#i’m no expert on european history so i’m not at all clear on the austria AND germany thing

[maureen-corpse]

Passages from romance novels set in 1884 that make you look up Sigmund Freud’s Wikipedia article (evidently he studied at the University of Vienna so these two probably won’t get in a fight in this book)

(You might be asking why she is named Jules and has short-cropped hair and studied psychology at the University of Leipzig. That’s because she has been pretending to be male since birth, with the help of her mother, who needed to produce a son so as not to die in childbirth too soon.)

[awed-frog]

Hello, I've accidentaly found your tumblr few weeks ago, and I'm learning so many interesting things! Would you please elaborate on the tags in the post about alabama? It seems like super interesting stuff. Also i live in former austria-hungary area... Looking back, I actually think all of the involved parties would be better of still being a part of the empire. Thoughts?

Hi, thank you for this message, I’m glad you like my blog! 

When I came across that Alabama thing I found it super interesting and I tried to think about other examples of time not really evolving, or the past still showing up in the present. I’m sure there are tons of stuff out there, but I’m not really an expert, so this is what came to mind.

The first example is this famous analysis of modern Polish and Romanian election results superimposed on old Austria-Hungary maps:

As in the Alabama case, the sharp divide is due to the Austria-Hungary side of the country being more industrialized, so more cities, more universities and the like. You can see the same pattern in old literacy rates in the Balkans:

Again, the reasons are much the same, if otherwise culturally declined.

And: possibly not exactly the same issue, but there have been studies showing how wealth has been concentrated in the same hands for centuries, despite big changes in government and even borders. One example is from Florence, where you have accurate data starting in 1427, and the top five families literally haven’t changed in 600 years. Another famous example is the UK, where about 25,000 people (plus some entities including the Crown and the Church) own half the land and the situation hasn’t changed - or has gotten worse - over the centuries (source, source).

I think on the one hand, the problem is that geography will determine a lot about people’s lives and on the other, that a ruler’s choices can have an impact for centuries to come. Whether your religion encourages learning or not, for instance, or whether you’re interested in expanding your borders, make peace with certain enemies, destabilize your neighbours - when you’re a king, even petty fights with family members can have concrete consequences for thousands of people - as was the case in the Byzantine Empire or in Portugal, whose fading was partly due to internal bickering and incompetence of the ruling families. And as the case of Poland and Romania shows (but I bet you could create similar maps for most other European countries), the choices of past kings are still influencing the democratic process today.

As for Austria-Hungary, I really don’t know enough about it to give you a sensible answer. One thing, though: when you look at a place from the future, or from its centre, it’s fairly easy to disregard blunders and atrocities. You hear all the time how ‘everyone’ was better off under British rule, or under the Soviet Union, and while that may be true for some people, many others suffered horrifically. By its nature, a system that’s not representative of all its people will not care about the people it doesn’t represent. The Austria-Hungary experiment didn’t really last long enough to give a definitive judgement on anything, but the way the Hapsburg massacred thousands of civilians in 1914 doesn’t really fill me with confidence in its potential as a force for good. 

Anyway, if you’re interested in this kind of stuff, I’d encourage you to read Yuval Noah Harari’s books - he sums up history and politics in a very clear way and makes fascinating connections between a bunch of stuff you would never have guess was actually connected.

[travelguy4444]

Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears

Posted: 2/7/2019 | Febuary 7th, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows us how other solo female travelers get over their fears!

Over the years, a lot of women have admitted to me that they made travel plans — only to cancel the trip before they went.

Fear and anxiety got in the way.

There’s a little something about solo traveling that almost nobody talks about.

It’s more common than you think – especially for first time female travelers.

After all, there’s a lot we have to worry about when we go out.

For a lot of us, these worries can be crippling.

When the usual worries about loneliness, safety, and boredom creep in, I remind myself that getting to have this experience abroad will be worth it. I visualize success by picturing myself on the beach, laughing with new friends, and having a fantastic trip. Those good vibes are often enough to make it all come true.

Then I wondered, how do other women kick fear to the curb and live out their solo travel dreams?

So I posed the question to the women in my Facebook group. This is what they said:

“Realize that time with yourself is a luxury” – Alex, 29, Florida

I started traveling solo when I was about 20 years old. I booked my first solo trip because I became tired of waiting around for friends to join me. At the time, I was going to grad school in Barcelona, and I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as possible while I lived in Europe. I realized that if I didn’t go by myself, I wouldn’t get to go at all, and I’d miss a huge opportunity to see this part of the world simply out of fear. I weighed all the possible bad things that could happen and decided to face my fear and book my tickets.

I set off on a three-week trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It ended up being such an incredible trip, and I met so many people that ever since, I’ve become a solo traveler almost exclusively.

I’ve learned how to really enjoy time with myself and not be afraid of being alone. I have the freedom to meet new people and hang with them, but also the freedom to take time to myself when I need it. Through solo travel, I’ve become more confident and more aware of all the great qualities that I have. I’ve learned that I’m not as afraid as I thought and that I can be incredibly resourceful.

The more you research, the better prepared you’ll feel (Yana, 32, Boston, Massachusetts, of Beard and Curly)

I always wanted to travel but found it really hard to get others to commit to go with me. After a friend bailed on me last-minute, I realized that I shouldn’t depend on anyone to go experience the world. At first, it was scary to be on my own. My most debilitating fear was being lonely. Was I always going to be alone? Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant on my own? Also, would I be able to depend on myself for everything, from getting to my hostel safely to navigating a city?

To conquer my fears, I did a lot of research to familiarize myself with the places I was visiting. I also asked other travelers on forums and social media platforms about their experience. Their words encouraged me. Taking the time to research and plan made me feel more comfortable about traveling alone. I have now visited over 120 countries, mostly on my own.

If I can survive at home, why should it be different elsewhere? (Sarah, 52, from the UK, living in Italy)

I started solo traveling only after I was widowed. I realized that it was a case of go alone or stay at home, and never going anywhere was a lot scarier than going by myself!

I built my confidence by starting slowly, adding on days in new places to trips to see family and friends. The first time, it was a stopover in Sydney on my way home from Christchurch. The next time, I did a few days in Auckland before catching up with family in Australia. My next trip will be two weeks completely solo in Thailand next month.

I research my destinations thoroughly so that I know what to expect and what I want to see and do. I book hotels and transport in advance, and sometimes tours too, which are a good way of meeting other people on the road. I use the street-view function on Google Maps to check the location of hotels or hostels and have a virtual “walk” around the area. This allows me to avoid booking anywhere too isolated, at the end of dark alleys, or just in neighborhoods I wouldn’t feel safe in alone. My sense of direction is terrible, so getting an idea of where everything is in advance makes me feel a lot more confident. I also always try to make sure that my flights arrive during daytime and find out how to get from the airport to my accommodation in advance, so that I know exactly where I’m going upon arrival, when I’m likely to be tired.

I realized that people are mostly good (Isabella, 25, from Chicago, Illinois)

I think I got over that initial fear of traveling alone by realizing how exciting that level of independence was — I had some money and some time, and I could do absolutely anything that I wanted with it. Plus, my fears are always assuaged by the fact that everywhere I’ve been, there have been kind people there who are willing to help and teach me.

In Japan, a local offered help when I was lost, and instead of just directing me to my train stop/transfer, he came with me and walked me the whole way. In Myanmar, a group of locals rushed over to help me when I fell off my scooter; they didn’t speak a word of English but their action made me realize that kindness itself is a universal language. This helped me overcome my fears and become braver.

Do one small thing everyday (Michelle, 45, from Alaska, of Pursuing Seven)

I’m currently a couple months into a three-continent mission to complete my goal of visiting all seven continents. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand, waiting for weather to clear in Antarctica so my flight can get there, where I will be working for four months. I wasn’t always this fearless and adventurous, but I am definitely proud of who I have become.

Setting realistic expectations — which probably means lowering them — helped me overcome my fear of solo traveling. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but being realistic truly ends up being a gift to myself (and my mental sanity). Not every day is going to be epic, and as a solo traveler you’ll be the making all the decisions and solving all the travel problems you encounter, which takes a lot of energy some days. Especially at the beginning, while you’re finding your solo-travel groove, cut yourself some slack; do one small thing every day that makes you happy, and when you have an epic day, soak it all in!

Utilize tours and apps to gain confidence (Peggy, 45, from San Francisco, California)

My first solo trip was the typical post-college European trip, and my friend had to leave early. It was only one week of solo travel, but I learned and gained self-confidence that I could do this and survive. 🙂 Decades later, I decided to follow my passion of seeing the world. I’ve been traveling for over two years, the majority of it solo.

I typically start a new city with a free or nominally priced walking tour. They provide a great overview of the place and its history and culture, plus local tips. I have met people on these walking tours that range from going to sightseeing together the rest of the day to friends that I still stay in touch with to this day.

I also check the Couchsurfing and Meetup apps for local events. Through these, I have great memories of going to the Notte Bianca festival in Malta, hiking to small towns outside of Frankfurt, and attending a weekly coffee meetup in Brno and social events in Budapest, Istanbul, and Bishkek. When traveling solo, I’m not in a bubble with my friends. I become more aware of my surroundings and find myself more open to local interaction, which has led to countless examples of people being incredibly kind and helpful.

Start from your own city (Kathleen, 33, from Boston, of Lonesome Roads)

Once I realized I wanted to try traveling solo, I decided I needed to practice first. I started in my home city of Boston: going to a museum on my own, then a movie solo. After that, lunch alone at a nice place, and then dinner out by myself (I think eating alone can be the biggest thing to get used to!). Finally, I spent two days all by myself in Portland, where I had lived for a year, so it was familiar enough to be comfortable, but I was fully on my own. And I had a wonderful time! I chatted with people in bars, I had a romantic dinner alone while doing some top-notch people-watching, and walked everywhere.

I then fully set off: solo trips to Miami and LA, then a stopover in Iceland for two days by myself when coming back from a trip with a friend, and then six days alone in Copenhagen. I loved it so much that right now, I’m two months into a yearlong solo trip in Europe and Southeast Asia!

I’ve learned that politeness and a few words of the local language will get you everywhere. That people are overwhelmingly kind and generous. And that traveling solo gives my curiosity free rein in a way that’s incredibly freeing, whether it’s exploring operas in Paris or befriending an Icelandic girl in line for a bar bathroom. If I’m brave enough, you’re brave enough too. You just might need a little practice.

Take the risk (Caitlyn, 27 from Brisbane, Australia, of Girl Seeking Purpose)

Before departing on my six-month solo adventure through South America, I was plagued with doubt and fear about all of the possible outcomes of traveling alone. I was concerned about whether it was safe as a solo female to travel in developing countries and if I would be able to reach all of my intended destinations without confirmed travel partners ahead of time. Most of all, I was concerned that I might not meet anyone on the road to travel and share my experiences with. I was absolutely terrified by the idea of being alone.

After reading countless blog posts and forums, I began to realize that all of the fears I had about solo travel were the same fears we all have before we take that leap into anything new and unknown. It then became clear that if I lived my entire life afraid of all of the possible things that could go wrong in any given situation, then I would never leave my comfort zone, let alone my house or my country. That just didn’t sound like the life I wanted for myself.

Realizing this, I made the decision to face all of these fears head on by acknowledging their existence. I decided that I was going to push on to make my dreams a reality with or without them in the back of my mind. Identifying that it was normal to have these concerns and to realize it was possible to overcome them gave me the strength and confidence I needed to get on the plane.

During the final days before my flight, I reassured myself that once I arrived it would all just fall into place and work itself out. And that is exactly what happened. It was one of the most incredible, life-changing, and defining moments of my life, and I am so glad I didn’t let the fears stop me from taking that leap.

Start small and familiar (Shae, 41, from Melbourne, Australia, of The Bright Eyed Explorer)

I’d always traveled with other people, but at age 36, I just couldn’t rely on the comfort and security that traveling with friends brings if I wanted to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world. I am a relatively shy and somewhat introverted person, especially around strangers, so the thought of being in an unfamiliar country and having to talk to people I didn’t know and perhaps not understand made my stomach churn!

For me, starting my solo travels small scale and in a place that I was very familiar with helped ease those fears I had of traveling alone. I’d been to Bali five times prior to my first solo trip, so I was confident and comfortable with my surroundings, the people, and the lifestyle. This comfort then enabled me to push myself a little further — talking to strangers, asking for help when I needed it — but also learn to appreciate the time I had to myself in restaurants and bars.

I have since traveled solo extensively through Europe and Australia (which is home), but there are still times that I still get a little nervous and anxious about my upcoming trip. Generally, if this happens, I give myself a bit of a pep talk and remind myself that I am strong and brave. This will generally give me a little confidence boost, which gets then builds up my excitement levels and then I am so ready to travel.

***

I hope these stories help to show that there is no special gene, life experience, background, or age that makes someone a good solo traveler. It doesn’t even require bravery to travel alone — lots of us built that up along the way instead.

