Tag: 10 Ways to Stay in Shape While Traveling

The Happiest and Healthiest Beach Towns in America

May 11, 2019

News flash: Being near the beach is good for you (says science!). But, according to a report, some beach towns might actually be better for your health than others. Gallup-Sharecare polled more than 337,000 people across the country on their life satisfaction—from physical well-being to the amount of time they spend worrying—and it seems saltwater therapy might actually pay off (plus a margarita every now and then—that helps, too!). Of the top 25 cities with the highest well-being, 10 of them are on the coast. See which beach towns made the cut:

10. Crestview – Fort Walton Beach Destin, Florida 

Beach umbrellas and deck chairs on beach, Destin, Florida, USA

Where to Go in November: 8 Great Destinations We Love

November 11, 2018

Though we always know it’s coming, the end of the calendar year never ceases to be a dizzying whirlwind of business obligations, social engagements, and stress-inducing holiday travel. But busy as December promises to be, there’s good reason to burn a few vacation days in November, when you’re still looking for great things to do in fall, the weather hasn’t yet taken a turn for the worse, and the shoulder season in most desirable destinations is in full swing. Here are eight best places to visit in November.

Nerja Beach sunrise  Building in Alhambra at sunset  Lush forrest in Sintra, Portugal

Fishing at Sintra beach during sunset

  1. The Iberian Peninsula

Places like Lisbon, Portugal, and Andalucía, Spain, are often overrun with tourists during the summer months thanks to their temperate climate and easy accessibility to the sea. But November is an ideal time to visit the southern reaches of the Iberian Peninsula: the scene is more laid back, the weather is generally pleasant (hovering around 70 degrees during the day), and the area’s UNESCO World Heritage sites (Sintra, La Alhambra) shimmer like jewels in the autumn sun. If you’re staying in Spain, the Costa del Sol towns of Málaga and Marbella offer plenty of alternatives to the beach, from world-class museums to championship golf courses.

Pink sunset behind a mountain range in Patagonia   Breathtaking mountain range on the water in Patagonia  

The Vines Resort & Spa patio and vineyard

  2. Argentina

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or an urban wanderer, November is a prime time to visit Argentina. In Buenos Aires, spring brings with it a profusion of jacaranda blossoms along the tree-lined boulevards, as well as an uptick in the city’s social engagements, from polo matches to ballet performances, but hotel rates remain reasonable. Meanwhile, the grapes peak during November’s harvest season in Mendoza, and the weather is perfect for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders and quaint villages of Argentina’s Lake Region, in the heart of Patagonia.

The Cliff Hotel Beach in Negril  Aerial shot of Nassau, Bahamas  Infinity pool in Saint Lucia

Relaxing nook overlooking the Caribbean

3. The Caribbean

December is the start of the high season at Caribbean resorts: snowbirds fly south for the winter, and the holidays mean vacation time for parents with school-age children. If you’re looking for a quiet beach holiday, plan for November. Although it’s the tail end of hurricane season (opt in for travel insurance) the weather is picture-perfect and hotels and airfare are available at discounted rates. And unlike other off-peak destinations, most island activities remain open and plentiful throughout the low season.

Charleston row houses Food from Husk Restaurant Birds eye view of Charleston

Aerial shot of home in Charleston

4. Charleston

There’s never a bad time to visit the Holy City, but if you’re looking to beat the heat head there in November, when temperatures remain in the high 60s and low 70s—ideal for walks to the Battery and bike rides to view Charleston’s antebellum mansions and row houses. The city’s celebrated food scene also comes alive in the autumn, when the harvest makes some of the region’s best ingredients available. Sample them at iconic restaurants like Husk and FIG, or inventive newcomers like The Grocery and Xiao Bao Biscuit.

