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Plan a wedding? Check. Get married? Check. Now it’s time to put that honeymoon fund to good use! If your love of food is what brought you two together, then heading to a city with some serious culinary chops is a MUST. Plus, now that you’ve already worn your amazing wedding dress (or jumpsuit!), there’s nothing holding you back from eating and drinking your way through the first weeks of marriage. These 10 cities are prime locations — feast on, you lovebirds...........
May 09, 2018 No comments
terranea cliffs to ocean

Escape to this Southern California foodie destination for a romantic getaway.
When you think of a relaxing getaway, lounging by the pool, a visit to the spa or enjoying one too many cocktails may come to mind. But for couples who love to eat, food—and good food at that—is definitely a priority. Well, we found a place where you can have it all, with a particular emphasis on the dining part......
May 07, 2018 No comments
resorts, hiking, mountain, skiing, ski, travel, destinations, hotels,

Because vacation adventures shouldn't slow down at meal time.

There’s something to be said about a few days spent with Mother Nature: sweeping views, fresh air, and sunlight can do the body a world of good.....
May 07, 2018 No comments
Female gorilla with baby in Virunga National Park

Just as humans gather for festivals every year, animals congregate around the world to put on impressive shows. And it’s easy to get where the wild things are if you know when and where to go.........
May 06, 2018 No comments
Best travel advice

Even the most experienced travelers have something to learn every now and then, whether it’s stealing an editor’s favorite travel beauty product, discovering a new way to save money on the road, or fresh inspiration for where to snap the most stunning Instagrams.....
May 06, 2018 No comments
couple
How to stop seasonal stress from turning you into a Grinch.
Between festive fêtes and much-needed vacay days, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the holiday season. It is, however, the busiest time of year and it won't be long before your iCal is overrun with events and your to-do list starts reaching epic proportions,,,,.
May 02, 2018 No comments
Has your brain been feeling buzzy? It could be time to treat yourself to a guilt-free mental health day, plan a quiet getaway, or complete a digital detox. “There’s tremendous scarcity around [having] quiet time, alone time, and white space, and doing nothing — therefore it’s incredibly valuable,” Well+Good co-founder Melisse Gelula says. Instead of letting social media or a chaotic inbox continue to overwhelm you, be intentional about finding a low-key place to restore your energy and practice mindfulness. Read on for our list of seven quiet places that offer feel-good zen vibes, each and every time.
Woman in hammock
1. Hammock: Whether you’re looking to unwind on vacay or add a dash of zen to your current digs, a hammock hung...
May 02, 2018 No comments
Now that it’s August, there are seven weeks of summer left, which invokes a sense of urgency to maximize the remaining weekends. Crucial components include partaking in bodies of water, bottles of wine and all-encompassing experiences one won’t soon forget. Below is a bucket list which covers off these quintessential elements. Choose your own order.
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Lakeside: Manoir Hovey, Quebec
No private lake house, no problem. Built in 1900, the former summer home of Georgia Power’s Henry Atkinson is now a 37-suite Relais & Châteaux property. Fronting the shoreline of lovely Lake Massawippi, there are boats and paddle boards to borrow—or take a fishing lesson with a local expert.
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Seaside: Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod
The fact that this Inn commands a quarter mile of private beach on Pleasant Bay is reason enough to weekend here. But then they add to that an adjoining championship golf course, charter sailboat (with whale watching to be had) and fine dining with ocean views, among a long list of other amenities.
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Wine Country: Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, Napa Valley
Wine touring with a side of river sounds splendid, doesn’t it? That’s precisely what this adult-only spot on the Napa River delivers. In delightful contrast to the bustling wineries, the Inn has but 12 suites and their own daily wine and cheese reception. The rooms with hydrotherapy tubs and private balconies are particularly peaceful.
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City: The Nines, Portland
With its microbrew scene, farmer’s markets, walk-ability and lack of sales tax, no city nails summer quite like Portland. This downtown hotel in the Meier & Frank building provides the perfect perch for exploring the heart of the city, including the famed Powell’s Books just a 9-minute stroll away.
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Adventure: Nimmo Bay Resort, Great Bear Rainforest 
There’s getting away and then there’s getting away from it all. Key words: off-the-grid, fly-in, all-inclusive. Kayak in the bay out front or hop on a helicopter to tour glaciers or see grizzly bears. While it’s deep in the wilderness, it’s not lacking in luxuries—cabins include house made cookies, wine and organic products.
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Spa: Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa, Sedona
Being cocooned by Arizona’s Red Rocks is reenergizing on its own, but this property tops up on Mother Nature’s splendor with an astounding menu of wellness services and experiences including guided meditation, aura-soma color readings and Native American-inspired body treatments.
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Romance: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
Plenty of places have romantic potential, but this 30-suite resort on a five-acre islet has it in spades with bungalows outfitted with butterfly netted beds, soaker tubs and private verandahs. Beach picnic lunches for two or private sunset dinners on the dock can be, and should be arranged to take your summer fling into fall.
May 01, 2018 No comments
woman in white dress on boat
Photo: Getty
Looking for a getaway that offers more of a workout than walking from the pool to the lounge chair? Try one of these four active retreats.
  1. Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach, Florida