So please don’t let all of the things that could go wrong hold you back from your dreams. Most of what we worry about — not just related to travel but to life in general — never comes to pass anyway. Focus on the adventures, the good times, the sunsets with new friends, and the learning experiences. The biggest step is just to make the decision and stick with it. After that, the rest falls into place.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

source https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/getting-over-travel-fears/

[joshuamshea84]

Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears

Posted: 2/7/2019 | Febuary 7th, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows us how other solo female travelers get over their fears!

Over the years, a lot of women have admitted to me that they made travel plans — only to cancel the trip before they went.

Fear and anxiety got in the way.

There’s a little something about solo traveling that almost nobody talks about.

It’s more common than you think – especially for first time female travelers.

After all, there’s a lot we have to worry about when we go out.

For a lot of us, these worries can be crippling.

When the usual worries about loneliness, safety, and boredom creep in, I remind myself that getting to have this experience abroad will be worth it. I visualize success by picturing myself on the beach, laughing with new friends, and having a fantastic trip. Those good vibes are often enough to make it all come true.

Then I wondered, how do other women kick fear to the curb and live out their solo travel dreams?

So I posed the question to the women in my Facebook group. This is what they said:

“Realize that time with yourself is a luxury” – Alex, 29, Florida

I started traveling solo when I was about 20 years old. I booked my first solo trip because I became tired of waiting around for friends to join me. At the time, I was going to grad school in Barcelona, and I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as possible while I lived in Europe. I realized that if I didn’t go by myself, I wouldn’t get to go at all, and I’d miss a huge opportunity to see this part of the world simply out of fear. I weighed all the possible bad things that could happen and decided to face my fear and book my tickets.

I set off on a three-week trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It ended up being such an incredible trip, and I met so many people that ever since, I’ve become a solo traveler almost exclusively.

I’ve learned how to really enjoy time with myself and not be afraid of being alone. I have the freedom to meet new people and hang with them, but also the freedom to take time to myself when I need it. Through solo travel, I’ve become more confident and more aware of all the great qualities that I have. I’ve learned that I’m not as afraid as I thought and that I can be incredibly resourceful.

The more you research, the better prepared you’ll feel (Yana, 32, Boston, Massachusetts, of Beard and Curly)

I always wanted to travel but found it really hard to get others to commit to go with me. After a friend bailed on me last-minute, I realized that I shouldn’t depend on anyone to go experience the world. At first, it was scary to be on my own. My most debilitating fear was being lonely. Was I always going to be alone? Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant on my own? Also, would I be able to depend on myself for everything, from getting to my hostel safely to navigating a city?

To conquer my fears, I did a lot of research to familiarize myself with the places I was visiting. I also asked other travelers on forums and social media platforms about their experience. Their words encouraged me. Taking the time to research and plan made me feel more comfortable about traveling alone. I have now visited over 120 countries, mostly on my own.

If I can survive at home, why should it be different elsewhere? (Sarah, 52, from the UK, living in Italy)

I started solo traveling only after I was widowed. I realized that it was a case of go alone or stay at home, and never going anywhere was a lot scarier than going by myself!

I built my confidence by starting slowly, adding on days in new places to trips to see family and friends. The first time, it was a stopover in Sydney on my way home from Christchurch. The next time, I did a few days in Auckland before catching up with family in Australia. My next trip will be two weeks completely solo in Thailand next month.

I research my destinations thoroughly so that I know what to expect and what I want to see and do. I book hotels and transport in advance, and sometimes tours too, which are a good way of meeting other people on the road. I use the street-view function on Google Maps to check the location of hotels or hostels and have a virtual “walk” around the area. This allows me to avoid booking anywhere too isolated, at the end of dark alleys, or just in neighborhoods I wouldn’t feel safe in alone. My sense of direction is terrible, so getting an idea of where everything is in advance makes me feel a lot more confident. I also always try to make sure that my flights arrive during daytime and find out how to get from the airport to my accommodation in advance, so that I know exactly where I’m going upon arrival, when I’m likely to be tired.

I realized that people are mostly good (Isabella, 25, from Chicago, Illinois)

I think I got over that initial fear of traveling alone by realizing how exciting that level of independence was — I had some money and some time, and I could do absolutely anything that I wanted with it. Plus, my fears are always assuaged by the fact that everywhere I’ve been, there have been kind people there who are willing to help and teach me.

In Japan, a local offered help when I was lost, and instead of just directing me to my train stop/transfer, he came with me and walked me the whole way. In Myanmar, a group of locals rushed over to help me when I fell off my scooter; they didn’t speak a word of English but their action made me realize that kindness itself is a universal language. This helped me overcome my fears and become braver.

Do one small thing everyday (Michelle, 45, from Alaska, of Pursuing Seven)

I’m currently a couple months into a three-continent mission to complete my goal of visiting all seven continents. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand, waiting for weather to clear in Antarctica so my flight can get there, where I will be working for four months. I wasn’t always this fearless and adventurous, but I am definitely proud of who I have become.

Setting realistic expectations — which probably means lowering them — helped me overcome my fear of solo traveling. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but being realistic truly ends up being a gift to myself (and my mental sanity). Not every day is going to be epic, and as a solo traveler you’ll be the making all the decisions and solving all the travel problems you encounter, which takes a lot of energy some days. Especially at the beginning, while you’re finding your solo-travel groove, cut yourself some slack; do one small thing every day that makes you happy, and when you have an epic day, soak it all in!

Utilize tours and apps to gain confidence (Peggy, 45, from San Francisco, California)

My first solo trip was the typical post-college European trip, and my friend had to leave early. It was only one week of solo travel, but I learned and gained self-confidence that I could do this and survive. 🙂 Decades later, I decided to follow my passion of seeing the world. I’ve been traveling for over two years, the majority of it solo.

I typically start a new city with a free or nominally priced walking tour. They provide a great overview of the place and its history and culture, plus local tips. I have met people on these walking tours that range from going to sightseeing together the rest of the day to friends that I still stay in touch with to this day.

I also check the Couchsurfing and Meetup apps for local events. Through these, I have great memories of going to the Notte Bianca festival in Malta, hiking to small towns outside of Frankfurt, and attending a weekly coffee meetup in Brno and social events in Budapest, Istanbul, and Bishkek. When traveling solo, I’m not in a bubble with my friends. I become more aware of my surroundings and find myself more open to local interaction, which has led to countless examples of people being incredibly kind and helpful.

Start from your own city (Kathleen, 33, from Boston, of Lonesome Roads)

Once I realized I wanted to try traveling solo, I decided I needed to practice first. I started in my home city of Boston: going to a museum on my own, then a movie solo. After that, lunch alone at a nice place, and then dinner out by myself (I think eating alone can be the biggest thing to get used to!). Finally, I spent two days all by myself in Portland, where I had lived for a year, so it was familiar enough to be comfortable, but I was fully on my own. And I had a wonderful time! I chatted with people in bars, I had a romantic dinner alone while doing some top-notch people-watching, and walked everywhere.

I then fully set off: solo trips to Miami and LA, then a stopover in Iceland for two days by myself when coming back from a trip with a friend, and then six days alone in Copenhagen. I loved it so much that right now, I’m two months into a yearlong solo trip in Europe and Southeast Asia!

I’ve learned that politeness and a few words of the local language will get you everywhere. That people are overwhelmingly kind and generous. And that traveling solo gives my curiosity free rein in a way that’s incredibly freeing, whether it’s exploring operas in Paris or befriending an Icelandic girl in line for a bar bathroom. If I’m brave enough, you’re brave enough too. You just might need a little practice.

Take the risk (Caitlyn, 27 from Brisbane, Australia, of Girl Seeking Purpose)

Before departing on my six-month solo adventure through South America, I was plagued with doubt and fear about all of the possible outcomes of traveling alone. I was concerned about whether it was safe as a solo female to travel in developing countries and if I would be able to reach all of my intended destinations without confirmed travel partners ahead of time. Most of all, I was concerned that I might not meet anyone on the road to travel and share my experiences with. I was absolutely terrified by the idea of being alone.

After reading countless blog posts and forums, I began to realize that all of the fears I had about solo travel were the same fears we all have before we take that leap into anything new and unknown. It then became clear that if I lived my entire life afraid of all of the possible things that could go wrong in any given situation, then I would never leave my comfort zone, let alone my house or my country. That just didn’t sound like the life I wanted for myself.

Realizing this, I made the decision to face all of these fears head on by acknowledging their existence. I decided that I was going to push on to make my dreams a reality with or without them in the back of my mind. Identifying that it was normal to have these concerns and to realize it was possible to overcome them gave me the strength and confidence I needed to get on the plane.

During the final days before my flight, I reassured myself that once I arrived it would all just fall into place and work itself out. And that is exactly what happened. It was one of the most incredible, life-changing, and defining moments of my life, and I am so glad I didn’t let the fears stop me from taking that leap.

Start small and familiar (Shae, 41, from Melbourne, Australia, of The Bright Eyed Explorer)

I’d always traveled with other people, but at age 36, I just couldn’t rely on the comfort and security that traveling with friends brings if I wanted to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world. I am a relatively shy and somewhat introverted person, especially around strangers, so the thought of being in an unfamiliar country and having to talk to people I didn’t know and perhaps not understand made my stomach churn!

For me, starting my solo travels small scale and in a place that I was very familiar with helped ease those fears I had of traveling alone. I’d been to Bali five times prior to my first solo trip, so I was confident and comfortable with my surroundings, the people, and the lifestyle. This comfort then enabled me to push myself a little further — talking to strangers, asking for help when I needed it — but also learn to appreciate the time I had to myself in restaurants and bars.

I have since traveled solo extensively through Europe and Australia (which is home), but there are still times that I still get a little nervous and anxious about my upcoming trip. Generally, if this happens, I give myself a bit of a pep talk and remind myself that I am strong and brave. This will generally give me a little confidence boost, which gets then builds up my excitement levels and then I am so ready to travel.

***

I hope these stories help to show that there is no special gene, life experience, background, or age that makes someone a good solo traveler. It doesn’t even require bravery to travel alone — lots of us built that up along the way instead.

So please don’t let all of the things that could go wrong hold you back from your dreams. Most of what we worry about — not just related to travel but to life in general — never comes to pass anyway. Focus on the adventures, the good times, the sunsets with new friends, and the learning experiences. The biggest step is just to make the decision and stick with it. After that, the rest falls into place.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/getting-over-travel-fears/

[vidovicart]

Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears

Posted: 2/7/2019 | Febuary 7th, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows us how other solo female travelers get over their fears!

Over the years, a lot of women have admitted to me that they made travel plans — only to cancel the trip before they went.

Fear and anxiety got in the way.

There’s a little something about solo traveling that almost nobody talks about.

It’s more common than you think – especially for first time female travelers.

After all, there’s a lot we have to worry about when we go out.

For a lot of us, these worries can be crippling.

When the usual worries about loneliness, safety, and boredom creep in, I remind myself that getting to have this experience abroad will be worth it. I visualize success by picturing myself on the beach, laughing with new friends, and having a fantastic trip. Those good vibes are often enough to make it all come true.

Then I wondered, how do other women kick fear to the curb and live out their solo travel dreams?

So I posed the question to the women in my Facebook group. This is what they said:

“Realize that time with yourself is a luxury” – Alex, 29, Florida

I started traveling solo when I was about 20 years old. I booked my first solo trip because I became tired of waiting around for friends to join me. At the time, I was going to grad school in Barcelona, and I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as possible while I lived in Europe. I realized that if I didn’t go by myself, I wouldn’t get to go at all, and I’d miss a huge opportunity to see this part of the world simply out of fear. I weighed all the possible bad things that could happen and decided to face my fear and book my tickets.

I set off on a three-week trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It ended up being such an incredible trip, and I met so many people that ever since, I’ve become a solo traveler almost exclusively.

I’ve learned how to really enjoy time with myself and not be afraid of being alone. I have the freedom to meet new people and hang with them, but also the freedom to take time to myself when I need it. Through solo travel, I’ve become more confident and more aware of all the great qualities that I have. I’ve learned that I’m not as afraid as I thought and that I can be incredibly resourceful.

The more you research, the better prepared you’ll feel (Yana, 32, Boston, Massachusetts, of Beard and Curly)

I always wanted to travel but found it really hard to get others to commit to go with me. After a friend bailed on me last-minute, I realized that I shouldn’t depend on anyone to go experience the world. At first, it was scary to be on my own. My most debilitating fear was being lonely. Was I always going to be alone? Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant on my own? Also, would I be able to depend on myself for everything, from getting to my hostel safely to navigating a city?

To conquer my fears, I did a lot of research to familiarize myself with the places I was visiting. I also asked other travelers on forums and social media platforms about their experience. Their words encouraged me. Taking the time to research and plan made me feel more comfortable about traveling alone. I have now visited over 120 countries, mostly on my own.

If I can survive at home, why should it be different elsewhere? (Sarah, 52, from the UK, living in Italy)

I started solo traveling only after I was widowed. I realized that it was a case of go alone or stay at home, and never going anywhere was a lot scarier than going by myself!

I built my confidence by starting slowly, adding on days in new places to trips to see family and friends. The first time, it was a stopover in Sydney on my way home from Christchurch. The next time, I did a few days in Auckland before catching up with family in Australia. My next trip will be two weeks completely solo in Thailand next month.

