Be Fit To Travel

May 7, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Fitness, Travel Tips No comments

How do travel and fitness go hand in hand? I will share how fitness plays a significant role in your traveling and has shaped my traveling career. You will discover why it is vital to be fit to travel. I will share two things you may or may not know about me, depending on whether you have booked travel or followed my adventures. One is an essential part of who I am and how I approach life and living, and the other is an inspiration and a reminder of why you must take care of yourself and do when the opportunity presents itself.

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

Being fit to travel came from my long history of being in the fitness industry and discovering over the years how taxing travel can be on the body. I was always a fitness buff, having been at the prime of my life when aerobics first took its hold, and shiny spandex was the attire. The love of fitness established in my youth carried over into my early family life as I received my personal trainer and fitness instructor certificates just before discovering I was pregnant with my first child. I taught classes and maintained my certification for about ten years before. Fast forward to my mid-forties, when I opened the agency and life’s stresses had a detrimental impact on my health, I returned to fitness as a motivational coach for Bodi (formerly Beachbody). At this point in my travel career, I was on the road nearly every month, realizing that if I was going to keep up with the pace of activities and enjoy all the things offered, I needed to regain my health. I witnessed many travelers who were also sidelined and unable to participate in something as simple as an easy-grade walk through a rainforest. I had clients who had to cancel major trips due to health issues arising before travel that likely might have been prevented had they spent a little more time on healthcare.

And this is where the second influence comes in. It is something I will never forget. It occurred long before I had any idea I would be a travel agent or, let alone, own an agency. A woman who was in her sixties and ran a consignment shop gave me a crucial piece of advice one day when I was selling some of the kid’s clothes at her shop. We were discussing my husband, who was living and working in Germany at the time. I shared with her how I wanted to see it for myself but wasn’t sure about traveling with the kids and the cost if I should do it. She then told me their dream of traveling the world did not happen. She told me how they had planned to travel the world in retirement. She worked and saved only to have retirement day come and take the dream away when her husband ended up on a dialysis machine. She told me, “Do not wait; go when you can. You never know what will happen in life.” Needless to say, I went to Germany with my toddlers in tow that year to visit their dad.

It’s always possible to begin that journey of health. And it isn’t about the swimsuit body but about longevity and mobility. You want to truly enjoy your rewards when you have worked as hard as you have worked. Feel free to follow @BeFitToTravel or join my private motivational fitness group to spur you on your wellness adventure.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Walk It Out

March 5, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Fitness No comments

The best way to see a destination is often by setting off on foot. I am that proverbial person that says, “We can walk it.” Don’t know what to do with the day, then start walking. I find you stumble upon some of the most significant discoveries when you take to the pavement or the off-beaten path. It is a fabulous learning experience with discoveries around every bend.

Australia has plenty of walks to discover. Or hikes if you are in for a bit more workout. I’ve climbed an array of gorges, canyons, and more! I’ve had the thrill of experiencing a climb up Peak’s Passage on Hamilton Island, trekking around King’s Canyon Rim, and scurrying down the hillsides in the Blue Mountains to witness cascading falls. No matter your state or territory, you will find somewhere unique to explore on foot.

Australia makes it even easier to Walk it Out.

Australia has what is known as the Great Walks of Australia. For the fitness buff, nature buff, and explorer, these are a variety of walks throughout the regions and in varying degrees of difficulty. Some are multiple days, and some you can do only part of. No matter your choice you need to try one.

Walk it Out in Australia.

Here is a list of the Great Walks:

The Arkaba Walk– Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity traversing the Flinders Ranges. It is best done from March to October.
Murray River Walk-Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk rated easy that takes along one of Australia’s greatest rivers. It is best explored from May to September.
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity as you explore the northeastern part of Tasmania along Mt. William National Park. It is best done from October to May.
Cradle Mountains Hut Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 6-day walk rated moderate to hard discovering World Heritage areas along the famous Overland Track. It is best experienced from October to May.
Freycinet Experience Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. This walk will take you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains, and you will see the famed Wine Glass Bay. This walk is best done from October to April.
The Maria Island Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk with an easy to moderate rating. Explore eucalyptus forests and spot amazing wildlife on this trek. Plan this walk for October to April.
Three Capes Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level open year round. It is fully guided and walks along the Tasman Peninsula.
Scenic Rim Trail-Located in Queensland, is a 4-day walk rated moderate to hard. It is accessed from Brisbane and explores South East Queensland’s Main Range Park. It is best done from February to November.
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk-Located in Victoria, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. It explores the famed Great Ocean Road. It is best experienced from September to May.
Cape to Cape Walk-Located in Western Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity exploring the landscapes along the Margaret River. Plan this walk from March to June and September to November.
Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort-Located in the Northern Territory, is a 6-day walk listed as moderate to hard. It will take you along the high ridge lines of the MacDonnell Ranges. This walk is best done from April to September.
Seven Peaks Walk-Located in New South Wales, is a 5-day walk. It is rated moderate to hard with options. This walk takes place on Lord Howe Island, a Unesco World Heritage listing. Operational months for this walk are April and May, and September thru November.

For more information, contact your Australia Travel Expert here at Boomerang Escapes. I can guide you to what will work with your travel plans. Until then, happy walking!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Staying Fit During a Stay on Hamilton Island

March 25, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Fitness No comments

As an Aussie Travel Expert, aka Aussie Specialist, people are always asking me to tell them my favorite place to visit in Australia. This is almost an impossible task for me because I am so in love with the destination that no matter where I am I am in #myhappyplace. But when push comes to shove, a place I would choose for my own personal rest and relaxation would be Queensland’s Hamilton Island.

Not only is Hamilton Island incredibly beautiful, it has all the things I am looking for in my vacation experience. As some of you know I have a separate little division, let’s call it, of Boomerang Escapes, called Be Fit To Travel. Be Fit To Travel was born out of my own love and passion for staying fit and from the stories I’ve heard from travelers that weren’t able to enjoy their “Golden Years” as planned. I have created a whole page and a closed motivational fitness group dedicated to inspiring and encouraging others to live their best healthy life.

Which brings me to one of the reasons I so love Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is a place to for me to escape, thrive, revive, and indulge. The key components for returning to your happy place. Hamilton Island has a wide variety of stay options from the luxurious Qualia, to the harbour condos, to the family friendly Reef Hotel. On top of excellent accommodations, the harbour restaurants, and the resorts have mouth watering selections of food to dine on, spas and beaches to relax on, and then oodles of activities to thrive on.

What are some of my favorite sports, fitness items to do while staying on Hamilton Island? Here’s a list of several of mine….

Hiking Passage Peak at sunrise. I love to see the earth come awake and what better thing to do then get a morning climb in for a 360 degree view. There are actually several hiking options.

Snorkel and/or take a swim. Spend an afternoon with the sea creatures exploring their underwater world.

Golf. Take the ferry over for a round of golf and see what you shoot.

Beach walk at Whitehaven taking the path up to the scenic outlooks.

SUP and/or Windsurfing. My personal preference is the Stand Up Paddle board. Always great fun and good core workout.

Catching a fitness class at the resort. My love is yoga.

Staying fit doesn’t have to feel like a workout. When you’ve filled your day with healthy fun activities such as these then its easy to indulge in the food, night entertainment, or lovely spa!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

What’SUP?

February 13, 2017 Lisa Rossmeissl Adventure, Caribbean, Fitness, Mexico, South Pacific No comments

SUP, or otherwise known as Stand Up Paddling Boarding, is a fun, relaxing way to play on the water.

It’s easy enough for most levels of fitness and swimming when geared with a life jacket. SUP creates a great way to explore earth’s waters with the added benefit of exercise.

SUP requires little equipment and when traveling for leisure, the resorts will provide you with everything you need. SUP has become a great full-body workout and works well for a cross-training activity. For me, I love it because of the experience. Done from a standing position, you not only get to enjoy the beauty of the world below you, but the horizon as well.

SUP requires the board, paddle, life jacket (if required), proper climate clothing, and an adventurous you. And no need to worry, lessons are provided should you need them. My first experience was with my daughter in Cozumel. We were given lessons and had an instructor with our group the whole time we were out on the water. I was one of the oldest in the bunch and one of the first to get standing and stay standing. It probably helped that I am only 5 feet tall and have a low center of gravity. After our paddling up and down the shore, we ended our experience with feeding the tropical fish. It was spectacular.

