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Sherwood Hotel. Featured
Stunning scenery and friendly locals
By Travel Editor EMMA WILSON
IT’S just across the ditch and you’ve completely forgotten it exists, but Queenstown is an easy family holiday for every age group. For an overseas destination it truly is Sydney’s easiest destination.

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Taking a balanced approach to wellness
HOLIDAYS are a time to unwind, explore new places, and indulge in local cuisine. However, for many, the idea of staying fit while on vacation can seem daunting.
 
The good news is that maintaining your fitness doesn't require hours in the gym or sacrificing all the pleasures of your trip. With a little planning and some creative strategies, you can stay active and healthy without missing out on the fun. Here’s how to strike the perfect balance between relaxation and fitness on your next holiday.
 
1. Plan Active Excursions
One of the easiest ways to incorporate fitness into your holiday is by planning activities that keep you moving. Whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains, or exploring a new city, there are countless opportunities to stay active. Consider booking a walking tour, renting bikes, or hiking to a scenic viewpoint. Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling are not only great workouts but also a fun way to enjoy the natural surroundings. Even casual activities like beach volleyball, swimming, or a simple stroll through local markets can add to your daily step count and keep your body moving.
 
2. Incorporate Short Workouts
If you’re committed to your fitness routine, incorporating short, high-intensity workouts into your day is a practical solution. You don’t need a gym or any special equipment—just a small space in your hotel room or a spot at the beach will do. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly effective because it combines bursts of intense exercise with short recovery periods, maximizing calorie burn in a short time. A 20-minute session of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can keep your muscles engaged and your metabolism active.
Alternatively, start your day with a quick yoga or stretching routine. This not only helps to maintain flexibility but also sets a positive tone for the day ahead, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
 
3. Make Healthy Eating Choices
Enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling, but it's easy to overindulge. To stay on track, focus on balance rather than restriction. Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized. Opt for salads, grilled meats, and vegetables when dining out, and don’t shy away from trying local dishes that are nutrient-dense and full of flavor.
Remember, it’s okay to treat yourself—just be mindful of portion sizes. If you indulge in a decadent dessert or a rich meal, balance it with lighter options at your next meal or plan a more active day to burn off the extra calories.
 
4. Stay Hydrated and Get Enough Sleep
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you’re spending time in the sun or engaging in physical activities. Carry a water bottle with you and aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. Hydration not only supports your metabolism but also helps prevent overeating, as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
Sleep is another essential component of staying fit and healthy. While it’s tempting to stay up late every night on holiday, getting enough rest ensures your body can recover from the day's activities and maintain a healthy metabolism. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and consider a short nap during the day if you’ve been particularly active.
 
5. Embrace a Flexible Mindset
Finally, remember that holidays are about enjoyment and relaxation. If you miss a workout or indulge more than you planned, don’t stress. Staying fit on holiday is about balance, not perfection. Embrace the experience, stay active when you can, and make healthy choices without depriving yourself of the joy that comes with exploring new places and cultures.
By integrating these simple strategies into your holiday routine, you can return home feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and proud of maintaining your fitness while enjoying your well-deserved break.

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USA WARREN MILLER SKI MOVIES Featured
Touring Australia - WIN tickets and more
 
THE world-famous Warren Miller ski films, now in their 74th year, are touring Australia from May 2024. Locations include Wollongong, Canberra, Newtown, Avoca Beach, Bowral & The Blue Mountains. Visit www.warrenmiller.com.au  for ticket details, movie trailer and more.  
 
Competition
Win Warren Miller Tickets to a showing at a venue of your choice! Head to Warren Miller on instagram, tag a friend you’d like to take and comment can’t wait!
 
Snow Action Magazine
 
Head to www.snowaction.com.au for snow updates, amazing competitions, features on overseas and Australian resorts, book reviews, tips on travelling to Japan and Canada and more. 
 
WIN WIN WIN
When one of four copies of lonely planets, gorgeous coffee table book about 150 thrilling winter adventures you can do around the world, whether this is snowshoeing, skiing, ice, climbing or hiking . To win simply head to @snowaction on instagram and comment on a winter activity you like to do. If you’d like to read the book, review head to www.snowaction.com.au, it makes a perfect gift for anyone of all ages who likes to be outdoors, living life to the fullest. 
 
Snow podcast
 
If you love listening on-the-go, check out Loving the Snowlife on iTunes or Spotify. It’s the podcast that helps families get ready for their next snowtrip, where to go and what to do when you get there. Follow on instagram @lovingthesnowlife and comment about what you’d like to hear next, we’re open to all topic suggestions.
 
Past episodes include: Solo travel, first time snow holiday DO’s and DON’Ts, kids snow holiday logistics, how to choose a season pass, weather forecasting, skincare and makeup at the snow, getting your body ready to stay injury-free, plus size snow clothing, travelling with babies and toddlers, sustainable ski brands and more

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1. Think Creatively Where To Stay  
If it’s a Perisher or Thredbo day trip you’d like to do with an overnight stay, Berridale and surrounding towns, such as Cooma are excellent bases to explore Kosciuszko National Park. Accommodation is cheaper than Jindabyne too and has rental equipment stores with good quality range equipment, shops, like Rhythm Snowsports Cooma open 24/7.  
 
2. Corin Forest 
The closest and cheapest snow resort to Sydney is Corin Forest, just 45 minutes from Canberra. If you’ve never seen snow before or you’re a complete beginner this is an excellent place to start. Head to their website and check out their packages to include a ski or snowboard lesson starting from $145 for adults or kids and include rental equipment, clothing and ski pass. 
 
3. Mt Selwyn
Australia’s most affordable snow resort. If you’re a beginner or lower intermediate and you need more terrain than the slope at Corin Forest, try Mt Selwyn. Book ahead online and save with their 2024 season price freeze, a one day pass is $15 and a 7 day pass is $75. Mt Selwyn offers season passes for $529 and with lessons with qualified instructors this is the perfect place to start from scratch or improve your technique all season long before moving to the bigger and more expensive resorts.  

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Staying safe in foreign countries takes research. Featured
Dal's 20-tip guide for smarter travel
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
THE worrying trend of juvenile crime destroying Alice Springs and Townsville’s struggling tourist industries has sadly meant travellers have to be vigilant even in our own country in 2023.

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PLACES TO GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Featured
Go somewhere new in 2022
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
OUR release from the restraints of the pandemic has led to millions of Australians suddenly hitting the road looking for new adventures.

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Cruise the stunning Kimberley Coast
JOHN NEWTON
AS an increasing number of upmarket small ships ply the stunning Kimberley coast, one of the first cruise vessels to explore the region has been spruced up to challenge the competition.

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