Meaghan's Getaway Guide ~ October 1

September is a month of transition. The leaves change and fall gifts us with new scenery to admire. We tuck away our summer clothes, reliving fun memories with each fold. Our moisturizers and foundations are replaced with ones that will give us back the summer glow we once got for free.

Introducing Meaghan ConeybeareFor me, it's the excitement of bringing out my fall accessories collection. I neatly line up my warmer footwear where my summer sandals have long since vacated. I admire each scarf/pashmina I've found on travels and shopping excursions, anticipating the chance to wear each one again. I welcome the change and embrace it with love and a pair of tall Michael Kors chocolate brown boots.

I'd love to hear how you embrace the change and transition that comes along with September.

Here are my top three picks of the week:

Xelha Park, Mexico

Xel ha ParkTwo years ago this September, my hubby and I took a one week vacation to Mexico. I'm not one to lay around the beach for 7 days, so I was on the hunt for an all day excursion.

We kept hearing many in our resort talk about a natural aquarium park nearby. Digging a little further we found out it was all-inclusive for the day, which meant it included all meals and drinks and that we would be snorkeling in what was considered the largest aquarium in the world. We signed up right away.

I will never forget the experience at Xel-ha Park. I had never snorkeled before but being surrounded by knowledgeable staff helped put me at ease. The amount of beautiful and unique tropical fish and vegetation were endless. If you're ever in Mexico for vacation I highly recommend adding Xe-lha Park to your list of excursions.

Learn more about Xel-ha Park.

Best travel snacks for the road

healthy travel snacksAs someone who has a few dietary restrictions, I'm always planning ahead for the road. I spend a lot of time driving to meetings and events, which mean some of my meals happen in the car. I always keep a stash of my favorite protein bars nearby and have become an expert at finding the nearest smoothie location.

But I'm always looking to change it up and when I came across this article my kitchen got a work out and my stomach thanked me. I recommend trying the beet chips, a healthier alternative to potato chips. Also try replacing milk chocolate with dark. A healthier choice and more full of flavor.

Learn of other great snacks for the road.

To breathe out, you must first breathe in...

find your inner peaceThe red blinking light pulls me in, makes me stop what I am doing and focus solely on finding the reason for its display. Some may call it an addiction but I call it my lifeline. I don't know what I would do without my BlackBerry. It's my connection to the world beyond what I can physically see or get to. It's the only one who truly knows what I'm doing the next day as I lean on it for its reminders.

Recently I was without my BlackBerry very suddenly and the anxiety was overpowering. I felt completely lost. I didn't know where I was supposed to be the next day or how to even get a hold of one of my closest friends. After a few deep breaths I came to see that this as a blessing.

I ended up being BlackBerry free for 4 days and spent that time enjoying the peacefulness. I was more relaxed, had time to focus on my surroundings without worrying about who may be trying to reach me or send me a non-urgent message. Those who needed to talk to me knew where I was and how to get ahold of me.

I eventually got my BlackBerry back and I fell quickly back into my old addiction. But that experience impacted me. Remembering the feelings of peacefulness and relaxation have me unplugging more so I can enjoy similar moments again and again and again. My BlackBerry is a very helpful assistant in my life but it's not my life anymore.

I was inspired to share this story when I read a post by Julia on disconnecting while we travel.

Do you have a travel story to share? We'd love to hear about it. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and let's start talking!