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24 Hours of Le Mans: Chateaus, beautiful women, and loud cars
Just like the Monaco Formula 1 race, it’s a wonder that the 24 Hours of Le Mans still exists. Held each June since 1923 on partially public roads of Le Mans, France, the 24-hour race in its 91 years has become a thing of legend. Originally organized to prove the reliability of the automobile, the […] -
Casual Travel Luxury: Grand Trunk
Whether you’re heading to the beach for the weekend, down the trail for a week, or roughing it in your favorite hotel, traveling without the best luxury comforts is a gamble you don’t want to make. The right set of campfire and beach accessories makes the difference between catching the perfect sunset from your hammock, […] -
How to See Turkey’s Adventure Land in 48 Hours
Turkey is the only country I’ve been to where the man who served me lunch, asked me sit down with him to enjoy some tea afterwards. His treat. So, on my first day in Istanbul, from lunch until the the sun set, I joined him. We sat on plastic stools in front of his food […] -
Inn at the Market: Seattle’s Hotel with a View
Summer is almost here. And with it comes a surge of visitors to the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, many guests prefer to stay near the action in Pike Place. Inn at the Market, a chic boutique hotel, offers one of the best views of of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains and is the only hotel in […] -
The Amalfi Coast: Top 5
Italy is one of those countries that offer countless kick-ass destinations. If you’re craving a hefty slice of la dolce vita this summer, The Manual recommends heading to the glorious Amalfi Coast and holidaying like the Italians do. For your traveling pleasure, we’ve compiled our five favorite recommendations for a road trip to remember. Fiat […] -
Find your wild side with ‘The Outsiders: New Outdoor Creativity’
The outdoor industry wasn't built on the back of one man alone. 'The Outsiders' offers a glimpse at the people—and passion—that make it possible. -
A Log Cabin in the Middle of Brooklyn?
Lyon Porter knows the New York real estate market all too well. That’s why he made it to sales and leasing director at Town Real Estate. Porter, who once pursued a career in professional hockey, used his same determination in his career. So, it makes perfect sense when Porter realized that New York needed an […] -
Five Hotels That Go Local
Going local is a thing that just about every traveler hopes, but doesn’t always really get the chance to encounter. Having a local friend helps, but if you can’t make one appear, asking your hotel might be the best way to go. Recently hotels have hopped on the local train and have teamed up with […] -
Feel Good Friday – Pack for a Purpose
Anyone who has traveled to a third world country has packed a pile of pencils, pens or slap bracelets to give out to the kids they meet. While those little trinkets are exciting for the youngsters, we are missing out on the bigger picture of what we can really do for these kids. Enter former […] -
The Best Everday Camping Gear: Ticla
If you’re a serious outdoorsman, you’ve probably got the gear for basecamp trip to Denali, or even a month or two trip down the Appalachian Trail. However, how many of us really have a hardcore camping trip planned where we’ll need that zero degree mummy bag or Gore-Tex tent? Most camping these days involves more […] -
Born to be wild: A brief guide to the best camping spots in the U.S.
Yellowstone and Yosemite may garner all the notoriety, but camping in the U.S. should encompass more than just iconic locations. -
Off the Beaten Path: Hana, Maui
True—Maui is no longer Hawaii’s secret little paradise. False—There are no more hidden wonderlands to experience in Maui. In fact, along Maui’s roads less traveled it’s still possible to experience the fabled small town charm that drew people here in the first place. But to find the long lost languid side of Maui, it’s a […] -
Take to the Asheville skies with Navitat Canopy Adventures
Surprisingly, Costa Rica isn't the only place to peruse the canopy. Navitat Canopy Adventures offers world-class zip lining in North Carolina's backyard. -
Feel Good Friday: Song Saa Foundation
Nine years ago, Aussie couple Rory and Melita Hunter embarked on a trip that would change their lives. A two week exploration of the remote Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia led them to the twin islands known as Song Saa – Khmer, translation for the Sweethearts. The pair fell head over heels for the […] -
CiloGear Packs: Minimalism Meets Versatility
Ever since “ultralight” ethos started to gain favor amongst backpackers and people stared demanding lighter, stronger packs; designers have been struggling to find the optimal balance between minimalism and utility. A pack that’s too stripped down might be light as a feather, but lack durability and certain features that make it easy and convenient to […] -
Insider’s Guide to Derby City
Louisville opens its arms to throngs of horse racing fans every spring. Derby City is the place to be: the bourbon’s flowing, the eating is good, and living is easy the first Saturday in May. If you’re headed to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby and want to see what else you might get up to […] -
Reserve a Room, Plant a Tree
The Pacific Northwest is a region that is impossible to imagine without its iconic tree cover. Massive Douglas Firs blanket so much of Oregon that at times it feels like the land time forgot. Cedars make Washington State smell like the best cologne on earth, and without them, once you’ve downed a glass of the […] -
The boot camp vacation that will blow your mind
At this time of year, the sudden urge to get into shape is universal. If you’re feeling a little soft around the edges thanks to months of cold-weather indulgence, we can’t think of a better time for a little boot camp getaway. The Lakes by Yoo, a glorious private estate nestled in the heart of […] -
Write Au Naturale with Field Notes’ Shelterwood Notebook
An idea isn't worth much if you can't capture it. Field Notes' notebooks pose a solution — one reveling in American Cherry and 70-pound stock paper. -
Tex-Mex and More: The Delicious Eateries of Houston
We didn’t think of Houston as a food city when made a visit down there recently, but after some local residents took us to the best spots in town, we instantly changed our minds. Here’s the low-down on where to dine in this Texas city. Down House When we got to this restaurant we couldn’t […] -
The Verb Hotel Puts an Edgy Spin on a Mid-Century Classic
Picture a classic mid-century motel and then take it up a notch adding in some quirky style, rock memorabilia and even some irreverent attitude. Yep, this isn’t your dad’s motel anymore. The Verb Hotel is hip, edgy, and it’s opening this summer in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. The 94-room hotel ties in the history of the […] -
A Hotelier’s Travel Guide
In the upcoming weeks, The Manual will be posting tips from people in the know on various industries. Today we take a trip in the world of travel. Our thoughts on the subject: Travel is one of the most glorious parts of existence. It’s a chance to stop, think, bond with friends and family and […] -
The American Trade Hotel, Panama
Remember when a hotel meant little more than a room with a bed in and a free mini hand soap? There’s no doubt that we are living in the age of the boutique hotel experience. These days, booking a trip can frequently revolve around a dream bolthole over destination. With this in mind, allow us […] -
Winter WonderLuxe: Skiing and Spa-Dates and Bentleys, oh my!
