Tag Archives: vacation

For Lakes, with Love: Vacation in Tranquility

“What’s your favorite lake?” I asked my Facebook friends a few weeks ago. Since it wasn’t a selfie (why do these always generate the most attention?) I wasn’t expecting much in terms of response. Thirty comments later, two things became clear: simplicity wins on social media, and people really love lakes.

I am one of those people. One of my favorite childhood memories is camping on the shores of Cliff and Wade Lakes near Yellowstone National Park, where the translucent, pristine water seems to spring directly from the rocks along its shore. Another time, we climbed through the rainforest, descended a rickety set of stairs, and found ourselves on the edge of Lake Chicabal, a Guatemalan lake shrouded in mist and adorned with floral offerings.

lake
Lake Chicabal | Photo: Mariah Ore

Unlike other vacations, it isn’t the excitement that draws me to these lakes in my memory, but rather, the calm stasis that seems to elude my daily life. Something about being in a canoe in the middle of a gently-rippling, naturally-occurring body of freshwater is comforting, life-affirming, and grounding. What is it that makes lakes so special?

 

The Human-Environment Feedback Loop

It makes sense that we are particularly sensitive to our environments. “Our brain and our nervous, endocrine, and immune systems are constantly interacting,” points out an article from University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing. The resulting tendency to notice and internalize the stress of our environments is ultimately a side effect of the alertness that has allowed for human survival over thousands of years.

lake purple sunset
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Just as widely-accepted is the understanding that the human brain responds positively to natural environments. A 2010 study found that just spending time in nature — independent of physical activity — was enough to enliven and energize test subjects.

lake chicabal guatemala
Lake Chicabal, Guatemala | Photo: Mariah Ore

 

Pick Your Nature, Pick Your Mood

With the above research as a basis, another inference seems logical: not all natural environments are created equal. Or rather, different natural environments can have different effects on our moods. A Norwegian study investigating the use of natural environments for emotional regulation confirms a positive association between the two — but also records unique responses from subjects presented with different environmental types.

luner lake
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

In the study, Johnston and Rydstedt write that “a natural environment showing water and greenery was rated more positively than a natural environment showing a dark forest.” This could be a result of garden-variety emotional projection — favoring lighter, airier atmospheres over darker ones — but it could also be the result of a natural instinct of which we aren’t consciously aware. According to the study, it may actually be that “the underlying relevance of natural environments may be clearer to us, as evolutionary analyses have suggested.”

guatemala lake
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | Photo: Mariah Ore

 

For a Stabilizing Vacation, Visit a Lake

There are so many awe-inspiring, majestic, and activity-oriented natural environments that fill different energetic needs in our lives. From the top of a mountain, you can see the miles of our world spread around you — this might cause you to feel power. Floating down a river on a raft or inner tube, you can channel the energy of running water. Next to an ocean, you can feel humbled, watching the sun disappear into an endless horizon.

sunset on lake
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

By the same token, perhaps it is the abundance embodied by lakes, with their softly wavering menisci of fresh, drinkable (if treated) water, that comforts us. Sitting at the water’s edge, you may not feel excited. You may not even feel awestruck. But instead, you may find another sort of experience, one whose presence in our lives is even more rare: calmness.

Even if you spend your lake time boating, camping, barbecuing, or sailing, proximity to the ever-present lake water can still provide the soothing benefits of an instinctive appreciation for the fertility of the natural world. Sometimes, it’s the quiet things that allow us to recharge year after year as we reflect on their beauty.

Spend an Unforgettable Week in Brussels

Brussels gets a bad rap. Often, thought of grey and not all that friendly, especially towards tourists, the capital of Belgium and the seat of European Parliament is often overlooked for splashier European capitals, (looking at you Paris and London). But beneath Brussels’ gloomy exterior is an utterly fascinating city. Art lovers will find a trove of treasures, foodies won’t be able to get enough of the chocolate, beer, and fries, and its location makes it an easy place to explore other parts of Belgium. Here’s what to do, see, and eat during a week in Brussels.

Brussels Practical Matters

How and When to Go

Home to Belgium’s only international airport, Brussels is easy to get to whenever you want, but when you want depends on how you feel about rain. The best weather tends to be April through October, although peak tourist season (think highest prices) is in July and August. The rest of the year Brussels is lovely, but wet.

