We get to this point in the winter and we know there’s a long time to go before summer – especially with the freak weather this year. If you can’t wait, the only way to improve the situation is to get away now to a sunnier clime with a great beach!

But covered as they are at the moment in thick layers and winter coats, our bodies just might not be ready to reveal themselves in a bikini, no matter how warm the sunshine. So, with a warm-weather break (hopefully) just around the corner, how can you get bikini-ready in time?

Always Be Eating Well 

And “well” is different from “a lot!” Nutrition is forever, not just for summer. Seriously, what someone puts into their body dictates what they get out of it. A healthy diet reflects the amount of exercise an individual takes and nutritional balance is all-important; a moderate path is best as far as rich and fatty foods are concerned.

If an individual exercises regularly, his or her diet should be based around starchy, wholegrain carbs, with plenty of protein for muscle tone. Wholegrain will help to release energy slowly, throughout the day; proteins and fats make you feel fuller for longer. Fresh veggies and fruits keep the skin and eyes clear, as well as delivering precious vitamins. Junk food should be eaten once in a blue moon; if you keep your balance right, it doesn’t matter about the odd misdemeanor.

Exercise is Good for Everything, Especially for Feeling Good!

However it’s done, exercise is an amazing thing. It stimulates serotonin production – the feel-good hormone. Everyone should go for a run, take a swim, or take up yoga! [Editor’s note: Heck yes everyone should take up yoga!] Not only does it make weight loss easier and shapes up the body, the inner freshness splurges out all over the place. No one likes running in the bad weather – plus sometimes that’s not even the safest thing to do – but there are always fun fitness classes at the gym, all year round.

Get Pampered (a.k.a. Treat Yo’ Self) 

Even sticking to both of the above, the human psyche is a tough nut to crack, and the winter months are hard. Despite all the good things being done, some people still might not feel “bikini-ready.”

Getting a few sessions in at a beauty salon could be worth every cent in terms of building confidence to summer levels prior to a holiday away. It isn’t just about facials and pedicures, where you can hardly see any changes. A big change that is easy to achieve is the removal of excessive hair that has appeared in unmentionable places. Someone who takes a photo of laser hair removal before and after for comparison will really experience the feel-good factor. Seeing the difference right there following laser treatment or the amazing Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal is the perfect way to boost self-confidence and get on with looking forward to some sun while wearing your favorite bikini. 

Guest post by Aimee Claire, a freelance writer based in the U.K. Thanks for contributing to Of Revolt, Aimee! // Photography Credits: One and Two.

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Once famous for its bustling nightlife and crowds of young people flocking to the island every year to party till they drop, Ios has managed to broaden its possibilities over the years. Today Ios smoothly blends joyful days on the beach with lively evening entertainment, along with more chilled-out options for those seeking a relaxing holiday.

 In the main town, Chora, you’ll find buildings of typical Cycladic architecture: winding alleys lined with bars, cafes, and tavernas serving not only Greek but also international cuisines. Chora also boasts a plethora of souvenir and jewelry outlets for some shopping.

Another highlight of Ios are the clean and superb beaches: top-notch Mylopotas beach features the majority of luxury hotels. Once you consider the infamous Ios campground, wild Maganari beach, and the long stretch of soft sand that is Ayia Theodhoti, it’s easy to see that Ios has it all. The island is also extremely popular to snorkelers thanks to its rich seabed, and the diverse landscape makes Ios ideal for hiking though trails nestled in dramatic surroundings.

What to See

Palaiokastro Castle
This Byzantine castle used to be an observation point for the locals to watch over the seaway from Istanbul to Crete. Today visitors can admire the castle’s walls, as well as a historical church dedicated to Virgin Mary. The view from its hilltop location is magnificent as you can even see the many neighboring islands.

Windmills 
The traditional windmills adorn the northwestern part of Chora. Some of them have been restored and are available to visit.

Archaeological Museum of Ios 
The museum displays archaeological exhibits from prehistoricSkarkos settlement, most of which are in excellent condition, as well as ancient Roman relics.

Where to Swim 

The island boasts more than 30 beaches, everything from secluded coves to pebbled shores – and the water is always crystal clear. The most famous is Mylopotas, a wide stretch of sand 2km long (approx. 1.25 miles) with sun beds and parasols for rental. Beach bars and water sports are also available for some extra fun. For more soft sand you can visit Koumpara, Gialos and Ayia Theodoti beaches. Nudists (!) can swim at Kolitsani beach and folks looking for convenient amenities should try Maganari. Other beaches, such as Klima and Pikri Nero are only accessible by sea.

What to Eat

When it comes to food, Ios is mainly famous for its cheese, which is traditionally produced in local dairies. Visitors will find a selection of cheese types, such as skotyri (a spicy aromatic cheese) and xino (a white cream cheese), as well as the more common types of hard yellow cheeses – kefalotyri and graviera. Exceptional fava beans, oregano, and capers are also typical products of Ios. You shouldn’t leave the island without tasting tsimetia (zucchini flowers filled with rice) and mermitzeli (a type of homemade Greek pasta). Though any local meat paired with homemade pasta will do your belly right!

