Destination Guide

A Simple Guatemala Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

June 1, 2023 in Destinations

A blue boat sitting on Lake Atitlán with a volcano off in the distance surrounded by clouds

A Simple Guatemala Travel Guide for First Time Visitors Are you headed to “La tierra de la eterna primavera” or the Land of Eternal Spring? Let me start by saying, I adore...

Brunette in a floral yellow dress looking out into the Old San Juan Harbor in Puerto Rico

Things to do in Puerto Rico – an Epic Guide for First Time Visitors

April 14, 2023 in Destinations

Things to do in Puerto Rico – an Epic Guide for First Time Visitors If you’re headed to the Island of Enchantment, first of all, I want to say, “congratulations, you’re making a great choice!”...

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Come along on the adventures in real time!

Fall, but make it tropical 🌴

I know, I know. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Autumn. This year, I decided to set out to explore an atypical fall destination.

I visited the 📍Bahamas archipelago located in the Caribbean for the first time last year. And while there are parts that are very commercialized and the place is crawling with North Americans (take that for whatever it means to you), I have to say I love coming back here.

I’m always so excited to visit new destinations, but revisiting places we’ve been and enjoyed is gratifying in a different way, isn’t it?

Anyway, September & October is definitely the “off” season. It’s actually considered “hurricane season” for the islands, which is definitely an intimidating time to plan your trip.

Obviously the weather is one of the things we have no control over, but the end result was fewer crowds, lower costs, a couple mild, warm, intermittent showers.

Do you like off season travel? Have you visited any fall destinations that aren’t typically thought of for fall and you loved it?

Follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎 and check out www.adventurespassport.com for more travel resources!

____________________________________
#bahamas #bahamas🇧🇸 #nassaubahamas #offseason #offseasontravel #traveltips #falldestinations #caribbean #caribbeanisland #nassau #johnwatlings #johnwatlingsdistillery #hellofrom #destinations #globaltravel #travelideas

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Fall, but make it tropical 🌴

I know, I know. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Autumn. This year, I decided to set out to explore an atypical fall destination.

I visited the 📍Bahamas archipelago located in the Caribbean for the first time last year. And while there are parts that are very commercialized and the place is crawling with North Americans (take that for whatever it means to you), I have to say I love coming back here.

I’m always so excited to visit new destinations, but revisiting places we’ve been and enjoyed is gratifying in a different way, isn’t it?

Anyway, September & October is definitely the “off” season. It’s actually considered “hurricane season” for the islands, which is definitely an intimidating time to plan your trip.

Obviously the weather is one of the things we have no control over, but the end result was fewer crowds, lower costs, a couple mild, warm, intermittent showers.

Do you like off season travel? Have you visited any fall destinations that aren’t typically thought of for fall and you loved it?

Follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎 and check out www.adventurespassport.com for more travel resources!

____________________________________
#bahamas #bahamas🇧🇸 #nassaubahamas #offseason #offseasontravel #traveltips #falldestinations #caribbean #caribbeanisland #nassau #johnwatlings #johnwatlingsdistillery #hellofrom #destinations #globaltravel #travelideas

Want to ✨instantly✨ be filled with child like glee?

Next time you’re in 📍Las Vegas, Nevada… head to the @wynnlasvegas hotel and frolick through their indoor atrium.

Feeling a sudden palpable endorphin rush when walking through the lush greenery?

That’s because the conifers are real, live 50+ year old ficus trees. Brightly colored ornate floral balls and string lights dangle from them ✨

There are actually thousands and thousands of potted florals throughout the Wynn property. If you’re a lover of horticulture like myself, make sure you stop by when you’re in Vegas.

Have you ever been to the Wynn or Vegas?

Don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more interesting hotels & attractions around the 🌎

_______________________________
#wynnlasvegas #vegasvacation #wynnresorts #lasvegas #wynn #vegasstrip #vegastime #vegastime #vegasbabyvegas #wynnhotel #vegashotels #vivalasvegas #lasvegasnevada #lasvegasblvd #vegasfun

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Want to ✨instantly✨ be filled with child like glee?

Next time you’re in 📍Las Vegas, Nevada… head to the @wynnlasvegas hotel and frolick through their indoor atrium.

