I wanted to look back at 2020 in order to think about how 2021 is going to be better, but I quickly realized 2020 gave me plenty to be grateful for...even if things were different.  I find looking back therapeutic any year--to see how far I've come and to set goals and aspirations for the future--this year it all seems more important.

The photo above is from Seaside, OR.  Henry (the  dog) and I took a spontaneous trip last January to the beach--low season prices were too hard to resist.  We had the beach almost completely to ourselves and while chilly, it was really nice.  I will take worse weather over crowds any day :)   We made our way from Seaside up the coast and into Washington State.  We stopped at Olympia and headed to the Olympic Peninsula.  All a great time for reflection and long walks.  

February brought me to Chicago. You may be asking who in their right mind goes to Chicago in February??  My reason was my dad's 85th birthday and I am so thankful we could all get together to celebrate before the world changed.  The idea of having 25+ people inside at a gathering feels crazy now, but just 10 months ago, it was business as usual.  

I took advantage of leap year to use the extra day to fly to Africa.  Very productive use of an extra day in my opinion :)   I used the quiet and reflection of my January trip to plan this last minute trip of my dreams.  I couldn't shake the feeling that if I didn't go now, I wouldn't go (or wouldn't go for awhile).  I was thinking more of simply life being busy with work and I knew we were moving again in 2020, but I am so grateful I took that nudge to make it happen.   

Thinking back to my time in Rwanda and Uganda brings a smile to face and I hope it continues to for many years to come.   

I was on my scheduled flight from Kampala, Uganda to Amsterdam en route home when President Trump announced the travel ban to Europe.  I knew COVID was becoming a larger problem, but I didn't imagine the world would change so dramatically...or so quickly.  I was on the second to the last flight from Amsterdam to Portland and took an Uber home thinking I  was exhausted and perhaps I  shouldn't be around that many people. As we all know, what has happened since mid-March is....sitting here thinking for the right word...perhaps unbelievable sums it up.   

I was scheduled to be home for a couple of weeks and then head to Guam to see my husband.  This would have been my last trip to Guam before our scheduled move in the summer.  Each day we thought the next would bring good news and somewhat surprisingly, the flights between Hawaii and Guam never stopped flying.  The challenge for me was how to get to Hawaii.   I almost went for it since I thought COVID would pass in the time I was gone.  Guess I don't have  a career in fortune telling, huh?  

So, I stayed home like the rest of the world.  I cancelled dozens of trips for clients and each week brought more.   I love being a travel advisor so I can help people experience wonderful places around the world.  I  don't imagine there is an advisor out there that enjoys seeing those trips get cancelled (and for some, cancelled 3, 4 or 5 times). I tried to be hopeful and I continue to be hopeful for a better travel future. 

As I mentioned, we were scheduled to move this summer (my husband is active duty military).   I was in Oregon and we were headed to Washington, DC.   Just a short little drive :)  I missed my husband and decided I could  travel safely on the road---choosing  hotels that were doing the best job of COVID precautions and with a couple bags of snacks and microwave meals in case restaurants closed again while I was en route.  

July and August were spent getting settled in our new home of Alexandria, VA.  I had clients begin to travel in the United States and Mexico and the glimmer of hope was getting brighter.  I wanted to see if it was possible to fly safely and see what the precautions looked like in reality (plus, you know me, I was itching to travel).  I booked a trip to Mexico about a week before I left.  That is one travel trend that seems to have stuck during COVID---the average booking is now made 2 or 3 weeks out instead of 2 or 3 (or more) months in advance.  

My first flight post COVID was to Cancun.  They had been open for months and seemed to have their act together and data suggested COVID transmission wasn't happening at resorts or on airplanes, so I felt confident.   Yes, I had to wear a mask.  Yes, things were different.  In my experience, different wasn't bad.  My trip was literally a breath of fresh air---I could be outside most of the day and since resorts are capacity controlled, there was more room to spread out and less waiting in lines.  The local tourism providers were very thankful for visitors.  

Up next was a little road trip with Henry to the Delaware Shore (Dewey Beach). Henry had his first ice cream  in  a  dog ice cream parlor (didn't know  they existed!)...sometimes it is the small memories that make a trip.  

October had more clients traveling and I explored the Dominican Republic for the first time...and had so much space to myself.   Travel was just starting back up and resorts were at limited occupancy.    November was a time for me to explore DC a bit (outdoors and wearing a mask) and as COVID numbers increased again, I  weighed the pros and cons and decided to continue on with my planned trip to Sandals Grande Antigua.  Antigua was the first destination I visited that required a COVID test, so I had my first test the end of November (the requirement was within 7 days of arrival).  Antigua was beautiful and Sandals did an excellent job with COVID precautions.  
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2020 was certainly a year, but on reflection, not all bad.  I visited places I probably wouldn't have under other circumstances.  I also had to be creative to help find clients who wanted to travel spaces that would be safe and responsible to travel to under the circumstances.   I'm grateful for the things I've learned this year and am hopeful that  2021 is the year we can all get back to travel.  I am here to help you whenever you are ready  to start planning.  Happy New Year!  

I recently visited Antigua and fell in love with the island.  Antigua is currently (as of the time of writing) a CDC Level 2 destination which means they have excellent COVID-19 precautions in place and the number of infections are considered low.   I was required to have a PCR test within 7 days of arrival and travel with my negative test result (I printed multiple copies and saved the file on my phone).  

Upon arrival at the airport, you need to fill out some forms, have your temperature taken and answer a few questions.  The process from getting off the plane to walking out of the airport took about 45 minutes which is very good (not much longer than pre-COVID).  

I had the pleasure of staying at Sandals Grande Antigua which is a 15 to 20 minute drive from the airport.  If you are not familiar with Sandals they are a chain of exceptional adult only, all inclusive resorts.  They are all 5 star resorts and have nearly everything included---even scuba diving.  Airport transfers and most staff gratuities are  also included (if you have a butler level suite, tips for the butler are not required, but encouraged).   The dining options range from a pastry shop to high end fine dining and all are included in the price, as is premium top shelf alcohol (you can also get local drink options).  Sandals also has many on-site entertainment options throughout the day from beach volleyball, yoga, Hobie Cat sailing to live music and themed parties at night.  Each resort has a little different vibe with Antigua being on the quieter end on the party scale (perfect for me and my husband!). 

Sandals is also known for its service.  Staff are there to help you with whatever you need and it is certainly service with a smile.  I'm not a huge drinker, but felt like something while I was relaxing at the pool.  I asked the bartender for a suggestion for something frosty, refreshing  and not super sugary.  She said I have just the thing and made me an amazing mango mojito.  The staff to guest ratio is high, so there are plenty of chances to chat and get to know the staff and ask their recommendations.   As many of you know I am a vegetarian  and that can be a challenge at some resorts, but Sandals did an excellent job.  They had at least two vegetarian options on each restaurant menu and the chef was always willing to create something for me if I didn't like the options (they have many veggie options with fake meat which isn't my thing).  One lunch my husband had the Thai fish curry and they made me Thai tofu curry. Perfect and very tasty :)   My husband enjoyed being able to have surf and  turf each day if he wanted...the food is truly high end and ordering off the menus feels like you are at a gourmet  restaurant (except there is no bill at the end).   For those of you that love going to Europe, the crepes at the pastry shop were very, very good.  If I closed my eyes, I could almost believe I was eating my Nutella and banana crepe in France :) 

Sandals has many different room categories------something around 30 to 40 of them at each resort.  Each category is based on the location of the room and the amenities offered.  As your travel advisor, I'm here to help you figure out what is the best fit.  Even the lowest room categories have access to all of the restaurants and activities.  You won't have access to room service for free or have liquor in your minibar, but a bar is only a couple minutes away.  Some rooms are large with a separate sitting area and/or even your own private plunge pool and hot tub (sign me up!).    These rooms come with a butler who is there to help you secure the best loungers at the beach and pool (with a cooler of drinks waiting) and get you priority dining and spa reservations.  You barely have to lift a finger :)  Many couples choose to stay in these suites and villas as part of their destination wedding or honeymoon (contact me for more information about having  your wedding at Sandals).  