I research my destinations thoroughly so that I know what to expect and what I want to see and do. I book hotels and transport in advance, and sometimes tours too, which are a good way of meeting other people on the road. I use the street-view function on Google Maps to check the location of hotels or hostels and have a virtual “walk” around the area. This allows me to avoid booking anywhere too isolated, at the end of dark alleys, or just in neighborhoods I wouldn’t feel safe in alone. My sense of direction is terrible, so getting an idea of where everything is in advance makes me feel a lot more confident. I also always try to make sure that my flights arrive during daytime and find out how to get from the airport to my accommodation in advance, so that I know exactly where I’m going upon arrival, when I’m likely to be tired.

I realized that people are mostly good (Isabella, 25, from Chicago, Illinois)

I think I got over that initial fear of traveling alone by realizing how exciting that level of independence was — I had some money and some time, and I could do absolutely anything that I wanted with it. Plus, my fears are always assuaged by the fact that everywhere I’ve been, there have been kind people there who are willing to help and teach me.

In Japan, a local offered help when I was lost, and instead of just directing me to my train stop/transfer, he came with me and walked me the whole way. In Myanmar, a group of locals rushed over to help me when I fell off my scooter; they didn’t speak a word of English but their action made me realize that kindness itself is a universal language. This helped me overcome my fears and become braver.

Do one small thing everyday (Michelle, 45, from Alaska, of Pursuing Seven)

I’m currently a couple months into a three-continent mission to complete my goal of visiting all seven continents. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand, waiting for weather to clear in Antarctica so my flight can get there, where I will be working for four months. I wasn’t always this fearless and adventurous, but I am definitely proud of who I have become.

Setting realistic expectations — which probably means lowering them — helped me overcome my fear of solo traveling. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but being realistic truly ends up being a gift to myself (and my mental sanity). Not every day is going to be epic, and as a solo traveler you’ll be the making all the decisions and solving all the travel problems you encounter, which takes a lot of energy some days. Especially at the beginning, while you’re finding your solo-travel groove, cut yourself some slack; do one small thing every day that makes you happy, and when you have an epic day, soak it all in!

Utilize tours and apps to gain confidence (Peggy, 45, from San Francisco, California)

My first solo trip was the typical post-college European trip, and my friend had to leave early. It was only one week of solo travel, but I learned and gained self-confidence that I could do this and survive. 🙂 Decades later, I decided to follow my passion of seeing the world. I’ve been traveling for over two years, the majority of it solo.

I typically start a new city with a free or nominally priced walking tour. They provide a great overview of the place and its history and culture, plus local tips. I have met people on these walking tours that range from going to sightseeing together the rest of the day to friends that I still stay in touch with to this day.

I also check the Couchsurfing and Meetup apps for local events. Through these, I have great memories of going to the Notte Bianca festival in Malta, hiking to small towns outside of Frankfurt, and attending a weekly coffee meetup in Brno and social events in Budapest, Istanbul, and Bishkek. When traveling solo, I’m not in a bubble with my friends. I become more aware of my surroundings and find myself more open to local interaction, which has led to countless examples of people being incredibly kind and helpful.

Start from your own city (Kathleen, 33, from Boston, of Lonesome Roads)

Once I realized I wanted to try traveling solo, I decided I needed to practice first. I started in my home city of Boston: going to a museum on my own, then a movie solo. After that, lunch alone at a nice place, and then dinner out by myself (I think eating alone can be the biggest thing to get used to!). Finally, I spent two days all by myself in Portland, where I had lived for a year, so it was familiar enough to be comfortable, but I was fully on my own. And I had a wonderful time! I chatted with people in bars, I had a romantic dinner alone while doing some top-notch people-watching, and walked everywhere.

I then fully set off: solo trips to Miami and LA, then a stopover in Iceland for two days by myself when coming back from a trip with a friend, and then six days alone in Copenhagen. I loved it so much that right now, I’m two months into a yearlong solo trip in Europe and Southeast Asia!

I’ve learned that politeness and a few words of the local language will get you everywhere. That people are overwhelmingly kind and generous. And that traveling solo gives my curiosity free rein in a way that’s incredibly freeing, whether it’s exploring operas in Paris or befriending an Icelandic girl in line for a bar bathroom. If I’m brave enough, you’re brave enough too. You just might need a little practice.

Take the risk (Caitlyn, 27 from Brisbane, Australia, of Girl Seeking Purpose)

Before departing on my six-month solo adventure through South America, I was plagued with doubt and fear about all of the possible outcomes of traveling alone. I was concerned about whether it was safe as a solo female to travel in developing countries and if I would be able to reach all of my intended destinations without confirmed travel partners ahead of time. Most of all, I was concerned that I might not meet anyone on the road to travel and share my experiences with. I was absolutely terrified by the idea of being alone.

After reading countless blog posts and forums, I began to realize that all of the fears I had about solo travel were the same fears we all have before we take that leap into anything new and unknown. It then became clear that if I lived my entire life afraid of all of the possible things that could go wrong in any given situation, then I would never leave my comfort zone, let alone my house or my country. That just didn’t sound like the life I wanted for myself.

Realizing this, I made the decision to face all of these fears head on by acknowledging their existence. I decided that I was going to push on to make my dreams a reality with or without them in the back of my mind. Identifying that it was normal to have these concerns and to realize it was possible to overcome them gave me the strength and confidence I needed to get on the plane.

During the final days before my flight, I reassured myself that once I arrived it would all just fall into place and work itself out. And that is exactly what happened. It was one of the most incredible, life-changing, and defining moments of my life, and I am so glad I didn’t let the fears stop me from taking that leap.

Start small and familiar (Shae, 41, from Melbourne, Australia, of The Bright Eyed Explorer)

I’d always traveled with other people, but at age 36, I just couldn’t rely on the comfort and security that traveling with friends brings if I wanted to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world. I am a relatively shy and somewhat introverted person, especially around strangers, so the thought of being in an unfamiliar country and having to talk to people I didn’t know and perhaps not understand made my stomach churn!

For me, starting my solo travels small scale and in a place that I was very familiar with helped ease those fears I had of traveling alone. I’d been to Bali five times prior to my first solo trip, so I was confident and comfortable with my surroundings, the people, and the lifestyle. This comfort then enabled me to push myself a little further — talking to strangers, asking for help when I needed it — but also learn to appreciate the time I had to myself in restaurants and bars.

I have since traveled solo extensively through Europe and Australia (which is home), but there are still times that I still get a little nervous and anxious about my upcoming trip. Generally, if this happens, I give myself a bit of a pep talk and remind myself that I am strong and brave. This will generally give me a little confidence boost, which gets then builds up my excitement levels and then I am so ready to travel.

***

I hope these stories help to show that there is no special gene, life experience, background, or age that makes someone a good solo traveler. It doesn’t even require bravery to travel alone — lots of us built that up along the way instead.

So please don’t let all of the things that could go wrong hold you back from your dreams. Most of what we worry about — not just related to travel but to life in general — never comes to pass anyway. Focus on the adventures, the good times, the sunsets with new friends, and the learning experiences. The biggest step is just to make the decision and stick with it. After that, the rest falls into place.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

[tamboradventure]

Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears

Posted: 2/7/2019 | Febuary 7th, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows us how other solo female travelers get over their fears!

Over the years, a lot of women have admitted to me that they made travel plans — only to cancel the trip before they went.

Fear and anxiety got in the way.

There’s a little something about solo traveling that almost nobody talks about.

It’s more common than you think – especially for first time female travelers.

After all, there’s a lot we have to worry about when we go out.

For a lot of us, these worries can be crippling.

When the usual worries about loneliness, safety, and boredom creep in, I remind myself that getting to have this experience abroad will be worth it. I visualize success by picturing myself on the beach, laughing with new friends, and having a fantastic trip. Those good vibes are often enough to make it all come true.

Then I wondered, how do other women kick fear to the curb and live out their solo travel dreams?

So I posed the question to the women in my Facebook group. This is what they said:

“Realize that time with yourself is a luxury” – Alex, 29, Florida

I started traveling solo when I was about 20 years old. I booked my first solo trip because I became tired of waiting around for friends to join me. At the time, I was going to grad school in Barcelona, and I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as possible while I lived in Europe. I realized that if I didn’t go by myself, I wouldn’t get to go at all, and I’d miss a huge opportunity to see this part of the world simply out of fear. I weighed all the possible bad things that could happen and decided to face my fear and book my tickets.

I set off on a three-week trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It ended up being such an incredible trip, and I met so many people that ever since, I’ve become a solo traveler almost exclusively.

I’ve learned how to really enjoy time with myself and not be afraid of being alone. I have the freedom to meet new people and hang with them, but also the freedom to take time to myself when I need it. Through solo travel, I’ve become more confident and more aware of all the great qualities that I have. I’ve learned that I’m not as afraid as I thought and that I can be incredibly resourceful.

The more you research, the better prepared you’ll feel (Yana, 32, Boston, Massachusetts, of Beard and Curly)

I always wanted to travel but found it really hard to get others to commit to go with me. After a friend bailed on me last-minute, I realized that I shouldn’t depend on anyone to go experience the world. At first, it was scary to be on my own. My most debilitating fear was being lonely. Was I always going to be alone? Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant on my own? Also, would I be able to depend on myself for everything, from getting to my hostel safely to navigating a city?

To conquer my fears, I did a lot of research to familiarize myself with the places I was visiting. I also asked other travelers on forums and social media platforms about their experience. Their words encouraged me. Taking the time to research and plan made me feel more comfortable about traveling alone. I have now visited over 120 countries, mostly on my own.

If I can survive at home, why should it be different elsewhere? (Sarah, 52, from the UK, living in Italy)

I started solo traveling only after I was widowed. I realized that it was a case of go alone or stay at home, and never going anywhere was a lot scarier than going by myself!

I built my confidence by starting slowly, adding on days in new places to trips to see family and friends. The first time, it was a stopover in Sydney on my way home from Christchurch. The next time, I did a few days in Auckland before catching up with family in Australia. My next trip will be two weeks completely solo in Thailand next month.

I research my destinations thoroughly so that I know what to expect and what I want to see and do. I book hotels and transport in advance, and sometimes tours too, which are a good way of meeting other people on the road. I use the street-view function on Google Maps to check the location of hotels or hostels and have a virtual “walk” around the area. This allows me to avoid booking anywhere too isolated, at the end of dark alleys, or just in neighborhoods I wouldn’t feel safe in alone. My sense of direction is terrible, so getting an idea of where everything is in advance makes me feel a lot more confident. I also always try to make sure that my flights arrive during daytime and find out how to get from the airport to my accommodation in advance, so that I know exactly where I’m going upon arrival, when I’m likely to be tired.

I realized that people are mostly good (Isabella, 25, from Chicago, Illinois)

I think I got over that initial fear of traveling alone by realizing how exciting that level of independence was — I had some money and some time, and I could do absolutely anything that I wanted with it. Plus, my fears are always assuaged by the fact that everywhere I’ve been, there have been kind people there who are willing to help and teach me.

In Japan, a local offered help when I was lost, and instead of just directing me to my train stop/transfer, he came with me and walked me the whole way. In Myanmar, a group of locals rushed over to help me when I fell off my scooter; they didn’t speak a word of English but their action made me realize that kindness itself is a universal language. This helped me overcome my fears and become braver.

Do one small thing everyday (Michelle, 45, from Alaska, of Pursuing Seven)

I’m currently a couple months into a three-continent mission to complete my goal of visiting all seven continents. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand, waiting for weather to clear in Antarctica so my flight can get there, where I will be working for four months. I wasn’t always this fearless and adventurous, but I am definitely proud of who I have become.

Setting realistic expectations — which probably means lowering them — helped me overcome my fear of solo traveling. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but being realistic truly ends up being a gift to myself (and my mental sanity). Not every day is going to be epic, and as a solo traveler you’ll be the making all the decisions and solving all the travel problems you encounter, which takes a lot of energy some days. Especially at the beginning, while you’re finding your solo-travel groove, cut yourself some slack; do one small thing every day that makes you happy, and when you have an epic day, soak it all in!

Utilize tours and apps to gain confidence (Peggy, 45, from San Francisco, California)

My first solo trip was the typical post-college European trip, and my friend had to leave early. It was only one week of solo travel, but I learned and gained self-confidence that I could do this and survive. 🙂 Decades later, I decided to follow my passion of seeing the world. I’ve been traveling for over two years, the majority of it solo.

I typically start a new city with a free or nominally priced walking tour. They provide a great overview of the place and its history and culture, plus local tips. I have met people on these walking tours that range from going to sightseeing together the rest of the day to friends that I still stay in touch with to this day.

I also check the Couchsurfing and Meetup apps for local events. Through these, I have great memories of going to the Notte Bianca festival in Malta, hiking to small towns outside of Frankfurt, and attending a weekly coffee meetup in Brno and social events in Budapest, Istanbul, and Bishkek. When traveling solo, I’m not in a bubble with my friends. I become more aware of my surroundings and find myself more open to local interaction, which has led to countless examples of people being incredibly kind and helpful.

