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May - June 2016
Sea Life Happy
Captivating Anna Maria
Island Florida
Page 26
Pg
Zihuatanejo - For Children of All Ages
Pg
The beaches of Zihuatanejo, Mexico
1 - Vacation Rental Travels | May / Junel 2016
VacationRentalTravels.com
32
Step out your doorway and into the past
16
Portugal - A Portal to the Past
Contents
OWNERS’ CORNER
UNTOUCHED CARIBBEAN
SEA LIFE HAPPY
Marketing & Tips for VR Owners
Discover the mostly untouched island of Anguilla
Captivating Anna Maria Island, Florida
16
Where in the World?
WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Can you guess before you look?
Be well when you travel
7
26
4
32
6
44
7
46
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
Beth Carson shares from the heart about this issue, what’s happening
in her life, and current events in the travel industry.
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
Find out more about the wonderful people who brought you the stories
in this issue. Come and get to know our writers a little better.
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Have you been to this world class city? Take a guess before you
turn the page.
12
FOOD & FUN - CABO SAN LUCAS STYLE
There are plenty of dining places in Cabo San Lucas and of course
there are even more ways to have fun and adventure. Read on.
16
PORTUGAL - A PORTAL TO THE PAST
Step out your front door and into the past in this treasure chest of
history and architectural wonder.
22
SEA HAPPY LIFE
Explore the always captivating Anna Maria Island, Florida
48
46
ZIHUATANEJO – FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
This was the vacation that everyone dreams about - the beach vacation for
children of all ages.
VRMARKETPLACE
Vacation rental specials and places to visit just for our readers. You may
discover your next vacation rental location right here.
WELLNESS TRAVEL
Let Dede Sindelar take you away with her tips and insights for your
well-being while you travel.
48
OWNERS’ CORNER
Focused on marketing and educational opportunities for VR owners,
find out what’s covered in this issue.
50
FOR THE LOVE OF TRAVEL
Travel is, at least for many, a way to feed their souls and experience new
things, relax, and recharge. These stories share the authors’ experiences
and reasons for their love of travel. Join them and see if you too need a
traveling adventure.
For the Love of Travel
What does travel
mean to you?
Discover how the author
found her “Happy Place”
Welcome!
Vacation Rental Travels - where travel
inspiration is born! We are a digital
publication that highlights the unique
experience of vacationing in stylish,
comfortable, and sometime quirky
vacation rentals.
Explore hidden garden cottages,
sumptuous penthouses, and quirky
homes that make traveling a rich and
rewarding experience.
You can have any kind of experience in
a vacation rental... whether you are on a
budget or want lavish pampering. It’s all
available to you.
ZIHUATANEJO – FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
This was the vacation that everyone dreams about
Vacation Rental Travels magazine covers
the best, most unique, quirky, beautiful,
amenities-laden homes for rent to
vacationers.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Beth Carson
COPY EDITORS
Marilyn Caro, Eileen Caswell
32
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Art Remnet
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
We want to thank all of our partners for placing their property, location, event, and products with
our magazine. Each issue has a limited amount of space for our partners to let you know about
what they have to offer and how to get in touch with them.
It helps us out greatly when you click on their advertisements to visit their sites and make reservations, visit their location, attend the events they put on, and buy their products. It also signals to
our partners that you are interested in what they offer.
Please help keep Vacation Rental Travels free by frequenting our partners, letting others know
about our magazine, and sharing us on your Facebook timeline.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Vacation Rental Travels is published four
times a year by Wabash Publishing, LLC
© Wabash Publishing, LLC
Any reproduction or duplication without
prior written consent of Wabash Publishing,
LLC is strictly prohibited.
SPONSORING PARTNER
This issue is sponsored by the Florida Vacation Rental Managers Associationwhich was formed to
meet the professional needs of those companies who rent and manage vacation rentals, enabling
them to reap the benefits that comes with a consolidated voice representing rental managers on
regulatory and other issues vital to survival in the vacation rental industry in Florida. The Florida
VRMA takes a region by region approach to the industry and chapters are forming now statewide.
Own a vacation rental in Florida? Ask about joining your local chapter.
Digital Subscriptions & Online viewing
with more than 15,000 readers per issue.
The information in Vacation Rental Travels
has been carefully compiled from authors
and sources believed to be reliable at the
time of publication, but its accuracy is not
guaranteed. Always investigate locations and
availability before traveling.
FTC Notice
Advertisers have paid a fee or provided other
promotional considerations. Additionally,
you should assume that the publisher has an
affiliate relationship and/or another material
connection to the providers of any goods or
services mentioned in this publication and
may be compensated when you purchase.
You should always perform due diligence
before buying goods or services from anyone
via the Internet or offline.
The opinions expressed here are the author’s
or advertisers’ alone. The properties
featured or mentioned in this publication
are not owned or operated by Wabash
Publishing, LLC and may or may not be
available for rental in the future. Please
contact the current owner prior to making
travel arrangements.
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Vacation Rental Travels | May/ June 2016 - 3
The
Editor
From the Desk of Beth Carson
Welcome to the May/June issue of Vacation
Rental Travels. What fun we have in store for
you!
First, we’d like to thank this issue’s sponsor, the
Florida VRMA- Vacation Rental Management
Association. Keeping up with industry changes is
part of the job, and the VRMA gives managers a
centralized location to network, learn about new
opportunities in the industry and keep up with
legislation that the hotel industry is pushing. I’m
excited to go on May 31 on a press pass. Let me
know if you’ll be there so we can meet.
Next, see if you can guess Where in the World
we’re taking you this time. This place has so
much to offer, you’ll put it on your list if you
haven’t been, or if you have, you might discover
something you missed the first time around.
Our Owner’s Corner this issue is written by
Joda Coolidge, owner of Sea Life Happy, where
I spent 8 truly happy nights in December. As a
life coach, Joda used one of her own exercises
to reinvent her life and helps other do the same
when they visit her vacation rental.
Email me: Beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
Come away with us to the seaside Mayberry-like
town of Anna Maria Island. I had so much fun
living in the moment for this article with my friend
Liz. We’ve been friends for an amazing 32 years
and have to be purposeful about spending time
together as we both lead busy lives. We’ve learned
that traveling together is easier than visiting at
each other’s houses as real life doesn’t get in the
way and we’re more fully plugged in to the here and
now. The house is incredible, we were spoiled both
inside by the owner and outside by Mother Nature.
Speaking of traveling together, be sure to read “For
the Love of Travel” this issue- it’s full of insightful
tips gleaned from decades of traveling with friends
and families.
Explore Zijuatanaju with a couple of Baby Boomers
and their parents, where they discover the joys of
being a kid again. The writer, a vacation rental
owner himself, has some advice on how to travel
for free, even if you’re not an owner.
consider for coverage, let us know. We’re always
ready to be wowed—and to share it with you.
Grateful Traveler,
Uncover some of Portugal’s hidden gems on
a mother/son trip. So beautifully written, I’m
figuring out when I can fit Portugal into my travel
itinerary.
Daily life is stressful, even if you’re just running
late for a meeting, and we’ve found some ways to
manage it, applicable whether you’re traveling or
at home, in Master Your Zen.
As always, we want to connect with our readers.
Have you liked our Facebook page? You can
share potential vacation ideas with friends and
family there.
We are so thankful for you, our readers.
If you know of a vacation rental that we should
Beth Carson
Beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
P.S. Remember my Starfish Blue maid Reshmi
and her family? You may recall they lost their
entire roof when Cyclone Winston tore
through Fiji back in February. Through our
GoFundMeCampaign, we were able to purchase
some of the supplies necessary to restore their
home. You can see her story here. Additional
funds are still needed in the area. Plese consider
contributing if you are able.
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
Each issue we have terrific content created by travel writers from around the world. Without their time and effort,
we would not be able to share the wonderful places, glorious vacation homes, and the fun and cool events and
activities with you in each issue. We want to not only thank them, but invite you as our valued readers to support
them by visiting their websites, subscribing to their publications, and liking them on Facebook or any other social
media that you value. It’s how we help each other grow.
Noreen L. Kompanik is a published independent travel writer and photographer based in San
Diego California. Fortunate to have lived overseas as a Naval Officer wife, she has traveled
extensively and her many Italian and other European adventures have sparked her passions
for cooking and wine tasting. She shares her latest adventures, photos, and published
stories on her What’s In Your Suitcase? Facebook page. She is a frequent contributor to
several online and print publications.
Mike Anderson and Ana have lived in Mexico off-and-on for 20 years and, before that, five
years in Antigua, Guatemala. Currently living in Guanajuato, they own rental property, and
stay busy with travel writing, handcraft collecting, language studies, photography, and the
swirl of cultural activities around town. Mike and Ana met in and married in Guatemala,
own three handcrafts stores and travel around the country in search of traditional
weavings and pottery. In a past life in the USA, Mike worked 25 years as a software
engineer.
Laima Rastikis is a successful business owner, experienced writer and lifelong
storyteller. At age five, she authored and illustrated her first original storybook – in two
languages. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master of public
administration, both from the University of Dayton. Laima’s addiction to travel began at
age 22, when she took off for seven weeks on a trip around the world. A few years (and
travels) later, she put a down payment on a lifetime of adventure with her husband when
she opted for a honeymoon in Africa over an engagement ring. She hasn’t looked back
since. Catch up with Laima on her website.
Beth Carson is a vacation rental owner – Starfish Blue in Fiji, a world traveler with 43
countries stamped in her worn passport, speaker, author, real estate investment expert,
and a love of the written word. When not in her adopted hometown of Asheville, NC, you’ll
find her speaking passionately about vacation rentals at conferences, sourcing possible
features for the magazine, and enjoying the good life.
Dede Sindelar lives her life driven by creativity and adventure as a freelance copywriter.
She blends that with her background in wellness and her insatiable appetite for traveling
to exotic destinations. Her family jokes saying they never have to take out their cameras
because she’s forever capturing the moment with her photographs. When she isn’t busy
writing or taking photos, Dede is throwing frisbees for her dog, spending time with her
husband and planning their next journey. Please visit Sindelar Wellness Travel to catch up
with Dede.
