Science has shown that one’s environment has a direct impact on well-being, a fact that anyone who’s spent significant time in the mountains or by the sea can attest to. There’s just something about being by the ocean, hearing the crashing waves and feeling the sea breeze against your face; or being in the desert, hearing nothing but the chirp of an odd bird and seeing nothing but an endless landscape of majestic rock that makes you leave all your worries at home and let yourself breathe. The following locations will make even the most stressed-out individuals find their bliss.

Caribbean Island
A big part of resetting your mind is learning how to slow down, and the laid-back vibe of the Caribbean may be just the place for those needing a break from the fast-paced frenzy of their lives. Once you step off the plane and breathe in the ocean air, look out at the turquoise sea and walk barefoot through the smooth white sand with a cool daiquiri in hand, the bothers of daily life are all but forgotten. Choose from a multitude of swimming pools to wade in or sit under palm trees with a book in hand and ocean in view. Play a few rounds at a pro-level golf course, and wander to a conch shack for fresh delicacies prepared on the spot. And if shopping relieves stress for you, pop into the high-end boutiques for a little retail therapy.

Coastal Town
It’s no surprise that some of the wealthiest people in the world, who could live anywhere they want, choose to settle down in towns like Santa Monica, California, or Palm Beach, Florida. These locales provide easy access to major cities in the U.S., so traveling to and from is not an issue. And once you’re there, the towns are bursting with modern luxuries and convenience, while remaining pristine in appearance. Manicured lawns rest in front of mammoth mansions, and five-star resorts with seaside spas and fine cuisine are plentiful. Walk straight from your oceanfront hotel to a secluded beach below for sunrise yoga, experience in-suite spa treatments, indulge in healthy Michelin-star meals and cycle to town on complimentary bicycles at the impressive resorts that make up America’s chic coastal getaways.

Desert Oasis
The beauty of the desert is endless, creating the perfect setting for days of quiet contemplation. What better way to treat yourself in this day and age of constant noise and endless obligation? In the desert, nobody cares if your inbox is packed with unopened emails. And in the desert, the mountains call for you to climb them, bringing an organic opportunity to focus on physical as well as mental health. Take a hike and feel the full-body relaxation and restful sleep that follows a day of exercise. Soothe your muscles in a private outdoor soaking tub at a desert resort, align your body at a top-ranked spa and dine on fresh seasonal cuisine while sitting on an outdoor dining deck facing the expansive mountains.

Tropical Getaway
Spirituality seekers have been known to visit Hawaii for the healing properties that only a tropical paradise can bring. Whether or not you believe that the islands’ volcanic energies are operating at higher chakra frequencies, it can’t be denied that the unique beauty of its verdant jungles and rolling hills existing in the same space as the bluest ocean waters and clear skies possess a special soul-soothing quality. Make time to try a Lomi Lomi massage, take sail on the waters of the Pacific, enter an infinity pool that looks out on the ocean and commune with nature in a protected wildlife reserve, and you’ll return home invigorated.

All Inclusive vacations enhance your experience further, by allowing you to not have to think about or plan a thing!

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. But amid all the love-struck couples, Paris also happens to be an idyllic destination for families. Filled with lush green parks and kid-friendly museums, glittering palaces and a seemingly endless supply of pastries, Paris offers families a fairytale-like magic all their own.

To give you an idea of how you can enjoy the City of Light with your little ones, here’s a sample three-day itinerary that hits all the right notes for families. Of course, you can contact our agency to plan this trip or personalize your Paris journey to fit your family best.

DAY ONE
Treat the kids with breakfast at iconic Café de Flore, where they can revel in fresh-baked croissants and bowl-like cups of steaming chocolat chaud. Afterward, walk to Luxembourg Gardens and spend the morning sailing wooden sailboats in the famous Grand Bassin, taking in a marionette show and riding on the city’s oldest carousel. Then take a short ride to the banks of the Seine to board one of the glass-domed boats that depart every 30 minutes. Next stop: the Eiffel Tower, preferably in the early evening when the wait is shorter.

DAY TWO
For the second day of you trip, embark on a private tour. The first could be a tour of the city in a classic Citroen, listening to your driver and guide entertain you with stories about the city during a 90-minute Paris Highlights itinerary. For art lovers, head to the Louvre for a private tour designed especially for families. The tour caters to the kids’ short attention span and allows you to skip the museum’s long admission line—a win-win for everyone.

