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Travel Wellness Trips

Healing Travel Tips on Sunscreen is a holistic topic not only for you, but also our planet.  Skin is your largest organ, where signs of premature aging surface and chemicals absorb into the bloodstream.  The best sunscreens for all of us are also “Reef Safe.”   Dive in and read about these 7 tips to learn about how to choose the best sunscreen for you and the :

Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – These sunscreens are natural and form a physical barrier.  This reflects the sunlight away from your skin and are immediately protective.  Zinc Oxide is healing for the skin, reducing acne, inflammation and helping the skin to retain moisture.  The one downside is it does not spread on the skin as easily. (it sits on top)  Plus, it leaves a whitish tint.

    ocean coral reef
    FloridaTravel Wellness Trips

    Key West, Florida Sponge Market Shopping and Health Benefits

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 2, 2026
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Key West Sponge Market shopping is at the heart of a historical landmark, Mallory Square.  Seeing this first caught my attention when visiting Key West this year.  This is a perfect example on how travel opens up our mind to question or learn about things we may have overlooked otherwise.  Also, it’s a great health tip to use a natural vs synthetic sponge. 

    Like many Americans growing up, our mothers used the brightly dyed perfectly square and synthetic sponges for cleaning in the household.  I didn’t question their substance or history coming from the sea.  I was immediately struck with the duh, how interesting when first seeing the Key West Sponge Market, realizing the intriguing qualities of this gift from the sea.   

    Sponges are an Animal with No Brain or Organs

    IMG_7612

    Sponges were once considered plants and are now classified in the animal kingdom.  They function as a colony of singe-cell organisms, that work together to survive.  Also, they have no brain or organs. The sponge is an amazing filtering organism. 

    Sponges filter 10,000 – 30,000 times their own volume/day down to the bacterial size.  Many sponges are endemic to coral reefs and help to symbiotically filter for the coral reef. 

    Harvesting sponges is a sustainable business because any piece of it will regenerate.  For example, 13 sponges to the pound can regenerate from a single piece.  Thus, it’s easy to sustain the sponge population with conscious harvesting. 

    History of Sponge Harvesting in Key West

    The sponge harvesting history is interesting.  The Mediterranean used to be the world’s largest harvesters of sponges.   However, by 1900 Key West became the world’s largest sponge supplier. The Greeks moved to Key West with their unique sponge harvesting methods, creating a friction with the local Key West “Conchs.” 

    Over time the Conch Hookers have not changed much their method for harvesting.  They harvest above shallow waters, using a sloop with no apparatus.  They aim for small catches from the coral beds.  Their hooker’s pole is up to 50 feet long.

    IMG_7608
    Key West Sponge Market

    Key West Sponge Market Shopping

    There are 5000 varieties of sponges, with only 14 being durable enough to be of commercial value.  Key West harvests 4 sponge types:

    Sheepswool: Durable, soft and absorbent for bathing
    Yellow: Firm, dense like a loofah good for toning skin and massage                 
    Grass, Macho Cueva, Glove: Unusual shapes, used for planters and decoration    
    Artist Mix: Add texture to painting

    Natural Sponges’ Health Benefits & Sustainability

    Natural sponges have many health benefits over the synthetic ones.  One of the first cancer treating drugs was isolated from a Caribbean sponge, high in iodine (14%).  Also, the super absorbency of sponges is used medically in surgery.  Natural sea sponges contain enzymes and minerals that help prevent odors, molds and bacteria.  

    In addition, they are hypoallergenic because they contain no artificial ingredients, harsh chemicals or toxins.  The natural sponges are softer and lather very well,  with no irritants to skin.  Plus, they last much longer than synthetic and are biodegradable.

    Most importantly, the natural sponges are sustainable because just a little piece of the sponge regenerates new sponges.  It’s a win-win to use this green and sustainable product for both your health and the environment.    This is just another unique aspect of Key West with one of the few sponge markets in the world.


