Journey Mexico Blog

This week marks the beginning of Carnival (also known as Mardi Gras in the US), which is celebrated in many regions of the world and was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards. Because celebrations begin the week before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent), the date of Carnival changes year to year. This year’s festivities will begin this weekend for most of Mexico; however, the nation’s two largest celebrations in Veracruz and Mazatlan have already begun.

The history of Carnival relates to the Biblical 40 days of Lent, which refers to the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert. During lent, participants give up eating rich foods such as meat, dairy, fats and sugar to pay homage to the suffering and self control of Christ. Because all rich foods had to be rid of by Ash Wednesday, people began converging for large feasts leading up to the start of Lent in order to dispose of the food so it wouldn’t just go to waste. These feasts are the origin of the large, colorful parties we celebrate today.

Though Mexico’s most famous carnival festivities are held in Veracruz and Mazatlan (and are considered by many to rival those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans), other cities throughout Mexico like Merida, Cozumel, Campeche, Ensendada, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta throw large Carnvial celebrations that are not be missed.

It’s fun to browse online travel sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz to get a closer look at exotic destinations and dream about a well-deserved getaway. However, if your plans include a luxury adventure in Mexico, it may not be a good idea to book your trip all by yourself. Here are just a few reasons why you need an expert travel agent:

An Expert Travel Agent Caters to the Luxury Market
Online travel sites are price driven. These Internet gurus know that their customers come to them primarily for bargains, and they certainly deliver. However, this also means that they may not even include the most luxurious accommodations like small, boutique resorts or private villas. An expert travel agent or travel specialist knows the luxury travel industry in detail and can offer personal recommendations about the best place for you to stay based on your individual needs whether that means an all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya or an oceanfront villa with the best surf you’ve ever seen right at your doorstep.

They Know the Area Inside and Out
Of course, an adventure getaway in Mexico doesn’t stop with premium accommodations. An expert in-country travel agent can make the necessary arrangements for a private tour of an ancient ruin, a seat at the chef’s table in an exclusive restaurant or an exciting dive of an uncharted cenote. In fact, these professionals have usually experienced the very thing they’re recommending. You definitely won’t get that kind of personal service at an online site.

They’re Your Lifeline While You’re Away
If you book your own flights, rental car and room, who can you turn to if you have a problem? Although smartphones make it easy to log onto a website, it’s not the same as reaching out to a real person who knows you when your plans go astray. An expert in-country travel agent will be able to help whether you lose your wallet, have a health emergency or your flight is cancelled. Even if you never need their assistance during your vacation, just knowing they’re only a phone call away will add to your peace of mind during your stay in this friendly country.

For help planning your next luxury adventure in Mexico, give Journey Mexico a call – in-country Mexico specialists headquartered in Puerto Vallarta with over 30 years combined experience. Our president, Zach Rabinor, is the only Conde Nast Travel Specialist for Mexico who is also a CNT Villa Specialist.

Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel

Casa Lecanda is a small luxury boutique hotel built in a completely restored traditional Yucatecan home, the hotel has been designed to retain the original Meridian style with points of European luxury so prevalent in the golden age of Merida’s Sisal barons. Painstaking attention to detail, architecture, and landscaping provides guests with a uniquely local experience and a sanctuary within the city; a refuge of serenity, privacy and relaxation. A place our guests can call home as they reach out and discover all the beauty and magnificence that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer.

Click here to view more photographs

International Luxury Travel Market Americas

As a provider of luxury travel to Mexico, we’re excited to share some news with our clients. The International Luxury Travel Market is holding a completely new conference this year to focus on the travel and hospitality needs of visitors to North and Latin America. Branded as International Luxury Travel Market Americas, or ILTM Americas, this event will bring together the movers and shakers in this segment of the industry to discuss the latest developments and innovations in this marketplace.