Where in the World?
In each issue we challenge you to guess
where in the world the photos were taken.
Sometimes it will be easy and other times
not so easy. In every case, though, we
bet that you will learn something about
the place being featured. Remember NO
PEEKING until you make your guess.
Oh, you want a clue or two?
Known as one of Mexico’s premier vacation
destinations, this charming paradise is
literally where the desert meets the ocean.
Beaches, water sports, championship golf
courses, and stunning shorelines make this a
popular year-round getaway.
The region is renowned for its diving, deep sea
fishing, dramatic rock formations and some of the
best whale watching experiences in the world.
Seafood reigns supreme here, prepared by some of
Mexico’s top award winning chefs.
So, Where in the World are we?
The Magic of Cabo San Lucas
Article & Photos by Noreen Kompanik
W
e call it “the desert meets the ocean”. Our first trip
to Los Cabos a few years ago was on a cruise ship,
providing what we termed a “snap shot” of the area in
our one day port visit. But, we really liked what we saw,
and made it our goal to come back.
On our first land-stay vacation a year later, my husband
and I couldn’t help but notice the high energy of
passengers on board our flight from San Diego bound
for Cabo. Even the pilot got into the excitement as he
jokingly asked passengers “are you ready for some
fun?” After one week at this fabulous destination, we
understood why people are crazy about Cabo!
Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California
peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific
Ocean, Cabo is known for its beaches, water sports
and nightlife. Don’t forget suntan lotion. The sun shines
an average of 350 days here. Average year round
temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid-90s
in August and September, and high season covers the
winter to early spring months.
What makes Cabo so appealing? Perhaps it’s the
whispers of Spanish conquistadors and plundering
pirates from long ago still echoing through the harbors
and brick lined streets of Cabo’s quaint Mexican
communities. And it’s also the draw of the iconic El Arco,
“The Arch”, a natural archway in the sea cliffs that is
undoubtedly Cabo’s most photographed site. Whatever
it is, we’re hooked.
Getting Around
Renting a car in Cabo is a necessity. Taxi service can
get very expensive, and to really get the feel for this
amazing piece of Baja paradise and its surrounding
environs, having a vehicle provides the freedom to
see and do more. Mexican insurance is a necessity and
though the driving is fast, it’s not chaotic and roads are
easily navigable.
Where to Stay
Flights arrive at the Los Cabos International
Airport. Los Cabos is the combined nickname for the
neighboring towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San
Lucas. Four main neighborhood zones define the area
and many visitors have a preference on their favorite
places to stay as each locale has its own distinctive
ambience. Most visitors to Cabo seek oceanfront
accommodations, or at the very least, ocean views,
which aren’t hard to find in the Baja California peninsula,
which is surrounded on three sides by water.
San Jose del Cabo
With its 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture
and laid-back local scene, San Jose del Cabo, provides a
low-key Baja peninsula counterpart to fun-loving Cabo
San Lucas 20 miles south. Its authentic old Mexican
atmosphere encompasses a fascinating historic
town with courtyard restaurants, charming
architecture, boutiques, and a beautiful church
facing the traditional town square. Even with its
decidedly slower pace, San Jose del Cabo still
delights visitors with its history, culture, and
stunning vistas of the ocean and Sea of Cortez.
The Corridor
The 20-mile stretch that connects Cabo San
Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is home to some
of the best beaches, championship golf courses
and most luxurious resorts and villas in all of
Los Cabos. Although development continues
along this sun-drenched route hugging the
southern edge of the peninsula, there are
plenty of areas that still display the spectacular
natural beauty of Baja. Because of its central
location, it’s a very popular stay destination
because you are reasonably close to everything.
And the Corridor seems to offer the ideal blend
of all Cabo has to offer.
Medano Beach/Downtown
The place where you find all the action- the
spring breakers, cruisers, serious partiers, along
with the marina, bars, clubs, and the myriad
of restaurants and shops downtown. Medano
Beach provides ringside views of the cruise
ships anchored just offshore. Most waterfront
activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing
adventures are centered in this region.
Pacific Side
A perfect place for privacy and getting away
from the crowds, resorts at this location
boast quieter beaches and the stunning rock
most southern tip is reachable only by boat. Every
four to seven years, low twisting tides, at the
meeting of ocean and sea reveal a flat, temporary
beach at El Arco’s base. Photographers know
clearly well that this is a true Kodak moment.
formations of El Arco, just a short stroll from most
resorts and villas. The wild Pacific surf and vastness
of the ocean add an element of reflective remoteness,
even though you’re really just a few short kilometers
from downtown.
Medano Beach
Known as the location that rocks the fun and
excitement of the ultimate beach party, Medano
Beach is situated on a long stretch of deep golden
sand, studded with some of Cabo’s top resorts,
restaurants and nightclubs. One of the safest
swimming beaches in Cabo, its calm aquamarine
waters are perfect for families with kids. Though
Stunning Shorelines
Like pearls on a necklace, a string of sparkling beaches
stretches through Los Cabos along the Sea of Cortez
and into the Pacific Ocean. Its turquoise unspoiled
waters contain a jewel box of tropical fish, forests of
coral, and one of the world’s great whale migration
destinations. Numerous phenomenal beaches in this
Baja region make it difficult to choose our favorites, as
each has its own unique loveliness.
Lands End
The locals will say that if you have time for only one
beach in Cabo, Lands End is it. Literally, where the land
ends, this implausibly beautiful tip of the Baja peninsula
divides the deep blue churning waters of the Pacific
from the warmer and calmer Sea of Cortez. Rolling
waves ripple ashore into the deep, soft sands of Lover’s
Beach (Playa del Amor). Snorkeling is popular around
Pelican Rock, a giant boulder just off the beach, so
named for the hundreds of deep-billed seabirds that
roost on its surface. Fascinating natural stone-spired
rock formations line both sides of the beach area.
On the Pacific side, Divorce Beach is found through
a gap in the rocks, and is so named for its rough,
dangerous churning waters. Swimming off all the
beaches on the Pacific side is dangerous due to swift sea
currents and powerful, booming surf.
the beach tends to be crowded when cruise ships are
in port, it’s hard to beat the scenic views of those ships
just off the horizon. Beachside views of Lands End are
spectacular. And this is the top place for water activities,
water sport rentals, and glass-bottom boats to El Arco.
Chileno and Santa Maria Beaches
Even though these two beaches are not side by side,
Famous and fabulous El Arco, located at the peninsula’s
they are both located in the Corridor region of Cabo,
a mere three kilometers from one another. Tucked
into the rocky shoreline of the Corridor, what makes
these beach locations so spectacular is that they are
strictly local and are rarely crowded. There are no
hotels or restaurants built along these beaches.
Chileno, a beautiful, horseshoe shaped beach is the
largest of the two, with bathrooms, showers and
palapas for shade. Its several reefs running parallel
to the beach are home to over 80 species of marine
life. Sea turtle sightings are common here.
Santa Maria, a photographer’s dream, is more
intimate with rocky coves perfect for a romantic or
family picnic. One of the great features of this beach
is the pinkish colored sand.
Both are marine sanctuaries with shallow,
crystalline-clear waters, ideal for swimming,
snorkeling, and getting up close to tropical fish.
Once again, the magic of Cabo enchanted us.
People come for different reasons. Whether it’s
tossing inhibitions to the wind, walking alone and
finding your inner peace on a windswept beach,
falling asleep to the rhythm of the ocean, chilling
with a good book by the pool, or seeking newfound
adventure, Cabo San Lucas has earned its reputation
as one of Mexico’s premier destinations. Cabo has a
way to feed the soul, quicken the heart, and create a
lifetime of memories.
Food and Fun Article & Photos By Noreen Kompanik
Dining Options
Delectable dining experiences abound in Los Cabos due
to an impressive offering of international cuisines, daily
access to fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and some of
Mexico’s finest chefs. With more than one hundred eateries
ranging from casual breakfast cafés to elegant 5-star ocean
view restaurants, dining options are endless. And those
choices are not limited to Mexican cuisine. As a world-class
vacation destination, Cabo has attracted a diverse collection
of chefs who specialize in Italian, Asian, French, American
and continental cuisine. Our vacations to Cabo consist of us
usually trying a couple of new restaurants, always keeping in
mind that at least one must feature seafood. That’s because
Baja fish, shrimp and lobster are some of the world’s tastiest
temptations here. Nobody does seafood like Baja.
A few of our all-time favorites that command a repeat
performance every vacation:
The Office - open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, was one of
the first restaurants on Medano Beach. A model of excellent
food, top notch service and entertainment, guests here dine
feet-in-the-sand with multi-hued tablecloths, napkins, a
palapa roof and stunning ocean views. Diners are treated
to live music and an authentic Mexican fiesta, complete with
piñata and free tequila shooters. The tender, fresh Acapulco
style Fish and Shrimp Ceviche, marinated in fresh lemon
juice, salt, pepper, a myriad of vegetables, spices and white
wine, was delectable with a cold Mexican beer with lime.
Hacienda Cocina y Cantina is the signature beachfront
restaurant at the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences.
Cabo San Lucas Style
The property rests on the northeast corner of the Cabo
San Lucas marina and spills out onto famous Medano
Beach overlooking the iconic rock formations of Land’s End.
Hacienda features open air indoor dining, outdoor lighted
dining on the terraza, and a beachfront palapa bar. One of
our favorite menu items is the family-style shared culinary
combination Molcajete- skirt steak, chicken, chorizo, guero
chiles, panela cheese, black beans, and avocado cooked in
a basalt pot. This savory dish with its “casera” or Mexican
homemade theme is accompanied by freshly baked tortillas.
Prices are incredibly reasonable given the quality of the food
and stunning atmosphere. Service is always unrushed and
attentive.
