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Pet Sitting or Pet Boarding: Which is Right for You?

Pet Sitting or Pet Boarding: Which is Right for You?

Leaving pets behind is one of the hardest parts of travel.

Depending on your dog, cat, lizard, or parakeet’s personality, you might feel slightly bad or downright awful about saying goodbye for the weekend.

Do they understand that you’ll be back? Will they eat enough while you’re gone? And what happens if an emergency goes down while you’re away?

Though most of us rely on loved ones to look after our pets while we’re away, it’s not always an option.

Maybe the usual pet sitter’s out of town. Maybe they’re recovering from a sickness. Maybe they’re simply burnt out on watching your dog or cat free of charge.

(Maybe you don’t trust your friends with your furry little king or queen—and fair enough.)

In these cases, pet owners have two options: hire a pet sitter to hold down the fort at home or send their beloved off to boarding school.

But which is better for the average pet? Or are they simply different?

I’ve had success with both, so it’s more likely a matter of knowing your pet and their lifestyle. If you’re hung up on whether to hire a pet sitter or go with pet boarding, explore some of the biggest factors here.

Pets probably want to stay at home

Here’s the cold, hard truth: your pet probably wants to be at home.

Remember that many animals rely on their nose before their eyes or mouths. That means that scents can be highly stimulating, both in terms of being comforting or stressful.

Boarding facilities usually smell strongly of other pets, some of which may be in distress. Pet sitting at home allows animals to stay in their ‘safe space’ instead of sharing a large facility with other boarded pets.

One factor you might want to consider is whether your pet is adopted. One of my chihuahuas was a rescue. Though I did board him, it wasn’t often, as it stressed him out thanks to the time he spent in a shelter.

So, if you’ve got a fussy or easily-stressed pet, then pet sitting is absolutely the way to go.

Pets are usually safer and healthier at home

Nervous dogs and cats might feel spooked at a boarding facility due to the sheer number of animals there. There are a lot of smells, sounds, and sights for them to take in.

There are also a lot of germs—similar to a daycare.

If your pet is older and isn’t in the best of health, then boarding might expose them to illnesses that can cause some serious setbacks. But please keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that boarding facilities are unclean—it’s simply about the number of other animals they’ll be exposed to.

Pets get more engagement and socialization at boarding

Let’s shift to cover one of the main benefits of boarding compared to sitting: your furry friend will get tons of engagement and exercise, especially from playing with other pets.

If you’ve got a boisterous and social butterfly of a pet on your hands, then boarding can actually be an exciting and stimulating experience.

That’s especially true if your pup or cat has spent a lot of time alone. Not all households are able to give their pet a chance to socialize—but a stint at a boarding facility will introduce them to tons of new friends and give them a confidence boost.

Being honest about your pet

At this point, there should be a pretty clear distinction between the pets that will thrive with boarding versus sitting.

Pet sitting is ideal for older animals that are more sensitive to stimuli. Pet boarding, by contrast, is great for younger and healthier animals that love to socialize.

Let me circle back to my experience.

I’ve boarded my dogs and had great experiences with pet-sitters and boarding facilities every time—but I always preferred a sitter when possible.

That’s mostly because my dogs are small and sassy. They were bred to be held in someone’s lap and whispered sweet nothings.

Pet sitters give my dogs the attention they need. (And my plants, but that’s another story.) They also send me a few more updates than a boarding facility.

That being said, I can’t say that I’ve noticed a difference in the care offered to my dogs. The only real change is in pricing—boarding tends to be a lot more expensive.

Finding the right sitter vs the right boarding spot

I have one last caveat regarding pet sitting: you need to find a reliable professional.

Boarding facilities usually have very high standards for employees. They probably have a background in zoology, animal behavior, or grooming, for example. Pet sitters might not be as experienced.

And you also need to vet any potential pet-sitters.

When I moved to Barcelona, I used Rover to find a reliable pet sitter. Five years later, I’m still using the same professional I found on the app. (Shout out to Juan!)

Just make sure to be honest about your pet. One of my chihuahuas was sassy as hell (surprise, surprise), but that didn’t stop me from finding a great sitter. I just needed to be very up-front about my dog’s needs.

Alternatively, you can also ask your vet if they know any sitters. Oftentimes, vet techs provide sitting services for animals—even stranger breeds like reptiles, fish, and birds.

Rocky Mountain Magic: Best Airbnb & VRBO Rentals in the Rockies

The Rocky Mountains are truly magnificent.

