breathe magazine
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Summer issue 2010TRANSCRIPT
summer 2010 free! readbreathe.cominspiring active women
25Ways to Beat the Heat!
adrenaline
NOT JUST FOR THE HARDCORE
a swell timeWOMEN'S SURF CAMPS
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTUREflying solo
Barefoot FitnessSensational SmoothiesBlue Living
Keeps you warm, dry and comfortable.
POLARMAX.COM
MOISTURE WICKING
DRY
relaxedand athletic fit
ANTI-MICROBIAL
breathes • scent preventive • pill resistant • wicks awayperspiration and moisture • quick drying • clean seams
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TOP:4-Way StretchZip-Mock
BOTTOM:4-Way StretchCross-over V Tight
FEATURED STYLES:
3summer 2010
contents Summer 2010 • The Adventure Issue
breathe magazine
editor in chiefLindsey [email protected]
contributing writersAleigh AcerniKristin LunaColleen OakleyJayme OttoPatricia PoulinLaura PurcellKelly TurnerCristina SantiestevanKath Younger
copy editorBrooke Edge
art directorMegan Murphy
senior designerAmanda Powers
associate designer / contributing photographer
Christa Albano
IT directorCraig Snodgrass
publisherMartha [email protected]
presidentBlake [email protected]
account executivesDusty [email protected]
Martha [email protected]
Charles [email protected]
Leah [email protected]
business managerMelissa Gessler
contact us107 West Market StreetCharlottesville, VA 22902434.817.2755
56 College Street, Suite 303Asheville, NC 28801828.225.0868
© 2010 Summit Publishing, LLC.
To carry Breathe in your store call 434.817.2755.
cover© Corinne Krogh,Navitat Canopy Adventureswww.corinnekrogh.com
magazine
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features
Adrenaline TravelNot just for the hardcore
Surf's Up, Betty StyleThe scoop on women's surf camps
Don't Sweat It25 ways to beat the heat
Flying SoloChoose your own adventure
8
18
24
28
departmentsNUTRITION5 Smoothies: think outside the blender
FITNESS7 The benefits of going barefoot
HEALTH13 Food first-aid for summer
BREATHE IN14 Gear, beauty and style for the season
GREEN LIVING20 Going “blue”
BREATHEABILITY22 Megan Kearney, founder of Go Mama Go!
FAMILY30 Planes, trains and toddlers
24
Keeps you warm, dry and comfortable.
POLARMAX.COM
MOISTURE WICKING
DRY
relaxedand athletic fit
ANTI-MICROBIAL
breathes • scent preventive • pill resistant • wicks awayperspiration and moisture • quick drying • clean seams
100%
MADE IN
THE U
SA
TOP:4-Way StretchZip-Mock
BOTTOM:4-Way StretchCross-over V Tight
FEATURED STYLES:
4 readbreathe.com
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5summer 2010
nutrition SMOOTHIES
think outside the blenderBy Kath Younger
Who doesn’t love a cool, refreshing smoothie on a hot summer after-
noon? Bananas, frozen berries, milk and ice make the perfect fruity blend.
But why stop there? Smoothies are so versatile, and the mix-in possibilities
are endless! Here are a few non-traditional ingredients that will take you
on a smoothie adventure.
Oats: If you need some whole grains with your breakfast, why not just
blend them right in? Raw rolled oats make a great smoothie addition. Add
one-fourth cup of raw oats to your smoothie. They add a doughy taste
and a nice thickness to the blend. Oats are a whole grain packed with
fiber and will give you a steady source of energy throughout the morning.
COttage Cheese: Looking for real food protein sources? Skip the
expensive powders—a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese will turn your
smoothie into a cheesy, protein-packed snack. The subtle flavor is not too
far off from a fruity cheesecake.
Kale and spinaCh: Green smoothies are taking over the world. Not
only are they beautiful in color, but they’re packed with phytonutrients.
Don’t be afraid of greens—baby spinach is non-detectable in a banana-
based smoothie. Its natural sweetness blends right in. Start with a small
handful and add more as you learn to love “green monsters.” Kale is not
for the light of heart. Its flavor is slightly detectable, but it’s still a nutrient-
dense and healthy smoothie addition.
avOCadO: While we’re on the topic of green, avocado is a great way
to add a bit of healthy fats to your smoothie, helping to increase satiety.
About one fourth of an avocado provides four grams of healthy monoun-
saturated fats, two grams of fiber, and a handful of vitamins and minerals.
Avocado also makes a smoothie extra creamy—almost like ice cream!
Chia seeds: The world’s abuzz about chia seeds these days. Indeed the
seed of the classic chia pet, these nutritious pebble-like seeds are a good
source of omega-3 essential fatty acids along with soluble fiber, calcium
and phosphorous. Chia seeds gel in liquids, so they make a great addition
not only for their nutrient panel, but for the wonderful smooth texture
they add to a smoothie. Soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in your smoothie
liquid for five to ten minutes and blend away for a pudding-like treat.
pumpKin: It’s not just for pie! Pure canned pumpkin is rich in vitamins A
and E, and provides fiber and low-calorie, low-fat bulk to a smoothie. Add
one quarter cup of pumpkin along with cinnamon, banana, milk and ice
for an orange delight.
The addition of oats and cottage cheese to a banana smoothie tastes like banana cheesecake, and the extra bulk will keep you full
all morning. You won’t notice the spinach taste at all – promise!
ingredients1 small ripe banana • 1 cup baby spinach • ¼ cup raw oatmeal • ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese • 1 cup milk of your choice •
Handful of ice • 1 tsp cinnamon
directionsBlend together and eat with a spoon!
GREEN cHEESEcAkE SMOOTHIE
Smoothies don’t have to be sipped through straws! Pour your smoothie into a bowl, top with a sprinkle of granola and eat it like cereal with a spoon. It will slow you down and feel more like a complete meal.
Spooning
Kath Younger writes the popular healthy food blog Kath Eats Real Food, which you'll find at www.KathEats.com. Having lost over 30 pounds since graduating from col-lege, Kath is completing her dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian and is opening a Great Harvest Bread Company with her husband in Charlottesville, VA.
6 readbreathe.com
www.usnwc.org
Come experience outdoor adventure!
• Whitewater Rafting • Sit-on-top Kayaking • Adventure Course • Flatwater Kayaking • Mountain Biking • Climbing • Climb 2 Zip • Eco Trekking • Mega Zip • Mega Jump
NEW
NEW
NEW
www.runnersangel.com
7summer 2010
fitness FEET
therapy for the body and soleBy Kelly Turner
The thought of running around barefoot in the grass may conjure memories of childhood play, but people are leaving their stuffy gyms and running shoes in the dust to take fitness back to its roots, to move the body the way it was designed. Believe it or not, those fancy shoes may actually be hindering your performance, and your health. With warm weather here, now is the time for you to get in on this innovative, fun and surprisingly beneficial way to work up a sweat.
Going au naturel
While running barefoot might seem like
all fun and games, it has helped eliminate
knee, foot and Achilles pain where running
shoes cannot. Researchers have found that
those who run in shoes land on the heel of
their foot, causing an impact of up to two
to three times the runner’s body weight.
Multiply that impact with each step you
take on a long run and it’s no wonder avid
runners are often plagued by repetitive
stress injuries. Those who run barefoot,
however, tend to land on the ball of their
foot, which generates almost no collision
force at all. Because of this change in
Kelly Turner is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and health and fitness writer from Seattle, WA. Get weekly fitness tips from Kelly on her blog Fitness Fridays at readbreathe.com.
strike, people can run barefoot on some of
the hardest surfaces and not feel any pain
or discomfort while many shoe runners
experience constant knee or foot pain.
