture like this street in Kyoto, vending machines offer a modern (and colorful) contrast. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Even at Tokyo’s oldest temple, you’ll find vending machines. These ones are designed to blend in with the far-older buildings they coexist with. Photo: Tanner Bowden
When the stores were closed in this small village on the Kii Peninsula, there was still a one-stop place for tea, coffee, beer, and cigarettes. Photo: Tanner Bowden
One of the reasons why vending machines are so common in Japan is because vandalism is uncommon. Even graffiti — except in the case of this pair located in the heart of Shibuya. Photo: Tanner Bowden
Things We Love: The Matador Team’s 8 Favorite Pieces of Travel Gear and More This Month
Snow is flying and ski resorts across North America and Europe are open for the season. Thanksgiving week kicked off the holiday season, and colder weather also heralds the need for warmer clothes for other outdoor pursuits as well as holiday travel. Matador editors tested warm underlayers, unique travel accessories, and more this month to help you stock up for winter adventures – including a stiff toast to round out the collection.
We hope you love the gear 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.
PAKA Men’s Thermal Crew and Bottoms, Women’s Mountain Crew sweater
Photo courtesy PAKA
Over the past couple years I’ve become quite the fan of PAKA’s alpaca wool clothing. I have the hoodie, the Joggers, and recently acquired the Thermal Crew and Thermal Bottoms for the upcoming splitboarding season. I’ve since tested them on a splitboard tour and on an early morning mountain bike ride in 20-degree weather. On each occasion I remained warm and loose, as though the temperature were 20 degrees warmer. What separates these thermals from the baselayers I’ve worn in previous seasons is that they’re wool rather than cotton or poly. Although the clothes are slightly thicker than my prior long johns and crew, they fit more comfortably because they don’t cling to the skin in the same manner. I especially appreciate this about the crew shirt. The shirt is comfy and presentable enough that as the day warms I can drop outer layers if necessary and just rock the crew, even for beers in the parking lot after a tour. I value versatility in my outdoor clothing, and PAKA offers that in spades. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor
Price: $135 crew, $125 bottoms
Shop Now – Thermal Base Layers
Photo courtesy PAKA
I like a wool sweater. Not only do they keep you warm and toasty, but natural fibers are more sustainable than synthetic ones, and longer lasting. But there is one issue with wool sweaters that keeps many people from buying them: they itch. PAKA’s Mountain Crew sweater is different, however. Made of 60 percent traceable baby alpaca, 15 percent fine Merino wool, and 25 percent Nylon, it is extremely soft and totally itch-free. Not only that but every single one is hand-knitted (there’s even a tag inside the sweater with the name of the knitter, a skilled Quechua artisan) in such a way that it’s not stiff the way wool sweaters can be, but very flexible, almost like a cotton sweatshirt. I put on my gorgeous eggplant-color Mountain Crew sweater right after taking it out of the box over a month ago and I have worn it nearly every day, including on a 10-plus hour flight, which is a testament to how comfortable it is. I have not washed it since I received it and have worn it in multiple situations, including while pulling a heavy suitcase across several cities, in plane and train rides, and at a casual work event, but thanks to its odor-resistant and antimicrobial properties, it doesn’t smell at all. While PAKA’s Mountain Crew sweater is branded as a piece of outdoor clothing, it does not look it: the beautiful stitching and high-quality look make it perfect for everyday wear, too. – Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor
Price: $145
Shop Now – Women’s Mountain Crew
Shop Now – Men’s Mountain Crew
Denon PerL True Wireless Earbuds
Photo: Amazon
Denon has crafted a pair of wireless earbuds that have relegated my trusty AirPods 4 to the back of my drawer. As a long-time AirPods user, I can confidently say the Denon PerL True Wireless earbuds are a game-changer. I rely heavily on earphones for my daily routine – intense workout sessions, household chores, or long travel hours. The PerL earbuds offer an exceptional listening experience thanks to their innovative features.