Zoe Mouchritsa lives in Athens and specializes in finding the best and brightest things to do in this lively city and throughout Greece. After completing a B.A. in Applied Informatics and Multimedia in beautiful Crete, she jumped full time into blogging and is now editor for WhiteAndBlue.gr. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Zoe!

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There’s nothing more exciting than a well-deserved vacation to look forward to – even booking it is enough to bring a huge smile to our faces, let alone the packing and the holiday itself! While Christmas is just around the corner, there’s no reason why we can’t also fantasize about organizing an awesome beach break and the much needed sunshine that comes with it.

With plenty of beach holidays available, whether you plan to book in advance or you’re flexible enough to wait for a last minute deal, you’ll be spoiled for choice. One thing’s for sure though – if you want a beach break to remember, you’re definitely going to need to plan what to pack. With holidays in the UK, you never really know what the weather is going to be like, but by heading to hotter climes, you can almost guarantee unfaltering sunshine and lovely warm temperatures for the duration of your stay. So, what should you pack for your beach break?

Swimwear
No beach holiday would be complete without a cozzie [Editor’s note: I interrupt this message to report that “cozzie” is British and Australian slang for “swimming costume.” Carry on.] and some Speedos! Give some thought to what sort of swimwear you would feel comfortable wandering the beach in – perhaps a bikini, a one-piece or a tankini would suit? Pick up a wraparound, such as a sarong, or a nice loose-fitting maxi dress to cover up when you’re not spread out on your sun lounger catching the rays.

Casual Clothes
Mix and match your casual wear wherever you can so that you don’t end up packing more than you need. Tank tops and t-shirts in various colours will complement shorts and skirts perfectly. Choose cotton pieces so that you stay nice and cool in the midday sun.

Eveningwear
Unless you plan to book a super swanky and exclusive holiday, you won’t need to overdress for the evenings. Something smart, yet simple, would work wonders. Maxi dresses for ladies and chinos for men are popular choices. You can accessorize with jewelry and a pashmina, too.

Toiletries
Remember that, within most resorts, there will be supermarkets and shops on hand for any toiletries you might forget. However, in most cases, it’s cheaper to buy them back home and take these with you. Take travel size bottles to avoid packing big, heavy items and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Don’t forget a holiday read or some music to keep you occupied when your other half is wading in the sea or the kids are digging for treasure. Most of all, enjoy your holiday shopping trips and look forward to the break! 

Photography Credits: One and Two, both via CubaGallery. // Guest post by Catherine Lavinia in coordination with Neilson Activity Holidays. Thanks so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Catherine!

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Chasing away winter with a dream of holidays in the Greek islands? Look no further than Corfu. One of my favorite islands, but not just mine – it’s known as the Queen of the Ionian Sea and here’s why I love it. Whether you’re looking for golden sand beaches surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise waters to revel in, or seeking a place where you can wander around cobbled streets, drink amazing cocktails in spectacular seaside bars, or to simply satisfy the history buff in you, Corfu has all that in spades.

Agios Stefanos is a quiet holiday resort, on the cape of Kefali, 35km (approx. 21 miles) away from Corfu town. It offers magnificent views to the Diapontian islands and an outstanding beach with beautiful shallow waters. The meaning of Agios in English is Saint, so the resort is also known as San Stefanos. Overall, it’s a good choice for couples because it is just drenched in romance, but it’s also really safe for kids and the beach is well known for catering to swimmers of all abilities.

Although originally a fishing village, built around a church and right on the old harbor, Agios Stefanos offers family friendly accommodation, such as Delfino Blu, and a wide selection of restaurants and beach bars, such as The Mango. This holiday haven will amaze every visitor thanks to its unique beaches with shallow waters. On the shore of Agios Stefanos you’ll find children playing and parents relaxing. In the evening visitors can enjoy traditional dining overlooking the idyllic sunset. Remember to have a traditional homemade breakfast of homemade pastries and rich Greek coffee served at Kohili restaurant. Afterwards the harbour is right there, so you can hop straight onto a boat and get close to the Diapontian Islands.

But really, everything in Agios Stefanos is a lead up to the most glorious sunset I’ve ever seen. Everyone, I repeat, everyone should see it at least once in their lifetimes. Watching from the shore in a cafe or taverna, or simply sitting on the beach, seeing the sun drop into the ocean while the sky  drifts from blue to red, is truly a magical event.

In fact, most of the village (and its visitors) waits for it. Everyone wants to freeze time and savor the atmosphere for a little while. In the summer evenings, everyone takes their seats – lots of people opt for a romantic dinner during this incredible sunset. While the sun gradually sets and the sky turns orange, then red, then pink, the whole atmosphere totally transforms. People get excited to see which color will appear next! The sun slowly dives into the sea and photographers take dozens of pictures – every second counts. Finally, the sun sets and everyone applauds. 

Zoe Mouchritsa lives in Athens and specializes in finding the best and brightest things to do in this lively city and throughout Greece. After completing a B.A. in Applied Informatics and Multimedia in beautiful Crete, she jumped full time into blogging and is now editor for WhiteAndBlue.gr. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Zoe!

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