Consumer complaints are common, but there are certain techniques and tools you can use to have your problem solved.

By Josie Rubio

Consumer complaints are more numerous these days. Why? “Customer service has become less capable of dealing with people’s problems, by and large,” says Ron Burley, author of Unscrewed: The Consumer’s Guide to Getting What You Paid For (Ten Speed Press, 2006). “But the Internet and other technologies have allowed consumers to have a greater voice and become more proactive in voicing their complaints.”

Here’s how to get the vindication you seek.

1. Leverage the power you have as a paying customer.

Burley says, “Most of us feel powerless, but we actually are in that moment powerful.” Poor customer service costs enterprises $83 billion a year and 71 percent of consumers have at some point blackballed a business for bad service. Whether you’re dealing with a small brick-and-mortar store or a giant corporation, no one wants to lose money.

Don’t say you’ll never do business with the company again. “If you say, ‘I’ll never shop with you again,’ what incentive do they have to make you happy?” says attorney Janet Rubel, author of 101+ Complaint Letters That Get Results (Sphinx Publishing, 2006). Instead, emphasize that you’re a loyal customer. Adds Burley, “You need to tell them: ‘I chose your company, because I believed in you. I still want to believe in you, but you’ve got to take care of me.’ That’s the message that works.”

2. Don’t go public with your complaint too early.

“Don’t go to the Internet first, because then you’ve already done some damage,” Burley says. There is less incentive for a company to resolve an issue with a customer who’s already posted negative comments on sites such as Amazon.com or Yelp. Instead, calmly let the company know that if the problem is not resolved, you are willing to share your story.

3. Don’t yell, make threats, or get personal.

“You lose all your leverage when you yell,” Burley says. “It allows you to be dismissed as a crazy person.” If you absolutely have to, write the letter full of expletives, but don’t send it, says Rubel. Then write a short, businesslike letter to send, stating the problem matter-of-factly and how you would like it resolved.

Do you want a refund, a replacement, a repair, an extended warranty or simply an apology? Identify those elements in the first two paragraphs. The third paragraph is a simple, “Thank you for your help, I look forward to hearing from you, and enclosed are supporting documents.” Rubel says, “Be polite. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, as my grandmother would say.”

4. Be persistent.

Dealing with automated phone systems and anonymous email can make you feel like the protagonist of a Kafka novel. “You have to be aggressive about pursuing your rights and remember the company strategy is often to exhaust you, frustrate you and make you give up,” Rubel says.

A typical customer-service issue shouldn’t take longer than a week to resolve. “Sometimes the [company’s] strategy is to let the clock run out,” Rubel says. In the case of something urgent, like a health matter, she says, “Keep going up the chain of command, because you don’t have the luxury of time.” If customer service cannot fix your problem, Burley recommends calling the sales number to speak to an employee who’s more invested in the happiness of the company’s customers.

Another technique calls for buying a few shares of stock, thus entitling you to attend the annual corporate meeting and tell your story. “Now you can call investor relations and say I don’t think we should be treating our customers this way,” Burley says.

Rubel says faxing a letter or sending to an executive response team, which most large companies have, also can be effective. It’s also OK to send an email, though she recommends following up with a phone call, since messages may be filtered out as spam. She adds, “If you can get hold of the right team, you have a pretty good chance of getting things resolved. Or at least getting an answer quickly.”

Photo credit: Robyn Neild

Relationship expert Kathryn Alice shares her advice for dating over 40.

By Victoria Clayton

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we decided to ask Los Angeles-based relationship pro Kathryn Alice, author of Love Will Find You (Da Capo, 2007), for some insight into dating for grownups.

VIV: OK, let’s jump right in. Why does it seem difficult to meet suitable partners now that we’re 40-plus?
Kathryn Alice: You’re no longer thrown together with a huge pool of single people without obligations and baggage like you probably were in high school, college or young adulthood. Dating as a younger person always seems easier, yet the truth is, it isn’t terribly effective. Very few people meet their life partners in high school or college. I think dating after 40 can be easier … you know more about yourself and what works for you.

