This colonial-era city located in Mexico’s central highlands has a thriving arts scene and is home to many weekend cultural festivals.  It’s a popular destination for ‘foodies’ with its gourmet restaurants and inventive chefs providing an updated take on classic Mexican dishes using local produce.

The town’s name venerates the monk who founded it, Juan de San Miguel, and General Ignacio Allende, a hero in Mexico’s War of Independence.

The quaint cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and artisan shops, colonial Spanish architecture and numerous markets make it perfect for exploring on foot.

With its Gothic facade of pink limestone, the local Parish Church of San Miguel Archangel is said to have been inspired by Gaudi’s, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  Whilst not quite as impressive, it is the tallest building in town and overlooks the main square a popular place to congregate to watch the world go by or listen to local mariachi bands.

Parish Church of San Miguel Archangel, San Miguel de Allende

The major cities in Europe are now reportedly being swamped by tourists so there’s no better time to look to Mexico and towns like San Miguel de Allende as ideal future destinations.  They never disappoint.

Mexico City, has itself, once again been included in the top 15 cities in the world.  You’ll discover why as you unpeel the layers to discover a series of ‘villages’ each unique in its own way.

At Big Yellow Suitcase we’re passionate about Mexico, its people, history, stunning colonial towns, villages and incredibly varied landscape.  We help our guests discover the true heart of Mexico.  Join us in 2019 for our always highly rated tours to Mexico.   To quote one recent guest … GO AND BE AMAZED.

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European conquest, a Welsh buccaneer, pirates, treasure, elegant hats and a disputed canal all conspire to create the modern story of Panama.

These days, with a gentle stroll  you can circumnavigate the peninsula of Panama in less than an hour. And yet, it was once the second largest city in the Western hemisphere.  Away from the waterfront you’ll discover a thriving living museum of colonial heritage.

Its original wealth sprang from its ideal location for shipping the gold and silver stolen by the Spanish to send back to Spain.

In 1671 Welsh born buccaneer, Henry Morgan and his ruthless band of pirates sacked and burnt the city to the ground.  They were supported by the English in their rivalry against Spain for the riches of the New World. Unluckily for them, most of the treasure had already been shipped out but they left complete devastation in their wake.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Panama became a byword for very distinctive hat wear.   Actually made in Ecuador the hats were shipped from Panama to Asian and European customers.  The international sales point became synonymous with the hat forever after known as the Panama hat.

The original concept for a canal was first muted by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V back in 1534.  The first attempt was made by a French engineer. In 1881 work was commenced to link the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean however, the company was forced into bankruptcy. The challenge was taken on by the Americans who subsequently claimed ownership of the canal for almost a century.

Finally, in 1999 it was returned to Panamanian sovereignty.

To celebrate its 500th birthday the city is undergoing major works of renovation and construction and the results to date are impressive.  The National Theatre, Civic palaces and old hotels are receiving a major face lift, and being rendered anew.

We’re excited to be including Panama with our tour to Costa Rica in February 2020. Both countries are recognized for their focus on creating sustainable eco-tourism at the highest level.  With a maximum group size of 10, no single supplement and fully escorted there’s no better way to experience these two fascinating countries in the heart of Central America.

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Violence was the preferred method of persuasion of the Spaniards so, the Indians opted to incorporate elements of Christianity into their traditional beliefs as a means of survival. Avoiding the wrath of the Spaniards, by this accommodation, they managed to maintain their native spirituality and cultural identity. The Mayas came to accept the Christian god as a supreme power but held on to their traditional deities by transforming them into saints.

There were enough similarities between the Mayan religion and Christianity to make syncretism (amalgamation of different religions) possible. Both religions had priests to guide people, used images and statues to represent holy figures and burned incense during rituals.  Both Christians and Mayans worshiped a  god who died for others and was resurrected, for Mayans this was the Maize god.  The concept of the cross also had meaning to the Mayans as it resonated with their belief in the World Tree, the tree of life, depicted in cruciform.

