Blog — Trip Styler

Nakation

au naturel[trip style = sun + all-inclusive]

Just when you thought your Thursday was going to start off normally, we talk about naked vacationing....

On our honeymoon, my husband and I went to a resort with two sections: clothed and 'au naturel.' We didn't pay much attention to this 'feature' in our pre-vaca research, yet when we arrived, did a double-take upon seeing naked people (not the sculpted bods you'd think may lounge around in the buck) in the distance and remembered what we'd read. It didn't bother us, in fact, we admired their freedom. If the people from the other side of the resort wanted to vacation naked, so what. We were all clothed at night for dinner and nobody knew what side you were from anyway.

Converts I failed to mention above that we opted for the "clothed" side of the resort, although I'm sure the our honeymoon may have been a little more spicy had we stayed on the naked side. Enter "Jim" and "Joanne" (names changed for purposes of this article), also on their honeymoon. Jim and Joanne were originally slated to stay at a Couples Resort in Jamaica, but something went awry upon check-in, so they moved over to our resort (the former Grand Lido Negril). The only problem was, honeymooners were out in full force and there was no room on the clothed side. With an aire of excitement and perhaps slight apprehension, they checked-in to the naked side....and not only LOVED IT, but also took advantage of its freedoms. Every few nights around the bar we'd hear comments like "weird, i saw that person naked today, now we're sitting across from each other at the bar"--which I would assume would be a typical response for a first-time nakation-er.

Naked Vacation Benefits 1) Travel Light, all you'll need is a carry-on 2) Save money, you won't have to check baggage 3) Be free (in every sense of the word) 4) No need to buy pre-vaca bathing suit or clothing 5) Don't worry if your bathing suit is flattering/slimming/the right color

Nudist and Clothing-Optional Resorts Here's a link to Nudist and Clothing-Optional Resorts in the Caribbean.

My only question is, what does one do about sunscreen on their nether-regions?

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Life-Changing Trips

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08.01 - Maui - Haleakala Drive Most trips impact your life. Whether it's providing some much-needed relaxation or escape, challenge or adventure, or growth and learning, but these aren't the type of trips I'm talking about.

Life-changing trips change your perspective, impact your soul and enlarge your heart. This trip style is one that's less about "self" and more about "other." It's in the interest of helping the needy world around you, usually in response to a 'calling' of some sort--it's a tugging on your heart to give time and resources to those less fortunate. This is the 'benevolent' trip style, similar to 'voluntourism' but perhaps more rooted in one's constantly evolving passion to help the world's community versus a one-off trip (which is also a good thing).

I've had the privilege and opportunity of taking a few benevolent trips over the years. Whether building latrines at a World Vision camp in the Dominican Republic, helping at a clinic in Mexico or visiting my Food for the Hungry (FH) sponsor child in Peru. With each of these trips, a great irony occurred:  the trip's intention was help others---and I say this next part with the utmost humility---yet I was the one who felt helped and transformed by the experience. The trips became mutually beneficial versus one-sided.

My gut feeling is that most people would be interested in helping cross-culturally in a benevolent capacity, but don't know where to start.  How does one even find out about trips where they can lend their hands, energy, skill set or talents?

Finding a benevolent trip opportunity - Start with your passion (counseling, building, cooking, human rights, health, etc...) - Find an organization whose mandate shares your passion - Get to know that organization - Find out about their domestic and international opportunities

Organizations offering benevolent trip styles Habitat for Humanity (CAN) (USA) FH Canada + USA Doctors Without Borders Red Cross

"If we open our eyes to the needs around us we will find plenty of opportunities to serve." (excerpt from a recent FH Newsletter)

Travel iPhone Apps :: Royal Caribbean

royal connectSay goodbey to your walkie-talkies cruise-goers!  Royal Caribbean's "Royal Connect" custom app has arrived.

When I was first looking into this so-called "app," I was under the impression it was indeed an iPhone App, which is kinda is, but isn't. Confused? Me too. Royal Connect is actually a service provided on the world's largest cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas (and presumably all future ships) that runs off an iPhone. Here's the catch. You can't download it. It's a location-based navigation phone + service which you can rent on board the ship on a first-come, first-serve basis. Unofficially, Bill Martin, Chief Information Officer of Royal Caribbean, noted there will be up to 800 of the Royal Connect iPhones on board the Oasis of the Seas by January 2010.