DAY THREE
On your last day in Paris, begin with a walk along the Champs Elysees. Starting at the Arc de Triomphe, where you can ride the elevator to the top to take in the panoramic views, head toward the famous patisserie Ladurée for pastel-colored macarons. Then jump on the Metro and travel to the picturesque Montmartre neighborhood. Lunch in the garden at Le Moulin de la Galette, a restaurant housed in one of the last remaining windmills in the neighborhood, before taking on the 300 steps of the Sacré-Coeur (the view at the top is totally worth it). Afterward, stop by Trocadéro Square and enjoy watching the street acrobats and skateboarders who take over the monumental plaza.

There are some wonderful land tour itineraries created with kids in mind! 

A Caribbean vacation isn’t complete without visiting the island’s most magnificent gems. Waterfalls in the Caribbean are typically found nestled in the hills and surrounded by lush greenery filled with exotic fauna. The crystal clear and refreshing rapids are awe-inspiring. With all the beauty in the islands it’s difficult to know which attraction to see first, but no worries, we have narrowed it down for you. Check out the 8 must-see Caribbean waterfalls.

Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls
Probably one of the most famous in the Caribbean, these magnificent falls are 60 feet high and empty directly into the sea!  A series of pools and rocks that have become smooth from the pressure of the falls, make it a perfect natural playground! Make sure you visit the beach and test out the natural slides!

Jamaica, YS Falls
Found deep in the heart of Jamaica’s South Coast, YS Falls is a place of unique beauty and a must-see whilst on the island.  With seven waterfalls and a series of naturally formed freshwater pools, it’s a natural wonder hidden in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth. Make sure you climb the nature trails to the top of the falls, grab a rope swing and jump in! Swim in its natural pools. They also have the opportunity to zip-line through the rain-forest canopy from the top of the falls to its base below.

Saint Lucia, Errard Falls
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path and you’re up for a bit of a trek, this one’s for you!  After a bike ride through the forest it’s time to talk a walk through the jungle, across river (and over a few rocks!) to reach the foot of this incredible waterfall! It’s a beautiful clear pool surrounded by deep rain-forest. Make sure you observe the incredible biodiversity of the area, like the super cool land crabs that you’ll find hiding under the rocks.

Grenada, Concord Falls
If you like to hike, this is the one for you; a series of three waterfalls located on the edge of a reserve on the western side of the island, the water is crystal clear and ice cold! Make sure you take a camera!

Barbados, Harrisons Cave
Forget the beaches, discover the hidden waterfalls beneath the surface of this Caribbean paradise in a massive stream cave system that is at least 2.3 kilometres long! Visit Harrison’s Cave Barbados to see the stalactites, stalagmites, glass-like pools and hidden waterfalls! Make sure you carry water and a camera with flash and don't miss the cave and critters!

For the best experience book in advance through your travel agent, or the resort and trusted tour company onsite to visit these must-see sites!

Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to help you plan your Caribbean vacation! She is an all inclusive specialist and her personal professional planning services bring you added value from research through return at no extra cost.

​What’s the deal with the Dutch Tulip? The flower, commonly associated with Holland, has a deep-rooted (pun intended) history with the country. Here are 5 fast facts about Holland’s tulips that you should know…

1. Tulips didn’t originate in Holland. They were imported from the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey) starting in the 16th century.
2. If you want to see the tulips, look no further than Keukenhof Garden – more than 7 MILLION bulbs bloom here annually.
3. Tulips bloom between late March and early May, but mid-April is your best bet to see the flowers at their peak.
4. The Dutch countryside is lined with flower fields. The area between Haarlem and Leiden, known as the Flower Strip, is also an ideal place to frolic among the flowers.
5. You can take tulips home! Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market, sells fresh tulips or bulbs that you can have shipped home to plant in your own garden.

​With its elaborate facades and captivating canals, Amsterdam’s charm draws travelers from all around the world. It is a city filled with beauty, art, food, and rich culture – truly offering something for every type of traveler to enjoy. Here are just a few favorite ways to spend a day in this pretty city:

Visit the Rijksmuseum. Whether you’re an art aficionado or you can’t tell the difference between a child’s splatter paint and a Pollock, a visit to the famed Rijksmuseum is certainly worth your while. This museum is home to some of the world’s most spectacular paintings from renowned Dutch artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, a collection of Delft pottery, a library that houses extensive documentation of art history, and other stunning exhibits that help you understand and appreciate the Dutch people and their past.

