Travel

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Kenya

Published

4 weeks ago

April 18, 2025

So You’re Dreaming of the Masai Mara? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’ve ever caught yourself staring longingly at National Geographic or one of those moody slow-motion safari documentaries, chances are the Masai Mara was the backdrop. And for good reason—this place is next-level magical. We’re talking big cats lounging under acacia trees, wildebeest stampeding across the plains, and sunsets that feel like they’re showing off just for you.

If a trip to Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara is on your 2025 bucket list, keep reading. We’re breaking down everything a U.S. traveler needs to know—minus the boring fluff and with all the good-to-know intel that’ll make your trip smooth, safe, and straight-up unforgettable.

Getting There: From “I Booked It!” to the Bush

First things first: you’ll fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Most flights from the U.S. will connect through Europe or the Middle East. Once you’re there, you’ve got two main ways to reach the Mara:

Option 1: Bush plane. It’s quick (about 45 minutes), kind of thrilling, and drops you right into the heart of the action. Worth it.
Option 2: Road trip. It takes about 5–6 hours, and while it’s a bit bumpy, it’s also scenic. If you’ve got the time and patience, it’s a great way to see more of Kenya.

Visas, Vaccines & Paperwork (But It’s Easy, Promise)

Kenya makes this part pretty painless. You’ll need:

A valid passport (at least six months left, two blank pages).
An electronic travel authorization (eTA)—apply online a few days before you go.
If you’re passing through a yellow fever zone (say, via Ethiopia or Uganda), bring your yellow fever card.

Bonus tip: Don’t skip travel insurance—especially one that covers emergency evacuation. You’re going off the grid here.

When to Go (And Why “Rainy Season” Isn’t a Dealbreaker)

Here’s the truth: there’s really no bad time to visit the Masai Mara. But the experience does shift depending on the season.

July to October = The Great Migration. Wildebeest. Everywhere. It’s like nature’s version of Times Square—chaotic, awe-inspiring, and totally worth the hype.
December to March = Dry, warm, and perfect for spotting wildlife in thinner grasses. Plus, fewer tourists.
April to June = Lush and green. Yes, it rains, but it’s also peaceful, romantic, and usually comes with lower prices.

What You’ll See: Lions, Cheetahs & “Did You See That?!” Moments

The Masai Mara is wild in the best way. You’re not at a zoo. You’re sharing space with:

The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
Cheetahs chasing down lunch like Olympic sprinters.
Hippos and crocs doing their thing in the Mara River.
Hundreds of bird species and so many giraffes you’ll stop counting.

The wildlife density here is something else. Don’t be surprised if your first game drive feels like watching a highlight reel from a David Attenborough special.

Safari Days: What a Typical Day Looks Like

Your safari rhythm will probably look like this:

Early morning game drive (animals are most active around sunrise).
Leisurely brunch back at camp—coffee, stories, and probably some warthogs running by.
Nap or chill time.
Afternoon drive, chasing that golden hour light.
Sundowners. That’s safari-speak for a G&T in the wild as the sun sets. It’s as dreamy as it sounds.

You’ll be rolling in a custom 4×4 with a local guide, which is half the magic. These guides are part tracker, part storyteller, part comedian.

Where to Stay: Tents, Lodges & Luxury in the Wild

This isn’t camping like you know it. Lodges and tented camps here are full-on experiences—some are rustic, others ridiculously luxe.

Luxury lodges: Picture soaking in a tub while elephants graze nearby. Check out Angama Mara or Mahali Mzuri if you want the royal treatment.
Mid-range camps: Think eco-friendly with style—Basecamp Explorer is a fan favorite.
Budget-friendly options: Still comfortable, still magical. You’re waking up to zebras outside your window, not bad for “budget.”

Most places are all-inclusive: meals, drinks, daily game drives, and sometimes even laundry (bless them).

Getting Around Once You’re There

You’ll mostly be driven around by your guide in an open-roof vehicle—that’s part of the experience. But you can also:

Book a hot air balloon ride (yes, it’s as epic as it sounds).
Take a walking safari in some areas (usually with armed rangers for safety).
Fly to other destinations if you’re adding on beach time or other parks.