    Read More!
    Top 10 Things to Do in Historic Key West, Florida
    20 Best Things to Do in Colorful Miami

    February 2, 2026 0 comments
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  • Guatemala Travel DestinationsTravel Wellness Trips

    Treehouse Wellness Retreat at Earth Lodge near Antigua, Guatemala

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 2, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 2, 2026

    When planning my trip to Antigua, I excitedly reserved my stay at the Earth Lodge treehouse.   This boutique eco lodge has a lot to offer as a Wellness Resort.  It offers a …

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  • CaliforniaTravel Wellness Trips

    Forest Bathing in San Francisco’s Muir Woods, Exploring the Unique Redwoods

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 3, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 3, 2026

    The Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument is the ideal day trip from San Francisco, to genuinely connect with the trees and forest-bathing.  The coastal conditions of northern California are ideal for …

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  • TaiwanTravel Wellness Trips

    Amazing Day at Taiwan’s Yangmingshan, Geothermal Spa and Yehliu Geopark

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 3, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 3, 2026

    Taiwan’s volcanic landscapes & spas make wonderful day trips near Taipei offering wellness travel and eco-tourism. First, I explored the steamy crater of Mt. Qixing at Yangmingshan National Park. Then, I rejuvenated …

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  • CaribbeanCuracaoTravel Wellness Trips

    Curacao’s Den Paradera: Native Herbal Medicine Garden Ecotourism

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac December 11, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac December 11, 2025

    Curacao’s Den Paradera is a gem, off the beaten path of the popular tours. Amidst sparkling turquoise waters, Curacao, the Dutch Caribbean Island is visibly north of Venezuela on a clear day. …

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  • New Zealand Travel DestinationsTravel Wellness Trips

    Rotorua, New Zealand at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa Tour

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Hell’s Gate of Rotorua is the hotspot of New Zealand’s dynamic geothermal region.  It’s the only park in New Zealand offering both walking tours and mud spas.  Overall, I enjoyed my day …

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  • TaiwanTravel Wellness Trips

    Fascinating Taiwanese Tea Tour in Taipei & Health Benefits

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    In Taiwan the tea ceremony is a spiritual practice or meditation. Being in one takes you to the roots of this ancient tea culture. Taiwan offers authentic ways to explore a tradition, …

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  • FijiTravel Wellness Trips

    Fiji’s Tifajek Mud Baths for a Rejuvenating Spa Day

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    An authentic way to immerse yourself in the Fijian culture is through the popular Tifajek or Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs. It offers a rejuvenating day of healing travel.  On the …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    Life Lessons on Nepal’s Teahouse Trek: Paradise, Leeches & Breaking my Arm

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Eagerly starting off on my first Nepal teahouse trek, little did I know that I was stepping into one of the most tragic experiences of my life. After 2 years, I can …

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  • FijiTravel Wellness Trips

    Fascinating Fiji Kava Ceremony & Hike on Dravuni Island

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Doing a Fiji Kava Ceremony should be on everyone’s Bucket List. I got the opportunity when visiting the exotic Dravuni Island. Kava is an herbal medicine to drink during a traditional South …

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  • JapanTravel Wellness Trips

    How to Plan for a Japan Cherry Blossom Season Travel Itinerary

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Cherry Blossom or Sakura Season is the best time to visit Japan. However, catching the trees in bloom at the right time is a challenge. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I spent an entire …

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  • Travel Wellness Trips

    My Frankincense Healing Quest in Salalah, Oman at Al Haffa Souq

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    On the Frankincense Trail, Salalah is the ultimate destination to explore the healing magic of frankincense.  With only one day to enjoy this port-of-call, I had one thing in mind:  go on …

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  • El SalvadorTravel Wellness TripsWellness

    El Salvador’s Revival of Natural Indigo for Ecotours and a Sustainable Future

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    El Salvador is making a comeback on the production of what the Mayans called “Blue Gold.”  As the largest producer of natural indigo dye in Latin America for centuries, it collapsed after …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patients, Part 2: Being Primary Care Practitioners

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Nepal’s rural Acupuncture Relief Project follows a clinic model, where Acupuncture Physicians act as primary care practitioners. They utilize kits with the medical tools to make these primary care assessments. Most patients …

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  • CaribbeanCuracaoTravel Wellness Trips

    Curacao’s Curaloe Ecotourism and Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Curacao’s Curaloe Aloe Vera Plantation offers sustainable ecotourism. When travelling in the southern Caribbean islands, Aruba and Curacao, one can easily lose themselves in the Trade Winds that take you to the …

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  • CanadaTravel Wellness Trips

    My Healing Pilgrimage to Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, Canada

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    The Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre is the oldest pilgrimage site in North America.  Near Quebec City, Canada this basilica is known for inspiring healing miracles for its pilgrims.  Millions of …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    Life Changing Nepal Walking Tour in Agricultural Communities

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Imagine an idyllic setting a hundred years ago in traditional farmlands. There are no tractors, no Monsanto, no combines, no corporate farming or no John Deere. Just the land, the people, goats, …

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  • IcelandTravel Wellness Trips

