Matador Network's Blog, page 89
December 9, 2024
Art Basel Miami Beach Isn’t Really About Art: Secrets of An Art Basel Socialite
Every year during the first full week of December, about 80,000 visitors flock to Art Basel Miami Beach to experience the famous art fair. Both residents and visitors alike look forward to this annual event, when jumbo tents are built seemingly overnight (flooring included!) on the sands of South Beach to house art collections for a mere handful of days, and the social circuit runs enough parties to make a 15-block Uber ride turn into an hour-long nightmare.
As a Miami local who’s been here for five years, I now have developed a sixth sense for when Art Basel is in the air. A sudden influx of well-groomed Europeans appear, followed by the artsy, eccentric crowd from metropolises like New York City. It becomes an eerie sight: art dealers anxiously glued to their phones, making their way through swarms of urban hipsters strolling the beach boardwalk as palm trees sway in the tropical breeze background. For just under a week, Miami Beach co-opts an alternative identity where people watching becomes a sport. That, ultimately, is the most captivating exhibit of this art fair.
@brutamerica This ATM at #ArtBaselMiamiBeach ranks the account balance of each person who uses it. #mschf #artbasel #art #arttok #fyp ♬ original sound – Brut.
There’s a whimsical nature to Art Basel that never ceases to amaze me. Despite the myriad of pieces unaffordable to the masses, the vast majority of this yearly occasion has nothing to do with art. Yes, there’s a sudden surge of local art galleries to visit, and there are always a few pieces that go viral on social media, like 2022’s ATM bank account leaderboard, but most of the hype revolves around the hoopla for the event itself. Memes begin to circulate leading up to the event, often revealing the disconnect between its showcased art and its visitors — many who attend don’t even know how to pronounce “Basel” correctly, named after the event’s Swiss city of origin.
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Social hot spots like Soho Beach House also build their own private tents on the beach, only for members of the club (and their plus ones) to enter. Despite Soho’s tent going up like clockwork each year purely for Art Basel, there is no art to be seen inside. Instead, what’s on display is a multitude of bars offering curated cocktails (presumably backed by liquor sponsors). A few years back, a Porsche was conveniently parked on the sand right by the tent, for guests to take selfies with.
Luxury hotels all give it their own spin. Last year, I attended an RSVP-only art viewing at 1 Hotel and spotted a B-list Bravo reality TV star taking selfies with the art on display. I looked around in horror as I noticed it wasn’t just her. Others were also taking selfies with the art, as if this was a middle school trip to MoMA and not an exclusive event theoretically for high-end art buyers.
It finally dawned on me that the point of Art Basel is not to sell art, but to sell the idea of exclusivity. The fair strategically mentions its inaugural day each year is only for press and VIP: You’re either invited, or you need to pay up to show up.
Other than the main collections like Untitled Art, Scope and the Art Basel show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which are accessible to the public for $30 to $100 a ticket and in walkable distance within the iconic South Beach neighborhood, a significant portion of parties and after parties are invite-only. This concocts a FOMO formula to Art Basel. Part of the allure is that you may just rub elbows with the elite who’s-who in town. You may accidentally photo bomb an influencer with millions of followers, or spot at least one family member of the Kardashian clan.
Photo: Art_Gants/Shutterstock
But how many visitors are actually buying art? According to The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting, 58 percent of global art purchases in 2023 by “high net worth collectors” took place at an art fair, a decrease from 74 percent in 2022. This indicates that events like Art Basel absolutely have transactional power among the 1 percent, but what about the other 99 percent of attendees? It would seem they’re filling the pockets instead of sponsors who cash out on the occasion: liquor brands, luxury brands, and, of course, the Miami hotels that capitalize on the opportunity to strategically to fill up rooms between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Art Basel as a phenomenon ends up ironically mimicking its own art. It isn’t hard to stroll through displays feeling the vast majority are filled with unimpressive, overhyped, and inconsequential pieces that could be crafted by a toddler with a blindfold on. But then there’s that 1 percent of art that stops you in your tracks. Last year, this happened to me when I spotted Max Zorn’s pieces at Scope. This Dutch artist got his start creating tape art (no paint involved) on Amsterdam street lamps in 2011.
Flash forward to over a decade later, and his work now adorns the homes of contemporary art lovers. He travels to Art Basel Miami Beach every year to feature his latest collection, which always ends up selling out to new fans and patrons he gathers. I was mesmerized by his glowing pieces, often made of empty wine crates and discarded cigar boxes. I inquired about pricing and discovered the piece I liked cost $1,600. I had never owned a piece of art worth more than $30 at your local mall’s Home Goods or Hobby Lobby before, but it’s not like $1,600 would empty my savings account either. I marveled at the fact that I was all of a sudden seriously considering buying a piece at an art show. Was I on my way to becoming one of those “high net worth collectors” Art Basel reported on? Was the K in my name a sign all along that I was meant to keep company with the Kardashians?
