TravelAwaits

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Aruba’s Relaxathon: How to Participate

Aruba’s Relaxathon: How to Participate

Tourism initiatives (unsurprisingly) revolve around attracting more visitors. Even the world’s most popular destinations benefit from marketing and promotional efforts… including Aruba.

This year, Aruba’s tourism authority has something entirely unique on its agenda: an inaugural Relaxathon. And it’s brought on one of the world’s most recognizable Olympians, snowboarder Shaun White, to host the event.

So, what’s a professional snowboarder doing in one of the world’s hottest tropical destinations? And what’s behind this unusual event from Aruba’s tourism authority? I’m just as intrigued as you.

Inside Aruba’s Relaxathon

Aruba’s Relaxathon is a straightforward scheme. On June 13, 2024, Aruba will host an hour-long competition that will include 100 participants.

Only the most relaxed will be crowned champion. At the moment, the rubric remains vague, at best.

Officially, whoever can ‘keep calmest’ wins—which makes me think participants are in for some wild and crazy distractions. I have no idea how host Shaun White fits into this agenda, but it’s upping the intrigue for me.

Most likely, he’ll host the event and guide participants through the setup. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some athletic antics were also scheduled.

The competition’s location hasn’t been announced yet, but Aruba is a small island. I doubt anyone will have trouble finding it. When the competition ends, officials will select gold, silver, and bronze prize winners.

According to the press release, winners will be determined by ‘science’. Whatever that means.

Prizes

  • Gold medal: Two round-trip flights to Aruba, four nights at a luxury hotel, dinner for two, and a massage for two
  • Silver medal: Three nights at a luxury hotel, dinner for two, and spa treatments for two
  • Bronze medal: Private sunset cruise, private tour of Arikok National Park, and massages for two

Photo by martin passchier on Unsplash

Is it worth participating?

I wouldn’t recommend flying to Aruba with the hopes of winning a free return trip. However, if you’re heading to the island on June 13, then I’d recommend elbowing your way into the Relaxathon. Even the bronze prize package would be worth setting aside an hour of your time.

And what would you be doing… lounging for an hour on the beach elsewhere? Even if participating doesn’t sound like your type of thing, I’m sure it will be an event equally geared toward spectators.

In other words, there’s bound to be a few laughs for everyone involved, whether pretending to relax on a towel or watching from the sidelines.

Aruba events calendar

The Relaxathon will conclude after an hour—but the festivities don’t necessarily end there. Aruba’s busy season runs from December to April, which means that summer months like June are a great time to visit and avoid crowds.

One event that should be on your radar if you’re in Aruba in June is the Dush Aruba This Way, a weekly party at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. You’ll get to dance the night away in local style.

I’d also recommend checking out the annual International Regatta. This sailing competition is annually hosted on Surfside Beach. There are events for sailboats, yachts, kitesurfers, and windsurfers. You can watch the most competitive sailors from the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Maui Tourism Rebuild: How to Support Lahaina

Last year’s wildfire in Maui remains a topic of conversation around the US. Travelers, in particular, have been interested in learning more about the island.

Is Maui open for business? Has the rebuild in Lahaina been going well? (And are there any special deals available?)

Here’s the short of it: Lahaina is still in a vulnerable position. The majority of residents were displaced, and many face ongoing trouble rebuilding after losing their homes, businesses, boats, and more. Many are also still mourning the lives lost.

But time stops for no one, and the wildfires didn’t see any tourists cross Maui off their bucket list.

Let’s dig a bit deeper into Maui tourism, exploring how you can support Lahaina’s rebuild on your next trip to the island.

Maui tourism: learning from the wildfire

The wildfire in Lahaina wasn’t exactly a surprise for locals.

For years, ongoing drought conditions and poor environmental practices created the necessary conditions for a terrible fire. All of Hawaii’s small islands exist in a unique balance. Tourism is important because it provides for the island economically, but it complicates environmental preservation.

Unfortunately for Maui residents, the worst came to pass—and many are now asking how Lahaina’s rebuild can focus on preventing future wildfires.

One of the best ways to support Maui’s well-being is to support its native population. While everyone on the island wants to see it thrive, native Hawaiians have more experience managing the land. Better land management = fewer environmental disasters.

