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Cool Off with the Best US Swimming Holes

Grab your swimsuit, pack a towel and don’t forget your friends and family and let’s get wet!

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Summer is just around the corner and with rising temperatures it’s time to find some places to cool off. Unfortunately not everyone lives close to an ocean, so some of us have to find alternative swimming holes. Grab your swimsuit, pack a towel and don’t forget your friends and family and let’s get wet! We found the best swimming holes around the country so you can cool down in style.

  

The Homestead Caldera, UT

Locals refer to this as the Crater and it’s an amazing swimming hole that is literally a hole. In Midway, Utah sits a naturally heated spring inside a huge hole in the ground that was created by mineral deposits. Now it’s a commercial swimming hole that is open all-year-round. Scuba divers use this as a training place, but everyone can use it to cool down in the hot summer months. The 10,000-year-old crater is easily the most unique swimming hole on this list.

  

Bridal Veil Falls, GA

Come to Georgia for a 45 ft waterfall and a really cool place to chill out. People slide down the granite rock face in a natural waterslide that will leave a huge smile on your face. Locals love this place and it’s free, so swim on my friends. This place is wonderful and located in a State park.

 

Barton Springs, TX

Located just outside of downtown Austin, TX; Barton Springs has long been the cooling off spot for young University of Texas students. That is one of the draws to this swimming hole, the abnormally high amount of young, attractive college students. Only costing $7, Barton Springs is a great way to cool off in the heart of Austin. If you’re lucky, the waterfall will be flowing from the 1,000 ft wide limestone cliff.

 

White Rock Park, IN

Come for the cliff diving and stay for the chill vibes. With steep cliffs surrounding the water, there are plenty of places to jump. You’ll find the swimming hole is packed on the weekends but there is still plenty of space to spread out. Check out the floating barges where you can catch some rays and slip right into the water.

 

Enfield Falls, NY

A really cool collection of waterfalls located just outside of Ithaca, New York will take your breath away. These natural beauties are easily accessible from Ithaca and only a few hour drive from New York City. You’ll find some amazing hikes circle around the falls and give numerous views to take in. The water is chilly and great at cooling you off after a hard hike.

 

Queen’s Bath, HI

Located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and known to have healing powers, Queen’s Bath is naturally formed pocket of lava rock that creates a swimmable pool. Visitors have to hike over lava fields and tough terrain to reach the beautiful pool but it’s well worth the trouble. Once there you’ll find a remote pool on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, warmed by the sun and oh so inviting.

 

Sliding Rock, NC

Located outside of Asheville North Carolina, is Sliding Rock, a natural water slide that keeps tourists and locals coming back every summer. The 60-foot water slide is the king of all swimming holes and a perfect way to cool out while having some fun.

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Breathtaking New Hiking Trails From Around The World

  

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It doesn’t really matter where you are, there’s probably a good hiking trail somewhere nearby. And who doesn’t love a good hike?! Well, ok, plenty of people don’t love hikes. But for those that do, check out this list of some of the greatest hikes from around the world. I know I’m going to try to hit all of them before I’m gone!

VIA DINARICA, BALKANS

This hike is truly epic. It starts in Albania and travels northwest through Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and finally ends at the beginning of the Dinaric Alps in Slovenia. Just so we’re clear, we’re talking about 783 miles, people. That’s incredible.

But make no mistake, it is very difficult. It’s divided into three, color-coded sections, and the first one, the White Trail, is the most difficult. The second is the Blue Trail and includes incredible views of the Adriatic Sea. And the third leg is known as the Green Trail and mostly travels through the forest of the lower Dinaric Alps.

CHALKUP 21, U.K.

This gorgeous hiking trail has only existed since September of 2017. It runs along the coast and takes hikers and cyclists through Deal, St. Margaret’s Bay, Kingsdown, and eventually finishes in Capel-le-Ferne. What makes this trail especially cool is that it also features artwork and sculptures done by local artists. Sounds pretty awesome if you ask me!

