Welcome to Meramec Caverns—Former Hideout of Jesse James

I was raised in Fenton, Missouri on the edge of Saint Louis County.

I had a foot in both worlds. Most of my family lived in the city, but I grew up on the county line, which means I know things like where to find the buffalo and what soybean crops look like.

I also know a good amount about caves.

That probably sounds random, but there’s a simple reason behind it: Missouri is home to the US’s largest number of limestone caves. And a lot of them are accessible from the highway I grew up on. My high school even had a spelunking club.

I can name a few of the most famous caves in the state off the top of my head, from the Ozark Caverns to the Onondaga Caves.

Thanks to its proximity to my house, I spent the most time in the Meramec Caverns—home to the hideout of the infamous troublemaker, Jesse James.

Even if you haven’t heard of this cave system before, I’m sure you’ve heard of the well-known American outlaw. According to legend, the Meramec Caverns offered him shelter when on the run.

Caught your intrigue?

Here’s how to visit the Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, located about an hour west of Saint Louis.

Meramec Caverns: The Greatest Show Under the Earth

‘The greatest show under the earth’ (courtesy of Meramec Caverns)

The Meramec Caverns are around 400 million years old. Each year, close to 150,000 visitors grace the 4.6-mile-long cave. The main appeal here is its scale. Like I mentioned up top, Missouri caves are huge.

The Meramec Caverns can fit a six-story building inside its tallest cave. Height aside, I think the stalagmites and stalactites are just as impressive. These formations are caused by tiny deposits of water and moisture, which create column-like structures that descend from the ceiling and ascend from the ground.

Most are larger than the average adult. It almost feels like walking through the jaws of a massive dinosaur skeleton. (In a good way.)

While I admit that the cave is pretty commercialized (there are light shows, walking paths, and stairs), the tours let you take a closer look at dozens of unique structures.

Best of all, tours don’t book out. They start every 20 or 30 minutes, even during low season. Like I just mentioned, tours include up-close visits to the cavern’s coolest formations, including a larger-than-life curtain-like sheet wall.

It looks like a theatrical curtain, which is where the cave got its moniker of ‘the greatest show under the Earth’. (Pictured above.)

Did Jesse James actually hide out in the cave?

Here’s a little Missouri wisdom for you: Stop asking questions you don’t want to know the answer to.

But if you’re really interested, here’s how the cave intersects with Jesse James.

Meramec Caverns is rich in saltpeter, a mineral used to make gunpowder. During the Civil War, the area was a hotbed of conflict between the Union and Confederate Armies—which both wanted to control its saltpeter mines.

After the Union took control of the caves, a Confederate band of guerillas snuck in and destroyed their cache. Among them was Jesse James himself, accompanied by his brother Frank James.

The pair were so struck by the caverns’ size and utility that they hung around until 1870, using it to store illegal goods while playing hide-and- seek with the local sheriff.

Stories, legends, and myths carried on for decades regarding the Jameses and Meramec Caverns.

Fast forward a hundred years and local businessman-explorer, Lester Dill, discovered a new lower chamber in the caves during a brutal drought. Apparently, he discovered artifacts and items that once belonged to the outlaw brothers.

On the record, however, there’s no official historical proof that either man stepped foot in the cave.

How (and why) to visit the Meramec Caverns

If you like stalagmites and outlaws, there’s no better place to visit than the Meramec Caverns.

So, how can you see this larger-than-life spectacle? The easiest way is to drive from Saint Louis or Kansas City. It’s about a four-hour drive from Kansas City and a one-hour drive from Saint Louis.

Meramec Caverns are also located on Route 66—and used to be one of the most famous stops on the old route. If you’re looking to put together an old-school adventure on Route 66, don’t miss out on this stop.

You’ll get more than just a cave tour, too. The grounds are home to a motel and camp for anyone who wants to rest before moving on. Plus, you can book a zipline tour and even a boat tour. I’d highly recommend that boat tour; the Meramec Caverns are named after the Meramec River, which I spent my childhood floating down.

It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in spring and summer when the area is overgrown with lush greenery. This part of the river is also very slow-moving, letting you boat, kayak, and paddle in peace.

