After a long holiday with my live-in mother-in-law, I needed a getaway.  She talks all day- every day- about nothing of value and about people whom I have never met before.  I try and tune out her ramblings, but sometimes all I could really use is a few days (ok, who are we kidding– the rest of my life) without having to hear her nonsense anymore!

A relaxing choice for an after holiday getaway would be to go to Bordeaux, France and indulge in the world’s first official wine spa, the Caudalie Vinotherapie® Spa.  The exclusive spa is located in the middle of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards; it is next to the Sources de Caudalie hotel just outside of Bordeaux.

Their Vinothérapie® (wine therapy) treatments combine minerals, natural spring water and wine & grape extracts. The wine’s high antioxidant levels are supposed to firm the skin and slow the aging process.  Who doesn’t want to look and feel younger?

After a long holiday with my mother-in-law, I always feel as though I have aged a few years, so this is perfect!

Stef shares her travel tips for women on the go! Whether traveling in a group or solo, these helpful tips can help you stay safe!

Advertise’ That You are not Alone
I know this sounds a bit crazy, but it helps. Check back at the hotel and leave yourself a message for ‘John’, or if you get a voice mail … leave ‘John’ a message that you’ll be back to get him in 15 minutes. Don’t do this unless you feel you’re being watched or you want the illusion of a travel partner.

Blend In
Don’t wear clothes that make you stand out. I usually try to wear jeans, sweatshirts, and try to stay away from bold colors, logos and definitely anything sexy.

Concierge
My favorite word when I travel. First thing I do is call the hotel once it’s booked and talk to the concierge. Why? Because they are a bevy of information about the area and what it has to offer. They not only make reservations for you at incredible restaurants, but can also send you maps on the area and point out danger zones. If your hotel does not offer a concierge, then by all means, do your homework. I always buy a book on the local area, or use the web or contact a local police station.

Hotel Safety
This is really an important tip which I need to use and do so frequently whether I am traveling with someone or not.

• Use only a first initial when checking in.
• Try not to get a room on the main floor.
• Always use the elevator … save the stairs for your workout at the gym!
• If there is someone watching you or following you … by all means, return to the front desk and get a security guard.
• Leave a television or radio on in the room … even if you’re not there.
• Never leave your key where someone can glance and get your room number.

Learn the Customs
If you are traveling to a foreign country, learn the customs. In other words, don’t travel to Iran and wear hot shorts and a tank top.

Lose the Purse
Ladies … lose the purse! Find a cute bag that looks great around your waist. I use an old ugly bag if I absolutely have to have a purse, and keep my valuables hidden in my underwear or bra.

Protecting Your Privacy
Do not become a ‘friend of the friendless’. (That’s my problem) OK. It’s true … I use to talk to everyone. Now when I travel, I more or less keep to myself. On a plane, I bring a great book and my headphones. Even the chattiest seatmate gets that you want to be left alone. I’m not saying there aren’t nice people out there, but we’re talking safety and traveling alone.

Rental Car Savvy
If you decide to rent a car and need to drive to a location or want to be adventurous … great! Lock the doors to that fabulous rent a car! Hide any road maps which might tip off a car jacker you are not local to that area. I like to also make sure that there isn’t a huge car rental sticker to announce that I’m a visitor either. Contact your car rental company before you arrive regarding that policy and what they might be able to do to help. Most have scaled down their advertising on their cars, specifically to take you off the target list! ]]> http://adventuregirl.com/especially-for-women-travel-safety-tips/feed/ 0 http://adventuregirl.com/top-12-budget-concious-ideas-to-kick-off-2010-for-getting-adventurous-outside-your-own-back-door/ http://adventuregirl.com/top-12-budget-concious-ideas-to-kick-off-2010-for-getting-adventurous-outside-your-own-back-door/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:45:54 +0000 Stefanie Michaels http://ag.theoctopus.com/?p=405 As an expert on adventure (I am, after all, AdventureGirl), I have always said adventure if a state of mind, an extension of your curiosity. It can be exemplified by simple little changes, or grandiose challenges. Either way, becoming adventurous is about exploring things you might not have thought to try in everyday life! Not sure how to become adventurous? I’ve got some suggestions.

Change your lipstick color! Are you still wearing the same lipstick color since high school? Well, ditch it. Simply changing it up with ruby lips for a night out on the town can make you feel mysterious and adventurous.

Do you ever notice yourself saying “I’d love to learn how to…” Well, what are you waiting for? Embracing adventure means now is the time to do it! From learning how to become a culinary expert to artist to athlete, local colleges and YMCA’s offer low-cost classes you can join to change the “I’d love to learn …” to “I learned it!

