With no street names or numbers, and 24 hour traffic jams, don’t drive in Panama City, Panama. Walk, take a cab, a bus, a train, or bike instead! Listen to our funny experience and enjoy the beautiful photos.

Where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort nestles in a tropical rainforest filled with wildlife, culture, & relaxation-ahhhh. We especially recommend Gamboa, Panama for nature lovers.

A traveler’s introduction to the magical, mystical Hindu island of Bali, Indonesia.

There is something exceptional about the island of Cozumel, Mexico. The energy, the peace, the people, the ocean. Sea turtles nest here in counterbalance to huge cruiseships. Somehow, the synergy of her Mayan goddess Ix Chel prevails.

The Mayan “island of swallows” known as Cozumel basks in the warm Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Famous for idyllic beaches, water sports, diving on the Meso-American Coral Reef with its rich underwater flora and fauna, the isle is a warm, welcoming immersive experience into Mexican and Mayan culture.

Countless travelers have come to San Miguel de Allende for a few weeks’ vacation, and never made it back home. So charmed were they by the hip, colonial, old-Mexico modern vibe that they purchased homes on the spot and had their worldly goods shipped south from the USA or Canada.

Traditional, eclectic, historic, vibrant, artsy. All these words have been used to describe the village of San Miguel de Allende located in Mexico’s heartland state of Guanajuato. With an energetic nightlife, outdoorsy focus, international ex-pat community and welcoming local residents, anything and everything that interests you is here in a temperate mountain environment.

Sometimes a great choice for time off is to catch up on tasks that are stressing us, establish practices to feel more relaxed and less harried, and just explore and enjoy where we live and spending time with family and friends.

A visit to Chichen Itza is awe inspiring, BUT there are key travel tips you need to know to fully appreciate and enjoy your visit, avoiding the throngs of vendors. Read our Best Travel Advice section to hone in on the best options. You’ll be glad you did.

Projecting a 1960’s style hippie beach commune vibe, the hidden gem of Paamul on the Mexican Riviera has remained a pristine paradise. The offshore coral reef is breathtaking and in good condition. Scenery here boasts the whitest of beaches caressed by a turquoise sea, alive with coral and tropical fish. Also an RV Community, it’s a Baby-Boomer’s dream of tropical bliss.

Yal-Ku is a protected lagoon where freshwater from the cenote empties into the salty ocean. Rich in fish and wildlife, it’s a safe and easy snorkel for all abilities. It Is also a wonderful outdoor sculpture exhibit and provides a café for snacks. Adjacent to Akumal, this place has it all!

Akumal on the Riviera Maya is a complex of five beautiful beaches known for easy to find sea turtles and rays. It is an ex-pat hangout and gets busy in the middle of the day. Best relaxation and snorkeling is early morning and late. Great beach restaurants make this an ideal chill spot.

Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park is a must-see on the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Plan two days if possible because there is so much to see and do: wildlife, Mayan culture including the famously difficult ball game, geology, swimming, Mexican heritage, orchids, great food and drink. There are beautiful evening shows to enjoy as well.

From June to September each year, lovers of fish and wildlife can snorkel or dive with the largest fishes in the ocean – whale sharks. These mammoth filter feeders feast on zooplankton off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They are truly gentle giants.

Tulum is a fascinating mix of Mayan archaeology, Mexican history and international boutique beach hotels. The beaches are all idyllic Caribbean white sand and turquoise waters. Visit now, before planned government developments attract the huge tourist crowds of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

This beach and cenote go by multiple names. By any measure, Tankah Tres Beach and Cenote Manatee are a mellow, uncrowded spot to relax for a day, or an entire vacation. Snorkel, swim, dive, birdwatch, sunbathe, relax. Close enough to Tulum to access fancy restaurants and nightlife, this is an ideal spot on the Riviera Maya.

The restaurant Chifa La Familia Feliz is operated by a classically trained Peruvian chef in La Fortuna, Costa Rica near Arenal Volcano. Chifa is a synthesis of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine very popular in Peru, and Lima in particular. Chef Martin cooks behind a glass wall, so you can watch your meal taking shape in the immaculate kitchen of this 6-table delight. Eat here. Definitely.

Beautiful dry cave, cenote, zoo and zipline experience. Aktun-Chen is Mayan for cave (Aktun) and underground river (Chen). They emphasize the importance of protecting endangered species and maintaining jungle habitats. We support their efforts.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a touristy beach town on the Caribbean. It’s quite laid back compared to Cancun. A great central location for exploration of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula, it has everything for a relaxing or energizing vacation.

Gelato and Italian food is everywhere in Panama due to a 1966 immigration agreement. What a treat for tourists and residents! The gelato is made with the freshest Panamanian fruits and It’s totally delicious.

On Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you can have any vacation experience you desire: chill-out, luxury, budget, wildlife, adrenalin adventure, educational, historical, geological, archaeological, shop-till-you-drop or party all night. What a fabulous place. We can’t stop going back.

Our original fresh tropical fruit drink recipe created with overproof Jamaican rum and Caribbean Guavaberry Liquor – very potent. After one of these you’ll want to “Shake Your Booty, Agouti”!

The arts are an expression of prevailing culture, both the positives and negatives. Arts are shaped by culture. Personal expression holds a mirror to society and shapes culture in turn. This creates a rich on-going dialog.