So I blew it. I wanted to develop Travel. Write. Live where I could talk about travel and writing that fell outside of a traditional travel article, something that explored the art of writing and included thoughts about how travel and writing pertained to life, but I blew it.

It was not that I ran out of creativity or topics. Instead, I started worrying about social media and keeping up with the googles. I found myself rushing to get articles done before they were fully fleshed out, because other bloggers were spitting out new content at alarming rates. I found myself spending more time partnering with legions of people trying to keep up with the googles, most of whom ran sites I only felt so-so about, and I strived to be more like them. I worried about competing with large corporations and SEO masters so my little site might be found by the masses, as if I were selling get rich quick schemes or miracle floor-wax. I also became less willing to point out how some of these corporations and organizations are ruining travel, so I might play “the game” with them. Travel. Write. Live. became more like a banal video game than a useful site, or, at least, a site I could be proud of writing. It all became a huge mistake on my part.

Once I figured out the mistake. I stopped maintaining Travel. Write. Live. I needed to step back and regroup, think about what I hoped to accomplish. I have done that. I have some clarity of vision. It has taken eight months to finally write this little article.

During this time I thought about what I wanted to do, how I wanted to rededicate myself to travel writings and life. The answers were easy.

1. Never again publish a story that is not completely baked. This might mean fewer stories in the beginning.
2. Let knowledgeable experts chime in and help us become better at traveling, writing, and even leading a better life.
3. Promote travel, but not always. I love travel, but there are plenty of companies that make the process of doing it terrible. Expect to hear a rant about the TSA in the future.
4. Criticize, when necessary.
5. Because I intend to explore social issues as it relates to travel, writing and leading a better life, TWL will now become “the No BS Blog about life.”

I know, maybe it does not seem like much, and do not get me wrong; there are still a number of stories that I am proud of presenting on TWL. I just am not willing to publish duds to keep up with the googles. I will take a few more chances.

Welcome to the new thoughts on travel, writing and life on Travel Write Live.

From my last article, I probably left the impression that the better cultural experience is likely found by staying at a two-star hotel, rather than in fancy five-star digs. This is reasonable assumption for a reader since I bashed the new Westin in Santa Fe in Mexico City (I had my reasons) and did not counter with a better five-star examples. Trust me, there a loads of great five-star places worth considering.

The way I look at it, travel falls into one of two categories, traveling and vacationing. Traveling is more about a place or a culture and the hotel may make little difference to the traveler. A traveler is not going to cancel his or her trip to Paris because a favorite resort or hotel is booked solid.

Vacationing is different. I just returned from a five-star place Fiesta Americana in Los Cabos whose staff went out of its way to provide superior service and creatively invented memorable dining experiences. For four days, I was completely content and stuffed to the gills with incredible food without having to leave the property. However, had I wanted to leave I would have had to take a cab twenty or thirty minutes to get anywhere, and walking was not an option.

The reason most resorts and major chain hotels frequently attempt to become the destination unto themselves rather than just a place to sleep is about money. If a visitor stays several days and never leaves the resort all the money spent at the resort will remain at the resort. In all fairness the hotel or resort spends tons of money on aesthetics, convenience and luxury.  This is not bad within itself, it is just a different type of experience. Less culture and more luxury and amenities, versus more culture and less amenities and luxury.

However, I can have both. My days of youth hostels are over. Not only have I stopped being young, I also grew tired of the three German guys that seemed to be at every youth hostel I visited. The three would not stop drinking, screaming, running about, fighting and always came equipped with their own bad techno music. This means I have more work to do in planning my trip. To find a little luxury in my culturally based travel.

I stay in the center of town whenever possible. I ask myself, are there local bars restaurants, attractions within walking distance. As an example, on my last trip to Santa Fe, it would have been much more worthwhile to stay in the Zocalo area of Mexico City than in an area with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Location means not having to source long rides to be where I want.