Royal Connect's recent launch makes sense. On a ship that's akin to a small city, using an old-fashioned walkie-talkie would be difficult and so passe. The greatest feature offered by Royal Connect is the ability to stay in touch with friends and family while on board AND keep track of your kiddies. Since the waterborne behemoth offers something for everyone, you family and friends can divide, conquer and explore all while still 'royally connecting.'

RCCL's Royal Connect Details - $17.99 - locate friends and family on board (ie - find their exact location) - view daily cruise compass & activities - instant message & text - dial shipboard extensions using digital voice - make reservations onboard the ships’ restaurants and spas - parents also can choose to fit their children under 12 with an id wristband integrated with a Wi-Fi locator chip, linked to the parents' Royal Connect device

Note - you can only use the custom app on the iphone offered by Royal Carribean - at this point, you cannot download the app from the app store - does not inlcude free internet - people you message with also have to rent a device

Other Travel iPhone Apps we've Reviewed

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Spring Breaks that won't Break the Bank

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Kauai Getaway[trip style = sun]

If you're in need of a last-minute break, don't worry, there's still time to book a family vacation for March Break that won't completely drain your bank account. Here are some cost-efficient, family-oriented options to consider:

2010 Spring Break Suggestions Kid-Friendly All-inclusives $$$$ The genius of taking your kids to an all-inclusive is there's something for everyone. All ages will have a blast. - Breezes Curacao fun fact: Curacao is outside the hurricane belt - All Beaches Resorts (Beaches is 'family side' of the  Sandals' empire) - Club Med: Punta Cana & Ixtapa *check for package deals with companies like Air Canada Vacations, Apple Vacations, itravel2000.com

Cruises $$$ The following cruise lines offer excellent kids programs allowing parents the opportunity to vacation too! - Disney - Royal Caribbean - Celebrity - Carnival - Holland America - NCL

Hawaii $$$ The price to visit the Hawaiian Isles for Spring Break can range from reasonable to expensive depending on your desired trip style/level of luxury. Here are some options including pricing considerations: $$$ - rent a condo in Kihei. Kihei is small and central with excellent beaches and a host of grocery stores. $$$$ - rent a condo in Ka'anapali, or stay at the Marriott's Ocean Club or Sheraton Black Rock. $$$$$ - rent a luxury condo in Wailea or stay at the Four Seasons Wailea, Grand Wailea or Fairmont Kea Lani.

Rent a Condo $$ Whether you want to stay close to home or venture to a tropical destination, sites like VRBO make it easy to rent a condo for Spring Break. Renting a condo also means you'll have the convenience of a kitchen, save on eating out and have more space than most hotel rooms can offer. Whether you fly or drive to your destination, staying in a condo is often the most cost-efficient vacationing option.

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Spotlight :: Whistler

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whistler travel[trip style = ski & adventure]

Other than a small lull in tourism in the fall and late spring, Whistler is a 4-season destination where locals love life and live it to the fullest. In the winter and early spring everyone skis/boards, and in the summer and fall they hike and bike. Although Whistler is probably one of the more active communities in Canada, it's hard-bodied, adventuring locals are far from intimidating and down to earth. A steady flow of tourists combined with Whistler's laissez-faire mentality make it an 'anything goes' type of destination.

Do Winter

Summer

  • bike in the 'park' or on Whistler's extensive beginner, intermediate and advanced trail system
  • hike in the Whistler Alpine
  • paddle down the river of golden dreams

Spring

  • known as whistler's secret ski season, take advantage of sunny weather, great skiing and no crowds!
  • attend the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival (apr 16 - 25, 2010) to watch skiing and boarding pros push the limits and take in Canada's largest free outdoor concert series

Fall

  • sip wine and chat-it-up at Cornucopia, Whistler's internationally recognized celebration of food and wine (nov 11 - 14, 2010)

Year-round

Eat Breakfast

  • portobello - the fairmont chateau whistler's famed cafe serving breakfast and lunch
  • crepe montagne - love the food.  love the atmosphere.  love the genuine service.
  • elements - banana bread french toast anyone?  fruit juice shooter?  enough said.

Lunch

Dinner

  • araxi - a locally-inspired menu and winner of season 6 of Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen
  • bearfoot bistro - whistler's "it" hangout with the high-end crowd, ask your server about the owner's world record
  • elements - tapas bar loved by locals and visitors alike

Apres

  • GLC (base of Whistler in the village)
  • merlins (base of Blackcomb)
  • dusty's (base of Whistler Creekside)

Stay Whistler boasts an impressive selection of almost every major hotel brand, so if you have points or free stays, investigate that option. If not, here are a few hotels and booking options: