Matador Network's Blog, page 985

This company is giving away free Caribbean flights to nurses

Nursing is among the most underappreciated professions, but now nurses are finally about to get their due. If you’re a nurse who’s tired of working back-to-back overnight shifts and dealing with the constant pressure of a high-stress environment, you could win a much-needed getaway — for free. CheapCaribbean is sending 50 nurses and their plus-ones to a tropical destination of their choice. All you have to do is sign up for the ER&R Club by 11:59 PM on November 4th.

The club offers all-inclusive deals exclusively for nurses, and on November 5th, members will receive an email to register for free flights. These free flights will be available to the first 50 nurses who register. You can choose from any of CheapCaribbean’s tropical destinations, including Punta Cana, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, the Bahamas, and many others.

If you’re one of the first 50, you must choose dates for a trip lasting at least five nights, any time between January 1st through June 30th, 2020 (note the blackout dates). Nurses who receive free flights must also book those flights on United Airlines by November 15th, so you can’t take too long to decide where to go. Also keep in mind that while flights are covered, accommodation, food, drinks, and entertainment are on you.


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JK Rowling discourages volunteering

Harry Potter fans and — who are we kidding? — pretty much everyone else, considers the advice of JK Rowling to be the word of God. But at first glance, this particular piece of advice might raise some eyebrows. Speaking at the One Young World summit in London, Rowling encouraged students to stop volunteering at orphanages, claiming that orphanages perpetuate the abuse of children, child trafficking, and family separation.

“Despite the best of intentions,” she said, “the sad truth is that visiting and volunteering in orphanages drives and industry that separates children from their families and puts them at risk of neglect and abuse.”

While orphanages are widely considered to have a positive effect on children’s lives, Rowling says that when you peel back the curtain, “It has huge effects on their normal development, it renders children vulnerable to abuse and trafficking, and it massively impacts their life chances.”

According to the Lumos charity, many volunteers are unaware that children in orphanages are 500 times more likely to commit suicide, 40 times more likely to have criminal records, and ten times more likely to be involved in prostitution. Volunteers frequently pursue volunteerism to boost their resumes, without any knowledge of the insidious nature of the institution.

Alex Christopolous, CEO of Lumos, said “Most children in orphanages are not even ‘orphans’ – they are placed there due to reasons such as poverty, disability, or to receive an education, and many have a family who could care for them, given the right support.”

To remedy the situation, Rowling launched a global campaign called #HelpingNotHelping, which aims to change attitudes toward orphanage tourism and volunteering. It calls on schools, colleges, and universities to revise their volunteer programs to reflect the problematic nature of orphanages. Rowling wants to encourage schools to promote other, more ethical forms of volunteerism.


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What to do in Mariposa near Yosemite

The rock archway spanning El Portal Road outside Yosemite Valley is not much to look at next to Half Dome or El Capitan, but as one of five official entry points to Yosemite National Park, the granite welcome banner has become something of a landmark in its own right.

Four of the park’s entrances draw a line down its western edge while the Tioga Pass occupies the eastern side. Each offers a distinct first impression of the valley, as well as access to different amenities and attractions. Tioga Pass is closest to neighboring Nevada, passing the Mammoth Lakes on the drive. Hetch Hetchy is the farthest north on the west side and the most remote, while the South Entrance caters to those coming from Southern California. In between, the Big Oak Flat and Arch Rock entrances funnel traffic from the Bay Area.

Of the five, the Arch Rock Entrance is closest to Yosemite Valley, about 25 minutes from the park’s visitors center. In the other direction, it opens to the historic heart of Mariposa County. To turn your Yosemite trip into a Northern California adventure, plan your park visit around the Arch Rock Entrance — even if you’re coming from Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

A gateway town that doesn’t pander to tourists

Photo: Jon Chica/Shutterstock

El Portal sits on Yosemite’s doorstep, but the town of Mariposa roughly 45 minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance is better known as a gateway to the park. Though larger than El Portal, Mariposa hardly seems bigger than its main street, which, for a correspondingly small town center, has a surprising number of shops, eateries, and attractions.

While its proximity to the park is a defining characteristic, Mariposa secured its place in history as a Gold Rush boomtown. A museum off one end of the main street chronicles the town’s heritage through letters, documents, and artifacts, some of which have been made into lifesize displays of what a schoolhouse, saloon, or general store pantry might have looked like. Out back are two large mills once used to crush quartz and extract gold.

The museum feels personal because it is. Its contents were all donated, as was the land on which it was built, and volunteers donate their time to keep it going.

Mariposa, in general, is like this. Local businesses support one another, everyone seems to know each other, and passersthrough are treated more like neighbors than tourists. Neither a Gold Rush gimmick nor a town that revolves around Yosemite, Mariposa packages its amenities into a community beaming with small-town charm, plus perks like a lively arts scene, more craft beer than you’d expect, and annual events like the Butterfly Festival and Mariposa County Fair that’d make fun additions to any Yosemite itinerary.

Glamping for people who make fun of glamping

Photo: Jon Chica/Shutterstock

It’s hard to complain about a hot shower, a nice meal, and comfortable bedding after a long day outdoors, but call it glamping, and some will find a way. Park purists may insist on sleeping in the backcountry, or maybe at the campground, but about 35 minutes from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance is an alternative that could have even the most stubborn John Muir disciples reconsidering: overnighting in a sustainable, decked out Airstream.

A few bends in the road past Mariposa is the even smaller town of Midpines, which, were it not for its very own post office, might not be considered a town at all. Here, tucked away off the highway, visitors can make their Yosemite trips unforgettable at AutoCamp. Neither too precious for the wilderness fluent nor too rustic for the nature illiterate, the effortlessly cool glampsite specializes in exclusively designed Aistreams, though there are also luxury tents, six-person cabins, and handicap-accessible units on site. All come with a private patio and grill and are positioned around the mid-century modern clubhouse.

