Yoga on an Airplane

Yoga on a Plane

airplane

Start by: Sitting up tall, close your eyes, relax your face and shoulders, letting go of any tension you may be holding onto. 

Shoulder Shrugs

Take a deep inhale as you shrug your shoulders up, squeeze the shoulder blades together, creating an opening across the chest. Exhale as you drag your shoulder blades down your back, releasing the shrug, and relaxing through your shoulders. Do this 5 times. 

Benefits:

We hold a great amount of our tension in our neck and shoulders, and after the stress of waiting in the airport can add to our stress. Doing these exercises reduces the pain caused by stress, creates flexibility and makes our muscles stronger. 

eagle-arms

Wrist Stretches

Placing your hands in front of you, palms open, in a position like you are stopping traffic. Actively spread all five fingers and slowly one by one curl your fingers into your palm and make a fist. Then curl your wrist down and make small circles to the right, then left. Connect your breath to the movement.

Benefits: 

Most of use our hands all day on a computer, phone, or tablet--and after carrying all your luggage, your hands need to stretch! 

Arm Raises 

Inhale the arms up and overhead, reaching through active fingertips. Exhale the arms down into cactus arms, opening across the chest, squeezing the shoulder blades together and dragging them down the back. 

Benefits:

Energizing-- think the first stretch we do when we wake up. So after a Red Eye, this stretch will waken you up and get your blood flowing. 

FREE THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON

Free Things To Do In Boston 

Boston has SO much to do and sometimes can be quite expensive. Whether it’s date night, "you" time, or activities with family and friends, this list of fun and free events will surely keep you and your wallet entertained. Enjoy Boston :)

Institute of Contemporary Art

Get your Art on! Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. the ICA is free!

Explore the Boston Public Library

It's gorgeous inside and there's a bonus--an outdoor courtyard with an Athens feel. 

boston-aquarium

New England Aquarium

During the winter months, the Boston Public Library’s free ticket program gives out free passes that will admit up to four people into the New England Aquarium. An adult or teen must reserve passes with a Metro-Boston library card. Brookline Public Library also offers passes at a discounted entry of $10 a person (up to four).

Christian Science Center

Near the Prudential center-nice outdoor plaza with fountains where you can have lunch and enjoy the surrounding architecture. 

Museum of Fine Arts

Free Wednesday nights, the first weekend of every month and some holidays like Martin Luther King Day.

Boston Fire Museum

Admission is free, but they appreciate a kind donation.

Coit Observatory, Boston University

Offers free stargazing Wednesdays after 7:30PM throughout the fall and winter, pending weather conditions.

Freedom trail into Charlestown

bunker-hill

Take a self guided walk along the the trail for free. You can start in the north end with a cannoli in hand and walk over the bridge into Charlestown. Landing you right at the Monument and Navy Yard--More free activities. 

Bunker Hill Monument 

294 steps up will get you fabulous 360 views. 

Charlestown Navy Yard

Check out two historic ships, including the USS Constitution. It is the oldest commissioned warship afloat--and you can climb aboard for free! 

State House Tour

Tours are about 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol. Tours are given weekdays year-round from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Have fun!

--Kate

Fall Asleep On A Plane

Ostrich Pillow--YOU NEED ONE

You know I love my red eyes--It allows me to spend almost a whole extra day while traveling. Therefore, it's imperative to sleep on the plane--even if the overhead lights are on, I am in the middle seat, and there's a crying baby behind me. 

ostrich-pillow

The ostrich pillow helps me catch some ZzzZz's and I look pretty cool--right?!

It acts as a pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, and if needed, hand warmers--making it more functional than a neck pillow. The only thing is, people may look at me funny--but who cares, my eyes are closed and I'm on my way to dreamland. I love how this pillow can bring my awareness inwards and allows me to tune out the distractions all around me.

Grab an ostrich pillow and enjoy a red eye

Renew your passport

How to renew your passport:

Most countries require you to have at least six months validity remaining on your passport--If you don't, it’s time to renew. Be sure to do so at least 2 months before your trip to allow yourself some breathing room. 

renew-passport

To Do:

  • Get your passport photo taken. Most CVS and Walgreens do them for $10.00. (if you are applying for a visa, be sure to get two extra photos).

  • Download the renewal form, fill it out and staple your photo in the photo box

  • Submit along with your most recent passport

  • Pay the renewal fee to "U.S. Department of State" in the amount of $110 (Yikes)

  • Mail ( with a tracking number) the old passport, payment, and form to:

    National Passport Processing Center

    Post Office Box 90155

    Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

  • ***In most cases you can renew easily via US mail, but in some circumstances, like you received your passport under 16 years of age, you must do so in person.

  • It takes about 4-6 weeks to get your new passport

  • You will get your old passport back in a separate mailing

Now, You're all set to book a trip

 

How to save money when planning your trip

euros
  • Don't be picky. GO where the deals are. It will only save you money to travel to more places. 

  • Google flights allows you to check out prices for anywhere in the world and shows you the cheapest dates. If the Azores are only $500, why not choose that over $1000 to Italy? 

  • Plan to book your flight 3-4 months in advance of leaving.

  • Monitor highs and lows of your flight throughout the week. Keep a note of it and book when you feel comfortable that you are receiving the best rate.

  • Delete your COOKIES (on your computer). If you're continuously looking at the same flight, airlines will know you are interested and you may see the price magically go up.

How to maximize the length of your trip

big-ben-london
  • Take red eyes home. Hey, if you only have limited vacation  time, spending a day to get over your jet lag may not be worth it. Double espresso, anyone?

 

  • Take red eyes to your destinations. Falling asleep in your country and waking up in another is not only exciting, but also maximizes your time AND saves you money. You likely will need one less night at your accommodation. 

 

  • If your accommodations won't allow you to check in early, they usually will store your bags while you get an early start on exploring your new surroundings.