On the one hand, it seemed like a reckless personal purchase to make, especially for someone renting a one-bedroom apartment. On the other hand, I could vaguely hear the echo of a PBS Antiques Roadshow correspondent informing viewers that “art is an investment!” I was comforted by a vision of myself, 50 years from now, proudly showing it off to the grandkids: “he started as a street artist, just like Banksy!”
Photo: Keven Gungor
I ended up buying that piece, which warms up my living room every evening with its amber glow. As I’m writing this, Art Basel week in Miami has just begun again. A few days ago, I received emails from two separate artist reps (one of them from Max Zorn’s team), both asking if I needed a ticket to attend this year. My endorphins shot through the roof — had my one-time purchase secured life-long access to Art Basel high society? Little did they know that I had already bought my ticket. Despite the absurdity that Art Basel can be, it managed to convert me from skeptic to customer. Art Basel tried to sell me on the magnetic pull of FOMO, and it worked. 
How Much Are You Willing to Pay for ‘green’ Accommodations? Hotels May Now Have the Answer
Gauging the preferences of all who travel is a tall task, but in recent years one trend has emerged as a growing priority for travelers – sustainability. Some 75 percent say they intend to consider the impact of their travel decisions in the next year, and one of the primary ways they’re considering that impact is through where they stay. According to a new report from SiteMinder, 37 percent of travelers are open to paying 37 percent more to stay in certified “green” accommodations. The report also found that 21 percent of travelers would pay up to 25 percent more, while 30 percent wouldn’t pay for any sustainability upcharge.
Globally, it’s clear that eco-friendly accommodation is now taking centre stage, with 70 percent of travellers today willing to pay more for sustainable lodging,” Maria Cricchiola, SiteMinder’s Director of Brand Communications and PR, told Matador via email. In particular, Cricchiola notes, travelers “increasingly prioritize accommodations that demonstrate responsible construction practices and effective waste management.”
Hospitality companies are responding in kind. Dozens of hotel operators worldwide have attained B-Corp certification as a means to certify their efforts toward responsible business practices.
How hotels are responding to consumer sustainability preferences
Graph courtesy of SiteMinder
The Populus concept was born of more than a shot in the dark. Tourism is responsible for about 8 percent of global carbon emissions, according to data from Sustainable Travel International. Issues such as overtourism and wildlife habitat degradation are increasingly covered by travel and mainstream media outlets, and an increasing number of tour operators and travel companies are focused on being part of the solution – promoting conservation, highlighting local businesses – in order to attract business. Booking.com found that 75 percent want more responsible travel options and plan to utilize them going forward.
“In August 2024, we surveyed more than 12,000 travelers in 14 of the world’s largest tourist markets (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, UK and USA), asking 25 accommodation-specific questions,” Cricchiola says.
The resulting data was compiled into SiteMinder’s report. Notably, input from hotels themselves was not gathered so as to produce data specifically from the travelers spending money, rather than the businesses profiting as a result. The hotels themselves, then, must respond through action. One property doing so is the recently-opened Populus, in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood. The property is the first to claim it’s operations are “carbon-positive,” meaning more carbon is captured from the atmosphere by the hotel’s efforts, or prevented from reaching it in the first place, than the hotel emits. Though many hotels have pursued sustainability accreditation through third-party auditors, Populus is the first to take efforts to such a complete scope, with its own rooftop solar garden, industrial food composter, and tree-planting initiative, among other efforts. The hotel also shuns dedicated parking for cars, instead encouraging travelers to arrive via transit, bike, or other means.
More like thisTravelWhat It's Like to Stay at the New Populus Hotel in Denver“We are continuously surprised by our guests’ interest in sustainability, often asking our front desk associates further on the reclaimed wood, sustainable design features, reception desk, and more, immediately upon arrival, further emphasizing that sustainability continues to grow as a demand for consumers, including the travel industry,” Thomas Hudson, Environmental Experience Manager at Populus, told Matador.
Hudson notes that despite this, the customers the hotel has attracted since its October launch choose the hotel specifically for its green credentials.
“[O]ur developer Urban Villages continues to see the demand from consumers seeking more sustainable options when traveling, which furthered their passion to build one of the most sustainable buildings in the country,” Hudson says.
Populus hotel and its onsite green initiatives. Graphic courtesy Studio Gang
This fits well with the SiteMinder report. This data, then, notes that the hotel industry, particularly boutiques and more upscale properties, are homing in on how much more they can charge to support their green efforts. Certainly, the positive marketing and reputational boost gained through broadcasting a sustainability ethos is part of the plan – but Populus is proof that it’s possible to get much deeper than greenwashing.
