traveler and tourist Issue 23 jan-feb 2022
the inspiration issue 1
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jan/feb 2022
editor’s note Welcome to the first issue of 2022 - the Inspiration edition of Traveler and Tourist magazine! The start of the year is always ripe for planning and plotting your travels for the next few months. Whether near or far, a simple road trip or a bucket-list dream trip, you know you have a destination somewhere on our beautiful planet that you want to head to. We hope this edition gives you some ideas in this 52-page issue that you can read any where, at any time, on any device! We’ve curated some gorgeous products for gifting and everyday use in our On Our Radar and Sustainable Travel departments, shared tips for your gut health and for pet care, and have some fun recommendations for you in our Shelf Esteem and Liquid Inspiration pages, aside from our regular coverage of three great destinations we hope you will consider traveling to when you find it safe and comfortable for yourself and your family or friends to do so - go give it a read. Thank you again for subscribing to the magazine, and if you know someone that should subscribe then please share our site with them. Engage with us on our social channels and do download that free salad book with a month of recipes. And a little surprise we have in store starting from this edition - you asked so we listened. We now have a teaser video for each of our destinations along with captions of the locations you see! We hope you enjoy reading the magazine much as we did working on it for you. Remember to hit play on our Spotify playlist to listen to tunes we curated for you from our time working on this edition. For now, please enjoy the Inspiration edition of Traveler and Tourist. Stay well. Be safe. Ruksana Hussain
editor’s pick
Editor and Publisher: Ruksana Hussain Creative Director: Parker Shatkin Editorial Assistant: Ruqaiyah Hussain Cover photo: La Romana, Dominican Republic Photo by Ruksana Hussain
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just a tease...
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IN THIS ISSUE on our radar health on the go special focus Hot Springs, AR pg 20
design district south central destination travel with pets plan a vacation west coast destination sustainable travel international destination outdoor recreation Liquid inspiration shelf esteem
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Sedona, AZ pg 30
Traveler and Tourist magazine is published online in California, USA and distributed digitally to subscribers worldwide. No portion of this magazine can be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from publisher. All information gathered within is considered to be reliable,but accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. ISSN 2576-5175.
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on our radar
on our radar Starting the year with some new choices, are we? Here are a few of our favorite things that might make some of those decisions easier.
Soo’AE (SOO-WAY)
Time to freshen up your skin with Soo’AE! With the Vegan Phyto Collagen Collection, it is impossible to go wrong with Soo’AE’s high quality face products that are formulated for dry, dull skin. Soo’AE is made up of green, clean K-BEAUTY products that are vegan, natural, and cruelty-free. Ingredient-focused (think natto gum, chia seeds and snow mushroom)and affordable, Soo’AE blends luxury and affordability while pioneering new and innovative approaches to skincare. Products feel gentle and easy on the skin, and the fragrance is mild and welcoming. And all this at a price point where you don’t have to think twice about being kinder to yourself and the planet!
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Lola’s Hot Sauce Do you like hot sauce? If so, this minority-owned hot sauce company and family generational recipe might be just the condiment to take you places. Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce was named one of the best new products in America by Shark Tank investor Daymond John. Their tantalizing flavors - Ghost Pepper | Trinidad Scorpion | Carolina Reaper | Family Reserve | Buffa-Lola {Buffalo] Fine Hot Sauce | Green Jalapeno - should be on your list. These are 100% all natural, plantbased, Keto, low sodium, non-GMO Project Verified, and gluten-free.
Holy Kombucha Comes in nine different flavors: Corazon, Berry Passion, Cleanse, Moondance, Amazing Blues, Green Apple Ginger, Blood Orange, Prickly Pear, and Hibiscus Sangria! This is an independent, multicultural, family-run company that has endured the highs and lows of life to embrace the global community and celebrate the ‘holy’ in everyone...because we can all be inspired to do good. Benefits of kombucha include healing antioxidants, probiotics boost, metabolism boost, and a healthy heart.
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on our radar
AlcoEats
For the international chef, a more gourmet way to prepare and enjoy Indian flavors! AlcoEats saves 30 minutes of time and effort in the kitchen and uses all natural, high quality, selective ingredients such as cashew-based gravies. From spices to blends and bowls, all products are ethically sourced from farms in the northern plains of India and most ingredients are keto-friendly, paleofriendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairyfree, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. This will soon become a staple in your kitchen given the versatile flavors and easy to use instructions.
Festive Foods
Festive Chickpeas have zero preservatives, are non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free and are 100% vegan to accommodate every snacker’s lifestyle. Aside from being plentiful with protein and nutritious, they’re exploding with flavor. Each pocket-sized bag is abundant in fiber, iron, and potassium, has 10 grams of protein and no trans fats. The crispy chickpeas are dusted with ocean-fresh sea salt – making them an easy and equally satiating alternative to potato chips. These can be pretty addictive quite quickly given the savory, sweet and spicy flavors available. Perfect for travel!