VIV: You give workshops and seminars all over the world about love and dating. What do your clients tell you about online dating, matchmaking and speed dating?
KA: Most people tell me that none of it works really well. In fact, I call these methods the slow route to meeting someone suitable.

VIV: Speed dating is slow?
KA: Well, yes. Whether it’s speed dating, online dating or matchmaking, the trouble is there’s no context for your relationship and no emotional bond. It’s much faster to meet someone through an activity you enjoy or at a class. Online dating can be particularly time-consuming because it takes a lot to weed out candidates. Sometimes, too, people get the wrong types responding to their profile or they get very little response and take it as a sign that they’re not loveable. I always advise introverts in particular to stay away from online dating. It’s very extroverted. If you’re an introvert, a matchmaker will be better because they do most of the weeding out.

VIV: Yet the title of your book is Love Will Find You. Does this mean that looking for love – even in the right places – is wrong?
KA: Sort of. Actually, the most value I see in dating services is that once people try all of them, they get really discouraged and give up. That’s often when they meet the right person.

VIV: Really? So maybe it would be more cost- and time-efficient to just start by giving up?
KA: Yes! But I should explain. Often people put far too much emphasis on meeting a suitable partner. They become obsessed with going out with people they meet online. When I speak with people who feel they’ve met their soul mate, most tell me that they never predicted they’d meet him where they did. The person just showed up. They found love right in front of them, so to speak. In general, if the energy is right and you seem open and look interesting, you’ll attract somebody who is right for you. Those other methods work sometimes too, but I still believe the majority of people discover love when they aren’t looking for it. Love is organic. You can’t plan your love life the way you map out your career. It just doesn’t work that way.

VIV: In a certain light, that’s a bit depressing. What about a really proactive person? Isn’t there anything she can do?
KA: If you really need to feel as if you’re doing something, get busy with friends. You should go to events, take a class or join some kind of group. But it has to be something that truly interests you. When you relax and have fun and you’re thrown together for a period of time, there’s more chance for emotional bonding.

VIV: We like to make lists. Is a list of all the traits our prospective mate should have as worthless as a dating service?
KA: I love lists! In fact, I always have my clients make a list of their ideal traits. I even tell them to ask for what’s on their list or something better. Without a mental or physical list of what works for you and what you’re really looking for, I really worry that women aim too low. Some very incredible women will just date any warm body. That’s certainly not good enough. OK, but here’s the twist: make your list and then put it away. Don’t take it too seriously. Don’t allow your list to make you so judgmental that you’re not giving anyone a chance. Like if you have on your list that you want someone without much chest hair and yet you meet a great guy with a hairy chest, don’t rule him out.

VIV: Any other advice, besides being open minded about body hair?
KA: Too often when someone is attracted to another person, they tend to avoid that person. It’s the one guy in the room they don’t talk to and they don’t make eye contact with. This isn’t what I mean when I say give up on finding somebody. If you feel attracted to someone or you find someone interesting, at least smile and make eye contact. This will definitely increase the odds that you’ll meet more potential partners.

Now, your turn to answer questions: What are your favorite places to meet potential matches?  Do you ever date people you meet at the gym, a bar or work — or do you avoid these dating pools like the plague?

Photo credit: Courtesy Kathryn Alice

"Food Journeys of a Lifetime" explores culinary excursions worldwide. Here, a private dining pavilion suspended over the Indian Ocean at Le Saint Géran Hotel in Mauritius.

By Josie Rubio

Whether you’re a globetrotter or simply an armchair traveler, these books will guide you through historical, gastronomical and literary journeys to fascinating places. Three owners of travel bookstores name a few of their all-time favorite reads for vacation inspiration and more.