​Take a canal cruise. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without cruising through the canals and under the arched bridges that connect the city. Get an up-close view of the decorative homes and storefronts that give the city much of it’s character. For a more romantic experience, cruise at night when the buildings and bridges are illuminated.

Try Poffertjes! These miniature pancakes, traditionally served with butter and powdered sugar, are a Dutch favorite and can be found at pancake houses throughout the city, as well as at street vendor booths during national holiday celebrations and festivals.

Rent a bike. Did you know that more than 75% of Amsterdam’s population owns and rides a bicycle every day? There are more than 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam, making it far and away Europe’s biggest cycling city. For the most authentic way to see the sites, find a bike to rent (or borrow the bikes from your Avalon ship) but proceed with caution… these guys are skilled cyclists!

Visit Keukenhof Gardens. If you are paying a visit to Amsterdam in the spring, you can’t miss the perfectly planted rows of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in Keukenhof. Each year, more than 7 million flowers bloom here, all arranged in stunning rows and designs and turning the garden into a true work of art. The flowers are only in bloom for about 8 weeks – try to visit between late March and late May.

Visit Zaanse Schans. Just outside of Amsterdam, you’ll find the most charming and well-preserved Dutch town of Zaanse Schans. Here you will see traditional windmills, cheese shops, bakeries and wooden clog workshops – all that your Dutch dreams are made of!​

Yet by some accounts, it was also Escobar who (in his own way) helped to turn the city in a new direction when in 1982 he launched a campaign known as Medellin Without Slums, an effort to do away with the city’s poorest neighborhoods and provide a life of dignity for its most downtrodden residents.

Escobar’s effort is just one small highlight in what’s been a massive, years-long undertaking for the city, which some are now calling a “journey to redemption.” That effort has included strategic plans to set a new agenda for Medellin in 1995 and 1999, for example, and numerous socially minded, architectural interventions in poor areas including libraries, community buildings and cultural centers.

All of which still merely scratches the surface of the activity that has been taking place in Medellin, but the result of the ongoing efforts has been a new reputation in the world community, and increasing optimism amid a growing tourist economy.
​
“Years ago, Medellin was one of the most violent cities in South America and now people come here and can see the transformation, from an economic, political and a cultural perspective. This is a destination on the rise, a place that's become an emerging arts and culture hub in Latin America, while also showcasing remarkable social and urban transformation, all of which has attracted an increasing number of business and leisure travelers.

Highlighting this point:
—From January to August, Medellin saw an 18 percent increase in U.S. visitors over the same time period in 2017.
—Between January and August Medellin experienced a 23 percent increase overall in foreign travelers
—In January, Medellin won the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award in the category of “Top Destinations on the Rise,” an achievement based on millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide.
—Between 2010 and 2018, Medellin has welcomed a variety of new hotel brands including CityExpress, Accor Hotels, Hilton, Atton, Marriott, Best Western, Intercontinental, La Quinta, Bluedoors and NH.
—Medellín went from having 176 hotels in 2016 with 7,370 rooms to 197 hotels and 8,628 rooms in 2018. By 2019, 34 new projects will be part of the territory of Antioquia.

Medellin also welcomes an average of 83,000 business travelers per year since 2014. The boom in business tourism, events and conventions is one of the sectors responsible for driving the big investment for the destination, and has led to the arrival of international hotel chains like those mentioned above.

Colombia as country was also recently recognized as one of the top 10 places to retire by International Living. Records show an 85 percent increase of U.S. Social Security payments to Colombia in 2017, as compared to 2010, making it the top country in Latin America and the Caribbean in Social Security receipts after Mexico, according to the Medellin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

None of this is surprising given private entities, public entities and academia came together and created a plan with milestones and when different groups in city come together and have common goals, it’s much easier. The progress has been quick and successful because of the numerous collaborations.

The city’s new, more positive status is also helped along by its variety of natural attractions, array of museums and yearly festivals and celebrations. Other tourist attractions include visiting coffee plantations or flower farms, providing an opportunity to learn about a way of life and engage in a cultural exchange.

