The Twin Cities and Beyond

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Written in cooperation with Hipmunk’s Boutique Hotels Campaign.

The Twin Cities is known for being the center of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, but also for its shopping. Whether you are headed for the various outdoor activities or looking to shop till you drop at the enormous Mall of America, Minnesota is for you!

Let’s Go Shopping

While people may head to Bloomington, Minnesota, for many reasons, one BIG reason is for shopping and entertainment at the Mall of the America. If that is your plan, one great hotel option is the La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Bloomington West. Floor-to-ceiling windows accent the view, while the comfortable rooms feature contemporary furniture, and modern amenities abound. La Quinta is pet-friendly and offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a delicious complimentary breakfast daily. With an indoor pool, spa and sauna, you can rest your tired muscles after a long day at the mall.

image via Flickr by cliff1066TM

For those interested in spending their dollars on shopping and not accommodations, Northwood Inn & Suites offers comfortable rooms, right in the heart of the action. In-room refrigerators and microwaves stretch your dollar even further to enable you to enjoy the Sea Life aquarium or National Wildlife Refuge. With free parking, free internet, and a business center, the Northwood makes for an affordable getaway.

Living Large in the City

If luxurious surroundings in the heart of the city is on the agenda, look no further than Loews Minneapolis Hotel. This hotel’s chic, modern rooms feature in-room Keurig coffee makers, complimentary daily newspapers, and fully stocked mini-bars. Limestone bathrooms offer designer toiletries, and pets are even welcome! The hotel offers three on-site restaurants and a full spa, and concierge services complete the feeling of total luxury. In addition, the ideal location, right in the heart of the city, puts dining and entertainment right at your doorstep.

image via Flickr by m01229

A Day at the Lake

Perhaps shopping isn’t your thing or you had your shot at the Mall and want to hit the water. Look no further than the Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth. Set right in downtown Duluth, access to Lake Superior is a breeze. Lake Superior Zoo, Canal Park, and Glensheen Mansion are all in close proximity. The hotel offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, two pools, and an on-site restaurant if you are tired at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Guest rooms have comfortable beds and complimentary toiletries, all in a lovely setting.

image via Flickr by Helena Jacoba

Whether shopping, city nightlife, or the lake is calling you, Hipmunk offers the right hotel choice.

Tips for the Ultimate (and Drama-Free) EDM Vacation

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Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk. Originally published on the Tailwind Blog on March 30, 2016, by The Hipmunk.

So you’ve decided to spend your precious vacation time at raves and EDM festivals. You are undoubtedly in for a blast of epic proportions. Still, it’ll be helpful to employ a few strategies in advance of your trip in order to ensure that things go smoothly—i.e. sans epic meltdowns, lost friends, or bodily discomfort. Whether you’re heading to Electric Daisy Carnival in Tokyo or Electric Zoo in NYC, here’s how to prep for the ultimate EDM vacation so that you can enjoy it drama-free.

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1. Read up on the venue in advance.

Once you’ve purchased tickets to a festival or rave, check out the venue’s website to learn if any items are prohibited from the grounds as well as what amenities will be on offer. (For example, some festivals have started going “cashless”—meaning festival goers can load money onto a wristband and leave the credit cards at home.) While you’re at it, print out the show lineup and a map of the festival grounds so you canplan your route in advance.

2. Pack layers.

EDM festivals involve lots of dancing and require being on your feet all day. Do your body a favor and pack layers that are comfortable, breathable, and appropriate for the weather. Even if the day starts out warm, it’s a good idea to bring along a hoodie or light jacket in case the night turns cool. If you have room in your backpack or fanny pack, it’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks in case yours get wet or dirty during the show. Perhaps most importantly? Remember to wear comfortable footwear.

3. Eat and drink well.

Dancing for hours under the beating sun—it’s a blast, but it’s also tough on your body. Give your body the best chance at feeling okay by the end of the night by eating a nutritious meal before raves, packing healthy snacks, and staying hydrated while you dance the night away.

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4. Bring the right toiletries.

While you simply won’t be able to maintain everyday hygiene at a show or festival, you can approximate cleanliness with a few key toiletries. Consider packing baby wipesfor tackling grime on your neck, armpits, arms, and feet in addition to dry shampoo, sunblock (an absolute must for summer shows), and hand sanitizer for post-porta-potty cleanup.

