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When a former MMA fighter named GK became paralyzed from the waist down, he vowed he would only ever return to the beach if he could walk. But then he met a woman named Marte, and everything changed.
A loving son took his mom, whose health was steadily declining with Alzheimer's and who lived in a care facility, on a trip to Nepal. What happened there wowed doctors and allowed this mother to thoroughly enjoy her final years.Sad decline for a loving motherFor 44-year-old Sean O’Sallaigh, growing up in Dublin was tough, but it would have been impossible to make it through without his mother Mary.“She was the best thing in my life. Unconditional love is a thing you don’t get often, and she always gave it, even though she had a tough life," he told Good News Network.Sean eventually left Dublin for Rome, but when his mother got diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003 at the age of 77, he made frequent trips to see her.As her symptoms worsened, Mary was placed in a care home a year later, but Sean didn't feel it was right for her. So, he decided to to take her on a trip to Nepal and escape winter. That's when everything changed.They took a transformative trip to NepalWhile in Nepal, Sean and Mary went out more than they would have in cold Ireland. “It was warm and she was able to go out so much,” Sean told GNN. “We would walk by this lake and watch the children playing. They would come and sit with us at cafes and talk to her all the time and she to them.“I would take her hair brush out with us and the children would brush her hair. They called her Grandma, and she would say ‘namaste’ to everyone. We were there during a festival called ‘Happy Holi’, where they throw colored powder up in the air. They asked me if they could throw some over her and she loved it.”Miraculously, Sean noticed his mother's condition improve.“I thought Alzheimer’s was just a decline, but when we got to Nepal she started to regain capabilities. I couldn’t understand it and the doctor there told me it was all the new stimulation. Everyone wanted to talk to her and she loved it.”Their travels continued to her last daySeeing his mother improve, Sean decided to take her to his apartment in Rome. She loved going to his favorite restaurants and seeing all the little churches, GNN reports. When the weather got too hot, they went to Umbria where Mary found the found the cows and goats with bells around their necks “hilarious.”“Everyone she met in Italy talked to her and wanted to give her a kiss,” Sean said, “she loved it.”Then, they went to South Africa where they hired a lovely caretaker named Gloria. “She used to put Mom’s hair in lovely little plaits which she loved,” he said.But while in South Africa, Mary got a chest infection and died at the age of 83 in May 2019.“I had to put my life on hold to look after her like that, but it gave me so much too,” Sean said. “People thought she would be a burden but she just never was. We had a really difficult time when I was young, and we only got through it because we had such an amazing mother.”“When I would put her into bed at night sometimes she would say, ‘you are good’ or ‘I love you’, and that was enough for me.”Make the days count As heartbreaking as the end of this story is, it's beautiful at the same. Yes, Sean may have lost his mother, but he was able to spend those critical final days with her and see her Alzheimer's improve. This story is a reminder to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones, and it's also evidence of how transformative travel can be.More uplifting stories:They Were Torn Apart By Distance – 70 Years Later, They Reconnect And Get MarriedWidowed Dad Raises 8 Kids Following 15 Rules Late Wife Left For HimDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeMan Saves Up For A Year And Surprises Wife With Key To Dream Home
A Welsh coastal village used to be a thriving working-class community. But its proximity to beautiful Mediterranean-esque ocean views has attracted a new flock of homeowners, many of them paying upwards of $1.4 million to own a home and only visiting during vacation. Still, one of the town's only remaining year-round residents resiliently hangs on to his family home and the town he knows from memory at this point.The only 'local, local'When Norman Thomas moved to beautiful Cwm-yr-Eglwys on the southwest coast of Wales 55 years ago, the community was thriving with 62 farms, four or five grocery stores and, five pubs. These days, there are a very few jobs and he's one of the only people who lives in the village year-round.“Ten years ago it started going rough – there were no lights at night in the houses," the 88-year-old widower told The Mirror. "It looks so dark and cold in the winter because there’s not many people."Thomas, who is a retired boat club steward, said it gets so quiet that "you can drive up the road with your eyes shut because there’s nobody on the road.""There are three houses occupied and I’m the only ‘local, local,’" he added.The only other year-round residents are Elizabeth and Harry Broughton, who are also in their eighties and moved to the village in 1968.But Thomas doesn't mind. He lives in a four-bedroom home that overlooks a beach that has been in his wife's family for over a century. He raised four kids there and enjoys the peace and quiet. Accepting his neighborsThomas' current neighbors are all holidaymakers who drive up to the coastal village for vacation. Some of the houses around him are worth over $1.4 million and as far as he knows no one else speaks Welsh."I speak Welsh to everybody!”Norman ThomasDespite the disparity in ways of life, Thomas has no issues with the holidaymakers.“They’re not doing any damage – in fact, they spend a lot of money here building better houses," he told The Mirror. "We know everybody who comes here. They’re all nice people.”Thomas is realistic. He knows there simply isn't enough work to go around to support a larger, more permanent community. “There’s no work here at all, but there used to be when I was younger," he said, adding that some in the community have to drive 40 miles to find work. "We had 62 farms sprawled out in the parish, and now there’s not a single milk producer. They’ve all given up because they couldn’t make it pay."Making peace with the changes of lifeWhat Cwm-yr-Eglwys is going through is difficult to swallow for many, but it is inevitable with the changing times. Love it or hate it, change happens, and while Thomas might have preferred when his town was more bustling, he seems to have made peace with the way things are, and that's admirable in and of itself.More uplifting stories:4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First HousePoor Man Who Missed Job Interview To Save A Life Had Employers Lining Up To Hire HimDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others
