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A Finnish Ironwoman’s Guide to Finland’s Best Outdoor Icy Plunge From the magical dance of the Northern Lights to the serene reindeer-dotted landscapes, Finnish Lapland is an otherworldly winter wonderland. Beyond its natural beauty, Finland is renowned for its rich sauna culture and the invigorating practice of ice bathing.Elina Mäkinen, a trailblazing Finnish ice swimmer and the first woman from Finland to complete the Ice Mile, shares her insights into this centuries-old tradition. "Ice swimming is deeply personal," she says. "It’s a chance to learn about yourself and your reactions."Finland’s Sauna and Ice Bathing TraditionA part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, Finland’s sauna culture has thrived for thousands of years. Ice bathing, closely intertwined with sauna rituals, has transitioned from a traditional practice to a modern wellness trend. According to Mäkinen, ice bathing gained newfound popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic as people sought alternative wellness practices. Today, it stands alongside yoga and meditation as a tool for self-discovery and health. Benefits range from improved sleep to enhanced alertness and stress relief. "In cities like Helsinki and Tampere, saunas often pair with ice bathing facilities," Mäkinen explains. "These environments are great for beginners." Meanwhile, remote Lapland offers unforgettable experiences of icy dips paired with Arctic wilderness.1. Best for Ice Bathing Under the Northern Lights: Särkitunturi Fell and Särkijärven MajatWith minimal light pollution, Finnish Lapland is one of the world’s best places to witness the Northern Lights. For Mäkinen, Särkitunturi fell stands out as a top location for ice bathing beneath the glowing auroras. “I start my ice bathing season here because the small lakes freeze faster,” says Mäkinen. “I’ve often swum here under the Northern Lights.”Särkitunturi, standing at 492m, offers panoramic views of the Pallastunturi fell, one of Finland’s most celebrated national landscapes. It’s accessible via a 20-minute drive from Muonio, with parking available along Route 79. The hike to the lake is manageable and rewarding.For those who prefer convenience, Mäkinen suggests Särkijärven Majat, a cozy lodge with lakeside cabins, wood-fired saunas, and ready-made ice holes. “Borrow their woolen socks for extra warmth during your dip!” she advises.Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Ice BathingMäkinen emphasizes the importance of safety for beginners and enthusiasts alike:Never bathe alone: Always have a
Explore the World Through Art, Says Artist Emma Shaw In an inspiring statement, renowned artist Emma Shaw has recently shared how she combines her love for travel with her creative pursuits, all from the comfort of her own home. "You don’t need to step foot outside your door to explore the world," Shaw says, explaining her unique approach to experiencing new places through art.Shaw, who has always been passionate about travel, often draws inspiration from diverse cultures, landscapes, and historical sites. However, due to the constraints of time and travel costs, she found herself restricted to the confines of her studio. Rather than letting this hinder her creativity, she embraced the challenge and started using her artwork to capture the essence of far-off places.Through her art, Shaw creates vivid landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits inspired by her dreams and virtual explorations. "In today’s digital world, you can travel virtually, learn about a new culture, and bring it into your artwork," she says. Shaw often spends hours researching destinations, cultures, and customs, using online resources, documentaries, and social media to immerse herself in the vibrancy of distant places. She believes that through art, she can transcend physical boundaries and connect with the world from her very own home.Shaw's work has struck a chord with many of her followers, particularly those who share her love for exploration but find themselves unable to travel for various reasons. Her ability to translate her "virtual travels" into mesmerizing artwork has gained her recognition, and she encourages others to do the same. "Art is a powerful tool to connect with the world, and it allows you to explore places you may never physically visit," Shaw adds.In a time when global travel has become more challenging, Shaw's approach serves as a reminder that the spirit of adventure can still thrive. With the right mindset and creativity, it’s possible to enjoy the beauty of the world without ever leaving home.