Red rail train overlooking Hong Kong Busy market in Hong KongBay Area at Lamma Island

Hong Kong skyline from Ritz-Carlton interior

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famous for its dismal weather—rain and humidity are the biggest complaints—but go in November, when typhoon season has passed and blue skies are a regular occurrence, and you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about. Camp out on a golden stretch of sand on nearby Lamma Island, hike the wilds of Lantau Island (the sunrise from Lantau Peak is legendary), or wend your way through the street-food stalls in Wan Chai—activities that seem all but impossible at other times of the year.

Foliage on mountains in Telluride Town lit night in Beaver Creek Man fly fishing in a river

Mountains and foliage in Telluride

6. Colorado

The Rocky Mountain State is typically regarded as a wonderland for winter enthusiasts, but Colorado shows a softer side in November, when ski runs are fringed with colorful foliage and double as hiking and biking trails before the big snows come. Fly-fishing is another autumn favorite, but if retail therapy is more your thing, the cooler days make shopping the Victorian streets of Telluride or the tony boutiques of Aspen a pleasant afternoon idyll. Of course, ski season is just getting underway in places like Vail and Beaver Creek, but seek and you may just find an early bird special.

Aerial shot of a bay city in New Zealand Scenic shot of Karekare Beach

Beautiful scenery landscape of the Matheson Lake Fox Glacier town Southern Alps Mountain Valleys New Zealand

7. New Zealand

The adventure sports capital of the world becomes even more of an adrenaline-junkie’s playground in November, when the warm spring season lets you have your pick of all the country has to offer, from white-water rafting and glacier hikes to horseback riding and swimming in primordial lakes and untouched bays. Head to North Island if soaking in hot springs and sunbathing on pristine beaches is more your speed.

Aerial shot of Maui  Whale jumping out of water in Maui

Hawaii Northern shore

8. Hawaii

From whale watching off the coast of Oahu to sunbathing in Maui, November is one of the best times to visit the Hawaiian islands. And shoulder season on the Big Island means more affordable hotel rates before tourists descend in full force for the winter holidays. And though there’s an uptick in rainfall, there is still plenty of temperate, sunny weather for snorkeling, ziplining, or hiking.

The 8 Most Underrated Cities in America

June 30, 2018

Are those sky-high rents, $10 beers, overhyped restaurants, and so-packed-you-can’t-move museums of America’s great cities starting to bring you down? It might be time to consider a trip (or even a move) to one of these eight overlooked gems, where you’ll find equally excellent food scenes, historic sites, and world-class art.

 

Trip Ideas Town urban area tree City street pedestrian Downtown neighbourhood recreation

Trip Ideas Weekend Getaways sky grassland vegetation cloud wilderness ecosystem mountainous landforms meadow grass mountain field prairie mount scenery shrubland hill highland tree leaf landscape daytime rural area pasture wildflower meteorological phenomenon mountain range biome plain national park ecoregion grass family plateau plant community steppe escarpment ridge savanna     Trip Ideas grassland ecosystem wilderness mountainous landforms nature reserve mountain mount scenery pasture ridge national park highland meadow grass hill shrubland sky plateau mountain range prairie escarpment biome batholith massif ecoregion geology hill station plant community mountain pass steppe tree landscape Ranch fell depression valley continental divide plain elevation rock formation national trust for places of historic interest or natural beauty outcrop

  1. Boulder, CO

Know someone headed to Colorado? They’re probably bound for Denver—CO’s urban playground of art, culture, and food—or any one of its premiere ski towns (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Steamboat Springs). But just north of the capital is a nature-lover’s paradise. Boulder’s location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains means world-class hiking and skiing are literally at your doorstep. (Don’t miss the trails through the Flatirons in Chautauqua Park, known for their iconic sandstone slab rock formations.)