If you’ll be camping at a festival, pay-per-use showers may be available—bring along flip flops, a bathing suit, and cash if you want to take advantage of these facilities. Also be sure to bring your standard toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, etc. And don’t forget to pack a basic first aid kit—stashing one of these in your pack can save many a headache (literally) in the event of minor cuts and bruises.

5. Accessorize smartly.

A few items tossed into a backpack or fanny pack can make a huge difference in your rave-going experience:

  • Once night falls, a headlamp is tremendously useful if you drop something on the grass or need to review a festival map in the dark.
  • Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from summer rays or the flashing lights that are common during nighttime raves.
  • Ear plugs will help protect your hearing so you can enjoy EDM for years into the future.
  • Plastic trash bags can serve as a poncho, a seat, or protection for your belongings in the case of rain.
  • A waterproof phone case will help spare you from the devastation of ruining your phone
6. Make sure your phone has juice.

Before heading to a rave, make sure your phone is fully charged so you can take pictures and stay in touch with your group in case you get separated. It’s a good idea to put your phone on airplane mode while you’re at the show in order to conserve its battery. If the venue offers a charging station, then bring along your charger. You could also opt to bring an extra battery.

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7. Secure your belongings.

Although it’s impossible to guarantee with 100% certainty that your stuff won’t get lost or stolen at a rave, a little vigilance can go a long way. Some festivals offer rental lockers, which can be a great idea if you’re willing to pony up the cash. If you want to keep your belongings with you, you can help secure your things by hiding valuables in unappealing packaging (such as a cleaned-out sunscreen bottle), keeping your items on your body at all times (i.e. dancing while wearing your backpack, fanny pack, or Camelbak), and making a pact with your friends to help look out for each other’s stuff.

8. Coordinate with your group.

Communicating in advance of a rave can do a lot to keep everyone in your friend group safe and in the loop. Before arriving:

  • Select a designated driver when applicable.
  • If you’re going to a festival where multiple artists will be performing, reach a consensus regarding which shows you’ll all see together and when you might split up.
  • Write your friends’ numbers down on a piece of paper and keep it with you at all times (in case your phone dies).
  • If you’re up for it, choose an identifier that can help you all spot each other in a large crowd—for example, you could all wear matching T-shirts or bring along a flag or a balloon tied to a pole so that people can find the group again when returning from food or bathroom runs.

Upon arriving at the venue:

  • Note where you all parked, where the bus station is, or where your taxi will pick you up (depending on your chosen mode of transportation). This is especially important for festivals that are held in remote areas where it’s easy to get lost.
  • Select a meet-up spot for the group so that if anyone gets separated, you all know where to find each other at the end of the night.

A little advance planning, packing some key toiletries and accessories, and coordinating with your group both ahead of time and at the rave will help ensure that your EDM vacation goes off without a hitch.

 

The Freedom Plan

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“This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1 http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10DBC-Day-1

Freedom. A loaded word to be sure. While it is probably not new news to any of our readers that we are working towards creating enough income on the road to become location independent, what may be news to some is just how damn hard it is.

I decided to sign up for Natalie’s 10 day blog challenge as a way to help clarify my thoughts, to focus on not just what needs to be done, but to what needs to be done first. Grow our brand, re-design this website, pitch even more articles out to the universe? The choices are many and varied, and all time consuming. Finding the focus to prioritize some of the choices is first up on my list.

With constant inspiration swirling around us, it’s easy to get swept up into the enthusiasm of building an extraordinary life, less easy to determine the steps in a somewhat practical order.

I am confident this next 10 days will put a few of those swirling thoughts, the ones that wake me at 4am with a new idea, into perspective.

The next couple of months are going to be a challenging, and rewarding time, as we switch up countries, and settle in for some intense work~ both on our business, and further improving a healthy lifestyle. Hope you follow along to see where this path to the ultimate freedom brings us!

HIPMUNK HOTELS WITH ADVENTURES IN AMARILLO, MCALLEN, IRVING, AND MORE

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Written in cooperation with Hipmunk. Originally published on June 15, 2016 by Becky, at Project Domestication.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas by The Wonders of Back Roads via Trover.com

The Mustangs of Las Colinas by The Wonders of Back Roads via Trover.com

Make some late summer or early trip plans to explore Amarillo, McAllen or Irving, Texas or skip over the ocean to Puerto Rico for an adventurous time in Fajardo.

