Susan Bruce Travel

Jordan

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:46:57 GMT

From Sea to Desert

Historical Jordan Fascinates

I was naturally thrilled when invited to join the Jordan Tourism Board 's first travel advisor Master Class program this past October.

Trip Highlights :

Jordan is one of the most stable countries in the region and I felt safe day and night.
Jordan is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites .
The people! Incredibly warm, hospitable, helpful and fun, Jordanians won my heart. A special shoutout goes to UTA, the operator that planned our trip, especially Rula and Ali.
Despite scarce natural resources, Jordan has one of the highest development indexes based on the skill and education of its workforce, tourism, and health services.
The numerous women's enterprise cooperatives we visited across the country were so uplifting , along with t he government and community support .
Petra and the Dead Sea were my favorite locations but every day cemented what a diverse, interesting country Jordan is. I had to brush up on my history and the main groups over time that passed through and settled in Jordan--long a crossroads of the Middle East .

Our group of agents started the trip in Amman , Jordan's capital with a welcome dinner at Sufra restaurant.

We enjoyed a private before-hours visit to Amman's fabulous Jordan Museum illustrating the country's history and hosting its most important archaeological artifacts. My favorites were the 9000-year-old ʿ plaster Ain Ghazal statues , which are among the largest, oldest statues of humans ever made, and the Dead Sea Scrolls .

I discovered a great selection of 5-star hotels in Amman, some opening just in the past couple of year.

We visited Jerash , about an hour from Amman, one of the best preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy dating back over 6,500 years.

One of my biggest surprises was how beautiful the Dead Sea is with the mountains of Israel in the background. Also, how fun and restorative it was to cover your body with mud and after it dries, rinse off in the Sea, which is oily and salty, and yes, you can't sink!

Petra was as magical as I'd anticipated, especially seeing it first at night. Insider's Tip : We arrived a good hour later than the official opening time and had the walk through the canyon by candlelight all to ourselves.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Petra was an important trade route. Also called the Rose City, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is f amous for its rock-carved architecture and ingenious water conduit system. Don't miss the excellent museum near the entrance!

There are a host of large hotels near Petra, but I prefer the couple of charming inns built in the middle of old villages.

Just south of Petra lies Wadi Rum , Jordan's famous red sand desert and where Lawrence of Arabia spent weeks during the 1917 Arab uprising. Stargazing under brilliant clear night skies is amazing.

After the official trip ended, I headed to Aqaba to scuba dive in the Red Sea, long on my bucket list. The diving and health of the marine life did not disappoint! The area is rightfully famous for its clear waters and great beaches .

Known as the Pearl of the Red Sea, Aqaba boasts some significant history and sites , including the Islamic-era Aqaba Fort and Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque.

I left Jordan having fallen in love with the people and the country. I can't wait to help you plan your visit to this fascinating, charming country! Many travelers combine Jordan with Egypt, Turkey, or, like me, Israel.

Photos by Susan Bruce

Gorilla and Chimp Trekking in Remarkable Rwanda

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:49:00 GMT

High in the misty hills of Rwanda , exiting a bamboo forest we turned the corner and there he was, in a small clearing of lush green thicket in the day bed he’d made . The silverback turned, looked at us and turned back again. Just some humans.

Suddenly an adolescent swung in and landed on the alpha male, who gently swatted him away and moved off into the undergrowth.

This past May, I realized one of my personal bucket list experiences–being with gorillas in the wild– when I joined a small group of travel agents invited by One&Only resorts and Micato Safaris to visit Rwanda .

We saw some of the last remaining mountain gorillas and chimps- -our closest DNA relatives–several species of monkeys, birds galore and other wildlife , and on-the-ground conservation and community programs in action.

I saw how Rwanda has become a model of healing and transformation after the 1994 genocide, building the country while caring about the environment. I was so impressed by Rwanda, landlocked except for giant Lake Kivu, forming the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is clean, safe, progressive and beautiful .

My Itinerary :
* 3 nights in the capital Kigali
* 3 nights in Nyungwe to see the chimps
* 3 nights at Volcanoes National Park to see the gorillas .

I’ll get to the most memorable experience first, the gorillas . .. surpassing all my expectations!

We drove through verdant, undulating countryside , through villages and along the shores of Lake Kivu, and, gaining elevation, arrived at the gorgeous One&Only Gorilla’s Nest resort.

“Rooms” are actually individual dwellings nestled in the enviro-friendly landscape and wild outdoors full of smells, birds, flowers, bamboo and beauty. The air is fresh and cool with mists flowing through at any time, followed by filtered sunlight on the glistening forest.

Gorilla Trekking

After negative COVID tests taken the day before, we left early next morning for our first gorilla trek. Following a briefing at the Volcanos National Park headquarters, we split into two groups. My jeep drove through a cobble-stoned village up to our trailhead.

We chose a walking stick and met our porter who would help on the two-hour hike as needed. I really enjoyed getting to know these guys on both days in the park.

We walked through fields of pyrethrum , a daisy like flower used in organic sunscreens, popular in Europe. Dian Fossey describes the encroachment of these cultivated crops in the volcanic and fertile park back in Gorillas in the Mist . We share greetings and curiosity with families working in the fields, head up, passing giant bushes of hydrangea and enter the forest.

We navigate a range of ecosystems –low tunnels of curved bamboo, open hills of vegetation where we could see buffalo, trees with golden monkeys and slippery slopes, thankful for the walking stick. The air, sights, sounds and experience are wonderful.

Suddenly we stop–the gorillas are near. We leave our porters behind to minimize the number of people with the gorillas, and follow the two lead guides. That’s when we meet the silverback . Then a group of 4 females and a juvenile male; later babies swinging doing acrobatics above us and making sure we are watching them.

We end up seeing all 10 members of the Hirwa (lucky) group. Spending a magical hour in the presence of these beautiful, intelligent, emotional creatures, so complex in their social structure, was amazing.

Next day was sunnier and hiking to a different location, we visited the Agashya (special) group of 12 that included three silverbacks. Sometimes they are amazingly close to us, running or ambling right by. Years of habituation result in them being remarkably comfortable around non-threatening humans.

The survival of these iconic magnificent creatures largely stems from the dedication and struggle of Dian Fossey . Many of the threats she describes in her famous book are still ongoing such as human encroachment in the park, habitat degradation and poaching. But One&Only and Micato Safaris are major contributors to conservation initiatives and the local community .

Chimpanzee Trekking

Although the gorillas stole my heart, spending time with chimpanzees was exhilarating and another bucket list realized during my trip.

There were many highlights on this part of the trip–starting with my first ever helicopter ride! In under an hour we flew from Kigali over the lush hilly countryside to the stunning One&Only Nyungwe House resort, in the middle of tea country and surrounded by misty mountains.

We were welcomed by a soulful, joyous performance of music and dance . As with One&Only’s sister property Gorilla’s Nest, we were blow away by the beauty, nature, style, comfort and all-around understated luxury of the resort. There were so many things to do from bird watching, canopy walks, and tea tastings to the glorious spa and yoga by the pool.

Kigali–Rwanda’s Vibrant Capital

We began our journey in the capital, staying at the Kiglai Serena , a renowned lovely hotel with a traditional African feel and art, plus a great pool surrounded by tropical trees and birds. We stopped at The Retreat hotel for lunch and met the American owners who have lived in Rwanda for decades.

In prep for my trip, I’d learned that Rwanda was the safest country in Africa and fifth safest in the world. And sure enough, I did feel safe in Kigali and throughout the country. My first day I took a long walk through the hilly capital known as the “city of a 1000 hills,” or Mille Collines in French and name of the real Hotel Rwanda made famous in the film.

Of course a country’s history and complexities are multifaceted and Rwanda is no exception. I also started peeling that onion.

At times people go haywire in society and commit genocide. This happened in Rwanda between different ethnic groups in 1994. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial , with audio headset, we moved through rooms showing the timeline and events of the violence, and the healing process. An extremely moving experience.

