Do you need a vacation after your vacation?

Are you an over planner or do you travel and wait for the unexpected to happen? I am an over planner. I often need a vacation from my vacation when I return home. I actually consider this to be one of my character defects. Spontaneity is not part of my DNA.

As a society, we are already overworked and overstressed, why do I add to it when I am going on vacation? The point of vacating is to escape our daily stressors. But, I get severe FOMO. What if I miss some new experience, would I regret it when I get back home? This is when I wish I could live forever so I can see everything! My curious mind goes on vacation to explore, see, do, experience….I can relax, you know, some other time.

I will say that I have gotten way better at leaving free time in my schedule. But, secretly I have many ideas of what can be done during that time. I just don’t plan it. I have to remember that my husband is also with me when we travel, so it is not all about me. He has learned how I am and I have learned that we don’t need to overdo it every day.

He is much more laid back and goes with the flow, whereas my eyes pop open at 3 a.m., I take a deep breathe and I am filled with excitement about what’s to come that day. He has taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment. To really appreciate what I am looking at and not get lost in projecting the day. Because of this, my travel memories are not jumbled. I remember the moment so much better.

As this new year begins and new adventures await, I want to make a conscience effort to slow down when on vacation. Read the book I always take and rarely read. Sip my iced tea at a cute cafe instead of feeling like I need to rush to the next point. Breathe. Vacate. Enjoy the moment.

What is an All Inclusive Resort?

I got inspired to write this post because I was helping someone with a trip to Puerto Vallarta and she asked if her airport transfer would be able to take her to Costco to buy alcohol on the way to the resort. There was only two of them traveling together so I wondered why they would want more alcohol than what is included, so I asked her.

She told me that she didn’t realize it was included. That made me wonder how many other people don’t know. Plus, people often tell me they would like to go to an all inclusive resort anywhere in the USA. But, true all inclusive resorts do not exist in the states with the exception of Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida.

The Caribbean and Mexico are destinations where true all-inclusive resorts can be found. This means your resort vacations generally include unlimited meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), taxes and tips, on-site activities, and entertainment, which vary by resort; most always include non-motorized water sports but an additional charge may be required for motorized sports. Not all resorts are the same but this is a good rule of thumb of what you can expect.

The advantage of this type of travel is that there are no surprises at the end of your stay. You know what you are paying for and you can travel with minimal cash. This makes it easy to budget! Because it is a one-stop shop, the cost is often cheaper than if you were paying as you go. Plus, it is convenient. Families with children love this type of travel! I once had someone tell me that he only wanted an all inclusive resort because when his kids are hungry, there is not time to be going to town and looking for a place to eat. At the resort, everything is convenient and the kids can eat anytime they want. Happy fed kids makes for a happy vacation!

The type of resort you choose is important. There are large resorts, so large you need a golf cart or shuttle to get around. Boutique style are easier to get around but will it have everything you need or want? There are resorts that are quite and romantic and there are party resorts. No matter what style you want, it can be found. When clients reach out to me I have a list of questions I ask about what they are looking for in a resort. I didn’t use to do this but I have learned a lot as all inclusive resort travel has been huge in 2021.

We also stayed at a beautiful resort in Puerto Vallarta earlier this year. I loved how modern and chic it was, but it was not the resort for me. Why? Because it had more of a party vibe with loud music at the pool. Not my scene at all. I would much rather stay at a quieter resort. Why did I stay there? Because it is one I book often and wanted to experience it so I can better help you. Fortunately, we only stayed there one night and at a completely different style resort the other night, which was more my scene. That is why it is important to ask these questions when choosing a resort.

Here are a few examples of resorts that other travel agents love for family travel:

1. Nickelodean Resort: There is a lot of fun to be had here, and they have connecting rooms.

2. Barcelo: The kids waterpark (photo above) it is sure to make a splash! Plus you can pay for admission to the Pirates Park.

3. Xcaret: Fun for the whole family! This resort is lovely and you have 8 parks to choose from! I’ve been to a few of the parks and it was one of my favorite Mexican vacations.

These resorts are in Mexico but there are also plenty of others on the Caribbean islands, although some islands are known for NOT having any, or very few, all inclusive resorts. There is a lot to consider when choosing a resort and I look forward to helping you!

