Matador Network's Blog, page 998

Travel on a budget, not backpacking

Budget travel does not necessarily mean living from a backpack and sleeping in crowded hostel dorm rooms. With a little planning, it is possible to travel on a budget while still enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors — even the creature comforts — of any destination. The low-season travel months are just around the corner and can make a big impact on making your budget-travel dreams a reality. Here are tips on how to travel on a budget, without traveling like you did when you were a college-age backpacker.

1. Consider a group trip.

Organized group tours take advantage of group discounts on lodging, meals, and excursions to create cost-effective itineraries, many for just $100-200 per day. Booking the same trip on one’s own could easily blow a budget, but with a group, discounts can range from 30 to 70 percent. There are many different types of groups to travel with, and once you find the one that appeals most to you, it is a great way to explore far-off locales in comfort, and without the hassles of doing it all yourself or breaking the bank.

2. Plan for the off-season.

Off-season and shoulder-season travel can be a budget traveler’s best friend. For many popular destinations, off-season flights and lodging can run up to 20-30 percent cheaper. Depending on the destination, shoulder seasons generally run from April to mid-June and September to October, low season generally runs from November to March (save for big holidays, such as Christmas or, in the US, Thanksgiving). Sure, the weather may not be as stellar as other times of the year, but you also won’t have all the long lines and crowds to contend with.

3. Check out currency conversion rates.

Depending on your country of origin, currency conversion rates can make a big impact on stretching a travel budget. For example, the US dollar to the Mexican peso is 1:20, making Mexico a favorite spot for American budget travelers. Another example is Poland, a current hot spot of budget travel, where the Polish zloty is 1 to 0.23 euros. Also try doing a little research into market trends. Argentina is normally one of the least budget-friendly destinations in South America, but the peso is currently lower than it’s been in years due to some bureaucratic turmoil, making it the cheapest time to go to Argentina in recent memory. If your cash goes further, so can you, and in nicer digs.

4. Take the road less traveled.

Instead of paying a premium to stay in heavily touristed cities, skip the crowds and high prices by visiting lesser-known cities in the same area. For instance, trade in the bustle of Paris for France’s gastronomy capital, Lyon, which is just as beautiful as Paris but attracts six million tourists per year versus Paris’s 32 million. Similarly, San Diego, just south of Los Angeles, has the same great food, warm beaches, and beautiful people as its more-visited neighbor, but with more budget-friendly options for travelers. In smaller cities, food and lodging are more affordable and are almost guaranteed to offer a more personal experience.

5. Book hostel stays.

Hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore. There are many luxe hostels that offer private rooms, even suites, at a fraction of the cost of hotels. In addition to offering more amenities than an Airbnb, from rooftop bars to budget-friendly dining, hostel stays are a great way to make new friends, especially for those traveling solo. Because of their affordability, and the fact that most are located right in the middle of the action, they tend to book up fast. Be sure to make reservations in advance or your only option may be the dreaded dorm room.

6. Invest in a hybrid travel bag.

Hybrid travel bags can serve various uses both at home and on vacation as they can be personalized to your particular travel needs. Use as a carry-on duffel on the plane to avoid hefty bag check fees (not to mention the all-too-common and costly nightmare of lost luggage) and then, once you’ve arrived at your destination, as a backpack for sightseeing. One suggestion for choosing a hybrid bag is to make sure it offers easy, yet secure, access to the things you personally require the most access to. For some people that might be a water bottle and phone, for others a wallet or documents.

7. Use your contacts.

Having a local connection is great for making friends within your chosen destination, but also for providing tips on the lesser-known and generally more affordable highlights of that destination. Social media is a great way to reach out and find these people, not to mention great advice from others who may have already been there and done that. If you don’t have these kinds of contacts, use an app that connects travelers to friendly locals who are more than willing to share the inside scoop on what’s best about their towns.

8. Make a “must-do” list.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean denying oneself the things that make travel so amazing. Being cognizant of the “must-sees” and “must-dos” and budgeting for them helps to control impulse spending, such as an expensive cocktail to help pass a long layover or a souvenir that won’t be treasured as long as the memory of the experience you worked so hard for. A budgeting app can help with tracking your total budget, as well as specific line items you may have, such as essentials like food or splurges on experiences.

