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DAY 4️⃣ : REGENSBURG - We awoke to the quiet beauty of one of Bavaria’s most charming and well-preserved medieval cities...
14/11/2024

DAY 4️⃣ : REGENSBURG - We awoke to the quiet beauty of one of Bavaria’s most charming and well-preserved medieval cities. Nestled along the banks of the Danube, Regensburg has an astonishingly rich history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it dates back 179 AD when it was founded by the Romans.

I was excited to get out and explore some more after breakfast, as embarked on a guided walking tour of the city. As we strolled along the narrow cobblestone streets, our guide shared fascinating stories of the city’s past. Once the capital of the Bavarian region and later a prominent trade center in the Middle Ages its well-preserved Gothic and Romanesque architecture makes it one of the few cities in Germany that emerged from WWII largely unscathed.

We wandered past landmarks like the Regensburg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), a stunning Gothic masterpiece with soaring spires and intricate stained glass windows, and explored the medieval alleyways filled with colorful houses and small artisan shops. Regensburg has a unique charm—simultaneously vibrant and steeped in history—that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

My favorite stop was at the old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke), an engineering marvel of the 12th century and one of Europe’s oldest surviving stone bridges. With panoramic views over the Danube. Even on such a cold and gray morning it was easy to see why this bridge became a symbol of Regensburg and why it still captivates visitors centuries later. Near the bridge stands the historic Wurstkuchl, a Bavarian sausage kitchen that’s been serving up hearty sausage plates since the 1300s. Here, we enjoyed a traditional Bavarian sausage tasting, complete with tangy sauerkraut and fresh rolls, savoring the classic smoky flavors that Bavaria is known for. I’m not usually keen on sausages but this one was delicious!

After a delightful lunch back on the Emerald Luna, we took part in a training session on Scenic Group, Emerald’s parent company and sister brand. This session offered insights into Scenic’s unique approach to luxury travel and how Emerald Cruises has positioned itself to provide travelers with a contemporary yet elegant cruising experience. It’s fascinating to see how Scenic and Emerald work in tandem, creating a diverse range of options for travelers who seek unique experiences on Europe’s rivers.

As the ship set sail for Passau, we gathered in the lounge for a Welcome Reception hosted by the captain and crew. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, we mingled with fellow guests and enjoyed the view of Regensburg fading into the distance. The Port Talk, led by our cruise director, provided an overview of the next day’s itinerary and a preview of the historic and scenic stops awaiting us along the Danube.

After dinner we headed to the lounge for what turned out to be the highlight of the night! We participated in a fun music trivia quiz led by the ship’s activities director. Our team of ten took the top prize correctly guessing all the songs and artists that were played. It wasn’t easy either but we happened to have a group with eclectic music tastes and from several different countries which worked in our favor. Go team Luna-tics!

Lots more ahead on the storied Danube so stay tuned!

DAY 3️⃣ : REGENSBURG - Leaving Munich, we checked out of the lovely Platzl Hotel and made our way to the airport to catc...
13/11/2024

DAY 3️⃣ : REGENSBURG - Leaving Munich, we checked out of the lovely Platzl Hotel and made our way to the airport to catch our included transfer for the next leg of our adventure—a river cruise along the Danube with Emerald Cruises. Known for offering contemporary luxury with a focus on comfort and value, Emerald Cruises blends elegance with an approachable style, perfect for travelers like me who want a balance of enrichment and exploring on our own.

Our vessel for this journey is the Emerald Luna, the newest of Emerald’s sleek “Star-Ship” fleet. Emerald is known for thoughtfully designed ships with state-of-the-art amenities and signature touches that create a seamless experience.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the Emerald team and invited to enjoy an embarkation lunch in the dining room, which was the perfect way to kick off our cruise. Fresh and flavorful selections were laid out, ranging from light salads and artisan bread to locally inspired dishes—a small preview of the dining experiences we would enjoy on board.

After lunch, we had some free time to so we set out with friends to explore Regensburg. We stopped into a local grocery store to pick up some snacks and drinks to try. I love venturing into grocery stores when I travel—it’s such a great way to get a taste of the local culture through food. I grabbed some traditional pretzels, candies, and a few drinks that I was eager to try.

We wandered through neighborhoods with cobblestone streets and then popped into a local brewery. The cozy little spot had a welcoming atmosphere, and I ordered some Obatzda, a classic cheese spread made with Camembert, butter, and spices.