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Ayla & Co.
jan/feb 2022
Fashionable + Functionality = The Ultimate Travel Brand! Meet the makers of travel-friendly products with simplicity and style. It’s a complete system aimed at today’s travelers with fantastic designs and flexibility. The vacuum looks similar to a water bottle with a modern ergonomic design and can be used on long roadtrips, to clean up quick spills and messes, or as a handy travel companion for any on-thespot cleaning up you’d like to address. This might just be the best addition to your travel plans this year! m
(Images provided by respective brands)
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just a tease...
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health on the go
The Gut-Balancing Power of Probiotics Let’s talk about what’s going on in your gut—specifically with your tiny gut bugs called probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help keep you healthy. As “good bacteria,” probiotics help bring balance to your gut microbiome by preventing “bad bacteria” from multiplying and causing inflammation. When there is balance in your gut, your gastrointestinal system functions better. And consuming probiotic-rich foods is the most effective way to introduce these live microorganisms into your digestive tract. Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff is credited with pioneering studies of probiotics in the 1900s. Researching Bulgarian villagers who’d lived beyond 100 years, he discovered that the key to their improved health and longevity was the fermented yogurt drink they drank each day. The concept of probiotics and consuming fermented foods to aid digestion and improve gut health has been around for centuries. Still, Metchnikoff’s discovery prompted further studies on the fermented drink, which revealed the presence of beneficial bacteria strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Saccharomyces boulardii. More scientists researched the benefits of probiotics, and more beneficial bacterial strains were discovered. In 1930 Japanese scientist Minoru Shirota took the strain originally classified as Lactobacillus casei and strengthened and cultured it. The result was the live Lactobacillus casei Shirota bacteria, which is still used today—in Yakult-brand products. Sound familiar? Today, hundreds of probiotic brands and variants exist, including drinks, food products and supplements. Other drinks we now know are high in probiotics include fermented tea, kombucha and the fermented dairy drink, kefir.
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Yakult; photo by Gabriel Yuji
jan/feb 2022
Probiotic supplements; photo by Daily Nouri
How Probiotics Improve Your Gut The community of microorganisms living in your gut is also called the gut microbiome and gut microbiota. For your digestive system to function as it should, the complex ecosystem of the stomach, which includes good and bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi, should be in balance. Good bacteria are necessary to help the body create vitamins, digest food and prevent harmful bacteria from entering your blood. Good bacteria also help your gut break down and absorb medications. Probiotics have been shown to balance the gut by replenishing the good bacteria that prevent harmful bacteria from thriving. The use of antibiotics, for example, is known to kill natural bacteria in the gut. By consuming probiotics and improving gut health, you can combat common digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Because probiotics bring balance to the gut microbiome, they support healthy immune function, control inflammation, and promote digestive health. For these reasons, probiotic supplementation may be advised if you suffer from digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. A healthy gut brings benefits beyond digestive health, too. Researchers have observed a link between a balanced gut and skin, urinary, vaginal, and oral health. Probiotic products are generally considered safe to consume because the live bacteria they contain already exist naturally in the body. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as increased gas or an allergic reaction. m Written by Gastro MD
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just a tease...
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31 globally inspired salad recipes free download now available on traveler and tourist 15
special focus
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Offers New Interactive Experiences Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (WBSTH) now has new experiences that get you closer to the entertainment you love. Upon arrival, enter the “Storytelling Showcase” and discover the world of Warner Bros., examining the breadth of the studio’s film, TV, and animation titles, as well as the technological innovations from its cinema chain origins in 1923 through its nearly 100-year journey to become one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. At Stage 48: Script to Screen, the Studio Tour’s interactive sound 16
(Images provided by Warner Bros)
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stage, you can immerse yourself in the technology and methods of production, revel in the Central Perk set from Friends and Sheldon’s apartment set from The Big Bang Theory before dining at Central Perk Café. Then head to the “Action and Magic Made Here” grand finale, where you experience the universe of DC Superheroes and Super-Villains and step behind-the-scenes of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with all new interactive experiences, props, costumes, and memorable photo opportunities.