9. Consider a stopover.

Icelandair is perhaps one of the most famous airlines offering cheap flights in exchange for

“stopovers” of over 24 hours at its hub in Reykjavik. Many other airlines offer such deals, which can cut a pretty penny off of high flight prices. If you have time to spare, this can be a great way to cut costs and have an unexpected experience, all while making your dream destination a reality.


More like this: The world’s best places to stay for under $30 a night

The post How to travel on a budget, but not like a backpacker appeared first on Matador Network.

How to visit Lake Orta from Milan

At a time when the major northern Italian pre-alpine lakes — Maggiore, Como, and Garda — are overrun with tourists and VIPs like George Clooney, nearby Lake Orta is experiencing quite the opposite. This lake is starved for attention, though that’s probably because locals are working hard to keep it all to themselves. Nineteenth-century French novelist Honoré de Balzac wrote about Orta, “The world that the traveler has lately viewed is here in miniature, modest and pure.” His words still ring true. At Lake Orta, a mere 90 minutes outside of Milan, less is still more — even two centuries later.

Fewer crowds make Lake Orta the region’s most intimate lake.

Photo: elitravo/Shutterstock

Lake Orta has been unjustly overshadowed for long as tourists have flocked to the hills of northern Italy: in sumptuousness by nearby Lake Maggiore, with its Borromean Isles’ manicured gardens and affluent Stresa; in size by Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake despite Maggiore’s deceptive name; and in literature by Alessandro Manzoni’s, “That branch of Lake Como,” the famous beginning to The Betrothed that all Italian students learn by heart, and which they often unconsciously default to when thinking of lakes later in life.

Less crowded, less costly, and less extensive, Lake Orta (aka Lake Cusio) is equally worthy if you know what to look for. It’s a little, unspoiled sapphire set amid the surrounding woods, and still one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets. This lake is also quite unique from a geographical viewpoint since its only outflow, Nigoglia, is the sole torrent in Italy that runs northwards. You’ll be seduced by its simplicity and intimacy, as well as by the hospitality of its local inhabitants, who aren’t burned on the country’s near-constant swarm of foreign visitors.

This small lake is surrounded by charming villages and impressive nature.

Photo: pcruciatti/Shutterstock

Orta San Giulio (or simply Orta) is, hands down, the most picturesque medieval village that overlooks Lake Orta. Stroll through its cobbled streets and then watch the world go by from one of the cafés or restaurants in Piazza Motta. Or catch a boat to the nearby Isle of San Giulio, dominated by an enclosed monastery. Boats are available daily, departing every 20 minutes.

If you’re seeking gratifying vistas of the lake and its surroundings from the west side, you won’t be disappointed by those from Madonna del Sasso. This is a sanctuary atop a granite rock, reachable also on foot from towns like Boleto. But the most breathtaking views are from Mottarone: a 4,900-foot mountain in the Pennine Alps between Lakes Orta and Maggiore. It’s about a half-hour winding drive from Orta to reach the top, with free access via the town of Armeno. On a bright, sunny day, you’ll be able to admire as many as seven lakes from its summit. And if you hit the jackpot, you might even spot Milan in the distance. Mottarone is also a great spot for a picnic, so pack a lunch and a bottle of wine.

For a more challenging and diverse itinerary, you can ride by mountain bike the entire circumference of the lake, approximately 40 kilometers or no more than two hours, and go as far as Mottarone if you’re up for the challenge. Local operator Cycle Lago Maggiore offers info on routing and bike rental. It’s also possible to trek all around Lake Orta along the Anello Azzurro (Light Blue Ring) route.

The food is simple yet delicious.