A few great, ideally located hotels that come to mind are the swanky Opus Hotels of Montreal and Vancouver that have great food and beautiful hipsters but are situated in greats areas of town leaving me to explore on my own. The San Juan Marriott is on a gorgeous beach, has a casino, spa, fine dining and is a twenty minute walk to Old San Juan. Of course, these are only a couple of examples of thousands of great options. How can you find these places when looking for a travel/vacation combo?

Work with a travel agent

Most good agents have a geographic specialty. A place that the agent has personally been to numerous times and will have solid suggestions to neighborhoods and attractions worthy of your time. As an example, I know several agents who have been working in Mexico City and know numerous places to stay that would have been more charming and practical in making my trip memorable.

Phone a friend

Some hotels really do put their customers first. The most reliable information I get is from friends who have stayed at the hotel before and can offer an unvarnished opinion.

Call the hotel

Find out directly from a hotel concierge what is in walking distance including: bus stops, restaurants, Internet cafes, museums pharmacies, and markets. Ask them to get specific, then plan accordingly.

For the record, I always prefer travel. It was the natural progression of things when I took a rucksack out into a foreign land with not a lot of money. I had to stay downtown, near train stations, and walked a lot. However, as I wrote more professional travel articles, I learned to appreciate the vacationing aspect as something meaningful by experiencing both the good and the bad of luxury travel. I found the places that created experiences, which is, for me, what travel is all about.

The Five-Star, Two-Star Conundrum, part one

I recently visited two travel shows south of the border. One event was located in Mexico City for the newly created FITA, which invites tourism professionals from around the globe to showcase their products, services and destinations to other tourism professionals and the general public. The other conference was in Antigua, Guatemala for the more established, but smaller, CATM, which services the seven nations that make up Central America. I was glad to help promote both events and genuinely enjoyed both cities. There were also a few differences, mainly in accommodations.

In Mexico, I stayed in the Westin, a well-established hotel brand in Santa Fe (known as the financial district), an area in Mexico City. The hotel had black marble and a highly polished corporate appeal with numerous options for just about anything a traveler could possibly want. The staff at the Westin was bi-lingual and stylishly sleek. They were also very nice. My room door magically opened when my thin plastic key card waved before my door’s sensor pad.

In Antigua, Guatemala, I stayed at Posado Don Rodrigo, which had wagon wheel décor and thick Guatemalan ladies milling about that spoke only Spanish, but were also very nice. My room key was a clumsy skeleton key with a giant phallic fob that, when sitting in my pocket, suggested to all who noticed that I was “happy to see” them.

Both hotels were memorable, but for different reasons. One was a schwanky five-star place with layers of amenities and a sharp, efficient staff. The other was a creaky two-star (maybe three-star) hotel with a performing ten-man xylophone team (with a drummer) and fairly reliable Internet.

This is the part where I guess I am supposed to tell you about the value of five-star treatment and getting what you pay for. I discovered how true this was when I asked for an aspirin at the front desk of the Westin.

For my headache (likely due to Mexico City’s altitude), I was given Westin’s corporate policy of not offering medicine of any kind, but that they could offer pharmacy service in about an hour or so, but this would be at an additional expense. They could not give me an idea how expensive it would be. There was no gift shop to buy my own aspirin and it was recommended that I not walk to the pharmacy on my own. Later, I asked about Internet and was invited to use the business center for 190 pesos (about $15.50US) an hour.

I ventured out on my own anyway; I never found the pharmacy. I found mostly other huge hotels and construction sites for future hotels with bi-lingual staff and more corporate policies. I could not find a market, a restaurant, a mall or anything to do. I walked alone. Santa Fe did not even look (or sound) like Mexico. For a moment, I wondered if I was in Mexico. I still had a headache.

That night, I returned to my room to discover a carefully typed note letting me know that the breakfast coupons I had be given by the Westin would not be honored for undisclosed reasons. Instead I was invited to their $25 a day breakfast for the final three days of my visit at my expense (I eventually discovered that the Westin was arguing my host company over money. The Westin thought better of their decision the following day after some discussion). I knew I was just a writer on assignment and should be grateful for staying in such lavish accommodations, but I only felt like a means to turn a profit for a big company.

