AURA Travel Magazine Anabelle Cantu

AURA Inner peace is the new sucess

Fall 2020

Traveling to find your inner peace on a budget

4 Best Countrties to find your Inner Peace

Different Types of Retreats such as in Vietnam,Iceland, Laos and Japan

How to......

Book cheap flights Know the dress code for each country & a exclusive interview

Okunoin: The Cemetery of 20,000 Monks in Japan

Yen Tu Mountain in Vietnam

Iceland Yoga Pose

From September to April, Iceland Northern Lights

Table of Contents 03 04 05 06 07

Traveling to find your inner peace on a budget Traveing to find your inner peace on a budget Vietnam’s Rejuvination

Vietnam’s Rejuvination

Iceland’s Yoga Retreat

08 09 10 11 12

Iceland’s Yoga Retreat

Dress code shopping for travel Dress code shopping for travel Laos

Laos

Vietnam Resort Nam Hai Hoi An

Japan The Okunoin Cemetery

Yoga Retreat and Japanese Culture Connection in Kumano

Northern Lights From Hot Tub in Iceland

Table of Contents 13 14 15 16

Spriritual retreats in Japan

Spriritual retreats in Japan How to book the cheapest flights possible to anywhere

How to book the cheapest flights possible to anywhere

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A Little Travel Q & A

A Little Travel Q &A

Finding inner peace wherever you go Finding inner peace wherever you go

Traveling to find your inner peace on a budget

Traveling to find your inner peace on a budget Joe Metcalfe & Amanda Kingsmith Do you feel stressed at your day job? Do you feel this sense of “tolerable anxiety” sometimes? Maybe it’s because you know deep down you’re not following the desire to travel the world, not following that fire inside your heart and soul that’s telling you to buy that one-way ticket.Or maybe, you’ve already made the leap of faith. You’ve taken the time off to do some long-term traveling. You’re feeling excited, but also a little nervous and stressed out about traveling abroad in foreign, unknown lands.

For many people, this is a reality, whether traveling or not (as it applies to the fears and challenges of everyday life). but It doesn’t have to be I’m here today to show you how budget travel can give you more inner peace and less stress in your life.

I’ve been in your shoes, in both of those scenarios. I was stuck in a job that wasn’t fulfilling and yearning for something more in my life. I also understand what it’s like to be the nervous traveler, afraid of the uncertainty that comes along with living on a budget and long term traveling.My name is Joe Metcalfe. I’ve been backpacking and traveling around the world for the last 18 months. I quit my job of 11 yearin real estate back in October of 2015. I sold most of my worldly possessions, and bought a one-way ticket to South America, and haven’t looked back since.I went from stressed out business guy always chasing “material success” to a traveling author, but more importantly someone who started prioritizing inner peace in life. And travel was big reason why I moved into this direction.

Let’s get into how traveling has given me more inner peace and less stress:

Joe Metcalfe & Amanda Kingsmith

1.Travel gives you the ability to unplug and can alleviate burnout.

Burnout occurs when we put so much pressure on ourselves to produce results, whether that’s for work, or it could even be within relationships.

Traveling is introspection. It gave me space to look at my work and life priorities. It slowed me down. I thought about my potential doing other things (which was writing for me). Travel allowed me to reflect in a deeper, real way that I couldn’t have done in my busy, “material success” driven lifestyle.

Even if you are just traveling short-term (a couple weeks to a couple months) and returning back to the same job, it’s an amazing way to recharge the batteries. You will gain many new perspectives to bring back to your job and life at home.

A woman on a yoga position

2. You learn to keep things simple and live with less.

Life is peaceful when it’s simple.

Even if you are coming back home after few weeks or a few months, you learn to live with less in your everyday life. You might find that you don’t need as many household items.

You might realize you don’t need to own two cars.

Woman picking up flower in Laos Mekong River

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It might translate into what I like to call a “career minimalist.”

Not in a sense of lacking work ethic, but by simplifying things at work. Through the travel mentality of living with less, you start to eliminate all the unnecessary gossip at work, or figure out ways to ask your boss to eliminate the responsibilities that aren’t your highest and best use.

3. You realize you don’t need all the luxuries anymore.

When you’re traveling on a budget, you have to sacrifice some luxuries. I’ve lived in hostels for a good portion of the last 18 months. I was hesitant at first, but I quickly learned it’s not as bad as it seems.

For one, you appreciate the luxuries much more when you do treat yourself. Also, I’ve made amazing connections and relationships with people from all over the world by staying in hostels.

Things might not always go your way. If you’ve trained yourself to be uncomfortable sometimes you have a higher tolerance for “tough luck.” When external events don’t go your way you don’t seem to mind, and you’re off on the next adventure.

