Few experiences are more rejuvenating than a good spa day, and some of the globe’s most luxurious spas can be found at five-star hotels. Whether you’re on the West Coast or in the British Isles, there’s a warm sauna and deep tissue massage waiting for you. While spa days can be an extravagant expense, the utter relaxation you achieve often makes it well worth the cost. Keep reading to learn more about the best hotel spas in the world.

Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles

Located amid the hustle and bustle of Century City, LA’s Fairmont Century Plaza spa offers a relaxing escape from the surrounding metropolis. Illuminated by soft lighting and decorated with slate-colored tile, the spa’s rainfall shower is the perfect way to freshen up after a long day. There’s also a daily meditative Tibetan bowl ceremony at 5:00 p.m., where guests can meditate and achieve serenity while listening to the harmonic tones emanating from crystal bowls. The spa also boasts a sauna with increased levels of humidity, as well as an aromatherapy steam room to help invigorate all the senses.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

While beach resorts are calming by nature, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico takes relaxation to another level with their Iridium Spa. This secluded haven offers treatments that utilize natural resources from a nearby rainforest, relying on ingredients such as coconut, sugar cane, and even rum. Queen Loiza’s Royal Treatment is a particularly opulent experience offered by the spa, which culminates with 24-karat gold oil being applied to the skin. Whether you prefer to take a dip in the hot and cold plunge pools, or would rather relax under a palm tree with a complimentary glass of bubbly, this paradisiacal spa has it all.

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle is a historic medieval estate, though its spa amenities are cutting edge, earning Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa award in 2022 for the seventh consecutive year. The room with a relaxation pool is particularly stunning, and is highlighted by three majestic seashell chandeliers. Though the castle’s main building is made of stone, the spa portion is more modern and features long glass windows that welcome in the natural sunlight, allowing guests to better connect with nature.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Walking into the spa at Sandy Lane in Barbados is a spectacular experience from the start, as guests are welcomed into a marble reception area highlighted by two swirling staircases. These steps lead visitors up to the spa’s heavenly amenities. Featuring hydrotherapy pools and saunas, the Sandy Lane spa has all your traditional amenities. One of the more unique elements is known as the Rhassoul, an oriental steam bath open to the sky. It’s here that clay is applied to guests before the treatment begins with dry heat, followed by an herbal steam, and lastly a warm cascade of water that removes the clay and leaves you feeling refreshed.

St. Regis, Toronto

Soaring 31 stories above the street below, the St. Regis Spa provides sweeping views of the Toronto downtown. It’s here that guests can indulge in a seasonal massage utilizing goji berries, the application of which relaxes muscle aches and calms the soul. Many of the spa’s more luxurious elements pay homage to Caroline Astor, a 19th century figure in New York City’s high society who prided herself on living an opulent lifestyle. Furthermore, the spa offers a special and inclusive package for expecting mothers, as masseurs are trained to perform prenatal massages that ease the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas

Located along the Strip, the spa at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers relaxation to individuals and couples alike. Depending on how active you want your spa experience to be, the Waldorf offers everything from yoga and pilates classes to more idle activities such as lounging poolside in a cabana. The spa also features a number of salons that specialize in facials, nails, and even hair, allowing guests to completely reinvent their physical appearance should they so choose. This award-winning spa is undeniably one of Las Vegas’s most calming retreats.

Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

The winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for 2023, the spa at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim is among Canada’s best, if not the whole world. With nine distinct treatment areas, three lounges, a Nail Spa, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to decompress as the Fairmont Pacific Rim. There’s even an outdoor terrace where guests can cozy up atop plush chairs and gaze out upon the majestic Vancouver Harbour. The spa offers an annual “Pamper Me Program” as well, offering monthly treatments ranging from organic facials to deep tissue massages.

Update: Prime Day 2020 has come to an end, but be sure to join us in a few short weeks for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

Free Amazon Credit

Before you do anything else on Prime Day, you'll want to do this. Just head to this page, activate the offer, and then buy $40 worth of Amazon gift cards for yourself or someone else. Within two days, Amazon will add a bonus $10 credit to your account for future orders. That's pretty darn close to free money.

$10 Amazon Credit With $40 Gift Card Purchase

Tile Trackers

If you're constantly losing track of your keys, your wallet, or your cat, it's time you found a good deal on a Tile gadget tracker.

Right now on Amazon, Prime members can get a single Tile Pro keychain tracker for $24 (from $35), two Tile Mates for $34, or a bundle that includes a credit card-sized Tile Slim for $40 or $45.

Tiles make it easy to find whatever they're attached to if your phone is within 150 feet or so. Just open up the app, and tell it to ring. And if you have your keys but can't find your phone, it works the other way as well: just double press the button on your tile to trigger a phone alarm, even if it's set to silent. I can't tell you how much time these things have saved me trying to get out the door.

Just note that the Tile Mates and Tile Pros feature replaceable batteries, but the Tile Slims do not. Once the batteries run out on the Slims in a year or so, you can contact Tile to replace them at a discount.

Tile Gadget Tracker Sale

The Ultimate Charger

Anker's PowerPort Atom PD 4 is somewhat legendary in the gadget charging space. Between its two USB-C ports and two USB ports, it can output up to 100 watts of power. Depending on the size of your computers, that means you could charge two laptops and two phones at the same time with a single power outlet. It's ostensibly designed for use in the home (and would be a perfect home office gadget), but it's small enough to pack in a suitcase to charge your gadgets on the go.

Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4 | $68 | Normally $100

Herschel Supply Co.

Since 2009, Vancouver-based Herschel Supply Co. has been turning out great looking travel gear that really sweats the details, and you can save on several of the brand's most popular bags for Prime Day.

The sale mostly consists of backpacks, but just about anyone could find use for the $20 Chapter Travel Kit (ostensibly a dopp kit, but it could also be used to organize small electronics), or the $50 Novel Duffel Bag, which would make for a great weekender.

Herschel Supply Co. Prime Day Sales

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Why leave rice to chance on the stove when you could get perfectly cooked grains every single time, at the touch of a button? You'd find a Zojirushi fuzzy logic rice cooker in many a Japanese kitchen for a reason, and now, you can add one to your own appliance collection for an all-time low $105, today only.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker | $105 | Normally $140-$180

Outdoor Essentials

You probably don't think of Amazon as an outdoor retailer, but their Prime Day outdoor sale would be right at home at REI, with great deals from top brands like ExOfficio, Marmot, and CamelBak. A variety of Coleman camping essentials are also on sale, on a separate page.

Even if you aren't much of an outdoors person, you should at the very least stock up on ExOfficio underwear, which is almost never available for this cheap. The legendary Give-N-Gos are moisture wicking, odor reducing, fast drying, and perfect for travelers who may need to occasionally wash them in a hotel sink.

ExOfficio's mind-blowing BugsAway apparel is also represented in the sale, and each piece features an odorless permethrin-based technology that repels bugs, and lasts for up to 70 wash cycles.

ExOfficio, Marmot, and CamelBak Sales | Amazon

Coleman Camping Essentials | Amazon

The Most Powerful Portable Battery

In the world of USB battery packs, there's the Zendure SuperTank, and then there's everything else. The gargantuan 27,000mAh battery pack includes two USB-C ports, one of which can charge a laptop at up to 100W (the fastest possible USB-C speed), plus two standard USB ports for smaller devices. Today's $83 deal (after clipping the $20 coupon) is a new all-time low price by $17.

Zendure SuperTank Battery | $83 | Normally $130 | Clip the $20 coupon

Philips Hue

Philips Hue is far and away the most popular and widely compatible smart lighting solution out there, but it doesn't usually come cheap. Today though, Prime members can get a four-bulb white starter kit with a Hue Bridge and a smart switch for $88 (discount shown at checkout), or a single white bulb with a smart dimmer switch for $40 (discount shown at checkout).

These aren't the colorful bulbs that you've probably seen in various YouTube videos and commercials, but we'll let you in on a secret: everybody with the color bulbs just uses them as regular white lights 99% of the time. Plus, you can use these while you travel to convince potential ne'er-do-wells that somebody's home.

Philips Hue Prime Day Deals

Telescopes and Binoculars

If you are someone who has their eyes on the skies, this Prime Day is a great time to check out reduced pricing on Celestron’s assorted telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars. Whether you categorize yourself as a professional birdwatcher eager to catalog a new feathered friend or an aspiring astronomer hoping to catch a closer look at distant planets and stars, there’s a deal for you.

If staring into space has captured your attention recently, then the Celestron 70mm Travel Scope (down to $60 from the usual $69-$90) is a good idea for you. This telescope not only boasts a 70mm lens that makes it perfect for poor light conditions and long range viewing, but also is lightweight and compact enough to bring along on all of your adventures. The entire package includes two eyepieces for closer and further views, a tripod for stabilization, and a backpack for both easy storage and so that you can get up and go when you hear about clear sky conditions. Whether you are a beginning starwatcher getting your bearings or an experienced professional looking for something more lightweight, the Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is perfect for scanning the skies without breaking your back — or the bank — getting there.

Binocular and Telescope Prime Day Sale

Digital Photo Frame

A digital photo frame is a great way to put your old travel photos on display, and could make for a great holiday gift. Nixplay's frames have essentially cornered the market, and today only, you can grab the 10" Nixplay Seed for $119, the 13" version for $155, or the sharper 2K version for $180, all the best prices Amazon's listed in 2020.