Today’s Matteo’s Moments is a follow up to the Jan. 6th, Día de Los Reyes webisode in which Jenny, Andrea, Miguel, and Diego each found a baby Jesus (or a wise man) in their piece of the Rosca de Reyes. According to Mexican tradition and much to the delight of the rest of the office, those who find baby Jesus and the wise men must bring tamales for everyone on Feb. 2nd, Dia de la Candelaria.

In this episode of Matteo’s Moments, Matteo gives you an overview of the Dia de la Candelaria tradition, but you can find more about Dia de la Candelaria at this Mexican cooking and culture blog: The Other Side of the Tortilla.

Can’t decide between the seductive privacy of a luxury villa and the opulence of a full-service resort? If you stay at the secluded Viceroy Riviera Maya (formerly The Tides Riviera Maya) just outside the tiny town of Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico, you can have the best of both worlds. This resort refuge awaits with a luxurious spa, seven miles of white-sand beaches and award-winning cuisine.

Your Own Spacious Villa
This luxurious retreat is made up of 41 individual villas. Each space features over 1,000 square feet of privacy in addition to your own plunge pool and private patio. With a contemporary-classic décor that is the epitome of simple elegance, you’ll never want to leave the comfort of the Viceroy. Each villa is positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings with views of the ocean or the tropical gardens.

The Luxurious Maya Spa
For a little well-deserved pampering, visit the Maya Spa at the Viceroy Riviera Maya. This full-service wellness center offers a complete menu of holistic treatments based on natural marine ingredients and aromatic herbs from the local countryside. Whether you indulge in a traditional spa treatment like a massage or facial, partake in an exercise session at the waterfront yoga studio or spend time in the Maya Temazcal steam cave, you’ll emerge looking and feeling better than you ever imagined.

Award-Winning Cuisine
If you’re dining on-site, you won’t be disappointed by the award-winning fare served at La Marea. The chef specializes in Mexican, Mayan and Mediterranean dishes, but the kitchen is prepared to create special dishes upon request. Enjoy the “Mayaterrean Cuisine” in the island-inspired ambiance of the La Marea dining room or have your meals delivered to your villa, the beach or poolside. For more casual fare or a little variety, try the Library Lounge or the Coral Grill and Bar.

Never a Dull Moment
A week of pure indulgence is the definition of a perfect vacation for many, but others prefer a more active experience. The Viceroy Riviera Maya satisfies these needs, as well. Whether you’ve always dreamed of exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, diving a local cenote or spending a day on the water angling for a trophy sailfish, the concierge can make all the arrangements. On-site activities include SCUBA diving, horseback riding, swimming and more.

Considering a trip to the Riviera Maya? At Journey Mexico, we can make the arrangements for stays in the Riviera Maya at the Viceroy or at any other luxury location in this exciting region. Give us a call today to get started!

The January addition of the Journey Mexico Newsletter is out, with a new look! Our headline story recaps 2011 travel and shares 2012 predictions and we’ve added a spotlight section featuring the Copper Canyon!  Our Travel Promotion highlights the luxury Haciendas, 5 beautiful properties in the Yucatan you can choose to stay at with an exclusive JM offer.  Ands always, you will also find the latest news of hotel & industry updates, and latest news from Journey Mexico including upcoming travel dates for January & February.

You can view the newsletter in its entirety here>>

At Journey Mexico, we recommend the Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya to our clients when they express a desire to get away from it all in order to unwind and recharge. Although this modern paradise is nestled within one of most beautiful areas of the world, it’s actually one of the Yucatan’s hidden treasures where you can leave your cares behind without compromising any of life’s little pleasures. Sound like paradise? Well, we think it comes pretty close! Here’s some more information to help you decide if a stay at the Maroma is right for you:

Looking to discover the local treasures of Mexico with exceptional experiences? Nestled between azure waters and archaeological treasures, the historic Haciendas in The Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels & Resorts combine a rich heritage with extraordinary amenities.  Journey Mexico, together with The Haciendas in the Yucatan region of Mexico, bring you an exclusive offer valid at any five of their properties.