After we returned to the ship we settled into our Panorama Balcony Suite, designed to bring the river views right to us. With floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down, we could easily transform our space into a private balcony. We were able to unpack with plenty of space for all of our stuff. That’s one thing I really love about rover cruising! Your boutique hotel moves with you and you don’t have to shelp suitcases around!

The Emerald team hosted a welcome briefing and Port Talk in the lounge, where we were introduced to the key crew members who would be guiding and taking care of us along the way. We received insights into our itinerary, as well as practical tips on what to expect during our time on the river.

Dinner aboard the Emerald Luna was a delightful introduction to the ship’s culinary offerings. As the week progresses, we’ll get to try dishes inspired by each destination, bringing an added layer of immersion to the journey. I was actually surprised at how similar the experience was to Emerald’s sister brand Scenic which is a full-five star experience. Wine and beer is included with lunch and dinner on Emerald which is more than enough for me.

After dinner, we were treated to a lively traditional Oom Pa Pa Bavarian band performance in the lounge—a perfect send-off from Germany as we set out on our Danube voyage. The musicians, dressed in traditional attire, played upbeat folk tunes that instantly transported us to a Bavarian beer hall. It was a wonderful mix of fun and authenticity, giving us a taste of Bavarian heritage right from the comfort of our ship.

With our first evening onboard coming to a close, we settled back into our suite, excited for the days ahead and the journey down the storied Danube. Much more to come!

Danube River Cruise magnet haul!!! 🧲❤️🧲As you can see I’ve got a lot of posts to share ahead of me. First step though wa...
12/11/2024

Danube River Cruise magnet haul!!! 🧲❤️🧲

As you can see I’ve got a lot of posts to share ahead of me. First step though was catching up on some sleep! Which I did from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM! Now to unpack, tackle all my emails, and get caught up on work so I can dive into posting about all this awesomeness…

DAY 2️⃣: MORE MUNICH! Our second day in München kicked off with a bit of a twist—we started our morning at McDonald’s fo...
08/11/2024

DAY 2️⃣: MORE MUNICH! Our second day in München kicked off with a bit of a twist—we started our morning at McDonald’s for breakfast. Now, I’ll admit, my family doesn’t typically frequent McDonald’s back in the U.S., but we’ve made it a fun tradition to try it in different countries whenever we travel. It’s always interesting to compare the menu items and see how they vary. In Munich, for example, we found tiny pancakes on the menu, something you don’t typically see at McDonald’s in the U.S. (and, of course, drinks with no ice, as is the custom in Europe). It’s one of those quirky travel rituals that always makes for a fun, low-key start to the day.

After breakfast, we hit the shops. We were in need of warmer clothes—and honestly, it was colder than we had anticipated. I ended up finding a lovely long camel colored coat at H&M, while Lauren scored hers at TK Maxx (the European version of TJ Maxx). It was a classic case of finding just what we needed at the right time, and we were definitely glad for our new purchases as the weather dipped even lower than what the forecast was when we packed. We also picked up some gloves.

We came across a local bar that had been decked out for the Carolina Panthers game. This week, Munich was hosting an NFL game, and it was wild to see such an unexpected slice of Americana in the heart of Munich.

Next, we headed over to Viktualienmarkt, the famous open-air market in the center of the city. This bustling market is brimming with fresh produce, flowers, and local artisan goods, making it an ideal place to wander, sample Bavarian snacks, and do a little shopping. During our wanderings, we ran into Emily, a fellow travel agent and a friend that I had never met in person before. It was a lovely surprise to finally connect face-to-face in such an iconic place!

In the afternoon, we took an Uber to Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), a stunning Baroque building that was once the summer residence of the Bavarian royalty. The palace was commissioned in 1664 and is a reflection of changing architectural and artistic tastes over the centuries. We spent the afternoon exploring the lavish interior, as the outdoor areas like Amalienburg, the charming Rococo hunting lodge, were closed for the winter.

The palace’s extremely detailed audio guide was provided fascinating insights into the history of the palace, its royal inhabitants, and the art that adorns its walls. We meandered through the opulent rooms, marveling at the Schönheitengalerie (Gallery of Beauties), where portraits of noblewomen were curated by King Ludwig I. The Stone Hall, with its striking frescoes on the ceiling, made us feel as though we were stepping into the 18th century, amidst a world of grand balls and royal events. This was my favorite room!