Both frames feature HD screens and internet connections, meaning anyone (with permission) can easily add photos to the frame with the Nixplay app or via email. Our advice? Spring for the 13" version. Not only is it bigger, but it's 1080p screen is also significantly sharper than the $119 frame's, which means your photos will look more like prints.

Nixplay Digital Photo Frame Sale

Smart Locks

Whether you're going to the store or going on vacation, you never want to worry about whether you remembered to lock the door. And with this August Pro Wi-Fi connected smart lock, you won't have to.

Unlike most smart locks, August's installs over your existing deadbolt, so you won't have to change your keys. And once it's set up, you can lock and unlock your door from your phone, and grant house sitters and overnight guests temporary access using their own phones.

The lock by itself usually costs around $170-$230, but for Prime Day, it's down to $155, with a free Echo Dot thrown in for good measure.

August Smart Lock Pro + FREE Echo Dot | $155 | Normally $170-$230

True Wireless Earbuds

If you like the idea of Apple's AirPods--truly wireless headphones that pair instantly and charge inside their own carrying case--but don't feel like spending over $150, then this deal's for you.

Anker's been turning out the best budget true wireless headphones for years, and the brand's Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are one of the best values in the space at their usual $50. But if you clip the 20% coupon on the page for Prime Day, you can get them for just $40.

The earbuds feature the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology for reliable pairing to your phone, they run for seven hours on a charge (and up to 40 hours if you count the battery case), and are even IPX7 waterproof, so you can wear them while you sweat, or out in the rain. Noise canceling microphones ensure that your voice calls and Zoom meetings soundcrystal clear, and adjustable eartips help isolate sound for a better listening experience, even on a loud train or plane.

They went on sale in June for $45, and our readers bought over 1,000 pairs.

Anker SoundCore Life P2 Earbuds | $40 | Normally $50 Clip the 20% coupon

MicroSD Card

If you travel with a GoPro, a Nintendo Switch, a drone, or any other gadgets that use microSD cards for storage, this ultra-speedy 512GB card is down to $70 for Prime members, within $2 of the best price we've ever seen.

PNY 512GB MicroSD Card | $70 | Normally $100

Brydge iPad Keyboards

Brydge's best-in-class keyboard cases turn your iPad into a true, travel-friendly laptop replacement, and several models have rare discounts for Prime Day.

The Brydge Pro keyboard is down to $100 for both the 12.9" and 11" iPad Pros (2018 and 2020), down from $170 and $150, respectively. But since a recent update to iPad OS brought true trackpad support to the iPad, you may want to splurge on the Pro+ model ($160 for the 12.9", $140 for the 11"), which includes a trackpad.

Brydge Keyboard Sales

Stanley Bottles

Stanley's rugged, vacuum insulated food and drink bottles let you bring coffee or hot food out to a campsite, secure in the knowledge that it'll still be hot hours later. Prime members can save on several sizes and varieties today, most of which are available in Stanley's iconic Hammertone Green colorway.

Stanley Vacuum Bottle Sale

Noise Canceling Headphones

A good pair of noise canceling headphones is almost as important as a good suitcase for frequent travelers, and several of the most popular models on the market are on sale this Prime Day.

In our opinion, the most significant savings are on Bose's legendary QC35 II over-ear headphones, marked down to an all-time low $199 from the usual $350. In addition to nearly muting droning noises like airplane engines, they also make your music and podcasts sound great, and are incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions.

Bose QC35 II Noise Canceling Headphones | $199 | Normally $349

If only the best will do though, Prime Day's also brought out one of the first deals we've ever seen on Sony's new WH1000-XM4s. Most audio experts will tell you that these headphones offer the most comprehensive noise cancelation of any pair of headphones ever released, and you can get them for $298 from the usual $349, but with a bonus $25 Amazon gift card thrown in for good measure. Several of Sony's lower-end headphones are also on sale for Prime members, starting at $88.

Sony WH1000-XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones | $298 | Normally $349 | Plus $25 Amazon gift card

And finally, if you prefer earbuds to over-ears, you can't do better than Apple's AirPods Pros, which are on sale for $199from the usual $249. That's one of the best deals we've ever seen on these, and it's available to non-Prime members as well. If you don't have an iPhone, you should also consider Amazon's own Echo Buds for $80, which also feature noise cancelation and, naturally, built-in Alexa.

Apple AirPods Pro | $199 | Normally $249

Amazon Echo Buds | $80 | Normally $130

Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl's travel pillows aren't like any travel pillow you've ever used. Unlike the donuts of foam or air that you're familiar with, Trtl pillows are designed like neck wraps, with padded ribs on one side to support your head when you nod off in economy class. It looks a little funny (what travel pillow doesn't?), but in our experience, it offers far more neck support than any traditional pillow we've tried.

For a limited time for Prime Day, the original Trtl Pillow has its first discount in months down to $24, from the usual $30. It's not the adjustable Trtl Pillow Plus ($60), but it's an affordable way to give the unique approach to upright sleeping a try.

Trtl Travel Pillow | $24 | Normally $30

GorillaPod

If you don't want to rely on the kindness--not to mention the photography skills--of strangers to take photos of your family when you travel, it's worth investing in a travel tripod.

This Joby GorillaPod features flexible legs that let it stand up on uneven surfaces, or even hang from fences and tree branches, and it can support cameras weighing up to .72 pounds. With so many different positioning options, you'll never need to ask someone to take your photo again. Just note that to use it with a smartphone, you'll need an adapter like this one.

Prime members can grab the tripod today from Amazon for $18, down from $23, with the discount shown at checkout.

Joby GorillaPod | $18 | Normally $23

Foreo Luna Mini 2

The Foreo Luna Mini 2 uses micro pulses to cleanse deep below the skin on your face, and it's become something of a cult beauty favorite in recent years. But even in Black Fridays past, we've never seen it for $71 before.

Foreo Luna Mini 2 | $71 | Normally $119

DJI Cameras and Drones

Your phone has a really good camera, sure, but DJI's class-leading smart photography gear will take your vacation photos and footage to a completely new level.

The highlight of DJI's Prime Day sales is the Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal for a new all-time low $105. This motorized stabilizer holds your phone (meaning it'll take better footage every time you buy a new phone with a better camera), and lets you take buttery smooth video on the move. With the DJI Osmo app, you can even set it to automatically track your subject, so you won't even need to look where you're shooting.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 | $99 | Normally $119

The other highlight here, as you'd expect from a DJI sale, is a drone. Specifically, the pocket sized DJI Mavic Mini, which can capture 2.7K footage (halfway between 1080p and 4K) and stunning still photos from up to 1.5 miles away. Each battery will give you up to 30 minutes of flight time, and this bundle includes three of them for $399, down from the usual $499.

DJI Mavic Mini Drone Bundle | $399 | Normally $499

Wireless Battery Pack

The best portable battery pack for travel is one that lets you forget the cord. These unique 10,000mAh and 20,000mAhUSB batteries from Aukey can prop up your phone to watch videos on a plane, while simultaneously charging it through the built in Qi wireless charging pad, no power cord required.

Of course, both also include a USB port for your phone, and even an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port to fast-charge your phone or tablet, keep a Nintendo Switch running, or even trickle charge a laptop in a pinch.

Aukey 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack | $32 | Normally $40

Aukey 20,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack | $37 | Normally $46

LifeStraw

Update: Sold out

LifeStraws are must-have accessories for any camper's backpack, and they're currently down to the best price we've ever seen as part of Amazon's Prime Day festivities.

Normally priced at $15-$17, LifeStraw allows you to drink up to 1,000 liters of water from any pond, stream, or puddle that you find, which could potentially save your life if you get stranded outdoors, or just allow you to pack less heavy water for a hike or camping trip. The built-in filters remove at least 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, surpassing the EPA's filtration standards, and it's as easy to use as, well, a straw.

Furbo Pet Camera

Your pets need a holiday gift too! If you can't stand to be away from your dog even for eight hours while you're at work, let alone during longer trips, the Furbo Pet Camera could be the best thing you get for yourself (and your furry friend) all year. It lets you check in with your pets from anywhere, talk to them over the two-way intercom, and even reward them by tossing a treat. $134 is within about a buck of an all-time low price, which means this is a great deal, no bones about it.

Furbo Pet Camera | $134 | Normally $179-$200

Mask Tape

If you're heading into a situation that requires you to wear a face mask for hours on end, Cabeau's new mask tape can make it far more comfortable on your ears and face, while keeping your glasses fog free. Get a roll for $11, down from the usual $15.

Cabeau Mask Tape | $11 | Normally $15

Biltong

As we've covered before on The Discoverer, air dried South African biltong is like a tastier, healthier version of beef jerky, with a more pleasant texture, less sugar, less sodium, and more protein. What more could you want in a snack?

You can currently get a 4 oz. bag of Ayoba biltong (which we love) for $11 for Prime Day, in both original and spicy flavors. The original flavor has only seven all-natural ingredients, and the spicy version only has nine, and neither have any sugar, preservatives, or nitrates. And if you're on a diet, they're both Keto, Whole 30, and Paleo approved. Most importantly though: they're absolutely delicious.

Ayoba Biltong 4 oz. | $11 | Normally $13 | Regular and Spicy

Universal Power Adapter

You might not need it in the immediate future, but every traveler should have a universal international power adapter in their arsenal. This one turns any kind of international outlet into any other type of outlet you need, and also has four USB ports built in for charging your mobile devices.