Home Swapping Holidays: A Cost-Effective and Immersive Travel Trend Inviting strangers into your home may not sound like the perfect holiday, but for those who embrace house exchanges, it’s an exciting, cost-effective way to explore the world.Liz Barlow, a 70-year-old semi-retired management consultant, has completed 31 home swaps since 2015. Along with her husband Ivan Greenaway, she estimates saving over £20,000 by staying in others' homes for free.“It’s like dating for homes,” Liz explains. Initially hesitant about the process, she worried about potential damages or theft but soon found that the rewards far outweighed the risks.Affordable Adventures Across the GlobeTheir first swap took the couple to a bungalow in Australia, followed by a clifftop house in South Africa. However, it was a home in the Alaskan forest that left a lasting impression.“It was stunning sitting on the deck, looking out at the trees,” Liz recalls. During their stay, they explored state fairs, attended a rodeo, and even walked with reindeer on her birthday.The financial savings from house swapping are undeniable, but the real charm lies in experiencing destinations like a local. From quirky requests, like saving a quilt in case of an earthquake, to witnessing bears fishing for salmon, these exchanges offer unparalleled cultural immersion.The Rise of Home SwappingWhile the concept dates back to the 1950s, the 2006 rom-com The Holiday popularized the idea for modern audiences. Rebecca Pyatt, a 35-year-old teacher, began swapping homes in 2017 after watching the film.For Rebecca, home exchanges have taken her to luxurious destinations, including a home used during the filming of the James Bond movie Spectre. The house featured an infinity pool, a private chef, and breathtaking ocean views.Unlike booking a hotel, the process is slower. “It’s about building trust,” Rebecca says. Home swapping platforms like HomeExchange ensure safety and offer alternative accommodations if plans fall through.Benefits Outweigh RisksDespite concerns about theft or damages, most swappers agree the benefits outweigh the risks. Rebecca highlights the significant cost savings and the opportunity to visit unexpected destinations.However, critics like Charlotte Hindle argue that privacy and safety concerns make home swapping less appealing. Others mention the extra preparation involved, like deep cleaning and ensuring the property is safe for visitors.A Growing TrendPost-pandemic travel has seen a surge in home swapping, fueled by rising living costs and a d
Four Countries Welcoming Tourists with Open Arms and Unique Experiences Tourism often brings to mind popular European cities filled with crowds and long lines at major landmarks. Yet, beyond the well-trodden tourist spots lie numerous countries eager to welcome visitors, offering unique experiences and rich cultures without the overwhelming crowds. These destinations are embracing tourism as a means to boost local economies, provide jobs, and preserve cultural heritage. Here are four countries actively inviting tourists while focusing on sustainability, adventure, and year-round tourism.Greenland: A New Era in Tourism DevelopmentGreenland, known for its pristine wilderness and stunning landscapes, is preparing to become a major destination for tourists. With the opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, Greenland is set to welcome more visitors in the coming years. The country is focusing on adventure tourism, offering activities like rock climbing, whale watching, and camping on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Moreover, Greenland is emphasizing "dark sky tourism," allowing visitors to stargaze and witness the mesmerizing northern lights.As Greenland looks to attract tourists year-round, the government has created unique experiences to showcase the country’s winter beauty. For example, sky-view cabins and igloos provide a perfect setting to view the aurora borealis. With its focus on sustainability, Greenland aims to balance tourism growth with the preservation of its natural environment, ensuring a positive experience for both locals and visitors.Morocco: Building a Strong Tourism Infrastructure for the 2030 World CupMorocco, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is keen to double its tourism numbers by 2030. With the 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Spain and Portugal, Morocco is preparing for an influx of international visitors. The country plans to develop its tourism infrastructure, including the construction of new hotels, transportation facilities, and renovations of existing accommodations.While popular cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca are well-known, Morocco is encouraging travelers to explore lesser-visited cities like Fez, Agadir, and Rabat. These cities offer a more authentic experience, showcasing Morocco’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes. As Morocco continues to develop its tourism sector, it remains committed to maintaining the country’s charm while accommodating growing numbers of visitors.Serbia: Sustainable Tourism in the Heart of EuropeSerbia, often overshad
