These days, Mexico more often draws thoughts of spring break and drug wars than peace and quiet - which, to be honest, really ticks me off.
I've been fortunate enough to really explore the country over the past year, including multiple stays in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Rosarito Beach, and the Guadalupe Valley. While at times I am admittedly pampered on these trips (mostly to Barcelo resorts), I by no means stay in my room - wandering is sort of my thing.
I've got to be honest: Looking back at all those adventures, I can't tell you one moment where I felt threatened, scared, or uncomfortable. In truth, I've never felt relieved to be by myself, like I would have to protect a woman if she were by my side. Typically, I'm wishing for company amongst the beaches, sunsets, weather, and scenery.
Mexico is relatively inexpensive and, for many Americans, a short flight. This spring or summer, when the craving for a getaway for two takes you over, give Mexico more than a passing glance.
Before I went skydiving for the first time, I had a quick conversation with one of my roommates who understands my insanity - my drive to experience life and all the "dangerous" situations that come along with it.
I told him that if anything ever happened to me while I was traveling - be it a skydiving accident, an attack by a baby tiger, or a straight up kidnapping - I wanted it to be his duty to explain to my family and friends that I was all right with it, that I went out doing what I loved and that I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I'm aware that sounds like teenage baloney, but I truly meant it (and still do). Some people slowly die over the course of 30 years behind a desk, which to me is a much scarier thought than falling off a monument or something.
It's all good - that's why they make chocolate and vanilla - yet I need to make sure the people who would mourn me understand that I honestly went out doing what I loved. I need them to believe me when I say there's nowhere else I'd rather be than experiencing that moment, however terrifying it may seem to John Q citizen.
To all travelers: Don't let the news get you down or discouraged, don't get afraid. The American passport statistics are still declining and a lack of travel is, in my opinion, what drives this idea of fear toward the unknown and cultural differences.
Accidents will happen, as they do on the road every day. Maybe you'll get robbed or lost or have to evacuate a sinking ship. But we still have to keep going, keep searching.
I think this man, who I met on my drive from Manzanillo to Puerto Vallarta, would agree.
I've eaten at a lot of the Barcelo restaurants over the past few months (Punta Cana, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta) - and many are very beautiful - but Manzanillo's Agave sort of blows the others right out to sea.
It's perched out at the far end of the resort, hanging over the water with a view of a riviera to the right, mountains in the center, and the beaches and lights of Manzanillo to the left.
Last week, we shot a scene for the promotional video in the restaurant, then stayed for dinner (it's Mexican fare, and the two dishes below are the duck and the steak). After the dinner hours, Agave turns into a dance party - usually with a live band - and the bar is right there in the restaurant. Boasting the same amazing views, it's a nice place to wind down the evening.
The food is delicious, but to be honest it was hard to care about what was on my plate.
One of the perks of being in the "cast" of a promotional video (or attending a press trip) is getting to see/tour the best a resort has to offer.
We were filming in the Presidential Suite at the Barcelo Karmina Palace (Manzanillo) for half a day - which meant we got to put our feet up and take in the stunning views.
Funny story: I actually spent about an hour of that time snoozing in one of the bedrooms off the main room - apparently the makeup did not agree with my face and I had an allergic reaction.
I've spent the last eight days traveling through Mexico, visiting the Barcelo properties in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
I was hoping to get the blog up and running so I could have taken you along with me, but it turned out to be a blessing - I can't remember a more jam-packed trip.
So let's play catch up: Not only was I there to wander and write, I was an actor in a promotional video the hotels are producing.
Talk about an experience: I got married twice.
I wrote in a recent piece for Wake and Wander that I thought it was ironic - a wandering, restless travel writer standing in the ultimate position of commitment and stability - and I don't know any other way to put it.
I've always been rather indifferent about the idea of marriage, a "we'll see what happens" type of mentality.
The experience of pretending didn't exactly put me in a rush to tie the knot for real, although it did bring a smile to my face and an appreciation for how special the day can be when it's all for you - what a celebration of your happiest moment can feel like.
Check out the photos as they capture the moments rather well.
Did you have a destination wedding? Email me your photos (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) and let's see how they compare!
Ponte Vecchio's Did you know that the Ponte Vecchio's status as the oldest bridge in Florence saved it from destruction? During the Nazi retreat, they thankfully defied orders to blow it up. The ancient buildings on either side of the Arno River were not spared, they were sadly destroyed.