Universal Power Adapter | $16 | Normally $20

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

Packing cubes sound a little indulgent. Who needs luggage for their luggage? But most people that use them swear by them.

Why invest in a set of packing cubes? Because they help you organize the cavernous interiors of your suitcase, making travel just a little less stressful. Say you're splitting a trip between two different hotels: you could put half your clothes in one cube, and half in the other, so you wouldn't need to completely unpack at both locations. Don't want your socks and underwear to explode out of your bag when TSA makes you open it? Tuck them into their own cubes to keep them all together.

If you're packing for a long trip, packing cubes also provide an extra layer of compression, letting you pack more clothes without having to sit on top of your suitcase to get it shut.

There are plenty of good packing cubes out there, but EagleCreek's original Pack-It cubes and Specter compression cubes are some of the best. In addition to being made from high quality and durable materials, Eagle Creek backs up its products with a "No Matter What" guarantee, meaning they'll repair or replace any that fail during their lifetime, no matter what the cause.

Right now for Prime Day, nearly every set of packing cubes Eagle Creek sells is on sale, even if you aren't a Prime member.

Eagle Creek Packing Cube Sale

Our Favorite Travel Umbrella

Our favorite travel umbrella is designed with strong wind gusts in mind, and it has a semi-rare discount today to just $18, from the usual $23.

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella features a dual canopy design that allows wind to pass through the umbrella while keeping rain out, which means it's less likely to turn inside out or fly out of your hands. It's also reinforced with nine fiberglass ribs, rather than the 6-8 flimsy aluminum ribs that you'd find on most inexpensive umbrellas. And finally, its teflon-coated canopy means water will bead up and shake off with ease once you reach your destination, so you won't get your floors wet.

It's not an expensive umbrella--it's only about twice what you'd spend on an "emergency" umbrella at a pharmacy--but it's one that will actually last.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella | $18 | Normally $23

Samsonite Suitcases

With the holidays right around the corner, there are a lot of things to pack for all the family and friend events in your future. Between the clothes, presents, and all the tech that facilitates modern comfort, your old duffel bag might not be enough.

Thanks to Samsonite and American Tourister, it doesn’t need to be. Today and tomorrow, Prime members can get luggage sets for a great deal in a variety of different styles and colors — whether you are looking for a traditional solid suitcase or a leaf-patterned beauty, you’ll rest easy knowing that your holiday wares are accounted for in some of the best luggage on the market.

You can pick up the Samsonite Centric Hardside Luggage for $99 (down from the usual $115-$240), and check out other Samsonite and American Tourister deals here.

Samsonite Luggage Sale

Garmin GPS Watches and Trackers

If you’re looking for a watch that does it all, look no further — Garmin’s GPS Units and smart watches have something for everyone, whether you’re the serious outdoorsy type, are in the process of becoming one.

The Garmin Rugged Outdoor Watch, down to $150 from the usual $200-$230, encapsulates the brand. While other smartwatches offer limited options, such as fitness tracking or heart rate monitoring, the Rugged Outdoor Watch includes these items and more — including altitude tracking, GPS, and even estimated stress levels. Whether you want to check the depth of your dive or the notifications on your phone, this watch has it all.

For those of us who are not interested in scaling mountains and training like a Navy SEAL, however, Garmin also has deals on a variety of other smartwatches and GPS units for everything from tracking your steps to finding your place in the world, which you can check out here.

Garmin GPS Sale

Amazon Devices

If there's one thing you can count on during Prime Day, it's a whole slew of best-ever deals on Amazon's ever-growing assortment of gadgets. We're rounding up all of the best discounts on Echo smart speaker and displays, Fire TV streaming sticks, Kindle ereaders, Ring doorbells, Eero Wi-Fi routers, most of which are down to new all-time low prices, for Prime members only.

Echo Speakers

• Amazon Echo Flex | $10 | Normally $25 | Includes free smart bulb
• Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | $19 | Normally $50
• Amazon Echo Studio + Free Smart Bulb | $150 | Normally $200
• Amazon Echo Auto | $20 | Normally $50

Echo Shows

• Amazon Echo Show 5 | $45 | Normally $90
• Amazon Echo Show 8 | $65 | Normally $130
• Amazon Echo Show 10 | $150 | Normally $230

Kindle Ereaders

• Amazon Kindle with Backlight | $60 | Normally $90
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | $80 | Normally $130
• Amazon Kindle Oasis | $175 | Normally $250

Fire Tablets

• Amazon Fire 7 Tablet | $40 | Normally $50
• Amazon Fire HD 8 | $55 | Normally $90
• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | $75 | Normally $110 | Includes extra RAM and wireless charging.
• Amazon Fire HD 10 | $80 | Normally $150

Amazon Fire TVs

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K | $30 | Normally $50
• Amazon Fire TV Cube | $80 | Normally $120
• Amazon Fire TV Recast OTA DVR | $130 | Normally $230
• Insignia 24-inch Smart HD 720p TV - Fire TV Edition | $80 | Normally $150
• Toshiba 32" 720p Fire TV | $120 | Normally $180
• Insignia 39-inch Smart HD 720p TV - Fire TV Edition | $140 | Normally $230
• Toshiba 43-inch Smart HD 1080p TV - Fire TV Edition | $180 | Normally $280
• Insignia 43-inch Smart 4K UHD - Fire TV Edition | $200 | Normally $300
• Toshiba 43-inch Smart 4K UHD with Dolby Vision - Fire TV Edition | $210 | Normally $330
• Insignia 50-inch Smart 4K UHD - Fire TV Edition | $250 | Normally $350
• Toshiba  50-inch Smart 4K UHD with Dolby Vision - Fire TV Edition | $260 | Normally $380
• Insignia 55-inch Smart 4K UHD - Fire TV Edition | $290 | Normally $430

Ring Home Security

• Ring Video Doorbell | $70 | Normally $100 | Includes free Echo Dot
• Ring Video Doorbell 3 | $140 | Normally $200
• Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus | $160 | Normally $230 | Includes video pre-roll feature
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro | $170 | Normally $250 | Includes free Echo Show 5
• Ring Alarm Home Security System | Starting at $120 | Normally starting at $200
• Ring Indoor Cam | $45 | Normally $60
• Ring Stick Up Cam Battery | $80 | Normally $100
• Ring Spotlight Cam Battery | $150 | Normally $200
• Ring Floodlight Camera | $190 | Normally $250

Eero Routers

• Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router | $69 | Normally $99
• Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router 3-Pack | $174 | Normally $249

Sony a7R III

Serious photographers need a serious camera — and the Sony a7R III is as serious as they come. In fact, Ken Rockwell called it “the best mirrorless camera ever introduced for consumer photography.” For an unprecedented price, you can get one of the best cameras money can buy.

There are many reasons why this Prime Day deal is a steal, including a full frame sensor in a compact body, advanced image processing, and motion tracking so that blurry Bigfoot-esque pictures are a thing of the past. The light-gulping sensor allows for maximum light, whether you are filming a YouTube video indoors or exploring your night surroundings.

As if this wasn’t enough, the Sony a7R III also takes crystal clear 4K HDR videos, making it perfect for everything from serious sports clips to a wedding highlight reel.

$2,298 is a new all-time low price by $200, and $500 below its typical selling price.

Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera | $2,298 | Normally $2,498 - $2,798

Amazon Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited is like Netflix for ebooks, and gives you unlimited access to over a million titles. Normally pried at $10 per month, you can get your first six months for half price to help pass the time while you're stuck at home. Just note that you'll auto-renew at the regular price at the end of the six month period if you don't cancel.

50% off six months of Amazon Kindle Unlimited ($30) | Photo: Locro

Audible

Even if you can't find time to read all of the books on your list, you can probably find time to listen to them. Audible has just about every audiobook under the sun, many of which are read aloud by their original author, and Prime members can get their first year's subscription for $100 right now in the lead-up to Prime Day, down from the usual $150.

As soon as you sign up, you'll instantly receive 12 ebook credits (one for every month of your membership, prepaid), each of which is valid on any Audible audiobook, including brand new releases and bestsellers. Plus, every book you buy is yours forever, even if you later cancel your membership. Do the math, and this deal is essentially like getting any 12 Audible books for about $8 each, compared to the $15-$20 most would cost if you purchased them a la carte.

You'll also get unlimited access to the Audible Plus catalog, which is full of Audible Originals, podcasts, guided wellness programs, and other audio content. Just remember that this deal is only available for Prime members who aren't currently Audible subscribers.

1-Year Audible Membership | $100 | Normally $150 | Prime members only

Amazon Music Unlimited

If you're not currently a subscriber to AmazonMusic Unlimited, you can get your first three months for FREE right now.

The service is essentially the Amazon equivalent of Apple Music or Spotify, but if you're a Prime member, it's actually a bit less expensive the its competitors at $8 per month.

3 Free Months of Amazon Music Unlimited  | Auto-renews at $8 or $10 per month, depending on Prime membership status.

Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbits have come a long way from the simple pedometers of yore. The Fitbit Versa 2 can track your steps, your workouts, your sleep quality, your heart rate, and all of your other vital stats like you'd expect. But beyond its obvious health benefits, it's also a fully featured smart watch in its own right. You can add playlists, check your notifications, talk to Alexa, and get news alerts on your wrist, all for just $128 this Prime Day.

Fitbit Versa 2 | $128 | Normally $150-$200

Travel Toothbrush

Just because you're on the road doesn't mean your oral health should suffer. This Oral-B Genius X rechargeable electric toothbrush features six different cleaning modes for different kinds of brushers, and includes a convenient travel case so you can throw it in your suitcase without worrying about the bristles touching anything other than your teeth.