Amarillo, Texas
Start planning the perfect fall trip to Amarillo. This time of year brings much more mild temperatures in the Panhandle town. Driving on Route 66, horseback riding, and visiting the Texas Air and Space Museum are just a few activities to get you started in this exciting city. If you plan ahead far enough, you can score a great Airbnb location. But if that’s not your thing Amarillo has traditional luxury hotels and a smattering of cheap hotels. Fifth Season Inn has pretty good ratings and is consistently under $50 a night. Even the Marriott is under $100 per night.

McAllen, Texas
Unless you’re a big bird watcher, chances are you haven’t heard of McAllen, Texas. The most popular stop is Quinta Mazatlan, a bird and nature center located in an old historic mansion. You’ll find other family-friendly activities around town in their malls, golf courses, and more. The Best Western Garden Inn & Suites along with many other budget hotels run around $50 or $80 per night.

Irving, Texas
If visiting Cowboy stadium is on your list, consider staying at Irving instead of Dallas for a more affordable trip. Spend a day watching football and stay a while to explore Irving; don’t miss the plethora of outdoor activities along with the sites and landmarks like the Mustangs of Las Colinas. The Hotel Las Colinas is centrally located and has a pool to cool off. Plus, they’ve got a free cancellation policy, if needed.

Round Rock, Texas
It’s not hard to find a great hotel deal in Round Rock, Texas. Most good-to-great rated hotels will run you between $75 and $100/night. The Austin Marriott North ranks top of the list, boasting amenities like spas, pools, a business center, and child activities. When you’re out and about the city, experience Flix BrewHouse, America’s first cinema brewery, or take the kids to the Play for All park for a memorable day in the sun.

Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican beach vacations are often overshadowed by California, Hawaii, and Mexico for most Americans. But what most travelers don’t know is that visiting a city like Fajardo, on the Eastern side of the island, is completely affordable and luxurious. Visitors most memorable experiences are full of beauty and adventure: kayak along Bioluminescent Bay, explore Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (day or night), or ride horseback on the beach. Airbnbs are a great option for large groups and families. But even the local Waldorf Astoria hotel is around $200/night.

Welcome to Project Domestication.

My name is Becky Olsen. I’m a Utah native and proud of it. Whether it’s scoping out a local bakery to try their signature item, attending a community event or joining the nearest CSA, I love to supp

A Bounty of Choices in Arizona

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Written in cooperation with Hipmunk’s Boutique Hotels campaign.

Arizona has long been a winter escape for snowbirds. What you might not realize, though, is that this Southwestern state has plenty to offer all year round. Take a look at some of Arizona’s best destinations and top places to stay.

The Grand Wonder

Arizona’s most majestic wonder has to be the Grand Canyon. One of the largest of its kind in the world, the Grand Canyon has drawn visitors for decades. If a day trip isn’t enough time for you to enjoy this mammoth wonder, check out the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn.

Located a short distance from the park, the hotel is an affordable option in what can be a pricey area. The resort features free parking and Wi-Fi, as well as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a bowling center, a game room, a sports bar, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. It’s also ideally located across the street from the popular Big E Steakhouse and Saloon. Rooms are comfortable and appointed with luxury linens, coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, and deluxe bathrooms.

Image via Flickr by Moyan_Brenn

The Capital

Whether you’re going to Phoenix for work or pleasure, Hipmunk offers the right hotel option for you. If a vacation is on the agenda, choose the Royal Palms Resort and Spa – Destination Hotels & Resorts. Everyone in the family will find a favorite feature, like the outdoor pool, the full-service spa, the bicycle rentals, or the luxurious rooms. This resort offers a few rare amenities, such as makeup mirrors and robes, to create a spa-like experience.

Image via Flickr by kevin dooley

For a central location and excellent amenities, the Hyatt Regency Phoenix is a wonderful choice. For business travelers, the hotel offers up work stations and Wi-Fi, and there are meeting rooms and catering available for events. The rooms feature a mini-fridge and coffee maker to get your day started right, while the restaurant, pool, and fitness center will keep you on schedule. The property also has an on-site Einstein Bagels.

Image via Flickr by Sangre-La.com

The Favorite Neighbor

While Phoenix is the transportation hub of the area, Scottsdale is its upscale neighbor. Known for its spas, golf courses, and fabulous desert landscapes, Scottsdale has had a loyal tourist base for a very long time.

