The Mill Magazine Edition 10 No. 1 Travel + Leisure

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trav¡el + lei¡sure noun

the action of traveling, typically abroad and the use of free time, time off, or holiday for enjoyment

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Travel +Leisure PUBLISHER MarketStyleMedia EDITOR IN CHIEF TraceyRoman COMMUNITY EDITOR AubreyDucane CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AlexandraBec VikkiSchaffer HectorGonzalezJimenez NoelScott BrentD.Moyle JayL.Zagorsky PHOTOGRAPHERS TomBarrett IanKeefe OleksandrPidvalnyi LucreciaCarmelos AmandaKerr GuillePozzi ArnelHasanovic BruceMars RafaelSaes BradleyHook QuangNguyenVinh ADVERTISING ad.sales@themillmagazine.com 803-619-0491 ©2019 THE MILL MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. THE MILL MAGAZINE DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE THE VIEWS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ADVERTISERS.

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eatures F T p.18 TRAVEL and

Become A BETTER PERSON

p.30 Economist THINK LIKE AN

. . . AND MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP ABROAD CHEAPER

p.58 p.44 VR technology pack it SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAVEL?

MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ITEMS

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Dr. Teresa T. Mercado, DDS with her English Bulldog, Boris

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TRAVEL and Become A BETTER PERSON Te x t b y H e c t o r G o n z a l e z - J i m e n e z Photos by R afael S aes

T

raveling offers new experiences and can open people’s minds. It allows you to get out of your daily groove – of work, commuting, housework and cooking – to think about the things that really matter and enjoy some quality time in a different place.

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Photo by Rafael Saes [@rafaelsaes].

Photo Journalist Rafael Saes explores Kathmandu, Nepal through the lens of his camera.

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Kathmandu, Nepal photographed by Rafael Saes [@rafaelsaes].

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Of course, with growing awareness of the environmental impact of long haul flights and tourism, many people are now opting for more sustainable methods of travel – with some choosing staycations over trips overseas. But given that my previous research shows the positive impact cultural diversity can have on a person’s well-being, it makes sense to not miss out on those trips abroad entirely. Instead, look for more environmentally friendly ways to travel to different countries.

My study found that having an enhanced affinity towards different cultures and global connectedness – also known as a “cosmopolitan” outlook – means you are more likely to have a better relationship with, and more positive appreciation of your body.

You can develop a cosmopolitan outlook quite easily, simply by traveling, interacting with a diverse set of people, learning new languages, experiencing foreign foods and embracing an open mindset. And my research shows how the benefits of this type of global mindset can translate well beyond the everyday, and can actually influence who we are as people – and how we think about ourselves.

But traveling doesn’t just change the way we think about ourselves, it stands to reason that it can also influence the way we behave. Scholars argue that by acquiring knowledge of other places and people, travel can make us more peaceful in our interactions with others, while also spurring volunteering for global causes.

Research in social psychology also shows that culture influences peoples’ concept of “the self ” – the image a person

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has about themselves. Take Japan, for instance. Japanese people tend to see their self as interdependent with others.

It’s no secret that Japanese people are community oriented, respectful and kind to visitors. These are all attributes that help to contribute to a more balanced co-existence on the islands. Some western societies on the other hand, such as the US and the UK, emphasize more of a self that is independent of others with a focus on individual goals and achievements.

MIRRORING BEHAVIOR Of course, Japanese society is not without its challenges and crowded places. To successfully navigate such an environment, it is essential for citizens to adopt communal and empathetic behaviors towards each other. For instance, in Japan people do not speak on their mobile phones on the train or subway, to avoid disturbing others that may be tired after a long day of work.

And on rainy days they do not take their wet umbrellas into stores, the train or subway. Rather they leave their umbrella in a basket at their local station to avoid wetting others while standing in the crowded train. Upon their return, the umbrellas will still be there in the unprotected basket at the station.

Could it be, then, that exposure to these types of positive behaviors could motivate travelers to adopt them and subsequently take their “improved manners” back home?

Traveling can change your perspective of the world.

Scientifically, this phenomenon may be explained by “mirror neurons”. As the name implies, mirror neurons are linked

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Kathmandu, Nepal photographed by Rafael Saes [@rafaelsaes].

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Kathmandu, Nepal photographed by Rafael Saes [@rafaelsaes].

