WORK, TRAVEL & STUFF: 2018

December 29, 2018  •  1 Comment

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Riviera Maya 2018 - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneRiviera Maya 2018 - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneRiviera Maya 2018


So yeah, I've been M.I.A. this year. I thought I would have had time to keep y'all updated with my travels, but between changing the daytime job and becoming a grandma, 2018 has been hectic.

One day, I'll update the site with more details on all of these travels, but here's a quick look back at 2018 – just so you know I'm alive and still travelling as often as I can to keep sane. 

 


JANUARY: XCARET


All inclusive. Those two words don’t usually appeal to me all that much, as it automatically brings images to mind of rather uncouth folks being herded into buffet restaurants and pushing past you at the bar to fill up their Bubba keg so they can return to spreading out on whatever lounger they got up at 5 am to put their stupid towel on to save their spot.

But, admittedly, when you travel as much as I do, the all-inclusives I usually end up at are at the three-star level. Every now and then, a splurge is in order. Enter...... the Hotel Xcaret Mexico!

A five-star resort, and the first to be opened by Experiencias Xcaret, not only does this hotel have all the luxuries of an upscale all-inclusive resort, but your stay also includes entry to all their parks and tours: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xichen, Xenotes, Xoximilco and Xenses.

 

Poolside room with hammock and lounge chairs in the waterHotel Xcaret MexicoHotel Xcaret Mexico, Riviera Maya All is good when every patio has a hammock


Kayaking in cenotesRiviera Maya 2018Riviera Maya 2018  I actually convinced the hubs to join me on this one


Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Riviera MayaRiviera Maya 2018 - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneRiviera Maya 2018 Lots of hidden spots


Perfection in the inlet at Hotel Xcaret MexicoRiviera Maya 2018Riviera Maya 2018 Perfect view for total relaxation

 

 


FEBRUARY: SUTTON


With time off in February, I wanted to try glamping. Sort of camping, but not really.

It’s a nice compromise for those that still want to be outdoors, want to say that they’ve been camping, but want a real bed, a real bathroom with plumbing, and electricity.

I stayed two nights in one these SHAKs in Sutton, and I could’ve stayed a hell of a lot longer!

Read more about my glamping experience here.

 

Domaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton These uber cute "SHAKs" in Sutton


Domaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton Surprisingly spacious inside


Domaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton The best part - Jacuzzi on the terrace!


Domaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton - JM Travel Keeps Me SaneDomaine KABIN Sutton Me, myself and I time

 

 


MAY: WEDDING R + P


Springtime brings weddings! R & P met ages ago and finally tied the knot on Victoria Day weekend.

Here’s a few shots from their big day. Love, love, love taking these kinds of shots!

 

Wedding-R&S

The devil is in the details


Wedding-R&S Close ups


Wedding-R&S Groomsmen flying high


Wedding-R&S The happy couple

 

 


JUNE: LISBON


So, the last time I went to Portugal – a two-week road trip around the entire country – Lisbon did not leave that much of an impression on me.

This time, however, I loved it! After getting out of the way all those typically touristy sites on the last visit two years ago, this time I thoroughly got to enjoy wandering around and eating and drinking my way throughout lovely Lisbon!

 

Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018 Pasteis de Belem


Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018 Wine with a view


Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018 Ginjinha


Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018Lisbon 2018 Eating our way through Time Out Market

 

 


JULY: BABY SELENA


Can you believe it? I’m a grandma. At first, that word sent me into a mini panic attack – I mean, grandmas are old. They have silver hair, saggy and wrinkly skin, no teeth – kind of like Granny from Tweety & Sylvester back in the day. Was I going to turn into her the minute my grand-baby was born?

But as of July 12, 1:10 pm this teeny-tiny bundle of joy came into this world. And I can safely report that I haven't turned into a silver-haired nana. 

 

My adorable grand baby!


Little Selena

 

 


AUGUST: SANTO DOMINGO


For someone that doesn’t like all-inclusive resorts, this is my second one this year. But, in my defense, when the whole family comes along, it’s definitely way more cost-effective to do one of these kinds of vacations.

We actually stayed in the beach area of Juan Dolio and did a day of exploring the first city of the Americas – Santo Domingo.

 

SDQ - Emotions - 2018SDQ - Emotions - 2018SDQ - Emotions - 2018 More beach time


With the family


SDQ - Emotions - 2018SDQ - Emotions - 2018SDQ - Emotions - 2018 Roaming the historic centre

 

 


OCTOBER: WEDDING J + P


Autumn, another popular time for weddings!

The day started at their new and perfectly decorated townhouse, followed by an uber cute ceremony and reception at Plaza Volare.

It was a full day of activities and food… lots and lots of food, as well as an open bar. The day flew by, as everyone was so happy and lovely to be with. I wish these two all the best in the adventure together.

 

Wedding J&PWedding J&PWedding J&P Rings and things


Wedding J&PWedding J&PWedding J&P The bride


Wedding J&PWedding J&PWedding J&P Groom and bride

 

 


NOVEMBER: MEXICO CITY


4 days in Mexico City? Why the hell not!

Crammed a lot into 4 days, but at the same time it was super chill. Our home was a 5th-floor walk up Airbnb that had the cutest rooftop terrace in the Roma Norte neighbourhood.

We managed to check out the Frida Kalho Museum in Coyoacán, the Teotihuacan pyramids, Chapultepec park, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, and even took in a Lucha Libre wrestling match at the Arena Mexico!

Also managed to eat tacos, empanadas, tortas and tamales galore, as well as drink micheladas every chance we got – which, btw, we also learned that alcohol affects you super fast in this high altitude city.

 

Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018 Mexico City!


Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018 Tacos Al Pastor


Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018Mexico City - 2018 Chapultepec


Teotihuacan



Photos taken | written by JENNIFER MAHON


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Comments

Rafaela Faria(non-registered)
Excelente, muito bonito!
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