Matador Network's Blog, page 92
November 11, 2024
Camera Roll: a 3-Day UTV Adventure in Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip
For most of my life, I’ve been a city person. New York City, Tokyo, Jakarta, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Bangkok — these are all places I’ve called home at some point. But nobody knows as well as a city person that big, busy metropolises can get draining after a while. That’s why I was so tempted by an October visit to the flip side: Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon.
With schools in full swing, and the Colorado River rafting season coming to a close, the summer crowds have mostly tapered off in October. In return for avoiding peak season, a fall visit to Southern Utah and Northern Arizona means milder weather, lower costs, and, in my experience, miles and miles of unobstructed off-road adventuring.
Indeed, with Uncharted Society, a Montreal-based adventure tour company, and ATV Adventures, an adventure tour outfitter in Hurricane, Utah, this city dweller experienced three days of slaloming between Hurricane and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
My off-roading adventure began with a layover in St. George, Southern Utah’s biggest urbanized section, which has nonstop flights to St. George Regional Airport (SGU) from cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and, seasonally, Dallas-Fort Worth. As part of our exploration of some of the country’s (and world’s) most beautiful terrain, we spent some time searching for whoop-de-dos (three-foot-tall bumps) in our UTVs in St. George and paused to admire the austere beauty of Warner Valley. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
I was slightly nervous before setting off on my UTV adventure since this was the one time this year that I would have driven. But my tour guides were professional, clearly knew their way around both the vehicles and the territory, and even put up with my lead foot … from time to time. Although I’d never used any of these vehicles before, it was just like driving a car — only without a windshield. (On that note, remember to protect your nose and ears.) Photo: Jonathan DeLise
In Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, it’s hard not to be awed by the variegated layers of rocks and numerous species of cacti present throughout the Arizona Strip, which is the part of the state located north of the Colorado River. This is one of many views for the record books: the Colorado River snaking through a horseshoe bend of the Grand Canyon in Whitmore Canyon. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
I dare you to guess why this place is called Echo Canyon. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
Hiking over the lava fields of the Uinkaret Plateau, north of the Grand Canyon, I finally made it to the Nampaweap petroglyphs. Believed to be aged between 1,500 and 10,000 years old, this rock art site comprises one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the region. The Southern Paiute tribe, best known for basket weaving, are believed to have been the authors. I just wish there was a translator app. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
Bar 10 Ranch, an active cattle ranch covering more than 200,000 acres close to Mt. Trumbull, Arizona, has two types of accommodations: a lodge and individual Conestoga wagons. Despite the secluded address, there are a couple of different ways to get there. Besides driving two to three hours from St. George, there’s a short paved landing strip for private and scenic planes just a few minutes away at Whitmore International Airport. Once there, you’ll find tons of activities and amenities, including a pool table, skeet shooting, tetherball, basketball and tennis, horseback riding, helicopter tours, nature trails, and ATVs to rent. Photo: Uncharted Society
The Heatons, who founded the Bar 10 Ranch in the early 1970s, originally lived with their 10 children in a compact wooden shed that frequently burned down. You can pay homage to their residence, farm, and sole outhouse, as well as their small vegetable garden in which the same potato plant flowers to this day. Worth visiting nearby is the Mt. Trumbull schoolhouse, a 2001 replica of the original 1910s structure, complete with period memorabilia. At its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, Mt. Trumbull had a population of roughly 250 people. However, given the harsh climate and isolated location, the school closed in 1968, with all residents finally leaving the area in 1984. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
After a long day of ravines, boulders, and (someone else’s) flat tire, I settled into my Conestoga wagon. It had very good heating and more power points to charge electronics than most modern hotels. The ranch’s staff is well-versed in local history, lore, and cowboy stories, the latter of which was humorously recounted during nightly campfire sessions — with s’mores, of course. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
Given that the ranch’s location is particularly remote, meals — eaten communally in the lodge — include the ranch’s own Red Devon beef, Navajo fry bread, biscuits and sausage gravy, and pot roast. And don’t forget to try the pancakes with boysenberry jam and regional honey. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
It’d be hard to overstate how much I enjoyed trudging through the harsh landscapes of Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip. What I can easily say is that I wouldn’t pass up another opportunity to have an off-season off-roading adventure — only next time, I’d bring a two-ply Kleenex. Photo: Jonathan DeLise
The Grand Canyon Has Some of the Coolest Glamping in the US
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort, near the West Rim of the Grand Canyon in Meadview, Arizona, just announced a new lodging option for guests following a trend sweeping the glamping world: geodesic “Stargazing domes,” with views of the west rim of the Grand Canyon. The new domes are among the priciest lodging options at the resort, with rates starting at $250 on Tuesday nights and going up to $450 per night on weekends. Domes without showers are a bit cheaper, starting at $200, though campers can also rent a totally unfurnished, unheated dome, if they have their own camping gear and are just looking for a bit of sheltered privacy for the night. The resort is spread across 10 acres, allowing for mostly unobstructed views from each dome
Geodesic domes are becoming an extremely popular choice for modern, outdoor-focused hotels, likely for several reasons. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, domes are fairly eco-friendly, with a small footprint and a stable, heat-and-cooling-efficient design that doesn’t require significant construction or alterations to the landscape. They’re also much less expensive to install, and as they’re always individual units, they bring a sense of privacy and space not usually offered by traditional hotel rooms with shared walls.
Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
For most travelers, the biggest draw of domes is the ability to connect with nature. Most dome hotels have large, panoramic widows, if not entire walls of windows, and skylights and stargazing windows are de rigeur in higher-end glamping hotels. Domes can also withstand elements like wind, rain, and snow extremely well, allowing hotel owners to install them in remote places — and giving guests floor-to-ceiling view of some of the prettiest landscapes in the world.
Bucket-list-worthy as the new glass-walled dome in the desert at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort are, what’s even cooler is that the resort isn’t the first to make geodesic domes available to Grand Canyon visitors. And if domes aren’t your thing, one of the other extremely unique glamping options near the Grand Canyon below may be.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort: teepees and vintage wagons
The resort has a variety of unique glamping options, including teepees. Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort sits about 10 minutes from “Grand Canyon West.” Grand Canyon West isn’t an official park entrance, but rather, a name for the area run and managed by the Hualapai Tribe just west of the national park. Attractions at Grand Canyon West include the famous Skywalk, as well as heli-tours, river rafting, and much more. If you’re staying at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort, you can opt for a brand-new geodesic dome, or other glamping options like traditional canvas tents, furnished wagons with air-conditioning and heat (inspired by the chuckwagons of yore), or teepees with private bathrooms. The most affordable rooms are the empty geodesic domes (for campers), followed by the glamping wagons without a shower or bathroom. Those start at $125 night.
The closet official park entrance to resort is the South Entrance, but it’s still pretty far away — 228 miles from the gate.
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A post shared by Clear Sky Resorts (@clearskyresorts)
If you’d like to be a bit closer to the Grand Canyon, the geodesic domes at Clear Sky Resort Grand Canyon could be a good fit. It has several unique glamping dome options, including one with an outer space theme, one with a bed hanging from the ceiling directly under a huge stargazing window, domes with lofts, and romantic domes for two. The resort closes in winter, so it’s an only option if you’re visiting between April and November. The resort is about 25 miles south of the South Rim in Valle, Arizona, and rates start around $400 per night. So while it’s closer to the national park, it’s definitely pricier than the new domes at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort.
Photo: Backland Luxury Camping
Backland Luxury Camping is an elegant glamping resort near the Grand Canyon opened in August 2022. Rooms on offer include luxury dome suites, many of which have giant skylights above the beds. The resort also has a glass-walled, farm-to-table restaurant and is surrounded by national forest (so be aware that the drive to the resort is on a rough forest service road). There’s even a private beach, thanks to the on-property lake. Backland is in Williams, AZ, about 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon South Entrance at the South Rim.
