Author: Amber

4 min read

Travel Tips

What Does Reef Safe Sunscreen Mean?

Amber

July 27, 2019 9:55 pm July 27, 2019

4 min read

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4 min read

When planing your next adventure you might see some beaches that say reef safe sunscreen only. What does reef safe sunscreen mean? Is our sunscreen bad for the reefs? Sunscreen…

When planing your next adventure you might see some beaches that say reef safe sunscreen only. What does reef safe sunscreen mean? Is our sunscreen bad for the reefs?

Sunscreen Ban: What you need to know

Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of certain type of sunscreen that hurt the coral reefs. The new law is effective January 2021 but I didn’t even realize that our sunscreen is hurting the reefs. There is no need to wait until then to start doing our part.

Other popular tourists destinations have also created a ban including: Key West, FL; The Caribbean Island of Bonaire, Palau, and may other place are jumping on board to keep our reefs safe.

You will probably want to bring your own reef safe sunscreen with you because it will be overpriced if you with to purchase at your resort or destination.

Why is our Sunscreen Bad for The Coral Reefs?

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the ingredients found in most sunscreens that are getting into our oceans and causing bleaching of the coral reefs. When the corals get bleached they it becomes very easy for them to get diseased and die.

You may think that your sunscreen is safe but some major brands such Tropicana, Bannana Boat and Coppertone can contain theses ingredients. The National Park Service States:

“We may not realize that the products covering our skin wash off when we enter the water, and it adds up! Research tells us that 4,000 to 6,000 TONS of sunscreen enters reef areas annually. This does not spread out rapidly or evenly over the entire ocean, but concentrates on popular tourist sites. It is estimated that 90% of snorkeling/diving tourists are concentrated on 10% of the world’s reefs. “

I had no idea that so much sunscreen was harming the reefs! So what can we do to help save the reefs? What sunscreens are safe for our oceans?

What to look for when buying Reef Safe Sunscreen

When you are shopping for sunscreen you will want to look for the following things:

#1 Make sure that they don’t have oxybenzone and octinoxate in the ingredients.

#2 Look for the term “non-nano” which means that particles in the sunscreen are above 100 nanometers in size so that they can’t enter into the corals.

#3 Mineral based sunscreen with the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral based sunscreen will still help you from getting burnt but these ingredients don’t harm the reefs.

#4 Reef-safe labels. Now that people are aware of the harmful effects more sunscreen manufactures are making specific reef safe sunscreen.

Here is a list of some popular some reef-safe options for your next adventure.

I know that I am going to be getting some for my next tropical adventure. Lets work together to do our part and keep our oceans safe.

“Dear ocean, Thank you for making us feel tiny, humble, inspired, and salty… all at once.” — Unknown

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you purchase through my links. I only recommend things that I truly love. This helps me to keep my blog updated and free for all my readers. Thank you all so much!

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2 min read

Travel Inspiration

Adventure Captions for Instagram: 10 Best Quotes for Instagram

Amber

July 16, 2019 12:00 am July 16, 2019

2 min read

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2 min read

The next time that you have fun adventure photos to add to instagram you can make the most of your instagram post by using these 10 adventure captions for instagram….

The next time that you have fun adventure photos to add to instagram you can make the most of your instagram post by using these 10 adventure captions for instagram. When posting to instagram sometimes it can be hard to know just how to put your feelings into words to connect with your audience.

I went through hundreds of quotes about adventure and exploration and picked my top 10 favorites. I would suggest using them as a starter and add a little story about you or your adventure so that your readers can understand more about your adventure.

I am going to add in my favorite emojis to the quotes as well. Feel free to just copy and paste the quotes and emojis to your instagram or just use them to get inspired. Whatever works best for your specific post.

1. Seek Adventure. Ride New Waves 🌊🏄‍♂️🌴

2. Choose Adventure Always ✈️🌎🌟

3. Adventure Makes My Heart Smile 💙🐠😊

adventure makes my heart smile quote for instagram

4. Be you. Do you. For you. 🍹🥥🌴

adventure caption instagram photo be you do you for you

5. Adventure More 🏝️🌅🚁

6. The Ocean Has My Heart 🌊💛🐠

instagram adventure caption the ocean has my heart

7. Paradise is Found 🌴🍍🏖️

8. Ready for Take off…. ✈️🌍🌅

9. Nothing but Blue Skies ⛵☀️🌴

10. Lost in Reality 🚁🗺️🌤️

Most of them are on tropical photos but that is just because I love the sun and the ocean, But you could really use them for any type of instagram adventure post. To travel is to live life and to go on an adventure is to really get lost in reality. A bit of adventure is always important in life.