One tap instantly switches on noise-canceling mode, immersing you in your audio. Another tap activates “social mode,” allowing you to hear enough of what’s happening around you and interact with others. But what truly sets the PerL earbuds apart is the personalized audio experience. First, you need to download the app, which will take you through easy-to-follow instructions, including analysis via Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology, which tailors the sound to your specific preferences and hearing profile. They also have a six-hour battery life while in use and 18 hours with the case. They are also currently 37 percent off in the Black Friday Amazon sale. – Katie Scott Aiton, Lifestyle Editor
Price: $113.44
Grit Lit Box
Logo courtesy The Cairn Project
It seems like subscription boxes were all the rage several years ago, and then it started getting a little too excessive, and fell out of favor. Now, what I’m seeing more and more are monthly or quarterly boxes that don’t have a subscription, but come on a regular basis – so basically, you can buy as many in advance as you want, or buy them on a box-by-box basis. One I recently tried is the “Grit Lit” box from The Cairn Project.
It checks a lot of boxes (no pun intended), especially as a holiday gift. Each includes a book from or about a female adventurer, a snack to go along with it from a female-owned company, and a few other small surprise goodies in each box. I wish I knew more teenagers or young adults to gift this to, as the Grit Lit box both encourages reading (yay) and elevates the stories of ground-breaking women, but also supports the Cairn Project’s goal of increasing access to outdoor adventures for girls and young women. Boxes are $45 and you can buy a single box, or a year at a time. – Suzie Dundas, Commissioning Editor
Abode Outside Sweaters
Photo courtesy Adobe Outside
With easy access to materials, production facilities, and quick web design, it feels like new Mom-and-Pop clothing “brands” are springing up every day. And while I’m all in favor of supporting small businesses, it can be hard to know which are actual brands, and which are just someone with an internet connection slapping their logo on a mass-produced T-shirt or pair of joggers.
But oh my gosh, am I glad I took a chance on a Minnesota-based brand Abode Outside. It’s clear from the website that all its clothing is focused on sustainability, from using only recycled yarn to responsible wool sourcing and running the brand office with solar power. But what I didn’t realize until I tried on a piece was the “quality yarns” side of the promise. My Basecamp Sweater is softer than cashmere – what I like to call “puppy ear soft.” All sweaters are unisex, though based on a men’s size chart, as women are advised to size down. If you’re all about getting away from fast fashion – but also can’t afford to spend $300 on a high-end, organic sweater – I’d strongly advise poking through Abode Outside’s mountain-inspired offerings before looking anywhere else. – Suzie Dundas, Commissioning Editor
Price: From $89
Paravel Aviator Trunk + Packing Suite
Photo courtesy Paravel
Some trips are hard to pack for. Recently, I went from very chilly British Columbia to mild but very windy and rainy western France for a few days, to a warm-weather Mediterranean cruise for a week, and back to France for Christmas. Upon packing, I knew that my suitcase needed to carry both winter and summer clothing, dressed-up clothes for work events and the upcoming holidays, and a ton of room for all the Christmas gifts I was transporting. While I am the owner of many pieces of luggage, only one suitcase was able to haul the 50 pounds of stuff I needed: the Paravel Aviator Trunk and its Packing Suite.