If you ask someone about their hobbies, many of them will enthusiastically start talking about traveling and how much they love doing it.People are curious by nature – we want to know and we want to see how people in different cultures live. We love visiting places that reveal history, tradition and old customs. And if you’re not into traveling as much andyou feel more comfortable with the places you’ve known all your life, maybesome of the following travel quotes will make you change your perspective alittle bit. It can be hard to get out of your shell, butyou only have one life and it’s up to you to make every moment worthwhile. Sotake a friend and check out everything this world has to offer: breathe a newair, taste an odd looking food, gaze at the amazing buildings, learn aboutdifferent cultures and different ways of living.The next time you think about buying newthings that you really don’t need, think twice. Save that money and invest itinto creating memories that will last a lifetime.Here are 25 travel quotes that will ignite your wanderlustTake nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints! CHIEF SEATTLE Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. MARK TWAIN (more Mark Twain quotes)Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.Ibn BattutaLife is either a daring adventure or nothing. HELEN KELLER (more Helen Keller quotes)Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. GUSTAVE FLAUBERT (more Gustave Flaubert quotes)The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. MARCEL PROUST Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. CONFUCIUS (more Confucius quotes)The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself. WALLACE STEVENS To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote, To travel is to live. HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN Never go on trips with anyone you do not love. ERNEST HEMINGWAY (more Ernest Hemingway quotes)Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends. MAYA ANGELOU (More Maya Angelou quotes)Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life. JACK KEROUACIf you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it Is lethal. PAULO COELHO (More Paulo Coelho quotes)Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey. BABS HOFFMAN Travel. The best way to be lost… and found… at the same time. BRENNA SMITH Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. ANDRE GIDE Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.TERRY PRATCHETTThough we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. RALPH WALDO EMERSON I would rather own little and see the world, than own the world and see little of it. ALEXANDER SATTLER We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls. ANAÏS NIN (More Anais Nin quotes)And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later. RANDY KOMISAR Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. SENECA We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment. HILAIRE BELLOC I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them -- wherever you go. ANTHONY BOURDAIN Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that Goddamn mountain. JACK KEROUAC (More Jack Kerouac quotes)
Looking out from my pint-sized Thailand apartment, I couldn’t help but stand in awe. The bustling city of Chiang Mai scattered below me, with tuk-tuks darting between cars and local merchants selling fresh coconuts from their wheeled stands. The peaks that engulfed the city are the highest in the country, and this northern town was so ripe with history, you could feel it in the air. Though I was only lucky enough to call this former capital city home for a month, the days were so vibrant and alive, you could live a full lifetime in 24 hours. I’ve trekked six of the seven continents and set foot on 35 countries (and counting) both for work and to feed my wanderlust, but Thailand remains the most inspiring destination in my memory. Fueled by the aromas, the crooked smiles of locals and the traditions etched in temples and rituals, my work came easier and my creativity soared. But while this northern Thai hub will always be a rose-colored memory for me, everyone has their own magical spot. For some, it’s the mountains of the Azores, or the cobblestone streets of Paris. Others are mesmerized by Cape Town, while the desert sky out West is enough to take their breath away. Here are the 14 most inspiring destinations, as told by creators:Paris, France‘The richness in the culture, specific to art and its appreciation is incredibly moving. It fueled my purpose in being a part of something bigger and being able to give back from all the inspiration I've received from my visits to this city. Being in such an old world European environment has pushed me to set bigger goals in sharing my work with the world. What was once a dream, quickly became a reality: I was invited to show my work in Paris at Carrousel du Louvre 2018 and other cities around the world.” —Nita Patel, artistIndia“The three years that I have spent there completely shifted my life. I left Canada by myself at 19 years old to go backpacking in Asia. After a couple of months in South East Asia, I ended up in India wanting to have a taste of its culture, its food, its people, its magic. Through my travelling into the vast and diversified country of India, I came across a new way of life. I started to meditate and a regular yoga practice. I met eclectic and interesting travelers and seekers that were living a different kind of life that I was use to then. I became vegetarian and went through several years of deconditioning. I was faced not only with a different reality but I was face with myself, without all my landmarks, my family and friends. I realized that I needed to find the courage and