Yesterday evening, about 30 minutes before sunset, my dog and I took a short walk through the desert to watch the sun set into the Pacific.

Zoe, my 7-year old Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle and I sat together atop a sand dune with miles of unobstructed views in each direction. Just before we left, I spotted another dog walker. They were the only other beings I saw during our hourlong stroll.

Travel and Leisure Magazine, the venerable bible for upscale travel, has selected Todos Santos as one of its “Best Kept Secret Beaches on Earth.”

Todos Santos checks in the #2 position behind the beach at Cayucos, California, near Morro Bay. The other choices in the list of 17 beaches includes far-flung locations such as Portugal, Vietnam, Hawaii, Turkey, Thailand among others.

In the March 2012 issue of the magazine, writer David A. Keeps notes:

“The artist colony of Todos Santos is way cooler in both temperature and temperament than the Margaritaville of Cabo San Lucas, an hour to the south.”

But in true Travel and Leisure style, don’t look for an in-depth analysis of the town of All Saints. The short article mentions only a few of Todos Santos’ hidden treasures. Rancho Pescadero gets a few words, as do the Hotel Guaycura and the Hotel California.

For the complete Travel and Leisure article see: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-secret-beaches-on-earth

CNN Rates Sea of Cortez as “Top Ten” World Cruising Destinations

Alaska…The Galapagos Islands…Madagascar….Australia are just some of the other destinations in CNN’s short list of “The World’s Most Scenic Cruising Destinations.”

And for sheer breathtaking beauty, Baja California’s Sea of Cortez shares a spot in the venerable news organization’s short list. The Sea of Cortez features fantastic diving and snorkeling, kayaking, turquoise waters lapping at deserted beaches, and world-class fishing.

Depending on the season, the Sea of Cortez also offers windsurfing, kiteboarding, standup paddleboarding and surfing. Throughout the year, wildlife is abundant and varied.

Sculpture lines the Boardwalk in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico, which lies on the Sea of Cortez. Clear, warm waters and unique wildlife make the Sea of Cortez a top cruising destination.

Tips for Cruising the Sea of Cortez on the Cheap

CNN’s article covers a weeklong cruise starting at about US $5200 per person. But for about $50 to $75 per person, you can enjoy a fun daylong minicruise. Here’s how to do it.

From downtown La Paz, you can catch a panga (25-foot long open motorboat) that will take you on a 45 minute trip to Espiritu Santo Island. The island has beautiful white sandy beaches, rocky headlands and islands with colonies of seals and sea lions, as well as amazing birdlife. The mini cruises usually feature lunches (sandwiches and soft drinks).

You can arrange a same-day trip to the island, or book a day or two in advance with a boat operator. A bit of friendly negotiation on price is expected.

For the complete CNN article about the world’s top cruising destinations, click on the link below.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/22/most.scenic.cruises.tl/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2