Searching for soul in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Naked yoga, full moon parties and topless joggers — I’m on the beach in Playa del Carmen and happy to see that this beach town on Mexico’s Caribbean coast hasn’t lost its bohemian vibe. My introduction to Playa del Carmen began in the 1980s with my first husband , when we chose it as a budget alternative to Cancun. There were no resorts or condos, just endless stretches of white sand, mangroves and mysterious underground cenotes. Chickens ran freely across dirt streets and rooms with air conditioning were a luxury. While my then husband slept off the effects of a 5-day...
Read MoreEco-tour of Florida’s Treasure Coast
When Nancy Beaver’s marriage ended she didn’t plot revenge or decide her life was over. Instead, she got her captain’s licence and bought a boat. Now, she takes people on ecotours of the Indian River Lagoon near Port Salerno, in Martin County, Florida. Her mission is to promote a healthy, sustainable environment for all coastal and marine wildlife through research, education and preservation. After three days of driving Florida’s I-95 from Palm Beach to Jensen Beach, I was happy to get away from the superhighways and onto the water. My hope was to see a manatee or...
Read More5 unforgettable experiences during Day of the Dead in Guatemala
1) Explore a Kite Festival: Guatemalans believe the barrier between the realms of the living and the dead is at its most porous on Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) and the All Saints Day (Día de los Santos), so it’s an auspicious time to communicate with family ancestors by attaching messages to barriletes (kites) and letting the wind carry the messages up to the heavens. The best places to see these ceremonial kites are the barriletes fiestas held on November 1st in the central highlands near Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango. 2) Eat a Special Breakfast: Day of the Dead...
Read MoreCold springs, hot times at Pasabien, Guatemala
View near San Vicente, Zacapa Ever since I first heard the song Soy de Zacapa I vowed to someday see the natural swimming balnearios (baths) at Pasabien. This spring I finally got my chance. The rest of the family had left for Guatemala City, Mama Tayo thought 35C too cold to swim and Papa Challo was sick, so we headed out with the boys, crossing the San Vicente River and skipping past the village of Huite. “Huitecos are known for their wit and intelligence,” said Javier, who enjoyed providing a running commentary about the people and places we passed while...
Read MoreGo Paddling with Whales
Sea Kayak Adventures has operated kayaking tours to the premier whale watching destinations of Loreto in Mexico and Vancouver Island in British Columbia since 1993. There’s no experience necessary on these fully guided trips. Explore the Inside Passage, a glacier-carved waterway between the northeast coast of Vancouver Island and the snow-capped mountains of mainland British Columbia or choose a luxurious lodge-based trip at God’s Pocket Provincial Marine Park. Get a special discount if you read my column at Fifty-five Plus Magazine by calling 1 800...
Read MoreThe Naked Truth About Nova Scotia
While it should be expected you’ll encounter the occasional man during a women-only walking tour, I didn’t expect that the first one I’d meet would be naked except for a pair of hiking boots. “I’m a little surprised,” admitted Angela Chisholm, our tour leader as I scurried to rejoin the group. “Nova Scotia’s salt wind can be tough on vegetation – not to mention the nether regions. But there’s a nudist beach nearby so perhaps he’s just stretching the boundaries.” Stretching the boundaries is a common theme for Scott Walking Adventures...
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Wandering Carol
In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
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