Vietnam Topas Ecolodge (Sapa) mountain

4. It will ingrain a stronger sense of gratitude.

You may see some countries that are beautiful, but also have a lot of poverty. This will keep you humble and keep you grateful for the things you do have. Gratitude equals peace of mind.

5. It will promote no complaining in your life This is closely related to #4. If I am seeing what other people are going through in poorer countries, and I come back home to the United States, I shouldn’t be complaining about the traffic, or another petty problem.

I try to be aware of this and catch myself complaining. I’ve heard the phrase, complaining is draining. It’s so true. I have more peace in my life when I’m not complaining.

Iceland Blue Lagoon

6. Traveling to a new country and seeing a new culture is like learning a new philosophy.

Each country has its own customs and philosophies. If you become aware of these philosophies, they can benefit you. While I was living in Vietnam (a predominantly Buddhist country) for 6 months, I noticed Vietnam to be a “yielding culture.”

They were very friendly and I didn’t get the sense of confronta-

tion among the people. In fact, I witnessed a minor motorcycle accident between two people, and there was no hostility or fault finding, but a general concern for one another.

If you have an open mind, these cultures/philosophies become a part of your inner being. I am working to adopt a more accepting, yielding and nonreactive sense of self, which is emphasized in the Vietnamese culture.

7. Traveling helps you live with fear.

Notice I didn’t say overcome? That’s because fear doesn’t go away. I realized this, but I also realized I don’t go away either.

I can live with fear. You can too.

I was so afraid to quit my job before traveling. I felt guilty leaving a good boss and good company behind. I was uncertain about the safety of traveling in “third world” countries. I brooded, I toiled. It was agony. Indecision and fear followed me around like my shadow on a sunny day.

Reclining Buddha Statue at Vientanie,Laos

When I finally made the decision to quit my job, I realized all those fears were laughable. They were illusions. My boss supported and even embraced my decision. Traveling overseas has been nothing but pleasant experiences with people from many different countries.

Learning to live with fear, and experiencing that fear is just an illusion will give you more inner peace and less stress in your life.

So remember when you are making that decision to travel, you are actually making a decision to invest in your own inner peace, which is the best investment you can ever make in your life.

Vietnam's Rejuvination

Vietnam’s Rejunivation Vietcetera/Journey on air/Christian Tolentino

“A getaway for travellers in search of a complete rejuvenation”

Topas Ecolodge (Sapa)

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Vietcetera/Journey on air/Christian Tolentino

Both and top and bottom pictures are located in Yen Tu Mountain (Núi Yên T)

A

Golden Bridge (Hòa Phú, Vietnam)

re you in desperate need of fleeing somewhere far away from work where you can relax and enjoy the sun? Why not consider jetting off to Vietnam!

It’s an ideal destination for those who are looking for a vacation in a beautiful spot full of terrific landscapes, pristine beaches, fascinating culture and good food.

Although there are a lot of things to see and do in Vietnam, you can also just choose to relax and enjoy the pool or beach. If you’re looking for a calm vacation, check out this list of the most relaxing destinations in Vietnam.

Topas Ecolodge (Sapa)

A 40-minute drive away from Sapa, one of Vietnam’s most renowned tourist spots, Topas Ecolodge is a hilltop resort that offer otherworldly views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Here, you can hike or cycle (there are free bikes and helmets) around the area and see for yourself how the mountain tribes cultivate their famous terraced rice fields and go on their daily lives. Mostly staffed with tribal people, Topas also places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The 25 rustic mountain bungalows at Topas Ecolodge are reasonably sized and well-furnished, with rates usually being around $130 per night. There is a direct limousine service from Hanoi that will take 5 hours to arrive at the resort. The best times

to visit the area would be either from March to May, when the wild flowers bloom across the valleys amidst the green expanses of rice, or from September to December, when the rice paddies become fields of gold and white plum blossoms blanket the mountains. In recent years, due to climate change, there’s also a high chance of snowing from December to February.

Golden Bridge (Hòa Phú, Vietnam)

Bridge outside of Da Nang went viral as soon as they appeared online. This unique structure, backdropped by beautiful scenery, makes for a stunning sight, as if it was plucked from a fantasy world. The giant hands supporting the bridge symbolize something divine, mythical, or godlike. It does look as though they are lifting the bridge as a gift from the ground. The bridge’s principle architect, Vu Viet Anh, has even said that the goal of the design was to “invoke the sensation of walking along a thread stretching through the hands of God.” Building the footbridge was an engineering challenge in order to not damage the cliff below and make the structure blend in with the forest around it. The hands are supported by frames modeled after anatomical structures and covered with decorative fiberglass. The position of each finger was carefully chosen to invoke the desired effect. It’s no secret that the construction of the Golden Bridge is a part of a $2 billion investment to lure more tourists to the area. With a bridge this spectacular in such a stunning landscape, it might just succeed.

