Pet travel can be expensive (and even dangerous for some breeds), but a variety of options and services are available.

By Ella Brooks

Luggage fees and barefoot security checks are a pain, but what if you had to deal with blistering heat and Arctic cold, poor oxygen supply and rough handling? That’s the unfortunate reality for many pets who travel by airplane.

Air travel can be dangerous — even lethal — for animals. Here’s our advice on arranging a safe, stress-free trip (or staycation) for you and your best friend. Do Fido a favor and consider one of these cargo-stowage alternatives.

Option No. 1: Book Your Pet In-Cabin

The Ins and Outs Using Quaker Pet Group’s Guaranteed on Board program (formerly Sherpa Pet Group), it’s easier to navigate carry-on restrictions and regulations with the eight airlines they work with. Fill out the form at flygob.com and buy one of 48 approved carriers (from $45). And don’t forget to make a reservation; airlines only allow a certain number of animals per cabin area (Continental’s limit is four while Delta accepts up to eight, for example). Airlines’ fees for in-cabin pets range from $69–$125 each way.

Is It Safe? For most pets, the greatest danger is fear and anxiety in a strange situation. But don’t rely on sedatives: “Sedatives make pets unable to regulate temperature, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates,” says veterinarian Louise Murray, D.V.M., DACVIM, vice president of Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA in New York City. Instead, teach your animal his crate is a safe zone. “Give the animal a chew stick or food puzzle toy inside the crate,” says behavioral biologist Karen Pryor, author of Reaching the Animal Mind (Scribner, 2009).

Who It’s Best For All pets should be checked by a vet before air travel, Murray says. Cats and dogs over 8 weeks old and under 20 pounds (including carrier) are the best suited to flying. Pets who are geriatric (over 7 years old for small dogs), or have heart or respiratory conditions (this includes brachycephalic, or short-nosed animals, such as boxers, bulldogs, Pekingese and Persian cats) are most at risk, and a discussion should be had with the vet to see if those animals can withstand air travel, says Murray.

Option No. 2: Use Pet-Specific Transportation

The Ins and Outs On Pet Airways, any breed up to 120 pounds, from Shih Tzu to Great Dane, gets a kennel in the fully pressurized cabin. Drop off your dog or cat at an airport Pet Lounge, then pick him or her up at your destination. One-way flights range from $59–$1,031 (price of carrier included), with pricing based on distance, size of animal and time of year. Cities served are currently limited to: Atlanta; Baltimore/Washington, DC; Chicago; Denver; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Los Angeles; New York City (from Farmingdale, NY); Omaha, NE; and Phoenix.

Or ask your vet and friends to recommend a professional pet transporter. Make sure the organization is certified by the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA). With Longmont, CO-based Life Unleashed Pet Movers’ Private Pet Chauffeur service, rates start at $895, and your pet rides in a private SUV and gets frequent walks. Life Unleashed also offers a Pet Bus and domestic and international relocation services for pets.

Is It Safe? Vets prefer that you travel with your pet, but specialized transport services are good alternatives if that’s impossible. Keep in mind that most pet transporters ship via cargo, so ask for ground travel. “No matter how organized the company, they can’t control the airline,” says Murray. “If your dog is being driven, they’re not just a piece of cargo.” Familiarize your dog with car rides beforehand and give him extra-special treats along the way (tiny pieces of boiled chicken, Pryor suggests, instead of kibble treats).

Who It’s Best For The same precautions apply as for flying (heart and respiratory problems should be checked), but larger dogs (those who would travel by Pet Airways or car) are considered geriatric as early as age 5.

Option No. 3: Board at a Local Kennel

The Ins and Outs Ask your vet and vet receptionist if boarding is available at the office, or if they can recommend a good kennel. Then visit and trust your instincts. “Most pet owners who’ve had a bad experience get a feeling that something is wrong beforehand but tell themselves they’re being silly,” says Kay Key, founder of boardingkennels.org, a website that lists 1,600 kennels in North America, the U.K. and Ireland, complete with reviews and descriptions. “Trust your instincts and walk away if you feel something is amiss,” she adds.

Is It Safe? Yes, as long as you seek out exceptional digs. Look for a kennel (or “dog spa” or “resort”) that’s clean and relatively quiet — constant barking means pets are stressed and employees don’t know how to soothe them, Pryor says. Also, the staff should be willing to give you a full tour and feed your dog what and when he’s accustomed. “Dogs are prone to gastrointestinal upset due to diet changes,” Murray says. Worried about leaving your pet? Pryor suggests baby steps: Find a kennel that offers doggie day care and try it a few times — just for an hour or two at first — then board your pet overnight.