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DC fans can enter Batman’s secret lair and explore the all-new Batcave, where they can get up close to the authentic Batmobile from Tim Burton’s original Batman, the Tumbler from The Dark Knight, and the Batwing from Batman v. Superman. The journey continues as you explore recreated sets from Harry
Potter and Fantastic Beasts where you can dabble in the art of potion-making, snap an unforgettable photo inside Harry’s cupboard under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive or be surrounded by Hogwarts acceptance letters at the Dursleys’ fireplace, test their wand choreography skills, and learn more about the magical creatures from Fantastic Beasts in Newt Scamander’s Shed of Magical Creatures. Ready to visit now? m
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design district
Declutter and Organize This New Year (Image courtesy of Goodfit)
TIME OUT Goodfit For the Art Enthusiasts and Puzzle Aficionados
Creating extraordinary puzzles featuring exclusive artwork from emerging and internationally recognized artists highlighting culture, causes and connections, Goodfit puzzles are available in 1000 and 500 pieces and the finished product is frame worthy. The artists are thoughtfully selected by the Goodfit team and each artist shares in the profit and retains ownership of their work. These are bold, colorful, and visually complex works of art that you will not find in a big box store. Goodfit puzzles are made with 100% premium recycled cardboard and finished with a linen texture to provide a nice weight and hand-feel. Plus, each puzzle includes a reusable cotton bag for storage or to bring along on a vacation.
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Amy Price Designs creates a colorful collection of homeware and planters that adds a touch of warmth and style to any room. The trinket trays are available in a variety of designs that elevate any tabletop, bathroom, or desk. You can bring a sense of comfort and love into your home with these eco-friendly must-haves for every room, packaged in 100% recyclable and sustainable material. Enjoy the look and feel of ceramic without any toxins.
jan/feb 2022 Blushed Marbled Trinket Tray A modern marble oval coaster/ trinket dish handmade using jesmonite, an eco-friendly, non-toxic, VOC-free product . Available in Blush Pink, Baby Blue, Mint Green, or Lavender. Perfect for holding soaps, jewelry, kitchen sponges, small plants, and little travel trinkets too.
Two-Tone Monochrome Trinket Tray with Matching coasters This modern two-tone Monochrome trinket dish is handmade using jesmonite. Comes in either Terracotta, Sandstone or Monochrome. These oval trinket trays are perfect for holding keys, sunglasses, soaps, jewelry, wallets, coins, and more.
Squiggle Trinket Tray This modern abstract squiggle trinket tray is handmade using eco-friendly jesmonite. Comes in either Teal, Terracotta, Peach, Pink, or Sage. Wipe with a damp cloth to clean, avoid harsh chemicals or perfumes, especially liquids that could stain.
(Images courtesy of Amy Price Designs)
SquiggleOval Serving Tray This squiggle pattern has quickly become a staple at APD, made from jesmonite. Looks and feels like ceramic without any toxins, so you can feel good about buying sustainable, beautiful products for your home. These platters are perfect as a spoon rest, neatly displaying your most-used kitchen products, or other table-top needs. Available in Pink, Terracotta, Teal, and Beige. m
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south central destination
America’s First Resort: Hot Springs, Arkansas
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south central destination
Buckstaff Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row
Though the name gives it away, and the hot springs here are a big draw for many, there’s a lot more to see and do in Hot Springs than one might imagine. With the national park intertwined with the city, the area is known for its mountain biking, hiking, lakes, and fishing. Known as America’s First Resort, Hot Springs is one of the most unique and small towns in the country. The National Park has 47 mineral hot springs, pumping one million gallons of water a day and that was the reason people first settled in Hot Springs. That is still the reason why many visit! In 2021, the city celebrated its centennial anniversary so let’s see what might interest you into a visit here, shall we? First off, Bathhouse Row. Because, of course, you are wondering about all the bathhouses lined along Central Avenue and which you can visit for a soak and a slow minute to yourself. The natural springs is the source for all the thermal mineral water in the bathhouses. Buckstaff and Quapaw both offer bathing