We love Mexican food, but, when our taste buds desire a
little something different in a quieter, romantic setting with
spectacular, unparalled sunsets, Sunset da Mona Lisa delivers
in a huge way. Carved into a cliff overlooking the Bay of Cabo
San Lucas, this Italian restaurant offers the most magnificent
views of the famous Arch at Land’s End. Romance abounds
here. Outdoor candlelit tables terraced among the rocks all
face the shimmering waters of the Sea of Cortez. Delightfully
prepared entrees such as Branzino, a local sea bass, with
clams and white wine sauce tantalized the palate. Somehow,
this place resonates a magical energy like no other. This is one
of our absolute “must-do’s” on our Cabo restaurant list.
Adventure Sports
Cabo is all about the water. And there’s water everywhere.
Sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving abound here. World
famous for its deep sea fishing, Cabo features several major
fishing tournaments and day excursions year round. Glass
bottom boats and water taxis, for the less adventurous,
take passengers to the iconic Cabo San Lucas arch and local
beaches. Jet Ski rentals provide high speed water fun all along
the Cabo waterfront.
And where there isn’t water, there is desert - lots of desert
- and mountains, too. Inland Baja adventures include horseback riding, hiking, 4-wheeling, dune buggies, camel rides, and
zip line tours ranging from moderate to extreme thrill-seeking
tastes.
Like what you see here?
Great Vacation Destinations
Things To Do When You Get There
Where to Find the Best Eats
Expert Advice
Fun Photos
See the interactive version here
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Portugal - A Portal to the Past
Article & Photos by Laima Rastikis
W
e step out of our doorway – and into history.
This neighborhood in Porto’s old city center
is Sunday-morning still but for tolling church bells
that call the faithful to prayer. My son and traveling
companion, Chris, and I follow a narrow lane that
winds through the dark shadows of ancient stucco
homes with weathered doorways and exposed stone
foundations. Puffs of velvety green moss outline the
well-worn cobblestones that pave our way.
At the crossroad ahead, the city is coming to life as
a few pedestrians hurry past us. On a nearby street
corner, tufts of smoke and a rich, earthy aroma have
enticed a handful of customers to a vendor’s cart for
a white paper cone full of roasted chestnuts – and a
chance to catch up on the latest gossip.
We follow the call of the church bells that guides us
left and up a hill to an expansive terrace that skirts
the fortress-like Sé Cathedral of Porto. The gray
granite facade is stark, and its twin towers flank
the doorway like stout guards at a castle gate. The
understated carvings in the portal and the rose
window above it are a subtle nod to artistry.
Around us, dark-dressed older women in flowered
head scarves shuffle forward, and young families
stride across the plaza. We converge at the
entrance, ascend the last six steps behind a waisthigh wall of sculpted serpents and wrought iron
and enter through massive double doors more than
twice my height.
Just inside, the faint scent of melting candle wax
mingles with the smell of damp stone. We enter the
airy expanse of the cathedral’s triple nave, where
the effect is breathtaking. The gracefully vaulted
ceiling rises on thick pillars to dizzying heights. At
the end of the narrow center aisle, the elaborately
carved and gold-gilded altar comes into view.
We slide into a pew as delicate chimes announce
the beginning of Mass.
Despite my best efforts, prayer escapes me. My
imagination has swept me back to a time when
kings and queens walked down this center aisle to
celebrate life’s milestones, lords and ladies bowed
their heads seeking forgiveness for their sins and
crusading knights prayed before battles on their
knees before the altar.
I wonder how it looked on the wedding day of
King John I of Portugal and Princess Philippa of
Lancaster, who were married here in 1387 to
cement an alliance with England that endures
today. And how great was their joy when coming
to this holy place to baptize their son, Henry the
Navigator?
medieval neighborhoods.
Portugal is more than its ancient buildings
and city views
We experience gracious hospitality – and English
speakers – everywhere we go in this country. The
owner of our vacation rental in Lisbon, Claudia,
is charming, and from the moment we meet, I
appreciate her friendly vibe and warm, welcoming
embrace.
She greets us in front of our apartment at Rua
Augusta 166, a place we had chosen for its ideal
location from the hundreds of Lisbon-based
vacation rentals we found online. Facing a broad
pedestrian boulevard in the heart of a modern
commercial district, and just two blocks northeast
of the Triumphal Arch (Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta),
our unit is a great place to experience the lively
rhythms of this cosmopolitan capital city.
Claudia grabs my bag, and we follow her through
Every day is a new adventure in time travel
Portugal is an attractive destination for any
type of traveler, from beachgoer to city lover.
But it’s pure fantasy for someone like me whose
childhood world of make-believe was never short
of castles, kings, princesses and knights. For Chris,
this country is a treasure chest of architectural
wonders that pique his fascination with all things
historical.
And with its rich past packed into a space no bigger
than the American state of Indiana, Portugal is
ideal for travelers with more wanderlust than
vacation days. During our week- long trip, we travel
by train along the country’s western edge to the
cities of Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, with day trips
to Braga and Sintra.
Outside the train windows, the landscapes
display crenelated city walls and medieval castles
perched high on hillsides. Quarter-mile stretches
of centuries-old aqueducts run parallel to busy
modern roads. In the towns, city gates with ornate
archways and figures of Roman Catholic saints lead
onto steep cobblestone alleys that twist through
a well-worn, dark-green door tucked between
two storefronts, up three flights of creaky (slightly
daunting) wooden stairs. She unlocks the door to a
cheery apartment featuring large windows that face
the street.
White dominates the décor, and splashes of orange
in the furnishings add a bright contrast. Streaks of
bright sunlight hit the golden brown wooden floor,
and I begin to look forward to barefoot mornings
spent drinking coffee and poring over maps to plan
our day’s outings.
With one bedroom, a loft with bedding, a living room,
full kitchen and bathroom, the unit is compact but
more than adequate. Like travelers before us, we
needed a place to lay our heads after days spent
sightseeing along hilly streets and evenings spent
partaking of Portuguese cuisine and hospitality - and
we found this space to be a delight.
22 centuries in seven days? Not a problem
Western history comes to life in well-preserved
historical sites throughout Portugal. Here are ten
favorites that top our list of must-see sites:
1. Sintra
If I had to pick one place in Portugal that every visitor
must experience, it would be Sintra, located just a
few hours from Lisbon by the Sintra line train. Part
of an earthquake in 1755.
Climbing up into the towers and crossing the
ramparts in the chilly, whistling wind makes it clear
to me that life in the castle was more rigor and less
romance than storybooks would have us believe.
Still, from this vantage point, the views of the sea out
in the distance and the forests of Pena Park below
are straight out of a fairytale.
history, part fantasy, it’s a magical city surrounded
by lush forests, craggy granite hills and a collection
of historical structures. Together they have been
designated by UNESCO as the “Cultural Landscape
of Sintra,” and are protected as a World Heritage site.
Although bus service is available, we choose to trek
along a cobblestone path through the cool forest
to Sintra’s highest hilltop and the Moorish Castle, a
strategic military structure built in the 8th century,
during the period of Muslim rule. Parts of the castle
have crumbled away into their rocky surroundings
due to the wear and tear of time and the devastation
Woodland pathways lead us from the castle to the
Palace of Pena, an enchanting confection of brightly
colored buildings, wide-open terraces and graceful
towers topped with plump, rounded domes like the
whipped cream and cherry on an ice cream sundae.
Through several incarnations over the centuries,
the palace has evolved as pure whimsy and delight
portrayed in the artistry of 19th century Portuguese
Romantic architecture.
Our third and last stop in Sintra is the National
Palace located in the heart of the historic town
center and close to the train station. First referenced
by an Arab geographer in the 11th century, the
palace was claimed by Portugal’s King Afonso
Henriques when he captured Sintra from the Moors
in 1147. Subsequent monarchs invested generously
in creating a royal paradise for their lavish parties and
exhilarating fox hunts.
near-flawless English, our driver-guide, Thiago,
weaves these treasures into his spellbinding stories
about Portuguese history with its drama of love, war,
passion, betrayal and intrigue.
The Cistercian monastery of Alçobaca (2460-018
Alcobaça), for example, contains the tombs of King
Pedro I and his mistress (and eventual wife), Inês de
Castro, daughter of a Castilian noble. Pedro’s father,
King Afonso IV, suspected Inês as a traitor and spy
and had her killed. Ever devoted, Pedro insisted on
being enshrined near her, in tombs aligned feet-tofeet so that they could rise up and face each other
Tickets to the three Sintra sites cost around 30 euros, going into eternity.
although a 5 percent discount is available online in
advance.
Batalha (Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440
Batalha), officially known as the Monastery of St.
2. Monasteries of Alçobaca, Batalha and Tomar
Mary of the Victory, fulfills a promise made by King
No time traveler in Portugal should miss the medieval João I to thank the Virgin Mary for answering his
monasteries of Alçobaca, Batalha and Tomar. In
prayers in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. In the
The palace is a collection of Gothic, Manueline and
Moorish styles and has remained virtually unchanged
since the mid-1500s. The exterior is trimmed as
precisely as a wedding cake, although two brightwhite, conical (and comical) kitchen chimneys poke
110 feet out of the roofline like ears on a Halloween
costume.
Photo Credit: Chris Vermillion
admission fee, which also pays for entry into the
somewhat creepy catacombs below the main floor.
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
A funicular from Porto’s city center down to the
Ribeira District is the easiest way to access the iconic
Dom Luis I Bridge, a historical metal-arched marvel
completed in 1886 by Téophile Seyrig, a partner of
Gustave Eiffel. The upper pedestrian deck takes us
to the south side of the Douro River and Vila Nova
de Gaia, the port-wine capital of the world since the
17th century.
From Vila Nova de Gaia’s riverside walkway, we make
our way to Graham’s 1890 Port Wine Lodge (Rua
do Agro, 141), where we have scheduled a tour and
tasting (20 euros per person).
After sampling the rich, complex flavors of four styles
of port wine, we decide to stop at nearby Taylor’s
Port Wine Lodge (Rua do Choupelo 250) for a taste
comparison. But there’s no choosing a winner: both
are too wonderful.
epic conflict, his outnumbered troops defeated the
Castilians, which led to Portugal’s independence from
Spain.
And the only thing missing at the Convent of Christ in
Tomar is the clink and clatter of armor and chainmail.