I have since done SUP stateside, in St. Martin, and in French Polynesia. French Polynesia was a particular favorite on the blue waters of the lagoon at the Intercontinental Thalasso Resort on Bora Bora. My travel agent friend and I decided to take SUP to the next level and do yoga SUP. Trying to do yoga poses on a board that is floating on water takes incredible core strength and balance. We had a terrific time and more than once we toppled over and splashed into the clear water below.

I’ve seen now where they actually offer SUP Yoga as an option at some fitness centers for your workout. I’ve also seen several styles of board workouts via YouTube. For me, SUP gives me an opportunity to enjoy the destination, explore my surroundings, and stay fit all at once. While I certainly love hours laying upon a chair in the sand, my favorite when traveling is to immerse myself in the activities available to me.

What’SUP?

Have you tried SUP? Share with us in the comments below.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Giving Back…Zumba for Haiti

October 17, 2016 Lisa Rossmeissl Fitness, For Fun No comments

One of the great things about being in the travel industry and having my own agency is that I combine my passions and do the things I enjoy in life. One of the near and dear things to my heart is giving back to others in and outside of my community. If you visit our webpage, you will see there are several donations and conservation efforts that the agency participates in.

Over the weekend, I had an exceptional opportunity to give back in a fun and unique way thanks to my travel industry connections. My Aussie mate, Melissa Watt, from Travel2 invited me to her Zumba studio BellaVita and the event they were running to help Haiti after Hurricane Matthew’s devastating effects.

My daughter and I, who also participated with me in the event, were more than eager to help as we were much luckier on the other side of the island than Haiti’s poor people. During Matthew’s rage, we arrived in Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic. For those who don’t know, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are two countries on one island in the Caribbean. As Matthew approached, we were lucky that its course had shifted, but it did not shift quite far enough to miss the island altogether. While the sun came out for us and we had little to no signs of the storm ever being near, Haiti was not so lucky. The country continues to add to its death toll from mother nature’s beating. I believe upon the last check before writing this; there were now 1000 people dead. What is even worse now for people is the fear of a cholera outbreak due to poor water conditions.

To help with Haiti’s conditions, BellaVita came up with the idea to provide a free Zumba class for patrons and new guests to enjoy an hour of exercise and fun. The event asked for donations in any size to be given and would go to Haiti’s relief efforts. The particular funds from this event went to Hope for Haiti. As a bonus, for each $10 donation made, participants were entered into a raffle for a free massage.

While my daughter and I did not win the massage, we got a great sweat dancing Zumba style to tunes inspired by Haiti. What a great opportunity and setting for me to combine my fitness, travel, and giving passions. There are so many opportunities for us to do our part, and it doesn’t have to be taxing. In a world that seems upside down these days, I encourage you to make your positive mark on life.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Darling Girl, When All Else Fails…Join the Circus

October 9, 2016 Lisa Rossmeissl Adventure, All Inclusive, Caribbean, Fitness No comments

Why am I hanging upside down on these red silk ribbons? I’ve run away to the circus, of course.

LOL. I wish, but I did get to live a bit of a childhood fantasy this past week at the Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The Club Med Punta Cana has a unique one of a kind experience, Creactive. Club Med has created that in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil. It is located smack in the middle of the resort where you can be the acrobat for a day or every day of your trip. The staff operating, demonstrating, and teaching the skills to vacationers are Cirque du Soleil, either past or present members.

The various apparatuses and skills are available throughout the day at different times. Children are typically scheduled in the morning hours. For us, a group of travel agents that were game for a go at the “big tent” stunts, we had a 3 pm appointment our Thursday afternoon there. I was able to try three of the main big items available in Creactive: the silk ribbons, the wall, and the trapeze.

What little girl hasn’t had dreams of being a dancer, let alone one who can swing and dangle from the air?

It was such great fun to learn three basic beginner skills on the silks. Surprisingly, you will find these ribbons are not silky and are quite uncomfortable to the foot. The tricks require putting your weight into the ribbon leg and pushing through, keeping it strong. One of the poses we did remind us of a lady on a ship’s bow, and the last one was just pure fun. We learned how to tip ourselves upside down. Given more time, I would have gladly stayed to learn more. I understand the silks have taken to the gym in some areas, and I am seeking out a class on my agenda for the upcoming year.

