3 Reasons to Take a Yoga Retreat in Thailand

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Doing Yoga in itself is a wonderful idea, regardless of who you may be. It is one of the most relaxing, rejuvenating and physically taxing things you could possibly do. On top of all that, it is good for your health; physical, mental and spiritual. Going on a yoga retreat compounds all these benefits into one lovely event that could possibly change your life for the better.

If you are going to go on a yoga retreat, one of the best places on this planet to head towards is Thailand. Here are three good reasons why you should consider taking a retreat to Thailand.

You get to connect with like-minded individuals

There are very few things as encouraging as being surrounded by people who hold the same beliefs as you do. When on a retreat like this one, you will be congregated with other people, from all over the world, who are interested in pursuing their yogic journey further. These are people who can help you learn more; appreciate your journey more and hopefully you can make lifelong connections. It is always a beautiful idea to find a group of people who see the world as you do.
The best part about all this is that you can choose whether you want solitude or to socialize. One of your greatest tests will be to find a fine balance between the two points.

You get to see a beautiful part of the world

Thailand is one of the most stunning destinations in the world. It has amazing landscapes that are lush and absolutely serene; beautiful beaches; wonderful weather and gorgeous people. Going on this kind of retreat will give you a good chance to explore this part of the world. These kinds of chances do not come along that often and if you can fit two agendas into one trip (travel and yoga) the better.

Go straight to the source

Yoga is originally from the East. Going to Thailand is a wonderful way to see how it is practiced in this part of the world (read more in this article). It will give you an opportunity to see the little differences between what is done in Thailand and what is done in your home country. With experienced Yogis around, you can learn a great deal more and who knows, maybe even pick up some ancient secrets you may never have picked up while in New York.

A retreat is always a great idea, especially when taken to a wonderfully exotic destination like Thailand.

How to Stop Sweating in Humid Countries

humidityAre you wondering how to stop armpit sweating? You are not alone; many people in humid countries suffer from excessive underarm sweating. Sweating is a natural process that aids in regulating body temperature.

However, some conditions complicate this natural process, causing too much perspiration. While sweat itself is odorless, bacteria found on the skin metabolizes the fatty acids and proteins in it, causing it to stink.

Here are a few tips on how to stop armpit sweating:

  1. Shower often – Keeping your underarms clean and dry is the first step towards controlling sweat. If you spend the whole day at work and cannot take midday showers, make sure you clean your underarms at least once. Those who live in humid areas should let their skin dry completely after taking a shower. This allows the body to cool down before you wear clothes.
  2. Wash your shirts after each useIt is imperative that you wash your shirts after every use, especially if they are soaked in sweat. If you do not wash clothes often, dried sweat will accumulate, making the odor intolerable. Do you sweat a lot in one day? Change your shirt during the day; just carry a clean one in your bag.
  3. Lose some weight If your BMI (body mass index) is higher than normal, the body will sweat more to keep cool. Therefore, if you are carrying around more weight than you should be, you need to start exercising. The easiest way to lose weight is by reducing your calorie intake and increasing your physical activity. Start by going on short walks, and then increase the intensity of your workouts as your body adapts to exercise.

If you are still wondering how to stop armpit sweating, you should try to avoid showering with harsh soaps. Regardless of what you do, sweat will remain a part of everyday life.

Travel Smart and See the World on a Shoestring Budget

dollarBudget travel is traveling simple or cheap and people travel cheap for various reasons. While some do so because the finances are tight, others do so because they’re are financially disciplined or for lack of a better word, stingy. However, the bottom line is people choose budget travel because they need to take a deserved break and enjoy life.

In order to pull it off, then you will need to plan careful and at the same time keep a keen eye on your budget. Failure to plan would result to living from hand to mouth during your travel. This is not a laughing matter; you’d rather have not traveled in the first place.

Before choosing your destination, always do some research about the place or country you are planning to visit? While spontaneity may add more color and excitement in your travel, when on a shoestring budget, some information on the best cheap eateries and hotels is important. Learn about the country’s peak and off-peak seasons. Don’t be surprised to learn that might end paying many times cheaper for the same facilities because you were penny wise to settle on a low season.