Photo: ajborges/Shutterstock

Once you’ve biked, hiked, or otherwise made your way around the lake, it’s time to indulge in the local delicacies of the lush northern region. Expect fresh salame della duia, goat cheese called tomino, and porcini mushrooms aplenty at local cafes. Lake fish such as coregone in carpione (whitefish marinated in vinegar) is a common, along with stuffed perch rolls and fried alborelle, or trout. Have something quick for lunch, especially if you’re hiking, and then reward yourself with the joys of an Italian aperitivo (free nibbles for the price of a drink, most likely a Spritz cocktail) at 6:00 PM.

Afterwards, you can have a full dinner in a traditional restaurant like Bocciolo or Leon d’Oro in Orta San Giulio, or in the two-star Michelin restaurant Villa Crespi. For a charming trattoria a little off the beaten track, check out Osteria San Martino in Crabbia. And for a special meal with a view, try Villa Pizzini on Mount Mottarone. As everywhere in Italy, restaurants, unlike cafés, charge a coperto (cover charge). It’s normal — you’re not being ripped off. It’s usually a couple of euros (about $2) and covers table linen, cutlery, and bread.

There’s no need to go in low season to avoid the crowds.

Photo: StevanZZ/Shutterstock

Although you’ll bump into plenty of wedding receptions in late spring and Swiss day-trippers on market days, the Lake Orta area never feels too touristy, not even in high season. April to October are the warmest months, and possibly the best, particularly for outdoor activities. But thanks to its own microclimate, the lake is never affected by huge fluctuations in temperature. Make sure you don’t visit the lake itself on a wet day — there’s nothing as melancholic (or poetic) as being by a lake in the rain. If you do get unlucky, though, there’s always more wine to be had.

Lake Orto is a two-hour train from Milan, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Photo: gab90/Shutterstock

Fly into Milan Malpensa and you’ll be by Lake Orta in about one hour by car. Alternatively, from Milano Centrale Railways Station, it’s a two-hour train ride to Orta-Miasino or Pettenasco via Novara. Find times and prices on trenitalia.com. For overnight stays, depending on your budget, the best hotels include Villa Crespi (five stars), Hotel Giardinetto (four stars), and La Sibilla Cusiana (three stars). Camping is also available, at Camping Orta for example.


More like this: Why you should visit Milan even if you aren’t into fashion

The post Forget Lake Como. Lake Orta is an affordable, unspoiled escape just outside Milan. appeared first on Matador Network.

Civana wellness retreat in Arizona

Staying at a wellness retreat is one of the best ways to vacation. Not only are you escaping the worries of daily life, and likely in a gorgeous locale, but you’re also eating healthier and exercising more than you would on, say, a vacation to a town defined by ice cream. But some of these wellness resorts can be a little crunchy. After all, we still want to indulge in flavorful meals and a poolside margarita after that sunrise yoga class. Civana, located in the town of Carefree, Arizona, mixes the best of both worlds.

Drive about 40 minutes north of Scottsdale and you’ll come across two small, neighboring towns: Carefree and Cave Creek. Carefree (whose name is, admittedly, a bit on the nose) is the relaxed, hippy desert locale while Cave Creek is the rebellious cowboy town with live bull riding and Coyote Ugly-style entertainment. Civana is situated in the former, but everyone will tell you to visit the latter for a good time.

Photo: Amanda Gabriele

Carefree’s eight square miles are in the Sonoran Desert near the scenic Black Mountain, and the town is home to around 3,500 residents. What was originally built in the 1950s as the Carefree Resort & Conference Center underwent a $50 million renovation to become the sustainability-focused wellness resort Civana in early 2019. The restoration preserved its architectural integrity but made way for a clean, minimalist design that makes you feel relaxed the moment you step into the lobby.

Civana is a place where you can truly relax. While wearing your robe around common spaces easily comes off as gauche at most hotels, you’ll see Civana guests leisurely strolling from the pool to the spa to the juice bar in the plush white robes provided in every room. On my stay, I totally got into the spirit and proudly donned the terrycloth uniform while moving from a morning pilates class on the lawn to breakfast at the grab-and-go Cafe Meto.