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to the “mirroring” of others’ behaviors. Initially explored to explain ape’s social behavior, there is growing evidence that mirror neurons are also evident in humans.

Nested in our brains, researchers argue that mirror neurons fire not only while executing an action, but also while observing somebody else performing the same or similar action.

Neuroscientific evidence also suggests that specific brain regions are tied to an interdependent self, and that mirror neurons play a role in how a person integrates information about their self and others.

WIRED FOR EMPATHY Research also suggests that the relationship between mirror neurons and imitation is linked to an evolutionary process that made us wired to develop a more empathetic self.

Broadly speaking, empathy has to do with the sensing and sharing of feelings of one person by another – connecting people in mutual dependency.

Traveling has the power to transform your life and shift the way you think about yourself and the world.

In this way, empathy is an important attribute needed to become a better person and mirror neurons seem to be the ideal cells to support cooperative behavior among people.

So it stands to reason that experiencing and observing empathetic behavior during travels that you haven’t come across before, may activate your mirror neuron system.

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And it could well be that travelers integrate this empathetic behavior as part of their brain – leading to more considerate interactions with others even after returning home. So maybe this is what people mean when they say they feel changed or inspired by their time away. Either way, it’s clear that getting a change of scenery every so often can be beneficial for our minds, bodies and maybe even our manners.

So when it comes to thinking about your next trip, try to choose somewhere that protects the local environment and respects human rights – and use local businesses rather than multinationals when booking your flights and accommodation. That way you can not only help to better yourself, but also the world around you.

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

Hector Gonzalez-Jimenez is an Associate Professor in Marketing at ESCP Europe Business School in Madrid. A true global citizen, Hector has gathered a diverse range of experiences throughout his life. Being raised in Germany by his Spanish parents, his multi-cultural identity has been shaped from an early age. At the age of eighteen, Hector embarked into the next phase of his life, expanding his professional and personal profile at a global level. Since then Hector has lived, worked and studied in various countries such as Spain, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Over the last fifteen years, his professional portfolio has grown in various roles in marketing, education and corporate strategy. During this time Hector has worked on projects for small to medium-sized businesses as well as large international companies such as Pepsi or Ford. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

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Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam photographed by Quang Nguyen Vinh [@quangpraha].

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THINK LIKE AN

Economist

........AND MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP ABROAD

cheaper

Te x t b y J a y L . Z a g o r s k y

A

record number of tourists and business travelers visit other countries each year, and this year is already on pace to exceed the previous tally.

One thing you definitely need when traveling abroad besides a passport is local currency, such as euros in Europe, yen in Japan or rubles in Russia.

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Withdrawing cash from an ATM can cost you if you're not careful.

In the past, travelers would typically withdraw what they need from an ATM in the country they’re visiting or simply use a credit card, letting their bank calculate the cost in their home currency at roughly the market rate. There was usually also a foreign transaction fee.

less expensive – it’s half what it was in the early ‘80’s – or safer.

And that’s one reason why a record 1.4 billion people visited another country in 2018.

Naturally, financial firms have sought to Increasingly, however, retailers, restaurants, capitalize on all this wandering by inventing and ATMs are offering travelers the option to ever more ways to separate travelers from their pay or withdraw money in terms immediately hard-earned money. converted into their home currency. Companies offering the service call it “dynamic currency BUYING THINGS ABROAD conversion.”

Tourists rely on credit, debit or ATM cards to pay for hotels, restaurant meals, and local trinkets.

For example, an American tourist visiting Paris is able to use her credit card to pay for a fancy A complex international computer network meal at a French bistro in U.S. dollars, instead checks if a card is valid for the transaction and of euros. transfers the money. Traditionally, to help pay for this, banks and credit card companies have This may seem innocuous – or even convenient charged customers a foreign transaction fee.

– but agreeing to use your home currency in a foreign land can significantly inflate the cost However, banks are now offering more cards of every purchase. Thinking a bit more like an with no foreign transaction fees. At the same economist can help you avoid this mistake, and time, “free ATMs” are popping up around the save a lot of money. world that don’t charge local transaction fees (though your own bank may still do so).

SURGE IN TOURISTS A century ago, international travel was only for So how do banks cover the costs of these the rich. These days, almost anyone from an transactions if they are increasingly letting industrialized country can see a bit of the world consumers use the system for free? on a budget.