The grounds of Nymphenburg Palace are known for their vast gardens and pavilions, but since these were closed for the season, we only admired a small portion of them. Even without the lush greenery, the palace’s interior was rich enough to make it a perfect afternoon’s exploration.

Afterward, we headed back toward the city center for dinner. We made our way to the Ratskeller München, a historic beer cellar beneath Marienplatz, dating back to 1874. The atmosphere here was cozy, with arched ceilings and faux candlelight creating a warm, inviting space. I started with a bowl of rich potato soup served with fresh soft pretzel—the perfect comfort food. For the main course, I had the roasted pork with potato dumplings, a classic Bavarian dish. The pork was tender, with a crispy crackling, and the dumplings were light, flavorful, and soaked in rich gravy. We went with our waiter’s recommendation for dessert we hitch was some type of pancake served with berries, ice-cream and applesauce. It was delicious!

Next we set off on our Emerald river cruise along the Danube, so stay tuned for more adventures ahead!

DAY 1️⃣ MUNICH - I have to admit, the news from this election has left me feeling absolutely gutted. It’s hard to proces...
06/11/2024

DAY 1️⃣ MUNICH - I have to admit, the news from this election has left me feeling absolutely gutted. It’s hard to process it all, especially when so much feels at stake. But no matter what, I still have a job to do—and part of that is continuing to share the beauty I find while traveling. Being in Germany right now brings some unexpected hope. This country, which once descended into the horrors of fascism and war, was forced to confront its darkest chapters. Through immense struggle and devastation, it found a way to rebuild, heal, and emerge as a model of resilience, democracy, and progress. That hope feels more important than ever. So, with that in mind, I’m diving into sharing this journey with you.

Touching down in Munich felt like coming home. I was so excited to be back in one of my favorite European cities! Our flight landed at 7:30 AM, and it couldn’t have gone smoother—immigration was a breeze, bags arrived promptly, and we made sure to grab some Euros before meeting our private transfer into the city.

It’s such a treat to stay at the Hotel Platzl, this charming 4 star property is perfectly situated in the historic city center. The mix of old-world charm and luxury here feels effortless, and it’s the kind of hotel where every little detail just clicks. The hotel is steps away from the Marienplatz and the Viktualienmarkt, nestled among upscale shops yet surrounded by quaint mom-and-pop shops, cobblestone streets, and bustling food stalls. It’s ideal for exploring on foot.

After a quick check-in and freshening up, we dropped off our bags and headed straight into one of my favorite spots in the city - the Marienplatz, Munich’s iconic town square. The streets are incredibly pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore without feeling rushed. The architecture is stunning, and the mix of bustling crowds, street performers, and historic charm made the entire experience feel lively yet timeless.

With so many things closed because it was Sunday we opted to wander over to one of the churches, St. Peter’s (locally known as Alter Peter). The ticket office for climbing to the top of the church tower was open and we decided on a whim to go ahead and make the 300 step trek to the top. We were rewarded greatly for our efforts with the panoramic views and perfect timing and perfect view to see the Glockenspiel show, which performs daily at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Watching the elaborate mechanical figures dance and joust from the tower of the New Town Hall is always a treat—no matter how many times you’ve seen it. It’s one of those quirky but beautiful traditions that makes Munich so special.

We had lunch at Der Pschorr a beloved Bavarian brewery and restaurant located right along the edge of the Viktualienmarkt. The market itself was closed since it was Sunday but we enjoyed the traditional atmosphere at Der Pschorr and the authentic Bavarian food.

I had my first of many schnitzel. I can, and will, eat all the schnitzel while we are in Germany! When it comes to beer, Der Pschorr serves Paulaner beer, which is one of Munich’s six traditional classic breweries. What sets it apart is that it’s stored in wooden barrels rather than steel, adding a distinctive, smooth flavor to the brews. We just wanted a taste so our delightful waiter offered to split one pint between the two of us and give us an each a “ladies portion.”

Our next stop was Frauenkirche Cathedral, where we climbed the South Tower. This time though we only had to go up 90 steps before being whisked the rest of the way by an elevator. The views from here are equally breathtaking, but the real gem lies inside the church—the Devil’s Footprint. The story goes that when the church was first built, the architect made a pact with the devil, promising to build a windowless building in exchange for funds. When the devil came to inspect it, he was fooled—thanks to the clever positioning of columns, the windows were hidden from view at the entrance. In his rage, the devil stomped his foot, leaving a blackened footprint on the floor, which you can still see today. It’s one of those stories that adds just the right touch of legend to a place already steeped in history.