Top 5 Domestic Destinations to travel this Fall (2021)

Wow! I cannot believe I have not blogged in over a year. It is not because I did not want to, but with the ever changing climate of travel, I was pretty busy learning and adapting to the new ways of travel so I can help you. But, I am ready to write again and have some fun places and tips to share with you in the future!

I know it is still July, but we have had some hot days here in Arizona and I am ready for Fall! It is never to early to start planning where you want to go see the colorful Fall foliage or stroll through a pumpkin patch while sipping hot apple cider.

Here are the top 5 destinations to do just that! These are in no particular order and did not come from a list, they are just places I think you would enjoy.

1. Woodstock, VT: I have never been here but the pictures look amazing! It has been touted as one of America’s prettiest villages. There are many fun activities to do such as visiting a dairy farm, eating at a farm-to-table restaurant, and take family photos under the covered bridges. It is sure to be a great time in nature!

2. Santa Fe, NM: My home state has perfect weather in the Fall. The Aspen trees in the Santa Fe National Forest are sure to put a smile on your face as you enjoy the golden colors flickering in the sunshine. After a day of hiking, be sure to eat in Old Town at one of the many restaurants serving the famous NM green and red chile dishes. Your taste buds will thank you! My absolute favorite is www.sfshed.com/

3. Chattanooga, TN: I love this place! It is such cute area and so pretty during the Fall. Definitely a great place for families to spend the day. You can go to Rock City Garden or Ruby Falls, and even take the tram up to Lookout Mountain and watch the hang gliders. I did that for about 10 years before I got the nerve to actually do it. If you have time, then I highly recommend it www.flylookout.com

4. Maroon Bells, CO: Wow! This place looks amazing any time of year, but imagine a snowcapped mountain surrounded by golden aspen groves as you hike in the early morning. Crisp air biting at your nose as you take in the beautiful lake view. I wish I was there now!

5. Munising, MI: The southern shore of Lake Superior is perfect for leaf peeping during the Fall. Throw on your sweater and scarf and enjoy chasing waterfalls in this quaint small town.

Surely, you can tell by this blog that I am ready to escape the heat. I hope this inspires you to start thinking about where you want to travel to when the time comes. Plan ahead because domestic travel is up and you don’t want to miss out on that cute cabin nestled in the woods!

Traveling in a COVID-19 world.

Hi everyone!

I have not blogged in a long time. Not that I did not want to. If you follow me on Facebook then you know I love to “talk”. But after the world shut down in March, I was super busy cancelling all the vacations my client’s had booked. Plus, everything was changing on a daily basis and it was hard to keep up with it all. But, now it is time to focus on the positive; WE WILL TRAVEL AGAIN! Yae! It may not be as soon as we like, but the world is slowly opening up. I wanted to share with you some tidbits of changes you may see if you have a trip planned soon.

1. Masks required by staff and quite possibly you.

2. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Might be a good stock to buy!

3. Plexiglass partitions between you and the person at the counter. No spitting, please!

4. Reduced capacity at hotels, restaurants, airlines and cruises.

5. Enhanced cleaning protocols, including foggers and electrostatic machines.

6. Touch-less temperature checks and digital menus, checkins and much more.

This is not a complete list, but it is a good indicator of what to expect. Remember, we are all in this together. It is a learning experience, so please be kind and compassionate to the employees of wherever you are. They do not make the rules but they do have to follow them. It is for everyone’s safety. None of this is fun, but if we want to travel again, like we used to, then we have to suck it up and do what we are asked. Personally, if I could get on a plane right now and go to Europe, I would wrap myself in masks and saran wrap if they asked me to. I am so ready to hear, “ladies and gentlemen, this is you pilot speaking’!

Meanwhile, you can take a virtual trip to just about anywhere in the world, right from your couch! Just google “virtual vacations” and find one you enjoy. I hope it helps you get out of your “I can’t travel funk” the way it helped me. Plus, domestic trips are the way to go this year. The USA has some amazing national parks. I took a class on it yesterday. Many of the campgrounds are closed but I can still help you with personal tours of the parks, renting hotels or VRBO, and I can even help you with RV rentals! I highly recommend Utah!

Hope to help you soon, and one day we will be able to confidently say #letsgo!

