How to Plan a Geocaching Vacation

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Techie travelers have long embraced the fun, tech-driven, on-the-road adventure that is geocaching. For those of us who haven't caught on to the craze just yet, here's a quick-and-easy guide to geocaching:
WHAT'S THE HISTORY OF GEOCACHING?

Back in 2000, the U.S. government released the "selective availability" hold on GPS technology, essentially opening up satellite access to anyone with a GPS device. The very next day, a computer consultant named Dave Ulmer buried a bucket of trinkets in the woods outside of Beavercreek, Oregon, and then posted the coordinates on a GPS user's group with the simple instructions, "Take something, leave something." And, just like that, geocaching was born.
WHO USES GEOCACHING?

In the 14 years since that first "cache" was hidden, geocaching has grown into a popular hobby practiced by over 6 million people in 185 countries—and has been used in locations as remote as Antarctica or Easter Island, and even underwater or in space.

HOW DOES GEOCACHING WORK?

The premise is simple: Anyone can hide a container (called a cache), register the coordinates online, and check on the cache regularly to make sure it is still active (and hasn't been carted away by an animal or out-of-the-loop human). Then, participants can use smartphone apps or GPS devices to go in search of these hidden "treasures," which are located just about everywhere: think suburban parking lots, hotel lobbies, city parks, or along hiking trails in remote national parks.

Each cache is categorized based on the difficulty of the terrain and how tricky it might be to find. Cache containers vary considerably—from camouflaged Altoids tins to fake rocks to tree stumps—and typically contain a logbook and pencil (so successful geocachers can record their find), and trinkets like key chains, plastic toys, beads, or coins. The "take something, leave something" rule still applies, meaning that you should replace whatever you uncover, while keeping in mind that the goal of geocaching is less about what you turn up than the journey you take to get there.
WHAT'S THE POINT OF GEOCACHING?

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Given its aim of getting people out to explore new areas—be it a natural setting or even parts of their own cities—geocaching has proved a hit with a wide array of users. The most popular geocaching app and website, Geocaching.com, has logged rave reviews from parents (who love it as a way to get kids active and out in nature), pilots and flight crews (who use it as a fun way to explore a new layover city), environmentalists (who have incorporated it into cleanup drives), and more. Some folks have even set up geocaching-themed proposals and birthday surprises. American astronaut Rick Mastracchio recently took one of Geocaching.com'sckable TravelBug tags (a sort of dog tag) with him on a trip to the International Space Station to help teach kids about geography—and then proceeded to find another cache that had been hidden on the International Space Station five years ago.

Back on earth, Geocacaching.com has partnered with tourism boards, historical societies, and national parks around the world to create "GeoTours" that lead users through a particular area in search of a series of caches, each highlighting a noteworthy site or picturesque setting. The themed trails might include anywhere from 10 to over 100 caches, and participants can spend just a couple of hours or devote a few days in the area to try and log them all; there are typically prizes for participants who complete the whole list.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED GEOCACHING?

Here are the basics on five standout domestic GeoTours (with no location spoilers!) to get you started; for more details on geocaching and to download the free or upgraded apps, visitGeocaching.com.

1. GeoTour: '20s Speakeasy

Location: West City, IL

Number of Caches: 40

Located in southern Illinois, about a 90-minute drive from St. Louis, Missouri, West City and its surrounding Benton County were notorious during the 1920s Prohibition era, thanks to local gangster Charlie Birger's bootlegging (and other, more violently criminal) activities. This GeoTour's 40 caches, mostly found along Interstate 57 and near Rend Lake, are themed around this scandalous period, with names like "Stool Pigeon," "Bathtub Gin," "Gumshoe," and "Dollface."

2. GeoTour: Eugene, Cascades & Coast

Location: Oregon

Number of Caches: 108

One of the largest GeoTours currently offered, this Oregon option is actually made up of four adjacent editions. The McKenzie River tour highlights the waterfalls, old-growth forests, and lava fields along the river and in the Cascade Mountains (including hikes in several national parks), while the Florence tour goes from charming small towns and lighthouses to the seal caves and dunes along the beautiful Oregon coast. Lakes, fish hatcheries, and woodlands are part of the Oakridge/Westfir edition, and the Territorial Highway version—launching March 2014—spotlights historic covered bridges, farm stands, old Gold Rush towns, and several South Willamette Valleywineries.