Elisabethpark, Brussels, Belgium
Elisabethpark, Brussels, Belgium

Getting Around

Like most cities, Brussels has an extensive public transportation network. A basic ticket lets you go in and out of any inner-city public transportation for an hour. If you’re planning to explore outside the city, the country’s train network is quite easy to use, although you could also plan to rent a car for a day or two; just remember to get an international driver’s license ahead of time. 

Where to Stay

There are options galore from hostels to mid-range to luxury hotels to AirBnBs. Look for a space within the inner city and close to public transportation for easy access to the sights.

Brussels: Days 1 to 3

Window Shop

After arriving and finding your hotel, settle into the city by wandering around La Rue Antoine Dansaert and the surrounding area, Brussels’ most stylish neighborhood.  You’ll find hip bars around every turn and plenty of fashion-forward boutiques, all of which will make you wonder why anyone ever thought the city was drab.

Hunt For Treasures

Spend a morning at at The Marolles Flea Market. Dating back to the early 1900s the flea market is open 365 days a year and, with more than 450 vendors selling everything from antiques to jewelry to pottery and sports memorabilia, it’ll be hard to leave without buying at least one souvenir.

Eat Alfresco

After a working up an appetite at the flea market take a picnic lunch (you can pick something up at one of the restaurants near the market and head to Egmont Palace, a large mansion near Petit Sablon Square). The Le Sablon area is a charming historic neighborhood with twin squares. Don’t miss Manneken Pis, the landmark small bronze sculpture and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the La-Grand Place.

Explore Old Port

Head to Old Port – once the commercial hub of the city, the area is still home to a number of seafood restaurants and shops. It’s also where you’ll find St. Catherine’s Church, composed of a variety of architectural styles.

place saint catherine brussels
Place Saint Catherine (Old Port), Brussels – a favorite place for tourists searching for Belgian seafood restaurants.

 

Brussels: Days 4 to 5

Day or Overnight Trip to Ghent

Time to get out of the city. Take in a bit of the countryside by traveling to Ghent. Affectionately known as the cultural hub of Belgium, Ghent is full of pubs and shops surrounded by medieval architecture. Don’t miss the fairy-tale 12th century Gravenstein Castle.

Ghent, Belgium
Ghent, Belgium

Brussels: Days 6 to 7

Go Underground

One of Brussels’ hidden treasures is actually underground. Coudenberg Palace traces its history back to the 12th Century, but after a fire destroyed the palace in the 1700s, Koningsplein square was built on top. The former palace was all but forgotten until the 1980s when archaeologists found a house and street underneath the square. Today, you can take a tour of the still somewhat forgotten palace.

Experience Brussels Nightlife

On your last night in town head to the quirky Madame Moustache for drinks and dancing.

Say Goodbye With an Incredible View

Take a final look at the city from the top of the upper sphere of Atomium. Originally built for the 1958 World Fair, CNN once named it one of Europe’s most bizarre buildings, but despite that, the building offers impressive views.

Entrance to the Atomium brussels
Entrance to the Atomium, originally constructed for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.

*Featured image: Kunstberg, Brussels

A Mountain Paradise in Estes Park, CO

Perched miles above the northeastern Colorado prairies rests a bijou resort town evocative of 18th century simplicity. Affordable, cozy cabin rentals, genuine downtown charm, and dramatic panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains are just a few comforts Estes Park capitulates. Known as home base for Rocky Mountain National Park, the quaint town of less than 6,000 features tourists from all walks of life — from longtime hikers to happy honeymooners. Although a marketable tourist destination, things move a bit slower in Estes Park. You’ll delight in the collective calmness and antiquity of this seasoned mountain town. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sabbatical or a challenging day hike, be sure to check out these regional landmarks and local interests to completely immerse yourself in everything the front range has to offer.

The Stanley Hotel

Rendering panoramic views of Lake Estes and Long’s Peak, lodging with The Stanley is a truly opulent experience. Featuring hundred-year-old decor and rooms furnished with hardwood chattels, the hotel continues to earn its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Its upscale dining room, Cascades, is complete with an expansive entree selection and a prodigious whiskey bar offering hundreds of spirits to give your night an extra kick.

