Destinations & Things To Do
Day 119, Glam Girl and Hunger Pain are officially AT NOBO 2025 thru-hikers | February 28-June 26, 2025

Thursday, June 26. Our much anticipated summit day. The weather was nice with no precipitation in the forecast. We had a pleasant morning at our campsite at the Birches campsite. We felt blessed to have Ryan and Ellie with us to continue our journey to the summit. We were joined today by five other close friends and family, Celine, Jackson, Becca, Craig, and Cait. My mom and Leo hung back at the camp with Patti and Mike. The hike up was wonderful and went by very quickly and next thing you know we were at the summit. The summit was very surreal, emotional, and such a special time completing this epic journey. We were the only thru-hikers to summit that day so others were quite patient with our pictures as we took lots of pictures with friends and family. The hike down was also special as we knew we were now completing our journey and about to return to our normal life. We had a couple of cars parked at Katahdin Stream Campground brought in by the friends/family that joined us today. We made our way to Millinocket to stay on a beautiful lake at Patti and Mike Daigle’s camp which had a view of Katahdin. Another wonderful cookout and beautiful weather and we got to relax and enjoy our final evening in this part of Maine with friends and family. The best part of today was that we didn’t have to do any thru-hiker chores! That felt great.
All of the below photos were taken by the one and only Cait Bourgault (photocait)!!🤍
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Destinations & Things To Do
Jamaican Travel Agents Embark on Exclusive Educational Trip to Explore Cuba’s Best Destinations, Attractions and Hidden Gems with Caribbean and Latin Travel

Monday, July 21, 2025
Jamaican travel agents recently set out on an exclusive educational trip put together by Caribbean and Latin Travel, the purpose of which was to study Cuba firsthand in some of its finest sites. Attractions and possibilities they discovered included Cuba’s best destinations along with world-class scenery that has gone largely uncovered till now. This trip was designed to let agents see carriages turned into homes, recognize paintings on sheer rock in the water–all as a basis for carrying the legend of Cuba to others. Traveling to the now classic sites of Havana, Viñales and Varadero has helped the agents better appreciate the diversity of Cuba. Whether visiting for cultural tours or an easy beach holiday–and everything in between–they set about gaining insights. With this kind of information at their fingertips, Jamaican travel agents can now recommend Cuba more confidently than ever before to their clients. That means they will be able ensure tourists headed for the island can enjoy its varied attractions in a way no other destination could touch.
While Cuba has long been a favorite destination for many international visitors, it remains relatively underexplored by Jamaican tourists. To address this, Caribbean and Latin Travel Consultant Limited orchestrated the trip to give Jamaican travel agents an in-depth understanding of what Cuba has to offer, enabling them to share more detailed information with their clients.
The itinerary for the fam trip included visits to key Cuban destinations such as Havana, Viñales, and Varadero. Havana, the capital city, offered a mix of modern energy and historical charm, with agents experiencing both the bustling New Havana and the historically preserved Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, the agents were introduced to the breathtaking natural beauty of Viñales, with its lush landscapes and tobacco farms, as well as the pristine beaches of Varadero, a popular resort area known for its turquoise waters and luxury accommodations.
By participating in this immersive experience, the travel agents gained firsthand knowledge that will empower them to better guide their clients when it comes to choosing their next vacation in Cuba. From providing insights into Havana’s vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences to detailing the serenity of Cuba’s countryside, agents will now be able to offer a more comprehensive and engaging picture of the island to potential travelers.
A key goal of the fam trip was to bridge the information gap that often exists between travel agents and their clients when it comes to Cuba. Many Jamaican travelers are unaware of the full scope of Cuba’s tourism offerings, and local agents have struggled to provide accurate and detailed advice. The fam trip addressed this by allowing agents to experience Cuba’s diverse attractions firsthand, enabling them to confidently answer questions and offer valuable recommendations on everything from city tours to beach vacations.
Through this initiative, the travel agents also gained a greater understanding of the specific experiences that tourists can expect in Cuba. For example, agents can now describe the differences between the energetic pace of New Havana and the tranquil ambiance of Old Havana. Additionally, they can confidently explain Cuba’s rich historical sites, such as the famed Plaza de la Catedral and the iconic Malecón seafront promenade, to clients who want to explore the island’s cultural roots.
In addition to the educational benefits, Caribbean and Latin Travel Consultant Limited recognized the importance of strengthening local marketing efforts in Jamaica to better promote Cuba as a prime travel destination. While there is growing interest in Cuba among Jamaican travelers, the lack of focused marketing has limited the island’s appeal. By showcasing the unique aspects of Cuba’s tourism offerings, the company hopes to boost awareness and generate more interest among Jamaican vacationers.
Cuba’s entry requirements were also highlighted during the trip. Agents were briefed on the simplified visa process for Jamaican travelers, which requires an electronic tourist card that can be easily obtained online through the agency’s website. The visa application is straightforward, and there is no need for a passport stamp upon arrival in Cuba, ensuring a hassle-free entry experience.
To further enhance the travel experience, Caribbean and Latin Travel Consultant Limited offers all-inclusive packages that include flights, airport transfers, accommodation at four-star hotels or higher, and health insurance. With health insurance included, travelers are covered in case of any medical emergencies, ensuring a worry-free experience while enjoying the best Cuba has to offer.
During their time in Cuba, the travel agents visited a variety of hotels that cater to different types of travelers. At Memories Miramar Havana, a four-star hotel with a five-star feel, agents were impressed with the property’s spacious rooms, expansive common areas, and exceptional food and beverage offerings. This hotel, known for its excellent value, stands as an example of the high standards Cuba’s hotels offer.
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to the Grand Muthu Hotel in Havana, where agents were introduced to the hotel’s inviting atmosphere and beautiful beachfront. The Grand Muthu is celebrated for its modern amenities paired with the warmth of Cuban hospitality, providing visitors with a comprehensive Cuban experience.
The tour also included visits to other well-regarded hotels, such as Hotel Presidente, Hotel Vedado, NH Capri Complex – Victoria, and Hotel Deauville. Each hotel offered a unique experience, whether it was the luxury of modern amenities, the charm of historical surroundings, or the allure of beachfront relaxation. These visits allowed agents to compare different options and learn which properties best meet the needs of their diverse clientele.
Jamaican travel agents recently embarked on an exclusive educational trip with Caribbean and Latin Travel to explore Cuba’s top destinations, attractions, and hidden gems, gaining firsthand knowledge to better promote the island to Jamaican travelers.
Because of their participation in a fam trip, Jamaican travel agents now possess the essential comprehension and understanding for promoting Cuba to potential visitors.Along the way, the agents are now in a better position to let Jamaican tourists find out for themselves what Cuba has to offer. They know different types of destinations on the island, what accommodations and food they offer and the activities available for incoming tourists to participate in.Increasingly close ties between Jamaican tourism and that of Cuba and another cudismatic leg of Caribbean culture. This fam trip marked an important step towards realizing linkages between both countries’ travelers.
Destinations & Things To Do
Top Cruise Destinations 2025 – Travel And Tour World