Tall and roomy enough to transport my 10-year-old niece in comfort, the 95-liter Aviator Trunk by Paravel is large but not so much as to be considered oversized by airlines, allowing overpackers to carry an awful lot in just one piece of checked luggage. The Packing Suite, which consists of seven packing cubes (five large ones and two smaller ones) makes it easy to keep all your stuff neatly organized inside the trunk, especially thanks to the many customizable labels that come with it. Despite its size, and even when packed to the brim, the Paravel Aviator Trunk rolls very smoothly thanks to four double-spinner wheels, and is very stylish with vegan leather details reminiscent of vintage trunks. Beyond its practicality and good looks, it’s the sustainable aspects of the brand that won me over: the Paravel Aviator Trunk and its Packing Suite consists of 99 percent recycled polycarbonate, with recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, and the lining and packing cubes are made from dozens of recycled plastic bottles. – Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor
Price: $700 for the Paravel Aviator Trunk + Packing Suite; $575 for the Paravel Aviator Trunk alone; $165 for the Packing Suite alone
Shop Now – Aviator Packing Cubes
Roll Recovery shoes
Photo courtesy Roll Recovery
Nearly 30 years of snowboarding have done in my knees and feet. I also have a noticeable bunion that’s developed on my right foot over the past decade. As I age, I’m increasingly gaining awareness of how I need to focus as much on recovering from adventures as I do on preparation for them, and in line with this I recently acquired a pair of Roll Recovery shoes. The brand is known for its Deep Tissue Massage Tools, and the shoes are effectively that for your feet. They meld to them in a form-fitting manner that gets better each time I put them on, with soft lining moves with the feet instead of constricting them. Basically, they don’t cramp your feet like most shoes, and are the next best thing to getting a foot massage. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor
Price: $110
Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Caribbean Cask Finish
Photo courtesy Ilegal Mezcal
I’ve had an insatiable thirst for mezcal ever since spending two months in Oaxaca city in 2019 (okay, admittedly, since long before then – mezcal was part of the reason my wife and I booked that time there). I tend to horde fine mezcals in my liquor cabinet, and the latest entry is the newly released Reposado Caribbean Cask Finish from Ilegal Mezcal. The spirit spends time in two oak barrels before being bottled and sold – first, it spends four to six months in American oak barrels, before being finished in 215 barrels that previously aged 8-year Caribbean rum. This gives a beachy flavor to a spirit produced in the high country, and the combination is undeniably unique and satisfying. Not only is this great for your own stash, but it also makes a great gift for anyone who appreciates fine agave-based spirits. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor
I Took My Toddler on The Polar Express in Durango, and It Made a Believer Out of Us Both
As a travel editor, few things make me prouder than taking my three-year-old daughter, Olivia, with me on the road. For someone her age, she’s spent an exorbitant number of nights in hotel rooms, and recently completed a two-week road trip across central Mexico with more composure than most American adults would be able to muster. Often, though, our travels aren’t solely focused around her, so it was with great excitement that my wife, Alisha, and I brought her four hours south of our home in Palisade, Colorado, to ride The Polar Express train in Durango. Running nightly from late November through early January, the experience is centered around the kid’s Christmas tale – and it does a fantastic job of bringing it to life. Here’s what to know about The Polar Express including what it’s like, how long it takes, and how much it costs.
What to know about The Polar Express in Durango
The “Hero Boy” gives a performance before the crowd boards the train. Photo: Tim Wenger
The first Polar Express train departs the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station in downtown Durango in late November each year, with the 2024 season kicking off November 22 and ending January 4. Trains depart nightly at 4:55, 6:30, and 8:00 PM, with fares ranging from $39 to $93, depending on whether you book early, peak, or late season, and on which cabin you reserve (Coach, Deluxe, and First Class tickets are available). Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Passengers in all classes are served hot cocoa and cookies, and receive a commemorative Polar Express mug to take home.
Many kids, including Olivia, arrive in pajamas (some adults do, as well, though Alisha and I Scrooged out on that). The attitude is quite casual, but Santa hats are common and many people take the experience quite seriously – not just the kids. Nostalgia runs deep, we learned.
We arrived at the station about 15 minutes before boarding to pick up our tickets. Coffee and refreshments were available for purchase, and the D&SNGRR gift shop was, of course, open. After grabbing our tickets we headed out to the platform, which was packed with revelers awaiting the start of the show. Spirits were high – and not just because we’d just come from dinner and drinks at Steamworks Brewing Company a few blocks away – a festive and appropriately train-themed place to gather before the ride.