Eight Extraordinary Tiny Hotel Rooms: Capsule Hotels Redefined for the Modern Traveler The concept of capsule hotels has evolved dramatically since its humble beginnings in 1979 in Osaka, Japan. Initially designed as compact sleeping solutions for overworked businessmen, the capsule hotel format has now captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Today, these efficient yet innovative stays have been reimagined with increasingly unique designs, offering both luxury and adventure.From Colombia's colorful sewer pipe rooms to spheres suspended in the Canadian sky, these tiny hotels provide travelers with not only a place to sleep but a remarkable experience that often becomes the highlight of the trip. Below are eight of the most extraordinary tiny hotel rooms that are redefining the world of capsule hotels.1. Nine Hours: A Sleep Laboratory in JapanNine Hours, a chain of capsule hotels across Japan, offers more than just a place to sleep—it doubles as a sleep laboratory. Guests can take part in the “9h sleep fitscan” service, which tracks heart rate, monitors snoring, and even analyzes sleep apnea through advanced sensors. The minimalist design and sleek sleeping pods provide a futuristic, sci-fi vibe. With a focus on comfort, Nine Hours ensures that every moment counts, offering hourly rates and reducing room rentals to just the essential nine hours—seven for sleep and an hour on either side for washing and dressing.2. Natura Vive: Sleeping Pods on a Cliff Face Above Peru’s Sacred ValleyFor adrenaline seekers, Natura Vive’s Skylodge Adventure Suites offer the ultimate thrill. Transparent sleeping pods cling to the cliffs high above Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering 300-degree views of the surrounding mountains. While a 400-meter near-vertical climb is required to reach the pods, guests are rewarded with a unique stay, complete with a private bathroom and a deck where you can sip tea while watching the soaring condors. For added luxury, the nearby Starlodge offers hillside hot tubs, making the experience even more extraordinary.3. Tubo Hotel La Tatacoa: A Desert Oasis in ColombiaTubo Hotel, located near Colombia's Tatacoa Desert, brings a splash of color to the arid landscape with its tiny, concrete sewer pipe rooms. Painted in vibrant hues, these capsules offer a cozy, air-conditioned retreat after exploring the desert’s giant cacti and stony formations. Guests can enjoy a shared swimming pool, shaded gardens, and a bar and restaurant nearby. Despite their modest size, the rooms provide everything you need to rest
Discovering the UK’s Hidden Hiking ‘Hotels’: The Magic of Bothies Imagine hiking through the tranquil valleys of Wales’ Cambrian Mountains, enveloped in a silence that makes you acutely aware of nature’s profound solitude. This is the charm of Britain’s most remote areas and the allure of bothies—free-to-use shelters scattered across the wild landscapes of the UK. These simple structures offer a unique way to explore without the constraints of booking or cost.What Are Bothies?Bothies are basic shelters, often former shepherd huts or workers' accommodations, repurposed for hikers seeking refuge in Britain’s remote wilderness. Managed by the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA), a charity established in 1965, these shelters are a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. The MBA oversees more than 100 bothies across Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, providing simple shelters for those who love wild and isolated places.The Bothy Experience: A Simple SystemThe beauty of bothies lies in their simplicity. They are free, open to everyone, and cannot be booked in advance. According to the unwritten rule, no bothy is ever “full.” However, large groups or commercial parties are encouraged to avoid them to maintain the experience for solo adventurers and small groups.To enjoy a bothy, you must follow the Bothy Code, which emphasizes respect for the shelter, its surroundings, and fellow users. Yet, the challenge often lies in finding them—grid references are available online, but navigating to these remote spots can be tricky without a reliable phone signal.A Journey Through the ‘Green Desert of Wales’One such bothy adventure leads to Nant Syddion, located in an area known as the “Green Desert of Wales” for its sparse settlements and lack of infrastructure. Despite its remote location, Nant Syddion exudes warmth and history. Once home to a lead miner and his family, it now offers a temporary refuge for hikers. The building, though simple, retains a sense of homeliness with its sturdy structure and recently painted door, welcoming weary travelers.The History and Maintenance of BothiesMost bothies are relics of a bygone era, remnants of a time when hill farming and remote living were more common. After World War II, as hiking and mountaineering gained popularity, outdoor enthusiasts began using these abandoned buildings as shelters. Bernard Heath and his friends founded the MBA to restore and maintain these structures for future generations.Maintaining these shelters is no small feat. Withstanding the h
