The Best Running Gear for Destination Races & Training on Vacation

Sticking to a diet, especially when you are away from home traveling, is often difficult, particularly if you are a vegetarian or vegan. The options just aren’t the same.

Sep 30, 2024 • 3 min read

Sep 30, 2024 • 6 min read

October is here and so are these great points and miles deals, and the latest in credit card perks—all of which come in handy for leaf-peeping trips, spooky getaways for Halloween, and last-minute journeys to chase some autumn sun. (Need some ideas? Check out this list of the best places to visit in October to get the travel inspiration going.) And for the aviation geeks: Here’s a rundown of the latest loyalty industry news and perks, so you don’t have to scour the internet to find them. Register for these points and miles deals to boost your account balances, and then start planning where you want to go next. We've got all the best points and miles deals for October, below.

I've traveled the world on a shoestring budget.

Sep 27, 2024 • 10 min read

I've slept like a queen all over the world.

Sep 26, 2024 • 6 min read

There’s never a wrong time of year to visit the Berkshires, the mountainous stretch of western Massachusetts located just 140 miles north of New York City. You can thank the fall’s vibrant display of foliage, summer’s Tanglewood music festival that draws crowds from all over the world, and a steady tide of new hotel openings to take advantage of as cozy winter getaways and for ski season. The region also has strong roots as an artists community, with a robust community of galleries, independent boutiques, and museums. And for city dwellers looking to stretch their legs, the Berkshires is also home to scenic hiking trails and winter slopes for every activity and ability level.

To survive cold weather at home, you likely have a favored Big Coat. But whether it’s a flowy wool trench that grazes that ground or a bulbous puffer that makes you a dead-ringer for the Michelin Man, it’s probably unsuited for life in transit. When you’re traveling on a plane, a truly big coat can make getting yourself through security and squeezing yourself into ever-shrinking basic economy plane seats a real hassle.

For dwellers of the mountains or high desert, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. As a gear tester and editor at Matador, I’ve worn many pairs from brands both established and new, and given that I hike hundreds of miles per year, have become quite picky about what I want in a pair of boots for the trail. I recently acquired a pair of Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots, listed with the term B-DRY on the REI website, after demoing them at a trade show, and after a month of constant trail use, the boots have earned their place in my gear collection as my new pair of go-to hiking boots. Here’s why.

Your boots are your loyal companions on the trail, carrying you through sunshine, rain, and everything in between. But with so many options on the shelf, choosing the right pair can feel daunting. Do you prioritize ankle support for rugged hikes or lightweight agility for speedy ascents? Waterproof protection for surprise downpours or breathability for hot summer treks? This guide will help you navigate the world of hiking boots, ensuring you select the perfect partner for every adventure, whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a local park or an ambitious trek to a mountain peak.