We were in Rwanda on the 27th anniversary of the genocide–called Kwibuka . We saw locals visiting rooms with photos of victims and graves outside among now mature rose bushes. The last room shows other genocide events around the world, reminding us of the need for tolerance, respect and love.

Today the focus is on being Rwandan and ethnic identification is banned . One night in front a bonfire at Nyungwe, a guide bravely shared his harrowing personal experience during the genocide. He was 15 at the time.

Photos by Susan Bruce

Looking Forward to Travel

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:37:00 GMT

Greetings fellow travelers!

So here we are — one surreal year out. The evening of March 13, 2020, I made the difficult decision to cancel a 2-week trip to Africa due to depart the next day. Little did we know quite how much our world would change .

Yet, I write this message on an upbeat : last week I had my first dose of Moderna vaccine ? I remember last fall getting a flu shot at Walgreens and expressing out loud that I couldn’t wait to be sitting in a chair with my sleeve rolled up for a COVID vaccine. Now I am on my way to being fully vaccinated and, like everyone, have cabin fever . I think COVID quarantine has really underscored how important travel is in our lives–all that is brings–and how much we miss it.

If, when, and how to travel is a very individual decision . Personal and public health are top priorities . But from experience, I know that with careful planning and taking full COVID precautions, people are getting away to be with family, loved ones or just to change it up and explore a jungle or beach . For many it’s a mental health undertaking.

So let’s look BACK and FORWARD …

INSIGHTS on how the TRAVEL INDUSTRY has been IMPACTED by COVID-19 :

2020 international tourism fell around 80%
2020 travel spending was down in the U.S. 48% Car travel down 20%
U.S. airlines carried 63% fewer passengers in January 2021 than January 2020
Travel constitutes a large part of GDP around the world – an average of 10.4% in 2019 but only 3.3% in 2020. There’s an interlinked nature, a boomerang effect , between travel and the wider economy–when one is down the other follows.
The entire industry has been hit ; particularly smaller enterprises. Of the American jobs lost to the pandemic’s economic fallout, a whopping 65% have been travel-supported job s.
Most leisure travel for Americans was domestic . International travel comprised mostly short flights to beach destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America.
Sources: UNWTO, U.S. Travel Association, Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

As more of us are vaccinated, and the world cautiously comes out of quarantine, some FUTURE TRENDS:

American Road Trip National and state parks offer rejuvenating nature, natural social distancing and a great bang for the buck be it camping, on-site lodge or a luxury boutique hotel. This past year I’ve planned road trips for clients all around the country including Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Great Sand Dunes, Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Zion national parks.

For a truly special adventure, visit the award-winning luxury yet rustic Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge with only 5 cabins and family run for over 50 years. You’ll be surrounded by pristine Alaska wilderness and abundant wildlife and your visit customized just for you. This is a great option for a group or family looking to buy out the entire lodge.

Even more intimate and off-the-beaten path is Kachemak’s sister property Loonsong Lake Lodge that offers a cocoon of privacy and beauty for no more than 4 guests. The master bedroom was featured in Conde Nast’s full-page “Room with a View” section.

Ranches have become more popular with multi-gen families this past year. Favorites include Lone Mountain Ranch and Paws Up in Montana, and C Lazy U and Vermejo in Colorado where you can be secluded yet together.

Slow Tourism Instead of trying to cover many destinations in a few days, we’ll be seeing longer stays in fewer destinations . This not only reduces medical risk and climate change stressors, but enables you to fully explore where you are and have more meaningful experiences…depth not breadth.

Sustainability I’m seeing a growing trend of clients being more sensitive to the health of the planet and how travel can be a positive rather than negative force . I work with them in choosing properties and companies that go the extra mile to minimize their footprint and support local communities, wildlife and the environment. This move to slow travel and sustainability will also hopefully drive travelers to more off-the-beaten-track destinations, taking the strain off those places that are being “loved to death.”

Flexible Terms and Conditions We’ve seen the travel industry bend over backwards to accommodate these uncertain times : airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines waiving change fees; offering refunds and generous vouchers for future travel; some airlines still blocking seats; and virtually every aspect of travel seeing reduced capacity from hotels to shuttles to tours to minimize COVID transmission. Enhanced hygiene all around.

Travel Insurance More of my clients are purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen cancellations and interruptions in their travel. Insurance facilitates peace of mind, ease and comfort of travel, protecting your financial investment and medical and safety coverage.

Value of Travel Agent As conditions remain fluid during the pandemic, I’m hearing more appreciation from travelers that they are working with a travel agent . We keep up with the ever-changing landscape of country and hotel closures and openings, cruise cancellations and COVID requirements. We can seek creative options to help you through your travel decisions. And most importantly are there for you from initial planning through whatever may transpire. I’ve changed some clients’ travel plans multiple times this past year.

Promotions While COVID is still a major concern when considering if and where to travel, for Americans who have been fully vaccinated , many countries are opening up such as Belize, Ecuador, Peru and Iceland jut in the last week. With smarts and exercising COVID precautions travel can be great. Do keep in mind, currently, everyone including U.S. citizens must present a negative COVID test to enter the U.S. Many overseas accommodations are offering assistance with test taking or even complementary tests onsite.

For those who choose to travel, great opportunities abound as the industry encourages people to safely venture out.

A perennial client favorite, Devil’s Thumb Ranch , 75-miles west of Denver in the mountains, offers a free night stay and acres of land to enjoy all year long.

Several Four Seasons Resorts have free night promotions. As a preferred partner with Four Seasons, I have stayed in so many different properties around the world from urban to way remote! Check with me on current promotions and Virtuoso amenities.

Another favorite is Chablé Yucatan in the countryside near the historic city of Mérida, MX. The area is rich in the culture of the Mayan people both in the past and today. Ruins, cenotes and haciendas dot this landscape.

While promotions are out there, so is growing demand , and with still limited capacity, many places are filling up.

As a member of the Virtuoso travel consortium, I offer a range of amenities such as complementary room upgrade, breakfast and resort credit with luxury properties and tour operators around the world, and peace of mind knowing your trip is in good hands so you can focus on the experience. Part of getting away is to unhook, unburden.

So start planning now !
I am here whenev er you are ready to travel…or to just talk travel.
Whatever the place, circumstance, or means —

Happy and Healthy Trails Ahead!

Susan

Traveling to Mexico November 2020

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 02:01:00 GMT

Well, yes, these are extraordinary times. The pandemic has affected us all and we yearn to travel, to stretch our wings and horizons. To engage with other lands and people, change up our normal, and have time to chill, explore and reflect.

Like many, I have prioritized stayed home during the pandemic. The extent of my 2020 travels has been local, including a couple of wonderful camping trips.

For over a year I’ve been attending Zoom calls as a member of the One&Only Mandarina Virtuoso Agent Board. So when invited for an in-person visit November 2020, I decided to go.

My Covid practices were pretty solid and colleagues reported good travel experiences. Being a travel agent, I loved researching and planning the trip.

I added on some additional time to explore the area before and after Mandarina for a total of 9 days. I rented a car at the airport which was easy and inexpensive.

Here is my experience traveling at airports, on planes and in Mexico.

My trip was easier and safer than I had imagined. I used a free service from Denver’s airport, FlyDenver.com , to make a time reservation for an express lane at security and special car on the train to the terminal to minimize density. It was great! I wore a N-95 mask– the first I’d ever worn. We should all be able to wear these comfortable, safe masks!

My direct United flight to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), 3:30 hours , was very chill, No one was on my row going or coming; flights about 60% full. You can modify your seat selection online up to time of departure and most airlines have waived change fees.

To enter and exit Mexico I had to fill out a Covid-related form: no test nor temperature check at PVR or Denver. As a precaution, I took rapid and PCR Covid tests before I left home, and when I returned, with results being negative. Very happy about that.

On the return, it was the fastest I’ve ever gone through U.S. immigration and out to pick up my Lyft ride home. In the car, the windows were down, a plastic shield separated the driver and me, and we wore masks.