Feeling a sudden palpable endorphin rush when walking through the lush greenery?

That’s because the conifers are real, live 50+ year old ficus trees. Brightly colored ornate floral balls and string lights dangle from them ✨

There are actually thousands and thousands of potted florals throughout the Wynn property. If you’re a lover of horticulture like myself, make sure you stop by when you’re in Vegas.

Have you ever been to the Wynn or Vegas?

Don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more interesting hotels & attractions around the 🌎

_______________________________
#wynnlasvegas #vegasvacation #wynnresorts #lasvegas #wynn #vegasstrip #vegastime #vegastime #vegasbabyvegas #wynnhotel #vegashotels #vivalasvegas #lasvegasnevada #lasvegasblvd #vegasfun

MUSTS and NO’s when I visit Cartagena again…

🗓️ I would 100% visit during December - March, the dry season. The most important reason: the 🔥 heat in Cartagena rivals 🇺🇸southwestern summers. Even in February it’s HOT! You’ll want to walk around & be comfortable.

💃🏻 I would 100% take a salsa class, which I couldn’t get to last time. There is an epic one on a private rooftop in Getsemani!

🥘 I would take another cooking or beverage class at @skykitchen.cartagena because it’s that amazing.

🛥️ Definitely return to the Rosario Islands for another retreat to paradise

🧭 I’d make sure to take a day trip to Palenque - @sowonthego has an awesome post about this day trip!

🍽️ @misturarestaurantebar - I’d go back just to dine here again

🛏️ I’d stay in the walled city again because you can freely walk around at night with no problems & there’s lots of nightlife.

💚 if you want emeralds, definitely go to @casalaesmeraldajoyas - mother & son operation, very kind, helpful & top quality.

🚫I’d skip La Cevicheria, because, sadly, by all measurable objective facts it’s overrated. I’m certain that it was wonderful when Anthony Bourdain visited 15 years ago… but these days I’d constitute it as a bonafide tourist trap and I NEVER use that term lightly.

🚫 No visiting in the summer

⚠️ Cartagena is very safe if you are engaging in ‘regular’ run of the mill traveling activities… if you engage in, shall we say, risqué extracurricular pursuits - you could be opening up the doorway to negative outcomes.

Cartagena is hot & ‘touristy’ - but the food is incredible, the culture is vibrant, the energy vibrates high & the people are just lovely.

Have you been to Cartagena? What was your experience?

🗃️Save for your Colombia planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌍

————————————————
#colombia #colombiatravel #cartagena
#traveltips #travelideas #travelblog #southamericatravel #southamericatravels #cartagenacolombia🇨🇴 #cartagenadeindias #cartagenacolombia #travelsafety #travelmusings #travelling #travelersnotebook #cartagenatravel #cartagenadeindiascolombia #colombiatravel #travelcolombia

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MUSTS and NO’s when I visit Cartagena again…

🗓️ I would 100% visit during December - March, the dry season. The most important reason: the 🔥 heat in Cartagena rivals 🇺🇸southwestern summers. Even in February it’s HOT! You’ll want to walk around & be comfortable.

💃🏻 I would 100% take a salsa class, which I couldn’t get to last time. There is an epic one on a private rooftop in Getsemani!

🥘 I would take another cooking or beverage class at @skykitchen.cartagena because it’s that amazing.

🛥️ Definitely return to the Rosario Islands for another retreat to paradise

🧭 I’d make sure to take a day trip to Palenque - @sowonthego has an awesome post about this day trip!

🍽️ @misturarestaurantebar - I’d go back just to dine here again

🛏️ I’d stay in the walled city again because you can freely walk around at night with no problems & there’s lots of nightlife.

💚 if you want emeralds, definitely go to @casalaesmeraldajoyas - mother & son operation, very kind, helpful & top quality.

🚫I’d skip La Cevicheria, because, sadly, by all measurable objective facts it’s overrated. I’m certain that it was wonderful when Anthony Bourdain visited 15 years ago… but these days I’d constitute it as a bonafide tourist trap and I NEVER use that term lightly.

🚫 No visiting in the summer

⚠️ Cartagena is very safe if you are engaging in ‘regular’ run of the mill traveling activities… if you engage in, shall we say, risqué extracurricular pursuits - you could be opening up the doorway to negative outcomes.