    Photo by Thinkstock
    If you’re not really looking to “work out” but don’t want a vacation that’ll make you feel completely lazy, this is the spot for you. Conveniently located just steps from the beach, shops and hottest restaurants and clubs, you can spend your days and nights doing whatever you please. There’s no pressure to break a sweat (though if you do want to work off some of those mai tais, you’ll have access to a top-notch fitness center and can sign up for a health and fitness evaluation). The key to this place is the food – whether you’re snacking by the pool, sharing a romantic dinner for two at its restaurant or taking advantage of room service with breakfast in bed, every meal cooked on site is low-cal, low-fat and full of nutrients. So even if you don’t typically like “healthy food,” you’ll love these options.

    Cost: Rooms from $365, CanyonRanch.com/miamibeach
  2. Haramara Retreat, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

    Photo by Thinkstock
    For mellow couples looking to chill their minds and get back on the wellness wagon, Haramara offers the perfect mix of sun, surfing, yoga and spa. Between the beautiful beaches and tropical jungles, it’s an ideal setting for kick-starting a health program or just unwinding. This tropical paradise also provides a great backdrop for a romantic getaway. Reconnect with your partner while cuddling up in one of the resort’s luxe cabanas and watch the sun set as you enjoy delicious and organic dishes. Plus, you can share plenty of new experiences: In addition to yoga and surfing classes, you can go on a sunset cruise, a snorkeling trip, a whale-watching excursion, a horseback riding trek or even try canopy zip-lining.

    Cost: Cabanas from $248, HaramaraRetreat.com
  3. Wine Country Trekking, Sonoma County, California

    Photo by Thinkstock
    This is the trip for runners (and winos!). You’ll go on a five-day journey through beautiful wine country USA, where you’ll end impossibly scenic runs with tastings of some of the world’s best wines. Three of the days include 8 to 13 mile runs (there are less strenuous treks for novice and even non-runners). But we guarantee this miles will fly by as you cover some of the most visually stunning grounds around. Plus, some pampering will help you get through it – you’ll stay at four plush inns along the way, where you can ease your sore muscles with an array of spa treatments.

    Cost: From $1,300 per person, plus wine tasting, WineCountryTrekking.com
  4. Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, Utah