strength within myself, to face my fears and become the person I wanted to be. Suddenly, I felt everything was possible and that I could be the master of my destiny. India is also the place where I met my husband. We opened a seasonal restaurant at 23 in Goa that was a huge success. This experience made me understand why I wanted to work with food, its capacity to bring people together. These formative years gave me all the tools and alignment to open PRANA upon my return to Canada a year later. And that became a huge turning point in my life.” —Marie-Josée Richer, Co-founder of PRANA SnacksBali, Indonesia“At a point in my life where everything felt stagnated—I wasn't excited about the work I was doing in event marketing and felt bogged down by to-do lists that never seemed to quit—I decided on a whim to do something completely unorthodox. I bought a backpack and a plane ticket to Bali on a week’s notice to meet my best friend who was adventuring throughout Southeast Asia. Time on Bali flows slowly, with a ‘build-your-own’ style of vacation: we spent one day on the beach and another motorbiking across the entire island searching for temples and friendly monkeys. Nothing was planed out more than an afternoon in advance and it sparked a dormant spontaneity and intuition I'd lost touch with under the weight of everyday responsibilities. The island and its people were beautiful, and inspired me to keep a diary of the quirks I observed. Each night from our hostels I jotted down what eventually became this piece on SUCCESS Magazine's website and I became a regular contributor spot in the roster. Bali reconnected me with my passion for writing and reminded me that ‘real life’ doesn't have to be mundane.” —Megan O'Neal, writerAzores Islands, Portugal“This archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands, each offering an entirely different look and feel, but all with the same common thread of an unspoiled paradise newly discovered. The natural landscape is breathtaking and just when you think it couldn’t be more magical, you discover another awe-inspiring secret garden blanketed with wild birds or a lake so green, it looks hand painted by God himself. Spending time in the Azores is like no where I’ve ever experienced: a place so dreamy, one can’t help but feel overwhelmingly inspired and deeply connected. The insightfulness and creativity it brings me, both personally and professionally is immeasurable. When I’m in the Azores, I view life with an open heart and from a broader, wiser perspective.” —Paula Ramirez, proprietress of Historic Mankin Mansion.Park City, Utah“Getting out of the Florida heat and breathing the mountain air was invigorating and inspiring. While we were there I decided that I needed to move my business there in the summer — both to get more of the environment, but also to be able to work somewhere so beautiful. Now we work from Park City for part of the summer and in the next few years plan to be there for the whole summer. We plan a few weddings there each summer and the creativity that comes from being in completely different geographic topography, enjoying a small town Fourth of July, meeting new friends and spending time outside in gorgeous weather has helped create joy in my life and business.” —Tracie Domino, founder of Tracie Domino EventsLos Angeles, California“While New York is still fashion-obsessed, I find myself surrounded by other beauty entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. This first shifted my career when I moved to LA to shoot for NBC for my makeover segment on Steve Harvey, and I started to spend more time there and got a chance to meet other women in my business. I quickly started to realize that digital focus was primarily in beauty and studios like Ipsy existed in LA for a reason, again, more beauty focused. I have been so inspired by the love for all things beauty in LA as well that it's inspired me even more to see how women consume all the lifestyle there. From hair/nail salons on every corner along with the insane amounts of plastic surgeons/derms the love for beauty is another level in Los Angeles. Beauty and wellness is engraved into the DNA of Los Angeles and it's one of the many things I love so much about it, I am happy to be able to call it my home.” —Liz Kennedy, beauty expert and host of Inner/Outer BeautyRound Hill, Jamaica“I travel a lot for work, catching one flight after the next, dealing with delays, cancellations, and rude passengers. My job often calls for me to answer close to 400 emails in a day, and an endless array of texts, emails, and phone calls. The only way I can recharge from the daily grind is checking out for a week. By checking out, I mean no internet, no TV, no texts or calls. Essentially, stepping away from the real world, and detoxing with my eyes closed, and ears enjoying the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves. Round Hill is a quiet, secluded getaway that has been host to some of Hollywood's elite for over 50 years. They know how to make their guests one with nature, pampering them with great meals, and taking them far away from the stresses of life. The villa you rent has your own cook, maid and property caretaker. You can choose to enjoy your quiet days by your own pool or head down to the beach to meet other guests. You onsite cook prepares a healthy meal for you each morning to start your day off right, and there are yoga classes, a healthy lunch spot and a spa that offers massages on tables placed in the ocean should you choose. For the last 15 years, I have found this to be the only way I can reboot from my weeks of 12+ hour days, and by the time I head home, I am ready to take on whatever life throws at me next.” —Reyne Hirsch, TV personality and luxury goods expertNew York City“In my journey as an entrepreneur, my family was my inspiration, but New York was my launchpad. Growing up in South America, I visited New York often in my childhood, I became immediately enamored by the power and energy of New York. I loved the juxtaposition of the people - despite the diversity of backgrounds and passions, they all shared the common dream of finding success in the city. The conviction of these New Yorkers inspired me to move for college and, since then, I have never left. Today, I turn to these same people to inspire, support and