Know Before You Go

The Golden Bridge (Cau Vang in Vietnamese) is the newest addition to the Sun World Ba Na Hills amusement park, located about

18 miles west of Da Nang. The walkway is at the top of the Ba Na Hills, accessible by a 20-minute cable car ride up the hill. The entrance fee to the amusement park includes the cable car to the Golden Bridge. The walkway is 3,280 feet above sea level and nearly 500 feet long.

Yen Tu Mountain (Núi Yên T)

Yen Tu Mountain, the most famous religious attraction in Vietnam, located in the northern coastal Quang Ninh province. Yen Tu is well known for the picturesque landscapes, ancient pagodas and especially the foundation of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect. The mountain is called the capital of Buddhism in Vietnam because over 700 years, Yen Tu still remains the huge system of pagodas, temples and valuable relics.

The itinerary to Yen Tu would make ones feel that they are on their way to the Promise land to find peace in their soul. Nestled approximately 1,068 metres above sea level, Legacy Yen Tu is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. The destination is part of Vietnam’s historical golden era and has a rich history dating back about 760 years.

Patrick Basset, chief operating officer for AccorHotels Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives, said: “The opening of Legacy Yen Tu, MGallery combines the quintessence of wellness tourism and luxury travel to provide a getaway for travellers in search of a complete rejuvenation of their body, mind and spirit. The 133-room property was designed

by Bill Bensley, a renowned designer of luxury resorts. Built using ancient methodologies to emulate the peaceful way of life, the rooms feature the signature wooden-inked slab traditionally used for calligraphy and an outdoor patio living area.

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Iceland’s Yoga Retreat

Iceland ’s Yoga Retreat Liz Nichols

The Land of Fire and Ice

Across the ford you will find a historic landmark marked by a large

North Iceland is the ideal location for yogis, adventurers, retreat leaders and other travel enthusiasts who desire an authentic experience at the heart of this magical country.

stone and anchor marks the place where, according to Icelandic folklore, the Vikings originally landed in Iceland. On this beautiful property now lies Knarrarberg, a newly built wellness center and event hosting property designed specifically to welcome yoga, wellness and

Away from the mainstream tourism of Reykjavik, we’ll take you North to the town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city (population = 18,000). Once one of Iceland’s best kept secrets, Akureyri has been voted #1 European Destination by Lonely Planet several times.

Akureyri’s mild climate on the longest fjord in the country and its close proximity to the Arctic Circle make it a must-see and must-experience destination.

other healing groups and retreats.

The center offers a large meeting space / yoga room, massage rooms and therapists, a meditation / relaxation hall, male and female showers, changing rooms, a large dry sauna and an outdoor geothermic jacuzzi. The yoga space is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets and can be heated easily for warm classes.

The wellness center overlooks the fjord and mountains, and on a

Majestic landscapes, Icelandic horses, waterfalls, secret hikes off the beaten path, volcanic craters and geothermic nature baths are just

clear dark night you can enjoy the stars and perhaps even glimpse the Northern Lights!

Upcoming Retreats

some of the features offered. The various seasons offer their own additional gifts – the midnight sun, whale watching, chasing the Northern Lights dogsledding and snowshoeing.

out the year, so many guests visit over and over again. In the spring

In partnership with the newly built and only yoga and wellness center in Northern Iceland, we invite you to join us on an adventure you will never forget!

best sights of the North, inland flights and ground transportation, plus use of the yoga and wellness center for classes. Join one of our scheduled retreats, or enquire about how you can bring your group for an exclusive weeklong experience of magical North Iceland.

Yoga and Wellness Center

The picturesque city of Akureyri is lovingly nicknamed the “Capital of North” and is the second largest urban area in Iceland after Reykjavik. Built along the fjord (Eyjafjörður), Akureyri offers a mild climate

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and summer, increasing daylight offer the phenomenon of the “midnight sun” with days of 20+ hours of sunlight and amazing plays of colors in the skies, while the landscape, environment, and your sense of adventure become supercharged. The hills are green and the climate

Retreat packages include housing, meals, guided excursions to the

and bucolic, picturesque landscape.

