Tag: Source: nomadicmatt.com

There are numerous tours available in New York City, but one aspect that people often overlook is Airbnb experiences. Most are familiar with Airbnb primarily for their accommodation options, yet they also offer a wide range of experiences where locals can guide you. Personally, I prefer these experiences to conventional tours because they feature locals passionately sharing their knowledge, involve smaller groups, and tend to be less mainstream.

I feel that not enough people take advantage of these experiences, and they always rank among my top activities to seek out whenever I travel globally. New York City presents a plethora of choices. Here are my top picks:

Discover Brooklyn’s Pizza Culture

Pizza and NYC are an iconic pair, akin to bread and butter, and this Brooklyn pizza tour led by travel writer Dani Hienrich takes you to some of the city’s finest locations while providing an in-depth history of pizza (who knew slices weren’t popular until the 1940s!). I’ve participated in numerous pizza tours in the city, and I believe Dani offers the best one, as she details the history, is incredibly enjoyable, and the tour is less conventional, avoiding large groups of twenty.

Sketch Masterpieces at the Met Museum

In this enjoyable experience, you’ll visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, an experienced artist who will guide you on a sketching adventure. You’ll start with a warm introduction and sketching exercises, then stroll through selected galleries, taking breaks to draw iconic sculptures and artworks you choose. Along the way, he’ll share insights into the history of sculpting and painting techniques and the stories behind some exhibits. It’s certainly a fun and interactive way to explore the MET.

Explore African American History

During this walking tour in Lower Manhattan, you’ll meet your host Larry at the National Museum of the American Indian before traversing a tapestry of hidden Black New York: from Bowling Green (where enslaved Africans contributed to the city’s construction), to remnants of Fort Amsterdam, and to the sites of 17th-century enslaved houses. You’ll walk past Wall Street to hear about its slave-market history, visit Federal Hall and a former free-African oyster house, stroll through Foley Square (historically the site of executions), and finish at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry ranks among the best tour guides I’ve ever encountered. He’s entertaining, engaging, humorous, and brimming with knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and learned so much. It’s a fascinating and unique method to experience lower Manhattan. He also conducts an amazing Harlem tour as well!

Create and Relish a New York Pizza

If you want to engage beyond merely eating pizza, head to Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will guide you through the history of New York-style pizza before you shape your own dough, select from an array of sauces and toppings, and bake your masterpiece in a wood-fired oven. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creation along with other famous dishes from the restaurant. It’s highly interactive, and Logan is a captivating and personable host. Located in Greenpoint, it’s an area most tourists overlook, so be sure to explore this local hotspot afterward.

Next time you find yourself in NYC and want to partake in something fun and distinctive, please consider checking out Airbnb Experiences as they are genuinely enjoyable and engaging. I’ve experienced about a dozen of these, and I believe these are the very best of the bunch. However, if you discover one that you adore, do send me an email so I can check it out!

Conditions apply to American Express perks and offers. Enrollment may be necessary for certain American Express perks and offers. Visit americanexpress.com for further information.

For devoted Delta travelers seeking a VIP experience, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is your top choice. I’m an avid Delta supporter and tend to fly with them almost exclusively while traveling within the United States. I consider them to offer the finest in-flight experience, meals, entertainment, and seating.

If you’re a fan of Delta and frequently travel with them, I genuinely believe that the Reserve card is essential. Although it comes with the highest annual fee, it also presents the most extensive range of benefits, such as Sky Club access, priority for upgrades, and quicker accumulation of elite status. The cost is more than justified, and I have gained significantly more value from it than what the fee entails.

Here’s my assessment of the card!

Overview of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is Delta’s elite card that provides frequent flyers with a multitude of benefits and privileges, designed for those who travel often with the airline and desire additional perks as well as expedited elite status accumulation. The annual fee is $650 (See Rates and Fees.) but I believe that the advantages of the card surpass the expense.

This card includes:

• Acquire 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 on qualifying purchases using your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Expires 10/29/2025.
• 3x miles on Delta expenditures
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 15 visits annually to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta, with unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on your Card in a calendar year.
• Receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Complimentary checked bag on Delta flights
• Earn 1 MQD for every $10 charged to the card
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year
• Benefit from a Companion Certificate on a round-trip Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main flight to select locations each year following Card renewal. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government fees and taxes ranging from $22 to $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage fees and other limitations apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• Fee reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Up to $240 Resy credit (up to $20 per month in statement credits)
• Up to $120 Rideshare credit (up to $10 per month in statement credits)
• Up to $200 Delta Stays credit
• 15% off Award Flight redemption through delta.com and the Fly Delta app
• 20% back on qualifying in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit

In summary, this card offers a wealth of benefits, and I find that, unlike many other premium cards, these benefits are truly valuable! I appreciate the MQD enhancement, the hotel credit, the 15% back on award redemptions, and especially the lounge access. I tend to utilize most of the benefits associated with this card, making its value significantly outweigh the fee.