“According to Deloitte, demand for green products is growing fast with over half of US consumers already changing their behaviors to help address climate change, and 34% paying more for sustainable products. We are seeing this firsthand through both our room bookings and our restaurants. With Pasque and Stellar Jay offering sustainable, nature-based dining, including locally sourced meats and produce, visitors to the restaurants are willing to spend the extra dollars to know that not only is their food coming from a responsibly sourced farm, but their food waste is also being turned into compost to be shared with local farmers.”
The SiteMinder data combined with the rise in demand for “responsible travel” suggests that hotel operators can successfully charge 10 to 25 percent more for a room if they’ve met consumer sustainability demands. When booking travel in 2025 and beyond, expect to see more properties with similar efforts – and be prepared to pay for it.
The Official Hometown of Santa Claus Hasn’t Gotten Enough Snow, Cancelling Family Vacations
Early morning last week, Glasgow Airport, Scotland, was filled with families in matching ugly sweaters and fluffy red and white hats en route to snowy destinations for a winter vacation. Lapland, Finland, just above the Arctic Circle, is one of the most popular packaged vacations for families at this time of year. It’s the kind of trip parents do once and often have to save up for — it’s by no means cheap. For the kids, it’s a chance to visit the home of Santa Claus, tour the elf’s workshop, feed the reindeer, and hand deliver their Christmas wishlist in person to the big man. Sadly, many will be disappointed this year as a major holiday provider has canceled Christmas in Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland due to a lack of a pretty important element — snow.
This year, the region that typically transforms into a snowy paradise is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, leaving its once-frozen landscape bare. As a result, travel companies like German vacation provider TUI have been forced to cancel trips to Lapland, leaving many devastated children in the wake.
Photo: Roman Babakin/Shutterstock
Lapland’s outdoor activities mostly revolve around snow. Husky sled rides, scooting off on a Ski-doo, sleeping in an igloo, crisp reindeer safaris, and a visit to Santa Claus Village lose their charm when you’re trudging through rain and mud.
Experts point out that climate change has led to warmer temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, making it increasingly difficult for Lapland to maintain its snowy reputation. This year, the region experienced its warmest summer on record, and the mild conditions have persisted into the winter months. As a result, the snow that typically blankets the landscape has been scarce, leaving behind a stark and barren scene. Usually, the region would see around 20-30cm of snow on the ground last month, but there were only isolated thin patches.
TUI’s decision to cancel trips to Lapland directly results from these changing conditions. The company recognized that many of the activities that make Lapland so special would be impossible to offer without snow. I’d hire a snow machine before letting down children at Christmas, but the company remarks it was necessary to ensure guests could have a truly magical experience.
For travelers whose trips were canceled, TUI has offered several options. The first is to reschedule the trip to a future date, including the following winter season, at no additional cost. Families have also been given the option to rebook a different holiday with a 10 percent discount or receive a full refund.
The impact of climate change on Lapland extends beyond the tourism industry. Indigenous communities that rely on the region’s natural resources, such as reindeer herders, face challenges. The lack of snow makes it difficult for reindeer to find food, as they rely on lichen buried beneath the snow. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the future of Lapland’s winter wonderland is uncertain.
December 8, 2024
The Two Suprising Items Recently Banned on Cruise Ships
Cruises can be inexpensive vacations if you plan them correctly. Inside cabins are usually affordable, third-party shore excursions can help you save money, and cruise lines often run deals that include perks like free drink packages and included staff gratuities.
But one thing that remains pricey on almost all cruise ships is buying on-board Wi-Fi. You almost always have to pay for each separate device, and many cruise lines charge by the amount of data you use, which can get extremely expensive if you’re trying to work while traveling. But cruise ship travelers are no stranger to travel hacks, and savvy cruisers know that bringing one unique tech device can help them save lots of money on Wi-Fi.
Photo: Casezy idea/Shutterstock
Unfortunately, that device to hack cruise ship Wi-Fi was just banned by Royal Caribbean. The company announced that it’s banned Wi-Fi routers on cruises. Wi-Fi routers are devices used to split internet access, so you can connect multiple devices to one internet connection. Essentially, they allowed cruisers to buy cruise internet access for just one device, then connect multiple devices to via the Wi-Fi router.
The news was announced by Royal Caribbean blog, as the company itself added routers to the list of banned items without any fanfare. It’s listed under a category called “Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime,” along with items like satellite dishes, indicating the company is positioning the ban as a security concern. Routers can sometimes be easier to connect to without permission (i.e. “hack,”) and may also slow the connection speed for other users.
That said, Wi-Fi is a huge moneymaker for the company, and with 68 percent of people reporting that they work on vacation, it’s likely the company is also trying to sell more Wi-Fi packages. Right now, Wi-Fi on board Royal Caribbean ships varies, but will usually cost at least $15 per day, per device, going up to $25 or more per device, per day for high-speed packages that allow streaming.