    Photo by Thinkstock
    Whether you like to get your sweat on at the gym or in the great outdoors, you’ve got it made here. Surrounded by canyons and mountains, and an hour from Zion National Park, this outdoor playground offers hiking, biking, golf, climbing and indoor and outdoor pools. At its state-of-the-art wellness center, choose from a huge assortment of fitness classes or sign up for personal training sessions. Just decide what your goal is and pick a package – choose from relaxation, detoxing, boot camp, romance and more. PS: You won’t go hungry thanks to the all-inclusive meals that taste way too good to be healthy, but are.
    Cost: Rooms from $200, RedMountainResort.com
April 30, 2018 No comments
girl traveling with camera
Photo: iStock
Ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for the country.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a trip and forget about the impact you'll have on the place you're visiting. Of course, tourism helps many cities and countries economically, but there are also ways visitors can have a negative impact, often times unknowingly. As tourists, it's in our best interest to help these communities thrive. Not only do the people who live there benefit, but we do too. Don't you want to keep going there? From preserving resources to supporting the hard-working locals, there are plenty of things we can do to make sure our visit has a positive impact on the destination.
We chatted with Céline Cousteau, documentary filmmaker and sustainability ambassador for the TreadRight Foundation—the charitable arm of the Travel Corporation which includes group travel brands like Trafalgar and Contiki. (And if her last name sounds familiar, it's because her grandfather is famed conservationist and explorer Jacques Cousteau—the passion runs in the family!) Cousteau works with the foundation to create ways to ensure that the places they visit remain thriving. She also practices what she preaches, making sure she's a conscious traveler on solo trips as well. Below, see the sustainability tips and tricks she's developed through the years.
1. Volunteer on your trip.
What better a way to really get a feel for the place you're visiting than by working directly with locals? Cousteau suggests adding a few extra days to your trip to volunteer for a local nonprofit. “Research opportunities online, or if you go on a tour, ask the tour director for ideas," she says. One thing she also loves to do is bring donations to animal rescue organizations in the area. Contact them ahead of time to see what items they need that could fit in your suitcase. According to the Humane Society, shelters are always on the lookout for things like pet toys, bedding, cotton towels, etc.
2. Eat local.
You may feel tempted to stay in your comfort zone and eat at the hotel or a chain restaurant that you've heard of before, but Cousteau suggests venturing out. “Support the local economy," she says, reminiscing about the time she was in Nepal and found some neat locally-owned food spots to experience. Besides the fact that these authentic meals are the ones you're most likely to remember, it puts money directly into locals' pockets and is a way of honoring their culture.
3. Resist bargaining.
Speaking of putting money directly into locals' pockets…. When it comes to bargaining at markets, think twice before talking the price down. Sure, there's some excitement about getting a good deal, but it's important to remember that every little bit helps locals. “I don't bargain much," Cousteau says. After all, a dollar probably won't make a difference to a tourist but it might to a local. Cousteau likened it to tipping. “If you can afford to go out to dinner, is a dollar really going to make a difference as opposed to being generous?"
4. BYOBottles.
Those little hotel bottles of shampoo and conditioner are wasteful, which is why Cousteau makes sure to pack her own. “I bring re-fillable shampoo and soap bottles and try never to use the hotel's containers," she says. Cousteau also recommends bringing your own utensils to use while you're eating on-the-go at airports.
5. Don't get your linens and towels washed.
If you're staying in a place that has the option to not have your sheets or towels washed while you're there, take advantage of it. “I'm a stickler for this," Cousteau says. “What I've noticed is that at some of these places, even if you have the card out saying not to wash them, they'll still wash them. So make a comment and tell the hotel manager." For programs like that to have an impact, they need support from travelers.
April 30, 2018 No comments
traveling couple
Photo: iStock
Pack your bags.
When it comes to travel, the FOMO is real. Between pics of exotic spots and quaint cobblestone streets filling your Insta feed and that colleague or friend that always seems to be on the go, it's hard to not to feel a serious sense of wanderlust. Travel can be difficult to plan when your schedule is jam-packed, time is at a premium and cash is low, but there's good news: You can travel more too! Read on for some trips and tricks to help you on your to a year filled with new adventures.

1. Change your outlook.

Travel is often viewed as a luxury, especially when it comes to far flung destinations. And it's exactly this misconception that can keep you from realizing your full adventuring potential. Shift your perspective and start to view travel in the same way you would new duds, dinner out or decorating your digs. Think about it in these terms: You could spend $7 on your morning latte or you could put it towards that trip to Cambodia you've been dreaming about forever. Ya dig?

2. Prioritize your plans.

Sit down and create an action plan with solid goals and deadlines — then make the leap and commit. Making a financial commitment to your plans, like purchasing a ticket, renting a car or booking a retreat will encourage you to actually follow through. Planning in advance also allows you to book the time off and earn a bit of extra cash in the meantime if needed.

3. Make a budget.

Commit to travel by putting away a small chunk of money each month in the same way you would for retirement (and if you haven't started, get on that STAT), groceries and rent/mortgage. It doesn't have to be a lot — you could even start with $15 per paycheck — just choose an amount and stick with it. When choosing how much to set aside, consider your travel goals for the year. An all-inclusive escape to the tropics is going to require a little more investment than a handful of weekend getaways.

4. Go local.

Chances are there are plenty of cool spots close to home that you haven't yet explored. Become a weekend warrior and spend a few days immersing yourself in the your region's local flavor, or head out hiking in a nearby national park. The opportunities for travel or endless — make it a point to branch out near and far.

5. Create a travel squad.

Tap into your social network and invite your fave couple or two along for the ride. Making your travel plans a group affair means you're more likely to stick to your plans and actually follow through on that much-needed vacay. Having a few extra heads in on the planning may even mean you have see or experience things you wouldn't have thought of on your own. Another bonus? It'll help cut costs too.

6. Take advantage of existing opportunities.

There may be opportunities for travel that you've never even thought to consider sitting right in front of your nose. Those company sponsored conferences and studio retreats you see advertised on the regular? Start taking advantage of them stat. Or if you regularly travel for work, try extending the trip a day or two to give yourself some extra time to explore. Employed by a company that allows you to work remotely? Why not crush those expense reports in Rome?