“For us, it’s about connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” says Robert Smit, the regional vice president of AutoCamp.

Honoring its word, the property makes accessing Yosemite easy with daily YARTS shuttles to the park, as well as exclusive pricing with REI Day Tours. Back at camp, when they’re feeling social, guests can play giant lawn games, swim in the heated pool, or sit by the campfire overlooking the pond. When they’re not, they can wander nearby walking trails, sign out a complimentary mountain bike, or stock up on wine and artisan snacks at the on-site store and retreat back to their personal fire pits.

The case for Mariposa’s après hike

Photo: The Grove House/Facebook

As well as connecting guests to nature and their fellow campers, AutoCamp also nurtures its connection to Mariposa, from getting its baked goods from the Sugar Pine Bakery to hosting local musicians for live concerts some weekends.

Never is this relationship more apparent than peak season, Smit explains. “During summer, we’ll have anywhere between 250 and 350 people on site here, which for the local bars and restaurants is highly impactful, and they appreciate it.”

Drop a couple hundred post-hike glampers outside a town with a few fun watering holes, and you have the makings of a solid après scene. You won’t find the sort of nightlife skiers sometimes seek after zipping down the slopes all day, but Mariposa is a pleasant place to knock back a couple cold ones after a long hike, until about 10:00 PM.

On the main drag, hungry beer lovers can hit up the 1850 Restaurant and Brewery for a War Paint IPA and what’s been called the best burger in the county or pizza-and-beer joint The Alley for a pie of the day and their choice of 16 beers on tap. After grilling up dinner at camp, glampers can also stop by The Grove House, a laid-back haven for craft brews, board games, and live music, or see who’s playing at the Gold Coin Sports Tavern.

Wine drinkers are in good hands at The Grove House and The Alley, as well. But to sample award-winning wine grown just 15 minutes from downtown, consider following up a half day in the park with a trip to the Casto Oaks tasting room on the main street.

Get different perspectives on the landscape

Photo: Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch/Facebook

The higher you get in Yosemite Valley, the better the views. Normally that means breaking a sweat for the scenery, but at Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch, you can get panoramic views of the Buzzard Ridge area without doing any of the legwork. Zip liners will work their way through a two-hour, six-part adventure that starts with a short, gentle ride down Line 1 and ends with a longer, steeper ride through a tunnel and the surrounding trees on Line 7. In between, expect to race a fellow zip liner, aim a bean bag at a target from above, and more. Parties of 10 or more can also book time on a ropes course.

Those looking to make their family trip to Yosemite more educational can take their kids gold panning or gem sluicing to learn more about the area’s natural makeup, as well as its human history. Demonstrations or activities are possible at both Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch and the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Afterward, visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum on the other end of Mariposa’s main street with a newfound appreciation for its 13,000-plus artifact collection, which includes rare crystallized gold and various gemstones.

Take your time driving there and back

Photo: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock

There’s more to Mariposa County than Yosemite and Mariposa town, most of it easily accessible from Highway 140. Designate time for exploring tiny Sierra Nevada towns like Coulterville, a California Historical Landmark, and Bootjack for the views. In Catheys Valley, about eight miles southwest of Mariposa, tour the Epic Alpacas ranch for a quick cuddle with a few of the world’s cutest camelids. Then, fill up on tacos twice as good and half as expensive as you’ll find in San Francisco at The Oasis, an unassuming market and cafe on the corner of Hornitas Road and the Great Central Highway.

It’s easy to put on blinders when going someplace as extraordinary as Yosemite, but there’s more to this scenic, historic slice of Northern California than you may realize from the highway. To make the most of your park visit, budget for a few detours on the drive there and back — because, ironically, one of the most fun ways to see Yosemite is to spend time outside of it.


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Travelers need external chargers

This is the Travel Take, where Matador’s writers and editors make the case for their favorite travel hacks, tips, and personal tics.

I have a reputation for being a tad forgetful. I misplace my keys, walk out of the door without my wallet, and, most of all, I hardly ever remember to charge my phone. I could be sitting in my apartment all day, and then when it’s time to leave for dinner, I’ll finally plug my phone into the charger for 10 minutes while I’m getting dressed.

My goldfish-like inability to focus on simple tasks usually only causes minor inconveniences, but when I began traveling extensively for work, I knew I would need my phone to navigate new cities, take pictures, and communicate with my hosts abroad and my family at home — especially in emergencies. I knew I would have to change my habits to avoid putting myself in a potentially dangerous situation. Luckily, technology stepped in.

In 2015, I began working as an assistant, and one day while rummaging through piles of old office supplies, I found a heavy silver block connected to a black USB cord. This magical little device, I learned, is an external charger, and it would sustain my phone’s battery from anywhere. This revelation, though basic, changed my life.

I went out and bought my own external charger immediately. At first, it simply saved me when I absentmindedly neglected to charge my phone before meeting friends in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Then, I quit my assistant job and started working as a travel writer full time. To say the charger became indispensable would be an understatement.

As I was shuttled from tours to restaurants on work trips, I snapped endless battery-draining pictures and sent Whatsapp messages to the folks waiting for me at home. Normally, my phone battery, which hovers around 50 percent on the best of days, would not be able to take the strain. Because I’m on the move so much during these trips, there’s simply no time to sit down near an outlet and charge my phone. The external charger erases that problem, and with it, my anxiety (I just need to remember to charge the charger for at least 12 hours before a big trip — and yes, sometimes I forget, but usually not).

The concept of buying an external charger is not the most groundbreaking tip, but there are still plenty of seasoned travelers who stubbornly refuse to get one, not wanting to carry yet another piece of gear around. Or they just use a super cheap one they got as a stocking stuffer that is only good for one full charge and breaks after a few uses. So I’m here to say: Yes, you need an external charger. Yes, it’s worth adding it to your packing list. Yes, you should spring for a quality one that will last years and offer enough juice to charge your device a few times before needing to be recharged itself.

