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Relaxation

Relaxation

IV drip trips

We're not sure if this is a trend, or a reaction, but we're seeing more and more wellness solutions appearing in the news and in our mailboxes. Why is this?  Are these jokes, snake-oil salespeople, misguided wellness gurus or . . . a real thing?  Something to think about when you click on a link or…

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But what will you do with all that time?

It won't be surprise if we say that Japan is one of the happiest and most welcoming countries in the world.  Its residents strive every day find happiness in even the little things.  But, some of the quiet islands take that ethos even further. Okinawa, Japan has highest congregation of  people over 100 years of…

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Sleepwalk on the water

How often do you have a dream come true?  This one almost defies belief, and certainly exceeds expectations. Once a monastery, Argos in Cappadocia is an exclusive hotel featuring elegant rooms with elaborate stone carvings and antique furnishings. Some of the suites even have a private indoor pool, perfect for guests dreaming about a romantic…

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Sleeping village

This article will either make you shake with fright, long for your teenage years   . .  or both. Designers are clever, especially when it comes to transforming something simple and relaxing into the stuff of nightmares.  It doesn't take much, and our imaginations have a tendency to run away from reality, especially when you desire that. And,…

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Ride the Hong Kong dragon

As if Hong Kong is not enough on its own, it also shyly features quiet joys. Fear not.  We're not discussing a fiery Cantonese dish (most aren't.)  Nor are we proposing some kind of thrill ride that requires diapers (although this activity features thrills of its own.) One little-known joy of Hong Kong is Shek O Peak,…

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How can Kuwait any longer??

What do you know about Kuwait? Yes, Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت) is a country in the Middle East. It is located at the head of the Persian Gulf, with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest. And, yes, Kuwaiti people originate from Arabia, Iran and Iraq, although a small minority of Kuwaitis trace…

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RUN! HURRY! THE MATTERHORN IS MELTING!!

They keep warning us about global warming but, for some reason, we don't listen. The Matterhorn is global warming’s latest victim.  Researchers installed 50 movement sensors at 13,000 feet to monitor how the mountain is coping with rising temperatures and melting permafrost, the layer of frozen soil beneath the Earth’s surface. They found developing and expanding fissures…

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Maui Wowwee

One thing that can be said about the USA is that it has Hawaii.  The islands are a place where almost everyone wil agree that it is a "destination" for them.  Spectacular ocean waters, beaches, mountains and on average, 240 sunny days per year, you're almost guaranteed a good time. But, of all the islands,…

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Kinda blue

Don’t worry about feeling sad: on the benefits of a blue period. In a Twitter account called So Sad Today, the American writer Melissa Broder has been sending out snippets of her daily inner life since 2012. Broder writes about mundane sadness – ‘waking up today was a disappointment’ or ‘what you call a nervous breakdown i…

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Floating Himalayas

In the remote northern region of Kashmir, the gorgeous Dal Lake provides livelihood to the growing population surrounding Srinagar city. But for a variety of reasons, the beautiful and historic region is under threat.  There has been a government conservation act in place for over two decades, but it will take even more than that to…

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Silence is golden

Sometimes there's nothing better than being out on your own, doing what you want to do on your schedule. And if you want a little peace, what could be a better choice than some of the expansive and - in many places - crowd-free places in Asia.  Just you, your backback, your phone and .…

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Rick Steves believes

We love to travel, and we've been to (or lived in) more than thirty five countries in our lives.  We hope that you'll keep us in mind when you look for travel options.  We focus on self-travel options, but also have excellent tour companies, too.  See G Adventures, below. But, if you're looking for something else…

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Here’s a thought . . . why not take it easy?

It will likely come as no surprise to you that Scandinavian countries are regularly ranked at the top of the healthiest and happiest countries in the world.  Why? The Scandinavian diet is focuses on reducing starchy carbohydrates and substituting those calories with generous servings of healthy proteins, such as locally-sourced, cold-water fish, and organic vegetables. Scandinavians also…

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Zanzibar-none!

You've likely heard of Zanzibar, especially if you're a fan of 1960's movies:  the country was everywhere, such as "West of Zanzibar", "Africa: Blood and Guts" and more. Zanzibar is a place where you should focus your attention on when you're looking for your next go-to destination.  You’ll enjoy clear, turquoise-blue water; shallow sandbars perfect…

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Conversations with the trees

They can hear you, you know . . . The hippies never really went away, and that's a good thing.  What's so funny about peace, love and understanding?  But, the hippie movement has changed shape over the decades, especially since we now better understand that we must partner with Mother Nature rather than subdue her. Thankfully, there…

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ROAMania

If you're a walker, we have some good news for you, indeed. Romania is in the midst of building a 1,400km walking / hiking trail traversing the entire country. The Via Transilvanica will stretch from the country’s northern border all the way to the south and the Danube, at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern…

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Monaco-habitation

You can have it all, but sometimes Mother Nature stops you.  Take Monaco, for example.  In case you're unaware, Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most expensive and…

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