Featured Traveler, Barry from Dallas

Barry has joined Zoom Vacations in China, southern Africa, and now Cuba, so he is very familiar with what we do at Zoom and we're very familiar with Barry and his award-winning smile and zest for life.

Zoom: Why did you decide to join Zoom Vacations in Cuba?

Barry: I have had a life-long interest in diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba.  I grew up during the Cold War and have always been fascinated at how a small country only ninety miles from the border could have such a significant impact on US history.  As we all know, America's embargo against Cuba is the longest-lasting single foreign policy in our history!  When President Obama's administration began to normalize relations with Cuba, I knew that I wanted to witness this society first-hand because of the images I had in my mind from motion pictures and limited television exposure.  I had previously traveled with Zoom to China and South Africa, so I knew that the "behind the scenes" efforts by Zoom would create a first-rate experience for me as a traveler interested in learning more about the Cuban culture.

Zoom: This last trip to Cuba was one of our larger groups. How was it being with a slightly larger group?

Barry: The size of the group has never been a concern to me as a Zoom traveler.  I have been on a group as small as six, and a group as large as twenty-eight.  I travel for my own enrichment, regardless of group dynamics.  I believe that Zoom's clientele are sophisticated, experienced travelers who want as memorable an experience as I do.

Zoom: What was your highlight of the trip?

Barry: The highlight of the trip for me was the excursion to Valle de Vinales.  The mountain vistas were spectacular and the visit to the family tobacco farm was unforgettable.  To see what most Americans would consider to be a primitive operation was fascinating, from the family's home, to the drying barn, to the demonstration of making cigars.  I purchased as many of his hand-rolled cigars as I could to bring home!  

Zoom: How did you find the educational activities?

Barry: The educational activities were outstanding.  I learned about Cuban art, music, cuisine, politics, and the Cuban education system not only from our guides, but from the scheduled lectures and visits with the Cuban people we were fortunate to meet.

Zoom: What did you think of the food options?

Barry: It's Cuba, so options are limited as far as menu selections, but the venues, especially the paladares, the mountainside restaurant in Vinales, and the New Year's Eve celebration in Plaza de la Catedral, were superb!  Black beans and rice are staples at every meal, the lobster ceviche at La Fontana is a treat I would recommend to anyone, and the mojitos, Cuba Libres, and daiquiris were a great way to start the evenings.  Zoom added a special touch to the dinners by creating small group events complete with Cuban transportation via a convertible classic car or a coco cab!  

Zoom: What were the benefits of traveling as part of a gay group to Cuba?

Barry: Certainly, a gay group provides a level of comfort and a "common denominator" that allows everyone to be themselves.  I enjoy the fact, however, that Zoom is "inclusive!"  I have made great friendships on Zoom trips with our "straight allies" who joined us for these once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

Zoom: Would you recommend this trip to your friends?

Barry: I would certainly recommend this trip to my friends.  In fact, I already have!

Zoom: Did Cuba live up to your expectations?

Barry: Cuba exceeded my expectations because it is such a step back in time.  Although it may sound cliche, it is like visiting a movie set with characters right out of central casting.  In this case, however, they are not cast members, they are real people living real lives in a unique society.

Zoom: How were the Zoom concierge and guides?

Barry: Joel was the consummate professional on every level, seeing to it that everyone had the best experience possible.  Graham and Nacy, our local guides, were knowledgeable, respectful, and great fun.  Both of them went above and beyond any reasonable expectation to insure that we all enjoyed every moment of our time in Cuba.  Graham, our American guide who is a medical student in Havana, seemed to enjoy the trip as much as the Zoom guests!  Nancy, our Cuban guide, touched my heart.  She is a 27 year old bright, courteous, and ambitious young woman who was born and raised in Havana and has never been to the US.  I could barely hold back tears when I hugged her on our departure because I wanted to bring her home with me so that she could experience a culture and opportunities she has yet to observe and be offered.

Zoom: How was this trip similar to Zoom Africa?  In other words, after being on a few Zoom trips now, what would you consider to be the hallmarks of the Zoom experience?