The Entrance at Don Rodrigo

By the time I left the Westin, I felt dejected and my main purpose as a guest was to tip and present reasons to be charged more. I left the Posada at Don Rodrigo feeling like I hoped to return and bring my family one day.

In the world of star listings, the Westin remains a popular five-star hotel with rooms filled with $6 Snickers bars, $9 bottled waters, Internet costing 190 pesos an hour through their business center and numerous costly luxuries waiting to be sold. The Posada Don Rodrigo does not carry the same airs, but is smack in the middle of town, affordable and far and away a better, more interesting value and experience.

The point of my article is not to trash the Westin, although the experience was not a good one. The enclave of five-star luxury drowned out all the things I like about Mexico: food, people, and rapidly spoken Spanish. My Westin experience was about not having choices and a corporate policy to ensure safety, and it drained the culture. In the end, it is about choice. It is fine to be offered an overpriced Snickers bar when there are other choices available. It is this type of experience that makes me think about how important a hotel and its location can be toward making a trip good — or bad.

How a choose a hotel? The Five-Star, Two-Star Conundrum, part two

Whether it be the speed bump riddled ride to Copan Ruinas, Honduras; the winding roads to Languin, Guatemala; or simply being trapped o a two-lane road for hours of stopped traffic due to chicken bus that got stuck in the mud — and the ride continues. So does travel and travel writing.

During the last 10 days, I have spent far more time on a bus that at an attraction, or even one city. So, while I am not always thrilled with the meandering roads in Central America, but I have learned that there are an endless amount of good photos and even mini relationships to be had just outside the van’s window. This above photo is only one of many examples I have seen over the last couple of weeks.

And now the coming week…

Writing

I return from Central America on Tuesday and have numerous stories that range from outline to final edit. With so many ideas about traveling Guatemala and Honduras fresh in my mind, I have had small epiphany about how much the Internet has changed the quality of my writing (and the writing of many others). This may maove my focus away from Central America slightly. However, I have some changes I will be implementing in the coming weeks dealing with the negative results from writing quickly to compete with “breaking news” on the Internet. Of course this is only a beginning of a larger focus at both TWL and ITKT. Don’t worry, I have plenty to share about Honduras and Guatemala.

Email

Yes, email. I am about 1500 behind.

As a professional travel writer, there is nothing I would rather do than travel. I even love hating the security lines at the airport. So, when I say that I love resorts, because of the pampering while lounging on exquisite beaches with frosty drinks, I really mean it.

However, there is something amiss when I hear about a traveler “visiting Jamaica” but never leaving the confines of the resort. After all, most international vacationers will travel thousands of miles away from home on holiday. It would make sense to do some exploring of the vacation spot, no? Still, I know quality resorts offer a wide assortments of amenities: from spa to sport to archery to dance lessons and lots of food. There is no reason to leave the resort.

So, in response to arguments about leaving the lap of luxury for the unknown variables beyond the tall, well-manicured hedges of the resort, I offer five good reasons to get the hell out of the resort, at least for a little while, on your next vacation.

Excursions

Most great resorts are near great attractions. Whether it be a UNESCO heritage site, colonial town or ancient ruin, all good resorts will help provide a way to see nearby attractions. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Help the Local Economy

Lots of countries make a significant amount of their gross national product from visiting travelers. While I am not suggesting blowing your vacation bankroll outside of the resort, taking a little to spread the love to local businesses has a direct and positive effect on the local economy, and in many stores this means haggling over price, which can be fun.

Save Money

While I love the pampering I get at the resort, extras like meals, gym and Internet access frequently are offered at a premium. Not that long ago, I stayed at a hotel that wanted to charge me $30 for a single day of Internet — even though I only wanted to briefly check my email. I found an Internet store a block away for 75¢ an hour for a savings of $29.25.

