Meaghan's Getaway Guide ~ Sept 3-7, 2012

I hope you have found some of the treasures we have uncovered this week intriguing and exciting. I've learned that it pays to go off the beaten path once in a while when you travel, that there are plenty of ways to stay healthy as you vacation. I've also learned that Julia is much braver than I when it comes to a zip line. All that and more had me almost run to pack my suitcase and jet off on an adventure.

But fear not, I'm sticking around so I can share my favorites this week.

Travel healthy with Dr. Goddess

Bianca OsborneWe at GoGirlfriend are dedicating the month of September to health and wellness. Two very important things that may not always go together, but we're exploring how it can be done and still be fun. This week Kimberly Ellis, Dr. Goddess, shared some great tips about traveling healthy. My favorite would be to buy your own groceries. I swear by this rule as it has not only saved me money but I've been less likely to over indulge in that sugary treat in the window if I've already had that handful of nuts I so conveniently packed. Learn more about how to travel healthy.

How to survive an earthquake

Emergency planningCalifornia holds a special place in my heart - I've almost moved to the land of sun, sand and surf a few times. One thing that keeps me from taking the leap is the threat of earthquakes. I've traveled there a handful of times and am always worried that the big one will hit on the day I'm there. But I don't like being controlled by my fears and I really appreciated this post on surviving an earthquake. I'll be taking these tips with me on my next west coast excursion and leaving my fear at home. Learn how to survive an earthquake.

A comfortable sleep is imperative to a great vacation

get a better sleep when travelingI've had my share of a few bad sleeps in my travels. The experiences have taught me enough that I review the beds before I book my hotel. I research reviews of the hotel and will even call the hotel to get the serial numbers on the mattresses so I can do my own investigation on just how comfy they are. It relieves me to know that there are hotels making a huge effort in ensuring that their guests get the best night's sleep during their stay. Some hotels are even going as far as to offer pillow and linen choices. Learn how to get a better sleep when traveling.

I'd love to hear about your travel experiences and if you have any great tips you have learned along the way.

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