Budget some amount of money for your entire travel. Set aside different budgets for different activities and needs, such as transportation, accommodation, and food. Never compromise one for the other, always stick to your budget plan. While at it, remember to set aside money for any emergency and incidental expenses. The unexpected do happen and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Come to think of it, never ignore the “extras” that includes tips, cab fares, car rentals, and tickets to visit certain attractions and events, poolside drinks and your room bar. If not considered, they may take a toll on your finances. These are the hidden costs that nobody is willing to tell you about. As the name implies, this how stakeholders in the travel industry rake in that “extra” dollar from ignorant travelers.

Desist renting a car and it can badly dent your budget. If necessary use public transportation to get to your destination. Most cities have safe public transportation in the form of buses or underground trains. Look and grab a pass that allows you to travel for the entire stay in the area you are visiting.

Avoid impulsive buying unless necessary. True you will come across exotic items and mementos that you want to bring back home with you, but are they worth it? And if you make up your mind to purchase one, ask yourself this question “is somebody ripping you off”? Often, such items are overpriced. Always deploy your bargaining prowess. You might be shocked to buy the item at half the original price.

Remember the song that says the best things in life come free! When it comes to destinations, there is nothing to be ashamed of to visit such destination for free. Look up for “free” goodies and include them in your travel itinerary. Also, visit some joints during the “happy hour.” It will bring down your spending considerably.

Lastly, when on budget travel, not everything goes according to plan; always have additional funds with you. You never know when you’ll need them. You don’t want to be caught in a foreign land penniless or calling back home for extra money.

 

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Facts About Using MapQuest to Get Maps and Driving Directions

map shotGetting from one point to another does not have to be daunting task. The reason for this is that you can use MapQuest to get detailed driving directions and maps to any place you wish to travel to. MapQuest is a free online web mapping service that is owned by America Online Incorporated. It offers street level details and driving directions for many countries. You can check if driving directions and maps of your country are available through the pull down menu on mapquest.com.

AOL also offers a yellow pages service that is MapQuest branded. The other services that this company offers include MapQuestMobile and a world atlas. MapQuest Mobile is a service that offers driving directions and maps to personal digital assistants and mobile phones that are web-enabled. MapQuest also has a customizable gas prices page, where you can type your address and compare the prices of gasoline at nearby gas stations. The gas prices page lists the dates that the prices were initially posted. Therefore, you can easily find the lowest prices of gasoline in nearby gas stations. However, this page is only useful for people in the United States.

In order to get directions to a place you want to travel to, you can enter an address, public landmark or business for your starting point and your destination. You may also add stopping points in between. After choosing the address you want to get to, you should click on the icon that says “get directions”. MapQuest will provide you with driving directions and a map.

You may also choose to have mapquest show you a reverse route or round trip so that you will not have problems getting back to your commencing address. You can use the advanced filters on MapQuest to get directions in either miles or kilometers, optimize your route for the shortest time or shortest distance and avoid tolls, highways, borders, ferries and seasonal roads among other things. After getting directions or maps from MapQuest, you may choose to print them out and carry them with you on your journey.

The Complete Travel Guide To Cholpon-Alta

glyph on rockIn the summer, the small city of Cholpon-Ata rises from its off-peak lull to become a haven of activity: fun-lovers soak at the beaches by day and open-air eateries and discos operate by night. This town of about 12,000 residents is located on the northern side of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. It is a popular resort town known for its mineral water springs and the beautiful mountain ranges of the Tian Shian located across the lake.

When should I go?

The best time to travel is during the summer months when you can get to fully enjoy the location and the facilities provided by the hotels. In the winter months of December to March the hotels are virtually empty. Most of the visitors who come during the summer are from Kazakhstan and Russia but you will also find lots of Westerners who are loyal travellers.

What are the top things to see and do?

The Issyk-Kul Museum is a popular attraction with collections depicting the history of the locals. You will get a feel of the way of life of the earliest inhabitants of the city, most of whom were nomads. The artefacts are quite unique, especially because some of them were pulled from the bottom of the lake.

