Vallarta Food Tours ~ Eat + Explore = Exceptional Experiences

Although we’ve traveled to Puerto Vallarta dozens of times and called the city home for a bit in 2016 until the last trip we’d never taken advantage of one of the very popular walking food tours put on by Vallarta Food Tours. I wish we hadn’t taken so long! What a great few hours with new friends wandering and eating our way through several neighborhoods.

After a light breakfast of street tamales, we headed to nearby Lazaro Cardenas Park at 1030am to meet our group. Our fearless leader was Joana, a native of Puerto Vallarta. We all chatted as we headed to our first stop for breakfast tacos. Yes, for everyone not familiar with truly authentic Mexican cuisine, breakfast tacos are a thing!

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In Honor of an Adventure Dog

The rain increased as I stumbled along the path, tripping over tree roots. Confused, I realized I’d made a wrong turn somewhere along the way and turned to correct the path when I saw a group of men approaching in the ever-darkening Guatemalan evening. I continued forward while trying to project confidence with Aspen glued to my side. I uttered a greeting as we passed the group and received long stares in response before their gaze turned to the large black dog at my side. I hurried her along the path and arrived safely at the villa shortly after, my nerves totally shot. The saying goes “Who saved Who?” in the world of dog adoptions but in that instance, I was absolutely certain it was she who saved me. 

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Adventure in the time of Covid

What does adventure mean to you? Is it a weekend away to a new destination? Perhaps adventure to you means just pushing boundaries beyond your normal comfort zone. We have always gotten an incredible high from waking up in a new country or location with no idea how the day would play out. 2020 is not that year.

The official definition of adventure even adds in a bit of danger.

ad·ven·ture/

an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. Especially the exploration of unknown territory.

During these last few months of time spent close to home, we have found ourselves endlessly discussing past adventures while craving for our own next big adventure. We’ve scoured the pages of this blog reliving the countries and continents we’ve explored and missing all those we’ve met along the way.

Recently a friend shared this quote: “Now is not the time to lament what we can not do, but embrace what we can do”. So true in this year of disruption on so many levels.

While BIG plans are in the works with more info to come about later, we have managed to have a few short trips up and down the Oregon coast. While the unusual and dangerous elements may have been missing, there is no question that this scenic route is one of the most spectacular we’ve ever driven.

Meanderings both north and south delivered on stunning vistas, magnificent empty beaches where masks and social distancing were unnecessary discussions, along with some damn good seafood.

Saturday we leave for our next mini-vacation with a two-week jaunt through Central Oregon hanging for a few days each in several of our favorite campgrounds and enjoy days of leisure. The only things on the agenda are sleeping in, days spent on the lake, and lots of R&R.

I suspect I’ll even read a book, or five. The majority of our time will be out of touch, fully unconnected from the chaos and dysfunction that is 2020.

New adventures await and one day our plans will again include international travel and far-flung locales. One day we will hug our friends close and enjoy group outings.

For now, we relish our time together. For now, we are grateful daily that our sweet baby girl is still with us and smiling daily. For now, we appreciate that we work in one of the few travel industry jobs that is actually thriving. For now, we take one day at a time dreaming of adventures to come.

The Cactus Fields of Catavina

The boulder fields of Catavina offer a unique bit of Baja. Set smack in the middle of a 180-mile gas-free stretch between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria, the hamlet of Catavina is easy to pass by. Our advice is to spend the night. The boulder fields and an astonishing array of cactus combined with stunning sunsets make for a pleasant stop along the way.

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How To Plan The Best Last Minute Getaway

Getting the opportunity to jet off on a last-minute getaway can be such a fun experience, as the chance for an exciting spontaneous break can provide a much-needed escape from your busy working life. Planning your last minute trip needn’t be a difficult task, as there are just a few simple steps that you must follow to organize the ideal vacation. So, if you want to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of today! 

Woman Taking Pictures of Ruins

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Back to Baja

The light rising over the bay bathed us in light, but it was the waves that had woken me. Not crashing onto the beach but like a whisper. Similar to belly breathing in Yoga with a long deep inhale culminating in a soft exhale. Thus began another day in paradise. This is life on the Baja.

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Things To Do In Oregon Wine Country

Since we’re all stuck at home these days we need to dream of what adventures we’ll be on when life returns to normal. Check out a few options for Oregon Wine Country!

The Willamette Valley in Oregon contains over 19,000 acres of vineyards, which has earned it the name “Oregon Wine Country”. However, there is much more to this beautiful 150-mile long valley than just vineyards. Here are 6 fun activities you and your family can enjoy while visiting
this interesting region.

Willamette River, River, Clouds, Water, Bridge, Evening

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Countdown to Another Baja Amigo’s Caravan

Our itchy feet are soon to be rewarded as our compass once again heads southward. The last seven months is the longest we’ve stayed in any one spot for the last four years and we are feeling it! Luckily, having negotiated a 59-day leave of absence each winter allows us to stay in touch with the wanderlust that is core to our true selves.

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Seize The Day & Bring Your Travel Dreams To Life

“Do not dare not to dare.” 

The quote, attributed to C. S. Lewis, is the perfect motto to live your life and start a brand new year – and decade. It’s also the perfect mantra for a traveler. 

Can you afford not to dare any longer? Indeed, this is the question you ought to ask yourself. While there is no denying that everybody has valid reasons to stay at home and reject the tantalizing exploration of the world, the truth is that you don’t want to be lying on your deathbed with your mind full of regrets. Travel makes memories, and daring to travel is the promise of stories and anecdotes to keep you entertained and put you back in the driving seat of your life. It’s time to make 2020 the year of daring by understanding what’s stopping your travel plans. 

Woman Sitting On The Floor Beside Black Luggage

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How To Really See The World In Style & On A Budget

When it comes to travel, we all want to see the world in style, but most of us presume it’s unaffordable. Well, if you do things right, this doesn’t have to be the case at all. As with most things in life, if you use your brain a little bit, you may find there are more doors open to you than you originally thought.

In this post, we are going to be taking a look at some of the ways you can experience the heights of style and sophistication no matter where you decide to travel to in the world.

Woman Walking on Pathway While Strolling Luggage

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