I also like Sandals because as part of their Sandals Foundation, they give back to the local communities where the resorts are located and encourage guests to participate in Pack for a Purpose.  This is a program (not limited to Sandals) where local agencies upload a wish list of items that guests can bring in their suitcase from home or  purchase locally.  COVID has impacted communities around the world and these donations are needed more than ever---the staff at Sandals Grande Antigua were very appreciative of the small items I brought.   If you are  a  shopper,  this gives you an opportunity to bring needed items from home and then gives you space for your new  purchases on the way home.  

I did leave the resort for a private tour, but Sandals has plenty to do on resort to keep you busy for days.  Each  location has a little different COVID precautions or restrictions in place---for Antigua, I was allowed to leave property with no additional testing or restrictions.  Everyone in the car (driver and passengers) had to wear masks and capacity was limited (a mini van now could hold 3  passengers for a tour).  I will  leave you  with  some beautiful island photos.  Please get in touch to plan your trip to Sandals (I have some exclusive promo codes for a limited time!). 

I had the pleasure of checking out several resorts while I was visiting the Dominican Republic.   About half of the resorts in the Punta Cana area are currently open, with many other resorts planning to re-open late November  or early December.  I honestly feel like now is the time to visit.  Punta Cana  can be very crowded, but during my  visit, occupancy levels were around 10-40% of capacity.   Some resorts were very, very quiet and others had quite  a bit of their normal entertainment up and running with capacity controls in place. So, something for everyone  :)

Sanctuary Cap Cana 
Sanctuary is an adult-only resort in the beautiful Cap Cana area.  This area is only a 15 minute or so drive from the airport and the main entrance to Cap Cana (which has several resorts) is gated.  Sanctuary has several different areas within the resort (including a building that looks like a castle), so it is easy to feel  like  you have been to more than 1 resort during your stay.   The resort is still small enough to be walkable though.  The photo above is of one of the suite "balconies". Talk about oceanfront--I would never leave if that was part of my room :)  All of  the rooms have ocean views and even the lowest category of room is very nice.  Sanctuary also has stand alone villas for people who want extra space--they are very popular at the moment and are sold out  for the next few months.  Sanctuary is doing a very good job with COVID precautions---the restaurant seating has been adjusted to give guests extra room and several options have outdoor seating.  Upon arrival, luggage is sanitized and your temperature is taken.  Hand sanitizer is offered frequently and plexi glass dividers are in place at reception and concierge desks.  The beach is more of a cove than a long stretch of beach and is located on the Caribbean side of the island.  This resort is gorgeous very sophisticated, but the vibe is more chill than some other options (this can be a positive or a negative)   Some resort photos are below. 

Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara
This property is divided into 2 sections---Ziva is the family friendly side and Zilara is the adult-only.  If you are staying staying at Zilara, you have access to everything (restaurants, pool, beach, etc) on the Ziva side and adults also have the option of visiting the Zilara side (but children are not allowed to visit Zilara).   These resorts are also in Cap Cana.  I think one of the main reasons to choose Hyatt is the excellent food choices.   All of my clients that stay here love the food.   The buffet options (one on each side) are currently open, but staff have to serve you the options you request.  The al la carte restaurants are capacity controlled, but with the lower occupancy levels, it is  easy to get in to the restaurant of your choice.    The pools at Hyatt are large with plenty of room to spread out.  There are fire pit areas on both sides that are popular at night...with bars very close.   The beach is a long and on the Caribbean side.  Hyatt is taking COVID seriously and are giving people plenty of space at their entertainment venues.   I am not a gym person, but if you are, Hyatt is your place!  This  gym area is HUGE.  There are several rooms with equipment and weights, a section dedicated to CrossFit, space for yoga as well as spinning.  The hours are reduced because of COVID (used to be 24/7), but the gym is still open longer than other resorts.  They also have a water park--some of the larger slides are even for adults (or older kids)...and they have food trucks so you don't have to walk back to the main part of the resort if you get hungry or thirsty (no alcohol here).  

​Secrets Cap Cana
This is the 3rd resort I saw in the Punta Cana area---they are all within about a 5 minute drive of one another.  Secrets is an adult-only resort that is part of a chain. You can find Secrets resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Some people like that they are a chain as the restaurants and bars are all the same across properties.  There are local specialties at each resort (like the best fresh passion fruit juice I've ever tasted!).  Secrets was the  busiest resort I visited and they were at about 40% of capacity.  They are taking all of the COVID precautions.  Secrets is broken down into the regular resort and a preferred club.  The preferred club has been selling out  because the rooms have more space than regular rooms....and we all want as much space as we can get at the moment. The wedding program is up and running again and they have adjusted some locations to make sure  there is plenty of social distancing.  There are several pools and a gorgeous long stretch of beach.  This was the one resort where I saw plexi glass at all bars...so it is safer to go get drinks and chat with the bar staff.  

Iberostar Bavaro Beach
This resort has several resorts in one...so this really isn't the resort name, but it helps decipher the location. I was  able to visit Iberostar Selection Bavaro and the Coral Level at Selection Bavaro.  Iberostar Punta Cana,  Dominicana  and Grand Bavaro were all still closed.   The resorts at this location vary from 3 star to 5 star---Punta  Cana is the lowest option and you are only able to use the amenities at that resort.   However, if you stay  somewhere like the Coral Level, you can use the amenities at that resort as well as resorts lower than that category  (so everything except Grand Bavaro...at Grand Bavaro you can visit all of the resorts).  Iberostar has the strictest COVID entry requirements of my visit ---  the  driver and I had to have our temperature taken in the vehicle at the entrance and then again in the lobby. The machine in the lobby required you to be close to have your temperature taken (no thermal cameras here--that is what most other resorts have so you don't even know they are taking  your temperature).   This resort is quite large and most people use golf carts to get around.  They require you to use hand sanitizer before getting in the cart and they  have capacity controls in place.   The grounds are very nice and  very  green.  They also have a golf course on site---it  is about a 5 to 10 minute golf cart ride from the reception desk (depending on which resort you are staying).  Golf is not included for most of the resorts (it is included for some rooms at Grand Bavaro).  The beach is wide open and has plenty of space.   I was a  little surprised about the dining options---Iberostar typically  is  all or mostly all buffet restaurants---and now even with  COVID,  they  are continuing.   Guests have to wear a mask in the buffet area and social distance.   The  portions  are all  grab and  go or prepared at a station.   The tables  are  all set  up with social distancing in mind and during my lunch time  visit, there were plenty of tables to space  out.   

Hard Rock Punta Cana
This resort is one of the largest in Punta Cana with 1,775 rooms.  I have never visited a resort this large before  and it certainly is immense...and they are expanding to include a water park scheduled to open Summer  2021.  The resort has a huge array of things to do---from a casino to recording studios, as well as a huge shopping area.  Many options are included in the all inclusive package, but some are available at an extra cost.  Like Hard Rock Cafes, the theme is all music related and there is music memorabilia throughout the resort.  I noticed Hard Rock didn't have as many COVID precautions in place as the other resorts I saw, but they are requiring social  distancing.  I  don't have as many  photos because my tour was by golf cart and we didn't stop---drive by  photos never turn out all that  well.  The  beach is beautiful and is a long white sand one where you could walk for some  distance.   There are many pools, so you have plenty of options.   While you could walk the property, it would  likely be a 15 to 20 minute walk from reception to the ocean.  Most people take the shuttle golf cart or you can rent  your own private golf cart if you don't want to have to wait (or to share with others).  There are lots of restaurants and bars here to give  you  plenty of variety.  There is more of a party-vibe  here than the other resorts I saw (can be a positive or negative). 

Please message me when you are ready to plan your trip to the Dominican Republic.   I am a Certified Dominican Republic specialist and have exclusive perks at many of these resorts. 