Book Now The Desert Pearl: a renovated school busView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Airbnb Rentals | Arizona&California (@romanaround.rentals)
The Desert Pearl is a unique Grand Canyon Airbnb rental, offering the chance to sleep in a converted school bus 35 minutes from the Grand Canyon. It’s pet-friendly, and renters get a full acre to themselves complete with yard games, a trampoline and firepit, and a large wooden deck, among other perks. With a starting rate of about $100 a night, it’s fairly affordable, but runs on solar power — so don’t plan on using a blowdryer every day while you’re there. It’s near the North Entrance, which is only open between mid-May and the end of November.
Photo: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas is perhaps the brand that made glamping a household word, and naturally, there’s one near Grand Canyon National Park. The Under Canvas Grand Canyon has glamping tents, including stargazer tents with a big window under the bed. Like Clear Sky, it has a seasonal schedule (open mid-April through the end of October) and is about 25 miles from the South Entrance to the Grand Canyon.
As with all Under Canvas Resorts, it has a “summer camp for adults” vibe, with complimentary daily s’mores at a group campfire, frequent live music and evening chats, and on-site activities like yoga classes, guided hikes, or even bingo. Stargazing tents start around $349 per night, though regular glamping tents are more affordable, at about $219 per night. 
The Grand Canyon Has Some of the Coolest Glamping in the US
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort, near the West Rim of the Grand Canyon in Meadview, Arizona, just announced a new lodging option for guests following a trend sweeping the glamping world: geodesic “Stargazing domes,” with views of the west rim of the Grand Canyon. The new domes are among the priciest lodging options at the resort, with rates starting at $250 on Tuesday nights and going up to $450 per night on weekends. Domes without showers are a bit cheaper, starting at $200, though campers can also rent a totally unfurnished, unheated dome, if they have their own camping gear and are just looking for a bit of sheltered privacy for the night. The resort is spread across 10 acres, allowing for mostly unobstructed views from each dome
Geodesic domes are becoming an extremely popular choice for modern, outdoor-focused hotels, likely for several reasons. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, domes are fairly eco-friendly, with a small footprint and a stable, heat-and-cooling-efficient design that doesn’t require significant construction or alterations to the landscape. They’re also much less expensive to install, and as they’re always individual units, they bring a sense of privacy and space not usually offered by traditional hotel rooms with shared walls.
Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
For most travelers, the biggest draw of domes is the ability to connect with nature. Most dome hotels have large, panoramic widows, if not entire walls of windows, and skylights and stargazing windows are de rigeur in higher-end glamping hotels. Domes can also withstand elements like wind, rain, and snow extremely well, allowing hotel owners to install them in remote places — and giving guests floor-to-ceiling view of some of the prettiest landscapes in the world.
Bucket-list-worthy as the new glass-walled dome in the desert at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort are, what’s even cooler is that the resort isn’t the first to make geodesic domes available to Grand Canyon visitors. And if domes aren’t your thing, one of the other extremely unique glamping options near the Grand Canyon below may be.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort: teepees and vintage wagonsThe resort has a variety of unique glamping options, including teepees. Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort sits about 10 minutes from “Grand Canyon West.” Grand Canyon West isn’t an official park entrance, but rather, a name for the area run and managed by the Hualapai Tribe just west of the national park. Attractions at Grand Canyon West include the famous Skywalk, as well as heli-tours, river rafting, and much more. If you’re staying at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort, you can opt for a brand-new geodesic dome, or other glamping options like traditional canvas tents, furnished wagons with air-conditioning and heat (inspired by the chuckwagons of yore), or teepees with private bathrooms. The most affordable rooms are the empty geodesic domes (for campers), followed by the glamping wagons without a shower or bathroom. Those start at $125 night.
The closet official park entrance to resort is the South Entrance, but it’s still pretty far away — 228 miles from the gate.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Clear Sky Resorts (@clearskyresorts)
If you’d like to be a bit closer to the Grand Canyon, the geodesic domes at Clear Sky Resort Grand Canyon could be a good fit. It has several unique glamping dome options, including one with an outer space theme, one with a bed hanging from the ceiling directly under a huge stargazing window, domes with lofts, and romantic domes for two. The resort closes in winter, so it’s an only option if you’re visiting between April and November. The resort is about 25 miles south of the South Rim in Valle, Arizona, and rates start around $400 per night. So while it’s closer to the national park, it’s definitely pricier than the new domes at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort.
Photo: Backland Luxury Camping
Backland Luxury Camping is an elegant glamping resort near the Grand Canyon opened in August 2022. Rooms on offer include luxury dome suites, many of which have giant skylights above the beds. The resort also has a glass-walled, farm-to-table restaurant and is surrounded by national forest (so be aware that the drive to the resort is on a rough forest service road). There’s even a private beach, thanks to the on-property lake. Backland is in Williams, AZ, about 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon South Entrance at the South Rim.
Book Now The Desert Pearl: a renovated school busView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Airbnb Rentals | Arizona&California (@romanaround.rentals)
The Desert Pearl is a unique Grand Canyon Airbnb rental, offering the chance to sleep in a converted school bus 35 minutes from the Grand Canyon. It’s pet-friendly, and renters get a full acre to themselves complete with yard games, a trampoline and firepit, and a large wooden deck, among other perks. With a starting rate of about $100 a night, it’s fairly affordable, but runs on solar power — so don’t plan on using a blowdryer every day while you’re there. It’s near the North Entrance, which is only open between mid-May and the end of November.
Photo: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas is perhaps the brand that made glamping a household word, and naturally, there’s one near Grand Canyon National Park. The Under Canvas Grand Canyon has glamping tents, including stargazer tents with a big window under the bed. Like Clear Sky, it has a seasonal schedule (open mid-April through the end of October) and is about 25 miles from the South Entrance to the Grand Canyon.
As with all Under Canvas Resorts, it has a “summer camp for adults” vibe, with complimentary daily s’mores at a group campfire, frequent live music and evening chats, and on-site activities like yoga classes, guided hikes, or even bingo. Stargazing tents start around $349 per night, though regular glamping tents are more affordable, at about $219 per night.
November 8, 2024
Everything You Need to Take the River Trip of a Lifetime in 2025
Inspiration is essential to planning a big trip. This is particularly true for outdoor expeditions such as river trips, which require a good amount of gear as well as detailed planning. It’s snowing outside in Colorado as I write this, but as an active adrenaline junky I’m as pumped for next summer’s river adventures as I am for this winter’s splitboarding trips. River outfitter NRS just dropped a new film, Finding The Line that chronicles the story of kayaker and artist Alexandra Riesco as she pursues her passions and finds a line of resemblance between them.
“The idea of becoming an artist, I think, was almost the hardest thing about it. Deciding, ‘I ‘m going to be an artist,’ or ‘I am an artist, and just keep making work,” Riesco says in the film. The mantra goes along with her growth as a kayaker, as both outdoor pursuits and art share in common the need for personal determination in order to be successful. When there’s no one mandating progress but yourself, maintaining the stoke to keep going is half the battle.
Riesco grew her confidence as an artist and kayaker side by side, and progressing at one helped her maintain focus to continue pursuing the other. As she grew her ability to read the river and find the right line, these same instincts worked to create more impactful works of art.
“You’re really just putting yourself at the mercy of the water or the river,” Riesco says at the top of the film. “You’re only sort of in control. It’s similar to when you are working on a piece, there is that back and forth of finding the right path or the right mark or the right line.”
The film is all the inspiration you’ll need to start planning a river trip next year, and it’s a great time to do so – Matador rounds up the NRS gear you’ll need to make the trip a success, all of which can be snapped up during Amazon’s current and upcoming sales.