Best for Inspiration
Earthbound: A Rough Guide to the World in Pictures (Rough Guides, 2009)

THE PREMISE Culled from the Rough Guides’ image library, this collection of more than 250 photographs includes breathtaking views of Greece’s Shipwreck Bay and Costa Rica’s Irazú Volcano National Park, as well as awe-inspiring shots of architecture and people from around the globe. Each entry comes with longitude/latitude coordinates so you can look up the exact photo locale on Google Maps.

INSIDER’S TAKE “This beautiful book is simply packed with photos from around the globe, all of them stunning and guaranteed to make you want to buy a plane ticket now. Though many books can claim that, Earthbound stands out because of the short essays from local writers and correspondents that capture the essence of each place.” — Susan Hickman, co-owner of Distant Lands — A Traveler’s Bookstore & Outfitter, Pasadena, CA

Best for Unique Experiences
World Heritage Sites: A Complete Guide to 878 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Firefly Books, 2010) Foreword by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura

THE PREMISE The half-century-old World Heritage project of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization spans 148 countries and recognizes 890 special sites — from well-known landmarks such as the Acropolis to lesser-known gems such as the Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia. This volume contains photos and information on each unique location.

INSIDER’S TAKE “This was a sleeper bestseller at the Globe Corner, which certainly caught our book buyer (me) by surprise. The first week the book arrived, two customers got in an argument over who was going to get to buy the last copy! This is a terrific resource for any traveler to have at hand as they plan their next trip.” — Pat Carrier, owner of The Globe Corner Bookstores in Cambridge, MA

Best for Gourmands
Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Places to Eat Around the Globe (National Geographic, 2009)

THE PREMISE National Geographic transports foodies to markets, fishing villages and festivals, as well as five-star restaurants and street carts, with savvy tips and stunning photographs. Mouthwatering top-10 lists include the best places to catch your supper or find culinary surprises and national dishes, including Hungarian goulash and American hamburgers.

INSIDER’S TAKE “For the last couple of years, the travel/food combination has been an explosive trend, with travelers going to great lengths to explore, sample, and appreciate the cuisines of their destinations. As a reference and temptation, Food Journeys of a Lifetime from National Geographic is a stunner. Filled with gorgeous photos of markets, restaurants, typical dishes and more, it may inspire you to plan your next trip entirely around a cuisine, or just help you include the local nosh in your itinerary.” — Susan Hickman, co-owner of Distant Lands — A Traveler’s Bookstore & Outfitter in Pasadena, CA

Best for Trendspotters
Paris Made by Hand: 50 Shops Where Decorators & Stylists Source the Chic & Unique by Pia Jane Bijkerk (Little Bookroom, 2009)

THE PREMISE Acclaimed stylist, photographer and author Bijkerk creates a guide to Parisian shops selling clothing, jewelry, handbags and home objects that are either hand-fashioned or have been reworked into unique pieces.

INSIDER’S TAKE “This latest entry into the ‘shopping in Paris’ category focuses on a trend among the young designers and decorators of Paris: an embracing of an aesthetic called fait main, literally, ‘handmade.’ Stylist Pia Jane Bijkerk has discovered more than 50 places — organized into walks — that embody this style. Some are shops owned by professional chineurs, people who hunt out objects sought by interior decorators, architects and stylists; other places aren’t really shops but primarily studios, where, if you stop by, you can purchase something directly from the artist.” — Pat Carrier, owner of The Globe Corner Bookstores in Cambridge, MA

Best for Bibliophiles
A Writer’s Britain by Margaret Drabble (Thames & Hudson, 2009)

THE PREMISE In this anthology, British novelist Margaret Drabble examines how locale and landscape have influenced literary lions from William Wordsworth to Thomas Hardy.