The final tower we ascended was to the top of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in the heart of Munich’s Marienplatz. This stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, rises 85 meters above the square. We were relived to find that with this tower you can get all the way to the top via a series of elevators because at that point the jetlag began catching up with us and we were tired!

After a few hours of rest back at the hotel, we were ready for dinner—and what better place to kick off our first night than the world-famous Hofbräuhaus?

Located just around the corner (literally!) from Hotel Platzl, the Hofbräuhaus is everything you imagine it to be: lively, warm, and steeped in Bavarian tradition. We grabbed a table among the long wooden benches, ordered steins of weizenbier, and dove headfirst into a feast of pretzels, with mustard, sauerkraut and schnitzel, and—you guessed it—more schnitzel!

Between the hearty food, the great company, and the lively Bavarian Oompa Band music, it was the perfect end to our first day back in Munich.

Last post from our Mexico FAM! And wow, we went out with a blaze—literally! “Xplor Fuego” is the nighttime version of th...
21/10/2024

Last post from our Mexico FAM! And wow, we went out with a blaze—literally! “Xplor Fuego” is the nighttime version of the adrenaline-packed adventure park, Xplor. I still can’t believe we tackled both this and Xenotes in the same day, but hey, YOLO, right?!

We started at the heart of the park—again, literally. The center of Xplor features a giant mosaic heart, from which paths branch out in every direction to lead you to the various activities. This “Corazon” is where we found our lockers, conveniently included with admission, before heading to El Troglodita—the bountiful buffet also included with entry.

Naturally, there’s a grill (because, fuego!) serving up caveman-sized portions of BBQ ribs and chicken. We also enjoyed traditional elotes (grilled corn on the cob) and refreshing sandia (watermelon), among a massive variety of choices. It was the perfect fuel before diving into the action.

First up we did the amphibious vehicles. They truly lived up to their name. Over the course of a 5-kilometer exploration, we sped through rocky jungle trails, splashed through water-filled caves, and navigated bridges where the river nearly overtook the road. Since this was Xplor Fuego, there were plenty of fiery surprises along the way—some of which genuinely caught us off guard!

Next came the zip-lines! Xplor Fuego’s circuit spans several miles and includes two hanging bridges, with lines ranging from 8 to 45 meters high—the tallest in the Riviera Maya. Some lines feature unique elements, like one that ends with a splashdown through a waterfall and another that shoots you through a ring of fire — again I’m being totally literal. The zip-lining experience at Xplor has always been a favorite, but doing it in the dark with the fire-lit elements takes it to a whole new level.

We finished off our night exploring the awe-inspiring caverns, filled with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites—natural rock formations shaped by centuries of dripping water. It’s like stepping into another world.

One of my favorite aspects of Xplor is their brilliant use of sensors and cameras strategically placed throughout the park. Some automatically detect your helmet number and snap photos while you’re in action, while others allow you to scan your bracelet to trigger the camera. Having these incredible moments captured without having to think about it is, in my opinion, one of the best features of all the Grupo Xcaret parks!

This Mexico FAM trip with our amazing Next Adventure Travels team was absolutely epic. I can’t wait for our next one!

🫶🏻🇲🇽

After a relaxing morning at the resort, we made our way to the back of the property where a canal system connects Hotel ...
21/10/2024

After a relaxing morning at the resort, we made our way to the back of the property where a canal system connects Hotel Xcaret to Xcaret Park. One of the unique perks of staying at the hotel is the ability to take the flat-bottomed “trajinera” boats along this canal—a fun and scenic way to get around. We also entered the park through a dedicated entrance exclusive to hotel guests, which is another feature I absolutely love.

Xcaret is marketed as an eco-theme park, but I’d describe it more as a vast playground—if playgrounds came with underground rivers, crystal-clear lagoons, world-class entertainment, animals, history, cultural exhibits, music, food, ruins, and natural wonders, all maintained at a Disney-level standard of quality. I’ve been to this park at least half a dozen times and still haven’t seen everything it has to offer. There’s just so much to explore!

Since we came specifically for the evening show, we focused on the “dry” activities near the front of the park. We followed the white route to the Mexican Pueblo and Mayan Village, where talented artisans sell beautiful handcrafted items like woven bracelets, earrings, wood carvings, ponchos, and hammocks.