Start from your own city (Kathleen, 33, from Boston, of Lonesome Roads)

Once I realized I wanted to try traveling solo, I decided I needed to practice first. I started in my home city of Boston: going to a museum on my own, then a movie solo. After that, lunch alone at a nice place, and then dinner out by myself (I think eating alone can be the biggest thing to get used to!). Finally, I spent two days all by myself in Portland, where I had lived for a year, so it was familiar enough to be comfortable, but I was fully on my own. And I had a wonderful time! I chatted with people in bars, I had a romantic dinner alone while doing some top-notch people-watching, and walked everywhere.

I then fully set off: solo trips to Miami and LA, then a stopover in Iceland for two days by myself when coming back from a trip with a friend, and then six days alone in Copenhagen. I loved it so much that right now, I’m two months into a yearlong solo trip in Europe and Southeast Asia!

I’ve learned that politeness and a few words of the local language will get you everywhere. That people are overwhelmingly kind and generous. And that traveling solo gives my curiosity free rein in a way that’s incredibly freeing, whether it’s exploring operas in Paris or befriending an Icelandic girl in line for a bar bathroom. If I’m brave enough, you’re brave enough too. You just might need a little practice.

Take the risk (Caitlyn, 27 from Brisbane, Australia, of Girl Seeking Purpose)

Before departing on my six-month solo adventure through South America, I was plagued with doubt and fear about all of the possible outcomes of traveling alone. I was concerned about whether it was safe as a solo female to travel in developing countries and if I would be able to reach all of my intended destinations without confirmed travel partners ahead of time. Most of all, I was concerned that I might not meet anyone on the road to travel and share my experiences with. I was absolutely terrified by the idea of being alone.

After reading countless blog posts and forums, I began to realize that all of the fears I had about solo travel were the same fears we all have before we take that leap into anything new and unknown. It then became clear that if I lived my entire life afraid of all of the possible things that could go wrong in any given situation, then I would never leave my comfort zone, let alone my house or my country. That just didn’t sound like the life I wanted for myself.

Realizing this, I made the decision to face all of these fears head on by acknowledging their existence. I decided that I was going to push on to make my dreams a reality with or without them in the back of my mind. Identifying that it was normal to have these concerns and to realize it was possible to overcome them gave me the strength and confidence I needed to get on the plane.

During the final days before my flight, I reassured myself that once I arrived it would all just fall into place and work itself out. And that is exactly what happened. It was one of the most incredible, life-changing, and defining moments of my life, and I am so glad I didn’t let the fears stop me from taking that leap.

Start small and familiar (Shae, 41, from Melbourne, Australia, of The Bright Eyed Explorer)

I’d always traveled with other people, but at age 36, I just couldn’t rely on the comfort and security that traveling with friends brings if I wanted to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world. I am a relatively shy and somewhat introverted person, especially around strangers, so the thought of being in an unfamiliar country and having to talk to people I didn’t know and perhaps not understand made my stomach churn!

For me, starting my solo travels small scale and in a place that I was very familiar with helped ease those fears I had of traveling alone. I’d been to Bali five times prior to my first solo trip, so I was confident and comfortable with my surroundings, the people, and the lifestyle. This comfort then enabled me to push myself a little further — talking to strangers, asking for help when I needed it — but also learn to appreciate the time I had to myself in restaurants and bars.

I have since traveled solo extensively through Europe and Australia (which is home), but there are still times that I still get a little nervous and anxious about my upcoming trip. Generally, if this happens, I give myself a bit of a pep talk and remind myself that I am strong and brave. This will generally give me a little confidence boost, which gets then builds up my excitement levels and then I am so ready to travel.

***

I hope these stories help to show that there is no special gene, life experience, background, or age that makes someone a good solo traveler. It doesn’t even require bravery to travel alone — lots of us built that up along the way instead.

So please don’t let all of the things that could go wrong hold you back from your dreams. Most of what we worry about — not just related to travel but to life in general — never comes to pass anyway. Focus on the adventures, the good times, the sunsets with new friends, and the learning experiences. The biggest step is just to make the decision and stick with it. After that, the rest falls into place.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site http://bit.ly/2GfU7wj via IFTTT

[melissagarcia8]

Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears

Posted: 2/7/2019 | Febuary 7th, 2019

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she shows us how other solo female travelers get over their fears!

Over the years, a lot of women have admitted to me that they made travel plans — only to cancel the trip before they went.

Fear and anxiety got in the way.

There’s a little something about solo traveling that almost nobody talks about.

It’s more common than you think – especially for first time female travelers.

After all, there’s a lot we have to worry about when we go out.

For a lot of us, these worries can be crippling.

When the usual worries about loneliness, safety, and boredom creep in, I remind myself that getting to have this experience abroad will be worth it. I visualize success by picturing myself on the beach, laughing with new friends, and having a fantastic trip. Those good vibes are often enough to make it all come true.

Then I wondered, how do other women kick fear to the curb and live out their solo travel dreams?

So I posed the question to the women in my Facebook group. This is what they said:

“Realize that time with yourself is a luxury” – Alex, 29, Florida

I started traveling solo when I was about 20 years old. I booked my first solo trip because I became tired of waiting around for friends to join me. At the time, I was going to grad school in Barcelona, and I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as possible while I lived in Europe. I realized that if I didn’t go by myself, I wouldn’t get to go at all, and I’d miss a huge opportunity to see this part of the world simply out of fear. I weighed all the possible bad things that could happen and decided to face my fear and book my tickets.

I set off on a three-week trip to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It ended up being such an incredible trip, and I met so many people that ever since, I’ve become a solo traveler almost exclusively.

I’ve learned how to really enjoy time with myself and not be afraid of being alone. I have the freedom to meet new people and hang with them, but also the freedom to take time to myself when I need it. Through solo travel, I’ve become more confident and more aware of all the great qualities that I have. I’ve learned that I’m not as afraid as I thought and that I can be incredibly resourceful.

The more you research, the better prepared you’ll feel (Yana, 32, Boston, Massachusetts, of Beard and Curly)

I always wanted to travel but found it really hard to get others to commit to go with me. After a friend bailed on me last-minute, I realized that I shouldn’t depend on anyone to go experience the world. At first, it was scary to be on my own. My most debilitating fear was being lonely. Was I always going to be alone? Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant on my own? Also, would I be able to depend on myself for everything, from getting to my hostel safely to navigating a city?

To conquer my fears, I did a lot of research to familiarize myself with the places I was visiting. I also asked other travelers on forums and social media platforms about their experience. Their words encouraged me. Taking the time to research and plan made me feel more comfortable about traveling alone. I have now visited over 120 countries, mostly on my own.

If I can survive at home, why should it be different elsewhere? (Sarah, 52, from the UK, living in Italy)

I started solo traveling only after I was widowed. I realized that it was a case of go alone or stay at home, and never going anywhere was a lot scarier than going by myself!

I built my confidence by starting slowly, adding on days in new places to trips to see family and friends. The first time, it was a stopover in Sydney on my way home from Christchurch. The next time, I did a few days in Auckland before catching up with family in Australia. My next trip will be two weeks completely solo in Thailand next month.

I research my destinations thoroughly so that I know what to expect and what I want to see and do. I book hotels and transport in advance, and sometimes tours too, which are a good way of meeting other people on the road. I use the street-view function on Google Maps to check the location of hotels or hostels and have a virtual “walk” around the area. This allows me to avoid booking anywhere too isolated, at the end of dark alleys, or just in neighborhoods I wouldn’t feel safe in alone. My sense of direction is terrible, so getting an idea of where everything is in advance makes me feel a lot more confident. I also always try to make sure that my flights arrive during daytime and find out how to get from the airport to my accommodation in advance, so that I know exactly where I’m going upon arrival, when I’m likely to be tired.

I realized that people are mostly good (Isabella, 25, from Chicago, Illinois)

I think I got over that initial fear of traveling alone by realizing how exciting that level of independence was — I had some money and some time, and I could do absolutely anything that I wanted with it. Plus, my fears are always assuaged by the fact that everywhere I’ve been, there have been kind people there who are willing to help and teach me.

In Japan, a local offered help when I was lost, and instead of just directing me to my train stop/transfer, he came with me and walked me the whole way. In Myanmar, a group of locals rushed over to help me when I fell off my scooter; they didn’t speak a word of English but their action made me realize that kindness itself is a universal language. This helped me overcome my fears and become braver.

Do one small thing everyday (Michelle, 45, from Alaska, of Pursuing Seven)

I’m currently a couple months into a three-continent mission to complete my goal of visiting all seven continents. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in Christchurch, New Zealand, waiting for weather to clear in Antarctica so my flight can get there, where I will be working for four months. I wasn’t always this fearless and adventurous, but I am definitely proud of who I have become.

Setting realistic expectations — which probably means lowering them — helped me overcome my fear of solo traveling. It sounds counterintuitive at first, but being realistic truly ends up being a gift to myself (and my mental sanity). Not every day is going to be epic, and as a solo traveler you’ll be the making all the decisions and solving all the travel problems you encounter, which takes a lot of energy some days. Especially at the beginning, while you’re finding your solo-travel groove, cut yourself some slack; do one small thing every day that makes you happy, and when you have an epic day, soak it all in!

Utilize tours and apps to gain confidence (Peggy, 45, from San Francisco, California)

My first solo trip was the typical post-college European trip, and my friend had to leave early. It was only one week of solo travel, but I learned and gained self-confidence that I could do this and survive. 🙂 Decades later, I decided to follow my passion of seeing the world. I’ve been traveling for over two years, the majority of it solo.

I typically start a new city with a free or nominally priced walking tour. They provide a great overview of the place and its history and culture, plus local tips. I have met people on these walking tours that range from going to sightseeing together the rest of the day to friends that I still stay in touch with to this day.

I also check the Couchsurfing and Meetup apps for local events. Through these, I have great memories of going to the Notte Bianca festival in Malta, hiking to small towns outside of Frankfurt, and attending a weekly coffee meetup in Brno and social events in Budapest, Istanbul, and Bishkek. When traveling solo, I’m not in a bubble with my friends. I become more aware of my surroundings and find myself more open to local interaction, which has led to countless examples of people being incredibly kind and helpful.

Start from your own city (Kathleen, 33, from Boston, of Lonesome Roads)

Once I realized I wanted to try traveling solo, I decided I needed to practice first. I started in my home city of Boston: going to a museum on my own, then a movie solo. After that, lunch alone at a nice place, and then dinner out by myself (I think eating alone can be the biggest thing to get used to!). Finally, I spent two days all by myself in Portland, where I had lived for a year, so it was familiar enough to be comfortable, but I was fully on my own. And I had a wonderful time! I chatted with people in bars, I had a romantic dinner alone while doing some top-notch people-watching, and walked everywhere.

I then fully set off: solo trips to Miami and LA, then a stopover in Iceland for two days by myself when coming back from a trip with a friend, and then six days alone in Copenhagen. I loved it so much that right now, I’m two months into a yearlong solo trip in Europe and Southeast Asia!

I’ve learned that politeness and a few words of the local language will get you everywhere. That people are overwhelmingly kind and generous. And that traveling solo gives my curiosity free rein in a way that’s incredibly freeing, whether it’s exploring operas in Paris or befriending an Icelandic girl in line for a bar bathroom. If I’m brave enough, you’re brave enough too. You just might need a little practice.

Take the risk (Caitlyn, 27 from Brisbane, Australia, of Girl Seeking Purpose)

Before departing on my six-month solo adventure through South America, I was plagued with doubt and fear about all of the possible outcomes of traveling alone. I was concerned about whether it was safe as a solo female to travel in developing countries and if I would be able to reach all of my intended destinations without confirmed travel partners ahead of time. Most of all, I was concerned that I might not meet anyone on the road to travel and share my experiences with. I was absolutely terrified by the idea of being alone.

After reading countless blog posts and forums, I began to realize that all of the fears I had about solo travel were the same fears we all have before we take that leap into anything new and unknown. It then became clear that if I lived my entire life afraid of all of the possible things that could go wrong in any given situation, then I would never leave my comfort zone, let alone my house or my country. That just didn’t sound like the life I wanted for myself.

Realizing this, I made the decision to face all of these fears head on by acknowledging their existence. I decided that I was going to push on to make my dreams a reality with or without them in the back of my mind. Identifying that it was normal to have these concerns and to realize it was possible to overcome them gave me the strength and confidence I needed to get on the plane.

During the final days before my flight, I reassured myself that once I arrived it would all just fall into place and work itself out. And that is exactly what happened. It was one of the most incredible, life-changing, and defining moments of my life, and I am so glad I didn’t let the fears stop me from taking that leap.

Start small and familiar (Shae, 41, from Melbourne, Australia, of The Bright Eyed Explorer)

I’d always traveled with other people, but at age 36, I just couldn’t rely on the comfort and security that traveling with friends brings if I wanted to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world. I am a relatively shy and somewhat introverted person, especially around strangers, so the thought of being in an unfamiliar country and having to talk to people I didn’t know and perhaps not understand made my stomach churn!

