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How to make friends abroad

Meeting fascinating people is one of the best things about traveling, but it takes time to develop a relationship — and that’s something you might not have a lot of if you’re on the road. The good thing about icebreakers is they can help you build rapport with strangers faster.

The best questions are original, or at least unusual. Greeting someone new with “how long have you been here” and “where next” is okay, but these openers can lead to some pretty repetitive conversation patterns because people use them all the time. It also leads the other person down an all-too-familiar route. Instead of using the same greetings as everyone else, take the plunge and offer a question that gives your new friend permission to open up in ways they haven’t done before. Asking something they aren’t expecting means you’ll get better thought-out answers, which keeps their energy level high and helps you work out if there’s chemistry.

So, next time you’re waiting for a late ferry or train, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Strike up a conversation and try these 10 icebreaker questions for size. You might end up with a new friend for life.

1. What inspired you to visit [insert country]?

This is so much better than “how long are you here for?” which is what’s known as a closed-ended question (something that only has a one-word response and can’t go anywhere else). Instead, try asking your new friend what inspires them. This reveals more about their personality and it allows them to share their values or hobbies. It also gives you the opportunity to respond with your own personal details, which helps build closeness and trust.

2. How do you spend your time when you’re not traveling?

Asking someone about their day job could result in a fascinating response, but let’s be honest — the chances of you meeting a volcanologist versus an admin assistant are a million to one. Plus, if you get the latter (or similar), feigning interest will come across as disingenuous — and you’ll both know it. Some people don’t see their own jobs as particularly interesting and would much rather discuss what they do for fun, so instead, keep the question open-ended and let them decide what to share. That admin assistant might also be an amateur drag queen. If you’d focused on their job, you’d have missed out on this conversational gold.

3. What brought you here?

This is a no-pressure way to invite someone to discuss their personal life before they came traveling. Rather than diving straight in with “what did you do before you came here?” you’re leaving it up to them as to how much they share about their past. People travel for a multitude of different reasons — most of which are positive, but some not so (break-ups, redundancy, and a family bereavement are common stories you’ll encounter on the road). Keep your questions as open-ended as possible, and let the other person elaborate at their own speed.

4. What are you looking forward to next?

This is better than “where are you headed to next?” which usually results in a closed, one-answer reply. Asking about upcoming plans is a much broader question, and could include both a destination, as well as timeframes, activities, routes, and motivations. This keeps the conversation flowing and gives you a segue into sharing your own travel or activity tips with them. It’s also focused on anticipated joy, which instantly takes them to a happy place, keeping the talk high-energy and positive. And if they reply with “nothing,” then take it as a hint to move on.

5. If you could describe your week in a movie title, what would it be?

Asking “How’s your week been so far?” is okay, but the other person will usually respond with “pretty good” or something equally noncommittal. Why? Because this type of question, along with “how’s it going?” is considered more of a formality than a genuine request for information. Asking your new pal to describe their week with a movie title (or book, song title or emoji — your call) encourages them to really think about their week more specifically and have fun with their answer. They’ll also want to explain their choice, which opens the doors to more conversation.

6. If you could pick a day to relive, which one would you choose?

There are variations on this question, like “what’s been your favorite moment so far” or “what’s been your favorite place,” but phrasing it like this is more unusual, which encourages the other person to really consider their answer. It also means you get to hear more about what really matters to your new friend.

7. Where did you grow up?

This potent question packs way more punch than “where are you from” because it invites the other person to give you a mini autobiography and share as much or as little of their life with you as they want. People usually consider growing up a long process and will likely mention several places, milestones, and events — which is way more interesting than hearing (or talking) about a literal birth location.

8. Is there anything you need help with right now?

This is always a surprising and disarming question to be asked — especially if they’re not outwardly displaying any signs of distress or need. When questioned, people often realize there is something they could use a hand with after all, whether that’s you keeping an eye on their bags while they pop to the loo, some travel tips, or just someone to share a taxi with. When we help people out, we instantly build a level of trust — so asking this question is your shortcut to making that deeper connection.

9. What’s the strangest icebreaker question you’ve ever been asked?

This is a good one because you’re piggybacking off someone else’s work. You encourage the other person to share a weird event and you get to hear their response. It also means you get to answer the question yourself (if you want to) or upstage it with a weirder one.

10. What’s your favorite way to travel?

Once, I got into a conversation with a guy who told me all about a ten-hour train ride he went on in India. The long and short of it was, he took some opium (we don’t recommend this) then succumbed to an explosive bout of food poisoning, all while crammed into a tiny carriage. Needless to say, his anecdote was horrifying and hilarious in equal measures. I’ve also met someone who was held up at gunpoint on a bus and another person who’s been in a shipwreck. Some of the most entertaining, heartwarming, and fascinating travel stories involve transport — and this deceptively simple question is your ticket to potentially hearing one of these tales.

More like this: How to backpack with your partner (without breaking up)

The post 10 icebreaker questions that can lead to deeper travel relationships appeared first on Matador Network.

New Anthony Bourdain documentary

CNN Films, HBO Max, and Focus Features have teamed up to release a documentary focused on the life story of chef and Parts Unknown host and writer Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain committed suicide in June of 2018, while shooting an episode of Parts Unknown in France with his friend Eric Ripert.

The Academy Award-winning director of 20 Feet from Stardom Morgan Neville will direct the documentary, and it will be released in theaters before it’s available to watch on CNN and HBO Max.

“Anthony Bourdain did more to help us understand each other than just about anyone in the history of television. He connected with people not in spite of his flaws, but because of them,” Neville commented in a statement regarding the documentary.

Throughout the course of his career, Bourdain amassed a loyal and loving fan base. Though he lived a mostly private life, he expressed a vulnerability on screen that helped people from all backgrounds connect and open up to him. In his show, his lust for travel, his appetite, his curiosity, and his genuine interest in exploring and understanding the unknown and unfamiliar is clear. It’s no wonder that his life has inspired so much curiosity.

Followers of Bourdain’s extensive world travels will likely be keen to understand what drove his obsession with traversing the globe, trying cuisines from every corner of the planet. And for those of us who miss his witty, insightful presence on television, the documentary will be yet another opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary life.

“We are honored to partner with CNN Films and Focus Features on this project that is so close to all of our hearts and give viewers the opportunity to celebrate his legacy,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max.