Getting into the Christmas spirit
The Big Guy himself was, of course, the star of the show. Photo: Tim Wenger
I often maintain a drab outer shell when it comes to festiveness, but come December a minor spritz of holiday spirit bursts through. It happened early this year, the exact moment being when a character portraying the “hero boy” from the Polar Express book (oddly enough, none of the book’s primary characters are actually named) took to a makeshift stage in front of the train. There, he belted out his reluctance to board the train that had parked in front of his house, or in this case, the downtown Durango train station.
By the time the Conductor joined him on the stage to nobly proclaim that, “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see,” I was in full-on Christmas mode.
Olivia was, too. I hadn’t seen her this visibly enchanted since the first time I took her on public transit following weeks of her pointing out, “There goes the BUS!” each hour as it drove past our house. Olivia tends to go silent but wear a broad smile when she’s super excited. This was the case as we boarded the Polar Express and took our seats.
We sat in a Deluxe Class train car. The car was staffed by two young actresses, one dressed as a chef and the other as a steward. Over the ensuing 65 minutes they’d break into song some half-dozen times, accompanying each with a dance through the aisle. The journey began with a reenactment of the iconic scene where the “Hero Boy’s” train ticket is punched repeatedly, causing a flurry of snowflake-like shards of paper to fall upon him as though the roof had suddenly burst open amidst a blizzard. Olivia’s experience wasn’t quite as profound, but she did find herself covered with little bits of paper and refused to let go of the hole-punched ticket for the remainder of the night.
What it’s like to ride the Polar Express train in Durango
She spotted Santa before I did. Photo: Tim Wenger
Christmas carols dominated conversation throughout the trip. Iconic lines from “The Polar Express” echoed over the loudspeaker, in the voice of the Conductor himself. Hot chocolate was served as the train steamed slowly north through town, reaching the North Pole in Hermosa about half an hour later. As we approached, the stewardess instructed the kiddos to look out the windows opposite our seats. Sure enough, there was Santa, waving among a pack of elves. Chaos nearly ensued in the train car as the kids scrambled to get a glimpse of the “Big Guy.” Fortunately, the train pulled on past Santa’s home, maneuvered itself to head back the other direction, and passed Santa again, this time out the window on our side.
It slowed down momentarily. A dozen or so elves performed a dance in front of a Christmas-light-illuminated facade of Santa’s home and workshop. We then kept going, the kiddos screaming with delight as it was announced over the PA that Santa himself would be joining us for the ride back to the station. He delivered the iconic silver bell to each passenger, signifying the “first gift of Christmas.” The bell, along with the opportunity to take a photo with Santa, proved to be the highlight of the train ride for many of the kids on board, including mine.
The reindeer made for a memorable end to the night. Photo: Tim Wenger
We pulled back into the station in downtown Durango shortly over an hour after we’d departed. It felt as though we’d be gone a day, however, as the mood inside the train was exuberant. The kids rang their bells and sang along to the Christmas carols, the lyrics to each being presented to each party in a booklet. After disembarking from the train, we witnessed two young reindeers feeding in an enclosure, which instantly caught Olivia’s attention. Passing through the D&SNG Museum on our way out, there was one final opportunity to take a photo with Santa while perusing the historic train memorabilia and the most epic model train display I’ve ever seen – it covered a living-room-size space and necessitated a set of bleachers for the kids climb on in order to take it all in. Olivia was nearly overwhelmed with fascination at the entire experience.
“You know what this means,” Alisha said as we walked out of the station and into the night. “We’re going to have to come back every year.”
Mass Poisoning From Tainted Alcohol Kills at Least Six Tourists in Popular Southeast Asia Backpacking Town
Tourists in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng, Laos, are on high alert after an incidence of mass methanol poisoning that has killed at least six tourists and injured more. Two Australian teens, two Danes, one woman from the UK, and an American man have been confirmed dead.
