Puerto Rico Is Recovering Well

Puerto Rico's tourism board has been giving regular updates after hurricane Irma and Maria. The devastation was so bad but slowly, Puerto Rico is recovering and how travel agents are helping.

Old San Juan is pretty much up and running since that is where the tourism hub is. This is probably where they would be on a cruise stop, indicating a few cruise ships recently made their stop. Thou some inland areas might still be experiencing the aftermath but cruise stops is good news!

It’s almost a year since Puerto Rico was hit by devastation. Each day, Puerto Rico is working on recovering well. San Juan looks great as most of some areas of the island. Visitor center is still closed and you can’t get all the way up, but you can go to the waterfall for some incredible views! The window cave is amazing! Really, the island seems to be in good shape!!

I would like to believe that the island is in good shape but will be open to the fact that there are areas that may take longer but not the tourist area. There is still plenty to see and to enjoy in Puerto Rico.

A few hotels that are operating now and maybe more,

Condado Vanderbilt - One Of The Finest Resort Hotels In The Caribbean

Experience the Caribbean with incredible ocean views & unparalleled luxury with La Concha!

Hotel El Convento - Discover historic charm and elegance, gorgeous rooms, outdoor pool, private beach, restaurants and meeting space at our luxury Old San Juan.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is nice if travelers don’t want to be in San Juan, offering luxury accommodations, and endless on-site and nearby activities

Sheraton Resort and Casino, in the Heart of San Juan, just Steps Away from the Marina.

Hyatt’s

Condado, Azul out by the airport

I was there back in January. There was plenty open back then. We stayed at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. It is beautiful, on the beach and has lots of restaurants very close by.

The locals were saying they wanted tourists to come to help the economy there. That being said, the tourist areas are fine because it is a priority for them to get the area ready for tourist and eventually helps Puerto Rico recover.

Puerto Rico Tourism

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Great Wellness Retreat To Discover

Wellness Retreat 

Dreaming of a getaway to wellness retreat? Does wellness mean healthy eating with yoga for you?  A short getaway where you can enjoy a quiet moment by yourself or with someone. It is becoming a priority nowadays with the crazy world, hectic days and stress! There are some places where you have the opportunity to breathe free and just relax…

For 3-4 days in the United States or in Mexico or even at Costa Rica which include days of healthy eating, yoga, and maybe spa… Oh, how I wish to have that feeling of a relaxed day, tranquil, calm, stress free and so on… It would be a perfect day in anyone’s life!  For adult only, all inclusive, gourmet food,  and may include hiking or active experience, here are some suggested places to check:

Unico offers savvy travelers a good deal with adults only Riviera Maya accommodation. Unico is an all-inclusive hotel with bright, spacious room filled with local inspiration from the art on the wall, to the patterns of the upholstery, to the handcrafted details throughout the entirety. They are a luxurious reflection of modern Mexico offering a holistic fitness program that is designed to adapt to one’s personalized routine. There’s a personal training sessions, meditation and yoga, beachfront classes, and a state-of-the-art gym.

On their website it read “At UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya we embrace the local, from the food and drink, to the spa treatments, to a selection of curated adventures. There is no lack for comfort, with custom bath amenities, a fully equipped fitness center, 24-hour room service, and a personal Anfitrión—replacing the traditional butler service—to serve as your local host. It’s a completely new standard for the all-inclusive vacation.”

Zoetry is all about wellness and some of their classes and Thalasso Spa are included. Indulge yourself in a luxurious, secluded retreat combining Endless Privileges with holistic wellness, tranquility, and romance. An Endless Wellness for your stay!

Revitalize and restore your spirit in the extraordinary and award-winning Thalasso Center & Spa at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita, the first of its kind in North America and experience the ancient concept of health through water. This tranquil, holistic wellness retreat combines relaxing Thalassotherapy, Marine Algae, Dead Sea Mud, various Thalasso Programs, Thalasso Facials by Valmont, and Thalassotherapy seawater pool and so much more like TEMAZCAL, massages, facial treatments, body treatments, wellness experiences, fitness center, and salon services!

Na Balam on Isla Mujeres offers Lotus Spa, offering main treatment room by the pool. How about 

melting the stress away in a hot jacuzzi? Just writing about this make me want to do yoga postures and imagine I am in Isla Mujeres.

