*This is a collaborative post.

 

If you love trying new sports and pushing yourself, rock climbing is an awesome sport to try. Millions of people per year do indoor and outdoor rock climbing in the US alone; it's a sport that has become more and more popular over the years, and it’s clear why. Some people avoid sports such as rock climbing, often due to their fear factor. While rock climbing injuries are not too common compared to some other more extreme sports, it is understandable why it could be avoided! I am terrified of heights, but have still tried indoor rock climbing - I looked down halfway through and it was over for me, but I still did it!

In this blog, we'll explore three reasons to try rock climbing in 2021. 



Rock climbing's exhilarating

2020 and 2021 have taught us that life is surprising, so take every moment you've got. Rock climbing is the perfect way to celebrate life - it's exhilarating to say the least! The exhilaration of rock climbing comes largely from the idea of being up high. If you are scared of heights, you can still enjoy rock climbing if you embrace the exhilaration and try to use the heart-pounding experience to fuel your energy levels and give you the adrenaline hit you need! Although it’s not for everyone, if you are searching for an exhilarating experience, try a rock climbing trip this summer. I highly encourage trying it indoors so you feel a bit more secure and safe if you are frightened of heights.



Rock climbing works all your muscle groups

For fans of health and fitness, rock climbing's a must-try. Rock climbing is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups all at once. While climbing, your arms, chest, back, glutes, quads and calf muscles all work in unison with your core to keep you balanced, upright and positioned on the climbing wall. As you progress up the purpose-built wall, your muscles are constantly in use, making this one of the best compound exercises you can do. Make no mistake, when you try rock climbing, your muscles will be sore the next day!



Rock climbing can be done with friends, family, or even as a date!

One of the most fun things about rock climbing is the social aspect of the sport. You can take a weekend day with friends to visit a rock climbing guide service, who will teach you and guide you through your first experience of climbing. While climbing you can make memories with friends and family that will last forever! Similarly, going on a climbing date is more romantic than it sounds. Climbing involves trust, bravery, risk-taking and, ultimately, fun - exactly what a great relationship needs to survive! Build a trusting bond with your new partner as you take to the climbing wall in 2021.



If you love trying out new sports and want to find an exhilarating, social and muscle-building exercise, rock climbing is the activity for you. Go on a climbing adventure in a beautiful new place, and begin a new discovery of what could be your new favorite sport of all time!

*This is a collaborative post.
I am so excited to be getting my second vaccine next week. I'm looking forward to getting to travel somewhat soon (with precautions, physical distancing, and masks, of course). White sands and crystal-clear waters are what many people think of when they think vacation, but that doesn’t mean one size fits all when it comes to getting away from it all. Many prefer a more active adventure holiday or perhaps a back-to-basics retreat to just relax and get away from everyday stress. Whatever the case, these tips will help you decide on your perfect getaway.




Active or relaxed

The first and most essential factor to consider is how you want to spend your vacation. If you sit at a desk all day, you may be craving a fun hiking expedition to get the body moving. On the other hand, if you are on your feet 24/7, a sun-lounger by the pool vibe is perhaps more what you are leaning towards, in which case, you could try a hotel with luxury hot tub suites in Houston. Decide if you want an itinerary full of excursions and adventures, or if you'd rather get away and do absolutely nothing.



City, coastal or rural

Now you’ve picked whether you want to climb a mountain or climb down the pool ladder, you can decide which area is for you. City nightlife will balance the lazy pool days and shopping sprees with happy hours and a plethora of restaurants to dine in. In comparison, coastal destinations are perfect for getting in your daily doses of vitamin C and dabbling in water sports. If you want a mix of both city and coastal, California has some of the best beaches on offer and plenty of urban scenes to explore. Those who are a fan of rural retreats, vineyards, country cottages, and campsites have a beautiful plethora of landscapes and scenic views to escape to.



Partner, family or friends

Who is going with you on vacation? If the getaway is for you and a partner, a romantic escapade could be on the cards. Try a remote, scenic location to relax with a special someone, like Kauai, a Hawaiian island covered in tropical rainforest. Meanwhile, a central location is better suited to a family trip, with plenty of nearby places to visit for activities. If vacationing with friends, sightseeing mixed with relaxation (and most likely some partying) could mean a coastal-city break is a perfect choice.



