After returning from a long weekend in Costa Rica, my friends wanted to know what I’d done while I was there. “Did you hike in the rainforest or climb a volcano?” asked one person. “How good are you at surfing?” inquired another. “Did you get to hold a sloth?” demanded multiple co-workers. It felt a little shameful to admit that, well, I’d spent the majority of my time lying in a hammock. That’s when I would quickly pull out my phone and exclaim, “But wait! Look at my Airbnb!”

Located about 20 minutes outside of Tamarindo, a rowdy beach town chock full of backpackers and surfers, Casa Blue does exactly what an Airbnb should do: Temporarily trick you into thinking you lead an entirely different life. In this case, it was one in which I owned a sprawling, clifftop villa that was filled with seven of my closest friends. Admittedly, I was skeptical when I found out it wasn’t next to the beach; even more so during the last five minutes of our journey, which was spent winding slowly up a treacherously steep, stomach-churning dirt road that looked like no good would come at the end of it. (It’s worth noting that the listing doesn’t warn you about this in advance.) But upon entering the palm tree-shrouded driveway, all jitters were assuaged.

© Courtesy Airbnb The pool at Casa Blue.

The five-bedroom Airbnb in Costa Rica has prime views over Tamarindo Bay and the surrounding tropical forests. Floor-to-ceiling windows are thrown open each morning by Elgrin, the on-site groundskeeper; hammocks swing invitingly outside; a massive daybed near the pool begs to be lounged on; and the upstairs master bedroom opens onto its own private balcony. The property’s resident iguanas, meanwhile, can be found basking beside the pool and sometimes, slightly more alarmingly, scuttling in and out of the house without permission.

With stone floors and whitewashed walls, it’s half-surf lodge, half-Thai retreat—in a way that totally works (think surf boards you can borrow propped up outside and small stone Buddhas dotting the grounds). Each of the main house’s three bedroom has its own wood-and-tile bathroom with a walk-in-shower, and all have private entrances that open back out into the outdoor communal area, which is home to a hot tub that automatically starts bubbling at sundown.

© Courtesy Airbnb One of the home’s two bungalows.

But it was those in the two wooden, pagoda-style bungalows who were the greatest sources of envy that weekend. A short trot from the main house, the additional rooms are raised up among the palm trees like treehouses, with outdoor showers and breezes I didn’t know were possible so close to the equator. One bungalow has better views than the other, as it faces the ocean, but both give you a glimpse into the wilderness. One afternoon, we all crowded onto a balcony, still wet from the pool, and watched a howler monkey swing between the trees.

It wasn’t a surprise, then, that the appeal of heading into town for anything more than a grocery run rapidly diminished. I spent most of my time posted up on the daybed, eating slices of fresh papaya and reading Nora Ephron, or drinking a homemade piña colada in the pool from the comfort of my pineapple-shaped pool float. At the end of each day, we’d reconvene and throw dinner on the grill (steak, chicken wings, jumbo-sized pieces of shrimp) before vowing to never tell anyone outside of our group about Casa Blue, in fear of it booking up for all of eternity. Or worse, it being ruined by Instagram forever. Needless to say, I failed at that; some things are too good not to be shared.

Think you need to take a week off work for a solid vacation? Think again. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend is a great time to tackle some of your dream travel destinations—in just three days. Sure, you probably shouldn’t use this time to finally take that 20-hour flight to Australia, but there are tons of destinations both domestic and abroad that are easy to get to and easy to explore. So whether you want to soak up the sun in the Caribbean, book a room at Italy’s hottest new hotel, or take a poutine-filled food crawl in Canada, here are some ideas for where to make the most of your long weekend.

 

 

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

 

Rome, Italy

Washington, D.C.

Medellín, Colombia

 

Puerto Rico

Montreal, Canada

 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Tokyo, Japan

Houston, Texas

Antarctica is beyond the boundaries of civilization, beyond the limits of imagination and — for most practical vacationers — beyond the realm of possibility. It exists more as an abstract collage of penguins, glaciers and icebergs than it does actual terra firma. And so it remains the ultimate bucket list daydream to anyone with insatiable wanderlust. But here’s a little secret this mysterious continent keeps well guarded: it’s way easier to get here than you imagine. In fact, there are so many manageable, cost-effective options to access this part of the world, you can pick yours based upon the type of adventurer you are.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Pernille Soegaard/Antarctica21

Are you the outdoorsy type? Perhaps you opt for wildlife over wilderness? Do you prefer to straighten up and fly right? Would you like champagne with that? So long as its in season (between November to March of every year), all these choices are on the table. And if you plan right, a trip here could cost you less than an elaborate vacation to Europeor Asia. Or it could cost a lot more. Either way, no one should be deterred. Here’s the best way to access Antarctica for any type of traveler.