Photo: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
Not being able to hack cruise Wi-Fi to save money may be a bit of a disappointment, but there’s another item a different cruise line banned that may make being at sea far more relaxing: bluetooth speakers. They were banned in late November 2024 by Carnival Cruise Lines, which said the ban was for the enjoyment of fellow cruisers. It means you won’t have to hear music blasting from your neighbor’s cabins late into the night, nor will you be bothered if the person on the lounge chair behind you at the pool forgot their headphones.
A Carnival representative told media outlets that any speakers brought on board would be collected and returned at the end of the cruise, which would likely even include devices like white noise machines. (So if use one, consider downloading a white noise app on your phone before you embark). The ban applies to any speakers purchased during shore visits or at the on-board gift shop, so you won’t be able to skirt the ban by buying one in port. Considering 83 percent of people said in 2024 they’re annoyed by having to hear phone noise from people who don’t use headphones in public, it’s probably a welcome addition to the cruise line’s list of banned items.
The 2024 Matador Network Travel Awards
The 2024 Matador Network Travel Awards#wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') }@media(min-width:560px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }@media(min-width:1200px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }Every year, the Matador Network team and our trusted writers travel to hundreds of small towns, big cities, and remote locales around the world. We reported stories and travel guides from every continent in 2024. The year brought us to Jamaica with our families, the Rockies for high-altitude breathwork training, and Norway for a food-focused road trip, to name a few.
Our editors traveled to Wyoming to investigate the booming state of wolf tourism as the 30th anniversary of Yellowstone’s wolf reintroduction program approaches, and to Washington, DC to learn how outdoor organizations use donations to advocate for climate change.
How we traveled led to many stories as well, from long European train rides to a journey on “The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea.” We stayed in more than a few hotels along the way that are new favorites.
All of this travel makes narrowing down the winners of the Matador Network Travel Awards is an annual challenge, to say the least. Nominations are gathered from across the Matador Network team in five categories: Sustainable Destination, Adventure Destination, Wellness Destination, Next Big Destination, and Best Airline. Each nomination is graded on a point-based system. This year, we also posed the question to our readers in the same categories. Votes on a poll sent to our 300,000 newsletter subscribers and 600,000-plus Instagram followers were tallied through November, and the results speak to just how well Matador readers have their finger on the pulse of travel.
Next year will bring even more adventures. These award winners are a dream list of where to go on your next trip.
Award WinnersPhoto: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman
Sustainable Destination
Care for the environment, the culture, and yourself.
Visit
Sustainable Destination
An ethos of giving back runs through these islands, where volunteering may just be the best part of your trip.
Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman
And the winner is…
Adventure Destination
Four-season fun with boundless access to the outdoors.
Visit
Adventure Destination
Mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, trail running, and hiking in the warmer months. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. There's no shortage of reasons to get outside here -- and no shortage of lively bars and restaurants to recoup in afterward.
Photo: Andrew Bertino/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Wellness Destination
Wellness with a sustainable mindset.
Visit
Wellness Destination
On the beach of one of the most sustainable countries in the world, it's equally easy to immerse in nature here as it is to find a world-class yoga or meditation studio.
Photo: Stock Photos 2000/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Next Big Destination
A country with a rapidly changing reputation.
Visit
Next Big Destination
Just a decade ago, travel to this country was not advised. Today, it's one of the safest in the Western Hemisphere and one of the fastest growing travel destinations.
Photo: Elena Berd/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Best Airline
An expansive list of routes worldwide, plus constant in-flight improvements.
Visit
Best Airline
Not only does this airline fly to more places than any other based in the United States, it's also committed to making the flying experience more comfortable with an award-winner app, in-air connectivity, and sustainability initiatives.
Photo: United Airlines
And the winner is…
Readers’ Choice Award WinnersPhoto: Elena Berd/Shutterstock
Readers' Choice: Sustainable Destination
A Scandinavian capital with an award-winning dedication to sustainability.
Visit
Readers' Choice: Sustainable Destination
The need for sustainable travel is not new. In the current climate, however, there is perhaps no more important time to focus your travel on places that are actively working to improve the environment. This city aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Readers' Choice: Adventure Destination
Guaranteed animal sightings every hike.
Visit
Readers' Choice: Adventure Destination
On this remote Pacific archipelago, one of the best ways to see as much wildlife as possible is to get active: walking, hiking, kayaking, SUPing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, and more.
Photo: Jesse Adams
And the winner is…
Readers' Choice: Wellness Destination
Wellness opportunities for mind and body abound.
Visit
Readers' Choice: Wellness Destination
Healing — whether through spiritual practices, traditional treatments, food, or simply being in nature — is woven into the fabric of daily life here.
