Ventana Travel, Vancouver, WA (2025)

07/28/2025

Just like a lot of people, I started my catamaran research looking at the big charter names—Lagoon, Leopard, Bali, FP. They look amazing: tons of space, comfy flybridges, great for a week in the Caribbean or Baja.

But the more I learned (and the more time I spent on the water), the clearer it got: these boats are built for vacation, not serious voyaging. Heavy, slow, and honestly not what I’d want to be on in a real blow.

If you’re dreaming of actually sailing—bluewater crossings, off-grid living, serious time at sea—you want something built for it: Outremer, Balance, HH, Windelo, Seawind, Nautitech. Lighter, faster, more capable, less fluff.

It’s not about “good vs bad” boats—it’s about the right boat for your goals. Same goes for work, teams, or anything else big you’re building. Flashy features aren’t what carry you through the hard stuff—good design and smart decisions are.

Whether you’re chasing the horizon or just curious about what works at sea, it’s been a cool ride learning what really matters out there. ⛵

07/26/2025

💼✈️ Business travelers, take note:

Not all luxury hotel brands deliver the same experience across the board—even the big names like Aman, Four Seasons, and Rosewood. Some properties are incredible. Others? Not so much.

If you're heading to a place like London, don’t rely on the logo—research each individual property. Service, vibe, even basic amenities can vary wildly. One FS might feel like a serene escape; another could feel like a conference center with fancy sheets.

At Ventana Travel, we always say: hotel brands are only as good as their weakest property. Want consistency? Go custom. For executive retreats and VIP team trips, we often recommend private charters—like our Baja catamaran experience—where everything is curated and quality is never left to chance.

🏝️ Because when you're traveling for work, there’s no time for disappointment.

07/20/2025

Just got back from a work trip to Buenos Aires and had to share this: the city has been completely taken over by bright green parrots—cotorras (monk parakeets).

They’re loud, everywhere, and honestly kind of hilarious. Perched in palm trees, flying in noisy flocks, even tearing into trash bags like feathered raccoons. You hear them squawking all day long—like a tropical soundtrack with zero volume control.

Locals say they’re kind of a pest, but honestly? I loved it. Business trips usually blur together, but this one had unexpected birdwatching built in. Argentina’s got style—even in its wildlife.

07/08/2025

Traveling to Paris? Here’s how not to look like a tourist.

Before you panic-pack your entire Pinterest-inspired “Paris capsule wardrobe,” take a breath. Despite what TV shows and influencer reels tell you, Parisians aren’t strutting around in berets and designer heels all day. Most dress in relaxed, minimal, and practical pieces—think linen pants, simple cotton tops, and sneakers that aren’t for the gym.

✨ Pro tip: Comfort is great, but if you’re rocking loud logos, hiking shoes, and athleisure, you’ll stick out fast.

Instead, go for:
👚 Neutrals and flowy silhouettes
👖 Linen, cotton, denim—natural fabrics
👟 Stylish low-profile sneakers (not running shoes)
🧣 A scarf or two (trust us)
👜 Minimal accessories, max confidence

And yes—you can rewear the same outfit twice. Parisians do.

Want a full packing guide + cultural tips for blending in? We’ve got you:
🔗 ventanatravel.com
Plus: If Europe isn’t your next stop, check out this gem of a destination → Four Days in Montevideo

Bon voyage (and please ditch the leggings). 🥖🇫🇷🕶️

07/07/2025

🎣✈️ Flying with Fishing Rods? Here’s What Actually Works

Just got back from a trip where I packed my rods in a 7'6" clear acrylic tube with PVC caps—strong, light, and no confusion about what’s inside. Worked like a charm.

Turns out, tons of anglers do the same. Some use grey PVC, others travel with golf cases or break their rods down into 4- or 5-piece travel setups. A few even strap tubes to their luggage to avoid extra bag fees (with mixed results 😅).

Here’s what we’ve learned:
✔️ Protect your rods in a hard tube with padding
✔️ Multi-piece rods are your best friend
✔️ Reels go safely in checked bags, wrapped in clothes
✔️ Pack light or divide tackle with your travel buddy
✔️ Ship rods ahead or rent at your destination if you want to keep it stress-free

If you're thinking Baja for your next fishing adventure—especially during yellowfin tuna season—you’ll want to be ready. Check out this great guide on ethical spearfishing and tuna season timing in Southern Baja 🐟

And if you want help planning your next big fishing trip, we’ve got you covered at VentanaTravel.com. Let's get you and your rods to the fish—without the baggage drama. 🌊🎣

07/03/2025

If you could train anywhere in the world… here’s the dream itinerary.

Not for tourists. Not for the faint of heart. But if you wanted to seriously level up as a fighter—or just collect life-changing experiences through martial arts—this would be the list:

Muay Thai in Thailand
No explanation needed. Train on the beach or in Bangkok. Sweat, clinch, repeat.

Boxing in Mexico or the U.S.
Body shots in Guadalajara or head movement in Philly. Either way, you’ll come out sharper.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil
Sure, the best gyms might now be in Texas and California, but training in Rio still hits different.

Wrestling in Dagestan
Brutal. Isolated. Humbling. And absolutely next level.