Once the main fortress of the mysterious Order
of the Knights Templar, who arrived in Portugal in
the last half of the 12th century, the site features a
rotunda with floor-to-ceiling art depicting the life of
Christ.
3. Porto’s São Francisco Church
Porto’s São Francisco Church (Rua do Infante
D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto) is an outstanding
example of the influences of passing centuries on
a city’s oldest structures. What began in 1244 as a
small church and convent built by followers of St.
Francis of Assisi was grandly embellished in Gothic
style by King Ferdinand I in 1383. But opulence was
redefined with 18th century Baroque additions.
Every surface is gilded in gold, to breathtaking effect.
The church is now a museum with a 3.5 euro
5. Douro River Bridges Cruise
A one-hour Douro River cruise is the perfect way
to end our visit to Vila Nova de Gaia. We catch the
last tour on the Blue Boat line at dusk, passing
beneath the six bridges that connect Porto and Vila
Nova de Gaia. This river, once crowded with ships
transporting port wine and other products from
Portugal to the rest of the world, is peaceful and
calm at this hour.
We set aside the malfunctioning earphones that
are supposed to connect us to the river’s story
and just sit back to relish the spectacular views
of the two cities that line the Douro as the sky
turns inky blue and the lights begin to twinkle. It’s a
photographer’s delight – and well worth the 10 euro
fare.
6. Shrine of Good Jesus of the Mountain
From its vantage point atop a 380-foot hill, the
Shrine of Good Jesus of the Mountain, commonly
known as Bom Jesus, overlooks the city of Braga.
The site’s most remarkable feature is the zigzag
pattern of the white and gray granite staircase that
leads up to the church. We ascend the 522 steps,
which have witnessed many pilgrims performing
penance by making this climb on their knees. Each
of the 17 landings features adornments – “chapels”
with statues depicting the Passion of Christ,
fountains representing the five senses and the
figures of eight biblical characters responsible for
Christ’s condemnation.
When we’re ready to go back down the hill to the
city, we hop on the water-balanced funicular for the
three-minute ride, which is available for one-way
(about 1 euro) or round trips (about 2 euros).
7. Roman baths in Braga
Portugal’s oldest city, Braga, has the power to whisk
time travelers back more than two thousand years
to the traditions of the Roman Empire. A 1977
urban-renewal project in the area of the city’s Alto
da Cividade hill led to the excavation of an elaborate
1st century Roman spa. An underground warren
of connected rooms, the baths provided separate
chambers for each step in the Roman bathing ritual.
We find the seven-minute video (in English), offered
as part of the 2 euro admission fee, to be informative
and well worth our time.
8. Belém Tower
Looking out on the Tagus River near the entrance of
Lisbon harbor, it’s easy to imagine the Portuguese
explorers from history books (think Vasco de Gama
and Bartolemeu Dias) setting out from this very
site on their voyages to find new worlds. The Belém
Tower, built in the early 1500s to defend against
attacks by sea, stands as a tribute to these nautical
explorers and Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower is an
example of the Manueline style in architecture.
Carved forms depict ropes, knots, Order of Christ
crosses, the king’s crest and even a rhinoceros.
Facing out to sea is the stonework carving of Our
Lady of Safe Homecoming, the protector of sailors.
Just to the east of the tower stands the Monument
to the Discoveries, an arresting, 171-foot-high
concrete monument built in 1960 to commemorate
500-year anniversary of the death of Prince Henry
the Navigator, the key force behind Portugal’s age of
world exploration.
9. Cloisters of Lisbon Cathedral
With clanking bells and lurching starts, a delightful
yellow tram filled with locals takes us up the steep
hills of Lisbon’s ancient Alfama neighborhood to
the city’s oldest church, the Lisbon Cathedral.
dominant role not only in the city’s landscape, but
also in world history. The nation’s elite attended
the University, and many of them went on to hold
powerful government positions in Portugal and its
colonies.
Built in the 12th century over the site of a mosque, It takes a knock on the door (and a 9 euro ticket
the structure is an exclamation point on the
purchased outside the front gate) to gain entry to
Christian Crusaders’ recapture of the city from the the opulent Chapel of St. Michael and the ornate
Moors. Renovations over the centuries have led
to today’s mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and
Baroque architectural styles.
Our visit to the cathedral includes a fascinating
walk through the 14th century cloister
(admission is 2.5 euros), where excavations in
a former garden area have exposed extensive
ruins left by the Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish
people who once lived and worked right in this
space. The recovery work is ongoing.
10. Coimbra University
From a hilltop overlooking Portugal’s medieval
capital, the country’s oldest institution of higher
learning, the University of Coimbra, played a
João V Library, with its nearly 300,000
ancient books. And here’s a fun library
fact: to eliminate book-eating insects,
bats are reportedly allowed to live
inside the walls. A surprising lower-level
feature is the Academic Prison, a disused
but interesting concept for handling
misbehaving students.
A Sweet Tradition
Back to the future
Like all fairytales, my trip to historic
Portugal with Chris has to come to an
end. But I’m already fantasizing about
the next time I’ll be there, walking in the
footsteps of Roman conquerors, Moorish
princes, Portuguese kings, valiant
knights, sea-faring explorers and ordinary
villagers who called this land home. Yes,
I’m planning our return trip to the past,
rereading my travel books and scouting
the vacation rentals online.
I have a date with history, and I can’t
wait.
Are you ready to step into your personal
portal to the past in Portugal?
Click here for more information and to
book your stay.
Even the food in Portugal has a history. The pastry delight
known as Pastel de Belém is a good example. This beautiful
union of warm, creamy, sweet egg custard and crispy,
flaky tart crust originated in the Hieronymite Monastery
(Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) in Belém, about four miles from
Lisbon’s city center.
Here’s the story: During an early 19th century populist
revolution to overthrow the monarchy, Portugal’s
monasteries and convents were closed. Along with the
religious, lay workers were also turned out and left jobless.
One employee from the monastery’s kitchen came away with
a real treasure – and his ticket to survival: the secret recipe
for this irresistible egg-custard tart. The enterprising man
began baking and selling the treat from a store front near
the monastery. And so was born the iconic Pastel de Belém.
(“Pastéis” is the plural form, which is good to know since it’s
impossible to eat just one!)
The generic version is known as Pastel de Nata, and every
pastry shop has its own version. The original is sold at
Pastéis de Belém, an easy, direct bus ride from central
Lisbon, in the direction of the Tower of Belém.
It’s typical to find people queued up outside the door, under
the store’s blue awning, but the carry-out line moves quickly.
Others take advantage of the indoor seating to relax and
enjoy their treat with a coffee.
Sea Life Happy
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Story Beth Carson & Photos SRQ 360 Sarasota
Opening the door to Sea Life Happy was like coming
downstairs Christmas morning as a kid to see a mound
of huge, colorful presents under the tree. I was visiting
with my friend Liz—we’ve been friends since we were
12.
Anticipation burst into glee as we wandered through
the house. Each room held new surprises and delights,
beauty for the eye and the perfect amount of décor
to stimulate but not overwhelm the mind. Clearly, a
talented, happy designer had been at work here.
Sea Life Happy has what are called “moments” in the
design world. Some places for gathering as a group,
some for sitting and enjoying a board game, others for
a chat with a much-missed friend or to curl up with a
beach read.
Located on quiet Anna Maria Island, Sea Life Happy is
owned by life coach Joda and husband Scott Coolidge,
whose motto is “Live Life Happy.” That philosophy is
clearly evident in the vacation rental. The décor, which,
even though we stayed over a week, still had surprises
towards the end, struck the perfect balance of visual
interest without being fussy.
Sea Life Happy affords the vacation together
experience that so many families and small groups are
looking for. The home is on a canal with a dock and
boat lift, has a private, heated pool, 4 bedrooms, as
well as multiple places to gather, including an indoor
bar just off the pool with large TV so you don’t have
to miss the game. There’s even an office with a
printer.
Outside was a nuanced continuation of indoors- well
designed and delightful. A large covered porch with
fan with plenty of room to eat meals, a deck with
comfortable seating and a great vantage point for
watching sea birds flit and soar, the front porch with
oversized Adirondack chairs where you can watch
children and adults enjoying biking on the nearly
traffic-free street, and of course, the pool deck. Need
more? Mosey out to the dock and sit for a bit. You
Click here to take a video tour of
Sea Life Happy
and restaurants within easy reach make this one of
my top 3 favorite beaches in the world. You can drive
a few blocks, or if it’s a busier time and parking may
be an issue, simply leave your car in the driveway
The kitchen is a dream, a festival of options for a chef,
and walk. The beach has plenty of birds to keep you
a treat for those who just want to make sandwiches entertained, or you can bring a book. For the ultimate
it’s beautiful. I’m not sure if I have ever seen one this
in relaxation, just close your eyes, letting the cares of
large and well-kitted out in a private home. In addition
the world wash away – wave after wave. The owners
to having everything you could ever need, they have
have thoughtfully provided a wide-wheeled cart for
included a map of the cabinets for easy acclimation.
bringing their chairs to the beach.
may see some friendly boaters heading out to the
open water.
With professional grade appliances and endless
counter space, you may eat more meals in than you
expect. We ate breakfast and lunch in and went out
for dinner most days.
Convening in the living room to catch up before going
to bed or to read a magazine each night became a
ritual. The furniture is “put your feet up” comfortable.
It’s the house that all of us would have loved to live
in as teenagers, as it would have been the gathering
place for the neighborhood.
Ready, Set, Beach
Fairy dust sand, fiery sunsets, rare on the East Coast,
Every evening at sunset, a crowd of locals and
travelers alike gather to gaze at the setting sun. A
smattering of applause and well wishes of “cheers”
ushers in the dusky evening.
Get Your Happy On
The beauty of Sea Life Happy is that you can park
your car in their driveway, and never leave the house
again (be sure to stop for groceries before you get
there.)
Within walking distance are restaurants, shops,
and the beach. What else could you want? On days
when you don’t want to leave the house, the range of
poolside, dockside, deck, covered porch or inside
give you plenty of options to not feel hemmed in.