To support Maui business owners is to invest in a more integrated and balanced rebuild in Lahaina and beyond.

So, what does this mean for tourists hoping to make it to Maui this year?

Just by traveling to Maui, you’re supporting its tourism industry and, therefore, its economy. But please consider checking out the services and shops listed below. They’re owned by Maui natives who deserve your business as they seek to rebuild Lahaina and prevent future wildfires.

Top way to support Maui tourism: Wellness activities

  • Maui’s No. 1 TripAdvisor-rated spa is owned by local Mauians. In my opinion, the best way to support the rebuild in Lahaina is to spend a bit on a world-class treatment from Ho’omana Spa Maui

Transportation & Tours

Hotels

  • Explore the remote retreats offered by Ala Kukui

Shopping

When you’re in Maui, check out the locally owned Na Koa Brand, which is located in Kahuilui. Aside from this shop, I’ve found a slew of other native Mauian vendors who sell their goods online. That means you can support the rebuild even after you go home.(Online shoppers rejoice!)

Secret SoWal: Inside a Family-Oriented Florida Gem

Florida’s panhandle is an interesting place. On one hand, it’s associated with some of life’s messier adventures—like an extended spring break in Panama City.

On the other hand, you might know the panhandle as the Emerald Coast, home to crystalline waters comparable to the world’s most stunning tropics.

Somewhere between both poles of the Florida panhandle experience is South Walton, an area that’s home to distinct beachside communities along the 30A highway. To call it an unexpected surprise wouldn’t be a stretch.

In SoWal, you’ll find the same white-sand beaches and emerald waters as other panhandle locations. But you’ll also notice a variety of charming downtown shopping districts, white-washed homes inspired by the Mediterranean, and dozens of family-friendly offers.

This town takes its casual-but-austere beach identity seriously—and you’ll feel that originality immediately.

If you’ll be heading down Florida’s 30A highway anytime soon, don’t miss out. I’ve created a list of the most attractive elements of this town, from its take on free art to its daring architecture to its host of family-oriented amenities.

Who knows how long South Walton will stay under the radar?

Art installations: On land, in the water

I don’t typically associate Florida with fine art—even if Miami regularly hosts Art Basel. But South Walton residents aren’t quite like others in the state. Many put a strong emphasis on local art.

The Santa Rosa Beach neighborhood is home to a few galleries that showcase work from photographers and painters. Gallery owner Andy Saczynski is a bit of a local legend, from what I’ve read.

Shops aside, I’m intrigued by the Monarch Art Trail. It’s a new outdoor sculpture project managed by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. The focus is on monarch butterflies, which regularly stop in South Walton on their 2,700-mile-long migration.

Head to South Watersound’s Parkway between Highway 98 and 30A. You’ll see eight different monarch sculptures beautifully nestled into the wild landscape.

If swimming is more your thing, you’ll still be able to enjoy SoWal’s art scene. The Underwater Museum of Art is a sculpture park built on the ocean floor 58 feet from the surface. Every year, the museum selects a sculpture to add to its collection. It’s by far the area’s biggest eco-tourism venture—one that provides much-needed shelter for marine life.

Upscale dining, down-to-earth vibe

SoWal has something for everyone. Though Destin and Panama City are known for their casual adventures and laid-back atmosphere, South Walton has more of a Miramar Beach vibe (in fact, Miramar is officially part of SoWal).

Guests have the option of pursuing luxurious dining, spa treatments, and more. This emphasis on luxury hasn’t gone unnoticed. SoWal is sometimes called the ‘Hamptons of the South’. (More on this below in the section on Alys Beach.)

Fine tastes aside, you can also keep it casual. Residents in South Walton have worked hard to keep things local; most of the shops, restaurants, and boutiques are small-scale operations. That goes a long way in fostering diversity, allowing galleries like Saczynski’s to thrive while also opening the doors to upscale spots like Bijoux and Café Thirty A.

Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash

A new family-oriented Florida

As mentioned up top, South Walton is great for family-oriented trips. Officially, this area includes 16 beachside communities that all have their own flair.

Families usually head to WaterColor Beach, as all the essentials are within walking distance. Rosemary Beach is another great choice, as the quaint downtown area is both casual and charming.