One way is offering the option to pay in a user’s While people commonly complain about “high” home currency. Even some bankers warn against airfares, the real cost of flying has never been consumers doing this because the exchange rate

Bali, Indonesia photographed by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi [@o_pidvalnyi].

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ATM s across the world increasingly don't charge customers for withdrawals. used is much worse than the one your bank would offer.

The currency rate offered in dollars ranged from almost 4 percent to 10 percent more than what my bank charged (or about $134 to $142). I For example, say you’re a Spaniard visiting New rejected both offers, did the transaction in the York City and shopping for some clothes at a local currency and ended up with a total charge department store. After scouring the store for of just $129 from my bank. the right sweater for your mother, you go to the cashier to pay the US$50 bill (tax included). I have observed numerous international After you swipe your Spanish credit card (which travelers as they made this choice, such as an boasts no foreign transaction fee), the cashier Italian family arguing about it at the next ATM, asks if you’d like to pay in euros instead of and most chose the dynamic conversion into dollars. their own currencies.

If you stick with dollars, your bank would convert the price into euros at about the market rate, €43 at the moment. If you choose to pay in euros, however, the currency conversion includes a fee for the privilege, which may be as much as 10 percentage points. So you might end up paying about €47 instead.

The same thing happens with ATMs. I was recently in London’s Heathrow Airport and needed some British pounds. In the old days, an ATM would simply offer a few denomination options, issue me money and my bank at home would eventually calculate the cost in U.S. dollars. Instead, the airport ATM asked me if I wanted to lock in the exchange rate and know exactly how many dollars would be debited from my bank account.

So why do travelers pay more by accepting a worse exchange rate when they could simply say no?

THREE FUNCTIONS OF MONEY Economists consider any item as money if it performs three different functions: unit of account, store of value and medium of exchange. Two out of three explain why so many international travelers act the way they do.

The first function of money is a unit of account, which is how people post and keep track of prices.

This is why banks and credit card companies get people to agree to pay in the currency where they live, instead of using local money.

When people travel to a country with a different currency, they often mentally keep track of their spending using their home currency, converting I wanted £100 and tried two different ATMs. all prices in their heads as they shop and eat. If

Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam photographed by Quang Nguyen Vinh [@quangpraha].

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If a credit card machine asks you if you want to pay in your home currency, just say no. an ATM or credit card terminal asks if you want your debit card charges a fee, in most cases it to pay for something in the currency you use as still makes sense to use the local currency. your unit of account, your brain says yes.

An exception to this rule, of course, is if your Money also acts as a store of value. Items used bank or credit card charges a very high fixed as money provide the ability to make purchases foreign exchange fee and you need only a little now and also in the future. At the end of a trip, bit of money. If this is your case, then saying yes travelers not planning on returning to a country might save you money even if you get a poor tend to spend leftover money in airports buying exchange rate. things they don’t really want. They don’t want to hold onto foreign bills since they are not a store The main thing is: think it through! Resist your of value. For the same reason, they prefer to be natural inclination to say yes just because it charged in their home currency when getting makes you feel comfortable. Don’t be fooled money from an ATM. when asked if you want to complete a transaction using your home currency. Using the local Money is also a medium of exchange, which is currency can save you money, making your next anything readily acceptable as payment to buy trip abroad less costly. or sell goods and services. This is why people have to convert money when they travel abroad.

In New York City, a dollar bill is a medium of exchange for food, drink or a ride on the subway.

However, those dollars are not a medium of TMM exchange in, say, China, where waving a wad of greenbacks would mostly get you stares. And that’s why travelers must convert money from one currency to another.

a T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ABROAD When faced with an ATM or credit card machine that asks if you want to convert to your home currency, I recommend you decline, especially if you went to the pain and effort to ensure you have a card or bank with no extra foreign exchange fees. Even if you don’t have one, and

Jay L. Zagorsky is a senior lecturer at Boston University Questrom School of Business. From 1995 to 2018 Jay held the position of Research Scientist at The Ohio State University, where he collected data as part of the National Longitudinal Surveys on income, wealth, and life experiences of thousands of Americans. His personal finance research has been widely quoted in the media and has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox News, Good Morning America, Scientific American, and numerous other news outlets. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

Bali, Indonesia photographed by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi [@o_pidvalnyi].