Anna Maria Island is like Mayberry by the sea. The
woman at the Ginny and Jane E’s coffee shop knew
my name by the second day, and neighbors often
stopped while riding bikes on the flat island to catch
up with friends. The off-season, when I visited, early
December, had perfect weather and not too many
people. Huge expanses of the beach were empty of
towels and chairs.
Shopping is fun and eclectic with shop owners ready
to chat or leave you to shop in peace. NearbyPine
Street has some good options.
For more insight into this true gem, see the
Owner’s Corner, where Joda tells the story of how
they chose and crafted the home that is now truly,
Sea Life Happy.
Food and Fun on Anna Maria Island
If you can tear yourself away from Sea Life Happy
long enough to enjoy a meal, here are some of my
favorites.
Breakfast- Ginny and Jane E’s Café and Coastal StoreYou’ll feel like a local here as you stroll down the
street for a cup of coffee or a full breakfast. While you
wait for your order to be created, you can browse the
eclectic shop. Nearly unbelievably, I found the perfect
gift for my dad, who takes creative ingenuity to shop
for. The niche book written by an Anna Maria Islander
was just the thing for the man who was everything.
The bounty of handcrafted jewelry and home décor
items can take a few visits until you feel like you’ve
seen everything.
Lunch- Waterfront RestaurantI’m going to cheat here a little. I loved this place
so much that it’s my favorite place for lunch and
for dinner. We ate a casual lunch of scrumptious
sandwiches outside and enjoyed the breeze, the view,
and watching people wandering or bike by. The food
was truly fabulous. My friend Liz owns a restaurant
with her chef husband and has very discerning tastes.
We couldn’t help but go back for dinner.
different after dark. The service was unhurried and
sophisticated, the food absolutely sublime. We took
leftovers home and enjoyed the same meal again, this
time at Sea Life Happy.
Dinner- Sandbar Seafood and SpiritsAfter you’ve spent the day at the beach, this is a
perfect place to have a relaxing meal, either on the
outdoor patio as the sun goes down or the more
upscale indoor restaurant.
Dinner- The City PierJust a few minute’s walk on the bay side of the island
is the City Pier, with a “come as you are” vibe you only
find at the beach. A favorite is the seafood steamer.
If you would like to experience Anna Maria Island in
grand style, click the link below for more information
on Sea Life Happy
Click for details on Sea Life Happy
Dinner- Waterfront RestaurantWe ate inside, and the atmosphere was completely
Zihuatanejo Mexico
For Children of all Ages
Story & Photos By
Michael Anderson
Photo Credit: Oscar Sanchez
M
y father sidled up to me and asked, “Is this
all ours? We get the whole place?” We had
just walked through the condo and the two
terraces with stunning views of La Ropa beach, and
he couldn’t imagine that much space for just the four
of us. Spacious was a wholly inadequate description
of the condo. But it was the view of the bay and
beach that commanded our attention. This was the
vacation that everyone dreams about - the beach
vacation for children of all ages.
The countryside down from the highlands was lush
green as the rainy season had just ended. Along the
way, we passed plantations of avocados, mangoes,
and coconuts, pausing beside the road to choose
from the towering mounds of brightly colored
fruits. Arriving in Zihuatanejo, we wound around
the bay, past La Ropa beach, and easily found the
vacation rental. Oscar’s housekeeper and cook,
Silvia, was waiting for us, and so we began our beach
adventure.
In our case, children of advanced age. Our parents,
mid-80’s, escaped the cold in the US Midwest by
visiting us, aged early-60’s, and we had decided
that we deserved one last splurge into childhood
pleasures on the beach before settling into the
cooler climes of the Mexican highland town of
Guanajuato.
From the terrace, we watched our neighbors frolic
in the pool, waving to us to come-on-down and join
There’s no shortage of vacation rentals in
Zihuatanejo, but the size, location and amenities of
Punta Marina 302, together with the attentiveness
and graciousness of the owner, Óscar Sánchez,
made the choice easy. We drove in from Guanajuato,
staying overnight in Pátzcuaro for the Day of the
Dead celebrations before heading to the beach.
them. On the beach, the parasailers took off and
landed among the sunbathers on the beach, and I
said, “I’m going to do that!”
But first, we needed to unpack and settle in. Sylvia
led us through the condo, once again pointing out
the features. It had, well-- everything! King-sized
beds with private modern baths in each room, fully
equipped kitchen, large-screen TV entertainment
system with satellite dish, Wi-Fi internet, and everyother-day cleaning service. Just like being at home
- no cramped hotel rooms for us.
That beautiful beach beckoned to us, but we
decided that a good meal and a few moments of
rest were our first priority after the long drive. We
jumped back in the car, drove a few minutes to the
supermarket, and loaded up with supplies for the
week stay. This would be a frugal vacation, made
possible by choosing a vacation rental instead of two
hotel rooms. We would prepare one or two meals
each day in our own kitchen, splurging at lunch or
dinner time according to where we were at the
moment.
Preparing our first dinner was a snap - the kitchen
came equipped with a microwave, blender, coffee
brewer, and a large assortment of pots and dishes.
Our dinner ended with a magical moment: sunset
over La Ropa beach - gold and orange splashes over
the restaurants and palm trees, then, the lights of the
village flickering on while we followed the lanterns of
the fishing skiffs exiting the harbor for open sea. We
had already shifted into slow-motion time.
Our dinner ended with
a magical moment: sunset
over La Ropa beach - gold
and orange splashes over
the restaurants and palm
trees, then , the lights of the
village flickering on while
we followed the lanterns of
the fishing skiffs exiting the
harbor for open sea .
We had already shifted into
slow-motion time .
Photo Credit: Bette Anderson
Beach time
Over the next few days, we explored the towns,
Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, the beaches, and the
attractions nearby. The prettiest beach, Playa
La Ropa, was just a 10-minute walk away - clean,
cream-colored sand, Zihuatanejo’s claim to fame.
We checked out the beach restaurants as we walked
by, finding those that had been recommended by
our host, and envied the kids splashing in the gentle
waves. The waves were irresistible - we rented
beach umbrellas and lounge chairs, sipped juice from
freshly cut coconuts, and joined the kids splashing in
the waves.
Arriving each day back from the beach, the genius
of Oscar’s interior design became evident. The
style of furnishing and decoration was perfect for
a beach stay - Mexican contemporary, minimalistic,
functional and uncluttered. No worries about
bringing in a little sand on our sandals, or breaking
some cute decoration. We had everything we
needed and nothing extra - perfect! The living
room and master bedroom fronted their respective
terraces through tall sliding glass doors. The lounge
chairs provided the perfect setting for our afterbeach siestas.
Are you ready to get in touch with your inner child and
enjoy this beautiful and spacious condo?
Click here to get the details now and book your stay
Still a fishing village
Even with the condos and apartments spreading out
along the hills on the south side, Zihuatanejo is still
a small fishing town, and the town center preserves
that feeling. From the downtown beach, called the
Photo Credit: Francisco Ibarra
Zihuatanejo by Land, Sea, and Air
by Michael Anderson
By Land: Tours by Luis de la Maza
To get a good overview of Zihua and its sister resort town, Ixtapa, we
chose a highly-rated tour by Luis de la Maza. Luis drove us through both
the historic center and the more modern sections of Zihua, explaining
their history and current highlights in excellent English. As he drove, Luis
filled in with information we would never have heard elsewhere: population and visitor numbers, hotel prices, shortcuts to the best beaches, rainfall statistics, property values, history of Ixtapa’s development, hurricane
dangers, recommended restaurants and handcraft vendors, rock formations, ecology projects, and so-on-and-on about the area. Then we went
to photograph the iguanas and crocodiles before taking a boat to Ixtapa
Island for snorkeling and a just-caught mojarra lunch. The fish, fries and
salad were as delicious as the breezes blowing across the island. Luis is
courteous, patient, drives safely and his van is immaculate.
By Land: Alberto’s Tours and Services
This tour with Alberto would be a godsend for longer-term vacation renters as Alberto laid bare all the market shopping secrets of Zihuatanejo. We
walked through three markets, including the hard-to-find Campesino Market, where Alberto pointed-out the best locations for the freshest foods,
best prices, and best low-cost eateries. The walking tour took about 90
minutes, and provided great photo opportunities into the lives of the Zihua
townsfolks. If you’ll be staying more than a week in Zihua, this tour will get
you oriented in the market culture, save you money and improve your diet.
By Sea: Picante Sunset Cruise
This cruise was great, one of the highlights of our trip to Zihuatanejo. The
Picante Catamaran is 75 feet long, 35 feet wide, with a forward tarp (no
shoes allowed) between the two hulls. The rear section has solid floors and
chairs around an open bar. The boat was very stable in-harbor and out on
the ocean. To pleasant music, salsa, light rock, blues and romantic music, we motored out of the bay, then north along the coast towards Ixtapa.
After clearing the bay, the main sail was raised with the help of the passengers, but that was just for visual effect - we motored the entire trip. Along
the way, we passed Las Gatas beach, cliff-side caves, and rugged coastlines
until passing along the hotel row of Ixtapa. After a light meal on-board, we
headed back to Zihuatanejo bay further out in the ocean to watch the fantastically romantic sunset. Both the crew and the passengers danced and
imbibed, great fun for all.
By Air: Parasailing
I finally screwed-up the courage to make good on my promise to parasail.
What was I afraid of? While my parents watched from the terrace of our
vacation rental, I strapped-in to the harness and the motor boat pulled me
smoothly into the air. Getting off the ground was effortless, I just ran a few
steps and I was up. After overcoming my initial sense of insecurity, I began
snapping photos of the beach, boats and town. The ride was smooth, eerily
silent, and the change in perspective was as different as that of the sea view
of the previous day’s ocean cruise. The boat pulled me in a large circle over
the beach and harbor, then controlled my drift back to the landing spot. On
a signal from the ground crew, I spilled air from the chute and they caught
me right on the sand. I was ready to do it again! Parasailing is available
along La Ropa beach.