For me, starting my solo travels small scale and in a place that I was very familiar with helped ease those fears I had of traveling alone. I’d been to Bali five times prior to my first solo trip, so I was confident and comfortable with my surroundings, the people, and the lifestyle. This comfort then enabled me to push myself a little further — talking to strangers, asking for help when I needed it — but also learn to appreciate the time I had to myself in restaurants and bars.

I have since traveled solo extensively through Europe and Australia (which is home), but there are still times that I still get a little nervous and anxious about my upcoming trip. Generally, if this happens, I give myself a bit of a pep talk and remind myself that I am strong and brave. This will generally give me a little confidence boost, which gets then builds up my excitement levels and then I am so ready to travel.

***

I hope these stories help to show that there is no special gene, life experience, background, or age that makes someone a good solo traveler. It doesn’t even require bravery to travel alone — lots of us built that up along the way instead.

So please don’t let all of the things that could go wrong hold you back from your dreams. Most of what we worry about — not just related to travel but to life in general — never comes to pass anyway. Focus on the adventures, the good times, the sunsets with new friends, and the learning experiences. The biggest step is just to make the decision and stick with it. After that, the rest falls into place.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Solo Female Travel: How to Get Over Your Fears appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/getting-over-travel-fears/

[lasemillaschoolgardens]

macron-tennis

https://i0.wp.com/www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/macron-tennis.jpg?resize=150%2C150

Health Fitness Revolution’s 5th annual list on the Fittest Heads of State has been released, with a few new names appearing in this year’s 2018 edition. Since its creation in 2014, the annual lists have recognized world leaders with respect to their own personal fitness as well as their dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle in their respective countries.  Led by fitness expert and HaperCollins author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic, Health Fitness Revolution (HFR) was the first organization to recognize heads of state across the world in this regard, and today, more than 10,000 media outlets across the world have published the lists, making it one of the most anticipated lists in the world.

“The ‘Fittest Heads of State’ list was started to promote global fitness,” said Samir Becic, who has 20 years of expertise in the fitness industry and was named No. 1 fitness trainer in the United States. “It is a great honor to see the impact this list has had in the last four years! The heads of state are promoting  the importance of a healthy lifestyle like never before, and the positive effects of these actions can be seen across the world. Every year, we see an increasing number of fit and healthy heads of state, which makes it more challenging to curate the list. However, this is positive news and we are considering expanding the list to accommodate this trend.”

Previous lists published in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 garnered the immediate attention of both national and international media outlets, including some of the largest media outlets in the world like the Chicago Tribune, LA Times,  Cuba Debate, Focus, RT, and El Mundo among others,  providing exposure to millions of readers around the world. HFR’s efforts to release annual updates to the Fittest Heads of State list, as well as secure interviews with  U.S. Senators and other influential politicians, has served as a foundation for the institute to lead the way in health and political journalism.

In no particular order, the following list of world leaders have become healthy role models for their citizens. From accomplished athletes to recreational weekend warriors, nutrition enthusiasts to nutrition policymakers, these heads of state are doing their part to lead by example in the quest for a stronger, healthier global community.

Due to recent political changes in Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Liberia, we are still researching 3 candidates that may be eligible for the list. Austria’s Sebastian Kurz, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, and Liberia’s George Weah.

 Criteria for the Fittest Heads of State:

For each country, the two leading figureheads are eligible for the list. For example: Australia and Canada have their Prime Ministers on this list even though Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.

Have to be healthy and fit personally.

Should promote healthy lifestyle globally.

Physical fitness relative to age has been taken into consideration.

Emmanuel Macron, 39- President of France

French President Emmanuel Macron is very active in his free time. He enjoys playing tennis and going on bike rides with his wife and kids, when he often gets snapped by the paparazzi. He trains with former professional tennis player Patrice Kuchna, who calls Macron an accomplished, agile athlete who enjoys training and improving. President Macron is also an avid football (soccer) player, previously licensed by the French Federation of Football while at University. Macron also enjoys running and goes skiing regularly in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Becic: “Bienvenu to the list! President Macron’s healthy lifestyle is admirable and deserving of his spot on this list of the fittest heads of state, and not only because he cut off circulation to President Trump’s hand during their handshake showdown What a fit and dynamic leader France has!”

King Felipe VI, 49 – King of Spain

King Felipe VI is not only active, but very well disciplined. He graduated from two military schools and one air force academy. He is also a sports enthusiast and was a member of the 1992 Olympic Sailing team in Barcelona. He participated as Spain’s flag bearer in the Parade of the Nations during the opening ceremony, where he came in sixth place and was awarded an Olympic Diploma. King Felipe VI has been very active on HFR’s lists, making the lists of Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “King Felipe is the epitome of a strong and healthy leader. Spain needs his never-ending energy now more than ever. He is a fit gentleman with a clear vision for the future of his country. Spain is lucky to have such a fit Monarch, ��Viva España!”

Justin Trudeau, 45 – Prime Minister Canada

Just because Trudeau is a prime minister doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time to work out. During his campaign, he worked out and trained every day. He is so passionate about boxing that he reached the top of the 853-metre Grouse Grind 36 minutes faster than the average 90-minute strive that most people achieve. He believes that “boxing is as much about receiving hits as giving them.” But he isn’t just about boxing, he also likes to get outside and snowboard or go canoeing. He’s also been known to practice yoga – even during cabinet meetings! Trudeau does it all: he promoted the 2016 Invictus Games, and challenged Barack and Michelle Obama and the Kensington Palace to “bring it.” He also ran a morning 5k with members of the Canadian Royal Navy just this last March. Trudeau made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Fit, dynamic, confident, and knows how to box! Canada’s Prime Minister represents his country in the best light possible! I’m sure he is an inspiration to millions of young Canadians who can see that being healthy and fit is paramount to success in life.”

Angela Merkel, 63 – Chancellor of Germany

Chancellor Angela Merkel ditched her usual snack of sausage sandwiches and biscuits and replaced them with raw carrots and red and green peppers under a “strict new slimming regime.” The politician has been reported to have lost over 30 pounds with her new healthier diet following her cross country skiing accident in 2013, which led her to being wheelchair bound. Friends are saying that she eats much more fruit than before, and has a much more “impressive strength of will.” She’s also created herself a new reputation with British media of being “much more fresh and sporty.” Merkel made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Bundeskanzelerin Merkel is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Since adopting a new healthy lifestyle, she is more dynamic than ever before. She is an admirable woman with enormous leadership, courage and wisdom. Clearly, healthy lifestyle works well for her!”

Henri, 62 – Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri is one of the world’s fittest heads of state. He is involved in many health and fitness organizations, among them being a member of the International Olympic Committee and a member of the World Health Organization’s Mentor Foundation. To aid Henri with his genetic maladies, he makes sure to live a healthy lifestyle filled with plenty of exercise. Henri has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “I have some inside information which proves the point that Grand Duke Henri has always been physically active and sporty, even in his younger years. I’ve been told that he used to run and swim during family gatherings while everyone else was relaxing and enjoying food and drinks. He is just as deserving to be on this year’s list as he was the past four years!”

Khaltmaagiin Battulga, 54 – President of Mongolia

Khaltmaagiin Battulga is a Mongolian politician who has served as the President of Mongolia since July 10, 2017. He was previously the Member of the State Great Khural from 2004 to 2016, and acted as Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008 to 2012. Battulga made history winning the 2017 presidential election with a 50.6% run off. Not only is Battulga outstanding in his career, but he is also a phenomenal athlete. He won the wrestling world cup championship in Ulaanbaatar in 1989, which led to his award as Merited Sportsman of Mongolia in 1995. He was later selected as the Chairman of Mongolian Judo Federation in 2006. Under Battulga’s leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic champions for the first time in history. Because of Battulga’s success, judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.

Becic: “Welcome to the list! I cannot tell you how impressive President Battulga’s athletic history and achievements are. Another notoriously athletic leader from Mongolia was Genghis Khan ”  

Malcolm Turnbull, 63 – Prime Minister Australia

Running a country is a hard enough job, but Malcolm Turnbull manages to do it while staying fit. Turner took his previous weight issues into his own hands and changed his dietary habits to lose a whopping 14 kg (31 lbs.) in 2012! His secret to his new figure was “to eat less, I ate a lot less for a month and lost a lot of weight pretty quickly.” Turnbull reported that his weight loss secret “may seem like a penetrating glimpse of the obvious, but it is an insight that most of us ignore because it is too painful.” He is using his newfound energy to paddle on kayaks and ride bikes in Sydney, as well as going to pilates classes with his wife, Lucy. Turner claimed that his two best tips for staying fit and healthy is to “exercise everyday and get your sleep.” Turnbull also made HFR’s lists for Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016 and 2017.

Becic: “I am used to seeing Australians choosing leaders that are healthy and fit. This notion supports the image that Australians have as being a fit nation. Prime Minister Turnbull is a testament to that. Bravo, Australia!”

Vladimir Putin, 65 – President of Russia

Vladimir Putin isn’t just the President of Russia, but also one of the fittest presidents in the world. He works out seven days a week, which consists of going to the gym and then swimming. He claims that swimming is where he “gets much of Russia’s thinking done.” Putin has been practicing martial arts since he was 13 and has his judo black belt. He says that martial arts is a “good way of building up adrenaline and taking out aggression.” Putin also took up the sport of hockey when he turned 60, and says that “the other players don’t take it easy on him.” Putin does not engage in the use of alcohol, unless it’s at a formal reception. President Putin has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “President Putin has been on this list since its inception. Being an athlete his whole life definitely shows. No doubt, he is one of the physically fittest leaders in the world who also promotes fitness within his country! 

Benjamin Netanyahu, 68 – Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel, and also serves as a member of the Knesset and Chairman of the Likud party. He is known for his healthy lifestyle in his country, and his doctor reported Netanyahu’s health to be “excellent” and that “he maintains a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits.” Between eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and going on weekly jogs and walks, Netanyahu managed to lose 11 pounds. He is also known for snacking on lettuce and carrot sticks during meetings. He has made HFR’s lists of The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is known for emphasizing healthy lifestyle in his cabinet. His health minister Litzman spoke out against McDonald’s, and the Education Ministry banned the sale of sugary drinks and certain unhealthy snacks in schools in 2016. Bravo, Israel!”

Mauricio Macri, 58 – President of Argentina

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, can thank fitness for meeting his wife. In fact, he met her while working out at the prestigious gym Barrio Parque. At the time, his trainer had another client, Juliana Awada, and the two met through their mutual trainer before eventually getting married. He also owes his fitness to his wife, since he claimed her as sexually “insatiable,” and very active. But Macri can’t owe all of his fitness success to his wife, he also was the team president for Division 1 Argentinian soccer team Boca Juniors for 12 years. He is also promoting biking as a form of both healthy lifestyle and public transportation. He believes so much in it that he endorsed a Mejor en Bici (“Better on Bike”) campaign in 2011 and is always spotted riding bikes in other countries.  President Macri made HFR’s 2017 list of Fittest Heads of States.

Becic: “President Macri and his wife Juliana are the definition of a fit power couple. It is easier to be fit when your spouse supports and participates in the same healthy habits. They are the President and First Lady of the 21st century!”

Enrique Peña Nieto, 51 – President of Mexico

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is a huge promoter of fitness, constantly pushing citizens to exercise, even if it’s just for an hour-long walk. He declared that “health is a government priority,” and he inaugurated the San Pablo del Monte General Hospital. He has put major emphasis on making health services available nationwide, and claims that “it is essential to have health.” Regarding his own health and fitness levels, Peña Nieto ran a 10k to help promote Mexico’s health and fitness. He also made our lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, and 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “Mexico is one of the fattest countries in the world and having a fit President is enormously important to combating obesity. President Peña Nieto is a great example to young Mexicans because he participates in runs and public health events. Through his actions, he directly promotes healthy lifestyle in Mexico!”

Abdullah II, 54 – King of Jordan

One of the top priorities for Jordan’s King Abdullah II is the health and welfare of his country. He believes that engaging in physical activity will improve one’s self-esteem, value and skill. In fact, he feels fitness is so important that he awards students who prioritize fitness and education as a part of their daily lives. Abdullah II enjoys activities like skydiving and scuba diving, and he loves meeting up for soccer matches. He also has made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “King Abdullah is regularly featured on our lists and stands out among Arab heads of state in terms of physical fitness and health. His determination is making Jordan, which is a small country, a powerhouse. His wife, Queen Rania is also supremely fit and both of them made the Fittest Royals list. Together, they are excellent role models to Jordanian families.”

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 63 – President of Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the current President of Turkey, and has previously served as Prime Minister of Turkey and as Mayor of Istanbul. Erdoğan played football for Kasımpaşa, a Turkish semi-professional football club located in Istanbul. Home games for the team are played in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, an honorary title for Erdoğan. He is quite the crafty football player, known for his impressive hat trick in a game prior to the presidential elections. Ufuk Ceylan, who was the goalkeeper of the game, said that Erdoğan “scored one classy goal after another.” He was given a reception at the stadium, which featured fans holding up signs that said “as long as you live, Turkey will remain the champion.” Hats off to you, Erdoğan!