Along the way, we stumbled upon a Mayan Ceremony show and later, a traditional folk dance with masks. I was even roped into participating in the dance, which turned out to be a lot of fun!

Before long, it was time to head to the Gran Tlachco theater for the “Mexico Espectacular” evening show, which begins before you even enter the theater, with performers posing for photos with guests as you approach.

The show lives up to its name in every way. The first part recounts the history of Mexico, including a dramatic re-creation of an ancient Mayan ballgame played with fire, followed by a dazzling showcase of the music and dance traditions from different regions of Mexico. The colorful costumes, brilliant lighting effects, live music, and sheer energy bring the vibrancy of Mexico to life. It’s truly beyond impressive. If you ever visit Xcaret, Mexico (and you absolutely should!), this show is a must-see!

One of my favorite parts of the evening is the Papantla Flyers or “Voladores” ceremony. This ancient ritual, originating in Veracruz, is associated with drought and rain. Five men dressed in vibrant bird-like costumes climb a 30-meter pole. One remains on the platform to perform a dance and play a flute and drum in honor of the sun and the four elements. The other four men gracefully descend in a spiral, tied by long ropes, imitating the flight of birds. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.

We opted for the dinner package with the show, which gave us prime, reserved seats facing the massive stage. The “Cena” was a seven-course gourmet meal, perfectly timed with the different segments of the show. My favorites were the lobster, the tender duck, and the delicate sponge cake with berries, served in a charming flower pot complete with edible flowers and a glass of champagne. They even surprised us with a special bonus dessert to celebrate the anniversary of Next Adventure Travels—though it amusingly looked like it was honoring the “anniversary” of me and my table mate, Hayden. That’s now an inside joke we won’t forget anytime soon! ❤️🇲🇽

Unlike many of the other offerings from Grupo Xcaret (like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xenses, and Xplor), the “Xenotes” experience ...
20/10/2024

Unlike many of the other offerings from Grupo Xcaret (like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xenses, and Xplor), the “Xenotes” experience is not a park. Instead, it’s an exclusive tour that includes stops at four different cenotes along the Ruta de los Cenotes, a road that stretches inland from Puerto Morelos and connects many cenotes.

These giant natural pits are formed over time when limestone bedrock collapses to expose the groundwater below. There are three types of cenotes—open, semi-open, and cave—all of which we visited as part of our tour. Each cenote felt like stepping into a different world.

Our adventure began with an 8:50 AM pick-up by our guide, who welcomed our small group of 10 and led us to our van for the day. We were also joined by our group’s photographer, which was a dream come true for me! I’ve always wished I had a personal photojournalist to capture our adventures as we live them, and this tour made that wish come true.

At our first stop, we were asked to use an outdoor shower before entering the cenotes to ensure that our skin was free from perfumes, creams, and chemicals that can harm the environment. No sunscreen or insect repellent was allowed. We were also treated to Mexican pastries and fruit for breakfast, along with hibiscus tea, coffee, and Mexican drinking chocolate.

The first cenote we visited “Li-‘K”, is named for the Mayan word for “wind.” It’s all about flying through the air on zip lines and cliff jumps. As a fully open cenote, it’s one of the oldest, but after splashing into the water over and over again, we felt like young kids! There are several ways to zip-line into the refreshing waters—“Princessa” (seated), “Superman” (lying flat), and my favorite, “wrecking ball” — I’ll let you figure out what that position looks like!

Next, we swam through a cave to a hidden river, where we boarded tandem kayaks. Gliding through the river with vertical rock walls draped in hanging vegetation on either side of us was incredible. And just as we set off, it started to pour rain, making the adventure even more magical!

As the rain cleared we mived to “Há”, a semi-open cenote that means “water” in Mayan. This one was all about swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided. Our guide pointed out the many swallow birds that made their homes in the shelter of the cave overhang.

Our next stop was “K’aak’”, which means “fire” in Mayan. The Mayans believed cenotes were entrances to the underground world….now they’re like nature’s playground. This one had more zip-lines and even a waterslide! After zip-lining into the river, we swam through another section with waterfalls, ending with a cliff jump back into the cenote. I can’t believe I did this jump three times! On the last jump, our guide challenged me to clap above my head and below my leg before hitting the water—and I did it!

After all that action, it was time for lunch. We enjoyed sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts, with beer and wine included. Everything was delicious.

