Today I’m pleased to introduce you to Jon Rochetti, a fellow travel blogger and friend, and who, over the years, has shared with me his wonderful city of Washington DC.  Today he writes a guest post about a trip to Cozumel, Mexico.
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The image of the submarine varies. Let it be Jules Verne’s submarine, the Nautilus from the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the claustrophobic World War II U-boat searching the Atlantic for it’s next target, a nuclear-era stealth “boomer” playing blind man’s bluff with the Soviets, or a deep sea exploration sub diving to uncharted regions of the …read more

With only three sleeps before I head off to Italy, much of my time this week has been spent reading up on all sorts of wonderful things about Italy, and doing some research about Croatia.
Still, I did get intrigued by a number of other topics, though. . . .
Eyeflare – 9 airport rip offs, and although I don’t agree with all of them (Duty Free can be a bargain, if you know you’re prices), there’s some good tips here.
The Edinburgh Guide – I don’t often think of tanning in Scotland, but Andy tells us the best spots in Edinburgh …read more

Q.  You said that you were going back to Cancun.  Have things changed?  What’s the travel picture look like for that part of Mexico.
A.  Yes, I did return to Cancun, and found it just as lovely as the week before!
The flight was booked at a slightly higher passenger count, and that’s a good sign.
The hotel occupancy rate, according to one source at the hotel, was hovering around 12%.  That’s certainly not enough to fend off wide spread layoffs, but my source said that bookings for next week include several groups, putting the rate somewhere around 40%.  And that’s not …read more

Ah, the place has been abuzz with talk about travel and swine flu.  Hopefully you read my post yesterday about my personal assessment of Cancun, and why I think it’s safe to visit.  In fact, I’ll be back there next week.
Today’s questions comes from Addison Schonland, a principal in IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), a consulting firm to the transportation and travel industry. 
Q.  Would you be willing to talk with me a little bit more about your experience in Cancun for a podcast?
A.  Sure!
Addison always has a good handle on what’s going on in the industry, and keeps up …read more

I’m just back from Cancun, Mexico, and despite dire warnings and precautions from lots of well meaning friends and acquaintances, Mexico held no fear for me.
First off, let me address the swine flu issue, and why that didn’t concern me.

As an adult in good health, with no immune system issues nor other special health concerns, I am not in a high risk category for picking up any kind of bug – whether here at home or in another country.
When I’m working, I come in contact with hundreds of people a day (and their trash), so I’m exposed to lots and …read more

There are lots of reasons to that I love to travel, and one of those reasons is to enjoy the sand, surf, and sun of a Caribbean beach.  While the weather is improving here in Seattle, it’s still not shorts and t-shirt weather.  And those are just a couple reasons why I’ll be heading off to Mexico next week.
And here’s another:

I’m taking lots of common sense precautions, the kind that we should all take whether we’re traveling or at home, and heading off for a bit of a sun fix.  Besides, it’s time to take a few more photos to …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes compliments of Kevin Crain, the reservation manager at Villa Verano.  I met Kevin at a trade show last year, and although I have not had the opportunity to visit his property, I’ve had my eye on it for awhile.
Villa Verano is a vacation rental located in the most elite residential neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, on the beach in Conchas Chinas.  You’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay of Banderas, and a steps away from the beach.
The villa is privately owned, but is occasionally available for rental.  This is luxury at its finest, and you …read more

Often times when I’m in a city regularly, I develop a few favorite places.  Despite being fairly adventurous at trying new places and things, when you find a favorite it’s sometimes hard to try something new.
Karne Garibaldi (website is in Spanish) in Guadalajara, Mexico is one of those favorite places.  When I’m in Guadalajara, the assumptions is that I’ll be having at least one meal at Karne Garibaldi.  And I’ve never gone wrong with that decision.
To “get” the concept of this restaurant, you have to let go of what you assume typical Mexican food is like.  What passes for …read more

Guadalajara is probably my favorite city in Mexico, with its unique combination of a cosmopolitan city and a historic center.  It is the capital city of Jalisco, and is the second largest city in the country (Mexico City is the largest).  It’s considered the equivalent of our Silicon Valley, with a strong electronics and high tech industries.
Contrast that very modern business core with one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city – the Guadalajara Cathedral, a minor basilica that is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guadalajara.  Located in the downtown Centro Histórico (Avenue16 de …read more

I’m more of a sun junkie than a snow junkie, and this time of year I’d rather be enjoying a beach rather than skiing down the slopes.
 

 
A recent visit to Mazatlan revealed a nearly deserted beach.  After taking in this view from my balcony, it was an easy decision to change into a bathing suit and catch a little sun time in the remaining afternoon hours.
The peaceful feeling of sun, waves, and sand makes me smile even now.
Where do you prefer your relaxation – sun or snow?
 
Check out this list of other great Photo Friday travel photos from some …read more