Photo: PhotoSunnyDays/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Readers' Choice: Next Big Destination
Polar bears, the northern lights, and more await.
Visit
Readers' Choice: Next Big Destination
While many places around the world are experiencing overtourism, this island is welcoming more people in with flights from the United States coming in 2025.
Photo: Mathias Berlin/Shutterstock
And the winner is…
Readers' Choice: Best Airline
Where even economy is more comfortable.
Visit
Readers' Choice: Best Airline
Whether you're paying for a basic fare or shelling out for a lay-flat seat in first class, it's hard to beat the flight experience on this airline.
Photo: Emirates
And the winner is…
CREDITSEditorial lead
Nickolaus Hines
ContributorsKatie Scott Aiton, Morgane Croissant, Suzie Dundas, Nickolaus Hines, Tim Wenger
December 7, 2024
New US Rules Could Compensate Travelers in Cash for Airline Delays
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) under Secretary Pete Buttigieg already created new regulations to ensure passengers get refunds for cancelled flights, announcing in October that anyone whose flight gets cancelled or significantly delayed must get an automatic refund if they decide not to travel because of the change. But a new additional proposal could mean that passengers are entitled to monetary compensation for flight disruptions, not just refunds. But if you feel strongly that that’s the right thing to do, you’ll have to weigh in soon.
On December 5, 2024, the DOT announced that the public has 60 days to weigh in on a new proposal that would require airlines to compensate passengers with direct cash payments for significant delays. Airlines would also need to provide services like free immediate rebooking, compensate for lost luggage, and cover the costs of meals, transportation, lodging, and other expenses incurred due to the delay or cancellation. Right now, most airlines provide lodging and meal vouchers if the delay is caused by something in the airline’s control — which means you may be stuck sleeping on the airline floor if your delay is due to weather. But those comps are voluntary by the airlines, and not uniformly enforced.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that such measures would shift the economic incentives and motivate airlines to minimize delays and cancellations when possible. Currently, there is no federal requirement for compensating customers for delays. The rule would bring the level of consumer protection for US flyers more in line with regions in places like the EU, where similar compensations are standard practice.
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Under the proposed framework, compensation would be tiered based on the length of the delay: $200 to $300 for delays of less than six hours, $375 to $525 for delays of six to nine hours, and $750 to $775 for delays of nine hours or more. The proposed rule would also require airlines to cover expenses incurred during delays, like meals and hotels. Finally, it would mandate that airlines must book passengers on the soonest possible replacement flight, potentially even on competing carriers, if necessary. (But remember that you may be entitled to much more than that if your’e involuntarily bumped from a flight.)
Airline industry trade group Airlines for America, whose members include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, has fought against the proposal, arguing that it would lead to increased operational costs, which would mean raising ticket costs for consumers. However, regions like the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada have similar requirements, and the rules are credited with improving service, reliability, and accountability within the aviation industry.
Anyone who wants to weigh in on the issue can do so, though the 60-day comment period will end during the Trump administration. That means the DOT will be led by a Republican secretary chosen by the incoming president. Traditionally, republicans are less likely to support any type of restrictions on capitalism and the free market, so it’s possible nothing will come of the current effort.
The full proposal is available online, and anyone with thoughts on the proposal is advised to weigh in at Regulation.gov, using docket number DOT-OST-2024-0062. Comments are due by February 4, 2025. The news also noted that the DOT is trying to finalize two additional regulations before the new administration takes office. Those regulations would both require that airlines allow families to sit together without charging additional seat assignment fees, and create new rules to make air travel easier for travelers in wheelchairs.
December 6, 2024
Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Best Airline
Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, snagged the Matador Network Readers’ Choice Best Airline pick in 2024. If you’ve never flown it, you may be wondering why, since it’s not the largest network for travelers in the United States (that honor belongs to United Airlines), nor does it participate in StarAlliance or SkyTeam frequent flyer programs. If you’ve flown Emirates before, you’ll likely agree it’s not a surprise the beloved airline came out on top.
When it comes to comparing airlines, much is often said of the airline’s top-tier products. But the average traveler isn’t shelling out for a lay-flat bed – and quality across all classes is one the areas Emirates really shines. On its international flights to or from the US, economy-class flyers get 32 inches of pitch on most flights and 34 inches on some newer flights. That’s more than United, Lufthansa, Turkish, Delta, and many more airlines. When it comes to entertainment, the Emirates system has more than 6,500 movies and TV shows and some of the most reliable WiFi in the sky (for which it’s won multiple awards).
Emirates is also one of a handful of airlines to give Economy passengers an amenity kit on long-haul flights (currently, the airline is partnered with United for Wildlife to create the kits), and even economy class passengers get multicourse meals. In fact, it won “best airline for food and drink” from Food & Wine in 2024. The baggage allowance isn’t too bad, either – customers on the cheapest possible international fares to or from the US get a checked bag up to 50 lbs for free, and most get two.