5 Picturesque Airbnbs in Miami for a Flawless Trip

No matter the reason for your trip to Miami, it’s sure to be flashy.

Sure, the city’s main appeals are its temperate climate, massive stretches of beach, and cultural diversity – but there’s one other characteristic that Miami embodies with boldness.

Style.

That style doesn’t just come down to good-looking people playing beach volleyball and sipping on brightly colored cocktails. It’s infused into almost every element of the city—from its tastiest eateries to its Art Deco architecture.

If you’re heading to Miami, then you need an Airbnb that fully embodies this stylish spirit, too. After all, the more care you put into finding a quality rental, the more immersive your trip becomes.

Need a few suggestions? Here are the most picturesque Airbnbs in Miami. If it’s not pleasant to look at, it’s not recommended here.

Best Airbnbs in Miami—at a glance

For couples: Luxury Suite in Española Way
For bachelorette/bachelor parties: Amazing Tropical Villa
For families: House with Large Garden
For sun-seekers: 1BR Penthouse with Bay Views
For weekend getaways/short stays: Exquisite Unit in South Beach

Best Airbnbs in Miami

For couples: Luxury Suite in Española Way

Both cozy and chic, this dreamy space is to die for—in your lover’s arms, of course. (There’s even a second mattress for any ‘friends’ you bring home!)

Nestled in the heart of South Beach, you have some of the area’s top shops, eateries, cafes, and even beaches right within reach. But this studio is located on a pedestrians-only cobblestone street, giving you the best of both worlds.

The Spanish-style building is also to die for. It’s pastel-pink walls and inner courtyard usher you into that iconic stylish Miami atmosphere.

For bachelorette/bachelor parties: Amazing Tropical Villa

With a massive outdoor pool, professional grill, and plenty of lounge chaises, it doesn’t get any better than this Airbnb’s backyard.

Whether you want to tan in the sun, scroll on Instagram in the shade, or prepare a meal, you can do so in a tropical layout in high fashion.

Although the interior is a little white for my eclectic Miami tastes, it’s certainly a gorgeous setup that will make any group of bachelors or bachelorettes feel comfortable. And stylish, of course.

For families: House with Large Garden

This open-floor-plan Airbnb studio has a sleek, well-balanced design. There are toys and books available for kiddos, along with a pack’n play and a high-chair upon request.

There’s even a putting green in the backyard—which kids can play or ignore as they run around in all that open space. Plus, there’s a washer-dryer for any last-minute clean-ups.

For sun-seekers: 1BR Penthouse with Bay Views

Miami is popular all year round thanks to its mild climate. So, if you’re there to seek out the sun then you’ll want two features: a location close to the beach and an outdoor pool.

This condo in the Design District offers it all to guests—including views of the gorgeous Biscayne Bay. The condo pool is worth drooling over, but you’ll only be a short drive from Miami Beach when the sand calls.

For weekend getaways/short stays: Exquisite Unit in South Beach

The shorter our vacation, the more important it is to find a great Airbnb. I suggest booking this rental for two reasons.

First, it puts you within walking distance of the beach—where you’ll probably want to spend a good amount of time. Second, there’s no cleaning fee—meaning you don’t need to waste your precious weekend escape scrubbing dishes.

Plus, this unit is decked out like a boutique hotel.

Shopping in Paris: Boutiques Worthy of Emily in Paris

No, she doesn’t dress like the average Parisian.

Emily Cooper’s style is way too bright and loud. Her hats would cause havoc on the metro. Her shoes would be stained five different colors by the time she got to the office. (Also, where does she keep all those clothes?)

I could go on and on poking holes in the plot, aesthetics, and cultural milieu of Netflix’s Emily in Paris. But this is a Darren Star production—the same mind behind Sex and the City.

It’s best to enjoy the ride without looking too closely. In fact, I vote we leave behind the critiques to go shopping instead.

While I consider myself more of a Sylvie than an Emily, most Americans heading to Paris identify with the strong-willed and ever-positive marketing up-and-comer from Chicago. (That’s Emily.)

While I can’t promise you’ll find an affordable attic room to rent near the city’s cutest streets, I can point you in the right direction when it comes to boutique shopping.