We hope you love the river trip 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.
Sun protection and light layersNRS Silkweight Hoodie – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Made of recycled polyester and spandex, the NRS Silkweight Hoodie offers comfort, stretch, and durability for long days on the water. The ultralight fabric wicks away moisture, dries quickly, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Price: From about $63
NRS Silkweight long sleeve or short sleeve shirt – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
The Silkweight is a master at moisture wicking. It’s breathable and dries quickly, while providing the same UPF 50+ sun protection at the hoodie. The shirt also features antimicrobial treatment to prevent odor build-up.
Price: From about $48
Buy Now – Men’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Moisture wicking and breathable comes standard, but the best thing about the NRS Guide Shirt is that it brings a dose of style to the river. You won’t look like a gaper in one of these, even if it’s your first time in a kayak or raft.
Price: From about $60
Buy Now
Buy Now – Women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Why a neck gaiter on the water? For sun protection, of course. The NRS Silkweight neck gaiter goes along with the brand’s other wearable to optimize sun protection without sacrificing breathability – the laser-cut holes around the neck actually allow sweat to permeate and leave the body.
Price: $23.95
Buy Now
Photo courtesy NRS
Insulation and a tight drawstring are what you want when the wind picks up across the water, and that’s exactly what the NRS Lightweight Hoodie delivers. It’s a bit thicker and warmer than the silkweight hoodie listed above, making it ideal for spring and fall trips. Plus, in this writer’s opinion, it looks pretty darn good paired with a river-born smile.
Price: $74.95
NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Pants – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Flexible, comfortable, and functional are the name of the game with the NRS HydroSKin 0.5 Pants. When you need to cover your legs and keep dry and warm(er), and protected from the sun, these pants are the way to go.
Price: From $63.95
NRS Expedition Weight Pants – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Again, spring and fall river trips tend to be a bit more unpredictable as far as temperature goes. The NRS Expedition Weight Pants deliver the same comfort and functionality as the lighter version but with added thickness and protection from the elements.
River gear to grab now and have foreverNRS Snooze Pad
Photo courtesy NRS
If you’re going on a multi-day expedition, you’re going to need to sleep at some point. A snooze pad is a portable sleeping pad designed for sleeping comfortably in a kayak. The NRS Snooze Pad is lightweight, compact, and easy to roll up into its case. It provides a soft and insulating layer between you and the hard surface of your kayak or the ground. While primarily designed for kayaking, snooze pads are versatile and can be used for various outdoor activities like camping and backpacking.
Price: $349.95
NRS Ninja life jacket/personal flotation device
Photo courtesy NRS
A life jacket is essential for every river goer, and the NRS Ninja has been trusted by river rats for many years. It’s designed for kayakers, but can also be used on rafting trips or any time you need a PFD. It’s built guide-style with a front zip pouch for snacks, emergency stuff, or your phone. The Orbit Fit System is designed to make it actually comfortable to wear, unlike those floppy life jackets you’re handed on guided outings.
Price: From about $86
NRS 1″ Heavy Duty Tie Down Strap
Photo courtesy NRS
If you load your boat with gear or food, or need to latch on to another craft in an emergency, you’re going to need tie down straps. The NRS 1” Heavy Duty Tie Down Strap is the industry classic, used by guides and outfitters the world over. This 2-pack from Amazon gives you a double set of 12-foot straps that can be used for tying down gear from coolers to life jackets.
Price: $17.95
Buy Now
Photo: Marked Imagery/Shutterstock
If you travel with OARS or another operator, you won’t need to shop watercraft or safety gear. But if you plan to hit the water with your crew on a self-guided mission, NRS also offers a line of rafts and SUPs.
Shop rafts
How an Ayahuasca Retreat in Peru Helped Reset My Perspective on Life
As an executive consultant, career expert, and author, I’m in the business of people. A generalization, sure, but the point is, I’m constantly engaging with men and women, executives and recent graduates, people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Inevitably, many conversations have a common thread: the feeling that something is missing, or just the inescapable sense of being lost. Not only is there this desire or curiosity for something more, but also the question of where to start.
The truth is, humans have built an entire existence based on assumptions and beliefs established thousands of years ago, many of which no longer have relevance in this ever-evolving, modern world. So it’s no surprise we’re struggling to find the balance between humanity and technology, or that we’ve reached painful levels of political divisiveness, or that so many of us feel deeply disconnected from our lives and, simply put, just lost.
Psychedelics have seen a surge in popularity and increased research focus in recent years as a salve for these feelings and more. Studies on psilocybin from mushrooms show treatments can relieve depression, for example, while studies on ayahuasca have shown how it can help manage anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. On the travel front, people are increasingly taking trips around the world to experience traditional plant medicines the West has historically outlawed. A Booking.com survey on 2024 travel trend predictions found 14 percent of travelers are interested in psychedelic retreats. Writers from a range of publications, including the New York Times and Vogue, have looked into how the growing popularity of these retreats is changing wellness travel.
Photo: iditinis/Shutterstock
As a man, husband, and father, my perspective is based on my own experiences. Traditional male gender roles teach us that we must be strong and provide, vulnerability implies weakness, and responsibilities or obligations to a job or family come before personal fulfillment or fun. These stereotypes can complicate our ability to understand, express, and pursue our feelings, passions, and desires. This dichotomy has always been a struggle for me, but I’ve recently found that without the fulfillment and fun, it’s nearly impossible to harness enough strength to consistently meet the growing list of obligations and responsibilities.
So how do we do it? How do we embrace change, tap into our emotions, and figure out our purpose in life? And, at the risk of being too philosophical, what’s the point of life really?
Take it or leave it, but from my perspective, our life’s purpose is to experience as much as possible in hopes of tapping into who we really are. Granted, my self-perception has been fluid at best over the years. I know I’m capable of great things, and I can clearly point to the people, places, and things I care most about. Still, I regularly hear myself offering myself, clients, family, and friends endless mantras or pep talks in an effort to find our “right track.”
But life is chaos theory. No mantras, logic, or desire is safe from the challenges and disruptions life throws our way. And whether it’s a global or societal trend, or even a passing comment from a perfect stranger, life’s challenges can call into question our own capabilities and beliefs.
Here’s the hard truth: Feeling “stuck” is an emotional experience, and in order to move forward, we have to give ourselves permission to seek out conversations, resources, or experiences that encourage vulnerability and discovery. And those might not always lead us down the most conventional paths.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by SpiritQuest Sanctuary (@spiritquest.sanctuary)
My own search for the missing piece led me on an ayahuasca journey thousands of miles away from home. You read that right – no self-help seminars or support groups were going to cut it. I needed to be challenged in a way traditional methods couldn’t offer. From the moment I first heard about ayahuasca, I felt called to it, and was confident it would be the means to access things I had buried deep below the surface, ultimately preventing me from moving forward in my life.
It was important to enter this experience with a clearly defined intention, and for me, it was simple: where do I fit? Rarely in my life have I felt truly at home with myself, and because of that, everything else that matters to me in life has suffered, from success in my relationships to success in my career. My desperation to figure this out helped me stomach the unfamiliarity of each ayahuasca ceremony, and the term “unfamiliarity” is putting it mildly.
The experience was unexpected and unimaginable (if you’re looking for every minute detail from my visions to the purging, I made a podcast episode for that). My main takeaway? I need more love in my life – a loving approach to my work, my family, my friends, and my passions is exactly what has been missing. This is not to imply a lack of love in my life – quite the contrary, I’m surrounded by it – in this case the void is internal, and directly relates to my ability to recognize it, embrace it, and drive it myself.