Photo: Lisa Diederich Photography

Many wellness resorts focus on vegan and raw cuisine, which is great in its own way. But Civana caters to everyone’s individual palate by offering everything from grassfed beef and sustainable seafood to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. At on-site restaurant Terras, executive chef Justin Macy spotlights local ingredients and bright flavors. We dined on rainbow heirloom beets, shitake mushroom and spinach stir fry, chili-rubbed carne asada, and a decadent vegan avocado chocolate mousse. The prickly pear that spiked our bright pink margaritas was picked from cacti on the property.

As we finished up dinner at Terras, we chatted with the Civana staff about where to go to explore town. One woman suggested we check out Carefree Coffee Roastery for the best beans in town while another talked up the English Rose Tea Room, an authentic toast to British tea traditions in the middle of the desert. But the one recommendation that just about every local gave us was The Buffalo Chip Saloon, a raucous bar and steakhouse in neighboring bad-boy town Cave Creek.

Photo: Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse/Facebook

Built in 1951, Buffalo Chip was once a feed and bait shop for fishermen on the way to Arizona’s Bartlett and Horseshoe Lakes. It’s now the most popular watering hole in Cave Creek, serving barbecue, drinks, and entertainment to everyone from locals decked out in cowboy gear to tourists staying at one of the nearby resorts. On a recent Friday night, the massive space featured a live country rock band inside along with a second band outside that played in front of a huge dance floor where patrons were square dancing and strutting their stuff. In true Coyote Ugly fashion, five bartenders hopped onto the bar and danced in unison while two others sailed through the air on swings that hung on either end of the bar.

But the real draw of Friday night at Buffalo Chip is the live bull riding that takes place in a corral out back. When someone first told us about this spectacle, my partner and I imagined a small pen inside the bar where brave patrons would try their hand at riding a wild animal. Not the case. The pen is surrounded by stadium seating filled with hundreds of people there to watch amateur riders be thrown from a raging bull into the dirt below. We settled in with neat tequilas, and everyone from families to groups of vacationing friends watched in awe as brave folks held on for dear life. If you walk down the main stretch of Cave Creek, you’ll notice other establishments are trying to duplicate the cowboy magic of Buffalo Chip. But after peering inside a few of the others, it was clear we spent our night in Cave Creek’s crown jewel.

Photo: Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse/Facebook

After a rowdy night in town, Civana is the best possible place to awaken. You can get moving by going on a guided hike, taking a spin class, sweating it out at bootcamp, or partaking in vinyasa yoga. Relaxing activities like guided meditation and sound healing are restorative options. A well-appointed resort gym is always there if you prefer your own fitness routine. Finally, a trip to Civana isn’t complete without time spent at the spa.

Photo: Lisa Diederich Photography

Even if you don’t schedule a treatment, the spa’s aqua vitality circuit is open to all Civana guests and is an absolute must during your stay. Designed to increase circulation and boost immunity, the five-part circuit takes you on a journey through hot and cold wading pools, a therapeutic soaking pool, a five-climate Klafs Sanarium (the only one in the United States), and a cold deluge shower. It gave us a much-needed zing after our night out in Cave Creek.

If you’re a spa person, splurge on the Down to Earth and Sea Body Detox. This ultra-relaxing, two-hour treatment starts with a ginger and sea salt scrub before an organic seaweed and Arizona mud layered body wrap is applied for detoxification. After the mud is removed, you’ll receive a full body, deep muscle relief massage to melt away any pain or tension. Following a treatment, the spa’s saltwater pool is a perfect place to spend the rest of your carefree afternoon.

Photo: Lisa Diederich Photography

It’s not unheard of for daily stresses to follow you on vacation. At Civana, however, you’ll find the relaxing vibes promised in Carefree’s name. And if you’re feeling a little bit like Mr. Hyde, Cave Creek’s dusty cowboy vibes are just one town away.


More like this: What it’s really like to go on a mental wellness retreat

The post In Carefree, Arizona, enjoy sunrise yoga by day and wild bull riding by night appeared first on Matador Network.