Did you know that Na Balam is the first and only Yoga oriented hotel on Isla Mujeres? Na Balam partners with Vastu School of Yoga, offering Sivananda Yoga Classes, Yoga Teacher Trainings and Private Ayurveda Yoga Therapy.

Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort where many mom and pop yoga retreat places on the beach in Tulum. Just a beach walk to the Akumal City Beach to go fishing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming with sea turtles in the bay not far from shore. Tulum Mayan ruins are a 1/2 hr. away and Xcaret, a tourist place with large birds.

If you loved yoga, there are 7-8 yoga classes per day of all different levels and types, including meditations inside a stunning beach hut that overlooks the ocean. With many lovely restaurants on the resort from Mexican, steak and buffet. Enjoy classes like how to make guacamole, about the turtles and cocktails. It’s fun!

Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa is another amazing wellness resort on the Pacific side of Mexico. Renew your mind, body, and spirit on a journey to true wellness. At Rancho La Puerta, you can escape from life’s stress and distractions on a healthy vacation that empowers your true self through integrative wellness for women and men of all ages and fitness levels through exciting, energetic fitness options, delicious organic cuisine, and pure fun and relaxation, all in a tranquil setting in the shadow of Baja California’s mystical Mt. Kuchumaa.

Body Holiday in St Lucia where you’re in partner with a coach for your wellbeing and fulfillment. You will feel more vital and fulfilled than ever before. BodyScience moves from what is termed “Functional Medicine” into “Personal Medicine”. We’re only really interested in what is right for you. Focused on functional medicine, the aim of each program is to fine-tune body and mind, and bring balance and optimal health. Individual treatment plans may prescribe a specialized diet, nutritional supplements, a tailored exercise routine, detoxification treatments or body treatments, meditation and yoga – from the day you arrive and take it with you.

Bohdi Tree Yoga in Costa Rica.  isn’t adults only, but there isn’t much of anything for kids there, so many people don’t usually bring kids. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is located in the foothills of Nosara and is a short walk from the world class surfing beaches of Guiones. Utilizing its unique and tranquil setting in the Nicoya Blue Zone, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the ideal spot to meet your desires of finding peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation and most especially, it’s a Green Yoga Resort!

The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort was creatively designed around nature, leaving the surrounding jungle as it was meant to be. Solar panels are responsible for utilizing the sun to heat all the hot water needed for the facility, being as environmentally friendly as possible. Being aware of our water usage is important in Costa Rica.  Now, isn’t that mindfulness?

Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa in Aruba is a great wellness property that includes one yoga or Pilates class per day per person. Sits on the most stunning stretch of Eagle Beach, also. Tucked along Aruba’s spectacularly beautiful and blissfully quieter Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is a treasured retreat among Aruba resorts – its 50-year-history making it one of the island’s most revered resorts. Here, longtime guests mingle with a new generation of wellness-conscious travelers who are drawn to this intimate oceanfront oasis as much for its setting as its thoughtful grasp of island culture and cuisine and modern-day services and amenities.

Naia in Belize is a gorgeous wellness property. Discover barefoot luxury and warm, personalized service at Naia Resort and Spa with Placencia Belize Luxury Resort & Spa, nestled within a private 200-acre reserve on the Placencia Peninsula, Naia is an intimate, natural playground that sets the stage for uncommon adventures and personal growth. Whether paddleboarding in the beautiful Caribbean Sea, indulging in a customized spa ritual, or relaxing among the resort’s secluded beach houses and swimming pools... the opportunities for discovery are endless.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Local culture inspires original amenities and activities, along with healing spa treatments rooted in an eclectic, but thoughtful, mix of global healing practices. Luxurious, newly renovated accommodations situated on 400 secluded acres with Unlimited meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, available in the restaurant, poolside lounge, Brave Bill Bar, and Palm Court juice bar, more than 120 wellness classes and lectures available weekly and so much more to offer!

Mii Amo @ Enchantment Resort is a world-class destination spa in Sedona, Arizona that defies the imagination. A place like no other. It is a spa getaway where rejuvenation is an inspired, transformative event. Set within the soaring red rock backdrop of Sedona, Arizona, Mii amo is surrounded by awe-inspiring, natural beauty and endless spiritual healing. Mii amo means “one’s path or journey,” and is steeped in the sacred Native American culture of the desert Southwest. 