If you’re searching for a sun-soaked getaway with easy access to championship golf courses and great hiking areas, search no further than the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The lovely rooms feature all of the usual comforts, guests come here for the golf, the hiking, and the spa services, all set against the dramatic desert landscape. After playing 18 holes or taking an early morning hike, lounge by one of the three pools or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Image via Flickr by JefferyTurner

If you dream of a morning of golf and an afternoon in the pool, all with a view of the mountains, the Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains is for you. The hotel’s signature Revive bedding and designer toiletries will keep you rested so that you can spend your days exploring the natural beauty of the desert. A mere 10 miles from Old Towne Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Marriott offers a fantastic location, combined with the peace and quiet of the country.

Image via Flickr by Jeff Tidwell

No matter which part of Arizona calls out to you, Hipmunk offers the right hotel choices for you.

Passing Time in Patzcuaro

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I listened to the rain pattering on the roof, and took another sip of wine. We had planned to stay a couple of days. But, Patzcuaro proved to be pure magic. Yes, the town is literally one of Mexico’s pueblo magicos, but more importantly, the vibe is right. That couple of days turned into four and then six and then eight. The plan to see the town, buy some coffee, maybe take a boat ride to the island in the lake, morphed into simply enjoying the simple pleasures.

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An Island for Everyone

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Written in cooperation with Good Search.

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean lead to islands as diverse as the individuals visiting them. Whether you are looking for nightlife or silence, desert landscape or lush vistas, there is an island just right for you. You can even find coupons to make your travels more economical.

For Ease of Transition

Sometimes the hectic pace of life has worn you down, and you simply want to escape to a place where thinking is not much of a requirement. If this is where you are at, look no farther than the Bahamas. You will be assaulted with over 700 different island options to choose from, all guaranteed to offer up a quick escape from the United States, coupled with stunning beaches, friendly locals, and amazing seafood. Just 50 miles off the Florida coast, you will barely feel as though you started your journey before you find yourself gazing at the tropical fish circling your toes. You’ll be blessed with a comfortable year-round climate and seemingly endless resorts to choose from. Relaxing in the Bahamas is simply easy.

image via Flickr by trishahartmann

For the Brit in All of Us

Most of us love a bit of British culture, long enamored with the United Kingdom’s music, beer, and royal family. How about taking in a bit of Britain with a better climate? The Cayman Islands, a slightly less chaotic version of Southern Florida, gives you all of the charm of the island across the sea, but with the gorgeous water and white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Head to Grand Cayman for the resorts, to Cayman Brac for the fishing, or Little Cayman for exotic wildlife. Better yet, incorporate all three into a magical vacation that will create memories for a lifetime.

image via Flickr by Katie Thebeau

For the Intrepid Explorer — Sort of

Sometimes, a mix of relaxation and adventure is the perfect vacation combination. The Dominican Republic offers just that. While the lovely beaches circling the island offer up enough Caribbean beauty to impress any beach connoisseur, it’s equally stunning in the less-traveled inland. A perfect day may just involve a hike through the lush tropical forest, which is a mere 30-minute drive from Puerto Plata. At Damajagua, hike up one side so you have the chance to jump into one of 27 waterfalls on the other! If that bit of adrenaline isn’t enough, head into Santo Domingo to visit the oldest stone church in the Americas, set in 1514 by Christopher Columbus’ son Diego.

image via Flickr by puroticorico

For Those Wanting to Keep it in the Country

Perhaps you don’t have a passport. Or you do have a passport but are looking to explore more of the territory of the United States and still want something exotic. Look no farther than Puerto Rico. This island territory offers colonial heritage, sprawling resorts, and a thriving Hispanic culture. Kayak the mangrove swamps at La Parquera, zip-line in Mucaro, or simply dance the night away at one of the many casinos. Puerto Rico offers up more than enough options to keep anyone satisfied, all while you’re surrounded by stunning scenery and interesting history.

image via Flickr by dameetch

Whatever type of vacation is on your bucket list, the islands of the Caribbean can deliver!

