How To Take Your First International Trip

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”

This quote by the late American poet, Maya Angelou, speaks to the heart of travel – unlocking a world of possibilities. As today’s technologies continue to advance, visually connecting the global community in dramatic new ways, many people have been inspired to broaden their travel horizons.

If you’re planning your first international trip, there a number of things to take into consideration, such as the best day to book a flight, finding eateries that suit your dietary needs, surviving jet lag, and even choosing the right shoes for your intended destination.

As daunting as this list may seem at first, these checklist items can actually become fun and exciting parts of the planning journey. Once complete, you may feel as savvy as the seasoned traveler seated next to you!

To learn more about some of the most beautiful and captivating countries on the planet like Cuba, Portugal, Croatia, New Zealand or Sweden, go directly to their tourism bureau websites or promotion videos on YouTube. Each offers their own unique flavor and flair of some of their most iconic cities, hidden gems, gastronomic adventures and more.

Travel experts like Peter Greenberg and Carol Margolis of SmartWomenTravelers have garnered throngs of loyal fans all over the world for their wealth of international travel experience, high-quality travel content and personal insider tips.

Cost is usually one of the most important considerations for any traveler. However, there are a myriad of ways you can save money—before and during your trip.

Before packing your passport, stash away some cash by getting rid of that gym membership you never use, eat out a little less often, or have a garage sale (it will help you clean out the garage too!).

While on the road, stretch your buck further by dining where the locals dine—not at the most popular tourist spots—using any hotel travel points you may have earned for business, and getting around via public transportation in lieu of paying high taxi fees.

When it comes to making purchases while traveling abroad, according to U.S. News & World Report, not all credit cards are created equal, many carrying foreign transaction fees. To help navigate these surcharges, they have published a guide aimed at improving financial literacy among travelers.

Another way to satisfy your international wanderlust is by owning your own online travel business! MyTravelBiz offers the life-changing opportunity to become an Entrepreneur, get paid to travel and help others experience the joys of travel. The company has a unique patent-pending technology that offers the best price and travel selection, coupled with a travel platform with more than 15 years of proven success in the travel industry.

Diversity and inclusion are worth celebrating, and international travel offers rich and meaningful opportunities to learn about different people and lifestyles. Travel make us stronger, opens our eyes and hearts to the global community, and helps us change the world.

About MyTravelBiz - MyTravelBiz (MTB) has the mission to revolutionize the direct selling and travel industries by leveraging the power of blockchain technology. In 2017, Atif Kamran and Geraldine Aquino launched MyTravelBiz to connect travel and technology, and drive the company’s focus of creating a world where everyone can experience diverse destinations conveniently and affordably, and give entrepreneurs a direct selling opportunity for the era of modernization. MTB is a proud sponsor of the TravelCoin Foundation.

Reasons to Visit Montego Bay

Montego Bay is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean. Situated on the northwest side of Jamaica, it offers incredible views of the waters to the north and mountains covered in trees to the south. Both land and sea are lush, as the waters are filled with beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling, and you'll see incredible flora on the shores. There's plenty to like about Montego Bay that'll have you returning again and again for an incredible experience.

The Beaches of Montego Bay

Image via Flickr by Gail Frederick

Montego Bay is full of public and private beaches, but some of the private beaches are accessible if you pay a small fee. One such private beach is Doctor's Cave Beach, which is a short drive from the airport. The advantage of paying an entry fee is the ability to enjoy the clean, white sand with plenty of space for lounge chairs.

Dump-up Beach is another pretty beach despite its unappealing name. It got this name from an expansion project back in the 1970s. It's owned by the government and is open to the public. It's also known as a local hangout, which means you're more likely to experience some local flavor here.

Spending a Day in Montego Bay

Jamaica is home to more than just sandy beaches. To plan a day in Montego Bay, you should explore a little further. The area's history goes back hundreds of years, and remnants of its days as plantation country dot the landscape. Rose Hall and Bellefield Great House are two that offer tours of the mansions and the surrounding landscape. For a more immersive experience, check out Good Hope Estate and explore amenities like river tubing and zip-lining.

Animal Farm and Nature Reserve is home to native birds and animals and a biogas generating plant. It has an aviary where visitors can hand-feed the residents, along with an herb garden with plants that are labeled with their uses.

When nighttime rolls around, head over to Glistening Waters' Luminous Lagoon for an experience you can't see during the day. The lagoon is full of phosphorescent microscopic organisms that glow when they're disturbed. The organisms glow with a blue light and make the water glow. Don't miss this!

Golf with Incredible Views

Duffers will find plenty to love, thanks to the plentiful golf courses found in and around Montego Bay. The greens are beautiful and have mountainous backdrops on one side and views of the sea on the other. Check out the links on the White Witch Golf Course located at Rose Hall. It gets its name from local legend and historical plantation owner Annee Palmer. It's the top-rated golf course in Jamaica, and it challenges players with its rolling links.

Montego Bay is the jewel of Jamaica with its historical sites, white sand beaches, and outdoor activities. It's a place to unwind on the beach, explore the nature reserves, do some hiking, or simply take in the beauty of the Caribbean.

Scenic Views of Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist Boat Rides

Earlier this month we took a trip up to Niagara Falls New York and Niagara Falls Canada to visit Niagara Falls State Park. If you've never visited the falls, it's definitely a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

Two years ago when we were up we didn't have the opportunity to view the falls from the bottom, aka...the water. This time around we were determined to see the American Falls, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls by taking the boat tour offered by Maid of the Mist.

When visiting, you can board the Maid of the Mist from the Canadian side or the American side of Niagara Falls. During our visit, we elected to bored via the American side and took our tour during the late afternoon hours on a sunshine-filled spring day.

We paid our admission fee at the gate and were handed blue plastic rain jackets to wear during our cruise. Trust me, you'll be getting wet, so please put on those rain jackets and wear comfortable shoes! If you're taking along your camera and smartphone, you'll want to protect them from the water too.

On the day that we visited, the tour boats were leaving the docks every 15-20 minutes, so we didn't have to wait long. Once on board, we were all excited and ready to see Niagara Falls up close and personal. The tour boat was full and even with it being crowded, we had gorgeous views of the Falls.