I guess you could say that the Bentley PR guy did his job well; he mentioned something about the “luxury of spontaneity”, and now that phrase has lodged itself inside my head. He didn’t say anything beyond that; there were no details about what it meant. He simply planted the seed, and what grew from […] -
Worthy of her grandeur, this is how you take a photo of a luxury cruise ship
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, Cunard commissioned a photo shoot that harks back to the posters of luxury transatlantic ships of the early 20th century, which involved the ship’s captain playing a daredevil role. Once the largest cruise ship in the world, the QM2 was launched in January […] -
Hudson Sutler: Our go to duffle bags
If you’re rushing to make the next flight, we’ve discovered a new must have for your trip. It’s a garment bag from Hudson Sutler that’s hardwearing, durable, and fashionable at the same time. The bags are crafted from 18 oz. canvas that doesn’t flinch no matter what you throw at it. Plus, the hanger hooks […] -
Plan your Boy’s Weekend away with 3RD HOME
For those lucky enough to have a second home who are looking for that extra special stag trip or boy’s holiday, listen up. 3RD HOME is an exclusive club that offers its members the chance to rent out their holiday home to other members in exchange for the opportunity to rent out any other member’s […] -
Pump it up (and protect) with Heimplanet’s inflatable tents
Whether talking Japanese bullet trains or Velcro, there’s no doubt nature inspires us to think beyond what we once deemed possible. Likewise, German-bred company Heimplanet’s lined of geodesic-inspired tents take a cue from one of the most stable natural structures in existence: the diamond. Each of the company’s three tents was designed based on the […] -
Visually trek the Silk Road with “Land Rover Experience Tour”
Between David Livingstone’s search the heart of the Nile in the mid-1800s and modern explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ frostbite-prone Antarctic treks, it’s safe to say the British have always had more than a knack for cross-continent exploration. That said, it’s no surprise the British car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover sponsors the Land Rover Experience Tour from year to […] -
Hip Hotel: The Broome Opens in New York
Next time you need to book a hotel room in New York, check out the brand new boutique hotel The Broome. Tucked away in a Federal Revival Style building built in 1825 that was a former artists’ loft located on the corner of Broome Street and Crosby Street, The Broome is like an oasis in […] -
Learn Primitive Survival Skills (Sort of) at Canyon Ranch, Tucson
Canyon Ranch, a luxury fitness resort that is widely known as one of the healthiest places to vacation in America, has for a long time been considered a place where women go…and men reluctantly follow. In the past few years they’ve been trying to boost their image amongst the hairier sex, improving weight lifting facilities […] -
Off the Beaten Path: 5 WWII Sites You Won’t Find on the History Channel
Blame Clooney for this post. You know, he of George. Also Murray (See: Bill), John Goodman and Mr. Matt Damon. Their new film, Monument’s Men, a drama-thriller based on the true story of an American platoon charged with tracking down rare art plundered by the Nazis during World War II, has reminded us that despite […] -
Out of the studio and into the woods: today’s top camping guitars
Peace and serenity can be overrated. Although not everyone wants to hear the sweet western plucking of “Hotel California” or the new-age twee of “Wagon Wheel” while sitting fireside, music is undoubtedly a part of the classic camping experience. However, despite the rich, full-bodied tones of a seasoned dreadnought, lugging around your beloved six-string to the […] -
Hotel Zetta: San Francisco’s Modern Marvel
Chic, modern hotels are nothing new but when you add sustainable elements and high-class design, modern turns into marvel. San Francisco’s Hotel Zetta, opened in the summer of 2013, is one such architectural wonder, thanks to Dawson Design Associates. Situated in SOMA, known for its high-tech design firms and museum-laden streets, Hotel Zetta boasts 116 […] -
Kurrajong Heights Downhill Grass Karts
If you ever find yourself touring around Australia and looking for something awesome to do, rent yourself a car and drive up to Kurrajong Heights. It’s about an hour’s drive outside of Sydney. Why here? Because nestled up in the foothills of the mountains, you’ll find Kurrajong Heights Downhill Recreation Park. This place is basically […] -
Gorki Apartments, Berlin
As overlooked destinations continue to drift onto our radars, Berlin has been a constant. A cultural hub that remains appealing year after year. You can imagine our delight then, when we heard of the opening of Gorki, a new development in the eternally cool Mitte district, housing 35 bespoke apartments and two soon to be […] -