challenge me as I grow my company in New York City.” —Sandra Makarem, founder and CEO, The Collective ChildCape Town, South Africa“I intended to come on an editorial project for Unsettled for four weeks and within the first 48 hours, I knew this was going to go far beyond that time! The energy was so inspiring, with so many young companies and entrepreneurs changing the travel and hospitality landscape in South Africa and beyond. So many growing travel brands that needed a voice beyond African borders which is when I quickly realized this is exactly where I needed to be and work with.” —Carolina Ramirez Herrera, founder of CRH Collective Japan“Visiting Japan was like picking up a self-help book that I was not even looking for and being immersed in inspiration and wisdom. The incredible culture and heritage that has evolved over centuries juxtaposed with youthful, forward thinking, boundary pushing creativity. The graciousness of the people and their pride in their work and respect for that of others. The unwavering pursuit of perfection and attention to even the most seemingly inconsequential details. It all combines to create a transformative experience. Spending time in Japan informs my way of thinking. I make decisions differently. I approach my work with humility. And I endeavor to instill that in my team. Our goal is to create experiences that are more rooted in the heritage of our communities and grounded in our culture while at the same time reaching forward, always. We eschew elitism but take great pride in perfecting even the smallest interactions and moments in our hotels. This is the delicate dance we dance and it is no small part inspired by those travels.” – Bashar Wali, president of Provenance HotelsVietnam“During an around the world trip in 2013, we spent a month exploring Vietnam, from the rice paddies of Sapa in the North to Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the island of Phu Quoc. We were captivated by the beautiful, hardworking, and honest people of Vietnam and enamored with the cuisine. It stuck with us long after we returned to New York, so in late 2015 when we started developing our plan to open a restaurant, Vietnamese was the first cuisine we explored. We had a fondness of the small alley stalls in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and our experiences with Bun Cha, Cha Ca Ha Noi, and Northern style Pho. When we returned to Vietnam in 2016, we spent time with local chefs learning to make these dishes and better understand what motivates Vietnamese cooks. The foundation of Hanoi House was to represent what’s happening in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now; creating a balance between well-executed traditional dishes and those that push the boundaries of what’s expected of the cuisine.” —Sara Leveen and Ben Lowell, Owners/Co-Founders of Hanoi House and Hanoi Soup ShopSouthern Utah and Death Valley“In the Spring of 2018 I was burnt out with wedding blogging and the social media influencer life. I sold my business — and my Instagram following — to focus on living a life of simplicity and peace. After more than a decade of photographing weddings and portraits, I was tired of never getting to see my kids on the weekends or being unable to travel and experience things with them, because of the start-up hustle. Once my blog sold, my family and I headed out west for a two-week road trip. We drove from Big Sur to Zion National Park, with a pitstop in Yosemite and Death Valley. Everyone told us to skip Death Valley, but I am so glad we didn't. The warm, still, silence is something that can not be properly described in words. When night fell, the sky came alive. I walked out into the darkness and just sat with the universe. Everything was breathing, moving, shining above my tiny head and the entire experience moved me to emotional tears. It was in that moment I knew I had made the right choice in pivoting my efforts to better balance my family life. In that moment, I decided to only photograph what brought me the most joy and freedom... that was food! I owe the stars all my gratitude for that life-changing shift.” —Danielle Calhoun, natural light food photographerMissoula, Montana“Montana always reminds me of what is really important in life. Simple pleasures, unique experiences, time connecting with the natural world, and rediscovering who I am as an individual. I love taking a few days every now and again to slow down, clear my head, and refocus. These trips provide clarity and direction when I tune out all of noise that normally consumes my thoughts. A day trip floating down a river chasing trout is my version of paradise. I agree with Thoreau that many men go fishing without knowing that it is not the fish they are after.” —Kyle LaFond, founder of American ProvenanceThe sea itself“I recently went on a cruise for 45 days and sailed from Hong Kong all the way back home to San Francisco. We stopped at many beautiful and interesting places, such as Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska and Canada, but what unexpectedly inspired me the most was the sea itself. Whenever we encounter stress, negative feelings and pollution, we encounter positive ions, which are not good for us. The sea is full of negative ions, which neutralizes the positive ions so it brings upon feelings of relaxation, happiness and inspiration. It was when we were traveling from country to country across the ocean that I felt the most inspired both personally and professionally. I felt closer to nature and it made me really focus on and appreciate the environment. This inspired me to think more about how my company can produce products with less packaging and more post-consumer recycled materials. While this is something we already strive to do, there's always room for improving sustainable efforts.” —Susie Wang, founder and chief creative of 100% PUREYour inspiration destinationIf you're seeking to travel for inspiration then try giving some of these locations a shot, but they certainly aren't the only options. Not everyone needs to travel to get inspired, but at the very least, you should get to experience new cultures and energy. Inspiration is ultimately a state of mind and these locations may work to put you into that mindset. These are the most inspiring destinations for others -- what's yours?