Safety, Health & Common Sense

The Mara is wild, but it’s not reckless. Here’s how to stay safe and healthy:

Don’t wander around alone at night. Seriously. Even at your camp.
Malaria meds: Talk to your doctor before you go. Bug spray is your best friend.
Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Bring basic meds—motion sickness pills, antacids, pain relievers. You’ll thank yourself.

Culture Check: The Maasai People

You’ll likely meet Maasai locals during your trip—they’re proud, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. Many work as guides or camp staff, and some lodges offer village visits.

Be respectful. Ask before snapping photos.
Try to learn a few phrases in Maa—even just “hello” goes a long way.
Tipping is appreciated. Think $10–$20/day for your guide, $5–$10/day for general staff.

What to Pack (Besides Your Sense of Adventure)

Neutral-colored clothes (bright colors attract bugs and spook animals).
Layers—it’s chilly in the mornings, hot mid-day, then cool again at night.
Binoculars and a camera with zoom—trust me on this one.
Power bank + UK-style adapter (Type G plug).
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a good hat.

Why the Mara Leaves a Mark

You’ll arrive excited and probably a little jet-lagged. But by the end of your first game drive, when you’re sitting quietly watching a pride of lions stretch out in the shade, something shifts. The Masai Mara doesn’t just show you wildlife—it shifts your perspective, slows you down, reminds you how vast and beautiful this world really is.

If you’re looking for a trip that’s more than a vacation—something that sticks with you long after your plane touches back down—this is it.

Travel

Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.

Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.

Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.

3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road

1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.

2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.

3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.

Quick Tips by Age

Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.

Travel Smarter with Routine

Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.

Climate & Altitude Considerations

Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.

A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Safe travels—and sip often!

Entertainment

Cannes 2025: Star Power, Debuts, and Global Stories Shine

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2025

Good Life Guide

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival rolls out its red carpet from May 13–24, 2025, the world’s most glamorous celebration of cinema is once again bringing together film legends, rising talent, and international storytellers in a lineup that feels both grounded in tradition and thrillingly fresh. For movie fans and travel buffs alike, Cannes is a destination worth adding to your list.

A Daring and Dynamic Official Selection

This year’s main competition showcases 22 feature films, each offering a distinctive voice. Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a stylized espionage drama, while Ari Aster’s Eddington blends Western tropes with biting comedy, anchored by stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone.

Julia Ducournau, who won the Palme d’Or in 2021, is back with Alpha, a provocative exploration of human transformation. Richard Linklater debuts in the main competition with Nouvelle Vague, a love letter to the French New Wave. And Carla Simón’s Romería completes her trilogy about rural Spain.

One of the most historic entries comes from Akinola Davies Jr., whose film My Father’s Shadow marks Nigeria’s first-ever inclusion in the Official Selection—an important milestone for African cinema.

Spotlighting First-Time Directors

The Un Certain Regard section is brimming with bold directorial debuts. Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great tells the story of a grandmother chasing her dreams in New York, while Kristen Stewart adapts Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir The Chronology of Water, a raw portrait of resilience.

British actor Harris Dickinson directs Urchin, a gritty, character-driven film inspired by his volunteer work with London’s homeless community. These entries highlight a growing trend: actors stepping behind the camera to deliver personal, genre-defying stories.

Star Power Returns to the Riviera

This year’s Cannes will not be short on red carpet heat. Tom Cruise is back with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, while Spike Lee screens his latest, Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington.

Robert De Niro will be honored with a lifetime achievement Palme d’Or, celebrating a career that has defined generations of cinema. Jury president Juliette Binoche leads a panel that includes Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, offering an international perspective on the year’s top contenders.

A Global Lineup

From Iran to Japan, this year’s lineup reflects a deep commitment to stories from around the world. Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident and Sergei Loznitsa’s Two Prosecutors offer complex takes on justice and political morality, while Renoir by Chie Hayakawa bridges cultures through a French-Japanese biopic.

Expanding the Cinematic Experience

Beyond traditional screenings, Cannes 2025 includes an immersive competition of nine entries that experiment with virtual reality and collective storytelling. Meanwhile, the beloved Cinéma de la Plage program continues to deliver beachside screenings of both classics and contemporary gems—turning the Mediterranean coast into a community theater under the stars.