Understanding that no one’s life course is linear and each one is unique,  an open heart and immersion in the stunning red rock landscape, will gain insights, awareness, and a sense of peace that transforms you in your own journey.

Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas have packages that include classes, food, and more. Whether you want the best Lake Austin Spa Resort package or want something more specific like a last-minute holiday trip or couple’s getaway, there’s an array of all-inclusive special offers sure to fit your travel needs for rejuvenation!

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For adults only, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in Costa Rica is amazing! The Grand Spa has 11 treatment rooms including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas. Services include massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is equipped with hot springs/mineral springs, a mud bath, and a spa tub.

Also, there is a place Jewel Paradise Cove in Jamaica with a wellness retreat twice a year. They bring in all kinds of guest instructors for everything from yoga, cooking, meditation, exercise, etc. Conveniently located with Ocho Rios to the east and Montego Bay to the west, Runaway Bay is one of the most scenic and quiet coastal towns in all of Jamaica. Its enchanting natural wonders, such as the Green Grotto Caves—the largest of the island, mesmerize visitors with stalagmites, stalactites and a captivating underground lake. An ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.

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Travel Safe In Mexico And Foreign Country

Travel Safely In A Foreign Country

Traveling someplace and wonder about safety?

Sheila booked a Winter Break Vacations for next year. It is exciting but at the same time concerned about traveling to Mexico because of recent crime against tourists there. Is it really against tourist or is this over publicized incident spoiling the pot of a dream vacation?

She asks a friend who did not even hear or read any recent crime against tourists in Cancun, Riveria Maya, Cabo and that helps. Maybe it is not that bad, she told herself. She won’t be traveling alone. A few friends are coming along on this winter break vacation.

One thing that negative news is good at is it plants fear in your mind. It is very easy to believe and feel scared when you hear something from the news, worst when something bad happens in actuality from someone you know. We read about drug cartels or gangs in Mexico and they are still there. It has been a struggle, fighting with them and they still exist in Mexico where tourists come to enjoy the beauty of Mexico. It is sad but it is the reality.

As of this writing, Mexico is currently at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, which has been given as well to the UK, France, and Germany. What this should tell you is that you should exercise the same amount of caution as when you travel to California, New York or Texas. If you are from one of the countries mentioned, then you know how much caution you need to be prepared for. Does it guarantee your safety to understand the level of concern?

There are places in each of those states that you probably shouldn’t walk around at night by yourself as a tourist. Walking around alone is never a good idea especially when you are not familiar with the area. It does kill the adventure of discovering something about the city but it is also a fact that things are not the same in every locality. What is safe in one city is not the same safety in another. It is best to walk with a group and do some research to help you when a need arises.  It is a good idea to pay attention around you and to know where the exits are like in the movie theater should something happen.

But I’d never caution anyone to not visit anywhere in the state because of it. Be smart, travel with established tour groups and stay at established, well-respected hotels and you’ll have a fantastic time!

If you read UK, New Zealand, and even Canada’s travel warning for the US, it really opens your eyes to things and to think about being safe when traveling. One that stood out in UK travel warnings is that it says not to go to states with drug crimes that are on the rise like in Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico. Living here, we know; not everywhere in California is going to be a drug crime, but if you are a foreigner reading that, you will not want to go to California, Texas, Arizona or New Mexico. But yet the Grand Canyon is in Arizona and San Diego is in California, not to mention Disneyland, a very popular theme parks especially when traveling with children. These are great tourist places for people to go to but if you do not know what areas to go to then you will not visit these amazing places because the fear generalizes the whole California or Arizona. Same with Mexico, yes there is a crime but you need to be educated where to go.

Tourist places are safe. With the escorted group, you might feel even safer. Tourist places do their best to make the place safe for business reasons, helping their economy and a good source of livelihood for the community people. The risk would be if you decide to go off the path for a solo adventure, or be separated from the group for any reasons such as finding something that caught your attention without informing your companion might be a bad idea. I know, you might want to be adventurous and having all the precautions kills the adventure. But, being adventurous yourself is a good thing as long as you keep in mind to be aware of your surroundings, or at least let the group leader know and you must know when to stop exploring too far. It's best to stay with the group or at least check with the group every now and then. It also takes worry out from your group and that needs commom sense and trusting your gut, you know…

Better yet, if you went to Mexico with a group, stay and have fun together. After all, that is the goal, right? the tour guide will also be a good resource and help when you want to explore a little further. Guides have a better idea of the destination, especially the local guide.