San Juan Chamula Church

This syncretic system is nowhere better observed than in the State of Chiapas in Southern Mexico. In San Juan Chamula, a small town near the lively town of, San Cristobal de Las Casas, the main church is lined with statues of Catholic saints dressed in local clothes and adorned with mirrors.  Here, you’ll find no altars or pews just a stone floor covered in pine needles and thousands of candles.  Worshipers, seated in groups on the floor, openly engage in unique rituals involving animal sacrifice (usually chickens) led by the Curandera (healer) and, rather bizarrely, the drinking of Coca Cola or the strong local beverage  .  Bodily expelling gases fuelled by these drinks is the final symbolic stage in ridding the body of the impurities thought to be causing emotional distress or ill-health.

The Virgin of Guadelupe, the Roman Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, is the revered patron saint of Mexico and depicted with a brown skin.  Myth has it that she appeared to an Indigenous peasant, Saint Juan Diego, in 1531 and told him that a church in her name should be built on the site. The place where she chose to appear was  Tepeyac  the site of the  temple to Tonantzin, the Aztec goddess .   The name Tonantzin translates from the native Aztec language of Nahautl to mean ‘Our Mother’.  Another example of the  blending of the imposed Catholic beliefs with Maya religious traditions.

These days the Basilica of our Lady of Guadelupe in Mexico City  has become the most visited Catholic pilgrimage in the world and the third most-visited sacred site.

Interested in learning more of the fascinating culture and traditions of the Maya? Then join us in February 2019 as we explore Chiapas, its towns, villages, artisans and spectacular hidden Mayan ruins?  A stunning and unforgettable destination physically and culturally.

Ancient Mayan City, Chiapas

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I fell in love with, Ajijic, this little village beside Lake Chapala on my first visit some years ago.  With its friendly local and ex-pat population, artistic community, some great restaurants, wonderful views and an almost perfect climate – what’s not to love.  Above is a work by local artist, Efren Gonzalez whose stunning murals can be enjoyed as you wander the cobble-stone streets of Ajijic.  Click on this link  and read a first-time visitor’s impressions and why they decided to make Ajijic their new home.

Mexico is an endlessly fascinating country and should be on everyone’s  bucket list  who love history, culture, art, traditional artisan work,  stunning  and varied scenery, fascinating colonial towns, maya pyramids with some amazing murals,an extensive biodiversity and a friendly and welcoming population .  It’s why I go back every year and have made it my mission to introduce as many people as possible to the joys of Mexico.

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In Greece, the coach was there to meet us every time we needed to move from one place to another. Equally, the local guide was on hand to not only provide relevant and entertaining insights into places and events but also to direct us to the best restaurants and cafes for our free time.

In Romania, by contrast, I spent a good part of each day working out how to get from A to B and navigate the public transport system. Not to mention taking pot luck on my restaurant choices.  I spent precious time delving into guide books and online searches to  try and understand what I was seeing and put it into context.

Independent travel can be fun, as the unexpected as well as the unplanned often deliver the most interesting and memorable experiences.  However, few of us, even retirees, have the luxury of the extra time and money necessary to travel in this way.

It’s just heaven when the hard work is done by someone else and you can dedicate your time to embracing and enjoying each destination in full.

Time is just too precious to waste on less than stellar experiences and ordinary food.

Big Yellow Suitcase boutique small group travel aims to deliver a perfect balance between group activities and free time to explore alone or with newly made friends.  We’ll take care of all the more frustrating aspects of travel leaving you free to relax, soak up the ambience and focus on the delights of the destination.

Solo travellers will enjoy the comfort of a queen size room without being hit with an expensive single supplement charge.  We’ll stay longer in each place with less packing and moving.   Take a look at the destinations and unique experiences on offer  in 2019 and 2020 and join us and experience the BYS delights of travel for yourself.

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