For anyone particularly interested in an ayahuasca ceremony, I can’t recommend my specific experience enough. I spent a total of eight days at SpiritQuest Sanctuary in Iquitos, Peru. I traveled via Lima to Iquitos, where upon arrival, I, along with others in my group, was transported by boat down the Amazon River to the retreat.
To be clear, I don’t believe the path I took is for everyone. But my end result is an example of how sometimes the answers you’re looking for require a lot more time, effort, and even risk to uncover. And there is no doubt that it can feel overwhelming to set off in search of something in your life without having a clear sense of direction or a concrete understanding of what it is you’ll find, especially in a world that has evolved to produce countless barriers that stand in the way of our own sense of self. Traditional expectations, whether imposed on yourself or imposed by others, can hide your true nature, the core of what makes you tick, and ultimately the answers you may be desperately trying to find.
If everything around you is changing and you resist change, at some point it becomes a collision course. It wasn’t easy to hear myself preaching a message of connection, authenticity, and personal satisfaction to clients while knowing I wasn’t practicing the same in my own life. That made this glaring theme of love, the beating heart of my own search for answers, resonate even more.
Conceptually, love is big, wild, and uncomfortable. But since my trip, I’ve found that living in a place of love is so outrageously powerful. It changes who we are, who we attract, and how we interact. Simply practicing love in a new way has already proven effective – from how I interact with my kids and wife, to getting parking spaces on busy Manhattan streets.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jim Frawley (@jimfrawleyny)
Life is short. I’ve never been more aware of everything I wanted, and everything I lacked, than after returning to my everyday routine and work with clients. If nothing else, I hope the one message that I’m able to spread far and wide is this: searching for answers can be a deeply unsettling experience. The void we’re all feeling isn’t in our minds, it’s ingrained into our very being by the tendency to do what we “should” do and not a bit more, to avoid asking questions and just conform to what is expected of us.
But that clarity we seek requires discomfort, and courage, and maybe even some loss. However you choose to do so, don’t miss the opportunity to be certain that who you are is who you want to be. A self-help book, or an Amazon rainforest, might be just the ticket. Whatever your path of choice, take that first step. You won’t be sorry. I know I’m not.
19 Countries to Visit Where Your Dollar Goes the Furthest
Travel is not known for being the most budget friendly thing to do. Costs quickly add up between flights, accommodations, and day-to-day expenses — not to mention the unavoidable unforeseen costs. Yet there are certain countries where travelers from the United States can find better deals due to the exchange rate. In some cases, it can make a trip abroad even more affordable than a domestic trip.
In short, a favorable exchange rate means the cost of everyday things in a different country — food, drinks, activities, places to stay — is lower. That means world-renowned meals in Japan for the cost of dining out at a chain restaurant stateside, for example, or tours of Türkiye’s historical sites for the price of going to the movies. Over the past couple of years, the dollar has gotten stronger in certain parts of the world while falling in value against others. The UK-based coupon and deal company NetVoucherCodes used data from the exchange rate calculator Currency Conversion API to find where the dollar goes the furthest, and where it struggles the most, in 152 countries.
Pair a strategically purchased flight that capitalizes on the best low-cost deals with a destination where the dollar is strong and you can take bucket list trips for far less than expected.
Photo: NetVoucherCodes
It’s worth playing around with NetVoucherCodes’ map and looking over the interactive tables and graphs to understand the dollar’s value worldwide. In some cases, even a strong dollar won’t mean an affordable vacation, per se, because of factors like a higher cost of living in general (looking at you Iceland and Australia). But with a little digging, these are 19 countries where the dollar has seen bigger value gains recently that have lowered the cost of taking a trip there compared to previous years.
Argentina — 990.255 Argentine pesos to 1 USDAustralia — 1.521 Australian dollars to 1 USDBangladesh — 119.404 Bangladeshi takas to 1 USDBotswana — 13.362 Botswanan pulas to 1 USDChile — 961.539 Chilean pesos to 1 USDDominican Republic — 60.3 Dominican pesos to 1 USDEgypt — 48.955 Egyptian pounds to 1 USDGhana — 16.3 Ghanaian cedis to 1 USDIceland — 136.82 Icelandic krónas to 1 USDIndia — 84.088 Indian rupees to 1 USDJapan — 152.083 Japanese yen to 1 USDLoas — 21,930 Laotian kips to 1 USDNepal — 134.335 Nepalese rupees to 1 USDNew Zealand — 1.675 New Zealand dollars to 1 USDPhilippines — 58.251 Philippine pesos to 1 USDSaudi Arabia — 3.755 Saudi riyals to 1 USDSri Lanka — 292.775 Sri Lankan rupees to 1 USDTurkey — 34.303 Turkish lira to 1 USDVietnam — 25,280 Vietnamese dong to 1 USDMore like thisTravelCLEAR’s Airport Assitants Will Carry Your Bags to Your Gate. It’s Less of a VIP Luxury Than It Sounds.
21 Cruise Lines That Sail Around the Galápagos Islands, From the Cheapest to the Most Expensive
The Galápagos Islands, although remote, attract a lot of tourists — more 20,000 every year, to be precise. While it’s easy for those tourists to reach the island of San Cristóbal or Baltra thanks to daily commercial flights from the Ecuadorian mainland, getting around the rest of the archipelago is a different story.
There are 13 main islands and seven smaller ones in the archipelago and, contrary to what it looks like on the map, they aren’t very close to each other. Not only that, but the Galápagos National Park, which covers 97 percent of the islands, is off limits to anyone not accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide. Some tourists, undeterred, opt to strike on their own and use the very limited ferry system to visit what they can independently. Others choose to base themselves in one of the four human settlements and hire a boat and a guide every day to island hop. The best and most practical way to see the Galápagos Islands and its incredible wildlife, however, is to take a cruise. (Preferably, a small-ship cruise with as few passengers as possible.)
There are over two dozens cruise operators in the Galápagos Islands, some of which are world-famous cruise lines and others are small, local businesses. While all the vessels navigating the waters of the archipelago must not exceed 100 guests, they are all different, and the diverse operators all propose their own itineraries, offerings, and services at various costs.
Galápagos cruises under $5,000Galápagos cruises under $10,00Galápagos cruises $10,00 and aboveGalápagos cruises under $5,000G Adventures
Photo: Mike Janke/Shutterstock
G Adventures is a Canadian tour operator that organizes affordable, small-group trips all over the world, including in the Galápagos Islands. G Adventure operates three small, 16-passenger ships in the archipelago: the Eden, the Yolita, and the newest and most comfortable of them all, the Reina Silvia Voyager, a motorized catamaran. The tour operator offers a large variety of itineraries, with voyages ranging from seven to 17 days.
Price: Starting at $1,444 per person for a seven-day trip.
Book now or learn moreGalagentsGalagents is an Ecuadorian travel operator that runs a fleet of eight vessels, from well-equipped, no-frills ships that offer day trips, to catamarans and luxury yachts that propose up to eight-day voyages. All the ships on the fleet are small and can host a maximum of 14 to 16 passengers. The newest vessels on the fleet are the opulent Galaxy Sirius (16-passenger capacity) and the scuba diving-focused Galaxy Diver II (16-passenger capacity). All eight ships offer various itineraries and activities, including, but not limited to hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Price: Starting at $1,500 per person for a four-day sailing on board the Galaxy Orion.
Book now or learn moreRoyal GalápagosEcuadorian cruise line Royal Galápagos is one the biggest operators in the Galápagos Islands with no less than seven ships in its fleet — the Galápagos Angel being the latest addition as of 2024. All the yachts are on the small side, accommodating a maximum of either 16 or 20 guests. There are four itineraries to choose from, all of which vary according to the length of the sailing — four, five, seven, or eight day-voyages are available. All ships have at least one naturalist guide on board, except for Infinity which hosts two of them. Six out of the seven ships in the fleet are equipped with individual underwater cameras for travelers to use.