KANGAROO ISLAND WILDERNESS TRAIL, AUSTRALIA

I have a feeling you can guess what makes this trail so special. Kangaroos. Well, the wildlife in general. Kangaroo Island requires just a 30-minute flight from nearby Adelaide to reach. The whole trail takes about five days to walk, but it’s worth it if you have the time. The landscape and the wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, platypus, seals, and dolphins can be truly breathtaking.

THE GREAT TRAIL, CANADA

This trail was officially opened in 2017 and is now officially the longest trail in the world at roughly 15,000 miles. It includes over 500 individual trails and can be enjoyed in many different ways including hiking, cycling, riding horseback, or even skiing and snowmobiling depending on the weather. Or, if you’re more of a water-based adventurer, there are also plenty of waterways that allow for kayaking and canoeing.

JORDAN TRAIL, JORDAN

This is possible the extended hike for the history buff. It literally covers the entire country of Jordan in its 403 total miles. But, before you get too excited, you should know it takes about 36 days to complete in full. It is however broken into eight stages and only requires a moderate amount of fitness.

And if you can pull it off, you’ll be happy you did once you reach amazing landmarks like the city of Karak, the Dead Sea canyons, and the architectural feat that is the city of Petra.


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How To Make A Healthy Gas Station Meal

   

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You’re on the road when you get hit by the old hunger pangs. Normally what you do is head straight to a fast food joint and get a triple chili burger with a shake and cheese fries. But now you’re trying to eat healthy which means making smarter choices. The question is how do you make healthy choices when you’re in the unhealthy world of rest stops and gas stations? Do you order a chicken fried steak and take the breading off? Do you eat the lettuce and onion then throw the rest of your Big Mac away?

No, there are plenty of great ways to eat healthy when you’re on the go and we’re going to share them all with you so you can stay healthy and stay moving.

REMEMBER THE IMPORTANT THREE

When you’re searching through the foods at your gas station look for these three things to make sure you stay feeling full and satisfied after you eat: Protein, fiber and healthy fat. Aim for around 350 calories with 12-20 grams of protein and 5-10 grams of fiber per meal. It’s easiest to start by looking for a protein like nuts or jerky or peanut butter. Then look to add some fiber with fresh fruits or vegetables. Then it’s time to add some healthy fat with guacamole or nuts. Finally, try drinking water instead of that 64 oz. Big Gulp you usually put down.

DECONSTRUCTED YOGURT PARFAIT

This is a great, quick, healthy meal you can throw together at almost any gas station. Find a low sugar Greek yogurt and break pieces of a nut-based bar into the yogurt. Then add some fruit and voila you have your own personal parfait. You will thoroughly enjoy your meal while also keeping the calorie count nice and low. Filling and delicious is the best way to eat when trying to stay healthy.

PEANUT BUTTER AND APPLE ON CRACKERS

Get an apple and cut it up. Then buy some peanut butter or some other type of nut butter and add it on top of a delicious whole grain cracker for a light meal that is tasty and will leave you satisfied. If you have a hankering for sweets then this meal is for you. It is usually hard to satisfy your desires for sugar in a healthy way, but if you can do it with a meal like this then you have hit the healthy jackpot.

TUNA SALAD

Gas Stations usually sell tuna and you’ll be thanking them for doing so. You can get condiments from the hot dog station to properly fix your tuna right then smear it on top of some whole wheat crackers and you got yourself a delicious meal. All you have to do is add some fresh fruit and you’ll be sitting pretty for a good long while on the road.

BEEF JERKY

When in doubt, grab the jerky. Sure it may be processed, but it’s probably your best bet for processed food a gas station has to offer. Pair it with some fruit and some nuts and you will have a great meal that will put you into a savory based heaven. Just be sure to look for a low sodium option because jerky can be high when it comes to the salt.