The area’s local farms are to thank for the top-notch food scene: hit up Emmerson Restaurant, a Pearl Street newcomer, for fresh pastas and cocktails from a former LA Weekly “Best Bartender.” If you happen to be in town in the warmer months, check out Boulder’s summer music series. At day’s end, retreat to Basecamp Hotel, a stylishly affordable boutique that capitalizes on its mountain town ethos: hanging canvas tapestries take the place of headboards and Coleman coolers stand in for mini-bars in the 50 rooms, and there’s an indoor rock-climbing wall as well as an outdoor deck and fire pit for roasting s’mores.

 

Trip Ideas marina Harbor City skyline urban area cityscape water water transportation sky waterway port metropolitan area Downtown daytime Boat reflection dock Sea metropolis tower block channel ferry skyscraper evening ship

Food + Drink Hotels Trip Ideas oyster food clams oysters mussels and scallops Seafood clam animal source foods dish recipe breakfast   Food + Drink Trip Ideas person food indoor window meal brunch lunch cuisine dish snack food dining table

2. Portland, ME

A charming waterfront, 19th-century brick architecture, cobbled streets, a surplus of seafood—Portland, Maine is every bit the New England stereotype, but with a true cosmopolitan edge. Stroll around the Old Port, past lauded restaurants like Eventide Oyster Co. (famous for its traditional clam bakes, brown-butter lobster rolls, and Maine oysters on the half shell) as well as less-expected gems like the vegetarian-focused Silly’s and Miyake, whose menu is influenced by washoku—the Japanese dietary practice that emphasizes vegetables and fish—and comes from a twice-James-Beard-nominated chef. For the best of both old and new, check into the Danforth Inn, a 1823 Federal mansion that contains quirky objets d’art and a Shanghai-inspired bar.

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Trip Ideas indoor bed room wall floor Bedroom ceiling property hotel Suite cottage interior design real estate estate furniture decorated Trip Ideas Living floor room indoor chair window property living room furniture building house home hardwood interior design wood estate cottage real estate loft Design condominium window covering apartment area Trip Ideas floor table indoor billiard room recreation room room building estate ceiling cue sports interior design Bar billiard table games wood furniture

Trip Ideas reflection water skyline Nature City daytime cityscape tree urban area leaf metropolitan area sky Lake skyscraper pond River metropolis bayou real estate Downtown tower block plant landscape bank evening suburb lacustrine plain grass wetland recreation

3. Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has quietly but confidently stepped up its style game with design-forward hotels and pioneering global restaurants. In the North Loop, a logging warehouse has been transformed into the Hewing Hotel, which takes “lodge-luxe” to a new level with its original pine timber beams, vibrant local art and photography, and rooftop Social Club. From here, it’s only a six-minute walk to The Bachelor Farmer, a cozy-chic Scandinavian restaurant that’s earned accolades for its Nordic-influenced toasts and the city’s first-ever rooftop garden. For great made-in-Minneapolis souvenirs, swing by The Foundry Home Goods shop for handcrafted wares like wool blankets and porcelain dish sets.

Trip Ideas food dish cuisine meat produce asian food fish cooking grilled food vegetable teriyaki grilling meal satay eaten cookedTrip Ideas person indoor floristry retail Bar preparing ShopTrip Ideas person indoor man Kitchen meal lunch sense preparing restaurant cooking kitchen appliance

Fall Travel Mountains + Skiing National Parks Outdoors + Adventure Trip Ideas outdoor sky tree Nature mountain mountainous landforms leaf wilderness path ridge autumn hill mountain range trail Adventure cycling mountain biking terrain rock shrubland mount scenery landscape escarpment mountain pass plant fell soil plant community cloud mountain bike Forest hiking national park alps valley woodland deciduous tourism canyon hillside Trip Ideas wildflower wilderness vegetation ecosystem yellow flower field nature reserve meadow sky prairie grassland mountain shrubland landscape tree mount scenery biome national park hill grass mustard plant plant community spring plant rapeseed cloud ecoregion crop agriculture Forest canola

 

Trip Ideas metropolitan area City cityscape skyline urban area sky landmark metropolis daytime tower block skyscraper Downtown Town bird's eye view residential area dusk suburb morning evening dawn horizon neighbourhood Sunset tree real estate tourist attraction mountain panorama aerial photography tourism mount scenery landscape