Our tour started out with seeing the American Falls, then Bridal Veil and then Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. You'll then circle back around for another look before the boat heads for docking. The entire ride took us about 20 minutes from start to finish.

If you're going to be visiting Niagara Falls, we highly recommend that you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour! The views that you get are absolutely breathtaking and it's well worth the price of admission. Everyone who was on the tour with us stated that they would do it all over again. Yes folks, if you're going to see the Falls, Maid of the Mist is definitely the way to go!

Afterwards we headed to the Maid of the Mist gift shop and picked up a few souvenirs for ourselves and for our grandchildren. You'll find your typical souvenirs like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, key chains, refrigerator magnets, collector's spoons, postcards, etc. in their gift shop. Personally, I felt their prices were pretty reasonable and I'm glad that we went.

You can learn more about Maid of the Mist boat rides at Niagara Falls by visiting their website online. The tours operate from late spring through early fall, weather permitting. You can find free and paid-parking nearby.

Note: You can double-click on each photo in this travel feature and have it automatically open up in a new browsing window and in an enlarged size.

The Top 5 Best Tennis Events to Attend in 2017

Sports lovers are loyal followers and will travel to attend their favorite tournament or game. It is not uncommon for people to save their money for years to attend the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Finals for example. For tennis lovers, there are many events and tournaments that make it to the top of bucket lists. This article will share 5 of the most popular tennis events that one must attend in 2017 if they are truly a tennis connoisseur.

The US Open

This tennis match is an annual event that takes place on the last Monday in August in New York City. The tournament lasts for two weeks and consists of five event championships; men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles to name a few. There are also special tournaments for seniors, juniors, and wheelchair players. This tournament is one of the oldest in the world with the first match taking place in 1881. Since 1987, the US Open has been the third of four final tennis major tournaments that make up the Grand Slam. The other tournaments in this series are the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

The French Open

Otherwise known as the Roland Garros, named after a famous French aviator, the French Open is a major tennis tournament that takes places over a two week period in late May and early June. The tournament takes place at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France on clay courts. This tournament is the second of four annual tournaments in the Grand Slam. It is important to note that out of the four tournaments, the Roland Garros is the only one to take place on clay courts. Out of all the tournaments, this one is considered to be the most physically demanding in the world. This is due to the slow-playing surface of the clay and the five-set men’s singles matches that take place without a tiebreak in the final set.

Wimbledon

The Championships, also known as Wimbledon is the oldest of all tennis tournaments in the world. Also known as the most prestigious tournament, tennis lovers and regular tourists also flock to the famous stadium year round to get a look at the historic place. With many Wimbledon travel package options, it is easy to plan your experience.

This tournament has been held in Wimbledon, London since 1877 and is played outdoors on grass courts. This is also one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments that take place annually. Wimbledon takes place in late June and early July. In true british form, the tournament has strict traditions such as dress code for competitors as well as Royal spectators in attendance.

Australian Open

This tournament is held annually in two weeks in late January in Melbourne, Australia. One of the oldest tournaments, with the first starting in 1905, this set of matches is the first of four in the Grand Slam. This match consistently has very high attendance records, occasionally attracting more spectators than the US Open. The first of the tournaments to offer indoor playing should the weather be bad, the matches can take place on courts inside or outside due to the retractable roofing system at the arena.

Fed Cup

While not one of the popular Grand Slam tournaments, the Fed Cup is still very popular among tennis fans and attracts a great deal of people annually. Well known as the best tournament for women, there are also men’s tournaments now as well.

6 of the World's Best Places to Do Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, has taken the watersports world by storm. It has attracted a lot of people not just because of the workout you get from it but also because of the enjoyment of the sport. It is just like surfing but without the waves and like kayaking while standing up. Plus, it doesn’t feel like working out at all.

Paddleboarding is best done on calm and flat water, especially if you’re still learning the sport. But if you’ve already taken lessons and can manage paddleboarding by yourself, then just paddleboard your way towards these great places around the world.

Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii is known for waves that are ideal for surfing. It’s also a place that is worth visiting if you’re into paddleboarding. There is a flat water area at Puaena Point at Hale’iwa Beach Park for those who are still learning the sport. The waves are also a lot calmer, especially during the summer time. You can do stand-up surfing as well as SUP yoga and it’s easy to get lessons and paddling gear.

California. When paddleboarding in California, go to Santa Cruz or at Lake Tahoe. The Santa Cruz wharf is great for beginners. You do have to expect to share the space with surfers, however. The harbor is also a good place to learn the sport. Lake Tahoe offers crystal clear waters and a breathtaking view of nature. You can paddleboard on the North Shore’s calm waters. Beginners can enjoy the flat water and light winds by paddling in the morning or early in the evening.

Bali, Indonesia. You don’t need to choose a season to travel to Bali since you can paddleboard all year-round. The Medewi and Balian beaches in the north offer calmer waters and are less crowded. There’s plenty to do while you’re here aside from paddleboarding. You can go hiking, climbing, trekking, and even diving. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

The Turks and Caicos Islands. There’s nothing like the turquoise waters of these islands. The Turks and Caicos Islands have crystal clear waters with reefs that are teeming with life. Take advantage of the island’s trade winds and practice downwind paddling or flat-water paddling and head to the mangrove swamps. There are paddleboard tours being offered that allow you to tour the islands just by being on your paddleboard. Plus, paddle in the open shallow waters and enjoy watching the fish, sharks, and stingrays as you paddle along. Head to the clear and calm waters of Grace Bay or go to Big Blue Unlimited for a paddleboard tour.

Perth, Australia. Being surrounded by waters, there’s no doubt Australia is included in the best places to paddleboard. Get your gear ready and proceed to Perth, Australia. Swan River’s flat waters are a great spot for beginners. You can also enjoy the shores, gentle waves, and the relaxing paddle boarding experience of Cottesloe Beach.

Mexico. Mexico has great places for paddleboarding whether you’re on the Pacific Ocean side or on the Gulf of Mexico. Sayulita, Cancun, and Punta Mita are some examples. There’s a big community of paddleboarders in Sayulita and you could go and catch SUP retreats hosted by many SUP professionals. And of course, there’s no shortage of lessons, guides, and gear rentals in the area.