Not a runner? You can still reap the
benefits of barefoot fitness:
- - - - - - -
Yoga
Standing poses that need to be held for an
extended period of time (such as tree and
dancer), are a great way to challenge your
feet and gain overall health.
Pilates
The reformer, or trapeze table, works your
feet through their full range of motion
against resistance. Joseph Pilates, the
founder of Pilates exercise, recognized
the importance of foot health and even
developed two pieces of equipment just for
your piggies—the Toe Tensometer and the
Foot Corrector.
Targeted exercises
Build balance, strength and control with
the following two exercises. No fancy
equipment required… just you and a towel.
1. Sit with your legs out straight and loop a
towel around the arches of both feet. Hold
the towel in both hands, gently pulling it
toward you and stretching the arches of the
foot. Provide a little bit of resistance using
the towel and slowly, steadily point your
toes. Repeat.
2. Lay a towel flat on the floor and place
your toes at the edge. Repeatedly scrunch
your toes, pulling the towel towards you,
until you reach the end of the towel.
Smooth it back out and repeat.
get the gear: SHOES WITH BAREFOOT BENEFITS
Vibram Five Fingers Sprint:
$80 · vibramfivefingers.com.
Nike Free Run+:
$85 · store.nike.com.
Vivo Barefoot Shoes Isis:
$110 · terraplana.com.
training tip: Because of our history, in order to
safely run barefoot we must undo years
of bad habits. Since most Americans grow
up wearing shoes and are used to running
and walking striking heel first, barefoot
running should be eased into by
alternating shoe and barefoot runs,
and starting out on soft surfaces
like grass and sand.
PHO
TO ©
iStockphoto.com/w
ebphotographeer
8 readbreathe.com
ADRENALINETRAVEL
Kiteboarding in Aruba...
It's Not Just For The Hardcore. All you need is an adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude to tackle this popular destination travel phenom. Surprised? Read on.
by JAYME OTTO
PAUL LANG PHOTOGRAPHY
9summer 2010
appelling is not actually hard.
Wearing a harness attached to a
rope, you pretty much just back
your way down a rock wall, or in my case, down
a 65-foot ravine into the Camuy River. The hard
part occurred in the river after the rappel, in
which I was to remove the harness and reattach
it to the rope, so my guide could pull it back up.
Unclipping from the harness was trickier than it
sounded, since the water was over my head and
intent on sweeping me downstream.
I suppose I could have just spent my time
in Puerto Rico lying on the beach, engaging
in the ever-popular brand of tourism I like to
call “sand snooze travel.” But I’d chosen the
opposite experience—adrenaline travel. This
involved heading inland with friends and two
guides to trek to Resurgence Cave, a 45-million-
year-old limestone cavern where the Rio Camuy
resurfaces after flowing underground for 10
miles.
Here was our plan. Once we’d all rappelled
into the river, we would float down to the
water-only entrance to the cave, and explore
its innards. Inside, we’d flip on our headlamps,
dodge the resident bats and investigate
Resurgence’s seemingly infinite chambers,
moving between them by crawling on our
knees and elbows, squeezing through vertical
cracks, and sliding down (and slithering up)
mudslides. Impressed, aren’t you?
Before you write me off as an adrenaline
junkie, a hardcore athlete or a super freak, hear
this: I am a cheerleader from Ohio. Cleveland,
to be precise. And yes, Cleveland rocks,
but offers very little in the ways of outdoor
adventure experience. Need more evidence?
People explore Resurgence Cave every day
during the high season, including children
as young as eight. As a matter of fact, this
particular caving trek can be booked through
the San Juan Marriott, and includes a shuttle
service to and from the hotel and a bagged
lunch.
The secret about adrenaline travel is that
the trips sound much more dangerous than they
actually are (thus a great way to impress your
friends and family). Competent local guides and
safety equipment go a long way to mitigate the
majority of the risk.
Case in point: even as I waited for my
friends to join me at the base of the rappel into
the Rio Camuy, struggling to get my harness off
and fretting about being carried prematurely
into the Resurgence Cave, I never felt afraid.
The water may have been over my head, but
I certainly wasn’t in over my head considering
I was wearing a life jacket. Plus, one of our
guides had rappelled down first, and was there
in the water to lend a helping hand.
Another little-known fact is that most
adrenaline travel excursions require no
experience, no special skills and minimal athletic
ability. The Resurgence Cave trip requires
participants to be less than 280 pounds, but
that’s only because they couldn’t fit though
some of the cave’s cracks otherwise. As an
adventure traveler, your legwork involves
hunting down the best guide service, not
obtaining any certifications or getting into the
best shape of your life.
As Kavel, one of my guides, said, adrenaline
travel is all about feeling the surge, without
actually taking a significant risk. If you’re
physically fit and not afraid to try new things,
this type of experiential travel might just
become your new obsession.
Dare to get bit by the adrenaline travel bug? Check out these unforgettable trips:
KITEBOARDINGin ArubaCombining surfing, wakeboarding and
paragliding, the exhilarating sport of
kiteboarding relies on wind caught by kites to
propel surfers across the ocean. Thanks to major
equipment advances over the past few years,
being attached to a giant kite is no longer a
dangerous proposition. “Depowering” the kite
is as simple as releasing the handle, and there
is now an appropriate kite size for nearly every
suitable wind speed.
With warm, flat water and plenty of wind,
Aruba is emerging as one of the best beginner-
friendly kiting sites in the world. Equipment
rentals and lessons come prepackaged, and
recent gear improvements mean less of a
learning curve. Look for a program that’s
affiliated with the International Kiteboarding
Organization (IKO), uses the latest gear and
provides helmets.
WHITEWATERRAFTINGin ColoradoRiver rafting conjures images of relentless rapids
thundering through a canyon, tossing brawny
paddlers and their inflatable watercrafts through
stomach-dropping hydraulics. But just like there
are differences between ripples and waves, so
are there distinctions between Class II rapids,
which even children can negotiate with a guide,
and Class VI rapids, for professionals only.
RIVER RUNNERS, WHITEWATER.NET
ROLL WITH IТ
LET’S GET OUTSIDE™
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LOTTA This eco-conscious sandal, featuring QForm®
Comfort technology, is up for any adventure.
MERRELL PROUDLY SUPPORTS
Client MerrellJob number MER0371Job name Breathe Magazine
ColorsCyan
Keyline to print NO
Magenta
Yellow Black
Spot Spot
Spot Spot
PUBLICATION AND/OR PRINTER NOTE: The printing material for this insertion/printed piece is to be examined carefully upon receipt. If material is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact Traffic at Jager Di Paola Kemp Design immediately: 802.864.5884 (fax 802.863.8803). ALL MECHANICALS AND ARTWORK SHOULD BE RETURNED UPON COMPLETION TO: Jager Di Paola Kemp 47 Maple St. Burlington VT 05401-4784 USAScale 1:1
11summer 2010
The Arkansas River, the darling of
whitewater, lures thousands of adrenaline
travel-minded folks to Colorado each spring
and summer. Guide companies have been here
since the 1970s, many of them still in operation,
creating one of the safest, most experienced
whitewater scenes in the country. Choose from
1.5-hour family floats on Class I-II rapids in
Buena Vista, to half-day excursions navigating
the Class IV-V rapids in Canon City’s Royal
Gorge, to everything in between.