It's never sold for less than $200 before today, but Prime members can get it for an all-time low $100, while it lasts.

Oral-B Genius X Electric Toothbrush | $100 | Normally $200

Echo Auto

When you think about it, Alexa actually makes more sense in the car than it does at home. At home, setting reminders, controlling music, and placing calls without using your hands is a convenience. In the car? It's a safety necessity.

For just $20 today for Prime members (down from $50), the Echo Auto connects to your phone over Bluetooth, and your car's stereo over either Bluetooth or an aux jack, allowing you to get directions, queue up news reports, or play Jeopardy in the car with nothing but your voice.

Echo Auto | $20 | Normally $50 | Prime members only

Board Games

We're all going to be stuck inside for a while, so there's never been a better time to fill your board game cabinet with some fresh new experiences to enjoy with the family.

Board Game Sale

Gravel makes our favorite toiletry bags and travel blankets, and will soon release one of the most innovative travel bags we've ever seen. Right now, our readers can get 20% off everything Gravel sells with promo code THEDISCOVERER.

Gravel Explorer Toiletry Bag

We've been using the smaller Gravel Explorer Slim myself for years, and it's one of the most well-made travel accessories we've ever used. Its interior pockets are designed with specific bathroom items in mind, like one that's sized for a standard stick of deodorant, another for your toothbrush, and a water-resistant pocket for liquids that could leak. The larger version would be great for people who pack a lot of cosmetics, or couples that want to share a dopp kit.

Gravel Layover Travel Blanket

The Layover travel blanket packs down to nearly nothing, and is full of clever touches like foot wells and a neck snap to keep the blanket in place even if you doze off in your airplane seat. Plus, it could double as a picnic blanket when you aren't traveling. This deal is a match for the best we've seen on it since it was on Kickstarter.

Gravel Travel System

And while it won't come out until December, the Gravel Travel System is one of the most creative and innovative travel packs we've ever seen. Comprised of three different bags that you can mix and match, you could use it to pack for a weekend, or multiple weeks away from home. Preorders for the system are already discounted compared to the expected MSRP, but promo code THEDISCOVERER will stack an extra 20% discount on top.

The Good Food of Szechwan: Down-to-Earth Chinese Cooking is something of a cult classic, considered by many to be the definitive book about home-cooked Chinese food in the U.S. Written in 1974 by Robert A. Delfs, it’s collected a host of devotees since then, myself included.

The book showcases the Sichuan region’s most beloved dishes, including details on essential ingredients and how to use them, and the techniques and equipment necessary for cooking authentic Chinese food at home. The slim hardcover may appear basic — the photos are few and the print is small, like a textbook — but don’t let that dissuade you. The recipes between these pages are just as good — even better — than your favorite Chinese takeout.

I was introduced to The Good Food of Szechwan as a kid, since my parents were also fans of the cookbook. I remember many happy evenings at home, hearing my dad clanging around in our tiny kitchen — chopping vegetables, frying meat, stirring sauces— emerging later with heaping platters of piping hot Chinese food that we’d immediately devour. This sort of food was usually for special occasions, like New Year’s Eve or birthdays, and to this day making Chinese food at home feels festive to me.Unfortunately, the book is no longer in print, but it can be procured from used book stores and there are always copies floating around on Amazon (although the cost varies). When you finally get your hands on a copy, try these five recipes immediately.

Chicken with Peanuts, Cabbage, and Red Peppers

This is perhaps my favorite of all the recipes in The Good Food of Szechwan, mostly for sentimental reasons — it was my favorite as a kid. It’s also a great first recipe to try out of the book, with easy to find ingredients and an uncomplicated cooking method. The chicken breast is marinated in a basic sauce of cornstarch, rice wine, and soy sauce. While that’s happening, you slice the peppers, crush the peanuts, and chop the cabbage. From there, it’s a straightforward stir fry, but with the right ingredients (like hot bean sauce, found at any Chinese grocery store or online), it tastes as authentic as any Sichuanese restaurant.

Twice Cooked Pork

Twice cooked pork was another family favorite in our house, in addition to being a popular dish in the Sichuan region. If you love Chinese food, then this recipe is sure to be a winner. It hits all the right notes — tasty pork bites enveloped in a flavorful sauce that is both spicy and sweet. The name of this recipe is quite literal, as the pork is indeed cooked two times. First, a pork loin is boiled in a stock of green onions and fresh ginger, before being cut into thin slices that are then fried in a wok and combined with both sweet and spicy bean sauces. Even better, this recipe can be partially made ahead. Boil an entire pork loin, use half for the recipe and then freeze the other half for the next time you’re craving Chinese food.

Ma-po Dou-fu

According to Delfs, the English translation for this dish is “Old Pockmarked Mrs. Chen’s Bean Curd,” which may be why most people stick to the Chinese name: Ma-po Dou-fu. A recipe that blends bean curd (also known as tofu) and pork in a thick, rich, spicy sauce, this is a dish you’ll find on most Sichuanese menus. In fact, it was in a Sichuan-style restaurant that I first fell in love with the complex flavors of Ma-po Dou-fu; when I later recognized the dish in The Good Food of Szechwan, I knew I had to make it for myself. Amazingly enough, the result was remarkably similar to the restaurant’s version: the Sichuan peppercorns brought on the tingly, low-burning, heat that is the trademark of this dish and the region. If you love spicy food, this is one to try.

Eggplant with Yu-Xiang Sauce

When I lived in Boston, my favorite part of the city was Chinatown. Located a stone’s throw away from South Station, this bustling part of the city is filled with sights and smells not found elsewhere in the city. Plus, it’s home to my favorite restaurant in Boston, the Gourmet Dumpling House. This restaurant is where I first fell in love with the velvet texture and rich flavors of Chinese-style eggplant — now I order it anytime I see it on a menu. Luckily, thanks to The Good Food of Szechwan, I now am able to make the Sichuanese version at home for myself. Delf’s version is made with Yu-Xiang sauce, a classic Sichuan sauce that translates to “fish-fragrant,” although no fish is listed in the ingredients. What is used is a lot of garlic, ginger, green onions, and hot bean sauce, turning the humble eggplant into an all-star dish.

Dan Dan Noodles

I have a soft spot when it comes to any Chinese noodle dish, which means I immediately gravitated to this recipe for Dan Dan Noodles. Originally a Sichuanese street food, Dan Dan Noodles are named for the dan, or bamboo pole, that used to be employed by street hawkers — on one end of the pole was a basket holding ingredients, on the other, the cookware. If you’ve ever made a Chinese noodle stir fry at home, this recipe isn’t very different, except that the authentic ingredients will elevate it to another level. The fresh noodles at a Chinese grocery store are ideal; their toothsomeness is the perfect texture for the flavorful sauce. If you can’t find them, using flat, dried fettuccine noodles is a good backup plan. Also, it’s best to double this recipe, because the leftovers the next day are even better.

Photo by 06photo

If the shortage of yeast and bread flour is anything to go by, many of us have rekindled a love of baking during lockdown. Now that you have the basic technique under your belt, why not treat yourself to a new loaf tin and try to recreate some of these breads from around the world?

Ciabatta

Italy

Ciabatta is so widely thought of as a classic Italian bread you’ll probably be surprised to learn that it wasn’t invented until 1982. It hails from the north east, close to Venice, but quickly caught on in the UK and USA. Its name translates as slipper, a reference to the shape of the loaf. With a dense, chewy crust and characteristic holey middle, it’s great for mopping up sauces or simply served with olive oil to stave off hunger pangs while you wait for your entrée to be ready. This ciabatta recipe is easy to follow, but to achieve those huge holes, you’ll probably need a biga, akin to a sourdough starter.

Damper bread

Australia

Aussie swagmen, drovers and stockmen once swore by damper bread for sustenance while they were working or travelling in the Outback. This iconic Australian bread is best baked slowly in the ashes of a campfire; traditionally in a cast iron pot called a camp oven. In its most basic form, damper vread consists of just three basic ingredients, flour, water and a pinch of salt, all easily transported by those on the move. If you tap it and it sounds hollow, it’s done. This more refined version adds a bit of butter to boost the flavour, and uses self-rising flour to enable the damper to rise.

Lavash

Armenia

Lavash hails from Armenia in the Caucasus, where it’s considered so important it was inscribed by UNESCO on their Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. Armenian bakers use clay ovens known as tonirs to cook this delicious flatbread. However, you can improvise with a regular oven, or even a wok turned upside down on a stove top. The recipe and method are relatively simple, but as it’s thin it tends to dry out quickly. Use it as you make it, or stack it and later sprinkle it with water to bring it back to life.

Khachapuri

Georgia

Neighbouring Georgia has its own bread speciality. Khachapuri is oval shaped like a boat and baked with a whole egg. Different regions have their own variations, some with cheese, for instance. The Georgian authorities have even recognised its importance by declaring a National Khachapuri Day on February 27th. To say it’s a popular dish is therefore an understatement, and you’ll find it not only in restaurants, but also as a street food. Be warned, though, it’s a filling snack, so it’s best eaten on an empty stomach.

Potato Bread

Ireland

Widely consumed in Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, Germany and even Chile, potato bread comes in many forms. Potato replaces a proportion of the wheat flour to produce a bread that is flavoursome and filling. From Northern Ireland, try the potato farl, a soft potato bread cut into four square slices (a farl means a quarter) to accompany an Ulster fry. Shallow fried and served alongside sausage, bacon and egg, it’s a nutritious breakfast that will set you up for the day.