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jan/feb 2022 and spa services so you may want to reserve your visit here first before you plan anything else. Bathhouse Row has eight bathhouses, all built between the 1800s-1900s and now beautifully restored to their different architectural styles. Lamar is now home to the Bathhouse Emporium; Ozark houses the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center and Fordyce houses the park visitor center. Maurice is the only one vacant and available for commercial leasing. Hale is the oldest surviving bathhouse. It was built in the 1800s, but the newly restored boutique hotel includes nine suites and the Eden restaurant. Superior was the smallest and the first to racially integrate. After lying vacant for 30 years, it is now a brewery, craft beer tasting room, full-service restaurant, and event venue. It is the world’s first to utilize the thermal spring water as a main ingredient. That’s Hot Springs on tap for you right there! Either spot is great for a lunch pit stop during your visit here. For dinner, head to Luna Bella Italian American cuisine, for everything from cocktails to crab cake and calamari appetizers and a hearty veal osso bucco in an intimate setting. It has been a favorite of many a celebrity gangster, including Al Bugsy Segel and Bugs Moran. Other dining options include local family business McClard’s BAR-B-Q and Deluca’s Pizzeria, where fresh dough is made every day by hand for traditional New York style pizza. Stop by for a drink at Hot Springs’ iconic bar, the Ohio Club. It all started in 1905 as a bar and casino. And let’s not forget breakfast! The Pancake Shop located right across the street from the historic Arlington Hotel, is great for a relaxed sitdown breakfast, while Will’s Cinnamon
Left: Drinks at the iconic Ohio Club
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south central destination
Inside Fordyce Bathhouse
Shop is the perfect spot to pick up freshly made cinnamon rolls with a few choices for icings and toppings. Walking around Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade area, you will see up to 11 different stops where you can see a cellphone symbol. Use your phone as your guide when you access the national park cell phone tour. The tour is free, but you will use your own cell phone service and minutes. Pick up a map from the visitor center and follow along. Simply call the number provided and press the location number followed by the # key to hear fascinating facts about nature and history. Each message is about 2-3 minutes long and you can visit locations in any order at any time convenient to you. If checking out local trails is on the agenda, then starting at the
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Grand Promenade is a good idea. This national recreation trail is the entry point for many of the Hot Springs and North Mountain trails from downtown. You can reach several other trails from here using four entry points – stairs on Reserve St, ramp on Fountain St, grand staircase on Stephen’s Balustrade and access ramp behind Fordyce Bathhouse. Also, located along Central Avenue’s many shops and restaurants is the Gangster Museum – a must-do if mob history intrigues you. Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and other famous names make an appearance here. The guided tour is a one-hour commitment, but you can wander around to take in more of the venue on your own after. Strongly recommend strolling around later to read more on some of the most-wanted names of their times.
jan/feb 2022 One of the premiere thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904, best known as home of the $1 million Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming located here is a state-of-the art casino with live music and the award-winning Silks Bar & Grill. The venue has plans for a multi-phased expansion that will include a high-rise resort hotel, spa, multi-purpose event center, a larger gaming area, and more. The Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs offers 200+ acres of greenery. Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas, it’s a wonderful gift from local philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan to preserve and enhance the environment. The chapel, built in 2006 by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, is inspirational and one of the most requested wedding venues. Some of the most beautiful blooms can be seen here when in season. The self-guided tour has 50 stops and golf cart tours are available. Watch out for the treehouse as you walk around the area. It appears to float from afar and provides one of many interactive areas in this floral sanctuary! m
Treehouse at Garvan Gardens
(Images by Ruksana Hussain)
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travel with pets
Find the Perfect Pet Carrier for Anytime Travel No matter the season, a quick trip in the car or on a plane can be an ordeal for furry family members. Dr. George Melillo of Heart + Paw shares some tips for choosing the proper pet carrier so any furry friend can travel safely. There are many pet carriers on the market and the best carrier depends on what it is being used for and the individual needs of your pet. For air travel, it matters if the pet is traveling with the passengers or in cargo. There are several brands that satisfy airline requirements and are comfortable for most pets. Good carriers should be waterproof and easy to clean. For most pets, a carrier must also have adequate ventilation. Anxious pets may need carriers that provide a sense of security (less openings or exposure to external stimuli). Other things to remember is that it should be easy to carry, be lightweight or on wheels. No matter what carrier is used, it should be clearly marked with contact information for the pet parent, someone at the travel destination, and emergency contact information if the pet parent cannot be reached. It is wise to plan for delays or cancellations and have a carrier that can make these challenges more manageable. For other travel, the carrier should have the same waterproof and ventilation features and be large enough for a pet to stand and turn around in.