The Dominican Republic (often abbreviated as the DR) surprised me.  This was my first visit and while Punta Cana is far from its normal self, resorts are open and the scenery is gorgeous.  I stayed at Zoëtry Agua which is in Uvero  Alto--an area about 40 minutes from the airport on the Atlantic Ocean side. Uvero Alto  has  fewer resorts than  the more bustling area of Bavaro Beach  and  the  resorts are more spread out here than they are in the Cap Cana area.  From the moment I arrived, I felt very welcome at Zoëtry.   The reception area is all outdoors, so no boring check in here.  Under new COVID precautions,  there  are a few extra items that  need to be completed before heading to your room,  but the whole process is still done within  5 minutes.  One extra item is to confirm enrollment in the Dominican Republic COVID insurance program.  One form is filled out on the plane and given to immigration and a follow up form confirms your arrival as a tourist at the resort.   Of course, all staff wear masks and you are asked to use hand sanitizer upon arrival and before entering buildings  (restaurants, spa, etc). Masks are not required for guests, but signs  are placed suggesting masks where you might  encounter other guests (walking into the restaurant, even just to walk to the outdoor seating).  

After the formalities were taken care of, I was escorted to my suite by a member of the concierge team...welcome drink in hand :) As we walked  I was given a tour and told which parts of the resort were currently open.  Traveling  during COVID requires flexibility and that means understanding some things will not be open for your visit.  Zoëtry's occupancy  was quite low (I traveled Monday  to Thursday which is slower even pre-COVID) and so only one of the five restaurants were open.  At first thought, it  is  hard not to be a little disappointed.  Some of the fun of going to resorts is having a choice of several types of food in one place.   However, once I understood a bit more, it made complete sense.   The restaurant open varied by the day and I quickly learned that the chef and his team was willing to  make items by  request.  As many of you know, I am  a vegetarian.  After  one meal, the  chef basically said why don't I prepare you a  special menu for each meal.  Um,  yes!  So each meal I would sit down and poof...an amazing  4 or 5 course meal would simply appear.  I never  knew what I  would be getting, but let me tell you, it was all fantastic! Zoëtry has a focus on organic and local foods wherever possible and the freshness came through in the food.  The coffee shop was also not open, but the bartender could  go into the coffee shop and make you whatever coffee drink you had in mind.  I appreciated Zoëtry's flexibility and willingness to make guests happy.  Room service was still running 24/7  (one of  the few resorts in Punta Cana to continue 24/7)  and you could request staff  to set up your table or have them place the order in the  service box---a large box built  into the side of the suite with a door that opens on the  outside so staff can place items in or take items away contact free---these existed before,  but the main reason was privacy (yeah, no reason to get dressed for room service delivery!).   Staff knock to let you know it has arrived and you open  the door inside the suite and can  set your own  table.  

Zoëtry is designed to hold 200 guests, so even pre-COVID, it was a resort where you could easily find space to yourself.  The grounds are expansive, but not so big that you are never further than a few minutes walk  to the ocean or your room.  Certainly no golf carts needed here. All of the rooms are similarly designed with the different categories being mostly for the views you get from your own  private patio or balcony.  They also  have a few villas for when you want some extra space.   The beach is  beautiful sand and there is an opportunity  to walk in either direction for a nice long walk---no neighboring resorts.  Zoëtry has swim out suites where you can enter the pool right from your room, as well as two main pools (one is currently closed, but slated to open in November).   There are fitness options---like  yoga, water aerobics  (with  bikes under water),  or pilates offered every day, as well as a tea time or mixology lesson and live entertainment at night.    This  isn't the resort  for you if you really like to party,  but there are activities to keep you busy if you don't want to simply relax.  Zoëtry also offers non-motorized water sports, like paddle boarding, kayaking  and snorkeling.  The water was too rough to  enjoy  any of  those  during my short stay,  but the water sports office is right on the beach and appeared very  easy  to use. 

The spa is currently undergoing  some renovation, so all treatments are now performed on the beach (or a room patio if the weather is bad).  A massage at the beach normally costs extra, but now it is included.  An extra little perk for traveling now :)   I enjoyed every moment of my treatment  and was certainly lulled into relaxation a little easier with the sound of the waves.  As I sit here on a rainy  day back in VA having tea, I wish I could go back to that moment....

I will write more about my inspections at  other resorts in the area in another blog post.  Zoëtry Agua  is high on the list of resorts that I will be recommending to my clients---they do a great job of making you feel that you are at your own private resort and I felt very safe during my stay.  

I had the pleasure of visiting several resorts during my recent trip to Mexico.    Each resort is adapting to COVID-19 in different ways, but all of the resorts I saw were doing an excellent  job of social distancing.   These are by no means the only resorts in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum areas excelling in this time of COVID---these are simply the ones I  was able to visit during my short trip. 

This is a brand new wellness resort on the Riviera Maya and they have a strong eco and sustainability focus.  This concept sets them apart from many of the resorts in this area.   The vibe is intentionally chill and zen and the resort was designed with social distancing in mind...even before social distancing was a thing :)  That gives me confidence that this resort will  be a safe place to  travel even when occupancy levels are allowed to climb back to 80% or higher.   All of the staff are required to wear masks and the dining areas have staggered seating to  ensure you have  plenty of space to yourself.     The grounds of the hotel  are beautiful and the beach is a short walk from any of the rooms (this is not a huge resort).   There are 3 natural cenotes and spaces designed for  yoga, quiet reflection or meditation.   The meals offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian options,  but meat is also available.  The spa is made up of little casitas with a wall of windows overlooking the gardens (in the direction where no one can see you....) and seemed very peaceful.   If  you want to relax and disconnect from the world, this is the resort for you.  

This resort is family friendly and in all of the family rooms, there are 2 showers.  A cool (and very useful!) perk. There are also suites where one side is a regular room and the other side is a bunk room for kids (with their own bathroom).  The kids club is also different than most---it is inspired by Waldorf education and allows kids to have personalized attention.   All of that said, in my opinion, this resort seems better suited for older kids and adults who want to  disconnect.  

Tulum is about 1.5 hours from the Cancun airport and the area has a quieter vibe.  You are close to the Tulum archeological ruins and turtles lay eggs and nest right on the resort beach (how cool!).    While the vibe is more relaxed in general, Dreams has plenty to offer and you won't be bored unless you want to be.  The resort has 2 sections and each has a different atmosphere.  Staff are all required to wear masks and there are limitations of the number of people allowed at a time for things like the stores and cafes, and weddings are only allowed with a limited number of guests (it maxed out at 60 during my visit).  During my visit, the guests had  plenty of room to spread out on the beach and in the pool areas---it was well done.  Guests are requested to wear masks in all indoor areas (but currently not required).  

Dreams has a  beautiful spa, with indoor rooms or outdoor areas for special occasions.  There  are several room categories  from tropical views, to swim out rooms (show in one of the photos) and of course ocean view and ocean front options.   There is a kids club that  has its own little water park,  splash pad, rock climbing wall and they offer different excursions (like scavenger hunts) throughout the day.   There is entertainment each night and while some options are limited during COVID, something  is going on every night.   

Secrets is a chain of adult only resorts and this location is in beautiful Akumel.  Of the resorts I visited, Secrets was doing  the most related to COVID.   In addition to the hand sanitizer when you arrive, you are also asked to stop part way to the lobby for a sensor to take your temperature.   Other resorts took my temperature, but no other resort told me what they were  doing  (it was seamless....all behind the scenes).  Secrets wants guests to  know about the temperature screening so guests feel more comfortable.    They also had a few other precautions  in place that I didn't see elsewhere---like wearing shoe covers in the spa to having individually wrapped wash cloths in the public restrooms.   The resort is beautiful and the buildings are well connected via covered walkways---each building feels private, but the walk to the beach is never more than about 7 or  8 minutes. 

I think the highlight of this resort is the beach---it is beautiful and there is wait service available so you don't even have to get up when you want a drink or snack  :)  There are  lots of options for entertainment on-site and most were open with limited capacity.  The nightclub is still closed due to COVID.   Weddings are back and there is plenty of space on the grounds to have private ceremonies (this is a popular location for destination weddings). 