Utilizing Your Delta Points

Delta employs dynamic pricing for its rewards. This means that the quantity of points required to book a flight isn’t fixed. Rather, the rate fluctuates with the cash price of a flight. Additionally, you can redeem your points as cash during checkout at a rate of 1 cent per mile, but I seldom consider that a favorable redemption and rarely take that option. I only do this if I am short on

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Spain is famous for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, and distinctive cuisine. While places like Barcelona, Madrid, and Ibiza are popular for good reason, the true spirit of Spain is often found in its unexplored regions. Northern Spain, characterized by its lush mountains, rugged coastlines, and historic villages, provides a fresh viewpoint. Although it draws fewer tourists than the bustling southern destinations, its allure is just as mesmerizing.

If you are looking for a quieter aspect of Spain, think about venturing north after arriving in Madrid. Enjoy a few days in the lively capital, then embark on a train journey northward for a week or so to meander along ancient Roman routes, discover lesser-known deserts, and trek to villages where customs persist long after empires have diminished.

Here are three locations in Northern Spain that present a mix of history, scenic beauty, and cultural engagement: Las Médulas, the Bardenas Reales, and Santillana del Mar. Each is reachable from Madrid and offers a distinctive experience.

1. **Las Médulas**

Almost 2,000 years ago, Roman engineers altered this terrain in pursuit of gold using a method known as ruina montium. This created a dreamlike scenery of sharp red cliffs and crevices, softened by chestnut woods and pathways. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Las Médulas stands as a testament to human creativity and nature’s lasting strength. While hiking here, you can envision the effort and vision required to transform this rugged landscape.

**Highlights and Trails:**
– **Senda de las Valiñas (4km loop):** A gentle hike through chestnut groves and Roman tunnels.
– **Mirador de Orellán:** Provides breathtaking sunset vistas over the cliffs.
– **Galería de Orellán:** Discover a restored mining passage.
– **Senda Perimetral (14km loop):** An extended hike encircling the archaeological site.
– **Castro de Chano:** A pre-Roman hillfort nearby.
– **Mirador de Reirigo:** A secluded viewpoint with expansive sights.

**Practical Details:**
– **Where to Stay:** Ponferrada, located 30 minutes away, offers a range of accommodations.
– **Best Season:** Autumn for colorful leaves; spring for flowering plants.
– **Tip:** Bring water, snacks, and a map or GPS app for longer treks.

2. **Bardenas Reales**

To the south of Pamplona, the landscape transitions to a semi-desert expanse of ochre mesas and ravines. This 42,000-hectare natural park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a military zone, yet shepherds continue to graze their herds here. The park’s seclusion often allows for trails that are solely yours to enjoy.

**Sights and Routes:**
– **Castildetierra:** A slender rock monument, ideally captured at dawn.
– **La Blanca Baja Loop (34km):** A scenic route that can be driven or cycled through the park’s center.
– **Piskerra and El Rallón Hike:** A moderate trek offering exhilarating views.
– **Balcón de Pilatos:** A lookout spot for observing griffon vultures.
– **Cabezo de las Cortinillas:** A more tranquil rock formation.
– **Río Aragón Corridor:** A green corridor along the river, excellent for birdwatching.

**Practical Details:**
– **Where to Stay:** Tudela, the closest town, provides comfortable lodging options.
– **Best Season:** Spring or early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
– **Tip:** Bring ample water, sunscreen, and snacks; there are no facilities within the park.

3. **Santillana del Mar**

Nestled in Cantabria, Santillana del Mar is a charming village featuring cobbled lanes, medieval architecture, and delightful plazas. It acts as a gateway to the Altamira Cave, renowned for its Paleolithic artwork. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere once day-trippers depart.

**Things to See and Do:**
– **Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana:** A Romanesque jewel with tranquil cloisters.
– **Altamira Cave Replica:** An impressive model of ancient artistry.
– **Museo de Altamira:** Engaging displays focused on prehistoric culture.
– **Plaza Mayor:** An ideal setting for coffee or cider.
– **Nearby Trails:** Explore adjacent hills and coastal routes.
– **Cuevas de El Soplao:** A cavern showcasing stunning formations.
– **Comillas:** A nearby town featuring Modernist architecture.

**Practical Details:**
– **Getting There:** Buses from Santander or Bilbao; renting a car offers flexibility.
– **Best Season:** Spring and autumn for temperate weather and diminished crowds.

Spain’s major attractions are well-known, yet its hidden landscapes and towns offer richer adventures. Beyond its beaches and bustling cities lies a nation where history, geography, and daily life merge into experiences worth treasuring. Whether following Roman tunnels in Las Médulas, cycling across the Bardenas Reales, or unwinding in Santillana del Mar, Spain invites exploration beyond the ordinary.

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Ruin bars have emerged as a fundamental aspect of Budapest’s nightlife, presenting a distinct combination of history, culture, and entertainment. Beginning in the early 2000s with the opening of Szimpla Kert, these bars are located in the historic Jewish quarter, District VII, repurposing abandoned structures and areas left neglected after World War II. Initially appealing to artists and students, ruin bars have expanded into mainstream popularity while preserving their unique allure.