Want to go shopping in Paris like Emily Cooper would? I’ve got recommendations.

*This article will explore Parisian boutiques that reflect the fashion in the show—but it does not cover items discussed or sold in the series. You can find actual Emily-in-Paris branded products from Shop The Scenes, instead.

Parisian boutiques for your Emily in Paris adventure

Recommendations come from style icon Jeanne Damas, Paris-based writer Lindsey Tramuta, and Suitcase Magazine.

Rouje

Headed by Jeanne Damas, this classic French fashion brand offers any and every piece you’ll need to craft an effortlessly elegant look. With locations dotting Paris and beyond, this brand is slightly more accessible than others.

Le Bon Marché

As one of the most iconic shopping hotspots in Paris, you’ve probably seen photos of Le Bon Marché before—and for good reason. Inside, you’ll find dozens of high-profile and yet-undiscovered brands.

Aujourd’jui Demain

This edgy vegan concept store includes a fittingly delicious Parisian menu, along with ethical clothing, bags, shoes, and more. That’s right—vegan fashion is an emerging powerhouse for shoppers who want ethical pieces. Eat your heart out here.

Chez Snow Bunny

Great vintage finds for the hyper-trendy. To be fair, Emily Cooper probably isn’t cool enough to pull off most of Chez Snow Bunny’s Roccobarocco vintage pieces, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t.

Guerrisol

This is yet another sleek, street-style vintage shop. I’ve found its pieces to be a little more mainstream-accessible than Chez Snow Bunny, just in case you’re a little intimidated by contemporary fashion.

THANX GOD IM A V.I.P.

Looking for ultra-luxury vintage, instead? You need to go to THANX GOD IM A V.I.P. While that kitschy name threw me off, I’ve since learned that this boutique curates some of the best and most exclusive vintage pieces that you can find in Paris. From Céline pieces to Yves Saint-Laurent, it’s got those high-fashion names—for an upscale price, of course.

Chinemachine

My last vintage boutique recommendation might be a little bit more familiar to Americans. It’s a shop that lets locals buy and sell their favorite pieces—at more accessible price points, too. Best of all, you can shop Chinemachine online. No trip to Paris necessary.

Tricot

I’m rounding off this list with one staple many Parisians have: a great Cashmere piece. (Or ten.) Tricot is an ethical cashmere store that offers classic sweaters, upscale gloves, and plenty more at affordable prices. It’s upscale Parisian clothing without that crazy price tag.

How to Stay With Tarmo, Finland’s Most Beloved Airbnb Host

Airbnb is full of potential.

I’m a little critical of the platform because many hosts have taken advantage of legal loopholes and savings-focused travelers, offering subpar stays at exorbitant prices.

Some even do that in cities that are struggling with housing crises.

In hotspots like New York City and Barcelona, one way that local government is attempting to curb the number of unregistered and illegal rentals is by restricting hosts to shared apartments.

In other words, hosts aren’t allowed to rent out the entire apartment or home. They need to live there full-time in order to host.

It’s an interesting pivot back toward the early days of the platform.

And though I prefer my privacy, I’ve had great experiences with live-in Airbnb hosts in the past. Not only are they helpful, but they also tend to be friendly and effortlessly sociable.

In some cases, travelers and hosts turn their brief time together into lifelong friendships. They might even take to social media to highlight some of their most heartwarming moments.

In fact, I heard of one recently on social media, and it tugged at my heartstrings enough that I’m circling back to dig deeper into the story of two Spanish travelers and their Finnish host.

They took Instagram by storm in early December with a little birthday cake magic, and they’ve introduced the world to Tarmo, a Finnish Airbnb host who lives just outside the northern city of Rovaniemi.

Just outside of Rovaniemi…

If the town of Rovaniemi, Finland is ringing any bells, that’s because it’s the official home of Santa Claus. Straddling the Arctic Circle, it’s one of the most picturesque destinations to explore during winter.

And while it might sound off-limits to the average traveler, I’ve had great experiences in Scandinavia in the depths of winter.

In fact, I think it’s the best time to visit. Scandinavians know how to survive winter in high fashion, from hearty meals amid candlelight to cozy gatherings with friends.

Clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks so. In mid-December, a Spanish traveler named Daniela posted a video of her last Airbnb stay where she and a friend were hosted by Tarmo.

Tarmo made them feel comfortable and safe, while also pointing out a few good sites, restaurants, and activities nearby. The women’s departure coincided with Tarmo’s birthday—so they bought a small cake and lined it with candles, then sang him happy birthday.

Tarmo sat with teary eyes before blowing out his candles, then hugged goodbye to his guests. Unsurprisingly, the heartwarming video went viral.

And so did Tarmo’s Airbnb.

Why Rovaniemi?

Since the video went viral, I’ve seen reports that Tarmo’s Airbnb has been booked out for January. But it looks like there’s space for new reservations in February and beyond—meaning you can also stay with Tarmo outside of Rovaniemi if you’re ready to take on the Finnish winter.

First up, though—what is there to do in Rovaniemi in winter aside from visiting Santa Claus Village?

There are nature and wildlife areas where you can get up close and personal with reindeer, along with husky safaris.

As someone who has manned her own dog sled, I’d have to advocate for the dogs. They are built to run dozens of miles in the Arctic, which was really a sight to see as the mother to a perfectly needy chihuahua.

Aside from rugged animal safaris, you’re also guaranteed to see the northern lights near Rovaniemi. There are a handful of ways for you to soak up the gorgeous displays, from ‘northern light hunting’ tours to interactive museum exhibits that showcase the northern lights and explain the phenomenon.

There are also tours that showcase the stunning but brutal depths of winter wilderness, taking you straight into the heart of the frozen Riisitunturi National Park. I’d probably go for the Korouma Canyon Frozen Waterfall tour, as well.

Staying with Tarmo

A screenshot of the women singing to Tarmo (Courtesy of @danielaadib, Instagram)

If that adorable Instagram video pulled at your heartstrings, you can book a stay with Tarmo. His home comes with a sauna (standard practice in Finland) and is located around 30km outside Rovaniemi.

But keep in mind that Tarmo doesn’t speak English, so you’ll need to rely on a translator app if you want to communicate.

I think this is a good time to point out that Finnish people are renowned for being reserved and modest. They aren’t smiley people, nor are they outgoing. Though I’m sure hosts like Tarmo are incredibly kind and helpful, I’d hate to give anyone the impression that he’s there to entertain his guests or wait on them hand and foot.

That being said, Tarmo’s cabin is a Guest Favorite—and his reviews are consistently great. If Tarmo’s place is booked up, you can shop around for other highly rated Airbnbs here.

How to Convert Currency on Your Smartphone—Without Downloading an App

I hate how often my travels involve math.

From converting miles to kilometers to trying to guess someone’s height in centimeters, the metric system is the most common challenge for Americans.

After living in Spain for six years, I only recently changed my phone to the 24-hour clock. I still haven’t changed my weather app to read Celsius.

But the biggest problem—one that changes with almost every border a traveler crosses—is converting currency.

Currency conversions shift often, meaning that conversions you had in mind from last year’s vacation might not still hold up. Or, if you’re like me, you might think you have the conversion right only to realize later that you were way off.

In the bad way, not the good way. (Shout out to the Norwegian Krone.)

But what if I told you that all iPhone users already have a currency converter built into their phone… one that hides in the calculator app?

Yes, all iPhone users have a currency converter in their pocket

The most common way for travelers to convert currencies is through an app. Apps like My Currency Converter and Currency Converter Plus have upwards of 100,000 reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store with a whopping 4.9 rating.

So, there are quality, free options out there.

But if you’re an iPhone user, head to your calculator app and you’ll find the same tool. In the bottom left-hand corner of the calculator app, you’ll see a calculator icon. (Image below.)

Click on the icon, then toggle the ‘convert’ button into the on position. That will trigger a second row to appear at the top of the app.

The original position will remain in USD (or whichever currency your phone is set to), then a second currency below. Click on the currency’s abbreviation to change it.

From the Jordanian Dinar to the Laotian Kip to the Paraguayan Guarani, you can convert currencies with just a few taps. And the app is updated based on the latest data from Yahoo! Finance, meaning you can trust the conversions.