The places I stayed and explored in Mexico were in the open-air, outdoors. The government currently limits hotels to 30% occupancy. All employees wear masks. And it is a nice time to visit when there are fewer people. Weather is divine!

There are some wonderful long-term or staycation and shorter term options at attractive prices/terms right now. Here are where clients have stayed recently:

If you are ready to try travel, what international direct flights depart from your airport and what appeals to you ? Lush, desert, beach, mountains? What do you like to do? Do you want to be in a hotel complex with a restaurant or secluded villa with kitchen?

A good rule of thumb is to check out Covid data for where you are considering. What is the area’s current status? Rate of growth? Puerto Vallarta had an outbreak of Covid; it is a compact, old, cobblestoned town. Punta Mita, where I was mostly and is more spread out, has very few cases. And of course check out Covid restrictions and policies.

This is my itinerary over the 9 days :

I love the ocean and was able to dive twice, once reforesting coral with Mexican actor Aaron Diaz who is making a documentary series on Mexico’s natural treasures.

This trip was wonderful for me physically, mentally and socially . A secluded beautiful spot is a great way to take a reprieve, to recharge. And to explore and be active in nature.

Most of the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and Central America are among destinations open to US citizen s with relatively short flight time. It’s important to work with operators and partners whose mission supports environmental respect and action. And who support and engage the local community.

The choices we make during the pandemic are very personal and unique . I would never make assumptions nor give advice on what is right for you. Stay safe and keep exploring in your mind, in your own backyard or even beyond. And of course, I’m here to help navigate if/when you might go. Above all, stay safe!

Mandarina–Beach and Jungle Nirvana in Mexico

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 20:15:00 GMT

Advisory Board for the One&Only Mandarina , I was finally going to experience in person this brand new resort an hour from the Puerto Vallarta airport , on a raw, protected part of the Riviera Nayarit coastline where mountains meet the sea.

From the moment I arrive at Mandarina I feel safe . The entire resort is so open-air and spread out, it is perfect for social distancing. All employees wear masks . For more on my experiences traveling in airports, planes, Mexico and in general during Covid-19 see HERE .

Mandarina is a true marriage of jungle and ocean ! A rare oasis where nature takes center stage at all times, even in your room.

Spread out over 600 acres, each of the 112 rooms is a free-standing treehouse jungle abode , with a plunge pool, surrounded by nature, and a wonderful peaceful vibe .

I breakfasted every morning at Alma restaurant, with green mountains all around, looking out on the infinity pool, into the azure horizon of ocean.

Atop Mandarina, we dined at Carao , where Top-Chef Enrique Olvera designed a delicious artistic meal for us. At water’s edge, on the beach, is Mandarina’s third restaurant Jetty where you’ll find simple, fresh and delicious fare. Service throughout the resort is impeccable.

Travel around Mandarina is by buggy, a golf cart driven by staff. I really enjoyed getting to know my buggy drivers, their lives and how this pandemic has affected them.

Sometimes in the evening and early morning you can see a tejon (badger) or a group of tejones crossing the path, or in your window! They go their way and you go yours and are a treat to see!

It took over 7 years to complete Mandarina for environmental and archeological reasons. Boutique and spread over 600 acres, Mandarina’s design was driven by nature . Each treehouse has its own compost waste system (operating as a regular guest toilet); minimal use of single-use plastic; fresh locally sourced food; and strong community support and hiring. They also section off important artifact sites and enable archeologists to research and catalog relics.

You can just chill and enjoy the setting, property, service and be alone. Or engage in Mandarina’s many activities for all ages–open-air and distanced, solo or for your group–including yoga, sailing, diving, zipline, hiking, day trips , spiritual exploration and so much more.

I had the best massage in years from Ana at the wonderful spa , open by appointment. Mask worn by all including myself.

For those who have a bit more time and adventurous spirit there are raw beaches, magical towns (pueblos magicos) and great explorations in the nearby mountains and coast.

I rented a car for under $100 for my 9 day trip, pick up and drop off at PVR.

This is where I traveled Nov 3 – 11, 2020

I first visited Mexico in 1974, Cancun, in the early days when my family bought a condo with another family. Very raw and fun for a teenager and where my love of travel and adventure was honed. In hindsight environmental measures weren’t a priority. So glad to see increasing awareness of Mexico’s beauty and resources, need to protect them and ways to get there!

Since my early explorations of the Yucatan, I’ve traveled inland, along the coast, from coast to coast, discovering Mexico’s natural and cultural richness and warm hospitality.

Mexico, I always leave happy, amazed and wanting to explore more! Me encanta!

Welcome 2020!

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 23:41:00 GMT

Morocco…Colombia…Japan…Brazil…and more! Looking back on 2019, I’m so grateful for a fascinating travel year.

In particular I’m grateful to my clients who conferred their trust in me to design and execute exciting and meaningful travel for them.

Many visited classic favorites such as Italy, France, Hawaii, Argentina, Riviera Maya , and Costa Rica . Others traveled more off the beaten path.

Six friends embarked on a first-class 19-day tour of Morocco with the same guide throughout. The ladies never tired of their journey and raved it was one of their top travel experiences.

I was happy to book trips for two different families to Brazil — a wonderful destination that has undeservedly (in my opinion) seen a decrease in tourism. The highlight of one trip was the Pantanal and, by boat, watching jaguars, other wildlife and life on the river. The other family traveled to Iguaçu Falls, Rio, São Paulo, Paraty and Ilha Grande .

An extended family of seven started 2019 exploring western Cuba , staying on a remote and relaxed cayo (key) with white sand beaches and scuba diving, ending with four exciting nights in Havana.

Several clients traveled through the increasingly popular destination of Slovenia experiencing its old towns, beauty, coast, mountains, wineries, the famous lake island of Bled, and great value.

The Millers explored Ghana where their son is in the Peace Corps. After spending time in his village, the family visited a nature reserve with remarkable wildlife, small country towns and a luxury beach resort. Ghana is known for its beauty and history. They had the time of their life and it was special family time.

A young “foodie” couple explored modern and medieval Japan early November enjoying the autumn colors.

And clients traveled extensively through central and eastern Australia right before the devastating wildfires broke out.

As the range of ships and types of experiences have grown, I’ve seen travel by boat increase. This year clients visited the Galapágos (and beautiful mainland Ecuador), the Rhine and Danube rivers, Eastern Europe, Sweden, Alaska and New England.

Clients are enjoying their holidays now in places such as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Dominican Republic .

How was your travel year?

My Travel
I had an unusually busy and wonderful year of personal travel and life-changing experiences. It’s not just the places, it’s people you meet, situations you experience, cultural lessons, laughter, breaking barriers, getting through the frustrations, putting together a new puzzle. It’s all about experiences.

One of my highlights was an adventure tour through Guanajuato state in central Mexico, mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. For the first time I rappelled down a mountain and went up in a hot-air balloon. Guanajuato state is the only one of Mexico’s 32 states with two UNESCO World Heritage Cities: San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City; both are awesome!

During the same trip I attended Mexico’s Adventure Travel show held this year in the old charming lake town of Valle de Bravo , 2 1/2 hours from Mexico City, where I paraglided, literally running off a mountain and soaring over the mountains and valley below — another first.

My two-week trip ended realizing a bucket list experience: Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico. My local partner, staff and family treated me to an amazing time of joyous parades, visiting the surrounding countryside, fabulous food (including insect pizza!), cemeteries at night, and incredible hospitality.

I finally had the opportunity to visit Colombia , starting in Cartagena, the vibrant old colonial city where the Caribbean meets the Pacific. I attended a conference in the high-altitude capital Bogotá , danced salsa in Cali and went scuba diving off Gorgona Island , once a feared penal colony and now a paradise with rustic but lovely lodging.

I hiked in Colombia’s lush coffee region , whose wax palms are the tallest palm trees in the world, and relaxed in mineral hot springs. I loved Medellin , known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” In the past decade it’s transformed from a violent narco area into a safe and wonderful city with thriving art, food and entrepreneurial scenes. The countryside around the city, especially Santa Elena where flowers are grown, is beautiful.

