The Other Side of Mexico

So many travelers seem to think Cancun encompasses all of Mexico.  When someone says, "we want to go to Mexico," they usually mean Cancun.  Well I am here to officially inform you that Mexico is a great, big, incredible Country and extends well beyond the areas of Cancun.   In fact...let me introduce you to the other side of Mexico...the Pacific side.

Now that I have personally been to the Pacific side 3 times (and a 4th visit is planned), I can say without a doubt that it is my favorite side.  In my humbled opinion, it has so much more to offer than the Caribbean side of Mexico.  Yes the Caribbean side has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.  So if you are a water person, you may be very content with only seeing the Caribbean side.  But if you want culture, history and adventure as well as beautiful sunsets and a laid back atmosphere, then you must plan a visit to the Pacific side asap.

For example, San Jose del Cabo has the historic Mission de San Jose del Cabo dating back to 1730AD.  You can participate in the art walk in San Jose del Cabo every Thursday night between June and November.  Or visit Los Cabos during the winter and enjoy seeing humpback whales breech the water as you sip your morning coffee on your oceanfront balcony.

Or you can enjoy a walk through downtown Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and eat at one of the 5-star dining venues that has made PVR a foodies paradise.  Wine connoisseur?  Plan a trip to PVR in March and enjoy their annual wine fest.

Visitors to Zihuatanejo get taken back in time when it was small fishing village and life went by at a much slower pace.  You can still go back in time as you walk the cobblestone streets.  Maybe you enjoy museum visits when traveling abroad.  If you do, then plan a visit to the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande.

And we can't talk about the Pacific side of Mexico without talking about Acapulco. It is the original Mexico Riviera.  It has been the home of the rich and famous for decades and still is.  It is the "Vegas" of Mexico.  Nightlife abounds along with the abundance of tours up into the rain forest or out and about on the blue waters of the Pacific.  From Acapulco, you can plan a side trip up into the historic silver mining town of Taxco and still see Mexico as it was back during the colonial periods of its history.

So much to do...so much to see.  It is worth every minute of extra time that it might take you to fly into the cities I just mentioned.  And I have not even touched on the geographical differences vs what pretty much all of Cancun and the Riviera Maya area looks like.

In the Los Cabos area, you have the beautiful and rugged desert mountains that look like they literally plunge down into the Sea of Cortez & Pacific Ocean.  That is contrasted with the lush, green rain forests and palm-lined beaches of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.

So much diversity in every aspect of travel when you venture over to the Pacific side of Mexico.  Please please don't overlook that part of Mexico when it comes to planning your next adventure.  You will not be disappointed.

Supplier Spotlight: Tauck

Not all tour operators are created equal.  When someone sits down with a travel professional to start planning their European or Australian or African tour, options are usually presented that fit with a client's budget, timeframe and overall vacation goals.  Some client's budgets are more flexible than others yet some may hesitate to go with the tour operator that is the agent's top choice simply because it is higher priced.

Well please know that not all tour operators are created equal.    The one I am going to spotlight takes tours to a level that is hard to surpass.  Tauck Tours has fast become my number one choice for my clients.  Do all of my tour operators provide good service? Yes.  Do they all provide clean and safe accommodations? Yes.  Do they all offer a knowledgable guide and comfortable transportation? Yes.  But the memories made during a trip of a lifetime are in the details and that is where Tauck sets itself apart.  

Everyone can offer a tour of Italy, but not everyone touring Italy will get a chance to eat with a Contessa in her private villa.  Everyone can take a tour of France, but not everyone can have dinner at a private country estate in châteaux country with a hunting hound demonstration in full regalia.  Everyone can go on an African safari, but not everyone can offer their child a chance to walk with an elephant during lunch at an elephant sanctuary.  Those are some of the Tauck differences.  

But the biggest differences to me are when clients come home from a Tauck tour and can't wait to tell you what they experienced.  The biggest difference is when clients say, "We will never ever allow you to sell us anything else but Tauck."  And the absolute biggest difference is when a client tells you the following stories related to their Tauck guide going the extra mile:

"Our guide knew that our family was related to a famous sculptor/painter from a small town in Italy and one night we came back to our room where a small gift was packaged and waiting on our bed.  The guide had found a local bookstore where they had two copies of a book related to our ancestors work.  He bought the books, gift wrapped them and had them sent to our rooms."