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Traveling with Cats The most important piece of advice is to spend time acclimating your cat to a carrier. This is important for all cat parents whether they plan on traveling or not. All cats should be comfortable getting in a carrier as this helps facilitate transporting to veterinary visits as well as any travel. Having a carrier in the home that becomes a welcome or fun place to find toys, food, or treats, takes a lot of time but ultimately makes travel less stressful. This should start as soon as you get your cat. Travel can be very stressful on cats and all pets, so it is
jan/feb 2022 always good to discuss your travel plans with your veterinarian, especially if there are any medical concerns. Carriers for Small Dogs The carrier should keep the pet comfortable, secure, and safe. It should be waterproof and easy to clean. It should be secure so a pet cannot escape in a completely new and strange environment. Ideally, your dog should be acclimated to the carrier prior to travel and see it as a place of safety. Pay attention to how convenient it is to carry, especially with any other carry-on luggage. There are carriers on wheels and backpack versions. Matching the needs of your dog with your own travel plans is important when selecting a carrier. Carriers for Large Dogs Most big dogs that travel should be secure in a carrier in the car. Confinement in a carrier that they are comfortable in makes for a less stressful journey. If traveling by air, most carriers for big dogs will need to meet airline specifications (these vary from airline to airline) and should be leak proof, able to add absorbent bedding, and large enough for the dog to turn around freely. m
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plan a vacation
Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner; Photo by Malcolm Nason
Norse Atlantic Airways to Begin Transatlantic Flights This Spring The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an air operator’s certificate (AOC) to Norse Atlantic Airways, so the new airline is on track to start transatlantic flights in spring 2022. The first flights will depart from Oslo to selected cities in the United States. An AOC is the approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets, and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the public. 28 www.travelerandtourist.com
Norse Atlantic Airways is a new airline that will offer affordable fares on longhaul flights, primarily between Europe and the U.S. The company was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient, and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will serve destinations including New York and Florida, among others. Norse took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in December 2021. The arrival of the aircraft was celebrated at Oslo Airport.
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“The delivery of our first Dreamliner marks an important milestone for us at Team Norse as it brings us one step closer to the launch of attractive and affordable transatlantic flights,” said Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and founder of Norse Atlantic Airways. The flight from Warsaw, Poland was operated by Norse’s own captains Kjetil Risan, Derek Spicer, Dean Kitchen and Ulf Heikmann. Norse’s first aircraft is a state-of-theart Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and is leased from BOC Aviation, one of the world’s
largest aircraft leasing companies. The airline’s aircraft will be named after popular national parks, and this plane is named Rondane (one of Norway’s largest national parks). Norse’s planned fleet of aircraft consists of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The next deliveries will continue until April and all aircraft will be initially parked at Oslo Airport. “We believe that transatlantic travel will resume with full force once the pandemic is behind us. People will want to explore new destinations, visit friends and family and travel for business. Norse will be there to offer attractive and affordable flights on our more environmentally friendly Dreamliners to both the leisure and cost-conscious business traveler,” Larsen added. Norse’s vision is to be ‘The Explorer’s Airline’ by building a highperformance culture and creating an environment where they value diversity and all colleagues feeling a sense of belonging. When all 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are in the air, they expect to be a dedicated team of 1,600 in the air and on the ground. m
CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen at OSL; Photo by Norse Atlantic Airways
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west coast destination
Seeing Red in Sedona, Arizona’s Desert Dream
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west coast destination
Views of the red rocks everywhere
Red sandstone formations welcome you as you drive in and around Sedona, surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. An unmistakable red background through the day, but especially during sunrise and sunset, is a guaranteed sight on almost any day in this Arizonian beauty. They say you can’t choose a bad spot to stay at when visiting here because of the views all around. And it’s true! Known for its natural beauty, this is paradise for outdoors enthusiasts and particularly for those that revel in any opportunity for a good hike, bike, or other activity where nature is their playground. Sedona is a popular destination for family and wellness retreats through the year. The city website lists many of these opportunities that you may want to plan your visit around. 32 www.travelerandtourist.com
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The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most visited spots here, with the chapel looking like it is rising out of a red mountain – quite the picture when the light is just right. Views of the city are simply gorgeous from up here and many visitors head to the Cathedral Rock Trail after for a steep hike. There is no dearth of hiking trails in the area – you could try a new path every day of your visit and not tire of your surroundings. Another often visited spot is Tlaquepaque, an arts and shopping destination fashioned after a traditional Mexican village where you can find specialty stores, art galleries, crafts shops, and a few other attractions to spend an hour or two
Left: Amara Resort and Spa
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west coast destination
Jerome Grand Hotel
strolling around. The handmade ice cream and chai spot are highly recommended. Along the main street area not far from Tlaquepaque is where you will find all the restaurants and shops as well as some of the well-known hotels in the area. Hard to miss as you’d see it just driving along the state route. You can head out on a Pink Jeep Tour to the mountains or simply relax and enjoy the local fare. Do stop at the Amara Resort and Spa just removed from the main street, which provides a peaceful sanctuary to enjoy the natural beauty and indulge in wonderful regional cuisine at the SaltRock Restaurant here. For some adventure, drive on to Slide Rock State Park, where you get the added pleasure of cascading water along with the signature red rocks and blue skies Sedona is known for. And you get to indulge in the very activity the park is named after – many smaller cascades 34 www.travelerandtourist.com
jan/feb 2022 between the sloping rocks eventually bring you to big pools of water. Sliding down to the very end can be a smooth ride or a bit of a sloppy mess depending on your level of prowess navigating the slippery surface. But this is a fun spot for the whole family to enjoy as can be seen from the crowds on weekends and public holidays. Plan your trip well in advance so you can avail of parking here. About an hour’s drive from Sedona is Jerome, a historic copper mining town. Haunted Hamburger Restaurant here is a local favorite but visit during Halloween and it can be even more fun. The Jerome Grand Hotel, atop a hill, affords spectacular views of Verde Valley below and the includes Asylum, its in-house restaurant (names as homage to the hotel’s previous life as a hospital). With a more rustic look and feel, Jerome offers up artist studios, historic spots and charming bed and breakfasts for a short stay or a day trip over. Happy driving! m The Chapel of the Holy Cross
(Images by Ruksana Hussain)
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sustainable travel
12 Products to be More Sustainable this Year If one of your resolutions for the year was to practice more sustainable habits then these brands that are eco-friendly and on a mission to better the world fit the bill just right.