4. Asheville, NC

Taking a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway tops our road trip bucket list, but it’s worth extending your journey with a detour to Asheville. There’s a lot to love about this North Carolina gem. The culinary scene–an intoxicating mix of serious Southern recipes and playful global influences—is one of the best in the south. The drinking scene isn’t far behind: its 18+ craft breweries have earned Asheville the nickname “The Napa Valley of Beer.” And the live music, from impromptu street performances to the Bluegrass Festival and legendary music halls like The Orange Peel, is in a class all its own. Our perfect day in town might involve lunch at buzzy Spanish tapas joint Curate; dinner at The Admiral, a popular gastropub that churns out plates like glazed sweetbreads and shaved country ham; and a show at The Mothlight, which hosts both big-name bands and local up-and-comers.

Trip Ideas sky outdoor Architecture house real estate facade building pavilion estate roofTrip Ideas indoor floor wall ceiling tourist attraction Architecture structure daylighting interior design Lobby estate glass window hall

 

Bedroom City Classic Living Modern Scenic views Trip Ideas bed indoor wall hotel floor window room ceiling property scene Suite estate interior design home hardwood cottage real estate living room apartment decoratedCity Classic Living Lounge Modern Monuments Scenic views Suite Trip Ideas floor indoor table room wall living room property window condominium home ceiling real estate interior design estate hardwood furniture Villa cottage apartment window covering severalTrip Ideas water outdoor Sea landmark Ocean skyline vehicle bay Coast cityscape dock Harbor skyscraper

Trip Ideas Weekend Getaways outdoor sky water cityscape City skyline metropolitan area daytime landmark urban area metropolis River skyscraper reflection Architecture Downtown background cloud arch tower block fixed link horizon bridge evening dusk meteorological phenomenon building

5. St. Louis, MO

Chicago gets the lion’s share of Midwest love, but this second-tier city to the south deserves a closer look. This year marks the completion of an ambitious five-year, $380 million revitalization of St. Louis’s famed Eero Saarinen-designed Gateway Arch and surrounding parklands, which now includes a subterranean museum and a land bridge that creates a much-needed link between the grounds and the city itself (which was formerly separated by a highway). Not to be outdone, the 105-acre Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills was one of the country’s first of its kind and makes for a perfect springtime picnic and stroll. No visit is complete without a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (now a National Historic Landmark) before a hearty American dinner at Olive + Oak, whose chef Jesse Mendica was a James Beard semifinalist last year. Afterwards, rest your head at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, whose highlights include dead-on arch views and a rooftop pool.

Trip Ideas grass outdoor building sky historic site Church stone medieval architecture place of worship ancient history history wall Ruins old facade stately home cathedral tree abbey spanish missions in california brick castle middle ages archaeological site estate chapel national trust for places of historic interest or natural beauty bell tower steeple fortification arch basilica château parish monastery monumentTrip Ideas building sky outdoor historic site medieval architecture property archaeological site Ruins history stone ancient history wall tall old brick facade hacienda estate window fortification Village abbey arch tourism middle ages monastery unesco world heritage site roof

Hotels Trip Ideas indoor wall room bed floor property living room house building home estate interior design cottage farmhouse Villa Suite Bedroom real estate apartmentTrip Ideas indoor room bathroom property interior design home toilet plumbing fixture estate public toilet tile tiledTrip Ideas Lobby indoor Living room building ceiling estate lighting interior design living room furniture area

Trip Ideas tree waterway outdoor water Canal water transportation Rowing plant leisure Boat boating watercourse River watercraft rowing vehicle recreation tourism vegetable landscape City pond several

