Enter to win 2 nights at Jicaro Island Eco-Lodge!

“Calmer times have come. While there is still a need for dialogue, reconciliation and justice before the political situation can be fully resolved, in order to support the people of Nicaragua – especially those who work in tourism, an industry that was devastated by the situation –, we have decided to reopen Jicaro as of November 15th. Even in the tensest moments of the crisis, we never lost hope and were amazed by the support of our former guests. We owe it to the staff at Jicaro and all of our suppliers to put them back to work and restore what was lost. “ —- Hans Pfister, CEO of the Cayuga Collection

The Philippines is incredibly easy to love. Between the warm weather and even warmer hospitality, what’s really not to love about this archipelago of 7,641 islands? #lovethephilippines

Omg the beauty of the Philippines! 🇵🇭 I’m seeing my mother’s homeland with new eyes. I’ve only been here to visit family members but this was the first time exploring it on my own - well, with the help of the Philippines Tourism Board and EVA Air who flies straight to Cebu via Taipei. This is my first time visiting the Philippines as a tourist, or at least as a guest of the Philippine Tourism Board.

NEARESTAIRPORT

Cebu-Mactan International Airport (CEB)

MUST STAY

Blue Water Panglao

The Reef Mactan Island

MUST DO

Tarsier Sanctuary

Chocolate Hills

Visit a Local Farm

Lunch on a Riverboat

Swim with Turtles in Balicasag Island

Learn to Make Sikwate at The Chocolate Chamber

Visit Lapu Lapu’s Statue

Get a Hand Crafted Lapu Lapu Guitar

This trip was booked through Earth Explorers Philippines, a female owned, pinay-owned tour operator

MUST EAT

Sikwate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Thank you EVA Air and the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board & The Philippine Department of Tourism for inviting me on this trip!

If you want me to book this trip for you or a very similar trip, please definitely reach out!

As a Luxury Travel Advisor, I can get you special VIP amenities that you can’t get yourself online! Check out my Travel Agent profile or email me at patricia@freshtraveler.com

As I flew into Kathmandu, little did I know that I would be embarking on an adventure that I could have never anticipated.

I was about to enter a world of so many extremes - of highs and of lows, of joy and of sorrow, of comfort and discomfort, of peace and of war, feeling somewhat in control yet at the same time completely at the mercy of the universe. This was truly a spiritual adventure.

As the smallest country in North Africa, the diversity of landscape and things to see is amazing. In about a week to 10 days, you can see the ruins of Carthage, drive over sand dunes to abandoned Star Wars sets in the middle of the desert, hike over dry river beds that lead to hidden oasis, you can visit larger oasis to see how dates are picked and also eat the best fresh dates that I’ve ever tasted! We will visit Berber mountain villages perched in the Altas mountains to buy handwoven carpets, drive across Chott el Djerid, the largest salt pan that you can walk over in the Saharan Desert as well as swim in the bright blue Mediterranean waters off the beaches of Djerba before exploring the souks to buy beautiful handmade Tunisian pottery.

People have always told me that going to Africa changes your life. I never truly understood that until a trip I recently took to the Maasai Mara, a game reserve in Narok County, Kenya, that is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Mara Region, Tanzania.  It is named in honor of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area. "Mara," which is Maa (the language spoken by the Maasai people) for "spotted," accurately describes the dots of trees, savanna, scrub and cloud shadows that fill the area. 

One of the greatest things of being a travel professional is that I get to explore new places for my clients. 

As a Travel Leaders Network SELECT Travel Agent, I'll be able to get you special access to luxury properties, upgrades, daily full breakfasts, massages or food and beverage credits (depending on the property) as well as complimentary late check in and check out.  These are perks that you can't get yourself online. 

Fly into Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO)

MUST STAY

Hemingways Nairobi

http://www.hemingways-nairobi.com

Nairobi, Kenya

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

http://www.hemingways-mara.com/

Mara Naibosho Conservancy, Kenya

MUST EAT

Matoke

MUST DRINK

Gin & Tonic

MUST DO

Safari in Mara Naibosho Conservancy

Sundowners

Visit a Maasai Village

http://www.FreshTraveler.com

by Patricia Serrano

Tucked away between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary lies this hidden gem of a country. Greener than green and bluer than blue, it's easy to fall in love with the easy-going and peacefully bucolic yet jaw-dropping country side. And did I mention that the wines and the food are seriously delicious?

Rustic chic, off the beaten path, eco-luxury, understated elegance – these are phrases that have been attributed to the Central-American adventure destination, Costa Rica.  These words (and more) can also be used to describe the much smaller country of Belize.  Although small, it’s not lacking in adventure – with Mayan ruins peppered throughout the country, the second largest barrier reef in the world and some of the coolest cave hikes into the Mayan underworld that I’ve ever been on....

I had SUCH an amazing time in Belize that I can't wait to have you go.  If you haven't already, let me book your Belize vacation for you!