Bourdain’s estate is fully cooperating with the documentary, and will provide photos, letters, and home movies to capture a glimpse into his personal world. The documentary’s release date has yet to be announced.

The post An Anthony Bourdain documentary is coming to theaters appeared first on Matador Network.

The 20 most Instagrammed waterfalls in the world

You do realize TLC was being metaphorical in the song Waterfalls, right? Left Eye, T-Boz, and Chilli were simply suggesting you not live a completely reckless lifestyle, and probably had no problem with you traveling the world in search of falling water. Now that we’ve cleared that up, you’ll need some waterfall-travel inspiration, and where better to find it than Instagram? Its virtual pages are filled with loads of waterfall pictures, and the folks at Showerstoyou.co.uk (purveyors of a different kind of waterfall) found the 20 most hashtagged in the world.

20. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Photo: Alice Nerr/Shutterstock

Height: 3,211 feet

Popularity: 22,440 hashtags

Should tourism ever become practical in Venezuela again, the first place most Americans are going is Angel Falls. If you do end up in Canaima National Park, you’ll be treated to the largest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, a sheer drop down the side of a jungle cliff into the Rio Kerepakupai Meru.

19. Gocta Waterfall, Peru

Photo: marktucan/Shutterstock

Height: 2,529 feet

Popularity: 23,312 hashtags

Hard to believe a waterfall that drops for nearly a mile would go undiscovered until 2002. But such are the mysteries of the Amazon, where the Gotca waterfall was unnoticed until German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff happened upon it during a trip through the Utcubamba Valley. Now, you can take a six-hour trek through the rainforest to see it, where you’ll pass 22 other waterfalls along the way.

18. Jog Falls, India

Photo: rohitnair.photos/Shutterstock

Height: 830 feet

Popularity: 29,330 hashtags

Set against the lush green mountains of the southern state of Karnataka, these falls are the second-largest in India, dropping a staggering 830 feet into the Sharavathi River. The best time to go is during monsoon season, when the rains are high enough that the water flowing through the falls doesn’t need to be diverted for electricity. Otherwise, you may get all the way here and not get pictures of much more than a trickle.

17. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

Photo: maloff/Shutterstock”>rohitnair.photos/Shutterstock

Height: 75 feet

Popularity: 37,133 hashtags

At its peak, Rhine Falls is the most powerful in Europe, dropping 600 cubic meters of water per second from the Alps out to the North Sea. It’s been able to maintain its force because the Swiss never used it for electricity, and instead have made it one of the most popular attractions in the country with over a million visitors per year. The best time to go is during late spring and summer, when snow melting off the mountains rushes through the falls, creating the greatest show of water-born energy on the continent.

15. Cascata delle Marmore, Italy

Photo: MilaCroft/Shutterstock”>rohitnair.photos/Shutterstock

Height: 541 feet

Popularity: 39,140 hashtags

Continental Europe’s most Instagrammed falls is also the only artificial waterfall on the list, constructed by ancient Romans in 271 BC to divert stagnant water from the city of Rieti over a cliff and into the Nera River. It’s undergone centuries of new engineering, trenches, and canals, and it still stands as the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. In modern times, its flow has been restricted as water gets diverted to a hydroelectric plant. But, twice a day, the plant releases water and the falls come to life.

14. Dettifoss, Iceland

Photo: Thanapol Tontinikorn/Shutterstock”>rohitnair.photos/Shutterstock

Height: 144 feet

Popularity: 44,195 hashtags

Some fun bar trivia for you: Though the most powerful waterfall in Europe is generally thought to be Rhine Falls in Switzerland, during some times of the year it is eclipsed by this one in Vatnajökull National Park. At 500 cubic meters of water per second, it sits just behind Rhine’s peak power of 600, but well above its low-range of about 250. It also has a nice, 21-mile trail around the canyon, so you can take a couple of days to camp and fully appreciate its power.

13. Godafoss, Iceland

Photo: Vadym Lavra/Shutterstock”>rohitnair.photos/Shutterstock

Height: 49 feet

Popularity: 73,659

Godafoss, if you’re good at cognates, means “Falls of the gods.” The name comes from a legend about a man throwing Norse god statues into the falls when the country converted to Christianity. But spend an hour or so there and you’ll understand it can just as easily be described as divine.

12. Horseshoe Falls, Ontario

Photo: Bruce Raynor/Shutterstock

Height: 167 feet

Popularity: 76,784 hashtags

A pretty big asterisk here: Horseshoe Falls are actually one of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. This one is located entirely in Canada, and while the name is sometimes used interchangeably with Niagara, technically it’s its own entity. Most notably, it’s the falls you are behind during the Journey Behind The Falls, which yields a good chunk of Niagara’s total pictures.

11. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Photo: Richard A McMillin/Shutterstock

Height: 269 feet

Popularity: 116,083 hashtags

About half an hour east of Seattle’s business brother Bellevue, you’ll find the state’s most iconic waterfalls: a 269-foot cascade just down the highway from the Cascade Mountains. After enjoying the thundering falls, head up to the Salish Lodge and Spa for a relaxing lunch with a view. Or treat yourself to a night there and sleep to the sound of rushing water.

10. Bridalveil Falls, California

Photo: Jane Rix/Shutterstock

Height: 616 feet

Popularity: 127,020 hashtags

Not to be confused with the 25-or-so other waterfalls with the same name in the United States, this Yosemite falls is in a league of its own. The mist blowing off Bridalveil during peak season can literally go for a mile, and hiking the 1.2-mile, half hour trail to the viewpoint will often require a lot of Gore-Tex.

9. Havasu Falls, Arizona

Photo: ronnybas frimages/Shutterstock

Height: 98 feet

Popularity: 130,208

Unless your name is Beyoncé and you have unlimited funds to film a video here whenever you danged well feel like it, don’t think you’ll just stroll up to the Havasupai reservation near the Grand Canyon and snap all the pics you like. The tribe limits the number of visitors here to prevent it from getting over touristed, and when permits go on sale (at about $125 per person) on February 1, they typically sell out in a few hours.

8. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

Photo: CHENG YUAN/Shutterstock

Height: 197 feet

Popularity: 139,668 hashtags

Picking the best waterfall to photograph in Iceland is kinda like trying to pick the best season of The Sopranos, but Seljalandsfoss is a pretty strong contender for the top honor. Not only can you walk to the base or hike to the top via a bright green hillside, during drier months you can take a trail behind the falls for one of the most unique vantage points in the country.

7. Yosemite Falls, California

Photo: worldswildlifewonders/Shutterstock

Height: 2,424 feet

Popularity: 170,215 hashtags

Visit Yosemite Falls on a summer weekend and you can see all 170,000 of these pictures being taken at once! Ok, not really, though the falls’ booming Instagram popularity is a huge part of why the park saw over 4 million visitors last year. They are the highest falls in the U.S. mainland, and not by a small margin. The next one even close is Ribbon Fall (also in Yosemite) at 1,612 feet.

6. Skogafoss, Iceland

Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock

Height: 197 feet

Popularity: 218,094 hashtags

Perhaps Iceland’s most impressive waterfall – at least by sheer size – is this one, which stands nearly 200 feet tall by 85 feet wide. The flat trail to the falls makes for phenomenal –and very wet – photo ops. If you want to stay dry, the staircase to the top isn’t too tough a trek and offers equally-envy-inducing pictures.

5. Gullfoss, Iceland

Photo: Chris Dolby Imaging/Shutterstock

Height: 104 feet

Popularity: 234,512 hashtags

A decade ago, you’d be shocked to see anything in Iceland with a quarter-million hashtags. That’s mostly because Instagram didn’t exist 10 years ago, but also because Airbuses full of American tourists weren’t showing up daily. Now Iceland has more waterfalls on this list than any country other than the US, headed by this multi-step cascade about an hour and 40 minutes from Reykjavik.

4. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Photo: Eva Mont/Shutterstock

Height: 354 feet

Popularity: 236,117 hashtags

Known as “the greatest curtain of falling water in the world,” these sprawling falls sit on the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you’re traveling all that way you probably want more than just an Instagram picture, so make a few days out of it and raft the river, bungee jump over the falls, or swim right up to the edge at Devil’s Pool.

3. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Photo: Thye-Wee Gn/Shutterstock

Height: 620 feet

Popularity: 261,020 hashtags

The most Instagrammed waterfall entirely in the United States sits a short half hour drive from Portland, where you can take the brisk, 2.2-mile hike to the top, enjoy your photos, then spend the rest of the afternoon wine tasting around the Columbia River Gorge.

2. Iguazu Falls, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay

Photo: sharptoyou/Shutterstock

Height: 269 feet

Popularity: 343,037 hashtags

With over 200 different individual falls, the number of photo angles here are nearly endless. Typically, the best panoramas are on the Brazilian side, but if you want shots without throngs of people in them, Argentina is probably a better option. Paraguay’s side of Iguazu is an especially interesting trip, if you’re into discovering creative ways to take goods over the border.

1. Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario

Photo: Jam Norasett/Shutterstock

Height: 167 feet

Popularity: 3,008,732 hashtags

No huge surprise that the world’s most famous falls are also the most Instagrammed. But visitors to Niagara Falls tagged it nearly 10 times more than the next-most-popular waterfall on the list. This might be because of the abundance of photo ops from both the American and Canadian sides. Or because of all the other cool stuff to do in the region that might also be tagged. But if you also consider the amount of overachievers specifically hashtagging Horseshoe Falls, Niagara really doesn’t have any other falls even close to knocking them out of their top spot.

More like this: The 7 most amazing waterfalls in Costa Rica

The post The 20 most Instagrammed waterfalls in the world appeared first on Matador Network.

Hudson, NY is a perfect day trip

If you live in the New York Metropolitan area, there’s a good chance you view the Hudson Valley as a region imbued with fantasy and magic. There’s the golden, orange, and red foliage in the fall, the bridges overlooking the Hudson river, the crisp air, and the charming, quaint towns. It’s a paradise of peace and quiet and natural beauty for people surrounded by the constant blaring of sirens, barking dogs, screaming kids, and all the other incessant, cacophonous sounds of the city. Describing the Hudson Valley in one word is simple: pleasant.

The valley itself is sprinkled with cozy small towns like Beacon and Cold Spring, but my favorite by far is Hudson. Just two hours by car from my home in Jersey City (and about the same distance by train) Hudson has become my go-to escape from city life. I go to Hudson to escape the pressure to feel productive and to calmly enjoy fresh air and quiet streets without feeling rushed or like I need to accomplish anything. Trips to Hudson are a mini celebration — no excuse or occasion needed.

Photo: Moto Coffee Machine/Facebook

The first stop in town (after parking the car) is MOTO Coffee/Machine, which is a clean, white-walled coffee shop perfect for ordering hot lattes to carry around in the crisp weather. While you wait for your drink, the backroom of the shop is worth exploring for the motorcycle gear and vintage bikes. The owner is talkative, friendly, and always willing to answer questions.

After that, simply start wandering. If you’re looking for some direction, there are a few places we always drift toward: John Doe Records and Books, which, alongside its music collection, carries bins full of movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s on VHS. Then there’s NINA Z, where I sometimes can’t resist picking up an item from the shop’s carefully curated collection of stylish vintage clothing.

We don’t go back to Jersey City without first stopping at Talbott & Arding. The tiny cheese shop is reason alone to visit Hudson. Staffed by the friendliest cheesemongers (who are always generous with their samples), the shop’s provisions are heavenly: soft, chewy macaroons; melt-in-your-mouth caramels; and the most divine collection of cheeses. We typically leave with a paper bag full of supplies for an epic cheese plate later that evening.

If you drink alcohol, it’s crucial that you dedicate part of your day to taking a mini-tour of Hudson’s various bars (especially if you took the train or if you work in time to sober up before driving home).

Photo: Spotty Dog Books & Alee/Facebook

A favorite is Spotty Dog Books & Ale, which combines a bookstore with a short wooden bar serving craft beer and wine. Here, you can have a drink while you browse books (I’m definitely a little more willing to splurge on books I don’t need when I’m a tad tipsy) or sit at the bar with your beverage surrounded by the comfort of books. If you prefer to drink in relative peace, this is the place for you. The atmosphere is serene, the noise level low.