6. San Antonio, TX

Were it not for the sheer size of Texas (which lays claim to not one but three top-tier cities including Dallas, Houston, and Austin), San Antonio might have landed itself a top spot on first-time visitors’ to-do lists. The notion isn’t so far-fetched when you consider the city’s trifecta of history, culture, and food. After checking off the Alamo, head to the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions, which protects four other 18th-century Spanish Colonial mission churches built along the San Antonio River. For stellar barbecue, shops, and people-watching, The Pearl District is a pedestrian-friendly pocket home to the River Walk, a waterway lined with old-world taverns and riverfront restaurants that’s become known as “The American Venice.” Lately, the city has even added stylish hotels to the mix. Our favorite: Hotel Emma, a historic 1800s brewhouse turned boutique with a notable restaurant and taproom called Southerleigh.

 

Budget Trip Ideas Weekend Getaways outdoor tree grass building house Architecture estate neighbourhood Courtyard home facade residential area real estate tourist attraction professional campus plaza signTrip Ideas indoor property room Lobby ceiling floor estate home living room interior design tourist attraction wood art galleryTrip Ideas floor indoor wall art gallery museum art tourist attraction ceiling exhibition modern art art exhibition interior design wood Design gallery room several

7. Baltimore, MD

This all-American seaport has been likened to a more affordable D.C. Sure, some industrial areas are still rough around the edges (You’ve seen The Wire, right?) but you’ll hardly notice what with all that’s going on in regards to culture and food. Its past life as an immigration portal means Baltimore has built a community that prizes diversity and creativity, best seen at prized institutions like the Baltimore Museum of Art, Walters Art Museum, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Not to mention the micro-breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and trendy cocktail dens that have taken hold of the dining scene in just the last few years. After stopping by James Beard Award-winning Spike Gjerde’s Woodberry Kitchen for dishes that spotlight Chesapeake-sourced ingredients, check into the new Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel, whose pool overlooks the harbor.

Trip Ideas Winter Town landmark building City snow medieval architecture sky château facade stately home tree listed building window estate house universityTrip Ideas indoor floor room wall window chair hotel interior design Living Suite bed frame ceiling furniture Bedroom interior designer living room bed flooring decoratedTrip Ideas indoor sofa Living table room floor interior design living room Lobby furniture Suite couch decorated seat leather several

Trip Ideas metropolitan area City urban area metropolis building skyscraper landmark neighbourhood Downtown infrastructure car daytime street Town road sky cityscape Architecture mixed use plaza lane condominium town square tower block skyline facade window tree pedestrian

8. Buffalo, NY

Some 70 years after the Great Depression delivered a mighty blow to this once wealthy industrial boomtown, Buffalo is finally on the upswing. Forward-thinking creatives are beginning to repurpose the gritty grain silos and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture that once defined the city landscape, while the arrival of younger residents seeking out Buffalo’s still-affordable housing options has reenergized the city’s social scene. You won’t go wrong at corner taverns like Arty’s Grill and Gene McCarthy’s, which keep the fun going until 4 a.m., or getting a taste of what Buffalo does best (yes, we’re talking wings!). Don’t miss the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, a bastion for 20th-century American art, or Hotel Henry, a stylish 88-room sleep built inside an abandoned 1870s asylum designed by lauded American architect Henry Hobson Richardson.

Israel Small but Outstanding

March 16, 2016

 

“If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more ‎violence. If the Jews put ‎down their weapons ‎today, there would be no ‎more Israel’‎”

Israel, a small country of outstanding beauty, is so many different things:

It is a bridge between Africa, Asia & Europe, It has pulsating urban life, breathtaking nature, an abundance of plant & animal species, Thousands of years of fascinating history, a rainbow of cultures and traditions.

Israel offers an energizing experience with a vibrant cultural scene, and is proud to be an innovative leader in science & High-Tech.

Sounds too much? you’ll believe it when you see it.

