Guatemala

With a smiley flash of her silver-capped teeth and a beckoning gesture, the deed was done. I was officially paired with my new Mayan mama.

One of the greatest perks of group travel is having ready-made friends to explore and do activities with, which – for me – is a lot more enjoyable than traveling solo.

When you leave your creature comforts at home and hit the road, the concept of openness takes on a whole new meaning.

Antigua is like finding an old jumper that you haven’t worn for a while – it fits perfectly and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

Surprising and curiosity-inducing, these Guatemala facts prove the country is worthy of the Central American spotlight.

One thing stuck out on my recent trip. Mostly because it was unbelievably strange and wonderful: a visit to Maximón, the Smoking God.