Belize was an incredible mix of lush jungles, ancient ruins, and Caribbean island vibes. We explored both the mainland’s history and adventure activities before hopping over to the islands for some well-deserved relaxation. And fun fact: their official national language is English?!

San Ignacio

After flying into Belize City, we took a scenic drive to San Ignacio, deep in the jungle. Our home for this part of the trip was Vanilla Hills Resort, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

• Horseback Riding & Ruins Tour – We rode horses through the jungle, stopping at ancient Mayan ruins, where we climbed pyramids and learned about Mayan history. The tour even included a delicious local lunch in the middle of nature.

• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour – One of the wildest and most unique experiences ever. We trekked through the jungle, swam into a cave, and waded deep inside to see ancient Mayan artifacts and the famous crystallized remains of a Mayan sacrifice. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure.

Ambergris Caye

From Belize City, we took a boat over to Ambergris Caye, a laid-back island where golf carts are the primary mode of transport. We rented one and explored every corner of the island.

• Stayed at Coco Beach Resort, a stunning beachfront resort with gorgeous pools and ocean views.

• Spent our days relaxing, drinking tropical cocktails, and soaking up the island vibes.

Caye Caulker

We hopped on a ferry to Caye Caulker, the ultimate "go slow" island with crystal-clear waters, colorful streets, and chill beach bars.

• Stayed at Iguana Reef Inn, where we had some of the best sunsets of the trip.

• Hung out with stingrays in the shallow waters near the dock—it was so surreal to see them up close!

• Enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and local rum punch.

Heading Home

Instead of taking the ferry back, we boarded a tiny-ass plane (literally, a 12 seater plane) and flew straight into the Belize City airport before heading back to the US. A terrifying experience but the views were 10/10 and took a fraction of the time that water/ground transport would have taken.

Belize was the perfect combo of adventure, culture, and island relaxation—from exploring Mayan caves and ruins to chilling with stingrays and cruising on a golf cart along the beach. An unforgettable trip! A special shout out to Jen of Bon Vivant Travel Co, who organized the whole trip mixing our requirements with her professional recommendations. As a couple with incredibly busy schedules we loved that Jen took care of everything from bookings to transports, confirming reservations, and adding in extra restaurant/cafe recs!

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

The best way to travel to a new country? With a local! A friend of mine is originally from Colombia so when he invited us along to a trip home, we were excited to accept.

If you’re looking to escape to Colombia’s stunning countryside, Filandia and Salento should be at the top of your list. These charming towns are not just picturesque—they’re full of Colombian culture, vibrant architecture, and, of course, delicious food and coffee.

Where we stayed

We stayed in an apartment in Pereira, which is a larger city but offers an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding towns. We also stayed a couple nights at the family farm about 10 minutes outside of the city. The architecture here blends modern and colonial styles, and the food is just as amazing as in the smaller towns.

Where we visited

Filandia and Salento are two gems in Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle. Salento, in particular, served as the inspiration for the colorful town in the animated film Encanto, and walking through the streets here, you can totally see the magic. The architecture in both towns is colorful and quaint, with colonial buildings and narrow streets lined with artisan shops.

In Filandia, I found some of the best local crafts and gorgeous mountain views. Both towns are surrounded by coffee farms, so the landscapes are dotted with lush greenery, rolling hills, and towering mountains. If you’ve never seen a coffee plantation, visiting one of these farms is a must. You can learn all about how Colombia’s world-famous coffee is grown and harvested, and of course, taste a fresh cup of the local brew.

Activities and food

Natural Hot Springs & Full-Service Spa

One of the highlights of our time in the region was the visit to the natural hot springs at Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal. Soaking in the warm waters surrounded by mountains was incredibly relaxing. We also spent time on a family farm, where we got a taste of local life and enjoyed homegrown food. And to top it off, we indulged in a full-service spa experience—seriously, pure bliss!

Food & Coffee Heaven

The food in this region is delicious—everything is so fresh and much of it is homemade. From fresh fruit to lean grilled meats, the flavors are rich and comforting. And let’s not forget the coffee—it’s the best I’ve ever had! The people here are coffee experts, and whether you’re visiting a farm or a café, you can count on a perfect cup every time. I swear this is the only place I can drink coffee black.

The Cats of Colombia

And for all you cat lovers out there, let me tell you about the cats. Everywhere we went, there were friendly felines lounging in the sun, wandering the streets, and making for the perfect companions. Of course, I couldn’t resist petting them every chance I got!

Notes

• For this part of the country, a car will make your life 10x easier!

• Be prepared to know Spanish, or have your Google translate at the ready because very few people know English.

• If you’re staying in a hotel, make sure to inquire if they have hot water! Most homes in Colombia don’t have water heaters so cold showers are the norm.

Whether you’re looking to relax in nature, indulge in local delicacies, or learn about coffee culture, this region offers an authentic experience that feels both charming and rejuvenating. The mountain views, combined with the welcoming atmosphere and amazing food, will leave you craving more. Definitely a highlight of my travels!

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

Mexico is the ultimate vacation spot for anyone living in North America—think stunning beaches, endless tacos, adventure-filled days, and margaritas that never stop flowing. Whether you’re in the mood for thrill-seeking excursions or just want to relax by the ocean with a cocktail in hand, this trip had it all. Plus, we went in the month of October, which meant perfectly hot, but not TOO hot, weather. Wins all around!

Swimming with Turtles

One of the most magical experiences of the trip was swimming with sea turtles. Gliding through the crystal-clear waters alongside these gentle creatures was unreal. They’re so peaceful and graceful, and it’s one of those moments that makes you stop and appreciate how amazing nature is.

After all that swimming, we earned our taco feast—and let me tell you, tacos in Mexico just hit different. Fresh tortillas, juicy meats, homemade salsas—absolute perfection. Nothing beats grabbing a plate of tacos, kicking back on the beach, and just soaking up the ocean breeze.

ATV Riding & Swimming in a Cenote

Time for some adrenaline! We hopped on ATVs and tore through jungle trails, kicking up dust and laughing the whole way (except when my car died). The ride was bumpy, wild, and ridiculously fun.

Then came the best part—jumping into a cenote. If you’ve never swum in a cenote before, imagine a hidden, crystal-clear pool in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by caves and rock formations. It’s refreshing (i.e. COLD), breathtaking, and one of the most unique experiences you can have in Mexico.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that was pure luxury from start to finish.

• Food & Drinks – Since it’s all-inclusive, we took full advantage. We ate at Italian, Mexican, and a steakhouse (because why not try them all?), and I basically lived on margaritas and lemon drops.

• Beach & Pools – Whether you’re lounging by the ocean or floating in the pool with a drink in hand, this resort knows how to do relaxation right.

• Spa & Fitness Center – If you need a break from all the eating and drinking, they have a spa (it was WONDERFUL), a gym, and even beachfront yoga (I LOVE yoga, but you weren’t about to catch me at an 8 am class on vacation).

• Entertainment & Activities – The resort has live music, themed nights, and tons of activities to keep things exciting. But honestly? Sipping a margarita by the beach was all the entertainment I needed.

This trip was the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and non-stop good vibes. Whether you’re swimming with turtles, riding through the jungle on an ATV, or just kicking back with a margarita at an all-inclusive resort, Mexico is a destination that never disappoints.

If you’re looking for an easy trip filled with sun, fun, and unforgettable experiences, Playa del Carmen should be at the top of your list!

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.