OtehliaTravels

01/09/2024

Just came back from an amazing trip to Tiradentes, Brazil. (Rio too). I went there for a gastronomy fest and was BLOWN AWAY. I’m an avid foodie and this fest was incredible plus the city of Tiradentes is beautiful! The food scene in Minas Gerais (the state where Tiradentes is) reminds me of a cross between Madison, WI (where I live) and Napa/tuscany. There’s wine, coffee, incredible cheese, lots of artisan foods and Michelin restaurants. Anyway! I highly recommend. I flew in and out of Rio and rented a car to drive to Tiradentes (about 5 hours). Put it on your list!

19/07/2024

Enjoyed a wonderful getaway to Southernmost Illinois for a tour of the Shawnee Wine Trail that encompasses 40 miles and 13 vineyards. Have you ever been to that area? Thanks to Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail for such an amazing weekend! Thanks to Contour Airlines for the easy flight and Visitsi too!

30/05/2024

Take me back to Belize!! My favorite Travellers Liquors rum is Koknut!

We all have a Travellers Liquors favorite (or two). 🍷🍸🍹 What's yours? 🥃

06/05/2024

SOLD OUT Oaxaca 2024, Isla Mujeres and Cuba for early 2025. What small group tour do you want to see in fall of 2025? Belize? Cuba? More Mexico? Costa Rica? Let me know!

24/04/2024

Enjoying discovering the global flavors around Madison, WI. Pikkito is delicious! Peruvian food in Middleton. Have you been?

02/04/2024

Just came back from leading a trip to Cuba where we focused on dance! We took 3 hours a day of class and went out dancing at night. We took about 400 pounds of donations (1 checked bag each) and were able to help a few families hopefully. All in all an amazing trip. Let me know if you have questions!

13/02/2024

You know I love Oaxaca and if I can't personally take you there, I highly recommend you go anyway! I found a GREAT deal for a vacation package from MADISON to OAXACA (one stop!!!) March 7-12, 2024. $1527/pp INCLUDES FLIGHT AND 3.5 STAR hotel in the heart of Oaxaca.Reply here or Message me for details or to book, or to discuss your preferred dates or modifications.*Price subject to change

12/02/2024

JUST LISTED--CUBA group trip 2025! only 4 spots!

Cuban Culinary & Culture TourJUST LISTED! Feb 15-22, 2025 4 spots remAINing! Culinary VacationGalleryItineraryTour LeaderDeposits/PaymentsPolicies and Procedures Culinary Vacation Culinary Vacation to Cuba with Otehlia Travels Tour Dates: Feb 15-22, 2025 just 4 spots remaining! $3399/pp (early bird....

13/01/2024

Lets explore OAXACA — a foodie paradise! I'll be taking a group of 10 women (6 spots left) to Oaxaca Sept 25-30, 2024 and I would love you to join me. This trip is hosted (I have hosted international culinary-focused trips for over 10 years), with one-of-a-kind experiences that highlight women owned businesses and industries in Oaxaca. Lodging is in the beautiful Grana B&B.

Enjoy 5-nights, 6-days on a culinary and culture tour of Oaxaca. I LOVE the vibrancy of this part of Mexico and we’ll spend the days exploring food and cultural activities supporting mainly women owned businesses and learning about indigenous women’s traditions. I will be your host.
COST pp starts at $2199/pp
Does not include airfare, travel insurance and additional activities , food and beverages that are NOT included in the itinerary , and personal expenses.
Highlights include:
Cooking class with renowned woman chef
Sunset rooftop food tour
Day trip to Matatlan to learn about mezcal, and indigenous women’s crafts
Cocktail class
Temazcal ceremony
Optional yoga classes
Markets
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and two dinners
And more…
Check details here…

Spend 5 nights and 6 days exploring the beauty of Isla Mujeres and the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico on an exceptionally curated foodie adventure.

03/01/2024

NEW ON THE BLOG: 8 fave spots to eat in Oaxaca City:
www.otehliatravels.com/8-best-spots-for-food-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/

19/10/2023

What an incredible day and such fun results!!

07/10/2023

Puerto Rico is a GREAT family getaway. Steal my 5-day itinerary!

