Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts

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Actress Jessica Alba says acting is like a “vacation”.


 


The 33-year-old, who has daughters Honor, six, and three-year-old Haven with husband Cash Warren, insists working on a movie is a much more “easy” job than her day-to-day dealings with her eco-friendly brand The Honest Company, reports femalefirst.co.uk.


 


“Acting is totally the easy job. It’s like vacation! It’s also something I have been doing for so long,” ELLE magazine quoted Jessica as saying.


 


“It’s difficult because you have to be open and vulnerable and in the moment. It’s hard for me to be in a mental state to do all of that sometimes, but it’s much more the creative side of the brain.


 


“That’s tough for a lot of people and it’s tough for me. My day-to-day stress is running my business and knowing I am part of a bigger movement with my company,” she added.


 


The 33-year-old actress feels a lot more “pressure” in her business, but she is willing to work hard at it to make her family proud.


 


“We have a lot of employees who rely on us and lots of customers to deliver this quality product to. I do feel that pressure and I also want my kids and husband and family to be proud of me. It’s a completely different business,” she said.


 

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


We all know that when it comes to travelling, aeroplanes are bad news for the environment. In his book The Rough Guide to Green Living, Duncan Clark says: “Two seats on a return trip from London to San Francisco produces the equivalent impact of around five tonnes of CO₂”. To put that into context, Clark explains that it’s equivalent to driving 20,000 miles in an average car.


 


But few of us want to give up our annual vacation, so what’s the alternative? Well, the ‘staycation’, which gets its name from combining ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’, is becoming an increasingly popular choice. And although a staycation means staying close to home rather than travelling overseas, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your own home, doing the same things you do all the time. Here are some ideas for a fun staycation:


 


  • Explore your local area – quite often we forget about the gems on our own doorstep. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town and visit the places you normally pass by.

  • Try new ways of travelling – you don’t have to jump on a plane to see parts of your own country. Why not try a walking or cycling holiday instead?

  • Enjoy an activity holiday. There are many holidays that combine a relaxing break with the chance to learn a new skill so see what’s available in your local area. From writing retreats to cookery courses, they are a great way to try something new whilst taking a break from your usual routine.

 


 

So it’s that time of the year where everyone gets busy with shopping and packing bags as many plan to go back to their hometown. We look forward to celebrations, family gatherings and spending quality time with closed ones, but are we planning our holidays properly? Eating nutritional food on holidays will allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Eating right food at the right time will balance your energy level and keep you active all day. Have a look at some of the tips given below that will help you eat healthy while you are on a holiday:


 


You might be planning on a small vacation somewhere close by and a road trip sounds very exciting. But have you thought of what eatables are you going to carry? On road trips, it is easy and convenient to carry your own food as eating junk food outside can take a toll on your health. Pack food like fruits, crackers, milk, juice yoghurt etc. or something light for your stomach that can be packed in a cooler. You can opt for the cooler available in the market that will keep your food fresh on the journey. You can also check for certain pack bags that will keep your food hot or cold as required. A hot soup after driving 6 hours should do wonders for you!


 


In case you are taking a flight, a small meal like a chicken or a vegetable sandwich will do the needful. You don’t want to stuff yourself at a pizza corner and board a 4 hour flight. Rather it is advisable that you request a small healthy meal for yourself.


 


So you are staying at a friend or a family members house; you can always offer to get some food on board. Certainly they will be happy to have you at their home and would serve the best of food to you but how healthy is that? You can definitely bring in healthy food as it’s a gesture of sharing and caring. If they ask you in advance about different delicacies you like, ask for healthy food with higher nutritional value.


 


If you are planning to stay at a hotel, it would be better to check the hotels food menu in advance. Lot of hotels offer continental breakfast that enables you to choose cereals, juices, proteins, fruits, toast or eggs. Do check if the hotel has a refrigerator. If so, you can carry your homemade healthy food and can preserve for longer periods in the fridge. Another benefit of carrying healthy food on a holiday is that you will be saving some good money.


 


Another important thing you should consider while you are out is that eat only when you feel hungry. Don’t over stuff yourself. This will make you lethargic and you won’t be able to enjoy properly. Pick healthy food from the menu such as lean meat, fruits and salads. Don’t eat a large meal at a time, instead have small meals. You can have three square meals in a day or if you think that will be difficult, opt for six small meals.


