Tanning Is Out

[trip style = sun]

{Editor's Note: In addition to the below tanning tips, also see my interview about playing it safe in the sun with The Canadian Cancer Society! What an honour to collaborate with such a worthy cause!}

I travel to a lot of sunny places {though there are still a bazillion destinations I'd like to see}, but I'm far from a bronzed miracle and proud of it. Here's an excerpt of questions I'm often asked when I come home from the tropics: Friend: Weren't you just in Hawaii? Me: Yes. Friend: Where's your tan? Me: It's muted, I wear A LOT of sunscreen.

The Canadian Cancer Society and I have been recently chatting about sun safety, and when I heard about the Tanning Is Out campaign, I wanted to support the plea to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and tanning bed use, given my passion for sun protection and obsession with hats and sunscreen.

A Speech I remember doing a speech about sun safety in grade 4. Looking back, it is always something I've been interested in, but it wasn't until I was 25---and about to leave for my honeymoon in Jamaica---I started taking it really seriously. I cringe when I think about my early Trip Styling days in university, spending my 'reading breaks' in Honolulu. I would hit the tanning bed pre-trip, spend 8 hours of the day on the beach sans sunscreen, and rationalize that my almost florescent red burn would turn into a tan... My teenage and 20-something self should have taken my grade 4 self's basic instructions...

One Fine Day One event that forced me to get serious about sun protection was the discovery of Melasma on my face---a skin disorder where sun exposure causes symmetrical dark marks on the skin. Luckily, the larger, freckle-like splotches fade with creams, but the best way to manage it is with highly limited and strategic sun exposure {see more below}---a sometimes tricky task for an outdoor-loving and sun-seeking Trip Styler.

Opportunity & Responsibility With opportunity comes responsibility. Whether it's spending time outside enjoying The West Coast's glorious summer weather, jetting off to a sun-drenched island or even skiing at the top of Blackcomb {we can't forget about sun protection in winter}, I don't take the opportunity to be under nature's heat lamp lightly. I try to enjoy it responsibly using the following precautions:

• Face - Apply broad spectrum protection 30spf in winter/70spf in summer, or anytime I'm in a literal hotspot.
• Body - Apply a minimum of 30spf sunscreen before and at regular intervals during sun exposure.
• Hat - I keep one with me at all times---in my purse, the car, and in my suitcases---and don it when I run, or am out and about. I just purchased a hat with an 8" brim to wear when I'm in the desert or tropics. It is very chic, aside from the fact that it's the size of a child's umbrella!
• Time - Yes, I spend time in the sun, and LOVE relaxing by the pool or beach, or out on the water, but I do so wearing 30 - 50spf sunscreen and often spend the peak hours {11am - 4pm} sipping umbrella drinks in the shade.

I used to be embarrassed about my white face, but now it makes me happy knowing I'm following dermatologists and beauty experts' MOST IMPORTANT anti-aging rule: wear sunscreen daily {even if it's cloudy}. And if I'm feeling really pale, there's always bronzer, self-tanner, a spray tan or creams with a light shimmer to the rescue!

PS - if you like musicals, check out this entertaining 3-minute Tanning is out video. Also find more information on the Tanning is Out campaign on its website and Facebook group. {Including their logo, conceived by heather, our travel fashion contributor.}

{photo by @nate_fri, taken of 70 spf-adorned @tripstyler wearing a hat, cover-up and sunglasses on Wilson Island in Australia}

32 and a small q

[trip style = luxe + sun + beach] {more pictures below}

I don’t typically frequent the same resorts as Oprah. Our tastes and budgets are a little different. But recently, I made an exception involving a birthday, a villa with views, mojitos crammed with hand-crushed ice and enough lime and mint to freshen my breath for years, and some of the best cuisine I tasted in Australia. This place was qualia---with a small "q" to underscore the brand of refined and understated luxury served at the lush resort overlooking the Whitsunday Isles.

Visiting qualia marked a special occasion for my husband Nathan. It was his 32nd birthday and we decided to celebrate in style (so in style it will be his birthday present for years to come!). From the moment we rolled down the hill and into the resort's sturdy front gates, I knew this experience would go beyond any version of luxury we'd ever encountered. And it did. Walking the short and shaded corridor leading to the lobby, we were met with two glasses of bubbly and an ocean vista so piercingly blue, I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

The champagne did not stop here; there was a bottle of chilled Veuve Cliquot waiting in our villa. Of course there was---I should probably be used to this by now. As we were getting settled in the room, we were startled by visitors. Not the kind that knock, but the kind that talk. Two cockatoos landed on our balcony and proceeded to fan out their bright yellow mohawks and initiate a serious staring contest with us. The timing was so perfect, I thought they might be mechanical birds sent via remote control to every guest's balcony upon arrival, but when I came face-to-face with the most colourful parrot I've ever seen in town, I realized that's life on Hamilton Island. And quite a life it is.