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VR technology SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAVEL

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Te x t b y Vi k k i S c h a f f e r, A l e x a n d r a B e c , Brent D. Moy l e, an d No el S c ott

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s virtual reality technology improves, it creates new opportunities for travelers seeking new experiences. Let us explore how technology is changing tourism.

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Photo by Bruce Mars [@brucemars].

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Tourism is often about seeking deeper emotional and personal connections with the world around us. It’s a quintessential part of the “experience economy”, creating memories that can be recalled, re-lived and re-shared for a lifetime.

But not all travel experiences take place in the real world. With the evolution of virtual reality (VR) technology, tourism is increasingly a mash-up of physical and virtual worlds. VR can even remove the need to travel entirely.

Excessive tourism, or over-tourism, in popular destinations, can degrade heritage sites, the quality of life of host communities, and the experience of visitors.

Virtual reality not only offers alternative forms of access to threatened locations, but it also recreates historical experiences and provides virtual access to remote locations you might not make it to otherwise.

Evoking A Sense Of ‘Being There

Our brains seem to have an inbuilt VR-like mechanism that enables us to live imagined experiences. Much of our waking life is spent thinking about either the past (retrospection) or the future (prospection). This is known as mind wandering.

During these events, we’re not paying attention to the current world around us.

Instead, we’re recalling memories or creating and processing imagined futures.

When we’re engaged in mind wandering, our brains process and appraise mental images via the same neural pathways they use to receive stimuli from the real world. So, the imagined past or future can evoke emotions and feelings similar to how we react to everyday life.

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participants in a virtual reality travel experience reported a sense of relaxation, similar to that gained from travel in real life

}

Photo by Tom Barrett [@wistomsin].

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VR can elicit these same feelings. Virtual worlds use sensory stimulation and vivid imagery to generate authentic experiences. Immersion in these environments can lead to a deeper understanding of a place or event than simply reading about it or looking at pictures.

There is evidence virtual reality can create absorption, or a state of attention, leading to a sense of “presence” or “being there”. After a tourism VR experience of the Great Barrier Reef, for example, participants reported experiencing a sense of relaxation, similar to that gained from travel in real life.

What VR Tourism Looks Like

CHOOSING A DESTINATION Immersive videos of Australian holiday destinations created by Tourism Australia have been viewed more than 10.5 million times over the past two years. Research conducted by Tourism Australia shows that almost 20% of consumers have used VR to choose a holiday destination, while about 25% plan to use VR to choose a future destination. There is evidence VR can sometimes surpass reality, potentially leading the participant to choose an alternate destination.

SUSTAINABILITY In March, Thai authorities closed sections of the famous Maya Bay (which featured in Hollywood movie The Beach) because over-tourism threatened coral reefs. VR could offer experiences of locations like this without impacting the natural environment. It could also help support capacity management at “bucket list” destinations, such as Machu Picchu. But if VR is too effective at reducing visitation, alternate forms of income for local people need to be developed to

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visiting machu picchu as a virtual travel experience can elicit a deeper understanding of this bucket list destination

}

Photo by Amanda Kerr [@amandakerr].

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support economic viability.

HISTORICAL RECREATIONS In 2018, the Australian War Memorial brought the Battle of Hamel to virtual life using 3D and 360-degree video. Designers of the A$100 million Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux, France used immersive video, interactive touch screens, and historical relics to recreate the soldiers’ experience on the Western Front during WWI. Similar work is being completed in regional Australia to recreate life on a US Airbase on “the Brisbane Line” – Australia’s controversial last point of defense in WWII. ACCESS TO REMOTE AREAS Wildlife watching can elicit feelings of empathy, surprise, novelty, even fear. It can also generate excitement, stimulation, entertainment, and learning. But government regulation, cost, remoteness, and seasonality of migratory patterns may limit opportunities for people to encounter some of the awe-inspiring creatures on our planet. Virtual immersion can offer alternatives that support conservation goals and provide transformative visitor experiences.

ENHANCING HEALTH AND WELLBEING VR tourism could also help to increase health and well-being. Long working hours can lead to anxiety and depression. Research demonstrates immersion in the outdoors encourages relaxation, rejuvenation, expectation, surprise, trust in oneself, and improved self-esteem that can contribute to reduced symptoms.

Short breaks using tourism-based VR experiences can mirror these effects and improve health.