Iceland offers spectacular scenery that changes dramatically through-

mild. Fall offers the warm colors and green rolling hills, but increasing darkness at night. The night sky this close to the Arctic Circle is something to behold and your opportunities to witness the Northern Lights increases. The winter whites begin to arrive around November and the landscape again begins to transform. Winter activities like snowshoeing and dogsledding become available and Akureyri is the only part of Iceland also offering snowboarding and skiing. Darker skies offer more opportunities for the Northern Lights. The darkest months are December – February, but quickly the sun emerges more and more each day as March approaches. Prices range from 3,0004,000 including hotel,food,destinations,yoga the whole pacakge.

Liz Nichols

Both pictures are located in Iceland named Kirkjufell Mountain

Dress code shopping for Travel

What to Wear in Vietnam by Smarter Travel Clothes and Shoes Going to a hot and humid place in the tropics calls for light, natural fabrics like cotton and silk. Lightweight tank tops and T-shirts are good things to wear in Vietnam, as are light-colored khakis.

As for shoes, flip-flops or other open sandals work great on Vietnamese beaches, but you’ll want to wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to protect your feet when sightseeing in cities. Consider bringing a lightweight, crushable sun hat to protect your face from sun and rain.

What Not to Wear in Vietnam

When traveling to Vietnam, you may want to leave your jeans and denim shorts at home. You’ll sweat in humid Vietnam, and denim doesn’t dry easily. Chafing and heat do not go well together. Keep in mind, too, that Vietnamese people dress conservatively. Women and men wear long pants and short- or long-sleeved tops, for the most part, and visitors should do the same, despite the heat. When you’re in Vietnam, you’ll fit in better if you avoid wearing shorts in public.

Other clothing no-nos when traveling to Vietnam: Don’t overpack. Instead, bring a small amount of only what you need; if you find you need more apparel after arriving in Vietnam, you can buy it there, since Vietnam is famous for its inexpensive made-to-order clothing.

Dress code shopping for Travel How should I dress?

By Liz nichols

In the summer, light clothing is often all you need – but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can change on a dime. Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes.” Layers are always important – in the fall and spring (and even summer just in case!) We recommend base thermal layers as a base, then pants or jeans, a warm jacket or coat, and warm hat, scarf or balaclava. Also recommended is a water and wind resistant outer layer (jacket and pants) and warm shoes or boots that can get wet. For winter, appropriate winter boots and winter outer layer for activities like show shoeing. Outfitters are available in the main square of Akureyri for any items you may forget or realize you need.

Finally, always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. Bathing in the geothermally heated pools and backyard Jacuzzis is a favorite Icelandic pastime, whether to to gather with friends or to gaze at the stunning northern lights overhead.

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Smarter travel/Liz Nichols/What to wear Vacation/Flashpacker Amily

Clothing tips for women in Laos by what to wear on vacation Leave your shorts at home – you will feel uncomfortable if you wear them and you will be stared at. Go instead for 3/4 length pants or a long skirt. camisoles are useful in the heat, but when visiting places of worship your body, legs and shoulders must be covered. Opt instead for long pants and a long-sleeved cotton shirt or kaftan.

A pashmina or a sarong is a versatile item which can cover you from the sun, be used for modesty or add a bit of ‘glam’ to any oufit should you need it.

Leave your valuables and jewelry at home, you really won’t need them.

The humidity can play havoc with your hair – so think about accessories or a scarf to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Clothing tips for men

When visiting Buddhist temples opt for long pants and a longsleeved shirt.

For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

What to Wear in Japan by flashpackerf amily

Smart casual clothing is what people wear in Japan.

Shorts are not commonly worn even when it’s warm (although people will understand you’re a tourist!). No leggings as pants. Japanese people always look well put together and smartly dressed.

Flip flops are for inside so don’t wear them out and about.

Jeans are a great option for Japan. I normally don’ travel with jeans but found them useful in Japan.

One nice outfit for cocktail hour at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Add this to your list of what to pack for Tokyo.

Shoes that slip on and off easily are essential. Even for sneakers, pick ones that pull on instead of lace up.

Comfortable shoes for lots of walking. We regularly walked 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day in Japan!

Layers! The weather in Japan can change quite quickly.

Modest dress is recommended for temples and shrines.

No shirts, covered shoulders.

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Laos

Laos

By EVOLVE

Unique meditative flows, practices dedicated to the elements, and philosophy discussions centered around Advaita Vedanta allow us to redefine our relationship with “I.” Where do “I” begin or end and how do “I” evolve with the community, the world, and the universe in which “I” find myself? Journeying to the Seer is about fine-tuning our connection with ourselves and with everything around us in a way that fosters spiritual wisdom and insight. As always, our retreats are designed to be approachable even to those new to the practice of yoga. Students who would like understand how to combine the physical and philosophical aspects of the practice will benefit from this program.

