The tour began in the most charmingly Belizean way possible, with our guide, Javier, letting us know that our group was lucky because the two guides we had were husband and wife. 😊He would start us off, and then his wife, Andrea, would add additional comments and information. I loved that immediately. It set the tone for the whole visit: informal, warm, funny, and full of personality.

Before getting to the heart of the site, we got the practical warnings: stay with the group, watch where you’re walking, don’t walk and take pictures at the same time, and be careful of roots, loose stones, uneven ground, and fire ants. This is not a polished museum path where everything is roped off and smoothed over. This was an ancient city, still very much part of the landscape. And that, honestly, was part of the magic.

Javier emphasized their local connection: “This is my backyard.” He and Andrea live nearby, and as we passed through, he joked that we’d already gone past his house, just not which one. Being guided by someone who viewed the site as home—not a distant relic—was wonderful.

First Impressions of Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of Belize’s best-known Maya sites. While smaller than some Central American ruins, its presence is subtle yet powerful. First, you notice the greenery, low stone structures, paths, and heat—then realize you’re standing in what was once a thriving ancient city.

Javier explained that archaeologist Dr. David Pendergast, a Canadian who visited the area in the 1960s, gave Altun Ha its name. He mapped the site and later returned to excavate and restore it. The name roughly means “rock stone water,” a reference to the nearby village of Rockstone Pond. Because there was no Maya word for pond, “water” became part of the name.

What we see today is the result of years of careful excavation. Javier pointed to the temples and explained that archaeologists had to remove trees, dirt, and stones to uncover walls and stairs, then restore enough of the structures so visitors could better understand how the city may have looked centuries ago.

It’s easy to look at ruins and see only stone. But when you learn about the work—clearing, digging, studying, and rebuilding—you start to see the site as both an ancient city and a modern puzzle.

A Trading City, Not Just a Ceremonial One

The Maya here traded cacao beans, wild honey, salt, cotton, and flint. Cacao was especially valuable; chocolate was once reserved for the elite and was valued as much as jade. In return, Altun Ha received jade, obsidian, greenstone, and quetzal feathers. (Quetzals were sacred birds in the Maya civilization, representing light, goodness, and freedom.) Jade was also especially meaningful to the Maya because its green color represented life. Since Belize has no volcanoes, jade had to be imported from other areas. This was not an isolated city. It was connected to other Maya centers through trade routes, relationships, and shared cultural values.

Jade mattered deeply to the Maya, not because it sparkled, but because it carried meaning. Travel always reminds me: value is cultural. What one society prizes, another may barely notice.

Bloodletting, Ritual, and a Very Honest Guide

No visit to Maya ruins is complete without confronting the ritual side of ancient life. Javier explained that although Altun Ha was not known for human sacrifice during its major trading period, the Maya practiced bloodletting rituals, which he described, with his usual humor, as “torture.”

This was not a vague description. He explained that people would use sharp objects, like stingray barbs, to pierce specific parts of their own bodies. The blood would then be collected on cotton and burned together with incense as an offering to the gods. Men and women had different ritual piercing locations; for example, men typically pierced their tongues or genitals, and women sometimes pierced their tongues. The stingray barbs’ jagged edges made the imagined pain even worse. After describing these steps, Javier jokingly asked for a volunteer. Unsurprisingly, nobody volunteered.

Humor made the information easier to absorb, but didn’t lessen its intensity. It made the ancient world feel more human—these were people with beliefs so strong, pain became a way to communicate with the divine as they gave thanks, offered sacrifices, and maintained balance with their gods.

Javier said the Maya had many gods—gods of sun, rain, wind, fertility, lightning, corn, and more—and that they gave thanks for everything. I found that strangely beautiful, even if some of the rituals were hard to hear about.

Homes, Hammocks, and Everyday Life

Not everything at Altun Ha was about temples and priests. Some of the smaller mounds were residential areas, and we could imagine what daily life might have looked like.

The structures themselves are gone, but the platforms remain. Javier showed us an example of what a home might have looked like: open concept, no partitions, hammocks inside. When he asked what we thought they used for beds, people guessed all sorts of things before he gave us the answer: hammocks.

Details like these make a place come alive for me. I can appreciate a temple, but I remember the hammock, the open house, and the joke about too many children despite no walls. Suddenly, these ancient people weren’t abstract—they lived, taught children, worked, and likely complained about the heat just like anyone.

The Plazas and the Priests

Altun Ha is organized around plazas, and we spent time in both Plaza A and Plaza B, each made up of several structures. He explained that the Maya built in layers, with each layer connected to a period of leadership. At Altun Ha, priests were the dominant figures, which made sense for a trading city where religious authority played a major role.