You don’t need to be a travel writer (or even prone to forgetfulness) to find an external charger useful. Anyone who is away from home for work or play is likely to encounter the following situations: driving long distances, stuck on an old airplane with no outlets, out to sea on a boat, or visiting historical monuments on hours-long walking tours. You need to be able to record videos, snap pictures, text your loved ones about your adventures, and search for directions without worrying about a failing phone battery. Let’s face it: In our modern world, a dead phone battery can ruin your entire day. You can’t rely on power outlets always being available.

Perhaps the most important benefit of the external charger is the feeling of safety it provides. When I’m wandering the streets of an unfamiliar city alone, that silver rectangle reassures me that I am not going to get lost, left out in the cold after dark, or without a way to reach safety if I’m in danger.

There have been moments abroad when I couldn’t find any empty hotel rooms after wandering town for what felt like hours, or when I needed to find a taxi in a hurry — tasks that require a cellphone (if a computer isn’t readily available) in the modern world. If my phone had died, and I couldn’t find a spot friendly enough to charge my phone, I would have ended up stranded. In dire moments, my external charger is a literal lifesaver.


More like this: A fanny pack to match every adventure

The post External chargers are a life-changing travel necessity appeared first on Matador Network.

The best drag shows in the US

Drag culture has existed for decades within the LGBTQ community, but many would credit RuPaul’s Drag Race for bringing this form of culture to the mainstream in 2009. Fast forward to a decade later, and drag queens and kings have found devoted audiences in cities all across the United States, from unexpected conservative destinations like Houston to queer cultural capitals like Los Angeles. In fact, just within the past few years, the plethora of drag shows offered at gay- and queer-friendly venues across the country have perhaps proven to be too overwhelming for some who feel that they are left with too many choices and not enough guidance in this arena.

So, to aid in your quest to find the most outstanding drag show in your city on a Saturday night, we’ve set out to highlight the very best representations of drag culture in the United States. From Anchorage to Waikiki, these are the best and brightest drag shows in the nation.

1. Wigs & Waffles Drag Brunch — Los Angeles, California

Photo: The Standard, Downtown LA/Facebook

Located at The Standard, a chic hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California, the Wigs & Waffles Drag Brunch brings an air of glittering sophistication to the already glamorous world of drag. The Saturday morning brunch is hosted by Maebe A Girl, the first drag performer ever elected to public office in California, and Indica Sativa, a popular drag queen hailing from New Orleans. Each week, special guests take to the stage while patrons munch on a hearty breakfast and sip endless mimosas.

Where: The Standard, 550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

2. Friday Night Divas — Anchorage, Alaska

Curiously enough, Anchorage, Alaska, has one of the most beloved drag shows in the United States. For a short time, the Friday Night Divas show at the popular gay bar Mad Myrna’s has served as a meeting place for the local LGBTQ community and its allies. The show, featuring a plethora of impersonators from Selena to Christina Aguilera, is set to the tune of a true dive bar — wall-to-wall carpeting, wood paneling, and a Prince impersonator collecting tips in a basket. Overall, the Friday Night Divas show is anchored on a unique form of nostalgia that proves to be a crowd-pleasing hit.

Where: Mad Myrna’s, 530 East 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

3. Bushwig — Maspeth, New York

Photo: Bushwig/Facebook

Every year in September, the Knockdown Center in Maspeth, New York, is transformed into a dreamy drag festival, with dozens of performers slated to make an appearance over a period of two days. Bushwig was founded in 2012 and, in the years since, has propelled the careers of famous drag queens like Nina West and Lady Bunny. Along with drag performances that take place around the clock, festivalgoers can indulge in the hordes of food trucks and small vendors selling everything from wigs to vintage trinkets.

Where: Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378

4. Hamburger Mary’s Down-Low Bingo Show — Denver, Colorado

Every Wednesday at 9:00 PM, residents of the mile-high city indulge in a now-famous tradition at Hamburger Mary’s — the Down-Low Bingo Show. The popular event is hosted by Victoria Sexton and Brittany Michaels — two drag queens who have nearly single-handedly put the city of Denver on the map in terms of drag performances and venues. Throughout the night, you’ll have the chance to laugh, dance, and play bingo while an ever-rotating cast of drag queens take the stage.

Where: Hamburger Mary’s, 1136 East 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

5. Dinner with the Divas — New York City, New York

Photo: Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar/Facebook

For over two decades, Lips in New York City has served up incredible drag shows and other queer-friendly events for locals and international tourists alike. For those who wish to sit down to a more sophisticated and nostalgic performance while dining on a budget-friendly three-course meal, the Dinner with the Divas show at Lips is the show for you. Aside from getting the chance to dine and dance at one of the most legendary drag clubs in the city, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the industry, from Ginger Snap to All Beef Patty.

Where: Lips, 227 East 56th St, New York, NY 10022

6. Elements — Scottsdale, Arizona

Located just outside of Phoenix, the Elements drag show at BS West in Old Town Scottsdale has become one of the most popular LGBTQ staples in the entire state. Every Friday night at 10:30 PM, the popular BS West gay club is graced with the state’s best drag performances by local legends like Mya McKenzie, Savannah Stevens, and Eva Angelica Stratton. If you happen to miss the festivities on Friday night, be sure to venture to BS West on a Tuesday, when drag contestants perform in a talent show, called Stars Choice, that closely resembles a more spirited episode of The Voice.

Where: BS West, 7125 East 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

7. Diva Royale Drag Queen Show — Nationwide

Thought to be a traveling troupe of the best celebrity impersonators, the Diva Royale Drag Queen Show features a rotating cast of drag queens who impersonate celebrities like Adele, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, and Britney Spears. Hosted by Gary Dee, a Joan Rivers impersonator, the show has now expanded beyond its original origin in New York City, premiering in venues all across the United States, from Hollywood, California, to Miami Beach, Florida. In fact, you can even book the troupe to grace your upcoming bachelorette party or celebration of any kind.