Millions visit the mountain range each year, from New Mexico to Canada’s northernmost provinces. Most visitors are on the hunt for outdoor activities, whether skiing during the snowy winter months or hiking during the warm spring season.

Outdoor adventures aside, the Rockies are also popular for those who want a more rustic and quiet escape.

And some of its most popular rentals will take you straight to its glacial lakes, towering pine forests, grand rock formations, and far beyond. While you might be imagining an old-timey log cabin, many rentals in the Rockies are high-lux.

From the outer stretches of Aspen to the snowy hills of Jackson to the stretching valleys outside Boise, there’s a perfectly rustic palace waiting for you.

Looking for a lavish and secluded getaway in the Rocky Mountains? Here are my favorite selections from Airbnb and VRBO.

Airbnb

Pioneer Cabin, CO

Let’s kick this list off with one of the highest-altitude rentals in the US: Pioneer Cabin, located in the Rockies at 9,200 feet.

What stands out to me about this rental (aside from its insane lux features) is its balance of indoors and outdoors areas.

If you want to really soak up all that fresh air, Pioneer Cabin gives you choices—I’m talking a BBQ area, fire pit, picnic area, and hot tub. Oh, and the mountain views are good enough that people rent this place out for wedding photos. Enough said. 

Book here

Airbnb

Secluded Hideaway, UT

Want to get off the beaten path? Without leaving behind incredibly unique design features?

Enter the magic of this secluded hideaway located just outside Park City. The design isn’t quite to my taste, but that’s a personal flaw of mine. (I don’t like millennial gray.)

Color palette aside, the woodwork throughout this cabin is incredibly beautiful. There are other unique features throughout, too, including a ‘suspended hammock’ and birch-tree wallpaper that matches the trees outside.

Book here

Airbnb

The Shady Frame, WA

I know, I know—Washington is where you’ll find the Cascade Mountain Range, not the Rockies. But let’s show some love to Mt. Rainier, the US’s beloved stratovolcano.

I promise you’ll find The Shady Frame endlessly charming thanks to its near-perfect design. The small rental is a bespoke A-Frame with a perfect balance of woodwork and metal features.

There’s a hot tub, a small porch, a fire pit, and yet another suspended hammock for your lounging needs. The interior might be too white-washed for some, but I imagine it pairs well with a snowy winter day.

Also, there’s a solid barbecue grill setup.

Book here

Airbnb

The Woodlands House, OR

I know… this rental is also in the Cascade Range. But It has all the forested wonder of a Rocky rental and its design is too lovely not to shout out here. Also, it has four bedrooms, making it larger than other rentals on this list.

This secluded rental features beautiful woodwork throughout and stretching windows that let you immerse yourself in the surrounding forest. Or you can enjoy Mother Nature from the hot tub. Your choice.

Book here

Airbnb

Feldspar Minimalist, CO

If you want to disappear into the natural wonders of the Rockies, look no further. I’m obsessed with the half-indoors, half-outdoors feel of this Feldspar rental.

The exterior’s stonework blends in with its surroundings—which abut a flowing creek, I should mention. Though the rental is small, it’s flawlessly appointed. I’m talking you can watch the creek flow straight from your bed.

Book here

Airbnb

Coal Cabin, Nordegg, Canada

This cabin sits amid an impactful pine forest, offering a next-level cozy feel—especially if you’re visiting in winter. I love the cabin’s bright and cheerful design, and especially its chandelier. With six bedrooms, you can also fit plenty of loved ones inside. But don’t forget about the stand-alone sauna. Just like the cabin, it’s a brand-new construction, letting you soak up Rocky Mountain views from a world-class sauna.

Book here

Airbnb

The Highlander, MT

The Highlander gives you an incredible view of the Rockies… even if you won’t be nestled amid its forests.

This rental sits on a flat stretch at the base of the mountains. It includes a wooden cabin and a separate sauna, both of which have stretching windows that offer a commanding view of the Montana wilderness.

The design is modern and minimalist, harkening back to a Scandi-style winter lodge. From the tasteful lighting to the stand-alone tub, you’ll be treated to the perfect blend of rustic living and luxurious features.

Book here

VRBO

Couples Retreat at Rathdrum Mountain, ID

Small and secluded, this retreat would be fantastic for couples.

Not only do you have a private outdoor sauna, but the hosts have also gone out of their way to create a spa-like atmosphere. From plush robes to high-quality bath products, you’re going to feel very nurtured here—by both nature, the cabin, and the hosts.