Photo Credit: Ana Anderson
Playa Municipal, the fishing skiffs load-up and motor
out each afternoon around dusk. We wandered
around the boats as the fishermen prepared their
nets and tackle, looking into the storage boxes that
each boat has on the shore. The fishermen drink
beer, joke and feign punches, exchange their fish-tale
exaggerations, then help each other drag their skiffs
down the sand and out into the sea. This ritual took
me back 40 years to when, as a child of the hippie
age, I wandered around Mediterranean villages,
watching this timeless ritual repeat yet again and
again, the men of the sea.
Fisherman’s beach is next to the main wharf of
Zihuatanejo where many of the town’s restaurants,
cafés, and curiosity shops are located. Touristy, but
fun.
Resort town and monsters
We found the resort town of Ixtapa less interesting
- it was mainly premium-priced hotels with upscale
restaurants and tourist-trap attractions. We
wandered through some of the hotels admiring their
infinity pools and amenities, but if we had to pay
their prices for lodging and food, we couldn’t have
made this trip. Just having our own kitchen saved us
so much time and expense.
Ixtapa has several nice beaches, but the crocodile
reserve was a bit unsettling. The crocodiles, just a
few inches away behind a skimpy wire fence, flash
that “come on in for lunch” invitation, and they are
certainly large enough to honor their offer.
Miniature dinosaurs, called iguanas locally, seem
equally willing to indulge in toes and fingers, and
these came through the fence easily, hypnotizing the
homo sapiens with fierce stares from their slanted
eyes. We backed away slowly and silently just to find
ourselves trapped by a stream of swamp water. We
had to peel-off shoes and roll-up pants to cross
over and were pleased to escape to Ixtapa Island
by skiff for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
Treasures are where you find them
Wandering around the town center on a
Saturday morning, we stumbled upon an
unexpected treat, the Ecological Flea Market
at the Archeology Museum. We were drawn
in by two excellent musicians playing Cuban
songs and a few Santana pieces. They kept us
entertained as we marveled over the ingenuity
of the artisans to create decorations and jewelry
from recycled items. Partial to the natural
beauty of seashells, I selected some gifts for
back-home friends while my wife tried on handembroidered blouses and hand-painted scarves.
My mother sampled natural body creams and oils,
and the fragrances of artisan organic soaps.
town rather than walking-dollar-bill-tourists, if
just for a few days, is one of the most satisfying
aspects of staying in a vacation rental. The
Mexicans are naturally warm and responsive and
appreciated our small courtesies and attempts
to make conversation. After they see you a few
times out in their neighborhoods, they adopt you
as a neighbor and respond with neighborly grace.
There’s a suspension of belief: you belong - what a
difference from a hotel!
We had just finished breakfast, so we skipped the
tantalizing vegan foods on offer, but we did try
the chilate, a drink made with white cacao, rice,
cinnamon and brown sugar. It was very rich, filling
and delicious. We sampled Snake Eye mescal, a
Mexican spice and seafood
close relative to tequila, as our final treat before
loading up on organic produce to take back to our Armed with recommendations from our host
and from TripAdvisor, we passed the entire week
condo for lunch.
with nary a bad meal. At each restaurant, we
tried the freshest seafood, or local specialties
It feels like you belong
such as chiles rellenos, pozole, tamales and tacos,
A few days into our stay, we found we were
and pork BBQ ribs. If you like Mexican spiciness,
exchanging buenos días and small talk with
you must try pozole, a stew of hominy granules
our neighbors and folks along our walking and
and pork or chicken chunks in a red, green or
shopping paths. The feeling of being part of the
white spicy sauce. As side condiments, you’ll add
oregano, radish slices, minced onion, minced chile
serrano, and shredded lettuce to suit your taste,
using crispy corn tostada chips in place of crackers.
An ice-cold dark beer, such as Bohemia, washes
down the spiciness perfectly. Pozole is traditionally
prepared on Thursdays in Zihuatanejo - we found
both the white and green pozole excellent at Any’s
Tamales and Atoles restaurant on Calle Ejido #18 in
the center of Zihua.
Practice run for your retirement.
My wife and I are very pleased with our lives
and location in Guanajuato, at about 6,500 feet
above sea level. We find the coastal heat, even
in November, too extreme for our comfort. But
I overheard several conversations between my
parents, coming from a much colder city in North
America, how wonderful it would be to live in a
hotter climate next to the ocean. They talked about
the cost of living, activities, socializing with the
locals and other expats, mobility issues, and so on.
For them, our one week stay in a vacation rental in
Zihuatanejo had transformed into a practice run of
a potential retirement situation. I can’t think of a
better way to do it.
Food Fantasia
We used TripAdvisor.com and the recommendations of our host to choose restaurants for each
day’s special meals.
Rufo’s Grill
Our first dinner out was at Rufo’s Grill in Colonia
Madera, a rustic joint just a short drive from our
condo. To the soft tropical sounds of bossa nova
on bongo and guitar, we shared three specialty
dishes, spicy pork ribs with a Texas style BBQ sauce;
grilled white fish, and grilled vegetables. Expats and
tourists packed the restaurant, always a good sign,
and we weren’t disappointed. The BBQ ribs were
especially good, give them a try.
Cooking with Claudia
My mother and I began at 8:00 AM at the market
for a tour of fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses.
Alberto, Claudia’s husband. took us to three
different markets, pointing out where the freshest
and best-priced foodstuffs were found.
Along the way, we purchased the items needed
for our cooking project-- chiles rellenos in tomato
sauce. Following the market tour, we went to
Claudia’s house close by the nature reserve of
Barra de Potosí. We were greeted by Claudia,
who immediately led us to the kitchen and we
got started, washing the chile poblanos and other
ingredients. We worked through the process of
burning-off the skins of the chiles, cleaning them,
removing the seeds, and filling them with cortija
cheese. The chiles were powdered with flour,
covered in whipped egg batter and fried in oil.
Finally, we chopped tomatoes, garlic and onions and
made a sauce and re-cooked the chiles in that sauce.
Then came the best part - eating our own creations.
My chile relleno was the most delicious, of course,
but everyone enjoyed their own. Definitely a great
cooking class for home-made Mexican cooking. See
Claudia’s website for details.
Tamales y Atoles “Any” Restaurant
The manager greeted us personally, and we noticed
that she greeted all the diners, most of whom were
foreigners, and made everyone feel quite welcome.
We were there on a Thursday night, which is the
traditional night for pozole in Zihuatanejo. My
father and I decided on white and green pozoles, my
mother tried the chile relleno, and my wife chose the
taco and tamale combo. The food was great, plenty
spicy like my wife and I like it, but a little too picosa
for my parents. While we ate, we were serenaded
with romantic ballads by a talented guitarist. The
place was brightly decorated in Mexican colors, the
food was delicious.
Photo Credit: Francisco Ibarra
La Perla at La Ropa beach
Located right in the middle of La Ropa beach,
La Perla is perfectly located for those day-long
excursions into the sea and sand. The owner,
Franscisco Ibarra, greeted us personally and
introduced us to his mother, Doña Raquel and the
rest of the family, Rocio, Pepe, and Carla. Carla and
Doña Raquel are also the chefs, and I watched them
in action on the seafood spread that we ordered.
And what a spread! We sat out on the sand under
a beach umbrella and started with fresh coconut
chunks with lime as our appetizer. The main course
was spiny pacific lobster tail with beans, rice and
salad; tiritas de pescado (marinated fish strips)
with orange and avocado slices; whole mojarra (sea
snapper) with salad; all washed down with a smooth,
sweet white wine and fresh coconut juice. While
we watched the waves, swimmers and parasailers,
La Perla’s cranky parrot watched us, screeching on
occasion as we stretched our feet out in the sand,
enjoying the breeze and the delicious seafood.
Carmelita’s Cafe
We had seen several recommendations of
Carmelita’s Cafe for breakfast, so we popped-in
one morning. We were served by Doña Carmelita
herself and her son, Victor, both taking the time
to sit and chat with us. My wife and parents chose
conventional Mexican breakfasts, but I wanted the
signature dishes: aporreadillo and pig’s ribs. We
began with an appetizer, requeson guisado epasote,
a soft cheese mixed with herbs, then dug-in to our
Children of Old Ages
selections. I had ordered two plates and couldn’t
stop eating until they both vanished. Delicious.
At the next table, a business man attacked a
scrumptious plate of shrimp with avocado,
tomatoes and chile serranos as if he hadn’t eaten in
days. Doña Carmelita circulated around the tables
with a big basket of sweet breads, just right with
the after-breakfast coffee.
Mariscos Lety’s
Each time we asked expats in town about good
seafood, they recommended Mariscos Lety’s
coconut shrimp. We were served by Lety herself
and Tany, both friendly and gracious. We each
chose a different dish plus an extra coconut shrimp.
My wife tried the fish fillet, my parents chose the
chipotle shrimp and chile relleno, and I ordered
the coconut shrimp. Everything was delicious and
we were happy to split the extra coconut shrimp
among us. You need to try Mariscos Lety’s.
Many vacation destinations present
problems for older travelers, but
Zihuatanejo is not one of the problematic
places. If you are able to get around
walking, you’ll be fine. Both towns,
Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, are flat with even
sidewalks and good lighting. Zihuatanejo
has a compact center, and it’s easy to walk
around to the points of interest. There are
few steps and they are well marked and
lighted. Roving taxis are easily found if
you get tired. Even wheelchair folks will
have few problems as most streets have
several ramps. Ixtapa is better suited for
automobile exploration, with plenty of free
parking everywhere. The restaurants in
both towns often have menus in English
and English-speaking waiters.
To provide the outstanding views of the
beaches, most vacation rentals are up on
the surrounding hills, but there is road
access everywhere and taxis are available
with just a phone call. And, of course,
the beaches are flat and seem to go on
forever, perfect for exercise walking. Being
children doesn’t make us spring chickens.
Vacation Rentals as Home Exchanges
This was a frugal vacation for us, as we arranged our
stay in Zihautanejo as a home exchange with Óscar
Sánchez through the Home Exchange website.