Manoushe

Lebanon

Manoushe goes by several names, among them manakeesh, manaeesh and manaqish. Whichever you use, this flatbread is beloved Lebanon and other Levantine nations, and is a must-bake for bread fans. The dough is not unlike a pizza in some respects. When rolled out, the baker presses the surface of the dough with their fingertips to create little indentations for the toppings to collect in. These can be cheese, minced lamb or a combination of thyme, oregano, marjoram and ground sesame seeds known as Za’atar.

Injera

Ethiopia

My final pick is the spongy flatbread from Ethiopia and Eritrea called injera. It might have the appearance of a crepe, but this is definitely a member of the bread family. A thin batter is poured over a hot plate. When cooked, it’s smooth on one side but the other develops a pitted surface from the air bubbles which form. This makes the flatbread exceptionally well suited to mopping up juices and sauces. In fact, because of this it’s often used as an eating utensil, even as a plate. To make injera, ideally you’re going to need to get hold of some teff flour online or from a specialist supplier. Whole-wheat or buckwheat flour can be substituted if unavailable.

Your whole life, you’ve probably known towels to feel a certain way: plush, soft, “fuzzy.” But Turkish towels take a wildly different approach to drying you off, and their unique properties make them just as useful for travel as they are for your bathroom.

It Started In Bathhouses

Also known as Pestemal towels, Turkish towels date back to at least the 18th century, and were commonly used as body coverings in Turkey’s famous hammams, or bathhouses. The towels often featured ornate patterns, and grew out of the Ottoman tradition of rug weaving.

Today, several companies produce Turkish towels, but they all adhere to two binding principles: they have to be woven in Turkey, and they have to be made from Turkish long staple cotton. This cotton, grown in the Aegean region of turkey, is longer, stronger, and slightly less absorbent than Egyptian cotton, which is more commonly found in textiles like bed sheets. The cotton is still absorbent enough to dry off your body, but it won’t hold onto water too long, which could lead to mildew and musty smells, particularly in a bathroom with poor ventilation (or a humid hammam).

Why They’re Better

The long, strong cotton fibers might seem a bit coarse at first, but they soften with every wash, and allow Turkish towels to be thin and flat (or occasionally waffle-weaved), rather than thick and plush. They may feel a bit less luxurious against your skin after a shower than a thick, absorbent towel, but they’ll get you dry in no time, and their thinness allows them to dry out quickly, whereas plusher towels might still be damp for several hours thereafter.

I used to live in an old house with no bathroom ventilation. No ceiling fan, no window, and no air conditioning vent. And it was in Texas. The only time we ever experienced truly dry towels after a shower was whenever we remembered to hang up a clean set. But after far too many months wiping ourselves down with towels that were probably laced with mildew, we invested in a few sets of Turkish towels from Turkish Towel Company. Lo and behold, they actually dried out between showers, and they’re still in our regular rotation even though we now live in a place with proper ventilation.

Patterns Reminiscent of Rugs

It’s almost shockingly rare to see a bath towel out in the world with more than one color. Occasionally you’ll spot a towel with a simple stripe near the edges. But Turkish Towels almost always feature several different colors, unique patterns, and braided tassels on the ends for a little extra design flair. It’s not surprising given that they were born out of a rug-weaving tradition, but it’s one of the simplest ways to add a little pop of unexpected color to your bathroom.

For example, this simple striped towel evokes a stylish breton shirt, the darker design of this towel will pop off a traditional white wall in a bathroom, and this navy and red striped option might remind you of an American flag. If you prefer monochromatic towels, you’ll want to look elsewhere, but personally, I love that they have a little panache.

Travel Friendly Too

The thinness that allows Turkish towels to dry quickly also makes them perfect for travel and trips to the beach. A couple of traditional, rolled up beach towels would just about fill up your average tote bag, but you can roll up a flat Turkish towel to the size of a large burrito, and still have room in your bag for extra snacks and sunscreen. If you really wanted to, you could even stuff a few of them into a carry-on suitcase alongside with your clothes for a longer trip.

And when it comes time to leave the beach, flat Turkish towels don’t have any nooks and crannies for sand to stick like plusher towels, making it much easier to shake off loose sand before you start heading back to the car.

Frankly, I’m surprised that Turkish towels aren’t more popular than they are, but I suppose most of us grew up expecting our bath towels to be thick and soft. Put one Turkish towel into your rotation though (possibly for under $20!), and I’m pretty confident you’ll go back to buy more.

Top photo by VanjaIvana

After a day of hiking and exploring the national parks, there’s no better feeling than devouring a greasy pizza with an ice cold beer. You might not think of it as a camping food, but the reality is that crafting a personal campfire pizza is much easier than you might think, and it’ll be a big hit especially if you’re camping in a group or doing some backyard camping with your kids this summer. Plus, cooking a pizza over a campfire adds a depth of smokiness to the dough. With camping season already here, now’s the time to test it out.

Make Dough On the Go

This pizza dough recipe is camp-ready. It only calls for a few ingredients: a packet of yeast, some warm water, flour, and olive oil. In a large bowl, dissolve the packet of yeast in warm water, then mix in olive oil and flour. With your hands, knead the dough and form a ball. These steps are simple enough that you could do them at any campsite.

But if you’re anticipating long afternoons of scaling mountains and rock climbing, you might want to be able to return to your campsite and toss something easy over the grill. Pre-made dough that you’ve made at home and stashed in your cooler is a time saver, or for an even lazier version and a faster turnaround time, skip the dough altogether and build your pizza on top of some naan or pita, though admittedly, this version isn’t as hearty and satisfying. To prevent a mess of melted cheese, line your grill with foil before you start cooking.

If Your Campsite Has a Grill

Since clean grates at campsites aren’t always guaranteed, bringing a cast iron skillet with you will ensure you get to make pizza every time. Pick a larger skillet if you’re making a pizza to share with the whole family, or bring a personal sized skillet if you’re accommodating picky eaters or kids who just love to make their own creations with customized toppings.

First, preheat your pan over an open fire, or place the cast iron skillet on a propane powered stove, as the stored heat will also add a little crispiness to the dough later. Take this opportunity to set up a small camping table like the REI Camp Roll to hold all of your plates, ingredients, and tools.

Once you’ve made your dough, coat the skillet with oil, place the ball of dough in the center of the skillet and flatten it in the pan, pressing outwards to form a thinner middle and a thicker edge. For the dough to cook evenly, make sure the heat is equally distributed across the bottom of the skillet by moving it around the fire, or element if you’re cooking on a stove. Once the bottom of the dough is golden brown, remove the skillet from the heat source, flip the dough, spread it with sauce, and load it with cheese and your favourite toppings.

Because cast iron skillets retain heat very well, removing it from the heat source while you craft your pizza will prevent the dough from burning. Once the cheese is piled high, pop a lid on top or wrap the pizza in foil before returning the skillet back on the heat. The pizza is done when cheese is melted and the dough is cooked through. Let pizza stand for up to five minutes so the cheese can set before you cut it. If you’re feeling creative, take advantage of the high walls of your cast iron skillet by making a Chicago style deep dish pizza.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/chef-black-apron-makes-pizza-his-732105637

Bring Your Own Grill

This BioLite FirePit is a double threat. It cooks your dinner on a hibachi style grill, and also acts as a smokeless campfire that you can cozy up to for stories and hot cocoa. It burns firewood and charcoal, and its efficient electric engines promote a roaring flame with minimal smoke.

The FirePit is great for stashing in your trunk or setting up in your backyard, but if you’re truly planning to make your pizza in the backwoods, you can opt for BioLite’s smaller CampStove 2, which comes with an optional grill attachment that you could use for small pizzas.

If you prefer a propane grill, the Camp Chef Everest 2 is a terrific option. This two burner stove provides ample room if you’re cooking for the whole family, and the foldable wind guards on sides protect your flames from gusts of wind that might otherwise blow out your fire.

Southwest Airlines offers three consumer credit cards with annual fees ranging from $69-$149, but the most expensive of the bunch, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, is the only one that truly pays for itself with perks and benefits.

The Discoverer has partnered with The Points Guy affiliate network for our coverage of credit card products. The Discoverer and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers. The offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.

The Basics

The Rapid Rewards Priority card charges a $149 annual fee, but new cardmembers will get a bonus of 40,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points after spending just $1,000 on purchases in your first three months.

Unfortunately, the card's earning rates on purchases aren't much of a draw, as you'll get only 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Considering you'd earn 2 flexible Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on the same Southwest purchases with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, there's not a ton of reason to use the Priority card for your everyday spend. But that's not to say it's not worth having. Far from it.

The Points

Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth approximately 1.5 cents each, according to The Points Guy's latest valuations, and point redemptions are pegged to the cash value of a given flight. That means while you won't find any particularly lucrative redemptions (low points price, high cash price) at Southwest, you also won't have to endure any inefficient redemptions (high points price, low cash price) either.

Southwest has also been offering frequent sales as travel slowly returns from the global pandemic, and it's not unusual to find one-way flights priced at just $49, or just over 3,000 points each. Basically, if you're comfortable traveling right now, you'll be able to stretch your welcome bonus a long way.