But it wouldn’t be a trip to Hudson with a stop at Back Bar. Located in the back of an antiques shop, I once confused this discreet spot for a mechanic’s shop. You, too, might walk right by it if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood. Back Bar is hidden behind a gate, and the building itself is at the end of a short, grass-lined path. Once you actually get to the door, you walk down another dimly lit, narrow hallway until you get to the bar itself, which is bathed in warm orange and red lights with a distinctly smokey smell in the air from the wood-fire oven. Beware: Back Bar’s cocktails are strong, but the bar also serves Malaysian-inspired bites and dim sum on Saturdays and Sundays to temper the alcohol.

Photo: Wm Farmer and Sons/Facebook

Once you get hungry for a full meal, there are a few options to consider. Le Gamin Country is on Warren Street, in the center of downtown Hudson. The vibe is rustic and the dining room is decorated with old Coke bottles and vintage street signs. The food, however, is French, as is the furniture (wicker chairs akin to those you might find at Parisian cafe). Le Gamin Country’s menu includes crepes, croque-monsieur, niçoise salad, and a very easy to drink rosé. A more modern option is the chic Wm. Farmer and Sons. The simple menu offers fried chicken and pecan waffles, not to mention a cocktail menu that includes whiskey flights.

It’s worth mentioning that art and artists permeate this town. The first feature of Hudson that I fell in love with is the two blocks dedicated almost entirely to upscale and vintage furniture stores. The stores show off sleek Art Deco-style desks, gilded arm chairs, and chic, modern lamps. Each one is a work of art with a price tag well beyond the means of the average daytripper, but taking a stroll past these stores is like walking through an outdoor museum. It’s worth the detour if you have even the slightest interest in art and design.

The elegant furniture stores are one sign that Hudson is a town popular among (and populated by) the wealthy. Another is the ornate brownstones that have a stately Victorian appearance — somehow both dilapidated and sophisticated. These homes are just a taste of Hudson’s time capsule-like atmosphere: One-room shops selling expensive vintage trinkets like rings, salt shaker sets from the ’20s, and whale figurines, sit next door to abandoned apartment buildings where the first floor windows are papered over. Across the street, a shiny new makeup and skincare store takes up half a block.

This mix of the old and new might come off as strange or depressing anywhere else, but here, it adds to the charm of Hudson — the town is clearly adapting to the modern era while holding on to its old-fashioned persona.

Photo: Dan Region

A vintage store called The Second Show adds to Hudson’s bohemian, antique atmosphere. I’ve never bought anything there, but I stop in every time I’m in Hudson. The Second Show is packed to the gills with lost and abandoned heirlooms, relics from families who moved away long ago, and found objects that have a distinctly haunted air. There are typewriters, fur coats, World War II posters, ’70s-era mint green drinking chalices, suitcases, rotary phones, cash registers, and bowls full of costume jewelry, belt buckles, and bottle openers. Browsing The Second Show is like stepping into a jumbled past — many eras and many forgotten lives are retained within its walls.

There is much to do and discover in Hudson, but what really sold me on this little town after my first couple of visits is its warmth — despite the fact that it’s not a place I visit in the warmer months. Hudson is a little bubble where nothing stressful can touch me and the living is easy. After a trip to Hudson, I return to the city with a recharged battery, ready to face the realities of regular life with renewed vigor. It’s true what they say: The Hudson Valley is magical. The best place to be touched by its spells is Hudson.


More like this: How the Hudson Valley became the best region in the US for craft beverages

The post The perfect day trip to Hudson, the jewel of upstate New York appeared first on Matador Network.

The best lookout points in Budapest

Budapest officially became a city in 1873 following the unification of three cities: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. Despite its relatively new modern jurisdiction (at least by European standards), it’s seen thousands of years of European struggle, conquest, and progress. One of the best places to take this history in is from the lookout points in the Buda hills surrounding the city. Because you aren’t already going to do enough walking on a trip to Budapest, venture into the mountains to check out these lookout towers, each a piece of Hungarian history in its own right.

1. Citadel

Janossy Gergely /Shutterstock

Start with Citadel atop Gellért Hill. This lookout point is actually an entire fort, and is one of the most important historical locations in the city’s modern history. It was constructed by the Austrian military in the mid-1800s to assert power over the Hungarians, and then occupied by the Soviets during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Check out the adjacent Liberation Monument while you’re up there, which was built after World War II and before Soviet rule. Today, the Liberation Monument stands as a tribute to peace in Budapest.

Getting there: Gellért Hill is in the center of the city and adjacent to the Danube River. The fort and monument are accessible via a number of easily identifiable walking paths. While you’re there, check out the Garden of Philosophers and the observation deck at Kilátópont.

Where: 1118 Budapest, Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány 1

2. Elizabeth Lookout Tower

Zoltan Tarlacz/Shutterstock

János Hill is the highest point in Budapest and home to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower, a massive structure that more resembles an old cathedral than a typical observation point. You can hike up the 1,700 feet to the monument or take the Zugliget Chairlift, which cuts the climb down to a fraction of its full self. The architect Frigyes Schulek designed the tower, which was erected in 1910 in honor of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Walk up the 134 steps to the top and you can see as far as the Tatras on a clear day.

Getting there: János Hill is east of the city center and accessible via bus from the downtown Nyugati station. The easiest way to get to the top is the chairlift, though you can opt for the Children’s Railway also — get off at the fourth stop, named after the hill.

Where: Budapest, Erzsébet kilátó út, 1121 Hungary

3. Hármashatár Hill Lookout Tower

Hármashatár-hegyi Kiránduló Központ/Facebook

Budapest’s newest lookout tower opened in 2016 and looks like something from an amusement park, though the hill it stands on has a history that is anything but leisurely. Axis soldiers used Hármashatár Hill as a bunker to spot and attack Allied fighters during World War II. The tower stands alongside where their bunkers were, and you’ll have to put in a moderate hike to reach it. Once there, the wooden, octagon-shaped tower offers all-encompassing views of the metropolitan area surrounding Budapest.

Getting there: Take bus 65 from Kolosy Square to its terminus. Then, hike up the hill via the easily noticeable trail, which takes just under an hour. You’ll see the tower as you reach the summit.