Hut-to-hut hiking in Slovenia

Dramatic views and challenging trails by day, savory goulash and a warm bed by night — Slovenia’s backcountry hut system brings the creature comforts of civilization into the wild, no tent required (and technically not allowed, per Slovenian law). Dotting the entire country and connected by a series of trail systems across Slovenia’s stunning Julian Alps, access is on your own two feet. And while they offer real beds and homemade comfort food, Slovenia’s huts are also budget-friendly. Here’s what you need to know.

Why hut-to-hut hike in Slovenia?

Photo: Raphael Rivest/Shutterstock

Hiking is a national pastime for Slovenians, which has led to an extensive and well-kept trail system. Wild camping, or pitching your tent on the side of the trail, is officially prohibited, meaning that if you want to overnight in the backcountry, you have to stay in a hut. Consider hut-to-hut hiking a chance to treat yourself. Slovenia is essentially twisting your arm to stay in gorgeous alpine chalets, complete with flowery window boxes. Well, if you insist!

The trails to reach the huts wind through dense forest, bare mountaintops, and lowland pastures, meaning that hiking is an option for a variety of fitness levels. Dotted with shepherds’ huts selling homemade cheese, traditional wooden troughs with spigots (meant for livestock but useful for empty water bottles), and rustic trail signs, everything man-made blends into its surroundings.

My husband and I chose to hike in Triglav National Park, the country’s largest protected area and only national park. The park is named for the highest peak in the country, the 9,39-foot-high Mount Triglav. Mount Triglav is a source of national pride, and it’s said that every “true” Slovenian should climb to its summit at least once in their lifetime. Our hiking plans would not include Mount Triglav on this trip, but they did comprise stays at three of the country’s 100-plus huts.

From the capital Ljubljana, the nation’s hometown-like capital, the Julian Alps are about a two-hour drive due north. Our hiking route departed right from the streets of Stars Fužina at the southern end of Triglav National Park, from were we headed uphill into the mountains.

The Planinska koča na Vojah hut was easy to reach from town, feeling more like a stroll than a hike. We extended the walk by trekking on to “Slap Mostnice,” a name we found hilarious but which translates to “Mostnice Waterfall.” The following day, the Koča na Planini pri Jezeru hut took more effort to reach — switchbacks not being a popular trail feature in Triglav — but I can still taste the soup I savored from one of the picnic tables as my legs recovered.

Booking a hut, shelter, or bivouak

Photo: klemen cerkovnik/Shutterstock

For most hikers, the best time of year to visit is between May and September, when you’re less likely to encounter snow. Avoid crowds by visiting on the early or late end of that range, but given that Triglav National Park covers over 320 square miles and is just one of many regions with backcountry huts, there’s plenty of room for everybody. Some of the huts only operate in the summer, so if you have a specific hut in mind, check its operating dates before you make travel plans.

Make reservations, especially if your trip will be during the busiest season. You’ll be competing for space with locals and international visitors alike, most of whom ascend the mountains during the warmer months. Visit the Alpine Association of Slovenia’s English-version website for a list of huts and associated contact information. The website also allows you to sort huts by region, narrowing your search, for instance, to the Julian Alps or the Posavje Hills. Most reservations require that you contact the caretaker by phone or email, a problem less daunting than it sounds considering the high number of English speakers in Slovenia.

Huts offer a variety of lodging options, from private rooms to 12-person bunk rooms. If the hut is really packed, the innkeeper may offer you space to sleep in the dining room. Most huts have a dining room, a washroom, restrooms, and outdoor seating areas. Large porches with sweeping views are also commonplace and are a great place to gather with new friends and cold beers.

The cost of lodging depends on the amenities provided, the elevation of the hut, and your membership in the Alpine Association. If you plan to stay for more than a night or two, we recommend joining for the cost-saving benefits. There are three tiers of lodging, Tier 1 usually being higher elevation and costlier, and Tier 3 being lower in elevation, sometimes with amenities like running water.

For example, at Triglavski dom na Kredarici, the highest mountain hut in Slovenia at 8,251 feet — and the most visited one due to its close proximity to Mount Triglav — a dormitory bed costs about $12 per person for Alpine Association members. A lower elevation hut might cost about $8.80 per person for the night. Bedding costs extra, so if you want to save a few euros per night, bring your own. As payment is made to the innkeeper in cash, be sure to bring enough euros for your hut-to-hut lodging and dining needs.