Rapid Rewards points are one of my favorite travel currencies because every Southwest flight you book with them is completely refundable, even if you don't have Southwest A-list status. I'll often book Southwest flights for trips I think I might take with points, knowing that I can cancel the trip later for free, and get all of the points deposited back into my account instantly. Even better, if a flight gets cheaper after you book it, Southwest lets you rebook the same flight at the lower rate, and get refunded the difference in points. For everyday fliers without top-tier status, no other airline comes close to that sort of flexibility.

Southwest offers a similar policy for cash fares, but if you book the low cost "Wanna Get Away" fare class, your refund will be issued in the form of a travel voucher that expires after a year. With refunded points however, there are no such restrictions. As long as you have some earning activity every 24 months (or have a Southwest credit line open), your points will never expire.

Perks

Coming from a budget airline that doesn't even have assigned seats, the Priority Card's perks aren't exactly lavish. But they do pay for the card's annual fee, and then some.

• 7,500 Rapid Rewards points every year on your cardmember anniversary (worth ~$112.50, according to the aforementioned 1.5 cent valuation)
• A $75 annual Southwest flight credit
• Four A1-15 upgraded boarding credits per year, based on availability. Check with a gate agent on the day of your flight, and pay the $30-$50 fee with the Priority card. You'll be credited for the charges up to four times per year.
• 20% off in-flight purchases, including snacks, alcohol, and Wi-Fi.

We should take a moment here to mention the other Southwest consumer credit cards: the $69/year Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, and the $99/year Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. Their earning rates and welcome offers are identical to the Priority card, but they don't have any of the above perks. The Plus card does get a 3,000 point anniversary point bonus (worth about $45), and the Premier ups that to 6,000 points (worth about $90), but neither is enough to totally cancel out the annual fee. Even though the Priority Card is more expensive, as long as you use the $75 travel credit, it's a better value overall.

Why Apply?

Even if you don't use the Priority Card's upgraded boarding credits or in-flight purchase discounts, the annual points award and travel credit alone are worth about $187, or more than the $149 annual fee. Throw in the aforementiond 40,000 point welcome offer, which you'll be able to use as soon as you're comfortable traveling again, and it's easy to see why the Priority card makes sense for anyone that flies Southwest a few times per year.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Credit: Owen Lystrup/Unsplash

Note: This post originally appeared on Seeqr, and has been lightly edited.

Photo by Jeramey Lende

Finding it hard to satisfy your wanderlust while being stuck at home? Growing tired of all of your traditional board games for entertainment? Here are some great options that transport players to fascinating places across the globe, while educating them about world cultures and geography. You can play all of them at home with family and friends, including the kids, or, in some cases, challenge like minded travelers via online versions.

7 Wonders

Fancy yourself as the leader of an ancient kingdom? This award-winning card deck game summons you to assemble one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. One game you could be erecting the Colossus of Rhodes, and the next tending the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Over the duration of three eras, you’ll construct architectural masterpieces, develop trade routes and engage in military battles. As each age draws to a close, you’ll have to pit your power against rival cities.

Players: 2 to 7
Recommended age: 13 and up
Buy it here: 7 Wonders
Also available on: Android and iOS

Backpacker - The Ultimate Travel Game

The excitement, uncertainty and magic of backpacking comes to life in this pocket-size card game. The aim of the game is to outfox your fellow players and get back home after amassing the biggest photo collection. You’ll visit spellbinding countries from Argentina to Australia, Egypt to England. You’ll discover beaches, treks, and wildlife, and receive both favorable and dubious travel advice. All this while you concentrate on not getting lost, sick or turning up late for flights.

Players: 2 to 6
Recommend age: 10 and up
Buy it here: Backpacker - The Ultimate Travel Game

Flags Around the World

Know your Dannebrog from your St. George’s Cross? This quick-fire game for geography lovers puts your knowledge of the national flags of 195 nations to the test. You can play the entire world or by continent(s). Choose a card and guess the country that the flag corresponds to. Each card features two educational facts about the country in case the person guessing, especially younger players, needs a hint. Place the cards you win where you think they belong on the map to score points.

Players: 2 to 4
Recommended age: 8 and up
Buy it here: Flags Around the World

Monopoly: National Parks Edition

If you’re dreaming of dramatic vistas and majestic wildlife, then this version of Monopoly takes you into the heart of USA’s natural wonders without having to leave home. Buy and sell 22 of the country’s most popular national parks, including Big Bend, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Test your knowledge of over 60 parks by matching animals to their habitats. To complete the theme, you travel around the board as either a bison, camera, canoe, hiking boot, tent or ranger hat.

Players: 2 to 6
Recommended age: 8 and up
Buy it here: Monopoly: National Parks Edition

Spaceteam

If traveling planet Earth isn’t enough, then with this fast-paced game will let you dream of becoming an astronaut. Working as a team, your mission is to make essential repairs to your spaceship before gravity sucks it into a black hole. Each player draws a card and reads the information aloud in order for others to help find the solution. Maybe there’s an airlock failure, or you desperately need to find a kilo bypass transformer. One game lasts for only five minutes, and no two scenarios are ever the same.

Players: 3 to 6
Recommended age: 10 and up
Buy it here: Spaceteam
Also available on: Android and iOS

Ticket to Ride Series

Here’s one for train enthusiasts and the logistically minded. The aim of Ticket to Ride is simple: connect cities by laying out train routes between them. Earn additional points by creating the longest continuous railroad and by connecting specified cities en route between your two major destinations. Different cards present varying challenges such as building an urban transit system and mapping a transcontinental route. The original game is set in 1900s North America, and there are versions set in Africa, Asia and Europe, too.

Players: 2 to 5
Recommended age: 14 and up
Buy it here: Ticket to Ride
Also available on: Android, iOS and Fire Tablets

Brainbox: All Around The World

Want to combine travel and geography knowledge with observation skills and memory? This family friendly game tests and enhances players’ knowledge about the capital cities, cultures, food, landmarks and more of worldwide destinations. Select one of the 71 cards, set the 10-second timer, and study and memorize the card’s images and facts. Then roll a dice and ask another player to ask the corresponding question. Expect things like Does Germany border France? and Which ocean borders Brazil? Answer correctly to win the card.

Players: 1 or more
Recommended age: 8 and up
Buy it here: BrainBox: All Around The World

Yokohama

Journey back to the mid-1800s and try your hand at being a merchant during Japan’s Meiji era. The city of Yokohama went from an unassuming fishing village to one of Japan’s most important harbors and trade routes in this period. It’s your job to open a store, establish distribution channels and successfully complete international sales orders. All the while you’ll be learning about the history and evolution of an era that saw significant economic, political and social change in the Empire of Japan.

Players: 2 to 4
Recommended age: 14 and up
Buy it here: Yokohama

Vacations this summer and fall are all about staycations. And with outdoor locations considered by experts to be safer than indoor attractions, few places are better to explore and find space than the United States’s 62 national parks. The parks lure millions of visitors annually, and many are beginning to reopen, at least with limited capacities. But if you don't want to travel across the country to explore one of the most famous national parks, you can choose one of these less heralded alternatives, and still enjoy breathtaking landscapes, crisp air and majestic wildlife, without the crowds.

In light of the current situation, you’ll be wise to plan your trips meticulously. Visitor centers are likely to remain closed, so be sure to double check opening hours and permits online before setting off. You might want to pack your own food and drink in the event that nearby shops haven’t returned to normal service. Camping is a great overnight option to both maintain safe distances and appreciate the raw natural beauty of the parks.

Congaree National Park

Instead of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a tree-lover's paradise, and is the nation’s biggest unharmed old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Nicknamed the Redwoods of the East, it shelters some of the east coast’s tallest tress, a 167-feet-tall loblolly pine. Less than 160,000 visitors enjoyed the park in 2019, and those in the know come for unhurried walks along a 25-mile-long network of trails. The 26,000 acre park sits on a floodplain and is a delight to explore via canoe and kayak, which you can rent from outfitters in nearby Columbia. Arrive between mid-May and mid-June to witness the spellbinding display of synchronous fireflies.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Instead of Biscayne National Park

Watery adventures in Florida are never hard to find, but with just over 79,000 visitors last year, Dry Tortugas National Park is a true hidden gem. Set 70 miles west of Key West, the park features seven islands and a Civil War-era fort dotted around 100-square-miles of crystalline coral-rich waters. The diving and snorkeling opportunities are arguably the best in the Florida Keys reef system and there are sites suitable for all ages. Explore the Windjammer shipwreck or spot barracuda and lobster while snorkeling with kids at Little Africa. Garden Key, the park’s second-largest island, is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. Bring a tent, camp in the shadow of the fort and marvel at the starry night sky.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Instead of Yosemite National Park

If volcanic peaks, bubbling springs, steaming geysers, and wildflower meadows sound like fun, then head to California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, which saw just under 500,000 visitors in 2018, compared to Yosemite's 4,000,000. Looming over the park is the 10,457-feet-tall smoking Lassen Peak, which just happens to be the biggest plug-dome volcano on the planet. There’s also the relics of cinder cone, shield and strato volcanoes to discover. A network of over 150 miles of trails provide hikes for visitors of all fitness levels. Notable walks are to the Big Boiler fumarole and around the geyser-rich Boiler Spring Lake. Wildlife lovers can search for the black bears, coyotes and red fox that lurk camouflaged amid the park’s dense conifer forests.