 


When eating on a vacation, you can eat appetizers so that you will have some room for your next meal, maybe 2 hours later. Your body requires energy in every few hours, so don’t skip a meal.


 


While enjoying your vacation, don’t eat a heavy meal at night. With some will power and determination, you can certainly enjoy healthy food on a trip. A small slice of cheese pizza or a scoop of your favourite ice cream can be consumed once but don’t go overboard. Give the right amount of nutrients to your body and stay healthy while you are on a holiday.

Proving once and for all that sex is closely linked to emotional issues for women, a recent study has proved that women have better sex when they are on holidays. Of course, we’ve always known that travelling can benefit your emotional wellness and wellbeing, but now it appears that going on holiday can even make your sex life better!


 


The study has been dubbed The Expedia Pleasure Index, and it found that people who travel are generally happier people overall. Americans in particular love holidays so much that they were found to be happier when on holiday than they were on birthdays, weddings or even their marriages as a whole!


 


In addition to this, getting away from things can really help to make your work life better, your relationships better and improve your home life overall.


 


Couples that travel together are far more likely to be sexual and intimate together when they are on holiday than they would be when at home. This is because being away on holiday removes all those external stresses and strains and allows couples to focus simply on the two of them for a period of time.


 


There is also a way to bring this ‘vacation mode’ home with you – some people find that treating their bedroom as if it is a hotel room can lead to increased sex, as people get that same holiday feeling when they are in bed. That means, keeping clean sheets on the bed all the time, keeping candles burning in the room, having adult toys to hand and making sure that the room is not used for anything else, i.e. working or the children playing.


 


Others find that holiday sex is simply a case of being more relaxed, having new sensations (such as being in a different bed or in a new place) and that these things can be brought home too, by moving furniture around or spicing it up and having sex in different rooms.

Many people do not take annual vacations, but research has proven that taking a break at least once a year will provide you with several physical and emotional health benefits. Therefore, it is best for everyone to plan a minimum of one vacation per year. However, taking multiple smaller breaks from work can have an even bigger impact on your overall job performance and health.



 

Keep in mind that there are several ways to make sure that each vacation is as restful as possible. For example, it could be something as simple as, instead of renting a car or paying an exorbitant taxi fee, you can easily reserve seats in an airport shuttle to take you to your hotel. This will let you relax and enjoy the scenery instead of trying to figure out how to get to your first destination.





Four Reasons to Take a Vacation




1. Avoid Burnout – Several studies have demonstrated that workers who take regular breaks are more well-rested, productive and creative than their peers who choose not to take vacations. In other words, getting away from everything for a few days is the best way to prevent yourself from ending up so burned out at your job that your work performance suffers. Even if you cannot afford to take a big trip, you should still consider going somewhere within a few hours of home or simply taking a stay-cation to get you away from the office.





2. Reduce Stress – As long as you do not overbook your vacation, you will be able to enjoy the stress relief that accompanies having no work related responsibilities for a few days. If your job is extremely hectic, you should definitely consider planning a relaxing trip such as staying at a lakeside cottage. Slowing down the pace of each day and avoiding technology throughout your vacation is the best way to relieve stress.





3. Strengthen the Bonds of Your Relationship – According to the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services, taking an annual vacation can play a major role in the overall satisfaction level of women who are married. This is due to the fact that relaxing and having fun together is an important way to strengthen bonds. Unfortunately, the daily routine of work and dealing with the needs of an entire family can make it hard for couples to spend quality time together, but you can plan your vacation to include some much-needed fun time together.





4. Overall Health Benefits - Studies indicate that taking a vacation will provide a long list of health benefits that will last up to five weeks after you return home. These benefits include reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, reduction in physical pain and a more upbeat mood. All of these positive results will help you with your personal and professional life, and this makes it easy to see why everyone should take vacations.




Keep in mind that the best way to reduce your stress is to take a relaxing vacation. If traveling overseas, find a shuttle at www.shuttledirect.com instead of having the stress of driving. Look for package deals on tourist sites to find scheduled itineraries. In other words, even if you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing, you should still schedule downtime for more leisurely activities such as reading, lounging on a beach and playing board games with your significant other.


