Tianguis Turistico 2014

As a travel agent specializing in travel to Mexico, I was invited by the Mexico tourism board  to attend the grandest of all tourism events in Cancun,Mexico ~  Tianguis Turistico. This event brings together all of the states of Mexico, tour operators, hotels and other travel related operations to share travel opportunities to the beautiful country of Mexico. The President of Mexico was in attendance as was the actor Kevin Spacey. News crews from all over Mexico held interviews throughout the event while press from around the world came to share the magic of Mexico with the world at large. This, my friends, was THE event to attend in Mexico and I was very fortunate to be in attendance.

The Mexico Tourism board has done a fantastic job promoting the country, highlighting the uniqueness of every state within the country yet remaining "united" as a country. It is clear to me that Mexico is a united and cohesive country that values it's individuals as intricate strands in a web that create the ultimate destination for travel as well as for creating a life well lived. Some neigh sayers may oppose that opinion but after connecting with people from all over the country of Mexico, I have rediscovered that there is a deep sense of pride and love for their country. For travelers who choose to go the road less traveled in Mexico, one will find that the bad press of Mexico is a crock of shit ~ pardon the expression, but it's true.

The United States travelers tend to look at Mexico as a beach destination ~  one where people can go to drink margaritas on the beach, often times not even leaving the resort property for "fear" of running into the drug cartel. Don't get me wrong, Mexico is a great beach destination ~ one of the finest around, but what's not being translated to the American people is that Mexico has a million opportunities for having travel  experiences that will enrich their lives beyond their wildest dreams. Those opportunities lie EVERYWHERE in Mexico.

Cascada el Chiflon

Etzna archeological ruins in Campeche

While at Tianguis Turistico, I met with state tourism departments of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatan, Jalisco, Michoacan, and various other states. As you read this, you may ask yourself, "Where the hell is Oaxaca? Chiapas? Why would I want to go there?" I answer your question by saying, " The interior (as well as the coasts) of Mexico has the heart and soul of the country. It is there that you will find the most delicious foods prepared as they were hundreds of years ago by Mayan ancestors. It is there that you will find magical archeological ruins that will fill your soul beyond words. It is on the off the beaten roads that you will find natural wonders such as the Chiflon and Agua Azul waterfalls of Chiapas. On the road less taken, you will find the kindest people ~ humble, generous and loving.  Now tell me, does this sound so scary? Not at all, my friends, not at all.

Mexico is one of the great leaders in promoting tourism to their country to the entire world. Mexico has tourism departments all over the world that promote travel to Mexico. People from Japan, Germany, Eastern Europe, Australia etc. are flocking to Mexico to experience all that it has to offer. They do so without the unnecessary fears that Americans carry with them in their piss poor media saturated minds.  Countries such as Monaco, and get this, The United States of America, have approached Mexico to help them with their efforts to promote tourism to their countries. If Mexico was such a scary place to visit, do you think that the tourism department would pay millions and millions of dollars to promote a country that would contradict their mission? It would be a ridiculous move to promote a country that would do such a thing. Mexico has it right, my friends; their tag line is, "Live it to believe it." I have lived it and I believe it. . . now, it's your turn.

Viva la Vida Travel aims to enrich the lives of my travel "family" by offering and promoting destinations that will make them better people. When you're ready to "live it", Viva la Vida Travel is here for you with open arms. Viva la Vida y Viva Mexico!