Price: Starting at under $2,000 per person for a four-day trip.
Book now or learn moreGo GalápagosGo Galápagos offers four, five, and eight-day cruises around the Galápagos Islands on board their three ships: the Galápagos Legend (100 guests), Coral I (36 guests), and Coral II (20 guests). There are four main itineraries per ship for the shorter voyages: North Expedition, West Expedition, East Expedition, and South Expedition, while the eight-day voyages are a combination of two itineraries. Activities include Zodiac rides, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Guests on the Galápagos Legend can also take rides in a glass-bottomed boat. Naturalist guides, dive masters, and instructors are on board to guide activities and provide expert commentary.
Price: Starting at $2,019 per person for a four-day trip on board Galápagos Legend.
Book now or learn moreAndean Travel Company/OniricThe Ecuador-based Andean Travel Company (also known as Oniric) is a travel operator that offers tours throughout Ecuador, including cruises in the Galápagos Islands. Andean Travel Company/Oniric owns the Treasures of the Galápagos (chartered regularly by AvalonWaterways), as well as the Tribute, Archipel I, Polaris, Estrella, and Aqua, all of which can host a maximum of 16 guests. While Aqua’s sailings focus on scuba diving adventures, the rest of them offer various four-to-eight-day itineraries during which you can hike and snorkel accompanied by experts.
Price: Starting at $2,095 for a four-day trips on board Archipel I or Aqua.
Book now or learn moreAnahí Catamaran YachtThe Anahí Catamaran Yacht is a 16-passenger motorized catamaran that offers multiple itineraries around the archipelago, ranging from five to 15-day voyages. Activities includes guided hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and Zodiac rides, all of which are supervised by a naturalist guide.
Price: Starting at $3,150 per person for a four-day trip, but last-minute sales are available.
Book now or learn moreMetropolitan TouringMetropolitan Touring is a tour operator that organizes trips in Peru, Colombia, mainland Ecuador, and in the Galápagos Islands. Metropolitan Touring owns three ships that sail around the archipelago: La Pinta (occasionally chartered to UnCruise Adventures), Santa Cruz II (currently chartered to HX), and Isabela II. While La Pinta and Isabella can accommodate a maximum of 48 guests, Santa Cruz II is much larger and can host up to 90 passengers. No matter what vessel you choose, you’ll be partaking in hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat rides accompanied by a naturalist expert. The naturalist-to-guest ratio with Metropolitan Touring is one to 16.
Price: Starting at $4,514 for a four-day trip on board Isabela II.
Book now or learn moreGolden Galápagos CruisesGolden Galápagos Cruises is a cruise line that owns a fleet of four ships: the Galapagos Endemic, Elite, Ocean Spray, and Petrel, all of which are luxurious catamarans with a maximum capacity of 16 guests. While the Petrel is currently being operated by Natural Habitat,Golden Galápagos Cruises runs the other three vessels and offers sailings of varying lengths (four to eight days) and itineraries around the archipelago year-round. No matter the vessel you opt for, you’ll enjoy guided hikes, snorkeling sessions, kayak and SUP tours, and Zodiac rides led by expert naturalists.
Price: Starting at $4,190 per person for a four-day trip on board Ocean Spray
Book now or learn moreGalápagos cruises under $10,000HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)Photo: HX / Dennis Balleteros
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) offers cruises around the Galápagos Islands year-round and operates only one vessel, The MS Santa Cruz II. The ship, which was refurbished in 2021, can accommodate up to 90 guests. The cruise line offers travelers three main itineraries: the Northern Route, Eastern Route, and Western Route, as well as combinations of two for longer voyages. Some of the sailings, which range from seven to 16 days, include guided tours in Peru and mainland Ecuador, too. HX offers cruisers the chance to snorkel, take nature walks, and go on Zodiac outings. HX even has a glass-bottomed boat for guests who want to observe marine wildlife without actually getting wet.
Price: Starting at $5,734 per person for an seven-day trip.
Book now or learn moreHumboldt ExplorerHumboldt Explorer is an operator that focuses on scuba diving cruises and is therefore for certified divers only. The company owns two ships, the Cruceros Humboldt Explorer (16-passenger capacity), and the Tiberon explorer (16-passenger capacity), both of which sail year-round in the archipelago. Travelers can book seven-day voyages on either ship, and enjoy up to four dives per day, as well as a couple of nature walks throughout the week. Guests on board the Humboldt Explorer, Tiberon explorer, or any scuba liveaboard get to see islands off-limit to others, namely Wolf Island and Darwin Island, both of which are located at the north-western edge of the archipelago.
Price: Starting at $6,195 per person for a sailing on board Cruceros Humboldt Explorer; $6,995 per person for a sailing on board Tiberon explorer.
Book now or learn moreCelebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Flora. Photo: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises operates two ships in the Galápagos Islands: the Celebrity Flora, an all-suite vessel that can host up to 100 guests, and the Celebrity Xpedition, able to accommodate 48 guests. While bigger, the Celebrity Flora is the greener ship of the two; its dynamic positioning system allows it to remain stationary without dropping anchor, therefore protecting the seafloor, and it uses solar panels for part of its power needs. The cruise line offers four different itineraries around the archipelago: the Inner Loop, the Outer Loop, the Northern Loop, and the Southern Loop, all ranging from seven to 16 days. Both ships host certified naturalist guides from the Galápagos National Park for the duration of the sailings. Note that the Celebrity Xpedition will be leaving the operator’s fleet at the end of 2024, and as of January 2025, Celebrity Flora will be the only ship in the fleet with scheduled calls in the Galápagos Islands.
Price: Starting at $6,403 per person for a seven-night sailing on the Celebrity Flora.
Book now or learn moreNational Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
The National Geographic Delfina. Photo: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has been taking travelers on cruising adventures around the Galápagos Islands for over 50 years. Today, the expedition cruise line operates four ships in the archipelago: the National Geographic Endeavour II (96 guests), the National Geographic Islander II (48 guests), National Geographic Gemini (48 guests), and the National Geographic Delfina (16 guests). Each sailing includes naturalists, photographers, and expedition leaders to supervise and enhance all the activities you partake in, including hikes, photo walks, kayaking, SUPing, and snorkeling. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates in the Galápagos Islands year-round and offers a variety of itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 days.
Price: Starting at $6,605 per person for a 10-day sailing on the Geographic Endeavour II.
Book now or learn moreGalápagos Sky
Photo: Ecoventura
Owned by Ecoventura, the Galápagos Sky is a dedicated scuba liveaboard sailing seven and 10-day voyages in the Galápagos Island. The luxury vessel operates year-round and can host up to 16 passengers. The itineraries run by Galápagos Sky include three land-based outings, one night dive, and up to four dives per day, including around the remote islands of Wolf and Darwin, where sharks are abundant.
Price: Starting at $7,395 per person.
Book now or learn moreNatural Habitat AdventuresNatural Habitat Adventures is a travel operator that collaborates with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to organize wildlife and conservation-focused trips throughout the world, from the Arctic to Antarctica to the Galápagos Islands, and more. Natural Habitat Adventures operates three ships in the archipelago: The Petrel, a motorized luxury catamaran that can hosts up to 16 passengers; the M Y Tip Top IV, a yacht that can accommodate up to 16 passengers; and the S/C Nemo III, a motorsailing catamaran that can have up to 14 guests on board. There are six 10-day itineraries possible (two per ship), and all of them include hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking accompanied by naturalist guides.
Price: Starting at $8,395 per person for a 10-day trip on board the Nemo III.