As a travel journalist, my texts with friends almost always go like this:“Hey, want to get drinks on Thursday?”“Sorry, I can’t! I’m going to a hotel opening in Miami this weekend for work. How about next?”“Tough life, Linds!”Before you nod along with my pals here, I will preface with this: I am lucky to have a job where traveling to all parts of the globe is part of my responsibility. But also — and more importantly, in my humble opinion — I hustled hard for it. In fact, I spent 18 months traveling non-stop, where I visited and reviewed 65 hotels on six continents. In many ways, outsiders (and yes, even my dear friends) view my gig as the dream one. Who wouldn’t want to hop between one luxury hotel to another, or have the opportunity to dine at some of the most critically-acclaimed restaurants on the globe? There are so many aspects to my career that sound straight out of a movie, but the reality is much different than the glossy Instagram photos you see on your feed. Here, a few of the lesser-known hurdles — and lessons! — from being a digital nomadic writer.Lessons from freelancing:1. The job doesn’t pause for reviewsOver the next two months, I’ll travel to Turks & Caicos, Houston, Beirut, Copenhagen, and London. No matter what plane I’m boarding or what hotel I’m checking into — I’m still on deadline. In terms of writing (and many marketing gigs), a reliable income is often found in quantity, so I average 60 to 80 articles a month as a full-time freelancer. While some of these are tied to my zest for wanderlust, others are content or brand work, SEO writing, copywriting or ghostwriting. There are very few journalists — or let’s be real, professionals! — who only do one thing and have a sustainable lifestyle. To pair my travel adventures with my obligations, I have to compromise when I’m abroad. This often means skipping a sightseeing adventure to ensure I can turn in copy to my editor a few time zones away. It means declining a drink invite, or waking up at 5 a.m. for a call on another coast. It also means staying at a five-star resort under the beautiful Caribbean sun — and writing about something completely unrelated for another publication. 2. You don’t travel like most other peopleThink about when you and your family or gang of friends go away on a vacation. Your out-of-office is up, you’re ready for the drinks to free-flow ,and you will sleep in as long as your heart desires. When a travel journalist goes to a destination, it’s for work-- not for play. This means plenty of meetings, lots of experiences (dinner, classes, tours) — but they’re all on the clock. This requires professionalism, as well as self-restraint, especially when I’d prefer to have three margaritas rather than one, or want to wake up at 9 a.m., instead of 7. Truth be told? I’m more than happy to do it and consider it part of my job — but it creates that same feeling that you probably have post-work trip when you can’t wait to come back to your bed. Or when you need a day to relax and unwind before diving back into meetings, emails and duties. 3. Ethics are a constant battleIf you follow influencers, you’ll probably see #Ad or #sponsored on some of their posts. As a new requirement to stay on the right side of the law, social media superstars have to disclose when they anything for free or they’re being paid to endorse a product or place. For journalists who can’t be given a dollar amount to write specific copy, the shift in the media world has required all of us to be ethical warriors. Even if I thank a property for hosting me — which I often do — I’m under no requirement to write a word about them. This is something that has to be communicated from the get-go, as promises are never something any writer, in good faith, can make. This is where the keyword of "review" becomes essential to remember: a travel journalist accepts a visit to truly dissect a property. After all, if I wouldn’t recommend a friend to stay at a specific hotel, why would I feature the resort in a round-up of the best honeymoon destinations? Many folks see travel journalism as free travel that only requires a few sentences — but it’s the opposite. It’s forking over your time — with flights, commuting, and jet lag — to give an honest take on a place. Though I do jet set once or twice a month, I turn down many opportunities since I need time to, well, work.4. Productivity is a learned skillBefore I built my homebase in Boston, I lived in 11 countries around the world, and visited so many cities, I’ve lost count. Along the way, I would stay at various hotels for a handful of nights before retreating back to my homebase apartment. There was a stint of six weeks when I had many Mexican-themed stories and hopped across 17 different resorts across the nation. I’ve written stories on buses, trains, boats, and tuk-tuks. I’ve worked from a cabana bed, a hotel lobby, a room, the random office of a stranger — you name it. Being forced to remain on task and focused in a wide variety of circumstances and locations has made me extremely productive, no matter where I am. Most days, I write between four and six articles, all of which range from 800 to 2,000 words. Sometimes I pen these at home, other times at WeWork, and many afternoons or mornings at an airport or miles high in the air. How do I do it? Practice, mostly. But also: meditation music on Spotify, headphones, and a strategy against distractions. I close out all social media, tuck my phone away, and write until the story is finished -- no exceptions.As the digital nomadic lifestyle continues to trend in popularity, you could find yourself growing green with envy as you stalk professionals on Instagram. It’s tempting, sure, but never discount the type of discipline and hustle it takes to resist the world in lieu of a paycheck. Even if I’m living throughout the planet — my laptop is never far away. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Traveling is great, but the harsh reality is that it’s not for everyone. After all, it’s time-consuming, difficult, and so expensive as to only be truly available to the financial elite. Right? That excuse still checks out, right?Not at all. Thanks to technology and the ever-decreasing price of travel, the world is getting smaller every year, and with it shrink your excuses for not seeing the parts you’ve always dreamed about. Just ask Matt Kepnes, also known as “Nomadic Matt,” who’s managed to travel the world on next-to-no cash and even get paid to do it. Some of his tips include:FinancesOne of the smartest ways to tactically travel is by signing up for the right credit card. If you check out NerdWallet.com, you can see that a lot of cards give you special bonus points for spending money on travel, or even allow you to spend those points on travel at a discount rate. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, do both.You can also look into perks for frequent travelers like the Round The World ticket or Workaway. Then there are all the cheap flight deal notifications you can sign up for, like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Travelocity, or CheapFlights.com.Staying SafeSafety isn’t just a priority because it’s, you know, your life we’re talking about -- it’s also a financial concern. It’s not just injuries and robberies we’re talking about, because even though those can end a trip prematurely, you can also spend yourself into an early flight home by being unprepared for a trip’s built-in dangers, and panic-spending your way through your budget.Research where you’re going. Don’t carry huge piles of cash. Learn skills for relating to other people in your hostel, or on your tour. Research the places you’re visiting ahead of time to make sure you’re prepared. And watch your back!Figure Out Where You Actually Want to GoThis seems like obvious advice, but it’s more useful than you think: If you know why you’re going somewhere, you won’t waste time seeing stuff “just to see it.” You’ll only see what you want. And you’ll see it quickly.These tips and more can all be found in Stress Free Budget Travel with Matt Kepnes, available in our store for just $14.99 (that’s 50% off the budget price of $29.99)
We all have that friend who is constantly jet-setting, bringing with them countless Instagram posts of dreamy beaches, days worth of exotic travel stories, and a glowing tan in the middle of the winter. Yes, we're jealous. When it comes to gifting season, what do you get gifts for people who travel? Realistically, plane tickets are probably a bit out of the budget when it comes to travel gifts. So what do you get the person on the go? There are two main directions you could go. Firstly, you could look for travel gifts that make their life easier when they are traversing the world. Like a Kindle, so they don't have to weigh down their bag with books, or a travel pillow to help aid their sleep. Away's high-tech luggage will be much appreciated by both the luxury traveler and the friend who goes for the more rugged approach. RELATED: The Best Christmas Gifts for Co-Workers, from Self-Development to Wellness-Focused Or, you could look at gifts that inspire them. A scratch map so they can track their adventures, a quality camera to capture every moment or a travel guide to help them scheme up their next trip. Either way, the traveler is looking for a gift that will fulfill their wanderlust. Here, our favorite gifts for travelers. Kindle Yes, the feeling of cracking open a new book and diving in is glorious. More realistically, heavy books are just going to weigh down your suitcase, especially if you plan to tackle a few books on your trip. Kindle's 6'' e-reader is smaller and thinner than ever before, with a battery that will hold a charge for weeks. With the capacity for thousands of books, it's set to take you through a trip or two (or five). >> See it on Amazon.com Eat Pray Love This is a book that has inspired thousands before to pack a bag and start anew. The tale follows Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman living the American dream, as she realizes her outward success isn't making her truly happy. She leaves her life, packs a bag, and leaves on three different journeys: to find pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and a balance of the two in Bali. >> See it on Amazon.com 1,000 Places to See Before You Die For the friend who is always scheming on the next locale to go, they will appreciate the inspiration this guidebook will bring. Packed in the pages are 1,000 different places that are well worth planning a trip to, whether you like wandering European streets or rather an adventurous vacation. For each place, the authors lay out not only the city to visit, but amazing experiences, the best hikes, and the best local spots for dining and drinking (and within all budgets!). >> See it on Amazon.com Carry-on Cocktail Long haul or short flight, flying is strenuous, so why not take the edge off a little by pouring yourself a cold one. While most in-flight options of spirits and beverages leave much to be desired, upgrade your watery G&T with Carry-On Cocktails' to-go kits. Each one of the TSA-approved kits includes all you need to elevate those little bottles of spirits. This Moscow Mule kit contains a spoon/muddler, a tiny measuring jigger, ginger syrup, and even a little linen coaster. If Vodka isn't your speed, Carry-On Cocktail also includes a margarita, an Old Fashioned, a Hot Toddy, a Bloody Mary, and a Champagne Cocktail recipes, in single servings or double. >> See it on Amazon.com I Was Here Travel Journal For capturing every detail of the trip, "I Was Here" travel journal lets you to detail your trip through a series of out-of-the-box prompts that encourage you to find neat details they wouldn't normally notice, like license plates or local cooking tools. The journal also prompts you to take in a city in a new way, like shooting photos from your hip or asking locals to draw you a map. It's not your traditional journal, but it's a load of fun to fill in. >> See it on Amazon.com Scratch Map For the traveler who is always ready to set out again, this Scratch Off World Map lets you display your travels by scratching off places you have passport stamps from. Poster-sized, the map will roll out on your wall so you can scratch off every destination as you visit them. For the places you haven't visited yet, a gold marker can highlight the next few planned trips. >> See it on Amazon.com Away Luggage This is not your college duffle: Away's hi-tech pieces are equipped with everything you've ever needed in a suitcase. Ultra-durable construction means your belongings will arrive in one piece, a combination lock means they stay where they