Book here

VRBO

Secluded Bungalow, MT

This bungalow was recently redesigned in a modern fashion, including plenty of dark tones and warm wood details.

What I like here is the perfect blend of amenities. The cabin itself is decked out with lux features while being placed smack in the center of a beautiful wilderness scene.

Oh, and you won’t be far from civilization either, as downtown Whitefish is only a short drive away.

Book here

VRBO

Carbondale Rental, CO

Fishers rejoice—you’ll have a private pond at this Carbondale rental.

You’ll also benefit from lavish features, from a hot tub to a Tesla charging port. This location is also worth gushing over, as you’ll be close to dozens of popular Rocky Mountain activities—from kayaking to fly-fishing to hiking.

Or if you want to lounge, you’ll also have a panoramic view of the Rockies around you.

Book here

Unique Wedding Traditions from Around the World

If you’ve had the pleasure of attending a wedding in another country, you were probably pretty intrigued.

For the most part, weddings are the same around the world. They’re designed to bond two individuals together for a lifetime, while also bridging any gaps between their two families.

But how that happens changes depending on where you’re from.

Usually, wedding planning is influenced heavily by factors like religion, language, and other cultural influences.

For example, I was raised in the Catholic Church… which has a pretty elaborate marriage process. The ceremony takes a few hours and involves plenty of kneeling—even for the bride in her white dress.

A Hindu wedding, on the other hand, also involves ceremonies, rituals, and gatherings that can stretch on for weeks. There are activities like elaborate mehndi painting and hours-long ladies-only dancing sessions like the sangeet.

Catholic weddings and Hindu ceremonies aside, our world is full of beautiful wedding traditions. Let’s explore how people around the world celebrate love eternal.

Jumping the broom in the United States

That’s right—you don’t need to wander far to learn about unique marriage traditions.

In the United States, jumping the broom takes place at Black weddings to celebrate and legitimize marriages. This tradition began back in the 1700s when the Atlantic slave trade was still active.

Some researchers believe the tradition might have begun with Welsh, Irish, and Romani communities. However, it didn’t come back into the public purview until Alex Haley’s Roots was published in the 1970s. Since then, it’s been part of Black culture in the United States.

Kissing the bride or groom in Sweden

Who says all wedding traditions need to be austere?

If you’re heading to a Swedish wedding, then you might notice something weird happening whenever the bride or groom leaves the room. Wedding guests will take the opportunity to steal a kiss from the bride or groom.

It’s regarded as a playful exchange. But I’m glad I learned about this before attending a Swedish wedding because I would have been gasping like Wendy Williams if I had seen this live.

Heckling in Nigeria

What if I told you that it was someone’s job at a Nigerian wedding to tease the groom and his friends throughout the wedding?

That’s right—this cheeky MC rule is known as the ‘alaga’. Usually, it’s a woman who takes on the job.

And it’s a hefty one. Along with providing well-placed heckles designed to entertain guests, the alaga will also dance, tell stories, sing, and other curry laughter. I saw one description of the alaga as providing a ‘theatrical’ element to the whole ceremony—which seems like a fantastic description.

Pinning money to the bride in Cuba

It’s not unusual for wedding guests to ask the bride for a dance during the reception.

In Cuba, you might notice something a little strange taking place. When male guests dance with the bride, they’ll often pin a small amount of money to her dress.

Usually, the amount is small and symbolic. However, the funds are used to contribute to the new couple’s honeymoon and wedding expenses.

Drinking from the Quaich in Scotland

In Scotland, one of the most enduring wedding traditions is a ceremony that involves toasting with the quaich.

A quaich is a double-handled chalice that’s also known as the Cup of Love in Scotland. That’s because newlyweds share a toast from a quaich with their families to establish their bond in a small and private meeting.

Admiring the Sofreh table in Iran

Persian weddings put a great focus on personal meaning and symbolism.

This is beautifully exemplified with the ‘sofreh agh’, a ceremonial table in which important items are displayed. Traditionally, the table includes candles, mirrors, nuts and eggs, and coins, which symbolize things like fertility, eternity, and prosperity.

But more generally, the sofreh is designed to represent the new couple as a united pair. It lays out a journey of their life so far, as well as the journey that lies before them.

This has to be one of my favorite traditions I’ve learned about—it’s elegant, poetic, and deeply meaningful for the couple.

Eating at the Paebaek table in South Korea

Speaking of ceremonial tables, South Korean weddings usually feature a ‘paebaek’ ritual.