Cathedral Rock, UT

Ahhh....Beautiful Malaysia and the Maldives

They say beauty is in they eye of the beholder. Every person sees something and has a different perspective than another person. Last month, we took our annual vacation to Asia (again). We love Asia! We want to retire there. Asia is magical! This year we chose Malaysia and the Maldives. I dare say that most people would agree the Maldives are more beautiful, but my husband and I actually saw beauty in the stark contrast of Malaysia. We fell in love with it!

Streets of Georgetown

Our first few days were on the island of Penang in the city of Georgetown. Known for its street art scattered on concrete walls throughout the alleys, little ma and pop shops selling everything from trinkets to clothes and art, and the amazing food that Anthony Bourdaine (RIP) raved about. The sheer grittiness of the city mixed with new and old buildings and culture stole our hearts.

Upon arrival we hit the streets. The smells were a pungent mix of food and fresh rain. The only thing on our mind was to find a food court that we had read about. We hit the streets not knowing where we were going but our noses lead us to the right spot. Immediately my mouth started watering, I was so hungry after having plane food for the last few meals. From a tiny vendor in a shop of many, I ordered Nasi Goreng and immediately googled it to find a recipe to make at home. It was sooooo good! I am not even a rice eater, but the flavors they added were incredible! An incredible edible, ha!

A very affordable tour the next day ( I think it was total $16 for all day), took us to many Buddhist temples. including the Kek Lok Si, near Penang Hill. It was huge and so artistically hand crafted. It’s just amazing how much work goes in to building any of these temples. The views from the top were awesome, and our guide was so friendly and knowledgable. He taught us so much about the history. He even drove us around to show us real estate. This was the start of our “we should retire in Asia” conversation. The other couple on our tour was from Indonesia and did not speak any English so we just smiled a lot and enjoyed a nice lunch of chicken and rice together.

Our next stop was flying to Borneo to see the ORANGUTANS in the wild! We took a tour with Aji Expeditions and were not disappointed. He is so passionate about showing others wildlife on the river of Kota Kinabalu. We were on the boat many times during our time there. This was my favorite part of the trip. I absolutely make sure to include animals in all my travels, and was not at all disappointed in this segment. We only saw one orangutan but we watched him for a long time. He kind of just sat there in all his beauty. Proboscis monkey were abundant! They have such strange looking noses but they are used to attract mates, and we actually saw two mating. Don’t judge us for not putting the camera down, lol. At one point on the river, there was a crocodile REAL close to our boat. All I could think was that if a wave came through, and knocked us over, I was the smallest one on the boat and would be his dinner.

Listening to the elephants trumpeting in the background.

Sitting on the dock at sunrise and sunset was incredible! We never did see a pygmy elephant but we could hear them loud and clear in the morning! Those who know me, know elephants are my favorite, so that was such a happy moment I will forever replay in my head. We stayed in a super simple place kind of like a dormitory. The people that fed us did not speak English but they took such good care of us. We met a wonderful young French couple, a Scottish couple and an Australian family. Everyone got along so well. I love traveling for this reason! People are so relaxed and curious. It melts my heart.

From there we headed to the beautiful Maldives. I know I said we found Malaysia to be more beautiful but that was not about aesthetics; it was about culture, kindness and that third world charm that I was introduced to in the 90s. The Maldives consists of over 1100 islands. We went to two. When we arrived in Male, we were tired but our hotel, another tiny boutique place, had made a cake for Shad’s birthday. That was really cool of them. It had a salty buttery flavor. We liked it! That island was very affordable to eat.

The next day we flew to our resort. Upon arrival the golf cart picked us up and took us to the lobby. After checking in, we took the boardwalk to our overwater bungalow. Who doesn’t dream of that kind of vacation? It was everything you can imagine. We literally saw a small black tip shark as soon as our feet hit the sand, then a small stingray shortly after. Talk about amazing! It was the rainy season (more affordable to go anywhere in the rainy season), so the first few hours we stayed in and watched the storm.