INSIDER’S TAKE “Everyone who reads books in English knows Britain quite well, even if they’ve never been there. That, of course, is because so much of the literature we read in school — and maybe for pleasure — are imbued with the landscape, history and culture of the writers’ particular corners of Britain. Drabble is an excellent and thoughtful guide to those landscapes (and cityscapes, as well) that have shaped and now evoke so many of the country’s literary classics.” — Susan Hickman, co-owner of Distant Lands — A Traveler’s Bookstore & Outfitter in Pasadena, CA

Best for History Buffs
Baedeker Guides (Leipzig Karl Baedeker, 1837–1960s)

THE PREMISE Karl Baedeker opened a bookshop in Germany in 1827 and started publishing his own guidebooks in 1837. By 1914, the guides — available in German, English and French — covered Europe and North America, as well as North Africa, the Mediterranean and Beijing (in the Russia guide). In fact, the term “Baedeker” often was used instead of “travel guide.” A World War II air raid destroyed Baedeker’s headquarters in 1943, and after a revival spanning several decades, Baedeker eventually was absorbed into other publishing companies.

INSIDER’S TAKE “Baedeker guides were the prototype for the modern travel guide and made it much easier for people to travel on their own. T.E. Lawrence — Lawrence of Arabia — was quoted as saying the two greatest writers in the English language were William Shakespeare and Karl Baedeker.” — Arnold Greenberg, owner of Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore in New York City

Photo credit: National Geographic

Survivor Eloise Caggiano, program director of Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, was told initially that the lump in her breast was nothing to worry about.

By Nicole Gregory

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events take place in nine cities around the United States and raise millions of dollars a year for cancer research and support for women who are diagnosed with disease. (One participant, Deb Wills, of Frederick, MD, has personally raised $300,000 over the last decade and is profiled in the current issue of VIVMag — to read the story, click here.)

The events raise money for breast-cancer programs in the areas in which they are held. Upcoming walks in October will take place in New York City Oct. 15-16, and Charlotte, NC, Oct. 22-23.

Want to participate? Each walk is 39 miles over two days, but no one is forced to finish the course. If you do want to go the distance, Eloise Caggiano, program director for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and six-year breast-cancer survivor, recommends you invest some time beforehand get in distance-walking shape — and prepare yourself for a moving, uplifting experience. Here she shares her personal story:

VIV: How old were you when you were first diagnosed?

ELOISE CAGGIANO: I was 33 years old. I was single, living in New York City and leading an active, fairly healthy lifestyle. I had no family history of the disease, so the diagnosis was an incredible shock. Hearing the words, “You have breast cancer” is truly life-changing, in so many ways.

VIV: Did you have any risk factors?

EC: I did not have any risk factors, which just added to the shock of the diagnosis. There was no family history, I was not overweight, I was always exercising — I had even run two marathons! The one thing I did have was a lump. I found it myself and showed it to my gynecologist. She dismissed it as nothing to worry about but told me to get a sonogram so she could tell if it was filled with fluid, in which case she could simply drain it and it would go away. When I called for a sonogram appointment I learned that I needed my doctor to schedule the appointment for me if I wanted it to happen soon, otherwise the earliest appointment they could offer was not for six months! I left three messages for my doctor, but she never made the appointment for me, so I took the one that was six months down the road. I had the sonogram, as well as a needle biopsy and a mammogram that same day — just to be sure — which resulted in more people telling me that it was nothing to worry about.

But over the six months I had waited, the lump had gotten bigger so it was recommended that I get the lump removed, which was fine with me because I wanted it out! I had never had surgery before so I was nervous, but the lumpectomy went smoothly and I recovered in a few days. It wasn’t until a week or so later when the pathology report came back that everything changed. I’ll never forget being in the doctor’s office and hearing her say, “We thought it was nothing, but you have breast cancer.”

VIV: What did your course of treatment include?

EC: I had a total of five surgeries: two lumpectomies, a mastectomy, and two reconstructive surgeries, plus a sentinel node biopsy where they remove a bunch of lymph nodes to determine if the cancer had spread— thankfully it hadn’t! I also had four months of aggressive chemotherapy. Thankfully, I tolerated the chemo better than I expected —  I had visions of spending a lot of time on my bathroom floor. But it was still no walk in the park.

The side effects from the drugs seemed endless, and were truly exhausting, painful, inconvenient and sometimes just downright weird. But I was so lucky to have great health insurance and access to amazing doctors. Not everyone is so fortunate and that is why I am so proud to be part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer because a good portion of the money raised helps people get the breast cancer care they need, regardless of their ability to pay for it.