This resort is only a few years old and is known for offering guests a local experience.  They want you to feel like you are in Mexico and each guest is assigned a local host.   They can help you  arrange excursions or things like spa treatments or dinner reservations.   This resort includes more items in their all inclusive plan than most resorts---from spa treatments to excursions to  golf.   You do need to pay a  25%  gratuity on what the item would have cost (so a $300 spa treatment would be charged a $75 gratuity).  UNICO has changed check in during COVID to get you to your room as quick as possible and they require staff to wear masks.  They were not requiring guests to wear masks anywhere, but they do recommend them indoors.    Most of  the restaurants  were open, some with outside seating.  The main bar with  live entertainment is still closed  due to COVID,  but the lobby and pool bars are open.   

UNICO is a gorgeous resort and the emphasis is on social areas---they are one of the most Instagrammed hotels.  The pools and beach are the main attractions and there is a less of a jungle feel here.  Many of the rooms have outdoor bathtubs on the balconies and all rooms are decorated in a chic, contemporary style.  UNICO is an adult only property, but tends to have less of a romance, couples feel than other adult only properties. UNICO attracts more groups of friends or multi-generational families (with kids being all 18 years or older).   There are still plenty of couples and UNICO is a great option for a honeymoon when you want your friends and family included.  

This is a boutique resort with only 41 private villas.  This is the ideal example of social distancing.   Each villa  has its own outdoor space with a hammock,  seating area and plunge pool.   The staff all are wearing masks, but they  didn't have to change much else to respond to COVID---the resort is designed for privacy.  The villas aren't as expensive as you might think and you can choose an all-inclusive plan, breakfast only or no meals included in the rate.  The resort has little areas designed for peace and quiet---including one for artists.   Viceroy can supply the  canvas and easel or a table to write in nature.   The spa has offerings from the local area, including  one option that ends in a bath in a hollowed out tree trunk (how  cool!)  

The villas all have  indoor and outdoor showers and some have soaking tubs.  The way the resort is laid out, you feel like you are alone...until you choose to go to the pool or beach.  The resort is in a central location about 10-15 minutes to Playa del Carmen if you want more activity than this resort has to offer.  

You might be a little confused thinking I already told you about The Fives...and I did detail  one of the 3 resorts that are included under The Fives brand in my  previous post.   Each location is very different.  This one is a brand new resort in the residential neighborhood of Puerto Morales.  The location allows you to eat off-site easily (plenty of options within a 5 to 15 minute walk) while staying in luxury.  The theme of residences/condos is true here---each room has its  own  kitchen, dining  and living area (just like The Fives  Beach Resort) .   This resort is using  a spray disinfectant booth when you enter and they disinfect luggage prior to delivering it to your room.  All staff are required  to wear masks.  Most  of the common areas are outdoors or are indoor/outdoor living,  so it is  easy to avoid confined spaces.

The rooftop stole the show  for me at this property.  Absolutely gorgeous and plenty of seating to spread out.  The beach is gorgeous and it  is one of the few resorts to have no neighbors on one side, so it feels very private. Families are allowed here, but there isn't a kid club or any kid focused activities.   In my opinion, this resort is better for adults or older kids.  The resort offers an all inclusive plan, but most people choose to include no meals or only breakfast and then eat locally for the other meals.  

This hotel is set right  in the middle of Playa del Carmen---one block off from the famous 5th Avenue.  People choose to stay here to participate  in city  life---from markets to shopping to local restaurants.  The beach is only a  5-10 minute walk and  the ferry to Cozumel is about the same distance.   Like the otherThe Fives properties, this hotel also has rooms with a kitchen, dining and living areas.   The entrance is designed to mimic the jungle and cenotes of the area...and is open (no roof  in  the middle).

The rooftop terrace also steals the show here.  Absolutely stunning!   The views from the room balconies are more city views  with  a touch  of ocean.  This hotel is a great place to come back to after spending time in  the hustle and bustle of the city.   Staff  are required to wear masks and there is plenty of signage encouraging social distancing (a little harder to do here as it is only one building....but  still possible).   

Travel during the time of COVID  can be more complicated than before, but I am here to help you every step of the way. I  have partnered with all of these properties (and plenty of other resorts) to offer something additional to give you an extra special experience.  Please contact me when you are ready to plan  your travel.  

COVID has changed many things in our lives, but our desire to travel and see new places remains the same.  I had clients start to travel in July and more and more people are reaching out to talk with me about Mexico. I decided to see for myself how Mexico was adjusting to the "new normal".  Mexico is one of the few locations that is open to Americans and does NOT have a COVID testing requirement for entry (as of the time of writing….).   Even for travelers who never really considered traveling to Mexico before COVID are suddenly thinking now may be the time to explore.  
 
So, let’s start at the beginning.  Travel in the time of COVID means that some decisions are made a bit differently. Looking at flights, I had my choice of several airlines to fly into Cancun  (roughly all the same price).  I have always loved Delta and their amazing customer service, but now it was the fact that they were the only airline flying to Cancun that were blocking middle seats AND capping the number of travelers on the plane.    I want to be a responsible traveler and not put myself (or others) at any unnecessary risk.  Once I decided on Delta, I started looking at dates.  My schedule was flexible and so I played around some and found an amazing price on first class airfare. First class isn’t all that on flights within the US and Mexico, but it did allow me to have even more space to myself. It also allowed me to board at any time and be one of the first off the plane.   This is important because although airlines are asking people to remain seated until the row in front of them is 6 feet ahead, no one (on any airline) seems to be able to hear the ding of the fasten seat belt sign turning off and not run to get off the plane :)   So, being first avoided the crowd of people.  I get that first class isn’t affordable for everyone and this was my first time in first, but for around $100 more, I decided now was the time.  Plenty of extra benefits for a small upcharge.    
​
Delta requires you fill out a form saying you don’t have any symptoms of COVID, have not been around anyone with COVID  and that you will wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth while in the airport and throughout the entire flight (except while eating and drinking) before you can check in.   The planes are sanitized before each departure and as an extra measure, you are given a sanitizing wipe to use in your seat area.   There is no drink or snack service---only a snack bag with a bottle of water and a small snack (for flights under 4 hours).  In first class, I did have the option of beer and wine on afternoon flights (but no option for soda or juice).  

​When I landed in Cancun, there were thermal cameras that take your temperature as you walk through.   I didn’t see this happen, but if you have a fever, you will be taken aside for further screening.   There are signs all over the airport suggesting social distancing and they have markers on the floor so you can see the distance you should be keeping.   I walked outside of the terminal to the shuttle area and found my private transfer.  A private transfer is an additional charge, but you have the vehicle to yourself and you go directly to the resort.   Drivers are required to wear masks in Mexico and passengers are strongly encouraged to wear one (I wore a mask every time I was in a vehicle).  
 
When I arrived at my resort, The Fives Beach Resort and Residences, I was greeted by bell staff in masks who took my checked bags (much like a pre-COVID arrival).  The new detail is that the bell staff are sanitizing your luggage while you are checking  in.  The Fives had a sanitization sprayer when you enter the lobby---it looks like a metal detector, but it sprays a fine mist of sanitizing product (at The Fives it is an eco-friendly, natural product).   I didn’t realize it at the time as the resort is not advertising it, but just before the front desk, there is a camera that  takes your temperature.    It looks just like a regular security-type camera.  The front desk area has plexi-shields between you and the agent and the area is sanitized between guests.  The staff all are required to wear masks and guests are asked to also wear masks during check in.  

​I chose to stay at this resort because they offer options for 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms residences (fancy word for a condo).   Each room has a full kitchen, dining area and a living room.    They also have at least 1.5 bathrooms.  Even traveling alone, it is nice to have the extra space.   Other  resorts offer larger options at an increased price---most $800 and up per night.   The Fives is able to offer these larger rooms at a more reasonable price (varies a lot by season).   The rooms are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.  The resort is all inclusive and has amenities like several pools, a kids club, spa and a beautiful beach, so you aren’t missing out on resort perks to stay in a condo.   The location is also close to Playa del Carmen, so you can go explore the city if you like. There are several styles of rooms---the pictures below give you some examples.  