Is it possible something bad will happen even if the destination is deemed safe? Yes! Anything can happen no matter how safe the place is. These are unforeseen forces we do not see nor think about. As always, keep in mind to expect the unexpected in all circumstances so you face the situation with courage and with presence of mind.

Never let fear take control of your dream vacation because who really knows what is safe and not? You are the traveler, take control of your travel adventures with a common sense and a trust in your gut.

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Basic Economy Fare

Basic Economy Tickets

Heard about plane tickets are getting cheaper nowadays. That sounds music to someone who loves travel. But is it really worth the savings? Not sure this is worth the savings? Paying less seems like one of those "You get what you pay for" kind of deals. Basic economy can be horrible or advantage to you. You have no control over picking your seats, you can’t take any carry on and you get on the plane last. Is this something you would do when heading to your vacation? Horrible for some but maybe not for those who wants to save some bucks!

I tried it, and yes, it sucked. I got to the gates quickly (first) and was lucky into good seats. Got on last but was able to carry on my bags. But, hey, I would never do it again, it's too stressful! And how to share this experience with my clients?  Maybe let them book it themselves…

When it was still in the works, I was seated back where it was to be Basic Economy and I thought my seat was broken! It must be terrible to sit on a broken seat the whole flight unless it is only for an hour but still…

Booking First class or Business class is way better than that! You got to pay more to get what you used to when dreaming of a perfect vacation!

Someone who scored a basic economy fare on American Airlines from PHX to AUS for $50. That is way too good compared to $150! Will you do it?

When I flew back home, it wasn't that bad. I would do it for me but not for client unless they ask and take the risk of having unpleasant flight.

For those who like to choose their seat, they will not go for it. That is one thing you can’t do with a basic economy fare. If you will be happy to save $100 and sit where they let you then go for it! Some people let go of their flight day when ask to be paid for a next day flight which happens to a friend of mine. A whopping $400 to let someone else board on the scheduled flight and him sleeping in a hotel to wait for next day flight. Not bad at all.

Or if you are someone who normally sleeps through flights, it might be acceptable unless you need that window seat to lean on the wall or refusing to sit between two people.

Whatever you think is comfortable for you, you decide whether basic economy fare is for you or not. There’s always a first class or business class available. In the end, you still get what you paid for!

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Oasis To Discover

The Sian Ka'an at Grand Tulum Luxury / Grand Oasis Sens The Pleasure Resort

How far is Tulum from the airport (CUN)?

Tulum is a great destination for nature, bliss and recharging! If you are taking "private transportation" we are about 1 hour south of the airport. about 15 minutes from Playa Del Carmen and 10 minutes from the Tulum ruins. This is a calm and tranquil property,  is not the "party" property but offers great restaurants, beaches, excursions. The Sian Kaan at Grand Tulum is the latest one. Beautiful large rooms with VIP beach clubs featuring Bali Beds with food/beverage service, priority reservations at all restaurants and so much more.

The Sian Ka'an at Grand Tulum is for adults 21 and over

Entertainment Resorts - The Pyramid Luxury at Grand Oasis , Grand oasis Cancun / Oasis Cancun Lite

Every night from 8:00-9:30 enjoy a Cirque du Soleil/Las Vegas style show in the Atrium Lobby of the Pyramid that is out of this world. A must see! Offers snack & show or dinner & show as well at a cost. Otherwise gather around the 360 degree lobby to see the show for free!

A pool at this complex is 1/4 mile long. The longest pool in Cancun as well as the largest beachfront
It's a good idea to use the hotel resort maps to get oriented; especially for large resorts such as this one.

Offers Weddings & Honeymoons and More

A maximum 2 weddings per day
Groups are a minimum of 10 rooms, with a minimum of 3 nights-stay!

Great for Corporate Incentive, Corporate Sales Meetings, Corporate Training, Family Reunions, Wedding, Bachelor and friends, Single's Only, GIRL'S Trip!!! Great opportunities for ALL TYPES of GROUPS are offered and available in all of  OASIS RESORTS!

How is Oasis with allergies?