This involves a small tea ceremony that the bride and groom enjoy with their immediate family (or in front of all their wedding guests, depending on their tastes).

The couple usually pours tea for their parents, who then bless their union. At the very end, parents toss dates and chestnuts for the couple to catch in a ceremonial white cloth. The total reflects the number of children they’ll have.

Are Chile & Argentina Similar? Comparison Guide

South America’s southernmost countries have more in common than not.

Chile, located to the west, and Argentina, to the east, are divided by the Andes Mountains—one of the world’s most majestic ranges. Both countries were colonized by Spanish conquistadores and served as important outposts for the crown until the early 1800s.

Since then, Chile and Argentina have evolved into distinct and equally attractive destinations for tourists.

The former has enjoyed multiple cultural heydays thanks to its football stars, from Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi. Chile, on the other hand, is better known for its endless coastline, natural beauty, and more poetic leanings.

Given their distinctions, they tend to attract two different types of tourists.

Outdoor adventurists usually fly to Santiago before heading into the great outdoors. Those who head to Argentina, on the other hand, are likely to spend more time in Buenos Aires before exploring the countryside via day trips.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comparing these two South American countries. If you’re looking for more information on Chile & Argentina for travel purposes, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Culture: Indigenous vs European Traditions

Argentina has a much stronger European influence, while Chile is a lot more in touch with its indigenous roots.

This harkens back to the (many) waves of European immigration into Buenos Aires (and nearby Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay).

From the late 1800s into the 1950s, millions of immigrants from Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Greece arrived in Argentina. The vast majority stopped in Buenos Aires rather than hike or fly across the Andes into Chile.

This European influence has left a mark on the country—from its architecture to its economic policies.

Meanwhile, Chilean culture reflects its many indigenous groups, including the Mapuche. You’ll notice this heritage in Chile’s cuisine, music, and even the dialects spoken throughout the country.

There’s also a stronger movement to preserve and celebrate indigenous traditions, which gives tourists the chance to immerse themselves in a totally new culture.

Nature: The end of the world vs Moon Valley

As mentioned up top, Chile also has a reputation for being home to rugged and stunning natural landscapes.

There’s the lunar-like landscape of Moon Valley, the Atacama (the world’s highest desert), and the crown jewel of Patagonia’s Lake Region: Torres del Paine National Park.

Oh, and Easter Island—that’s part of Chile, too.

Argentina, by contrast, shares its lake region with Chile. This mountainous area is home to towering peaks that shelter steep valleys and emerald lakes. At the very tip of the continent, you can also find the southernmost settlement in the world: Ushuaia, Argentina.

When comparing natural wonders, Chile comes out ahead because of its diverse offerings—you’ll get desert views, mountain views, and plenty of forested lake views.

Argentina, by contrast, has fewer wonders. Though they’re equally as stunning (especially in areas like Bariloche and Mendoza), they aren’t quite as varied.

Cuisine: Beef vs wine

Speaking of Mendoza, you should know that it’s Argentina’s wine capital.

This is where some of the world’s tastiest grapes are fermented in Malbec. You can find classic vineyard views in Mendoza, backdropped by the gigantic Andes.

That being said, Argentina is better known for its beef. Gauchos are the South American version of cowboys, responsible for driving cattle across the country. In fact, Argentina is only behind the US, Brazil, and China in terms of beef production.

That means you can sample some seriously delicious steaks, ribs, and other beef products while you’re visiting Argentina. You can even pair them with a Malbec.

But don’t forget about Chile’s wine region. When it comes to award-winning bottles that travelers can get their hands on, Chile comes out ahead.

First, because its wine region is easier to get to—meaning you can sample more wines at a faster rate. Second, Chile has seen an impactful wave of French influence, which has improved its winemaking processes. Third, its climate is slightly drier and harsher, meaning its valleys are perfect for vineyards.

Make sure to try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling when in Chile.

Heroes: Pablo Neruda vs Messi

During my research for this article, I found quite a few sources hinting that Argentineans are louder and more extroverted, while Chileans are more prone to introversion.

I can’t confirm or deny this—but I think a great lens to study both countries is through their iconic heroes.

In terms of Argentina, Lionel Messi is arguably the best soccer player of his generation. He’s a global superstar with a penchant for leading the play in the midfield and scoring at improbable moments.

By contrast, Pablo Neruda is Chile’s most famous celebrity export. He won the Nobel Prize in 1971 for his poetry, which blends surrealism, romance, and politics. As a writer, he’s been on my radar for well over a decade and is regarded as one of the greatest creative writers to come from the Americas.

