The U.S. Travel Association (U.S.T.A.) has taken on a subject that could become a point of contention between people who love to plan vacations and those who wouldn’t dream of planning anything. It seems some people are born planners. Others take a more spontaneous approach to their getaways. If you’re a planner, some experts insist that you have distinct advantages over spontaneous folks because statistically,…
Did you know that just planning a getaway can make you a happier person? From the moment you pick your destination, you’ll go into “vacation anticipation” mode, a state of mind studied by researchers who insist that the benefits of a vacation begin the moment you start the process. “In a sense, we start to ‘consume’ a trip as soon as we start thinking about…
In case you haven’t heard the news, “underrated” beach towns are trending because “quiet coastal escapes are in, and crowded tourist traps are out,” say trend trackers working on behalf of the international Best Western Hotel chain. Why this shift in preferences? Travelers are watching their budgets more carefully, given the threat of tariffs expected to impact North America, and they’re specifically seeking out destinations…
How grateful are you feeling this year as Thanksgiving approaches? Did you know that gratitude plays a major role in keeping you healthy? According to psychologist Matt Killingsworth, the happiest people on earth practice the art of gratitude regularly rather than saving it all up for Thanksgiving. Dr. Robert A. Emmons agrees. The University of California-Davis professor has proven that the “The human need to…
Have you ever felt guilty about needing a vacation, but you refused to admit it aloud? This is, sadly, a common situation for North Americans since we pride ourselves on our stamina and tenacity. But Forbes magazine went so far as to consult behaviorist Bryan Robinson to find out why we’re denying ourselves—and it’s worse than we imagine. “47% of workers feel guilty for taking…
Are you yearning for a stress-free Caribbean vacation, where the sun-kissed shores await without the hassle of planning every detail? We understand the desire for a rejuvenating all inclusive getaway. Look no further than Laru Beya Resort, nestled on Belize’s renowned peninsula: Placencia. Because you’re weary, these 7 tips are going to resonate with you. They cover a wide range of experiences and activities you…
Is it possible to build a meaningful vacation itinerary that offers the laid-back experience you crave plus the energy-laden excitement that can only be enjoyed when you’re far enough away from reality to do exactly what you please? To be honest, some destinations specialize in one or the other, but if you target Belize as your happy place, you’ve gotten a great start on pursuing…
You’re not imagining things if, every time you turn around, you hear about a new girlfriend-focused outing from the women in your life. Girls’ night out. Theater performances. Women-only events at the local pub. Given so much attention to female gatherings, men can feel short changed when it comes to group get-togethers—unless the occasion happens to be a bachelor party. If you feel left out,…
Considering overseas retirement? Join the movement! “A surge in American emigration is reshaping the global landscape,” say experts at the Harvey Law Corporation, a firm specializing in American emigration. North Americans, it seems, are fed up with rising health care prices, explosive cost-of-living increases, political instability, and a return to work-life balance that seems to be slipping away. Is this an anomaly? Numbers prove otherwise….
What does today’s couple dream about? Once upon a time, couples dreamed about having a home in the burbs, a nice car, and top-notch colleges for the kids. Today’s couple seeks more, says therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw writing for Psychology Today magazine. Contemporary couples crave a sense of belonging, shared purpose, emotional support, and a willingness to share tasks. Sure, the house is important, but couples…