Broken Top Brands Offering hand-crafted sustainable and eco conscious luxury bath, body and home products, Broken Top utilizes only natural and organic materials. They are mindfully sourced to be renewable and recyclable, free of parabens and gluten as well as vegan. Their candles incorporate all-natural cotton and cotton core wicks that are lead and zinc free. The beautiful fragrance wafting through your home is all you’ll need to remind you to spend time on self-care. Subtle aromas are expertly blended together to get you well on your way to wellness.
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Cloth + Bristle This original Cloth + Bristle product gets your tough jobs done while staying ecofriendly with its all-natural ingredients. No more nasty chemicals or toxins in your home. No. 001 can take on even the worst rust, lime scale, soap scum, mold, mildew, bacteria, dirt, grease, and so “muck” more! Any surface that needs cleaning, No. 001 will clean it safely, even natural surfaces.
Nudge Nudge is the eco-friendly Canadian brand with all of your oral care needs covered with essentials delivered to your doorstep via subscription or one-time purchase. The brand is responsible selfcare that believes products should be composed of clean ingredients that are good for you, carefully designing its offerings to be as natural as possible without compromising.
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Ecologie Reusable, compostable, and beautiful, the sponge cloths help ditch single-use paper towels and sponges. Not only are they ecofriendly, but they also have joyful designs and color-forward prints that bring delight to every home. Authentically made in Sweden and screen-printed using non-toxic inks, each sponge cloth is made traditionally, using techniques developed in 1949.
Prato Botanico The luxe Italian skincare brand comes to the U.S. to greet clean beauty lovers with all-natural organic products. Key botanical ingredients are harvested in southern Italy and exemplify the natural goodness of the region. With an artisanal approach, the brand lovingly crafts luxurious, high-performance skincare using the purest botanical extracts blended with care and intention.
EQUO Start the new year with sustainable straws for your favorite healthy beverages. Designed by harnessing the raw power of mother nature, EQUO’s reusable straws are a great ecological alternative to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Made from natural ingredients, such as grass, coffee, coconut, rice and sugarcane, they’ll never get soggy and last an infinite amount of time in liquids. They are 100% plastic-free, biodegradable and compostable, and available at extremely affordable price points. Try it once and you will quickly see that this can be your default choice for drinks on the go, when you travel, or walking around your home and office. They also offer utensils and reusable tote bags and new products planned include dishware and coctail picks.
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sustainable travel
Sonoma Wool Co. From luxurious bedding to simple, longlasting dish drying mats, you’ll fall in love with all things wool. Wool is waterwicking. The same qualities that make wool breathable, also allow it to wick water away, and remain bacteria, mold and mildew-free. The qualities of wool are ideal to be used for practical products to make your home a more natural and soothing place. Their woollen dish drying mat is a best seller - it is eco-friendly and durable, made with allnatural, sustainable and biodegradable fibers from framily-owned ranches across the USA, and handcrafted in the country using no chemcials or synthetics. It comes with a linen sleeve and certainly adds an extra layer of care to your kitchen counter.
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Earth Baby Committed to using certified organic fruit and vegetable-based ingredients, Earth Baby’s products are non-toxic, gentle, and effective on baby skin, hair, and body. Earth Baby products provide immediate moisturization and superior hydration, emollient oils and vitamins with a time-controlled release, and dramatically reduced need for high levels of UV filters.
Sea Witch Botanicals Sea Witch Botanicals is a clean beauty brand that uses sustainable packaging. Offering cruelty-free cosmetics, vegan lipcare, facial care, vegan soaps, and more! They work hard to craft products which are good for the body, soul and environment and their certifications help to qualify that effort. They are a certified B Corp and certified “Towards Zero Waste” company.
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RAEKA Beauty Taking traditional Ayurvedic methods to formulate its line using today’s standards, the brand takes turmeric and gives it a modern makeover creating never before available masks and more. Its ethically sourced ingredients from India ensure consumers are receiving the highest-quality plant-based products to nurture the skin.