Keep in mind that these are backcountry huts, not the Hilton. Supplies are hiked in on foot or by pack animal, and in some cases delivered by air. Running water is available at some lower elevation huts, but rainwater is the only source of water at some higher elevation huts, meaning there are usually no shower facilities. The trade-off is a warm bed, delicious food and drink, and gorgeous views. Spaced out a few hours walk from each other, hikers can decide between a leisurely pace or mile-crushing marathons.

Food and drink at the huts

Photo: Fijalka/Shutterstock

It’s hard for me, a product of the Southern Appalachians, where you’re almost as likely to run into Bigfoot as you are a backcountry hut, to describe how exciting it is to eat a steaming bowl of goulash mid-hike. The hut menus focus on hearty comfort foods that meet the twin goals of satisfying your belly and fortifying your body after a calorie-burning trek. And at the risk of sounding sheltered, I’d never tried half of the foods I ate at the huts, making for an international expansion of my palate.

Warm dishes and cold beverages are offered at each hut, with options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. While the offerings vary across locations, expect a homemade menu of warm soups, simple cold dishes, hot teas and coffee, and beer. While any of these would taste delicious in a city, everything tastes that much better after hiking in.

At Triglavski dom na Kredarici, the most expensive hut due to its high elevation, a bowl of vegetable soup costs $5.70, a beer $5, and a bowl of goulash for $11. Again, lower elevation huts are cheaper. Visitors are allowed to eat their own food at the huts, but cooking in the huts is not allowed. Remember to bring enough cash with you, as all transactions will be made to the innkeeper with real money, not credit cards.

How to prepare for your trek

Photo: Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

You could go straight from the airport to the trailhead, but do yourself a favor and set up a basecamp in town before embarking on your hut-to-hut hike. If you arrive by plane, likely you’ll touch down in Ljubljana, the nation’s old-world capital, complete with a hilltop castle. Basecamping here will give you time to buy last minute provisions and make sure you have enough euros, the only way to pay for lodging and food at the huts. Depending on what you’ve packed, you may also need a place to leave extra luggage that you don’t want to carry through the Alps. Ask the innkeeper or hotel if there’s an option to leave your extra luggage while you hit the trail.

From Ljubljana, you can take the bus to a trailhead. Public transportation in Slovenia is reliable and runs frequently. Ljubljana has a major bus hub, which connects to trailheads all over the country. For example, we took a local bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj, a trip that takes under two hours and costs around $11 one way per person. The bus dropped us off in Lake Bohinj, from where it’s a short, gorgeous walk to the trailside town of Stara Fužina. We found a decently stocked grocery store, a few local restaurants, and views of the Julian Alps that had us power walking to get there faster.

Use this Slovenian website and Google Translate to figure out bus times and schedules that work with your route.

Photo: Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

The Julian Alps are as steep as any of the other European Alps, but switchbacks are less common. Pack light and only carry what you’ll need. Bring your own snacks, a water bottle, extra clothes, a map, and other safety essentials. It’s also recommended to carry a trail map, which you can order before your trip or find at a local outdoor store upon arrival. And most importantly, remember to bring cash for the Slovenian huts.

If staying at a hut isn’t in the cards for you, know that day hikers are encouraged to visit the huts as well. Grab a Turkish coffee on the front porch, or take a bowl of goulash out to a picnic table as you rest your feet. Meet the caretakers, talk to fellow travelers, and start planning your next trip to Slovenia, which will hopefully include an overnight hut experience.


More like this: 5 places to see Slovenia’s incredible natural beauty

The post How to go hut-to-hut hiking in Slovenia’s glorious Julian Alps appeared first on Matador Network.