Where: 1030 Budapest, Hármashatárhegyi út 1

4. Szechenyi Memorial Lookout Tower

Brendan Riley/Shutterstock

This tower is named after Count István Széchenyi, remembered as “The Greatest Hungarian” because of his modernization efforts in the 1800s. He had a small but mighty lookout tower built in his honor in the hilly Svábhegy neighborhood above the city in 1898. His bust greets you as you approach, surrounded on either side by a staircase leading to views of the city from the west. Turn around and take in the surrounding Buda Hills.

Getting there: Take the Children’s Railway to the end of the Szechenyl Hill line. The tower greets you as you walk briefly along the hill.

Where: Szechenyi-emlek ut 12, Budapest 1121, Hungary

5. Fisherman’s Bastion

The World in HDR/Shutterstock

Fisherman’s Bastion, built in the late 1800s, offers better views than anywhere else on the Pest side of the city. Climb the fortress to take in views of the Danube, center city, and the hills west of the town. Any guided tour of Budapest will include a stop here, as it earned its place in Budapest lore by showcasing all sides of the area’s history. While the monument’s seven turrets represent the seven tribes that settled the Carpathian Basin during the Middle Ages, its construction ruined the foundation of the adjacent 13th-century church.

Getting there: Take the Buda Castle Funicular up Castle Hill, and Fisherman’s Bastion is just a few minute’s walk from the terminus.

Where: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary


More like this: The 7 fanciest thermal spas in Budapest you need to check out

The post 5 lookout towers with the best views over Budapest appeared first on Matador Network.

The best winter train trips

Winter is one of those things best viewed from afar. Like, as long as you can just sit back with a hot cocoa and enjoy soft falling snow, it’s pretty darned charming. But once you have to go outside and shovel your car out from under a few feet of snow in a driving ice storm, it loses a little of that romantic luster.

So what better way to experience winter than a soothing train ride through alpine wonderlands? Where you can step into a heated dome car, take in all that snowy beauty, and never step out of flip flops. Across North America — and the world — you can find some absolutely dreamy winter train trips. Here are ten we particularly enjoy.

1. Glacier Express — Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

Photo: Glacier Express

You’d be hard pressed to find any train trip through Switzerland that wasn’t jaw-droppingly scenic, but the king of them all is this eight-hour ride between the country’s two biggest resort cities. Each turn on this trip brings you a new, envy-inducing view, and when you’re not steaming across a pristine mountain lake you’re passing over a Swiss village that looks like it stepped off the cover of a chocolate box.

You’ll pass through the majestic Swiss Alps, gazing out your panoramic dome car at sites like the Rhine Gorge — aka the Grand Canyon of Switzerland — and the Solis and Landwasser viaducts. And for the ultimate indulgence, try Glacier Express’ Excellence Glass, which pairs your views with a multi-course meal, massive leather seats, and an open bar.

2. Amtrak Vermonter — Washington, DC, to St. Albans, Vermont

Photo: Don Landwehrle/Shutterstock

If you’re planning to visit Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, or Washington, DC, this winter consider taking the scenic route on the Vermonter. Once out of the region’s major metropolitan areas, it winds along the Connecticut River into the Green Mountains, stopping in cities and towns filled with snow-covered colonial churches and faded red farmhouses.

You’ll also have the opportunity to drop in at Stowe, Killington, or any of the state’s other fabled ski resorts, and put yourself smack in the middle of all that beautiful white wilderness. Or visit Brattleboro and Montpellier, two of Vermont’s largest cities and surprisingly-enjoyable places to spend a weekend.

3. JR Tadami Line — Fukushima to Niigata, Japan

Photo: GLAYPIG/Shutterstock

The 83-mile trip from Fukushima to Niigata is a little like taking a train through a Japanese snow globe, as the powerful engine chugs through remote Japanese villages whose red tin roofs are blanketed with white stuff. Along the way, you’ll also cross high, arching bridges over deep forest valleys, adding a dose of Asian engineering to the experience.

Though about 21 miles of the route has been closed due to landslide damage since 2011 — and won’t reopen until 2021 — that hasn’t stopped this ride from becoming a sensation on Chinese social media. Nor has it diminished the train’s reputation as one of the most romantic rides in the world.

4. Rocky Mountaineer — Vancouver, BC to Banff/Jasper, Alberta

Photo: BGSmith/Shutterstock

North America may have no more scenic train route than the one running through the Canadian Rockies. The luxe Rocky Mountaineer offers a few routes along this path, each with spectacular highlight you won’t find south of the border. The classic First Passage to the West trip runs two days, starting in Vancouver, stopping in Kamloops and covering thick evergreen forest and lakes, before continuing on to the towering, snow-capped mountains of Lake Louise.

For a higher trip, try the Journey Through the Clouds, which follows the same first leg into Kamloops, then carries on through the highest peaks in the Rockies. If you want to spend a little more time exploring western Canada, opt for the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, which traverses the coastal rainforest up to Whistler before traveling past Fraser Canyon and Mount Robson, and on into Jasper. And if you’ve really got some time, try Original Travel’s Canadian Rockies Rail Journey & Alaska itinerary, which extends for another week into the Last Frontier.

5. Alaska Railroad Aurora — Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Photo: XUERUI YIN/Shutterstock

Alaska train trips are generally a summertime venture, but rolling through the deep winter wilderness can be a far more spectacular journey. This week-long journey begins in Anchorage and heads north, traveling past Denali and the Alaska Range. You’ll stop in the little village of Talkeetna and try your hand and mushing sled dogs, where you can also opt for a flightseeing tour over snow-capped mountains.

The nights, as you might have guessed, are long. But that just leaves more time for catching the Aurora Borealis when you get to Fairbanks, which are easiest to spot this time of year. Even if you don’t see the Northern Lights, you’ll get access to Alaskan backcountry seldom reached when it’s cold. Just make sure to pack a good jacket.

6. Bergensbanen — Oslo to Bergen, Norway

Photo: Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock

Perhaps the world’s most scenic train trip that starts as a commuter train, this six-and-a-half hour ride between Norway’s two largest cities is the best way to see all the country’s scenic highlights. From Oslo, you’ll start your slow climb into the mountains moving past snow-dusted valleys and winding rivers. Snow-packed peaks pop up in the distance as you move ever faster towards their imposing shadows, blasting through some 182 tunnels as you venture through the mountains.