If you master these four styles from these places, you'd walk away a whole new person. Maybe not Batman. But definitely more dangerous.

Want more cool mashups of travel + training + culture? Check this out →
👉 https://blog.ventanatravel.com/tag/medieval-armor/
And if you’re ready to build your own adventure like this:
👉 https://ventanatravel.com

This is the kind of “world tour” we should all be dreaming about.

06/30/2025

💸 Ever wonder what it really costs to travel in style?

If you're booking top-tier hotels during high season (think Paris, NYC, Aspen), you’re looking at around $2,000/night. Add $500/day for meals and drinks, and that’s $55K right there for a 3-week trip—and we haven’t even talked flights yet. 😳

Business or first-class airfare? That’ll run you $4K–$20K per person, depending on where you’re going. Add in private excursions, transfers, or yacht charters, and suddenly your "dream vacation" hits $100K real quick.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to drop six figures to have an incredible, luxurious adventure.

🌊 Instead of Amalfi or Maldives, how about a private 54-foot catamaran in Southern Baja? Chef onboard, epic wind conditions for kiting or winging, clear blue water, and zero crowds.

👉 Check this out: https://blog.ventanatravel.com/where-desert-meets-ocean-ultimate-catamaran-charter-southern-baja

Or visit ventanatravel.com to see how we combine boutique stays, local flavor, and unforgettable adventure.

If you’re going to spend on travel, make it count.

✈️🏝️

06/27/2025

🎣 Why Our Team-Building Trip with Glass Fly Rods Was the Best Thing We Didn’t Know We Needed

We just got back from a fly fishing team-building trip and discovered something unexpected: fiberglass fly rods… absolutely slap. Not in the “long-distance hero cast” kind of way—but in the “whoa, I actually felt that fish eat” kind of way.

These slow, bendy, totally nostalgic rods turned a casual day on the river into something special. They’re not about power or performance—they’re about feel. And just like a good team, they shine when you're focused, present, and moving in rhythm.

What’s the Deal with Glass Rods?
They’re not new. In fact, fiberglass was the thing back in the day before graphite took over. But they’re making a comeback—and after a few casts on a 3-weight Echo River Glass or Orvis Superfine, we get it.

These rods are perfect for small streams, short casts, and soft landings. You’re not bombing 80 feet of line—you're roll casting into tight pockets, watching dry flies drift through still water, and high-fiving your coworker when that little rainbow jumps.

It’s less about performance and more about the vibe.

Turns Out, That’s the Point
What made this trip work wasn’t just the fishing (though that was 🔥). It was the conversations between casts. The gear swaps. The “did-you-see-that” moments. Fishing glass forced us to slow down—and slowing down helped us reconnect as a team.

If you’ve never tried a rod that flexes like a spaghetti noodle under pressure, you’re missing out. Bonus: they’re also great for team metaphors.

Want to Plan Your Own Adventure?
We do this for a living at Ventana Travel—build custom experiences where your team can unplug, reset, and come home stronger. Whether you’re chasing trout on tiny creeks or going big with saltwater fly fishing, we’ve got your back.

DM us or head to our site if you're ready to trade the office for a riverbank.

06/23/2025

🚤☀️ Just got back from an epic sailing trip along the coast of Croatia with our crew—and WOW. Unreal scenery, crystal-clear water, ancient towns, and a lot of laughs (and snacks) onboard.

Pro tip: if you're doing Croatia in peak summer, prepare to motor more than sail and race the clock to get into marinas before noon—spots fill up fast! 😅 But we skipped the marina chaos and went bay-to-bay instead. Wake up, swim, eat, sail, anchor, repeat. Wind usually shows up just in time for afternoon sails, and the sunsets? Insane. 🌅

This was part team-building, part adventure, and 100% unforgettable.

We’ve done similar trips in Southern Baja—and to be honest, it’s just as magical (but quieter, wilder, and with way more dolphins 🐬). If you're dreaming of a salty escape, check out what we’re doing at Ventana Travel. Here's a peek at our Baja style: Where Desert Meets Ocean – The Ultimate Catamaran Charter in Southern Baja.

Now who’s ready to plan the next one? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

06/18/2025

We’re planning a special trip to Italy this fall for my friend's wife’s 40th—and I’d love your thoughts! 🇮🇹✨

We’ve already done the cruise version of Italy: Rome, Florence (briefly), and Cinque Terre. This time it’s just the two of us—no kids—and we want something a little slower, more romantic, and semi-luxurious.

Here’s the rough plan:
🛵 4 days in Florence + Tuscany (more time to explore, relax, drink wine, maybe even rent a scooter—check out these tips if you're thinking about it)
🍝 Then… either:
– Positano & Amalfi Coast for a dreamy seaside escape
– Rustic Tuscany/Umbria road trip through small medieval towns, wine country, and hidden gems
– Venice for 2 nights of canals, gondolas, and gelato before heading home

We’re going for that sweet spot: boutique hotels, great food, countryside charm, and a few wow moments. If you're planning something similar (or want help planning), check out VentanaTravel.com.

Where would you go with 8 days in Italy? 💬 Let me know your favorite hidden spots or must-do experiences!

Ventana Travel

07/28/2025

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