Hola Reader,

Welcome back to The Globetrotter's Gazette: The Queen's Edition!
With spring in full swing and exciting events like Easter and the upcoming eclipse on April 8 on the horizon, I'm thrilled to reconnect.
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In this edition, travel opportunities, some of the latest happenings in the travel world and much more!

👑 The Queen's Corner:

✈️ My travel pause is finally coming to an end! I will be traveling to Utah next week, and I am so excited! I have been to Salt Lake City twice but never for leisure - only work. And it is never the same to visit a city only for work.

I will be on a 5 day road trip to Zion and Bryce with a friend and then will head back to Salt Lake City to attend the WITS Travel Creator Summit. I was selected for a FAM trip. A FAM trip or "familiarization trip," is a type of travel experience primarily designed for travel industry professionals such as travel agents, tour operators, and travel bloggers. I will also be going on a few tours that will help me get to know Salt Lake City and Utah a lot better. I can't wait to share more on social media about this entire trip.

If you have any suggestions for places I must see on the way to Zion and Bryce or back to Salt Lake City, please reply to this email with your recommendations. I am also looking for suggestions for overlooks that we should not miss.

✈️ If you didn't catch the news in the last newsletter, I am on the planning committee for the Latino Travel Fest. What is the Latino Travel Fest? It is the first ever conference for Latin Travelers and Content Creators. If you are looking for a travel conference to attend that gives Latinos representation in travel, you don't want to miss this one!

I have 2 ways to help you save on tickets:

1. Enjoy a 15% discount with my promo code: MariM. FYI: I make affiliate income if you decide to purchase your ticket using my code.

2. If you are a Latin content creator, I recommend joining the Creator's DIrectory. You will be able to access exclusive opportunities such as sponsored content, press trips and more. By filling out this form you receive a promo code that gives you 20% off your purchase. I do not make any affiliate income from this promo code.

✈️ I often reflect on "my why" - the driving force behind the blog, this newsletter and wanting to reach my personal and travel goals. I recently realized that I mostly share about my cancer experience up to the end of chemotherapy. And for many people that are supporting cancer patients, that point in time is typically where people expect that the patient will be able to go "back to their normal life".

However, this couldn't be further from the truth. There is no back to "normal". Life doesn't just revert to the path that we expected it to continue on. Cancer treatments can cause many different side effects and many times they are not discussed by medical teams with the patients. I wrote this blog post to bring attention to these side-effects and why living through them is my driving force to travel as much as possible and to inspire women, specifically Latinas, to travel as much as possible.

👑 Reader's Spotlight: Share your travel stories and be featured in our newsletter or blog. Fill out this form!

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Win a trip for 2 to The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City.

Win a trip to the Campo Viejo Winery in Spain!

👑 Travel-related news and other topics:

Expect Delays if you will be flying over North America during the Solar Eclipse on April 8. For more info make sure to check out this note.​
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Several major cruise lines call Baltimore a Port of Embarkation. This is how the collapse of the bridge has affected this port.
Have you ever stayed at an Airbnb and wondered if you are being recorded? Airbnb has now banned indoor cameras within the unit being listed. Check out what the update to their policy is here.

👑 Celebrations Around the World

Easter is right around the corner and even if you are not a religious person, the pageantry surrounding these celebrations is undeniable. If you want to see or celebrate Easter while traveling, here are some great places to catch a procession or other religious service that might interest you.

1. ​Vatican City & Rome, Italy: Experience Easter in the heart of the Catholic Church. Attend the Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, witness the grand Easter Sunday procession, and spiritual ambiance of Rome's historic streets.
2. ​Seville, Spain: During the Semana Santa processions, melodies are typically sung by choirs or musical groups known as "saetas." These singers, often accompanied by guitars or other instruments, perform traditional religious songs called "saetas" in honor of the different figures in the processions. These traditions are an integral part of the Holy Week celebrations in Seville.
3. ​Antigua, Guatemala: Imagine colorful processions, intricate sawdust carpets, and a colonial city bursting with culture and history. Antigua's Semana Santa is a must-see.
4. Popayan, Colombia, is often called 'The White City' for its stunning white architecture and rich Semana Santa traditions. During Holy Week, the city becomes a living symbol of history and spirituality, with its streets filled with vibrant processions and traditional ceremonies. It's a unique experience that blends ancient customs with modern celebrations, making Popayan a must-visit during Semana Santa.
5. Mexico is known for being colorful and full of life, and during Holy Week, that energy reaches new heights. Celebrations span from Taxco to Oaxaca and throughout Mexico a unique blend of culture, music, and food that's sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler's mind.

Want to catch Cherry Blossoms but don't want to deal with the crowds in Japan and Washington DC? Here are 7 places to enjoy these beautiful blooms:

1. Vancouver, Canada: The cherry blossoms in Vancouver's parks, such as Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park, paint the city in hues of pink and white, creating a breathtaking display.
2. ​Seoul, South Korea: Yeouido Park and Seoul Forest are among the best places in Seoul to enjoy cherry blossoms, with vibrant pink blooms creating a festive atmosphere.
3. Stockholm, Sweden: Kungsträdgården (King's Garden) in Stockholm transforms into a cherry blossom paradise during spring, attracting locals and tourists alike.
4. ​Paris, France: Parc de Sceaux and Parc de l'Abbaye de Penthemont in Paris offer beautiful cherry blossom displays, adding a touch of beauty to the city of love.
5. Macon, Georgia, USA: Macon hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival, showcasing over 350,000 cherry trees in bloom throughout the city.
6. ​Auckland, New Zealand: The Auckland Botanic Gardens and Cornwall Park are popular spots to admire cherry blossoms in New Zealand, offering a tranquil escape amid the blooms.

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Here are a few more places where you can enjoy Cherry Blossoms throughout Europe.

As you plan your upcoming adventures, I encourage you to stay curious and explore the rich diversity of cultures you'll encounter. Travel isn't just about visiting new places; it's an opportunity to learn and connect. Whether you're celebrating Easter abroad or enjoying gems closer to home, approach each experience with an open heart and a spirit of respect.

Wishing you safe travels this spring!

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With boundless enthusiasm and gratitude,