​The Fives has changed a few policies since COVID.   Along with all of the accommodation in Mexico,  they  are currently only allowed to sell 30% of their rooms.  Housekeeping staff does clean rooms each day, but they are not allowed to clean while you are in the room.   They are still doing  turndown service.   Restaurants are open, but on a revolving schedule, so not all of their restaurants are open each day.  They are trying to not use paper menus and instead ask you to scan a code on your phone to view the menu on-line.  24/7 room service is available.   They are now charging a $3.50 fee per delivery for room service as they have to do additional sanitization.   As I mentioned, staff have to wear masks---from landscapers to concierge to those that work in the dive shop.   There are markers to help show social distancing in the lobby and other indoor buildings.  The Fives also now provides sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer in each room.   
 
There are plenty of things that have stayed the same.  Beach chairs and Bali beds are still on the beach and they are still offering beach and pool wait service (so you don’t have to leave your wonderful spot to get a drink).  Masks for guests are not required at the pool or beach.   They still have a concierge team to help you make dinner reservations or book a tour.  The mini-bar in your room is still stocked as usual.  My experience at the resort was very similar to resort  visits I’ve had  pre-COVID.   

​I also did inspections at several other resorts to see what their COVID protocols were and how they were adjusting.  I will explain more about those resorts in another blog post.  
 
When it was time to leave, I also used a private transfer back to the airport.   Mexico requires that you complete a COVID screening before leaving with questions about your symptoms, if you came in contact with anyone with COVID and details like how long you were in the country.   I was given the option to fill out the form on-line or do it on a paper copy (I did mine on-line).  You have to show  security that have completed the form before you are  allowed to  go into  the main security screening area.    The Cancun airport had plenty of signage about social distancing and frequent announcements were made over the PA to wear your mask and maintain a distance.   I had one stop in Atlanta en route back to DC.   When I landed in Atlanta, there were no questionnaires, temperature screenings or other procedures in place because of COVID. The Atlanta airport had similar precautions as the other airports---masks are required and announcements are made about social distancing.   
 
I felt safe in Mexico and appreciated all of the precautions put in place.  I believe the Cancun area has done a good job balancing COVID precautions with tourism.  While I was there, the COVID  threat level was lowered and plans were being put in place to increase hotel occupancy  rates up to 60% and attractions such as the Tulum ruins were being scheduled to open.  I know now is not the time to travel for everyone, but if you feel ready to travel, I   would love the opportunity to help you plan your next trip.  
 
 

As some of you may know, I am moving to DC this summer.  My husband got orders to move and we will be there in July.  I knew I would be driving cross country,  but what I didn't expect is that I would have to do it in a time of COVID.   I waited until the states I needed to drive through did not have a quarantine in place for visitors and were re-open for at least some type of business  (take out food, for example).  

I researched hotels to try and find the best options in terms of safety protocols and increased cleanings.  For some locations, I didn't  have many choices as I also needed them to be pet-friendly (I was traveling with my dog Henry).   My Master's Degree is in Public Health, so I  take COVID seriously and try to reduce my risk as much as possible.

So, what was my experience like?

What you read on a hotel website is not always (and usually isn't) what you will find on arrival.  The first night I stayed in Washington State and I switched hotels just a few days before I left as I thought the first one wasn't doing all they could to help prevent the spread of COVID.  The new hotel advertised that staff were wearing masks as one precaution.  When I walked in, the front desk agent was not wearing a mask and the only  precaution taken was I had to swipe my own credit card.  I was not happy, but what can you do after a long day  of driving?  You  just have to be flexible and go with the flow.  I wore a mask in the public areas of the hotel.  

This experience of expectations not meeting the reality happened at each hotel---but each hotel was doing things a little differently, even within the same state.

One great example of this is what I experienced with breakfast.  

I stayed at 2 hotels in Montana.  One had an on-site restaurant and you could eat inside, take food to go or have food delivered to your room.  The other hotel, I had to be served from a buffet by an employee and everything had to be wrapped in plastic.  I  was able to be served a bagel, but neither the employee nor I was allowed to toast the bagel in a toaster.  

In South Dakota, I stayed 3 places.  One did not include breakfast, so I could choose to eat in or take away from their restaurant.   The second place cancelled breakfast for my  safety.  The third had a menu of both hold and cold items that I could order and a staff member brought them to me.  I could eat in the dining area or bring the food to my room.  Here I could order a bagel and I was allowed to use a toaster---the staff was not allowed to toast it---they had to hand it to me wrapped in plastic.  

None of these restrictions were really advertised.  Most of the hotel websites said breakfast may be served differently.  I was actually pleasantly surprised that out of 9 hotels, only 1 hotel cancelled breakfast.  I was able to get some level of breakfast at each hotel--some were only a granola bar, apple and water, but it was something.  I brought lots of snacks and breakfast items (think individual cups of oatmeal)  with me in case breakfast wasn't served.  Now is definitely the time to travel a bit over prepared :) 

None of the hotels I stayed in required guests to wear masks.  I chose to wear mine in crowded places like the lobby or elevator.  In some hotels, I was the only guest wearing  a mask and at other  hotels  I saw a  few others  in masks, but it was always less than 50%  of the guests.   I requested ground level rooms when  possible so  I could avoid the elevator.  The  tricky  part  is that the  rules are not the same across the board.  Some hotels in some states are requiring face masks to enter.  Travel during COVID requires advance planning.

Did the rooms and hotel common areas feel any cleaner?  Sometimes, but often no.  I brought disinfecting  wipes with me so I could wipe down my room as soon as I entered.  I wiped down the handles, light switches, TV remote, bathroom area, and thermostat  (and the outside of the mini-fridge and microwave when I  had them).  Sometimes the disinfecting wipe was dirty---so I knew the room had not been sanitized before me.   

Were the amenities open and available?   In many hotels,  yes.  The pools were open in  several hotels.  Some were only available to one family at a time and staff would  disinfect in between.   Other pools were simply open with the guidance to social distance.  A few fitness rooms were open.  All with guidance to social distance. 

I stayed at several chain properties and downloaded each of the apps (Hilton's app for example).    You can do things like check out,  text the front desk, or request your welcome amenity (for elite members) from the app....so you can limit time at the front desk.  The apps have been around for a bit, but I hadn't used them before this trip.  I tried to check in with the apps, without much success....but I was able to successfully check out of several of the hotels with the app.  I texted one front desk and got a response in about 2 minutes.   I think the apps are worthwhile, especially now.  

So, do I think it is safe to stay in a hotel now?  Maybe.  I think it is safe and I wouldn't hesitate to stay  in one again if I brought along extra precautions like a mask and disinfecting wipes and if I practiced social distancing.   I'm currently taking a break on driving in Chicago with my family, but I will be back on the road in a few weeks heading to DC.  I'm interested to see if those hotels are doing anything differently.  I have clients going  on road trips this summer--I think with the same guidance  and smart choices----it is a good time to travel in the US.  The  best pieces of advice I have are be prepared and be flexible.  

I will leave you with some beautiful photos from my trip.....

From Rwanda I headed to Uganda.  While the countries are neighbors, they each have a different feel.  One obvious difference is that they drive on the opposite side of the road in Uganda (Rwanda drives the same as the States, Uganda the same as the UK).  They are also in a different time zone.   A new driver, Sam, picked me up at my last Rwanda hotel to drive me by road.  I knew the border with Uganda would be different as the two countries were having a trade dispute---at least that is how it was explained to me---but regular citizens were not allowed to cross the borders.  Tourists were allowed.   Out of  the blue, I  saw a  guard near a road block and  my driver stopped and explained we were going to Uganda.  That  guard  didn't ask for verification....I guess my blonde hair was  proof enough....lol.   A short distance after that, my driver pulled over to the  side of the road and explained how I  was supposed to cross the border.   He pointed  at several little out buildings and told me I had to cross on  foot.   I would have liked to take photos, but that is prohibited.  I stopped at the first little building  and was waved by and I crossed into Uganda.  There was no one else around.  I was the only person crossing the border.  It was strange and eery.  The  first building on the Ugandan side was a UN tent that was still in  place from the previous Ebola outbreak---now it was serving as a COVID check as well.  The signs pointed to a place to wash my  hands and a tub of bleach water (I think??) where I was to dip my shoes.  I followed the arrow and a person was there in a gown, mask and face shield and he took my temperature (across my forehead).  I was waved on.  On the other side was a  gentleman sitting outside with a card table under a pop tent.  He was asking  where I was going and what my  occupation  was.  There were two other people coming from Uganda into Rwanda---both teachers from the US coming back from a day trip.  We all commented that it was odd to ask us our occupations of all things.  The next stop  was another gentleman under an awing of a building---or I thought it was the next stop----but was quickly told he was Uganda and I needed to go into the next building to be checked out of Rwanda first.  The computers were down, so I filled out a piece of paper, passport was stamped and the same process repeated to enter once I made it back to the Uganda immigration table.  I  was the only person in either immigration  area.  Completely surreal.  My driver had told me to wait by a tree on the other side.  I guess  they scrutinize the drivers more than the travelers---he has a different process----and after about 20 minutes we were on our way.

