Destinations & Things To Do

Alpaca Farm – The Trek

Published

15 hours ago

July 20, 2025

The Alpaca farm alternate has been by and large the best alternate to date (and I’m writing this after completing the whole Big Sky alternate). Despite the long road walks necessary to get there, it was an oasis worthy of walking hundreds of miles of roads.

Very early in the day, Burgs, Dustin, and I stumbled into a whole train of people at a trickle of a water source – The Brits SAS and Jugular, Numbers, Rocket, Weatherman, Matcha, and Freighter. We Congo-lined down the trail until it met with the dirt road and from there we began to disperse. For the remainder of the morning and afternoon until reaching the Alpaca farm, Dustin, Hamburglar, Freighter, Matcha, and I suffered the hot gravel and dirt together.

We sang and danced down the road, anything to break up the monotony. It felt long and all at once short when we finally saw the first glimpse of the farm. Despite the rush to get there, the last mile or so was slow going. The tree lined road opened up to bald rolling hills reminiscent of an elementary school computer screen saver.

There were horses along the fence line that walked over as if asking to be petted and so we obliged. There was also a half sunken wooden shed lying lopsided in a shallow pond. Whether it was in my head or out loud, I repeated, Get out of my swamp! And when we saw a long row of old bicycles lined up against barbed wire, it was apparent that we had indeed finally reached the Alpaca farm.

We splayed out on the front porch of the farmhouse with a sandwich in one hand and a cold drink in the other- I chose a Pepsi. That was the magic of the Alpaca farm, hikers and bikers were pampered at no cost and with simple directions to respect the property, the Alpacas, and to pay it forward.

I laid on the bottom front step on my back, feet propped up on the top step. It seemed that the flatter the path, the more painful the walk and my feet were swollen and thriving from the heat. We rested for a while attempting to decide to hike on or stay for the evening. The pull of full stomachs and an indoor abode was strong and soon after, we met the hosts of the farm and were certain we would stay for the night.

After placing my backpack inside the little cabin marked with our names written in dry erase marker, I retreated once more to the shade at the front of the house and splayed across the bench swing. I typed out trail journals until Dustin joined me and one of the hosts stopped by to talk with us. He introduced himself as John. “Think of us like John Mayer and Barbara Straysand”, he said , since apparently the famous John and Barbara names they used to use didn’t quite register with the young people anymore. He began his monologue about farm rules and the purpose of the farm. I listened with intent because I’d do anything to support and preserve this little slice of heaven.

Once he finished speaking, I thanked him profusely for everything we’d been afforded there over the last hour or so and asked if there was a way to donate. Using a no bull tone, he said they didn’t take any donations. He continued on with a bit more humor saying something along the lines of, “If you give me 20$, I’ll go buy beer. If you give the person or hiker behind you 20$ you may have just turned their day around. If you’re stupid enough to still leave money after this speech then it goes towards helping bikers or hikers get bike gear fixed or new shoes. Bottom line, don’t leave money. Pay it forward.” And with that we all nodded in agreement and went about the rest of our relaxing evening.

I filled my time by laying in the grass beneath a frigid sprinkler with Dustin. Though neither of us lasted very long because each time to water showered over us, my muscles tightened in response and it was not quite the relaxation I was looking for. So we retired to the chairs beneath a small gazebo amidst the shed to cabin converts. Cyclists and other hikers filtered in throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. The small crew behind us finally trampled in along with Super Noodz and much later that evening, Plan B, who’d been hiking hard from Augusta to catch up to everyone since he had to stay extra days waiting for new shoes.

Before it got too crazy though, I took my turn in the shower silo. I pumped lukewarm water over my body and methodically placed my dirty clothes beneath my feet to absorb my soapy water run off. It wasn’t fancy but it was better than nothing. When I was finished, I felt so much cleaner without dust covered legs and sweat slicked hair. I felt human again.

The remainder of the evening was spent sitting amongst other hikers and bike packers again, sharing stories and a bottle of wine graciously provided by the hosts. Dustin was kind enough to make a whole family sized box of spaghetti for a few of us, who topped it off with remaining packets of tuna and crackers from our own food bags.