However, for travelers who can afford an upgraded class, the difference between Emirates and other airlines really becomes evident. Premium economy on Emirates is akin to a high-end first class on domestic US airlines, with luxurious seats, high-end dining, footrests, and a noticeable amount of recline (even if it’s not lie-flat). It’s no wonder the airline’s premium economy has won awards from respected global organizations like Skytrax World Airline Awards and the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, for which it won “best premium economy” in 2024.
If you can fly Emirates business class, just know it’s probably going to be the highlight of your trip no matter where you’re headed, with lay-flat seats, plenty of room to socialize around a central bar, and luxury amenity kits that feel like the gift bag of your dreams from luxury designer Bulgari.
A series of new planes to be introduced in 2025 will have arguably the most comfortable first-class seats in the sky because they’re not just seats: First-class flyers will get completely private cabins, with floor-to-ceiling doors and turn-down service, among other swoon-worthy features and amenities. In case you’re wondering how fancy it is, it includes a chauffeur to drive you to the airport in Dubai and private boarding directly from the airport lounge.
Photo: Emirates
But it wouldn’t be the world’s best airline if it wasn’t affordable, and if you’re comparing economy rates, you’ll likely be surprised at the level of service and comfort you’ll get for a price comparable to lower-rated US airlines. Round-trip direct flights from NYC to Dubai in February 2025 are as low as $842 per person, including all taxes, fees, carry-on and checked luggage, and seat selection. Safety-wise, it also shines, as it hasn’t had a single incident that resulted in a passenger fatality, even though it’ll be celebrating 40 years of service in 2025.
While Emirates hasn’t announced any new flight routes for 2025, it has announced that it’s upgrading many of its planes, which will allow for more premium economy seats and bluetooth compatibility in Economy class. Interestingly, it also announced that the planes will have six-way adjustable headrests for economy passengers, “eliminat[ing] the need for neck pillows.” It may represent a decline from the “Golden Age of Flying” to say that not having to carry an airplane pillow is considered an upgrade, but if it means being a little more likely to sleep onboard and saving space in our carry-on bag, we’ll take it.
Readers’ Choice Awards methodologyIn the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.
Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Sustainable Destination
The need for sustainable travel is not new. In the current climate, however, there is perhaps no more important time to focus travel on places that are actively working to improve the environment. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, has long been a sustainability leader. The Matador Network audience is well aware of, and appreciates, that dedication, as shown by the city receiving the most votes in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Sustainable Destination Award.
Helsinki scored a 92.43 percent in the Global Destination Sustainability Movement’s annual rankings. This is impressive in itself, but what sets the Finnish capital apart is both its current accomplishments and bold plans for the future. Helsinki’s government in 2017 set an ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, zero emissions by 2040, and shortly thereafter to be a carbon-positive city – actually removing or preventing carbon emissions rather than creating them. Its architecture, parks, public transit, and forward-thinking ethos makes Helsinki one of the most sustainable travel destinations on Earth.
Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock
It’s easy to look at the wealthy, progressive Scandinavian countries and shrug your shoulders at their claims of sustainability. A good social safety net and strong per capita spending power allow cities like Helsinki to focus on a green future rather than simply surviving the present. But so often overlooked is how tough it is to continually do so in volatile geopolitical climates and across both public and private sectors. Helsinki has proven it is invested in a more sustainable life year after year.
In 2016, Helsinki scored a 58.41 in the GDS Index. It’s since improved the ranking year over year with the exception of 2019, when it dropped nearly 10 points from its 2018 score to a 64.69. The index takes into consideration the efforts and impact of the city’s environmental performance, social progress, supplier performance, and tourist marketing performance.
Helsinki’s approach to sustainability is full-circle. It’s not just a green city for travelers, but for local residents as well, with visitors able to witness forward-thinking leadership from the moment they arrive in the city. A notable example of this is the Greenest of the Green Block, a strip of apartments on Jätkäsaari island in southwest Helsinki featuring green roofs and buildings optimized for energy efficiency. It’s easy to reach this area by bike or public transit because the city has invested heavily in infrastructure for green transportation, meaning travelers don’t need a rental car to move about.
Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock
To prevent overtourism, Helsinki tracks visitor numbers and promotes off-season travel to spread travelers across the city and prevent popular areas Kamppi and Kluuvi from being taken over by tourists. The city’s public transit operator, HSL, reaches extensively across the region.
Pedestrian-friendly zones are prevalent throughout Helsinki, often in places that tourists frequent, including Esplanadi streets, Kasarmikatu, Erottajankatu, Korkeavuorenkatu in front of the Design Museum and on Lönnrotinkatu. The best way to see the city is on foot or on bike, where you can stop off into pubs, cafes, shops, or museums in a circular route through these areas that starts and ends at one’s hotel or rental.