During lunch, our photographer showed us the photos she had taken so far and made sure they were linked to our room, another seamless touch by the folks at Xcaret!

Last, but certainly not least, we drove to the remote Tierra “Lu’um” (“Earth”) Cenote. It was a wild, bumpy ride, but wow, was it worth it! This cavern-style cenote is one of the youngest, and the only way to access it is by rappelling. You can go the normal way or—like a crazy person—upside down. I still can’t believe I did this! Anytime I doubt my bravery, I’ll remember that I rappelled 75 feet upside down into a cave.

Fueled by adrenaline, I took the high jump into the cenote from the platform at least half a dozen times. It was exhilarating!!

I also won’t soon forget our guide. He was phenomenal! Speaking both English and Spanish, he kept the energy high and made sure everyone in our small group felt engaged and informed. Not only did he guide us through each cenote with entertaining and informative details, but he also drove us and served us at lunch.

What I loved most about the Xenotes experience is how intimate and personalized the tour feels. Each group experiences the cenotes alone, so it truly feels exclusive. The order in which you visit the cenotes varies, but you always have the place to yourself—a wonderful way to connect with these sacred spaces. This remains one of my favorite experiences offered by Grupo Xcaret, and it’s all included in your stay at their resorts. Truly an adventure of a lifetime!

Now for a little fun! The first park our Next Adventure Travels team headed to was Xenses. It’s a great park to tackle o...
19/10/2024

Now for a little fun! The first park our Next Adventure Travels team headed to was Xenses. It’s a great park to tackle on your arrival day or when you want to spend more time at the resort, as it is the smallest of the Grupo Xcaret parks—but don’t let its size fool you!

Even though Xenses is smaller it packs a lot into the space. There are two paths or circuits with more than 50 unique activities and fantastical scenarios that focus on your senses, imagination and perception. It’s really a trippy experience!

We started in my favorite part of the park; the “Pueblo”. This area is designed to look like an authentic Mexican village with picturesque red tiles and white walls. Except here the laws of physics and logic don’t apply. Water flows up stream. You feel like you are walking uphill when you are really going downhill. And everything is slanted...or is it? We took a ton of photos as we explored.

From there we walked the Way of Dwarves and Giants to the “Xensatorium”.

I completely chickened out on this attraction the first time I visited Xenses. I attempted it twice and freaked out so bad both times that I don't think I even made it ten feet into the experience. I did manage to get through it on a subsequent visit with Brian. I was determined then to conquer my fear and face this attraction head on. Or rather with my arms stretched out in front of me.

So what exactly gets me so worked up about it? Well, you experience a series of different ecosystems recreating the flora and fauna, sounds, textures and even even weather of each one.

How is that scary?

Well my friends, you do this in complete and total darkness. Not a speck of light. 100% percent pitch black.

And you have to do it alone, in your own sort of lane/tunnel...barefoot.

I figured if I could get through it once, then surely doing it again would be easier. I knew the first ecosystem...some kind of dessert with prickly palms fronds is the worst and I knew to keep one hand on the “wall” in some parts which helped guide me and keep moving what I could only assume was “forward.” And that the craziest part was some kind of cave/mountain terrain that I had an incline to climb.

It still felt like it went on forever and I really didn't love it and still felt claustrophobic...and it took me longer to complete than anyone else on our team…But you know what? I did it!!!

Once through the Xesataoirum you come to an area aptly named The Eden. It's was like this lively reward with waterfalls, colorful parrots, flamingoes and bilingual signs of affirmation. It was so neat the see this area lit up at night. Instead of parrots, I came upon owls!

After that the Eden caves you pass through the Xitric gardens. A clever name for an area that includes citrus trees. In fact there is a lemonade tree. As in a tree, with a tap that you can drink actual lemonade from. It's a fun way to incorporate the sense of “taste.” This area was also lit up with fun lights and animated projections.

After we finally were reunited with our shoes (I was so happy for this!) we made our way to the hammock beach and from there on to the Path of Doing...The first experience on this circuit was the tobogán...which is the Spanish word for waterslide. I love a good waterslide and this one was no exception.

It dumps you into a cave where you then get harnessed up for the next adventure. The Bird Flight. This is a sort of like a zip-line but on a rail system. You are harnessed in completely horizontally and are suspended, like a bird with your arms outstretched for the duration of your flight. It was super fun to do in the dark! I only wish the course was longer. Hayden and I did do it twice so we had a chance to experience the different circuits.