Where: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show, 268 West 47th St, New York, NY 10036

8. Baton Show Lounge — Chicago, Illinois

For 50 years, the Baton Show Lounge in Chicago has been putting on one of the most influential and star-studded drag shows of all time. Over the years, celebrities like Joan Crawford, Joan Rivers, and Madonna have attended performances at the Baton Show Lounge, reveling in the impressive array of celebrity impersonators. Currently, the roster of talent includes Natasha Douglas, Shantell D’Marco, Angel Saez, Sheri Payne, and Demi Sexton.

Where: The Baton Show Lounge, 4713 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

9. Dreamgirls Revue — Los Angeles, California

Photo: Hamburger Marys WEHO/Facebook

Located at the Hamburger Mary’s location in West Hollywood, California, the Dreamgirls Revue is the longest-running drag show in Southern California, premiering influential drag acts for over three decades. In recent years, RuPaul’s Drag Race alums like Chad Michaels, Delta Work, and Morgan McMichaels have appeared on the stage at Hamburger Mary’s. The show also features various celebrity impersonators and showgirl acts.

Where: Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

10. DIVAS Dance Show — Waikiki, Hawaii

Every first and third Saturday of the month at the increasingly popular Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand in Waikiki, Hawaii, the DIVAS (Dancing Impersonating Vixens with Attitude and Sass) take the stage to display their dance moves. Billing themselves as part dance crew, part drag show, the DIVAS have spent the better part of the decade impressing audiences at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand through celebrity impersonations, dance routines, and comedic sketches. Though the cast changes from time to time, it mainly features local talents like CaraMel, Justice Forall, Phoenix Phyre, and Whitney St. James.

Where: Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahula Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

11. Drag Brunch at Palace Bar — Miami, Florida

Photo: Palace Bar/Facebook

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Miami, Florida, the glamorous Palace Bar, located in sunny South Beach, hosts the city’s most famous drag show — the Drag Brunch at Palace Bar. Aside from an endless supply of mimosas, the drag brunch offers visitors an exclusive glimpse of the biggest names in drag culture in the south, including Tiffany Fantasia.

Where: Palace Bar, 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

12. Reality is a Drag — Key West, Florida

Located in the Aqua Bar and Night Club’s sprawling waterfront warehouse, the Reality is a Drag show highlights one of the most popular drag acts in the city: the Aquanettes. Multiple nights a week, the Aquanettes bring their popular cabaret act to the main stage, engaging with audience members to create a truly immersive drag experience that feels uniquely Key West.

Where: Aqua Bar and Night Club, 711 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

13. Houston’s Best Drag Show — Houston, Texas

Photo: Guava Lamp/Facebook

If you happen to find yourself in Houston, Texas, on a Saturday night, be sure to make time for a drag show. More specifically, be sure to make time for the aptly named Houston’s Best Drag Show, a showcase of local drag talent hosted by local legends like Adriana Larue, Roofie DuBois, and Reign. Hosted at Guava Lamp, a stylish gay bar with karaoke and a dance floor, Houston’s Best Drag Show also features an ever-rotating cast of drag queens from around the country, and even allows newcomers to showcase their talents on open mic nights.

Where: Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77019


More like this: The ultimate LGBTQ guide to San Francisco

The post The definitive guide to the best and brightest drag shows in the US appeared first on Matador Network.

Best winter girls trip

Nothing is more timely than a getaway with your girlfriends to end the season with a celebration or to relax and get ready for the new year. It’s the ideal time to bond, raise a glass, and reminisce. While creating new memories is enough to make a trip unforgettable, finding the perfect winter destination may be your next challenge. Whether you’re looking to unwind, escape the cold, or take on some adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, here are seven epic winter vacation ideas perfect for a getaway with you and your girlfriends.

1. For a magical winter wonderland: New Paltz, New York

Photo: Mohonk Mountain House

A short two-hour drive from New York City will land you at the foot of the Catskills Mountains at Mohonk Mountain House. Ice skating season officially begins once snow caps the mountaintop and the lake has frozen over. That’s your signal to gather your girls for a Hudson Valley getaway.

Once you’ve settled into your digs, you can grab your ice skates for an afternoon of lessons or axel jumps (for the professional figure skaters in your crew), immediately followed by some cozy catch-up time in front of Mohonk’s 39-foot-tall stone fireplace — with a cup of hot chocolate, of course.

In addition to the traditional winter activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and snow tubing, this winter, the lakeside resort will throw various themed events like four-day music festival Jazz on the Mountain and Winter Yoga Weekend.

2. For connecting over great wine and food: Calistoga, California

Photo: Visit Calistoga/Facebook

Napa Valley is known for its many vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants, making Calistoga the ideal destination for a girl’s trip focused on Cabernet, wine crawls, and fine dining. And visiting during the winter months means lower prices, more one-on-one time with local winemakers, and fewer crowds at famous geothermal hot springs and mud baths.

This winter, Calistoga is hosting its Winter in the Wineries Passport. Taking place December 7 through February 9, for just $60, you’ll gain entrance to 17 wineries. Complimentary wine tasting flights and discounts at local restaurants, spas, and boutiques are only a few of the perks. Skip the detailed planning and choose from one of the pre-defined passport itineraries like “Relax, You’re In Calistoga” or “Rustic Luxury.”

3. For a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure: South Africa

Photo: Ava Peattie/Shutterstock

Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, December through February in South Africa is the equivalent of summer. That means the perfect beach weather, endless sunny days, and plenty of festivals.