VEDANTA PHILOSOPHY AND YOGIC LIFESTYLE

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Advaita Vedanta is one of the paths to spiritual revelation defined in Indian classic philosophies. Advaita is the idea that the true self is the same as the highest metaphysical reality, or simply put, that we are one and the same with the universe that surrounds us and that in which we exist. Spiritual liberation is

achieved by gaining knowledge about ourselves and the identity of the universal power or energy. Advaita is considered to be a spiritual pathway or philosophy, rather than religion and is concerned with spiritual realization in this life rather than in the afterlife. In Advaita Vedanta, a liberated person is: not bothered by disrespect and endures cruel words, treats others with respect regardless of how others treat him when confronted by an angry person he does not return anger, instead replies with soft and kind words; even if tortured, he speaks and trusts the truth; he does not crave for blessings or expect praise from others; he never injures or harms any life or being (ahimsa), he is intent in the welfare of all beings; he is as comfortable being alone as in the presence of others; he is as comfortable with a bowl, at the foot of a tree in tattered robe without help, as when he is in a mithuna (union of mendicants), grama (village) and nagara (city); he doesn’t care about or wear sikha (tuft of hair on the back of head for religious reasons), nor the holy thread across his body. To him, knowledge is sikha, knowledge is the holy thread, knowledge alone is supreme. Outer appearances and rituals do not matter to him, only knowledge matters; for him there is no invocation nor dismissal of deities, no mantra nor non-mantra, no prostrations nor worship of gods, goddess or ancestors, nothing other than knowledge of Self; he is humble, high spirited, of clear and steady mind, straightforward, compassionate, patient, indifferent, courageous, speaks firmly and with sweet words.

Instructor from the Yoga Retreat EVOVLE

THE RETREAT

EVOLVE

On this retreat, we will guide you on a journey towards living your life in a way that is more liberating in the definition of Advaita Vedanta. As on other retreats, the physical practice of yoga (asana), will be the tool in which we practice the philosophical aspects of yoga. A unique style of mediative vinyasa flow will be introduced, one that is creative and that will allow us to practice the qualities of humility, respect and truthfulness that are central to Advaita’s concept of a liberated being. Advaita is the true meaning of open-mindedness and inclusiveness in how we live our lives. Students will also be introduced to different techniques of breathing that help to bring about concentration and connection. Beginners and seasoned practitioners are invited to explore how classical philosophy can be used in today’s hectic lifestyle. Our teaching style is modern and approachable, intended to benefit the life and welfare of the modern yogi.

SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 1:30pm Arrival and check in 4:00pm Introductions and overview, followed by opening ceremony 5:00pm Yoga and Meditation 7:30pm Organic Buffet Dinner

Day 2 7:30am Pranayama/Mindfulness Mediation ​8:00am Meditative Flow 9:30am Breakfast 2:00pm Philosophy Discussion - Advaita Part 1

3:30pm Special focus workshop: Earth Element Theory and Practice 5:30pm Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner Day 3 7:30am Pranayama and Vinyasa Yoga 9:30am Breakfast 2:00pm Philosophy Discussion - Advaita Part 2 3:30pm Special focus workshop: Water Element Theory and Practice 5:30pm Mediation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner ​ Day 4 7:30am Pranayama/Walking Mediation 8:00 Meditative Flow 9:30am Breakfast 2:00pm Philosophy Discussion - Yogic Lifestyle 3:30pm Special Focus Workshop: Air/Space Theory and Practice 5:00pm Yoga Nidra Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner Day 5 7:30am Pranayama and Vinyasa Yoga 9:30am Breakfast 1:00pm Thai Yoga Stretching Workshop 6:00pm Evening program and Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner ​Day 6 7:30am Pranayama/Detox Mediation​ ​8:00 Meditative Flow 9:30am Breakfast

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Spiritual retreats in Japan

Spiritual retreats in Japan

By Japan Experience

Learn to Meditate during your Trip to Japan FAR FROM THE RELIGIOUS APPROACH, ZEN BUDDHISM IS ATTRACTING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WELL-BEING. PARTICULARLY IN JAPAN, WHERE ZAZEN MEDITATION IS NOW TAUGHT IN SEVERAL TEMPLES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. HERE ARE OUR TIPS ON PLACES ACCESSIBLE TO OVERSEAS VISITORS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DISCOVER THE ART OF ZEN.

A Retreat in the Mountains at ChokiaSan International Zendo (Akita)

life of this community of monks in the north of the country.

