Day of the Dead is one of the most important and impressive festivals in Mexico. Yet many of the most authentic ceremonies remain inaccessible to outsiders.
Travel beyond the guidebooks with small-group, cultural tour company, Traditions Mexico, and experience unparalleled access to Day of the Dead ceremonies deep in the Oaxaca Outback and among the Maya of Chiapas with the following two 3-day tours.
1. The Return of the Souls. Day of the Dead in Outback Oaxaca. October 31 - November 2, 2011.
Oaxaca © Eric Mindling
Beautiful, moving and fascinating and in the midst of the most lovely time of year, Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is not to be missed. This unique trip takes the celebration even one step further, transporting travelers far beyond the crowds and carnival atmosphere that have become the festival norm around Oaxaca city and into a remote village seemingly lost in time in outback Oaxaca.
Slow down, walk the earthen streets, smell the river scented air, and meet bakers, wood cutters and tamale makers, and truly immerse yourself in a small town’s preparations for the return of the souls of their loved ones. Join them in the candle-lit pre-dawn quiet of the cemetery for this one of a kind ceremony.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
GIVE ALASKA YOUR BEST SHOT.
From jagged blue glaciers and stunning wildlife to intriguing towns filled with pioneer and Native American history, the opportunities for breathtaking images on an Alaska cruise are endless. But returning home with disappointing pictures of an amazing journey can leave you frustrated.
© Ellen Barone. Alaska’s Inside Passage
To make sure you bring back memorable photographs from your voyage, Vacations Magazine asked me, and pro shooters, Brian Adams and Wayde Caroll, to share a few tricks of the trade.
Check out our tips and learn how to capture memorable photographs on an Alaskan cruise in the article, Shooting The Last Frontier by Alexis Hilts.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Located along the white sand beaches of Playa Solmar and just minutes away from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, Solmar Hotels & Resorts is a great choice for families seeking a kid-friendly vacation destination.
With an array of accommodation choices, on-site activities, close proximity to some of Los Cabos’ most popular attractions and a “Kids Stay & Eat Free with Parents” policy available through the spring, summer and fall months, Solmar Hotels & Resorts can turn a family vacation into reality.
The collection of Solmar Hotels & Resorts is ideal for families as they feature all-suite accommodations with two beds, sofa sleepers, two bathrooms, separate living room areas and kitchenettes.
Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ close proximity to many of Los Cabos’ local activities allows guests to easily leave their hotel to enjoy the unforgettable activities available in the destination. Kids can enjoy a first hand experience with friendly dolphins and in-water interaction at Cabo Dolphins. Families can also take a horseback ride together along the beautiful Medano Beach or venture out to the dramatic desert landscape for an adventurous hike or safari ride. Another popular activity is a glass bottom boat tour that sails past the famous El Arco and neighboring sea lion colony, giving visitors the chance to view the natural beauty of Los Cabos and colorful marine life of the Sea of Cortes.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Sabrina Ward Harrison to lead Angela Ritchie’s ACE Camp on The Art of Becoming Yourself, October 24- November 2 2009, Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico
Become fascinated by your own life. Create an ode to living. That is the invitation on offer at Angela Ritchie’s ACE Camp, which launches this fall with a 10 day retreat in the artist community of Todos Santos, with journal-artist Sabrina Ward Harrison.
Limited to ten participants, the camp will take place at El Pescadero Beach House on the Mexican Baja from October 24 to November 2 2009.
By the surf breaks of the Pacific Ocean, adventurers will be led by journal-artist Sabrina Ward Harrison in the making of a personal journal. Road-trips, great meals and collaborative art projects will fill the days, with the adventure culminating in the celebration of El Dia De Los Muertos, the Mexican festival recognising the Day of the Dead.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
America’s Newest International Crossing
The 2000 mile border the United States shares with Mexico has dramatically increased focus on security in recent years. One adverse impact of this increased security is that bottlenecks are created at the border in the distribution pipeline of products and travelers between the two countries. Enter the much anticipated Anzalduas International Bridge set to open in October 2009 and connecting Mission, Texas (part of the larger McAllen MSA), to Reynosa, Mexico.
“Anzalduas will be the newest and one of largest border crossings in the country, and will directly increase traffic flow for industrial, retail, commercial travelers and tourists,” said Pat Townsend Jr., CEO of the Mission Economic Development Authority.
“This is a very unique international area and we have to keep the traffic flowing,” said Townsend. Businesses and commerce here is booming, and the Anzalduas Bridge is going to help spur even more growth to the area.
Source: Mission Economic Development Authority
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
A few years back, my sister and I enjoyed an idyllic respite at Rio Caliente Hot Springs Spa Resort near Guadalajara. You can read about it here. Having lived in Mexico on-and-of for the past decade, I adore the place. So, my heart ached today when I read this newsletter (see below) from Rio Caliente owner, Caroline Durston. I hope you’ll read it with an open mind and share it with a generous heart.
Vaya con Diós,
Ellen
Reflection of Different Times
Our longstanding friends and guests will recognise that this newsletter is a bit different than the ones we usually send you - a reflection of how different and challenging things are these days.
We all have been affected in some way by the economic downturn. Then in early April there was widespread media coverage of drug wars at the US/Mexico border. And since April 23, you’ve all been hearing the swine flu stories.
Like the drug war coverage, it is now being reported that there was an overreaction to the swine flu which may be no more severe than seasonal influenza. The Economist reported on May 4 that “the overreaction extends to an unfair vilification of Mexico, which in fact has handled this outbreak in a laudably transparent and competent manner.” The impact of this overreaction may cost the Mexican economy something like $5 billion.
We know there certainly has been an impact on Rio Caliente. We’ve experienced unprecedented numbers of cancellations and the lowest occupancy levels we’ve ever had at this time of year, creating uncertainty and stress for our Mexican staff. The guests who are here, however, have been enjoying absolute peace and tranquility and a research biologist from California told us in early May that she couldn’t think of a safer place to be at this time.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".