If you happen to be there over New Year’s Eve, head to Johannesburg to attend Afropunk. This international music festival highlights the region’s eclectic style paired with live entertainment, world-renowned DJs, and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Spinthrift Market.

Or perhaps toward the end of winter sees you and your crew craving a little sunshine and you hold off until the start of the year. If so, early February right outside of Cape Town, Up The Creek takes place on the banks of the Breede River, combining soulful rock with cocktails and inflatable pool floats. Spend a few days back in Cape Town exploring the bargain markets and centenary tributes to Nelson Mandela, then book a private, luxury food and wine tour with Explore Sideways to the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands.

Finally, if a safari is on the agenda, a road trip along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route will land you and your girlfriends at Gondwana Private Game Reserve, where daily game drives will kick off your day. And since over one hundred bird species migrate to South Africa during this season, it’s the best time for birding.

4. For the coolest winter festivals: Portland, Oregon

Photo: Portland Winter Light Festival/Facebook

The arts and culture scene in Portland seems to come alive when the temperatures drop. Hence the many festivals scheduled during the winter months. While Portland is known for its donut shops like Blue Star Donuts, the never-ending roster of winter events make this destination a natural choice.

For brew-focused getaways, visit during December and January. Local breweries procure the best of the best in beers for the five-day Holiday Ale Festival, held December 4 to 9. Toward the end of January, the Northwest Coffee Beer Invitational will pair brewers and beverage makers to create new craft beers using locally roasted coffee.

From February 5 to 19, the Chinese New Year Celebration welcomes the Year of the Rat with lion dances, martial arts performances, and dragon processions at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. In early February, the city lights up with art installations and fire sculptures for the annual Portland Winter Light Festival. Between February 20 and March 1, Portland Jazz will host a series of jazz events supporting Black History Month.

5. For enjoying Italy without the crowds: Florence, Italy

Photo: loreanto/Shutterstock

The winter months are a great time to visit this Tuscan city. Visiting Florence during the winter season means far fewer crowds and tons of deals. If you’re planning a trip before the holidays, then head straight to Piazza Santa Croce for the Christmas market. Open November 23 through December 22, it’s the perfect time to get some last-minute Christmas shopping done.

Then stop by Gilli to sip on Italian hot chocolate — the thick, velvety, deliciously decadent “pudding” served with a spoon. And when you want to escape the chill and see priceless Renaissance art, the typically crowded Uffizi Gallery will welcome you with shorter lines and discounted prices. Other must-see stops include Aquaflor Firenze, Gucci Garden, and Bargello Museum, where crowds will be limited to your crew and a few locals instead of rubbing shoulders with thousands.

If you’re planning a trip after the holidays, planning your getaway around the Italy sale season will provide the opportunity to schedule in some retail therapy. Travel during January through early March and you’ll find many shops in Florence with sales on designer clothing, bags, accessories, and home decor.

6. For when you want to recharge and renew: Greenough, Montana

Photo: The Resort at Paws Up/Facebook

Set on 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness and 35 minutes from Missoula, The Resort at Paws Up is the ultimate adult playground. During this season, the rates are the lowest of the year, and the wildlife comes out from hiding. Accommodations include luxury homes, safari-style tents, and a private island retreat for vacations when you want space for just you and the girls.

Spend an afternoon enjoying the equestrian program where you can book arena lessons, pony rides, and a group trail ride. Enjoy a girl’s day at the secluded Morris Ranch House, go on a hot air balloon ride, or take a bike tour. For more adrenaline-pumping activities and change of pace, go skijoring, where you’re pulled by a horse while skiing.

Bring in the New Year with the resort’s New Year’s celebration and count down to 2020 with fireworks, live entertainment, and plenty of bubbly. Or, stay between January 17 and 19 for the Winter Wine Weekend with Opus One, where you’ll sample the brand’s award-winning Bordeaux-style blends.

7. For the best slumber party: Lapland, Finland

Photo: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort/Facebook

In northern Lapland, Finland, the aurora borealis shine about every other clear night between October and March. And since freezing temperatures mean limited clouds, you’ll have the greatest chance to see the northern lights during the winter months. Get comfy in a snow or glass igloo or splurge on a cabin with your crew at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland and have a slumber party with the northern lights as your backdrop.

Throughout the day, enjoy the traditional winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and when night falls, go aurora hunting. During this nocturnal adventure, you’ll chase down the northern lights in your preferred mode of transportation — horse or reindeer sleigh, snow tank, snowmobile, and so on. You can also plan a trip to nearby Kemi for a day-long journey on an icebreaker cruise and take a dip in the icy Bay of Bothnia.


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Edge is the best view of NYC

There are no shortage of skyline views in New York City, but one of the best new vantage points is opening next year. The new Hudson Yards mega mall is opening a 1,131-foot-high observation deck on March 11, 2020. Edge, the observation deck, will be the tallest man-made outdoor viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere, and it will offer views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the rest of New York’s skyline.

Edge can be reached via the fourth floor of 20 Hudson Yards, where you’ll pass through a tunnel into one of two elevators. A 60-second elevator ride will bring you up to the deck, which features a 200-square-foot glass bottom. That means there’s nothing — not even a floor — obstructing the views all around you.

John Kelly, vice president of design and construction at real estate firm Related Companies, told Condé Nast Traveler, “It probably sounds corny, but it’s a fresh look. It’s 7,500 square feet of unenclosed outdoor space. It’s not walking around the structural core of a building where everything is limited. It’s like an outdoor plaza.”

Don’t worry, you won’t have just a few minutes to enjoy the view before being “encouraged” to move along. The area will have outdoor tiered seating where you can relax and take in the surroundings at your leisure.

“It should feel like you can walk around and do things,” Jason Horkin, executive director of Hudson Yards experiences, said to Condé Nast Traveler, “with lots of opportunity to move around and through the space without it feeling cramped and crowded, and like you’re fighting for a position to take a picture.”

