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.

Glamping in NYC – It’s Easier Than You Think

Glamping is one of the edgiest new trends in travel—one that I don’t think gets enough attention.

Glamping bridges the worlds of outdoor living with refined tastes. And while few people think about nature when they imagine New York City, the magic of glamping knows no bounds.

All you need is a fancy tent, water hookup, and a little bit of outback no-know to put together a glamorous campsite just about anywhere.

Yes, even in New York City.

Glamping… in NYC?

Let me give you a crash course in NYC geography. The island of Manhattan is the most famous of its five boroughs. It’s called the ‘city’ by locals and is what just about everyone imagines when someone brings up the Big Apple: skyscrapers, Central Park, and hordes of yellow taxis.

(Fun fact: Manhattan is named after the Mannahatta tribe that occupied the island. The more you know.)

Manhattan is also an island. The East River separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens—it’s the same river that the Brooklyn Bridge crosses. The East River is home to two notable islands: Governor’s Island and Randall’s Island.

Governor’s Island is one of the greenest places in the city. During my stint in the city, I visited Governor’s Island for a few massive music festivals back in the mid-2010s. The space is managed like a park, which often throws events. It’s also easy to get to thanks to NYC’s new ferry routes.

But there’s a new Cool Thing happening on Governor’s Island: glamping, baby.

Collective Governor’s Island—meet the new face

Collective Governor’s Island runs the only camping spot in New York City. Dubbed ‘A New York City Retreat’, it’s designed for city-slickers who want a new view of their hometown and visitors who want to see a lesser-known side of the city.

The glampsite is located on a massive stretch of sprawling green, offering views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. That view of Lower Manhattan is the best in the city, in my opinion—so don’t write this off if you’re a fan of larger-than-life vistas.

While you’re glamping at Collective Governor’s Island, you can also explore the island’s 173 public acres, which includes historic houses. There are also programs that guests can join, from morning yoga to slow bike rides to sunset cocktails.

Who would enjoy this type of glamping experience?

Here’s the catch, my friends: New York City is noisy, and you might not have as much fun if you go into this experience imagining a pure camping vibe.

While Governor’s Island is highly accessible (the ferry ride from Lower Manhattan is only around ten minutes), it’s proximity to the US’s noisiest streets can’t be underestimated.

You will not get peace and quiet. That being said, I’d still book this experience in a heartbeat—and I’m usually all about silence. That’s because there aren’t too many experiences like this available—in the US or beyond.

Glamping smack in the center of a highly urbanized and congested city isn’t usually possible. In this case, it’s only feasible thanks to Governor’s Island. And with that promise of historic explorations, it’s even more unique and appealing.

So, here’s my verdict: Tack on a few nights at this glamping site if you’ll be in the city and want something unique to do.

While you might not have a purely rejuvenating experience, I promise you’ll be treated to unforgettable views and what might be the most unique way to experience the Big Apple. For now, at least.

Seat Size Rankings: Which US Airlines Have the Biggest Economy Seats?

Every inch matters in modern air travel.

Whether you want to know exactly what to expect from your economy-tier ticket or have a plan to nab extra legroom, space is a major consideration for most flyers. The more space you have, the more comfortable your flight is.

While that probably seems like a simple idea, the reality is that airlines don’t usually advertise their seat width or seat pitch. Travelers might pay more for a premium economy seat that’s a bit larger or even buck up for a business class seat to avoid spending hours crammed into their seats.

But that’s not really the end-all of finding a comfortable, wide seat.

Here’s the catch: every airline has a different seat width and seat pitch. From basic economy to first-class, seat size and the amount of legroom offered aren’t uniform.

That means a premium economy seat with one airline might cost the same as a basic economy ticket with another—all for the same price.

Want to know which airlines skimp when it comes to seat size? Here are the airlines with the largest economy seats.

Seat size: width vs. pitch

First up, let me differentiate between seat width and pitch. Width covers the actual seat’s size from armrest to armrest. Seat pitch, by contrast, is the amount of space from one seat to the next row. Seat pitch is concerned with legroom.

Depending on your concerns as a flyer, you might be fine with sacrificing one for the other. If you’re flying with kids, for example, you might want more width. If you’re over six foot, you’re probably more concerned with pitch.

If you want to dig into the details of seat width and pitch airline by airline, there are a few resources. I usually use SeatGuru, but it’s no longer being updated consistently. The same for AeroLopa. It looks like Flyertalk has a few active forums on the topic, but keep your finger on the pulse if you want the latest updates.

The rankings: JetBlue has the biggest economy seats

Below you can find rankings for basic economy seats, including both width and pitch. Please keep in mind that these metrics might vary based on plane type. For the purposes of this ranking, I’m listing out the measurements for their most used aircraft.