I hope that these adventure captions for instagram will be useful to creating your post. There is nothing greater than getting to travel and experience new adventures. Live your life, go out there and explore, and share your adventures with others.

– Don’t ask for security, ask for adventure. Better to live 30 years full of adventure than a 100 years safe – Jim Rohn

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2 min read

hawaii islands

Aloha Meaning – What Does Aloha Mean in Hawaii?

Amber

July 14, 2019 1:43 pm July 14, 2019

2 min read

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2 min read

The word aloha is something that many people have heard and associate with Hawaii. If you asked someone “what does aloha mean?” they would probably tell you that it means…

The word aloha is something that many people have heard and associate with Hawaii. If you asked someone “what does aloha mean?” they would probably tell you that it means “hello” or “goodbye” but the true meaning of “Aloha” is much deeper.

To comprehend the real essence of the aloha meaning you have to understand that aloha isn’t something that can be defined. It is more of a connection and presence than it is a word. Aloha is a a way of being and it is a way of life.

Aloha is a hawaiian word that translates in to english as “the presence of divine breath”. The word Aloha is actually made up of 2 words. The word (Alo) meaning presence or front and face and (ha) meaning breath. While this translation might be helpful it doesn’t explain the true spirt of Aloha.

Aloha is a way of being, love, peace, compassion, and mutual respect. Aloha is to live in balance, and harmony with the earth and people around you. It is joining with the spirt of people that surround you, offering mercy, sympathy, grace and kindness. It is caring for yourself and others.

It is often used a greeting since it represents affection and mutual respect. The aloha spirt is about giving and receiving and leaving people whole. The more you put in the more you receive. It is the spirit that is in the core of each of us and connects us to the divine and each other.

Living Aloha is:

Akahi- kindness to be expressed with tenderness
Lokahi- unity to be expressed with harmony
Oluolu- agreeable to be expressed with pleasantness
Haahaa- humility to be expressed with modesty
Ahonui- patience to be expressed with perseverance

Aloha is so powerful that we can’t fully understand its significance. When traveling to Hawaii visitors are treated with the spirt of aloha. It is a strong presence and one of the reasons that visiting hawaii is such an amazing experience.

The great thing about the spirit of aloha is that you don’t have to travel to Hawaii to experience the gift. You can embrace the spirt of aloha in your own live and share it with others. Lets live in the spirt of aloha starting now…. Live Aloha.

“Aloha to learn what is not said, to see what cannot be seen & to know the unknowable.” -Queen Lili’uokalani

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4 min read

Travel Tips

Bonfire Beaches in Los Angeles: Top 5 LA Beaches With Fire Pits

Amber

September 9, 2018 4:10 pm September 9, 2018

4 min read

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4 min read

Want to do something different than the regular LA stuff? Sometimes it fun to just have a quiet warm evening chatting with your friends and family. One of the best…

Want to do something different than the regular LA stuff? Sometimes it fun to just have a quiet warm evening chatting with your friends and family. One of the best way to get out and make some memories together is to have a bonfire on the beach.

There are certain beaches in Los Angeles that allow bonfires and even have fire pits set up for you to enjoy.

Planing Your Bonfire Tips

Arrive Early

There are only so many fire pits available on the beaches. You should get there as early as possible so that you can save your fire pit. Many people even get there in the morning, spend the entire day at the beach, and then they already have their spot saved for their bonfire.

Stay Warm

At night it is cold and windy on the beach. Even though you will be by a hot fire you will want to bring a jacket, or blankets.

Do Something Special

To make your bonfire even more fun plan something special. Maybe bring stuff for roasting smores, food, or some games.

Packing for the Bonfire

The best way to have the perfect fire is to make sure that you will have everything that you need. Also some of the beach parking rules don’t let you leave and come back. So you will want to make you you don’t forget anything. Here is a list of exactly what you should bring.

Fire Wood
Starter Wood
Matches
Newspaper
Blankets (some to sit on and some to wrap up in)
Flashlight
Stuff for Smores
Chairs (camp table)
Cooler full of Drinks and Snacks
Napkins or wet wipes
Cash or Credit Card for Parking Fees

Beach Bonfire Rules

Pick up your trash
Don’t use sand to put out the fire (use water to put out fires)
Bring your own fire wood (you can’t take wood from the beach)
Any grills or barbecues must fit inside the fire pit (2″ wide)

Bonfire Beaches Los Angeles:

Leo Carrillo State Park – Malibu, CA

Beach: Leo Carrilo State Park

Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

More info: This is one of the only beaches that is dog friendly but requires a leash. Beach offers swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. Also has tidepools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring, and hiking trails.