7. Be flexible.

When it comes to planning a trip, keeping an open mind can mean big savings for your wallet. If you know you want to visit Buenos Aires, but you're not set on a specific date, you can keep your eye out for deals. Being flexible also allows you to avoid peak travel times, which not only means lower costs, but fewer fellow tourists too. Try using tools like Google Flights, Kayak and Adioso to find the best times to fly to destinations across the globe.

8. Embrace the unexpected.

Don't let your practical side get the best of you. Seize last minute or unexpected travel opportunities if they come along. While an impromptu trip to Paris may not be in the cards, a weekend road trip is totally within the realm of possibility, and you can actually save big time by booking hotels last minute. Check out apps like HotelsTonight to scope out the best spur-of-the-moment deals.

9. Create an extra income stream.

Need a bit of extra cash to make those travel #goals a reality? Rent out your space onAirbnb, VRBO or Home Exchange and use the extra cash to fund your next trip. If you rent, just make sure your lease gives you the okay.
April 30, 2018 No comments
Beach party
Getting back to the UK after living abroad for a decade or two is quite the culture shock. One is immediately subject to “let’s go out for a curry” or “quick pint?” invitations. Now, this may sound, to the untrained ear, like an innocent dinner at an Indian restaurant, or a swift lager at a local hostelry, but don’t let the buggers fool you. That’s not the way they commit to such expeditions: whilst partying in Bali doesn’t really start until 10.30pm or even later, the Brits will have you in the pub by lunchtime, even if the dinner reservation’s late that evening.

UK Pubs vs Bali Party

Typically, a full nine hours of liberal boozing later, you stagger up to the blurred restaurant, coat hanging off (you got about halfway through the jacket-donning project back in the pub, but had to cancel the undertaking due to insufficient limb management), pausing at the doorstep like a skittish thoroughbred initially refusing a Grand National jump. Unappreciative restaurant staff severely criticize your lambada attempt with the reception area rubber plant and flatly refuse you service.
This is why Britain has so many fish ‘n’ chip shops.
By comparison, people in Bali tend to eat dinner before they start partying, so the bars are often empty until midnight starts to loom. If you prefer your Bali party to be a quiet drink rather than a raucous night on the town, it’s best to stay in your hotel or resort. But if you want to tear it up a little (or a lot) there’s a few places I can recommend:

Kuta Beach

Kuta is probably the most popular place to party in Bali, and provides everything you can expect from southeast Asian nightlife, though there is much more provision now for couples and people not particularly keen on engaging a prostitute.
The main hotel and shopping strip runs along the beach. Walking distance bars for a little mayhem include Casablanca, Peanuts Discotheque and the Bounty Ship. These places usually close around 2 or 3am, but drinking still goes on at Mama’s German Restaurant until the sun comes up.
Ladies of the night are known as Kupu Kupu Malams. They hang out in the bars and try to coerce you into buying drinks, as they usually make a percentage from the bar owner. Prices are cheap for both the booze and their attention.
More genteel environments can be found at TJ’s Mexican Bar or Kori, and Nero Bali if you’re, well, more respectable than I am.

Jimbaran Bay

The next bay down from Kuta, Jimbaran tends to be a little quieter and more refined, with many seafood restaurants complementing the serene surroundings. Some are good, some are bad. I recommend the Menega Cafe. Service can be slow, so plan on hanging out for a while, and be proactive about chasing down your pre-dinner snacks and cocktails.
Balinese seafood? British fish ‘n’ chips? There’s a parallel in there somewhere
April 30, 2018 No comments

In Finland, even the Burger Kings boast a sauna.


Stocksy
Fun fact: "Sauna" is the one of the only Finnish words to make it into the English language. (Sadly, kalsarikännit, the Finnish word for drinking alone in your underwear, hasn't made the jump to common usage.) In Finland, the word is used often—the country has two million saunas, all the more impressive when you consider there are only five million Fins. As if that wasn’t enough heat, every March, Helsinki celebrates Sauna Day, when families open up their home saunas to visitors, and pop-up heated tents appear around the city for communal steams.
The wooden rooms of dry, hot air permeate the country for a couple reasons: Devotees claim regular usage can cure everything from Alzheimer’s to acne. And in addition to their alleged health benefits, saunas also act as a societal glue. There’s some truth to the adage that Fins don’t talk until they hit the sauna—it’s hard to be guarded when you’re letting it all hang out. (Literally.)
Speaking of, levels of nudity vary wildly from sauna to sauna, but generally at gender-segregated saunas, you're required to be nude, and towels are only to be sat on. (The Fins view sweating in bathing suits or any fabric as unhygienic.) Mixed-gender saunas do require bathing suits, unless they're private parties, where presumably everyone involved is happy to steam nude together.
The nation's capital, Helsinki, is rife with saunas, and no trip to the city would be complete without spending some time in one, or two, or a dozen. Conveniently, many are located near or within other must-see attractions. From steam rooms with a view to the strangest corporate advertising ever, here’s where to hit up during your Helsinki sauna crawl.