Eventually we all retired to our little sheds or tents. Plan B came running into the grassy area as the sun set behind the mountains and I offered him our 4th bunk. Not too long after, we were all tucked quietly into our 2’x6’ bunks trying not to shift too loudly in the stifling heat of the windowless shed.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Spain’s Domestic Travel Surge: Top National Destinations for July Long Weekend

Published

5 hours ago

July 21, 2025

the Editor

Spain’s domestic travel surge has taken center stage this July, as Spanish residents opt overwhelmingly for getaways within their own borders. Fueled by the long weekend around July 25, traditionally marked by the Feast of Saint James, travel activity is peaking from major hubs like Madrid, Galicia, and the Basque Country.

According to booking insights from online travel giant eDreams, sun-drenched coastal spots and vibrant cities are attracting the lion’s share of attention. The data reveals strong interest in both traditional beach retreats and cultural urban escapes, reflecting a summer trend that blends relaxation with exploration.

Beachfront Bliss and Urban Adventures Dominate the Weekend

Coastal Escapes Lead the Rankings

As temperatures rise and vacation days align with the extended weekend, destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Ibiza, Málaga, Menorca, Alicante, and Gran Canaria top the list for domestic beach travel. These locations remain perennial favorites thanks to their combination of warm climates, iconic coastlines, and dynamic leisure offerings.

eDreams data points to a strong correlation between city of departure and destination type. Travelers from Madrid and northern Spain are most drawn to coastal locales, looking to unwind along the Balearic and Canary Islands or on the Mediterranean coast.

City Breaks Still in High Demand

Major cities aren’t left behind. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla continue to draw visitors seeking culture, cuisine, and history. These urban destinations are ideal for travelers seeking quick yet enriching weekend trips without leaving the country.

This urban trend underlines the growing popularity of short-format travel that combines accessibility with rich cultural experiences — ideal for the limited timeframe of a holiday bridge.

Where Travelers Are Coming From — and Going

Key Departures and Arrivals

The long weekend holiday sees travelers departing primarily from Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Vigo, Madrid, and Bilbao. The same cities — especially those in Galicia — are also receiving a notable influx of travelers, with Santiago de Compostela emerging as a significant hub due to its religious and historical significance during the Feast of Saint James.

Visitors enjoying the thermal pools at Termas de Outariz in Spain

In fact, the influx of domestic and international tourists to Galicia underscores the symbolic and cultural importance of this region during late July. International visitors also show interest, with travelers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France arriving to take part in the festivities and summer atmosphere.

Top Destinations Based on eDreams Bookings

Top National Destinations	Top International Destinations
Palma de Mallorca	Paris
Tenerife	London
Ibiza	Lisbon
Málaga	Rome
Madrid	–
Barcelona	–

Planning Ahead or Booking Last-Minute?

Booking Habits Vary by Region

One of the more revealing trends from the eDreams analysis is the mixed approach to planning. While some travelers booked their trips more than two months in advance, others waited until just weeks — or even days — before departure.

For instance, 46% of travelers headed to Vigo and 39% of those traveling to La Coruña made their reservations within the last month. Meanwhile, a more organized 25% of visitors to Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela had confirmed plans over two months prior.

Spain’s Vigo port with Cíes Islands

Short-Term and Spontaneous Travel on the Rise

This dual behavior reflects a broader shift in travel habits, where flexibility is key. With platforms like eDreams offering dynamic packages and real-time availability, travelers are empowered to make quick decisions without sacrificing choice or quality.

Whether meticulously planned or spontaneously booked, the July long weekend proves that Spain’s passion for local travel remains strong. From serene coastlines to buzzing cities, domestic destinations are thriving this season.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Where are these tastemakers travelling to this summer? – Emirates Woman

Published

8 hours ago

July 21, 2025

Aminath Ifasa

In this Wanderlust feature, we ask five tastemakers what their summer plans are. From revealing their top travel wishlist destinations, to insights on what their summer travelling plans looks like, these ladies take us on a journey into a high-summer. Along with picturesque travel inspo, they also reveal what they’re packing for their trips – for the ultimate summer inspo guide.

Her Excellency Khawla Al Serkal | Director General – Sharjah Ladies Club (Slc)

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

Cannes, Lugano, and Lake Como are at the top of my travel list. Cannes is always captivating – with its effortless blend of elegance, seaside charm, and cultural vibrancy, it’s the perfect place to immerse myself in art, film, and French Riviera glamour. Lugano offers a peaceful escape where Swiss precision meets Italian soul – its lakeside beauty and Alpine views make it a serene yet sophisticated destination. And Lake Como, with its timeless romance, historic villas, and calm waters, is simply a dream. Together, these places reflect the kind of travel I love – elegant, inspiring, and deeply rejuvenating.