Who It’s Best For A staycation is a good bet for any pet, but it’s especially smart for those who are older or have health problems (in that case, board at a vet’s office so they can be closely monitored). Just think twice about boarding a cat: “The stress of being out of their usual environment can make them sick,” Murray says. “Upper-respiratory viruses, urinary obstructions or even liver disease can develop, so ask a friend or cat-sitter to check on and feed your cat daily.” A kennel or housesitter is better for companionship-craving creatures like dogs.

"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

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

Save yourself the hassle of dragging suitcases through the airport by using one of these luggage forwarding services.

by Ann Wycoff

As any frequent flyer will attest, dealing with luggage has become an increasingly onerous burden. There are long check-in and security lines and ever-increasing fees to contend with, to say nothing of lost bags. In 2008 alone, more than 3.1 million travelers in the United States filed reports concerning damaged, mishandled or disappeared luggage. No wonder virtual bag packing-and-shipping services are the latest luxe trend. Here’s our take on two of the best services.

Company: Luggage Free
What it costs: There is a $50 luggage pick-up fee, plus $2 per pound for five-day domestic ground shipping; $2.75 per pound for three-day delivery; $3.85 per pound for two-day delivery; $5 per pound for overnight by 3 p.m.; and $5.50 per pound for overnight by 10:30 am.
Get packing: Luggage Free will pick up your bags from your home or hotel, wrap them in plastic for added protection and track them to ensure a smooth delivery, often before you’ve even left the ground.
What we love: Plastic wrap reduces wear and tear on your luggage. While you will pay a premium for the service domestically, the company offers 10 times the standard insurance of FedEx. Internationally, Luggage Free’s prices are competitive with conventional delivery services and the company takes care of all customs documentation and tracking. If the bags are delayed, there’s no charge; if they are damaged, you are insured up to $1,000 per shipment. It’s ideal for family travelers with more bags than arms, luxury travelers who value avoiding check-in lines and baggage-claim delays, and active travelers who want their golf clubs, bikes and skis waiting for them, versus the other way around.
Good to know: If you require insurance beyond the $1,000 of coverage provided, it costs extra.

Company: Luggage Forward
What it costs: Rates start at $69 domestically and $273 internationally, but usually run around $250 domestically and $500 internationally for round-trip orders with multiple bags.
Get packing: This door-to-door service, based in Boston, will pick up and ship your baggage to and from any U.S. city, along with 200 countries around the globe, six days a week. It also handles all documentation for international trips and tracks your bags’ whereabouts.
What we love: These watchdogs of luggage pride themselves on impeccable on-time delivery. If your luggage doesn’t show up on time domestically, Luggage Forward will offer a full refund, plus a $500 reimbursement for incidentals. It offers a wide range of services to match your budget, with domestic options ranging from overnight to seven-day shipping to make it more affordable.
Good to know: While Luggage Forward has a Precise pick-up option, go for its cheaper standard service with a two-hour window, as long as you are comfortable leaving your bag on the back porch or with a doorman or bellman. Luggage Forward can also respond to last-minute route changes for a fee that starts at $10 per bag.

Illustration credit: Toko Ohmori

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.

Watch a beautiful sunset by the pool at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

While some vacations may seem to cause more stress than they’re worth (family reunion, anyone?), a healing trip to a waterfront spa remains a welcome escape. Breathing in the fresh ocean air as you gaze at an endless sea instills a natural serenity that intensifies when you factor in the pleasures of cocooning yourself in a plush robe and anticipating a decadent massage.

What’s better than a superb ocean view? That same vista enjoyed from a relaxing beachfront spa. Following are our top five picks.

Peter Island Resort & Spa
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Nothing says escape like a private island, and Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands promises you that. With just 52 guestrooms and three villas steps from the beach, you’ll hear only the laughing gulls and the rustle of the palms overhead — no cars, no intrusions. A private isle that can provide a no-fly zone to keep paparazzi helicopters at bay naturally attracts A-listers and VIPs, but because Peter Island “kisses and never tells,” the celebs in your midst are merely guests on a rejuvenating getaway, just like you.

At the spa, two ayurvedic physicians provide iridology consultations (a holistic assessment of the body based on the iris of the eye) and offer take-home tips and follow-up consults. Relaxing, cleansing treatments include herbal wraps, thermal sand-bundle massage, and shirodhara, a therapeutic warm-oil treatment focused on the body’s third eye. For a little action, try yoga classes, guided walks, snorkeling and sea kayaking — there won’t be a Jet Ski (or tabloid!) in sight to mar the tranquility.