The petroglyphs of the Cholpon-Ata are a must-see. These ancient pictures curved on boulders depict animals which were kept by the first inhabitants of the region such as goats, horses and ibex. These petroglyphs are treasured by the locals because they date from as far as 700BC.

Be sure to also sample the mineral waters which many locals and visitors say have many healing properties!

Where do I stay?

There are many hotels in the city, many of which are very affordable. It’s easy to book rooms online and most hotels will get their drivers to pick you from the airport. The more expensive resorts such as the Dolphin Deluxe Hotel are located on exclusive beaches and they are a bit far from the town.

If you are an active holiday maker, then make sure you visit this small town. The lake and the beautiful alpine meadows turn the place into a paradise. Make sure to travel only during the summer if you want to get the most out of your trip.

How easy is it to travel with a new born?

britaxSo you have a new born, congratulations! Firstly, travelling with a new born can be very easy as long as you follow a few tasks and make sure your baby is comfy, warm and entertained when driving long hours.

Most families tend to do very little travelling in the first few months but when you do eventually start getting out there to visit family or even get a small break away. The number one thing you need is a good baby seat.

A good baby seat is the one thing that can make or break your trip away. If you have a low quality one not only will it be unsafe but it might be uncomfortable for your baby and lead to aches and pains, especially if you are driving for a few hours at a time.

There are a lot of brands out there that will allow you to have peace of mind that your baby is sat in a very safe and very comfy baby seat. One of the leading brands in baby seats is Britax. You can compare Britax’s many models such as Marathon, Advocate and Pavillion, although the Britax Marathon is considered the best with any parents commenting on its quality and durability.

Other tips for travelling with a new born consist of having a passenger sit with the baby at all times, so when your baby wakes up you can instantly give them attention, feed them etc. Entertainment should be high on the plan list also, make sure you take toys and play some games to keep your baby amused to pass time.

If you have any tips of your own leave us a comment!

Enjoying a Journey in Kyrgyzstan

man in villageKyrgyzstan, or the Kyrgyz Republic, as it’s officially called, is a mountainous country in Central Asia. The various lakes and mountains in the area make it an attractive destination, although, due to little investment in the sector, the tourist industry has not been developed to its full potential.

So what can the Kyrgyz Republic offer to the world traveller? First and foremost, that’s the unique culture. Just like any other country in the world, Kyrgyzstan appeals tourists with its own distinctive cultural traits. Based on ancient nomadic traditions, even today, it’s possible to observe natives living in yurts with their domesticated animals. Several yurt camps, such as the one in Tash Rabat, offer food and drinks to tourists passing through the area. All this contributes to creating a memorable experience for the visitors. Speaking of food, another notable cultural attraction is the specific Kyrgyz cuisine, which resembles a little the one of the neighbouring countries. Most of the meals offered include mutton, horse meat, beef, and various dairy products. Traditional dishes are “beshbarmak”, and one called “paloo”, which is a localized version of pilaf. The last noteworthy aspect of Kyrgyz culture is the textile craft. Women in Kyrgyzstan produce various textiles, using the felt from the sheep. Particular carpets, called “shirdaks”, are present in most yurts and houses. Many wall hangings are decorated with ancient patterns that impress the guests.

But the rich culture is far not the only reason to enjoy a trip through the Kyrgyz Republic. The clean natural environment is probably the most appealing property of the country. In recent years, efforts are made to create eco-friendly kyrgyzstan tourist attractions and hiking trails, so that visitors can fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the natural landmarks in the region. Additionally, many locations provide outstanding photo opportunities and breathtaking views. One such place is the Tengir-Too (Heavenly Mountains). Near the country’s border with China, this mountain range is a popular destination for climbers, photographers, or explorers worldwide. The Issyk Kul, or “Hot Lake” is also a relatively popular vacation resort with long history, dating back to the Soviet era.