In one temple, archaeologists found a tomb containing hundreds of jade pieces, including figurines, stingray barbs, ornaments, and other objects. They also found the remains of a codex, a Maya book made from bark paper. Unfortunately, by the time it was discovered, the material was too fragile to preserve useful information.

Imagine finding a piece of writing that might have told us more about the people who lived here, only to have it crumble away. History is always partly what survives and partly what disappears.

We also learned about a burial believed to be that of an important woman, possibly connected to childbirth, fertility, medicine, or healing. There are some stories that identify her with the figure of Ix Chel. Whether every detail is archaeologically settled or part of interpretive storytelling, I appreciated the reminder that women had important roles in Maya society, even if much of the surviving record focuses on male priests and rulers.

Climbing the Ruins

We then got to the ‘climbing’ part. I will be honest. I was not planning to conquer every stair by any means (there are many!). My personal goal was modest. I wanted to go up just enough to say I had climbed a Maya ruin. I did just that.

Before anyone started climbing, Javier demonstrated the plaza’s acoustics. He explained that sound would bounce off the solid stone structures and amplify in the center, allowing someone speaking from the top to be heard below. He clapped or called out, and sure enough, the echo carried. It was one of those simple demonstrations that instantly changes how you see the architecture. Several people from my group who climbed tested it out, obviously!

These structures were impressive visually. They were also designed for function, ceremony, authority, and communication. Standing there, it was easy to imagine a priest above the plaza, voice carrying across the crowd.

Why Altun Ha Stays with Me

What I loved most about Altun Ha was not just the ruins, though fascinating and beautiful. It was how the site felt alive through storytelling.

Javier and Andrea were funny, theatrical, knowledgeable, and completely unfiltered in the best way. They both talked about archaeology, trade, ritual, marriage, hammocks, stingray barbs, acoustics, gods, and fire ants, all in one tour. We laughed, and we thought about what we learned.

Altun Ha showed me ancient cities were not silent stone monuments, but communities. People traded chocolate and jade, raised children, honored gods, built homes, slept in hammocks, climbed stairs, and looked out at their world, just as we do today.

Standing inside a place that has endured for over a thousand years, even climbing just a few steps, made me feel part of a much larger story.

In my opinion, Altun Ha is one of the best introductions to Belize’s Maya history. It is compact, fascinating, scenic, and rich with stories of trade, ritual, jade, cacao, and daily life. When you visit Belize City, it is one of the easiest and most rewarding archaeological excursions in the country.

Less than an hour north of Orlando, Central Florida takes on a different feel. The hills start to roll, and the scenery turns into citrus groves, golf courses, and classic Florida hospitality. Before long, you’ll arrive in the small town of Howey-in-the-Hills and at Mission Resort + Club. Life moves at a slower pace here, giving you time to relax and enjoy long, easy afternoons.

If you think you know Central Florida, Mission Resort + Club might surprise you. It’s close enough to Orlando to be convenient, but far enough to feel like a true getaway. Here, you’ll find character and a real sense of place instead of crowds and theme parks. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can settle in and relax at this historic hotel, which feels welcoming from the moment you arrive.

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Puerto Rico is a place where people visit for its stunning beaches, music culture, intriguing food, and fascinating history. However, there is a deeper story. One that draws you away from the shoreline and into the Island’s interior – to the farms, forests, kitchens, and agricultural communities.

Read the Full Story Here

Roatán, Honduras is a place in the world that looks like a postcard - turquoise water, green hills, and sunshine. Once you’re actually there, it becomes much more layered than that. It’s beautiful, yes, but also rugged. Lush. Humid. Alive. Some places? Well, they struggle.

One of the things travel does, at least for me, is it gives me perspective. You can read about other countries, watch videos, or scroll through photos, but it’s different when you’re there. When you look out the window, see how people live, how they work, how they get around, and how much effort goes into everyday life. It reminds you that the world is so much bigger than your own routine.

Roatán is a Caribbean island off the northern coast of Honduras. It’s known for diving, snorkeling, beaches, and cruise ship stops, but inland, there is a thick, wild jungle feel that amazed me. Everything is green and dense, with hills that seem to rise suddenly out of nowhere.

At one point, I was riding in the bus up what felt like a mountain — and I do mean straight up. The road twisted and turned, and I remember thinking, “There is no way this bus is going to make it.” Of course, it did. Somehow. The whole ride was partly thrilling and partly terrifying. Looking out the window, the jungle was gorgeous but not polished. It was rugged and real, but I knew beauty and charm were just around a bend.

Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum

I visited the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum, which was a beautiful reminder of how rich and fertile Roatán is. The arboretum is filled with tropical plants, fruit trees, flowers, and paths that let you wander through the landscape rather than just look at it from a window as you pass by. It gave me a better sense of the island’s natural abundance, how things grow there, how the jungle presses in, and how nature seems to constantly reclaim space.

The Arboretum wasn’t a huge, flashy place, which I actually liked. It felt personal and simple, the kind of stop where you can take your time, look closely, and appreciate the smaller details. It made me feel more connected to the island’s natural side.

Roatan Butterfly and Birds Garden

Another stop was the Roatán Butterfly and Tropical Bird Garden. Getting here, the bus seemed surrounded by the jungle, as I noted earlier. However, once I stepped out of said bus, it was one of the coolest places I’ve seen!

Tucked away inside the jungle was the butterfly area. Once I finished checking out the butterflies, I continued deeper into the garden and saw a Scarlet Macaw. And, for the first time ever, a Kinkajou! As I continued to wander about the area, I saw several white-faced capuchin monkeys. Our guide warned us that, while mostly friendly, they could be little bandits and advised us to hold tight to our phones and other small items!

West End Village

We also stopped in West End Village for a quick break. Here, it was a bit more touristy, with restaurants, dive shops, small stores, beach bars, and people walking around in swimsuits and flip-flops. It has that relaxed island vibe, but it also made me think about how important tourism is to Roatán.

Honduras is a country where some people face difficult living conditions. You can see signs of this as you travel around. I don’t say that to sound critical or make the area sound sad. Roatán is full of warmth, color, pride, and natural beauty. Tourism matters here! The money visitors spend on tours, food, transportation, tips, souvenirs, and local businesses can make a real difference for families and communities.

Honestly, I felt that. People were welcoming, not in a fake, polished manner, but in a way that made it clear visitors are part of the island’s livelihood. It made me want to be more considerate — to tip well, buy local when I can, and remember that behind every excursion or beach stop are real people working hard.

I always come back to that part of the travel experience. You go somewhere expecting to see beautiful scenery, and you do. Roatán absolutely delivers on that! The jungle is stunning, the water is unbelievably blue, and the tropical plants and wildlife are worth the trip all by themselves.

But you also leave with something else, or you should – a reminder that not everyone lives the way you do. That comfort is not universal. That beauty and hardship can exist in the same place. The world is complicated, and seeing even a small piece of it in real life can change the way you think. This is why travel is so important!

Roatán was beautiful, rugged, colorful, and eye-opening. I’ll remember everything I experienced, for certain, through the words I write and the photos that I took. But I’ll also remember the perspective it gave me. Sometimes that’s the most valuable souvenir of all.

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Hello all, and thanks for joining me on my adventures!

I enjoy travel from two angles: as a writer drawn to the stories, people, food, and culture that give a place meaning. I am also a travel advisor who helps people experience those places with more intention.

In the last few weeks, I’ve visited some fabulous places and have loads of information and photos. I promise that those stories will start very soon! But in the meantime, I figured I would also make my advisor’s monthly newsletter available.

I’m hoping you will find some travel inspiration, and when you do, I’ll be happy to help you make it a reality.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Cheers!

Lisa

When you think about planning a trip to The Bahamas, the beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches are probably the first things that come to mind, and for good reason!

But if you look beyond the beaches, you’ll find something just as unforgettable: the warmth and hospitality of the Bahamian people, along with real experiences in their culture and history. That’s what I discovered, and I hope you’ll find it too. Here’s how my journey led me to these deeper connections, starting with Junkanoo.

Read my story here!

Ready to book a trip to The Bahamas and need some help? Let me help you!

Related story: Viva Fortuna Beach – Freeport, Grand Bahama

Related story: Luxury and Serenity: Four Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas

The post Finding the Heart of The Bahamas appeared first on All About Travel.

In this episode of the Journey Jukebox travel podcast, we explore the timeless beauty, layered history, and Southern charm of Natchez, MS. This is one of the oldest settlements along the mighty Mississippi River. Natchez offers travelers a rich blend of culture and hospitality. From elegant antebellum homes and historic landmarks to river cruises, live music, and memorable culinary experiences.

I share stories about the city’s Indigenous heritage, architectural treasures, and the city’s pivotal role in early American history. It includes visits to historic sites like Ellicott’s Hill and nearby plantation properties that help tell the complex story of the region’s past. The episode also highlights local museums, Southern cuisine, and the charm of staying at historic inns, such as the Devereaux Shields House.