VIV: How many walks have you participated in?

EC: Since I joined the Avon Foundation in 2008, I have been to every Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event except one! So that means I’ve been to 32 Avon Walks so far. By the end of 2011, it will be 35 walks!

VIV: What do you enjoy most about the walks?

EC: There are so many things I love about being at the Avon Walk events. First and foremost, it’s all about the people — there is an incredible sense of community and camaraderie among these people who come from all walks of life, from all over the country and are anywhere from 16-85 years old. They might not have much in common in their everyday lives, but for one weekend they are all part of something special. They are all making a difference together, inspiring each other, supporting each other, and definitely having fun together!

As a breast cancer survivor, it is so meaningful for me to meet other survivors, especially those who are 10-, 15- or 25-year survivors! It is so inspiring to meet them and they give me so much hope. And to think that as a six-year survivor myself, I might give some hope and comfort to someone who is newly diagnosed, or a 1- or 2- year survivor — well, that just makes it all worthwhile.

It is also particularly rewarding to meet people who have directly benefited from the programs we fund. I’ve met women who were diagnosed early (and now call themselves survivors!) because they were able to get a mammogram at one of our beneficiary organizations even though they didn’t have health insurance. It’s quite remarkable!

VIV: Should first-timers train for the walk, and if so, can you offer some tips?

EC: Anyone walking in an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer should definitely do some training! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Even our faithful Avon Walk Alumni who have done our walks many times in the past will train before each event.

You might think, “Oh, it’s just walking!” but if you are planning to walk the entire 39.3 mile route, that is a lot of time on your feet. We have training programs you can follow on our website and we conduct training walks leading up to each event (the training walks are also a great way to meet fellow walkers). If you are concerned that you can’t walk that far, don’t worry! The Avon Walk is not a competition and you do not have to walk every single mile; you can walk the distance that is comfortable for you. We provide lots of support along the way, including rest stops and buses for those who are not walking the full distance.

Research has shown that overconsumption of junk food might indicate more than a mere lack of willpower.

By Josie Rubio

Snack-food companies have been teasing consumers for years with advertising slogans such as Pringles’ “Once you pop, you can’t stop.”

But results from an animal study conducted at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, FL, that came out last year suggest there’s more to our junk-food binges than a mere failure of willpower. Overconsumption of junk food created addiction-like changes in lab rats’ brains — similar to what is seen in those addicted to drugs such as nicotine, cocaine and heroin, says Paul Kenny, Ph.D., neuroscientist and study co-author.

One group of rats ate its usual diet of nutritious chow, while a second group had limited access to junk food. The third group got unlimited amounts of high-calorie treats, such as bacon, sausage, cheesecake, poundcake and candy bars. The junk-food group quickly became obese, consuming twice as many calories as the control group.

This behavior was attributed to the overload of the brain’s reward pathways by sugary, fatty foods, says Kenny. “What you’re left with are these hyporesponsive [under-responsive] reward pathways, so you now need the ‘drug’ just to feel normal, if you will,” he says. “We think that’s probably at the heart of drug addiction.”

During the experiment, a light signaled an oncoming unpleasant (but not painful) shock that arrived along with the serving of junk food. While the other two groups of rats stopped eating in anticipation of the shock, the obese rats continued to eat. “They just wanted their cheesecake,” Kenny says. “We were able to trigger the development of this addiction-like, compulsive feeding behavior that was remarkably resistant to anything that was going on in the environment — and that’s basically addiction.”

In fact, Kenny’s all-junk-food rats later showed an aversion to their regular healthy chow, refusing to eat it for several weeks. “The brain had changed how it processes food reward,” Kenny says.

“For humans, foods that are really high in fat and sugar activate that rewards system even more than natural food rewards like broccoli and that sort of thing,” says Joe McClernon, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, who studies drug craving and reward systems to develop smoking cessation and obesity treatments.