I was thrilled to be one of 8 travel agents invited to visit Japan as the guest of Japan’s National Tourism Board in early December. Highlights included dining with Kyoto geishas (called geikos); singing karaoke with my colleagues in Tokyo ; staying at the stunning Amanemu in a national park on the east-coast peninsula of Shima and visiting Japan’s most sacred Ise shrines.

After our organized trip ended, I stayed on a few days to visit the “ snow monkeys ” in the mountains of Jigokudani. These macaques are the only monkeys in the world to soak in hot springs (onsens). I stayed at a super cool old, and rustic ryokan where, in 1963, the first monkey jumped into the onsen to fetch an apple. Exiting unscathed and enjoying the water he started what is now a favorite pastime for the troop. I also visited the old town of Takayama and city of Kanazawa whose garden many say is the loveliest in Japan. In Tokyo I loved the Mori Digital teamLab Borderless – a 3-D multi-sensory art experience made up of unique and interconnected interactive immersions.

I returned to Panama , which has special significance as it’s where my parents met and married and my eldest brother was born. I stayed at several properties in the Bocas del Toro island chain, the fabulous El Otro Lado, rich with culture, and the rustic but high-end Isla Palenque eco beach resort in the Gulf of Chiriqui.

I returned after 30 years to Puerto Vallarta , staying in the three Velas properties and Punta Mita’s St. Regis and Four Seasons. This area on Mexico’s west coast is still one of my favorites.

And I had fabulous desert experiences and spa treatments in Arizona at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain and Miraval Spa & Resort.

A highlight of the year was experiencing the wildlife, conservation-driven management and scope of Ted Turner’s Vermejo ranch and lodge — the largest privately owned parcel of land in the U.S. The lodge has been lovingly restored to its 1909 original glory. On the border of New Mexico and Colorado, it’s a special place and experience.

Looking ahead , I look forward to working with and highlighting those partners and properties that really make the effort to practice sustainable tourism and helping clients make eco-conscious travel choices . We can all play a positive role . Indeed, the very future of our glorious planet depends on us caring enough to take steps individually and collectively to ensure its health. We don’t want the only home we have to go down in wildfires, sinking islands and cities, terrorism and hateful behavior. Travel is a powerful way to expand our perspectives and build bridges rather than walls.

I wish you meaningful, healthy and safe adventures in 2020!

Happy trails … Susan

Vermejo Park Ranch — a national treasure in the Wild West

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 12:20:00 GMT

I knew Vermejo was big but really couldn’t grasp quite how big until I visited this private nature reserve of over half a million acres , that goes on and on for hundreds of miles in New Mexico , dipping into Colorado. Almost the size of Rhode Island, Vermejo is home to streams, rivers, lakes, prairie, high-altitude, and amazing animals, plants, views and experiences — a virtual national park with no crowds .

And you get to play in it!

In 1996 Ted Turner bought Vermejo , added to it, and created the largest private contiguous ranch in the country, preventing the land from being parceled up and developed .

Ted took down fences and replaced cattle with bison , which are easier to maintain and better for the land.

His then wife, Jane Fonda , took to renovating the early 20th century buildings , including Casa Grande , a stunning mansion built by the ranch’s former owner, William H. Bartlett, in 1902 .

Over time Ted wanted to share this gem and opened the ranch to the public . Most of us will never come close to Turner’s fame and fortune but we can spend time in his home and on his land , reaping the rewards of his labors and love of nature and conservation .

In addition to 1,400 bison , there are elk, antelope, big horn sheep, black bears, mountain lions , even wild horses living freely on his land. Watching wildlife is a prime activity. The bison move as they wish. One day a huge herd stationed themselves right across the road of the main lodge (called Headquarters). Another time during a hike we had to cautiously wait for some bison to cross our path.

We saw huge numbers of elk running across the prairie and, higher up, as we turned a corner in the jeep, elk scattered everywhere .

Driving into the back country the day before we left, Doug (President of Ted Turner Enterprises that runs Ted’s ranches) said he really wanted to see a bear . Well not more than 3 hours later we’d finished a hike and were relaxing at the side of a lake . I rolled up my pants and waded into the water. A bit later Doug, Kerry and Diann eked and oohed and ahead. A black bear was about 50 yards down shore, frolicking in the water. It was adorable and Doug got his wish.

Our last evening, after an early dinner, we piled into jeeps and drove up into the high country. As night descended, male elk started bugling to one another–it was the beginning of rut season .

In the tradition of Vermejo hunting is permitted, in very limited times of the year and numbers. Jade McBride, Vermejo’s onsite Managing Director Ted Turner Reserves told me that hunting is the only legal way to cull this herd of over 7,500 animals to keep the land balanced , particularly to restore riverbanks and rebuild the habitat for native cutthroat trout , a species Vermejo has literally brought back from the brink of extinction .

Vermejo is driven and managed by Turner’s conservation ethic and decisions . The ranch minimizes chemical use and resident managers oversee forestry, fisheries, bison and hunting programs. Along with a couple of full-time biologists , they study and try to ensure a sustainable healthy ranch made up of many ecosystems .

Bringing back Vermejo’s native cutthroat trout, ferrets and prairie dogs are among projects of the Turner Endangered Species Fund . Tree and other flora projects are restoring the land as best as possible to its natural state. This is a rare opportunity to see a vast, vast track of land the way it was over a century ago. The real Wild West . The ranch’s history is fascinating.

Part of the experience is learning the ways of the land , the operation of the ranch and the community who works on it . Our fishing and elk-bugling guide, called Gator (because he and his wife live in Florida and he guides in the Everglades), spends 4 months a year in Vermejo and is full of stories and expertise .

We spent time just driving around the ranch, stopping at lakes , fishing in streams, hiking , mountain biking, horseback riding and trying our skill at archery . What you do and when is up to you. We talked to guests who had done nothing more than spend the day at a remote lake. The ranch is open year-round and wildlife viewing is just as good in winter , along with snowshoeing, ice fishing, tubing, Nordic skiing and hiking .

A lovely, intimate courtyard off Casa Grande’s immense and nurturing plant conservatory is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or small cocktail party.

Other lodging includes 5 cottages in Headquarters and the 8 -bedroom Costilla Lodge , 25 miles away in the high country with stunning views and its own staff and chef. When The Turner House renovation is completed next spring there will be room for a total of 70 guests … not a bad person to land ratio!

A typical rate is $800 per adult per night ; all-inclusive of lodging, food, and most excursions. Some specially guided tours/activities (such as a personal fishing guide for a full day) are extra.

Staff are genuine and care to please – many are from the area, others from afar, but all have arrived through a love of the land and nature. Vermejo has a great gift shop, wi-fi, and bar (alcoholic drinks are extra). Make sure you ask for a phone wi-fi connection if your cell isn’t working. Attire is casual. Dining overall is very good. Evening menus always feature meat (several kinds). But Vermejo accommodates to your diet, even vegan.

A fun excursion is crossing over the ranch for some 90 minutes to visit the Old West town of Cimarron and lunching in the St. James Hotel , built in 1872 , where the bar’s pressed silver ceiling is punctured by over 20 bullet holes and original period rooms boast the names of former guests such as Annie Oakley, Kit Carson, Jesse James, Davy Crockett and Doc Holiday.

Ted Turner’s Vermejo is a very special place , a true getaway , a real soul rejuvenator . A place to fully connect with nature and experience an old Americana, off-the-land, ranch way of life. Vermejo prioritizes ecosystem health and sustainabilit y, while addressing modern – world challenges.

The beautiful light, setting, smells , people and activities deliver a special, unique experience, a feeling of excitement and well being , all the while offering true relaxation .

I was surprised by how many repeat guests I met at Vermejo–there’s so much to explore. It’s one of those unique experiences of our country and of the world . And supporting Vermejo helps keep this gem, a true example of smart and eco-friendly land management, available to us all !