Are you afraid to cut those locks or update your do? Breathe in some adventure by changing it up with a new hairstyle. From dramatic (think Demi Moore shaving her head) to the subtle (some new Jennifer Aniston highlights), revamping your coiffe pushes you to make a change and live life adventurously with a new haircut or style. Madonna does it, so can you! Dye it, cut it- nothing makes more of a life change than a hair “do!”

Not into Twitter? Try it. Unlike Myspace and Facebook, which is more insular, Twitter allows you to easily follow people from around the globe. Schedule a Tweet up (a Twitter meet up) with locals in your community. It’s a great way to meet people you might never have otherwise met.

Being adventurous is also about giving back by helping other’s who face adversity in life. Join a social media campaign through Facebook, Twitter or Myspace. ‘Tis the season of giving, so give back through interactive fundraising campaigns such as Blame Drew’s Cancer, http://www. blamedrewscancer.com.

I always follow my glamour guru, Ryan Patterson’s mantra of style — “Be fearless with your fashion. That doesn’t mean being a slave to every new trend on the runway or spending big bucks on designer clothes. It can be as simple as adding a pop of color to your predominately black wardrobe. Add a dash of the unpredictable to keep things interesting…especially to you.”

And, shop vintage! Its fun, affordable and you never know what style gems you will find. Take a step outside of your normal clothing box!

Let’s face it, in today’s economy a Gym membership can be costly. The new craze in staying fit is called “Exergaming.” You can enjoy workouts in your home with high definition interactive gaming consoles like Gamercize, Xbox 360 and PlayStation. Get adventurous and in shape trying out Deca Sports- 10 Ways to Get in Shape, and Active Life: Outdoor Challenge- perfect for indoor adventuring and feeling as if you’re exergaming in nature.

You can find adventures at the Top of the Andes, or in your own backyard. One day when you are wondering what to do, don the hat of tourist and explore your own town or visit a nearby attraction. Take a day trying anything out of “your” ordinary.

To be adventurous is to challenge your comfort zones. Recently, I went on my own adventure to China. I asked my guide to drop me in a safe area to explore, and map in hand, I came across some of the most wonderful experiences. Get adventurous on your next holiday — get “lost” somewhere with just a map and get curious!

At home planning your next adventure? With many destinations on sale, and recession deals in play, take advantage of the age-old, “close your eyes, spin the globe and buy a ticket where your finger lands”…

Don’t hyperventilate with this next piece of advice to tap into your adventurous self. Turn off your computer and cell phones for a day. You will be amazed at what sounds, sights and adventures you will come across!

Each winter, humpback whales migrate from their summer homes in Alaska to the warm birthing waters of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the best and least crowded places to view and learn about these extraordinary creatures is right off Hawaii’s Big Island. Encounter these majestic mammals during high season, now through March, under sail, under water or from under a palm tree. Visit Hawaii’s official travel site and pick your favorite way to watch whales.

Want to help the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary count this season’s population of humpbacks in Hawaiian waters? Call (888) 55-Whale to be part of the Sanctuary Ocean Count, which happens the last Saturday of January, February and March 2010, and visit here for details.

Arianna Huffington was also speaking on a panel. The Democratization of Information panel- a discussion about whether we are transitioning from an Age of Information into and Age of Misinformation along with Joe Klein- President of CNN, and Peter Hirshberg from The Conversation Group.

Of course Ms. Huffington, also my boss- I am a travel/green writer for the Huffington Post, was flawless in her interpretation of the press and what it means to be in the state of NOW media, complete with eloquent comments on citizen journalism and how we cope with loosing key pieces of our traditional media. She stole the show.

I vowed that I would one day meet her, as I had met another of my favorite media icons, Ann Curry, at the last 140 conference in New York.

I exited the theater into the lobby to prepare for my own panel, when and heard that unmistakable Greek accent. I followed the voice around the corner, and there she was.

Ms. Huffington.

Nervously, I stuck my hand out to shake hers. I nearly got my whole name out before she exclaimed, “I know who you are!” A little taken it back, I tried again to explain that I worked for her and my name was… “I know who you are,” she explained again with a soothing smile on her face.

I just stopped, stunned. This media empress with more than 9,000 journalists under her helm, knew me? I thought it crazy initially, until I learned from my editor that she actually knows every one of her writers, and what they pen about. (She has more than 30 editors who report to her on what is being written or blogged about).

More impressed with Ms. Huffington than ever before, I somehow managed (I am hardly ever tongue tied) to blurt out words of thanks, and how much I appreciated her efforts in giving journalists, who are not political, the opportunity to write for her outlet.

Graciously, she thanked ME for all my efforts, for sharing my time and information with readers. Two photos were snapped quickly of the two of us. She bid farewll to those around us, exclaiming she was late to catch her plane.

I turned to an onlooker who had marveled at what took place in those seconds, and asked her what she thought of the brief exchange.

“Magical,” she said.

I thought so, too.