Identifying common ground between obesity and addiction research is beneficial to finding treatments, says McClernon. “It opens up new possibilities in terms of treatment options now that we’re starting to study these problems using some of the same tools and techniques.”

Read about the latest findings about junk food and our brains in “Food Addiction: For Real?” in the September/October 2011 issue of VIVmag.

Photo credit: Laura Doss

When exploring the great outdoors, don't forget to pack a few necessities to ensure happy trails.

By Linda Shelton

With summer at its peak, it’s time to trek up those winding trails into the woods for some hiking, campfires and maybe even some lakeside basking in the sun. Though camping means being one with nature, the great outdoors also means harsh ultraviolet rays, pesky bugs and dirt under your fingernails. Here are a few items to pack that will make that scenic hike a little more comfortable.

1. Insect repellent. Wearing insect-repellent clothing is the best way to protect yourself from bothersome bugs. However, you may want to arm yourself with a secondary line of defense by carrying either an organic, DEET-free bug spray or a sunscreen that includes bug-repellent agents.

At the top of the repellent line with these properties is EcoBlends Superior Insect Repellent, made with natural oils. A great sunscreen/insect repellent combo is SPF 30+ California Baby Natural Bug Blend, made with titanium dioxide and infused with herbal bug deterrents citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood.

2. Sunscreen. Even if you’re wearing UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing, don’t leave the sunscreen behind. Soleo Organics, Goddess Garden and California Baby are top rated by the Environmental Working Group, and all contain the minerals zinc or titanium for the best UVA protection — at least SPF 30+ — without the hazard of absorbable chemical ingredients like oxybenzone.

3. On the Trail Wash-up. Use a multipurpose product as a body or hair wash, or for washing dishes, clothes or gear. Citronella Wilderness Wash is biodegradable and paraben-free, and contains citronella and sandalwood essential oils that not only smell good, but also keep bugs at bay.

To become an expert adventurer, check out other hiking essentials in “Be Prepared!” in the July/August 2011 issue of VIVmag!

Photo credit: Courtesy Red Mountain Resort

"The intention of this channel is to bring good energy," says Oprah Winfrey. "I'm trying to please the people who want to hear it."

By Gerri Miller

She has fame, fortune, a hit talk show, global philanthropic efforts, good friends, a longtime beau and now even a long-lost stepsister — you’d think Oprah Winfrey would have more than enough to keep her occupied and fulfilled. So why would the queen of daytime TV want to do something as time-intensive and chancy as launching her own TV network as she prepares to leave the safety net of her syndicated daily show behind?

“Because it’s time to grow into the next phase,” Winfrey responds. “I believed that even if it didn’t work, it was worth the risk.” OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, launched Jan. 1 with more than double the viewership of its previous incarnation as Discovery Health. With a goal of 600 hours of original programming by the end of 2001, future shows will star Suze Orman, VIVmag cover model Lisa Ling, Cat Cora, Sarah Ferguson, the Judds, Rosie O’Donnell and by fall, Winfrey herself in the aptly titled Your Next Chapter. “The word for me is ‘building,’ ” she says. “I’m leveraging what was into what can be.”

She does admit, however to having had fears and concerns about whether viewers would find the channel, and whether it would work overall. But she’s been buoyed by the ratings and message board responses from viewers glad to have something other than bickering Real Housewives to watch. “You can leave the television on all day long and there’s not going to be one thing that causes you not to sleep at night. The intention of this channel is to bring good energy,” says Winfrey, who envisioned “a new kind of television where people would respond to the idea of something meaningful and positive in their lives … something nurturing for their spirit, for their soul, for their mind. I’m not trying to please everybody,” she emphasizes. “I’m trying to please the people who want to hear it.”

While planning a spectacular (and secret) finale for The Oprah Winfrey Show (“The last original will be May 25”), Winfrey is developing future programming for OWN, including a show for avid animal lovers “and a show that takes on parenting in a more interesting, dynamic way.” Since she’ll be spending more time at OWN’s Los Angeles headquarters, she’s thinking about getting a place in town to shorten her commute from her home in Santa Barbara.

