Queventure.com

Family of Five Traveling the World

review

It’s been one hell (strike that) joy of a month…

by

Our blog has been on ice for just over one month now. While we thought we’d blog our hearts out, truth be told, everything changed once we landed in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
We were in Guatemala about six weeks and in that time we’ve been all consumed by the best life has to offer … family!
Three Generations
Mr. Q. was born in Guatemala and lived there the first three years of his life. His family in Guatemala is a close-knit unit of 100+ members. They are big and they are close. Laughable, but true. I am a part of the WhatsApp chat group receiving 100’s of messages a day to prove it.
I came to meet his beautiful family almost 13 years ago and they welcomed me then as they do now, with open arms, total love, and one hell of a good time.
While in Guatemala City over the last month we basked in all that is family time and togetherness. My husband’s grandmother (who we lovingly refer to as ‘Super Abuelita’) is the strongest nucleus of family I’ve ever known. Our large family willingly revolves around her and all submit to her every wish. 
Her wishes often mean eating way more than your share. God forbid you reject a hardy meal. There’s lots of boozing too (she loves rum). Ultimately, and above all else, there’s lots and lots of love. It’s required to laugh and enjoy each other’s company, because that’s the best way to live! 
Another pretty amazing Super Abuelita wish is to remember and celebrate ALL birthdays and I mean ALL birthdays. In fact, the month of Sept. was one huge birthday whirlwind and the best reason to drive all over town on random weeknights and usually while braving the infamous Guatemalan traffic. Almost every other day, we enjoyed celebrating some one’s birthday whether that was #60 for our amazing Uncle Rafa or sweet b-day #2 for his adorable grandson (my new best friend) Raulito. Birthdays are cause for such joy and bonding and we’re thrilled to have gotten a glimpse into the non-stop togetherness that comes with honoring every single family member’s big day.
Guatemala also included some of our favorite highlights year after year such as a trip to Paseo Cayalá for shopping and the Old City of Antigua. A town to bask in colonial history and surround yourself by scenic volcanoes. We also experienced new and exciting excursions such as an unforgettable trip to the Chapin Auto Safari and IRTRA theme parks of Reu and Patapa. 
Under the palm trees enjoying black sand beaches of Playa Monterrico, Guatemala.
Up close and personal with the animals at Chapin Auto Safari. 
Ready for obstacles and adventure at Xpark Guatemala!
Make sure to visit us on Instagram @queventure.abroad to get a glimpse into our traveling adventure and family fun!

Feeling So At Home in Mexico

by

When people ask us where we are traveling from collective pride spills all over the person we’re speaking to. Diego pridefully claims Guatemala of course, and I say: “Yo soy Mexicana de Michoacán.” At times, folks look at us strangely; likely the kids give us away with their choppy Spanish and fast-talking English.

Puerto Rico and Belize were such a great start to our adventure. However, I’ve been most thrilled about this leg of our trip. Mexico just feels like home and it’ll be just that for five weeks this summer. 

As soon as we crossed the Belize-Mexico border, I was ready to share the joys of Mexico with our children. Today, that joy meant educating them on who Frida Khalo was and what she means to art. In Mexico, the kids seem at ease and happy. My husband in particular has enjoyed the food, alcohol, Caribbean climate, and probably most importantly, the price tag for it all.

Visiting the Mayan Cultural Museum of Chetumal

We picked a city flying well below most tourists’ travel radars for our first stop in Mexico. Though in the same state where wildly popular Cancun is, we opted for the capitol of Quintana Roo, a city called Chetumal. Chetumal is rich with history, friendly people, sun-filled day trips, one-of-a-kind lagoons and bays, fortress exploring, Mayan influence, delicious restaurants, impressive storefronts, and so much more.

Playa Dos Mulas, Chetumal, Mx,

There’s something for the whole family to enjoy throughout the city. Our evenings in Chetumal were full of engaging activities seven nights a week… live entertainment, family fun such as cheap bike rentals, bounce-houses, and a mini-car derby. There’s also an abundance of delicious food options (be warned: following our Instagram page ‘queventure.abroad’ will make you hungry). There’s vibrant nightlife for those traveling without kids and staying the weekend. We managed to enjoy a ride throughout the city on a double-decker party bus blaring loud music and perhaps 20,000 flashing lights.
Toboganes en Bacalar: La Laguna de Siete Colores 

Those visiting the region will particularly appreciate how inexpensive it  is. Cab rides as cheap as $1.00 and beers as cheap as $2.00. We fed a family of five often with $25-$35. We’ve also visited museums and fortresses and spent less than $10.00 for a family of five. Yes, you read that right. A beautiful day at the Museum of Mayan Culture led to free admissions for the kiddos and about $8 to admit mom and dad.

Another great fact about Chetumal is that you can visit near by Ambergris Caye in Belize. A daily $50-$90 ferry-ride (2-3hrs) takes you over to this renowned island and just like that you’ve knocked out two birds with one stone and spent time in both Mexico and Belize.
Ambergris Caye, Belize

Divers, snorkelers, and anyone who loves crystal clear blue waters will appreciate the convenience since both Belize and Mexico boast amazing dive spots (think Cenote Azul in Bacalar or any Cayes of Belize). Foodies will also love the seafood options and children the beautiful calming clear waters perfect for swimming. If you have yet to visit this region, I vote get your passports ready, and start planning your vacation today. You won’t be disappointed and perhaps just like us….  you’ll feel right at home!

What’s your favorite Latin American destination? Share in a comment below.

Puerto Rico Vibes

by

About a year ago our entire Quevedo family sat around the table discussing the possibility of a family vacation. For one reason or another, passports were a barrier. Just then I blurted out, “What about Puerto Rico?” Once interests were clearly peaked, my quick fingers went to one of my favorite online sites: google.com/flights to do a couple of varied searches. I landed on cheap flights over Fourth of July week and it was settled. 

Since we knew money was often a challenge for getting a large group to get plans moving, my hubby set up a monthly savings plan encouraging all to save a certain amount over 6+ months to fund an Airbnb and flights to PR! We all stuck to the plan and ended up on our first extended family vacation since 1998.

What our extended family didn’t know during the planning was that we were well into mapping out a months-long adventure through Central and South America. This PR stop would become the kick-off of a whirlwind adventure from LA to Latin America. An adventure we’d come to refer to as QUEVENTURE!

Our Puerto Rico trip had it all… a huge pool house, family van to shuffle 11, and a whole lot of great vibes. Our extended family is a close-knit fun-loving bunch, so the good times prevailed. We spent 9 days in PR and wouldn’t change a thing. From the great company to beautiful beaches and days spent lounging poolside; we all had a great time.

One highlight had to be the beach closest to our pool house in Luquillo: Playa Azul…


An added perk was how close we ended up to the ferry company that takes visitors to one of the best beaches in the world: Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island…

To visit Culebra Island you’ll need to buy tickets (about $5 dollars per adult r/t) at 4am for the 9am departure which doesn’t leave on time. It’s a process, but well worth it.

All in all, Puerto Rico ended up being the perfect choice for our family and I’d encourage those who haven’t visited to give it a try. If your dates are flexible you can find great fares. While in PR, don’t miss a trip to explore Old San Juan…

You’ll need a car to get around, but Uber is available if looking for an alternative. The food, music, and vibes were perfect for our travels, but be warned, this island does operate on ‘island-time’ so don’t expect speedy service in restaurants and such. To that point, I’d say enjoy the slow-paced nature of it all. When on a tropical vacation it’s best to give yourself plenty of wait-time to people watch, enjoy a local beer, and make new friends!


Have you been to Puerto Rico?
Share your adventures with us in the comment section below!