Hotel hacks for travelers

If you travel frequently, you’ve probably devised your own special set of travel hacks that work for you. Whether it’s stuffing your socks into your shoes to save packing space, or pocketing the little shampoo bottles at hotels, everyone has a cheat code to a slightly better travel experience. When Twitter user Rick Klau reposted a photo of this particular travel hack — using hanger clips to keep hotel curtains shut — it inspired people to share their own travel cheats and became a top trending topic.

I don't remember who posted this on Twitter a few years ago, but whoever you are: you have improved every night I've spent in a hotel since. pic.twitter.com/NpuuumqHV8

— Rick Klau (@rklau) October 4, 2019

Indeed, if you want a list of travel hacks to make your upcoming trip more manageable and comfortable, you should probably pay attention to this thread. People have figured out everything — from how to mitigate the effects of a cold AC to warding off germs and creating a makeshift desk. Take out your pen and notepad, because these are some of our favorites.

Joe C said, “Put the chair back in front of the A/C to stop it blowing directly on you.”

For the germaphobes out there, la espooky recommends, “Instead of touching the disgusting tv remote, wrap it in the shower cap!”

If you’re tired of weak WiFi signals, MapleOne has you covered. “I always bring a 10’ LAN cable,” he says, “and plug my laptop directly into the wireless router.”

Business travelers concerned about showing up to their hotel room only to find it lacks a workspace should take the advice of Alistair Croll, who believes an ironing board is the perfect desk substitute. “Since the chairs are never the right height,” he says, “use the ironing board for long hotel work.”

For more hotel hacks, keep your eye on the thread, or feel free to spread the love and contribute one yourself.


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The post This genius hotel hack spawned a thread of creative travel hacks on Twitter appeared first on Matador Network.

Ecuador protests enter fifth day

Protests across Ecuador are continuing for their fifth day, and only show signs of becoming larger and more dangerous. They began in response to President Lenin Moreno’s abolition of fuel subsidies, which resulted in the sharp rise in consumer prices. In just three days, prices in food markets and elsewhere have increased by up to a third, and people aren’t happy. Authorities have even started arresting shopkeepers for raising the price of food, but that doesn’t seem to be helping the issue. According to the government, at least 20 people have already been detained for overcharging for food products.

After a transport union strike that proved ineffective, indiginous groups are now spearheading leadership of the protests. On Sunday, they used burning tires, branches, and rocks to barricade roads, with some even throwing stones at security forces, who retaliated with tear gas. While the barricades are certainly drawing attention, they have already resulted in the death of one man in the Azuay province, as roadblocks prevented an ambulance from reaching him in time.

According to Moreno, fuel subsidies were distorting the economy and costing $60 billion, making their abolition necessary. The government expects to save $1.5 billion a year from ending fuel subsidies, though the protests don’t appear to be ending anytime soon. Transportation groups in some areas of the country have even called for a national strike on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, the situation is putting travelers to Ecuador in a bind. Reddit user peppy567 created a thread seeking advice on how to get out of Ecuador, saying, “I’ve been stuck here since the general strike started on Thursday in Ibarra… the entire country is shut down. Literally a mile and a half from me is a blockade made of burning tires and trees.”

Since many buses aren’t running and flights have been canceled, the poster was advised to look into extended hotel stays covered by travel insurance, contact the US embassy, and stay away from streets affected by the protests.


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The post Ecuador protests enter fifth day, with flaming barricades now blocking roads appeared first on Matador Network.

Passport strength ranking 2019

Having a powerful passport is a point of pride among many travelers, as it means you have the ability to travel to more places around the world. Passport strength can fluctuate, and is usually dictated by the country’s politics, safety, and international relationships, but it’s incredibly important for citizens looking to have access to the global community. Every year, the Henley Passport Index reveals a list of the world’s most powerful passports, so people who possess them can feel good about themselves, and people who don’t can be jealous. The index ranks “all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.” This year, the top two countries have remained the same from last year, but there have been changes in the rankings.

Japan and Singapore are tied for the top spot, with each country’s passport granting access to 190 countries. Germany had held the top spot before 2018, but is now tied with South Korea and Finland for second place, with access to 188 countries. This represents an interesting change from several years ago, when the list was consistently topped by European countries.