After a long ascent to the highest station at Finse, you’ll ride over fjords, past waterfalls, and through storybook Norwegian villages. The ride ends with a slow, coastal descent into Bergen — which, while not the scenic highlight of the trip, is still a less-visited city that’s worth checking out for a night.

7. Yellowstone & Yosemite Winter Magic — Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, and back

Photo: Pung/Shutterstock

Combining the coastal beauty of Amtrak’s California Zephyr and the vast desert scapes of its Southwest Chief, this 13-day trip from Vacations By Rail lets you see two of America’s most popular national parks in all their winter glory. You’ll begin in Chicago then cross the plains into Colorado’s Rocky Mountains before stopping in Salt Lake City. From there you’ll take a bus into Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, spending two nights there and another in Jackson.

Upon returning to Salt Lake City you’ll re-board the Zephyr and cross the Sierras into Sacramento where a bus to Yosemite awaits. After a night in the park you’ll continue down the San Joaquin Valley to Los Angeles, where you’ll hop on the Southwest Chief and see the red rocks of the Southwest in a blustery shade of white

8. Trans-Siberian Railway — Moscow, Russia, to Beijing, China

Photo: ALEKSANDR RIUTIN/Shutterstock

Although, sadly, the orchestra of the same name does not accompany you along the Trans-Siberian Railway, you will see some of the most remote, snow-swept nature scenes in the world. While living here might be punishment, a train trip through it is not — running from Moscow to Vladivostok with spurs out to Mongolia and Beijing.

In addition the winterscapes of steppes and mountains you’ll also see the Russian Orthodox churches in all their winter glory. And have time to appreciate the architecture of cities like Ulan-Ude and Irkutsk along the way. You’ll also pass by the deep blue waters of Lake Baikal and rumble through the steppes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Just make sure you’ve banked some serious vacation time to do this: A trip down the longest railroad in the world can take upwards of three weeks if you go all the way to China.

9. Empire Builder Snow Train — Chicago, Illinois, to Seattle, Washington

Photo: Mary F Wilber/Shutterstock

Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder might be the best way to see the American West during any season, but the 2,206 mile trip from Chicago to Seattle yields some especially spectacular views in the winter. If you can brave the cold weather in Chicago, board the train there for a magical journey through the snow-covered prairies, where bluffs look out over endless fields of sparkling plains.

From there it’s into the jagged, snow-capped mountains of Montana and northern Idaho, before crossing the colorful Cascades and descending into Seattle. If you want to check out both cities on either end, Vacations By Rail offers a five-day, four-night package with hotel stays the nights before and after the trip.

10. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad — Trego, Wisconsin

Photo: Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

Anyone who’s ever watched a late-season Packers game might think winter in Wisconsin is nothing but frozen tundra and icicles forming on your nose. But in the cozy confines of the Wisconsin Northern Railroad, you can enjoy the snow-covered landscape of America’s Dairyland, minus the potential hypothermia. This short ride traverses the Namekagon River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Railway, through rolling hills and meandering waters.

The train also doubles as the country’s only bed and breakfast on the rails. You’ll board the train at night for dinner, then take a brief tour through the woods while you eat before returning to the station. You’ll have the evening to converse with your fellow guests, then wake in the morning to steaming hot coffee in a romantic winter setting.

More like this: These scenic train rides take you to the best skiing in the world

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How to prepare for a trip to Everest

Everest Base Camp is a place nearly everyone in the outdoors community knows but most will never see. A rudimentary base on Mount Everest used by mountain climbers aspiring to scale the summit of Mount Everest, the base is also popular amongst hikers who want to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan wonder but aren’t quite ready to face the costs or the grueling climb to the summit. Before you embark on this journey, there are a few things you need to know.

There are both North and South base camps

Photo: Daniel Prudek/Shutterstock

It is a lesser-known fact that there are actually two base camps, north, and south, each on opposites side of Everest. The South Base camp, situated in Nepal, sits at 5,354 meters — 17,600 feet — and can be accessed via a flight or trek from Kathmandu to the Lukla airport and then another trek to the camp. The South Base Camp is situated in Tibet, on the Chinese side, and stands at 5,150 meters, or 17,056 feet. It can be accessed via a 100 km road from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar. Both are the subject of much speculation and seemingly unbreakable rumors, some true and some false. Let’s have a closer look.

Rumors surrounding Everest base camp
1. Everest Base Camp is overcrowded

False. In the high season, there will be a multitude of tents pitched at Everest Base Camp but there are also guesthouses a mere 3.5 km walk away. Whilst there may be an issue with overcrowding higher up on the mountain on the way the summit, at base camp, this issue isn’t prevalent.

2. There is human waste and litter on the trail

True and false, depending on the location on the mountain. While there have been reports of escalating levels of rubbish on the camps higher up on the mountain, the trail is, to a large extent, litter-free. Furthermore, the Nepalese government introduced an environmental deposit of $4000 per expedition to incentivize groups to bring their rubbish down. It is required by mandate that each climber of Everest bring 17 pounds of trash with them down on their descent. Failure to comply means forfeiture of the deposit.

An environmental permit has also been introduced where teams could obtain a permit above generally restricted numbers if they contributed to cleaning up the mountain. As a result, it was reported by Forbes in May 2019 that instead of stepping over trash and human waste, there was merely snow on the trail, signs that the government’s efforts are working.

3. Everest base camp is closed to tourists

False. The base camp on the Tibetan side is closed to those who don’t have permits. Climbers with a permit are still permitted to access the camp but only 300 of these will be issued every year. It is important to note that the Nepalese Base Camp is still open and accessible as usual. But the restriction from the Tibet side will no doubt result in a spike in hikers attempting the route from the south side.

4. It is party central

True. If you have the funds, alcohol is easily accessible throughout the trail, as well as at the guesthouses close to Everest Base Camp. Partying is a big enough part of the culture there that DJ Paul Oakenfold performed at base camp back in 2017. Many of the guesthouses don’t have televisions, and guests have to pay a premium to use wifi and charge electrical gadgets. A beer, costing $5, is an easy and cheap option to relax and pass time in the evenings. Guesthouses earn well from thirsty, bored hikers and as such, don’t tend to discourage excessive drinking.

What you actually need to know before making the journey

Photo: Daniel Prudek/Shutterstock

1. There is a fake base camp and a real base camp

The final guesthouse before you reach Everest base camp is called Gorak Shep. Often hikers will drop off all their belongings here and trek the remaining 3.5 km to arrive at base camp. You will see big rocks and a multitude of bright flags with a sign reading ‘EBC’, along with a plethora of hikers celebrating and taking selfies.

