Super Useful Travel Links

Don't forget to enter to win our iPad mini case giveaway sponsored by Domeo Products.

If you’re anything like me, vacation is the time it seems any and all exercise and diet routines go out the window. With so much delicious food available and inviting stretches of beach (or just lounge-y chairs in your lodging) it’s hard to really want to eat well and get off your butt and do…something. We tend to be on-the-go most of the time, but even so it can be a challenge to maintain weight. Even if you walk all day, it’s not always enough to lose all those extra calories. This week, I found some fun links that can help you keep on track when it comes to your weight loss or maintenance and staying healthy wherever you go.

Those long airport layovers can be a saving grace. Don’t just sit around hating on the inconvenience of having to wait until your flight decides to take off. Here are 10 airports that keep you fit with their health clubs, walking paths and yoga studios. Burn off some of that annoyance by burning calories! This is a genius idea to me. I often bring active wear that doubles as my sleepwear. It’s easy to keep on the top of your carry-on if you end up with enough time to try one of these places out.

Get the kids in on being healthy with this game app that is powered by exercise. Cool, right? I think they’ll think so, too. It’s not free, but if it gets your kids up and moving, the $40 might just be worth it. Techlicious shares GeoPalz. It rewards your kids by syncing with their pedometer and when they choose healthy foods and water to drink. Start them off on vacation when you are out most of the day walking and then see if they can keep it up when they get back home. You can get the adult version for you as well.

Real Simple knows you like to eat. Whether you’re on a road trip or jetsetting around the world, you can eat better when dining out constantly. They give you tips on what to substitute at different kinds of restaurants and what to eat at your favorite fast food joints along the way. Steamed brown rice may not sound as good as chow mein, but you will have to make some concessions along your travels if you want to keep fit.

Where should you go to practice your new healthy habits? Travelers have spoken and Gogobot has logged the top 10 favorite travel destinations. Get in on these popular hotspots where you can splurge on some decadent cuisine as well as seek out some deliciously good-for-you food.

Here are some of my own tips for keeping your pants from becoming too small for your liking:

• Make use of fitness centers at your hotel if available.
• If you’re a member of a chain gym, find out if you can use your membership in other locations while you’re on vacation.
• Walk. A lot. While you’re busy sightseeing and taking pictures, as long as you have comfy shoes, you probably won’t notice how far you’ve been walking.
• I know the bread is free, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
• Split a meal with your travel partner. Not only will this keep you from overeating, but it will save you money!

How do you keep from packing on the pounds when you travel?

Where to Go on $100 a Day

Don't forget to enter to win our iPad mini case giveaway sponsored by Domeo Products.

When you're on a budget you want to get the most out of your money. This doesn't mean you can't go far and wide though. Your dollars can stretch further than you think in a variety of destinations. If you plan ahead, you may even save more and spend less than $100 a day in the following places. So, don't write off Reykjavik, Sydney and London already!

We have done London, Paris and San Francisco on a budget and so can you if you do a bit of research and follow my tips. Which city have you visited more affordably?

Review & Giveaway: Domeo Grip Mini Folio

I hate when I gave to go back and amend a great review, but Domeo has proved to me to have less-than-great customer service, so if you do choose to order from them, please be aware that this might be the case.

This past Christmas many of you probably had a certain electronic gadget on your wish list. I’m talking, of course, about the iPad mini. While some of you may not have the iPad yet, I can tell you, we received both the original size and the mini as gifts over the years and I much prefer the size of the mini. The only problem? It’s super thin and, though it’s pretty rugged, that screen needs some protection, especially if you plan to travel with it. Of course, this is our plan and I’m enjoying its versatility so far. If you also received a mini over the holidays (or just bought one on your own) and are still looking for a useful cover for it, I have found a great one for you from Domeo Products.

The Grip Mini Folio was made for the person who wants to go everywhere with their iPad mini. It’s lightweight, but sturdy, comes in pretty colors and has a built-in stand. You’re gonna love it and I’ll show you why!

The mini has a ton of functions and the Grip Folio caters to all of them. Unlike your full-size iPad, you won’t look dumb carrying it around everywhere or even using it to take pictures, since it’s a more reasonable size. While on vacation, you can use it to find directions, make dinner reservations, keep up with your travel journal, read the great American novel (or write it!) and talk to friends and family back home on Facetime. If you’re using it on the go, then the strap built into the inside cover will keep you from getting all clumsy with your iPad and dropping it on the floor. It’s very secure, but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable. It’s also nice that it’s not on the outside, so it’s not going to get snagged on anything in your carry-on or day bag. It makes it really easy to use as an e-reader or surf the interwebs for long periods of time.

Using your mini to take photos and videos? Keep it in the case! Yup, that’s right. There is a convenient cut-out in the back for just that purpose. Your mini fits snugly into the case, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around and ending up with pictures that are half cut-off. Nothing like a less-than-optimal product to ruin your vacation memories, right? You totally won’t get that with this. Your front camera is free of obscurities, too. And when your Folio is closed the elastic strap covers the camera lens on the back, keeping it safe from getting scratched and ruining your expensive device.

When the Folio is open, you can use the attached elastic strap to keep it open and secure, especially when using the hand strap to view it. It’s fantastic and works better than expected. I shook it all around to make sure it wouldn’t come undone, even when only partially on the outer edge – to keep it from obscuring the screen. It didn’t move at all, the mini didn’t fall out, my hand never slipped in the hand strap and I realized this is a fantastic cover for everyone. If you are prone to dropping things or plan to let your little ones use your mini to entertain them, this cover was made for you.

Flip the cover back and you can use the grooves in the cover to angle your mini and use it to watch videos and play games hands-free You just insert the edge of the cover into the slot in the back of the cover and you can use it with a sharp or slight angle, depending on how you place it on the table. You can also use this to have a better grip on your mini if you have larger hands, too.

While this cover is one of the more lightweight ones I’ve seen, it is definitely just as sturdy as other thicker ones, but takes up less room and is an animal-friendly fabric that is stain-resistant. Now you probably wonder what can make this mini cover any better. There are two things: It comes in four attractive color combos and you have a chance to win your own Domeo Grip Mini Folio! If you’re dying to get your hands on one right now, save a whopping 20% off your order and get free shipping when you use code STC.

More information

Where you can buy it: Domeo Products online

How much it costs: $29.99

Colors it comes in: blue/gray, brown/orange, gray/light gray, purple/blue

Other specs: Soft inside with stain-resistant outside.

Like Domeo and their great products? Find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.

Now, enter to win your own! (I'm sorry, but this giveaway is only open to shipping addresses in the U.S.)

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Disclosure: I was provided a Grip Mini Folio for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% mine.