The TravelRight Dispatch

POSTCARD FROM NAYARIT
​Look, Ma! No explosions! Now that the Puerto Vallarta disturbance has subsided, I feel I can safely write about neighbouring Nayarit. Visiting friends who live on their sail boat was the absolute best idea, a week of cockpit cocktails, fresh seafood and market meandering in La Cruz. Marina life is a comforting mix of hard and soft adventure, rounded out with plenty of book-reading, galley-kitchen wizardry and pales of wine. I may need to be burped.

BELLY UP
Artisanal Raicilla
​Similar in flavour to mezcal, raicilla is crafted only in Jalisco by roasting, fermenting and twice-distilling agave hearts (piñas). Originally produced in secret, it has a distinct smoky, herbal taste. My marina-side experience included a slice of orange dusted with Tajín Clásico to draw out the flavour profile. Look for it in the specialty shops before you leave town—definitely worth checking a bag for.

EXCERPT
Vienna Verve​
​Vienna is one of my favourite European cities, with a storied past and present-day hipness oozing out of every pore. It's rather calm for a capital city, and that's the way the Viennese like it—relaxing, walkable, social and delicious. This story appeared in Renaissance Magazine:

Without doubt, Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world—a rich blend of imperial grandeur, artistic elegance and ample parkland. Cobblestone pedestrian streets are filled with historic buildings housing upscale shops and cozy cafés. Sculptures, fountains and Danube River promenades provide the filigree.

THIS MONTH'S PODCAST
​The TravelRight.Today Podcast #33 encourages you to stop turning your nose up at cruise vacations. Seriously, don't knock it until you've tried it—or you'll just sound common. I also discover the tiny town of La Cruz, as mentioned above, and reveal how diving and swimming with sea creatures can teach you more about them. Whales, too. I don't speak whale, but I've heard them singing underwater, and it was beyond surreal.

INTEL
How to Navigate Connecting Flights
​I’m one of those people who experiences anxiety at the slightest thought of throwing caution to the wind. “I hope I make my connection” just doesn’t wash with me. “Hope” is not a word to use when dealing with the airlines today. Here are my best tips on connecting flights:
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​1. Never buy two separate tickets. Book your two flights on the same ticket with the same airline. That way, if bad weather or technical difficulties come your way, the onus is on the airline to get you where you’re going.
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​2. Allow for at least 90 minutes to make a connecting domestic flight and at least 2.5 hours for an international flight. The extra time here is for busy airports with equally busy customs halls.
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​3. Never assume you’re going to just waltz from your arrival gate to the next departure gate. Dozens of things can get in your way: a terminal change, 45 minutes of walking, a surprise security checkpoint, baggage claim and recheck, just to name a few.

4. Book a morning flight, so that if there’s a problem, you have the whole day to iron it out. And never book the last flight out of anywhere. Even something as simple as lightening can see you checking into a one-star airport hotel for the night, then enjoying some chicken fingers and fries with a nice Merlot.

5. Opt for connecting cities that have the best weather. During the winter, for example, you may prefer to fly through Miami than Chicago.

6. Connecting flights = carryon bags. Luggage checked all the way through to your final destination is sometimes a fingers-crossed-at-the-carousel moment.

7. If all of the above fills you with dread, do yourself a favour and fly non-stop. You’re worth it!

YOU NEED HELP
​Do drop us a line to tell us about your spring and summer travel plans. We may be able to help with a recommendation. And while you're planning, take a tip or two from my travel-advice ebook How to Plan a Vacation.

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