Aside from a smattering of family-friendly hotels, resorts, restaurants, and beaches, South Walton’s tourist authority also hosts weekly shows during high season. For example, Scallywag Sunday is a beach event that offers two magic shows at 7 pm and 8 pm at Miramar Beach. Both are free to the public.

My obsession: Alys Beach

The first thing that caught my eye about South Walton is its exclusive Alys Beach neighborhood. That aforementioned reference to the Hamptons was likely targeted at Alys Beach, as only those willing to fork over small fortunes will be staying here. And those willing to follow strict guidelines.

Alys Beach sees so many celebrity guests that it has an official photo policy, similar to a gated community. Visitors aren’t allowed to snap any photos of the homes. No influencers allowed, no marketing teams, no music videos.

Would I make the cut for a stay in Alys Beach? Probably not. Would I desperately cling on to a friend who would? Depends on who’s watching.

But if you have the chance to stay in South Walton, I’d recommend at least popping through the streets of Alys Beach to see how the other half lives. Just don’t take any photos.

Magical National Parks on the East Coast

If you closed your eyes and imagined the most magical forest in the continental US, you’d probably see a West Coast location.

Maybe you’re picturing the sky-scraper-esque sequoias of Northern California or the ripe-green cloud forests of Washington State.

You aren’t alone if that’s the case. Despite the fact that national parks can be found in every US state, we assign them into different categories.

When it comes to the East Coast, most people associate its forests with autumn. (I blame the Gilmore Girls.)

Though autumn sees great displays of slowly dying leaves and multi-color canopies, East Coast forests are just as stunning in the spring and summer.

From the Atlantic corridor to the Appalachian mountains, national parks on the East Coast are home to waterfalls, towering trees, and thousands of miles of hiking paths—and most are accessible from major cities.

But do you know which National Parks and forests are actually worth visiting? I’ve ranked some of my top choices for the East Coast’s most magical forests, from Maine down to South Carolina.

Acadia National Park, Maine

The National Parks Service calls Acadia the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. Part of its charm comes from its old-fashioned motor road trails and carriage roads.

But Acadia’s front-runner is its natural wonders. Quaint marshlands mingle with tall coniferous forests, which are interspersed with rocky outcroppings. Due to its northern climate, it’s definitely one of the more rugged national parks on the East Coast.

You’ll also notice initiatives between the National Park Service and the native Wabanaki people, which have launched projects based on traditional ecological knowledge in recent years.

In short: there’s a huge interest in preserving this park, and it shows.

Heading there? Check out these top-rated spots.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

New Hampshire rarely gets attention for its natural splendor—even if most of the state is covered in trees. White Mountain National Forest covers a stretch of 800,000 acres of undisturbed forest, lakes, streams, and fields.

I recommend visiting in late summer or early autumn, as this region is renowned around the world for its displays of colorful foliage. Or, if you’re a fan of winter sports, you can also take advantage of the park’s skiing trails (both downhill and cross country) and snow-shoe trails.

Here are some of the highest-rated lodgings nearby:

Pinelands National Reserve, New Jersey

Nobody thinks about nature when they think about New Jersey. But did you know that this state is home to the largest forested area on the Eastern Seaboard?

Enter the legendary pine barrens, which span 1.1 million acres. You read that correctly. 1.1 million. This area is preserved because of its unique ecology.

Here’s the short of it: pines and other sturdy fauna adapted to low-quality soil in this area over the course of millions of years. That means much of the local flora and fauna doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world, including carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant.

Pinelands national reserve is weird enough to have its own cryptid legend, too. The New Jersey Devil is a mythic beast that dwells within the Pine Barrens. (Yes, this is where the state’s NHL team got its name.)

If you’re thinking of visiting, this national reserve is only a two-hour drive from hotspots like New York City and DC.

Photo by lorimcm on Unsplash

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is another reachable gem from big cities like Washington DC. You’ve probably heard of this famous park before, immortalized in songs like ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.

Shenandoah is home to stretching Appalachian hills that extend into a misted horizon. Aside from the forest’s magical wonders, there’s one big reason this park is worth visiting: it’s designed for hosting all types of visitors.