(If you’ve been offline for days, I suggest connecting to Wi-Fi so that app’s exchange rates can update.)

Click on the calculator icon in the bottom left, then select ‘currencies’ (Courtesy of Apple)

And that’s not all…

If you click on the currency, you’ll see a long list of options, including those mentioned above. But you can also find other helpful international conversions, from area to energy to temperature.

Want to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius? Use your calculator app.

What about converting meters per second to miles per hour? Yep, that’s in there.

Want to convert kilocalories to Newton meters? I don’t know what either of those are, but I can convert them for you in a few seconds.

As someone who regularly Googles things like ‘what is 220c in Fahrenheit?’ this is a pretty mind-blowing discovery. While I think it’s best used as a currency converter tool, the calculator app just came through in a major way to make travel conversions of all stripes a breeze.

Want to Forget the World? Head to the Floating Hostel of Colombia

Want to physically flee your problems in an anime-style fashion?

There’s no better reason to travel than to put distance between you and your problems. And there’s no better place to escape to than an island.

But not just any island—one that’s free-floating and physically untethered from the ground.

Welcome to Casa En El Agua, a floating hostel that cruises around the Caribbean off the Caribbean coast of Colombia amid the San Bernardo Islands.

Like a mythical, backpacker’s dream, this hostel has been active since the late 2000s. But what’s actually on this floating island? And how can you find it? And what do you do when you arrive?

Meet Casa En El Agua

Casa En El Agua (‘house in the water’ in Spanish) really is a floating hostel—though it seems to have a motor and steering, so I’d wager there’s a boating license involved somehow.

But island is a good word here, because this thing is massive.

It includes rooms with bunk beds, a kitchen, a bar, plenty of space for socializing, and plenty of docks where you can easily get in and out of the crystal-clear water. It’s very much a backpacker-style hostel with bright colors, mid-range amenities, and a highly social atmosphere.

There are plenty of odes to the tropics, as well. You’ll be able to feel the Afro-Caribbean and South American influence here.

What is there to do?

Here’s the catch: Casa En El Agua is geared toward socializing and pure downtime.

If you want to fully log off your brain, you’ll have time, time, and more time to do so. As someone who loafed around Costa Rican hostels at age 19, Casa En El Agua feels very familiar to me.

Expect things like reggae music pumping in the background, travelers shouting and laughing as they make new friends, splashing as people cannonball into the Caribbean, and shots galore.

Aside from pure, tropical downtime, Casa En El Agua also offers a solid range of tours. From swimming in the mangroves to paddleboarding, you can easily take advantage of the program list.

Casa En El Agua is also available as a day trip from islands like Rincón del Mar and Tolú. No need to stay the night if you’d rather just enjoy the vibes for an afternoon.

How do you get to Casa En El Agua?

Casa En El Agua is located beside Tintipán Island and is easily accessible by boat ride from Rincón del Mar and Tolú. Given how iconic this floating hostel is, you won’t have any trouble finding transportation from either city.

Who would enjoy this type of adventure?

I would have become Queen of Casa En El Agua back in my hostel heyday. And while I’m still a huge fan and advocate of hostels, I probably wouldn’t be able to fully unwind at this one thanks to its social-centric focus.

But there’s a reason I’ve chosen to write about this location. While I wouldn’t plan a trip to Colombia just to stay at this hostel, I’d absolutely set aside a day or two to explore the area and have a neon-colored drink onboard.

Unique travel experiences are always impactful—and places like Casa En El Agua can renew your love of travel in unexpected ways.

Plus, Casa En El Agua offers a volunteer program—which I adore. That means that guests can stay for free if they agree to help out with daily chores, such as accompanying guests on tours and helping get set up for dinner. (Check out one traveler’s experience here.)

This hostel is affordable, unforgettable, and looks like the kind of place where you’d meet your new romantic love interest, along with a few life-long friends.

I’d add a strong emphasis to that last point. One of the friends I met as a 19-year-old loafing around Costa Rican hostels recently bought an adventure company in Tenerife—which I plan on visiting soon.