Cartagena is hot & ‘touristy’ - but the food is incredible, the culture is vibrant, the energy vibrates high & the people are just lovely.

Have you been to Cartagena? What was your experience?

🗃️Save for your Colombia planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌍

————————————————
#colombia #colombiatravel #cartagena
#traveltips #travelideas #travelblog #southamericatravel #southamericatravels #cartagenacolombia🇨🇴 #cartagenadeindias #cartagenacolombia #travelsafety #travelmusings #travelling #travelersnotebook #cartagenatravel #cartagenadeindiascolombia #colombiatravel #travelcolombia

CHÂTEAU DE GRUYÈRES 🏰

Even though this castle has no drawbridge… can you still get into it? (ba-dum-ching!) 😒☺️

For me, if there is a castle involved, count me in. I first stayed overnight in a castle in 2021 and if you recall, I said I wanted to ‘castle surf’ my way around the world. While that idea hasn’t quite left the laboratory… I still love seeing them all the same.

This 13th century castle, turned museum in Gruyère is no exception. I mean I love castles. I love museums. This should be good, right?!

It didn’t disappoint. Between the architecture, historical context and cultural information, this medieval castle sits atop a hilltop and provides stunning views to boot. Also, the staff is super warm and helpful.

Have you ever seen a castle in person? Which one? Is seeing or staying in one on your bucketlist?

PS - you can’t stay at Chateau de Gruyère but you can explore to your heart’s content!

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning and don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

_________________________________
#gruyere #gruyereswitzerland #gruyères #chateaudegruyeres #swisscastles #switzerlandvacations #switzerlandwonderland #europecastles #castles_oftheworld #gruyerecastle #castleruins #castlesofswitzerland

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CHÂTEAU DE GRUYÈRES 🏰

Even though this castle has no drawbridge… can you still get into it? (ba-dum-ching!) 😒☺️

For me, if there is a castle involved, count me in. I first stayed overnight in a castle in 2021 and if you recall, I said I wanted to ‘castle surf’ my way around the world. While that idea hasn’t quite left the laboratory… I still love seeing them all the same.

This 13th century castle, turned museum in Gruyère is no exception. I mean I love castles. I love museums. This should be good, right?!

It didn’t disappoint. Between the architecture, historical context and cultural information, this medieval castle sits atop a hilltop and provides stunning views to boot. Also, the staff is super warm and helpful.

Have you ever seen a castle in person? Which one? Is seeing or staying in one on your bucketlist?

PS - you can’t stay at Chateau de Gruyère but you can explore to your heart’s content!

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning and don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

_________________________________
#gruyere #gruyereswitzerland #gruyères #chateaudegruyeres #swisscastles #switzerlandvacations #switzerlandwonderland #europecastles #castles_oftheworld #gruyerecastle #castleruins #castlesofswitzerland

AN IMPROMPTU CHAT ⤵

A vivid past memory I have, is chatting with a coworker who moved to Los Angeles from a small town in the US for work opportunities.

In conversation one day, she reveals to me that she had never seen a (specific ethnic group) person until she had moved to Los Angeles. For the record, she was saying positive things - but I was FLOORED all the very same.

From a young age, I had exposure (and friendships) with people of all origins, ethnicities, religions and appearances. That was my normal, in part, from being from such an incredibly diverse place.

The more we open ourselves up to the experiences of others, the more we see realities STARKLY differ.

Although the internet’s obsession with “relatability” is understandable and genuinely needed in many instances, for a lot of people it’s nothing more complex than desiring to see a reflection of themself.

What we really NEED is more awareness, empathy and understanding.

Relatability seeks comfort, but seeking out life experiences truly different than our own is truly how we grow, connect … and hopefully make the world a better place together.

Travel is a great way to do this, but one of the more positive aspects of the internet and social media is how much I learn on a daily basis about the lived experiences, struggles, joys, ways of life, philosophies and realities of others all over the world.