The US and UK have hit their lowest spots in the rankings since 2010, though overall are still performing pretty well. They’re tied for sixth place, each with access to a respectable 184 countries, but this is still a sharp decline from 2014 when they held the top spot.

Some unexpected countries making a surge this year include Malaysia, which nearly cracked the top 10 and is currently tied for 12th with Lichtenstein, and Eastern European countries like Lithuania and Slovakia holding their own in ninth place.

If your country didn’t crack the top 10, don’t despair — there’s always next year.


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The post These are the world’s strongest passports of 2019 appeared first on Matador Network.

East River water installation

The dirtiness of your local river is one of those things you might prefer to ignore, but this light installation in NYC’s East River will make that pretty much impossible. Just north of Pier 17, this LED light installation will indicate exactly how clean or dirty the river’s water is, changing colors based on water quality. Quality will be measured using data pulled from sensors set up at Pier 17.

Jeff Franklin, a designer of the + POOL light installation, said, “The design recognizes the ‘+’ sign as a symbol of positivity, indicating the positive steps we have taken to improve water quality since the Clean Water Act of 1972. Conceptually, it’s also a symbol of inclusivity in that the water that surrounds us belongs to no one single group, but to everyone.”

Photo: + Pool

To create the water quality algorithm, + POOL tested bacteria samples using the same system Paris uses to test for swimming water quality in its canals. To monitor the river’s water quality in real time, you can check out the online dashboard. “We wanted to figure out a way to empower people with the data,” said Kara Meyer, managing director of Friends of + POOL, “and engage them visually with what is happening in the water in front of them.”

The installation comes after the Economic Development Corporation called for applications from pool operators to build a filtering pool system between the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 35, and + POOL plans to apply.

The lights will remain on display through January 4.


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First outdoor preschools in WA

If recess was your favorite part of school, these outdoor preschools would have been your paradise. Outdoor preschools might soon become a nationwide trend, as Washington has just become the first state in the country to grant them an official license. Tiny Trees Preschool is one such preschool, with kids gathering outdoors instead of inside a classroom. School sessions take place entirely outdoors from September to June, rain or shine.

Hannah Kinney, teacher at Tiny Trees, said, “There’s a beauty in being able to see kids run outdoors and look at slugs and take care of plants and animals. You do see students that need that space to move their bodies and feel like they have that choice and ownership of their learning.”

According to The Seattle Times, Kinney believes that outdoor classes encourage students to consider their relationship with nature, stay in better touch with their feelings and emotions, and get more creative with their space.

In 2017, Washington developed official requirements for an outdoor preschool to become licensed, though until recently, no outdoor preschools had obtained licensure. One important criterion states that there must be one teacher for every six kids, ensuring that the children are properly supervised.

Parents are embracing the alternative learning method. Parent Nika Cull, whose daughter attends Tiny Trees, said, “My kids have the rest of their lives to sit in a chair and listen to someone talk. Childhood is so limited for things like playing and climbing trees and going on hikes. There’s so much foundational importance interwoven into these activities…and it just lets them be kids for as long as they can.”

When it rains, a canopy is erected to keep everyone dry. But at Tiny Trees, the kids don’t seem to have any qualms about playing in the rain.


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Saudi Arabia loosens more laws

Couples retreats just got a whole lot easier in Saudi Arabia…if taking a couples retreat in Saudi Arabia is your thing. As part of its new, more relaxed visa program, the famously restrictive country is now allowing unmarried foreign couples to rent hotel rooms together. Previously, couples had to provide documents proving that they were married before renting a room. Women will also be allowed to stay in hotel rooms alone.

According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, “All Saudi nationals are asked to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels. This is not required of foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone, providing ID on check-in.” And while female tourists are still required to dress modestly, they are not expected to fully cover up.

These changes are the result of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to soften its image, and make the country more appealing to visitors. A ban on female drivers has also been lifted, as well as restrictions on women traveling abroad without male permission. The Saudi government hopes that a surge in foreign visitors will result in an influx of tourism revenue, which it hopes will become one of the cornerstones of its economy.


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