Perhaps most unique, are the graffiti tours in neighborhoods that were once among Medellin’s most violent and overrun with crime. The most well-known of these offerings is in Comuna 13, in one of the most notorious neighborhoods, which has had a miraculous transformation. Led by locals, these small walking tours receive glowing reviews from those who have participated in them.

And as Medellin expands and refines its tourist offerings, airlift has also been ramping up. There are now some direct flights serving the city from Miami and others in the works from Orlando.

Medellin is now a place with a great deal to offer both business and leisure travelers. It has become a one-stop destination where you can have a variety of life-changing experiences.

While there’s little doubt that the dining inside your hotel or resort will be top-notch, you should experience the full range of culinary experiences Mexico offers. This country is home to arguably the greatest culture of street food in the world, and tasting it is as simple as a quick stop between shops or museums. While there isn’t enough room in your stomach to try every single cart or stand, here are a few quintessential antojitos you need to savor.

Tacos - Perhaps nothing is more iconic of Mexican cuisine than tacos. Of course, these aren’t the mass-produced replicas of chain restaurants; here they’re the real deal. While variations exist based on which state of Mexico you’re in, every taco will likely consist of a warm corn tortilla (often hand-made), tender meat, and a smattering of fresh vegetables, fruits and salsas.

Tamales - Originating in Oaxaca, tamales today can be found and enjoyed all throughout Mexico. Composed of a thick steamed corn dough wrapped in either banana leaves or corn husks, the true treat of tamales is the stuffing: you can find anything from chicken mole to cheese to sweet pineapple inside.

Sopes and Gorditas - Sopes and gorditas are essentially two sides of the same coin: the same delicious corn dough with slight variations in preparation. Gorditas are when the corn dough is fried, then stuffed with meats, beans and cheeses and topped off with delectable salsas and creams. Sopes are the exact same thing, except all of the stuffings go on top of the corn patty, thus making them “toppings.” It may seem like a trivial difference, but you’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to choose between the two!

Tostadas - At first glance, Tostadas look like a mix between a taco and a pizza, but there’s more flavor there than meets the eye. The base is a crisp, salty tortilla that is gratuitously topped with anything from pork to cows’ foot to ceviche or fresh fish. Those traveling to Oaxaca should be sure to try a tlayuda, a huge tostada smothered in chocolate mole sauce, then topped with a salad and meat of your choice before finally being sprinkled with world-famous stringy Oaxaca cheese.

Elotes and Esquites - Elotes and Esquites are essentially the same food, prepared differently. Elotes is sweetcorn, served on a stick and smothered in mayonnaise, cream and chili. Esquites is sweetcorn cut from the cob, mixed with cream, lime juice, mayonnaise and chili inside a plastic cup. Either version is by far and away one of the tastiest options for enjoying Mexican street food.

Comotes - If you’re in Mexico City, you’ll want to try camotes fresh from a stand or cart. Camotes are plantains and sweet potatoes steamed, and then served with strawberry jam and condensed milk. If you can’t tell where they are by the crowds they draw, then listen for the distinct whistle of steam escaping the pot.

ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com visits Mexico 2+ times per year and it remains one of  her favorite destinations.  Contact Chris to learn more and start planning your trip to this wonderful destination!
#tet4u