Becic: “It was a positive surprise to see Erdoğan give the Serbian President Vucic a bicycle and chessboard as a gift. You couldn’t find two better gifts that promote healthy lifestyle! I wish that every leader in the world would exercise more because it can help decrease the enormous amount of stress that comes with the position.”

Honorable Mentions:

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, 91, is the longest serving monarch in British history, recently hitting her 65th year. She’s staying healthy by eating one of her favorite meals, grilled or poached fish with vegetables and salad. Her former chef says that “she’s very disciplined. She could have anything she wants, but it is that discipline that keeps her so well and so healthy.”

Becic: “I have read so much about HM Queen Elizabeth II and have a tremendous amount of respect for her never-ending energy and as a woman who positively changed the world. Long live the Queen!”

Pope Francis

Pope Francis inspires us to use our spiritual health to improve our overall health and fitness. Pope Francis has made such a positive impact in the world, especially for only a short three years as Pope. In such a small amount of time, he has inspired us to not only cut back on the pasta and sweets, but walk more and get more active so we can lose 60 pounds like he did!

Becic: “Pope Francis, to me, is a positive surprise! I admire his vision, heart and wisdom. You Rock Papa!”

[Read More ...] http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fittest-heads-state-world-2018/

[winterskeletonlive-blog]

#Watch Winter Olympics 2018 Skeleton Live Streaming Online Link

Watch Winter Olympics 2018 Skeleton Live TV>>>>

The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea are right around the corner! That means it's time to watch sports you might not have seen in four years. To help you feel at least a little more informed—either to impress your friends or fake your way through a conversation with an actual expert—SI will be providing rookie's guides to each of the 15 sports. These will be published daily, Monday through Friday, from December 4–22. What is skeleton? Skeleton is not a competition where each athlete is put through an X-ray machine so they can see who has the most bones. That would be so much more boring than what skeleton actually is—men and women flying down a bobsled track at 90 mph with their face an inch off the ice. It’s basically just like luge, except instead of laying on their backs, the competitors are positioned face-down, head-first. The sledder’s lower legs dangle off the back of the sled so they have to make sure they don’t hit the ice while also staying as flat as possible to maintain peak aerodynamic flow. You can steer by shifting your weight. How was the sport invented? Skeleton traces its roots to an ice track in the Swiss resort town of St. Moritz, where British and American tourists began sliding head-first down a track called the Cresta Run before the turn of the 20th century. (You can still ride the Cresta Run—if you a member of its club, and not a woman.) When did it come to the Olympics? St. Moritz hosted the Winter Games in 1928 and 1948, so skeleton was included due to its history there and the Cresta Run was used as the track. It didn’t return until the 2002 games in Salt Lake City. Why do they call it skeleton? I always thought the name was derived from the dangerous nature of the sport, but it actually comes from the equipment. The first sleds used in skeleton were the bones of a bobsled. How does the competition work? A total of 50 people will qualify, 30 men and 20 women, though the field won’t be set until mid-January. There are only six medals awarded—gold, silver and bronze for men and women. The winner is whoever clocks the fastest time after four runs. Is it dangerous?

Holy crap, yes. Not only are you hurtling down the track at speeds of over 90 mph, the sled can weigh as much 90 pounds (though there are rules limiting the combined maximum weight of the sled and its rider). The last thing you want is to lose control of a heavy object with sharp metal blades and get trapped in a frozen tube with it. The only protection the sledders wear is a helmet, which has a chin guard in case you dip you head to low and scrape your face on the ice. Who is good at it? The U.S. has won the most Olympic medals (eight), followed by Great Britain (six) and Canada (four). Switzerland, Italy, Latvia, Germany, Austria and Russia are the only other countries to medal but sledders have represented countries all the way from Argentina to Australia. Laura Deas is "motivated" to win a skeleton Olympic medal for Great Britain after failing to qualify for the 2014 Games in Sochi. The 29-year-old from Wrexham is the top ranked British women and is fifth in this season's world standings. In January the GB team will be selected for the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on 9-25 February."I'm feeling as confident as I could be at this moment, knowing selection is out of my control," she said."I know I'm having a good season, I'm consistently in and around the top six which is in the target. With three races to go I am feeling pretty good."Deas is seven places above Britain's 2014 gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) rankings. When asked if she could can win a medal in Pyeongchang in what would be her first Olympics - if Deas makes selection on 22 January in Stockport - the Welsh slider said: "Absolutely."That's what I have been aiming to do for a long time, the fact that I missed out on Sochi... four years ago has really given me that extra motivation to want to be there, to become an Olympian and ultimately be on the podium."Deas missed out on a European medal by 0.01 seconds at the latest round of the World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, this week - finishing fourth of the Europeans and sixth overall in an event won by Elena Nikitina. In November 2017, Nikitina was stripped of her Olympic bronze medal and banned from future Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), for breaching anti-doping rules at Sochi 2014. But the IBSF has allowed the Russian to compete on the world circuit after lifting its initial ban. Nikitina is appealing against the IOC decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The IOC has banned Russia from competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics, but Russian athletes who can prove they are clean will be allowed to compete in Pyeongchang under a neutral flag."It's frustrating because I want to be competing on a level playing field, and it's frustrating to know, with evidence, that it's not the case at the moment," Deas said."But at the same time I know it is counterproductive to get too caught up in it."Although I'm trying to stay up to date with what is going on, I don't want to become obsessed with it because I think, in the long run, that doesn't help me and my performance."Granted, we don’t have winter in Nigeria, but there’s no denying we’ll be the envy of other country at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Our bobsled team, which is the first out of Africa, is already taking media attention (They were even on The Ellen DeGeneres Show!).And right now it seems we have another bit of history waiting to be made as Simidele Adeagbo is one race away from becoming the first woman skeleton athlete from Africa to take part in the competition.Adeagbo is a retired track and field athlete, having held the National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American and triple jump school record for four times. Her interest in skeleton was sparked six months ago when she heard about the amazing Nigerian bobsled team. Determined to shatter the glass ceiling in athletics, she went for a trial in August and was successful. Because there are no ice tracks in Johannesburg where she lives, Adeagbo prepares by watching videos of past runs and also using tips and tricks compiled by other athletes. When she can, she travels to Canada where she trains on ice tracks that run as far as 1.5km long.But with these preparations, there can be changes in the weather which make skeleton quite unpredictable. The 36-year-old, who is in love with Davido’s ‘Fia’ because it reminds her that what she’s doing is “for the continent and for people back home”, isn’t disturbed by this. Although she injured her chin in her last competition, there’s no stopping her from the fifth race in Lake Placid, New York, which will see her achieve that dream of qualifying for the Winter Olympics on January 11, 2018.Russian Elena Nikitina, who is banned from competing in the Winter Olympics, won the latest leg of the women's World Cup skeleton as Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold suffered another disappointing day. Yarnold was 16th in Innsbruck - the third race in a row she has failed to make the top 10 - and was again outperformed by team-mate Laura Deas, who was sixth. The event doubled as the European Championships, in which Deas missed out on bronze by 0.01 seconds. In the men's race, Latvia's Martins Dukurs won another great tussle against South Korea's Yun Sungbin.Lölling’s stellar 2017 also included a storming run in the mixed team event at the IBSF World Championships in Königsee (GER) in February. With her Germany 1 team lying fourth after the men’s skeleton and two-women bob runs, Lölling posted a new track record of 51.23 to catapult her team into the lead ahead of Russia. She then looked on as Johannes Lochner secured gold with the fastest run in the two-man bob leg. Five days later, watched by IOC President Thomas Bach, 22-year-old Lölling became the youngest ever women’s world champion in her sport. Jumping into a 0.06-second lead over compatriot and defending champion Tina Hermann on the first run, Lölling maintained her position when the second run was cancelled due to heavy snow.Staying ahead on the third run, Lölling beat Hermann on the fourth by 0.25 seconds. Sochi 2014 gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold of Great Britain completed the podium, nearly three-quarters of a second behind the young German.

It was left to team-mate Hermann to sum up her performance: “Jacqueline is on incredible form. It was pretty clear that it would be really tough to beat her here.”Lölling was just 12 when she took up skeleton in 2007. Three years later she appeared in her first international competition: a European Cup meet on the Olympic track in Cesana Pariol (ITA). She won both races. Still only 15 when she claimed her first national title in December 2011, Lölling earned a place on Germany’s team at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 2012. The competition was reduced to a single run because of bad weather, but the German teen’s superiority shone through, as she won gold by nearly a second from Austria’s Carina Mair and Canada’s Carli Brockway. A bronze medallist at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Igls (AUT), Lölling traded up to gold in 2014 in Winterberg (GER) and retained the title the following year in Altenberg (GER). That second world junior crown earned her a place at the 2015 IBSF World Championships in Winterberg, where, having just turned 20, she won silver behind Yarnold. Rising to the top. The German prodigy made her World Cup debut in the 2015/16 season, gaining podium finishes in her first three races: a third place in Altenberg and second places in Winterberg and Königsee. Lölling finished fourth at the European Championships in St Moritz (SUI) and was runner-up to Hermann in the national championships. She then scored two more podium finishes to take second place behind her compatriot in the overall standings. Her senior career took off to a flying start on 6 January 2017, when she won the World Cup event in Altenberg. A week later, Lölling claimed the European title by 0.16 seconds from Austria’s Janine Flock in Winterberg, followed by her world championship double. Her winning streak continued with a third victory in the World Cup final at the Alpensia Sliding Centre, which doubled up as the PyeongChang 2018 skeleton test event. Lölling was fastest in both runs, setting an inaugural track record of 52.75 on her second run. This ranked her first in the overall World Cup standings with a total of 1,591 points. Lölling now has her sights set on Olympic gold in PyeongChang. Judging by the start of her 2017/18 IBSF World Cup season, that goal is well within her grasp. Third on the opening weekend in Lake Placid (USA), she followed up with wins in Whistler (CAN) in late November and Winterberg in early December to place her at the top of the standings. Though Germany is the world’s pre-eminent force in the luge and bobsleigh, it has never won an Olympic skeleton title and has just two medals to its name: a silver for Kerstin Szymkowiak and a bronze for Anja Huber behind Great Britain’s Amy Williams at Vancouver 2010. In Lölling, they have an athlete who is fully capable of ending her country’s title drought at PyeongChang 2018.From a 17-year-old snowboarding star to a gold-medal-hungry women’s ice hockey team, Team USA’s athletes competing in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, are looking to make a mark. The official roster for Team USA will not be finalized until weeks before the 2018 Winter Olympics start Feb. 9, but the first competitors in the 15 Winter Olympic sports have already been chosen — and they each bring a unique story to the games. Maame Biney is a 17-year-old who already made history as the first black woman to qualify for Team USA’s short track speedskating team. Making his return in 2018, Gus Kenworthy is a freestyle skiing star who could become the first openly gay male athlete to compete at a Winter Games. And Chloe Kim is a 17-year-old snowboarding phenom who is the favorite to win gold in the sport for Team USA.Matthew Antoine slides back into Olympic competition after earning bronze in Sochi in 2014 and completing several years of successful international appearances. The Wisconsin-based athlete is looking to get another medal in the Winter Olympic sport this time around. He may be joined by contenders John Daly, who took a break from the sport after Sochi, and Nathan Crumpton, who is hoping to make his first Olympic appearance.

With a successful 2015-16 season, Annie O’Shea became the fastest of the women’s team and is poised to be one to watch in Pyeongchang. Olympian Katie Uhlaender is also trying to best her fourth-place finish in Sochi.The Olympic sport of skeleton is not for the faint of heart. Sprinting down an icy track, diving on a tiny sled head first, rocketing toward the bottom at speeds of upwards of 90 mph -- what kind of person would subject themselves to such danger for Olympic gold? His name is Matt Antoine. In 2002, Antoine was just like the rest of us, watching the Olympics on TV. The sport of skeleton caught his eye, and a year later Antoine headed to Lake Placid, New York to give it a try.“You’re kind of at the mercy of the track your first few times down,” Antoine said. “After the first run I knew this was something I wanted to pursue and I was going to keep going after.”He was hooked, and although he was cut from his first skeleton camp, Antoine kept sprinting down that icy track toward an Olympic medal. As a member of Team USA during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Antoine took home bronze – the first skeleton medal for an American in 12 years.“It was an amazing experience in 2014, especially having family members there,” Antoine said. “Being an Olympic athlete, having your support system of your family … it’s not just you, it’s about them as well. Antoine said sharing that moment with his support system meant “just as much or more to them than it did for me.”Now, nearly a decade and a half after his first run, the Phoenix resident is preparing for his last.“I’ve always approached the sport that it could end tomorrow and so in my prep for 2018 I’m definitely looking at it like it’s probably my last Olympics,” he said.

[duqstudents4fairtrade]

macron-tennis

Health Fitness Revolution’s 5th annual list on the Fittest Heads of State has been released, with a few new names appearing in this year’s 2018 edition. Since its creation in 2014, the annual lists have recognized world leaders with respect to their own personal fitness as well as their dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle in their respective countries.  Led by fitness expert and HaperCollins author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic, Health Fitness Revolution (HFR) was the first organization to recognize heads of state across the world in this regard, and today, more than 10,000 media outlets across the world have published the lists, making it one of the most anticipated lists in the world.