Thank you for sharing this & I hope you never stop. If you’ve read this far, thanks for being here - we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow 💫

What do you think about this? Do you also find these things important? ✨

_____________________________
#travel #travelthoughts #travelersnotebooks #travelerdiaries #travelersjournal #musings #travelmusings

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AN IMPROMPTU CHAT ⤵

A vivid past memory I have, is chatting with a coworker who moved to Los Angeles from a small town in the US for work opportunities.

In conversation one day, she reveals to me that she had never seen a (specific ethnic group) person until she had moved to Los Angeles. For the record, she was saying positive things - but I was FLOORED all the very same.

From a young age, I had exposure (and friendships) with people of all origins, ethnicities, religions and appearances. That was my normal, in part, from being from such an incredibly diverse place.

The more we open ourselves up to the experiences of others, the more we see realities STARKLY differ.

Although the internet’s obsession with “relatability” is understandable and genuinely needed in many instances, for a lot of people it’s nothing more complex than desiring to see a reflection of themself.

What we really NEED is more awareness, empathy and understanding.

Relatability seeks comfort, but seeking out life experiences truly different than our own is truly how we grow, connect … and hopefully make the world a better place together.

Travel is a great way to do this, but one of the more positive aspects of the internet and social media is how much I learn on a daily basis about the lived experiences, struggles, joys, ways of life, philosophies and realities of others all over the world.

Thank you for sharing this & I hope you never stop. If you’ve read this far, thanks for being here - we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow 💫

What do you think about this? Do you also find these things important? ✨

_____________________________
#travel #travelthoughts #travelersnotebooks #travelerdiaries #travelersjournal #musings #travelmusings

SWITZERLAND TIP ⤵🇨🇭

Go to Gruyères someday or time.

I absolutely LOVE this idyllic village, not just because I’m a big fan of the cheese itself, but, it also gives you the storybook moment you’ve either always wanted or didn’t know you needed ✨

You may be starry eyed as you gaze upon the seemingly infinite green pastures, fanciful meals & views, colorful flowers and historic architecture.

Standing in the center of town, hearing the never ending trickle of the fountain, you may concede, ‘if fairytale settings existed…this might just be one?’

Compete with a 13th century castle as a backdrop - no purchase necessary🏰 (unless, of course, you want to go inside)

Have you ever been to Gruyères? Have you tried the cheese? 🧀

Well, either way, buckle up Buttercup, because I spent a few dreamy days here & we are about to dive into it together! 💫

🗃️Save this for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

—————————————————-
#switzerland #gruyères #gruyere #gruyeres #gruyereregion #gruyére #gruyereswitzerland #gruyerecheese #swisstravel #traveltips #travelidea #travelideas #fairytaletown #swisstourism #swissspots

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SWITZERLAND TIP ⤵🇨🇭

Go to Gruyères someday or time.

I absolutely LOVE this idyllic village, not just because I’m a big fan of the cheese itself, but, it also gives you the storybook moment you’ve either always wanted or didn’t know you needed ✨

You may be starry eyed as you gaze upon the seemingly infinite green pastures, fanciful meals & views, colorful flowers and historic architecture.

Standing in the center of town, hearing the never ending trickle of the fountain, you may concede, ‘if fairytale settings existed…this might just be one?’

Compete with a 13th century castle as a backdrop - no purchase necessary🏰 (unless, of course, you want to go inside)

Have you ever been to Gruyères? Have you tried the cheese? 🧀

Well, either way, buckle up Buttercup, because I spent a few dreamy days here & we are about to dive into it together! 💫

🗃️Save this for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

—————————————————-
#switzerland #gruyères #gruyere #gruyeres #gruyereregion #gruyére #gruyereswitzerland #gruyerecheese #swisstravel #traveltips #travelidea #travelideas #fairytaletown #swisstourism #swissspots

SHOULD YOU VISIT CHUR? 🕰️

After spending three days there exploring at a very leisurely pace, I don’t feel like I left too much on the table. Old town Chur is on the smaller side. However, there’ll always be more to do because there’s lots of little shops, cafes, neighborhoods to peruse and hikes.