Ready to Go?
Contact me now for exclusive Vermejo specials !

susan@susanbrucetravel.com 303 586 6815

Photos by Susan Bruce and courtesy of Vermejo Park Ranch

Portugal — The World’s Leading Destination?

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 21:09:00 GMT

You may be like me and struggle when asked your favorite destination. For me, each place has its own unique charm, beauty and experience.

But the World Travel Awards (the Oscars of travel) named the small country of Portugal as the World’s Leading Destination for both 2017 and 2018 – the first European destination to win this prestigious award since they began in 1993.

I’ve long been enamored with Portugal with its beautiful and varied landscapes , centuries-old history , long coastline of stunning beaches and cliffs, renowned hospitality , mild climate , safety and stability , sunshine and value .

Here’s why Portugal needs to be on your must-visit list!

History

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in the world with borders set in 1279. In the 15th and 16th centuries superb naval expertise resulted in Portugal becoming the first global powerhouse , discovering the first sea route to India, circumventing the globe , and establishing colonies such as Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and in India and other locales. This history, wealth and achievement are evident throughout the country today, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites . A Romance language, Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages in the world.

Value
From hotels to transportation to meals, Portugal is one of the most affordable destinations on the continent ; and the dollar is strong right now against the euro, Portugal’s currency as an EU member. For example, nightly rates at the Six Senses Douro Valley , among the country’s most magnificent hotels, start at 330 euros in the low season. Another plus is the country hasn’t been overly developed to cater to tourists and remains quite authentic . It’s hard to find McDonalds and Starbucks!

Climate
Thanks to its location on the southwestern edge of Europe, Portugal has an ideal climate with over 300 sunny days a year . Winter is more temperate than other southern European countries. When I was there last November temps averaged 68 degrees and I enjoyed a walk on the beach in shorts and swim in the gentle waves. The busiest and most expensive time of the year is in August when many Europeans take their summer holidays. Shoulder seasons offer great weather and rates .

Diversity of Landscapes
I love Portugal’s mix of charming old cities, beautiful farms and countryside, olive trees and vineyards, national parks , and coastlines with rugged cliffs, perfect beaches, and panoramic vistas and range of activities and excursions from scuba diving to hiking. An additional plus are the unique islands of Madeira and Azores.

Here’s a rundown on the main regions of Portugal , all very accessible as it’s a small country. For example, driving from Porto to Lisbon takes less than 3 hours .

Lisbon
Known as the City of Seven Hills , Lisbon is one of the oldest, most charismatic and vibrant capitals of Europe . With its steep hills, yellow trams winding through narrow streets and blue-and-white tiles Lisbon is visually vibrant and has lots of indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, boutique stores and markets.

Check out the hip LX Factory, an area of old warehouses and factories that have been transformed into shops, restaurants and bars. At the National Azulejo Museum discover the history and fine examples of Portugal’s famous tile industry. Top sights include the Belém Tower , hilltop 11th century castle and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos .

One of my favorite hotels is the Memmo in the heart of the Principe Real , one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighborhoods. With only 41 rooms and a great lap pool, the Memmo is the area’s first five-star luxury boutique hotel.

Other favorites include the Olissippo Lapa Palace and the Pestana Palace , both with great views of the Tagus River .

Not to be missed among the many day trips from Lisbon is a visit to the culturally rich village of Sintra , home to royal palaces, mansions and an old castle. You can even stay in a former palace and one of the country’s finest hotels: The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais .

Porto
From where the country derives its name, Porto is a historic and varied city with great night life . Explore the narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira, Se and Baixa districts. Sample world-famous ports at warehouses located along the city’s waterfront. Travel by boat down the Douro River bordered by lush and serene vineyards .

A favorite hotel The Yeatman is all about wine from its decanter-shaped pool and the 25,000-bottle cellar to the grape-pip treatments at its spa. The hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and mesmerizing views over the city, with spacious rooms to boot.

Or hang out for a while on the Douro River at the sumptuous Six Senses that offers a stunning setting where you can enjoy trips to nearby towns and wineries, sensational food and wine, wellness programs and a superb spa.

Algarve
The sun-soaked southern coast of Portugal is home to some of the l oveliest beaches in Europe . Some are long and wide; others hidden between craggy rock cliffs and caves. A favorite, Praia da Marinha is known for its steep cliffs, soft sand, and calm waters ideal for snorkeling. Small towns such as Lagos, Tavira and Faro are quaint and make for fun exploring. Although the area boasts golf courses and luxury resorts , there’s a fantastic network of hiking trails and nature-rich wetlands .

Central Portugal
This area extends from the remote eastern mountains of the Serra da Estrela to the stunning western beaches of the Silver Coast . My favorite sights include historic Tomar , the old university town of Coimbra , Alcobaça Monastery , the pilgrimage destination of Fatima , Óbidos , the walled city and medieval home of Portuguese royalty, and towns hewn from granite and schist.

Relax in healing waters in small spa towns , such as Curia and Luso or on massive river beaches . Hike in ancient forests and the Bucaco woodlands . Explore monasteries, convents, castles and churches .

Stay in one of my favorite working country estates – the centuries old and family run São Lourenço do Barrocal . The restaurant and spa are excellent.

Madeira
Closer to Morocco than Portugal this island is the birthplace of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. But its main claim to fame are the impressive cliffs , mountainous terrain , laurel cloud forests , rich biodiversity , year-round mild climate , laid-back ambiance , great hiking and oh yea, that great Madeira wine . Stay at Madeira’s grand dame hotel Belmond Reid’s Palace , where every room has a balcony overlooking the ocean and famous dignitaries and celebrities have stayed over its long history.

Azores
Thrill-seekers and nature lovers are currently discovering this other Portuguese volcanic archipelago far off the coast that resembles something akin to the lush otherworldly landscapes of Avatar. A nonstop flight from New York or Boston can whisk you away to volcanic crater lakes , natural hot springs and black-sand beaches , as well as activities including s cuba diving, kayaking, hiking, whale-watching, birding, and surfing .

Food
Portugal is known for its world-class wines and port , but its food it also exceptional. Enjoy fresh fish on a seaside esplanade, the many dishes made with bacalão (cod fish) or an array of smoked meats . Enjoy a cooking class wherever you go…a favorite of mine is the Algarve seafood stew cataplana prepared in a closed wok utensil made just for this dish. Portugal is also known for its desserts, such as the ubiquitous and delicious pastel de nata (custard tart). Legend has it that monks invented these tarts as a way to use egg yolks after using the whites to starch their white habits.

Music
Sitting in a small bar, perhaps at a table shared by locals, listening to fado is one of the most authentic experiences you can have. At once heartbreaking, hopeful and nostalgic , the fado originated in port towns from the days when the men-folk were at sea and the women sang for their safe return. Nowadays, usually a single man or woman sings a song accompanied by one or two musicians.

One of the best-known contemporary groups combining traditional music going back to medieval times with modern folk is the multi award winning Madradeus.

It’s quite common to see musicians performing in squares and on sidewalks, day and night.

Photo credits: Susan Bruce, Creative Commons, or as attributed

Ready to Plan your Trip to Portugal?
Contact me now !

susan@susanbrucetravel.com 303 586 6815

Cacti, Fun, Spa and Beauty in the Sonoran Desert

Tue, 07 May 2019 23:32:00 GMT

I had visited Arizona once before, some 30 years ago, and forgotten how totally unique, dramatic and powerful the Sonoran Desert cacti-studded landscape is. On a recent visit I fell in love again with the beauty and nature of the region , while enjoying a wonderfully relaxing getaway at two world-class resorts less than an hour from Tucson .

The Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain (RCDM) is an intimate, rustic, airy lodge with a contemporary design nestled into the Tortolita Mountains, embodying the heart and soul of the high desert, where nature takes center stage.

As relaxed as the resort is, it fully reflects the Ritz repute for quality and just completed a $10 million renovation. The Forbes Travel Guide named the RCDM to both its 2018 World’s Most Luxurious Hotels and World’s Most Luxurious Spas lists –only three US hotels bearing this dual award; the RCDM is the only western one (the other two being on the east coast). Outstanding personal service is one factor leading to this honor.