Best Campgrounds in the US for First-Time Campers

Camping involves a pretty straightforward premise.

These rustic vacations take us straight into the heart of nature. There’s nothing left to do on a camping trip aside from slow down. Take a dip in a lake, cook a filling meal, hike through the forest, build a campfire to tell stories around, and then start over again tomorrow.

Sounds pretty easy, right?

In reality, anyone who has spent time camping knows that it’s a deceptively complex art… and a pricey one for those who don’t know what they’re doing.

While camping is regarded as an affordable travel option, expenses can quickly add up. Most hardcore campers have spent years tinkering with their gear setup, RVs, and camper vans.

In other words, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to create a cute and cozy campsite.

There’s also a long list of mundane concerns—from toilet paper to bug spray to keeping food from going bad. Then there’s the art of having fun, which usually involves equipment like canoes, Camelbacks, and life vests.

Last is the hunt for comfort, from keeping pillows dry during rainstorms to finding a compact and ergonomic camping chair.

If you’re camping with children, those three challenges get even more complicated.

Still, despite all the fuss, camping remains a popular way to travel. Each year, thousands of beginners set up their wonky tents for the first time.

If you happen to be one of these hapless first-timers, then I’ve got good news: there are a handful of beginner-friendly campgrounds in scenic spots around the US.

The grounds have flushing toilets, laundry facilities, RV hookups, and plenty of other amenities that will make your first time sleeping under the stars a bit more enjoyable.

Here’s where to fine them.

Yosemite Pines RV Resort

Yosemite Pines RV Resort

Don’t want to sleep in a tent while you explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park?

You’ll have plenty of options at this RV resort. Along with camping sections, you can find cabins, yurts, and RV hookups—there’s even a covered wagon. (I told you—the Oregon Trail is still a thing.)

Pictured above is the ground’s large pool, designed for morning dips and lounging in the sun. You can buy snacks and drinks from the adjoining center. I also imagine the pool center plays some classic and upbeat summer music (no guarantees).

This campsite is by far one of the most developed in the US. It blends the magic of a getaway summer camp with the wonders of running water and electricity—all while giving you a mouthwatering backdrop of the US’s most rugged national park.

But make sure to reserve your place far ahead of time, as this is a hotspot almost year-round.

A view of the amphitheater from TripAdvisor

Acadia National Park’s Blackwoods Campground

On the other side of the United States, you’ve got Maine’s Acadia National Park—one of the premier national parks on the East Coast.

Similar to Yosemite, Acadia is under the purview of highly passionate park rangers. They’re dedicated to preserving its natural wonders while making it easy for visitors to explore its hiking trails and landmarks.

Blackwoods Campground is a state-run campsite, which means it’s first-come, first-serve. You can make reservations up to two months in advance, which I recommend booking ASAP. Like Yosemite, this campground will fill up during the warmer months.

This campground is a great choice for beginners for a few reasons. First, its trailheads are clearly marked, making it easy for first-timers to hit the dirt path. Second, there aren’t any showers, but there are flush toilets (and those should be your priority).

Lastly, while there’s not a pool or a snack bar, there is staff on-site who can answer your questions. In other words, all the basics are covered and, most importantly, you’ll have the resources you need to start exploring nature.

Yelp

Fallen Leaf Campground (Lake Tahoe)

In terms of bougie campsites, Lake Tahoe isn’t short on options. (If you’re into glamping, this is a great place to start shopping around for sites.)

The Fallen Leaf Campground is located beneath towering pine trees on the north end of Tahoe near its own separate lake, Fallen Leaf Lake.

Like Yosemite, you can find yurts and RV sites ready to go—in addition to tent sites, of course. What I love most about this site is that it’s off the beaten path for other Lake Tahoe campers, meaning you might not notice too many other people on this 206-site campground.

The yurts are an amazing option for first-timers. While you won’t be sleeping in a tent, you’ll still feel immersed in the outdoors… without saying goodbye to electricity, heat, and mattresses.

Plus, there are dozens of businesses nearby that make it easy to rent kayaks, canoes, boats, and more, meaning you can pretty much show up with a backpack and start camping. (That might make this more of a glamping site, then.)

Full disclosure: bears are a pretty common presence at this campsite, so beware.

National Parks Service

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Pulltite Campground

The Ozarks is a hilly and forested region that stretches between southern Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas.

It’s known for its famous Netflix show of the same name, along with being a favorite hideout for legends like Jesse James.