“The ‘Fittest Heads of State’ list was started to promote global fitness,” said Samir Becic, who has 20 years of expertise in the fitness industry and was named No. 1 fitness trainer in the United States. “It is a great honor to see the impact this list has had in the last four years! The heads of state are promoting  the importance of a healthy lifestyle like never before, and the positive effects of these actions can be seen across the world. Every year, we see an increasing number of fit and healthy heads of state, which makes it more challenging to curate the list. However, this is positive news and we are considering expanding the list to accommodate this trend.”

Previous lists published in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 garnered the immediate attention of both national and international media outlets, including some of the largest media outlets in the world like the Chicago Tribune, LA Times,  Cuba Debate, Focus, RT, and El Mundo among others,  providing exposure to millions of readers around the world. HFR’s efforts to release annual updates to the Fittest Heads of State list, as well as secure interviews with  U.S. Senators and other influential politicians, has served as a foundation for the institute to lead the way in health and political journalism.

In no particular order, the following list of world leaders have become healthy role models for their citizens. From accomplished athletes to recreational weekend warriors, nutrition enthusiasts to nutrition policymakers, these heads of state are doing their part to lead by example in the quest for a stronger, healthier global community.

Due to recent political changes in Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Liberia, we are still researching 3 candidates that may be eligible for the list. Austria’s Sebastian Kurz, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, and Liberia’s George Weah.

 Criteria for the Fittest Heads of State:

For each country, the two leading figureheads are eligible for the list. For example: Australia and Canada have their Prime Ministers on this list even though Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.

Have to be healthy and fit personally.

Should promote healthy lifestyle globally.

Physical fitness relative to age has been taken into consideration.

Emmanuel Macron, 39- President of France

French President Emmanuel Macron is very active in his free time. He enjoys playing tennis and going on bike rides with his wife and kids, when he often gets snapped by the paparazzi. He trains with former professional tennis player Patrice Kuchna, who calls Macron an accomplished, agile athlete who enjoys training and improving. President Macron is also an avid football (soccer) player, previously licensed by the French Federation of Football while at University. Macron also enjoys running and goes skiing regularly in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Becic: “Bienvenu to the list! President Macron’s healthy lifestyle is admirable and deserving of his spot on this list of the fittest heads of state, and not only because he cut off circulation to President Trump’s hand during their handshake showdown

What a fit and dynamic leader France has!”

King Felipe VI, 49 – King of Spain

King Felipe VI is not only active, but very well disciplined. He graduated from two military schools and one air force academy. He is also a sports enthusiast and was a member of the 1992 Olympic Sailing team in Barcelona. He participated as Spain’s flag bearer in the Parade of the Nations during the opening ceremony, where he came in sixth place and was awarded an Olympic Diploma. King Felipe VI has been very active on HFR’s lists, making the lists of Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “King Felipe is the epitome of a strong and healthy leader. Spain needs his never-ending energy now more than ever. He is a fit gentleman with a clear vision for the future of his country. Spain is lucky to have such a fit Monarch, ¡Viva España!”

Justin Trudeau, 45 – Prime Minister Canada

Just because Trudeau is a prime minister doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time to work out. During his campaign, he worked out and trained every day. He is so passionate about boxing that he reached the top of the 853-metre Grouse Grind 36 minutes faster than the average 90-minute strive that most people achieve. He believes that “boxing is as much about receiving hits as giving them.” But he isn’t just about boxing, he also likes to get outside and snowboard or go canoeing. He’s also been known to practice yoga – even during cabinet meetings! Trudeau does it all: he promoted the 2016 Invictus Games, and challenged Barack and Michelle Obama and the Kensington Palace to “bring it.” He also ran a morning 5k with members of the Canadian Royal Navy just this last March. Trudeau made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Fit, dynamic, confident, and knows how to box! Canada’s Prime Minister represents his country in the best light possible! I’m sure he is an inspiration to millions of young Canadians who can see that being healthy and fit is paramount to success in life.”

Angela Merkel, 63 – Chancellor of Germany

Chancellor Angela Merkel ditched her usual snack of sausage sandwiches and biscuits and replaced them with raw carrots and red and green peppers under a “strict new slimming regime.” The politician has been reported to have lost over 30 pounds with her new healthier diet following her cross country skiing accident in 2013, which led her to being wheelchair bound. Friends are saying that she eats much more fruit than before, and has a much more “impressive strength of will.” She’s also created herself a new reputation with British media of being “much more fresh and sporty.” Merkel made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Bundeskanzelerin Merkel is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Since adopting a new healthy lifestyle, she is more dynamic than ever before. She is an admirable woman with enormous leadership, courage and wisdom. Clearly, healthy lifestyle works well for her!”

Henri, 62 – Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri is one of the world’s fittest heads of state. He is involved in many health and fitness organizations, among them being a member of the International Olympic Committee and a member of the World Health Organization’s Mentor Foundation. To aid Henri with his genetic maladies, he makes sure to live a healthy lifestyle filled with plenty of exercise. Henri has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “I have some inside information which proves the point that Grand Duke Henri has always been physically active and sporty, even in his younger years. I’ve been told that he used to run and swim during family gatherings while everyone else was relaxing and enjoying food and drinks. He is just as deserving to be on this year’s list as he was the past four years!”

Khaltmaagiin Battulga, 54 – President of Mongolia

Khaltmaagiin Battulga is a Mongolian politician who has served as the President of Mongolia since July 10, 2017. He was previously the Member of the State Great Khural from 2004 to 2016, and acted as Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008 to 2012. Battulga made history winning the 2017 presidential election with a 50.6% run off. Not only is Battulga outstanding in his career, but he is also a phenomenal athlete. He won the wrestling world cup championship in Ulaanbaatar in 1989, which led to his award as Merited Sportsman of Mongolia in 1995. He was later selected as the Chairman of Mongolian Judo Federation in 2006. Under Battulga’s leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic champions for the first time in history. Because of Battulga’s success, judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.

Becic: “Welcome to the list! I cannot tell you how impressive President Battulga’s athletic history and achievements are. Another notoriously athletic leader from Mongolia was Genghis Khan

”  

Malcolm Turnbull, 63 – Prime Minister Australia

Running a country is a hard enough job, but Malcolm Turnbull manages to do it while staying fit. Turner took his previous weight issues into his own hands and changed his dietary habits to lose a whopping 14 kg (31 lbs.) in 2012! His secret to his new figure was “to eat less, I ate a lot less for a month and lost a lot of weight pretty quickly.” Turnbull reported that his weight loss secret “may seem like a penetrating glimpse of the obvious, but it is an insight that most of us ignore because it is too painful.” He is using his newfound energy to paddle on kayaks and ride bikes in Sydney, as well as going to pilates classes with his wife, Lucy. Turner claimed that his two best tips for staying fit and healthy is to “exercise everyday and get your sleep.” Turnbull also made HFR’s lists for Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016 and 2017.

Becic: “I am used to seeing Australians choosing leaders that are healthy and fit. This notion supports the image that Australians have as being a fit nation. Prime Minister Turnbull is a testament to that. Bravo, Australia!”

Vladimir Putin, 65 – President of Russia

Vladimir Putin isn’t just the President of Russia, but also one of the fittest presidents in the world. He works out seven days a week, which consists of going to the gym and then swimming. He claims that swimming is where he “gets much of Russia’s thinking done.” Putin has been practicing martial arts since he was 13 and has his judo black belt. He says that martial arts is a “good way of building up adrenaline and taking out aggression.” Putin also took up the sport of hockey when he turned 60, and says that “the other players don’t take it easy on him.” Putin does not engage in the use of alcohol, unless it’s at a formal reception. President Putin has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “President Putin has been on this list since its inception. Being an athlete his whole life definitely shows in his work ethic. No doubt, he is one of the physically fittest leaders in the world who also tirelessly promotes fitness within his country! He is one of the best promoters of physical fitness in the world, not just among the heads of state.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, 68 – Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel, and also serves as a member of the Knesset and Chairman of the Likud party. He is known for his healthy lifestyle in his country, and his doctor reported Netanyahu’s health to be “excellent” and that “he maintains a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits.” Between eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and going on weekly jogs and walks, Netanyahu managed to lose 11 pounds. He is also known for snacking on lettuce and carrot sticks during meetings. He has made HFR’s lists of The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is known for emphasizing healthy lifestyle in his cabinet. His health minister Litzman spoke out against McDonald’s, and the Education Ministry banned the sale of sugary drinks and certain unhealthy snacks in schools in 2016. Bravo, Israel!”

Mauricio Macri, 58 – President of Argentina

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, can thank fitness for meeting his wife. In fact, he met her while working out at the prestigious gym Barrio Parque. At the time, his trainer had another client, Juliana Awada, and the two met through their mutual trainer before eventually getting married. He also owes his fitness to his wife, since he claimed her as sexually “insatiable,” and very active. But Macri can’t owe all of his fitness success to his wife, he also was the team president for Division 1 Argentinian soccer team Boca Juniors for 12 years. He is also promoting biking as a form of both healthy lifestyle and public transportation. He believes so much in it that he endorsed a Mejor en Bici (“Better on Bike”) campaign in 2011 and is always spotted riding bikes in other countries.  President Macri made HFR’s 2017 list of Fittest Heads of States.

Becic: “President Macri and his wife Juliana are the definition of a fit power couple. It is easier to be fit when your spouse supports and participates in the same healthy habits. They are the President and First Lady of the 21st century!”

Enrique Peña Nieto, 51 – President of Mexico

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is a huge promoter of fitness, constantly pushing citizens to exercise, even if it’s just for an hour-long walk. He declared that “health is a government priority,” and he inaugurated the San Pablo del Monte General Hospital. He has put major emphasis on making health services available nationwide, and claims that “it is essential to have health.” Regarding his own health and fitness levels, Peña Nieto ran a 10k to help promote Mexico’s health and fitness. He also made our lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, and 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “Mexico is one of the fattest countries in the world and having a fit President is enormously important to combating obesity. President Peña Nieto is a great example to young Mexicans because he participates in runs and public health events. Through his actions, he directly promotes healthy lifestyle in Mexico!”

Abdullah II, 54 – King of Jordan

One of the top priorities for Jordan’s King Abdullah II is the health and welfare of his country. He believes that engaging in physical activity will improve one’s self-esteem, value and skill. In fact, he feels fitness is so important that he awards students who prioritize fitness and education as a part of their daily lives. Abdullah II enjoys activities like skydiving and scuba diving, and he loves meeting up for soccer matches. He also has made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “King Abdullah is regularly featured on our lists and stands out among Arab heads of state in terms of physical fitness and health. His determination is making Jordan, which is a small country, a powerhouse. His wife, Queen Rania is also supremely fit and both of them made the Fittest Royals list. Together, they are excellent role models to Jordanian families.”

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 63 – President of Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the current President of Turkey, and has previously served as Prime Minister of Turkey and as Mayor of Istanbul. Erdoğan played football for Kasımpaşa, a Turkish semi-professional football club located in Istanbul. Home games for the team are played in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, an honorary title for Erdoğan. He is quite the crafty football player, known for his impressive hat trick in a game prior to the presidential elections. Ufuk Ceylan, who was the goalkeeper of the game, said that Erdoğan “scored one classy goal after another.” He was given a reception at the stadium, which featured fans holding up signs that said “as long as you live, Turkey will remain the champion.” Hats off to you, Erdoğan!

Becic: “It was a positive surprise to see Erdoğan give the Serbian President Vucic a bicycle and chessboard as a gift. You couldn’t find two better gifts that promote healthy lifestyle! I wish that every leader in the world would exercise more because it can help decrease the enormous amount of stress that comes with the position.”

Honorable Mentions:

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, 91, is the longest serving monarch in British history, recently hitting her 65th year. She’s staying healthy by eating one of her favorite meals, grilled or poached fish with vegetables and salad. Her former chef says that “she’s very disciplined. She could have anything she wants, but it is that discipline that keeps her so well and so healthy.”

Becic: “I have read so much about HM Queen Elizabeth II and have a tremendous amount of respect for her never-ending energy and as a woman who positively changed the world. Long live the Queen!”

Pope Francis

Pope Francis inspires us to use our spiritual health to improve our overall health and fitness. Pope Francis has made such a positive impact in the world, especially for only a short three years as Pope. In such a small amount of time, he has inspired us to not only cut back on the pasta and sweets, but walk more and get more active so we can lose 60 pounds like he did!

  Becic: “Pope Francis, to me, is a positive surprise! I admire his vision, heart and wisdom. You Rock Papa!”

[Read More ...] http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fittest-heads-state-world-2018/

[lasemillaschoolgardens]

macron-tennis

https://i0.wp.com/www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/macron-tennis.jpg?resize=150%2C150

Health Fitness Revolution’s 5th annual list on the Fittest Heads of State has been released, with a few new names appearing in this year’s 2018 edition. Since its creation in 2014, the annual lists have recognized world leaders with respect to their own personal fitness as well as their dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle in their respective countries.  Led by fitness expert and HaperCollins author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic, Health Fitness Revolution (HFR) was the first organization to recognize heads of state across the world in this regard, and today, more than 10,000 media outlets across the world have published the lists, making it one of the most anticipated lists in the world.