A journey in Kyrgyzstan would be complete if it’s made during one (or some) of the national holidays in kyrgyzstan. It’s no secret that the former Soviet Union has had some influence on the country, as some of the holidays are carried over from there. Such dates include the “Defender of the Fatherland Day” (February 23rd), and the “Great Patriotic War Victory Day” (May 9th). Also, several international holidays are celebrated in Kyrgyzstan aswell, like the “New Year’s Day” (January 1st), or the “Women’s Day” (March 8th). Of course, there are national holidays that are country-specific. These are the most important for tourists, as they present the traditions and history of the Kyrgyz people. Determined by the lunar calendar, the country celebrates Orozo Ait (Feast of Fast-breaking), and, respectively, Kurman Ait (Feast of Sacrifice), 70 days later, as influenced by the Islamic culture in the region. The Kyrgyz language day is on September 23rd, when the national language, written and spoken, is being honored. The country celebrates independence from USSR (since 1991) on August 31st. The constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic is respected on May 5th. And after the Kyrgyz revolution of 2010, the country adopted the day of its beginning, April 7th, as a national holiday.

Kyrgyzstan is truly a curious location with plenty of points of interests for tourists. Be it for the national culture, or the landscape diversity, that country in the heart of Asia offers an unique travel experience, accompanied by preserved nature and welcoming people.

Culture Spot: Islam

islamWhen discussing Islam, you often hear the question: do muslims believe in Jesus Christ? The simplest answer is yes, but not in the same way that Christians do. 

In the Christian religion, Jesus was the son of God. He was sent to Earth as a redeemer, to save the souls of all of God’s children. Through his eternal sacrifice of life, all of his followers sins are absolved. This leaves his faithful believers free to live their lives knowing they will have everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven. 

In the religion of Islam, he has a much different role. The religion of Islam itself will not allow anyone to be placed alongside God, as this would make him less than divine, and being formed long after Jesus was crucified, Islam places him in a much smaller position. He was a prophet, as were several important figures of his time from the Christian Bible, but not the son of God. He was sent to earth as a man in an age of turmoil and problems to help guide the people of Israel. Unfortunately, in the Israelite’s misunderstanding, he was brutally murdered while trying to teach repentance and the word of God. 

The Muslim people, however, do not believe he was murdered on the cross, they instead believe that he was taken by God into the kingdom of heaven, after fulfilling his duty to foretell the coming of Muhammad. The Koran states that both Jesus and his forbear Moses were messengers of God, and that he will return in the last days of this Earth. 

There are many interpretations of the stories of Jesus in the Koran, but it seems to be the general consensus that he was a very important figure, leading the way for Muhammad to spread the message of God and care for his peoples eternal souls.

Three Travel Tips for Those with Bad Backs

bad back on planeTraveling with chronic back pain can be extremely annoying and unpleasant. Improperly developed back muscles, a weak core, vertebral misalignments or a bulging disc are among the most common causes of back pain. Here are three simple and useful travel tips for individuals who experience back pain. 


Monitor Your Posture When Lifting Heavy Objects 

You may need to carry your backpack or lift your luggage when traveling. Bad posture during lifting is the primary cause of spinal problems because it results in an uneven distribution of the pressure exerted on the vertebrae when one bends his or her back. Physical therapists recommend to avoid bending forward as much as possible when lifting objects. Instead, bend your knees and adjust the position of your legs while keeping your back straight and do the lifting with your legs rather than your spine. 

Use a Yoga Ball Chair at Home to Strengthen the Core Muscles 

The abdominal muscles and the spinal muscles provide solid support to the vertebrae of the spine. When pressure is exerted on your back, the core muscles are stabilizing the individual vertebrae, which prevents discs from bulging and helps with back pain. A yoga ball chair is perhaps the best way to strengthen your core before traveling. All you need to do is sit on a yoga ball chair while performing your usual activities, which works the stabilizing muscles of the core and the small muscles of the spine that are not activated when sitting on a regular flat chair. 

Sleep on a Rigid Surface

Sleeping on a soft bed or mattress when traveling can worsen your back pain because it does not offer enough support to the spine. In fact, sleeping on soft mattresses causes the spine to bend and facilitates an uneven pressure distribution. If the bed in your hotel is too soft and you experience back pain, you can sleep on the floor with some blankets or padding underneath for comfort. Resting on a rigid surface or on orthopedic mattresses is recommended by physicians who treat back pain.