Offer:

3 night minimum stay (mix-and-match)

Upgrade to next category subject to availability upon arrival

American Breakfast

One 3 course dinner (alcoholic beverages not included, indicate the hacienda  at time of booking)

Booking Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012
Travel Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012

Rates starting at $490 usd per room per night  + 19 % taxes + 5% service charge

If you’d like to take a trip south of the border for a little fun in the sun this year, don’t let those news reports put you off. Mexico, like any other country including the U.S., has isolated areas that are dangerous for anyone, but most of this friendly destination is perfectly safe for tourists. In fact, Mexico saw a tremendous growth in international tourism during 2011.

The Numbers Never Lie!

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at these numbers:

• 3.4 percent more Americans and 3.7 percent more Canadians visited Mexico in 2011 compared to 2010.
• German tourism jumped by 8.4 percent, Argentinean by 23.6 percent and French by 5.8 percent.
• In the first half of 2011, 10.3 million Americans visited Mexico. This accounted for 36 percent of all international travel by United States citizens during this time period.
• Over the same six months, only 5.2 million Americans traveled to Europe, and 3.2 million visited the Caribbean.

Of course, most of these adventurous travelers had the time of their lives and never felt threatened in any way during their stay. With beautiful beaches, exotic ruins and wonderful food, it’s no wonder that more and more people are living it up in Old Mexico!

Be Smart and Be Safe

Whenever you’re traveling, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect your safety. This is true whether you spend your vacation at a nearby campground or i

n a posh resort. Here are a few tips to follow during your stay in Mexico:

• Know Your Destination – Before you leave home, do a little research. This can alert you to any danger zones as well as help you learn the local customs. Here’s another tip: Rely on an experienced travel agent who really knows Mexico for the best advice.
• Leave Your Valuables at Home – Pack light and leave your fancy jewelry and expensive watches at home.
• Don’t Flash Your Cash – Only use ATMs in safe areas and put your money away immediately.
• Check In Frequently – Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back home and check in frequently. While you’re away, don’t share your exact plans with even the friendliest stranger.

If all else fails, consider one of the guided tours offered by Journey Mexico. With this plan, you’ll see the highlights of this beautiful country while having the added security of group travel and a leader who knows the ins and outs of this exciting area. Give us a call today to book your next trip!

Let us help you plan an exotic Mexico vacation today!
Tel: +52 (322) 225 9821
Toll Free (from the U.S.): 1-800-513-1587
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Repost from Conde Nast Traveler

Thanks to Mayan prophecies and reports of violence, travelers have a lot of questions about traveling to Mexico these days. On Thursday at 2pm EST, Zachary Rabinor of Journey Mexico—one of the top-rated, thoroughly vetted travel specialists that is recommended in Wendy Perrin’s Top Travel Specialist Collection—will be live on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Facebook page to answer questions.

Here are a few more details about this online session:

When & Where
The Conde Nast Traveler’s Facebook chat is scheduled for today, Thursday, Jan 12, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Getting there is easy. Simply link to the Conde Nast Traveler’s Facebook page. In the meantime, spend a few minutes thinking about what you’d like to get out of your trip to Mexico so that you can make the most of this opportunity. You can post your questions as soon as the chat starts.

A Little About Zachary Rabinor
Zachary, your travel expert for this event, lives and breathes Mexican tourism. In fact, he spends most of his time inside the country and bases his operations out of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for someone who knows the scoop on where to stay, the local culture, the best surfing spots or how to get a seat at the chef’s table in a top restaurant, Zach is the man to talk to! On January 12th, be ready to ask Zach the hard questions. You can bet he’ll have the answers!

Don’t miss this chance to ask Mexico’s top travel specialist all your most detailed questions. If you found this post a little too late, don’t worry! Just give our travel experts at Journey Mexico a call. If they can’t answer your questions, they’ll get the information for you directly from Zach! He’s definitely the brains behind Journey Mexico.

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Update Post-Chat: You can find the thread here