Cannes 2025 isn’t just a showcase—it’s a statement: the world’s stories, from the familiar to the unexpected, belong on screen. And there’s no better stage than the Croisette.

Travel

Beat the Heat: Your Essential Guide to Summer Travel Hydration

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer adventures are all about making memories—from hiking rugged trails and wandering vibrant cities to basking on sun-soaked beaches. But while you’re checking off destinations, don’t forget the one travel essential that truly fuels the journey: hydration.

Why Hydration Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your Packing List

Traveling in the summer heat puts your body under extra stress. Whether it’s from blazing sun, higher elevations, long flights, or hours of outdoor activity, these conditions can quietly and quickly lead to dehydration. The effects? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or worse—heat exhaustion.

The good news is that staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your energy up and your body balanced, no matter where your passport takes you.

How to Build a Smart Hydration Strategy for Summer Travel

Start with these simple, proactive steps before you even zip your suitcase:

Look up the weather and climate of your destination
Set hydration reminders if you tend to forget to drink regularly
Learn the early signs of dehydration—dry mouth, fatigue, darker urine
Pack hydration aids in both your carry-on and checked luggage

Now let’s take a look at three standout hydration essentials to help you beat the heat in style.

1. HYDRATED Bioactive Precision Peptides™ Drink

If you want hydration with benefits, HYDRATED by MAKE Wellness is a smart pick. It isn’t just flavored water—This refreshing drink is loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Why travelers love HYDRATED:

Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat
Comes in travel-ready packaging with refreshing flavor options
Offers a subscription model with discounts (10% off initially, 20% off by month four)

Whether you’re trekking through deserts or strolling busy summer streets, HYDRATED helps you stay resilient when plain water just isn’t enough.

2. HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle

A trusty water bottle is a travel MVP, and HydroFlask lives up to the hype. With sizes from 18oz to 64oz, these bottles keep your drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours—no matter how hot it gets outside.

Why it’s a summer essential:

Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold and hands dry
Built tough for outdoor use and airport toss-arounds
Easy-to-fill design (great for ice cubes or HYDRATED mixes)
Works with multiple cap styles for different activities

Pair your HydroFlask with HYDRATED in the morning, and you’re set for a full day of adventures with refreshingly cool hydration at your side.

3. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets

Short on space? Nuun electrolyte tablets are a clever solution. Just pop one into your water bottle and you’ve got a lightly flavored, electrolyte-rich drink on the go. A study even found they help improve fluid balance in active men and women.

Why travelers reach for Nuun:

Lightweight, travel-friendly packaging
Low in sugar, but high in key electrolytes like sodium and magnesium
Variety of flavors to fight “water boredom”
Fast-dissolving and ready in minutes

They’re a great backup to HYDRATED or a stand-alone option for minimalist packers and budget-conscious explorers.

Tailoring Your Hydration to the Destination

Beach Vacations
Sun and salt draw moisture from your body faster than you think. Start your day with 16oz of HYDRATED, then sip 8oz per hour while you’re out under the sun. Keep your HydroFlask in a shaded spot to help it stay cool longer.

Mountain Trips
Higher altitudes increase water needs by 25–50%, and the dry air means you’ll feel thirsty less often even as you lose more fluids. Aim for 16–20oz of HYDRATED in the morning, and refill whenever you can.

City Explorations
Urban adventures often mean miles of walking. Map out water refill stations (many cities have apps for that), and don’t forget to carry your insulated bottle for all-day hydration.

Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before

Drink 16oz of water or HYDRATED before bed
Chill your water bottle in the hotel fridge overnight
Lay out any electrolyte supplements you’ll need for the next day
Check the forecast to plan your intake accordingly

Hydration = Energy, Enjoyment, and Ease

Your travel memories should be defined by great experiences—not the fog of dehydration. By packing a hydration strategy (and a few smart tools like HYDRATED), you’re investing in energy, recovery, and comfort on the road.

Don’t wait until you’re parched to sip. Start early, stay consistent, and let hydration help you unlock every moment of your summer escape.