Journey to Fogo Island Inn and Fishers’ Loft Newfoundland Canada

Quench Trip Design Launches Private Journey to Fogo Island Inn and Fishers’ Loft, Newfoundland, Canada. The self-drive tour includes seasonal sustainable meals prepared by award-winning chefs, guided naturalist walks and food foraging, cooking demonstrations and more.

Epicurean Newfoundland is a new culinary journey curated by Quench Trip Design, discerning destination experts specialized in bespoke private travel. In partnership with award-winning Fogo Island Inn and Fishers’ Loft, the self-driving point-to-point tour of Canada’s easternmost province invites gastronomes to explore the enigmatic landscapes of the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas and Fogo Island and to discover a culinary heritage inextricably tied with land and sea. The sustainable-food focused trip is the first of its kind in the area. Seven night departures are available beginning September 1, 2016 through to October 31st, 2016.

“Newfoundland’s historic coastal roads are virtually devoid of traffic once the summer touring crowds have gone home, which makes a fall road trip absolutely wonderful,” said Jennifer Deacon, Quench Trip Designer Co-Founder. “From a culinary perspective, autumn is the best season to visit Canada’s east coast, when Fogo Island is carpeted in dozens of varieties of edible berries and the surrounding waters are rich in Atlantic cod.”

Epicurean Newfoundland begins in St. John’s, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, where travellers will sample the culinary mastery of Jeremy Charles at Raymond’s Restaurant, voted Canada’s Best New Restaurant by enRoute Magazine in 2011. The self-drive vacation snakes northbound along the iconic Trans-Canada Highway towards Trinity Bay where guests check into the hilltop Fishers’ Loft, known for its seasonal menu using fresh produce from the kitchen garden and greenhouse. From the remote bay, travellers can access the panoramic Skerwink Trail, a 5.3 km coastal loop with abundant bird and whale-watching opportunities (in season). A private boat trip with a local fisherman to visit the abandoned outports of Ireland’s Eye and British Harbour is also included in the tour.

Quench travellers follow the trail of sustainable seafood to Fogo Island, where they will board the ferry and spend three nights at the award winning Fogo Island Inn. Guests will enjoy naturalist-guided walks and food foraging, cooking demonstrations and a private tour of the contemporary artist studios on the island, celebrated for their leading edge design. The tour culminates in Gander, in northeastern Newfoundland.

Rates start at $3,540 CAD per person, based on double occupancy. For more information about Epicurean Newfoundland, visit quenchtravel.com or call 416 366 2777.

Cruise Into the Sunset on the Niagara Belle

A new Niagara boat tour allows passengers to soak up the beauty and history of the stunning Niagara River from the decks of a fully restored New Orleans-style paddle wheeler.

The Niagara Belle, which previously operated as a cruise boat in Toronto Harbour on Lake Ontario and in the Upper Niagara River, has been given a new lease on life by Niagara Sunset Cruises, a sister company to Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara Sunset Cruises bought the boat in 2013 and gave it a complete overhaul, including more than $1 million in renovations.

After running private charter trips last summer, the Niagara Belle is offering cruises for the general public for the first time ever this season. Departures are available to passengers on both sides of the Niagara River from docks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. and Lewiston, N.Y. Dinner cruises depart from both the Canadian and American docks, while lunch, wine tasting and a special Sunday Captain’s Cruise are offered from the Canadian side only.

“The Niagara Belle offers a unique opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery along the Niagara River like Fort Niagara, Fort George, General Brock's Monument and the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge,” says John Kinney, President of Niagara Sunset Cruises and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. “Whether it’s a dinner or wine tasting cruise, guests will get to taste and experience some of Niagara’s best offerings in one excursion.”

The Niagara Belle takes visitors on a leisurely cruise down the Lower Niagara River, through Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake, to the mouth of Lake Ontario. The ship can accommodate up to 80 people for a seated dinner and about 140 for cocktail cruises.

Niagara-on-the-Lake departures include:

· Dinner Cruise – Watch the sunset over Lake Ontario on a three-hour cruise that includes a buffet-style dinner prepared by the award winning culinary team, followed by post-dinner dancing to the professional sound system.

· Lunch Cruise – Spend a relaxing afternoon on a two-hour sail of the Niagara River that includes a delicious buffet-style lunch.

· Sunday Captain’s Cruise – Enjoy a two-hour afternoon ride featuring a unique surf and turf lunch of Beef Tenderloin and Lobster Tail available only on Sundays.

· Wine Tasting Cruise – Sample some of the finest VQA wines, from rich reds to robust whites and world-famous ice wines, made on the shores of the Niagara River in the heart of Ontario’s wine country. This 90-minute cruise includes a wine tasting flight paired with a complimentary bar snack.

Lewiston, NY departures include:

· Dinner Cruise – Enjoy the three spacious decks and take in the sunset and sites along the Niagara River as you enjoy a buffet-style dinner prepared fresh by Waterstreet Landing.

Along with public cruises, Niagara Sunset Cruises also offers private and corporate charters on the Niagara Belle in Canada and the U.S., which can be booked in advance for events such as birthday parties, banquets, fundraisers, team-building retreats or VIP events.

Thrill-seekers can also try the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which provides the exhilaration of getting soaked by Class 5 whitewater while speeding along the Niagara River in custom-built jet boats.

For more information on Niagara Sunset Cruises, visit www.niagarasunsetcruises.com, follow @NiagaraBelle on Twitter and Instagram and Like Niagara Sunset Cruises on Pinterst and Facebook. To learn about the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, visit www.whirlpooljet.com, follow @WhirlpoolJet on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and Like Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours on Facebook.

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi in Italy

The “Toscana Castelfalfi Resort” is an ancient medieval borough set between Florence and Pisa in Montaione. This Resort counts 1.100 hectares with groves, woods, vineyards and lakes. At the center of this idyllic structure you can find a Castle with a restaurant, an American bar, a cooking school and a space where it is possible to organize private events.

Moving on to the center of this building there are gorgeous apartments divided in 3 historical property such as Terraces 1-2 and “Ghialla”. There is also a hotel, called la Tabaccaia because it used to be a factory which dryed tobacco in order to produce cigars in the past. It has 31 rooms and each of them has a different luxurious design.