Puerto Rico is an ideal destination for family vacation - US citizens don’t need a passport (just a valid ID), and you can experience Latin culture. This was our second time visiting the island. We spent 5 nights and 6 days (myself and two 16 year old daughters) and here is what we did - steal my ...

28/08/2023

What rules do you live by when you travel, if any?… ✈️

Forget “don’t leave the resort” and “find people who speak English”. In fact, I forced myself to learn Bamana in Mali by telling people I didn’t understand French (which I do) 😂😂.

Rules I DO live by:
1. Leave the resort/hotel/Airbnb!
2. If you see something you like buy it. You never know if/when you’ll get back to that market.
3. Talk to strangers!
4. If you see a good flight price/connection snag it.
5. Wear that dress, dance like everyone is watching and you are a star!
6. There’s never the right time or better time. Book that trip!!
7. Going solo is better than going with friends or loved one who hold you back.
8. Try. The language, the food, the customs, new adventures, everything …just try.

What would you add?

📍 CUBA. Want to join me there on a group trip? Jan 25-February 1, 2024. Comment below for info!

17/08/2023

NEW ON THE BLOG! Top tips for safe and fun solo travel.

Here are 7 top tips for solo travel that will ensure you have the best and safest trip possible. Solo travel is empowering and a great way to learn about yourself while you are exploring other cultures.

26/07/2023

Good to note!

The Caye Caulker Municipal Airport is once again closed for much-needed renovations b the Belize Airports Authority (BAA).

22/07/2023

I love Oaxaca!!

15/07/2023

JUST LISTED!
Small group trip to Oaxaca, Mexico sept 25-30, 2024. Girls’ trip!

5 nights, 6 days exploring the food and culture of Oaxaca. This trip is open to 10 women only, and supports many women owned businesses and highlights indigenous women’s cultural traditions as well as the incredible local food and spirits of the region.

Highlights include:
Cooking class with renowned woman chef
Sunset rooftop food tour
Day trip to learn about mezcal, and indigenous women’s crafts
Lunch on a farm
Temazcal ceremony
Markets
And more…

Read here

https://otehliatravels.com/culinary-tours-and-vacations/girls-trip/

for details and how to save your spot!

Is Oaxaca on your list?

Spend 5 nights and 6 days exploring the beauty of Isla Mujeres and the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico on an exceptionally curated foodie adventure.

11/07/2023

A few highlights from yesterday-I didn’t realize there were so many beautiful natural spaces in Baja Sur! Oh and lobster tacos. What do you want to know about traveling here?

09/07/2023

Enjoying time in Baja Sur!
Have you been here?

05/07/2023

Guess what?? ⭐️ I am officially an independent travel agent!!

(Reminder: it’s never too late to realize your dreams❤️)

Two years ago, I launched my travel brand, Otehlia Travels. At that time I was mainly trying to separate my international culinary tours from my Madison, WI food tours business so my bookkeeper would be happy lol.

A fun side note—on Google I had to categorize my business as a travel agency because “tour host” wasn’t an option.
✈️
But the truth is travel and food are my first love and I knew I wanted to grow that part of my career.
🌳
I started to offer travel planning services. As a group tour host, that’s what I do anyway! And I know that my dedication to supporting local businesses, people and communities is an important niche.
🥘
A friend of mine said “you should become a travel agent.” Honestly I hadn’t used a travel agent since my early 20s, but it seemed like a natural extension of what I already do. I went through the training, but still needed a few more credentials to actually be an agent.

Fast forward to two months ago when I had three calls in one week for a travel agent services (thanks Google!), and I had to decline. I lost 3 potential clients.

⭐️In that moment, I realized the universe was offering me opportunities and I needed to open that door!

I signed up to be an independent travel agent with a host agency. The learning curve for the past month has been steep. I’m still figuring out the systems, but I just booked a friends trip using my newly developed skills, and benefits, as an agent.

AS your Independent Travel Agent:

It is still my priority to directly support local communities. Of course I can book cruises and resort packages, but I’m digging deep and working hard to continue to partner with local people and businesses. Sustainability in tourism is a top priority.

As a travel agent, I can plan and book your trip for you and there’s no additional charge for the booking process. Often an agent has access to special packages and upgrades.