Micro Guide: Portland, Oregon
For the record, Portland is nothing like the TV Show Portlandia. Or at least we didn’t see that side of PDX. It is very young, very cool although there are way, way too many tattooed people, but it isn’t horribly hipster like parts of Brooklyn can be. There is a fine line and Portland is […] -
9 American Towns, 9 Romantic Getaways
Here’s an “oh S$!*,” moment for you: Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year. And more, it’s a long weekend, should you happen to have President’s Day off that Monday the 17th. There’s no pressure to do anything special (that’s according to every girl we’ve asked) but since it is on a weekend, why […] -
Top 5 Vacations for 2014
Arguably, one of the best things about the start of a brand new year is planning your travel schedule for the next 12 months. Once you have learnt the art of planning your trips rather than just mindlessly tapping up cheap deals twice a year, your entire world will change. Believe us. So get your […] -
Keep Calm and Carry-On (No, Really!)
Image used with permission by copyright holder Yes, we know. We’re just as sick of “Keep Calm and…” memes as you are, but, here it just makes sense because, when traveling, carry on bags are really just small suitcases full of stress. Especially if you’re like more and more Americans who are skipping checked luggage […] -
Treeline Rooftop Tents
A rugged four-season tent is an outdoorsman’s best friend, but with a dizzying array of poles, stakes, and tie-downs, they’re not always the most convenient thing in the world to set up. If you’d rather skip the “some assembly required” part, you could always get yourself a trailer, but that option is far more expensive, and […] -
Top Spots Around the Nation to Ring in the New Year
Millions of Americans face a crisis of epic proportions every year: what shall I do on New Years Eve? You don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your work colleagues come January, especially that annoying frat boy who tries to top everyone in the office with his stories. Most of us have a game […] -
Road Trip like a Boss in a Cricket Trailer
I don’t care who you are – we’ve all had those daydreams of selling all our belongings, buying an old RV or teardrop trailer, and roadtripping across the country. It’s definitely a tempting idea, but before you hit up craigslist in search of a busted-ass Winnebago, we highly recommend you check out Cricket. Unlike the […] -
Wine Art: Art and Wine Collide at Wineries Around the World
Wineries lure visitors in many ways. Some come for the scenery, others for the food and ambiance and others for the wine, natch. But a number of wineries also lure serious art lovers and collectors. The Manual narrowed down our favorite wineries with art galleries. The Hess Collection No talk of wine and art would […] -
The Manual’s Gift Guide for Globetrotters
With less than a month left until Christmas, we’re pretty sure you’ve experienced that ‘uh-oh’ moment by now where you realise that pretty soon you’re going to have to haul ass to the stores and buy the annual ton of gifts. Alas, there are two ways this can go. If you wanna avoid running around […] -
How to Take Photos like National Geographic Magazine
If you want to sharpen your wildlife photography skills, get it done right—along side some of National Geographic’s most notable photographers inside of a private wildlife reserve that just so happens to be the grounds of a five star hotel located in a tropical paradise. Sounds like a dream, but it’s a real thing. And […] -
Cataloochee Escape
We’ve found the ideal winter getaway combo—days spent challenging snow covered hills on skis and snowboards and nights snuggled up by the fire in a cozy cabin at an adjacent dude ranch. At one time Cataloochee Ski Area and Cataloochee Ranch were under the same ownership, but the family who continues to own the ranch […] -
Off the Beaten Path in Bogota, Colombia
“Bogota is not a tourist place,” the customs agent at JFK said to me. “I know,” I responded through a smile, “but it was pretty damn cool!” It was the perfect exchange to sum up four days spent checking out Bogota, Colombia’s capitol and a landlocked city deep in the Andes Mountains that isn’t on […] -
Wilmington, N.C. in the Spotlight: Beer, Ghosts, Movies and More
You may start doing some double takes when you visit Wilmington, N.C. Bits and pieces of this town, its buildings and its riverfront have appeared on the big screen repeatedly and you may find yourself having a sense of deja vu. This town, known as Hollywood East, has starred in hundreds of flicks such as […] -
Ultimate Road Trips: Patagonia
Sometimes it’s good to feel a little lost. Not that it’s easy to go astray road tripping with a 2013 Jeep Rubicon through the most far flung stretches of Southern Patagonia; especially when the GPS exists in the world. But here, with nothing more than your own 4X4 and the colossal landscape, it’s easy to […]