Toscana Resort offers many fun experiences, such as: 4 swimming pools, a 30-meter long one for training and a smaller one for children, an extraordinary 9.400-meter long golf course with 27 holes.Visitors can enjoy a tour of the property accompanied by hunters and agronomists and visit its 23 hectares of vineyards and 10.000 olive trees, as well as attend the traditional agricultural activities like the production of wine or olive oil.

Guests may be given advice by high-level concierges about other interesting activities like bike excursions or horse rides. In fact Tuscany offers great views with magnificient landscapes and horse rides are among the best ways to visit the town of Montaione.

Another incredible experience customers cannot miss out on is the excellent choice of regional specialties, with fresh and handmade products, thanks to the experience of Chef Francesco Ferretti, who runs “Rosmarino” restaurant, the first place where you can have dinner in this property that bases its dishes on the freshness of the near farm.

The ground floor of this medieval castle hosts an international restaurant and an American bar managed by Michele Rinaldi, a 27 year-old Michelin star, who amazes his guests by serving food of the Italian traditional cuisine added to advanced gastronomical researches. In the Castle you may also find a cooking school that holds various classes from classical cuisine, like how to make handmade pasta to more creative kinds like desserts or finger food.

Moreover, this holding offers many interesting and fun activities with highly qualified and available staff in every sector; This is the best solution for a short break away from chaos, pollution and stressful city life and to embrace total relax and thelve into uncontaminated nature, all provided with high levels of comfort.

You can learn more about the Toscana Resort Castelfalfi in Florence, Italy by visiting their site online.

Enjoy a Spring Weekend Getaway to Italy

Spring has finally arrived and millions of people all around the world are planning their spring break vacations and family summer trips. For some, these trips will be weekend getaways and for others...1-2 weeks of pure vacation bliss! Whatever you choose to do, it is important to get away, relax and unwind for a bit.

A SPRING WEEKEND GETAWAY IN ITALY - A TRIP TO TUSCANY IN THE NAME OF WINE, RELAX, NATURAL THERMAL BATHS AND MUCH MORE

To enjoy a spring weekend in a special way, why not considering a relaxing getaway in Italy? In one of the most beautiful regions of this country, here it is, far away from the mass tourism, an authentic temple of wine : Terenzi winery with its evocative and cozy lodging house.

Famous for its high quality wines, among which the flagship one is Morellino of Scansano, the Locanda Terenzi, in the heart of Maremma, is the place to be: special holiday packages have been thought expressly for weekends.

The guests will be snuggle with two offers in the name of relax and taste, starting with a visit of the cellar matched with wine and local delicatessen tastings. To relax and enjoy a condition of peacefulness, there is the free entrance to Saturnia natural thermal baths, with their warm open-air pools. Last but not least, for adventure’s lovers, Terenzi recommends to discover on horseback the wonderful hills embroidered with vines and olive trees which surround the estate.

For more information: Terenzi - Località Montedonico, Scansano (Gr) Italy – Phone 39 564 599601

Weekend in maremma WITH TERENZI:

- Two nights with accommodation and breakfast (breakfast can be served in the room if required)
- Welcome tea and pastries
- Wine tasting and visit to the wine cellar
- Free entrance for two to the Saturnia thermal baths.

Costs of the holiday package for two nights:

€ 109,00 per person in a standard double room

€ 119,00 per person in a double room with garden

You can get additional information about this Spring Weekend Getaway offer by calling the phone number listed above. Enjoy!

Beautiful Aerial Views Cancun and Riviera Maya Mexico

My husband and I got married back in September 2014 and flew into Cancun Mexico for our honeymoon. We chose this specific destination on the advice given to us by our travel agent and have absolutely no regrets.

We flew from BWI (in Baltimore Maryland) and had a short layover in Florida to change planes and then headed straight into Cancun International Airport. At the airport we had to go through customs and thankfully they had an area where we could do money exchanges right there. You can also get transportation and make hotel reservations but all of this was pre-arranged for us. 

Once we landed and took care of business, the hotel sent a shuttle for us and took us to our final destination which was in the beautiful Riviera Maya in Mexico. You can learn more about this specific region along the Mexican coastline by visiting their web site. 

These two photos were taken while we were in flight and circling around to get ready to land. As you can see...the water is a beautiful deep blue color and you can see all of the resorts and hotels lined up along the coast. It is really a beautiful area and my husband and I plan on returning in the very near future.

* Guest Post by Jenelle C. 

GAÏA RIVERLODGE Named One of the Top 10 Eco Resorts

I am very fortunate that 10 years ago my husband and I spent 10 days in Belize celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. It was one of the best vacations we ever had and certainly very memorable. Belize is a romantic paradise with gorgeous coastal areas which makes for a great tropical destination. The weather is beautiful, the beaches have pure white sand and the ocean is a beautiful turquoise color. One of these days, we plan on going back!

GAÏA Riverlodge, a celebrated ecotourist destination in Belize, is thrilled to unveil its recent recognition as a Top Eco Hotel by the Smith Hotel Awards. After careful review of nearly 25,000 votes globally, a panel of expert judges named GAÏA Riverlodge to its short list of top ten Eco Hotels in the World.

Tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and surrounded by the Five Sisters waterfalls, travelers seek out this hydro-powered destination for adventure and to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Belize’s culturally rich landscape.

In a recent series of environmental initiatives, GAÏA Riverlodge is also one of the only five properties in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. The hotel prides itself in upholding the highest standard of sustainability and recently developed a fresh vegetable garden on-site, where guests can now enjoy hyper-local cuisine at GAÏA's acclaimed restaurant.

“We are so honored to be part of such a distinguished list of hotels,” says Daniel Lighter, owner of GAÏA Riverlodge and Matachica Resort and Spa, its sister property in Belize. “To be listed as a top eco hotel in the world reflects not only our sincere dedication to our guests but also our commitment to preserving Belize’s natural beauty.”

Mr & Mrs Smith is an award-winning hotel website, booking service and free-to-join travel club, specializing in finding the world’s most inspiring boutique hotels. Boutique-hotel lovers around the world were asked to vote for their favorite hotels, which enabled Mr & Mrs Smith to curate a list of the global top ten.

