How to NOT Gain 10 Pounds on Your Next Trip

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


There's nothing better than a new adventure, but staying healthy and not gaining weight while you travel can be a challenge. Trust, me — I, and a huge pasta belly that I brought back from Italy (and thankfully lost), know.

You're thrown out of your comfort zone, knocked out of your regular routine, and are no longer surrounded by familiar food, and your favorite workout spots.

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10 Best Spots to Learn to Scuba Dive

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


I’ll never forget my first deep-water dive.

We had spent a few days in a classroom, reading the PADI certification book, going nowhere near water. When we were finally able to get into the ocean with our equipment, it was shallow water only, while we got used to breathing through a regulator with a heavy oxygen tank strapped to our backs.

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Planning a Romantic Getaway? Here's What You Need To Know

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


Even if you are a seasoned traveler or used to traveling with other people, taking a trip with a significant other is an entirely different scenario. Both you, and your person, are sure to have expectations on each other, and on the experiences that you are hoping to have, and that can create a lot of pressure.

Here’s what you need to know to make sure your trip together is memorable for the right reasons (and not because you had a huge fight in the middle of the Roman Forum).

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Must-Have Travel Planner, Journals, and Notebooks For Your Next Trip

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


I am a sucker for a good notebook, and because I love to handwrite when I travel, I always keep a few blank journals on hand so that I can grab one to throw in my bag.

The key to a good travel journal is to have a paperback notebook (so it is not too heavy), with enough pages to capture all of your experiences, and have room to glue or tape in ticket stubs, postcards, or any other tidbit that reminds you of your trip.

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15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Lagos in Portugal

by Lindsay Shapka in , , , ,


Stretching 150 km along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve is arguably one of the most beautiful and varied coastlines in the world.

You can find solitude on sandy islands, action-packed golden beaches with amazing nightlife, and the famous breathtaking cliff-backed shorelines that have taken over Instagram. There are also charming towns packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and lots of cobblestone streets to wander through when the sun goes down.

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3 Spectacular All-Season Day Hikes In Elk Island National Park

by Lindsay Shapka in , , ,


While there are multiple hikes throughout the park, the three that I have selected to feature in this article are open year-round (though in the winter, it is recommended that you use snowshoes or cross-country skis rather than hiking boots!), and I have personally hiked them all at different times of the year.

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