Book now or learn moreAvalonWaterwaysAvalonWaterways charters one ship in the Galápagos Island: the Treasures of Galápagos, a catamaran that can accommodate up to 16 passengers. All the AvalonWaterways sailings in the archipelago are part of bigger itineraries that include guided tours on mainland Ecuador and/or Peru. That means that while the voyages are advertised as lasting between eight and 20 days, travelers only spend four nights in the islands. AvalonWaterways offers two itineraries in the Galápagos, one starting from San Cristóbal Island and one from Baltra Island, both of which offer snorkeling. As required by law, a naturalist guide is present throughout the sailing.
Price: Starting at $8,811 per person for an eight-day trip that includes guided tours in Quito prior to reaching the Galápagos Islands.
Book now or learn moreGalápagos cruises $10,000 and aboveQuasar Expeditions
Photo: Quasar Expeditions
Quasar Expeditions is a luxury, family-owned operator that offers overland guided safaris in Patagonia and safari cruises in the Galápagos Islands. Quasar has two ships: the Grace Yacht (Grace Kelly’s honeymoon yacht, hence the name), which can host 16 guests, and the Evolution Yacht, equipped to accommodate 32 guests. The operator’s guest-to-guide ratio is maximum 10 to one, but can be as low as eight to one when sailing on the Grace Yacht. On all of its six itineraries (three per ship), the operator offers activities such as snorkeling, SUPing, kayaking, walking, hiking, and Zodiac outings. Quasar proposes travelers with sailings tailored to their needs and wants, including voyages specifically designed for honeymooners, couples and solo travelers, photographers, families, and even for families with children with autism.
Price: Starting at $9,500 per person for an eight-day sailing on the Evolution Yacht; $10,550 per person for an eight-day sailing on the Grace Yacht.
Book now or learn moreEcoventura
The Theory. Photo: Ecoventura
Ecoventura is a luxury Relais & Château-labeled operator that only sails in the Galápagos Islands. The cruise line’s fleet consists of three identical expedition yachts: Origins, Theory, and Evolve. Ecoventura offers two seven-night itineraries around the Galápagos Islands: Beaches and Bays, the southern and central route, and Volcanic Wonders, the western and northern route. The itineraries alternate every week throughout the year so guests can combine both for a 14-day adventure. All Ecoventura ships can accommodate up to 20 guests, and always have two naturalist guides on board to supervise all activities, including snorkeling, wildlife-watching hikes, kayaking, SUPing, Zodiac rides, and swimming.
Price: The rate for double occupancy in 2024 is $9,950 per person for a seven-night sailing. In 2025, it will increase to $10,500 per person.
Book now or learn more&Beyond
Photo: &Beyond
New to the Galápagos cruising scene (June 2024), luxury tour operator &Beyond runs one ship in the archipelago. The Galápagos Explorer can host up to 12 guests and sails two seven-night itineraries: Best of the Galápagos East, and Best of the Galápagos West. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. &Beyond also offers trips that combine tours in Peru and/or mainland Ecuador with a Galápagos cruise.
Price: Starting at $10,950 per person.
Book now or learn moreAqua Expeditions
Photo: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions specializes in luxury, small-ship cruises in Indonesia, Peru, and the Galápagos Islands, among others. In the archipelago, the operator sails the very elegant Aqua Mare superyacht, a vessel that can host a maximum of 16 guests. Aqua Expeditions offers seven and 14-night sailings and two itineraries: the East itinerary and the West Itinerary, with the 14-night sailing being a combination of both. Activities include snorkeling and diving, guided hikes, kayaking and SUPing, and Zodiac excursions. Aqua Expeditions offer an exceptional one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and a one-to-eight guide-to-guest ratio.
Price: Starting at $11,300 per person for a seven-day trip.
Book now or learn moreUnCruise Adventures
Photo: SL-Photography/Shutterstock
UnCruise Adventure sails La Pinta — a vessel capable of hosting up to 48 guests — around the Galápagos Islands most of the year. All the voyages are the same: seven days of expert-led nature walks, snorkel sessions, Zodiac rides, glass-bottom boat tours, as well as a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests on board La Pinta get to set foot on seven islands during the sailing, namely: Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. All trips start from and end in Guayaquil on the mainland and Baltra Island in the archipelago.
Price: Starting at $11,600 per person for a seven-day trip.
Book now or learn moreSilverseaSilversea operates one ship in the Galápagos Islands year-round: the Silver Origin. The vessel, which was built specifically for this particular destination, can host up to 100 guests. Silversea offers two itineraries, one of seven days (visits to 15 ports) and one of 14 days (visits to 27 ports), both of which start and end in San Cristóbal Island. Guests on board the Silver Origin can take part in activities such as hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and Zodiac rides, all of which are supervised by the expedition team members.
Price: Starting at $13,450 per person for an seven-day trip.
November 7, 2024
CLEAR’s Airport Assitants Will Carry Your Bags to Your Gate. It’s Less of a VIP Luxury Than it Sounds.
The guiding principle of airport design is that they should be navigable whether it’s a traveler’s first time passing through or hundredth time. Signs in multiple languages, ubiquitous maps, online resources, help desks, and more help with that. Outside resources with tips and tricks — like Matador Network’s guide to airports — only add to the list of tools.
It isn’t perfect, of course, and some airports are worse than others. Which led CLEAR, the company that fast-tracks travelers through security in a dedicated line, to create an airport escort program called CLEAR Ambassador Assist. Its goal is to “guide you every step of the way” for $149 from the curb to the gate, or $49 from the curb to security — in addition to the $199 annual cost for the required CLEAR Plus membership.
It sounds luxurious and like an obvious VIP-level benefit, though the exact details make it a bit of a head scratcher as to who it’s for. Also who is willing to shell out an additional 25 percent to 75 percent of their annual membership fee for something that should take no more than an hour even in the most nightmare airport situation.
A trial program for the service started at Denver International Airport in September, and was extended to Washington-Dulles on Halloween. Orlando International Airport joined the list recently as well, and more locations are in the works.
The “ambassador” (CLEAR’s wording) meets guests who booked at least 10 hours in advance (though there’s a 12-hour minimum cancellation policy for a refund barring a canceled flight) when they arrive at the airport to help with luggage and bring them through the airport. If you choose the Curb-to-CLEAR option, the ambassador will take you as far as the CLEAR security lane.
Curb-to-Gate has the person stay with you past security and walk with you either to your gate, a lounge if you have access, or a restaurant. In the latter two cases, that’s where they leave you, so hopefully it’s clear enough how to get to your gate from there. They will, however, “help you find concessions or restrooms and wait for you for quick stops.” What they won’t do: wait at the gate with you, walk with you from a lounge to the gate, watch children or pets, or accompany minors. They also don’t accept tips.
I can understand a traveler who wants to bring as much as they possibly can in their carry-on. Checked-bag fees can be outrageous, and waiting for it to arrive on the other side (if it arrives at all) is annoying. Yet carry-on bag sizes and weight limits exist for a reason and limit carry-ons to what can be, well, easily carried by the traveler. Paying $149 to have someone carry a backpack and rollaboard — and being forced to either make small talk the entire way or exist in awkward silence — is steep by any measure. That’s perhaps even more true for the $49 escort to security, which in Denver is as simple as taking an escalator next to check-in and walking one or two minutes tops.
Those who do have a bunch of checked bags will certainly find it useful to have some help carrying all that they have with them to the check-in counter. Though in some cases, like with United and Delta in Denver, the bag drop station is right at the curb. Maybe the $49 fee for that distance is worth it to some. After all, that’s not all that much more expensive than a meal and a drink at an airport restaurant. I’ve definitely wished for some help while carrying my stuff as well as my toddler’s bags while pushing a stroller (though that wish withers if said help for 30 minutes would cost more than the plane snacks). Just keep in mind that Ambassador Assist is only for one leg of the flight — you’re on your own on the other side regardless of the airport.
With both the gate and the security options, you have to text the ambassador ahead of time to coordinate a meeting point. Everyone in the group 18 years or older is required to be a CLEAR Plus member, though 17 and younger can be present for free. If some travelers in the party have TSA PreCheck, the ambassador “will share the best options to keep everyone moving.”
Full disclosure: I’ve been a CLEAR member for years and skipping the main security line has saved me from missing a number of flights. This offering seems puzzling to me, though. Have we really reached a point of airport madness where travelers need to pay a not insignificant fee to a third-party company to “guide” them? Possibly not even guide them to their gate? I can only imagine the frustration I would have paying for this service only to be handed back my carry-ons 30 minutes max after texting the ambassador and meeting them at the curb.
This is coming from an able-bodied frequent flier. Maybe it makes more sense for people who need assistance, I thought at first, even if it does seem unfair to add on an additional cost just because some help is needed, whether that’s vision or hearing impairment or mobility related. Yet the Air Carrier Access Act already covers that assistance for free. Airlines are required to provide wheelchairs or assistance to people who need it, and it’s illegal to discriminate based on disabilities. Airlines are also required to help on both sides of the trip.
All of that pondering was for naught. CLEAR Ambassador Assist doesn’t help with wheelchairs and passengers paying for the service need to meet the ambassador at the airline’s special services counter after getting their reserved wheelchair. Presumably the airline employee that would otherwise guide the traveler through security and to the gate no longer has to join if the CLEAR ambassador is there.
‘Abysmal and Demonic’: Tourists Hate the New Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Rome’s Trevi Fountain, an emblem of Baroque artistry and a magnet for millions of tourists annually, recent got a significant transformation — and not one tourists are very happy about.
As part of a comprehensive restoration project, city officials have temporarily drained the iconic fountain, replacing it with a makeshift pool to maintain the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain. Supposedly, if you toss one coin, it guarantees you’ll return to Rome. And if you toss two, you’ll soon find the love of your life (who may just be an attractive Italian person). The practice of throwing coins has become so ingrained that it generates approximately €1.5 million per year, which gets donated to a local social program non-profit. But the small, temporary reservoir at the fountain has sparked a mix of reactions from visitors and locals alike, with many people seeing it less as an icon of the city and more as a sad swimming pool surrounded by scaffolding.
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The Trevi Fountain was finished in 1762 and designed by architect Nicola Salvi, though later completed by Giuseppe Pannini (two well-known artists in the world of art history). At the fountain’s center is the god Oceanus, flanked by Tritons (similar to mermen) and sea horses, symbolizing the taming of the waters — something the Roman empire was among the first to do, thanks to a system of complex aqueducts built starting around 300 BCE. It’s one of the top sights in Rome, drawing an estimated 1,200 visitors per hour during peak times and surrounded by a host of Airbnbs that stay busy thanks to their location.
The project is part of Rome’s preparation for the 2025 Vatican Jubilee Year, and the city is doing extensive maintenance work on several historic sites, including the Trevi Fountain. The renovation will address issues such as The restoration aims to address issues such as dirt and grime buildup, weed growth, and calcium deposits that have accumulated since the last major cleaning in 2014.
The scaffolding should be removed by the end of 2024 or very early 2025, allowing visitors to once again see the Trevi Fountain as it ought to be. But doing so may not be free for much longer: Beyond the physical restoration, city officials are considering measures to manage the fountain’s often overwhelming number of visitors. Rome officials have said they’re considering an online ticketing system with a two-euro fee per person, and limiting each visit to 30 minutes. It’s just one of many proposals recently in popular European tourist cities to control visitation numbers, including a new tourist fee to access hiking trails in Madeira, Portugal, and a day use fee for any non-overnight visitors to Venice, Italy.
Here are some of the best reviews of the new temporary Trevi Fountain.
It’s a “swimming pool”“A swimming pool for coins? Dear God, are they doing acid in the government? But who makes these decisions?”
– Andrealeo1900 (translated), Instagram
“If you throw the coin in the Trevi fountain swimming pool, you will return to Rome!!!”
– Chiara Antonelli, Tourist Guide, Facebook
“Imagine you have traveled 14 hours by plane to the Trevi fountain and you find yourself at a communal swimming pool.”
– Rafaielaa (translated), Instagram
It’s really not worth seeing“We were here in October 2024 and sadly the water has been turned off as part of an ongoing repair project for the upcoming 2025 celebrations in Rome. Basically, fabulous sculptures aside we were left looking at an empty pool.”
– James S., TripAdvisor
“I’m in Rome now, will go and see, but not throwing no coins into the daft little fish pond.”
– Dean Wilson, Facebook
“What a waste of time man. This was something I was looking forward to seeing while in Rome, the one time I can go in my life. And it’s ugly because there’s no water. It’s really unimpressive without the water. Boring. Dry.”
– Brittney M, Yelp
“Vegas version better. At least it has water.”
– Steve Wynn, Google
It was a confusing government decision“Only a moron could give birth to such an idiotic idea… I’m thinking that even that goldfish tank will be for profit…. SHAME ON YOU.”
– Mya.Jackrussel (translated), Instagram
“Whoever made the project is not right in the head.”
– Gennypesc (translated), Instagram
It’s an insult to Roman culture“Completely pathetic. This is very cheap and ugly, it does not belong at The Fountain of Trevi.”
– Mike Tummolo, X
“The plan is to erase Europe’s culture, history and heritage. Abysmal and Demonic!”
– Hexe, X
“An absolute Trevisty”
– Tony Margiotta, X
More like thisNewsTourists Vying for the Best Selfie Spot Start a Fight at Rome’s Trevi FountainThe 17 Top Destinations in the US for a Snowmobile Adventure: A Visual Guide
Winter brings a world of fresh powder and untouched trails for snowmobile enthusiasts ready to dive into the season. Whether you’re gearing up to try snowmobiling for the first time or you’re a seasoned rider looking to discover new winter playgrounds across the country, take this guide as inspiration for your next adventure. From iconic spots like the vast snowy backcountry of Yellowstone to the remote scenic trails of Aroostook, Maine, these snowmobiling destinations capture the thrill of of the ride across the United States.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Photo: Keegan Rice/Visit Jackson HolePhoto: Keegan Rice/Visit Jackson Hole
Photo: Keegan Rice/Visit Jackson Hole
Photo: Keegan Rice/Visit Jackson HoleWhy Go There: Jackson Hole offers a dramatic winter landscape framed by the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Wilderness, making it one of the most scenic places in the US to explore on a snowmobile. The region is also near Yellowstone National Park, an incredible place to visit in winter for a detour with stunning views of geysers, frozen waterfalls, and wildlife.
Retailers/Rentals: Brushbuck Wildlife Tours, Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Jackson Hole snowmobile trail maps can be found via Wyoming State Parks here
Where to stay: Jackson Hole Airbnbs
Aroostook, Maine
Photo: Maine Office of Tourism
Photo: Maine Office of Tourism
Photo: Maine Office of Tourism
Photo: Maine Office of Tourism
Photo: Maine Office of TourismWhy Go There: Aroostook County is considered the snowmobiling capital of Maine, with over 2,300 miles of groomed trails. The region’s vast, open landscapes, snow-covered fields, and forests offer stunning panoramic views. You can explore the remote wilderness with snowmobiling routes connecting picturesque towns like Presque Isle, Fort Kent, and Caribou.
Retailers/Rentals: Wilde Recreation, Valley Rentals
Aroostook snowmobile trail maps can be found via the Maine Snowmobile Association here
Cimarron, Colorado
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Polaris
Photo: PolarisWhy Go There: Nestled near the San Juan Mountains, Cimarron offers wilderness with stunning alpine views and some of the best snow conditions in Colorado. It’s a quieter option compared to larger resorts.