During my stay, I discovered a great balance of fun activities and relaxation.

We went on a fascinating 2-hour hike right out the hotel’s back door (featuring over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails), the landscape alive with spring color, blooms and desert critters. We saw a hummingbird’s nest cradling one tiny egg; plenty of petroglyphs depicting life of the Hohokam people who lived here for over a thousand years; large holes in stone slabs ( bedrock mortars ) where the Hohokam ground mesquite into flour (naturally gluten-free!) and other plants. Our naturalist guide managed to gently capture a 4-foot long gopher snake and told us about the habits of this and other resident reptiles including scorpions whose florescence enchants guests during the hotel’s night hike.We went on a fascinating 2-hour hike right out the hotel’s back door (featuring over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails), the landscape alive with spring color, blooms and desert critters. We saw a hummingbird’s nest cradling one tiny egg; plenty of petroglyphs depicting life of the Hohokam people who lived here for over a thousand years; large holes in stone slabs ( bedrock mortars ) where the Hohokam ground mesquite into flour (naturally gluten-free!) and other plants. Our naturalist guide managed to gently capture a 4-foot long gopher snake and told us about the habits of this and other resident reptiles including scorpions whose florescence enchants guests during the hotel’s night hike.

We enjoyed a round (and the scenery) at the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course (note: beware when searching for a stray ball in the underbrush of the” jumping” cholla cactus which can seem to attack you. No lasting damage but it wasn’t easy to pull off my bare arm.)

At night we enjoyed amazing star gazing through a NASA-quality telescope. Southern Arizona is world famous for its dark and clear skies.

And then there was the food … creative dishes showcasing fresh local ingredients like pistachios, tangelos and Cholla buds, lovingly overseen by award-winning head chef Emily Dillport . I applaud RCDM’s move to use only paper straws throughout the resort.

The entire ambiance of the spa induces relaxation. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor salt whirlpool and eco-friendly, holistic treatments in individual casitas.

It’s hard to evoke the peace and inspiration being in the main saltwater swimming pool (one of 3 on property) fringed by colorful lacey trees gazing out on an amazing view in all directions of mountains and the mighty Saguaro cacti which grow only here in the Sonoran Desert.

We ended our stay with a leisurely game of Scrabble in the lobby lounge sipping tasty prickly pear and hibiscus juice , looking out the massive open doors onto the resort and mountains beyond. This is one place I can’t wait to come back to!

Nearby is another world-renowned spa and resort — Miraval — specializing in rejuvenation, healing and wellness –“creating a life in balance.” Upon arrival, you’re encouraged to “ unplug and be present ,” and put your cell phone to sleep in a mini “sleeping bag” the resort provides. There is connectivity only in parts of the property.

You can of course just enjoy the all-inclusive ease and no-tipping policy of this beautiful resort and its wide menu of spa treatments, fitness sessions and classes but, as my host put it, Miraval aims to be a healing sanctuary of surrender and discovery, an opportunity to go out of your comfort zone by experiencing something different and challenging . Acquired by Hyatt in 2017, Miraval has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s top 5 US destination spas.

A recent expansion added a compound The Retreat to the collection of lovely rooms, suites and villas scattered around the property. The Retreat’s modular units can accommodate from 2 to 20 people in a unique combination of privacy, community, luxury and killer views .

I was surprised by the number of men I saw at Miraval. Traditionally the purview of ladies, the spa is welcoming a growing percentage of men (now roughly 30% versus 10% just a few years ago), reflecting a growing trend of men’s interest in self-care in physical and mental health .

The food at Miraval is notable, often direct from their organic gardens . There is a wide selection. And here healthy means delicious.

Miraval continues to adopt eco/sustainability practices – to maximize its impact on guests, while minimizing its impact on the environment. Explore more on the resort’s water use, building practices, organic gardens and reducing its carbon footprint!

With over 350 days of sunshine a year, each season in the Sonoran Desert offers unique benefits and charms.

To book your stay and receive exclusive discounts and amenities, CONTACT ME NOW ! !

Photo Credits: Ritz Carlton, Miraval, Susan Bruce

Holiday Travel Inspirations and Specials

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:28:00 GMT

Greetings Fellow Travelers!

One of the advantages of being a member of the invitation-only network of Virtuoso travel agents is the myriad of promotions and savings that I receive on a weekly basis. Really, really good deals…

As the holidays are upon us I wanted to share a sample of these specials . Feel free to contact me to see what other promotions are available for your dream travel.

As a Virtuoso agent I’m thrilled to offer complementary amenities such as room upgrade, breakfast, resort credit and other perks at thousands of premium hotels and resorts across the globe.

Other Travel Specials and Inspirations:

10th Mountain Division Ski Trooper Experience
January 18–21, 2019
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley
Enjoy an exclusive ski weekend with professional skier and Warren Miller film athlete Chris Anthony celebrating the incredible history of Colorado’s legendary 10th Mountain Division Ski Troop who transformed the U.S. ski industry after a heroic campaign during World War II.

Awasi Patagonia, Atacama and Iguazú Falls

Enjoy three of South America’s most iconic destinations! Combine stays at these properties for discounts and complimentary nights as part of your custom-planned trip to Chile and Argentina.

4th NIGHT FREE at many hotels including:

$350 Shipboard Credit on select Viking River Cruises
In addition to promotions such as discounted airfare offered to the general public, we can offer a Virtuoso Exclusive shipboard credit . Viking has recently launched a portfolio of smaller boat ocean cruises .

$150 Off per person COSTA RICA to PANAMA
See these 2 countries in a unique way…from a BOAT! On this new journey by International Expeditions you’ll explore rich wildlife, pristine beaches and vibrant cultures with the guidance of expert field staff. LEARN MORE . Only three departures available: December 21, 2018, February 22 and December 20,2019.

$150 Off per person CUBA March 16 – 26, 2019
By popular demand — a repeat small-group trip to Cuba. We’ll visit the lively colonial towns of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, dive and snorkel pristine reefs, visit Soroa and Vinales , spending the final three nights in Havana . LEARN MORE

Contact me now to book any of these specials
or to create a custom itinerary for a trip of a lifetime!

Isla Holbox–Eco-Friendly Paradise near Cancún

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:50:00 GMT

Intimate Idyllic Beach Escape — 2 Hours from Cancún

Shh … Isla Holbox , called the anti-Cancún , is one of those special places you’re torn between wanting everyone and no one to know about.

Ever since Cancún and surroundings became so developed, I’ve been looking for a place that reminds me of what the area used to be like — uncrowded, white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, laid back and where nature is the centerpiece . Where palapas outnumber hotels. I just found that in the bohemian little island Isla Holbox (in Maya the” x” is pronounced like “sh.”)

Arriving in Cancún, I rented a car. Driving two hours northwest, via modern highway then a slower road through Mayan towns such as Kantunilkin, I arrived at the end of the road in Chiquilá where a 35-minute ferry-ride takes you to Holbox.

I left my car at secured parking on the mainland. (Alternately you can arrange for a shared shuttle between Cancun airport and Chiquilá.)

Most people come to Holbox to swim with whale sharks May – mid September , but year-round you’ll find those who know about this little paradise just kicking back and slowing down .

No cars on Holbox ; only walking, bicycle or golf-cart taxis. The few roads are of hard-packed sand. Envision white sand beach, miles of shallow turquoise waters and palm trees . And no seaweed problems.

The majority of the island is a protected nature preserve with only a small section semi-developed. I took a boat excursion to a bird rookery filled with cormorants, pelicans and other species – females on nests, males bringing food. We stopped at another island for a swim in a small fresh-water cenote. (Frankly anyone who has been to one of the larger cenotes on the mainland will be disappointed.)

The highlight was motoring over to a remote area with long lines of pink flamingos feeding on crustaceans along a stretch of sand bar. Environmental regulations prevent you from getting too close. We switched off the engine and, gently bobbing in the ocean, took in the mesmerizing scene. Everyone was silent in awe.