Similar to Acadia, the Shenandoah National Park Association has done a crack job of preserving its natural wonders while also marking trails, campsites, and swimmable ponds for guests. If I had to choose from the parks on this list, Shenandoah would be my choice thanks to its accessibility and amenities.

Just make sure to reserve your place at this park’s campgrounds ahead of time—they’ll fill up fast. Or if you’ve missed your window, consider lodging at one of these top-rated spots:

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Forget the lackluster soil quality in the pine barrens. Further south, South Carolina is home to floodplains that deposit sediment from further inland.

Thanks to this annual flooding, Congaree National Park’s old-growth forests receive plenty of nutrients that keep its marshlands healthy.

This national park has been high on my list for a long time. Not only are the trails beautiful and well-maintained, but there are also fully remote campgrounds.

I imagine this park is dense with mosquitoes, so I might pass on the camping. But I’m impressed with the park management’s website—it’s more functional and helpful than others.

Planning a visit? Check out these hotels and lodgings.

Comfort in the Sky: Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Flights are getting longer (and more expensive) while the average size of plane seats is shrinking. The latter is a pain point that’s actually nothing new. While dozens of airlines are sampling novel passenger setups (like standing space or group seating arrangements), many travelers have started to focus on something else.

Comfort.

If you’re worried about comfort on long flights, you’re not alone. Worldwide, travelers are looking for ways to improve the flying experience, especially for intercontinental flights.

Even business-class tickets, exorbitant as they are, don’t yield much in the way of comfort anymore. Travelers are seeking to be smarter instead. They rely on gadgets, travel apps, old wives’ tales—anything that lets them de-board their plane feeling refreshed.

Though it might seem like a flippant idea to focus on comfort for a temporary flight, it actually matters in the long run. Let’s cover why you should focus on relaxation and which travel accessories you need to do that.

Why travel accessories matter

A long flight usually denotes a longer trip, one that could last weeks or even months. Long flights also tend to cost a small fortune, whether you’re heading to Hawaii, Bali, Johannesburg, Tokyo, or another spot far from the continental US.

The longer the flight, the more comfort matters.

First, because being more comfortable improves your ability to rest. You might even get some shut-eye, which can help you avoid difficult bouts of jet lag.

Second, a more restful flight enables you to hit the ground running upon arrival. Not only will you have the energy to dive straight into your latest adventure, but you’ll (ideally) experience less neck pain, back pain, and sore joints.

The basics

Before we dive into the travel accessories you need, let’s cover a few proactive tips for comfort. These should give you a little bit more control over what happens before you board the plane.

Tip #1: Book ahead of time and pay a bit more for a more comfortable seat. Depending on your needs, that might be an aisle seat, an emergency seat with more legroom, or a seat close to the bathroom (or far from it).

Tiip #2: If you fly exclusively with an airline, check if you have enough miles for an upgrade. This could see you move from the purgatory of the economy class into a heavenly business class seat.

Tip #3: Keep your carry-on bag as light as possible. More often than not, you’ll be stuffing this bag under the seat in front of you. By carrying a small bag with only the most necessary items, you can gift yourself more space from the get-go.

Photo by Mpumelelo Macu on Unsplash

Advanced prepping—electronics

These travel accessories will make an immediate difference in your level of comfort.

  • Bluetooth transmitter. Almost everyone has a pair of noise-canceling headphones these days. (Which I suggest you always bring on board.) But did you know there are little gadgets that connect your headphones to your in-seat TV? They’re called Bluetooth transmitters. I suggest going with the Twelve South Airfly SE.
  • Humidiflyer. This wonky-looking mask protects your throat and sinuses from the dry plane air. As someone who tends to lose their voice on long flights, I highly recommend this gadget. It’s not available on Amazon, but you can order directly from the supplier.
  • eReader. Readers who like to travel often face debates about whether to lug along a heavy book. I recommend opting for a Kindle or similar eReader if you like to read while traveling. The Kindle is the lightest option.
  • Battery pack. Keep your electronics charged on a long flight so that you’re able to take off when you touch down. Just make sure to look for quality battery packs, as some hold their charge better than others. I suggest using an Anker brand pack.

Advanced Prepping—Other travel accessories

These suggestions will help you stay healthy and happy while skybound.