3. GeoTour: Birthplace of Texas

Location: Washington County, TX

Number of Caches: 28

Set between Houston and Austin, Washington County, Texas, boasts rolling hills, notable historic sites and homes, and wildflower-filled scenic spots—plus Bluebell, the most famous ice cream brand in the state. If you go in search of all 28 caches along this trail, you'll travel about 80 miles and through five towns, stopping at locations like the oldest continuously operating cotton gin in the nation, an 1898 mansion, an antique carousel, and the church where Sam Houston was baptized. Of course, there's some ice cream involved, too.

4. GeoTour: Smithsonian Natural History

Location: Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; Maryland; and Virginia

Number of Caches: 9

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Sponsored by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, this trail is a bit different from the others: the coordinates of each of the nine caches are only revealed after you've solved a puzzle or answered a question, which may require web research, museum visits, or in-the-field activities. Since archeological and geological education is the goal, you'll learn about some of the activities, research programs, and exhibits at the museum along the way. The caches are spread out over three states and Washington, D.C, and are located in areas like a wetland habitat and a fossil-rich dinosaur park.

Road Trip Planner: South Africa's Karoo Region

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Though it lacks the grandeur of a Moroccan dune at sunset or the Moab, South Africa's Karoo, the desert hinterland separating the Western Cape from the country's interior, is filled with interesting people, fascinating history, and charmingly bizarre towns that complement its sublime natural beauty. To see the best this region has to offer, pack up the car and hit the road.
COASTS TO GHOSTS: CAPE TOWN TO PRINCE ALBERT



Decamping from Cape Town, take the nation's N1 arterial highway northeast, where the backdrop quickly turns picturesque with farmland and mountain passes. At the town of Worcester, divert to the scenic Route 62 towards Barrydale if you're not in a hurry. A pretty little town nestled against the Langeberg Mountains, Barrydale is known for its style brigade of artists and weavers, natural hot springs, and enthusiastically gay-friendly vibe, particularly at the excellent Barrydale Karoo Hotel. Alternately, stay on the N1 and stop for a country-style meal at Die Veld Country Store (just after the Hex River Valley).

In a few hours you'll reach Prince Albert, a serious contender for South Africa's most charming town and the gateway to the breathtaking Swartberg Pass. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unpaved mountain pass climbs just shy of a mile high through lichen-covered cliffs; its craggy surrounds are perfect for epic hiking and mountain-biking expeditions. If you're interested, the owners of the gorgeous Dennehof Guesthouse organize day trips.

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Prince Albert itself is a tribute to local architectural styles from the 18th to early-20th centuries. To learn about the stories behind these walls, join historian Alisa Tudhope's fantastically bizarre Ghost Walk. When hunger strikes, head to Prince Albert's Gallery Café and Bistro for spectacular fine cuisine sans attitude, surrounded by tasteful fine art (the nearby galery Watershed sells iconic black-and-white photographs).



When it's time to call it a day, you'll have your pick of lovely guesthouses for all budgets. A top choice would be the stylish De Bergkant Lodge, an immaculately restored Cape Dutch home brimming with exquisite antiques with all the modern conveniences and truly superb service.
GET WILD: PRINCE ALBERT TO SAMARA GAME RESERVE



Leaving Prince Albert, take the route via the Meiringspoort Gorge. Another spectacular mountain pass, Meiringspoort follows the low road through a stunning canyon gorge, crossing the Groot River no less than 25 times in 15 miles. A deep swimming hole at the well-marked Great Waterfall makes a great picnic stop. Head toward Graaff-Reinet, an architecturally fascinating town perfect for a quick visit on the way to your final destination.

Your next stop is Samara Private Game Reserve, a 70,000-acre reserve whose exquisite landscape—watch out for wildlife—will serve as backdrop for another 45 minutes until you reach the lodge. The ambiance and service here are top-notch, with spacious private bungalows that boast views of a waterhole. Spend your days tracking cheetah and rhino on foot, or on game drives through some of the most stunning scenery available in a South African game area.
QUIRKY CHARACTERS: SAMARA TO NIEU-BETHESDA



From Samara, it's about an hour and a half to Nieu-Bethesda, a tiny village off a dirt road, where a population of local artists has created a funky, shabby-chic vibe—look for the post office that serves tea and cake, a surprisingly well-stocked bookstore, and a B&B in a fairy-tale tower. Though you won't find any banks or gas stations here, Nieu-Bethesda is well worth a visit.