Stanley hotel estes park co

Enjoy a cocktail by the fire, or mingle with other compelling ramblers in the hotel’s homey lobby. For the superstitious, The Stanley is well-known as author Stephen King’s inspiration for his fictional Overlook Hotel in The Shining. The hotel includes a number of attractions for horror fans, including a gift shop and a variety of Shining-inspired menu items. The hotel even offers haunted ground tours for the most valiant of guests.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boundless in its beauty and opportunity, Rocky Mountain National Park offers more than 250,000 acres of mountainscapes, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings. The park embraces a multitude of climates and environments each season.

Rocky mountain national park

All ages and athletic levels are welcome, as RMNP volunteers plenty of activities, from small looped hikes around breathtaking lakes to moderate and difficult hikes for more adventurous guests. Traversing Trail Ridge Road, the 48-mile scenic byway that stretches from Estes Park to Grand Lake, will leave you spellbound with its birds-eye-view of the park’s highest peaks and forests.

Snowy Peaks Winery

Open seven days a week year round, locally owned Snowy Peaks offers an array of Colorado wines including Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling. The winery’s selection of gourmet food from Colorado-based artisans gives this shop an edge on the competition. Take your glass to the tasting room, where you’ll be awarded with palatial mountain views. For families, Snowy Peaks offers free juice samples and a “No Wine-ing Zone” playroom for the youngsters.

Downtown Estes Park

Grab some ice cream at the Danish Cone Factory, see a film at the Historic Park Theatre and Cafe, and admire the sweeping views of fourteeners from the valley of downtown Estes Park. More than 200 local shops, restaurants, and attractions along Elkhorn and Moraine avenues offer various and sundry activities for any time of year.

Estes Park colorado

Grab a drink at the Wheel Bar, or stop in for a slice at Bob & Tony’s Pizza to cut through the winter chill. If you’re lucky, expect to share the sidewalk with the wildlife that regularly saunter the town.

Estes Park Museum

For a peek behind the curtain of time, visit the free Estes Park Museum for more than 25,000 preserved Colorado artifacts. Known as one of the state’s top museums, the local research facility offers a well-stocked gift shop to grab a souvenir for friends who couldn’t make it.

The Taffy Shop

Converted from a laundry facility in 1935, The Taffy Shop has been hand-crafting mouthwatering saltwater taffy using the same recipe and four-step process for more than 80 years. Featuring dozens of daily flavors using gluten-free ingredients, this Estes Park staple affords you a guilt-free indulgence and the opportunity to support a local business.

5 Vacation Swaps to Avoid the Crowds this August

Vacationing at the end of the summer can sometimes mean being stuck in a crowd of other August travelers trying to squeeze in a trip before the season is over. Instead of picking a stereotypical summertime hot spot, consider some of these  alternatives that are less crowded with tourists this time of year, including winter destinations that offer discounted deals in the summer months, small cities that lie in the shadows of larger neighboring locales, and spots that are simply too gorgeous to overlook.

Here are five alternatives to popular summer destinations for a unique, uncrowded, and memorable vacation.

 

Popular vacation destination: New York City

Amazing alternative: Providence

If you want to visit the east coast, why not try Rhode Island’s capital? Unlike NYC, Providence is a college town that gets a little quieter as it empties of students during the summer.

Providence Rhode Island skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island skyline.

Known as America’s Renaissance City, Providence is certainly historical, but it is also eclectic with everything a tourist can want. One thing that is for sure is you won’t go hungry during your visit. Not only is it home to Johnson & Wales University, globally recognized as one of the best institutions for culinary arts and whose graduates oftentimes stay in the area to work, but the entire city is a foodie’s dream come true. Downtown is peppered with dining options from pizza places and fast food restaurants to a smorgasbord of diversity in the form of Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, European and New American restaurants that are both family and singles-friendly and alive with musical entertainment. And if Italian food is among your favorites, hop over to Federal Hill, the city’s Little Italy.

providence rhode island
Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

As one of the oldest cities in the US (and one of the 13 original colonies), many of the historical landmarks that reflect 19th and 18th century architecture are open to the public for tours. Among these is the John Brown House, a mansion that was once the home of John Brown (a major benefactor of the Ivy League Brown University) and visited by prominent historical figures like George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Providence also boasts cute boutiques, remarkable sculptures and nationally-renowned theaters that showcase a strong performing arts culture.

Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.