Does Chur deserve a spot on your itinerary? Here are some things to consider:

It’s a ‘Let’s Go’ if:

📖 you love historical towns
⛪️ you appreciate admiring architecture
🫕 you’re a foodie
🧭 you love exploring on foot
⌛️ slow paced atmosphere is preferred
☕️ you enjoy cafe culture & a view
🐾 you love VERY dog friendly places

It may be a ‘Pass’ if:

💨 you like fast paced atmospheres
🥱 you get bored veryyy easily
🏛️ places with well known landmarks or attractions are preferred
🚭 you can’t be around potential smoking
🐾 you’re not okay with dogs being anywhere humans can go
🥳 you want a very ‘happening’ vibe
🚷 you are unable or don’t want to walk everywhere you need to go

💡You absolutely CAN visit Chur in one day and see the highlights well! You can also do a day trip to Liechtenstein from there.

So, what say you? Any questions about Chur? 🇨🇭

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #thingstodoinswitzerland #swisstravel #eurotravel #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandtravel #exploreswitzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #switzerlanddestinations #travelideas #traveltips

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SHOULD YOU VISIT CHUR? 🕰️

After spending three days there exploring at a very leisurely pace, I don’t feel like I left too much on the table. Old town Chur is on the smaller side. However, there’ll always be more to do because there’s lots of little shops, cafes, neighborhoods to peruse and hikes.

Does Chur deserve a spot on your itinerary? Here are some things to consider:

It’s a ‘Let’s Go’ if:

📖 you love historical towns
⛪️ you appreciate admiring architecture
🫕 you’re a foodie
🧭 you love exploring on foot
⌛️ slow paced atmosphere is preferred
☕️ you enjoy cafe culture & a view
🐾 you love VERY dog friendly places

It may be a ‘Pass’ if:

💨 you like fast paced atmospheres
🥱 you get bored veryyy easily
🏛️ places with well known landmarks or attractions are preferred
🚭 you can’t be around potential smoking
🐾 you’re not okay with dogs being anywhere humans can go
🥳 you want a very ‘happening’ vibe
🚷 you are unable or don’t want to walk everywhere you need to go

💡You absolutely CAN visit Chur in one day and see the highlights well! You can also do a day trip to Liechtenstein from there.

So, what say you? Any questions about Chur? 🇨🇭

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #thingstodoinswitzerland #swisstravel #eurotravel #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandtravel #exploreswitzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #switzerlanddestinations #travelideas #traveltips

WELCOME TO CHUR - the oldest town in Switzerland ✨

Have you ever heard of Chur? (pronounced: “Core” and don’t worry, I was saying “ch-uhr” at first too)

I had never heard of it myself, but after doing a little digging, it seemed like a good place to get off the Glacier Express.

It’s a historic town with medieval architecture and nuances at every turn. The hotel I stayed in was originally built in 1638, with the oldest part of it dating back to 1438.

Listen, I have never ever photoshopped people out of my photos, but I WILL patiently wait as long as I need to in order to get a pic without others in it (if it’s even possible). But, here that’s simply not necessary. The entire town felt like a deserted movie set - and I mean that in a good way.

Chur also has the most bars per square foot in all of Switzerland. While that isn’t a particular draw for me, it certainly will be for someone 🥂

Have you ever been to or heard of Chur? This town surprised me in a few ways!

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #visitswitzerland #swisstravels #inlovewithswitzerland #travelideas #travelinspo #travelbloggerlife #medievalplaces #eurotravels

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WELCOME TO CHUR - the oldest town in Switzerland ✨

Have you ever heard of Chur? (pronounced: “Core” and don’t worry, I was saying “ch-uhr” at first too)

I had never heard of it myself, but after doing a little digging, it seemed like a good place to get off the Glacier Express.

It’s a historic town with medieval architecture and nuances at every turn. The hotel I stayed in was originally built in 1638, with the oldest part of it dating back to 1438.

Listen, I have never ever photoshopped people out of my photos, but I WILL patiently wait as long as I need to in order to get a pic without others in it (if it’s even possible). But, here that’s simply not necessary. The entire town felt like a deserted movie set - and I mean that in a good way.

Chur also has the most bars per square foot in all of Switzerland. While that isn’t a particular draw for me, it certainly will be for someone 🥂

Have you ever been to or heard of Chur? This town surprised me in a few ways!

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #visitswitzerland #swisstravels #inlovewithswitzerland #travelideas #travelinspo #travelbloggerlife #medievalplaces #eurotravels

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