Alas, the sunshine came out and we dove from our balcony into the beautiful bluish-green water. It was surprisingly not too cold. After 2 minutes, I was completely comfortable. For the next 4 days we used the stand up paddle board, snorkeled and swam. We watched amazing thunderstorms and got treated so good. The staff was always smiling. Actually, when we arrived, we were greeted with the bed being decorated with “Happy Anniversary” in palm leaves and an unique jelloish soft cake. We never did figure out the flavor, perhaps guava. Two days later, I turned 50 years old, and they again decorated the bed, gave us a very rich chocolate cake (OMG good) and a bottle of champagne to enjoy while watching the sunset.

Now, the reason we preferred Malaysia is because our travel style is go-go-go. The Maldives are very relaxed and for us, two days is fine, four was too many. Keep in mind, we are not divers. The Maldives are also the flattest place on earth, so we could not put our hiking boots on and go explore. If you want a chill vacation, that is the place for you. Stunningly beautiful water that looks like a sheet of ever changing colors of ice for miles. If you like a little of both, then I would suggest going to another country in Asia and then relaxing a few days in the Maldives at the end. If you love water sports, that is a great destination choice. We live in the desert, so mountains are more our style for longer vacations. Regardless, Asia never disappoints!

Ain’t nothing going wrong today!

Unfortunately, we will not be going to Asia next year, but hopefully in 2021. We are thinking Vietnam and Cambodia. So much world, so little time. Come join us. Let’s go!

Alaska: Bountiful Beauty

The Arizona summer sun can be brutal. Temperatures stay at a constant 100 degrees plus for at least 3 months. Most mornings I go outside, water the half-alive plants and quickly do any chores before the sun starts to scorch. I actually love summer, but as I get older and hot flashes are my new norm, summer is losing its luster.

When we moved here in 2017, I proudly proclaimed, “I will NEVER EVER EVER have to see snow or cold weather again, Yipee, Woo-Hoo, Yae!!!” Well….3 summers in and I have changed my mind. It’s like an alien took over my body and suddenly I am craving the cold. I want to be wrapped in a blanket and I want to be able to delayer when it is too hot. Can’t do that in AZ, at least not in public. Once that last layer is gone, I risk being arrested for public indecency. So, what is a gal supposed to do? Vacation of course!

Norwegian Jewel in Juneau

This year we chose Alaska as our state to explore in the USA. I had actually never really thought about Alaska. I have seen pictures and I knew there was a ton of wildlife there, but that was as far as my thoughts went. After doing some research, I decided that an Alaskan cruise was the best way to go. I became fast friends with Norwegian Cruise Lines as they guided me through booking my first Alaskan cruise.

Neither Shad nor I had been on a cruise. We had no idea what to expect. Our friends Chris and Lisa joined us; they had been on one, but not to Alaska. I can honestly say this was one of the best vacations I have ever had! Never did I expect to see so much beauty! It was abundant. Literally, everywhere you looked, it was breathtaking!

We started in Anchorage, then took a shuttle bus to Seward, where we would embark from. The drive there is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Apparently, Beluga whales live in that water. I kept hoping I would see one breech, but it did not happen. Once we arrived in Seward, we boarded our ship, the Norwegian Jewel, and started exploring. It was big, but not one of the biggest. We were able to navigate ourselves around the entire ship within hours. The employees were so friendly and helpful, any fears I had, quickly disappeared.

Skagway

We sailed to the ports in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Each town was a cute throwback to the past and the days of saloons and trains. Skagway was my favorite!!! We hiked up a steep mountain to a little lake. I was on edge the entire time, worried about bears. Alaskan brown bears (think grizzly and Kodiac bears) are something to be feared. Ironically, we paid for an excursion to actually seek them out! That did not happen, but we did watch salmon spawn and I found that so fascinating. From birth to death, the life cycle of salmon was way more interesting than what I ever imagined.

It was cold but we had on many layers and special boots so we would not fall.

Our favorite excursion was the helicopter tour in Juneau. I strongly recommend this to anyone! I will admit that I was scared. They seat you by weight and I was required to sit by the glass door. The entire bird was glass and I could see things below my feet. I hate theme parks and refuse to get on rides, so this was pushing me way out of my comfort zone. Last time I was on a helicopter (In Hawaii), I puked. I was hoping, and grateful, that did not happen this time. I had to just trust the pilot and eventually opened one eye.

No excuses! Burn off all the food!