Each villa came with its own golf cart, so after making small talk with the cockatoos, we donned our beachwear and floored it at 20km/h to the seaside infinity pool. This foliage-filled scene was so soothing and inviting, we didn't want to leave, and in fact didn't until dusk, closing the place down that evening. Pool-party animals? Not quite, since all our smoothies and mojitos were virgin. We just revelled in the opportunity to watch the sundown in such a setting.

I'm glad we saved that bottle of Veuve from our villa, because the next day, it was the perfect complement to our private beach drop-off. Yes, in addition to the visiting birds, golf carts, bottles of champagne, free-flowing virgin bevs and the most sophisticated version of included breakfast I've ever been served at a hotel, qualia also includes daily, off-site, beach drop-offs to guests who want to get away from it all, like they're on a luxury, celebrity version of Survivor.

What to Know

• For a more detailed account of my stay at qualia, read my Trip Advisor review here
• qualia is an exclusive all-villa resort and spa on Hamilton Island
• Villas start at $950 night
• The resort has two types of villas: leeward and winward {winward villas have afternoon sun and private plunge pools}
• Included amenities: wi-fi, daily breakfast, all non-alcoholic beverages, a personal golf cart and private beach drop-off
• Hamilton Island is accesible from major cities in Australia, with multiple flights arriving and departing the island daily. Otherwise, you can take a 30-minute Fantasea Ferry from Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach. Note: if taking the ferry from Airlie, you must set your Hamilton Island arrival point to "Marina" not "Airport".
• Hamilton island has a host of family-friendly and adult-only accommodations
• There are multiple restaurants on the island

Pictures {The pool.}

{View of pool from poolside cabanas.}

{The beach.}

{A cockatoo on our villa's balcony.}

{The villa's sitting area.}

{The villa's sleeping area.}

{The bathroom.}

{Breakfast appetizer.}

{Breakfast main.}

{The beach drop-off.}

{Sunset bevvies poolside.}

{Sun setting at qualia's pebble beach.}

More Australia Month Planning a Trip Up Australia’s East Coast JetSet Jingles :: Australia Spotlight :: Syndey Ultimate Urban Adventures & the Sydney BridgeClimb Heavenly Huts :: Wilson Island Tea, Tim Tams & Tides :: Whitsunday Islands

{all photos by @tripstyler and @nate_fri}

Tea, Tim Tams & Tides

[trip style = cruising + sun + active] {more pictures below}

For as long as I can remember, I've been a little obsessed with Australia's Whitsunday Islands. Tales of tropical bush, endless sandbars and sun-soaked waters filled with a gazillion fish was embroidered into the fabric of my wandering self. Like a child, I even added some of my own imaginary touches to the stories, like bands of wild white horses running along Whitehaven Beach. It was settled. If I ever made the transcontinental trek to Australia, sailing the Whitsundays must be on my itinerary. So, it came to be earlier this month.

Almost Cancelled I'm not going to sugar coat this: I was PETRIFIED to go sailing. Not because I'm scared of the water or boats---I LOVE the ocean---but after my wild trip returning from Wilson Island the day prior, in a moment of seasickness-induced insanity, I almost cancelled my upcoming Whitsunday sailing trip. The ocean was so rough on the way back from Wilson, my skin turned a shade of 90's-inspired pale green, and I started making luxuriant decisions to charter a helicopter to the mainland and cancel any further boat activities for the rest of my Aussi trip. Once I felt better, I realized I may have overreacted just a little.

Sail Away One day later, armed with a bevvie of meds---including a slow-release sea sickness patch that made me a little high and unable to read anything up close---we boarded a 46-foot, $1.6 million dollar sailing catamaran at Airlie Beach. It was almost sunset and were were on a tight schedule chasing the end-of-day light, so when we met our skipper, there were a few quick hellos, the swift removal of shoes {certain shoes can make you slip on a sailboat's surface} and we were off, literally sailing into the sunset.