The Ozarks is also home to a massive man-made lake—which is usually what locals are talking about when they say ‘Ozarks’. But the region is also home to beautiful rivers that wind through the bright green landscape.

If you’re in the Midwest, you can choose from several campgrounds that are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. But you might wondering… why bother with rivers?

The answer is floating.

If you haven’t heard of this refined American pastime, it involves finding a floating device (a standard tube will do), a mesh bag, and a six-pack. Toss the beers in the bag and tie them to your floating device. Drink when you’re thirsty, toss the empties back into the bag. Get out of the water whenever you feel like it.

I recommend staying at the Pulltite Campground. It’s got a seasonal store for all of your last-minute needs (including ice and firewood sales), trash and recycling stations, and staff on-site to help you out. Oh, and you’ll still have those ever-important flushing toilets—and even showers with hot water.

German Sauna Culture: Your Guide to Enjoying Co-Ed Spas

Spas are like little oases designed to remove us from reality.

No abrasively loud construction sites. No weird-smelling trash bins. No noisy fights between neighbors. No too-cold AC units or drafty windows.

There might not even be clothes involved, depending on where you’re going.

If you’re already familiar with naturism around the globe, then you might know that spas are one of the most clothing-optional places on earth. From Europe to Asia, the spa is where you can find people relaxing in their birthday suits.

That’s doubly true in places like Scandinavia, Germany, and Switzerland, where people tend to see nudity as natural and spas as a critical component of wellness.

That means that saunas (and oftentimes steam rooms) in these countries don’t require swimsuits—even when they’re co-ed.

So what can you expect from a co-ed spa experience? Let’s zero in on what it’s like to relax at one of these locations in Germany, one of the most popular destinations for American tourists. Here’s what you need to know.

Co-ed spas: au natural is the norm

Let’s quickly review why clothing is optional at spas.

First and foremost, nudity is regarded as normal. The human body isn’t a spectacle, nor is it seen as inappropriate. Viewed in this way, there’s no reason to separate spa-goers based on gender—because the body is the body, no matter its form.

Second, there’s no reason to wear clothes inside saunas and steam rooms. (Keep in mind that it’s normal to wear robes when heading from one spa area to the next.)

The added fabric just gets in the way. That might sound a little obvious, but let me remind you: Germans are a very practical people. And the spa is a very practical place for taking care of the body.

Let me make it even more simple: Germans don’t even call their spas ‘co-ed’ or ‘nude’ because it’s implied that everyone is welcome and, when it comes to saunas and steam rooms, nudity is the norm.

There’s a social element

For the most part, the spa is a place to nourish the body. But if you’re part of a spa and a regular visitor, then you also know that there’s a big social element at play.

Co-ed spas in Germany usually include saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, pools, and more. While changing rooms are usually divided by gender, areas throughout the spa are designed for guests to mingle.

So don’t be surprised if you see a large restaurant area, bar, lounge, and other non-spa-related amenities. Feel free to waif around in your robe, snacking and chatting before hitting the sauna again. (Just make sure to shower before getting back in.)

The rules really matter

Want to know the cold hard truth about co-ed spas in Germany? Most people are going to be more focused on whether or not you’re following the rules versus whether or not you’re clothed.

The rules in any spa are important, but it’s considered extremely rude to ignore rules and etiquette in Germany.

To be blunt, this is probably the most important part of your co-ed spa experience in Germany: learning the rules. Usually, spa rules apply to showering before getting into pools, sitting on towels in saunas and steam rooms, and speaking in a low voice. While socializing is the norm, noisy chatter is distracting and welcome.

Top 3 co-ed spas in Germany

I’ve covered naturism a few times—it’s a topic that means a lot to me, and one that I find is frequently (and with great gusto) misunderstood.

To be unrobed and treated normally is a deceptively powerful experience. If you’re interested in treating your mind, body, and spirit to a relaxing spa day, I recommend checking out these co-ed spas in Germany.

Voda Spa

This West Berlin spa is a top-rated social escape that offers thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, soaking pools, and plenty of spa treatments. Plus, there’s a bar lounge where you can socialize.

Friedrichsbad

This spa is located in the famous Baden-Baden spa town of West Germany. In case you don’t know, Baden-Baden is one of Europe’s oldest mineral spring spa towns—on par with Spa, Belgium and Bath, England. It’s 143 years old, for those who like history and beautiful architecture.

Caracalla Therme

Also located in Baden-Baden, Caracalla is known for its thermal pools. Water is collected from 12 distinct springs, providing an unmatched range of soaking options.