That same client went on to tell me another story about how their guide went above and beyond and had paid attention to every little detail.  The client went on to say, "We have been on good tours, but nothing compares now to our Tauck tour. It was incredible."  

When clients return and give you reports like that, it makes our jobs so worth it and it solidifies the decision to make Tauck our number one choice for guided tours throughout the world.  It's seldom that I spotlight one tour operator over another, but in this case, Tauck gets a huge tip of the cap from me.

 Contact me and let me show you how Tauck can help you see the world in a way like no other tour company can.

Hawaii...No Passport Required

Now for some of you, the title of this post may seem a bit absurd.  Of course there is no passport required to go to Hawaii if you are a US citizen.  It is a State for Pete's sake.  But you would be shocked to know how many of our fair countrymen and countrywomen have no clue that Hawaii is a no-passort-destination.  Some must think that the amount of water between one place and another determines whether or not passports are required.  Now those same folks who apparently flunked US geography in school must have a hard time with Canada and it's passport requirements because the whole non-water thing is really throwing them off now.

But I digress.  The reason my post is titled the way it is, is because I want travelers to understand that Hawaii offers a true cultural experience that is far different than any other US destination, and even some international destinations, but we have the luxury of not needing a passport to get there.

I hope this post catches your attention if Hawaii is a place you have never been interested in or have thought you would never be able to visit.  I want Hawaii on the forefront of your minds by the time you read this article.  So let me confess something right upfront...Hawaii was not on the top of my places to visit before this past November.  But that has all changed.  Hawaii and especially the islands of Maui and Kauai have topped the list of "my favorite places I have been around the world."  Why you ask?  Well let me tell ya.

First, the beauty of Hawaii is hard to match.  Some might argue that Fiji or Tahiti or the Maldives surpass the beauty of Hawaii, but that is not the case when you consider the diversity of the landscape that makes up the Hawaiian islands. There are not too many places on this planet where you can go from a sunny, tropical beach and drive to an snowcapped mountain...all on one island.  You want to see a lush rainforest?  Hawaii has it.  You want to see an active volcano? Hawaii has it.  You want to see the most incredible sunsets while walking along a palm tree-lined beach?  Head to Hawaii.  You want to watch a sunrise from an elevation of 10,000 above sea level?  You can do that in Hawaii. Everywhere you turn, there is something to see and try to hurry and capture with a picture because you know what you are seeing is going to be hard to give justice to back at home when telling your friends of the awesome things you saw in Hawaii.

I found myself in awe during my trip last November.  At certain points I even felt moved spiritually. That was especially true on the island of Kauai.  When you land on Kauai, it is easy to see why so many movie makers head to Kauai for their sets.  The lush rain forests and tall mountains coupled with the beaches and blue waters of the Pacific make it a perfect backdrop for any movie.  I now know why movies such as Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark and countless other films were shot on location in Kauai.   But my spiritual moment came one early morning when we boarded a luxury catamaran for an early morning snorkel and cruise along the Na Pali Coast.  I was not expecting that day to be such a "bucket-list" experience but it became that and more.  It is difficult to not feel a connection with creation when you are sailing along seeing the sun rise behind you and the Na Pali coast ahead of you.  In case you don't know, the Na Pail coast is a stretch of coast line that is only accessible by hiking, boating or by air.  The road that circles the island of Kauai ends at each end of the Na Pali coast.  It is completely preserved in its natural beauty and "beauty" is not giving it justice.

So just when I thought the trip along the coast was already perfect, things were kicked up a notch.  As we approached the main area of the coast where the jagged cliffs and mountains appear to fall straight off into the Pacific, where the mist of the crashing waves climb up those same cliffs and paint the most serene and awe-inspiring picture you have ever seen...all of the sudden the water became like glass and pods of spinner dolphins appeared out of nowhere almost as if to say, welcome to my paradise.   The dolphins jumped and played and swam along side and time felt like it stopped.  I remember just sitting there trying and I mean really trying to take in what I was seeing and it moved me.  It showed me or at least reminded me what travel is all about and it has forever changed me.

Now you probably think that there couldn't be much more but there is.  Just when I was already moved and deeply affected in such a positive way, one more thing happened that made me understand why I was already moving Hawaii to the top of my favorite places to see and visit.  On our way back to the dock, we were all resting and trying to take in what we had seen when again something magical happened.  The captain slowed down and asked us all to head to the bow of the boat.  First the blowing of air from its blow hole and then there it was, the large tail fin of a humpback whale.  That has always been a major bucket list item for me and now, thanks to visiting Kauai, is officially checked off the list.