As a Travel Leaders Network SELECT Travel Agent, I'll be able to get you special upgrades, daily full breakfasts, massages or food and beverage credits (depending on the property) as well as complimentary late check in and check out.  These are perks that you can't get yourself online. 

Fly into Belize City (BZE)

MUST STAY

Turtle Inn 

http://www.coppolaresorts.com/turtleinn

Placencia, Belize

Blancaneaux Lodge

https://www.coppolaresorts.com/blancaneaux

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize

Ka’ana Boutique Hotel 

http://kaanabelize.com

San Ignacio, Belize

MUST EAT

San Ignacio

Lydia’s

Hode’s

Benny’s Kitchen

MUST DRINK

Belikin Beer – The National Beer of Belize

San Ignacio

Blue Angel

Placencia

Tipsy Tuna

Barefoot Bar

MUST DO

St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park

Horseback Ride to Xunantunich

Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves

Snorkel Silk Caye

http://www.FreshTraveler.com

by Patricia Serrano

If I had to describe India in one word, I literally couldn't. Perhaps "technicolor" describes it best, which by dictionary definitions means a process of color cinematography using synchronized monochrome films, each of a different color, to produce a movie in color. Because that was literally was what my trip felt like, a movie in vivid colors.

I have to admit, I have a little crush on the entire country of Colombia. It's hard to dislike the people, endlessly kind and effortlessly smiling through all sorts of weather - the rainy and cloudy cool climate of the capital, Bogota and the extreme heat of Cartagena on the Caribbean Coast...

Colombia is a beautiful, magical country populated with seriously friendly people.  It's a place that I definitely can't wait to have you explore.  I would love to book your Colombian adventure for you!

The perks with booking with me are as a Travel Leaders Network SELECT Travel Agent, I'll be able to get you special upgrades, daily full breakfasts, massages or food and beverage credits (depending on the property) as well as complimentary late check in and check out.  These are perks that you can't get yourself online. 

Fly into El Dorado Int'l (BOG)

or

Rafael Núñez Int'l (CTG)

MUST STAY

Sofitel Victoria Reina (Bogota)

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara (Cartagena)

MUST EAT

Ceviche

Local fruits

MUST DRINK

Coffee

MUST DO

Plaza de Paloquemao

Monserrate

Museo Botero

Walk on the city's old walls in Cartagena

Rosario Islands

Salsa Class

http://www.FreshTraveler.com

by Patricia Serrano

The journey to West Africa is a very special adventure, at least, it was definitely for me. Filled with endless surprises, I never could have anticipated the fullness of vibrant Senegal. The sounds, the odors, the colors, the languages... 

MUST DO

The Dead Sea

The Sea of Galilee (Lake Kineret)

The Kotel (Western Wall) in The Old City, Jerusalem

Walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem's City of David, +972 2-6268700

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem - HaZikaron, Jerusalem, 91034, Israel +972 2-644-3400

MUST EAT

 Uri Buri Fish and Seafood Restaurant - HaHagana 11, Acre, 24315, Israel +972 4-955-2212

Dr. Shakshuka - Beit Eshel 3, Tel Aviv, 68025, Israel +972 3-682-2842

Pomegranate juice from Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem

Vanilla Soy Ice Cream with Halva (crushed sesame seeds and honey) at Hatchazer in Jerusalem - 7 Derech Beit Lehem, Jerusalem, +972 02-6719922

MUST SHOP

Jaffa Flea Market - East of the Clock Tower,Tel Aviv, Israel +972 3-527-2691

Ahava – Natural Dead Sea Bath Products

MUST DRINK

Nightlife in Tel Aviv

Radio EPGB - Shadal 7, Tel Aviv, 65781, Israel +972 3-560-3636

Rothschild 12 - 12 Rothschild Blvd, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel +972 3-510-6430

Ilka Bar - Dizengoff 148, Tel Aviv, Israel +972 54-803-0706

Nanuchka - Lilienblum 30, Tel Aviv, Israel +972 3-516-2254

MUST STAY

The Efendi Hotel in Akko - Louis IX St. 24124 Akko, Israel +972-74-7299799 reservation@efendi-hotel.com

Ein Gedi Hotel - Dead Sea Ein Gedi 86980 Israel +972-8-6594222 info.resort@ein-gedi.co.il

DOWNLOAD PDF OF FRESHTRAVELER ONE-PAGE GUIDE

In honor of the upcoming Caribbean Week in NYC from June 1st to the 5th, the largest event thrown in New York City by the Caribbean Tourism Board, I wanted to share my travels in Speightstown, Barbados – my most recent experience of the Caribbean. 

