travels with tam Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

How to Stay Fit While Traveling!

June 1, 2018 By Tam Warner 24 Comments

Trying to stay fit while traveling is a major challenge! Don’t I know? On fabulous trips with delicious food, it is easy to miss workouts!

Of course, if you’re traveling somewhere like New Zealand and staying in a place like Absoloot Value Accommodation Queenstown you’re going to be surrounded by active people that flock to New Zealand in order to experience the great outdoors and live a very active lifestyle.

When you travel in unfamiliar environments you don’t have consistent access to the gym equipment you’re used to. Many resorts do have workout facilities, but they aren’t always the best. With that in mind, here are three top tips on how to stay fit while you are traveling.

stay fit while traveling, new zealand, workout, stay fit — Some things are easy to take along, like the TRX Bands!

On Demand Fitness Classes

Les Mills now offers an on-demand digital platform containing the world’s most popular gym classes such as Body Pump, Body Balance and Body Combat. This relatively low-cost subscription model (around $10 per month) means you have access to online classes anywhere in the world, presuming you have an internet connection… you can even save them offline, on your phone, to watch them anywhere you can think of; even in the jungle or a remote desert island.

Swim

Swimming is one of the best ways to keep in shape as it’s a great cardiovascular sport plus it works every major muscle group in your body. This is always my go to exercise when I am near the ocean. Diving or snorkeling is an amazing workout and encompasses fun and learning with exercise. You can explore a whole new world beneath the water! Also, if you can afford to pay a little extra for a hotel with a pool then you can have a fantastic workout at no extra cost, in the comfort and convenience of your hotel. Going somewhere cold? Check for hotels with indoor pool facilities!

Take Some Equipment With You

Clearly, you won’t want to be taking weights on your flight but there are plenty of small and lightweight pieces of equipment that you can take along. For instance, you could take some TRX bands, resistance bands, which are particularly effective at working your upper body, and a skip rope. Skipping is how boxers train because it provides a fantastic all over cardiovascular workout. Then, there is always the option to go for a nice long walk and explore the area. I’ve been known to take a yoga mat along on trips!

Hey, there are many ways to keep fit while traveling, and just because you don’t have a gym doesn’t mean you can’t continue to exercise and stay in shape while you’re traveling the world. Keep exploring, my friends!

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Let’s Clear Up the Myths about Traveling to Dubai!

May 17, 2018 By Tam Warner 40 Comments

I have always heard rumors about traveling to Dubai, and here I am going to debunk the myths! Dubai is absolutely on my list of places to go!

There are one hundred and ninety-five countries in this world, and Dubai tops many travelers’ bucket lists. Now, there are a lot of myths surrounding the United Arab Emirates, so to help clear everything up before you book your flights and hotel, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Dubai!

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What It Is Like To Be Totally Remote

May 7, 2018 By Tam Warner 1 Comment

dive sites, san benedicto, big blue, remote, revillagigedos — San Benedicto Island from a drone. Uninhabited, it is a volcanic site. The animal life under the water around this island is amazing! So much life under a lava rock.

There are places on the planet where you can be totally remote. Alone. Removed. Well, radio waves are pretty much everywhere, but cell and internet signals are not. I just took my third trip to the Revillagigedos Archipelago, to dive and photograph Giant Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Sharks, Dolphins…and all of the cool smaller stuff. What is it like to be so remote? And where the heck is this place??? And be sure to have Travel Insurance, always!

When you travel to a place this remote, you have to understand that there are no hospitals, no doctors, no chambers if you get decompression sickness. Or a heart attack. Or a stroke. Or anything, really. This is the risk you take in some parts of the world. There is no signal, and it would take at least 24 hours to get back to civilization. I’m not sure if a helicopter would go there, obviously there is no place to land. I always take antibiotics with me, a Z pak for possible strep or sinus infection, Cipro in case my tummy acts up. Oh, and dramamine, which I needed on this last trip. And I always buy travel insurance!

On one hand, I find not having a signal relaxing. Unlike the millennials and younger generations, I do not do everything on my phone. I have had phones stolen and I have lost phones, my kids chide me when I don’t answer but I just do not carry it on me every second of the day. I lose the damn thing in my house! My husband has to call it so I can locate it. It is a relief when I don’t have to worry about missing a text or a call.