All of that in just one day on the island of Kauai.  Now when you add our visits to Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), the Na'Aina Botanical Gardens (where we not only learned about but saw an albatross nesting in their natural habitat), our kayaking adventure on the Hule'ia River, there is no wonder why I am now in such awe of what Hawaii offers.

There is not another single domestic location that can touch Hawaii when it comes to scenery and cultural experiences, not one.  The "aloha spirit" is still alive and well on the islands of Hawaii.  I wish I could really go into more of the culture and history that makes Hawaii so unique, but the post is getting long enough.  But please please understand that Hawaii is not like a trip down to Destin or southern California or Miami or any other domestic coastal vacation option.  You will feel like you have stepped off the plane and onto a place that is exotic and as "international" as Fiji or Thailand, or New Zealand etc., except for the fact that you are still on American soil where everyone speaks YOUR language and there is NO PASSPORT REQUIRED.

Hawaii has something to offer every type of vacationer.  Whether you are a hiker/biker, foodie, history buff, naturist, or just someone that wants to sit on the beach and sip an umbrella drink, Hawaii is the place for you.  Whether you prefer the finer things when it comes to accommodations (Grand Hyatt Kauai), or you are more budget-minded (Mana Kai in Maui), Hawaii is for you.

So if you are getting weary of the same old beach vacation choices and want to experience something new and exotic and exciting, please think about Hawaii.  And if you have been to Hawaii before but only Honolulu, don't let that be your only visit and make sure you try some of the other islands. Aloha!

Luxury Destination Spotlight: Costa Rica

Again I feel it is my duty to get people to think outside the box when it comes to luxury travel destinations.  As I stated in my post related to Mexico, too many travelers only associate luxury travel with destinations such as Paris, Florence, Antigua, St Lucia etc.  As is the case with Mexico, seldom do you also hear travelers say the words luxury and Costa Rica in the same sentence.  Maybe that is because so many view Costa Rica only as a destination suited for the young, adventuresome traveler. While Costa Rica is haven for adventurists and naturists, it offers a plethora of options for the luxury-minded traveler as well.

First...let's clarify a few things about Costa Rica.  It is NOT an island.  It is adjacent to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, but it is also bordered by land to the south and to the north.  It's citizens speak Spanish and their currency is the Colon which is named after Christopher Columbus. It is a democratically governed Country, NOT socialist.  And it has more teachers than it does police officers if that tells you anything about safety and crime rates.

As is the case with Mexico, Costa Rica is easily connected by numerous major airports here in the US.  Since it is located in the central time zone, travelers will not have to deal with major time change issues whether arriving from the east or the west.

So there is really nothing keeping travelers from visiting this incredible country except for the perception of what the destination has to offer.  So let's get to what it does offer besides zip-lining, river rafting, waterfall repelling etc.  Again, what does the luxury traveler want from a destination? They want comfort, unique experiences, ease of transportation, and excellent dining choices.  We know Costa Rica offers unique experiences in the way of eco-tour opportunities.  Rainforest canopy tours are numerous.  But there is more to see and do.  Costa Rican art is unique and beautiful and can be explored in the historic capital city of San Jose.  Some of my favorite coffee comes from rich soil of Costa Rica.  So for you coffee connoisseurs, how about a tour of an actual coffee bean farm in Monteverde?  Or if pampering is what you want, Costa Rica has some of the best spa resorts in all of the world.  

But let's get down to the resorts themselves.  This is where Costa Rica truly shines as a luxury destination.  Not only can you experience unique activities away from the resort, but your resort can be a unique experience coupled with the pampering and service you would expect at a 5 star property.

For example...where else in the world can you reserve a private villa at a resort that is only accessible by raft?  Or a resort where you zip-line to your room or dinner spot? That is what the Pacuare Lodge offers.

I mentioned pampering so picture yourself soothing the cares of life away in one of the hot springs located at the Tabacon Grand Spa Resort.

Want more privacy?  Treat yourself to a private villa up in the beautiful cloud forest at El Silencio Lodge and Spa.