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The Environmentally Conscious

Of course, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you ought to. “Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem,” warns naturalist Christina Garcia, who has never made the voyage. “By visiting we are pitting it’s wildlife and plants at risk.”

To allay these concerns, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in 1991. Today it includes more than 100 members, all of which adhere to restrictions designed to minimize any lasting affect on the continent. But since there is no government in this part of the world, enforcement is self-regulated. Some operators seem to take it more seriously than others. Silverseas Cruises is a notable example. “Our aim is to preserve natural environments and encourage sustainable travel,” says Conrad Combrink, Vice President of Strategic Development. “[We’ve] invested in a number of innovative product solutions to reduce impact.”

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In addition to carbon-footprint reducing technology on the ship, inside is a crew filled with over a dozen biologists, zoologists and conservationists. They offer daily seminars during the cruise, educating guests on everything from penguin migration to how climate change is altering the landscape. And when it’s time to come ashore, the team surveys ahead — scouting the surroundings for natural curiosities prior to passenger arrival.

The luxury-liner is also one of the more intimate cruise experiences into this part of the world. 132 passengers are serviced by more than 200 crew-members in total. And all guests are treated to white-glove butler service throughout the journey. Their 10-day Classic Antarctica Cruise disembarks from Ushuaia, Argentina and starts at $8,800 per person.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

The Birdwatcher

The world’s largest wildlife colonies can be found in Antarctica. Some rookeries contain upwards of 100,000 birds, typically overrun with the regions most popular species: King and Adelie Penguins. “For many birders and nature enthusiasts, Antarctica is the ‘holy grail’ of natural places,” says Brian Sullivan, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “It is forbidding in its harsh climate and austere landscape, yet powerfully alluring in its outright wildness.”

© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises© Provided by TIME Inc. Woody Wheeler/Courtesy of Naturalist Journeys

In 2018, scientists discovered a previously unknown sanctuary in the Antarctic Peninsula which is thought to hold more than a million Adelie Penguins. Naturalist Journeys hosts an excursion over New Year’s, leading passengers through these so-called “mega-colonies.” Book a spot on this year’s cruise and you’ll be among the first adventurers to see this particular patch of penguins up close. It pulls anchor on the 31st of December for 18 full days at sea. After an overnight in the Falkland Islands — also known for its world class bird-watching — most of the journey is spent in the Weddell Sea region, off the northern tip of the peninsula. Prices start at $21,195, including airfare from Santiago, Chile into Ushuaia.

The Well-Heeled

Even the most exclusive of Antarctic vessels hold no less than 100 passengers. If you prefer a more private experience, you might consider an 11-day charter trip with Jacada Travel. This one kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa, where your own guide leads you around the city for two days prior to a chartered flight direct to Antarctica.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Nicolas Gildemeister/Antarctica21

You land at Whichaway Camp — a series of six luxuriously appointed sleeping pods with space for no more than 12 guests at a time. The setting, as you might suspect, is surreal. Into the distance, a field of white, as far as the eye can see. Overhead is a 200-foot ice cliff, rising up from a frozen lake. This is your home for seven days, to do as much or as little as you please. Explore ancient ice caves, try your hand at kite-skiing, or make a leisurely visit to the nearby science research bases. When you need refueling, gourmet chefs are on-site preparing meals in the kitchen pod.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Jacada Travel

You’re breathing rarified air. Of the relatively small number of adventurers who make it the continent, even fewer are able to explore its interior features. Indeed, this is a memory shared by only a handful of people on earth. But it will cost you. Jacada’s itinerary will set you back no less than $55,712 per person, exclusive of return airfare to Cape Town.

White Desert Antarctica offers an even more comprehensive version of the interior experience, as the only tour company flying directly to the geographic South Pole — which is an additional seven hour flight from Whichaway Camp. An 8-day trek with thembooks at $92,500/person.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises© Provided by TIME Inc. Glenn Miller/Courtesy of Naturalist Journeys

For the Family

Taking the family on a lengthy voyage at sea can be tricky, particularly if you have small children in tow. Currently, no Antarctic cruise-liner offers designated childcare on board. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave the little ones at home. Aurora Expeditions encourages young ones to be involved. On their 13-day cruise, they offer multiple educational seminars intended to promote awareness and excitement for scientific exploration. Icebergs and orcas floating by in the background form a far more compelling argument than what you’d find in a typical classroom.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Christmas In Antarctica is an especially enticing option for the spouse and kids, leaving Ushuaia on the 17th of December. All-inclusive packages start at $11,900/person. And while minors are charged at the same rate, if you’re only traveling with one child, the ship offers triple cabins with an ideal layout.

