☀️🍹Affordable Aruba: It's Not a Myth!

​ ​ Hi fellow traveller, Aruba, One Happy Island, is calling your name! While this sunny island in the Dutch Caribbean has one of the highest return rates for visitors, it also has a reputation for being a bit pricey. But here's the good news—you can experience all the beauty of Aruba without breaking the bank. Here are some savvy tips to help you save: Free Activities: Enjoy 10 incredible (and free) experiences from our list of 30 best things to do in Aruba.​ Independent Stays: Choose a small independent property from our curated list of small hotels. #5 on the list is a fully equipped apartment. It's near a supermarket AND a beach so that will also reduce travel costs. Score Big on Arrival: The Queen Beatrix International Airport welcomes you with a Duty Free Shop right in the Arrivals area! Though it's more compact than those in the Departures area, it still packs a punch with savings of up to 40% on rum, vodka, and other spirits. Start your Aruba vacation with a toast—and a great deal! Savvy Sips: Save some cash (and the planet) as there's no need to buy bottled water! 🚰 Aruba's refreshing tap water, provided by the island's modern saltwater desalination plant, meets the World Health Organization's highest standards. Eat Local: Savour diverse flavours of Aruba's multicultural traditional dishes with our hand-picked suggestions for eating like a local that won't blow your budget. Smart Transportation: Save on getting around by taking public transit. Operated by the Government of Aruba, service on Arubus is clean, reliable and, at 2.60 florins, cheap! The modern buses depart from the main stations in Oranjestad and San Nicolas, with several stops (including beaches). Grab Happy Hour Deals: Many of Aruba's beach bars offer two-for-one drinks or discounted appetizers in the late afternoon. Plan meals around these specials to save big! Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear: We always have a blast on the rope swing on the Jolly Pirate Snorkel Cruise but to save $$ on extra snorkelling tours, consider bringing your own gear from home. Aruba has many fantastic free snorkelling spots, like Boca Catalina and Mangel Alto, where you can snorkel right off the shore without spending a dime. Your Aruba adventure is just a few steps away. With our tips, it can be a memorable—and budget-friendly—experience. Happy travels! Michele Publisher and Founder of A Taste for Travel P.S. Be sure to check our Travel Resources Page for tips on saving money on flights, renting a car and more. Visit A Taste for Travel ​ And don't forget to follow A Taste for Travel on social media! ​​​​ Copyright © A Taste for Travel All rights reserved. 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205 ​Unsubscribe · Preferences​ ​

🌴 🏖️ Budget Caribbean: Unlock the Secrets to Smart Luxury!

​ ​ Hi friend! Welcome to A Taste for Travel's awesome community of travellers! I'm super excited you've subscribed to our exclusive Budget Caribbean email series! Who doesn't dream of visiting the sunny beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean more often? This series of three emails is packed with tips to help you stretch your budget while exploring these fascinating islands: Aruba (Dutch Caribbean), Grenada (Spice Isle), Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean. Get ready for insider tips on how to scout out delicious local food, find a fabulous place to stay without breaking the bank, and free (or low-cost) activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Affordable luxury is just an email away! While you're waiting, start planning your dream Caribbean getaway with our e-book, 25 Biggest Travel Mistakes to Avoid on Your Caribbean Vacation. To download as a PDF (free), click here. It's got advice to help you avoid common travel pitfalls. Happy travels, Michele Founder and Publisher, A Taste for Travel ​ Visit A Taste for Travel ​ And don't forget to follow A Taste for Travel on social media! ​​​​ Copyright © A Taste for Travel All rights reserved. 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205 ​Unsubscribe · Preferences​ ​

Where to Go Now in Mexico 🏄🏽 💀 + 🥑 Mayan Stew for a Crowd

Celebrations in Mexico, a crowd-pleasing Guatemalan dish, and the latest travel news!  ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

​ ​ Hola from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, where Día de los Muertos and Hanal Pixán have come to life in all their haunting beauty. From the markets of Cancun to the turquoise waters of Bacalar Lagoon, we've been swept up in celebrations that blend tradition, culture and flavour. It's not just about honouring the dead—it's about celebrating life, with ofrendas (altars) adorned in marigolds and delicious food like pan de muerto (bread of the dead). We're excited to share our adventures in this issue. Whether you're traveling or just dreaming, we hope you enjoy exploring the world's flavours—one unforgettable experience at a time. Michele of A Taste for Travel Travel Tips and Planning 10 Amazing Day of the Dead Traditions From symbolic food, graveside vigils, processions and unique decorations, Dia de los Muertos is an extra special time to be in Mexico. Here are the most amazing Day of the Dead traditions to experience. Check out the article Catrina procession in Patzcuaro, Michoacan. Timely Travel Enjoy the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido The Fiestas de Noviembre is a month-long celebration featuring dance, surf tournaments, gastronomy and more. Need a place to stay? We spotted availability via Bayside Vacations at La Escondida steps to Fiestas de Noviembre fun. Read the Article Tropical Table Jocón (Chicken & Tomatillo Stew) This traditional Guatemalan stew has deep roots in Maya culture and is our favourite way to use a bounty of tomatillos, mint and pumpkin seeds. It's perfect for gatherings as it can be doubled to serve a crowd. Get the Recipe Beach & City Buzz Notable news, updates, and happenings ​WestJet has launched a new direct flight from Toronto to Grenada. Starting on December 15, 2024 it will operate weekly until April 27, 2024. Subscribe to our special Caribbean email series on how to enjoy luxury for less in Grenada. We love that Pepe Margo Distillery, a new distillery set in a historic home in Orangestad, is offering free tastings of Aruba's first ever aged rum. Learn how to make tortillas (and eat like a local) on a Puerto Escondido Food Tour, now available four times weekly. How Did You Like This Newsletter? 😀 Liked it! 😐 So-So. 🙁 Could be better! ​ P.S. Don't forget to check out our Subscriber Benefits page for exclusive deals and free ebooks—perfect for planning and sharing! Disclosure: Links in this newsletter may be affiliate in nature. Get more details on our Disclosure page. ​ For the latest news, follow A Taste for Travel on social media! ​​​​ Copyright © A Taste for Travel All rights reserved. 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205 ​Unsubscribe · Preferences​ ​