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tourists encounter whales in the wild and are treated to a spectacular display via virtual reality technology

}

Photo by Guille Pozzi [@guillepozzi].

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New possibilities for VR applications – both practical and pleasurable – are emerging as the technology evolves. And as travelers seek new and novel experiences, combining virtual with real-world experiences may become a common feature of tourism in the future.

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

Vikki Schaffer is the Program Coordinator and Lecturer of Tourism, Leisure, and Event Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Vikki's research areas include whale and marine tourism, citizen science and immersive visualization. She has a keen interest in innovative technologies (VR, drones) in data collection and the potential influence on participant engagement.

Dr. Alexandra (Ali) Bec is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sunshine Coast. Ali’s area of expertise is regional community development, particularly for tourism regions. Her research is primarily in the areas of change management, economic development, and building community resilience. She is currently working on an Advance Queensland Research Fellowship looking at stimulating regional tourism through the virtual reconstruction of Queensland’s WWII heritage.

Brent D. Moyle is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor of Tourism at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Brent’s interdisciplinary approach has resulted in extensive experience publishing, with research outcomes published in over 50 internationally recognized top tier journals including Annals of Tourism Research, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Management and the Journal of Travel Research.

Noel Scott is Professor in the Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. His research interests include the study of tourism experiences, destination management and marketing, and stakeholder organization. He is a frequent speaker at international academic and industry conferences. He has over 210 academic articles published including 11 books. He has supervised 18 doctoral students to the successful completion of their theses. He is on the Editorial Board of five journals and a member of the International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism (AIEST). Prior to his academic career, Noel worked as a senior manager in a variety of leading businesses including as Manager Research and Strategic Services at Tourism and Events Queensland. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

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combining virtual with real-world travel experiences may become a common feature of tourism in the future

}

Photo by Bradley Hook [bradleyhook.com].

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

Chris and Courtney Thompson, Owners

100 MAIN STREET, FORT MILL 路 803路396路8055 路 SOUTHERNSUGARCAFE.COM

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

ppack it

MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ITEMS Pr o d u c e d b y Au br e y D u c a n e

W Photo by Arnel Hasanovic [@arnelhasanovic].

e asked a select group of local travel experts for their absolute must-pack items when traveling abroad. You'll get a peek inside the luggage of all four travel aficionados. And, you'll find their twelve recommended travel items as well as the scoop on where you can buy them locally.

TRAVEL + LEISURE•EDITION 10 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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sarah crosland The summer after her junior year of high school, Sarah Crosland spent six weeks studying in France and exploring the country. From that point forward, she was hooked on travel. “I couldn’t get enough stamps on my passport,” says Crosland, a Charlotte travel writer, who has covered destinations around the world. “In college, I drained my bank account on a Eurail train pass and cheap hostels, trying to see as much of Europe as possible. And then in my early twenties, I made one of the craziest—and best— decisions of my life and quit a perfectly good job to go backpack around Asia and Australia.”

When she returned to the States, it was to write for lifestyle magazines and she quickly began taking on as many travel stories as she could find. Her assignments have led her to cover luxurious destinations around the Caribbean on islands like Anguilla, Nevis, and St. Barths. She’s written about outdoor adventures in Belize, Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest. And she’s shared the best way to experience world-renowned cities like Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, and London.

“Along the way, I also became a food writer,” says Crosland, whose favorite way to experience a new place in through its culinary offerings. She mentions memories like fresh conch ceviche made beachside in the Bahamas and spicy noodles served up at a Bangkok market.

“I like to dine like a local so I can share that experience with readers—and,

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these days, social media followers.” And while she loves trips to new places, one of Crosland’s favorite things about living in Charlotte is that the American South is a popular travel destination in its own right. “Some of my favorite assignments have been covering the latest and greatest in places like Charleston and Asheville,” she says. “I always feel lucky that spots like these are just an easy drive down the road.”

Insulated Phone Case by Phoozy Best Buy | $29.99

SARAH'S TRAVEL PICKS “When I’m traveling—especially out of the country—there’s nothing more important to me than my phone/camera, which is why this insulated case by Phoozy is a lifesaver. Created by a former Charlotte NASCAR driver, this provides extra protection in extreme hot or cold conditions, and I often use it to help keep my phone dry in rain or snow.”

“Eye masks are a must to actually get any sleep on a long flight overseas, and this luxurious one by Branche has become a favorite because of the way the delicate silk doesn’t tug at my skin.