Another home exchange option is hospitality
exchanges. When there are scheduling problems,
this option means simply receiving the guests in your
home while you are present. And here’s another
If you’re not familiar with home exchanges, it’s a
secret: Home exchangers tend to be extroverts
method by which homeowners swap homes for short and generous people. I’ve exchanged several times
periods to avoid the biggest cost of most vacations,
with hosts that never intend to take their half of
the cost of lodging.
the exchange, and I have done the same. I call these
karma exchanges. You may exchange away a week’s
Now here’s the big secret: most home exchanges are stay in your VR, and find you receive two or three
not with the owners’ principal residences, but with
stays elsewhere. Good karma.
second homes and vacation rentals. In fact, vacation
rentals dominate in exchanges, and is an excellent
One final secret: home owners sometimes offer
method for VR owners to gain value from their
exchanges as a way of finding a house-sitter while
rentals while they are unoccupied. Exchanging with
they’re away. They have no intention of ever visiting
vacation rentals facilitates exchanges that are not
your house, but know that home-exchangers are
simultaneous, which frees both parties to schedule
invariably responsible and prudent guests.
their vacations at their own convenience. We have
exchanged homes in Mexico, Central America,
If you have a home, second home or vacation rental
Europe, and the US, and have never had a problem
that you’re willing to exchange, visit the most popular
with the guests or security.
web site, Home Exchange, for more information.
VRMarketPlace
Marco Island, Florida
Our eco-friendly home is minutes from white sand
beaches and stellar Gulf of Mexico sunsets (including
the green flash). At just four by six miles, the island is
more small town than booming resort. Take a day trip to
Sanibel Island or the Everglades, or plan a charter fishing
excursion in some of the most abundant waters around.
Heated pool, covered lanai, fenced yard (for Fido) and
much more.
Click for details and availability
Fun Coconut Hideaway
Coconut Hideaway Beachhouse sits directly on the
Gulf of Mexico with your private beach just off our
front deck. Our charming Caribbean-inspired beach
house is decorated with antiques and oriental carpets
and features hardwood floors and soaring high
ceilings.
Reefs Edge Bonaire
Reefs Edge Bonaire is an Ocean front condo with
Amazing views! Feel the sun warm your skin while
gazing off into the sunset on one of our three
balconies. Floor to ceiling glass doors/windows
provide a spectacular view of the ocean! The minute
you walk in and see the view immediately you feel the
stress leave your body. Time to Relax....
Perfect pied-a-terre
Look no further for your French getaway than
Pezenas, a historic town in the south of France known
for its doors and artisans. This airy apartment is
situated in the historic old centre. It’s well appointed,
with a private terrace. Summer hosts ‘Les Estivales’,
a street party where you can sample wine and food
with the locals.
Vacation Rental Experiences - Just for Our Readers
Include your property in the VRMarketPlace, go to http://vacationrentaltravels.com/add-your-property/
Starfish Blue, Suncoast Fiji
Nothing says relaxation like a hanging bed. Enjoy
the view as you gently sway with a stellar view of
paradise. Starfish Blue is on Fiji’s vivid Suncoast- lush
greenery and tropical water. Honeymooners love the
master suite with 2 person jetted tub, and families
love the three bedrooms and bathrooms and private
pool.
Luxurious Asheville Lofts
Enjoy the comforts of home in the heart of downtown
Asheville. Experience the charm of our recently
renovated historic building just steps from the vibrant
cosmopolitan center of Asheville. Surround yourself
with the warmth of abundance of natural light and
handsome decor. All modern amenities and off street
parking.
Escape To Branson
Two retreat homes, a short stroll from Table Rock
Lake, have a peaceful views of the Ozarks and are
not just a place to stay, but a place to play. “Decked
out” with exceptional amenities, like sleek black pool
tables, a solid wood poker table or a foosball table, TV/
DVD in each bedroom, and more.
Kawailoa Beach Paradise
Ready for lounging in the sun or floating in the sea?
Surf awaits at MJ’s & Gators, as well as snorkeling &
fishing. Protected swimming perfect for the family.
Whale watch in the winter & spot turtles year round.
Enjoy TV, internet, games & 2 covered lanais when
it’s time to escape the sun. Unbelievable North Shore
Hawaii sunsets and stargazing!
Wellness Travel Experiences
by Dede Sindelar
5 Ways Master Your Zen - Escape
the Pressures and Demands of
Everyday Life
J
ust the other day I felt like
the world was coming to an
end. I couldn’t find my car keys,
and I was going to be late for an
appointment that I was squeezed
into.
toolbox while on vacation?
Relaxation Techniques
Breathing Techniques
Stretching
Stress Trigger Points
Essential Oils
Once I got in the car, traffic was
backed up two blocks in my
neighborhood from those yellow
school buses that stop at every train
track…and I have two tracks on my
way to the interstate.
The ABC’s of Stress
A: An activating event or triggering
situation occurs.
B: Our beliefs, thoughts or
perceptions about the event.
C: The emotional, physical, and
behavioral consequences that occur
from holding those beliefs.
What types of things are you reacting
to and what beliefs or thoughts are
you saying that stimulate stress?
Consequences of stress range from
sleep difficulties, memory lapses
and difficulty in concentrating to
heart problems and increased blood
pressure.
So what are some stress reducing
tools that you can keep in your
ARE YOU… generally healthy and motivated to travel
to recharge your batteries, take a break from work,
improve your health, reduce stress, or to be more
productive when you return home? Do you want to
take personal responsibility for your health? Do you
want fun, adventure and to experience something new?
If so, then you’re like the majority of wellness travelers
that go on vacation for authentic experiences and
meaningful transformations. You like to engage in
wellness activities as part of a trip.
WHAT ARE WELLNESS TRAVEL ACTIVITIES?
Spa and Beauty
Mind-Body
Spiritual & Connection
Personal Growth
Eco & Adventure
Fitness
Healthy Eating
My heart was racing, my jaw
clenched, heck I even got those
sweaty palms, a slight headache,
and my stomach was beginning to
hurt. I felt I was on the verge of a
heart attack.
I needed to find my oasis to deal with
my stress.
WELLNESS TRAVEL IS…more important now than
ever because of the added stress that we encounter
in our workplace, home, relationships and finances.
Wellness intersects with everything from lodging…
to food and beverage… to shopping… activities…and
excursions.
1. Relaxation Techniques
Identify stress triggers and patterns
and adjust your story to reframe
the perceived danger or fear that
you feel. In reality, if I was late to
a meeting, it wasn’t the end of the
world.
Was I going to remember this three
months from now?
Or I could use Mindfulness, the act of
living in the moment, in the here and
now, contemplating if all my thoughts
were reality or fantasy.
Or Visualization. I could close my
eyes and focus on how my body feels
and start visualizing and mentally
transport myself somewhere that
I have always wanted to go or
someplace that I have visited before.
Did I hear birds, the wind, or water
These seven base activities ensure physical health,
empower intellectual health, encourage the emotional
health, extend the community health, enhance the
environmental health, and evolve the spiritual health
of travelers. According to “Institute for Healthy
Destination Accreditation”, this is the PIECES MODEL
that meeting professionals, business travelers and
general consumers regard as valuable pieces when
seeking wellness destinations.
As Founder of Sindelar Wellness Travel and a wellness
traveler myself, I have an interest in personal wellbeing and participating in wellness activities. It’s not a
luxury anymore, but a necessity to reduce stress and
enhance the quality of life.
flowing in the distance?
Start positive affirmations: I feel calm
and serene, I will cure my anxiety, I
love my body and I believe in myself.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is
a great stress buster. Start with
different muscle groups and clench
your muscles tight and hold for eight
seconds. Release. Let the muscle
relax and the breath out. Move down
to your abdomen, chest, buttocks,
legs and feet and proceed to do the
same thing. Feel the tension flow out
of your body.
2. Breathing Away Your Stress and
Tension
Pretend to breathe in a new attitude
and exhale the old one. This method
is great if you have test anxiety or
are getting ready to fly to your next
destination.
• Either lying or sitting comfortably,
put one hand on your belly and the
other hand on your chest.
• Inhale through your nose, making
sure the hand on your belly rises
and the hand on your chest moves
hardly at all.
• As you inhale slowly, silently count
to three.
• Exhale through parted lips,
counting silently to four, feeling
the hand on your belly falling
gently.
3. Reaching to Release Tension
A. This stretch works well for your
shoulders, arms, and back. Sit in your
chair, with feet flat on the floor, or
stand in place. Raise both your arms
over your head and point your fingers
directly to the ceiling, or the sky.
Now, pretend to reach up and touch
the star or the clouds above. Stretch
that hand an inch or so, and then
make a fist. Squeeze for two or three
seconds. Relax your hand. Do it now
with the other one.
B. This stretch works well if your
pectoral and deltoid muscles are
tight. Put both of your hands behind
your head with fingers interlaced.
Bring your elbows back as far as you
can. Hold that tension for five to ten
seconds, release the tension, and then strokes or circular motion. For your
lower back use a tennis ball that you
do it a second and third time. Find
can lean up against on a wall.
various times in your day when you
can repeat this stretch.
Afterwards, apply a hot pack with a
towel to treat the area. Working a
C. Now that you’ve released the
trigger-point six times a day and less
tension in your upper body, try a Leg
than one minute per trigger point will
Lift.
help. If these exercises don’t help,
you will probably need to consult
Relieve tension in your quadriceps
someone to alleviate the pain.
and strengthen your abdominal
muscles. Sitting in a chair, lift both
5. Essential Oils
of your legs straight out in front of
you. At the same time, curl your toes We’ve all heard that smells can evoke
toward you. Hold that tension for five different moods. So how can essential
to ten seconds and then let your feet oils be used to promote wellness and
regulate feelings of stress? Essential
fall to the floor. Repeat two or three
times, and at other points in your day. oils are volatile liquids of the plant.
It’s distilling and extracting the oil
from any part of the plant, whether
4. Stress Trigger Points
With about 400 muscles in your body, it’s the root, leaves, fruit, flowers or
stems.
any one of them can develop those
lumpy, bumpy knots--even after some
Oils have been found to have stressof these relaxation techniques I’ve
relieving properties for some people.
described.
The most common are listed below.