And protect your future one!

͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­

	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Hobbies Will Change Your Current Social Life And protect your future one! Oct 28   READ IN APP   Pickleball court photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash You need a hobby! (A new one or a revived old one) “Many friends are entering the empty nest phase of their lives and some are really dreading it. Celebrities like Brooke Shields share on social media how they aren’t ready. Planning ahead by embracing new hobbies can help change your focus during this major life shift.” Those words are from Dara Collins and Donna Kassman, former attorneys in South Florida who started a business called Modern Mahjong through which they teach mahjong and canasta, organize tournaments, and sell books, beautiful mahjong dice, and other products related to both games. They’ve helped countless people make new friends and learn a new skill through the love of a game. Maybe a game is not your thing? That’s okay. There is a new (or old!) passion out there waiting for you. We started a list of ideas in my Facebook group, called Dear Nina: The Group, and I will share some of those later in this newsletter. What’s my favorite hobby? I had not played tennis since I was 15, but decided three years ago, at age 44, that I missed having an activity/hobby and felt something physical was what I needed. I’m still playing three years later and it’s been the surprise joy of my 40s with an unexpected expansion of my social life too. I was intimidated at first and still sometimes get nervous before a drill with people who are better players, but any anxiety is worth the upside. Do you find yourself analyzing the ups and downs of friendship? You belong HERE. Upgrade to paid Hobbies are also an investment in your future retirement and empty nest social life. Socializing at all ages is important for combating loneliness and keeping your brain active. Did you love a sport or activity as a kid, but you’ve neglected that hobby (or any non-work, non-family passion) as an adult? This week’s episode is for you! Episode #117: Preparing Early for the Empty Nest and Retirement Dara and Donna and I have two important messages about hobbies and friendship:  #1. Get involved in hobbies when you’re still in a full and busy stage of life. You’re planting seeds for later! #2. But it’s never too late to start. No matter your age, try something new OR make time for the hobby you’ve been neglecting. FIND EPISODE #117 on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.  * Interested in learning how to play mahjong or refreshing your skills? Dara and Donna have two classes coming up. Here’s one for mahjong and one for canasta. List of hobbies from members of Dear Nina: The Group (on Facebook) Feel free to join the group and add more on the thread we started. Park Run (as a volunteer) Paddle tennis Pickleball Tennis Biking Standup comedy Improv classes Spiritual meetup groups (they do meditation, yoga, and psychological exercises) Mahjong Canasta Other card games Book clubs Movie clubs Dinner clubs Crafting Walking groups Religious study groups Many examples of volunteering from serving on a board to weekly commitments, monthly commitments and so on Dog walking Dance classes Cooking classes Training for races Fundraising or and/or attending political events Bunco Zumba Books, Shows, etc. I’m Into These Days Reading: I started reading You are Here by David Nicholls (author of ONE DAY). I started listening to Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: See my full 2024 reading list, which I update on my website throughout the year. TV: Abbott Elementary and Shrinking. Bryan and I are STILL watching Suits. Cooking: I hosted a lot during Sukkot so this week will be extra basic. Want to connect outside of this newsletter? You can find me most often in the Facebook group, Dear Nina: The Group, where we discuss books, shows, recipes, and of course, friendship. All the social media links are below. Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | My Website Two anonymous friendship advice questions you might have missed Roommate Disappointments Nina Badzin · Oct 15 Read full story Don’t Blame Me For the End of Our Kids’ Friendship Nina Badzin · January 25, 2023 Read full story Have an anonymous question for the newsletter or an episode? You can do that here, and I will never know it was from you. A FAVOR: If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a review and 5 stars on Apple Podcasts. Scroll down after you arrive at the main page of Dear Nina on Apple Podcasts to highlight all 5 stars and press the “write a review” option. It can be one-sentence. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If you listen on Spotify, you can leave stars there too! Have a great week everyone! Links to bookshop.org and Amazon are affiliate links You’re a free subscriber to Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. For anonymous friendship dilemmas and my answers, and to show support for my work, become a paying subscriber. Upgrade to paid Share   Like Comment Restack   © 2024 Nina Badzin The Great Midwest Unsubscribe