North Cascades National Park

Instead of Glacier National Park

Where Washington State meets British Columbia, you'll find North Cascades National Park, one of the best places you'll find outside of Alaska for glacier viewing. There are over 300 glaciers to see, and yet only around 38,000 people visited the park in 2019. By contrast, Montana’s Glacier National Park has only 26 glaciers, and attracted 3,000,000 visitors. While the glaciers are star attractions, the park also boasts cobalt blue lakes, thundering waterfalls and high mountain ridges. Almost 400 miles of trails take you to the natural wonders through emerald green conifer and maple forests. Bears and wolves roam freely and eagles and ospreys swoop overhead. If you only choose one hike, then be sure to make it to the picture-perfect lookouts around Diablo Lake.

Petrified Forest National Park

Instead of Grand Canyon National Park

Most visitors to Arizona follow the crowds of snap-happy tourists to the world-renowned Grand Canyon. The smart ones — about a tenth of those that visit the nearby sibling — stop to enjoy the beguiling landscapes of the Petrified Forest. This one-time dinosaur stomping ground is a destination where you have to dig into your imagination. Some 225 million years ago volcanic ash turned an area of active volcanoes, verdant forests and waterways into a wilderness of animal fossils, petrified trees and quartz. Much of the park is a drive-thru experience, but the venturesome can head into the backcountry on short hikes. The multicolored and striped hues of the Painted Desert is as otherworldly as it gets.

Voyageurs National Park

Instead of Acadia National Park

On the US-Canada border, Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park is a magnificent network of lakes and waterways that evoke the feeling of remote islands. The park takes its name from a group of French-Canadians that traded fur via canoes in the 1800s and 1900s. As such, the best way to see its glories is on the water; canoes, kayaks, motorboats and sailboats are all allowed. The remoteness allows for incredibly dark skies and regular sightings of the Northern Lights, even in summertime. Anglers can fish for some 50 species year-round and foragers can pick edible wild berries in spring and summer. In winter, the lakes freeze over and become a playground for cross-country skiing.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Reserve

Instead of Denali National Park

Alaska has eight national parks, but they collectively only receive around 3 million recreational visits per year. To put this into perspective, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2019. In fact, Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias is simultaneously the country’s biggest national park, and one of the 10 least-visited. About a third of the park is covered in glaciers, and it’s also the location of nine of the USA’s 16 tallest mountains, namely Mount St. Elias. Visitors get to share this breathtaking wilderness with bald eagles, brown bears, caribou and other wildlife.

The majority of travel pillows, including the Discoverer-favorite Trtl Pillow Plus, are designed around a specific problem: falling asleep while sitting bolt-upright in an airplane seat. But by focusing on that specific sleeping arrangement, most fall flat when it comes to other types of sub-optimal napping we might attempt while we’re away from home. I’m talking resting face-down on your tray table, or laying out across an airport bench, or just getting comfortable when the hotel pillow doesn’t feel quite right.

The clever Banale Omni 3 in 1 Convertible Pillow aims to be the one travel pillow that can help in all of these situations, and after using it around the house myself (not on a plane, for obvious reasons in light of the current pandemic), I think it largely succeeds.

Pillow Topper

When fully unfolded, the Omni pillow is essentially a small, 1.5” thick rectangular memory foam pillow with a few straps and pockets on the bottom. It’s encased in a washable lycra cover which is comfortable and soft, if a bit noisy. It’s in this configuration that Banale encourages you to use the Omni as a pillow topper for hotel or Airbnb pillows that aren’t as supportive as you’d like. The pillow includes a couple of elastic corner straps to keep it in place atop another pillow, but I’d actually recommend sticking it inside the hotel pillow case, as long as you remember to grab it before you check out.

Double Pillow

Fold the pillow over on itself (hamburger style), use the elastic corner straps to hold it shut, and you’ve suddenly got a 3” thick square of memory foam that can act as a small napping pillow all on its own. You can slip your arm through the fold (or not), and use it to nap while lying on a bench, hunched over a desk, buried in a sleeping bag, or curled over your tray table, if that’s how you prefer to sleep on a plane. Sure, you could do this with a traditional travel pillow if you were desperate, but the typical horseshoe shape doesn’t really lend itself to napping in any position other than wrapped around your neck.

Neck Pillow

Finally, if you fold the pillow in half again (hotdog style, this time) and pull the corners into the two water-resistant side pockets, you’ll have yourself a traditional neck ring-style travel pillow, with an adjustable buckle up front to hold it shut. To be clear, it’s nowhere near as supportive as the Trtl pillow in this configuration, or even a traditional memory foam travel pillow like the ubiquitous Cabeau Evolution, but it’s better than a lot of inexpensive travel pillows I’ve tried, and better than you might expect from a pillow designed to be a jack of all trades.

The Omni pillow does have one final trick: the ability to stuff completely inside one of its own pockets for easy transportation. When the Omni pillow is fully packed, Banale describes it as “the size of a mango,” which is maybe my favorite size descriptor ever, but also an accurate one.

Should You Buy It?

When you’re traveling across time zones, every minute of sleep you can catch will pay dividends. If you’re only packing one pillow, and are most concerned about sleeping on a long flight on the way to a single destination, I’d still recommend the Trtl Pillow Plus. But if you’re taking a trip where you’re constantly on the move, and will need to find a few winks in multiple hotels or Airbnbs, airports, and campsites, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the Omni pillow.

With the phased reopening of national parks and a slow comeback by the hospitality industry, more and more travelers are itching to explore, and are opting for regional road trips instead of international flights. Knowing how to organize your car is key to having a stress free adventure, and keeping it that way doesn’t have to be time consuming. These simple and ingenious hacks will save your sanity on the road.

Plug Into a Multi Outlet Adapter

With a car full of road trippers and maybe some younger ones in tow, you’re sure to have plenty of gadgets that you’ll need to keep charged. After hours of streaming movies on the iPad and navigating the roads on your phone with Google Maps, a multi outlet adapter will come in handy for charging all of your electronics at the same time. This way, nobody has to fight over who gets to charge their devices when. This 4-port car charger can accommodate up to four devices simultaneously, and since one of those ports is an 18W USB-C port, you can even plug in a small laptop or a Nintendo Switch on the go. Just be sure to get long-enough charging cables to reach into the back seat.

Strap on a Car Trash Can

Part of the fun of a long road trip is being able to snack, but it inevitably ends in a pile of candy bar wrappers and chip bags at our feet if we’ve forgotten to pack a plastic bag or bring along a car trash can. Putting the garbage all in one bag makes it easy to empty it at the next rest stop. This StashAway Console hangs from the headrest or the center console so you don’t have to give up precious leg room, and keeps your car free of clutter, as it holds 1.5 gallons of trash. It’s lined with a durable vinyl that makes it leak proof if you hastily stash a water bottle in there, and its sturdy build keeps it from tipping over as you navigate windy and bumpy roads. The StashAway Console features three storage pockets which can hold hand sanitizer, wipes, and extra trash bags so you can clean your hands and prep the trash can for your next segment of the drive after emptying it out. If you’re in a pinch, a common household item like this cereal dispenser will also double as a trash can.

Keep Cool With a Car Cooler

Having to pack a cooler with you in the car can take up a lot of space especially if you’re already traveling at maximum capacity, but it’s also annoying to have to stop and reach in the trunk each time your kids ask for a drink. Go for a compact car cooler to keep your food and drinks cool, and by opting for freeze packs, you no longer need to stop at a McDonalds every few hours to get fresh ice cubes. This car cooler by Arctic Zone is leak proof and its interior is lined with an easy-to-wipe material. A thoughtful feature is the removable SmartShelf, which lets you separate soft foods like sandwiches, boiled eggs, and yogurt tubes from bottles of drinks to avoid crushing the food. If you like to stop at parks and scenic viewpoints for snack breaks, this cooler is equipped with an accessory pocket that holds cutlery and wipes so you can park, pick up the cooler, and go.

Get It Together With a Grid Organizer

Grid organizers are designed so you know exactly where everything is placed at a glance. All of your essentials are laid out in front of you and secured in place, and you’ll always know if you’re missing anything before leaving a destination. For easy access to essentials as a driver, attach a Grid-It organizer to your visor with your sunglasses, a couple of pens and a paper map, just in case you lose signal on the road and forgot to download an offline version. Or use a grid organizer to keep all of your charging cables separated. If you’re planning on going on hikes, then switch it up and attach a flashlight, carabiner, and sunscreen to your grid organizer. What makes it convenient is that you can take the whole grid and toss it in your backpack when you reach your destination. With this, you don’t have to pack everything in Ziploc pouches and dig through a seemingly bottomless pack to find the one thing you need.

Share the Screen With a Headrest Mount

In addition to playing classic road trip games like I Spy and 20 Questions, backseat entertainment is a must to help tiny travelers pass the time. Whether you’re taking along an iPad for movies or offering your phone to the kids for music and games, a headrest mount will ensure a seamless experience. This one by Macally attaches to the headrest and is versatile as it can hold different devices, whether it’s your phone or tablet. And because the mount extends, the screen can be shared among all passengers in the back row, which is especially convenient if your kids like to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch while you drive.

Make a Play Nook With a Shoe Organizer

Take this opportunity to craft a hanging toy nook and bring along your child’s favorite items. Using a shoe organizer, which you can hang from the neck rest of the front seat, fill in the pouches with stuffed animals, baby wipes, crayons, and coloring books, so your child has easy access to all the items. This shoe organizer takes advantage of unused space, and because it’s made from mesh, your child can see at a glance exactly what’s in each compartment.

Every quarter, the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Card offers 5% back on your first $1,500 in combined purchases on select categories, and from July to September of 2020, you can earn your bonus at Amazon and Whole Foods.