Plus, the compression on my face helps with puffiness around my eyes after any overnight flights.”

“I have the worst luck with getting sick when I travel outside of the country. So, anywhere I go, I’m fully stocked with medications for things like allergies and motion sickness. To save space in my suitcase, I like to carry meds in a cute pouch by Shiraleah that can easily double as a clutch for a night out.”

THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

Silk Sleep Eye Mask by Branche Bedside Manor | $42

Zip Pouch by Shiraleah Moxie Mercantile | $35

Sarah Crosland @sarahcrosland sarahcrosland.com

travel writer TRAVEL + LEISURE•EDITION 10 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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Simon Johns @simonjohns simonjohns.com

explorer 64

THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

simon johns

An epic traveler, Simon Johns looks for an

with habitat restoration. You can even

adventure at every destination. He likes

hike around Sierra Negra, the world’s

to explore wildlife habitats capturing

second largest volcanic crater. "It really is

images and video. He recently went

a trip of a lifetime," explains Simon.

gorilla trekking in Uganda and spent SIMON'S TRAVEL GEAR

several days photographing a troop of Wanderer Hat by Tilley ZABS Place | $25

eight.

“Whether I’m exploring the Australian

outback or the jungles of Costa Rica,

Simon took the most dangerous road

it's necessary to keep my head covered.

trip on the planet when he traveled

I found this Tilley hat at ZABS Place,

by bus on the Karakoram Highway

a thrift boutique that employees young

(KKH). It's the world’s highest paved

adults with special needs. You'd be

highway, connecting China to Pakistan

surprised by what you can find in this

through the Himalayas. Not only is this

place.”

journey dangerous, but the landscape

Travel Pack by Mystery Ranch REI Co Op | $185

is spectacular. The KKH is 800 miles in

“Keeping my gear compact and safe

length and you need visas for Pakistan

from the elements is super important.

and China for this trip. You can travel by

This travel pack by Mystery Ranch is my

bus or rent your own vehicle and drive

favorite with room for my laptop, a shoe

the entire distance in 4 to 5 days.

compartment, dirty-laundry pocket, and

a spot to hold my passport and phone. I

Another of Simon's adventures was

can carry it three different ways: like a

crossing windswept sand dunes in

suitcase, over the shoulder, or backpack-

Morocco while perched atop a camel. He

style. Mesh dividers make it easy to find

enjoyed the stunning desert scenery and

my stuff and it comes with zippered

sleeping under the stars. "It's an incredibly

pockets to organize small items.”

unique experience," says Simon, "and if you're up for this kind of adventure, I

“I have sensitive eyes and depending on

suggest you book a multi-day camel trek

the location or time of year, my eyes can

in the Saharan Dunes as well."

get overly dry. I always pack eye drops when I travel for this reason. Similasan

If

Eye Drops by Similasan Berrybrook Farms | $8.99

Simon

drops work the best for me. They are

recommends journeying to the Galapagos

you're

big

on

wildlife,

homeopathic with natural botanicals that

Islands to see giant tortoises, marine

stimulate the body's natural defenses.

iguanas, albatross, penguins, and blue-

They are made without harsh chemicals,

footed boobies. Get up close by snorkeling,

so you can use them as often as needed

kayaking, and diving or by volunteering

without the risk of side effects.”

TRAVEL + LEISURE•EDITION 10 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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jenny stenhouse Jenny Stenhouse first started working at Blackhawk Hardware when she was 19 years old but left three years later to work for a real estate developer. She began traveling frequently for work to various trade shows and to different cities for research on other real estate developments. She worked in this role for many years before returning back to work at Blackhawk Hardware in 2013. Jenny was first hired as an associate in the cabinet hardware department and later was promoted to be a buyer for the store – which began her travel abroad obsession.

This new role as a buyer at Blackhawk Hardware completely opened up Jenny’s travel abilities. From tradeshows to buyers’ markets, Jenny had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally to search for new products. Twice a year, Jenny travels to Atlanta in search of new unique items to offer guests. Then every December, Jenny and her fellow buyer travel abroad to Europe to scour through the holiday markets in search of rare Christmas ornaments and one-of-a-kind decorations for the holiday season.