10 Ways to Stay in Shape While Traveling

May 12, 2014

By Mihran Kalaydjian, CHA

Marketing/Media Writer, Strategist and Consultant

Ahhh… vacation, the time for you to kick up your feet, pick up a drink, and take off your top (to tan in your bikini, pervs). But while we’re relaxing and imbibing in drink after frozen drink, we tend to forget about our waistlines. The excuse I most often use is a simple, but clear “who cares? I’m on vacation!” which can be translated to, “Yes, I will have that third margarita and don’t you judge me.” But just past that incredible excuse lays my conscience and that old thing called, the truth. And the truth always knows that the extra 1,000 calories you’re taking in a day won’t magically disappear just because you’re on vacation.

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Two of my greatest passions are fitness and travel. They’re an amalgam that most don’t mix, but I’m here to tell you that you CAN stay in shape and enjoy your vacation even more by adding in some activity and exercise. Try to shoot for accomplishing 50 percent of what you would normally do. Fifty percent is better than nothing!

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Here Are 10 Ways to Stay in Shape on Vacation:

1. Go For a Run to Explore a New City: Take out a map…or don’t! One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is by going out for a run. You end up seeing parts of a city you normally wouldn’t. Pop in some good music or take in the sounds of the city. Before you go out, always remember to check the safe areas of town.

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2. Plan an Athletic Activity: Overwhelmed by a big city and not enough time? Plan an athletic activity to take in the sights. Look for a bike tour or walk tour of your destination. Some cities even have free tours!

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3. Pack Snacks / Plan ahead: It’s easy to fall off of your eating plan when the only things available are croissants and bagels. While you can’t plan ahead for every meal, you can bring some snacks to help you in times of need. Some of my personal favorites are apples, bananas, almonds, walnuts, Jay Robb protein bars and Jay Robb protein shakes. And when faced with the tough choice of what cocktail to choose, try to choose a low-sugar drink. For my guide to alcohol and exercise, click here.

4. Pack Equipment: If you bring it with you in your suitcase, there is a good chance you’ll use it! Pack some resistance bands with you. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much room. You can use them on the plane, in the airport, or in your hotel room. I once had a 12-hour layover in the Barcelona airport. My friend and I used the time to workout… in our jeans… in the airport. No excuses, my friends!

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5. Workout DVD: DVD’s are a great way to stay on a workout plan while you’re traveling. You only need a 6×6 space and a DVD player. You can get your workout in right at your hotel so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to workout.

6. Use Your Hotel Room: Hotel rooms offer space and sometimes some equipment! Try doing dips on the bathtub, decline push-ups with your feet on the bed, or squats while holding an iron (preferably, not plugged in!).

7. Walk to Dinner: …or anywhere else for that matter! It’s easy to hop in a cab, but if you walk to your destination, you’ll be kind to your body and your wallet!

8. Hit the Water: If you’re visiting a location by the water, get on in! Look into swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, sailing or anything that gets you moving! You’ll be having so much fun playing your sport that you won’t notice all of those calories you just burned. Awesome!

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9. Spark Some Competition: Traveling with a friend or lover? Turn fitness into a game! The person that runs farther or faster, does the most waterskiing runs, or stays on their mountain bike the longest wins! And the loser? They get to buy dinner / drinks that night!

10. Find a CrossFit Gym: For those of you that love intensity and don’t want to go a week without a WOD (it’s ok, you can raise your hand. Mine’s raised!), then look no further than the local CrossFit gym. CrossFitters around the world love meeting other CrossFitters… because after all, CrossFit is a cult, right? By dropping into a class while you’re on vacation, you’ll meet the locals and get a good workout in! Maybe they’ll teach you where to get some Paleo friendly meals or where the best local pub is (It is vacation!) You’ll get a great workout in and make some new friends!

I’m not just a fan of travel and of fitness, I’m an advocate for it. Travel is about going outside your comfort zones, meeting new people, learning things about yourself, experiencing new adventures, and truly living. So on your next journey, create your own endorphin high, meet the locals, and enjoy coming home with tons of memories and a whittled waistline

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