It quickly became clear that Uganda isn't able to...or interested in....keeping  roads to the same level as Rwanda. We drove on a paved road for about 20 minutes before turning off to head to my next destination.  My driver said outside the capital areas of Entebbe (where the international airport is located) and Kampala, there is typically only one main road  that is paved.  All of  the others are in gravel or dirt, some  in better condition than others.  We were headed  to Mt  Gahinga Lodge--part of Volcanoes Safaris---known for excellent conservation and community efforts.  There are two gorilla families in the Mt Gahinga area, but I was only spending one night here.  One photo of the lodge is above (this is main building where you can relax and eat meals--the accommodations are  all in bandas (little  cottages) spread out across the property).  It is a gorgeous property and you  feel like you are in the middle of nowhere (in a good way....).   To be  truthful, it is  sort of in  the middle of nowhere :)   Once we pulled off the main road,  I had no idea how long  it would take to the lodge.  There were some small villages  in the beginning and the road, while unpaved, was in pretty good condition.  The scenery was beautiful as we were seeing the opposite side of the mountains from Rwanda.   After  probably 20 minutes or so, my driver Sam asked  if I was ready for a Ugandan massage---I  had heard the term Rwandan massage whenever  we had to go on a dirt road.  Essentially it meant are you ready to be  bounced  around.  

Once  we arrived at the lodge, I can say I was for sure ready for the real massage that was included with my stay! The lodge was beautiful and I wish I had more time to explore  and take in all the lodge had to offer.  

Sam said we needed to leave at 7am the next morning to continue my journey to the Biwindi Impenetrable Forest.  I had heard about Biwidi---and the gorillas that live there---for at least the past 20 years.  It was a place I felt like I absolutely had to see.  In working with my contact in Uganda, I kept getting answers like you can't get  there from that point or you have to fly and then drive something crazy like 6 hours..  Looking at a map,  it looked like Biwindi  was just  a short distance from Rwanda.   This is an example of when you should listen to the expert---the person that lives in Uganda and has actually been there.  My contact did tell me that from Mt Gahinga you could drive for 2 hours and then walk for 3 to 5 hours to Biwindi.  I think I was so excited to hear of a plan that I didn't really think this through  perhaps as much as I should  have.   I said sounds good to me and booked that.  So, Sam and I drove the  2 hours experiencing more of an Ugandan massage than I ever thought possible (and seeing some gorgeous scenery along the way). 

We arrived at the ranger station for my "walk"---notice the quotes---I  had  asked Sam about the  "walk" during our drive as I'm seeing how dense an impenetrable forest really is and how much elevation change there  is.  He said people from this area walk there to go to the market and that it should only take a fit person like me  maybe 2 or 3 hours to get there.  He said my contact said up to 5 because sometimes old  people take that long.    Spoiler alert,  if old people take 5 hours , I'm ancient...lol.    The rangers walk with you in case you run into  wildlife and the porter brings your bag.  Only the porter spoke English and as we headed out we chatted about our lives.  They told me half way through we would meet two other rangers and they would take me the second half.   I left confident and excited  for the journey.  That is until we turned off the road and began the  trail which was straight down....and covered in mud.  I thought, ok,  I've done this and I can do this.  After an hour or so downhill my legs were starting to protest.  All  I could think is if  I've walked this far down, does it mean I have to walk back UP the other side???  Oh and where the second set of rangers were....as we obviously had to be close to the halfway point.   Right???   Long  story short---we were no where close to half way.  When we did reach half way,  I was still trying to smile, but I dreamed of what I would do to my crazy travel agent that thought this was a good idea....even if that travel agent was me.  Lol.  Hey, I had 2 choices, either try some great mantras and laugh and stay positive or cry like a little baby.  Especially when the downhill became uphill.   I'm writing this, so you know I survived,  However, hiking at around 8 to 9,000 feet for 7 miles in the jungle with who knows how much elevation change is not how I plan to spend a day again anytime soon.    My asthma agrees with the  plan :)   Around 6 hours after  I began, I made it to the lodge.  They all seemed a bit surprised that a sucker had decided to actually walk to the lodge.  They were very kind and brought me a ton of water and fruit juice while I sat and did nothing for a long while.  No photos were taken on my walk--if I stopped for a sip of water, the rangers were heading back up within in minute or two.  This was not  a time for photographs (plus  side--I can  vividly  remember many parts). 

I was a bit panicked that  I wouldn't  be able to go on my scheduled hike for mountain gorillas the next day.  The gorillas are in the same forest I traversed the day before.  I told my driver my concerns and asked that he please get in into the slow group.  The  next  morning, my legs were definitely sore, but the adrenaline and excitement of  seeing mountain gorillas again, allowed to put  one foot in front of the other and head out.  I told my driver I was even slow to walk to breakfast and could he pretty please  ask  for me to go in the slow group.  He finally agreed.  I had heard  from travelers in Rwanda that  they had hiked for 6 and 7  hours  in Biwindi and that idea freaked me out.  I didn't need to worry.  I got lucky.  There were only about 20 people total there to see the gorillas that day.  They divided us into 2 groups (Uganda typically allows more people per group,  but on this day, we were 8 and 9 people) and both groups saw their families in quick order. 

This gorilla experience was quite different from the one I had in Rwanda.  As I mentioned, we found the gorillas pretty easily after maybe 30 minutes of hiking---and they were pretty close to the trail.  The gorillas were spread  out in a jungly area.  At first I only saw 3 gorillas and then as leaves would part, I could see more.  I  was so fortunate to see a mother and her 4 month old infant.  They were bonding and it was a beautiful scene.  I crouched and watched them for probably 20 minutes.  I could  have stayed longer, but the Silverback was ready to move.  He came from further back in the jungle and approached where we were.  He sort of checked us out and then posed.  There is no other word for it.  He laid down and put his hand on his head like a model in a painting.  He moved his head  from side to side, but stayed essentially that way for a few minutes  (I guess  to ensure we had all gotten a  good photo!).   From there he led the troops down to the trail and walked the way we had come (so closer to the ranger station) and the gorillas followed at their own pace.  We followed then and after a bit, the Silverback cut back into the jungle.  He was hungry. The gorillas all took a tree and started climbing.  We heard  chomping and the  occasional snap of a branch as the gorillas moved about....and after the prime eating location was found, sounds of "hey, that is mine" or "I'm not sharing".  Nothing violent,  just establishing the order of who qualified for the best food first.  We were pretty deep in the jungle even though we had only walked maybe 10 minutes from the trail and the foliage was so dense there were times it was hard spot a 400 pound gorilla in a tree directly above you.  Hardly any light filtered in---was a primordial kind of place.   I tried to take photos, but all they were were dark blobs next to darker blobs (leaves next to the  gorillas, but you'd never figure that out from the  photos).   The time limit is the same in Uganda---only an hour.  None of us were ready to leave,  but it was time.  We were all a bit surprised at how close we were to the ranger station when  we emerged from the forest.  We had maybe a 10 minute walk on the trail.  That was great for my legs that day, but I wonder if this family  of gorillas were more habituated to  people than the others.  I think the answer has to be yes.   They are comfortable hearing noises from the nearby ranger station and lodges and likely see people  every day, even if a group  isn't assigned  to visit them that day.   I'm not sure that is a terrible thing, but I wonder if this family could survive if they headed further back in the forest again.  Just thinking out loud.  