It was pure heaven late in the afternoon to swim and just hang out in the warm shallow water , like a grown-up’s kiddie pool, watching birds pass by and reveling in the beauty and serenity. Nestled into a lounge chair the size of a bed under a palapa (thatched open-air structure), I connected to the zen of a perfect blushing sunset bidding its adieu.

Backpackers stay in hostels in town, which is a tad “boho,” but very safe, and those who want peace and quiet stay a mere-10-minute walk outside town in the few small upscale boutique hotel s such as the Ser CasaSandra where I stayed. The 24 rooms are white with design accents taken from the local culture. The common areas are tasteful, chic and the food excellent (breakfast is included in the rate). The staff could not have been nicer and service is top notch. My spacious room was very comfortable, especially the bed and linens rivaling those of the finest hotels. Another up-scale, yet relaxed, hotel I’d recommend, a bit further out of town, right on the water, is Las Nubes for a real feeling of away from it all. Both CasaSandra and Las Nubes have multi-room villas for families.

The island has strict environmental rules and sustainability is practiced, not just a PR gimmick. No plastic straws, development is limited and regulated, waste is carefully treated, and the products provided in my room included organic insect spray and sun lotion made without harmful chemicals.

Water sports abound including paddle boards, sea kayaks and kite surfing. Another treat on dark nights is viewing ocean bio luminescence –like a watery psychedelic trip. But just slowing down is the most common pastime. My last morning, I headed out early by bike , before most visitors had risen, and rode on the beach and into the town’s outskirts where little guesthouses are scattered amid the nature, watching life in Holbox get underway. So many minuscule worlds to explore but all very chill and peaceful in this charming town that slows you down and lets you connect to the moment and your surroundings.

To find out more about Isla Holbox or to book your stay, contact me now!

Favorite Fall Getaways

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:58:00 GMT

Greetings fellow travelers,
I hope you’ve had a great summer!

As we look ahead, here are some of my Favorite Fall Getaways — for 2018 or 2019!

Koyo in Japan
For centuries the Japanese have cherished koyo (meaning changing autumn colors ). Join the locals to experience the stunning fall foliage in beautiful city gardens and shrines (particularly Tokyo and Kyoto ) and in the mountains . The koyo season in Japan typically begins in mid-September in the northern island of Hokkaido , renowned for its unspoiled nature and outdoor activities. By early December the vivid colors have gradually spread to the southern end of the Japanese peninsula.

Koyo has great significance in Japanese culture and art . Momiji (meaning both maple tree and red autumn leaves) is the symbol of autumn in Japan, and women often wear maple-leaf themed kimonos to stroll down garden paths and view the stunning autumn colors. Travel Weekly agrees that koyo is a very special time to visit Japan! Read more here .

Enjoy the modern, trendy scene of Tokyo , the former capital and cultural center of Kyoto (we can arrange for a private dinner with a working geisha ), enjoy a soak in an onsen (hot-springs) resort in the Japanese Alps and take a guided bike ride through the hills of Takayama amid the flush of colors. I highly recommend staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an authentic local experience!

Spring in Chile

When it’s fall in the U.S., change it up and experience spring in the southern hemisphere. Chile is regularly at the top of my clients’ favorite destinations (and mine!). Everyone seems to fall in love with this country. Visit Patagonia and renowned Torres del Paine National Park where wildlife such as guanaco, rhea, puma and condor abound, (ok, the puma can be more difficult to see but sightings are not infrequent) and the views are always breathtaking . Go hiking, kayaking or take a boat cruise through the fjords .

A typical itinerary includes 3 nights in the otherworldly northern Atacama Desert home to stunning colors and landscapes; a couple of days in the capital of Santiago ; 3 or 4 nights in southern Patagonia ; and 3 nights at a gem of a property Vira Vira , near Pucón, where you can raft, hike, climb a snow-capped volcano, and enjoy quality cuisine sourced from the owner’s farm. For those with more time, visit the funky port town of Valparaiso , the German-influenced lake town of Puerto Varas or even exotic Easter Island.

Burgundy, France

Having lived for a year in Dijon , I can personally attest to the beauty and cultural significance of the Burgundy wine area . Start out with a couple of days in the City of Lights , where we can plan some unique Parisian experiences. Then take the high-speed train to the medieval city of Dijon, the gateway to Burgundy where the colorful grape harvest (still done by hand) occurs in the fall. There are many famous vineyards to visit and wines to try.

Stay in a vineyard or in the magical and charming village of Beaune , where wine prices are set, tastings occur, and grapes are sold. Beaune’s crowning jewel is the Hotel Dieu , a former hospital built in the 15th century with a fabulous colorful Flemish-tiled roof that can be seen from miles around.

Next hop back on the train to Nice and the South of France . Explore the hills above the Mediterranean full of charming towns with narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the compact village of St-Paul-de-Vence (and lunch in the famous Colombe d’Or ) and Grasse , base of the flower growing and perfume industry. This area has long been a favorite of artists (think Matisse, Picasso, Braque, Calder, Miro, Chagall) and you can visit their homes and museums or browse in one of the many galleries showing works of contemporary artists. If you have time, take a gorgeous drive along the coastal cliffs and spend a couple of days exploring Monaco .

Peru — The Amazon and Machu Picchu

Thanksgiving Special $1000 off

Please join me November 16 – 25, 2018 on the Amazon’s newest and most luxury riverboat, the 5* Zafiro , and take advantage of this exclusive introductory offer — $1000 off per person.

We spend a couple of days in Lima (at the Swissotel), 7 nights exploring the nature and communities of the Amazon basin and an optional Machu Picchu extension. This will be quite the bucket list experience! Click here to see more.

Cuba – Spring 2019

Looking ahead, we travel to Cuba March 16 – 26, 2019 based on the huge success of this year’s trip.

We will visit the lively colonial towns of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, dive and snorkel along the southern coast and Guanahacabibes Marine Sanctuary, visit Soroa and Vinales , spending the final three nights in Havana .

Our 11-day trip will give you an authentic look at this fascinating country and many encounters with the locals. We have unique behind-the-scenes access and activities. And it’s a great value as just about everything is included. See more here.

Contact me now to book any of these Fall Getaways or to find out about hotel specials closer to home!

Why Visit Cuba?

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:39:00 GMT

Last month, I had the pleasure of designing and leading a trip to Cuba for The Inland Ocean Coalition to explore Cuba’s culture, arts and nature.

The group quickly embraced the same charms that keep me coming back: Cuba’s beauty –ranging from bucolic countryside to colorful colonial towns to pulsing Havana ; friendly gregarious people ; lively arts scene; rich biodiversity ; remarkable safety ; excellent food ; intriguing history ; and unique, complex political and social system. Understanding what it’s like to live in Communist Cuba is fascinating and very much like peeling the layers of an onion.

Oh yes, and then there are those cars ! We saw first-hand how minimal development and conservation efforts have resulted in a stunning array of nature on land and in the sea . We enjoyed exchanges and behind-the-scenes access thanks to Havana-based Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation, colleagues and research scientists from the NOAA Sister Marine Sanctuary in Guanahacabibes , and local guides. And saw how Cuba, like virtually all countries, suffers from plastic pollution. In general, however, we were impressed by how clean Cuba is.

After a warm welcome at the Santa Clara Airport, a spectacular drive through the Escambray Mountains , bathed in stunning late-afternoon light, took us to Trinidad and our simple, clean and bright casas (apartments/rooms in private homes) tucked in narrow cobblestone streets. Doors stood open and people spilled into the street–a game of dominoes on one corner, an old man strumming a guitar in the square, horse-and-carts carrying loads of vegetables, kids playing hopscotch.