Besides excursions, half the fun is the ship itself. I had no idea how much there is to do! Pretty much every hour has something for everyone. I like routine so I hit up the full size gym and eucalyptus steam room every day. Running on the treadmill while staring out at the sea (hoping to see whales), is so much more fun than running in the heat avoiding rattlesnakes.

The Jewel is 14 years old but was extensively refurbished in 2018. I found it to be very clean with a friendly staff. Compared to some of the newer ships, such as the Bliss, it did not have activities such as a racetrack or mini golf, but do you really need that for an Alaskan cruise?

Each night they leave a pamphlet on the cabin door for the next day activities. They offered everything from game shows to Broadway style shows. There was a library (yae!) and game/card room, and I read that they had daily activities for kids. I did see brave people (primarily kids) in the heated pool and hot tub. I am too spoiled by the sun. As fun as it looked, I was not about to get it in it.

Finally, I saved the best for last. We sailed through an area called Tracy Arm Fjord. Apparently, they had not sailed there in 3 years. The announcer said he was so excited because in his opinion this was the most magnificent scenery we will every see. This was actually unplanned, but we had to change routes. And this is where I cried. I am tearing up as I write this because it was so beautiful! The entire ship was silent and just staring in awe at how glorious it all was.. Words can not describe that kind of beauty. It truly is a slice of heaven on earth.

The water was so blue! Icebergs floated by and we could see sea lions swimming by the ship. It was cold at this point with rain beating down on us, but we didn’t care. This went on for hours! Eventually, the water turned to a beautiful green and we were surrounded by mountains that had HUNDREDS of huge waterfalls! This seemed to go on for days. It is the most beautiful view I have ever experienced.

If Alaska is on your bucket list, go now! So many of the places can only be reached by boat or plane, so a cruise is a fantastic way to see Alaska. I have a rule that I can’t go back to the same place twice. Shad and I are already discussing on next Alaskan adventure. This time we will include a land tour. I haven’t been to all the states in the USA (yet), but I can imagine this will be the most beautiful.

Our last day was filled with orcas, sea lions, and humpback whales. We had seen a lot of eagles in Juneau. I never did get to see the northern lights or a moose, but this will still go down as my most favorite vacation! I loved that my husband and I cruised together for both our first times. I loved having Lisa and Chris with us. I learned that I love cruising and can not wait to take another one! Alaskan cruises are the most popular and book out far in advance. When you are ready, I would love to help you make this a reality. Let’s go!

The Land of Enchantment (no passport required)

Famous yearly Balloon Fiesta

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone I have ever met, that has driven through New Mexico, has always told me they understand why it is called, “The Land of Enchantment”.

With over 87 mountain ranges, including the southern Rocky Mountains, sprawling throughout the fifth largest state in the United States, one can see why it earned its state motto, proudly displayed on license plates.

The unique landscape is unlike other states. Not only are there big snow capped mountains, but NM also has miles upon miles of cactus dotted desert views as well as plains similar to Texas. Because the state is nestled between Arizona and Texas, it is as if New Mexico’s magnetic energy is pulling from both states to create it’s own beauty.

And “magnetic” is truly how many feel about this beautiful state. It is known for its healing hot springs. Indigenous and hispanic cultures are evident throughout the state and living a truly organic lifestyle is common in cities such as Santa Fe and Taos. Spiritual stories of miracles are passed down from generation to generation.

Every year in October, thousands of people flock to NM to watch in awe as the sky fills with almost 600 hot air balloons. This a fantastic opportunity for photographers. Sunsets that blanket the sky in reds, yellow, purples and oranges, are common. Pair that with the many balloons and you get a fantastic photo, like the one above. (I did not take this photo. Unfortunately, I do not know who did).

After I moved away, there were always two things that I loved about going home: green chile (we will get to that in a minute), and driving. I LOVE driving and seeing the wide open spaces. It seems to go on for days. I lived in the South for twenty years and while the trees are pretty, especially in the Fall, I love being able to see for miles at a time.

There is one section from my hometown of Clayton, on the way to the tiny town Springer, that I love to drive. It has fields of golden tall grass that blows in the wind and seems like long blonde hair, to me. I also like stopping at the old, run down gas station in Springer, by the blue bridge. I don’t know why. It is nothing special. I think because it reminds me of cheering in their gymnasium during basketball games, while in high school. We always stopped there. Purely, nostalgic. I guess it is special.