Authentic Food

I know, I know. Most resorts do a good job incorporating local cuisine into meal options so visitors can get a taste of the local fair. Still, some of my favorite food memories include locals taking me to their favorite restaurants. Several years ago, I was in Malaysia and was supposed to have dinner atop the 421-meter high Kuala Lumpur Tower. I craned my neck up at that needle in the sky and felt a pang of vertigo. I asked my group’s driver where he was going for dinner and was able to tag along. The meal turned into the most memorable and authentic of my visit to Malaysia.

Real People

After visiting more than 50 countries, one thing has been proven true — while the resort is a wonderful experience for pampering and idyllic beach-side sunsets, the memories I consistently take home are of the new people I meet along the way. The inspiration for my own online magazine comes from a long lunch with a little woman from St. Lucia — who provided the worst food, but the best company ever.

So next time you’re enjoying a holiday at a great resort, consider a few hours to explore a local community. You’ll be glad you did.

Still the week went well. I had written a letter to the highest contact I could find at my host company and my note made a difference. For the time being, my sites will stay where it is, but I have back up plans. My first Technorati article is live, but have also added it here on TWL. My next article on the Huffington Post is in the queue.

With Mexico’s bicentennial coming up in the near future, these photos from Chichen Itza are for the pics of the week.

And now for the coming week…

Writing

I have new articles into both Technorati and the Huffington Post. Now the project becomes managing writing and time. I am finding that writing away from home, in the library, is a perfect writer’s environment and I have seen some good productivity.

Organizing

As I mentioned earlier, I need some help. I have outlined, or should I say streamlined, the way ITKT is going to do business in the future, now it is time to implement these ideas and speed up processes for writers and readers alike. I want to create a system to have writer submissions turned around within twenty-four hours and loosen some submission guidelines to allow for more content. Change is scary, but necessary.

Traveling

Mexico City came through. So this means Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras in a two month span. While I have a smattering of Spanish, this is a good opportunity to take advance of several weeks of immersion. I have broken out Rosetta Stone and will be working nightly to see what I can learn in the next six weeks.

And how has your week been?
devin

One group stood close together, in pairs, hand-in-hand. They wore sunglasses, new rings and had Jamaica travel guides attached to their wrists. The other group stood in packs of four to eight people, wore matching T-shirts with smart Biblical slogans and had leather bound scripture attached to their wrists. As I was reminded by the stout gentleman in front of me in the customs line, “There is much to be done in the Caribbean.” He went on to tell me how the people of Jamaica needed to change. He did not elaborate on his plans, but confirmed that he was a missionary — and not surprisingly, had a mission. I suppose he wants the people of Jamaica more inline with his T-shirt slogan and reading material.

I fit into an odd third category as visiting travel writer, I mostly observe, sitting in a group of one with a little spiral-bound notebook attached to my wrist commenting about the writing on T-shirts. That said, I do not want anything to change in Jamaica. I still want to leave the U.S. and find places that have their own flavor of life and show me that my interpretation of the grand scheme of things may not be perfect for everyone.

While I appreciate good intentions, I believe our differences may be our greatest gifts to each other, that differing perspectives offer insights that I could not learn on my own.

After the woman at the customs booth stamped my passport and I wandered out Montego Bay, I was glad to see Jamaica had changed only a little, the food was even better than I remembered — and that tourism is still winning over do-good-ism, for now. Personally, I hoped the man with a mission would try, and leave, the spicy greens and reggae music just as they are.

On the plus side, I did get a terrific meal from celebrity Thai chef M.L. Sirichalerm Svasti (Chef McDang) at the Thailand Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday that resulted into good future contacts with Thailand — one of my favorite places on Earth. I reconnected with an old business contact in Miami, a tour operator promoting Turkey, Egypt, China and Tahiti (an odd collection of countries that have little in common). I added some requests of new bloggers on ITKT’s submission guidelines. I have added the first option that allows ITKT readers to travel though one of our partners that helps find local guides all over the world for travelers looking for adventure. So there is always a bright side to find.

