Tooth or Dare: Great White Shark Dive, Guadalupe, MEXICO

“Whhhiiitttteeeee Shark!” Two words most people hope to never hear for fear they might be their last. Certainly not two words that ever become background noise. But when you venture by boat 150 miles off the coast of Mexico to Guadalupe Island, a geological wonder, a biosphere reserve and one of the worlds premier sites to cage dive with great white sharks…things are a bit different. Over … [Read more...]

Sierra Nevada Resort Elevates the Eating and Sleeping Scene at MAMMOTH

Mammoth has always been more of a ski town than a dining destination, but Jim Demetriades is trying to change that image. Demetriades owns the newly remodeled Sierra Nevada Resort  in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which just officially reopened on February 1st after a multi-million dollar, three-year renovation. What used to be a Rodeway Inn is now a rustic-chic lodge with family-friendly amenities and … [Read more...]

From Ruins To Rainforest: The Bounty of BELIZE

An insider's guide to this magical Central American destination, rich in ancient Mayan culture, exotic wildlife and underwater beauty For travelers looking for a destination with that rare mix of ancient culture, active adventure, natural beauty and perfect beaches, Belize is the perfect prescription. Unique among Central American nations, Belize is English speaking, compact (about the size … [Read more...]

BARCELONA’S Beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Set in a former Hispano American bank headquarters on the Passeig de Gràcia, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is a five-star hotel with all the trimmings.  You couldn’t ask for a better location as the hotel sits along Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping street and across from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's famous La Pedrera, the famous undulating stone building (circa 1906) that's now a … [Read more...]

ARGENTINA: Go Take a Hike!

Cynthia Blair Kane goes off the beaten track to explore some of Argentina’s most inspirational trails. We all know that what makes us put on our hiking boots and tie up our laces isn’t the act of putting one foot in front of the other, rather the experience of being surrounded by the phenomena that is the natural world. So imagine walking pristine dirt paths, then rounding a rugged ridge to … [Read more...]

Winter Travel: Skiing in IDAHO

Although the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world, the overlooked state of Idaho can offer excellent deals with short lift lines and great value.  Not only does Idaho have eighteen ski areas, offering some world class skiing and snow boarding options -- powder, terrain parks, cat-skiing, heli-skiing -- it’s also a big empty state with blue skies and fresh tracks. … [Read more...]

AUSTRALIA: An Outback Christmas On The Rails

Marie Barbieri discovers that desolate townships, gourmet cuisine, and ever-changing landscapes make The Indian Pacific Australia’s most iconic journey. Sitting patiently in the Outback Explorer Lounge, I munch on welcome canapés of lemon myrtle curry puffs. I’m itching to hear the hoot and feel the train glide out to begin my 4,352km journey across the continent. A childlike wave of … [Read more...]

Holiday GIFT GUIDE For Travelers

Whether they're headed to the Amazon or the armchair, perfect gifts for the traveler in your life.  CULINARY GIFTS Every culture tells a story through its food and drink. A great way to extend a connection to a favorite  place and its people is by savoring its culinary treasures.  Flavors of Belize: The Cookbook (McNab Publising Ltd, July 2012) is a lovely gift for those who have traveled … [Read more...]

Dreaming of PERU

Striking visuals and musings on Peru's rich and diverse attractions by adventure traveler and trip leader John Montgomery, founder of Mosaico Travel.   Peru occupies my daydreams with unique regularity. As a fifth-grader I was amazed by a photo of Machu Picchu, and vowed to see the legendary ruins first-hand. As soon as I was able, I left for Peru. The reality exceeded my … [Read more...]

Introducing wandermelon Journeys: Trips Designed by Travel Writers

Experience the amazing insider itineraries and off-the-charts access enjoyed by pro travel writers (without the annoying deadlines of course). "You have the best job in the world." Oh if we only had a frequent flyer mile for every time the wandermelon team has heard that sentiment expressed to us. As professional travel writers and photographers, it's true we enjoy a pretty enviable … [Read more...]