Being without internet is sometimes a pain, but as long as I can edit photos I’m happy, and you don’t need the internet for that. Imagine sleeping with no interruptions from your phone. Eating with no texts or calls. And, on the other hand, being very careful. On these trips I am very careful with my depth, my air supply, my limits. The only time I went outside my limits on this trip was when the dolphins came to check us out. Has anyone ever explained to you that dolphins are bastards? They really are. They mesmerize you with their eye contact and take you down deep. I looked at my depth while photographing them and I was way too deep for the gas mix I was using in my tank. 110 feet. For some people that is not very deep, but I try not to go below 100, and I prefer staying above 90 feet. The other thing that dolphins do to merit name calling is hanging out around your zodiac, or panga (a rubber boat used to go to dive sites). They jump, you coo, they come close, and you want to swim with them. So you put on your snorkel and fins, jump in, and the only dolphin you see is one going deep and out of sight. See what I mean? The little bastards. Sigh. But I still love them.

Having a dive buddy is helpful when diving this remotely, with this much current, and the bottomless depths. The big blue is not too far away, and unless your dive master takes you there, you don’t want to go and be separated from your group. The big blue can be really disorienting with no bottom and nothing but blue, blue, blue. I had a fellow photographer for a buddy, and we kept an eye on each other, but photographers never dive right next to their buddy. Sometimes we were close, especially if conditions warranted it, but mostly we kept each other in sight while looking for cool animals to take pictures of. It worked out well.

Going so remote and to locations with endless big blue is not for beginners. There are no beginner dive sites in this Archipelago. I am not a professional, but I have 30 plus years of experience in the water. Sometimes I might be just a little bit too comfortable in the water, but not at these dive sites. You must keep in mind that sites like this can be cold, can have down currents, up currents, strong currents, and surge. Several people got lost this trip, meaning losing their dive group. At that point, you must surface. Not being able to see any other divers is not good. The Revillagigedos is not the place for solo diving.

I love San Benedicto’s patterns and colors and textures. I want my house to look like this.

But I digress! Going remote can be a great experience. I love the privacy and silence from my phone and the internet, but I remind myself often that it is not a place for any kind of accident. I try to be very careful when I go remote!

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The 8 biggest Waterslides in the World!

March 11, 2018 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

Check out the 8 biggest waterslides in the world! Summer equals sea and sun and most of the people choose as a destination a place with crystal clear waters all around the world. Some people, however, choose destination with water parks and huge water slides in order to feel more adventurous. The water parks are refreshing, relaxing and entertaining. If the prospect of adventure gets the adrenaline pumping and you are adventurous, there are some huge water parks all around the world that will surely make you reconsider your next holiday destination is going to be.

Insano (Beach Park, Brazil)

In Brazil, there are a lot of options when you want to have a really good time under the sun. Endless beaches with crystal clear waters make the dream vacation destination. There is also a huge water park that really worth visiting, the Insano Park. It is located 55 miles south of Fortaleza and is visited by those who need a solid dose of adrenaline. It has one of the world’s tallest waterslide, which is 42 meters long.

Brain Wash (Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park, Florida)

This walk is sure to be unforgettable, accompanied by sounds, videos and lights, as well as a vertical 16-meter downhill that will most likely make your heart race. Florida is not only good for the glam style. It’s fun too.

Aqualoop (Terme 3000 Adventure Pool Complex, Slovenia)

In this wonderful waterpark in Slovenia, one of the fastest slides in the world can be found. It has a 360 degree turn that will surely confuse your senses as you go down.

Faser (Galaxy Erding, Germany)

Erding is a small town located just outside Munich. There is however a great reason for visiting this place even though you do not think of a small city in Germany when you dream of your vacation. Upon your arrival, you will catch a speed of 72 km / h in one of its most famous slides.

Jumeirah Sceirah (Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai)

In the heart of Dubai is this incredible water park. It has places especially designed for those who want to relax, but Jumeirah Sceirah is definitely not one of them. At your arrival you will reach 80 km / h on this slide.

Summit Plummet (Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Florida)

It is well known that the descent to Disney’s Blizzard Beach will make you reach 96 km / h. But if you want, you can have a speedometer with you and you know exactly the speed is at all times.