SPEIGHTSTOWN, BARBADOS

Fly into Grantley Adams International, Bridgetown (BGI)

MUST STAY

Cobbler’s Cove - Speightstown, Barbados; +1 246-422-2291

MUST EAT

Bombas Beach Bar -  Turtle Bay, St. Peter, West Coast; +1 (246) 432 5664

Island Plates - 1 Town Square, Queen Street, Speightstown, Barbados; (246) 252-7793

The Fish Pot -  Shermans, St. Lucy, Barbados, #27190; +1 246 439-3000

MUST DRINK

Juju's Beach Bar  -

Hwy 1B, Mount Standfast; +1(246) 268 6093

Fisherman's Pub and Grub - 

Queen St, Speightstown; +1 246-422-2703

MUST DO

Ride a public bus and shared van

http://www.barbados.org/tours/barbados-public-transport.htm

Explore Saint Martin’s Bay

http://www.barbados.org/martins-bay-barbados.htm

Visit St. John’s Parish 

http://www.barbados.org/churches/stjohn.htm

DOWNLOAD PDF OF FRESHTRAVELER ONE-PAGE GUIDE

MUST DO

San Diego Trolley (Blue Line) from San Diego to San Ysidro, Fare $2.50, Duration: Approximately 1 hour

El Salto Canyon is a beautiful hidden canyon just off the Tijuana – Ensenada Libre Highway at KM 76 (halfway between La Mision and Ensenada) The exact coordinates: Lat: 32.03694 Long: -116.7742

Ultra Light Airplane For more information check out: FlyLaSalina.com c/o Bajabrent 8-A Ave de Lorenzo, La Salina, Del Mar, Baja CA MX; 01152-646-155-4218 (mex); 760-203-2658 (vonage US/MX); Email: bajabrent@flylasalina.com

MUST STAY

La Fonda Hotel - KM 59.5 Carretera Tijuana – Ensenada La Mision, Baja California, Mexico; US Telefono:(011-52) 646-155-03-08; Telefono:646-155-03-08; E-mail: reservations@lafondabaja.com

MUST EAT

Restaurant at La Fonda Hotel - KM 59.5 Carretera Tijuana – Ensenada La Mision, Baja California, Mexico; US Telefono:(011-52) 646-155-03-08; Telefono:646-155-03-08; E-mail: reservations@lafondabaja.com

Lobster at Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, the self described "Lobster Capital of Baja" is just past the town of Rosarito. Proceed another 9 miles where you will find an exit sign marked Puerto Nuevo. Exit here and turn left heading south onto the Carretera Libre (Free Road). Puerto Nuevo is located 2 miles South of the Puerto Nuevo exit on the right hand side.

                                                                                     DOWNLOAD PDF

Best Summer Road Trip Ever! From Washington DC to Seattle Washington stopping by the most fun small towns in America!

1) Corning, NY

2) Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH

3) Santa Claus, IN

4) Delray Beach, FL

5) Denton, TX

6) Buena Park, CA

I’m so addicted to travel that I signed up for a Mauiva AirCruise, a private plane jet multi-city tour where I visit 29 different attractions all over the Western United States in a week! 

MUST DO 

Lombard Street

Golden Gate Bridge

Ride a Cable Car down Russian Hill

Valencia Street in the Mission District

Dolores Park - http://sfrecpark.org/destination/mission-dolores-park, Dolores St, and 18th

MUST SHOP 

Wonderland Gallery and Boutique - http://www.wonderlandsf.com, 2929 24th St; +1(415) 641-4600

Dog Eared Books - http://www.dogearedbooks.com, 900 Valencia St; +1(415) 282-1901

Borderlands Books - http://www.borderlands-books.com, 866 Valencia St, b/t 20th St & Cunningham Pl in Mission +1(415) 824-8203

MUST STAY

Villa Florence - 

http://villaflorence.com, 225 Powell St; +1(415)397-7700

The Clift -

https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-clift-san-francisco, 495 Geary St; +1(415)7754700

Omni Parker SanFrancisco - 

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-francisco, 500 California St;+1(415)677-9494

MUST EAT 

Lolo - http://www.lolosf.com, 974 Valencia St; +1(415)643-5656

Luna Park - http://lunaparksf.com, 694 Valencia St;   +1(415)553-8584

Chino - http://www.chinosf.com, 3198 16th St; +1(415)552-5771

Sai Jai Thai Restaurant - http://saijaithairestaurant.com, 771 O’Farrell St; +1(415) 673-5774

Taqueria Cancun - http://www.taqueriacancunsf.com, 2288 Mission St; +1(415) 252-9560

MUST DRINK 

Double Dutch - http://www.thedoubledutch.com, 3192 16th St; +1(415) 373-1042

Redwood Room - https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-clift-san-francisco/eat-drink/redwood-room

495 Geary St; +1(415) 775-4700

Smuggler's Cove - http://www.smugglerscovesf.com, 650 Gough St; +1(415) 869-1900

Four Barrel Coffee - http://www.fourbarrelcoffee.com, 375 Valencia St; +1(415) 252-0800