The experience will be open every day from 8:00 AM until midnight. It may not be open just yet, but tickets are already available online.


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Palm oil-free and ethical chocolate

Candy can be sweet, salty, chocolatey, and full of nostalgia. Candy can also, depending on which company you buy it from, endanger the environment, plant and animal life, and the people who make it.

Two of the biggest ethical concerns in candy production are child labor and unlivable wages for cocoa harvesters, and the use of palm oil. The former has continued for more than a century, beginning with European countries that took advantage of colonies in Africa with the right climate to grow cacao trees. Today, companies still use cocoa from regions with unethical harvesting practices. There’s an ethical scorecard that can help you navigate the world’s chocolate companies.

“The cocoa industry has a reputation of forced child labor and modern day slavery through how the cocoa is sourced,” says Jerome Tennille, a sustainability and social impact adviser. “So, consumers must purchase chocolate from companies that eliminate those practices.”

Photo: mrfiza/Shutterstock

Palm oil is a relatively new crisis that’s worsened over the past couple of decades. Between 85 and 90 percent of global palm oil production comes from Indonesia and Malaysia, according to the Indonesia economic group Indonesia Investments. Thailand, Colombia, and Nigeria round out the top five. Palm oil plantations have been illegally planted on millions of hectares of former forest land cleared by slash and burn methods. The burning releases carbon formerly trapped by peat forests, and the conversion of the land reduces the habitat suitable for critically endangered animals like orangutans and tigers. These unethical practices have led to calls for activism by groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists.

It’s not as simple as enacting strict conservation regulations, though, because as much as 2.5 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product is tied to palm oil, and palm farming is viewed as a way out of rural poverty. Yet large corporations control the majority of palm farms, and are capable of enacting environmentally friendly measures thanks to greater resources.

In Indonesia, around 70 percent of palm oil plantations are on Sumatra. In 2015, man-made fires on Sumatra and nearby Kalimantan, according to Indonesia Investments, released around 11.3 million tons of carbon per day (the entire European Union releases 8.9 million tons per day).

You choosing to buy or not buy a certain brand of candy isn’t going to fix these complicated issues. You can, however, take a stand with your dollar by purchasing ethically produced sweets. The website Products Without Palm Oil has a running list of candies that do and don’t use palm oil, and these ethical candies are available online and in many stores across the US.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Photo: Lake Champlain Chocolates/Facebook

Lake Champlain Chocolates is a Certified B company and all of the chocolate is made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients. “They source ingredients from local farmers and producers, form long-term partnerships with suppliers that respect labor laws, pay fair wages, provide good working accommodations, and have more environmentally responsible practices,” says Tennille. It also doesn’t use palm oil. Lake Champlain Chocolate products are sold at Whole Foods, boutique candy sellers, and Amazon.

Alter Eco Chocolate Truffles

Photo: AlterEcoSF/Facebook

Certified organic and fair trade, Alter Eco makes its chocolate with cocoa from Ecuador. Since 2008, the company has planted 30,000 trees as part of the brand’s climate initiative (it’s also Carbon Neutral Certified). Each of the chocolates — which include options like salted caramel, sea salt, and classic dark — come in compostable, zero-waste wrappers. You can find the brand at Whole Foods, boutique shops, and Amazon.

Divine Chocolate

Photo: Divine Chocolate USA/Facebook

Economic stability is uncommon among cocoa farmers. Divine Chocolate is the only Fair Trade Certified chocolate company that’s run by a co-op of cocoa farmers called Kuapa Kokoo, and it provides just that. Kuapa Kokoo is made up of more than 85,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana. It gets a 44 percent share of profits to help improve quality of life. Additionally, Divine Chocolate is a Certified B company.

Glee Gum

Photo: Glee Gum/Facebook

Before there was modern chewing gum made with synthetics, there was chicle. Chicle comes from sapodilla tree sap, and is a natural chewy gum. Glee Gum uses sustainably harvested chicle to make a range of gum flavors and gum-filled lollipops. The company is a partner of Trees for the Future, which helps farmers, and donates to schools in Costa Rica and Mexico. Available for purchase through Glee Gum’s website.

Major brands that are palm oil-free

Photo: Kelly Tippett/Shutterstock

It’s not just small companies that are choosing not to use palm oil. A short list of the easy-to-find, mass-produced, palm oil-free candies: Atomic Fireball, Dum Dums, Jolly Rancher, Nerds, Red Hots, Ring Pop, and York Peppermint Patties.


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Best live music venues in Copenhagen

Copenhagen might be better known for its Little Mermaids, gardens, and neo-classical architecture, but it’s also the home of a vibrant and eclectic music scene. No matter the day or weather, you can usually catch a live music act in one of the major city districts. Dozens of pubs around town host music, but for a truly Danish experience, head to one of these stellar venues. Each has its own unique history and flavor that evokes and aligns with its chosen genre – whether that’s rock, jazz, hip-hop, or classical. Once the sun has set over Nyhavn and you’re done exploring the (mostly) free things you can do in Copenhagen, why not take in a show?

Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Tivoli Gardens

Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. It also hosts regular rhythmic music concerts every Friday during the warmer summer months. “Rhythmic music” is a term that originated in Denmark in the 1970s, and was an attempt to add more legitimacy to popular, but maligned, genres such as rock and jazz. The gardens also host other music events every day of the week, offering a grand experience in the open. If you’re looking for an energetic communal experience, visit on a Saturday, when Tivoli’s own Big Band and Late Night Orchestra host a giant dance party.

Where: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark

VEGA & Ideal Bar

Photo: VEGA/Facebook

VEGA is Copenhagen’s most popular music venue. It hosts upward of 250 concerts and events each year. You can find music from almost every single genre. The venue was originally called Vega The People’s House, an appropriate title given that over the years it has also hosted political events for the trade unions. The building itself stands in the old working-class district of Vesterbro and is furnished in a typical ‘50s Scandinavian style with dark wooden panels, mahogany flooring, and a number of exquisite wooden details. This combination of historical significance and architectural heritage has made VEGA one of the youngest cultural venues to be marked for conservation.