If you want to break your time between sightseeing and the seaside, head to one of the many gorgeous beaches on the nearby Rhode Island and Massachusetts coasts.  Skip over Cape Cod, which is a sardine-can tourist-packed alternative, and try any one of the several little beach-side towns, like Little Compton, that are the area’s lovely little secrets.

Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.
Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.

And don’t miss the chance to experience Water Fire, a public event that blends artistic expression with spiritual and community symbolism. During this event, 100 fire lanterns flow along the river through the city’s downtown area. Keep in mind that there are only a couple of these showings in August (it is mostly a fall event), so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy this experience.

 

Popular vacation destination: London

Amazing alternative: Ireland

Are you craving a taste of Europe, but are unsure whether you’re mentally prepared for the crowded August peak vacation season? While droves flock to England, why not head to Ireland? This is the perfect place to go for cool weather, luscious landscapes, thousands of castles, cathedrals, and more charming pubs than you can imagine.

Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.

While the well-known cities like Dublin, Galway and Belfast are must-sees, make your trip memorable by adding some unique stops along the way, like the breathtaking 2,000 year old Cliffs of Moher, whose landscape inspired centuries worth of Celtic folklore, myths, legends and witch stories, and where bird watchers and photographers spot over 20 species of seabirds. Or, jump back in time while visiting Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which extends from the 13th-century St. Canice’s cathedral (and its 9th century tower) to the 13th-century Kilkenny castle and 16th century Rothe House and Garden.

Ocean and O'Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Ocean and O’Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Known as the Marble city due to the natural limestone that makes up many of the shiny pavements and buildings, Kilkenny is also chock full of pubs, including the Kyteler’s Inn Pub which was originally owned by Alice Kyteler, the woman whose story instigated the first witch trial in Irish history. .

ireland

In addition to immersing you in history, Ireland will also tickle your nerdy side. Do your best impression of a Hogwarts student while visiting the library at Trinity College (and sneak a peek at the Book of Kells), or spend a day acting as a member of your favorite Westeros clan during a Game Of Thrones tour in Belfast and Dublin.

ireland

And the summer is a time riddled with festivals: boat festivals, cultural festivals, horse races and drinking fests are on the agenda throughout the country all season long. Guinness, anyone?

 

Popular vacation destinations: Finland, Norway, Denmark

Amazing alternative: Iceland

Are the Nordic countries on your bucket list? While much of northern Europe is breathtakingly beautiful, few places in the world are as ethereal as Iceland. In fact, parts of the countryside feel so otherworldly that fantasy movies and TV shows are consistently filmed there.

Thingvellir National Park. Southern Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Southern Iceland.

August is one of the best times to visit and though it’s also the country’s busiest season, the crowds may seem minuscule for tourists from most American or European cities. In Reykjavík, the capital, you can enjoy striking architecture, late-night clubs, and adventurous expeditions through nature, not to mention a diverse assortment of museums. The days are also long and you can expect between 16-18 hours of sunlight to help you see as much as possible.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland.

Unparalleled natural landscapes are the main magnets that attract tourists to Iceland and its three major national parks. To the southeast is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a mixture of fresh and salt water covered in chunks of floating ice. These glass mirrors of calm water reflect surroundings that include a painter’s palette of colors from blue and pink skies to black ice and sand, and turquoise glaciers.

Icelandic Ponies
Icelandic Ponies

Then, located 40 km east of Reykjavík, is Thingvellir National Park, the location of the oldest Parliament in the world, as well as one of the only spots where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on land. Last, but certainly not least, is the 700,000 year old volcanic site built atop alternating lava and ash, known as Snæfellsjökull National Park. Located on the west coast, Snæfellsjökull is a spot for discovering caves, bird watching, and hiking.

Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.
Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.

In Iceland, you can also go swimming in a geothermal beach or the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, check out local festivals, drive around the perimeter of the country on its Ring Road for more photographic opportunities, and ride on Icelandic horses.

Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Summer is also the only time the roads open to the Highlands, the center of the country. More glaciers, volcanoes, nature reserves, mountains, deserts and hot springs than you can fathom are all part of the ecosystems in this virtually untouched part of the world.

 

Popular vacation destination: South Florida

Amazing Alternative: Mexico

In a hotspot with over 40 miles of beach lined with turquoise blue waters, the south of Florida is muy caliente (bienvenido a Miami), but don’t overlook the 6,000 miles of coastline in Mexico. The temperatures will scorch, which is why winter is a popular time to visit, but those who can handle the heat may appreciate the reduced airfare, hotel prices and decreased tourism.

Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun in Mexico
Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun will answer the prayers of party-seekers, but in August it also attracts families with thoughts of water parks, day and dinner cruises, and zoos. For a bit more sophistication, visit Playa del Carmen, and those who want to submerge can find one of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving sites in the world in Cozumel.

The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel
The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel, Mexico.

Then again, maybe snorkeling followed by yoga and exploring old ruins are more your pace? In that case, head to Tulum, which is also among the smallest and quietest beaches on the Mexican coastline. This relaxing little getaway might make you want to curl up on a hammock with a book and is filled with relaxing spas, but don’t overlook the hiking opportunities through Mayan archeological sites.

People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.
People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.

 

Popular vacation destination: Los Angeles

Amazing alternative: San Francisco

California conjures thoughts of summertime, convertibles, surfers’ waves, and beautiful, friendly people, so considering it as the location for your summer vacation is a no-brainer. And while it’s true that Los Angeles is where you will find both the happiest place on Earth and some of the best Mexican food without going to Mexico, the smog and traffic may be enough reason to avoid it and skip right on over to San Francisco.

The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.
The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate City is home to miles of waterfront, beautiful yet underrated beaches, and weather that is much cooler than in its southern counterpart. While it is the most densely-populated city in the state,and the second most densely populated city in the US, the vibe is welcoming and relaxing. Don’t let the jaw-dropping 10,000+ people per square mile make you overlook the countless and assorted neighborhoods that offer distinctive experiences from ritzy hotels and hipster bars to quieter “small town” streets. And no matter which part of the city you choose to visit, bring a camera as there is lots to see. One of the more popular spots is North Beach, the second “Little Italy” on this list, filled with cafes and restaurants. Here you can climb to the top of the 210-foot Coit Tower for panoramic views, picnic on the luscious green Washington Square, and absorb the beauty of the 19th-century Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.
View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.

And don’t forget to enjoy the winding streets over the rolling hills, traversed by bright cable cars, that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise
Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise.

While the Mexican food may not compare to what you can find in LA, the other cuisines are widely known for their excellence and authenticity. Culinary diversity is strong in San Francisco and the area is especially known for delicious Filipino and Caribbean food. You can also find plenty of farmer’s markets (like Ferry Building Marketplace), where locals and tourists enjoy spending their days.

10 Must Have Items to Pack for a Beach Vacation

One of the best parts about a summery vacation in the sand is that you can get away with packing very little. With a small bit of planning, your light-as-a-feather carry-on can be fully equipped with all the main essentials for your getaway in the sun. Here are 10 items that will keep you careless on the beach with a drink in your hand and absolutely nothing on your mind.

 

A giant tote

Beyond just being ridiculously convenient on your flight (a bag that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg causes no anxiety when having to be placed on the floor of an airplane) a giant tote will keep you from going back and forth to your hotel room forgetting items. Sure, you’ll probably throw things in there that you won’t use all day, but with so much space, you won’t have to stress over prioritizing what to take and what to leave on your daily trips to brunch, the pool, the sand, wherever.

woman tote beach

Swanky: Printed cotton tote (Melissa Obadash)

tote bag

Steal: Oversize Millie Geo Print Tote (Sole Society)

tote bag

A big floppy hat

Yes, fedoras are cute, but if you’re getting closer to the equator or spending more time in the dark spot-inducing sun, you’ll want something with a little more cover. Packable options are great but if you can’t find one you like that will easily fold into your luggage, just keep it with you on the plane (stuffed into your gigantic tote) and you won’t have to worry about it losing its shape.

women floppy hat beach

Swanky: Bella Woven Sun Hat (Eric Javits)

floppy1

Steal: Geometric Hat (Phase 3)

flopp2

A pair of flip flops

Why not just say sandals? Because its obvious you need sandals on a beach vacation, and because we specifically mean flip flops – the kind you can easily get your feet into and out of without any hand involvement at all.  The best are ones with zero metal hardware because you’re inevitably going to forget to push them under your lounge chair and they’ll end up sitting in the sun for a while. If that happens, the shiny parts will burn your feet faster than the ground you’re avoiding standing on.