Mexico continues to rise the ranks among the world's most-visited destinations, ranking sixth globally after hosting more than 39 million international tourists in 2017.
Nonetheless, the Mexico Tourism Board is out to set the record straight regarding recent reports linked to the U.S. State Department's updated travel advisory system, which ranked Mexico as a "level 2" country where travelers should "exercise increased caution" when it debuted earlier this year.
However, level 2 was also assigned to destinations like Germany, France and the U.K. and the board points out that the advisory exempts major international tourist destinations across the country, including those in states with higher levels in the advisory.
"While Mexico faces challenges with crime and violence like many countries around the world today, the overwhelming majority of those incidents are related to Mexican individuals," the Mexico Tourism Board said in a statement. "In the very rare recent cases where foreigners have been impacted, the majority of the cases found that those individuals were involved in suspicious or criminal activity not associated with tourism."
So far in 2018, the U.S. State Department hasn't issued a single alert recommending against travel to Mexico. "Our main concern comes from the fact that the crime, violence and other statistics used are those for a country overall, not related to the number of incidents that impact foreign visitors," the board stated in January.
In its ongoing effort to eliminate any remaining doubt about visitor safety, Mexican officials are taking a proactive approach to reducing risks and ensuring travelers return home satisfied.
Enhanced security measures already taken in Quintana Roo include 24-hour surveillance at the maritime terminals of Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, additional metal detectors and an added police presence with specially-trained canine units.
Other upgrades include investments in technology to assist in the communication of security personnel with hotels and tour operators and close coordination between the entire tourism industry with the municipal police and other authorities in order to report any suspicious activity and take appropriate actions.
"Mexico is a safe, friendly and welcoming destination and one that is growing faster than the global industry average for more than five years in a row," the board states.
As Mexico continues to draw and win over more and more visitors, safety and security will remain a top priority. The destination is also working to boost travel infrastructure through new hotel and resort openings as well as added airline routes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEXICO AND THE BEST PLACES TO STAY, CONTACT CHRISRAKES@TOTALEXPERIENCETRAVEL.COM

Like many other destinations in the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos suffered its share of bumps and bruises as a result of last year’s hurricanes.  An archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands southeast of the Bahamas, the British Overseas Territory sustained the most damage from Hurricane Irma, though it was also impacted by Hurricane Maria. Many Turks and Caicos hotels, as well as the airport, experienced water damage and the port of Turks and Caicos witnessed even heavier destruction. However, before year’s end in 2017, most of the island’s restaurants, bars, hotels and tourist attractions had reopened.

Longtime Turks and Caicos Developer Mark Durliat, owner of Grace Bay Resorts, recently spoke with us about the destination, where it’s been and where it’s headed. Over the past two decades of working in the Turks and Caicos, Durliat has led the creation of 10 new resorts, condominiums and single-family residential projects. He has spearheaded more than 300,0000 square feet of new construction and directly sold $145 million of real estate.  His initial project, Grace Bay Club, was the first luxury, all-oceanfront-suite resort in the country. More recently, Durliat’s energies have been focused on his new Rock House Resort, a 14-acre residential enclave that has a target sell out of $55 million. It will offer 41 cottages and four hillside homes.

I went down to Turks & Caicos this past Spring to check out the recovery and see what's new. 

Not only did Turks and Caicos recover remarkably quickly from the 2017 hurricane season that devastated much of the Caribbean, it is experiencing a variety of important developments and is thriving as a destination on many levels.  The transition has been helped along in large part by more direct flights to the Turks and Caicos in recent years.   A list of cities that now offer direct flights to the Turks and Caicos at dizzying speed – New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and more.  

There are a variety of new luxe properties that have opened in recent years or that are slated to open in the near future. The Ritz-Carlton, a legend in luxury has announced plans for Turks and Caicos. The project will be located in the Grace Bay.  My favorite spot!  In addition, Durliat’s own company, Grace Bay Resorts, recently acquired a new property, Point Grace. The luxury boutique resort, which came under Grace Bay Resorts ownership in April, offers a world-class location on Grace Bay Beach and 35 luxe suites.  And, last December 2016 the much buzzed about Shore Club opened. It's a $100 million property located on a three-mile stretch of beach featuring opulent villas and lavish suites. There are three pools, poolside cabanas, a yoga pavilion and a 12,000-square-foot spa, as well as three dining venues too.

Sun, sand, sea, good food and relaxation - not hustle and bustle - is what you will find in Turks & Caicos!

To start planning your trip and get help picking the perfect spot contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com. She is an experienced expert who will make it easy for you to research, customize and go!

Canada: the land of ice hockey and curling, polar bears and ice road trucking, North America’s vast northern country is made up of 10 provinces and three nearly uninhabitable arctic territories. The vast Canadian landscape offers up some intense weather, sure, but don't dismiss the country as just North America's Icebox. Along with it, some of the world’s greatest skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, ice climbing and mountainous panoramas await. Frozen rivers in some Canadian cities even serve as mid-winter commuter highways - and how many North American cities can claim something that distinctive?  Sure those are all cold weather activities, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. 

FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ON BEST WAYS TO VISIT CANADA, CONTACT CHRISRAKES@TOTALEXPERIENCETRAVEL.COM