The TravelRight Dispatch

POSTCARD FROM BEAR WEEK
​I know I make fun of Puerto Vallarta, but there's a time and place for everything, and Beef Dip was on the calendar last week. Bear Week over-delivers stellar pool parties, big beards and tiny trunks, with a killer day-long booze cruise we won't soon forget. Being a ginger bear, Tim is rather a unicorn, all dolled up in various shades of underwear.

EXCERPT
Eco-Escapes in the Colombian Rainforest​
I was helping a couple of friends plan a month-long rip to Colombia recently and making sure they didn't spend that whole time in the cities, fun as they are. It is the second most biodiverse country in the world (next to Brazil), thanks to the Andes, Amazon and two coastlines. This story appeared in the Toronto Star:

"Do you know anything about permaculture?" Santiago Giraldo raises an eyebrow at my blank stare, before carrying on with a definition, one that sums up the concept of the Cannúa lodge, a chic eco-retreat in the hills east of Medellín, Colombia.

MUST-STAY
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
​There are a thousand hotels to choose from in Puerto Vallarta, but the marina area always yields a consistent experience. Popping into the not-overly-huge Marriott with family for a few days really hit the spot, yielding lots of space, calm pools, attentive staff and great food. (Like, how do they manage piping-hot, tender calamari all the way across the pool deck?) Throw in Bali beds, to-order margaritas and 70s radio hits, and Shazam is the only thing taking up my brain space all afternoon.

THIS MONTH'S PODCAST
​The TravelRight.Today Podcast Episode #32 has some great advice on how to get more out of your travel experience by focusing on niche, experiential, sustainable, insider-informed itineraries and destinations. It doesn't have to cost a fortune! We also spin through Guadeloupe and highlight how getting to know the local people when you travel can absolutely make your holiday.

INTEL
How to Have a Healthy Vacation
​While I try to plan otherwise, I often return home from vacation exhausted and tipping the bathroom scales a bit harder. But there are ways to keep good lifestyle habits in check while you’re away from your regular routine.

1. Do something active every day for 30 minutes. Though the urge to sit on a lounger is strong, head out for a hike, a snorel or a kayak, or make use of the resort’s activity schedule. Physical excursion makes relaxing by the pool all the more rewarding.

2. Limit alcohol intake, even though the temptation is there and the drinks, in many cases, are free. Drinking less will also help you sleep better.

3. Get your regular number of hours of sleep.

4. Curb the snacking that often comes with vacation down-time.

5. At mealtimes, choose whole foods and plant-based menu items as much as possible. Making smart meal choices will help you steer clear of the sofa after lunch or from retiring early on a full stomach.

6. Keep an eye on stress management. Don’t overbook your agenda and plan ahead so there’s no last-minute rushing about.

7. Remind yourself that your health isn’t on vacation, just because you are.

DEAR READERS
​Where are you headed this spring? Besides the back yard, I mean? Tell us your plans when you get a second. Maybe we can help! Don't forget to subscribe to The TravelRight.Today Podcast and never miss a new episode!

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