At the resort’s Tradewinds Restaurant, executive chef Lisa Sellers embraces local sustainable ingredients in island-style dishes such as grouper ceviche or lemongrass-infused shrimp with green papaya and mango salad. (From $350 per night, double occupancy; peterisland.com) — Leslie Gilbert Elman

Frégate Island Private
Frégate Island, Seychelles

Surrounded by lush forests and hidden coves of dazzling white sand, Frégate Island Private is committed to protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. Guests can visit the Aldabra giant tortoise breeding colony, where the endangered species is reared before being released to the wild, or take a guided conservation hike to learn about the habitat.

Fourteen of the 16 2,000-plus-square-foot villas, made of African teak, native mahogany and thatch, are perched on cliffs with commanding views of the Indian Ocean. The other two villas are tucked into tropical gardens, and each has its own Jacuzzi. For more relaxing, head to the breathtaking Rock Spa for native-inspired treatments such as the Zoli Figir facial, which uses fresh fruits in lieu of brand-name products. Hydroponic-gardening and drip-irrigation systems keep the island-grown produce so fresh that fruits and vegetables served are never more than four hours old and are pesticide-free. (From $2,500 per night all inclusive, double occupancy; fregate.com) — Suzanne Gerber

Arenas Del Mar
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

At the foot of a rutted jungle road skirted by amazing ocean vistas awaits the relaxed luxury of Arenas Del Mar. Exemplifying nature/nurture harmony, this boutique beach resort nestles on 11 acres of wildlife-rich rain forest just steps from a jeweled sea. Adjacent to famed Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the eco-conscious hotel features 38 rooms with panoramic views, two pools, two restaurants and a spa. Built and operated in accordance with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism, electric carts shuttle guests and solar panels heat balcony Jacuzzis.

Best bets at blissful Las Brisas Spa include the healing aloe wrap and 90-minute house massage with mini-facial and foot scrub. The area’s myriad other activities include a don’t-miss park excursion, parasailing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, sunset cruise, forest-canopy tour and horseback riding. Hanging with locals in neighboring Quepos will cap your holiday in Costa Rica’s deservedly prime tourist destination.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurants spotlight regional ingredients in its fresh seafood rolls and chilled mango/watermelon soup. For an off-site adventure, try Kapi Kapi restaurant, where you’ll find Asian-inspired dishes enhanced by locally grown spices, as well as unique handcrafted jewelry. (From $250 per night, double occupancy; arenasdelmar.com) — Suzan Crane

Capella Pedregal
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Like the growing handful of other Capella resorts now open, the luxe new Capella Pedregal is an intimate boutique collection of 66 capacious oceanfront guest rooms, replete with private plunge pools and expansive terraces. Accessible only via the sea and a private, chandelier-lit tunnel, the 24-acre resort ensures guests an extreme level of privacy despite its being only minutes away from downtown Cabo.

The Auriga Spa, designed by world-renowned spa developer Sylvia Sepielli, features 10 rounded treatment suites, each opening onto a private outdoor pool which meanders throughout the facility. For a truly unique experience, try the Art of Sound Therapy, which combines acupressure with the soothing tinkling of pentatonic chimes. Activities include horseback riding, parasailing and scuba diving.

And don’t miss al fresco dining at El Farallón restaurant: At dusk, lights begin to shimmer above the sea, revealing an intimate cliffside cove where guests imbibe sangria and dine on succulent grilled seafood they can select from the day’s catch. (From $475 per night, double occupancy; capellapedregal.com) — L. Brooks Baldwin

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Kona, Hawaii

Steeped in rich local culture and traditions, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows embraces its guests in the magical spirituality of Hawaii, with impeccably tended historic fishponds and intriguing ancient petroglyphs on the property.

Try the beachside yoga or head to the Sylvia Sepielli-designed Fire & Ice spa, which offers the popular Fire & Ice Pa‘akai, a tingling full-body exfoliation incorporating cooling white Hawaiian sea salt and concluding with a relaxing heated body wrap. Get the most out of your appointment by booking one of the private lava saunas before your treatment, then rinse off in an outdoor shower surrounded by a garden of Hawaiian healing plants.

At the casual Bay Terrace cafe, insiders know that despite it not being offered on the menu, their request to Chef Arnold for his special fried rice  will always be granted with pleasure (customized omelets are offered on the menu every day). For fresh, sophisticated oceanfront dining, visit The Canoehouse, which includes delicious local fish like moi and opakapaka (From $370 per night, double occupancy; maunalani.com) — L. Brooks Baldwin

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?