Where: Enghavevej 40, 1674 København, Denmark

Huset-KBH

Photo: HUSET-KBH/Facebook

If you want to listen to music in “hyggelige” surroundings, then Huset-KBH is the ideal venue. Huset-KBH, also just known as Huset på Magstræde, is located in central Copenhagen just a stone’s throw from Strøget, the city’s premier shopping district. Despite its location, you won’t find a ritzy upscale music venue here. What you will find is a cozy and welcoming space that has everything from board games to comedy acts to schlocky movie screenings.

When it comes to music, Huset specializes in up-and-coming artists in rock, pop, and alternative music. It has previously hosted a wealth of big Danish stars, but also international names such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. If you’re peckish, eat fries and play some board games at Bastard Café, located at the basement level. For a full meal before a show, stop by YoBurger at Nørregade 2. It’s only a short five-minute walk away.

Where: Rådhusstræde 13, 1466 København, Denmark

Loppen

Photo: Musik Loppen/Facebook

Located in the Freetown of Christiania, Loppen (“the Flea” in Danish) has been welcoming rising musical and alternative acts since 1973. If you’re looking for DIY punk rock or smaller international acts, then Loppen is the place. The venue is small and intimate and rife with almost as much rich history as the surrounding area of Christiania. Freetown Christiania has a controversial and textured history. In 1971, hippies and other freethinkers decided to occupy the old military barracks in the area and started to build homes for themselves and their families. They also started experimenting with alternative approaches to society, such as radical consensus democracy, communal living, and a laissez-faire attitude toward drug use. The project was controversial from the start, but the commune was tolerated by the authorities.

Today the relationship between the Danish authorities and Christiania has become more strained, but while the “normalization” of Christiania has officially begun, it still retains flavors of radical politics and alternative ways of organizing a society.

Where: Sydområdet 4B, 1, 1440 København, Denmark

Pub venues

Photo: Charlie Scotts Bar/Facebook

Charlie Scott’s

A jazz bar with live music a few nights per week. You can also catch a football match at Charlie Scott’s, as it has a regular schedule of showings.

Where: Skindergade 43, 1159 København, Denmark

Blågårds

Blågårds is a blues, jazz, and rock club in the heart of the city with music most nights of the week. It’s a great place to pop in for a beer and to see what comes of it, should you find yourself with an evening sans itinerary.

Where: Blågårds Pl. 2, 2200 København, Denmark

Zeppelin

Zeppelin is the Danish take on a grimy rock bar. It’s raw, unfiltered, and has everything from metal and punk shows to pre-parties for larger concerts taking place around town.

Where: Vesterbrogade 45, 1620 København, Denmark

The Dubliner

The Dubliner has live music every night, but don’t be fooled by the name — it doesn’t focus exclusively on Irish trad. You’ll find musicians across genres. As long as it fits into a pub corner, it’s here.

Where: Amagertorv 5, 1160 København, Denmark


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Car-free islands in the US

At first, hearing that a place is car-free might make you think, “Awesome, no traffic.” Let it sink in a little longer, though, and you’ll realize, “Oh wait, how am I supposed to get around?” Sure, car-free destinations might be slightly more inconvenient than places accessible by car, but it’s a small price to pay for the almost surreal peacefulness of a vacation without traffic, parallel parking, and honking horns. In 2019, a place without cars might sound like something out of the Twilight Zone, but there are actually plenty of car-free destinations all around the US, from Maine to California. Here are our seven favorite car-free islands you should be sure to visit.

1. Monhegan Island, Maine

Photo: E.J.Johnson Photography/Shutterstock

The name “Monhegan” comes from the Algonquian word meaning “out-to-sea island,” so it should come as no surprise that this place does things rather unconventionally. You can park your car at Port Clyde, Boothbay Harbor, or New Harbor, and take a ferry to the island of just under 70 inhabitants. Once you get there, you’ll realize there are no cars because, well, there are no streets. But that doesn’t mean activities are lacking.

Because there are no cars — and hardly any buildings — the island is the perfect place to stargaze far from the mainland’s light pollution. Despite Monhegan’s small size, there’s an inn to accommodate visitors, from which you can enjoy beautiful views over the bay. There’s a Museum of Art and History located in the Monhegan Light Station, featuring works by leading American artists who have found inspiration in the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike 12 miles of trails along the cliffs, through both wooded areas and rocky ledges. After you’re done hiking, you can hit up the Monhegan Brewing Company for some locally brewed craft beers.

2. Fire Island, New York

Photo: Francois Roux/Shutterstock

This island is just across the Great South Bay from Long Island, but it feels worlds away from New York City. Those looking to escape the chaotic city energy will find a welcome respite on Fire Island. The 32-mile-long barrier island only has around 400 year-round residents, but there are several communities (car-free, of course) with shops, restaurants, and even a lively bar scene.

The island’s most iconic structure is the Fire Island Lighthouse on the western end of the island. Built in 1826, the 168-foot-tall lighthouse served as a functional beacon until 1974. Although no longer used for navigation, the lighthouse remains one of the island’s most popular sites. Fire Island is also home to a rare maritime forest called the Sunken Forest. Located amongst the sand dunes along the shoreline, it has the appearance of being below sea level, and visitors can take ranger-guided tours through the forest’s unique ecology. If you’re just after a quick beach getaway, the island’s Smith Point County Park to the east offers white-sand beaches with picnic areas, perfect for fishing, surfing, and camping.

Many know Fire Island for its thriving LGBTQ community, particularly in the towns of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove. The summer population of Fire Island Pines swells to around 2,500 people, and the bar scene in these tiny communities becomes about as raucous as you can imagine. The best part? You can’t drunk drive home even if you wanted to.