The main attraction here is The Owl House. Once the residence of recluse Helen Martins, the walls of the now-museum are covered in a rainbow of crushed glass, and its garden is crowded with cement-and-wire sculptures of owls, camels, and angels. Fascinating, bizarre, and a little creepy, Martins' masterpiece was made famous by South African playwright Athol Fugard, who also called Nieu-Bethesda home.

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About four miles out of town, the Ganora Guest Farm is not to be missed. For those looking to stay in the area, this gorgeous sheep farm boasts a variety of excellent lodging options, all housed in the farm's tastefully renovated outbuildings. Meanwhile, amateur (or professional) paleontologists should not miss the outstanding fossil collection at the farm's small museum; even better, join owner J.P. on a fossil walk through the bush. Hikes to see high-caliber Bushman rock art are also fantastic and informative.

Fitness Getaways: What to Expect

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By noon, I had been to a stretch class, learned how to salsa, consumed a carrot, cucumber, and beetroot juice, and been drizzled in oils by an Ayurvedic therapist who pointed out that my doshas (the energies that make up the body, duh) were wildly out of balance. She suggested a 14-day cleanse. I looked at my schedule for the rest of the day: a Dead Sea Mud Wrap and a Tree House Spoga (spinning and yoga, duh) class.



Tucked into mountainous cove on St. Lucia’s northern shore, The BodyHoliday is among the Caribbean’s elite spa destinations where the beleaguered head to relax, rejuvenate, and in many cases, get whipped into shape. Tailoring wellness experiences for twenty-five years, the resort’s promise is an indelible one—"Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind." To get you there, the compound has a small army of experts—spa therapists, fitness instructors, chefs, and doctors—ready to work 24/7 on your self-improvement. This, of course can be intimidating if you’re not entirely eager to hear about all the ways in which you need to be improved. I personally happen to like marathon fitness sessions, but it’s easy to have trepidations about this brand of "escape". Who hasn’t had the odd friend disappear to some remote ashram/yurt/monastery and return (admittedly looking glowing, and like her skin had been Benjamin-Buttoned), evangelically describing the "amazing wheat-, sugar-, caffeine-, and alcohol-free menu" and how "fantastic" it feels to wake up every day at 4:30 am. I believe these people (kinda), but my vacation days are precious few and I'd rather not spend them eating cardboard, thanks.
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So. What are these getaways really like? Here are some things to take into consideration, after a blissful four days spent at TheBodyHoliday.
HAVE IT BOTH WAYS



Pick a place where you can do as much or as little as you like. Unless you absolutely need a bootcamp environment for a stringent goal, it’s great to have some leeway and dictate your own schedule. What appeals about The BodyHoliday is that you can have it both ways—it’s entirely possible to commit to an acetic stay—early morning hikes, low-carb, -calorie, and -sugar meals (beautiful breakfast and lunch spreads, with plenty of fish, veggies, fruits, and nuts have subtle nutritional information, so you can make informed decisions, as do and menus at the resort’s three eateries—from a salad and smoothie spot to the upscale sushi restaurant Tao). You could undergo one of the resort’s personalized programs for aging, weight loss, detox, and more; book an entire day’s worth of activities—from tennis to paddleboarding, scuba, spinning, and a reiki session. Or, you could sleep late, head to the beach, and keep the mojitos coming.
EXPECT FITNESS TO REIGN



Even if you’ve opted to stay close to the bar and the pool, it’s likely that many people around you will be on the move. At The BodyHoliday, one daily 50-minute spa treatment is included with stay. Some treatments on the menu aren’t traditional forms of relaxation: the "Bolus Bag Massage," one of the resort’s extensive Ayurvedic offerings, entails being lightly hit with a muslin bag full of herbs; a Prana Breath treatment eliminates sinus fluids from the body with an oft-uncomfortable combination of oil and steam in the nasal passages. But most are divinely calming, and because they’re included, you’re nudged to relax before you plan a thing. Classes and activities (yoga, core, dance, waterskiing) are free with your stay, which is a compelling argument for popping in and checking them out. Still, the class structure is just that—something that adds structure to your vacation day—and hitting a mark may not be for everyone.
HAVE A BROAD DEFINITION OF HEALTH



The BodyHoliday's idea of wellness is comprehensive—which means that it's just as important that there are no TVs in rooms as it is that everyone enjoys great wine (an in-house sommelier leads a wine pairing session before dinner). At these kinds of getaways—where the fun isn’t sucked out in favor of the grind—there’s equal emphasis on giving your mind a break as there is at improving your body. That’s good for anyone, whether your focus is fewer calories, better sleep, or no focus at all.
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Photo credits: Courtesy of The BodyHoliday