The selection criteria for the best eco-friendly hotels are those that are wholly committed to conserving, protecting and enjoying the environment, have an ethical approach, strive to minimize their carbon footprint, and does this all while enhancing the guest experience.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel in Portugal

Several years ago my mother and her husband visited Portugal for their honeymoon. They spent 10 days touring the country and checking out all of the wonderful things that Portugal has to offer. Once they returned from their honeymoon, they threw a little party and invited the family over to see all of the photos that they took and to hear all of the stories they had to tell. From that day, I have always wanted to visit that beautiful country and perhaps some day I will. In the meantime, I can enjoy the photos and stories that others have to tell.

Recently one of the PR companies sent over this information on the Martinhal Beach Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel in Portugal that I wanted to share with all of my travel blog readers in case they are planning a trip. I am not affiliated with the company at all and just wanted to pass along all of the information to all of you.

The Algarve has unique conditions for surfing and windsurfing. At Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, surf adventures are available for the whole family, from beginners to experienced surfers. 

Luxury meets surf: Martinhal Beach is the first 5-Star Surf Destination in Portugal

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is the first 5-star surf destination in Portugal. Located in Sagres it has been recognized as one of the best places to surf in Europe. The winter is great for surfing, as the Algarve is known for its sun and mild temperatures in the mid 60s all winter long.

Located in the heart of great ocean surf and with the Atlantic Martinhal beach on its doorstep, Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel offers surf adventures for all the family. Experienced surfer instructors provide surf lessons on a daily basis for different ages and skills, keeping everyone focused on catching the best wave. During the lessons, kids and adults will learn about surf safety information, ocean awareness and different surf techniques needed to stand on the board. All the necessary equipment is included.

The resort features a 37 bedroom 5-star hotel and a selection of more than 150 spacious 1 to 5 bedroom Villages, 4 heated pools, gym, Spa with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, tennis courts, kids clubs, 3 restaurants and a family surf bar. It also offers plenty of open space providing the perfect conditions for light cardio such as jogging, cycling or a morning walk back-dropped by the Atlantic Ocean sunrise.

Sagres is becoming recognized as one of the best surf spots in Europe, offering both south and west-facing coastlines and therefore providing fine surf conditions whole year round for all surfer levels regardless of the swell and wind direction. There are 22 beaches within a 30-minute drive from the resort. For beginners, the best beaches are Castelejo, Amado, Carrapateira and Arrifana. More experienced surfers can enjoy beaches at Ponta Ruiva, Cordoama and Vale Figueiras.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel opened in 2010 and has quickly established itself as THE leading luxury holiday destination for families. Located close to the historic town of Sagres, on the Western Algarve, Portugal, this region is a year-round resort area. The 100-acre beachfront resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury for couples and families - with an elegant spa, extensive range of childcare and leisure facilities, sports clubs and several restaurants and bars to choose from. The resort is surrounded by the Costa Vicentina National Park and was recently awarded a “Europe’s Leading Villa Resort” and “Portugal’s Leading family Resort” at the World Travel Awards 2013.

For more information about booking or the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel visit www.martinhal.com or call +351 282 240 200.

Book Review: 50 Places Every Woman Should Go in Rome, Florence, & Venice

Discover the best places for women in Rome, Florence, and Venice with travel book by author Susan Van Allen.

Book Title: 50 Places Every Woman Should Go in Rome, Florence, & Venice
Author: Susan Van Allen
ISBN: 978-160952096-0
Author Site: www.susanvanallen.com

Synopsis: Following the critically acclaimed 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Susan Van Allen adds new gems to her selection of the best spots for female travelers in Italy's most popular cities, along with enticing Golden Day itineraries to make vacation dreams come true. Like a savvy traveler girlfriend whispering in your ear, she guides readers to masterpieces where women are glorified ~ from Rome's Pieta to Florence's Birth of Venus ~ and to the best spots for wine tasting, chocolate, gelato, artisan shopping and more. She provides practical tips giving readers an insider's secrets on what to pack, the best places to get their hair styled, and how to shop for bargains.

Whatever your mood or budget, whether it's your first or twenty-first visit to Italy, 50 Places in Rome, Florence and Venice Every Woman Should Go opens the door to extraordinary experiences that fully immerse you in the beautiful, fascinating, and delicious pleasures of the Bel Paese.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.

My Thoughts: My husband was born in Italy and raised there until the age of 5. His family then immigrated to the U.S. and have lived here since. Over the years many of his extended family members have traveled to visit with us but let's face it, it is now our turn to visit Italy which we plan to do in January 2016.

This travel book is extremely well-written and I love how the author has everything broken down nicely in 3 easy-to-read sections: Rome, Florence and Venice. Then she has various chapters listed within each section. I think this is fabulous because if you are only interested in Rome...you don't have to search the entire book to find what you need.

The author gives you great ideas on where to eat, what to see and things you can do. I like that she includes outdoor things like biking and hiking to indoor things like hitting the local spa or taking in a live music show. There is definitely something for every woman to enjoy listed within the pages of this book.

Overall, it is an exceptional read! If you are looking for a travel book that contains a lot of pretty pictures, this book is not for you. It is more of a personal guide book than a coffee table book with pretty photos. It has given me some great ideas on the things I want to see and do when we visit Italy in 2016.

You can learn more about this author and the book by visiting her website online. You can purchase the book via Amazon.

Disclosure: Shelly Hill received a complimentary copy of this travel book for her review. No monetary compensation was provided/received. Shelly's thoughts about this book are 100% honest and unbiased. Your thoughts and opinions may differ.

Spend the Holidays at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, located in Sagres in the Portuguese region of Algarve, has all the elements for an adventure-filled winter holiday break for you to enjoy the holidays, and do something unique.

Guests can experience Martinhal’s luxury Christmas Eve Dinner and a sumptuous Christmas day brunch buffet at the restaurant overlooking Martinhal Bay and Porto de Baleeira. Meal times will be about family with a special festive menu for children as well as a Kids’ Club responsible for entertaining them while parents enjoy both their family and time together as a couple.

If you prefer to have your private Christmas party in your house, Martinhal provides a takeaway service with turkey and trimmings, Christmas crackers, special napkins and a bottle of Portuguese sparkling wine.

Prices for 7-night stay with Christmas dinner and Christmas day brunch included at $151 per adult per night in a Hotel Room for a family of 2 adults, one child under 12 and a baby. This represents a discount of 29% on normal prices. Winter packages for 4 nights also available with supplements. Various other larger accommodation available at prices to suit the family market.