CANYONEERINGin ArizonaBesides caves, canyons represent one of the
last great, unexplored frontiers of America.
Narrow gorges with multiple layers and
sculpted walls of limestone, sandstone, granite
and basalt, sometimes laced with waterfalls,
You don’t need to go far from home to get in
on adrenaline travel. the following outfitters
offer world-class experiences in our neck of
the woods.
River ExpeditionsThere’s a reason River Expeditions has been voted
the best in West Virginia. Located in the heart of
New River Gorge National Park, River Expeditions
offers adventurers everything from family-fun
rivers to extreme expeditions, and all on the famed
Appalachian wildwaters, with more than 70 years
of combined outfitting experience.
RAFTINGINFO.cOM
Terrapin AdventuresOnly 30 minutes from Baltimore, Annapolis and
Washington DC, Maryland’s Terrapin Adventures
offers nearly every adrenaline activity imaginable.
From zip-lining and ropes courses to river tubing
and geo-caching, consider this your one-stop shop
for outdoor invigoration.
TERRAPINADVENTURES.cOM
Navitat Canopy AdventuresNew this spring, Navitat takes guests on three-hour
canopy tours in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located
just 20 minutes north of Asheville, Navitat features
zip lines, rappels and sky-bridges created by Bonsai
Design, Inc., the leader in US canopy tour design
and construction.
NAVITAT.cOM
LOCALADVENTURE
exit strategy: Descending the Terrapin Tower headfirst down the "Rainbow Serpent" at Terrapin Adventures.
TERRAPIN
AD
VEN
TURES
©iStockphoto.com
/Primeop76
ROLL WITH IТ
LET’S GET OUTSIDE™
merrell.com
LOTTA This eco-conscious sandal, featuring QForm®
Comfort technology, is up for any adventure.
MERRELL PROUDLY SUPPORTS
Client MerrellJob number MER0371Job name Breathe Magazine
ColorsCyan
Keyline to print NO
Magenta
Yellow Black
Spot Spot
Spot Spot
PUBLICATION AND/OR PRINTER NOTE: The printing material for this insertion/printed piece is to be examined carefully upon receipt. If material is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact Traffic at Jager Di Paola Kemp Design immediately: 802.864.5884 (fax 802.863.8803). ALL MECHANICALS AND ARTWORK SHOULD BE RETURNED UPON COMPLETION TO: Jager Di Paola Kemp 47 Maple St. Burlington VT 05401-4784 USAScale 1:1
LET’S GET OUTSIDE™
merrell.com
QForm® Comfort is found throughout Merrell’s women’s collection.
The neutral-density zone moves pressure to the outer part of your foot for comfort
3
Additional cushioning targets peak pressure zones
5
A specially designed midsole guides your foot for a smoother stride
2
Merrell® air cushion absorbs shock and centers your heel
1
A firmer section in the midsole keeps your foot from rolling too far
4
1
2
3
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Women have wider hips and a lower center of gravity, so the Q-Angle between your hips and knees is more pronounced. Merrell’s women’s-specific QForm® Comfort technology compensates for this, reducing foot roll with every step.
4
MECH BY
Client MerrellJob number MER0371Job name Breathe mag ad
ColorsCyan
Keyline to print NO
Magenta
Yellow Black
Spot Spot
Spot Spot
PUBLICATION AND/OR PRINTER NOTE: The printing material for this insertion/printed piece is to be examined carefully upon receipt. If material is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact Traffic at Jager Di Paola Kemp Design immediately: 802.864.5884 (fax 802.863.8803). ALL MECHANICALS AND ARTWORK SHOULD BE RETURNED UPON COMPLETION TO: Jager Di Paola Kemp 47 Maple St. Burlington VT 05401-4784 USAScale 1:1
12 readbreathe.com
mark the stomping ground of the canyoneer. These modern day pioneers
combine navigation and route finding skills with hiking, scrambling,
climbing, rappelling, anchoring and swimming to descend into and explore
canyons using a hodgepodge of gear from other sporting disciplines. As
canyoneering’s popularity increases, more specialized equipment is being
invented and manufactured, such as all-terrain shoes and waterproof bags
for stashing sensitive gear and cameras.
Slot canyons carved hundreds of feet deep into ancient stone are hidden
throughout the Arizona desert. Some of the most photographic ravines
in the world are found here, offering startling scenery akin to something
you’d expect to find in outer space. Look for an Arizona guide company
committed to Leave No Trace practices.
ZIP-LININGin Costa RicaZip-lining has made its way out of backyard tree forts and into the rainforest
canopy. The zip line itself is a pulley that runs on an inclined cable, allowing
you to Tarzan your way from point A to point B using gravity. In order to
ensure adrenaline travel aficionados fly through the air safely, zip lines
include a harness attached to the cable. Along with the harness, zippers also
wear thick leather gloves, allowing them to break, and a helmet.
Costa Rica popularized the concept, banking on the fact that eco-
tourists would want to spend time up in the canopy, where two-thirds of a
typical rainforest’s species live. With breathtaking lines reaching more than
100-feet tall, and canopy tour operations in or close by every major tourist
area in the country, Costa Rica remains one of the best places to zip on
earth. •
Jayme Otto lives and writes in the playground known as Boulder, CO. More at JaymeOtto.com
A woman zips through the rainforest on a Swiss Travel canopy tour arranged by the Marriott Hotels and Resorts of Costa Rica.
IMAGE COURTESY MARRIOTT HOTELS AND RESORTS OF COSTA RICA
©Justin Lichter w
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BREATHE HERE TOO!
LOOk FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF BREATHE MAGAZINE IN Fall 2010 FEATURING
nature+ nurture
13summer 2010
health FOOD FIRST-AID
medicine cabinet or kitchen cabinet? stock up on these natural remedies to help prevent and cure what ails you this summer.By Colleen Oakley
mosquito bitesThere’s nothing more dreadful
than the drone of a mosquito
in the dead of summer, except
for the itch of their bites.
orangesEat a couple of these juicy summer fruits right
before you are planning to go outside. Those pesky
little creatures don’t like citrus and will stay away
when they smell it on you.
baking sodaMix three parts baking soda with one part water to
create a paste and apply to the itch. The drying nature
of baking soda can help draw out the irritant.
sunburnOuch! You wanted a little
color, but now look like a
lobster.
tomatoes Supplement your sunscreen habit with lycopene-rich
tomatoes. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that
gives tomatoes their red color, can actually keep you
from turning red. Adding more tomato-based dishes
to your diet can help protect your skin from within.
apple cider vinegarRun a cool bath and add the vinegar to the water. “This
helps restore the acid/alkaline balance to the skin and
helps remove the sting,” says Naturalist Becky Kemery.
bee stings Even if you’re not allergic, the
sting of a yellow jacket is no
picnic.
stand stillSo, it’s not something you can keep in your first-aid
kit, but it’s still good advice. Bees sting defensively
and are frightened by sudden movements. As hard
as it is not to flail, stay calm and they should leave
you alone.
ice It’s the most effective way to take the bite out of a bee
sting instantly. For kids (or you child-like adults) check
out the Buzzy, a fun, reusable device that holds ice
and lightly vibrates to reduce bee sting pain ($24.99,
buzzy4shots.com).
allergiesRagweed, pollen and other
allergens are in the air.