Be careful however, there is no internet or modern comforts here! This retreat is for those who want to experience Zen away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Here you will experience complete immersion into the daily life of the monks, and the discovery of rural areas offer an interesting experience both on the human and spiritual, to anyone willing to abide by the rules of the host.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Kokenji Joko Sato, Tateishi Yashima-machi, Yurihonjo, 015-0414 Akita-ken Access: Accessible from Yurihonjo station (local Choikaisan Rokusen line) Price: From 3,000 yen (around US $28) per day (2 meals included) Reservation: Online on the centre’s official website

A PRIVILEGED EXPERIENCE IN KOYA-SAN (WAKAYAMA)

Mount Koya is probably the most popular destination in Japan when it comes to undertaking a spiritual retreat.

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Among its advantages, several establishments offer the possibility of enjoying onsen, these natural hot springs as relaxing for the body as for the mind. Some shukubo also include hearty traditional meals, like Eko-in, one of the most well-known spiritual retreats in the region.

If however you wish a more formal immersion in the Zen world, Koya-san may not be for you. The goal here is to enjoy a first experience with the monks, rather than to undertake a full spiritual journey.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Ekoin, 497 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, 6480211 Wakayama Access: Accessible by cable car from Gokurabashi station ( Nankai Koyasan line ) Price: From 11,000 yen (around US $103) per night (2 meals included) Reservation: Online on the official Eko-in website

INTENSIVE AND VARIED COURSES AT SHUNKOIN TEMPLE (KYOTO)

In Kyoto, the Shunkoin temple serves as a real Buddhist school.

Meditation, calligraphy, traditional massages and tea ceremony, come and discover the art of Zen alongside monks perfectly proficient in English. Throughout the retreat, participants will also be invited to seminars on wellness and personal development. An asset that not all temples offer, and which will seduce those who wish to mix practical and theoretical education. Finally, note that the temple is LGBTQ friendly, and regularly campaigns for access to marriage for all.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 42 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo Ward, 6168035 Kyoto Access: A few minutes walk from Hanazono station (Sanin line) Price: Between 6,000 and 8,800 yen (between US $56 and 82) per night (Zen class not included) Reservation: Online on the official temple website

Japan Experience

Located at the foot of Mount Chokai, Chokaisan Internation al Zendo will introduce you to the path of Zen Soto, the first form of Zen Buddhism imported to Japan in the thirteenth century.

Through various indoor and mountain meditation courses, sutra recitations, and manual work, participate in the

With its many shukubo (temple lodgings) and its surroundings conducive to meditation, this small mountain in the prefecture of Wakayama is indeed the ideal place to discover Zen located in the center of the country.

How to book the cheapest flights possible to anywhere

How to Book the Cheapest

By Jen

Keep your searches top secret

You’re not crazy for thinking that a flight price has changed after searching it a few times in your web browser. Based on the cookies in your browser, flight prices do increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched, as the site wants to scare you into booking the flight quickly before prices get even higher. Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the lowest prices.

In Google Chrome or Safari, incognito is enabled by hitting Command (or “Control” if using PC), Shift, “N”. For Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer, hit Command (or “Control” if using a PC), Shift, “P”. This will open a new browser window where your information is not tracked, thus not inflating prices as you search. Note: if you’re using an older version of OS X, open Safari then click “Safari” in the menu bar, and select “Private Browsing”.

Your cookies are reset each time you re-open an incognito window. So if you want to start with a clean slate for each flight search (so your previous searches aren’t “remembered”, potentially inflating costs), close all your incognito windows, open a new one, and then perform your flight search.

Search for airline error and sale fares

Airlines sometimes make mistakes when posting their fares, leading to seriously discounted flights. This can happen for various reasons – currency conversion mishaps, technical glitches, or human error. If you’re in the knowhow on where to find airline error fares, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars on a ticket.

One of the most popular sites for tracking sale and error fares is Scott’s Cheap Flights (or if you’re in the UK, check out Jack’s Flight Club). The website has a dedicated team that scours the internet for flight deals every

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day. Just make an account and enter your departure airport, and you’ll start getting flight deals sent to your inbox. There’s also a premium plan for only $49/year (a 14-day free trial is available), which gives you access to even more flight deals with even deeper discounts. Considering members save an average of $550 per ticket, this is well worth the cost!

Other sites like Secret Flying are great resources to stalk for finding mistake and sale pricing, as they conglomerate slashed ticket rates all in one spot. You can also read our detailed how-to guide which spells out how to find mistake fares on your own. One great approach is to search for flights for an entire month using Skyscanner (Tip #3 in this article). This will allow you to easily spot a significantly reduced fare against what’s displayed that month, and has twice helped us stumble on error fares ourselves.

Flights Possible to Anywhere

n Avery

Book connecting flights yourself for less

which connects in your desired city and hop off there, not taking the ongoing connection.

