A good vacation is more than just a good travel experience. The majority of your time and energy may be spent actually getting from point A to point B and exploring while you’re there, but the weeks of anticipation in the lead-up to a trip are almost as exciting. The same can be said for remembering a trip. Being able to lose yourself in the memory of some faraway beach, colorful cityscape or nature scene is one of the best reasons to travel. It’s a sign of a trip gone right when you find yourself returning to memories again and again. 

But with time, memories of even the most enjoyable trips can fade. Details are lost and the trip as a whole becomes boiled down to individual snapshots or general ideas. For that reason, it helps to have souvenirs. The French word souvenir literally means “to remember”, and it’s one

You’re going on a cruise—how exciting! I’ll let you in on a few cruise tips and hacks for your maiden voyage.

1. Pack Accordingly

Plan to bring a carry-on bag. In most situations, you will reach your cabin before your luggage does, so this bag can hold your medication and other necessities.

Make sure you check the weather at every port your cruise stops as well—you may need to pack an array of seasonal clothing. Check your cruise itinerary to see how many formal outfits you need to bring. Also, make sure you leave plenty of room in your suitcase for souvenirs and other purchases you make!

2. Turn On Airplane Mode

The internet on cruises can be expensive and have a slow connection. You could purchase internet on your cruise, but that doesn’t ensure a fast internet connection. One of the best cruise tips and hacks is to position

This fresh take on a classic Colombian dish swaps beef steak for cauliflower “steak”, offering a lighter, yet still deliciously satisfying dish that’s fun to share with vegans and carnivores alike. Widely considered an Argentinian condiment, chimichurri is also popular in Colombia, where the addition of cilantro gives an extra kick of flavor to this already zesty sauce. You’ll find those same punchy flavors in this avocado crema, which lends a creamy component to the dish, as well as a boost of heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, choline and sulfur, which has a detoxifying effect on the body. If you have access to a grill, you can also grill the cauliflower steaks over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. 

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• Juice of 1 lime (plus more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons extra

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming in the best of times. If you’re abroad and buying for people on a different continent, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’ll be traveling home for the holidays or sending gifts to your loved ones overseas, here are some tips to keep in mind to make the process easier. 

Gift a taste of your travels

If you’re able to gift a memento that your loved ones would not be able to find at home, that’s a win. You’ll have gotten them a souvenir and holiday gift all in one. But the logistics of traveling with or shipping bulky packages can get complicated. 

For simple gifts that won’t necessarily take up too much space, focus on art or food. These don’t need to be large or complex items either. A smaller print from a local street vendor, specialty preserved or canned

Holidays are supposed to be a joyful break from daily routines, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Sometimes people have to interact with family members, friends or other people who don’t respect their recovery during holiday vacations. These are a few ways I’ve learned to make recovery easier while traveling during the holidays.

1. Create Backup Plans

Travel and substance use can seem like an unchangeable combination. It also doesn’t help when you travel to see people who don’t support or care about your recovery. The thought fills me with intense anxiety before the holiday arrives, making substance use even more appealing.

It’s so important to create backup plans for those challenging moments. I like to bring a few mocktail recipes when I visit family and ask everyone to try them with me. It turns sobriety into a fun activity and a bonding experience.

You can also plan polite