On the way to Springer, there is the tall brick cylinder shaped enclosure. Maybe it is for grain. I’ve never known. EVERY time we drove by it, my step dad would say, “If I lived in there I would die”. Us kids would ask him why he would die, and he would say, “because I wouldn’t be able to find a corner to pee in.” We would laugh and laugh. Dad jokes.

Finally, no true New Mexican can write a story without talking about GREEN CHILE. We can’t even go a few days without eating it. My state actually has five seasons: Winter, Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Chile Season. It is typically from August to September. Once chile season is on, I will see all my Facebook friends posting pictures of their large sacks of green chile, or roasting them on the grill. The best smell ever!

I notice my mutual NM friends liking or loving their photos and it feels like being at dinner with family. I get their happiness. They get mine. No one can take that away from us during chile season. Colorado tried, but they failed. We own it. They got marijuana, we got chile. Hatch chile. The best.

The best chile. Can you smell it? MMMMMM….

So many people don’t even know NM is a state. That blows my mind! Santa Fe is rich in American history. Celebrities, including Val Kilmer, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey, have homes there. When I lived in the South, I was often told that I speak good English. People were generally baffled when I told them I only speak English. (I really wish I had learned Spanish, though).

I hope I taught you something about the Land of Enchantment. If you ever want to visit, reach out to me and I can put together a lovely package for you to enjoy all the beauty this state has to offer. My recommendations would be Northern NM. But, we can talk about that when we plan it. Let’s Go! You’re best stories begin here….Storymakers Travel. No passport required!

Wildlife tourism-yay or nay?

Imagination recently became my reality when I got to experience a top bucket list item of mine. Dopamine surged through my body, tears welled up in my eyes, and a smile formed so big, my wisdom teeth could be seen from afar! I’ve always known that travel has a way of changing lives; I’ve experienced it so many times, but nothing prepared me for the powerful moment that shaped who I hope to become as I grow as a person. An animal advocate. Specifically elephants.

Best day ever!

As I stood in the Wildlife SOS sanctuary in Agra, India, staring at the majestic mammal, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming love for an animal that has owned my heart for as long as I can remember. I first fell in love with elephants in kindergarten. My mom still has a mug I made for her that has my childlike elephant drawing. Hilariously enough, my artistic skills have not advanced at all; this is evident by the elephant drawing I made at my friend’s baby shower a few years ago. I may not be able to draw them but I sure know how to love them!

Unfortunately, when I was in my twenties, I did not know the torture they go through, all in the name of entertainment. I wish I could take back the day I rode and elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am happy that I have no evidence of that because my photos got swept away in my disposable camera, down a river. But, it happened, and I apologize to the elephant for my ignorance; I never meant any harm.

We humans have an insatiable desire to take photos with wildlife. Being able to be so close to animals we often only see on television, is a dream come true. But it comes with a price. Bull hooks and chains are used to “train” the elephant to be submissive. These precious souls go through months and years of abuse until they lose their fight against human cruelty. The physical scars they wear are mild in comparison to the emotional trauma they will carry for the rest of their shortened lives. Elephants are meant to be social with each other and free from the type of interaction tourism brings in the growing industry of wildlife travel.

Not all wildlife tourism is bad. In a profit-driven industry, it is important to understand that conservation is helpful and done correctly, can save animals lives. Sanctuaries around the world are fighting against the injustices that illegal poachers and owners dominate. Wildlife SOS is the only one I have been to, and I love everything they represent. We were not allowed to ride the elephants because the goal is to teach them love so they don’t live in fear anymore than they already have. We were allowed to food prep and feed them. We got to hear about their stories and all the obstacles they will try to overcome once they realize they are in a place of love, with people who respect them. It is not easy. These deeply involved caretakers dedicate their lives to rescuing them and providing top notch care by an elephant veterinarian that we had the pleasure of meeting. I wish I could be an elephant veterinarian. Some dreams are too big and I accept that. Just knowing I can educate on their behalf, brings me peace and satisfaction that I am doing the best that I know how.