To celebrate New Year’s Eve, the gala dinner offers live music a gourmet dinner, cocktails and canapés. The menu includes the traditional Portuguese kale soup, “caldo verde”, after midnight, as well as wines, soft drinks and water. The kids will have their own party in the Kid’s Entertainment area. On the first day of the year start the day with the New Year’s Day brunch.

Prices for New Year’s Eve at Hotel Martinhal range from $204 per adult, per night, and for the Martinhal Village prices go from $287 per adult, per night.

Award-winning Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is located near the historic town of Sagres. The region has the mildest climate on Continental Europe in the winter months and it enjoys many sunny days, with temperatures in the sun around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Located in the middle of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, there is a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from surf, biking, walking, windsurf and kayaking.

For more information about booking or the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel visit www.martinhal.com

El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites - Riviera Maya Mexico

El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites came highly recommended to us by a travel agent that we were dealing with. We read reviews and were impressed with what we saw. We decided to book our accommodations there for our honeymoon and haven't regretted it.

The path leading up to the resort was nicely landscaped but still had the tropical jungle feel. When we arrived to the resort, we were immediately greeted by their friendly staff who took and tagged our luggage and escorted us into the main lobby. The stairs leading to the lobby doors were made of gorgeous marble, which was throughout the entire resort. Once inside, we were then welcomed by another employee who handed us a glass of champagne and showed us to the front desk. The lobby was huge and there was a big fountain in the middle of the room where a large crystal chandelier hung above.  The lobby also included a few of the resorts shops as well.

We checked in at the front desk around noon but the check-in time for the rooms was not until 3pm. We took advantage of that time to explore the resort. I am a tropical beach lover so I immediately made a bee-line to the beach. The sand was soft and white, the water was a bluish-green...crystal clear! The grounds around the resort were in pristine condition.

The El Dorado Royale Resort featured 2 areas; the El Dorado Royale Suites and the El Dorado Casistas Suites. The Casistas Suites were the higher end suites with private balconies and were located in their own private section of the resort. You traveled through the resort by golf carts that ran every 15 minutes. Each group of rooms in the Casistas also featured their own Concierge service. The Concierge was there to assist you with anything you needed like transportation around the resort, reservations at 2 of their featured restaurants or reservations to their on-site spa or the candle-lit dinner on the beach.

This gourmet all –inclusive resort featured 7 restaurants which served a variety of different foods. They had everything from the traditional Mexican cuisine to American, authentic Asian foods, even an Italian Restaurant, a pizza place and seafood! You could also opt to pay extra to have a lobster dinner or a Candle-lit dinner on the beach in your own cabana.

I must say, we did not eat anything that we did not like. Everything was absolutely delicious. The only suggestion that we have is that since the resort is known for their gourmet dining, order extra food where-ever you eat because the portions were smaller. My husband and I would each order an appetizer and we would each order 2 entrees.

The resort also had 13 swimming pools, which included swim-up bars and an infinity pool which leads around the resort, some rooms on the bottom floor had the ability to walk right out of the room into the pool.

We had what they called a Jacuzzi junior suite to start, but then they upgraded us to the Casistas Suites due to us being on our honeymoon. Both rooms were exceptionally clean, roomy and the beds were super comfortable. Our room in the Casistas was beautiful, it featured a king size bed, in room Jacuzzi that had a rock waterfall where the water came out of, a private enclosed balcony, indoor and outdoor showers and an in-room safe. We also had our own soft luxurious robes and slippers.

Another amenity that the resort offered was free daily and nightly entertainment. One night it was a magician, the next it was live music the following night they had fire dancers and one night we attended a wine tasting event. There were also daily activities like a 5k marathon through the resort, volleyball tournaments in the pool, scuba lessons in another pool, excersize classes in the water as well as an onsite gym.

There is a location in the middle of the resort as well as the main lobby where you can also go to book your excursions outside of the resort. I highly recommend booking them through the resort instead of hailing a cab and just venturing out, it is much safer to do that. The excursions are paid at the time of booking and the hotel sets up the time and transportation for you. We did the deep sea fishing and we swam with the dolphins.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this resort to anyone traveling to Riviera Maya, Mexico. In fact anyone who is looking for an all-inclusive resort at a reasonable cost, I personally give The El Dorado Royale 5 stars ! The Resort is clean, the staff is friendly, the food was out of this world and our overall experience was a dream come true. We give it two thumbs up and we will definitely be returning in the future!

Disclaimer: This is a guest post by Jenelle Cribari who personally traveled to Mexico and stayed at El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites. All information contained within this blog post is copyright 2014 by the Pennsylvania and Beyond Travel Blog. Your opinion and experience may differ from our guest blogger.

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz in Engadin Valley Switzerland

Photo Courtesy of Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of visiting Switzerland but it is on my travel bucket list for 2016. In the meantime I have been enjoying various travel blog posts on it and of course...the thousands of photos over on Pinterest. Today I am sharing some information with all of you who may be planning a trip. This info is courtesy of the Carlton Hotel.

During the 2014/2015 winter season, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz will be celebrating 150 years of winter tourism in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland. Located in the birthplace of winter tourism, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is offering experiences reminiscent of “the bet” that established this international winter hotspot 150 years ago.

The original bet in St. Moritz involved a confident hotelier and four skeptic English guests who did not believe the Engadin winter sunshine could be enjoyed short-sleeved on a terrace – the hotelier undoubtedly won the bet as the four sceptics stayed in St. Moritz from Christmas to Easter 150 years ago. “The Bet” experience offered at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz allows guests to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers.

Photo courtesy Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

“The Bet” at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz includes a ride in a Bob Taxi on the Olympic Bob Run, a chance to learn how to play Bavarian Curling, and a Cresta Run beginners’ course. In addition to the sporting activities, the offer includes four nights’ accommodation in a suite or junior suite with a daily breakfast buffet, access to the luxurious Carlton Spa, private butler service, ski shuttle to Corviglia ski resort, 24-hour chauffeur service in St. Moritz and much more.

Also offered this year at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is the “St. Moritz Gourmet Festival” experience. The St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, held from January 26-30, 2015 will also be part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, launching this year’s “British Edition” of the festival in honor of the areas very first visitors.