Retailers/Rentals: Arrowhead Mountain Adventures
Cimarron snowmobile trail maps can be found via Colorado Trail Explorer here
Where to stay: Gunnison Airbnbs
Island Park, Idaho
Photo: Visit Idaho
Photo: Visit Idaho
Photo: Yellowstone Teton Territory
Photo: Polaris
Photo: PolarisWhy Go There: With over 500 miles of groomed trails, Island Park is a snowmobiler’s dream, offering incredible views of nearby Yellowstone and serene forest routes. It’s one of the most extensive trail systems in the country.
Retailers/Rentals: Island Park Adventures, High Mountain Adventures
Island Park snowmobile trail maps can be found via Idaho State Parks & Recreation here
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Photo: Aramark Destinations
Photo: Aramark Destinations
Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Photo: Aramark Destinations
Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors AuthorityWhy Go There: Lake Tahoe offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Tahoe is a famous ski destination for a reason, with incredible ski resorts and plenty of winter activities outside of skiing, too. Snowmobiling here is unique due to excellent alpine trails and the proximity to one of the world’s most famous lakes.
Retailers/Rentals: Zephyr Cove Resort, Lake Tahoe Adventures
Lake Tahoe snowmobile trail maps can be found via Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers Association here
Where to stay: Lake Tahoe Airbnbs
West Yellowstone, Montana
Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Photo: Pierre Jean Durieu/Shutterstock
Photo: Carolina K. Smith MD/Shutterstock
Photo: Visit Montana
Photo: Visit MontanaWhy go there: West Yellowstone offers unrivaled access to Yellowstone National Park’s stunning backcountry and groomed trails. The deep powder and well-maintained trails make it a prime destination for scenic snowmobiling.
Retailers/Rentals: Yellowstone Adventures, Two Top Snowmobile Rentals
West Yellowstone snowmobile trail maps can be found via Destination Yellowstone here
Where to stay: Yellowstone Airbnbs
Red River, New Mexico
Photo: Visit Red River, NM
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Visit Red River, NM
Photo: Visit Red River, NMWhy Go There: Set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River allows for a picturesque ride through snow-covered valleys and pine forests, offering a blend of Southwest charm and alpine beauty.
Retailers/Rentals: Red River Sled Shed, Weezie’s Wild Rides
Red River snowmobile trail maps can be found via Polaris Ride Command here
Where to stay: Taos Airbnbs
Laramie, Wyoming
Photo: Sam Trautman/Visit Laramie
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Aharon Bram/Visit Laramie
Photo: Sam Trautman/Visit Laramie
Photo: Sam Trautman/Visit LaramieWhy Go There: The stunning Snowy Range backdrop paired with nearby wilderness areas makes Laramie a snowmobiling paradise. Laramie boasts 200-plus miles of trails winding through alpine forests and open meadows, with stunning mountain views. The reliable snow conditions and relatively mild weather make it a favorite for mid-level riders.
Retailers/Rentals: 3C Guiding, Albany Lodge
Laramie snowmobile trail maps can be found via Wyoming State Parks here
Park City, Utah
Photo: Visit Park City
Photo: Visit Park City
Photo: Visit Park City
Photo: Visit Park CityWhy Go There: Known for its luxurious resorts and ski-in, ski-out Airbnbs, Park City also offers snowmobilers access to the scenic Uinta Mountains, with views of pristine alpine forests and seemingly endless open space for high-speed rides. The amount of activities off the snow doesn’t hurt.
Retailers/Rentals: Park City Peaks Snowmobiling, Red Pine Adventures
Park City snowmobile trail maps can be found via Polaris Ride Command here
Where to stay: Park City Airbnbs
Bend, Oregon
Photo: Visit Bend
Photo: Visit Bend
Photo: Visit Bend
Photo: Visit BendWhy Go There: Snowmobiling through the Deschutes National Forest offers unparalleled views of volcanic peaks, dense forests, and snow-covered lava fields, with plenty of diverse terrain to explore.
Retailers/Rentals: Central Oregon Adventures, Octane Adventures
Bend snowmobile trail maps can be found via Polaris Ride Command here
Where to stay: Bend Airbnbs
Anchorage, Alaska
Photo: Glacier City Snowmobile Tours/Visit Anchorage
Photo: Glacier City Snowmobile Tours/Visit Anchorage
Photo: Glacier City Snowmobile Tours/Visit Anchorage
Photo: Glacier City Snowmobile Tours/Visit AnchorageWhy Go There: Anchorage provides access to some of the world’s most stunning wilderness, including glaciers, fjords, and snow-covered forests, making it an unforgettable “snowmachining” destination.
Retailers/Rentals: Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, Glacier City Snowmobile Tours
Anchorage snowmobile trail maps can be found via Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation here
Where to stay: Anchorage Airbnbs
Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Photo: Polaris
Photo: PolarisWhy Go There: Pittsburg is the premier snowmobile destination in New Hampshire, with over 200 miles of groomed trails offering views of frozen lakes, dense forests, and remote wilderness areas.
Retailers/Rentals: Tall Timber Lodge, Bear Rock Adventures
Pittsburg snowmobile trail maps can be found via Pittsburg Ridge Runners here
The Forks, Maine
Photo: Polaris
Photo: PolarisWhy Go There: Offering a remote wilderness experience, The Forks is known for its scenic forests, frozen lakes, and well-maintained trails that wind through the majestic landscapes of the Kennebec Valley.
Retailers/Rentals: Northern Outdoors, 201 Powersports
The Forks snowmobile trail maps can be found via the Maine Snowmobile Association here
Grand Lake, Colorado
Photo: Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Photo: Grand County Colorado Tourism Board
Photo: Grand County Colorado Tourism BoardWhy Go There: Known as the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado,” Grand Lake offers scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s largest natural lake. Riders can enjoy well-groomed trails and open alpine meadows.
Retailers/Rentals: On The Trail Rentals, Grand Adventures
Grand Lake snowmobile trail maps can be found via Colorado Trail Explorer here
Where to stay: Grand Lake Airbnbs
Stowe, Vermont
Photo: Snowmobile Vermont
Photo: Snowmobile Vermont
Photo: Go Stowe
Photo: Snowmobile VermontWhy Go There: Famous for its charming ski town atmosphere and scenic snow-covered hills, Stowe is a top destination for winter sports, including snowmobiling. Snowmobilers here have access to vast trails that wind through beautiful woodlands and open fields, with plenty of stops to take in the panoramic mountain views.
Retailers/Rentals: Snowmobile Vermont
Stowe snowmobile trail maps can be found via the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) here
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Photo: Thunderstruck Adventures/Visit Steamboat Springs
Photo: Thunderstruck Adventures/Visit Steamboat Springs
Photo: Thunderstruck Adventures/Visit Steamboat Springs
Photo: Thunderstruck Adventures/Visit Steamboat SpringsWhy Go There: Known for its legendary champagne powder and incredible snowmobiling trails, Steamboat Springs is surrounded by stunning mountain views and dense aspen forests, providing both scenic trails and open play areas.
Retailers/Rentals: Thunderstruck Adventures, Colorado Sled Rentals
Steamboat Springs snowmobile trail maps can be found via Colorado Trail Explorer here
Fryeburg, Maine
Photo: Polaris
Photo: Polaris
Photo: PolarisWhy Go There: Fryeburg offers access to the Saco River Valley about an hour from Portland, where riders can experience winding trails through snow-covered forests and stunning mountain views. It’s a quiet yet scenic destination for winter adventures.
Retailers/Rentals: Northeast ATV Rentals
Fryeburg snowmobile trail maps can be found via the Maine Snowmobile Association here
Where to stay: Airbnbs in Portland
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