The second apparatus was what they called the wall. It reminds me of how they pull off stunts in movies where people look like they are fighting in the air or walking on walls. What looked so easy turned out to be the core workout of a lifetime. Who knew? I did learn the basic push, a turn and then tried my hand at walking sideways along the wall. I was amazed at how fast this wore me out and raised my cardio. Again, great fun, and I would have continued with more time.

The last event we went to was the trapeze. Here, I buried my fears of height. However, my shakes were a dead give away that I was still scared to death. I think the climb up was worse than the actual swing on the bar. I have to give kudos to the instructors, who were my spotters and safety net. They talked me through my fear, and I swung from the skies. After my last two, I must admit my strength had piddled, and I couldn’t completely pull off my trick, but I pushed through the fear and was flying high. I would definitely give this another go. I met one of the resort guests in line who had been coming every day. As he accomplished skills, they continued to teach him more difficult tricks. It was fun to watch him perform a flip in the air after a release from the bar.

Right now, Club Med Punta Cana is the only place you can get this amazing Creactive experience. The Sandpiper in Florida does have some circus stuff, but it is not to the same scale or with the unique touches that Cirque du Soleil brings. Club Med does have plans for expanding this experience among a few of its other resorts. The rumor is the next resort will be their one in France. They are a worldwide all-inclusive product. While they are not a resort for everyone, this might be the new experience you are looking to check off.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

5 Ways to Stay Fit and Have Fun While on Vacation

June 6, 2015 Lisa Rossmeissl Fitness, Travel Tips No comments

I travel a lot! The travel seems to increase each year. Being a travel professional is a perk, but some days have a downside. One of those downsides can be sabotaging all the work and good eating you have followed at home. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. I now relish in continuing my healthy habits when I am away. Even if those healthy habits mean I have to rise an extra hour early before the day’s tours, classes, or events begin. Truly, who am I to complain when rising that early allows me to catch some of the best sunrises in the world.

Keeping on the healthy track while you are away doesn’t mean you have to forbid yourself. You know the old saying “everything in moderation” right? And, if you follow me on my social media, you will see I certainly don’t deny myself the indulgences of the lands I visit. For me, the food and drink experience is vitally important. What I have gotten good at is finding fun ways to fit some exercise into my day and learning that I don’t need to lick the plate clean.

Here are 5 ways to have fun and stay fit while you are on vacation…

Use the gym. Just about every great resort or cruise ship has an onsite gym. It may be smaller than your LA Fitness , but jump in there for a quick 30 minutes and not have the guilt.

Get up and walk. That’s right, move those legs. If you are at a beach, I don’t know how you cannot get up and take a walk. Walk the deck. Take a stroll through the promenades of the city you are visiting. Maybe take a walk in the a.m. and a walk in the evening.

Swim. Whether you are staying at a hotel or on a cruise ship there is most likely a pool at your disposal. Again, a few early morning laps will leave you guilt free when you order those waffles for breakfast.

Join the activities. Nowadays resorts and cruises are offering everything from aerobics, dance lessons, beach games and water sports for their guests to enjoy. Jump up off that beach chair for 30 minutes of fun and maybe make a friend or two along the way.

Bring it with you. In today’s technological society, it is easy to access workouts from your phone or computer. Pack a few exercise bands in your suitcase and you are ready for a quick mini workout in the room or on the beach.

No matter where you go there are plenty of opportunities to make a choice to stay fit. Hey! The more fit you are the better you will be able to handle some of those fun adventure tours. Anyone up for a bit of bungee jumping, zip-lining, or maybe some surfing?

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Be Fit To Travel

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

Walk It Out

Australia makes it even easier to Walk it Out.

Walk it Out in Australia.

Staying Fit During a Stay on Hamilton Island

What’SUP?

SUP, or otherwise known as Stand Up Paddling Boarding, is a fun, relaxing way to play on the water.

What’SUP?

Giving Back…Zumba for Haiti

Darling Girl, When All Else Fails…Join the Circus

Why am I hanging upside down on these red silk ribbons? I’ve run away to the circus, of course.

5 Ways to Stay Fit and Have Fun While on Vacation

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