Ignore them, turn right, and continue walking on for another seven minutes and you will then notice a small mound of snow surrounded by glaciers and a few flags. This is the real base camp, and the place where you should actually snap a selfie and breath a sigh of relief. Don’t be duped by fellow travelers that don’t do proper research.

2. Expect wind from all directions

A common issue that hikers face along the trail is an excess of what we’ll call “bodily wind.” This could be due to the carbohydrate-rich food served along the trail. Daal bhaat is a common dish on offer for lunch and dinner, which consists of lentils and white rice, served with vegetable curry. The flatulence could also be caused by water, which is often cloudy as you trek higher up the trail. It is prudent to carry water purification tablets, a portable water filter or a Steripen, which uses ultraviolet light to purify water in 30 seconds.

3. Avoid meat

The Sherpa community perceive the mountain to be sacred. As a result, animals are not killed on the mountain. This means that any meat consumed needs to be carried up the mountain via a Sherpa. It takes days for the Sherpas to trek up the mountain, so there is no guarantee that the meat is fresh or safe for consumption. Your best bet is to stick with the Dhaal bhaat and whatever else is on offer. The last thing you want to deal with is a bout of food poisoning or even a slightly upset stomach.

4. The Lukla Airport is among the most dangerous in the world

One way to access the bottom of the Nepalese Base Camp is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. Lukla Airport is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most dangerous. Its runway is a mere 1,600 meters long, which ends in a 2000-foot dramatic drop. The mountainous region also means that visibility is poor and the weather changes swiftly, which has resulted in a crash rate that is far higher than at most airports. If you’re going to brave it, don’t be uptight about scheduling. It is not uncommon to have flights postponed for up to a week due to weather.

A pricier alternative is to take a helicopter, which is still risky. However, if you booked your ticket with a local travel agent in Kathmandu, it’s worth asking them to help negotiate with the helicopter operators to see if they can swap your plane ticket for a helicopter one. There is a strong connection and level of respect between some transport operators in Nepal and it’s entirely possible to make this swap if you speak to the right people and bargain. The view of the misty Himalayas in a helicopter will be worth the extra effort.

5. The glaciers are beautiful but deadly

As you ascend closer to Everest Base Camp, there will be glaciers that surround the trail. They are beautiful to observe but if you get too close, it can prove to be fatal. Often, the melting ice is unstable and large chunks can fall off and crush you. There is also the risk of slipping and falling into a crevasse, which is the stuff nightmares are made of.


More like this: How to prepare for a high-altitude trek

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Shibuya Scramble Square to become the tallest building in iconic Tokyo district

The tallest building in one of Tokyo’s most high-profile areas is set to open next month. The Shibuya Scramble Square, towering over the Shibuya district, represents a milestone in the revitalization of Shibuya, which is stated to be fully complete in 2027. The Shibuya Scramble Square is a 754-foot tall building, which will house over 200 businesses, plenty of office space, and the largest rooftop observatory in the country. When it officially opens on November 1st, it will be the largest office building in Shibuya, according to a report in the Japan Times.

According to Yuki Hashimoto, a member of the Shibuya Ward Assembly who spoke to the Times, “Shibuya has always been a hub for youth, diversity, technology, and culture in Tokyo, but further growth in the district will help it become more recognized around the world.”

In addition to Shibuya Scramble Square, the Shibuya Fukuras and Shibuya Parco shopping complexes and an underground plaza will also open in November.

Famous as a home for internet startups, Shibuya’s new buildings and revitalization represent a commitment to keeping the area attractive for young entrepreneurs.

“The most important thing we can do,” said Hashimoto, “is build an environment conducive to young startups and foster collaboration between bigger businesses, so the local economy can grow alongside its infrastructure.”


More like this: A perfect day in Tokyo in 12 beautiful photos

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Proper sushi restaurant etiquette

David Chang is known for his strong opinions. He thinks grocery stores are racist. He’ll defend MSG and Chinese take-out to the death. And he’s got a couple more controversial opinions to add to the list: He thinks poke is “one of the worst culinary creations of the modern era,” and he thinks you’re eating sushi all wrong, too.

In the latest episode of the podcast series, “The Hottest Take,” Bill Simmons and Chang discuss all things raw fish, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the latter fired off a series of shots aimed at trendy iterations of poke — bowls of cubed raw fish (usually tuna) on a bed a rice usually accompanied by a vegetable salad.

“It should not be eaten outside of mainland Hawaii. I’m going to stand by that,” Chang says.

No, Chang is not declaring that all poke — a dish likely invented by the first Polynesian settlers of Hawaii, thousands of years before Westerns set foot on the islands — shouldn’t be eaten because it’s flavorless or poorly made. Instead, he’s condemning fast casual poke restaurants that capitalize on the dish’s popularity by warping its quality and flavor.

Chang goes on to question where the fish served at poke restaurants in the mainland United States is sourced from, and speculates that much of it is pre-prepared and left to sit in metal containers all day. If you have to eat poke, Chang stresses that you should only do so if you can see a chef dicing up the fish as you order it.

The conversation takes a turn however, when Chang realizes his larger complaint isn’t even with poke, necessarily, it’s with what he terms the “sushi bro.”

According to Chang, the “sushi bro” peacocks at a sushi counter, disrespecting the culinary tradition, the sushi chef, and his ingredients along the way. He argues that, at a sushi restaurant, there is proper etiquette that dictates how you should behave during your meal.

First of all, Chang says that you should speak in a “calm tone and low voice.” When it comes to ingredients, you must respect the fish: You should not spread wasabi all over your sushi, which masks the flavor. Nor should you douse the fish in soy sauce, a move akin to “going to Italy and putting ketchup on Neapolitan pizza.” And you shouldn’t be asking your waitress for extra ginger. The point is to experience the true taste of the fish, not cover it up with garnishes.

Next, Chang explains that you shouldn’t ask for hot sake, and in fact, you might not even want to drink, let alone “get wasted.” He recommends green tea instead. And though it might be uncomfortable for Americans, eating expensive sushi with your fingers is always encouraged.