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The Many Benefits (And A Few Downsides) Of Traveling After A Breakup

  

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Obviously, breakups can be devastating. And when you’re that low, it’s hard to imagine even leaving the house, let alone going on vacation! But there are actually a lot of great benefits of going on a solo vacation after a breakup. Obviously, there are a few downsides as well. But for the most part, taking that time for yourself to explore and reflect can be just what the doctor ordered when you find yourself depressed and lonely.

Here are all the things you’ll learn when you travel after a breakup.

YOU’LL LEARN TO LOVE YOUR OWN COMPANY

One of the hardest parts about being recently single is the sudden and dramatic increase of time spent by yourself. When you were in a relationship, it seemed like your entire life revolved around time with your partner. So the transition can be tough and being alone can drive you crazy at times. But forcing yourself to travel in those moments helps you make the transition into being comfortable alone much faster. Because you have no choice! You don’t even have friends around to keep you company.

You’ll be eating alone, sleeping alone, and doing every other activity in-between alone. It’s a trial by fire, but when you make it through you’ll be more confident and comfortable with yourself than you’ve been in a while.

YOU’LL MAKE FRIENDS YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE

Sure, going on vacation with a partner can be wonderful. But you’re unlikely to connect with any strangers or make any new friends on a couples vacation. Which is fine, of course. But making new friends and interacting with locals can be a very enjoyable and fulfilling part of a good vacation. And when you’re vacationing alone, you almost need to make new friends and make a few connections to make sure you don’t go crazy!

Plus, meeting new people, especially while in a different country, can really open your mind to new experiences and perspectives. And sometimes that’s what a great vacation is all about.

YOU GET TO BE SELFISH

When you’re in a relationship (at least a healthy one), there’s going to be a lot of compromising. You’ll have to go to all kinds of events and watch all kinds of TV or movies that you would never waste your time with but you do anyway because your partner really wants to. But after a breakup, that all goes out the window! And you get to be as selfish as you want and only do the things you want to do. It’s the best part about a breakup.

Now just consider how great that kind of selfishness is on a vacation! Most vacations are chock-full of activities every day. And now you don’t have to cater to anyone else’s needs and wants! It’s all about you, baby. So do exactly what you want to do. Even if it’s nothing at all.

YOU’LL GET YOUR GROOVE BACK

As we alluded to at the beginning of this article, a breakup can cause some serious depression, loneliness, and maybe more importantly, some serious self-doubt. Much of those post-breakup days are spent wondering what you did wrong and if anyone will ever love you again. It’s a terrible place to be and it can be very difficult to break out of.

But going on a solo vacay can help you regain your confidence and relearn how to trust your gut as fast as possible. You’ll be the only one making any decisions, and even if you make a few wrong ones, no one has to know but you. And, for the most part, that’s the best way to regain confidence in yourself: decision making. Trust me, after relying on only yourself for a week or two, you’ll return home more confident than you’ve ever been.

IT’S EXPENSIVE AS HELL

And now it’s time for the negatives of traveling alone after a breakup. I’m sorry! I promise I’m not trying to bring you down, there are just a few important negatives that are worth mentioning. Like that fact that traveling alone is a lot more expensive than traveling with a partner. All of a sudden you’ve gotta pay for 100% of everything? What the heck is that?!

But this isn’t that hard to avoid. Just be smart about your choices. Find some cheap airfare and lodging. And look into visiting places in their off-season so the prices won’t be too jacked up. You can still make it happen, I promise!

A LOT OF THE FUN OF STAYING IN A FANCY HOTEL DISAPPEARS

One of the best parts of traveling with a partner is getting to enjoy all the extravagant luxuries of a fancy hotel together. Wearing the robes, ordering the room service, taking advantage of the free couples massage. Getting to laugh and make jokes to each other while you enjoy the amenities make it all the more fun.

But, unfortunately, it’s just not as fun when you’re by yourself. Frankly, it’s a little depressing. It’s almost like, “What’s the point?” Ya know? But here’s the twist… you ‘ll save a lot of money by not bothering with the fancy hotels! See, I twisted it! It’s actually a positive!


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