European backpackers have been going to Vang Vieng in large numbers for two decades. It has a reputation for river sports and partying at the many bars and restaurants. The rowdy, and sometimes dangerous, atmosphere that largely defined the town for tourists in the past has been reigned in with more regulation over the years. The new methanol poisoning incidents have raised new safety fears and led to travel alerts from the governments of the United States and other countries. More than 600,000 tourists visited Vang Vieng in 2023, according to the AP.
According to Sky News, at least one of the people who died had previously consumed free shots from a bar. Five others who were at the same bar were hospitalized with methanol poisoning.
Methanol is industrial-grade alcohol that’s used in paint thinners and antifreeze. Methanol is added to liquor or mixed drinks because it’s much cheaper than alcohol. It is quickly lethal in small doses. Just 25 milliliters, about half the size of a standard shot, can lead to death without medical treatment. It is also hard to gauge, as the first symptoms resemble the effects of alcohol and severe symptoms don’t start until 12 to 24 hours later.
Travelers can avoid tainted drinks by purchasing alcohol only from reputable sources and avoiding homemade or unlabeled spirits. Suspicious drinks often have a harsh chemical taste. Bringing a methanol testing kit can also help detect unsafe alcohol. There are treatments, including dialysis, supportive care for organ damage, and ethanol to inhibit methanol metabolism.
The most important thing is to get treatment as soon as suspected poisoning occurs. Early signs resemble typical alcohol intoxication but escalate to severe symptoms, including:
Severe headacheBlurred vision or blindnessNausea and vomitingDifficulty breathingConfusion or seizuresMore like thisTravelShould You Cancel a Trip Due to a Government Travel Advisory? Here’s What They Really MeanSave Up to $2,000 Per Couple on the Rocky Mountaineer This Black Friday
Rocky Mountaineer, renowned for its world-class rail journeys, invites travelers to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through North America’s most stunning landscapes, and this Black Friday, it is offering significant savings on select packages for 2025 travel dates. With discounts of up to $2,000 per couple, this is the perfect opportunity to book your dream vacation and experience the magic of rail travel.
Photo: Rocky Mountaineer and Noel Hendrickson
Rocky Mountaineer’s US Rockies to the Red Rocks route is ideal for those wanting to journey through the American Southwest. There are two routes: the Rockies to the Red Rocks Classic and the Rockies to Red Rocks Mighty 5 Explorer. Both include two days of rail travel. The adventures traverse the heart of the Colorado Rockies, offering panoramic views of towering peaks, valleys, winding rivers, red rock canyons, and arid deserts. On these routes, you can explore iconic destinations such as Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab. The Black Friday sale includes $1,000 off each guest when you book a package of five nights or more. It also includes bookings for SilverLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Plus.
Silverleaf offers a more elevated rail experience, with spacious coaches featuring large windows that provide panoramic views of the passing scenery. The seats are comfortable and reclining, and there’s a breakfast and lunch service with braised short ribs and chocolate torte.
Photo: Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer also offers three Canadian routes:
First Passage to the West: This two-day journey takes you from Vancouver to the mountain town of Banff. Along the way, you’ll witness the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies, including the Kicking Horse Pass and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Journey through the Clouds Grand Adventure: This two-day route traverses the heart of the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Jasper. The train ascends to breathtaking heights, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and forests.
Rainforest to Gold Rush: This three-day journey combines the natural wonders of British Columbia’s coastal rainforests with the historic mining towns of the Cariboo region. You’ll experience Canada’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Coast Mountains to that of the Fraser River Valley.
Photo: Rocky Mountaineer
For Canadian routes, Rocky Mountaineer is offering $755 off per person when booking six or more nights. This generous discount covers both GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service. GoldLeaf guests have exclusive access to the luxurious dome car, providing a breathtaking vantage point and a more elevated menu.
The Black Friday promotion runs from November 14 to December 5. For further details and terms and conditions, please visit the site.