Ah-choo!
honeyBuy honey from your local farmers market (local is
key because it means the pollen bees are collecting
comes from the vegetation in your area). Take a
teaspoon of honey a few times a day and you’ll
build up your resistance to local allergens.
limesMake some fresh limeade or squeeze lime into your
drinking water every day. Lime possesses anti-allergen
properties that can help relieve your itchy, watery
symptoms.
over-heatingAs the days get longer, the sun
gets hotter—and so do you.
water, water, water!You should drink at least 64 ounces a day,
particularly when you’re going to be out in the sun.
salt Milder forms of heat exhaustion can be remedied by
noshing on salty snacks (like pretzels) to replace the
salt that has been lost through sweating. Make sure
you also drink plenty of water and find a cool spot
to rest quietly. Remember, if the person is incoherent,
unconscious or lethargic, always call 911, as medical
intervention may be necessary.
yeast infectionsSeriously, is there anything
worse about being a woman?
yogurtEat this dairy product daily and its live cultures will
help fight the bad fungi that cause yeast infections.
garlic Sure, it’s pungent, but it’s a wonder drug when it comes
to curing yeast infections. Whip out those recipes that
contain lots, or you can insert a garlic clove into the
vagina every few hours for soothing relief.
prevent it cure it the problem
14 readbreathe.com
breathein style
clutches with a conscienceKeep it simple this summer with the perfect grab-and-go accessory.
When you buy this sophisticated
clutch—which was woven by a
women’s co-op in the Phillipines—
Kayu donates part of the purchase
price to help women entrepreneurs
in developing countries. Rachel
Clutch, $130 • kayudesign.com
Make an eco-chic
statement with stained
(and sustainable) bamboo.
Bamboo Block Clutch,
$50 • raw-bags.com
Keep your Kindle, Netbook or iPad protected in
this eco-friendly, clutch-style sleeve designed by
Kailo Chic. $24.99 • shopnuo.com and in-store
at Staples and Office Max
Mar Y Sol creates bags that give back, supporting communities
in Kenya and Madagascar. Carry this one as a clutch or fold it
open for a larger tote. $79 • shopmarysol.com
We love OlovesM! Their mindful designs use recycled yoga
mats—high-impact fashion, low impact on the Earth. Eco
Clutch, $25 • olovesm.com
15summer 2010
breathein gear
traveling pantsWhat’s a camping trip without a pair of
creek-friendly knickers? Patagonia sets the
standard with their Borderless Capris, pants
that function as beautifully as they fashion.
Drawcords at the leg cutoffs prevent
slippage while articulated knee patches
provide unrestricted movement. Made from
a stretchy nylon fabric, the capris both
wick moisture and provide 40-UPF sun
protection. A zippered security pocket on
the right thigh adds extra stashability to
a pair of already generous pants, sporting
two front and two back pockets. We can’t
resist “Fusion Sunset,” a standout orange-
red. $65 • patagonia.com
woman vs. wildOur gear picks for summer will make you one happy camper.
paCK mentalitYMountain Hardware has mastered
women’s specific backpack design with the
new Nalu 60. The perfect size for a couple
of days out in the wild, Nalu features soft-
edge shoulder straps that manage to be
both light and supportive, not to mention
(gasp!) actually comfortable. After
experiencing Nalu’s externally accessed
hydration sleeve, we’ll never be able to
live without this feature again. $230 •
mountainhardwear.com
pure and simpleNo need to let giardia come between you
and the trail with Hydro-Photon’s latest
water purification technology. The SteriPEN
AdventurerOpti weighs only 3.6 oz, but delivers
big time, using ultra-violet light to make safe
drinking water in as little as 48 seconds by
destroying viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The
six-inch AdventurerOpti is low-profile enough to
stash in your pack as a backup, even if you’re
carrying in your water, and also functions as an
LED flashlight. $99.95 • steripen.com
hOt seatCamping chairs have always been an
engineering challenge, making trade-offs
between comfort, weight, and pack-down
size. Last summer, one company finally
got it right. Alite’s Monarch Camp Chair
puts all others to shame as the coolest,
coziest, most packable chair ever known
to (wo)man. Designed with only two
legs, Monarch manages to feel stable and
supportive, while also functioning as a
rocking chair. With this level of comfort,
you’d expect compromises in portability,
but the chair weighs only a pound and
packs down to the size of a burrito, albeit
a large San Francisco-style one. $59.99 •
alitedesigns.com
girl pOwerFor high-tech gals, the new
must-have pack gadget is
Energizer’s Energi To Go SP1000.
Weighing in at just 5.4 oz, this
solar-powered rechargeable
power pack repowers any cell
phone, GPS unit, iPod or MP3
player, and fits in your pocket.
Set it in the sun for six hours
and, voila! Portable power for
those technical toys you can’t
leave home without. $49.99 •
energizer.com
16 readbreathe.com
How high is
perseverance?
You can measure the square footage of UVA’s new Hand Center, a “green”
facility designed with the patient in mind. What can’t be measured is the
comfort of knowing you have ready access to skilled clinicians and advanced
technology to diagnose and treat sports-related injuries of the hand, wrist,
arm and elbow – all under one roof. The region’s best specialty care is now
within reach. Call 982.HAND to learn more or visit uvahealth.com/hand.
Come bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way
to the Beech...Beech Mtn that is; and help us change the face of Arthritis in the Carolinas!!RegistRation: $75 for both days or $50 for 1 day
It’s more than just a ride......its about changing lives.
FoR MoRe inFoRMation: Arthritis.org/Carolinasor 2010CarolinasBlueRidgeClassic.kintera.org
Banner Elk,North Carolina
August 6-7, 2010
4th ANNuAl
17summer 2010
breathein beauty
beauty tip: “The proper amount of
sunscreen for an area of the body is
enough to fill a shot glass. Don’t skimp
on the amount you use. If you worry
about looking like an oil slick, carry
some blotting papers. Disposable toilet
seat covers work great in a pinch!”
~Samantha Smith, Makeup Artist,
SamanthaAlexandra.com
natural skin protection for sun worshipersSun protection is key year-round, but especially in the summer,
when you’re more likely to be outdoors. We’re not fans of
gunky, chemical-based sunscreen, so we’ve pulled together a
list of options with natural sun-blockers like titanium dioxide
and zinc oxide. They’ll keep your skin from getting fried and
they won’t feel heavy.
We’ve loved every John masters Organics
product we’ve tried, and this Natural
Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is no exception.
It’ll keep your skin protected and lightly
moisturized. You can even use it on top
of your regular moisturizer—it’s that light.