The Boat The boat had a gleaming white exterior, sails that soared and an interior that mingled rich woods and plush cream seating. Nestled into the opposite end of each pontoon, there were four rooms with included baths, and just below deck an indoor eating area and galley with outdoor overflow seating. Aptly, there was a barbecue fitted to the stern of the boat which was used the first night to grill chicken.

Chill Thankfully, everyone on our sailing vessel was on island time, perfectly chilled-out like a good rose. We ate together, drank together, hiked together and snorkeled together, and if you think that's a little too close for comfort, oddly it wasn't. Our two-night itinerary provided the right mix of sightseeing and sailing, and the size of the boat lent itself to a tried and tested dose of togetherness and solo moments.

Tea, Tim Tams & Tides After hiking up to a Whitehaven vantage point, we sailed near the famed beach to stand-up paddleboard and stroll along the never-ending shore. Whitehaven holds up to, if not exceeds the way it appears in pictures. Its sand could easily be mistaken for the sugar---think Splenda consistency---you put in your morning coffee. And though I didn't see any of my imaginary white horses running down the beach, I may have seen a unicorn... :)

The remainder of the voyage at sea was met with an island-esque sandbar that appeared and disappeared with tidal flow, dolphin pods swimming by night, snorkeling in hidden coves---one of which I swear I saw in the movie Knight and Day---and an impromptu {and apropos} tea and Tim Tam ceremony {Tim Tams are a world-famous, chocolate-covered Australian cookie often eaten with a cup of tea}. I'm not sure what we were celebrating during this ceremony of sorts, though with all our adventures above and below water, this simple moment was probably the finest.

What to know

• Most Whitsunday sailing trips provide food, but you must bring your own alcohol.
• Even if you don't get seasick, bring medication like Gravol. If you get really motion sick, talk to a Pharmacist ('Chemist' in Aussie speak) about the Transderm-V patch or something similar.
• Depending on the season, you'll have to wear a stinger suit or wetsuit in the water to guard against jelly fish stings.
• Regardless of the season, you may feel tiny stings from other creatures while swimming in the ocean.
• Choose a sailing trip that matches your trip style. Whitsunday Sailing Adventures or Sailing Whitsundays are good places to start.
• If you prefer to explore in style, charter a mid-size motor yacht.

Pictures {The boat.}

{The indoor seating area and galley.}

{Our cabin, with a small standing/changing area in front of the bed.}

{The attached bathroom/heads. The faucet turned into a shower.}

{Whitehaven Beach, view from above.}

{Whitehaven Beach.}

{The "disappearing" sand island, aka, One Foot Island.}

{View from the boat of One Foot Island.}

{Sunset.}

{Drinking tea and eating Tim Tams.}

{Last day, the view.}

Australia Month Planning a Trip Up Australia’s East Coast JetSet Jingles :: Australia Spotlight :: Syndey Ultimate Urban Adventures & the Sydney BridgeClimb Heavenly Huts :: Wilson Island Tea, Tim Tams & Tides :: Whitsunday Islands {today} thirty-two and a small q :: Hamilton Island {friday}

Fashion Friday :: Festival Style

[trip style = sun]

We all know that music festivals go hand in hand with denim cut-offs, boho style and beer gardens, but did you ever think about how they go hand in hand with portable toilets? I didn't until I found out that next year's Glastonbury Festival would be cancelled due to lack of toilettes. Why, you ask? Because the London 2012 Olympic Games needs them all. Well, to be exact, they need lots and lots of potties and police, thereby making them unavailable or too expensive for Glastonbury. Now that your music festival trivia is out of the way, let's talk fashion.

What better reason to travel than live music? And what better reason to dive into your parents' clothes from the 70s than a festival? Festival fashion has always been pretty hippie inspired. Maybe because there's an inherent homage to Woodstock and Deadheads in festival history. When dressing for a festival, you have to think practicality first. What's the forecast? What are the grounds like? How long will you be on your feet? How much do you want to bring in and out with you? What is forbidden inside the gates?

Clothing Comfort and style. Ladies: denim cut-offs, tank, tunic, midi skirt, roomy cropped t-shirt. If you opt for a skirt or dress, you may want to wear little Lycra shorties underneath. Gentlemen: long denim cut-offs, rolled khakis, tank, t-shirt. And don't forget an extra layer for cooler evening sets!

Footwear Boots were big at Coachella this year, and traditionally galoshes are big at Glastonbury due to muddy conditions. Other footwear choices include flip flops and beaded sandals, but stay away from anything with a heel - even a wedge. And sneakers or Toms are always appropriate for ladies and gents.