It should go without saying this is risky for many reasons. Here are some factors to consider:

Jen Avery

If your luggage is checked, it may go on to the final destination. For this reason, with hidden city ticketing it’s best to have carry-on luggage only.

You may not be allowed off the plane (if the same plane is continuing onward to its final destination).

Airlines may detect that you did not take your connection. The consequences of this are hard to say, especially since people miss flights all the time.

There is now a web search engine which finds hidden city tickets for you. It’s called Skiplagged and was even sued by United Airlines who were angry about this debatable hack. We have never used the hidden city approach, but I know several who have, and they’ve scored some thrifty savings. Use at your own risk!

If you’re flying somewhere that involves a transfer, say from Canada to Australia which typically involves Canada to LA, then LA to Australia, consider that it may be cheaper to book these two legs separately on your own by adding another destination to your trip. It should go without saying that in doing this, you should not book tight layovers. I repeat: do not book layovers that are hours apart! This approach is for those who want to create an additional destination of a few days or more, before catching their next flight. The one exception is when booking with Kiwi.com, who offer their own guarantee on making connecting flights even when not with the same partner airlines. First, do your research: are there budget airlines unique to the country you’re flying out of and where you’re headed to?

Booking with a budget Australian airline (Jetstar) from Sydney to Honolulu, then an American one from Honolulu to Montreal saved us over $400 each when flying back from Australia to Canada earlier this year. This allowed us to create a thrifty five-day stopover in Hawaii on our way back, which was less exhausting and a lot cheaper! Kiwi.com and AirWander are both great search engine for revealing cheaper routes like this that involve multiple airlines. You can even book your own multi-day layovers, essentially allowing you to see 2 destinations for the price of 1. Rather than spend a day sitting in the airport, you can spend multiple days exploring the city you are laying over in. AirWander is a specialized search engine for doing exactly this. Put in your origin, final destination, and number of days you want to stopover. AirWander will return a list of places you can visit on your stopover, often even cheaper than a regular flight search engine! To learn how to do this, read our guide on How to Get Free Extended Layovers & Hack One Trip Into Two.

Consider hidden city ticketing

Travellers long ago discovered a trick known now as “hidden city” flights.

In a nutshell, sometimes a flight that connects in a city you want to go to is cheaper than flying directly to it. So instead, you book that cheap flight

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A Little Travel Q & A

A Little Travcel Q &A

By Stoked to travel

Beautiful sunset at Camps Bay near Cape Town

Elephants crossing ahead of us in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Q:How many countries have I been Q. Where have I been that I really to? didn’t like?

A:Somehow, I’ve managed to make it to 70 countries now! These are spread across West- A. I haven’t been to too many places that I didn’t

ern, Southern and Northern Africa, Europe, Asia, like, but I’m not a huge fan of Paris. I had a terrible Australia and North American. I haven’t been to experience working there during my gap year, but every time I’ve gone back, it’s always felt so busy.

South America.. yet!

One place I will never go back to is Sihanoukville Where are my favourite places? in Cambodia. It was overrun with criminals and was dangerous.You won’t find blog posts on either Ah, I have a few and for so many different of these places, as I wouldn’t necessarily recomreasons! I adore South Africa, and am fortunate mend visiting either! enough to go at least once a year as my partner is South African. We normally always turn every Where do I want to visit most trip into adventure, from visiting Kruger National Park or driving the Garden Route. It’s a magical that I haven’t yet been to? country. South East Asia is a corner of the world that’s been my longtime favourite. I’ve been goIt used to be South Africa! Now I’m really ing at least once a year for the past 10 years, and keen to get to South America and some of the also get to go for work quite often too. I adore the countries in East Africa, such as Kenya, Uganda Philippines for island-hopping paradise, and love and Tanzania.

Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Q: A:

Q. A.

Q.Why do I run this travel blog?

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Snapping away in Athens, Greece

500Embracing the surf in Ghana

A.There are a few reasons really. I started this

a service such as Canva, or pay for someone to space whilst feeling very disillusioned after grauat- make you one. I used the help of my friend Katy ing. After a couple of internships and a terrible and you can reach her at online here. false start at a global ad agency, I really didn’t What gear do you use photog know where I wanted to go and what I wanted to raphy? do.So this started off as a project and a distraction. But now I work on this blog as a side gig to For the past two years, I have been using a my main job, using any spare time to write travel Canon M50 Mirrorless Camera and I love it! Iused and lifestyle features. to have a Canon 500D plus a Nikon D3300, so

Q.