Halo Mane Halo Mane is a Black woman-owned Ayurvedic hair care line designed to give locks healthy nutrients with natural herbs and ingredients. Founder Rae Knight is vegan and ensures all products are plant and herb-based, crafting the items herself. Ayurveda focuses on a natural way of living and maintaining healthy hair is a vital part of that.
Pirani Life Pirani Party Tumblers are 16 oz. stainless steel, triple-insulated, keeping drinks cold 12+ hours and hot up to 6. From tumblers to accessories, the brand designs durable ecosolutions to help reduce single-use plastic. Bring this Reusable Party Cup to your favorite game, tailgating outside a concert, into your college dorm, on your back deck, or wherever you choose to party or travel. The sturdiness makes this a perfect option for longer journeys or shorter road trips. Throw it into your carry-on or keep one handy in your car or office for daily use. The leak proof lid is a bonus as is the fact that this is a dishwasher safe product. Visit them online to see their accessories, limited edition lines and other product bundles. m
(Images provided by respective brands)
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international destination
Savor the Sporting Life: Casa de Campo in La Romana 40 www.travelerandtourist.com
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international destination
An exclusive resort you will not want to leave – that’s Casa de Campo for you. Bienvenido! Pristine beaches galore, day trips to tucked away private islands, golf carts to traverse the vast expanses that comprise this resort and restaurant options aplenty, not to mention the gorgeous pools and cabanas sprinkled all around for your pleasure, this gem in the Dominican Republic is an open invitation to Indulge. Cherish the warm Dominican welcome as you are whisked away to your casa, for much-deserved relaxation on the beach, to bask in the cozy resort pool with drinks in hand, or to savor the bright beginnings of each morning devouring a delicious breakfast of tropical delights, overlooking the golf course. Located in La Romana, Casa de Campo is the perfect DR getaway whether you are a group of friends meeting up, on a family holiday or dashing away on a couples escape. Capturing the charisma, character and warmth of the Dominican culture, this discreet enclave has been a favored escape for the world’s most famous! Accommodation options vary from well-appointed individual rooms to stately mansion villas. Don’t let the Art is everywhere you look at the resort
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Relaxing pools beckon, you may never want to leave!
resort’s vastness scare you – a well-laid out expanse to provide direct access to white sandy beaches and the suave golf course warrant it. Tennis courts, a shooting facility, water sports, sport fishing, night golf, and a plethora of other options provide sufficient activity for the duration of your stay. Go kayaking down the Chavon River, adventurously winding between mountains to catch a glimpse of the beautiful mansions built along this waterway. A day trip to Isla Catalina, a private island located off the southeastern coast of Casa de Campo, is a short cruise into the blue waters. Awaiting you on the other side are music, much to eat and drink, marvelous weather to soak in the sun or the water, as is your desire.
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international destination
Exploring Altos de Chavon is a must. A captivating, man-made marvel of epic proportions, it is an architectural wonder - a 16th century replica of a Mediterranean village. Dominican artisans handcrafted the stone pathways, decorative ironwork, furniture and enchanting buildings, reviving almost forgotten crafts of metal work and stone carving. Altos de Chavon was built as a center of culture for the Dominican people. Residents, tourists and working artists flock to this magically inspirational venue. Don’t be surprised to see a few school kids stumbling through the space as they learn about their country’s history just as you do. Stroll along cobblestone streets and absorb the architectural grandeur of days gone by as you take in the detailed quality of craftsmanship. Breathtaking venues here supply memorable backdrops for milestone celebrations. The plazas and terraces are just a few of the sites available for special occasions.
Revel in bespoke resort-style living in the villas
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Impressive amphitheater for shows and concerts
At the heart of the village is the Church of St. Stanislaus - a treasured site for many weddings whose brides and grooms come from around the world to be married at this spot. There is also the stunning 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater that has played host to many performers and concerts over the years. Time flies when you are having fun so come prepared for an unforgettable experience enjoying the sporting life, and discovering for yourself why Casa de Campo is one of the Caribbean’s most loved resorts. m
(Images by Ruksana Hussain)
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outdoor recreation
Niels St. Viteux
World’s First Electric Snowbike for Nature Lovers: Moonbikes Moonbikes, the world’s first electric snowbike, is now available in the United States. The French start-up was born in the French Alps. The company’s mission was to create an electric snowbike that would revolutionize mobility on snow. Democratizing snow mobility with a pioneering design that’s ultra-light and affordable, respecting the environment, 46 www.travelerandtourist.com
MoonBikes is the perfect alternative to polluting and noisy snowmobiles. After conquering the European market, the company has now expanded to the United States. Eco-friendly and easy-to-ride, MoonBikes provides a new way to enjoy winter activities. Perfectly silent, this snowbike allows its users to explore the outdoors without
jan/feb 2022 disturbing the peaceful snowscape. More environmentally friendly than snowmobiles, this emission-free vehicle intends to play a role in the development of sustainable tourism in the mountains. Passionate about the outdoors, MoonBikes’ founder Nicolas Muron has used his creativity to realize his vision: the creation of a fun electric snowbike that is extremely easy to ride, store, transport, and charge. The MoonBikes snowbike is only twothirds the size of the average snowmobile.