feet in the pool

Swanky: Rockstud Flip Flops (Valentino)

flip flop valentino

Steal: Georgica Jelly Flip Flops (Jack Rogers)

flip flop jack rogers

A stick of sunblock

Sunblock isn’t the easiest thing to pack and if, God forbid, it does explode in your luggage, it’s pretty hard to salvage anything that’s been covered in sunblock, at least in time to wear on your trip. A good alternative is sunblock in stick form and the extra stickiness will actually prove helpful when you’re in and out of the water.

woman face shade hat

Swanky: Sun Protection Stick SPF 50+ (AmorePacific)

sunblock stick

Steal: Sugar Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 (Fresh)

sunblock stick

An inexpensive pair of sunglasses

The two worst things that can happen to an expensive pair of sunglasses are 1) you sit on them or otherwise break them, and 2) you lose them. Both possibilities are pretty plausible when you’re on vacation. Save yourself the money and the stress, leave the Ray Ban wayfarers at home, and get yourself a pair of inexpensive plastic ones that you won’t mind losing or damaging. Plastic is great, just like with your flip flops, because you won’t be wearing searing hot metal on your face.

sunglasses on women

Quay Invader Shades (NastyGal)

nasty gal sunglasses

Wayfarers (Circus by Sam Edelman)

sam edelman sunglasses

A sporty swimsuit

If you’re a beach baby, you’ve already got lots of swimsuits and you may have even already bought a new one just for this trip. But put another on the list, one that’s just a tiny bit more functional. You might find yourself doing flips off a cliff into the ocean, zip-lining over a river (yeah, that IS a thing in Cancun!), or trying out watersports with the cutie you just met at the pool. The last thing you want in any of those situations is to be pulling at your bikini to prevent anything from slipping out. A sporty bikini will not only keep everything in place, but you may also find it’s pretty darn comfortable while giving you a stand-out athletic look on the beach.

cliff diving

Swanky: Genevieve bikini (Lisa Marie Fernandez)

bikini red

Steal: Victory bikini (Body Glove)

swim

A romper that can go from the beach to dinner

The last thing you want to do when you’re on vacation is micromanage every minute of your and your friends’ time. To smoothly be spontaneous, limit the need to stop back at the hotel room for wardrobe changes by wearing something versatile. Since you’ve got that giant (and adorable) tote, you could throw some wedges in, too, in case you want to dress it up just a bit more.

dinner on the beach

Swanky: One Shoulder Romper (Nicholas)

romper white

Steal: Tie Waist Ruffle Romper (ASTR)

astr romper orange

Minimalist makeup

The best items in your makeup bag for a beach vacation are BB cream or tinted moisturizer with UV protection, blush, highlighter, and bronzer. You can honestly get away with just the first two, if you’re really looking for low-maintenance. These double and triple up in a number of products, like the Multiple from NARS (creator of the cult-classic Orgasm blush) which acts as blush, highlighter, and more. Ditch mascara and eyeliner – if you sweat it onto your face you’ll completely lose the effortless fresh-faced glow you can only really have on vacation.

fresh face girl

Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50+ (AmorePacific)

bb cushion compact amore pacific

The Multiple (NARS)

nars stick

Bronzed Cheek Perfection Gel (PER-FEKT)
per-fekt bronzing gel

Dry shampoo

Washing, blowdrying, and flat-ironing/curling your hair every single day is a serious time-suck – especially when you’re on vacation. Stretch out the fabulous blow-out you’ll get right before you leave by clipping it half-up on day two, in a loose side braid on day three, and in a messy high bun on day four (perhaps with the help of a cute headband). Days two through four are made possible (and easier on the eyes) by a little dry shampoo. We can’t help you beyond that; on day five, you should probably wash your hair.

Dry shampoo with oat milk – travel size (KLORANE)

dry shampoo

 

While it’s tempting to wait until the last minute and just throw a swimsuit and maxi dress in your suitcase, taking a little time to pack the essentials will let you enjoy every precious moment on vacation – fully prepared to relax and let loose.

Swap Your Vacation for a Mindful Staycation: Playing Tourist in Your Own City

What draws us to travel is the novelty and stimulation: suddenly we’re awash in a sea of new sights and sounds and smells, waking us up and making us feel alive and alert like we somehow never seem to at home. But the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side–you’re just paying more attention to it.

Travel is a way of breaking from routine, giving your mind a rest, and engaging the senses with a fresh set of stimuli. A small dose of adventure packs all the regenerative power of an extended meditation session,  and most of us are already overdue.