Since I was done with my gorilla trek by 10:30am or so, I had time to explore the area.  As many of you know,  I have my Masters degree in Public Heath and that is a passion of mine.  When I travel, I like to see health care facilities  and hear from their public health teams as what their challenges and success are for their area.  This community hospital was one of the most functional regional centers I've seen.   I had made an appointment and my contact showed me around the campus and highlighted many programs such as their NICU (they have 4 incubators), a hostel for pregnant women where they can stay for free until they deliver  (reduces complications),  a family planning center,  and a team of community health workers that head out on motorbikes to local communities.  This is just a short  list  of the amazing things they do.  The data support that their efforts are making a big difference (cases of malaria are down significantly, as are water borne diseases, for example). Unraveled Travel, LLC  was pleased  to donate $500 to help them continue the public health efforts.  They get a good  portion of their budgets from donors and volunteers who come to work at the facility for weeks or months (an orthopedic surgeon and her team from Switzerland was one group there). 

I also had time to visit a women's craft collaborative where all of the money spent went back into supporting the women.  I had lunch at Biwindi Bar which is an initiative of Biwindi Lodge (where I was staying) which is also part of Volcanoes Safaris.  The restaurant is a place where local men and women can enroll in hospitality and restaurant  training.  Students  prepare and serve the food and for guests of Biwindi  Lodge the  food and drinks  are all included.  The restaurant is open to the public and they pay the menu prices.  I had my  best meal in Uganda at Biwindi Bar---it  was  excellent!  The photos below show my lunch, the street where Biwindi Bar  is located and the main dining area at the Biwindi Lodge (which is right in the forest).

My trip to  Uganda was quick as the next day I was headed to Entebbe for my flight home.  As I mentioned Biwindi is pretty isolated, so my journey began with a 2 drive to an airport.  Airport isn't quite the word I would use---it was an airstrip cut into a field.  I knew the plane would be small, but it was tiny (photo included above).   There were 2 pilots and 3 people on board (one of them being me).  The flight to Entebbe is about an hour and I was a little nervous, but even with some rain storms in the area, the flight was smooth (thankfully!)

Entebbe has flights to many major cities and I traveled back to the States via Amsterdam.  Once we are able to travel again after the time of COVID-19,  I would enjoy the opportunity to help you plan your next journey--to Africa or elsewhere.  Take care and stay safe!

Yes, the main attraction of most people's trips to Rwanda (and Uganda) involve the Mountain Gorilla.  I started with this photo because it shows what lots of us are feeling in the moment---this photo is sort of like a psychological test---is the gorilla frustrated, sad or just being lazy in the time of social distancing?  COVID-19 has already taken a toll on the Mountain Gorillas.  We are genetically so close that diseases humans have (colds, flu, etc) can be spread to the Gorillas.  Under normal circumstances,  a viewing distance is monitored by the park ranger,  but since we don't know what (if anything) COVID-19 will do to the Gorillas, Rwanda has temporarily stopped all visits.  Ugandan visits are basically on hold because the borders are closed and there are no tourists there to visit the Gorillas.  That is OK in the short term out of an abundance of caution, but in the long term it could  destroy the  progress made against poachers.  Poaching was reduced because other ways to make money were  introduced  with  tourism---from trackers to find the  gorillas, to wait staff in restaurants and park rangers to provide security for both tourists and the animals, as well as craft people to sew linens, weave baskets, or paint for decoration or to sell to tourists.  If those jobs are gone, so are the economic opportunities for the people living  in these areas.

So, all of that to say, once borders re-open and travel is possible again,  it is even more important than ever to  support travel that supports the still endangered Mountain Gorilla (and other sustainable wildlife tourism).  There  are currently an estimated 1,000 wild Mountain Gorillas in the entire world....up from 480 in 2010.  That is a huge accomplishment in a decade and will only continue if visitors come and support  the infrastructure in place to  save this species.  

I know you have all come to my travel  blog to hear about my experience.  Visiting the  gorillas in the wild had been a  dream of mine for years.   Probably since  seeing  Gorillas in the Mist  or seeing their photos in  National Geographic.  Sometimes when you are so excited to see something---hype it up so much---the reality can be disappointing or underwhelming.  Not so in this case!   There are typically 12 gorillas families that can be visited---the other few families are for research purposes only.  Each family can  be visited by only 8 people each day (plus the warden and trackers).   That means only 96 people can have this experience  each day.  Some families tend to be further away from  hiking starting points and other tend to  stay closer  to the trails.  The gorillas are wild,  so they move each day.  There  are no promises as to how long it will take to see the gorillas or even if you will see them at all.  Typically, about 95% of visitors see the  gorillas, so those are good odds.  I asked my driver  for a shorter  hike as opposed to a long one.  I wanted to be in good shape by the time I saw them :)  I  also  have asthma and hiking at 8,000-9,000  feet  can be a bit of challenge.  I was assigned my group and after a short  briefing by our park ranger, we were on our  way.   We  hired porters (similar to my experience on the chimp trekking).  Our  gorilla family  turned  out to be about a 2 hour hike in.  We were not running up the mountain, but we were not  slow.   

We were told that we were close to the gorillas and so we had to drop our backpacks and walking sticks and leave them with the porters.  We walked maybe 5 more minutes and  all  of a  sudden  a bamboo tree moved.  We could see a black blur in the distance.  We all fumbled for our cameras trying to capture  a photo. Looking at those  photos now, I could convince you it  was a Mountain Gorilla,  but you would  have to use your imagination :)  We were all excited that we had seen one  gorilla....smiles all around.  The warden used the machete to clear a bit of a path and when we popped our heads out the other side of the jungle there was a little clearing....filled with  10 gorillas!  You do  have to stay about  20 feet from the gorillas,  so  the 8 of us were all pushed up against  trees  to keep the required distance.   The gorillas carried on about their day without caring we were there.  There was a baby nursing  on his mom, several juveniles  (3-4 years  old)   playing and wrestling just like  human kids do.  They were  vocal and grunting and  squealing.  Some of the younger gorillas  were climbing  all  over their moms and the Silverback  (the dominant male) and you could hear the sighs much like  human adults let out when  they are frustrated with their child.  We were lucky  and  had found them on their rest period after eating  breakfast.  The guidance is to spend some of the time taking photos---you obviously want to document these beautiful creatures---but also to put down the camera and  just experience.  Take in the noises, the smell, the facial  expressions.  There were some shots I missed,  but I don't care.  The image in  my head  is as  permanent as a photo.   One was when the Silverback decided to get up and move.  He didn't take his time....he got up and was moving our direction in seconds.  Not threatening, just switching locations....but when 350+ pounds moves in  your direction, it is hard not to hold your breath or let out a little gasp.  You are advised to be quiet---limit talking and when you talk to just whisper. You are also told to stay put and absolutely do not run.  This is one instance when the gorillas didn't get the memo about the distance we were supposed to be keeping.  Occasionally  gorillas make contact with the visitors (mostly accidental) and  once  the Silverback completed his move, there  was about a foot between me and  him.  The park warden rearranged us to get back to the required minimum  distance.  You are allowed exactly one hour to be the Gorilla family and trust me, that time goes by in  a blur.  At about the 10 minute warning, the Gorillas decided it was time to eat again and one by one, they moved into the nearby trees and started climbing.  Some of the branches were stronger than others....we heard a thud or two when  a branch snapped.  At least one of the juveniles thought  it was the best  game ever.  He snapped a branch and came rolling  out of the forest with  the  biggest  grin on his  face before heading back in and trying again.  The gorillas were all either hidden  or eating  in  the trees when  we left.  I  couldn't believe  how lucky I was to have seen what I  saw.  If we had found the gorillas even 30 minutes  later, my experience would have been  very different.  Each family  has their own dynamic and the trackers and researchers  do get to know their patters well, but this is far from a choreographed event.  This is their jungle and we are simply visitors.   Talking with other  tourists, the Mountain Gorilla experience is different  for every group  and every day.   Some people saw even  more playing than we did and others only saw a few members of a group and they saw no playing or interacting....just  some napping.  ​

These  few photos give you an idea of what the jungle looks like.  In the beginning, there  are some basic trails.  As  you get closer to the gorillas, the paths are made by the warden.  You  basically walk right through the jungle.  The photo is of me and Solange, my porter.  Even though it is  warm, you need to wear long sleeves and long pants since lots of vegetation has thorns or will scratch  you.   You also need gloves  (sticking  out of my pocket)   as the area is full of stinging nettle---not a pleasant sting, short lived, but still something to avoid. 