  • Nasal spray: Protect your sinuses from recycled plane air—and help fight any colds floating around. I suggest using a flight-specific product like Intelligent Remedies.
  • Compression socks: Don’t worry—nobody has to know. If you struggle with circulation and face pins and needles sensations when you fly, compression socks will keep your feet warm and awake the whole time. Plus, they come in all sorts of exciting themes.
  • Foot hammock. Yes, you heard that correctly. A foot hammock hangs from the seat in front of you, letting you raise and rest your weary little legs. Basic Concepts has a pretty versatile option on Amazon.
  • Self–heating eye masks. These aren’t your ordinary eye masks. Not only is the gentle warming really relaxing, but it can also help prevent strain and release tension. Most are disposable. I’d recommend checking out options that are scented for added relaxation.

International Travel Apps for a Seamless Trip

Unless you’re joining a private tour for your next international trip, you’ll be doing most of the legwork. That means booking transportation and lodging, scheduling day trips and activities, and figuring out where to eat. It might even involve downloading a few international travel apps.

But even the most diligent planners and note-takers are prone to run into a few roadblocks while on vacation. Unexpected surprises like stomach bugs and missed connections happen to even the most prepared travelers.

And nothing ruins a vacation like a series of messy problems.

I can’t promise your next international trip will be seamless. But I do have suggestions about which international travel apps will simplify your trip. Let’s dive in.

For transportation: Rome2Rio & TripIt

  • Rome2Rio is a transportation planner that takes into account every possible option. That includes buses, trains, ferries, planes, and more. Not only does Rome2Rio make it easy to find an efficient path from Point A is to wherever Point B is, but it also takes cost into consideration. This app will help you save time, money, and sanity.
  • TripIt is a transportation and trip planner app that helps you keep your bookings organized. Simply upload your information and start forwarding your confirmation emails, from car rentals to connecting flights. From there, TripIt will create a functional and seamless itinerary.

For communication: Signal & Google Translate

  • Signal lets you stay in contact with your friends and family without opting for a pricey international service plan. Using encrypted channels, you can call, text, and send voice messages using Wi-Fi or standard data.
  • Google Translate is one of the most robust solutions for communicating across language boundaries. Plus, it has a photo function that lets you take pictures and then translate them in real time.

For health: The Jet Lag App & HealthTap

  • The Jet Lag App (aka Timeshifter) focuses on maintaining your sleep schedule when you travel to different time zones. This is particularly useful for anyone leaving the country for business or a major event, like a wedding. Simply enter your location information, along with your destination, then wait for tailored advice on how to sleep well.
  • HealthTap is a virtual healthcare app that can help when you’re in a bind. Getting sick while traveling internationally is never easy—especially when you start wondering if that tummy ache might signal something more severe. Using HealthTap, you can meet virtually with a US doctor who can help you decide if a medical intervention is necessary.

Photo by Javier Cañada on Unsplash

For spending: Oanda Currency Converter & ATM Fee Saver

  • Oanda Currency Converter is a financial planning tool that helps you budget when abroad. All you need to do is enter your budgetary data and where you’ll be heading. From there, Oanda Currency Converter suggests how much to take out in certain currencies.
  • ATM Fee Saver finds the ATM with the lowest withdrawal fees in your immediate area. This is especially useful when you’re heading to tourist-heavy zones. ATM fees are usually exorbitant, which means this app can help you save hundreds for longer trips.

For day-to-day usage: Google Maps & HappyCow

  • Google Maps is probably already downloaded to your phone—and you should keep it handy for international trips. I regularly use Google Maps to get around European cities when I travel. While it might not work quite as well beyond Europe and North America, it’s becoming more common worldwide.
  • HappyCow locates restaurants with vegan menus and options. Even if you’re not a vegan, this app might prove helpful. I know that when my tummy is a little woozy, the last thing I want is a slab of meat and cheese. In other words, you can use it to find healthy and simple meal options if you get the Bubble Guts while abroad.

For emergencies: International SOS Assistance App

  • International SOS Assistance App is able to patch you through to emergency services in case of emergency. Before you head out on your trip, make sure to upload where you’ll be heading and where you’re from. From there, the app will do the heavy lifting. The International SOS Assistance App also works as a resource for those who might need mental health services or advice on security measures while traveling internationally.