Even though you could afford to, you don’t need to hop on a plane or a train to escape your stress. Sometimes, all you need is a little dose of mindfulness to transform the same old city block you ignore on your way out of the subway into a restorative staycation. Just turn on your senses, turn off your phone, and take a little walk outside.

Unplug and Tune In

Mindfulness is about engaging actively with the present moment. That means that, before you can get started with your mindful staycation, you’ll need to get rid of all the things you use to distract yourself from the tediousness of everyday life

Take out your headphones: swap your morning commute podcast for soaking up the sounds of the neighborhood, the individual residents’ voices, their old cars puttering down the street or the constant beeping of busy crosswalks.

man walking
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Rather than staring mindlessly at the sidewalk and contemplating your to-do list, let your eyes dart from sight to sight, building to building, face to face or store to store. Ride the public transit without a destination, alternating between scenery-watching and people-watching.

Don’t read a book or text or tweet.

As you take off on your mindful staycation, please keep all electronic devices (and other distractions) switched off and stowed away at home or under the seat in front of you.

Start with New Surroundings

A change of pace and scenery will help you jump-start the process: head to a different neighborhood with a different vibe than the one where you park your car or the one where you meet your colleagues for drinks every Friday. If you normally drive, take public transit. If you normally bike, walk. Wear comfortable clothes, and if you want, bring a camera.

chinatown usa
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Head for the cool bohemian zone or the culturally diverse immigrant neighborhood of your city. Pick somewhere that excites the senses: a creative and quirky Airbnb or a boutique hostel with its own personality is the perfect place to wake up your inner explorer and meet people you otherwise wouldn’t, just like on vacation.

Escape Your Bubble: Meet New People, Do New Things 

It’s one of the best parts of a vacation for many. In our typical nine-to-five lives we get stuck in a social bubble made up of all the people we work with, live around, and otherwise have ideas and perspectives in common with. We fall into social bubbles  in which we’re cut off from any ideas that don’t already sound like ours.

On your mindful staycation, rebel against your bubble:  if you live in a trendy young professional neighborhood, spend some time in a more family-oriented area or head over to where the students live. If you’re surrounded by highly-educated knowledge workers, pass a few days in humbler working class surroundings.

hiking through stones
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

You can use social networks like Meetup.com to find events organized by locals in your city, with themes ranging from shared professional skills to the most obscure of hobbies. Go to a meetup and learn a language or pick up running, even if just for one weekend of a different look at your city.

Take a Page Out of the Guidebooks

Travelers all want to do what you’re doing and experience your town ‘like a local’, but when you’re due for a staycation, you can take a page or two out of their book instead.

Check sites like Wikitravel or Lonely Planet to see what’s drawing visitors to your city from afar. Check local events on travel social networks like Couchsurfing, and search for local expat groups on Facebook. These guys are the ones enjoying your city like there’s no tomorrow (because most of them are leaving tomorrow), so let their enthusiasm inspire you and don’t be ashamed to look like a big stupid tourist in the same zip code where you pay rent and punch a time clock.

Man and woman on a road trip and reading a map together while seated inside their car. Happy young couple going on road trip.

Setting out with no more intention than to experience the moment fully doesn’t just allow you to enjoy your urban home in a new way. It leads you to discovering the coolest neighborhoods, trying things you’d never do between 9 on Monday and 5 on Friday, and building mindful new habits that contribute to your overall sense of balance.

And once you learn to appreciate the novel in the everyday, suddenly everywhere you have a hotel reservation or pay an electricity bill will become a travel destination.

4 Days in Bocas del Toro

 

Off the mainland on Panama’s Caribbean Coast lies the remote and magical archipelago of Bocas del Toro. This is a traveler’s paradise and getting there is a hike, but then that’s true of almost all the best places. The journey from all over the world meets on Isla Colón, the main island of Bocas and the gateway to a place where hours are marked by meal times, boats are the main mode of transportation and lush green jungle meets expanses of beaches with sparkling blue water promising adventure.

The breathtaking scenery, slow-paced days and nights full of dancing to reggae have been drawing more visitors in recent years and made it one of Travel & Leisure’s Places to Travel in 2016. We’ve put together a list of must-sees that will have you communing with dolphins, sampling chocolate and watching for monkeys in the undisturbed jungle.