If you have a couple of hours a week …

• DO THE MAMBO. Dancing With the Stars brought ballroom back in a big way. Sign up at one of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio locations across the country ($40–$75 for two private lessons, with or without a partner fredastaire.com). Or find a class near you at accessdance.com.
• SKETCH IT OUT. Find a new creative outlet at a local college or art school — most offer night and weekend classes for adults in everything from painting to pottery throwing. Try the seven-week basic drawing course at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($318.75 saic.edu), then cajole your friends into sitting for portraits.

If you have a long weekend …

• CATCH A WAVE. After just a couple of days of instruction at one of Surf Diva’s weekend beginner clinics at La Jolla Shores, CA ($148.50 surfdiva.com), you’ll be paddling out, popping up and riding baby waves into the shore. The women-only, two-day course is offered year-round — wetsuit and board provided.

• BECOME AN ICING QUEEN. At the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, frosting guru chef Toba Garrett leads a two-day “Upscale Cupcakes” course that will have you whipping butter and sugar into miniature masterpieces ($230 iceculinary.com). No cooking school nearby? Find Wilton Method cake decorating classes nationwide at wilton.com.

If you have a week or two …

• LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. What better way to master French verb conjugation than discussing the subtle differences between Latour and Lafite? Learn to talk the talk on a language immersion trip, like Languages Abroad’s wine tasting and French class package in the beautiful Bordeaux region of France (starting at $1,100 per week including accommodations languagesabroad.com).

• EXPLORE THE OCEAN. Book a trip to Hawaii, where you can snorkel alongside wild spinner dolphins (so named for their above-the-water acrobatics) in the open ocean. Sunlight On Water ($130 including gear sunlightonwater.com) offers four-hour trips all year long off the Kona coast on the Big Island.

Awakening at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
On the Map: Tassajara serves as a road-trip refuge for city dwellers to the north and south: It’s a five-hour drive down from San Francisco and an eight-hour drive up from Los Angeles.

Essence: Set at the end of a remote 14-mile, single-lane mountain dirt road, this Western Buddhist monastery has been around for a century, the last 40 years with the San Francisco Zen Center. It opens its doors to the paying public during guest season (from late April to early September), welcoming 10–20 attendees at a time on average (often more women than men). Some visitors bring partners or friends; others bring family. But you’ll see few, if any, children under age 12: Guests are typically in their 30s, 40s or 50s.  Due to its somewhat inaccessible location (it is not near an airport and you must rent a car), most visitors are from California.

Stimulation: Take your pick from a variety of structured seminars and programs — from “The Nature of Zen” to “Law Dharma” for lawyers to “Cooking with Big Mind” — led by resident Zen priests and visiting yogis, therapists, chefs and philosophers. Guests are free to engage in traditional Buddhist practice if they choose to. Zazen, or sitting meditation, begins at 5:50 a.m., though plenty of guests stay in bed.  Or steal away to soak in the on-site Japanese-style hot springs or wander into the hills of the surrounding Ventana Wilderness.

Rest: Meandering paths lit with kerosene lamps lead you to your private or shared rustic cabin or dormitory room. While there is no electricity, most accommodations come with a toilet and sink. Showers are available in the bathhouse.

Sustenance: Enjoy three tasty vegetarian meals daily with fresh-baked bread, soups and selections such as spicy North African stew, roasted carrots and couscous, and flan.

Book Your Stay: From $130 for weekend retreats; lodging starts at $85 per night and includes meals and all facilities; sfzc.org/tassajara

Nature-Nurture at Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center

On the Map: Just outside of Pagosa Springs, CO, 90 minutes east of Durango, where you can reserve a Tara Mandala Shuttle from the La Plata County Airport ($100 round trip).

Essence: Named for Green Tara, a compassionate, female Buddha, this 700-acre mountainside San Juan Wilderness retreat center is — not surprisingly — most popular with female Buddhist pilgrims from all points global. In fact, some 95 percent of visitors come from far beyond southwestern Colorado to meet and learn from Western-born Buddhist nun Tsultrim Allione, who once served alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta.

Stimulation: Learning balances meditative study, creative contemplation (through watercolor, sculpture and collage), work (basic cleaning duties) and play (free time for exploring the surrounding San Juan National Forest). Most participants (anywhere from 30–150 at a time) come alone, with more women attending than men. Tara Mandala also features an annual summer family retreat, teaching ecological principles as well as Tibetan Buddhist concepts.