Headwear & Eyewear Fedoras are popular picks for guys and gals because they shield your face, and they're not so big that you knock hats with your neighbour. Other looks to try: a panama, a boater (Anne of Green Gables-style hat), or a floppy straw hat. OR you could fashion your evening scarf/cover-up into a turban. And don't forget to protect your pupils. Festivals are a great excuse to try out trendy styles like candy-coloured, cat-eye or round frames.

Bags You don't want to bring anything that will weigh down on your shoulder. You also want to be hands free in case it's appropriate to throw some diamonds in the sky. Oh, and safety first! Keep your valuables in front of you.

Trip Styler Tip: Lockers can be a festival lifesaver, according to Nicole. They enable you to store any non necessities that don't fit in your small cross-body purse, hip sack or backpack, like sunscreen, a footwear alternative and a warm layer. Check in advance if the festival you're attending has them. For example, Coachella and Bonnaroo have lockers, while this weekend's Sasquatch does not.

Now what to wear? Men (top to bottom from top left) Saturdays collett stripe boat neck, Saturdays tommy chino short, ASOS clubmaster sunglasses, Vans canvas authentic classic, Rag & Bone panama fedora, Polo Jeans chambray shirt

Women (clockwise from top middle) Madewell chambray sightseer skirt, Ralph Lauren keyhole printed sunglasses, Babooshka boat neck oversize, Rag & Bone wide brim beach hat, American Gold gold dust kimono, Tristessa tiered skirt (vintage), Carolina K hanging gardens tank, ASOS printed dress with split sleeves, Madewell garment-dyed midi shorts, ASOS wide headband scarf

More Fashion Friday Tribal Inspiration Spring Mini Break Resort Wear Cozy in the City

{Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month and written by fashion blogger Heather.}

Hawaii :: Outside The Resort Ribbons

[trip style = beach + sun]

Yesterday it was snowing in Vancouver. It's ironic that the white stuff had to be helicoptered to Vancouver's mountaintops for last year's Winter Olympics in February, and now we're getting snow at sea level in April. I hear the weather is odd in other parts of Canada and the US too.

To get your mind off the weather's fickle fumbling, here's a little sun 'n sand inspiration from a recent reader question:

The Question Can you suggest a tropical, seaside destination that's not too touristy or cheesy, where my husband can surf and I can stay in a beautiful room and sit poolside with my baby. No Hard Rock Cafes or malls allowed. We're willing to spend money but don't want to do the top-end Four Seasons thing. Any suggestions?

The Answer MAUI There is a town called Paia on the road to Hana, that's small and down to earth. It is very organic {it actually has an organic food store}, with local bakeries and unassuming boutiques. The people you see there are motor bikers, barefoot  hippies and others who've purposely chosen a slower pace of life. It's the antithesis of diamond-encrusted the island's other resort areas, but don't be fooled by its low-key vibe, in Paia, the wealthy people act and dress like everyone else.

One great feature of this small town is it's only a 5-minute ride from the airport and Kahului should you want to buy baby supplies, do a bigger grocery shop, etc....

Flanked between sugar cane fields and the North Shore, it's also close to Ho'okipa beach {famous surfing and kite-boarding area} and near Mama's Fish House, a destination restaurant and seaside hotel. The restaurant is a little pricey {lunch is cheaper than dinner}, but combine the aloha beach vibe with fish caught within about 12 - 18 hours, and you'll be sold. The umbrella drinks help too.

Staying in Paia - Mama's Fish House - VRBO vacation home & condo rental site - Hotels in town and around

Getting there - Hawaiian Airlines flies direct year-round from Seattle - As I've mentioned in my recent low season travel trend piece, flying to Maui from Vancouver is very reasonable in the spring. Case in point, this month a one-stop Air Canada flight is $404 return {taxes in} and a direct WestJet flight is $551 {taxes in}.

OTHER LOCATIONS

• Napili, Maui. Off the beaten track, more local than touristy and one hour from the airport.
• Kihei, Maui. Very local with a few snowbirds and vacationing families. I've stayed there a bunch and find it's a good balance point between doing Maui high/low with Wailea within five minutes away.
• North Shore, Oahu. Check out Turtle Bay Resort, where "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" was filmed. Though this hotel is resorty, it feels out of the way.
• The island of Lana'i. There are only three hotels on the island. Four Seasons owns two of them {one beachside and one in-land} and compared with other Four Seasons, both hotels have very good rates.

[photo by @tripstyler]