$32, JohnMasters.com and Whole Foods
Markets nationwide
For sun protection and moisture, try Lavender Moisture Plus Lotion
with SPF 18 from avalon Organics. With skin-calming ingredients
like organic lavender, licorice root, turmeric and arnica, it’s OK to
use on your body and your face. $16.95, AvalonOrganics.com
marie veronique Organics’ Moisturizing Face
Screen Plus comes in three shades to give your skin
perfectly matched, light coverage and complete
spectrum protection (SPF 30) without chemicals,
fillers or fragrances. $45, MVOrganics.com
With Juice Beauty’s
SPF 30 Mineral Sheer
Moisturizer, you get
full spectrum sun
protection paired
with certified organic
white grape and
pomegranate juices
and antioxidants
for skin protection
that also keeps
your skin looking
youthful. Win! $29,
Beautorium.com
If you’ve managed to get
sunburned even though you’ve
been slathering on the SPF, try
petite marie’s Radiance Elixir,
a lightweight, emollient serum
to speed up your skin’s healing
process. Wear it under your
regular moisturizer or alone. $30,
JulieGabriel.com
18 readbreathe.com
here is something about summer that
awakens the spirit and induces a sense
of wanderlust. Who doesn’t enjoy
spending a day at the beach soaking up the
sun’s warmth upon your skin and feeling the
fresh saltwater mist in your hair? Growing up
there was nothing better than digging my toes
into the sand as the brisk ocean water rolled
over my legs, that is of course until I learned of
the adventure that awaits beyond the breaking
waves. How many summers have you sat upon
your beach blanket with your umbrella pitched
reading a novel while longingly watching the
glistening water? You could see the tanned
bodies of surfers sitting on their surfboards
waiting ever so patiently for that perfect wave
to come their way in an almost Zen-like state.
Surfing has been a way of life since it was
first observed within the Polynesian culture
around the late 1700s. Today, this captivating
art form has become a sport accessible to
all ages and genders; all that’s required is an
adventurous enthusiasm and a love (or at
least like) for water. Surfing exudes a carefree
lifestyle while posing a physical challenge quite
unlike any other sport. Learning to surf can be
a challenge, but the sweet reward of catching
your first wave and watching the ocean move
underneath you is what will, without a doubt,
keep you coming back for more.
If you have ever thought about stepping
away from the shoreline and paddling out
into the waves, why not make this summer
your time to trade in that beach blanket and
umbrella for a surfboard and a few lessons?
Women’s surf camps have been popping up
for several years now and offer an exceptional
learning environment under the guidance
of experienced and knowledgeable surf
instructors. Whether you’re looking to one day
paddle out at Pipeline with Lisa Anderson or just
looking for a summer adventure that’s out of
the ordinary, these camps offer a chance for you
to get away from it all and enjoy the sun, sand,
surf and camaraderie of like-minded ladies.
Whether you convince your closest
girlfriends to join you or not, one of the best
things about the camps is you will never be
alone. As the sport continues to grow, so do
the number of women who are stepping out
of their comfort zones and into the arena of
extreme adventure sports and travel. So, if
you’re ready to make this your year to give
surfing a shot, here are a few things to keep in
mind while narrowing down your choices.
Surf's Up,Betty StyleLooking for a swell time? Women's surf camps are where it's at.
by PATRICIA POULIN
surfer girl: Riding the waves at Las Olas.Las OLas surf safaris
19summer 2010
in season and in budget.Many surf camps run seasonally, so do your research to
see what’s available within your time frame and price
range. If there’s a beach and breaking waves, there’s
usually a surf school within close proximity. So if jetting
off to an exotic locale is not in the cards for you this year,
rest assured you may be able to find a one-day clinic
or weekend camp that isn't thousands of miles away.
The National Surf Schools and Instructors Association
(nssia.org) offers a listing of accredited surf schools and
instructors located in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast.
Often times there will be weekend clinics available that
you would never find advertised online. These clinics
are a great way to find out if surfing is the sport for you
without spending too much money while doing so.
on the level.If you are already a proficient surfer and want to expand
your experience while learning new techniques, make
sure the camp you choose offers lessons that will
continue to challenge you. Different camps and clinics
cater to different levels of ability. The experience won't
be as enjoyable if you find that you’re levels above
everyone else at the camp, so be sure to be honest in
evaluating your skills and express your desires as to
what you want to accomplish technically to the staff
before you sign up. On the other hand, if you’re new
to the sport, be certain that the camp you attend has
lessons and training specific to the beginner. Most
camp attendees are somewhere between the beginners’
level and the experienced surfer. New surfers are most
always welcome and you certainly won’t be learning by
yourself.
fit for the tides.After your first day of surfing, you’ll find that your body’s
using muscles you may have never realized existed! If
you’re looking to condition before leaving for your trip
or clinic, building your endurance is one of the best ways
to prepare your body. Surfing uses 85 percent upper
body to get you into the wave but once you’re up, you
have to depend on your lower body for balance and
maneuvering of the board. Many surfers will add regular
running and stretching exercises to their daily regime.
Starting a circuit-training program about four to six
weeks before your surfing safari will help strengthen
your core and prevent unnecessary injuries. If your
typical core workout consists of crunches or sit-ups,
keep at it but also consider adding exercises for the
chest, shoulders, back, hips and glutes. Exercises such as
one-legged squats and vertical jumps (done in 30-second
intervals with a short break in between) will not only
strengthen your lower back, but also improve your
balance.
No matter how you go about it, learning to surf is
an exciting experience and definitely an adventure you’ll
never forget. It’s all about having fun, so get out there
this summer and push your limits. Who knows where it
may lead in the water, and in life? •
Patricia Poulin cultivated a passion for the great outdoors and adventure travel early in life. From working as a surf instructor in Costa Rica to sailing the British Virgin Islands with high school students, Patricia continues to experience the world while encouraging readers to actualize their own dreams.
Surf Diva Surf School Sweet spot: Holds weekend and
weeklong clinics for women; books
bachelorette parties for the bride-to-be
and up to 25 friends.
LA JOLLA, cA SURFDIVA.cOM
Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women Sweet spot: Seven days of surfing bliss
with oceanfront villas, daily yoga on the
beach and a private, one-hour massage.
SAYULITA, NAYARIT, MEXIcO
SURFLASOLAS.cOM
Surf and Adventure Company Sweet spot: Partners with Billabong for a
two-day Chicas Camp in the summer.
VIRGINIA BEAcH, VA
SURFANDADVENTURE.cOM
Wrightsville Beach Surf CampSweet spot: Their women’s Yoga Surf
Retreat features daily yoga on the beach,
a three-to-one student/instructor ratio
and a tour of the east coast’s only Sea
Turtle Hospital.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEAcH, Nc
WBSURFcAMP.cOM
Getting schooledJO
HN
YAOA bachelorette having a blast on the beach.
A happy camper catching a wave.
Villa with a view.
Las O
Las su
rf safa
ris
20 readbreathe.com
green living WATER
feeling blueBy Cristina Santiestevan
Water, water everywhere? It’s
hard to believe, but water is a
terribly limited resource. Although
water covers approximately
three-quarters of our planet,
only a fraction of a percent
of this is actually accessible to
us as drinking water. Between
population growth, pollution,
climate change and wasteful
practices, we could be heading
toward a global water crisis.
You can do your part by living
a blue lifestyle, learning more
about water resources and sharing
your knowledge with family and
friends.
save water without buying a thing.There are plenty of quick and easy (and free!) ways to reduce your water consumption around
the house and in your daily life. Here are a few of our favorites.
in the bathroom:
Fill a gallon jug with water, seal it and place it in your toilet tank away from all the moving
parts. This reduces the amount of water your toilet uses on each flush.
in the garden:
Water your lawn and garden in the evening after the heat of the day has faded.
in the kitchen:
Skip pre-rinsing the dishes. This can save as much as 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load,
and will save you some time, too.
in the laundry room:
Wash only full loads. This can cut your washing machine’s water use by as much as half.
while out and about:
Use reusable water bottles.
on tap
For the price of a single six-pack of soda, you can refill an eight-ounce glass of water from your tap approximately 15,000 times.