• Rose Geranium- to relax the entire
So let’s see if we can work on those
body and boost your mood
Stress Trigger Points that radiate a
dull, achy pain throughout your body. • Peppermint- to soothe your
digestion
They can be anywhere along your
neck, arms, lower back and pectorals. • Chamomile- to reduce anxiety
and help with muscle tension and
You can go to a masseuse or do selfinsomnia
massage to release those trigger
• Jasmine- A powerful anti-anxiety
points.
oil that aids the brain to regulate
Use your fingertips or thumbs and do
feelings of stress and overexcitement
the stroke in just one direction. Try
• Lavender- can heal burns and
a deep stroking massage, not a static
wounds, treat migraines, slows
pressure. Or apply small kneading
aging with powerful antioxidants
and even found in a 2014 study to
help with the effects of diabetes
How To Use These Oils?
These oils are non-toxic and very
concentrated. Oils penetrate the
skin and are carried by the blood to
stimulate the amygdale of the brain,
your emotional center. You can rub
it on your hands and clothes and oils
can be used in massage and enhance
meditation. One note, since essential
(Continued on page 51)
Owners’ Corner
By: Joda Coolidge
Hi, Vacation Rental Owners, for this issue our friend Joda Coolidge shares
with us about finging her Happy Place. Enjoy! ~ Beth
The Journey to Finding My Happy Place
As the Director of Life Coaching for a group of
Integrative Health and Vitality Centers, I tell
hundreds of clients a year to go live life happy!
Isn’t it always so easy to help others do the
things they need to do, but not ourselves?
Florida” town called Anna Maria Island.” We
hopped back in the car and headed towards
Sarasota, up through Longboat Key, crossed a
small bridge onto the island…and I have to say it
was love at first sight!
Each year, for myself, I do an exercise called
“What do I need to be happy?” The exercise
is designed to inventory where my life is and
determine what is missing that would create
more balance, joy, and contentment in my life.
Beautiful beaches, no high rises, quiet nights
and a sense of community with people who truly
enjoy and respect what the island has to offer.
We first found a little Florida cottage that had
been in the same family for over 25 years and
needed someone to come in and bring it back to
its original charm. We restored it to its splendor
and against everyone’s advice decorated it as we
would our own home. We never regretted that
decision as we have had only guests who treat it
like their own home too. “Surfs Up” was named
for my mother who always addressed the end of
her letters to me with those words, meaning “life
is good!”
A few years back, when doing this exercise, I
identified the need to periodically leave the
DC winters behind. I wanted to find a place
that when you got off the plane you would
immediately have that “ahhh” experience with
warmth and sunshine.
We had already researched the Carolinas and
Georgia and found neither were warm enough
for cold bones in the winter time.
My struggle was I just did not see myself as a
Florida person. We had explored the entire East
coast of Florida and had not found “our happy
place.”
So with great optimism, I called my best friend
and said, “Will you take a week and explore
the west side of Florida and see if we can find
my nirvana?” After days of looking and hope
turning to despair, I was ready to go home when
my friend turned to me and said. “Wait – I just
thought of a place my yoga teacher told me we
should take a look at. It’s this cute little “Old
With four grown children and their significant
others, we knew a 2 bedroom cottage, while
adorable, would not fit our needs for long. After
looking at more than 50 homes over the course
of a couple of years, we discovered “Sea Life
Happy,” our four bedroom, 4000 square foot
house on Magnolia Avenue, just around the
corner from the Anna Maria Pier, one block
away from Pine Avenue, on a beautiful canal,
and an easy walk to the beautiful beaches of the
Gulf. While the bones of the house were great,
we felt we needed to do some things, including
redecorating, to make it feel like the name we
were giving it…”Sea Life Happy!”
Continued on page 51
For the Love of Travel
How to Successfully Vacation with
Family & Friends
By Noreen Kompanik
“W
e didn’t realize we were making memories.
We just knew we were having fun.” This
quote by an unknown author describes
the perfect vacation. And can that really happen when
we travel with extended family and friends? It certainly
can, if we are willing to follow a few helpful guidelines.
On our most recent trip to Cabo san Lucas, Mexico with
my husband, brother, sister-in-law, and teenage nephew,
we had some great laughs about events that occurred on
past vacations that would give comedians some pretty
good stage humor material. Co-family or co-vacationing
travel isn’t necessarily everyone’s forte. Thankfully,
for us, we’ve learned some great tips over the years,
and putting these into practice have resulted in some
wonderfully memorable vacations together.
Good communication leading up to and during the
trip is one of the most crucial elements of a successful
multi-family adventure. We found that making a list
well before the planned trip, and addressing all aspects,
options, and variables of the upcoming vacation sets the
bar for success. And making a calendar for the group
highlighting the upcoming activities and reservations
is extremely helpful for those of us who are by nature
“visual planners” as well as to address the diverse
interests of the group.
Planning the Destination. Whether it’s a beach vacation
or ski vacation, it’s important that everyone in the group
is in agreement with the location. Nothing is worse than
arriving at a beach resort only to find that one member
of the party isn’t “really into the beach thing.”
Length of Vacation/Time of Year is of great importance,
especially if children are involved and working around
school schedules is a must, or adult vacation time limits
have to be considered. Often we plan our trips around
paid holidays to maximize our days off.
Transportation Plans. If the destination is not drivable,
(i.e. there’s a big ocean between here and there),
transportation once we arrive at our destination has
to be considered. If a rental car is needed to optimize
destination experiences, the decision to rent one or
two vehicles will need to be made. On the occasions
we’ve rented just one vehicle, we’ve learned to limit
the number of suitcases each individual brings to
avoid making two trips to and from the airport to
accommodate all the luggage. Yes, this has happened. Or,
even more incredibly, having to tie two of the suitcases
to the roof of the car with bungee cords and pray it
doesn’t rain. We have learned to discuss the luggage
issue ahead of time. Another important consideration
is who will be the designated driver (or drivers.) Not
everyone is keen on driving on the “left” side of the road
in the Virgin Islands, or in a foreign country!
Activities. Having everyone on-board with planned
activities is absolutely crucial, especially when events
need to be booked ahead of time, like sunset sails or
zip lining tours. Age and health considerations may
necessitate alternative venues for those seeking a little
less adventure than the more daring members of your
party.
Dining In and Out. When staying at a vacation rental
as we often do while vacationing with family and friends,
the choice of dining in, whether it is breakfast, snack, or
dinner is a consideration. Often times, hitting Costco
or other grocery stores gives the option of having food
and beverages on hand when needed. Then, we discuss
ahead of time how we’ll equitably share the cost of the
food. Often times we end up just splitting the checkout
bill in half. Choices for eating out in town can range from
fast food to casual family restaurants or even fine dining.
Selection is often driven by each family’s budget. If “hard to
get reservations” for that perfect table at sunset need to be
made ahead of time, this is an early planning consideration.
So is how to handle the dinner bill. We make it a point to
ask for 2 or 3 checks as appropriate, so, the expectation is
clear at the beginning of dinner. This avoids any possible
misunderstandings on who’s responsible for picking up the
tab.
An “Everyone Does Their Own Thing” Day. No matter
how much family and friends love one another, we have
found that taking breaks from the group is a healthy,
refreshing practice. We often plan one or two days where
everyone has the chance to do their own thing. This is
particularly beneficial when the avid adventurers want yet
another adrenaline-filled day, while others prefer to just
lounge by the pool- their idea of a relaxing vacation. This
also works well for dinner reservations- the chance for
Mom and Dad to have a romantic dinner out while Grandma
and Grandpa enjoy their special one-on-one time with the
grandkids.
Staying Flexible. While good planning is essential when
vacationing with family and friends, it is possible to
have too much structure built into your vacation with
every minute of every day firmly scheduled. With family
activities that don’t require reservations, we leave multiple
openings in our vacation with options that allow the group
to democratically decide activities they feel like doing
together in those opportune times. Work is stressfulvacations shouldn’t be. Sometimes new opportunities present
themselves, and it’s fun to deviate from the schedule as long
as we are all on the same sheet of music.
We must also remind ourselves that sometimes factors
beyond our control may come into play necessitating a
change in plans. On a recent trip to one of the Hawaiian
Islands, a storm forced cancellation of our planned sunset
sail. We were able to collectively recoup, come up with
alternate plans and reschedule the sunset sail for later in
the week. As a result, we still had a fun day, everyone was
happy, and we ended up with the most beautiful sunset
views of the trip.
Though taking trips with extended family and friends may
require some extra work and communication up front, one
thing is for certain- seeing smiling faces, sharing those
special moments and re-living memories made, are worth
the upfront planning. It makes us realize that the best
things in life are the people we love, places we’ve been, and
the many memories shared along the way. And the highest
compliment ever is when we all look at each other at the
end of the vacation and say “let’s do this again.”
Wellness Travels
(con’t)
(Contiuned from Page 47)
oils are very concentrated, use them sparingly and
or mix with a carrier oil for large area application. If
you are concerned with your boy’s reaction to the oil,
consult your health care provider.
These oils are used in aromatherapy and are a natural
alternative to pharmaceutical substances. When
you inhale the oils it can cause your brain to react by
slowing down.
Fly Happy with these essential oils by placing them
in a clear plastic one-quart sized zipper bag. Most of
these oils come in pre-packaged 5ml and 15ml bottles.
Amazingly the x-ray machine at the security checkpoint
will change the frequency of some oils, but over time
will return to normal. Just make sure your bag is sealed
appropriately.
Realistically, not any one tool in this toolbox will take
away all your stress. But a combination of these can
definitely improve your mood and ease any anxiety.
Owner’s Corner
(con’t)
(Contiuned from Page 48)
We chose vibrant blues, greens, corals and yellow which
hopefully brings a smile to our guests when they walk
in. Sunshine just flows in all day long and we just love
the huge open floor plan which is hard to find in some
of the newer houses where they seem to want lots of
bedrooms, but little living space.
So now that we have Surfs Up and Sea Life Happy, my
New Years Happy list only has one new thing on it- less
time working and more time to truly LIVE LIFE HAPPY
on Anna Maria Island!
Watch the Surf’s Up Video Tour: Click Below

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