Whether you have a dream, or a dream destination or vacation, I’m here to help and inspire.

What step are you taking towards a dream?

05/06/2023

https://otehliatravels.com/7-things-to-do-with-teenagers-in-cartagena-colombia/

Cartagena, Colombia is a great place for traveling with teenagers and young adults! There are so many fun things to do. I spent 10 days there recently with my two kids (ages 15 and 21) and they enjoyed it so much! Here are seven of their favorite experiences that we had in Cartagena, Colombia.

23/05/2023

Whew!!! How do I even begin to sun up the amazing time I had in Puerto Rico at the conference.

I have content for YEARS at this rate. (Don’t worry, I won’t post PR content for a year).

Highlights for me were:
🇵🇷 being around inspired and inspiring women. And making new friends for life.
🇵🇷finding the best food (you know I will!) and places to dance - I’ll be sharing those soon!
🇵🇷learning about the agricultural history and sustainable tourism efforts on the island (I see a PR culinary tour in my future!)
🇵🇷exploring outside of San Juan. This was my third trip to PR but first time to the south of the island.
🇵🇷learning some great takeaways from the conference -I loved the photo session with and tiktok session with especially.
🇵🇷doing the electric slide on the catamaran iykyk.

Have you been to Puerto Rico? Let me know what travel and food tips you need!

14/04/2023

JUST LISTED! Cuba Jan 2024 open for booking:) Only 8 spots.

Cuban Culinary & Culture Touropen!! Small Group Tour: January 25-Feb 1, 20248 guests Culinary VacationGalleryItineraryTour LeaderDeposits/PaymentsPolicies and Procedures Culinary Vacation Culinary Vacation to Cuba with Otehlia Travels TOUR DATES: Jan 25-Feb 1, 2024 If Cuba is on your bucket list, th...

14/03/2023

Great news for Madison!

Madison transplant Jennifer Hurtado makes tortillas, buñuelos and Tajin-sprinkled chips inspired by her Indigenous-Chicana heritage.

13/03/2023

Hot topic! Money in Cuba...It's complicated and I'm here to help.

One of the most complicated things to deal with when traveling to Cuba is the money. And travelers from the US face even greater complications. I’m here to help! From how much to bring, to how to deal with security of your cash, where to exchange money and the darn digital currency card, I've got ...

12/03/2023

Goals

Ricardo Araujo spends months putting together mind-blowing vacations for the 1 percent.

10/02/2023

https://otehliatravels.com/5-must-visit-restaurants-in-havana-cuba/

Havana’s food scene has blossomed and luckily for the US visitor, there are a number of great restaurants that we are legally able to support while eating a great meal. The cuisine ranges from typical Cuban fare to international dishes. Here are 5 of my top restaurants to visit on your next trip t...

06/02/2023

Creating space…

I had a dream recently, and in the dream there was a room that I wanted to move into. Someone had just moved out. I hoped to live in there, but it was messy and still full of boxes.

I got to work moving the boxes into a corner and try to make a space for myself. I hung my clothes and wondered where I would sleep.

Finally, I took a break from rearranging this room and saw across the hallway a beautiful empty room with high ceilings and light blue walls, and big windows. It felt peaceful and there was so much room. And space to create!

In my dream, I knew that empty room was actually the room I wanted to be in, but it felt too late. I had already started to move it to the messy room.

When I woke up I realized that I have often tried to fit into (sometimes messy) spaces that aren’t really mine, rather than creating a space that’s just right for me. (Yes, I already scheduled my next therapy appointment! 🤣🤣)

I’m going to be spending more time in that big room. I’m going to be intentional about who and what fills that space. Sometimes it will be by invitation only. I see music and plants and dancing and my creative work and friends and family and love. Whatever it is and becomes, it’s my own (sometimes messy and) beautiful creation.
🌺 💃🏻 ☀️ 🌱
What space are you creating for yourself this year? What’s holding you back?
📷 📍 Havana, Cuba.

01/02/2023

I love to see this!! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take people on culinary adventures.

27/01/2023

JUST returned from a culinary tour to Cuba. I have so much to share. I’ll be sharing stories, posts and blogs. What do you want to know about traveling to Cuba?