From the exterior, ruin bars seem modest, often missing noticeable signage or commotion. However, entering them reveals lively courtyards brimming with eclectic furnishings, artistic decor, and an energetic vibe. Each bar possesses its own personality but shares common features: refurbished areas, mismatched flea market items, and artistic elements.

Szimpla Kert, the first ruin bar, continues to be a beloved spot with its varied rooms, cocktail bars, and distinctive characteristics like a deconstructed Trabant car. Grandio provides a more cozy atmosphere with its hostel-bar fusion and a courtyard filled with trees. Dürer Kert, a transformed university building, offers a roomy setting for live performances and games. The Instant-Fogas Complex, the largest of the ruin bars, delivers a club-like ambiance with numerous dance floors and bars. Doboz, while trendier, boasts an impressive courtyard featuring a robot sculpture. Mazel Tov integrates a community hub and restaurant with a vibrant nighttime scene. Csendes Letterem Café & Bar presents a laid-back environment with vintage charm.

Although they have become widely popular, many ruin bars continue to capture their original essence, drawing in both locals and visitors. They provide a unique window into Budapest’s cultural landscape, making them essential stops for anyone visiting the city. Whether you’re there for the beverages, the decor, or the ambiance, ruin bars offer an unforgettable experience in Budapest’s dynamic nightlife.

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I once believed that “home” was a term filled with negativity. The excitement of life unfolded out there — on the journey — brimming with thrilling escapades, intriguing individuals, and limitless opportunities. No monotonous drives to work, half-hour lunch breaks, tedious meetings, or endless to-do lists crammed into a hurried weekend.

Why would anyone wish to be at home, where the routine appeared to diminish your desire to live? It perplexed me.

My initial overseas trip — a getaway to Costa Rica — ignited my passion for exploration. For all the reasons stated earlier, I comprehended why “vacations” were so idealized in workplace culture. They offered a freedom starkly contrasting the daily grind of corporate life.

Thus, when I finally resigned from my job, I embarked on an adventure to immerse myself in everything the world had to present for as long as my funds permitted.

After all, who could ever grow weary of life on the road?

Well, I did.

Eventually, I became weary of being a full-time traveler. I longed for consistent friendships, regular workouts, a local bar that recognized me, a kitchen to prepare meals in, and my own cozy bed.

Suddenly, I understood that “home” wasn’t a negative term. It simply felt that way to a young, restless spirit who perceived adulthood as far away.

I came to recognize what someone just beginning their journey with romanticized travel notions could not: Burnout is real. On my initial trip abroad, after a year and a half, I reached my limit and chose to shorten my travels. Then, years later, in 2013, I realized that the nomadic lifestyle was no longer suitable for me and opted to cease full-time traveling.

It was time to mature, I declared. Time to settle down and transition from nomad to… whatever awaited me next.

Yet, the allure of the journey — and the business of working in travel — frequently beckoned me back.

As the years passed, I drifted between two realms: one where I traveled, yearning for home, and another where I was home, eager to venture out again.

There were times I wished for a clone so I could inhabit both spaces and fulfill my conflicting desires.

After all, you can’t — and shouldn’t — reside in only one indefinitely.

Because travel and home are interdependent forces, yin and yang. Lacking one, you cannot fully value the other.

Every traveler reaches a point where they pause and think, “I’m ready to settle in one spot.” The timing and reasoning behind this varies, but I have yet to encounter a traveler devoid of that experience. When I started my travels in my twenties, it took years for that realization to dawn on me. Now, two decades later, it occurs after just a month.

To manage life, our minds create mental shortcuts for processing information. It’s why we often take the same route to work daily — it’s simply easier, which is also why it feels like “you could do it in your sleep.” If your mind had to assess a new route every day, it would quickly exhaust itself. These routines allow us to put much of life on autopilot, conserving energy for work, relationships, emotions, thoughts, etc.

However, traveling requires you to relearn basic life skills each day. There are no mental shortcuts. It demands significant mental energy to navigate the world anew day after day, repack your belongings, say farewell to the person you met previously, and venture out again to navigate unfamiliar territories, languages, and cultures as though you’ve never done it before.

It can be draining.

While a vacation provides a brief respite from life, long-term travel is different. When engaging in long-term travel (or frequently on the move), there is no break. You’re incessantly attempting to figure things out while perpetually disrupting your routine. Your travel battery diminishes.

Yet, just as the travel battery requires recharging, our “home” battery does too.

While some individuals can adhere to the same routine throughout their lives, the majority of us find it tedious. We crave a break. After some time in one location, we desire to disrupt the monotony of our daily lives. Work, commutes, errands… day in, day out, like ants marching endlessly.

So we set off on another adventure. We experience thrilling escapades, meet new faces, sample diverse cuisines, and gain fresh experiences. Perhaps we learn, grow, and develop as individuals. We might be gone for a week or two or take a month off. Or we work remotely and spend several months away. But eventually, our energy wanes: we grow weary, and soon we return home again.