    Iceland’s Healing Blue Lagoon for a Spa Day & Health Benefits

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations, known for its healing wonders. Nestled in the black lava fields near Reykjavik, this geothermal spa is a splendid place to rejuvenate. …

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  • Travel Wellness TipsTravel Wellness Trips

    10 Tech Free Travel Ideas for a Digital Detox Vacation

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Sometimes you just need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and your health. A digital detox vacation can be the ideal solution for a reset.  Taking a trip or vacation …

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  • ChinaTravel Wellness Trips

    Hong Kong’s Legendary Ko Shing or Medicine Street

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Being an American acupuncturist, going to Hong Kong’s Medicine Street aka Ko Shing Street was a dream come true. For 100 years, in Sheung Wan near the pier, Ko Shing Street has …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patient, Part 3: Common Health Problems in Nepal

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    As one of Nepal’s Acupuncture Volunteers, I learned firsthand about health issues and care in this impoverished country. Nepal rates as the 12th poorest (economically) in the world as a third world …

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  • TaiwanTravel Wellness Trips

    Taipei’s Lungshan Temple & Herb Lane in Historic Manka District

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    I set off for Lungshan Temple in Taipai, along with the nearby Herb Lane on a warm, sunny day in March. In the Manka district. I intend to have a glimpse of …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patients, Part 1: Medical Interpreters & Hindu Customs

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    “Namaste, from the top of the world!” The radio speakers blasted at 8 am, outside the Acupuncture Relief Project (ARP) Clinic in the farming village of Bajra Barahi, Nepal. 20 patients are …

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  • Costa RicaTravel Wellness Trips

    Amazing La Fortuna – The Heart of Costa Rican Wellness Travel

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    Surrounded by tropical forests and volcanoes with geothermal hot springs is a wonderful blend for a healing destination.  La Fortuna offers a plethora of mineral-rich hot springs, resorts, spas, gardens and wildlife …

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  • NepalTravel Wellness Trips

    Volunteer Opportunities for Healthcare Practitioners with Acupuncture Relief Project in Nepal

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    Volunteering for Nepal’s Acupuncture Relief Project (ARP) was one of the most joyous and rewarding experiences of my life. In the spring of 2018, I lived in rural Nepal, about 3 hours …

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  • JapanTravel Wellness Trips

    A Healing Day at Kagoshima’s Geothermal Sand Spa

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    One of the most unique experiences of my life was getting buried in the Kagoshima sand spas. And yes, thankfully my head was not included. On this adventurous day, I left the …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
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Largest fiddle in the world in Sydney, Nova Scotia Largest fiddle in the world in Sydney, Nova Scotia! 

#fiddle #musiclover #novascotia #canadatravel #instatravelling #cruiselife #musictravel
If ever there was a time to reconnect with America If ever there was a time to reconnect with American Democracy, it is NOW! Boston is the perfect place known as the "Cradle of Liberty," with many firsts for the USA.

I decided to unplug from the current political reality and celebrate the U.S. historical roots on Independence Day 2025! I visited many historic sites on Boston's Freedom Trail, listened to 2 readings of the Declaration of Independence, interacted with people in colonial costumes and parades. 

It was a bittersweet day with many tears and the realization that I have taken democracy for granted. However, I will never let that happen again! I feel more patriotic than ever to make sure the blood, sweat and tears over the last 249 years were not in vain. 

Here are the 19 historic sites on the Freedom Trail. For more details, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/boston-freedom-trail-sites/

#bostonsofinstagram #bostonfreedomtrail #democracy #americandemocracy #patriotism #americanhistory #bostonsbest #massachussets
The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a cit The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a city in the heart of the Dutch green lands. Imagine this, the city is just as delectable as the cheese. I am thrilled to share my Gouda Netherlands cheese tour highlights at the city and cheese farm. So, read on and discover reasons why Gouda is the ultimate foodie and cultural tour.

The city Gouda lies in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It’s named after the Gouwe River that it surrounds. The city became known for the Gouda cheese traded in its market square. Furthermore, Gouda is famous for stroopwafels, grachten or canals, smoking pipes and its 15th century city hall. Originally, it was a marshland in the 13th century. Later, a canal was built and its estuary became a harbor. 

Pictures:
Gouda City Hall in Cheese Market Square
Waag (Weigh House)
St. John's Church - known for 72 stained glass windows

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/gouda-netherlands-cheese-tour/

#gouda #goudacheese #netherlands #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #europetravels #holland #cheeselover #foodstagram #travelingram #travelblog
On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
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