November 24, 2024
See Brand New Photos From Inside Notre Dame, After the Fire That Nearly Destroyed It
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is expected to reopen on December 7, 2024, following a five-year closure caused by a massive 2019 fire. The April 19 event captured the world’s attention, with the cathedral’s iconic spire collapsing less than two hours after the fire was discovered. Firefighters worked for more than 12 hours to control the flames and ultimately saved the main structure, including the bell towers and many of the cathedral’s treasured relics. However, the roof, much of the upper stonework, and the spire were completely destroyed.
Investigators aren’t sure how the fire started, though they think it began in the attic. The historic building was full of centuries-old wooden beams to support the roof, which provided plenty of fuel for the fire to rapidly spread.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews)
In the days following the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral, setting an ambitious timeline of five years. By the end of 2019, donations from individuals, corporations, and governments had reached nearly 1 billion euros. The reconstruction project, however, faced significant challenges, including debates over whether to restore the cathedral to its original design, or incorporate modern elements. Ultimately, authorities decided to rebuild the spire as it was, using a design by 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Restoring the cathedral has been a massive project and one done mostly outside of the public realm — until recently. In late summer of 2024, a photographer with National Geographic was allowed to go inside to photograph the Notre Dame repairs as they neared the end of the renovation process. NatGeo was the only publication given that level of access, and the photos published in the magazine’s December 2024 issue highlight the country’s labor of love to rebuild its beloved cathedral (and popular tourist attraction).
National Geographic grated Matador Network the opportunity to publish some of the most exciting photos from the almost-finished Notre Dame repairs.
Photo: Thomas van Houtryve for National Geographic
Above: High atop the bell towers, many of the beloved grotesques added by 19th-century restorer Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc overlook the city. The one in the foreground is known as “Le Stryge.” Notre Dame features both grotesques, which are decorative, and gargoyles, which double as rainspouts. Masons took damaged gargoyles down to be repaired, setting some alongside newly sculpted replicas, shown here waiting to be hoisted into place.
Photo: Thomas van Houtryve for National Geographic
Above: At the top of the vaulted ceiling, a gilded angel adorns the oculus (the stone ring at the apex of the chamber and transept crossing). The key structural element was part of an area where the original spire had pierced the original ceiling as it fell. Once the repair scaffolding was dismantled, the opening was sealed, and the oculus rebuilt.
Photo: Thomas van Houtryve for National Geographic
Above: The 19th-century religious wall paintings in the side chapels of the choir survived, but were carefully cleaned and restored, as illustrated by the fine brushwork inside the Sainte-Madeleine Chapel, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene.
Photo: Thomas van Houtryve for National Geographic
Above: Notre Dame’s nave, seen here from the organ balcony at the west front, is cleaner and brighter than anyone alive has seen it before, thanks to a latex application that peeled away the soot and lead. “People won’t recognize it,” said Marie-Hélène Didier, a conservator who monitors the restoration for the culture ministry.
Here’s what the nave looked like before the fire:
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National Geographic Magazine Cover, Dec. 2024. Photo: National Geographic
For more details on the extensive Notre Dame repairs, as well as more photos, read the complete article on NatGeo.com.
November 22, 2024
These 3 Sites Could Become California’s Newest National Monuments
California may soon see the addition of three new national monuments, if tribal leaders are successful in their calls to spur President Joe Biden to action. Along with environmental groups and local advocates, Indigenous groups are pressing for President Biden to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate three new federally protected areas: what would become Chuckwalla, Kw’tzan, and Sáttítla national monuments. By using the Antiquities Act, the president can create new national monuments with a proclamation, rather than waiting for an act of Congress, as is required for national parks. President Obama created three in California in 2016.
Advocates for the new monuments argue that the areas meet the necessary criteria: they contain significant cultural sites, unique ecosystems, and landscapes vulnerable to development. Tribal representatives say that the sites are key to preserving Indigenous heritage, as many of the proposed sites hold spiritual and historical significance. Environmental groups point to the ecological benefits of protection, particularly as these regions face threats from climate change and resource extraction, while also serving as homes for threatened species.