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21summer 2010
drink for thoughtDid you know that it requires about two gallons of
water to make a single plastic water bottle? With
the average American purchasing 216 half-liter
bottles every year, and considering that there are
307 million of us, this adds up to about 130 billion
gallons of water every year just to make the
plastic bottles!
Learn more about water conservation, why it matters and what we can all do to help:
• water.org
• globalwaterchallenge.org
• cleanwateraction.org
• nrdc.org/water
• environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater
best bottle buysThere’s an overwhelming
variety of reusable water
bottles on the market
today. Two of our favorites
are the classic aluminum
bottles from SIGG and
the glass bottles from
Lifefactory. Both bottles
are completely BPA-free,
attractive and easily cleaned
in the dishwasher. SIGG’s
narrow-mouth aluminum
bottles are easy to drink
from, weigh almost nothing
when empty and come in
an array of designs to please
every palate. Lifefactory’s
bottles weigh a bit more,
but their clear glass bodies
and vibrant silicone sleeves
are pleasingly hip. Plus, the
wide mouth easily allows for
adding lemon wedges and
ice cubes to your drink.$24.99
mysigg.com$21.99
lifefactory.com
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22 readbreathe.com
breatheability
q&a: Megan KearneyCoach and Founder of go mama go! By Laura Purcell
You can find Megan Kearney in her bliss on Sunday mornings. As the sun rises, Megan and 20 other women hoot and holler on their bikes, disturbing no one but the cows on the farm-studded back roads of Harford County, MD, just north of Baltimore. Megan founded the race team Go Mama Go! in 2007 to train women to compete in triathlons and other multi-sport events. Certified by the USA Triathlon League, "Coach K." helps women make themselves stronger through running, biking and swimming competitively, and is redefining what a triathlete looks like.
You started competing in triathlons 10
years ago—what inspired you?
Triathlon was an easy progression; I was a swim
coach who had just wrapped up my college
sport career. I enjoyed mountain biking and
running. Putting the three together in a race
worked perfectly for me.
what’s the story behind go mama go! ?
When I started triathlon, I was cool with
training and racing alongside competitive men.
That was me. For other women, I learned that
wasn’t necessarily the case. I started to meet
more and more women who were intimidated
and held themselves back due to fear and
stereotypes of what a triathlete should be or
look like. In 2007, some of my group fitness
clients asked me what I was doing to stay in
shape post-baby. When I said triathlons, they
were intrigued and asked if I would train them.
The rest is history.
how many races do you compete in a year?
I try to compete in at least one triathlon race a
year. That said, there have been years—between
babies, jobs and house renovations—that I have
taken off from racing, but I always continue to
train. It’s in my blood and I need it for my own
peace of mind. This year, I’m racing early so that
I can focus on the team for the most important
races. I will probably do some running races and
a couple of rides if I can, but I will stay flexible.
That’s the name of the game in motherhood!
what’s your morning routine?
My swim partner motivates me. Knowing
that someone is waiting on you to show up is
a huge motivator. Most mornings we are up
at 4:30, so that I can coach the team at 6am
I am also motivated just to get ahead of the
day—working out before everyone else is up
just makes me feel like I got my time in, so I
can say, “Now what can I do for you?”
how do you unwind?
My goal is inner calm, so I can be focused
and present for my children and my husband.
I enjoy reading books and listening to music.
Massage, meditation, prayer and journaling
help center me. I like the outdoors and
hiking. I really enjoy yoga and am in the
process of getting certified to teach.
what’s your routine the night before a
race?
I usually try to get in a little activity on
the actual racecourse. I grab a light carb
meal with lean protein, do a bike check,
lay out my clothes and finish with mental
visualization and relaxation drills. Zen racing
is the key—visualizing the race start to finish
and overcoming any obstacles you can
imagine helps keep race anxiety at bay.
how do you keep up your training with
three kids?
My husband and I are experts at coordinating
schedules so that we can fit in training, and
we alternate mornings. We even use our
iCal to schedule the training. Once a week,
a relative watches the kids so we can do
one workout together. I do the rest with the
kids in tow or indoors. I invested in a trainer
for my bike when I first started and it is the
greatest! I also have a treadmill and I weight
train at home. It’s not as hard as everyone
thinks and even the kids do it with me. The
biggest step is making it a priority. Once you
make that commitment, you just find the
time to do it.
what advice do you have for someone
who’s not terribly athletic but interested
in a new challenge?
Anyone can do this and it doesn’t take giving
up your life to do so. Taking your time,
learning the skills and balancing it with your
life will not only help you cross the finish line,
it will give you fitness for a lifetime.
what’s next?
Getting ready for an exciting season with
a projected team of 75 women, and we’ve
been really fortunate to catch the eye of
some national sponsors. We also hope to
host our first children’s event this summer.
Personally, I will finally be racing in the
Eagleman Half Ironman in Cambridge, MD.
An injury and a pregnancy deferred my
registration for two years—this year, I am
going to make it!
KEV
IN K
EARN
EY
Megan racing at IronGirl.
Learn BaLance In THe WaTer
You’ll stop struggling and swimming will become
effortless.
Be FLexIBLe Sometimes stressing over your
workout and getting it done will have the opposite effect.
IncLude yoGa and STrenGTH TraInInG Both are invaluable tools for injury prevention and
performance.
23summer 2010
828-626-3700 navitat.com
Soar through the treetops on sturdy zip lines, traverse sky bridges, and rappel
in the mountains only 20 minutes north of Asheville. Totally tree-based, it is
a sculpture in the woods, built with environmental respect for minimal impact.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
zip-a-deedoo-dah!
24 readbreathe.com
dive inSign up for an Immersion Tour at the
National Aquarium and you’ll be up close
and personal with bottlenose dolphins
in their cool water habitat. $195 for 2 ½
hours, Baltimore, MD, aqua.org
25
don'tways to keep yourcool this summer By Colleen Oakley
fan-aticThe O-2 Cool Tower Misting
Fan has two fans, two speeds
and awesome misting action
to keep the sweat off your
brow. $49.99, target.com
tea timeThe new afternoon tea at The Ritz in Atlanta offers
five refreshing iced tea flavors. Sweeten the deal by
having your selection poured over cotton candy! $4
per tea, ritzcarlton.com/atlanta
ride the rapidsYou don’t have to go to the mountains
to find cold, rushing waters. Just head
to Charlotte, NC, where the US National
Whitewater Center offers class III and IV
rapids for the daredevil in you. All-Sport
Pass $49 per person, usnwc.org
be a "yes" woman.Stay cool as a cucumber and soothe sun-baked skin with
Yes to Cucumbers Body Butter. $12.99, yestocarrots.com
say trees!Keep your cool indoors
by planting leafy trees
on the south and west sides
of your home. You’ll save money on
a/c and improve air quality.