Dockweiler Beach – Playa de Rey, CA

Beach: Dockweiler State Beach

Address: 12001 Vista del Mar Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Fire Pits: 40 fire pits – first come first serve

More info: Dockweiler has volleyball courts, hangliding, and surf fishing. No dogs are allowed. It is located underneath the path of LAX take off so the planes overhead can get noisy.

Huntington State Beach – Huntington Beach, CA

Beach: Huntington State Beach

Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646

More info: No alcohol, glass, dogs, smoking. Over 200 fire rings (first come – first serve basis) There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a multi-use trail. A popular spot for swimming, surfing, fishing and birdwatching.

Point Mugu State Beach – Malibu, CA

Beach: Point Mugu State Beach

Address: 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

More info: There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. Located in the Santa Monica mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline, with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands.

Cabrillo Beach – San Pedro, CA

Beach: Cabrillo Beach

Address: 3720 Stephen M White Drive San Pedro, CA 90731

More info: The Mile-long Cabrillo Beach is popular for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and volleyball. The beach also has Picnic tables, a snack bar and a playground. Dogs on a leash are allowed.

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3 min read

Travel Tips

The Ultimate Snowboard Trip Packing List: Ski and Snowboarding Essentials

Amber

September 9, 2018 1:24 am September 9, 2018

3 min read

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3 min read

Your first time snowboarding or skiing can be exciting but a little scary at the same time. Since you don’t know what to expect then you have no idea what…

Your first time snowboarding or skiing can be exciting but a little scary at the same time. Since you don’t know what to expect then you have no idea what you should pack.

Making sure that you have everything that you need will make your trip even more exciting. Here is a complete snowboard trip packing list to make sure that you will be prepared.

Jacket

Since you are going to be in the cold snow you must make sure that you stay warm and dry. You should try to find a waterproof and insulated ski jacket.

Waterproof Ski Pants

You will also need some waterproof snow pants. Invest in some good comfortable ones that will last you awhile.

Snowboard

If it is your first time snowboarding you might not be ready to invest in a snowboard. Fortunately, most ski lodges offer rental equipment so that you don’t have to purchase your boots, ski, and snowboard.

If you do decide to purchase a snowboard for the trip don’t forget to get a snowboard bag and lock.

Gloves

You will want to make sure that your hands stay warm in the icy cold mountain air. Make sure you invest in some quality waterproof snow gloves or mittens. Either will work, just make sure that they say waterproof before you purchase.

Sweaters & Jackets

When you are hanging out at the lodge after your done skiing you will want to have sweatshirts or jackets to stay warm in. Since most ski coats are bulky and it might be dirty or wet from wearing it all day you will want to have backup options for keeping warm.

Warm Hat

Find a warm snow hat. There are a ton of different styles and colors just find something that is comfortable and covers your ears and forehead to keep you warm.

Base Layer

When you are spending the day skiing down the slopes you can get cold and wet fast. That is why you should alway have a thermal base layer. You can wear this base layer under your regular clothes and put your ski clothes over, or just the base layer and your ski clothes.

Snow Boots

Since ski and snowboard boots are very uncomfortable to walk around in, you will need some snow boots. Find a pair that is comfortable so your feet will stay dry even when you are off the mountain.

Water Proof Socks

Most ski shops carry ski/snowboard socks. They are a bit different from traditional socks since they are very insulated and made of a water proof material. They are also taller. Most ski socks cover your feet and your calf’s.

Sunglasses

When the sun comes out you will want to make sure that you have sunglasses. Not only are they good for protecting your eyes against the sunlight. The sunglasses also help to keep your eyes dry from moisture in the air and keep them warm so that you don’t have cold windy air blowing right in your eyes when you are skiing down the hill.

Sunscreen

This is another must have for a day on the slopes. This is also something that many people tend to think that they don’t need. It’s actually easier to get a sunburn in the snow since the sunlight reflects off the white snow and bounces right on your face.

You will want to apply it before you start snowboarding even if the suns not out yet. Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean you aren’t going to get burned.

Chapstick

Nothing makes your lips dryer than cold air and wind. You should bring some good quality chapstick and keep it in your ski jacket pocket so that you can reapply it all day.

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