Whether you’re interested in heritage travel, Mississippi River culture, music history, or classic Southern hospitality, Natchez is a destination filled with unforgettable experiences—and a meaningful stop for travelers exploring America’s history ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday.

RELATED NATCHEZ, MS TRAVEL ARTICLES:
– Discover Beautiful Natchez, Mississippi: 
https://playstayeat.com/2023/02/01/discover-beautiful-natchez-mississippi/ 
– Natchez, MS Restaurants Guide: https://www.foodieflashpacker.com/natchez-ms-restaurants/ 
– Natchez Mississippi: History, Antebellum Homes & Southern Hospitality:
https://writerlisa.com/2025/10/03/natchez-mississippi-history-antebellum-homes-southern-hospitality/ 

LISA EVANS is a travel writer and photographer, travel advisor, and author of “100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die.”  
More at:
– https://writerlisa.com/    
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelsoothesthesoul 
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisae_travel 

Looking for some travel resources? Click here

Get more information about my book and an upcoming cruise.

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Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine

New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 6pm CST

The post Natchez, MS: Adventures in History, Culture, and Cuisine appeared first on All About Travel.

In this episode of the Journey Jukebox travel podcast, we head to Coastal Mississippi, where spring, summer, and fall bring a vibrant mix of festivals, fresh seafood, and scenic coastal experiences.

From exciting events like Cruisin’ the Coast and Jeepin’ the Coast, to the region’s deep-rooted maritime traditions, this episode showcases the culture, community, and charm of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A major highlight is the new Amtrak route connecting Mobile and New Orleans, offering travelers a relaxing and scenic way to explore the coast.

I share insights into the historic Blessing of the Fleet, the thriving seafood industry, and unique nature experiences, such as the Hummingbird Festival in Moss Point.

Whether you’re planning a festival-filled getaway, a culinary adventure, or a laid-back coastal escape, this episode highlights why Coastal Mississippi is a must-visit destination.

Looking for some travel resources? Click here

Get more information about my book and an upcoming cruise.

FOLLOW JOURNEY JUKEBOX

Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify

Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine

New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 6pm CST

The post Coastal Mississippi in Summer appeared first on All About Travel.

When you think of The Bahamas, you might picture paradise: beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and a distinctly tropical ambiance. This chain of islands truly embodies all these qualities and more.

While many visitors gravitate to New Providence Island and the bustling capital Nassau—home to approximately 70 percent of Bahamians—there’s more to explore. Don’t overlook the other islands. Just 58 nautical miles from Florida, Grand Bahama Island invites you to discover a different side of The Bahamas.

Read my story here!

Ready to book a trip to The Bahamas and need some help? Let me help you!

Related story: Viva Fortuna Beach – Freeport, Grand Bahama

Related story: Luxury and Serenity: Four Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas

The post Insider’s Guide to Freeport and Grand Bahama Hotels & Resorts appeared first on All About Travel.

This episode of the “Journey Jukebox” Podcast explores Detroit’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. In this episode, we’ll also look at some of the most notable Historic Detroit area Mansions and their fascinating stories – Cranbrook Educational Community and Meadow Brook Hall.

Celebrating Women’s History Month, this episode highlights the powerful legacy of Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose vision and philanthropy helped shape Meadow Brook Hall and left a lasting impact on the region.

Beyond the mansions, the conversation dives into Detroit’s dynamic story—from the rise of the automotive industry to the global influence of Motown Records and modern creative voices like Jack White. Discover how innovation, artistry, and resilience intersect in this iconic American city.

Whether you’re planning a heritage trip, exploring architectural landmarks, or seeking destinations that honor the nation’s history, Detroit offers a compelling journey into America’s past, present, and future.

My podcast airs every third Travel Tuesday – listen to all the episodes HERE.

The post Historic Detroit area Mansions appeared first on All About Travel.

Meadow Brook Hall is a grand home, rising from acres of lush fields outside Rochester, Michigan. This architectural wonder, with its carved wood, hidden staircases, carved plaster ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and thousands of artifacts, stands as a reminder of the strength and will of a remarkable woman – Matilda Dodge Wilson.

Read my story here!

Ready to book a trip to the Detroit area and need some help? Let me help you!

Related story: Cranbrook: A Place Made by Hand

Related story: A Step Back In Time: Pittock Mansion In Portland, Oregon

The post The Woman Behind the Walls of Meadow Brook Hall appeared first on All About Travel.