The “St. Moritz Gourmet Festival” allows guests to enjoy the culinary expertise of the new Head Chef at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, Gero Porstein and guest-chef Angela Hartnett’s award-winning Cucina Italiana. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Welcome Cocktail Party at the Kempinski Grand Hotel as well as the legendary Kitchen Party at the Badrutt’s Palace. The offer includes three nights’ accommodation from January 26-29, 2015 in a suite or junior suite with a rich and varied buffet breakfast, private butler service and access to the luxurious Carlton Spa.

About the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz: The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz reopened in December 2007 following a substantial refurbishment by renowned Swiss architect Carlo Rampazzi. It is now one of the most fabulous hotels in the Alps – with 60 lake-view rooms, two restaurants, one of the best spas in St Moritz, and the only indoor and outdoor heated pool overlooking the Alps in this area. en.carlton-stmoritz.ch/. The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is part of the privately owned Tschuggen Hotel Group. The group comprises three multi-award winning luxury hotels in the 5-star superior category and two holiday hotels in the 3- and 4-star segment. It is synonymous with unique experiences, unostentatious hospitality, award-winning fine dining, superlative spa and wellness facilities, bright and colorful interior designs, and breathtaking views at Switzerland’s premier locations: Arosa, St. Moritz and Ascona. With their attractive innovations and offers, the hotels aim to appeal first and foremost to discerning individual guests seeking something out of the ordinary.

Plan a Vacation to CostaBaja Resort & Spa for the Holidays

Are you planning a vacation for the upcoming holiday season? Do you want to head to a tropical destination that has beautiful weather year round? If you answered yes to those questions then you want to consider a holiday vacation to CostaBaja Resort & Spa in Mexico.

Experience a stress-free holiday season in the "City of Peace" at CostaBaja Resort & Spa, a 5-star beachfront retreat overlooking a scenic mountain range and the balmy Sea of Cortez, dubbed the "Aquarium of the World" for its rich biodiversity.

Currently accommodating guests displaced by Hurricane Odile further down the Baja California coast in Los Cabos last month, CostaBaja has holiday availability for travelers looking to truly relax and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. The resort is fully operational and suffered no storm damage.

CostaBaja is situated on 550 acres of environmentally protected coastal lands 10 minutes from downtown La Paz, a cultural pearl known as the "City of Peace" that was named a top 10 place in the world to retire by the New York Times. The resort's luxurious hotel accommodations are the perfect home-away-from-home for the holidays and include private, furnished balconies with marina, mountain and ocean views. CostaBaja is also home to the region's finest destination spa, Mexico's only Gary Player-designed golf course, three pools, a 250-slip double-basin marina and, multiple onsite dining choices that include one of Mexico's finest restaurants.

Relax at the resort or head out to explore the amazing Sea of Cortez, dubbed the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau. Glide by boat or kayak to nearby Espiritu Santo Island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Bio-Reserves, alongside humpback and gray whales migrating to the balmy Baja California Sur for winter. Snorkel or dive amid schools of vibrantly colored fish and coral reefs, and meet a playful colony of sea lions as enamored with you as you are with them. La Paz also offers some of the world's best sportfishing, with coveted species such as black and blue marlin, Dorado and Wahoo plentiful. On land, explore ancient cave paintings dating to 10,000 B.C., experience an off-road desert excursion or visit a beautiful cactus sanctuary.

Look and feel your picture-perfect holiday best after a visit to the Espiritu Spa at CostaBaja, featuring custom crafted essential oil blends or choose from other holistic wellness and beauty treatments. Spend the evening under the impossibly bright stars while enjoying sweeping ocean views and world-class cuisine. Onsite dining choices include Steinbecks, CostaBaja's signature restaurant where one of Mexico's top chefs, Alejandro Villagomez, works his culinary magic using local ingredients and seafood caught fresh daily. Additional onsite dining spots include beautiful Mosaic restaurant's indoor/outdoor breakfast buffet and additional, scenic venues at the golf club and beach and pool bars.

Hotel Arts Barcelona Introduces Mediterranean Masterpiece

Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of traveling to Spain, although it is on my travel bucket list of places that I would love to visit. With that said, my sister had the pleasure of honeymooning in Barcelona and told me that it's a beautiful place to visit that is rich in cultural history and activities.

I know that many of my travel blog readers are working on their vacation plans and looking for fun destinations to visit, so I wanted to pass on this information about the Hotel Arts Barcelona that was recently sent in to me to share with all of my blog readers. Looks beautiful for sure and definitely my type of travel destination!

Hotel Arts Barcelona Introduces Mediterranean Masterpiece with New Arola Brunch

Hotel Arts Barcelona is at the forefront of a new European lifestyle trend of Sunday brunching with the introduction of the new Arola brunch. Beginning this May, Hotel Arts Barcelona has introduced an all-encompassing Sunday brunch experience on the terraces of its renowned restaurant, Arola. Considered a longstanding tradition in the US, brunch has recently taken off in Barcelona and is rapidly becoming a weekend ritual for many residents and visitors. As a trendsetter in the industry, Hotel Arts Barcelona has embraced this movement and created an authentic Catalan culinary experience at the ideal Mediterranean location to spend Sundays.

The new brunch will cater to the needs of both experienced epicurean enthusiasts and less gastronomically versed travelers, with its varied dishes and activities to partake in while “brunching” at Arola. As part of the innovative brunch experience, Arola has crafted an original prix fixe menu for adults and children to highlight the striking flavors of local ingredients. It encompasses signature dishes such as Eggs Benedict by Arola with toast, confit pork jowls and foie gras. Guests will also be tempted to taste other creations of Michelin-starred Chef Sergi Arola, who has succeeded in revitalizing traditional Catalan favorites such as Cuttlefish with black rice and peas.

Aside from its diverse main course menu, the brunch will also feature treats for all ages. Children will be welcomed to indulge in seasonal ice creams and sorbets served from a classic ice-cream cart while an outdoor bar will hold appeal for adults, serving gin & tonics and cocktails made with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own garden.

Arola’s brunch experience stands out amongst a burgeoning trend in Europe with the numerous additional activities and services available onsite. An outdoor area, set up with communal, family-friendly activities like table tennis and foosball, is designed to make for a memorable meal. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, with lively tunes spun by a local DJ, Arola is fast becoming the Mediterranean’s Sunday afternoon brunch forerunner.