4
dress codeTime to pull out those pastels! Dark hues absorb
heat, while lighter colors and fabrics (like cotton
and bamboo) reflect the sun.
take a dipIn 1880, ladies weren’t allowed at the Gentlemen's
Swimming Hole on the Clear Fork River in Historic Rugby
(east Tennessee). But now we, too, can take
a dip in its cooling waters. Gotta love
women’s lib! historicrugby.org
7
heat reliefCool Off Towelettes are infused with
herbs, botanicals and essential oils to cool
you down in a jiffy. $4.99, cvs.com
©iStockphoto.com
/Lafotoguy
25summer 2010
dog days of summerDon’t forget Fido! Take
the “Cool Dog” pledge at
mydogisCool.com and help
their campaign to keep dogs
from dying in hot cars.
on the rocksIf you like your sweet tea with a kick, check out the Firefly Distillery in Wadmalaw
Island, SC. Sample their sweet-tea flavored vodka and bourbon (you know you’re in
the South now, right?) at the tasting barn. $6 for tour and tasting, fireflyvodka.com
wine and dineAt Sea Island, guests can set up private dinners in the Cloister
Wine Cellar. Kept at 61 degrees, it’s the ideal spot for a summer repast
(and don’t worry, they provide shawls if it’s too chilly). Sea Island, GA,
seaisland.com
wine cellar cool...
sail awayThere’s nothing like the feel of the wind
in your face (if for no other reason
than to dry up all that sweat). Learn to
hoist the jib, trim the main and handle
the tiller in this 3-hour intro to sailing
course at the Ocean Sailing Academy.
$95 per person, Charleston, SC,
Osasailing.com
hats offSpeaking of Charleston, this eco-
friendly online boutique based in
the coastal town sells the perfect
summer accessory—the Coolibar
Packable Wide Brim Sunhat. $28.25,
charlestonnaturally.com
just add tequilaMake your next pitcher of margs
with RIPE, an all-natural cocktail
mixer made from pure squeezed
juices and 100 percent organic agave
nectar. $8.95, drinkripe.com
10
misty massageTake your massage up a notch at the Grove Park
Inn with their incredibly relaxing Waterfall Body
Experience. Yes, it’s as soothing as it sounds. $250
for 80 minutes, groveparkinn.com
11
chill outThis new portable wine chiller will
ice down your favorite white and
keep it cold for hours. $24.99, chillinjoy.com
14
make a splash...in the fountain at RiverPlace in
downtown Greenville, SC. Best of all?
It’s free! greenvillecvb.com
17
26 readbreathe.com
on deckThe new Titanic Museum
Attraction (a replica of
the infamous boat) in
Pigeon Forge, TN, gives
guests a glimpse of what
it was like on the night
the ship went down, from
the crisp air to the freezing
waters. $21 per adult, $10 per
child, titanicpigeonforge.com
sweet dreamsSummer nights can
be sweltering, but the
Chillow is a pillow that
always stays cool—so
you will, too. $34,
coolpillow.com
we all scream for
dolcezza (Washington, DC)
Offering the best handmade
gelato around, made fresh
every morning with mostly local
ingredients. dolcezzagelato.com
ultimate ice cream company (Asheville, NC) Their maple bacon ice cream
is the ultimate indulgence.
pitango gelato (Baltimore, MD)
Serving authentic gelato and
sorbet made with organic milk and cream from their farm in
Pennsylvania. pitangogelato.com
carl's frozen custard(Fredericksburg, VA) Keeping it simple with three
flavors—vanilla, chocolate and strawberry—churned
in 120-gallon Electro-Freeze ice cream machines.
las paletas (Nashville, TN)
You won’t want to blow this popsicle stand. The
line (which is usually out the door) is worth the wait.
wheresthesign.com
20
The Kid Comfort IIPerfection you deserve.
German Engineered Since 1898
www.deuterusa.com
EXPLORE
Breathe wants to help you Swing High and Sleep Well this Summer! Sign up for a chance to win:
• An Adventure cAnopy tour for 4 from Navitat Canopy Adventures
• 4 podS for 2 nIGHtS At SWeet peAS HoSteL - Base Camp of the Blue Ridge Mountains in downtown Asheville.
• $25 GIft certIfIcAte for tHe LeXInGton Avenue BreWery located dowstairs from the hostel, featuring Asheville’s finest handcrafted beers and upscale casual comfort food.
Enter to win at REadBREathE.com
BrouGHt to you By nAvItAt AndSWeet peAS HoSteL In ASHevILLe, nc
swing highsleep wella
Nd
tHIS Summer!
28 readbreathe.com
FLY I N G
S O L OB Y K R I S T I N L U N A
and later Germany as well. From then on out,
I was never by myself. I made friends in Italy,
Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands
and beyond. I hiked Lake Como’s steep passes
with a charming British lass; I navigated
Barcelona’s chaotic La Rambla with three gals
from Mexico; I stayed out until dawn with a
trio of British hotties in Munich. I embraced
the flexibility of being a party of one and being
able to up and go the moment a nice fellow
backpacker gave me a signal.
Now, nearly a decade later, I actually enjoy
flying solo. In fact, if my husband isn’t available
to accompany me on my trip, I’d much rather
go alone than find a substitute companion. You
see, travel partners are like jeans: It takes a lot
of searching and trying them on before you
find the perfect fit. Lucky for me, this person
happened to be the one I married. Unlucky for
both of us, he gets the standard two weeks of
paid vacation a year, meaning more often than
not, I leave him at home.
Still, there’s the odd time when you do find
yourself sans company while on the road, and
I’ve learned to handle spending large quantities
of time with my BFFs: me, myself and I. At one
time, this may have bothered me—I mean, the
three of us go way back, so there’s often not a
whole lot to talk about over romantic, candlelit
dinners that we didn’t already know about one
another—but I’ve rather grown to enjoy it. Sure,
it’s a buzzkill when visiting some of the most
beautiful places on Earth and having no one to
share the experience with, but then again, isn’t
that what pictures and blog entries are for?
was just 20 years old when I
planned my first trip around
Europe—alone. Armed with a
30-pound pack, a six-country rail
pass and a one-way plane ticket,
I spent a month poring over
maps and websites, planning train routes and
hostel options. I left my mom behind sobbing
at the Atlanta airport security check as I eagerly
boarded that first trans-Atlantic flight without
anyone familiar as a seatmate for the first time
ever. Acquaintances back home thought me
crazy and peppered my mom with questions:
“You’re letting her do that?” My mom would
only shrug as if to say, “That’s Kristin. We
learned long ago, she marches to the beat of a
different drum. There’s no telling her what she
can and can’t do.” Besides, I was my mom, only
33 years later; much without meaning to, I only
followed in her footsteps.
I arrived in London and, amid a flurry of
frustrations and misdirection, finally found my
guesthouse, where I spent the entire evening
crying—my mom wasn’t the only one having
second thoughts about this solo journey. I felt
so scared in such unfamiliar surroundings, so
lonely with not a friend to talk to. What had I
done? Did I really want to do this? I’d never felt
more alone in the world, so small and inferior.
The next day, I banished my self-pity and
found my way to the Eurostar train, which
would deposit me in the heart of Paris. I had
but stepped foot in my train car when I met
my first companion, Adam from Texas, who
would guide me through the streets of France
wanderlust musts.Seasoned solo traveler or not, there are
always precautions any woman has to take
before hitting the road.
I always send my full itinerary—including
flight details, hotel reservations, copies of
pertinent documents like passports and medical
vaccinations—to at least three people, usually
my mom, husband and a friend; that way,
someone always knows where I am at all times.
I travel with a phone with international
capabilities, so I’ll never be left in a bind,
and I always call my wireless carrier before
I leave to make sure it will, indeed, work in
whichever country I’m going to next. I also alert
my credit card companies to what country I’ll be
in when so that they don’t detect fraud—an all
too frequent occurrence in this day and age—so
my card is not unexpectedly denied, leaving me
high and dry in some foreign country.
After having been run over by a cab in
Finland—while alone—I learned to always
keep the numbers and addresses of police
stations, visitor’s centers and hospitals on me at
all times, as well as a tourist map (usually free
at any information center) of whichever city
I’m visiting that has all the crucial landmarks
plotted.