Making it easy for travelers to stay and play green
Suomenlinna Beach in the summer. Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock
There are 51 hotels in Helsinki that maintain a “Sustainability” certification from Booking.com. Brand leaders in sustainable accommodations here include Scandic Hotels, which ensures all properties meet the rigorous standards of its Nordic Swan label. With 15 mid-range hotels from this brand spread throughout the city, and dozens of others from major chains and boutiques, it’s relatively easy to stay in a property powered by renewable energy and employing progressive eco-friendly food service and hospitality practices for about $100 per night.
Outside of accommodations, Helsinki has aggressively protected parks and green spaces throughout the city. The same is true of its coastlines. The Helsinki Convention was initially signed in 1974 to protect the Baltic Sea and its coastlines throughout the region, and since then the city has taken aggressive stances on preservation of the coastlines – which visitors can see and support by exploring the extensive system of trails along its coastlines.
It’s increasingly easier to get to Helsinki thanks to new airline routes and consistent ferry service from major Scandinavian cities like Stockholm. There are loads of free and cheap things to do in Helsinki, particularly if you visit over the summer. If you’d rather have an entire flat to yourself, the city has ample Airbnb offerings.
Readers’ Choice Awards methodologyIn the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.
Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Wellness Destination
Healing — whether through spiritual practices, traditional treatments, food, or simply being in nature — is woven into the fabric of daily life on Bali. Visitors pilgrimage to the peaceful countryside and beaches to reset, rejuvenate, and, yes, to find themselves. Although that can sound cliché, there’s good reason why the Indonesian island remains at the top of so many lists as the world’s leading place for a wellness vacation. In the 2024 Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards, the majority of voters checked the box for Bali when it comes to their wellness destination of choice.
Few places live up to glossy descriptions, but Bali is one of them. The island’s landscapes, from the flowing banket of rice paddies, the Mount Agung volcano, hidden beach coves, and world-class surf breaks are draped in pastel pink as the sun rises and sets. It’s a place where you can simply be and feel refreshed. For all of the hype and parties in hot spots like Depensar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, there are many more places to truly escape.
Many retreat to Ubud chasing an eat, pray, love spiritual awakening. Although the town has changed a lot over the years (it’s a far cry from the quiet jungle village it once was), there’s still magic to be found in the chaos of monkeys, mopeds, yoga sanctuaries, and streets lined with vegan cafes. And if you’re a solo traveler who wants to be alone but have the choice of company, it’s a fail-safe base.
Photo: StockFamily/Shutterstock
Ubud’s wellness offerings run the gambit. À la carte wellness warriors can easily create their own retreat and stay in affordable Airbnb villas with infinity pools, attend nourishing workshops at institutions such as the Yoga Barn, indulge in flower baths and Balinese massages, and eat very well from healing-from-the-inside menus.
For those who’d like to skip the planning process, Ubud has attracted some heavy hitters in terms of luxury hotels that offer indulgent self-care packages. COMO Shambhala Estate is one of the island’s most revered wellness resorts. It sits on the fringe of a valley north of the town engulfed by a forest and is your one-stop shop for holistic well-being. The multi-day “Wellness Paths” are individually designed to meet guests’ needs, but all promise to harmonize mind, body, and soul. A staff of world-class yoga and Pilates instructors, spa therapists, nutritionists, and acupuncturists means staying here is not cheap. Still, if you want an amenity-packed (there’s a long list of complimentary activities, too) retreat, you won’t find better.
Photo: Four Seasons
Three miles west of Ubud, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is the area’s most stylish five-star resort, and although it’s not technically a “wellness retreat,” the Sacred River Spa had a facelift in 2024 and now offers a revised menu of innovative, transformative water-centric treatments. From the arrival at the hotel via a whitewater raft to the many health and wellbeing activities, the Four Seasons at Sayan certainly lives up to the brand’s reputation of taking care of guests.
Outside Ubud’s offerings, many other hidden paradise spots attract fewer crowds. Balian Beach, midway up the island’s west coast, has outstanding surf and a more low-key vibe with a great selection of affordable surf lodges such as Pondok Pitaya and yoga retreats such as those run throughout the year at Yama Balian.
Photo: Denis Moskvinov/Shutterstock
Palau Menjangan, in the Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) in the northwest, is my choice if you prefer the noise of birdsong to scooters. Here, you’ll find one of the island’s best dive sites and the wildlife hotel, The Menjangan Resort, with superb nature-driven packages.