Finding Magic

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A “Magical Village” is a place with symbolism, legends, history, important events, day-to-day life – in other words, “magic” in its social and cultural manifestations, with great opportunities for tourism

We have long been fascinated by the Pueblo Magico towns of Mexico. At one point in the preparation I even suggested we try to visit ALL of them on our journey south. Well, that isn’t going to happen. But we are slowly checking some off the list. This past few weeks, as we are getting our road legs back underneath us, we have visited no less than six pueblo magicos, each seemingly more magical than the next.

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The Insider’s Guide to Conquering Comic Con

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Written in cooperation with Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog. Originally published by The Hipmunk on April 13,2016.

Another year, another multitude of Comic Cons to attend. Whether you’re hitting up the mother of all Cons in San Diego, cosplaying in NYC, or attending a smaller Comic Con in Grand Rapids or Amarillo, the following strategies will help ensure that you have a truly delightful time.

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Buy tickets early.

Whenever possible, buy tickets online before the event. You’ll save money and avoid the heartbreak of arriving at Comic Con only to find out that the special event youneeded to see has already sold out.

Make a plan in advance.

There is so much to see at Comic Con, and it’s physically impossible to see it all. For this reason, it’s important to study the schedule and venue maps in advance so that you can plan out each day around your must-see events. If you want to see one of the major presentations (say, Game of Thrones in San Diego’s Hall H), keep in mind that you’ll need to budget in hours (and hours) of time for waiting in line. And because there are no guarantees that you’ll actually make it into the room you’re waiting in line to enter (especially because many venues don’t empty rooms after panels), it’s a good idea to have a backup plan (or several). One last tip: If you’re traveling with friends, remember to designate a meeting place before you split up for the day.

Bring cash.

Some vendors don’t accept credit cards, and ATM machines are few and far between. (And the ones that do exist are guaranteed to have insanely long lines). Spare yourself headaches and lost time by bringing plenty of cash with you to the venue.

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Avoid parking (if possible).

It will come as no surprise that parking at Comic Con can be a major headache. In the rare cases that you do manage to find a spot near the venue, it’s likely it will cost you—some lots have been known to charge upwards of $50 per day. If at all possible, ditch the car and arrive at the venue via public transportation or on foot. If you must drive, be sure to arrive early in the day for the best chance at finding a spot.

Be social.

It’s a smart idea to download the venue’s app, which is an indispensable resource for navigating any Con. It can also be helpful to create a list on Twitter that includes the official Comic Con Twitter handle, any vendors that you want to see, and people whom you know will be present. Don’t underestimate how valuable real-time updates can be when you’ve been standing in line for three hours.

This tip also extends beyond the digital space. There are tons of great connections to be had at Comic Con, so don’t be shy about approaching people. Bonus: Chatting up fellow comics fans is a great way to pass the time while waiting in line. Which brings us to…

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Prepare to wait.

We’ve mentioned that you’ll spend a lot of time waiting in line at Comic Con, right? We’re not kidding. Instead of hoping that it won’t happen to you, accept that it will—and then plan accordingly. Download podcasts to listen to, bring a book or journal, play games on your phone (just make sure it’s fully charged before Con), or simply settle in and enjoy the time to let your mind wander. Just remember to make sure you’re actually in the right line—sometimes lines bend and merge together, so check to be sure you aren’t wasting your time in the wrong place.

Practice self-care.

As always, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy yourself if you do what you can to avoid getting sick or burnt out. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, wash your hands often, and pack healthy snacks—healthy food can be hard to come by at Cons, especially when you’re stuck waiting in line. Having snacks on hand can provide the blood sugar boost you need to continue having a great time.

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Ask permission.

A common phrase heard round Con is that “Cosplay is Not Consent.” What this means is that just because someone is cosplaying (or simply present at Comic Con), that does not give you the right to touch them, harass them, or photograph them without their permission. If you want a picture, just ask—most people are more than happy to indulge. Be polite, keep your hands to yourself, and remember that everyone there is a human just like you.

Consider cybersecurity.

Wi-Fi is often available in most convention centers, but you’re likely to find that it’s painfully slow (or completely jammed) because of the sheer number of people trying to log on. You may see free networks available, but be cautious—some of these may be malicious. It’s a good idea to always practice good cyber-security strategies (even if this means you have to hold off on uploading photos to social media until you get home).

Above all else, remember to enjoy yourself. Though the lines may be long and your plans may change, the sheer number of interesting people and panels to see means that you’ll have a great time at Comic Con simply by going with the flow.