Other wildlife are also at risk for the same unthinkable cruelties. Did you know that when you see a cute baby lion cub on the side of a street, “posing” for tourist pictures, that the lion is drugged? For the longest time, I did not know that. It hurts. This is a subject I am learning about and even though I would love to write journals about it, I am just a student hoping to change someone’s mind who many not know, just like I didn’t. We are going to Morocco next year, and I see so many pictures of people on camels. I have no idea if that is considered cruel. I will learn though, and I will not contribute to it, if it is. That is a promise.

My goal for this article is to educate. I didn’t want to make the whole story negative because my experience as an educated tourist, was so positive. It is important to know that it is not normal for wildlife to be interacting with humans to the extent that we see it. Finally, circuses are catching on and starting to ban certain animal acts. This should have been done many years ago, but alas, all we can do is educate, educate, educate. Do your research. Don’t support animal cruelty. There are so many organizations that help wildlife; choose those for your tourist adventure. Your heart will fill so full, knowing you did the right thing.

I like big butts and I can not l lie….elephant butts!

I would like to close by talking about….elephant butts! OMG! Are they not the greatest butts ever? I LOVE all my elephant butt pictures. I can not wait to frame one of my photos and hang it in my travel office. There are so many places I want to go and see wildlife. My promise to the animal kingdom is to carefully enjoy their beauty without causing harm. #letsgo #storymakerstravel #yourbeststoriesbeginhere #wildlifesos #elephants #animaltourism

Sri Lanka-the Teardrop of India

Poetically named the “Tear drop of India”, Sri Lanka is its own country, often mistaken as a part of India, but actually sitting south and much smaller than it's northern brother. Also called the “Island of gems” and “Pearl of the East,” Sri Lanka is famous for the various exotic colored gemstones that can be found there, including the king of Sri Lankan precious stones, the blue sapphire. A country claiming to have more holidays than any other worldwide, due to the vast amount of religions cohabiting rather peacefully on the small island. It is actually considered a very safe country for travelers.

Have you ever thought of visiting Sri Lanka? I actually had because a friend of mine went years ago and loved it, however, it was not high on my bucket list. According to Lonely Planet, Sri Lanka has been named “the best country in the world to visit in 2019”. I believe it. It was so much more than I expected. The opportunity to join a group tour presented itself to me last year, and I am so glad we went.

One of the things I love about developing countries is that the juxtaposition between societal classes can be subtle or obvious. The areas we toured were primarily subtle. Villages dotted with upscale shops, street vendors, and tuk-tuks hustling to make a quick buck. But, underneath the grit and grime, the stray dogs slowly moving from the road when they hear the sounds of constant blasting horns, is a gem waiting to be discovered. A gem shining so brightly, calling out to its admirers, “Welcome to the beautiful Sri Lanka!” The people were smiling and kind everywhere we went! The landscape was breathtaking. Lush, green rolling hills; tea plantations and rice paddy terraces made for some amazing photo ops as well as good, long hikes. The train ride from Kandy to Ella was one of my favorite things ever! Incredibly scenic, some call it the most beautiful train ride in the world!

Hiking above the clouds is always fun….and not something I have done very often. I have to admit, it is surreal to see puffy, white mists floating below as I stared off into the horizon, wondering how deep those mountains are. Wondering why I am so blessed to experience such a beautiful culture. The food was new to me and my palate was more than pleased. It really was delicious! I can’t wait to research recipes and try to replicate it at home.

Kindred spirits who love nature, hiking, traveling, and cultures spend about 10 days together. Strangers when we started, friends when we departed. My husband was the only male tourist of the group, but had some male counterparts to bond with via our tour guides and drivers. He adapted rather well and I am proud of him. I was kind of worried because a big group of women, all ages, could be crazy fun, or just crazy. It was perfect! I love the age variances and hearing stories from other like-minded people. It also provided a sense of safety and bonding that I had not experienced before since I mostly solo traveled in the past. Not having to drive is the biggest bonus! I think I am over driving in other countries. As our tour guide said, “we have driving laws in the books, but no one follows them”. And he is not kidding! It can be so stressful and a tour company can take that stress on, so your vacation can be spent relaxed.

If you’ve never been to Asia, I highly recommend Sri Lanka. I have been to several countries in Asia and as usual, it is now “my favorite”. I love that part of the world! And don’t forget to visit the Yala National Park for a safari full of elephants and other gorgeous animals, living free!

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