Bocas del Toro water

Day One: Zapatillas in the National Marine Park and Sea Turtles

Arrive at Casa Cayuco on the remote Isla Bastimentos. The eco-resort run by American couple Dave and Suzanne Smith is a 45-minute ride from the main island of Bocas. Here, the world is truly your oyster. Hang out at the beach; snorkeling, kayaking, SUPing, or explore the area which just happens to be home to Panama’s first national marine park.

boat bocas del toro

There are no roads on Isla Bastimentos but a short boat ride from Casa Cayuco takes you to Zapatillas, two uninhabited islands within the National Marine Park that are the Smith’s must-do activity while in Bocas. The turquoise water will beckon you in to explore the coral reefs full of fish, starfish and other interesting creatures. The islands are small enough to walk around in about 30 minutes and the Smiths will pack you a lunch to picnic with on the white sand beaches. Visiting the Zapatillas is wonderful year round but if you’re lucky you’ll be there when the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtles nest on the shore from April through September. 

Day Two: Green Acres Chocolate Farm and Dolphin Spotting

Take a boat ride to mainland Panama, where nestled on the south shore of Dolphin Bay is Green Acres, one of several working chocolate farms in the area. The American owners, retired dentists from Miami, will assure you this kind of chocolate is actually good for you before taking you on a guided hike around the property showing off the plants and wildlife before stopping at a little shack. ‘Shack’ is charitable; really it’s just a small wooden shed that doesn’t look as if it would survive a good gust of wind. Inside, in space no bigger than a closest, is the most Macgyver-esque chocolate production facility you could imagine. There’s an old petroleum tank that they roast the chocolate beans in. Throughout the tour you learn more about the chocolate production process, sampling plenty of chocolate along the way.

dolphin bocas del toro

The chocolate at Green Acres is delicate and sweet, not as bitter as the dark chocolate found elsewhere thanks to the criollo cacao trees on the property. Grown mainly in Central America, criollo cacao trees represent only 1 percent of the world’s chocolate production. After the tour, eat lunch on the dock before heading out into Dolphin Bay to look for pods of dolphins. The dolphins are as curious about you as you are of them, swimming next to the boat and jumping from the waters ahead.

criollo cacao

Day Three: Water Sports

It’s hard to resist the allure of the water when you wake up to the sound of surf and eat breakfast dockside. Bocas del Toro has a myriad of water sports for those of all adventure levels. Yes, lying on a beach and occasionally swimming to cool off is a water sport. If you’re a bit more adventurous, though, spend a day surfing, fishing or both.

water sports books del toro

The waters that surround Bocas del Toro boast surf breaks for all levels and interests. First timers can take lessons from one of the surf schools in Isla Colón. The sandy bottom beach breaks are forgiving and more experienced surfers can get in on the action in the picturesque reef breaks.

After catching the waves, it’s time to find dinner. Fishing in Bocas isn’t your normal ‘sit in a boat with a pole waiting for hours’-fishing. Here, it’s local style, and a guide will teach you how to spear fish with harpoons. Hunt for the venomous lionfish or dive for lobster. Whatever you catch can likely be prepared for dinner.

 hut bocas del toro

Day Four: Salt Creek & Jungle Hike

It’s easy to spend all your time snorkeling; but you can’t leave Bocas del Toro without also exploring the jungle. Grab some supportive footwear and follow the trail from Casa Cayuco to the closest village, the Salt Creek community. At the Salt Creek Tourist Center, you’ll be asked to sign a yellowing notebook with your name and where you are from.  Russia, Paris, New York – the list of those who have journeyed to this place goes on and on. An English-speaking guide will give a quick tour of the community. It takes only about 15 minutes, but it’s the people you want to stop and talk to. Most of them have never been outside the island; but with the visitors that come from all over the world, they have a unique view of society at large.

Salt creek bocas del toro

After the village tour, the guide takes you into the rainforest. Watch for caiman, red frogs, monkeys, sloth and numerous birds, and listen as the guide provides information on the local flora and fauna and the plants used for medicinal purposes. After about 90 minutes to two hours, you’ll find yourself at another gorgeous beach, Los Pelicanos. Swim, lunch and then complete the loop back to the eco resort where you’ll prepare to leave this magical place.

frog bocas del toro

Four days in Bocas del Toro will surprise and humble you, and the journey back feels unreal, as though you’re leaving a part of you behind.