What makes each of us happy is certainly subjective. However, there is one easy way you can increase your chances of feeling that emotion: Choosing to live in a happier state. In September, WalletHub released its study ranking the happiest states in the U.S. It came to its conclusion after evaluating all 50 states across three key dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. Those three dimensions were evaluated using 30 metrics, including the physical health of the population, sleep rates, food insecurity, commute times, income growth rate, average leisure time per person, safety, and more. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing maximum happiness. It then averaged each state's numbers to calculate its overall score.
This Overlanding Shower Revolutionized My Desert Camp Setup
16.10.2024 - 17:42 / matadornetwork.com / Joshua Tree
I am just going to come out and say it, having a hot shower out in the desert while camping is an absolute cheat code. I feel as calling something indescribable is often overstated and overused in the modern day social media era, however, I am going to state just that, a hot shower at the end of a day spent hiking, exploring and adventuring is indescribable.
I’ve spent years exploring the deserts of Southern California, most often around the high desert region of Joshua Tree. As the Creative Director at Matador Network, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to photograph and film many of our world’s natural wonders. Calling Southern California home, I’ve often missed the excitement of far off lands, which has left me wondering deeper and deeper into the California desert while at home. And when I do so, it’s often times long and dusty. Love a long a hike through Joshua trees, looking for unique angles of those alien like succulents (they aren’t in fact trees but cacti) but it’s the times crawling back into my tent dirty, exhausted, and a bit beat that have always been the taxing part.
Staying fresh in the desert. Photo: Scott Sporleder
Enter the Joolca HOTTAP Nomad kit, $549 at Backcountry.com. I’ve never been a massive gear guy, for one reason or another I’ve always just grinded through things, but recently I thought to myself, you know I don’t need to suffer every time I head out into the hills. After some research, I came across the Nomad kid and decided to give it a go and one thing is certain, I ain’t going back.
The HOTTAP is a self-contained shower that can also double as a sink and portable washing station for all of your dishes while on the road. It comes in a blue waterproof bin that is comparable to that of a storage bin you would use in your garage, and inside of it is everything you need (other than the propane to heat the shower).
We hope you love the Joolca HOTTAP Nomad kit! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
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Easily control the temperature like you would in a normal shower. Photo: Scott Sporleder
• To pull up to a remote campsite, offgrid location and be able to end the day with a quick hot shower doesn’t feel real. If you have the space and like a small creature comfort than you can’t go wrong with this.
• It’s extremely self explanatory, hoses are intuitive to connect and within a few minutes you can be up and running.
• The self contained packing unit makes things extremely easy to pack and travel with.
Photo: Scott Sporleder
• The hoses can take a few times to get used to, what plugs into to what and making sure the everything is clipped in and engaged. However, after about the third or fourth time
Why this Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan change may sway me to leave American's AAdvantage program
Since earning AAdvantage Executive Platinum status with American Airlines AAdvantage in 2016, I've continued to qualify for AAdvantage Platinum Pro or higher status with the program each year. After all, I enjoy selecting Main Cabin Extra seating at booking, believe American miles still hold excellent value, appreciate earning miles through Bask Bank and love having Oneworld Emerald status. I also occasionally get a complimentary upgrade when flying within North America, although these have dwindled in frequency over the years.
This Major U.S. Airport Is Getting a Delta One Lounge
Delta Air Lines has announced that its newest premium lounge will be located at its Mountain West hub, where the carrier is boosting international service over the next year. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is slated to receive a Delta One lounge, as confirmed by an airline spokesperson to T+L. While the exact opening date hasn’t been shared just yet, this marks the airline's fifth Delta One lounge in the country. A step above the existing network of Delta Sky Clubs, the Delta One lounges are exclusively available to long-haul business or first-class passengers.
Get to Know California’s Capital at This Stylish Hotel — Rooftop Pool Included
From the rooftop pool deck of the Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento’s Downtown Commons (DOCO) mall, I gazed down at a crowd of hyped-up circus fans buzzing around Golden 1 Center. Home to the Sacramento Kings basketball team, the arena also hosts concerts and special events like the Greatest Show on Earth, which happened to be in town during my visit.
This Road Trip Will Take You to the Most Wish-Listed Airbnbs in the Midwest
Airbnb compiled its report of the most wish-listed stays in every US state so it’s time for a road trip with some epic accommodations. This road trip that connects the most wish-listed Midwest Airbnbs starts in North Dakota and heads south before turning north again and then back south, a rollercoaster of a road trip that’s even better than the crazy rides at Cedar Point.
Traveling to Europe Next Year? You’ll Need to Plan Ahead to Follow This New Rule
A last-minute trip to Europe is as romantic as it sounds. Not only is the spontaneity thrilling, but European countries lend themselves very well to travelers who appreciate local customs and enjoy exploring new places without a rigid itinerary. Often, impulsively turning down a cobblestoned street will lead you to an exceptional hole-in-the-wall wine bar, a short-notice boutique hotel booking will be the best place you’ve ever stayed, or a chance encounter with a local will lead to a life-long friendship. But come 2025, you will need to do a little planning before you cross the pond. Next year, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will come into effect. This rule will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain a travel authorization before entering 30 European countries and this includes US travelers.
Travelers to Germany Can Save Big With This Monthly Transport Pass
When it comes to public transportation, the Germans are well ahead of the game. Instead of making people purchase different tickets or travel cards for each transport company and each mode of travel in every city and town you visit, they created the Deutschland-Ticket (or D-Ticket for short), a transport card that works throughout the country.
15 European Christmas Markets You Need To Go To This Year
Christmas is already around the corner. You may be in denial because snow has yet to arrive, but it’s high time to start planning your holiday travels. Between the mulled wine, carols, and delicious sweet treats, organizing a trip to a Christkindelsmärik in Europe is the most festive way to head straight into the holiday season. Christmas in Europe must be celebrated with a cinnamon coated chimny cakle in one hand and cheese-filled bratwurst in the other. So, this year, plan for a perfectly wintry holiday experience at one of the 15 best Christmas markets in Europe.
This Resort Treats You to a Private Pocket of Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Picture this: You’re gliding through the emerald waters of Mexico’s Mayakoba over a breakfast of fresh pastries, toast, and yogurt parfait. Nature thrums softly as you float past mangroves, luxurious waterfront homes and hotels, and crocodile-dotted shores. Herons and tropical birds soar overhead as you sail on a private lagoon tour in the heart of the Maya Riviera.
This Margaritaville resort day pass could cost you more than a cruise to get there
Jimmy Buffett-inspired cruise line Margaritaville at Sea has partnered with the land-based version of the brand, offering passengers a chance to visit a Margaritaville resort in Nassau, Bahamas — for twice the price of the cheapest cruise that will take them there.
How the Amex Platinum Card has provided me with access to $3,000+ in value this year
A lot of people are surprised when I tell them my favorite card is The Platinum Card® from American Express. I love it because it offers incredible statement credits and comes with so many benefits.
Where and How to See the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet This Week
For the next week or more, night sky gazers will be able to witness the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet streaking past Earth. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled—it's not often a comet is bright enough to be visible to the naked eye, and this specific comet won't be back for another 80,000 years.