The view from my room at Secrets Wild Orchid Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica

Writing

I do not believe in writer’s block, but I do believe in summer vacation. I believe in pointless distractions. This is a week to barricade myself at the library and make firm boundaries to get things done. I have found setting hard dates to accomplish some writing assignments essential. I have five articles that are all close to completion, but none meeting my standards of approval. They all need some focused library time with ear plugs, and perhaps blinders.

Business

I should have new business cards that finally acknowledge ITKT USA, TWL and Twitter.

Two proposals more proposals to polish and send out this week. I like to remind myself that expanding a business takes time and I have to continue to take action that is forward moving. Even if I do not succeed, I am practicing getting it right for later.

Video

Still in a holding pattern. I have one more interview that I want to get you guys, but people have been busy. I have not given up.

I wish you all small victories in your week.
devin

I still have to finish my site design, but not for a lack of trying. Sometimes getting money to out of the way places is a headache.

Bloggers, bloggers, bloggers. I will be putting out a small ad on Tuesday for a couple of new bloggers for In The Know Traveler. I think I am at a place to do a little expanding. I completely forgot to do this last week.

For the record, I am liking my new ebook reader. I have discovered a variety of sources for free ebooks, including the public library, but I may never get over the feel of a real book.

And now for this week’s goals

Writing

My nightlife in Montego Bay article got pushed to allow for a completed three-part American Airlines customer service article. I have a new editor I am hopeful will help get ITKT caught up in the submissions department. So I plan on more new features on ITKT in the coming week, including new stuff on travel writing

Business

I have discovered that I have to start working on keyword development for TWL (this is really a never ending process of maintaining and developing Internet traffic. Ugh!

Video

How to be a Travel Writing Rockstar is coming along nicely but the final interview did not take place last week. Fortunately, I have had conversations with a couple strong prospects and hopeful to have one, maybe two, interviews in the can by next weekend.

Networking

With a new “resources” page live with a handful of new adds, I will continue the search to find some of the best in three categories: travel and travel-related; write and art-related; live for everything else.

On Monday, I am attending a dinner at the Thailand Consulate in Los Angeles. I plan on seeing a few new faces, and a number of faces I have been seeing at events like this for years.

Again, nothing wrong with the request. However, the big red flag came when I realized that the editor listed nothing mutually beneficial in his carefully crafted note. So I can only assume there is no benefit for me by helping write and/or promoting his site — and since this was a form letter, there is probably no benefit for any other writer either.

While I do recommend working for free or peanuts for the right opportunity. Unfortunately, this letter just came across as presumptuous without actually offering anything to the writer.

I understand that many of us are looking to get traction in the vast Internets and need help from others to get started. I know the request is nothing personal, just an oblivious hope that a writer will be desperate enough to write a story for free and not ask too many questions about the value of doing so. For the publishers and editors considering sending similar notes, here are a few details worth adding to request letters so writers can make informed decisions about whether or not they want take advantage of a new opportunity.

Exposure

Let the writer know how many visitors your site gets and how many people are active in your community. Also consider offering Google PR details to help inform whether a link back is worth the time. However, in my experience, most sites do not get enough traffic to justify this as a genuine selling point.

URL

Where is your site located. It is important for writers to get a sense stylistically of what your web site is all about — even if it is still in development.

Compensation

How much do you pay writers? In the letter I have been discussing, pay was not offered.

Honesty

Hyperbole is fun in theory, but unreasonable in practice. In plain English, what is the value of writing for your site and what is its main objective.

Uniqueness

Other than being a new opportunity, how is writing for you beneficial to the writer.

I will craft a brief response to the editor thanking him for his generous offer and for considering me for his opportunity. I will include a short list of ways I could be of service and request what they can offer me in return. I will do this not to put the editor on the spot but to have the information on the table so I can make a decision based upon reality.

The photo is a free offer from a lady in Radang Island, Malaysia