As she embarks on this new career chapter, Winfrey has been doing quite a bit of reflection about what she’s learned and what’s important. “I am not enamored or dazzled by this whole idea of fame. I think it’s fun and it’s certainly better to have money than to not. It’s nice to be able to get what you want to get and all that stuff. But money doesn’t do you any good if you can’t use it to bring more love, more understanding, more connection. Otherwise, you know, you just got a closet full of shoes. And after a while, that wears thin.

“Pay attention to your life and most important, pay attention to your mistakes. Your mistakes are only there to teach you,” she continues, underlining that her mission, as she sees it, is to encourage and inspire. “That’s what brings me joy. The whole purpose of having a platform like this is to say to other people, ‘You too. You can.’ ”

Photo credit: Courtesy OWN

Here are the details on planning five remarkable journeys chosen by Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO of  luxury travel website indagare. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure junkie or a culture vulture, one of them will suit you perfectly. Start booking your dream trip today!

Best for Ancient History: Angkor, Cambodia

In the middle of the Cambodian jungle are ancient works of overwhelming beauty. A visit to the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat, the best-preserved of these ruins, feels like a pilgrimage of sorts. The chance to observe the ruins of ancient civilizations allows us to see our own culture and lives in a completely different, and altogether illuminating way.

To see the ruins in the best way possible, base yourself in nearby Siem Reap, which is a short flight from Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Once you are in Siem Reap, hire a knowledgeable guide to explain the significance of the carvings.

“They’re uncovering new ruins all the time,” says Leslie Overton of New York City-based Absolute Travel. “There is something utterly magical about walking along a path through thick vines, then coming to a clearing and seeing an absolutely exquisite temple in the middle of the jungle.”

Start planning: 6 months or more in advance. Remember: the dry season is December to April and you’ll want to schedule visits to the ruins to avoid the heat of midday.

Cost: 3-day Cambodia Weekender Trip (via absoluteasia.com) is approximately $1,225 per person

Best for Natural Wonders: Antarctica

Antarctica is the land of superlatives: the southernmost continent, the coldest (the temperature has been minus 128.56°F) and windiest (gusts have hit 203 mph). It’s quite literally the end of the Earth, where majestic ice fields carve out a landscape that’s pure, otherworldly and hauntingly beautiful.

You can see Adélie penguins diving into the waters on Paulet Island, aircraft-carrier-sized icebergs and other wildlife such as seals.

Start Planning: At least 16 months out. Most Antarctic tours go between November and February.

Cost: National Geographic offers a 15-day cruise adventure from about $10,760 to $20,000. Price varies by dates and occupancy.

Best for Awe-Inspiring Wildlife: South Africa

Views of the continent’s vast plains, colorful skies and majestic wildlife penetrate the soul. You can set up a nine-day journey with And Beyond Africa and see villages and go on game drives near Kruger National Park. We suggest staying at Phinda Lodges — specifically Phinda Rock Lodge and Phinda Vlei Lodge.

Start Planning: 18 months ahead. The best time to go is May through September.

Cost: And Beyond Africa can arrange all varieties of South African adventures for you starting around $1,500.

Best for Dynamic Culture: Beijing

Both contemporary and deeply traditional, the art scene in Beijing is a window into China’s soul. For art and culture aficionados, China’s conversation between old and new makes it one of today’s most intriguing destinations.

Start Planning: 6-8 months ahead. We suggest going in spring or fall because those are the best times, weather-wise.

Cost: Arrange a trip with China Prep. There are different pre-designed trips that roughly start around $7,000 per person.

Best for Wilderness Adventures: Patagonia

This expansive wilderness in southern Argentina and Chile encompasses Andean peaks, glacial lakes and windswept plains. It boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and examples of raw, unspoiled nature. We recommend learning some Spanish beforehand.

Start Planning: One year in advance. Keep in mind that November to March are the best months to go.