All three of these resorts highlight a unique experience while not compromising at all in the area of luxury.  They show the diversity of Costa Rica.  So are you tired of only hearing about the same ole same ole when someone talks about luxury travel?  Want a destination that is a bit "off-grid" without having to sacrifice comforts that you still want on a vacation?  Think Costa Rica...

Mexico...A Luxury Traveler's Haven

Too many people do not associate Mexico with luxury and that is a crying shame.   Mexico yells "luxury!!" but it seems not everyone is hearing or is willing to listen.  I know, when someone says they want to take a luxury trip somewhere, they usually think of places like the Mediterranean coasts of Italy or France or cities such as Venice or Paris.  Others that have more tropical destinations in mind usually equate luxury to St Lucia or Anguilla or some of the BVI's.  But few seem to say the words Mexico and luxury in the same sentence.  Well I am here to try to change that.

I have taken land-based vacations to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos and each of these cities & areas  have 5 star, luxurious options for those who want to be pampered like a dignitary and surrounded by the best of everything.   For example...Cancun has the beautiful Banyan Tree Mayakoba or the Fairmont Mayakoba.  Both are 5 diamond properties and offer the best in luxury accommodations and experience.  They are easily accessible from Cancun's international airport and you can be whisked to your resort in the finest of SUV's or private sedans.

Same goes for Puerto Vallarta.  You don't have to skimp on service or luxury when you stay at the 5 diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or the St Regis Punta Mita.   This was the original destination of the rich and famous and was quickly named Mexico's Riviera which competed with any of Europe's top high-end destinations.

And you can't go to Cabo without acknowledging that this is the new hot destination for the luxury-minded traveler.   The luxury choices seem endless.  You can opt for the One and Only Palmilla or the Capella Pedragal or Secrets Marquis or Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort.  All say "luxury" loud and clear.

Here is what all 3 destinations have in common and offer the luxury traveler:

1) Unique experiences.  Every discerning traveler wants something unique.  They want a special occasion option or an experience you can't get at every mass-traveled destination.  Mexico offers that in general, but especially in the 3 areas I am mentioning.  Maybe it is swimming with whale sharks or sipping a morning cup of coffee while watching whales breach the waters of the Sea of Cortez or seeing world-renowned art after dining at one of the world's best restaurants.  Or maybe it is taking in some of Mexico's UNESCO World Heritage sites (over 30 to choose from).  This is what Mexico can offer.

2) Easy Access.  All 3 areas have easily accessible airports from most major hubs in the US.  But what stands out to me is how close everything is to the airport.  There is no traffic to sit in (i.e. London, Paris etc) once you land.  The furthest you will travel to get to the resorts I have mentioned is 45 mins or less once you are in your private car.  Your private driver can give you a great run down on what to do, where to eat etc during the short transfer to your resort.

3)  Safety.  Contrary to what the news tries to tell you.  Mexico is a generally safe country. They have their bad areas just like we do here in the US.  We just like to talk about everyone else more than looking in the mirror.  All 3 areas offer a safe environment for the luxury traveler.  That does not mean someone should let their guard down just like someone should always be vigilant even while dining off of Rodeo Drive.  But the areas themselves are geographically removed from the more dangerous areas featured in the news.

4) Appeal to every generation.  Whether you are a generation Y luxury traveler or a baby boomer who likes the finer things of life, all 3 areas offer a bit of everything.  Want to learn about the ecosystem of the desert that sits between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean and then ride a camel along the shore of the Pacific?  You can do that in Cabo.  Or maybe you want to sit in the quiet ambience of a small, chic restaurant and sip the finest of tequila.  You can do that too.  Or maybe you want to kayak out into the Sea or Cortez and get up close to a migrating humpback whale.  Or you want to try diving off into one of the many Cenotes near Cancun.  Or sit and enjoy a fine bottle of wine from your private balcony while watching the sunset in Puerto Vallarta or take a horse back ride into the lush mountains just outside the city. There is something for everyone and all can be done as a private or shared experience.

5) Privacy.  The luxury and discerning traveler sometimes needs a respite from their daily routine and people in general.  These destinations and their luxury accommodations offer that retreat.  From the luxury private pool villas at Banyan Tree to the Villa Cortez at the One and Only Palmilla.

So please please...do not overlook Mexico when it comes to a luxury getaway.  It is my favorite destination and my wish is everyone would at least appreciate Mexico for its people, its beauty, its culture and rich history and yes...even its luxurious offerings.