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Advocates are also worried that if President Biden doesn’t act soon, the opportunity will be forever lost. President-elect Trump has voiced support for reducing environmental regulations and reduced the size of existing national monuments during his first administration, leading many to believe that the three sites may be damaged beyond repair during the next four years.
As of November 22, 2024, there have been no official public statements from the White House regarding the proposed designations of the Chuckwalla, Kw’tsán, and Sáttítla National Monuments in California.
Heres what to know about the three proposed national monument sites.
Photo: Scenic Corner/Shutterstock
The southernmost proposed monument is Kw’tsán National Monument, which aims to protect approximately 390,000 acres of ancestral lands in Imperial County, California. The lands hold profound cultural and spiritual significance to the nearby Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. The monument would preserve the native homelands of several Indigenous tribes in the area, and would lend extra protection to lands within Indian Pass, an area designated by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern.” The monument would also safeguard an ecosystem that serves as habitat for rare and threatened species, including the desert tortoise and burrowing owl.
Opposition to the designation primarily centers around potential restrictions on resource extraction and land use, such as mining and grazing activities. Recreational interests, including off-road vehicle enthusiasts, also express concerns about losing access to parts of the land. Some also say it’s a land grab, and that limitations on development would make it too difficult to “secure the southern border.”
Photo: Angela Dukich/Shutterstock
Further north is the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, which would protect 627,000 acres to the south of Joshua Tree National Park. The effort is being led by the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, among other native land owners. Supporters say the monument would “protect important heritage values tied to the land,” including petroglyphs, traditional cultural places, sacred sites, and more. It’s also home to several historical routes used by both Indigenous groups and early white settlers, and homes to several rare and endangered species of native California flora and fauna.
As with Kw’tsán, people against the designation are mostly opposed to limitations it could put on recreation and extractive businesses, as the national monument designation would likely include new limitations on the public’s ability to mine or drive off-road vehicles in the desert.
Supporters are also hoping to add an additional 17,000 acres to Joshua Tree National Park to protect wildlife habitat. If the push is successful, Chuckwalla National Monument would be the fifth-largest national monument in the Lower 48. Currently, one of the most popular areas within the proposed monument is the Mecca Hills Wilderness, run by the BLM and known for canyoneering, desert wildlife watching, and numerous hiking and backpacking trails.
Photo: ImagesInMotion111/Shutterstock
The third proposed monument is in far-north California, close to the town of Mount Shasta. Sáttítla National Monument would protect more than 200,000 acres within the Medicine Lake Highlands, an area that holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Pit River Tribe and other Indigenous communities. Historically, the healthy landscapes supported many Indigenous tribes in the region, and today, several still use sites within the proposed monument for spiritual ceremonies. Much of the state also relies on the region, as it captures a significant amount of snowmelt from the surrounding Sierra Nevada and feeds rivers that supply California’s drinking water.
There’s perhaps less opposition to Sáttítla than there are to the other monuments — perhaps because it’s in one of the most sparsely populated areas of California — though some forestry groups have suggested that switching to federal management may impede some current wildfire prevention projects.
The land within the proposed monument is currently a mix of private land and national forests. The latter are open to the public, though access may be difficult in the winter due to heavy snowfall. One of the most popular places for recreation around the Medicine Lake Highlands is Medicine Lake itself, currently managed by the US Forest Service. It’s popular for boating, fishing, and camping, among other outdoorsy activities.
Shake Shack Will Soon Be Available on Delta Flights, but Only for Some Passengers
Shake Shack is taking their signature cheeseburger to 30,000 feet with a partnership with Delta Airlines. For many, there are moments when only a cheeseburger will suffice — during a frantic Christmas shopping trip, when we are feeling a little worse for wear, and in a week or so, some fortunate passengers can chow down on Shake Shack as part of their in-flight meal on routes over 900 miles. And I say “some” because this privilege is reserved for Delta’s flist-class passengers. From December 1, the world-famous burgers will be available on select long-haul flights out of Boston.