Very responsive to diets and allergies. Also have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Remember to gain access to all of these fine restaurants as part of the all-inclusive package, must be in the deluxe categories / luxury properties.

Grand Oasis Palm and Oasis Palm are our family-friendly resorts, offering a fantastic children's program including over 50,000 square feet of dedicated kids areas. It's not handicap certified but there's elevator / ramps, outdoor massage, wristbands and minimum 10 rooms for groups.

With Family Fun Suites Cancun Oasis, guarantee a connecting rooms for 2 adults + 3 children because those suites are two connecting rooms. The connecting rooms are such a plus for families and can accommodate up to 5 persons, which is really great! Have you seen our fantastic Kiddo Zone? Open all day long with amazing activities for kids up to 12!

This resort complex is an Entertainment Resort therefore a truly fun place for those looking to have non-stop action.

The Grand Oasis Cancun complex comprises of  budget friendly Oasis Cancun Lite hotel with 8 restaurants/11 bars. And better is the Grand Oasis Cancun with 18 restaurants/19 bars and for those looking to have access to all facilities, there is the Pyramid at Grand Oasis with 24 restaurants/26 bars.

The hotel is not a truly designed accessible hotel. The rooms are not wheelchair accessible and the grounds have bridges so preferably would have to have some mobility.

With over 100 Entertainment staff that provides great daytime and night time entertainment. The fun never stops.

And, every night from 8:00-9:30 we have a Cirque du Soleil/Las Vegas style show in the Atrium Lobby of the Pyramid that is out of this world. A must see! Offers snack & show or dinner & show at a cost. Otherwise, gather around the 360 degree lobby to see the show for free

All of the properties are in Cancun and Tulum/Mexico



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When Traveling Take Some Of These Little Things

I know this do not sound good but it is better to be cautious when traveling. There was a honeymoon couple who stayed at  Punta Cana and love it! They stayed for a week to have a fun and relaxing couple time. However, the groom returned home with Typhoid Fever! He is very young and very sick at the moment. Anyway, the doctor told them the Typhoid may have been passed by feces which means that  most likely someone preparing food did not wash their hands.


Please know that some places we travel is behind, especially most islands in hygiene and people do get sick going there. It could happen during the vacation time or after getting back home to where you are most acclimated to. 


The doctor suspects Lyme disease can happen from a mosquito bite while zip-lining since it is usually situated in a dense forest or water. 



It is best to recommend vaccinations before traveling. Be prepared with little things you can think of to protect yourself like:

Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent, 
Bedbug traps

Vitamins

Pepto Bismol

Granola bars, protein bars or trail mix.

Water purification tablets, or a water filter.

Toilet paper

Paper towels

Shampoo, Soap, Laundry detergent, and a few feet of rope to use as a clothesline (among other things).

Enough hand sanitizer to sterilize a small village.

A universal rubber plug, for use in tubs and sinks.

A universal plug for outlets  

A small, battery-operated fan

A sewing kit

Ziploc and plastic bags for protecting your electronics and documents 

Swiss Army pocket knife (remember to put it back in your checked bag).

A waterproof container of matches, or a lighter (also to remain in your checked bag).

A small roll of duct tape. 

A luggage lock and coiling cable (preferably one for each of your bags).

Keychain flashlight

A thin blanket or bed sheet just in case!

These are little things we take for granted which may save you from time to time when in a foreign land.

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Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis

Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis

Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina and acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” leisurely, and a glimpse of the life of #PopeFrancis.

How about sightseeing at La Boca, a colorful district? Enjoy a short walk and head to the famous late colonial buildings of San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, La Casa Rosada ( the President’s Pink House, and celebrate Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral and more to see like the following:

Colon Opera house

CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA – burial site of Eva Peron

famous TANGO CLUB - a DANCE LESSON

SAN CARLOS BORROMENO CHURCH - nicest architecture

Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina

SAN JOSE DE FLORES “The Call of God”

Pope’s neighborhoods of Buenos Aires such as Almagro, Caballito, Flores and Floresta

ARGENTINE ESTANCIA

LUJAN BASILICA - the Virgin of Lujan (Patron Saint of Argentina)

Local WINE TASTING

Excursion to Tigre – Tigre Delta , Parana River

SAN ISIDRO CATHEDRAL

see the historic city of Colonia, Uruguay

CHURCH OF THE SACRED SAINT, the oldest church in Uruguay

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