It gives its users the freedom of an e-bike, with the power of a motorcycle. This brand-new category of vehicles is led by an innovative patented propulsion system that is totally silent. The start-up partners with BOSCH to assemble the snowbikes. In the winter of 2015, while visiting his family home in the French Alps, Muron realized that snow mobility solutions were extremely limited. Haunted by the desire to change how people travel, have fun, and explore nature during the winter, he put his experience as an aeronautical engineer at Dassault Aviation to task to create this unique vehicle. The start-up was created in 2018. In 2021, 12 ski resorts in Europe adopted the innovative e-vehicle. Soon after closing a $5 million seed round, MoonBikes decided to accelerate its commercial development in the U.S. and, as a first step, opened an office in Boulder, Colorado, in September. Currently, 400 MoonBikes are being produced for both European and American markets. The company aims at producing 1,500 snowbikes next year. Snowbikes users will now have a fun, silent and greener way of enjoying the snow and the outdoors. m
Niels St. Viteux
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liquid inspiration
Dry January Made Easy These two brands are a great pick for those seeking a non-boozy start to the year or just as a general lifestyle preference!
Betera, a batch brewed carbonated drink, is a naturally non-alcoholic drink developed by hospitality veterans. It was made to be the first choice for those driven by flavor. Slowly steeped with organic botanicals like elderflower, cinchona bark, and turmeric, each of the three bottled beverages have less than 16 calories and 4 grams of sugar. Full of complexity and refined on the palate, Betera brings a culinary lens to a beverage for all. These 12 oz drinks are made to be paired with food and enjoyed any time of day. Living up to the tagline of “Drink Like There’s A Tomorrow,” the ingredients list is composed of carefully sourced plants and botanicals that have a range of helpful properties: from antiinflammatory lemongrass and ginger, to vitamin-rich orange peel and rhubarb, and antioxidant hibiscus and turmeric.
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Mixly Cocktail Co. The handcrafted cocktail company offers unique flavors and a trend-forward approach that makes it easy to mix based on your unique taste or what you have on hand. Mixly’s flavors create a delicious drink and are meant to be versatile, pairing with multiple spirits or just soda water. Mixly starts with high-quality, natural ingredients, fresh squeezed juices, and natural sweeteners, making it a unique and refreshing cocktail experience. Flavors include: Pear Honey Vanilla Lime, Strawberry Pomegranate, Rosemary Lemon Honey, Pineapple Basil Lime, Grapefruit Jalapeño, Cucumber Mint Lime, and Coconut Ginger Lime. Each 16 oz. bottle makes about six drinks. m
(Images provided by respective brands)
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shelf esteem
Meld Journaling and Coloring to Inspire Self-Care During Travels ‘Exploring Me: A Guided Journal for Self-Discovery and Creative Expression’ is a journal and coloring book by writer Mara Krausz who is sharing unique ways to practice self-care through these transitional times. Featuring thought-provoking writing prompts, the book features simple ways for readers to de-stress and discover new things about themselves in an interactive way. Journaling and coloring are simple self-care activities that have been shown to be beneficial. According to a 2020 Harris Poll, 80% of participants intended to be more mindful about regular self-care practices after the pandemic, and 35% reported practicing more creative activities now. Krausz saw how she and others were becoming introspective to deal with the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the past year. The book became a way to contribute and connect. Studies have shown that journaling reduces stress and increases well-being. Taking pen to paper helps to express your thoughts, make new discoveries, and process emotions. The book is a simple approach to journaling and self-reflection. Krausz’ writing prompts take away the stress of figuring out what to write about. Pages provide an easy-to-follow structure and they’re also crafted to inspire new ideas and reveal perspectives readers may not have considered otherwise. Coloring also reduces stress and anxiety, as shown in studies. It helps to quiet the mind, increase focus, and spark creativity. Plus, it’s a fun, nostalgic, and easy way to get these benefits. The book features whimsical illustrations of animals, nature scenes, and cafés by Madalina Tantareanu. It is available at BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.
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