Barry: The trips I have made with Zoom to China, South Africa, and Cuba are carefully planned to the smallest detail.  The hallmark of a Zoom trip for me is that I don't have to do the "thinking and planning!"  Therefore, for me, it is the ultimate vacation!

Featured Travelers, Jaime and Conrado, from Mexico City.

Conrado and Jaime first heard of Zoom Vacations over ten years ago, and when they decided to go to India, they knew who to call.  It was their first Zoom Vacation, and we hope it will not be their last, because they were such wonderful travelers!  Always friendly, open to trying new experiences, appreciative of the wonderful things that happened to them on the trip, and always so courteous and respectful of local customs, people, and culture.  Plus, with all their shopping, they significantly improved the local economy!

Zoom:  It seems to us that a lot of people have misperceptions of what India really has to offer. Do you think that India is how people think it is?

Conrado:  No, we believe people only know the poverty and negative image about India but there is so much more. History, culture, religion, natural beauty are just a few things people should know more about India

Zoom:  Did anything surprise you about this trip to India?

Jaime:  The enormous gap between poverty and wealth is greater than we imagined. The orderly chaos on the streets is actually fun to experience!

Zoom:  What do you think that most people would appreciate about a trip to India?

Conrado:  Amazing food, beautiful temples and palaces. Spirituality and very kind people.

Zoom:  How were the accommodations on this trip?

Jaime:  Excellent accommodations in general but the 3 palaces in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur were out of this world. We felt like royalty in all senses.

Zoom:  What were your top three highlights of the trip?

Conrado:  1- Staying at incredible palaces where facilities and levels of service are outstanding

   2- Guided visits to amazing temples of many religions and styles

   3- The customized events we had for our group, such as the high tea at an old palace in Varanasi where the current Maharaja still lives. 

Zoom:  Did you eat well?   Do you have a favorite meal or dish from the trip?

Jaime:  All food was amazing, and we really enjoyed trying all different cuisines and never got sick, which is a usual concern we heard before going to India.

Zoom:  On this trip, we did a lot of driving through India. How was that for you?

Conrado:  It was very comfortable in the vehicle we had. The driver was outstanding. It was interesting to witness the countryside, very different landscapes, local customs such as festivals and processions on the road and we even saw some shepherds with their herd of camels. Travel time felt shorter than expected.

Zoom:  How was it being part of a gay group in India? Did you feel comfortable?

Jaime:  Yes it was very comfortable and fun, especially when everyone went crazy shopping all the time!

Zoom:  What did you learn about India, Hinduism, Buddhism, architecture or spirituality that you didn't know before?

Conrado:  A lot of interesting facts about religions, their history and current practices.  

Zoom:  India is also known as a shopper's paradise. I know you bought some great things there, did you find this to be true?

Jaime:  Yes! it was beyond our expectations. We love art and antiques and bought several valuable pieces for very reasonable prices

Zoom:  You also took our add-on trip to Nepal. What were your impressions of Nepal?

Conrado:  We loved Nepal and its people. It is a very spiritual place and were glad to visit even if some temples were damaged by the earthquake. There were many things to see that were not affected by the earthquake and people were very thankful for our visit. Food was excellent and the hotel was amazing, its architecture is completely different, very traditional Nepalese. Would go back in a heartbeat.

Zoom:  Do you think it was worthwhile going to Nepal as well? How was it different from India?

Jaime:  It is very worthwhile to visit, climate was perfect. Nepal is like a little India but several decades back in time. People are still more innocent, nice, polite and service oriented. 

Zoom:  Is there anything else you two would like to add?

Conrado:  Zoom had many small details with us including daily surprise gifts that gave it a plus. Everything was very well planned but still we had options to adjust the schedule when the group agreed on a different alternative. Of course we would like to thank Bryan Herb for the excellent attitude, humor and service he provided as the zoom concierge with us during the trip. He did a fantastic job coordinating and arranging every little detail!!