Jenny’s travel philosophy is broken down into three simple categories: safety, ease, and comfort. As someone who has been on numerous airplanes, Jenny has learned the importance of these three elements. Since safety has become a growing concern among travelers with through the advancement of technology, Jenny makes sure her personal items such as her passport and luggage are protected while hopping from plane to plane. In turn, security measures have increased,

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so Jenny tries to stay atop of all airline requirements to travel with ease. After almost missing flights due to non-TSA approved toiletries and luggage, Jenny believes simplicity while traveling is crucial. Above all, Jenny strives to be as comfortable as possible while traveling.

For those longer flights to Germany or the Netherlands, Jenny tries to relax by listening to music and podcasts while on a plane.

Plugfones by Innate Devices Blackhawk Hardware | $29.99

JENNY'S TRAVEL FAVES "Whenever I travel abroad I always have my noise canceling headphones with me. Plugfones are perfect for when I’m listening to music or my favorite podcasts because they block out any sounds from the plane engine or from nearby passengers. I even wear them when I’m sleeping to silence out all of the noise."

"I love Travelon’s wallets! Not only are they fashionable, they come in so many different patterns and sizes, but they have RFID blocking slots and pockets. Safety is a big priority for me when I travel, and their products give me the peace of mind I need."

"This bottle set has become a gamechanger for me when I travel. I’m very specific about what products I use, so I love that this set allows me to continue my beauty routine even when I’m on vacation. I simply pour my lotions and hair products into the bottles and label them using the Kikkerland stickers. Plus this travel set is TSA compliant, which makes going through security a breeze."

THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

Single Zip Wallet by Travelon Blackhawk Hardware | $24.99

Apothecary Travel Set by Kikkerland Blackhawk Hardware | $19.99

Jenny Stenhouse @blackhawkhardware blackhawkhardware.com

work traveler TRAVEL + LEISURE•EDITION 10 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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Tracy Frick @travelliketracy travelliketracy.com

world traveler 68

THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 10 NO. 1•TRAVEL + LEISURE

tracy frick

An attorney by trade, Tracy Frick has a

catamaran

passion for culture and empowerment

the ceremonial technique of opening a

charter.

She's

mastered

through world travel. She has done

champagne bottle with a saber (sabrage)

extensive travel throughout Europe and

in Champagne, France. She's sipped

the Caribbean for the past 15 years and

cocktails at The Ritz London. "Hands

realized she could help others enjoy travel

down - the best White Russian ever is in

as well.

London at The Ritz," Tracy exclaimed.

Name the place and most likely Tracy has

In 2018, Tracy opened Travel Like

been there.

Tracy, a boutique-luxury travel agency.

Travel Wrap by Mer Sea & Co Crossing on Main | $149

"Travel Like Tracy came together to help

TRACY'S TRAVEL PICKS

other people plan and book their dream

“Even in the summer months, I get cold

vacations," says Tracy. "And, I have

moving through the airport terminals

spent most of my life living my dream of

and on the plane, so I always carry a

traveling the world and I wanted to assist

light-weight wrap with me when I travel.

others to do the same."

I really like this one by Mer Sea & Co because it's super soft and the neutral

Tracy is well-versed in the fun and

color goes with everything."

rigors of traveling. She recently explored Santorini, Passport Holder by Nikki Cade Anthropologie | $24

Greece;

Sant

'Angelo,

“I love this passport holder by Texas-

Ischia; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Amalfi,

based artist Nikki Cade. She finds

Italy; Moliniere Point, Granada; and

inspiration in her worldly travels - the

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

places she explores, the cultures she encounters and the friends she makes

She's been to the top of Zugspitze

along the way. We have that in common.”

mountain, which reaches almost 3,000

Compression Bag Set by Eagle Creek The Container Store | $44.21

meters (almost 10,000 feet) in height.

“Made from a material similar to

The mountain range with this famous

parachutes,

peak is located near the ski resort of

help me maximize space in my suitcase.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen. She's snorkeled

There's plenty of room for T-shirts, shorts,

the underwater sculpture garden just

socks, undergarments, and accessories.

off the shores of Moliniere Point. There

I find it helps minimize wrinkles and

lies a magical collection of sculptures

makes packing more organized. Even

inspired by local people. She's enjoyed

unpacking during security checks is

stunning views of Positano from a private

stress-free.”

these

compression

bags

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

TRAVEL + LEISURE•EDITION 10 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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