Here’s the short of it: JetBlue has the largest basic economy seats, but American Airlines and Delta aren’t too far behind in terms of both width and pitch.

Seat sizes and seat pitch from the most popular US airlines in alphabetical order:

American Airlines

Pitch: 30-32’
Width: 17-18’

Delta

Pitch: 30-32’
Width: 17.2-18.6’

JetBlue

Pitch: 32-34’
Width: 17.8-18.25’

Southwest

Pitch: 31’
Width: 17.5’

United

Pitch: 31-32’
Width: 17.3’

Meet the US’s Most Surprisingly Spiritual Cities

Are you thinking of Sedona and its reddish rocks?

You aren’t far off the mark if you are.

Sedona, Arizona is widely regarded as the US’s mecca for spiritual adventures. From energetic vortexes to top-notch yoga classes to clean food, it’s a perfect place for people of all faiths to get back in touch with their favorite deity—or deities. No judgment here.

That brings me to my next point… what makes a place spiritual?

Sedona is on the map thanks to its overriding focus on New Age metaphysical concepts. That’s a pretty good foundation for spiritual and wellness retreats of all stripes; with a hefty belief in equality and unity, people of all religions are welcomed into the fold in Sedona without a second glance. (Or am I being idealistic?)

Beyond the veil of New Ageisms, I think there are three very basic, across-the-board ingredients for a spiritual escape. First, peace and quiet. I don’t care if you’re a Buddhist or a Christian, you’re going to struggle to stay calm and evolve if there’s a lot of noise pollution.

Second, natural splendor also bodes well for a spiritual journey—regardless of your faith, you probably like sunsets, trickling streams, and birds of paradise.

Third, a great spiritual escape should also put you close to like-minded people. After all, it might be a little difficult to turn your lens inward and reflect if you’re surrounded by travelers who want to spend the day boutique shopping before partying at night. (I am that traveler.) Neither is better than the other—but they’re different experiences.

So, keeping these three ingredients in mind (silence, nature, and community), which US locations are ideal for a little spiritual wellness retreat—regardless of your beliefs? Let’s explore.

First up: Gainesville. Yes, I said Gainesville.

Spiritual cities great for a wellness getaway

Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville, Florida is home to the University of Florida and, by extension, hosts a massive college crowd. Higher education is great, but throngs of college kids don’t exactly conjure up images of enlightenment.

But let’s not judge a book by its cover.

Back in the 1970s, Gainesville was a hub for hippies. Similar to their West Coast counterparts, they sought to provide places for people of all faiths to join in diversity, while also protecting their local environment and fostering opportunities for personal growth.

Today, their legacy can be felt in the town’s spiritual and retreat centers, which are largely non-denominational and open to believers of all stripes. You can stop in at the Tempe of The Universe or the Tu Viện A Nan Buddhist Temple and Statue Park.

Find a place to stay in Gainesville.

Missoula, Montana

Studying Zen Buddhism in Taiwan was one of my collegiate highlights. Me and my classmates attended Dharma Drum retreat where we were taught about mindfulness in its most mundane forms. One meditative exercise saw us chasing around an elder nun to get the body moving joyfully and enter into a relaxed flow state.

So, how did Buddhism end up in Montana? A billionaire heiress named Linda Pritzker. Her interested in Tibetan Buddhism led her to learn the language, dive into the religion, and become one of the few American Lamas—which is like a minister.

With her background and bank account, Lama Tsomo (Linda’s Tibetan title) has rolled out retreat centers, foundations, and other Buddhism-focused efforts.

The goal is to allow residents to develop mindfulness—not convert them to Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to Lama Tsomo’s efforts, Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche has also established the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in Arlee, Montana.

Find a place to stay in Missoula.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Nestled inside the gorgeous Ozark Hills, Eureka Springs is yet another hidden spiritual gem. Just like Sedona, it’s regarded for its spiritual vortexes—and it has a community that seeks to create spaces for people of all faiths to join together.

Thorncrown Chapel is a fantastic ode to this approach, which celebrates the area’s Christian history and its stunning forests.

Though Eureka Springs is much smaller than Gainesville or Missoula, spiritual adventurers have many ways to enjoy their retreat.

There’s the Eureka Center for Spiritual Living, if you want to take a more general approach. There’s also a weekly showing of the Passion Play, which explores the last week of Jesus Christ’s life.

Regardless of the type of healing, meditation, or insights you want, Eureka Springs is one of the most accessible for travelers—both in terms of affordability and small-town friendliness.

Find a place to stay in Eureka Springs.