10 Weirdest Spa Treatments

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Most of us have been guilty of shelling out a few bucks here or there for beauty treatments. Who doesn't want softer skin, better hair, and cellulite-free thighs? While most spas pamper with the basic facial and massage, others are pushing the boundaries of normal and offering some unbelievable treatments in the pursuit of beauty. From slithering snakes to fecal facials, we've rounded up some of the most bizarre spa treatments around the world.
MASSAGE BOXING



Get slapped pretty in San Francisco by a woman named Tata. At Face Slapping Natural, you can drop $350 for a single session of face-slapping, which, according to its website "uses Thai wisdom to bring out your own beauty that is 100% chemical free." Apparently, all that slapping will reduce wrinkles and firm up skin, although they warn that results vary from individual to individual.
SNAIL FACIAL



This past summer, the Clinical Salon in Tokyo, Japan launched an unnerving treatment: the snail facial, or, as they call it, the "Celebrity Escargot Course." For about $252, organically raised snails are applied to your face, where they slime around for a bit, before being removed. The process is then followed by massages, masks, and snail mucus creams, all designed to help repair damaged skin cells.
GEISHA FACIAL


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Japanese Geishas would do a lot in pursuit of beauty, including combatting the damaging effects of lead and zinc in their iconic white face powder with some nightingale poop. At Shizuka New York Day Spa in New York City, you can enjoy a $180, 60-minute facial infused with natural Japanese ingredients, including powdered nightingale droppings. According to the spa, the sanitized poop, which contains enzymes and guanine, helps brighten and heal skin.
GALOS SALT CAVES



In Chicago, health can be found underground by retreating to a salt cave. At the Galos salt-iodine caves you sit back, relax, and let the low humidity, negatively charged air spur you on to health. According to the company, visiting these caves can help with respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous system diseases, along with inflammation and sinus issues, among other things.
HAY BATH



Take a roll in the hay at the Terme Merano spa in Merano, Italy, where attendants pile hot, wet, herb-infused mountain hay onto your body and then wrap you tightly in a sheet as you lay back and relax on a waterbed. The idea here is to open up pores, relax your body, and even relieve pain, but we can't help but think all that wet hay would be rather…spikey. Treatment lasts 20 minutes and costs about $50.
SNAKE MASSAGE



Conquer your fears and calm muscles with the live snake massage. In Talmei Elazar, Israel at the Carnivorous Plant Farm and Spa, proprietor Ada Barak will place several nonvenomous snakes on your back and let them slither around. Snake varieties include California and Florida king snakes. Apparently all their writhing helps to soothe muscles (or, you know, fuel nightmares)
REAL BEER BATH



Love beer so much you've dreamed of bathing in it? At Chodovar Brewery, Hotel and Spa in Chodova Plana, Czech Republic, you can take a relaxing soak in a tub of suds…and hops, herbs, active beer yeasts, and plenty of foam. These "real beer baths" are warm, encouraging circulation and opening up pores, while the hops act as a peel, and the yeasts add vitamin B, protein, and saccharides for "overall softening and regeneration of the cuticle." Best of all, you get a free beer to enjoy with your bath! A 20-minute bath is about $34.
HORSE REIKI



Get some good vibrations from horses at Free Rein Australia in Victoria, Australia, where Reiki (the spiritual practice of transferring energy) is taken to a new level. It seems that horses have a higher vibration than we do, so when they're nearby, our vibration rises to match theirs, according to Free Rein. Along with a Reiki practitioner, horses work either from a distance or by going up to and even touching clients as they lay on a table outdoors.
24-KARAT GOLD FACIAL



In recent years, 24-karat gold facials have become trendy especially with the West Coast set, and, frankly, it's hard not to see why. Who wouldn't want to be covered in pure gold? Spas claim the gold helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines and slows down collagen loss.
SPERMINE FACIAL

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This sounds a lot worse than it is, because although Spermine is an anti-oxidant found originally in human sperm, spas today use a synthetic version. Apparently, it's reported by spas to have a smoothing effect on the skin and helps reduce wrinkles. A Norwegian company began selling the synthetic version a few years ago, and spas in New York City began using it in facials where it was hit with ultrasound and infrared light. The spermine facial is available at Graceful Services Spa in Manhattan for $125.