 



Driving in an unfamiliar city or country can be an overwhelming task, especially with 4 children vying for your attention. Melanie Fleury enjoys vacationing with her family whenever she can. Taking advantage of services such as www.shuttledirect.com helps her to actually spend time with family instead of just at the wheel.

Taking an all American vacation can produce a lifetime of happy memories when you plan it right. Ensuring that you stop at the most popular attractions, take time to traverse the small towns and travel by caravan can be the foundation for your trip. It’s also important to make sure you stay safe by obeying the rules of the road and avoiding DUI’s. However, your greatest tool for partaking in the All-American vacation is to keep an open mind and have wholesome fun.


 


 


1) Stop at the Big Attractions

Depending on where you’ll be going, and the length of time that you plan on staying, you’ll want to map out a course of action that takes you to some of the most famous attractions on your vacation.


Most individuals have only seen the greatest landmarks in America such as the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone Park and the Golden Gate Bridge on T.V. or via the Internet. Taking a trip to witness these amazing top attractions can be exhilarating when you actually see them in person.


 


2) Observe the Rules of the Road

While driving from state to state, it’s important to be aware of the various rules of the road. Nothing can bring your road trip to a screeching halt faster than getting a ticket for speeding, or being over the legal limit for alcohol. Be sure to do some research on local sites, like Evan Levow for traveling in New Jersey for example, to familiarize yourself with the rules for the states you’ll be traveling through before you leave.


 


 


3) Get Off the Beaten Path

Because of its size and diversity, each part of America is unique. You should make a point of getting off the beaten path and traveling the back roads of some quaint and charming communities. For those traveling South, you’re sure to notice a different way of life than when making your way around the Northeast Coast. Whether it’s small town charm, big city life or a laid-back hippie approach, you’re sure to find something that stands out and lingers in your mind after your trip.


 


4) Caravan

Another great way to see America is in a caravan. This group of people can be a tour or group that is unknown to you, but they have similar interests in the things that you want to see and do. It can also be an adventure that you set up on your own with a group of family, friends and other loved ones. A group of travelers can be a fun way to explore the region, and there’s always safety in numbers. Make sure you carry the correct insurance and driver’s license requirements before you leave.


 


5) Go Camping

Getting back to nature is a great way to connect with the family and enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a communal way to ditch the electronics, build your own fire, set up camp and cook your own food. What better way to see America than by enjoying Mother Nature, and the beauty that surrounds her. You can do your research early and locate a camp dependent on your travel route.


 


6) Use GPS

To avoid arguments and having to ask for directions, you want to have a GPS tracking unit available. Even though you may be taking a more relaxed approach to your trip, you can still get lost. By inputting your exact location, the GPS unit will command you on the proper routes to get to your destination. It can even help if you get off track and are unsure of where to go next.


 


 


7) Combine Food and Fun

Traveling from state to state can be tantalizing to your palate when you skip the typical fast food restaurants. Most regions are well-known for certain foods. For instance, Chicago is famous for deep dish pizza. Make it a point to stop at places that are most popular in the area by asking the locals. This could be anything from a dive eatery at a local truck stop to a scenic restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. Remember to select a designated driver if you’re going to be drinking alcohol with your meal to avoid a possible DUI.


 


 


8) Everyone Gets Their Say

America is vast and has a host of things to see and do. When traversing the open roads with the family, you want to keep an open mind and let everyone choose something that they would like to do, even if this means laying witness to the world’s largest ball of string. You’ll find it a more enjoyable experience when you view things for the adventure that it truly is.


There’s so much to see and do when navigating across America that you may only make a small dent in your vacation plans. Be sure to drive safely and observe the laws of the road, including making sure you have a designated driver if you choose to imbibe. With the above tips and an adventurous attitude, you’ll be on the road to a memorable journey most people only dream about.


 


Author Bio:
When it comes to getting up and going, Kari Lloyd has traveled to nearly all 50 states and also around the globe. Be sure to use sites like Evan Levow to research DUI’s and legal limits before you leave on your trip. Kari enjoys writing about her travels, and has also been published extensively in many lifestyle and entertainment publications both on and offline.