Rest: You’ll camp at 7,500–8,000 feet elevation with no phones or electricity. Bring your own tent or rent one for $20 per day (B.Y.O. pillow and sleeping bag). A partially solar-powered community building houses toilets and showers. Bare-bones cabins and yurts are available (from $35 per day), but these are typically reserved well in advance by visitors who come for a personal retreat (apart from those on Tara Mandala’s calendar).

Sustenance: Three vegetarian meals a day means wholesome buffets (plenty of choices) prepared with organic and locally grown produce. You can also bring your own snacks, provided they are sealed in airtight containers (black bears have been sighted in these mountains).

Book Your Stay: From $450 for a 6-day retreat, includes instruction, material fees, food and campsite facilities; taramandala.com

Organic Discovery at Wattle Hollow Retreat Center

On the Map: The Center is set just outside of West Fork, AR, about an hour and a half southwest from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville, AR. (Reserve a shuttle for approximately $100 round trip or rent a car and drive in.)

Essence: You’ll find plenty to ponder at this wooded 40-acre eclectic meditation center: for one, its undisturbed natural surroundings. While just a 3.5-mile run northeast of Devil’s Den State Park, Wattle Hollow is less than an hour southwest of Wal-Mart’s world headquarters. Even more of a reason to appreciate Wattle Hollow’s sustainable architecture; called cob housing, three of the seven lodgings on the site have been hand-sculpted from clay, straw and sand. Rooms are bathed in light from salvaged colored-glass windows.

Stimulation: Wattle Hollow’s offerings include yoga/spa weekends (with restorative asanas, green-clay facemasks, paraffin wraps and salt scrubs) and a naturalist-led bird walk. But many guests — from visiting Buddhist nuns and international scholars to moms retreating from the kids — find themselves in what owner Joy Fox calls “the Wattle Warp” — ambling along shimmering green Lee Creek, tiptoeing on Wattle Hollow’s quarter-mile Peace Path or soaking in the outdoor hot tub.

Rest: As one might expect of hand-sculpted lodging, accommodations are rustic. There are heated dormitories and cabins; some, such as the newly completed Cob Castle, have running water and toilets; others are set near communal outdoor composting toilets and shower structures. Private retreat cabins are available for groups of up to seven guests booking together. The center sleeps a total of 23, plus tent campers. Visitors come from all over the country and average 40 years of age, with a 2:1 ratio of women to men.

Sustenance: Gourmet vegetarian offerings during workshops include multigrain cereals, fresh-baked cookies and breads, and stir-fried seasonal veggies with tofu and almond sauce.

Book Your Stay: From $35 for the first two nights, and $25 thereafter for solo stays (yoga/spa retreat weekend is $125 per person and includes meals, lodging, spa treatments and Iyengar instruction); wattlehollow.com
Serious Searching at Zen Mountain Monastery

On the Map: Mount Tremper, NY (3 hours northwest of New York City)

Essence: According to the ancient Chinese art of geomancy (the study of Earth’s energies), a site located at the confluence of two rivers, with a mountain to the north, is an auspicious place for religious practice. It is no wonder Abbot John Daido Loori designated this 230-acre wilderness wetland parcel at the junction of the Beaverkill and Esopus rivers in the Catskill Mountains (beneath Catskill State Park’s majestic Tremper Mountain) as headquarters of his Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism.

Stimulation: The weekend Introduction to Zen Training retreat, held monthly in spring and summer, is the starting point for most newcomers. ZMM’s teaching model is from the Eightfold Path, incorporating the study of Buddhism, art (such as painting and calligraphy), work (like gardening or cooking) and body practice (such as Japanese archery, called Kyudo, and chi kung). At this working monastery, you’re bound to encounter a quieter, more disciplined crowd of soul searchers, practicing Buddhists and international pilgrims of all ages and walks of life.

Rest: Unisex dormitory rooms are spartan. You’ll sleep in rough-hewn bunks with a traditional gong as your alarm clock, sounding at 5 a.m. sharp (4:30 a.m. in spring and fall) — and mandatory lights out at 9:30 p.m. While up to 30 people at a time attend the retreats, the monastery prefers that attendees come alone, due to the spiritual nature of the experience.

Sustenance: There are three vegetarian meals a day offering modest yet satisfying portions of flavorful selections such as fresh-baked bread, tofu-carrot casserole and warm beet soup.

Book Your Stay: From $225 for a retreat weekend, includes food and lodging; mro.org/zmm/