The hike back everyone was chatting about what they saw and how amazing it was.  I was giddy...couldn't believe I had actually seen the gorillas and it was way better than I anticipated.  My driver/guide has  joked if  I would be ready for some champagne when  I was done.  I thought  he was kidding, but upon our return  around  12:30pm, he pulled out a bottle from a cooler.  The amazing people at the  One and Only Gorillas Nest had added the special touch to my packed snack.  I've toasted to less momentous occasions,  so 3 of us enjoyed a glass while continuing  to talk gorillas.   I've smiled my  way through  writing  this blog as well....this is  truly my happy place.  I know  that my trip made a difference to the locals  as well as the gorillas.  I  will never forget this experience.  

Sometimes life works in mysterious ways...I landed from Africa about a week ago and when I did, the world was different from the one I left 12 days earlier.  COVID-19 has changed how we are living at the moment.  I write this to re-live wonderful memories of this trip and allow us all to dream and be  transported to another place without breaking the rules of social distancing.  Travel will come back and when it does,  I highly recommend adding Rwanda to your list :) 

You may wonder about the title of this post---Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills.   The country is beautiful!  I was able to see a staggering 70% or so of the country in just over a week (Rwanda is roughly the size of Maryland).  I began my journey in the capital of Kigali and was immediately taken by how clean, organized  and  beautiful the city was.  This was in contrast to many of the other capital cities in Africa.   Rwanda is a leader in environmental legislation and hire people to clean the streets, so they are immaculate.  Rwanda has had a ban on one-time use plastic bags for years and I honestly didn't see one anywhere.  Also in contrast to other areas of Africa, nearly all of the roads in Rwanda are paved.  My dad asked what the roads were like and I said they were way better than those in Chicago (where he lives...).  

As you may remember,  Rwanda experienced a genocide of epic proportion in 1994---over a million people were killed in a 100 day period.  I knew of the genocide in general terms and knew the Tutsi and moderate Hutu people were the main targets.   I watched the movie Hotel Rwanda with Don Cheadle.   It turns out I knew nothing (and the movie wasn't accurate in many ways).   Each region of Rwanda has a Genocide Memorial that includes the mass graves of the victims.  The Memorial in Kigali is the most visited and the mass graves there alone hold at least 250,000 bodies.  How does one wrap their mind around the kind of number??  The visit at the Memorial begins with a short video of survivors describing their experience and the audio tour and exhibits do an excellent job of explaining how decisions made starting from colonialism (Rwanda was briefly a German colony, before being transferred to Belgium) created an atmosphere over years that allowed this atrocity to happen.  It also describes the 100 days and the amazing recovery that has occurred over the past nearly 26 years.  It is depressing, but also uplifting to see how Rwandans have handled the aftermath and are now considered the safest country in Africa (and one of the safest in the world).  

After my visit I asked my driver very casually if he was in Rwanda at the time of the genocide.  I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me that he likely was and that he likely had some terrible stories to tell.  My driver has been in the tourist business for over 20 years and sharing his stories are a part of the way he processes what he saw and did during that terrible time.  He is Tutsi and had been sent to Uganda in the the months prior so he could continue to go to school.  The rest of his family remained in Rwanda.  It is not my place to share his stories, but he suffered unimaginable  losses.  He lost his father, brothers, cousins, friends and so many others.  One of his closest childhood friends killed his family.   Many Rwandans were in a similar position and they could have all chosen revenge on those that killed their families or they could choose to forgive (or try to forget).  An astonishing amount of Rwandans chose not to retaliate---they said they would be just as bad as those that killed during genocide---and tried to move forward.  He asked the childhood friend where he could find the bodies of his family and went to try and recover the bodies (this was weeks, if not months, after they were killed).   I can't  even  begin to process how difficult this must have been.  He was enlisted in the Ugandan army during and after the genocide--it was the only way to survive---and the stories have no happy endings here as well.  Violence took over everyones life in one form or another.  He tried to get out of the army to go back to Rwanda to help his remaining family members---his mother and 3 siblings.  Eventually a presiding officer took sympathy on him and allowed him a discharge.   He brought the money he had earned in the Army to his mother and went to school to be a tourism driver in Tanzania so he could have a future.   

We had a chance to talk about the genocide as well as Rwanda today each day as he was my driver for my entire stay in Rwanda.  I feel like I know a Rwandan now and have a friend the next time I return  :)

I headed to Nyungwe National Forest from Kigali.  The main reason I headed here was the chimpanzees.   This is one of the few spots in the world you can see  them in the wild.  I had no idea this area would be so beautiful!  

This area of Rwanda grows tea---those are tea plantations in the distance.  So green and lush.  

The journey to trek for chimpanzees starts early in the day.  It is easier to find them earlier in the day before they get active and start moving.   I was staying close to the park office, so I could leave at 4:45am, but others in my trekking group were staying further away (not a lot of accommodations in this area) and had to leave at 3am.  We were assigned a group of chimps that required about an hour's drive to the hiking start point.  Trackers  go out early each day to find the chimps and then track them while one of the park wardens lead the group to the chimps (they are in touch by cell phone to have the most up to date info).  The maximum number of people allowed to visit the chimps each day is 12.  My group had 5 the day I went.  I  had heard that the chimp trekking could be challenging and a porter was recommended.  A porter helps to carry  your day pack and  help you in tricky parts  of the trail.  My advice is to take a porter even if you are an expert hiker.  These  are very rural areas and there aren't a lot of economic opportunities.   Tourism related activities employ  more people than most other industries (other than tea).  Poaching (killing the wild animals)  is down dramatically now that tourism has brought other ways  to make money.  Each spot is different, but the suggested pay for a porter is between  $10-$20.    That is a large amount for the porter and  a drop  in the  bucket for Americans traveling in Rwanda. 

I was surprised to see a woman as part of the porter's group.  I asked my driver to hire her for me (many porters do not speak English).  I try to employ females during my travels as often as possible.  Many women face discrimination  and  I want to support  them.   My  driver said there are only a few women porters in Nyungwe.  

I was there in the very beginning of  the rainy season and I knew things might be a little muddy, but I wasn't expecting what I found.  I guess this was still nothing compared to how muddy things can get, but the hike to see the chimps can be a challenge---a lot of up and down and to do so on slippery slopes is not fun.  I didn't  even have a minute to take a photo.  The warden  begun the  hike and  it  was on...every brain cell was engaged with not falling.  The porter Irene probably saved my life (or at least my leg) more than once.  We started around 7,000 feet of elevation and gained about 1,000 feet in about 1.5 hours of hiking.  I was exhausted by the time we saw the chimps.  However, all tiredness was forgotten when I saw the chimps chomping on  a fig and leaf breakfast :)

Chimps don't like muddy trails either, so they were all up in t he trees during our allotted one hour of viewing.  The forest is quiet---just sounds of the birds  and insects----so you can hear them chem and crunch while eating and can even hear them when they are grooming and scratching.  It is really a phenomenal experience to be part of their world!   The hike back was easier because  I  had the memories of the chimps fresh in my mind. Needless  to say, after all of the mud and  help I needed, Irene received a nice tip.  It is also customary to trip the trackers and  the park warden.  

This is just the beginning of my  trip experience, but this ends this first blog post.  More to come....
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