The Scorpion’s Tail (Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin)

The park is located 55 miles north of Madison. If you find yourself there, you will get down 122 meters of slides in 5 to 8 seconds. Suitable only for those you do not have heart problems.

Leap of Faith (Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas)

This water park in Bahamas is unique for a certain reason, besides its great facilities. From the 18 meter slide in the air, the courageous will pass through a tube surrounded by a shark lake!

Waterbom Bali

Waterbom Bali is one of the largest water parks in the world, which covers a very long distance and which is on the south side to the city Kuta. It is the biggest and the absolute choice of all tourists who want to spend an unforgettable day. It offers moments of relaxation and intense fun in its friendly and cool environment and has attracted many millions of visitors over the years. If, you are brave enough, you should try the thrilling ‘Climax’. It’s an almost 30 meter slide, which takes you up and all of a sudden, drops you down causing you to experience 3G’s. You end up in the water through a near vertical dip. This slide should not be preferred by people who are afraid of heights and have heart problems. In Indonesia you can also relax in luxury spa Jakarta. It will feel just as if you were a child again.

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14 of the Most Badass Adventurers on Instagram in 2018 are Midlife Women!

February 16, 2018 By Tam Warner 15 Comments

Did you know that 14 of the most badass adventurers on Instagram in 2018 are midlife women? It’s true! Talk about inspiration! Here are women who will show you how to get out of your comfort zone and find excitement!

Points and Travel

badass adventurers, badass, women, comfort zoneoman to listen to, she knows what she is doing and can inspire to get out of your comfort zone! @pointsandtravel

A Taste of Travel

Aussie Jenny Freedman loves traveling on or near water, finding cool markets to stroll through, and iconic food. Her Instagram is filled with beautiful photographs of beaches, kayaks, and coastal towns galore! On A Taste of Travel Blog dot com Jenny says, “I love a bit of luxury but often I prefer to stay at a cute 3 Star boutique hotel and splurge on a fabulous meal. Food is important in my travels and restaurants play a big part when visiting a city.” Jenny’s destinations closely resemble anyone’s Bucket List, and she is happily out and about, spending the kid’s inheritance, and getting out of her comfort zone. One of the badass adventurers, indeed! @atasteoftravel

Traveling with MJ

Mary Jo Manzanares’ instagram feed is nothing short of heavenly. Among badass adventurers, she is a lover of color, it can be in nature, cooking, or in an animal, but color and a heart opening experience is what she offers. “MJ, is a traveler, travel writer, podcaster, and publisher. When she’s not on a trip, she’s planning or researching the next one and has a bag always packed, ready for the next great adventure. Her travel ethos is Value Luxury – that sweet spot where experience and price intersect to create WOW.” Mary Jo absolutely creates a feeling of WOW on her blog Traveling with MJ dot com and her instagram, @travelingwithMJ

Suzanne Stavert

@SuzanneStavert makes the Empty Nest look inviting, and even romantic! She and her husband Craig take full advantage of having no more children at home. Her feed is colorful and varied, from luxury hotels and beautiful locations to photos of incredible food, her family, and even her dog. She started Adventures of Empty Nesters dot com in 2014 to celebrate becoming an empty nester, and to share her adventures, expertise and enthusiasm. Her instagram and blog are filled with fun, great trips, fabulous food, and lifestyle tips. Suzanne is one of my favorite badass adventurers.

Green with Renvy

I love Alison Abott’s style, she is a woman after my own heart! She is a supporter of sustainability and eco-friendly ideas. Hers is a travel and lifestyle blog in all shades of GREEN. She loves eco-luxury, and her Instagram feed is full of colorful cultures, foods, and travel experiences. Alison has been in fashion and design, and turned to renovating homes with a green twist. She describes Green with Renvy dot com as follows: “an enjoyable riff on the concept of renovating your travel and lifestyle in sustainable shades of green. Reducing your carbon footprint can come in many forms, and even small steps can have a significant impact.” Enjoy her exciting Instagram feed, @GreenwithRenvy, and blog of the same name.