Cost: Askari Travel‘s 15-night trip starts around $8,250 per person.

Cindy Crawford joined dozens of celebrities working the phone lines at Stand Up To Cancer.

By Gerri Miller

It’s no surprise that celebrities turned out en masse for the recent multi-network Stand Up To Cancer telethon to raise funds for research. Like most of us, they either know someone who’s battled the disease or have survived it themselves.

“My mom’s a survivor. My father had colon cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer about three years ago,” says ice skater Dorothy Hamill. “I feel an obligation to help raise awareness. It’s really important because cancer doesn’t care who you are or how much money you have. It affects all of us.”

Hamill stressed the importance of early detection. “I was really lucky to be the beneficiary of all the research and studies so my treatment wasn’t as radical as it could have been. So don’t let those little lumps and bumps go.”

Marissa Jaret Winokur of the upcoming daytime talk show The Talk, a 10-year cervical cancer survivor, echoed that advice. “Go to your doctor. Get your mammogram and colonoscopy. Get your checkup. Get your Pap smear. Early detection is the only cure,” says Winokur, who had her son, Zev, via surrogate two years ago.

Mehmet Oz, M.D., who revealed his close call with colon cancer on the season two premiere of The Dr. Oz Show, is living proof that even healthy people aren’t immune. “Someone like me with no family history, I’ve stayed thin my whole life, I eat the right things, I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. If I can have a colon polyp you can too,” he warns.

“It used to be you couldn’t mention the word ‘cancer.’ People would keep it a secret. I think that’s pretty much changed,” notes supermodel Cindy Crawford, who lost her brother to leukemia 34 years ago when she was 10. “The type of lymphoma he died from is now 90 percent curable, but there are costs to that cure. A lot of the kids are sterile. It’s a great step but the next step is cure with no cost,” she says.

Like most attendees, My Big Fat Greek Wedding actor Nia Vardalos wore a Stand Up To Cancer T-shirt, but hers had the names Christina and Maria added. “They did not make it,” Vardalos said of her friend and aunt, whose deaths have made her even more vigilant. “You have to screen yourself. You have to wear sunscreen. I do it all. And I’m always looking at my friends: ‘That mole, get that checked.’ ”

Similarly, CSI: Miami’s Eva LaRue, whose mother and good friend had cancer, believes “you have to be your own personal health-care advocate. We all know when something is not quite right with us and yet we’re so busy we put it off. But if you don’t make time and get it checked out it can mean the difference between stage 1 and stage 4.”

If you missed any of the telethon or want to watch it again, you can see it online and donate at www.su2c.org/2010show.

For more ways to get involved, check out “The Media Have the Message: Fight Breast Cancer” in VIVmag‘s September/October issue.

Has cancer touched your life? Tell us your story.

Photo credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Seeing a screen saver of your best vacation photo can help you get through the work day.

By Polly Brewster

If you’re dreading the transition from relaxing vacation to stressful workweek, try these tips for beating your back-to-the-office blues.

1. Return with New, Happy Memories
At the end of your vacation, “create a screen saver of the best photo,” says Mary Cantando, author of The Woman’s Advantage: 20 Women Entrepreneurs Show You What It Takes to Grow Your Business (Kaplan Business, 2006). “Seeing that photo from time to time will re-energize you.”

2. Get Your Concentration Back
“A very simple exercise is to try reading upside down,” says Carol Vorderman, author of Super Brain: 100 Easy Ways to a More Agile Mind (Gotham, 2007). “Take your morning newspaper, turn it upside down and start to read. You’ll find that your brain is going to have to focus. It’s a peculiarly rigorous exercise.”

3. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Don’t allow the summer to be the sole time you take off and enjoy yourself. “Three-day weekends, weeklong vacations at home, destination vacations and even a sabbatical should all be a part of your rest and relaxation repertoire,” says Valorie Burton, author of How Did I Get So Busy? (WaterBrook Press, 2007).

What helps you get back into the groove after vacation?