Gems in Mexico Nowhere to be Found in the Recently Issued U.S. Travel Warnings

While CNN has countered negative press about travel to Mexico with facts - taking into account the newly expanded U.S. travel warning, the region continues to suffer from negative press. Lonely Planet’s U.S. Travel Editor, Robert Reid, points out, “It's in the 17 of 31 states not named in the newly expanded warnings where you'll find the most rewarding destinations: the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California beach resorts, colonial hill towns like the ex-pat haven of San Miguel de Allende, even the capital Mexico City.” Recently the Wall Street Journal described the effect of the cartel wars ...

Always stare at a spectacle

A Really Big Fish Tale

By Sharon Spence Lieb At pink dawn, frigate birds arch their wings over a turquoise Caribbean. Off Cancun, Mexico, we hop into a tiny fishing boat with guides from Solo Buceo Dive Adventures. They usually lead intrepid divers to explore the 420-mile Mayan Reef, the northern hemisphere’s largest coral reef. But today, we’re hoping to encounter whale sharks. “Ready for a whale shark party?” asks our enthusiastic guide, Martha Aguilar. “The ocean’s a buffet of fish eggs and plankton, their favorite food. Keep your eyes open.” Adventure is not a theme park, ...

The Mexican Temazcal: An Experience in a Maya Sweat Lodge

This article was first published by our friends at thetravelword, who have agreed to its republication here. View the original article on their blog. By Heather Rath Sweat is pouring from my pores. I am saturated with my own perspiration. My hair is wet and stringy. My breathing is laboured because of burning lungs and I am thankful we are in total blackness since I am struggling to sit upright. My instinct is to lie down in the fetal position on the floor where the air may be cooler, not so fire-hot. The steady beat of the drum ...

Job Alert: Wild Planet Adventures looking for an Operations Manager

Wild Planet Adventures is looking for a motivated individual to join their team in the San Rafael, CA office as an Operations Manager. The OM will be responsible for daily operations, overall customer satisfaction and safety, cost management, tour management, and Wild Planet Adventures branding integrity on tours. This role is responsible for handling the day-to-day operations in all countries. Responsiblities include: Managing All Trip Planning and Coordination Managing and Improving Operational and Office Systems and Structures Interacting with Travelers, Operators and Guides Managing the flow of information to the President Email a single document to josh@wildplanetadventures.com with your resume and cover letter in one ...

Win a Trip to Papua New Guinea, Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Papua New Guinea is said to be one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world with over 850 indigenous languages on this tiny stretch of land and also one of the least explored. If you win Eagle Creek's Grand Prize , however, you can count yourself as one who has explored all that it has to offer. Fill out this short form and wait to hear if your name is drawn at the end of September. Eagle Creek is offering two roundtrip tickets to Papua New Guinea as ...

Fiji’s Newest Grassroots Voluntourism Program Takes its First Steps on Garden Island

Community Support Network (CSN) is Fiji’s newest non-profit voluntourism organisation offering a two-week volunteer and island discovery tour program on Fiji’s untouched Northern Islands. This off-the-beaten-track experience prides itself on being an authentic, Fijian, cultural immersion program investing in communities to fund school equipment; solar energy; new business start-up; training; fish wardens and e local community monitoring programs. CSN brings volunteers who are interested in conservation and understand ...