The Discoverer has partnered with The Points Guy affiliate network for our coverage of credit card products. The Discoverer and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers. The offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.

5% Back At Amazon and Whole Foods

That's the same 5% you'd get with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card, but unlike that card, the Chase Freedom doesn't require you to be a Prime member. Plus, as we've covered here, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, a Chase Sapphire Reserve, or a Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, you'll be able to convert your cash back into Ultimate Rewards Points for future travel purchases.

At The Points Guy's current valuation of $.02 per point, that means your 5% back will really be more like 10% back if you have one of Chase's travel rewards credit cards.

Just note that to get the bonus, you'll need to activate the bonus for your card here.

What About Groceries?

The Q3 bonus replaces the Freedom's Q2 U.S. grocery store bonus (in addition to fitness centers and gym memberships), but of course, you'll still be able to earn 5% back if you do your grocery shopping at Whole Foods. If you have one of Chase's Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, you'll also still be able to earn 6 Bonvoy points per dollar at grocery stores through the end of July. Once that promotion expires, we've rounded up a list of other cards that can maximize your earnings at the grocery store, so you can take the trip of your dreams once you're comfortable traveling again.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get out and start enjoying the warmer weather. And depending on where you’re traveling this summer, you might be partaking in various experiences that require different types of footwear. Picking the right type of sandal for water and land-based adventures is essential to making the most out of the short summer season.

Personally, I’ve found it difficult to find one sandal that can do it all. Whether I’m hitting up the beach, lounging on the lake, or rafting down a river, I have go-to sandals that work best in every situation. Available in styles for men and women, and to celebrate the upcoming season, here are my favorite waterproof sandals for every type of summer adventure.

On the Beach: Birkenstocks

I was first introduced to Birkenstock's EVA Sandals through my mother, who bought them when she needed a pair of waterproof sandals for a trip to Vietnam. The following Christmas, her new favorite sandal was under the tree for our entire family. My sister and I received the Gizeh style; my husband, father, and brother-in-law, the Arizona. I must admit, I was slightly skeptical at first. Rubber Birkenstocks? I already loved my many pairs of cork-bottomed Birks, and I wasn’t about how these flip-flop imposters would feel on my feet.

Oh, how wrong I was. EVA sandals, named for the materials from which they are made (ethylene-vinyl acetate), are as comfortable and supportive as their cork-counterparts, but much lighter. Plus, they’re waterproof, which makes them perfect for the beach. Here in Southern Maine, we have semi-sandy beaches that are often littered with pebbles, rocks, and seashells. As such, going barefoot on the beach is difficult — especially when carrying a cooler, a surfboard, chairs, and a beach bag. My rubber Birkenstocks protect my feet from the elements, don’t weigh me down, and are easy to rinse off at the end of the day.

On the Lake: Oofos

Oofos Recovery Footwear was another sandal that was gifted to me, this time by a friend. While spending time on a lake in Northern Wisconsin, my friend noticed everyone around her was wearing the same type of footwear: a slide sandal with extra cushioning on the footbed. When my birthday rolled around, she sent me a pair of the OOah Slide Sandal in Navy (also available here). As a dear friend, she knew how much I loved to spend time outside, and she had seen for herself that the sporty Oofos were ideal for outdoor activities on the lake.

When I opened my birthday gift and put on my Oofos, I’m pretty sure I gasped aloud. They were so comfortable, it almost felt like I was walking on a squishy pair of clouds. I later learned that Oofos use a special type of foam technology that reduces the impact on knee joints and feet. Just as my friend suspected, these are my favorite pair of sandals to wear at Kezar Lake, where I spend many summer weekends. They support my legs and joints for the long walk from the house to the water, a steep journey that needs to be made several times a day. They slide on and off easily when I want to hop in the lake, but they’re plush enough to wear all day on the dock or the boat. Most of all, they’re divinely comfortable, which is what I really want when I’m relaxing by the lake.

On the River: Chacos

If you’ve ever lived in or visited a mountain town during the summer, then you know there is only one pair of sandals on everyone’s feet: Chacos. Or, more specifically, the Chaco Classic, which is the brand’s signature sandal. Available for men and women in a variety of colors and patterns, Chacos are the go-to sandal for an outdoor lifestyle. When I lived in Montana, I wore my Chacos everywhere, but especially on the rivers, from tube floats on the Madison River, to fly fishing on the Gallatin River, to whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River. Chacos are known for their tough and durable outsoles and the quick-drying, adjustable straps that help them stayed glued to your feet, no matter how fast the river is flowing.

When my parents flew out to Montana one August, I planned an entire week filled with river activities for them to enjoy. On our first day, I took my dad, an avid fly fisherman, to one of my favorite spots on the Gallatin to catch some fish. The day was hot, and the river was low, so I eschewed wearing typical fly fishing waders in favor of my Chacos. My dad, on the other hand, quickly learned that it was impossible to navigate a rocky river bottom without river sandals. The next day, he bought himself a pair of Chacos and wore them everywhere for the rest of the trip.

On the Trail: Keens

When I first moved out west, I bought a pair of Keen Whisper Sport Sandals (the closest men's equivalent would be the Clearwater CX) on the recommendation of a friend. Blending the breathability of a sandal with the support of a sneaker, I find they work well on walks and shorter hikes that require stream or creek crossings, as the sandal is water-resistant and quick-drying.

I really fell in love with my Keens when I visited some friends in Portland, Oregon over a long weekend. Springtime in Oregon is relatively mild, and I found that these sandals worked well as an all-purpose walking shoe, especially when water was involved. When we traveled inland to hike to waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge on a rainy day,  I was grateful that my Keens protected my toes on the rocky trail, and weren’t made soggy by the wet weather. The next day, when we drove to Short Sand Beach on the Oregon coast, my Keens also fit the bill. I scrambled up rocks, balanced on fallen Douglas Firs, and crossed inlet streams, grateful for the support, protection, and water-resistance of my Keen sandals.

Photo by Carolyn Dietrich

Bouillabaisse is one of France’s most iconic dishes, a stew rich in flavour and packed full of nutritious fish, and believe it or not, this signature soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. If you’re keen to try it at home, here’s how to make French Bouillabaisse.

The Story Begins In Marseille

Traditionally, bouillabaisse was a simple family dish. It originated in the port city of Marseille, in the south of France. Local fishermen would return from sea and sort their catch into what could be sold to local markets and what was too small or of inferior quality to do so. They would take these leftovers home with them where they would be cooked. It was never a dish to eat alone; typically a group of friends or relatives share a big pot of bouillabaisse.

Over the years the dish was modified and improved, which is why if you eat bouillabaisse at a restaurant today, it will probably include shellfish such as langoustines.  Similar fish stews can be found across the Mediterranean, but it is the combination of Provençal herbs and spices that sets true French bouillabaisse apart.

The Bouillabaisse Charter

Though the dish has humble beginnings, Marseille’s restaurateurs knew they were onto something good as visiting tourists couldn’t get enough of the delicious stew. As a result, the Bouillabaisse Charter was drawn up in 1980, setting out which ingredients were needed and how they should be prepared.

Crucially, the inclusion of rascasse, a bony rockfish, underpinned the dish. Often, European conger and sea robin are also used, but so long as the fish is freshly caught, it is perfectly acceptable – and definitely in the spirit of the fisherman’s original stew – to substitute whatever looks best at the market. Monkfish and John Dory are two examples of fish that would be suitable. But to be called a Marseille Bouillabaisse, the stew must contain four different types of fish.

How to Make Bouillabaisse Yourself

The name itself is a clue to its preparation: you start by boiling the broth (bolh) and then lower the heat (abaissa). Follow a traditional recipe such as this one from the Marseille Tourist Office.

First, you need to prepare the fish. They should be cleaned and descaled (the fishmonger will do this for you if you ask), then washed before being cut into large cubes or slices. Using a large pan or casserole dish such as this Lodge dutch oven from Amazon, brown the onions, crushed garlic and tomatoes in olive oil. This base is critical to the flavour of the dish, so make sure it’s cooked for five minutes or so.

Next, add the rockfish, starting with the largest pieces so that they cook evenly. Cover with plenty of boiling water, to which you should add the fennel, parsley, salt, pepper and saffron. Simmer for at least an hour so the flavours infuse and the fish is cooked through.

Meanwhile, make the rouille. This is a piquant mayonnaise that’s traditionally served with the Bouillabaisse. Crush garlic with Cayenne pepper, a little salt and some saffron. Whisk in egg yolk and slowly add olive oil until you achieve the consistency of mayonnaise. Remember you’ll need to spread it onto your bread. Alternatively, toast some croutons and rub with a raw clove of garlic.

Back to the bouillabaisse: you can use the broth as it is for a rustic version, but some chefs prefer to sieve the mixture and then add the liquid back into the pan to create a more refined dish. Either way, be sure to look after that precious broth. Boil and thickly slice some potatoes. Drain and add with the more delicate fish and the shellfish to the stew; cook for a further few minutes. Spoon out the potatoes and fish. Set aside in a bowl or platter for the table.

Combined At the Table, Not In the Kitchen

To be authentic, Bouillabaisse should be served in two separate dishes. The waiter or host will bring to the table the bowl of cooked fish accompanied by that jug of broth. Once there, the broth is poured over a helping of fish and the stew is complete. Serve with your crusty bread topped with rouille and tuck in. Bon appétit!

Photo by Ratov Maxim