The Shake Shack Cheeseburger meal served onboard will include a 100 percent Angus beef patty, melty cheese, and a toasted potato bun. Passengers can customize their burger with classic toppings like tomato, lettuce, and the brand’s signature ShackSauce. The meal will be accompanied by a side of chips, Caesar salad, and a decadent dark chocolate brownie inspired by Shake Shack’s popular dessert offerings.
“At Shake Shack, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to meet our guests where they are, even at 35,000 feet,” says the president of Global Licensing at Shake Shack, Michael Kark, in a press release. “Taking our beloved cheeseburger to new heights, Shake Shack is proud to partner with Delta as we elevate the in-flight dining and hospitality experience for travelers across the country.”
Shake Shack currently operates 19 licensed locations in US airports, including two at the Delta terminal in New York’s JFK Airport. The company plans to open another location at Boston’s Logan International Airport within six weeks, though it won’t be in the Delta terminals.
If you want to elevate your first-class experience with a side of fast food, you’ll need to plan ahead. First-class Delta passengers can pre-order their Shake Shack Cheeseburger up to 24 hours before their flight. You can do this through the Fly Delta app or by sending a link to your email seven days prior to departure.
Delta plans to expand to offer this option on other US flights throughout 2025. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether that means it will be available to other classes.
This collaboration expands on Delta’s existing partnership with Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and its founder, Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack. Meals from Union Square Events, USHG’s catering arm, are already available on specific Delta flights departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Europe’s 10 Capital Cities Where Residents Might Speak Better English Than You
Growing up in Europe, I’ve experienced firsthand how humbling it is to live with people with English as their second language. As I’ve clumsily stringed together broken sentences in their native tongue, they’ve replied in near-perfect English — a clear indication that I should give up and stop embarrassing myself. It’s the same in other places I’ve lived around the world. From Asia to South America, people have better language skills than us native English speakers. And sure, this is in part because many need to learn our language, but that argument only goes so far. I’ve sat at tables with friends who have bounced from German, French, Dutch, to Spanish, and back to English (mainly for my benefit.) Most of us English speakers are inherently lazy with our language skills, and even if you’re going to dust off your schoolbook for your next European vacation, there are certain European cities where the population’s proficiency will stop you in your tracks before you can mumble, “hallo.”
Every year, global education company Education First (EF) publishes a report ranking the top (and bottom) countries in terms of English proficiency in its English Proficiency Index (EPI).
Analyzing the results of 2.1 million non-native English speakers who took EF’s Standard English Tests in 2023, each country is ranked out of 800 points. This year, the results showed a general decline in English proficiency, with women and students having the weakest skills.
Looking at this data, Matador has complied with the top ten European capital cities, where you will be best understood. These are the findings:
1. Amsterdam2. Oslo3. Stockholm 4. Zagreb5. Lisbon 6. Copenhagen7. Athens8. Vienna9. Berlin10. BucharestIn the 2024 results, nine out of 10 of the most English-proficient countries in the world are European. Singapore took third place, which is hardly surprising if you’ve ever visited.
The Netherlands again took the top spot with 636 points, having the best second-language English skills in Europe and among 116 countries globally.
But there are plenty of other European places where you’ll likely be understood if you need to communicate in English.
Also among the top countries with “very high proficiency” rating were Norway, which scored second place globally with 610 points, and Sweden, which took fourth place with 608 points. Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, and Austria made up the rest of the top-level category.
Some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, however, only have “moderate proficiency” in English.
France has slipped down the list since 2021, when it sat in the “high proficiency” category in 31st place globally. In 2022, it dropped to “moderate proficiency” with 541 points, placing it 34th. Last year, it fell to 43rd place globally and 34th in Europe, with 531 points. In 2024, it has dropped still further to 49th place globally with 524 points — the lowest of all Northern European countries included in the study.
Italy only comes in a few places above France in 46th with 528 points, while Spain sits at 36th with 538 points. They were surprisingly beaten by Georgia and Belarus, in 34th and 35th place globally.
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