Chang also makes a distinction between “eating” and “dining out,” and uses the specific example of ridiculous Americanized sushi, like a “Philly cheesesteak roll.” It’s okay to dip those in Sriracha — after all, it’s not real sushi. But if you’re splurging on a sushi dinner at a restaurant run by a sushi master, it’s important to respect the chef’s craft and the fish he’s putting in front of you.

More like this: With ‘Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner,’ David Chang proves we don’t need a ‘new’ Anthony Bourdain

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Difficult border crossings from US

Americans who frequently make the easy cross-border trip to Canada might think border crossings are a piece of cake, but in reality, not everyone is as hospitable to foreigners as the Canadians. Although the US passport is relatively strong and grants US citizens entry into 185 countries around the world, that doesn’t mean all of those arrivals are simple or safe. Whether it’s an arduous visa application system, reactionary local laws, serious safety concerns, many countries require an ample amount of preparation and consideration before Americans should decide to travel there. Here are the border crossings that may prove frustrating for Americans.

1. Russia

Photo: Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

Notwithstanding the current political firestorm raging around Russia, the country has never exactly welcomed US travelers with open arms. However, the vast country’s architectural beauty, abundance of historic sites, and literary significance, make it a highly desirable vacation destination. Although citizens of many countries can simply apply for a Russian tourist visa by filling out a few dozen questions, US citizens must fill out extensive paperwork consisting of far more intrusive questions. To qualify for a visa, you must have a Russian-based hotel, cour company, relative, employer, or university acting as a “sponsor”, and visas are only granted for specific travel dates — not the more general “90 days” you’ll find in other countries.

It’s also important to keep in mind that Russia does not allow US diplomatic missions to intervene in visa matters, meaning US citizens stuck in Russia because of an expired visa will essentially be stranded. So if you do decide to visit Russia, make sure you don’t overstay your visa.

Russia’s visa restrictions may sound strict, but they are a response to equally stringent US laws for awarding visas to Russian citizens. So really, there’s plenty of blame to go around.

2. Somalia

Photo: MDOGAN/Shutterstock

Somalia might not be at the top of most US travelers’ vacation list, but for the more intrepid tourists, this East African nation may certainly have an adventurous allure. It’s important, however, not to confuse adventure with real danger. Somalia is home to al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group, making travel to the country particularly precarious for westerners.

If you’re intent on visiting Somalia, be prepared for a relatively complicated process. Not all regions of the country are the same. Some areas issue visas upon arrival, while others require you to procure one in advance from a Somali embassy. This might not sound too prohibitive until you realize the US embassy doesn’t even have a Somali embassy. Somali laws are also notoriously strict, with many local courts operating under Islamic Shari’a law. Accidentally violating a Somali law could result in your imprisonment or expulsion from the country. In a place with no organized system of criminal justice, the average slip up could turn into a pretty dire situation.

3. Sudan

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

Similar to Somalia, traveling to Sudan can be a hairy proposition for tourists. The US State Department cites terrorism, armed conflict, and violent crime, among reasons citizens should think twice about visiting the country. But if the warning isn’t enough to dissuade you, maybe the hassle of actually getting travel permits will.

To visit, you will first have to obtain an entry visa from a Sudanese embassy before arrival and then register with the Ministry of the Interior within three days of your arrival. If you’re planning to venture beyond the capital of Khartoum, the process becomes even more complicated. Within 24 hours of arriving at any destination outside Khartoum, you must register with the police within 24 hours. Even if you do have the correct documentation for your area, you could still be detained by local security forces, or have your equipment seized — especially if you’re traveling with camera gear.

4. Bhutan

Photo: Khanthachai C/Shutterstock

Bhutan may be remote, but it has an international reputation as one of the world’s friendliest and most welcoming countries, largely due to its Gross National Happiness index. Just because the government values happiness, however, doesn’t mean they go out of their way to make it easy to visit. Bhutan’s relationship with the US isn’t by any means hostile, but the US doesn’t have an embassy or consulate in the country, meaning traveling there becomes a bit complicated. Americans will need to book their trip through a Bhutanese tour operator in order to visit, and prepared to pay a minimum daily tariff of $250 per day ($200 per day from December to February, and June to August).

This may sound unreasonably steep, but keep in mind that the tariff does cover accommodation, transportation, meals, entry fees to museums and cultural experiences, and the service of guides. Anyone who’s been there will tell you the hassle is worth it.

5. Iraq

Photo: Al Orfali/Shutterstock

Compared to Bhutan, Iraq might feel like a bit of a no-brainer. Although Iraq may be safer now than it was in 2004, it’s still not exactly a utopia. The State Department warns against traveling there due to the threat of kidnapping and terrorist violence, but for some, the amount of paperwork might be even more frightening.

You’ll need to apply for a visa through the Embassy of Iraq in Washington DC, and then obtain an arrival sticker once you land in the country. You should also be prepared to undergo a blood test for HIV and hepatitis. Perhaps most importantly, your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates.

6. Libya

Photo: Mohamed I Khalid/Shutterstock

Similar to other countries without US embassies, traveling to Libya will be difficult due to the lack of a US consular presence. In 2014 the US Embassy suspended all operations there due to violence between Libyan militias and remains closed today. That means the State Department has very little ability to assist US citizens traveling through the country, nor can they help you obtain a visa. For updated application procedures, you’ll have to contact the Libyan Embassy in Washington DC, but visas must be obtained in advance of your trip, and passports should be valid for at least six months after your trip’s conclusion. To make matters worse, most international airports are closed, and flights through the few operational airports are sporadic at best.

7. Angola

Photo: Fabian Plock/Shutterstock

The process for entering Angola is rather unique, as you need to request a “letter of invitation”. This letter needs to be written in Portuguese, be notarized in Angola, and can cost up to $400 (in addition to the regular visa fee). This letter is a prerequisite for applying for a visa. What may give you the most pause, however, is that part of the visa application is submitting a photocopy of your round-trip plane ticket, and proof of accommodation in Angola. So theoretically, you could book your flight and hotel, and then be denied a visa.

Once you’ve managed to arrive in Angola, you run the risk of being detained without cause. According to the State Department, there have been several cases of foreigners being inexplicably detained by authorities, who demanded bribes before allowing visitors to enter or leave the country.

More like this: 8 horror stories from people going through customs

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