Q. Any tips for starting a blog?

A. My main tip would be to simply start. Create

a wordpress.org site, pay for the domain nameand pay for the services of a host. For the first year, I recommend using Bluehost which offers excellent low-pricing, great service and helpful customer service.For the domain name, make sure it is available on social media channels you plan to use too. Make sure to use the same blog name for brand consistency.Design a logo using

older blog posts (mid-2018 and before) are with these. I love the Canon M50 for its ease of use, compact size and image quality. For anyone looking for a lightweight camera that’s straight forward to use, I couldn’t recommend it more.

For adventure travel, I love using the GoPro Hero 7. For day-to-day use, or when I don’t want to take my camera out, I use my Apple 11 iPhone.

It’s faultless and delivers seriously good.

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Stoked to Travel

A.

Finding inner peace wherever you go

FINDING INNER PEACE WHEREVER YOU GO By -CAROUSEL LIFESTYLE, SELF-CARE & WELLNESS, TRAVEL & MONEY TIPS

Lucy Ruthman (author)next to a beach in Africa.

Lucy Ruthman sitting down on a rock in a forest in Europe.

“Finding inner peace is a battle, it’s a lifelong challenge and we’re all a work in progress”.

Lucy Ruthman posing in front of a doorstep in Guatemala.

Lucy Ruthman (Author) in a forest in Europe

Finding inner peace – it’s a journey for all of us. Human condition has imprinted on us the need to search for something. While these days that may be interpreted as an external need we have to satisfy. There is so much more to it than searching for riches, purpose or that one person who will make you happy. Have you ever felt like “one day” you will finally reach your goal? Or one day you will finally be happy? Well the truth is – you already have the power within you.

You just need to learn how to access that inner peace by making small lifestyle changes.

These changes have transformed my life over the last few years. While the journey

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may have been rough at times – as one of my best friends always say – “you can’t have the rough without the smooth.” It will be challenging at times and you may feel like giving up and focusing your energies on shallower pleasures. But if you stick with it and make gradual changes – you’ll one day look back and realise how far you have come. Getting to a point where you can access that inner calm and serenity is one of the most powerful skills you can have. It can completely change your world.

What Is Inner Peace?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a spiritual person, or whether you’re atheist. The search

for inner peace is something that transcends religion and society ideals. It’s an inward journey that we all go through in our lives.

Some of us progress further than others, some of us transform our lives in the name of finding inner peace. But what is it that we’re all searching for? In a word, self-acceptance.

We humans are a confused and mixed-up breed. Every aspect of our lives is affected by the projected expectations and ideals of the society we live in, and those that have gone before us. So no wonder we find it so hard to find that sense of calm and contentment when we live in a world that constantly places judgement on everything we do. We might

By -CAROUSEL LIFESTYLE, SELF-CARE & WELLNESS, TRAVEL & MONEY TIPS

You’ll find patience, contentment and a quiet within, that no-one will be able to take away from you”.

Lucy Ruthman in a forest in Europe.

Lucy Ruthman in a forest in Europe.

Lucy Ruthman in Guatemala posing for a picture.

Lucy Ruthman in Australia Sydney.

have a different understanding of what we are searching for. Some might be looking for happiness, others for love, purpose, self-acceptance. But essentially all of these goals can be broken down to the search for happiness within yourself – acceptance and knowledge that you are enough. Reaching that understanding that the only thing you can control in life is yourself. That you can’t place such great importance on the thoughts, comments, reactions of others – or you will never find true joy.

Finding inner peace is a battle, it’s a lifelong challenge and we’re all a work in progress.

How Will Finding Inner Peace Help You? Throughout your life, you will face challeng-

es – some more than others. It can feel like the world is against you at times, that you’ll never reach your goal. When in fact, each challenge brings you closer to self-acceptance.

It can be a huge learning curve as you stumble from one challenge to another – a lot of us feel like we’re bumbling our way through life. But as the years pass by, you start to gain perspective and to realise that the huge challenges you faced at the beginning were actually not much more than a tiny stumbling block.

As you become more resilient, brave, strong and accepting of your own weaknesses – you creep ever closer to finding inner peace.

This elusive goal has no endpoint but is an ev-

Lucy Ruthman in a forest in Europe.

erlasting journey towards a happier and more accepting life. By taking the first steps along this path, you’ll find that you become a calmer and happier person. All those things that make you feel anxious or worried, no longer take up so much space in your head. That constant background noise of thoughts racing around your brain, slowly lessens by the day until you can clear your thoughts. It becomes easier to separate out thoughts that bring you joy, and to rid yourself of the demons that plague your mind. You’ll find patience, contentment and a quiet within, that no-one will be able to take away from you. And better still, that you can take with you, wherever you go.

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