We enjoyed the local specialty canchanchara (rum, honey and lemon juice over ice) before dining en plein air underneath a massive ceiba tree over 500 years old. Ciebas are revered in Cuba. Whereas Trinidad , founded in 1514, is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in the world, nearby Cienfuegos reflects a more delicate French heritage. Both are deservedly UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We enjoyed waterfalls, nature hikes and coffee plantations in the Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve near Trinidad. While birding at Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve , the largest wetlands and protected area in all of the Caribbean, we saw many endemic species including the lovely tocororo, or Cuban trogon, Cuba’s national bird due to its color scheme being the same as Cuba’s flag.

After more than a year of planning, it was a thrill to arrive at the Guanahacabibes Marine Sanctuary . We enjoyed learning and collaborating with the staff, followed by a couple of days diving the clear waters full of healthy corals and marine life off Maria la Gorda.

We topped our trip off with a few days in the vibrant capital, La Habana, or Havana . We visited museums (such as the fantastic Fine Arts Museum and Fabrica del Arte), Morro Castle across Havana Bay, the fun and funky Fusterlandia neighborhood covered in Gaudiesque tiles and design and discovered the charming old part of Havana .

For more information about travel to Cuba or to book your trip

What to Do when it Rains on your Beach Vacation?

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:12:00 GMT

You’ve been dreaming of your getaway — blue skies, warm temps, calm ocean. Then you arrive, and it pours…

That’s what confronted me last month when I arrived in the Yucatan, Mexico , for the first time in many years, with visions of windsurfing, sailing, diving, swimming.

Arrgh! A winter front was passing through. What to do? Patience and Plan B : That’s what I recommend to my clients and had to adopt myself.

Don’t hold on to expectations. Although your trip may be a different adventure than what you expected, it may well be no less rewarding.

Patience: Although the ocean remained a bit rough, the showers I experienced my first days quickly abated into partly sunny skies for the rest of the trip providing great weather for exploring with mild temps and welcomed cloud cover for this fair-skinned traveler.

Intercontinental El Presidente, Cozumel

Plan B: Don’t dwell over ruined expectations — move your energies to Plan B. I went to Cozumel for 24 hours just to dive. When all diving was canceled due to weather, I had to swallow my

disappointment, and create a new plan: I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, (rare for me because I’m usually on the go, even on holiday), explored the hotel and grounds admiring their undeniable beauty even in a storm, had a refreshing swim in a heated outdoor pool, and hired a taxi to explore the island for a couple of hours before catching the ferry back to Playa del Carmen. It was interesting and fun interacting with my gregarious taxi driver, immensely proud of his island, so dramatic on this day with magnificent waves crashing on the shore and cliffs. And, the sun came out for most of my drive.

Here are some other ideas for a Plan B when your parade gets rained on:

Exercise — Release those endorphins indoors. Perhaps in a gym, at a resort, or under a palapa, an early morning yoga class or other workout is a great way to get out of a rain-funk. The rain outside, nowhere to rush to afterward, makes for a nice way to relax and enjoy the moment.

Learn Local — Keep a log of foreign words and questions about your new world. When you have some down time such as a rainy day, look them up online or better yet, ask a local. Or do some research on your destination.

Intercontinental El Presidente, Cozumel

Plan B: Don’t dwell over ruined expectations — move your energies to Plan B. I went to Cozumel for 24 hours just to dive. When all diving was canceled due to weather, I had to swallow my

Museums and shopping — Rainy days are great for these activities or any other indoor activity. Just be mindful it doesn’t involve something harmful to animals such as dolphins in captivity and of purchases.

Take a class — Cooking, arts, language. There are many activities to undertake on a rainy day. Get creative yourself or ask your guide or concierge.

Read a book – Delve into a different world. Most hotels have some type of library to loose yourself in learning about the area’s history, culture and arts.

Beach walk — even if it’s blustery, beach or town walks can be restorative and interesting. And who cares if you get a little wet?

Go see a movie as a cultural experience – Likely the resident cinema is worlds apart, literally and figuratively, from your movie theater back at home. See how the locals enjoy one of the world’s most common pastimes.

If solo, take this time to connect with other travelers doing their Plan B. It’s a great opportunity to share travel experiences and make some new friends. With family or friends, just enjoy this together time devoid of everyday pressures.

What are some of your Plan B’s?

Susan Bruce Travel leverages a wide and deep network to connect you to your passions.

Stay tuned: For the latest about our small group trip to Cuba March 15 – 25, 2018 to explore its arts, culture, nature and conservation, and other facets.

Hello 2018

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 21:51:00 GMT

Greetings! I hope you had a great 2017!

Perhaps like me, you tend to reflect as we enter a new year.

Where did you travel, and what’s still on your bucket list?

What did you learn and how did it impact your life?

For Susan Bruce Travel, 2017 was an exciting year and one of growth, learning opps and special travel adventures .

I’d like to share some of my HIGHLIGHTS:

I christened 2017 with a troupe/troop of like-souls in Antigua, in the Leeward Islands, exploring the island’s:

Varied and picture-postcard beaches —from smooth to craggy
Dramatic cliffs and bays with views on a clear day all the way to neighboring islands and countries.
Lush rainforest sprinkled with tumbling waterfalls and wildlife.

We spent quality time with Antiguans in towns , at beaches and volunteering at a cool dog shelter run by a pair of young American platinum-blonde identical twins.

Thankfully, Antigua was spared the direct hit and extensive damage of the 2017 hurricanes.

In February , as an Independent Contractor, I joined Tafari Travel , in a new light-filled storefront office in the middle of Cherry Creek. Please stop by if you are in the neighborhood!

In March , I enjoyed a very special FAM trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.

In Hanoi we climbed down into a dark bunker behind the pool area of the grand-dame Sofitel Metropole Hotel . As we entered the narrow shelter single file, the haunting and beautiful Where Are You Now, My Son, recorded in 1972 in the bunker by Joan Baez, while bombs hit on outside sidewalks, filled the small area and heighted the poignancy of this era and the role the Metropole played as a center of communications. The Metropole is one of my favorite hotels in SE Asia — fascinating and beautiful, and in a prime location.

A transportation highlight entailed traveling by sea plane to Halong Bay a World Heritage Site dotted with lush islets and towering limestone pillars rising out of the Gulf of Tonkin’s emerald waters.

An unforgettable evening was a night food tour in Saigon on Vespas — fun, filling, and a great way to take in the city!

The “ Hanoi Hilton, ” Vietnam War Museum in Saigon, and Cu Chi tunnels outside Saigon were among the varied, haunting memories and fascinating relics of the Vietnam War all over the country.

We continued on to Siem Reap, Cambodia , home of Angkor Wa t, the largest religious monument ever built, and one of a massive complex of temples.

I continued on to Cambodia’s Song Saa Private Island – one of the best luxury Robinson Caruso island experiences, period. Out of the gate, the owners created a Marine Protected Area and Foundation to transfer skills to local islanders.

I discovered trending restaurants and little-known outings to get to know the locals such as an country organic farm in Vietnam that loving grows all kinds of familiar and not so familiar products, and hanging with families in stilted homes on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.

Click here to see my Top 10 Reasons to Adore Cambodia!

Summer brought a girls-gathering on Fishers Island off the coast of Connecticut and time with friends in historic Winter Park, Orlando, wild Merritt Island and the east coast of Florida. A special treat in my own back yard entailed a trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake . Click here to learn more about these travels.

Some of my more interesting client travels include exotic Oman and Jordan ; the spectacular Four Seasons in Hoi An, Vietnam ; Uganda to see chimps and gorillas; safari in Kenya and Tanzania ; cruising on the Queen Mary II from England to Cape Town, then across Africa and Australia; and tracking snow leopards in northern India . And many clients are still traveling to timeless favorites such as France, Italy, Portugal, Charleston, SC, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Looking ahead… this week I will be traveling to the eastern Yucatan , an ever-popular destination with gorgeous beaches, cenotes, coral reefs, and direct flights from the U.S. I’ll report on how the Riviera Maya has developed and the pros and cons of different areas and properties/hotels. With a special focus on sustainable tourism and protecting the environment.

I’ll be posting during the trip on Facebook.

What were some of your travel highlights in 2017 ? What’s on your bucket lis t?