Bedugul, in the centre-north region, is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets and worth considering if you’re looking for a quiet place to meditate. The mountain lake resort area is centered around three lakes: Denau Beratan, Tamblingan, and Denau Buyan, which are laced with sacred temples and mountain slopes. Five miles from the lakes is the sleepy small town of Munduk. There’s a selection of yoga retreats here. Munduk Moding Plantation runs multiple daily sessions for guests, and the nearby jungle tree-house resort, Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas, is an excellent option for a honeymoon wellness getaway.
Photo: Elevation Barn
There are a couple of other events and resorts in Bali worth keeping an eye on for 2025. If you want to reset, the Elevation Barn retreat at Jungle House outside of Gianyar Regency in central Bali is running self-belief courses from February 21 – 24 and April 11 – 14. If you are hellbent on visiting the southeast coast near Nusa Dua, Conrad Bali is a haven. It’s another five-star hotel that is upping its wellness program for next year. The signature JIWA Wellness Experience is as holistic as it gets, with spa therapies galore, sound healing, moon ceremonies, air and water yoga, chakra alignment therapy, sleep therapy, and world-class fitness facilities.
Readers’ Choice Awards methodologyIn the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.
Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Next Big Destination
It’s no secret that some of the world’s most popular destinations are suffering from overcrowding, and it seems like more and more cities and countries around the world are introducing tourist taxes and cruise ship bans. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that when the Matador Network audience was asked what the Next Big Destination was for the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the majority, nearly a quarter of voters, opted for somewhere actually welcoming more visitors: Greenland, the world’s biggest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark that mostly operates independently.
There’s plenty to do across Greenland’s reaches, so you’ll have to narrow down what you want to see (unless you have several months available to travel). But no matter where you go, there’s one thing you’re guaranteed to find: space, and lots of it. In 2024, Greenland’s population was approximately 55,800. For comparison, Wyoming is the least-populated state in the United States and has 10 times that many people. Greenland covers 836,300 square miles, making it more than eight times larger than Wyoming.
Photo: Kertu/Shutterstock
That personal space to roam influences everything Greenland offers to tourists. Greenland’s historic and current cultural traditions are shaped by the isolated landscape. There are national costumes for men and women, and the styles date back to when Vikings first arrived. Today, the costumes are worn on special occasions, including every child’s first day of school. Authentic cultural activities led by Indigenous business owners, including ice fishing and dog sledding, are readily available, especially around the capital city of Nuuk.
Dog-sledding is a time-honored tradition, and one that still serves as a mode of transportation between some of the northern part of the country’s remote towns during winter. That means travelers can experience dog-sledding how it used to be, complete with seal-skin clothing to stay warm and routes that run along glaciers and across frozen rivers.
Photo: muratart/Shutterstock
Speaking of glaciers, most of the world-class adventures awaiting in the territory are set against the backdrop of truly jaw-dropping scenery. Greenland’s terrain is primarily a vast, flat ice sheet that covers about 80 percent of the island, surrounded by mountainous, rocky coastline. The center has wildly dramatic landscapes where coastal cliffs, fjords, and ice sheets meet the ocean. Adventurous travelers can book activities like multi-day paddle trips on impossibly blue glacial rivers, or travel to the northernmost city in the world to see Easter-egg colored buildings set against a snowy backdrop. Qaanaaq is a place where few people live and few have seen, with only a couple hundred tourists per year.
Photo: Simone Gramegna/Shutterstock
But that’s not to say Greenland isn’t booming with action. It’s one of the least-touristed places in the world to see polar bears, and with an average of 300 clear nights per year, the town of Kangerlussuaq is known for some of the best aurora borealis displays on Earth. (There’s also a nearby Igloo Lodge, reached by an extreme backcountry snowmobile ride, naturally).
Getting to GreenlandIn 2023, Greenland had only 100,000 visitors. Compare that to a place like Iceland (2.21 million visitors) or even Canada’s nearby province of Newfoundland and Labrador (487,000 visitors) and it’s clear why the wide-open appeal of Greenland speaks to so many travelers.
That will soon change, as access to the capital city of Nuuk is about to get easier. Starting in June of 2024, United Airlines will run the first direct flight from the United States to Greenland, offering two weekly flights from New Jersey’s Newark Airport to Nuuk. Plan your trip to the island sooner rather than later – just be sure to pack a few more warm base layers than you’d normally bring on an island vacation.
As the entry point for the vast majority of the country’s tourists, Nuuk is the starting point for most tourist activities, from snowshoe tours to puffin-watching sailing trips to hiking tours or guided food tastings of traditional Greenland dishes like dried cod and reindeer steaks.
Greenland is a country you can visit year-round, especially if you’re keen on skiing or seeing the northern lights. But the busier (not busy, just busier) tourism season is summer, as the slightly warmer weather opens the door to a wider range of activities, including biking, water sports, wildlife tours, remote cultural activities, and even scuba diving.
Readers’ Choice Awards methodologyIn the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.
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