“The ‘Fittest Heads of State’ list was started to promote global fitness,” said Samir Becic, who has 20 years of expertise in the fitness industry and was named No. 1 fitness trainer in the United States. “It is a great honor to see the impact this list has had in the last four years! The heads of state are promoting  the importance of a healthy lifestyle like never before, and the positive effects of these actions can be seen across the world. Every year, we see an increasing number of fit and healthy heads of state, which makes it more challenging to curate the list. However, this is positive news and we are considering expanding the list to accommodate this trend.”

Previous lists published in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 garnered the immediate attention of both national and international media outlets, including some of the largest media outlets in the world like the Chicago Tribune, LA Times,  Cuba Debate, Focus, RT, and El Mundo among others,  providing exposure to millions of readers around the world. HFR’s efforts to release annual updates to the Fittest Heads of State list, as well as secure interviews with  U.S. Senators and other influential politicians, has served as a foundation for the institute to lead the way in health and political journalism.

In no particular order, the following list of world leaders have become healthy role models for their citizens. From accomplished athletes to recreational weekend warriors, nutrition enthusiasts to nutrition policymakers, these heads of state are doing their part to lead by example in the quest for a stronger, healthier global community.

Due to recent political changes in Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Liberia, we are still researching 3 candidates that may be eligible for the list. Austria’s Sebastian Kurz, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, and Liberia’s George Weah.

 Criteria for the Fittest Heads of State:

For each country, the two leading figureheads are eligible for the list. For example: Australia and Canada have their Prime Ministers on this list even though Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.

Have to be healthy and fit personally.

Should promote healthy lifestyle globally.

Physical fitness relative to age has been taken into consideration.

Emmanuel Macron, 39- President of France

French President Emmanuel Macron is very active in his free time. He enjoys playing tennis and going on bike rides with his wife and kids, when he often gets snapped by the paparazzi. He trains with former professional tennis player Patrice Kuchna, who calls Macron an accomplished, agile athlete who enjoys training and improving. President Macron is also an avid football (soccer) player, previously licensed by the French Federation of Football while at University. Macron also enjoys running and goes skiing regularly in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Becic: “Bienvenu to the list! President Macron’s healthy lifestyle is admirable and deserving of his spot on this list of the fittest heads of state, and not only because he cut off circulation to President Trump’s hand during their handshake showdown

What a fit and dynamic leader France has!”

King Felipe VI, 49 – King of Spain

King Felipe VI is not only active, but very well disciplined. He graduated from two military schools and one air force academy. He is also a sports enthusiast and was a member of the 1992 Olympic Sailing team in Barcelona. He participated as Spain’s flag bearer in the Parade of the Nations during the opening ceremony, where he came in sixth place and was awarded an Olympic Diploma. King Felipe VI has been very active on HFR’s lists, making the lists of Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “King Felipe is the epitome of a strong and healthy leader. Spain needs his never-ending energy now more than ever. He is a fit gentleman with a clear vision for the future of his country. Spain is lucky to have such a fit Monarch, ¡Viva España!”

Justin Trudeau, 45 – Prime Minister Canada

Just because Trudeau is a prime minister doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time to work out. During his campaign, he worked out and trained every day. He is so passionate about boxing that he reached the top of the 853-metre Grouse Grind 36 minutes faster than the average 90-minute strive that most people achieve. He believes that “boxing is as much about receiving hits as giving them.” But he isn’t just about boxing, he also likes to get outside and snowboard or go canoeing. He’s also been known to practice yoga – even during cabinet meetings! Trudeau does it all: he promoted the 2016 Invictus Games, and challenged Barack and Michelle Obama and the Kensington Palace to “bring it.” He also ran a morning 5k with members of the Canadian Royal Navy just this last March. Trudeau made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Fit, dynamic, confident, and knows how to box! Canada’s Prime Minister represents his country in the best light possible! I’m sure he is an inspiration to millions of young Canadians who can see that being healthy and fit is paramount to success in life.”

Angela Merkel, 63 – Chancellor of Germany

Chancellor Angela Merkel ditched her usual snack of sausage sandwiches and biscuits and replaced them with raw carrots and red and green peppers under a “strict new slimming regime.” The politician has been reported to have lost over 30 pounds with her new healthier diet following her cross country skiing accident in 2013, which led her to being wheelchair bound. Friends are saying that she eats much more fruit than before, and has a much more “impressive strength of will.” She’s also created herself a new reputation with British media of being “much more fresh and sporty.” Merkel made HFR’s list of The Fittest Heads of State 2017.

Becic: “Bundeskanzelerin Merkel is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Since adopting a new healthy lifestyle, she is more dynamic than ever before. She is an admirable woman with enormous leadership, courage and wisdom. Clearly, healthy lifestyle works well for her!”

Henri, 62 – Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri is one of the world’s fittest heads of state. He is involved in many health and fitness organizations, among them being a member of the International Olympic Committee and a member of the World Health Organization’s Mentor Foundation. To aid Henri with his genetic maladies, he makes sure to live a healthy lifestyle filled with plenty of exercise. Henri has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State, Fittest European Royals, and Fittest European Heads of State.

Becic: “I have some inside information which proves the point that Grand Duke Henri has always been physically active and sporty, even in his younger years. I’ve been told that he used to run and swim during family gatherings while everyone else was relaxing and enjoying food and drinks. He is just as deserving to be on this year’s list as he was the past four years!”

Khaltmaagiin Battulga, 54 – President of Mongolia

Khaltmaagiin Battulga is a Mongolian politician who has served as the President of Mongolia since July 10, 2017. He was previously the Member of the State Great Khural from 2004 to 2016, and acted as Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008 to 2012. Battulga made history winning the 2017 presidential election with a 50.6% run off. Not only is Battulga outstanding in his career, but he is also a phenomenal athlete. He won the wrestling world cup championship in Ulaanbaatar in 1989, which led to his award as Merited Sportsman of Mongolia in 1995. He was later selected as the Chairman of Mongolian Judo Federation in 2006. Under Battulga’s leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic champions for the first time in history. Because of Battulga’s success, judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.

Becic: “Welcome to the list! I cannot tell you how impressive President Battulga’s athletic history and achievements are. Another notoriously athletic leader from Mongolia was Genghis Khan

”  

Malcolm Turnbull, 63 – Prime Minister Australia

Running a country is a hard enough job, but Malcolm Turnbull manages to do it while staying fit. Turner took his previous weight issues into his own hands and changed his dietary habits to lose a whopping 14 kg (31 lbs.) in 2012! His secret to his new figure was “to eat less, I ate a lot less for a month and lost a lot of weight pretty quickly.” Turnbull reported that his weight loss secret “may seem like a penetrating glimpse of the obvious, but it is an insight that most of us ignore because it is too painful.” He is using his newfound energy to paddle on kayaks and ride bikes in Sydney, as well as going to pilates classes with his wife, Lucy. Turner claimed that his two best tips for staying fit and healthy is to “exercise everyday and get your sleep.” Turnbull also made HFR’s lists for Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016 and 2017.

Becic: “I am used to seeing Australians choosing leaders that are healthy and fit. This notion supports the image that Australians have as being a fit nation. Prime Minister Turnbull is a testament to that. Bravo, Australia!”

Vladimir Putin, 65 – President of Russia

Vladimir Putin isn’t just the President of Russia, but also one of the fittest presidents in the world. He works out seven days a week, which consists of going to the gym and then swimming. He claims that swimming is where he “gets much of Russia’s thinking done.” Putin has been practicing martial arts since he was 13 and has his judo black belt. He says that martial arts is a “good way of building up adrenaline and taking out aggression.” Putin also took up the sport of hockey when he turned 60, and says that “the other players don’t take it easy on him.” Putin does not engage in the use of alcohol, unless it’s at a formal reception. President Putin has also made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “President Putin has been on this list since its inception. Being an athlete his whole life definitely shows in his work ethic. No doubt, he is one of the physically fittest leaders in the world who also tirelessly promotes fitness within his country! He is one of the best promoters of physical fitness in the world, not just among the heads of state.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, 68 – Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel, and also serves as a member of the Knesset and Chairman of the Likud party. He is known for his healthy lifestyle in his country, and his doctor reported Netanyahu’s health to be “excellent” and that “he maintains a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits.” Between eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and going on weekly jogs and walks, Netanyahu managed to lose 11 pounds. He is also known for snacking on lettuce and carrot sticks during meetings. He has made HFR’s lists of The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is known for emphasizing healthy lifestyle in his cabinet. His health minister Litzman spoke out against McDonald’s, and the Education Ministry banned the sale of sugary drinks and certain unhealthy snacks in schools in 2016. Bravo, Israel!”

Mauricio Macri, 58 – President of Argentina

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, can thank fitness for meeting his wife. In fact, he met her while working out at the prestigious gym Barrio Parque. At the time, his trainer had another client, Juliana Awada, and the two met through their mutual trainer before eventually getting married. He also owes his fitness to his wife, since he claimed her as sexually “insatiable,” and very active. But Macri can’t owe all of his fitness success to his wife, he also was the team president for Division 1 Argentinian soccer team Boca Juniors for 12 years. He is also promoting biking as a form of both healthy lifestyle and public transportation. He believes so much in it that he endorsed a Mejor en Bici (“Better on Bike”) campaign in 2011 and is always spotted riding bikes in other countries.  President Macri made HFR’s 2017 list of Fittest Heads of States.

Becic: “President Macri and his wife Juliana are the definition of a fit power couple. It is easier to be fit when your spouse supports and participates in the same healthy habits. They are the President and First Lady of the 21st century!”

Enrique Peña Nieto, 51 – President of Mexico

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is a huge promoter of fitness, constantly pushing citizens to exercise, even if it’s just for an hour-long walk. He declared that “health is a government priority,” and he inaugurated the San Pablo del Monte General Hospital. He has put major emphasis on making health services available nationwide, and claims that “it is essential to have health.” Regarding his own health and fitness levels, Peña Nieto ran a 10k to help promote Mexico’s health and fitness. He also made our lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015, and 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State.

Becic: “Mexico is one of the fattest countries in the world and having a fit President is enormously important to combating obesity. President Peña Nieto is a great example to young Mexicans because he participates in runs and public health events. Through his actions, he directly promotes healthy lifestyle in Mexico!”

Abdullah II, 54 – King of Jordan

One of the top priorities for Jordan’s King Abdullah II is the health and welfare of his country. He believes that engaging in physical activity will improve one’s self-esteem, value and skill. In fact, he feels fitness is so important that he awards students who prioritize fitness and education as a part of their daily lives. Abdullah II enjoys activities like skydiving and scuba diving, and he loves meeting up for soccer matches. He also has made HFR’s lists for The Fittest Heads of State 2017, Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2016, and Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015.

Becic: “King Abdullah is regularly featured on our lists and stands out among Arab heads of state in terms of physical fitness and health. His determination is making Jordan, which is a small country, a powerhouse. His wife, Queen Rania is also supremely fit and both of them made the Fittest Royals list. Together, they are excellent role models to Jordanian families.”

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 63 – President of Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the current President of Turkey, and has previously served as Prime Minister of Turkey and as Mayor of Istanbul. Erdoğan played football for Kasımpaşa, a Turkish semi-professional football club located in Istanbul. Home games for the team are played in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, an honorary title for Erdoğan. He is quite the crafty football player, known for his impressive hat trick in a game prior to the presidential elections. Ufuk Ceylan, who was the goalkeeper of the game, said that Erdoğan “scored one classy goal after another.” He was given a reception at the stadium, which featured fans holding up signs that said “as long as you live, Turkey will remain the champion.” Hats off to you, Erdoğan!

Becic: “It was a positive surprise to see Erdoğan give the Serbian President Vucic a bicycle and chessboard as a gift. You couldn’t find two better gifts that promote healthy lifestyle! I wish that every leader in the world would exercise more because it can help decrease the enormous amount of stress that comes with the position.”

Honorable Mentions:

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, 91, is the longest serving monarch in British history, recently hitting her 65th year. She’s staying healthy by eating one of her favorite meals, grilled or poached fish with vegetables and salad. Her former chef says that “she’s very disciplined. She could have anything she wants, but it is that discipline that keeps her so well and so healthy.”

Becic: “I have read so much about HM Queen Elizabeth II and have a tremendous amount of respect for her never-ending energy and as a woman who positively changed the world. Long live the Queen!”

Pope Francis

Pope Francis inspires us to use our spiritual health to improve our overall health and fitness. Pope Francis has made such a positive impact in the world, especially for only a short three years as Pope. In such a small amount of time, he has inspired us to not only cut back on the pasta and sweets, but walk more and get more active so we can lose 60 pounds like he did!

  Becic: “Pope Francis, to me, is a positive surprise! I admire his vision, heart and wisdom. You Rock Papa!”

[Read More ...] http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fittest-heads-state-world-2018/