Days, weeks or longer

How much time you are away will help you decide where best to visit. For example, if you only have a few days, a local staycation is the best option as traveling time can take away from the time spent enjoying the vacation. For instance, New Jersey has countless resorts to satisfy your need for a getaway with a coastal oasis and boutique hotels from which to choose. If you have a week or two spare, an international trip could be an exciting adventure. There are a few things to prepare with long-haul trips before you go, including passports, visas, and any essential medical checkups.



Climate and season

A beach getaway may not be as relaxing as you think if summer is drawing to a close and the winds are picking up. Look up the climate of your chosen location, and check the temperatures match your expectations. For ski resorts, check the season for its busiest times and book ahead to avoid disappointment. Plus, researching the location is an excellent way to plan a vacation to coincide with any special events, like visiting New Orleans for Mardis Gras. Or of course, you may decide to travel during off-seasons to save more money.

 

Identity is a complex and ever-growing topic. Most of us instinctively reach out for our ID papers (literally or figuratively) when someone asks who we are. We feel content in the knowledge that we know and can evidence our identities. Indeed, a lot of individuals engage in complex administrative procedures to make sure that society can acknowledge who they truly are, whether it’s a name change, gender change, or even family status. The first thing I did when getting married was schedule appointments to get all my documents changed over. I had work change my email address. Our name is such a big part of who we think we are. But as much as we hang onto our government identities and our nicknames, it becomes obvious that these don't actually reveal who we are. It doesn’t answer the question of what you like, what you want to achieve, who you want to be, etc. The longer you ignore those questions, the more difficult it is to understand yourself and stay true to yourself. It’s time to ask once and for all who you are.



Your passport doesn’t hold the (entire) answer

As mentioned, your ID documents don’t hold the key to understanding yourself. Your passport, especially, is one of the most commonly misunderstood proof of identity. In fact, I've never even had a passport. A passport doesn’t just share your name and date of birth. It also connects you to specific cultures and travels. Yet it can be even more confusing to understand your identity if you have dual citizenship. Say you’ve got both Mexican and US passports. Your identity is somewhere between Mexican and the American culture. You're the product of a mixed and complex background, which means you may often have to pick and choose the cultural elements that make sense for you. Your culture plays a major role in your identity - the things that are important to you, who you are, and who you ancestors are. But culture isn't the only part of your identity. It's important to understand all the different things that make you you.

This is a collaborative post.
 

If you’re tired of sunbathing on the beach or wandering around foreign cities, why not try something different for your next vacation? If you love the great outdoors and want to break out of your comfort zone, a walking holiday can be a breath of fresh air. I've been really into hiking lately - there's a state park five minutes from our home so we head there often. I even bought some hiking boots recently that I'm obsessed with. I want to spend more time in the great outdoors and hope to visit more state parks in 2021.

Spending several days or weeks trekking through a remote location is a fantastic way to enjoy your summer holiday, whether you’re by yourself or with the whole family in tow. But if you’re new to hiking (like me!) you may be wondering how on earth you are supposed to prepare for such a trip. The wilderness can be dangerous for those who are unprepared, so it’s essential to have all the right equipment and knowledge to ensure a fun and safe journey. 

TW: Sexual assault, self-harm/suicidal idealism, eating disorders/body hatred/fatphobia, violence, death/dying, mental health triggers, racism/racial slurs, sexism/misogyny, classism, sex, domestic abuse



If you follow any kind of book groups, book clubs, magazine recommendations, etc., you've likely heard about White Ivy. It was everywhere back in the fall when it released. 



Back cover synopsis: Ivy Lin is a thief and a liar—but you’d never know it by looking at her. Raised outside of Boston, she is taught how to pilfer items from yard sales and second-hand shops by her immigrant grandmother. Thieving allows Ivy to accumulate the trappings of a suburban teen—and, most importantly, to attract the attention of Gideon Speyer, the golden boy of a wealthy political family. But when Ivy’s mother discovers her trespasses, punishment is swift and Ivy is sent to China, where her dream instantly evaporates.