About Hotel Arts Barcelona: Hotel Arts Barcelona boasts stunning panoramic views from its unique location on the waterfront, in the heart of the city’s Olympic Village area. Designed by renowned architect Bruce Graham, Hotel Arts features 44 floors of exposed glass and steel, making it a prominent feature of Barcelona’s skyline. The waterfront hotel’s 455 rooms and 28 exclusive duplex Apartments feature sleek, modern design complemented by an impressive 20th century collection of works by contemporary Catalan and Spanish artists. The only hotel in Spain featuring two Michelin-starred chefs, Hotel Arts is one of the premier culinary destinations in Barcelona with Enoteca and Arola restaurants. Guests seeking a serene escape may enjoy signature treatments in the 43rd floor spa. Recognized as one of the top business hotels in Spain, Hotel Arts provides over 3,000 square-feet of function space overlooking the Mediterranean in Arts 41, for board meetings and conferences as well as social events, weddings and celebrations. The hotel offers an additional 24,000 square-feet of function space, with the main meeting space located on the lower ground and second floors. For more information, please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Barcelona/Default.htm.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. The information and photos are copyright by the Hotel Arts Barcelona. 

Uncover the Art & Culture of Los Cabos

My first visit to Mexico was when I was approximately 10 years old. My grand parents took my brother and I to vacation at their home on Cholla Bay. Ever since that very first visit as a child, I fell in love with the beauty and culture that Mexico has to offer.

For years...we would go down to their vacation home to take in some festivals, shopping, sea fishing, crabbing, etc. The locals always treated us well and looked forward to my family's visits. Matter of fact, my grandfather ended up employing several locals to care for his property & boats when he would be home in the US (Arizona).

Today I wanted to share some information with all of you about Los Cabos and the art culture that exists there.

Uncover the Art & Culture of Los Cabos: Travelers Invited to Engage in "Art Therapy" by Participating in Art Classes, Gallery Tours & More!

Travelers exploring Los Cabos will not only discover white sand beaches, breathtaking backdrops and one-of-a-kind gastronomy but also a budding, vibrant art scene. From various art programs available in many of the destination's top hotels to the Art District in San Jose del Cabo, travelers have the opportunity to engage in "art therapy" while exploring Los Cabos' rich cultural offerings first hand.

San Jose del Cabo is home to the culturally rich Art District, featuring numerous high-end fine art galleries showcasing original paintings, sculptures, photography, prints and jewelry by contemporary artists. The Art District of San Jose del Cabo has become the cultural center of Baja and is home to some of the area's top restaurants. Every Thursday evening from November to June, San Jose del Cabo hosts an Art Walk where art galleries welcome guests to enjoy an evening stroll through the neighborhood while exploring a series of events including wine tastings, dinner and "meet and greets" with the artists. Galleries are open to the public year-round.

Located in San Jose del Cabo in the center of the Art District, Mi Casa Restaurant has become a landmark in the heart of San Jose del Cabo and has been internationally recognized for its authentic Mexican cuisine and its traditional Mexican art decorating the hacienda-style restaurant. Travelers can enjoy life-sized murals depicting tales of Los Cabos and unique, colorful art pieces throughout the venue. For more information on Mi Casa Restaurant.

Many of the destination's resorts incorporate art into the property's décor and make it available for purchase by guests. At Las Ventanas al Paraiso guests can admire and purchase stunning artwork, jewelry, pottery and other items created by Mexican artisans at its MAP Store, Museum of Mexican Popular Art. The MAP Store is a nonprofit organization that provides Mexican artisans a venue to exhibit and sell their products. Experts from the MAP Store travel to small towns and villages in Mexico in search for the highest quality pieces from local artisans so guests can appreciate and bring a small piece of Mexico's rich culture home. Art lovers will also appreciate Las Ventanas al Paraiso's recently unveiled villas featuring art pieces of renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante.

One & Only Palmilla recently introduced its Art Studio, offering guests the opportunity to personalize art classes that suit their interests. Families seeking a unique activity can partake in the 'Family Art Lab Workshops", instructed by a professional in-residence artist at the oceanfront Studio Terrace or in the comfort of their own private villa. The class includes three hours of instruction and all materials for $300 per family.

The new Hotel El Ganzooffers a different approach to art through its unique artists in residence program. Renowned artists from around the world are invited to stay at the hotel and create a masterpiece anywhere they choose in the property. The property's white walls serve as canvas for the artists. Some of the artists that have stayed on the property include Manel Pujol, Jan de Cock, Sean Dower, Saner, among many others. Guests are invited to experience the art installations and interact with the artists in residence.

Located within the same development as Hotel El Ganzo, the Puerto Los Cabos Sculpture Garden features 15 bronze sculptures and 50 pieces of artwork and Wirikuta Botanical Garden features hundreds of different types of cactus and has hosted major events including fashion and dance shows. Travelers are welcome to take a bike ride through the scenic marina and gardens to enjoy the spectacular art pieces by surrealist artist Leonora Carrington.

Just 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, the "Magic Town" of Todos Santos is famous for its vibrant art scene. In recent years, many artists, artisans and craftsmen have moved to the area and established numerous art galleries. Located in Todos Santos, Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa houses the art exhibition of Mexican artist Aleta. Guests can appreciate her work, which decorates the hotel's interior, and bring out their inner artist through an art class aimed at refining artistic abilities in charcoal, watercolor, paper mosaic and more.

Film aficionados will be thrilled to learn that the Los Cabos International Film Festival will return to the destination for third consecutive year, taking place from November 11-16. Celebrated artists, filmmakers and A-list personalities from the film industry from around the world will converge in Los Cabos to showcase a variety of international documentaries and films. Celebrities that attended the event previous years include Edward Norton, Matt Dillon, Josh Lucas, Gael Garcia, Diego Luna and Melissa Leo among many others. For more information on the Los Cabos International Film Festival.

Los Cabos, located at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, is one of the world's most diverse tourism destinations. Boasting a dramatic desert backdrop nestled by coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is home to award-winning resorts and culinary offerings considered some of the finest available anywhere. A growing list of championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas, world-renowned sport fishing tournaments, and state of the art convention facilities add to the destination's unmatched appeal.