3. Halibut Cove, Alaska

Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

If escaping gridlock isn’t enough, and you also want to go completely Into the Wild, Halibut Cove in northern Alaska is for you. Just off Kachemak Bay State Park, this island retreat is the ideal place to plunge into the wilderness and evade all your adult responsibilities. The broader park is 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, and forests, and the cove is home to wildlife like sea otters, seals, porpoises, and whales.

There are no roads leading to Halibut Cove, and the only way to reach it is by ferry from Homer. The cover itself consists of 12 blocks of boardwalk along the water’s edge, with a view of the mountains on the eastern side of Kachemak Bay. The Saltry is the cove’s only restaurant, serving (surprise) fresh seafood and chowder. Apart from fishing and kayaking along the coves of Kachemak Bay State Park, you can take some time to explore the art galleries displaying paintings, pottery, and sculpture from dozens of local artists. Ferries run scheduled departures throughout the day back to Homer, but you can choose to stay the night at a lodge or rental cabin to give yourself more time to explore the area’s wilderness.

4. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Photo: lembi/Shutterstock

When you first set foot on Mackinac Island, you might think you’ve somehow ended up on Disney World’s “Main Street USA.” This car-free island is designated a National Historic Landmark for a reason — because with period architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and a slower way of life, it feels like you’ve traveled back to a simpler era.

This island caters to travelers who want a relaxing vacation, as well as those seeking adventure. You can choose to kick back on a horse-drawn carriage ride, have afternoon tea at the 19th-century Grand Hotel, stroll through the Butterfly House, and visit the local art museum, or you can take a more rugged approach. One of the most popular ways to see the island is on an eight-mile bike ride on the state’s only car-free highway. Guided trips and rentals are available, though many do choose to go it alone. To see the island from a different perspective, take the Great Turtle Kayak Tour, which leaves at sunrise or sunset.

Whatever you decide to do, you should be sure to spend some time in town, which is famous for its old-fashioned fudge shops, bookstore, art galleries, and gift shops.

You can reach Mackinac Island by ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

5. Catalina Island, California

Photo: Sofiia Dorsey/Shutterstock

For some people, the ideal Californication isn’t the star-studded sidewalks and glitzy nightclubs of Los Angeles but fully immersing yourself in California’s unique outdoor environment — and you’ll find it on Catalina Island. To get there, take a high speed ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach, or a helicopter service from Long Beach and San Pedro. The ferry takes an hour, while a helicopter takes just 15 minutes. Once you’ve arrived at either Avalon or Two Harbors, the island’s two ports, you can start exploring the Catalina, which is truly a bastion of adventure.

Start with the Zip Line Eco Tour, which starts 600 feet above the Descanso Beach Club. The ride takes you through the canyon and trees at 35-mph speeds, and since there are five separate lines, it’s the perfect activity to do with friends. If watersports are more your scene, there are plenty of paddleboard, parasailing, and jet ski rentals, as well as scuba diving opportunities for those who really want to get their feet wet. If you have some time and want to get the most comprehensive island experience possible, hike the Trans-Catalina Trail, which covers 38.5 miles and takes about four days. Ths trail starts in Avalon, finishes at Two Harbors, winds through canyons and over ridges, and will give you glimpses of bison, bald eagles, and foxes.

6. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Photo: Adam Colick/Shutterstock

The best part about Daufuskie Island isn’t exactly that it’s car free — it’s that people drive around in golf carts instead. This 400-person resort community is just a ferry-ride away from Buckingham Landing, and there are no highways, sidewalks, or even a town center. That means to get around, you’ll have to rent a bike or a golf cart (obviously you’ll go with the golf cart). Once you’ve secured your method of transportation, you can take advantage of the island’s beaches, historical sights, shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Honestly, if you wanted to spend an entire day cruising around the island on a golf cart, you probably wouldn’t be disappointed. For some actual activities, however, you can check out The Community Farm and Artisan Village, consisting of gardens, orchards, animals, and an artisan village, which provides organic produce to the community. For a slightly less wholesome experience, visit the Daufuskie Island Distillery off Haig Point Road. Open since 2014, the distillery makes eight varieties of local rum, as well as two varieties of vodka and bourbon.

There’s plenty more of this 9.6-square-mile island to explore via golf cart, but locals will tell you that your visit isn’t complete without a trip to Lucy Bell’s. A staple for breakfast and lunch, this little cottage is a favorite among islanders and the perfect way to immerse yourself in island life.

7. Rock Island, Wisconsin

Photo: David Clasky/Shutterstock

Rock Island takes the whole “vehicle-free” thing to a whole new level, being not only car-free but also bike-free. That means to explore the island, you’ll need to do it the old fashioned way — walking. If that doesn’t deter you, you can expect to have a pretty serene weekend. As you might expect, the island isn’t among the most accessible, requiring a ferry ride from Northport to Washington Island, and then from Washington Island to Rock Island.

Since you’ve already prepared for a fair bit of walking, you might as well start by taking the Thordarson Loop Trail around the east side of the island. The trail takes you past an old fishing village and stone water tower, and it begins right near the historic Pottawatomie Light. Wisconsin’s first lighthouse, it was built in 1836 and then restored in 1858 after the original washed away. Free guided tours are available Memorial Day through Columbus Day. And don’t be surprised if, while wandering through the island, you see some unusual stone buildings. During the early 1900s, these buildings were constructed throughout the park by a wealthy inventor; many still survive today and even host exhibits dedicated to the island’s history.

Just because everything on the island requires you to walk, it doesn’t mean you actually have to walk. You don’t have to go anywhere, if you don’t want to. There are over 2,000 feet of beaches on the island, so you can choose a spot, plant your chair, and just hang out for the day.


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