Skywheel Sauna

Ferris Wheel sauna Finland

A sauna in the sky.

Joshua Mellin

Because there are just some things that only make sense in Finland, in 2016, Helsinki became home to the world’s only sauna ferris wheel. For 240 euros per hour for four people (with additional hours at half price), you get a private lounge kitted out with a hot tub, unlimited rotations (just radio the operator when you need a break), and serious Instagram bragging rights.

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool in Finland

Hop in, the water’s fine.

Joshua Mellin
Because one can never have enough swimming options, last year Helsinki opened Allas Sea Pool, a swimming hole located dockside near Market Square, and within eyeshot of the Presidential Palace. In addition to taking dips in the warm lap pool and the sea water pool, Allas offers three different saunas, both gender-segregated and mixed. Pro tip: schedule your visit around the Wednesday night stretching and wine class, which—as the name indicates—means the golden era of athletics is finally upon us.

Burger King Sauna


Sauna like a king.

Joshua Mellin
Burger King is inexplicably very popular in Finland. There’s even an outpost on the ferry that runs between Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia, and a prominent franchise in the city’s central station built around an original mural. But if you stop by the location at Mannerheimintie 12 with a spare 250 euros (for three hours), you can order your Whopper with a side of steam. Yes, this is the world’s only Burger King-branded sauna (an institution you didn’t even know you needed), where everything from the towels to the bench in the locker room is decked out in the chain’s iconic blue and red. And, yes, we checked—they do have crowns, and your sauna meal really does taste better while wearing them.

Lähteen Sauna


And...the cheapest!

Joshua Mellin
For only seven euro, you can spend two hours in Lähteen, Helsinki’s oldest public sauna, which is located waterside in the picturesque Töölö district. At the bottom of the hill. Directly below a former mental institution-turned-arts bazaar. Next to a military cemetery. Terrifying. And pretty. And yet…still kinda terrifying.

Bastion Bistro


Eat first, then steam.

Joshua Mellin
Located off the coast of Helsinki is Suomenlinna island, a former Russian stronghold, current UNESCO World Heritage site, and very popular year-round day trip. Whether or not the island is haunted is an ongoing debate. Be sure to ask one of its 800 residents.
Steps from the ferry dock is Bastion Bistro, an all-purpose restaurant built into a historic barracks building constructed in 1892. In the back of the restaurant there’s (naturally) a sauna. Rent out the forest-wallpapered lounge and follow up your steam with a beer—which loyalists claim is the proper beverage to truly help you embrace your post-steam bath bliss.

Sauna Saari


Welcome to Oven Island.

Joshua Mellin

Saari is another island-based sauna worth checking out. Located on Uunisaari (aka “Oven Island”), just minutes by ferry from Helsinki pier, the gender-segregated saunas and accompanying restaurant are run by Nelly Juulia Kaaärkkäinen and Tuukka Mönttinen, and have been in the Kaaärkkäinen family for decades. To keep the stunningly photogenic island open to the public and infused with an egalitarian spirit, the couple has made several careful moves, including cutting their already cheap sauna prices in the morning hours (and offering pre-work porridge in the cafeteria), placing a bridge from the shore to the island during the winter, and only charging one euro for the ferry to the island during the summer months.

Löyly


Whip it good.

Joshua Mellin
Looking like an accidental Tim Burton tribute, Löyly is in a fabulously odd-shaped building, by the Baltic Sea. Within its stripped exterior, the Avanto Architects–designed structure hosts three large saunas, one for private use, one steam, and one regular sauna. After you’ve sweated it out, jumped in the icy sea, and whipped yourself with birch branches (this is not considered sexual or weird, just great for your skin), be sure to take time to revel in your new-found chill. Zone out in front of the open fire in the lounge, or head to the connected restaurant for a glass of wine in this well-known party spot.


April 29, 2018 No comments
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Hi, I am Kristina, this blog is all about beauty, fashion, lifestyle, health & fitness.

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