Travel with Sara

Sara Broers (Travel with Sara dot com) is the founder of the midwest travel chat (#MWTravel), and an advocate for traveling the midwest! Her feed is full of hidden gems you’ve never even heard of! Such a badass adventurer! She is also an expert on the Alabama Gulf Coast. I think her Instagram says it perfectly, she loves family, travel, beaches, cruises, mountains and Iowa. Sara’s Instagram feed is chock full of sunsets from wherever she is at the moment, landscapes, beautiful ocean vistas, and charming buildings or gardens. Sara knows that adventure is around every corner in life. @TravelwithSara

Wherever_i_mayroamblog

Melody Pittman and her daughter, Taylor Pittman Hardy, are the multi-generational wizards behind @wherever_i_mayroamblog. This fabulous feed is full of food, locations, cruises, and Disney! They are absolute Disney fanatics! If you like Walt Disney, this is the feed and blog for you! Nowhere is too small or obscure, they go everywhere. Melody seemingly never slows down! Wherever I May Roam Blog dot com is where you will find her online, because she is impossible to find otherwise. On Instagram and the blog, they are your resource for luxury travel, culture and eats with a side of smart spending!

Nomad Women

Donna Meyer is right on point as far as I am concerned. Her blog, Nomad Women dot com, and her Instagram @nomadwomen focuses on mature women who travel. “If you’ve never traveled, because of fear, family, finances, whatever, I want to show you why you can and should. If you think you’re traveling days are past, I want to prove you wrong. I want to empower us all to get up, get out and see all that the world has to offer us.” Amen, sistah! My sentiments exactly. Donna’s instagram feed is eclectic, from birds to orchestras to stained glass to the Petrified Forest, Donna gets around. Follow Donna and see what this beautiful world has to offer!

Boomeresque2

Suzanne Fluhr is the lady behind the curtain on Boomeresque. She is the Boomer Queen! Her feed bounces from architecture to animals to scenery to sunsets and giant turtles! I love it. She and her husband, whom she calls Mr Excitement (that just cracks me up!), are always up to something, and the best way to follow her is on her Instagram. For tips, travels, lifestyle, and something called Zentangle (sounds much too complicated for me!) call in at Boomeresque dot com. @Boomeresque2

Solo Traveler

Janice Waugh and Tracy Nesbitt are the cutting edge of solo travel. Their blog, Solo Traveler World dot com is the end of the line for everything you need to know about traveling solo. I love the rich diversity of their @solotraveler feed on Instagram. Is there anywhere these bad ass adventurers haven’t been? The feed is awesome, I especially love the photos of Janice with two Longhorns (TEXAS Longhorns), and the cross country skier Tracy. Their feed has postcard picture perfect photographs as well as Janice and Tracy on their travels. They are the source for traveling alone and getting out of that comfort zone.

Got Luxury Travel

This instagram feed, @gotluxurytravel is the brainchild of Irene Levine and Janice Mucalov, co-editors of Getting On Travel dot com, a travel magazine for those over 50. These badass adventurers take glorious photographs, from all of the contributors to the magazine. Variety is the name of the game from a variety of travelers over 50, but every photo is picture perfect and screams “you have to go to ….”! The range of subjects is really and truly all over the planet. Cultures, foods, animals, people…absolutely beautiful and a must-follow.

Here are two more recent feeds that I am thoroughly enjoying and I’m sure you will too. @itsabonniething and @golearnthings. So be sure and check them out for continued adventures in midlife! (www.golearnthings.com and www.itsabonniething.com) They are two badass adventurers!

Oh, and don’t forget me! @travelswithtam, an empty nester always renewing, revamping and reinventing life! Get out of your comfort zone and find inspiration! Suzanne Stavert, Sara Broers and Melody Pitman are my blog buddies and together we are truly badass adventures! Check out a whirlwind trip to Cozumel Mexico

(https://travelswithtam.com/4travelchicasincozumel-2/

by #4TravelChicas. Midlife and beyond belongs to us, and we need to squeeze everything we can from it! Follow me on travel adventures, dive trips, citizen science, and on seven continents!

See you on Instagram!

Introducing You to Two Small Towns with Texas Charm!

February 12, 2018 By Tam Warner 13 Comments

I want to introduce you to two small towns with Texas Charm!

Texas has everything. World class cities, southern hospitality, amazing nature reserves, and history. One of my favorite travel themes in Texas is that of the small, hometown, downtown! Texas is full of small town gems, and I would like to share two of them with you! Don’t worry, there will be more!

First, Georgetown, Texas, just an hour north of Austin off I-35.