Next we entered the Sludgerie. This is another experience that really requires you to just slide in an go for it. We were covered from head to toe in warm, silky mud. You have your own little lane for most of the mid river but there is a sort of pool and photo op spot at the end.

Afterwards we went through what can best be described as a human car wash with sprayers and water jet rinses and ending with a walk-though sauna.

Then it was back, once more through the topsy-turvy town and back to the lockers.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the locker room! Man, that is an experience in an of itself! You have to pass through a spinning room and go under a ladder only to discover that water fountains are toilets. Toilets are chairs. And mirrors are, shall we say, “distorted”.

There are also a whole bunch of optical illusion rooms off of the main Pinwheel building where you come in and a “Xnack” bar and courtyard.

I'm sure there are other experiences I forgot to mention too. But the adventure at Xenses is in discovering the activities for yourself, letting yourself be challenged, and being willing to play and just embrace it all.

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Room Tour #1️⃣ Ready to kick off this trip! Let me show you around our Oceanfront Premium Level Junior Suite at the Barcelo Riviera Maya adults-only resort! 🏝️ I love how over-sized everything is at this resort — right down to the massive bed. Where most kings are the size of two twins this one is the size of two fulls. 🛏️🛏️ Tons of storage and space! But it’s the incredible ocean views that can be enjoyed from my private jazcuzzi on the terrace that just make it 🤌🏻😘 for me!! #NextAdventureTravels #IGoSoYouKnow #Mexico #BarceloRivieraMaya #RoomTour

This is your sign to book a relaxation vacation. Reward yourself and plan a trip with me today 🌊 🌄 . #NextAdventureTravels #TravelBetter #NationalRelaxationDay #TravelInspo

🚨🛳️ Here is a link for the recording of the Virgin Voyages zoom webinar we held last night. The passcode to view is 5f6smqw% Let me know if you have any questions after watching. I do want to mention that the hold we have on group space that comes with some sweet extra perks expires on August 30th so message me soon if you are interested in joining us on the particular cruise we are doing! Space is going FAST! 👉🏻https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/DBS3qV8NYf2oQzQfTmxr0Ju2qMPKsP5dAz-DCuA5iI6UN971IUyKVRijHR_CKqWQ.2JJn9259MUOaynhP👈🏻 (🎥Video just for attention) #NextAdventureTravels #LikeAVirgin #CruiseWithMe ❤️💋❣️‼️🍷💃🏻📍🚨🍒💄🍎🥊👠🥩🥤🎸🦞🌶️🚢

Nature, mountains, lakes, and a mystical atmosphere await you in Austria 🌲🌄. Connect with me to immerse yourself in another world. https://calendly.com/ambergreenawalt/30-minute-vacation-consultation #NextAdventureTravels #TravelBetter #Austria #AustriaToursim

Don't wait to travel. The best time is now. Contact me for travel ideas for 2024. ✈️ 🌍 # #NextAdventureTravels #TravelBetter

Happy International Beer Day 🍺. Why not try the best beers the world has to offer 🌍 ✈️ ? #TravelBetter #Beer #InternationalBeerDay #BeerTravel #FoodieTravel

📍Phi Phi, Thailand Take a break. Connect with me and plan a trip. https://calendly.com/ambergreenawalt/30-minute-vacation-consultation #NextAdventureTravels #TravelBetter 🚣‍♂️

The best way to explore France and Italy is by taking a cruise that brings you to a different city each day. Get the most out of your vacation by planning with me. #NextAdventureTravels #TravelBetter #France #Italy #Cruise #EuropeCruise

I had an incredible time at the massive(!!) Travel Leaders Network vendor and supplier trade show! I love being able to connect with new suppliers, see some favorite ones and stay on top of the latest innovations and offerings from leading airlines to luxury hotel chains, top tour companies and cruise lines. These partnerships will undoubtedly shape the future of my business and what I offer my clients on their Next Adventure! Now for the Gala!! 💃🏻 #NextAdventureTravels #TravelLeadersNetwork #EDGEwithTLN #travelbetter #IGoSoYouKnow

You are really, really going to want to register for our webinar tonight. I am bursting at the seems to tell you about our opportunity to travel with us to Africa and reveal our exclusive offers! Don’t miss it!! You must sign up with the link below… https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdeivrz0uHtbSk3RpjwStqr9f69SBiaZI P.S. Tag a friend who you know would love a five-star safari experience!

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