Then, there’s the destination itself. While
I’ve been all around the world and
back by myself, there are obviously countries
and regions to avoid at all costs if you’re
1
2
3
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29summer 2010
unaccompanied, such as Egypt, where being a
woman alone is not looked upon highly. You
should always check the state department’s
travel advisories, as well as the CDC’s
recommended vaccinations and safety tips for
each country, before pinning down any trip.
ready. jetset. go!A good place to begin when planning your first
unescorted excursion is Western Europe, where
pretty much every city and country is secure
and well suited for such travel, not to mention
has reliable and efficient public transportation,
namely train systems, that make navigation easy
as pie.
If you’re hesitant about language barriers,
an English-speaking country is a good bet.
Ireland is small, easy to figure out in a snap
and known for its friendly people. It’s pretty
much the perfect place to start your solo trip,
flying into Dublin and training it across the
country’s center to Galway. From there, you
can take excursions to the Cliffs of Moher, the
Blarney Stone and beyond. Likewise, just over
the Irish Sea, western Scotland, Edinburgh and
the rugged Highlands in the east are perfect
extensions to your Irish follies.
When you’re ready to up the excitement
level a notch and step out of your comfort
zone (i.e. visit a country where you don’t speak
the language), some recommended spots
include Paris, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, Berlin,
Amsterdam and Prague. Or capital hop in
Scandinavia: from Copenhagen, to Stockholm,
to Oslo and back. The region is so safe, in fact,
that natives leave their babies unattended in
strollers outside on the sidewalks while they go
indoors for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat.
Parts of Southeast Asia are also
accommodating, particularly as this region of
the globe sees a fair number of round-the-
world trippers. Amanda Canning, assistant
editor at Lonely Planet magazine, tells of one
trip to Malaysia, “I ran out of money and had
no way to pay for anything, but people kept
insisting on putting me up and feeding me for
free.” If you’re the backpacking type, you’ll
find Thailand a haven for such travelers, with its
smattering of hostels and so-cheap-they-should-
be-illegal beachside bungalows surrounding
some of the southern islands. (Plus, five dollars
for a full-body Thai massage on a snow white
beach? Where do I sign up?)
Continents like Africa seem off limits to
the less-seasoned traveler, and like anywhere,
there are cities with higher danger zones than
others. For instance, while I’ve spent some
time in South Africa, I would never venture
around Johannesburg and Cape Town alone,
where muggings and pickpocketing occur so
frequently. However, there are places like Kigali,
Rwanda, that have abnormally low crime rates
and are good jumping off points to explore an
entire nation; from the capital, you could head
west to the gorilla sanctuary made famous
by Dian Fossey, followed by the resort area
surrounding Lake Kivu. American expat Nora
Leary, who volunteered in Rwanda for several
months on her own, said she felt safer walking
the streets of Kigali in the middle of the night
than she did back home in any city in the
United States. “I never felt threatened or like I
was in danger,” she recalled. “I would take a
moto (the local form of transportation) home
at 2am after a night of dancing and never think
twice!”
Or you can always keep it simple and start
within your own country. Washington DC is a
good starting point thanks to its plethora of
offerings to keep you busy, such as museums
and national monuments, as well as its efficient
Metro system. While daunting to some, New
York City is just about as good a solo spot as
any; with 10 million residents, there’s always
something to do, somewhere to go, someone
to meet. San Francisco has a number of hostels
and budget guesthouses and is easily traveled
by foot or trolley.
An important thing to remember is that, no
matter what, you will have challenging days:
No travel, whether undertaken alone or with
company, is a cakewalk. There are obstacles;
there are frustrations. There will be days when
you want to give up, when you’re ready to book
your one-way ticket home. My advice to you?
Don’t. This too shall pass. Despite my years of
solo travel and countries under my belt, there’s
always the odd occasion when something
defeats my intrepid spirit, whether it’s a
transportation snafu or a cultural barrier I can’t
seem to overcome, but at the end of the day
it all builds character; it’s another story for the
books. All those heart-warming, unforgettable
moments—learning to salsa dance in the living
room of a native in Havana, Cuba; meeting
lifelong friends by fate in a hostel dorm room
in Prague; stumbling upon a native song-and-
dance act in a tiny village in the Congo, a
private tour of the whole country of Iceland by
a couple of locals who kindly let me crash on
their couch—are what make the trials worth it.
And I wouldn’t trade those life experiences for
anything in the world. •
Kristin Luna is a San Francisco-based travel writer. She writes the blog camelsandchocolate.com about her journeys and has contributed to Newsweek, Forbes Traveler, Islands, the San Francisco Chronicle, Glamour, InStyle, People and others.
Easy (train) rider...
Adventures in Thailand...
PHOTOS © iStockphoto.com/carroteater, iStockphoto.com/kgtoh, iStockphoto.com/ArtemSam, iStockphoto.com/ranplett
30 readbreathe.com
family TRAVEL
planes, trains and toddlerstips for making your next family trip a day at the beach.By Aleigh Acerni
hOme sweet hOme.
Pick a vacation rental or a hotel
with a mini-kitchen. Not only
will you be able to store snacks,
breakfast items, and even cook
meals at your home away from
home, but you’ll save some cash
buying a few groceries instead
of eating three meals a day in
restaurants.
timing is everYthing.
Most kids are pretty good about
entertaining themselves in the car
or on a plane—for a while. Plan
your departure for about an hour
before your kid’s usual naptime;
they’ll get in just the right amount
of playtime and then snooze before
they even think about being bored.
plan.
Use SeatGuru.com to scope out
the best seats on the flight before
you book to take advantage of the
airline with the widest seats, or
make sure your little ones will have
a great view of the in-flight movie.
leave the priCeY strOller at
hOme.
This is especially good advice if
you’re flying to your destination
and have to check it. If your
Bugaboo ends up at the Baltimore
baggage claim instead of Orlando,
the airline is probably not going
to be very sympathetic. Better to
bring the cheap stroller with you
knowing you can afford to replace
it if it gets lost.
My kids are terrible travelers. One gets
carsick. One fusses and whines about everything in the car. So to cope, we over-pack. We have the portable DVD player,
books, coloring books, snacks in various small
bags that can be presented at different
times, water, a stash of pacifiers for the
youngest, a bowl in case of car sickness, a change of clothes, more diapers
than we can imagine needing, wipes (and
more wipes), gum, and almost always some
new, small toy that will be pulled out at some
point on the road to help ward off the ‘Are we
there yet?’ fusses.
~Mandy French of Charlotte, NC; mom to Molly, 4, and Anna, 2
get a grip
We love Crayola Beginnings Washable Triangular Crayons
because you can play with them like blocks, there aren’t
any caps to lose, and they won’t roll away—perfect for
travel. $5.49, Crayolastore.com
BOttOms up
Whether you’re traveling by car, train or
plane, these handy kid-sized bottles of spring
water from Nourish just might be your new
best friend. In two pre-measured sizes (with
a sippy cup top for toddlers or a baby bottle
top for wee ones), these bottles make it a
breeze to fix formula on the go. Not to men-
tion they’re BPA-free, and guaranteed not to
leak all over you and your kiddo. Buy them
online, or look for retail locations (including
a growing list of airports). $3.50 each or a
case of 24 for $75, nourish-inc.com.
CLIENTuvahlt
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QUESTIONS CALLCourtney Haupt251.476.2507
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