need to be, and 360 wheels will making running through the airport that much easier. Phone dying? Away has a built-in, TSA-approved charger. It's that good. >> See it on AwayTravel.com Olloclip iPhone Lens Worried about carrying around an expensive camera and your pricey phone? Olio upgrades your iPhone camera with the aid of an adaptable phone lens that clips right over your regular lens. DSLR quality, the lens will turn your food pictures and portraits into blog-worthy images. Plus, the adaptable clip will fit over any phone cases so you won’t have to worry about drops or falls. >> See it on Amazon.com Instax Mini Capture every moment, from the everyday to the out-of-this-world. While camera is analog, the 1:1 square format specifically designed to line-up perfectly with your Instagram feed. The camera feeds regular Polaroid paper, available at most film retailers and on Amazon, and includes three color filters that fit over your flash and give your photos an orange, purple, or green hue. >> See it on Amazon.com Sleeping Mask Unwinding after a long day of sightseeing can be tough in a bed that's not your own, but the calming scent of lavender in this silken sleep mask will help. 100% hypoallergenic silk eye pillow includes a refillable little pouch where you can fill with soothing herbs. The ultra-comfy mask will help lull you to sleep in a hotel room, on a plane, or wherever else you need to get shuteye. >> See it on Amazon.com The World Atlas of Street Food You don't need to sit down at a five-star space to have a meal you'll forever dream about. The World Atlas of Street Food did the footwork, gathering mouth-watering dishes from street vendors around the world, testing every vendor to find the best cheap, cheerful and delicious meals. Think Kati Rolls in India, souvlaki in Athens, and ceviche in Peru, all accompanied by tales of the dishes' histories, recipes and stunning full-page images. >> See it on Amazon.com Trtl Travel Pillow While this may look like the weirdest pillow you've ever seen, it was specifically designed for sleeping upright. Though it is technically a pillow, it's designed to look just like a scarf, wrapping around your neck to provide support and keep your head from nodding off into an uncomfortable position. Plus, the fleecey construction means you can toss it in a regular laundry cycle when it comes time to wash it. >> See it on Amazon.com Khataland YoFoMat Designed for the Yogi on the go, YoFoMat folds into the size of a book so you can pack it with you wherever you go. Think beachy Namaste, or just a proper sun salutation on your hotel room floor. Designed to be used anywhere, the mat is made of non-skid material to provide the utmost stability. >> See it on Amazon.com Mophie Powerstation Heaven forbid your phone drops below 20%, but when you're constantly on the go, it can happen far too easily. Mophie's series of portable chargers are equipped to keep your phone to charge so you can keep relying on it to take photos, direct you the right way, or send emails back home. The rechargeable 10,000Mah battery is slim enough to fit in backpack or pants pocket and will recharge a phone to full battery three times, or a tablet once. Two different ports let you charge two devices simultaneously. >> See it on Amazon.com Anywhere Travel Guide Cards For the traveler who likes to explore without a plan, Anywhere Travel's quirky cards will act as their guide. Each card has a command for where to go next, be it "Ask the next person you see their favorite street" to "buy a coffee for a stranger", Meet the spontaneous new way to explore a city like a local. >> See it on Amazon.com
Traveling is an indispensable way to discover things about the world that you would have otherwise never known.Whether you travel for the food, the museums, for nightlife, or a little of everything, each new destination brings forth a wave of newness that is unmatched by anything back at home.Travel tells us a lot about ourselves and our travel mates -- how we react under pressure, if we can still read a paper map, and how well we can keep conversations going without having constant cell reception.RELATED: I Traveled to Europe with a Group of Strangers and Left All Social Media at HomeBut what about traveling solo?The benefits of traveling alone are huge. Not only will you be able to call all the shots -- from where you eat to how early you wake up! -- but you’ll be relying solely on yourself to get by, whether that means following road directions or trying to communicate in a language that’s foreign to you, it’s all on you to ensure your trip goes smoothly.If you’re a naturally shy person, the lack of constant companionship also means you’ll make room for new friends by putting yourself out there. Pretty much anywhere you go while traveling will also have some other solo travelers around, meaning that you’re in an environment where people will already be more receptive to conversation starters.The most important part of planning a solo trip is the destination itself, so we’ve put together a list of the top destinations that make for great solo travel. Whether you’re looking for fast paced city exploration or something a little slower to really refresh your mindset, here’s where your solo adventures should begin:Sedona, ArizonaArizona may be one of the most underrated destinations in the US, offering spectacular red rock scenery and evergreen vegetation that is unlike anything you’ll see in rest of the country.Arizona is also home to the Sedona Vortex. What is a vortex? Well, according to VisitSedona.com, “Sedona vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex.”While all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, if you’re looking to feel especially recharged after your trip, the four best known vortexes to look out for are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.RELATED: 5 Easy Tips to Help You Be More Mindful While on VacationBanff, AlbertaNestled into the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta has made a name of itself for being one of the most beautiful destinations in North America. From the breathtaking mountain views at Lake Minnewanka, to the gondola at the base of Sulphur Mountain, dozens of spectacular sites await.Banff also offers a generous handful of wellness destinations for travelers looking to recharge in nature. For centuries, people have been flocking to Banff to bathe in their mineral rich hot springs, which can be beneficial for everyone from those with skin conditions to those looking to clear their mind. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are open to the public and offer an unparalleled healing experience.Ganges River, IndiaWhile a solo trip to India may sound like a daunting task, a wellness cruise through the Ganges River can actually be the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure. The Uniworld “Sacred Ganges” cruise spans twelve days -- taking you from New Delhi to Kolkata. While on the ship, you'll spend your days participating in the cruise's Wellness Program, doing rooftop yoga and meditation sessions, testing your hand in the kitchen with healthy cooking classes, taking fitness classes and learning about holistic living.If your goal for your solo trip really is just to relax while reflecting upon everything you have to be grateful for and everything you want to achieve once you return home, a serene river cruise along the Ganges is the ideal environment.Tokyo, JapanFor a totally different solo travel experience, try spending a week or so in Asia’s most bustling metropolis. There’s something innately calming about being in the middle of a city where no one knows your name and where no one speaks your language. It offers a sense of peace -- of silence and inner clarity, that goes beyond even that of a nature retreat.If you’ve come to relax, don’t worry: Japan offers a natural hot spring bath -- the onsen -- that is unique to the country thanks to the abundance of volcanoes in the vicinity. Nippon Onsen Research Association counts over 3,000 onsen spread around Japan, including Tokyo. Niwa no Yu is one of the best onsens in Tokyo, and unlike some of the natural onsens in Japan, it was actually created by drilling into the earth.Champagne, FranceWho wouldn’t want to spend a little time soaking up all that Champagne has to offer? Just a few hours outside of Paris, Champagne really is the destination for white wine lovers. From a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage protected Chardonnay vineyards to Musée de la Vigne et du Vin, here’s where to come if you’re seeking a wine-fuelled adventure.Once you’ve had all the sparkling wine to suit your palate, head to Champagne’s first-ever wellness destination, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. This reimagined wine-country retreat is housed in a 19th-century Post House, offering guests treatments such as innovative facials and tranquil massages. If you’ve come to simply zen out on your own, the vineyard-heavy views will help you do just that.
Taking a vacation isn’t like what it used to be. Before technology and 24/7 access, it was a whole lot easier to do what you’re supposed to do when you’re away from work: relax. Now, your boss (and a major source of stress!) is just an email away, your phone is always on you, and your camera acts as a barrier between you and your escape. To be more present and actually focus on what’s in front of you during your next vacay, use these tips. Once you return to the real world, you’ll have memories that go far beyond taking approximately 9,736 food pictures and scrolling through Instagram somewhere besides your couch. RELATED: 7 Mindfulness Tips to Help You Live in the Present Leave Your Work at the Office As hard as it is to truly shut work out of your mind, that’s really the only way you’re going to be able to be present on your vacation. Work already takes up so much of your life—you spend nearly every day, all day there—so that time off the clock is much-needed, to say the least. Not to mention super important for your health; science says so. Turn your out-of-office notification on and resist checking your email to ensure your relaxing trip doesn’t suddenly turn you into a stressed, frazzled mess. And, most importantly, leave all your work (and your laptop!) at the office: even a quick “five minute” task is going to seriously disrupt your positive vacay vibes. Stay Off Social Media What do you want to remember from your vacation: all the gorgeous sights or everything you saw scrolling through Instagram? Instead of mindlessly clicking in and out of apps for hours on end and ignoring what’s going on around you—hey, everyone does it!—resist the urge by deleting them from your phone altogether. Your social media accounts will be patiently waiting for you to redownload them when your vacation is over, but in the meantime, enjoy what’s right in front of your face—not what’s on a screen. Ditch Your Phone Altogether Social media is only part of the problem. When you have your phone in general, you’re still disengaged—even if you’re just hanging out and texting your friends. If you’re trying to be more present during your vacation, either put your phone away and completely out of reach, or turn it on Airplane Mode. You’ll be better able to connect with the people around you when you’re not focusing on something—or someone—else. Don’t Take So Many Pictures Capturing memories by taking pictures during your vacation is great: you’ll have something to look back on someday. But don’t spend your entire trip behind the lens. By only taking a handful of shots at each location you see, you’ll be able to truly take in the full experience without anything getting in your way. “Looking into a camera creates a barrier between us and our surroundings, makes us one step removed. In contrast, one of the wonderful things about being wholly present is the sense of connection it brings. We become part of our surroundings, rather than just observers of them,” says Steve Taylor, PhD. Plus, be real: no one needs multiple pictures of their breakfast or a sunset, no matter how pretty it is. Take the Time to Meditate Before you start each day of your vacation, there’s one thing you can do to help you get the most out of your time off: meditate. In a study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, researchers found meditating on vacation not only helped get rid of stress and improve immune function, but it’s also a simple way to become more present in your life. Even a quick 10-minute session after you wake up could play a role in increasing your awareness, really allowing you to take in your surroundings with a clear head.
