Welcome to the October–November edition of the Travel Desk & Journal! As autumn settles in, it’s time to start dreaming of warmer days. This issue highlights three of my favorite winter-sun destinations—Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador—along with an epic adventure through New Zealand and a spooky-season roundup of haunted hotels to die for.
Photo: Hyatt Ziva, Cancun, Mexico
Mexico City
La Capital, Mexico City is a vibrant, modern metropolis rich in culture—filled with museums, art, street tacos, fine dining, and nightlife that never sleeps. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city invites you to wander through colonial architecture at the Zócalo, admire the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, and explore Aztec history at the ancient ruins of Tenochtitlán, home to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Riviera Maya stretches along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and is where white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters on the Caribbean coast. A destination known for it relaxed atmosphere, luxury beach resorts, tranquil eco-lodges, and world-class wellness escapes in Cancún, Tulum, and Mayakoba. Here you’ll discover stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and lush jungles—a dream destination for both soul-soothing escapes and extraordinary journeys!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
At the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas and its sister town San José del Cabo offer a dazzling mix of desert landscapes and dramatic coastal beauty. This region—known as Los Cabos—is famous for its beaches, luxurious resorts, world-class golf, and endless sunshine.
Traveling beyond Cabo, you’ll uncover a few hidden gems. On my last trip, I explored Todos Santos, a charming town known for its thriving artist community and colonial architecture, and Playa Cerritos, a small fishing village and surf spot found under the striking Hacienda that overlooks the point.
Whether you’re sailing to the iconic Arch, indulging in fresh seafood, or relaxing at a chic beach club, Los Cabos is ideal for quick getaways, romantic escapes, or winter sun retreats.
Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos
On The Day of the Dead, Mexico celebrates its vibrant culture and honor the memories of loved ones who’ve passed. Blending pre-Hispanic rituals with Spanish Catholic traditions, this time of year is filled with festivities, parades, music, and traditional foods. Starting October 31 is Halloween or All Hallows eve, November 1 is All Saints Day and the Day of the Children, and November 2 is All Souls Day or The Day of the Dead.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean, offering an irresistible mix of natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality. From the beaches and resorts of Punta Cana and the lively rhythm of Santo Domingo, to the lush mountains and waterfalls of Samaná, every corner invites you to explore and unwind.
Spend your days snorkeling in turquoise waters, discovering colonial architecture, or dancing to bachata into the night. For thrill seekers, there’s kiteboarding in Cabarete, hiking through cloud forests, and whale watching along the northern coast.
An easy-to-reach Caribbean destination—perfect for winter sun, the holidays, or a spring break getaway. For my family’s it been our getaway spot, staying in Las Terrenas, Samaná ,and Playa Encuentro in Puerto Plata.
El Salvador
El Salvador is one of Central America’s most exciting emerging destinations. From Pacific surf beaches and dramatic volcanoes to colonial towns and coffee plantations, it packs remarkable diversity into a small country. Increasingly popular with travelers exploring beyond Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, El Salvador is now welcoming visitors with improved infrastructure, a strong focus on safety, and the convenience of using the U.S. dollar, alongside Bitcoin as legal tender.
We visited El Salvador on our annual family surf trip, staying in the laid-back surf town of El Zonte. With its consistent point break, friendly locals, delicious pupusas, and relaxed atmosphere, it was exactly our kind of vibe. It’s easy to see why this stretch of coastline is becoming a favorite for surfers and travelers alike.
New Zealand Travel Guide
One of my most memorable adventures was a family road trip around New Zealand’s South Island. We hit the open road in our campervan, surrounded by epic scenery and wide-open vistas—stopping to see Kiwi friends and visit some family along the way. My daughter was little then, and she still remembers our hike up a glacier in search of Elsa’s ice palace. Inspired, we said we’d return one day to explore the wilds of the North Island.
New Zealand is where dramatic landscapes meet laid-back adventure. Across both the North and South Islands, you can hike through breathtaking wilderness, explore Māori culture, and soak in natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks and ski slopes of the Southern Alps and the fjords of Milford Sound, to the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay and the golden beaches of the Bay of Islands. Whether you’re chasing thrills, tranquility, Middle-earth magic, or world-class wine, New Zealand is 100% pure travel inspiration.
Spooky Season & Haunted Hotels
In the spirit of Halloween—and if you dare to check in—let’s explore haunted hotels to die for and the real-life travel horror stories you’ll want to avoid. One top tip? Don’t leave home without travel insurance.
Last-minute Thanksgiving Getaways
If your Thanksgiving plans are still TBD… consider this your sign. I can help you find private homes, family cabins, hotel residences and ranch retreats—where someone else does the dishes. Think of it as your home-away-from-home for the holidays, whether it’s a quiet escape just for you or a big family gathering!
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