For the Seasick

Before embarking for Antarctica, take heed: one sizable obstacle stands in your way: “You’re on the comfort of a cruise ship, but ‘comfort’ can be a relative term,” warns travel writer and author Carey Jones. “It all depends on how feisty the notorious Drake Passage is feeling.” The 500-mile wide stretch of open ocean separating Cape Horn from Livingston Island can be a nasty stretch of sea. Even in a big ocean liner, things can sway violently and decks can get messy, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.

© Provided by TIME Inc. Daniela Plaza/Silversea Cruises© Provided by TIME Inc. Courtesy of Antarctica21

Antarctica 21 provides a novel workaround: a two-hour chartered flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to the South Shetland Islands, in lieu of two days floating over the Drake. From there you’ll hop on a proper cruise-ship and enjoy the placidity of the Bransfield Straight. Make your way through iceberg-filled fjords over three full days of gentle sightseeing. Then it’s just an easy return back to Punta Arenas, taking nothing but photos…And leaving the Dramamine behind. Best of all, the aerial boost isn’t prohibitively expensive. The air and sea combination starts at $11,395 for trips taking off this December.

Those with a serious predilection for photography should consider booking through Open Sky Expeditions, Antarctica 21’s US-based partner. Their annual voyage from December 13-20 brings together a global band of gearheads struggling to capture this other-worldly grandeur in hi-def. Though if you’re fortunate enough to make it here in person, a camera might seem redundant. This is a scene that will forever imprint itself on your mind.

If you purchased an Apple watch with LTE cellular capabilities, there is a programming quirk that may cause the phone portion not to function if multiple embedded SIM profiles are disabled in the paired handset.

An electronic embedded SIM (eSIM) obviates the need for the traditional chip card that has heretofore been issued by every cellular carrier to set up service. The SIM, or Subscriber Identity Module, provides detailed information for a specific phone number to the network. The latest Apple iPhones and Google Pixels have both a physical SIM slot and eSIM capability in their handsets. Presently only a few networks support the new standard, which is recognized by the GSMA  (the association of mobile networks worldwide). The technology allows subscribers to register their phones and set up an account without the necessity of actually going to a retail facility and obtaining a hard SIM card. For roaming customers, the advancement will provide a means to establish voice or data service in foreign countries for greater flexibility to choose the least expensive telecommunications services. The technology will likely also allow for more devices to be designed and interconnected with cellular networks because no extra space is required for SIM slots.

Apple introduced embedded electronic SIM or eSIM’s with the latest iteration of the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, with the release of iOS 12. They are also available in the Apple Watch Series 3 and 4, and iPad Pro. For handsets, this feature allows multiple phone numbers and carriers to work on one device. I wrote about my XS Max with registered service plans on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.

The phone was configured with eSIM profiles for Verizon and AT&T, and a hard SIM card for T-Mobile, (because to date, that carrier cannot provide eSIM service for postpaid accounts). The technology advance was designed to allow a customer to switch between or mix and match carriers, phone numbers, and data plans. In my case, the advantage is that T-Mobile allows for essentially unlimited text and data global roaming, while Verizon and AT&T charge for overages. For heavy data usage, switching to a specific service plan can allow real flexibility for the consumer.

Mixing of personal and business plans is another benefit of the new system, as is the ability to easily register with domestic or foreign carriers to establish service when traveling. Basically the eSIM concept will ultimately eliminate the need for the issuance of SIM cards. It will promote competition for the selection of carriers to allow consumers to take advantage of better pricing plans.

Setting up and using eSIM profiles

Verizon and AT&T registration of carriers and phone numbers is straightforward. The carrier will issue a card with a QR code, or will text or email one to the subscriber. The code is scanned by the phone to activate service. Once one or more profiles are recognized, it is a simple matter to switch between providers for voice and data services. One neat feature of the latest iPhone is the ability to monitor and display two different profiles, carriers, and signal levels at the same time. This means that, for example, I can receive calls and text messages on my Verizon and T-Mobile service simultaneously, obviating the need to carry two different handsets. While the iPhone has two different cellular radios that can operate simultaneously, there is a caveat: two eSIM profiles cannot work at the same time. In my case, I monitor Verizon (eSIM) and T-Mobile (hard SIM) but cannot access AT&T and Verizon together. Otherwise, the ability to choose two different phone numbers and networks is flawless.