6 Trailblazing Travel Firms Transforming Tourism Through Sustainability and Inclusivity In today’s world, travelers are increasingly aware of the need for responsible tourism—an approach that combines environmental consciousness, cultural respect, and community support. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Responsible Tourism Awards, the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global highlights the remarkable contributions of six travel firms that embody sustainable tourism. From eco-lodges that uplift local communities to hotels that prioritize inclusive experiences, these companies are paving the way for a tourism industry that truly benefits people and the planet.1. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South AfricaWinner in the category of community empowerment, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-lodge set on 3,500 hectares of protected wilderness in South Africa. As part of their mission to support the surrounding communities, Grootbos funds the Grootbos Foundation, which provides free training in hospitality, conservation, and entrepreneurship to local residents. Guests at Grootbos can enjoy guided nature walks, marine safaris, and explore the region's famed fynbos landscapes, all while knowing their stay directly benefits conservation efforts and local employment. The Responsible Tourism judges praised Grootbos for continuously innovating to blend luxury tourism with sustainable practices, making it a model of responsible tourism in action.Grootbos Foundation supports community conservation, offering skills training in hospitality and environmental management for South Africa’s future generations.2. Rajasthan Studio, IndiaRajasthan Studio won recognition for its dedication to cultural tourism and art preservation. This company provides travelers with a chance to engage in hands-on experiences with local artisans, learning crafts like Jaipur’s blue pottery, Udaipur’s sea foam carving, and Jodhpur’s leatherwork. By facilitating intimate, authentic cultural exchanges, Rajasthan Studio ensures artisans receive fair compensation while educating travelers on the significance of traditional arts. Founder Kartik Gaggar’s approach has created a sustainable model for community-centric travel experiences that respect and preserve Rajasthan’s heritage.Rajasthan Studio transforms traditional tourism by offering immersive, craft-focused experiences that celebrate India’s rich artisanal legacy.3. Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, ThailandSivatel Bangkok was recognized for its commitment to sustainable sourcing and creating va
Exploring 400,000 Years of Human History: A Journey Through the Neanderthal Museum in Germany Nestled in Germany’s scenic Neander Valley, the Neanderthal Museum offers a fascinating journey back 400,000 years, exploring our close relatives and the evolution of humanity. Here, visitors encounter “Mr. Four Percent,” a lifelike statue of a Neanderthal in modern clothes, designed to emphasize the surprising similarities between Neanderthals and modern humans. With genetic studies revealing that many people carry up to 4% Neanderthal DNA, this museum challenges us to rethink common stereotypes of these ancient hominids.The Evolution of Neanderthal PerceptionsThe museum’s mission goes beyond displaying relics and models; it aims to shift our understanding of Neanderthals from “grunting brutes” to complex, sophisticated beings. According to Bärbel Auffermann, the museum's director, there’s a common misperception of Neanderthals as primitive. However, recent research reveals a different story. Neanderthals crafted rope, painted cave walls, and cared for disabled community members. This portrayal, combined with a renewed interest in human ancestry fueled by DNA testing, has drawn record numbers of visitors to the museum, surpassing 180,000 in 2023.Captivating Exhibits: Ancient Relics, Modern ConnectionsThe Neanderthal Museum offers an immersive experience with realistic models, Ice Age artifacts, and an engaging four-million-year timeline of human evolution. Highlights include figures of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), an early ancestor, alongside Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. The star attraction, "Mr. N," a lifelike Neanderthal statue, has become a visitor favorite, embodying the bridge between past and present.New Perspectives on Neanderthal SocietyOpening November 23, a new temporary exhibit delves into the roles of women in Neanderthal society, with an audio tour narrated by Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art. Sykes’ insights bring ancient lives to the forefront, showcasing women as caretakers, hunters, and community leaders. According to Sykes, the Neanderthal genome sequencing in 2010 profoundly connected people to their heritage, revealing that Neanderthals’ DNA is 99.7% identical to that of modern humans.An Award-Winning Observation TowerThe museum’s recent addition, the 22-meter "cave view" observation tower, invites visitors to immerse themselves in Neanderthal landscapes via virtual reality. This structure, crowned by a giant Neanderthal skull replica, offers a unique vantage po