Top Cruise Destinations 2025
Destinations & Things To Do
The Street’s a Little Kinder When You’re Home…

And just like that, it’s already July. Half of 2025 is over! It’s not like the construction of time has been something I’ve thought of in ages. At this point, I feel like you could’ve told me any amount of time had passed, and all I could say would be… “ok, and?”
I slept… alright? I’ve become spoiled a bit with the bevy of hotel stays that I’ve had in the past month. I actually did a count, and I spent more nights in a real bed than on trail. Oops! I think I needed it though. The Mid-Atlantic took a bigger toll on my mental health, and physical health, than I could’ve expected. While the election was smooth, the terrain, bugs, rain, and heat wave were anything but. I’m glad to be making more progress North than East now.
When I woke up, the hostel felt like a ghost town. I assumed that was cause everyone else was asleep, but if I’m up first, that’d just be… shocking. I made a trip over to Sweet William’s Coffee Shop and Bakery for an Americano and croissant, before taking one last dip into LaBonne’s Market for a sandwich. Of course I’m going to pack out town food when I can! Plus, I’m pretty sure there are trash cans today.
The walk out of Salisbury and back into the woods was pleasant enough, into fields and a relatively calm ascent. At least, that’s what the elevation ma promised. In reality, my brain was still kind of out of it today. I don’t know what’s up, but I’m still not feeling that strong while hiking! It’s crazy how 1500 miles in, I still haven’t been able to dial in my footwear. In retrospect, going to a gait analysis before the trail would’ve been my best bet. Or at Mountain Crossings. Or at Outdoor 76. There were so many opportunities. But I was too worried about what was on my back to focus on my feet. Good to give as advice, though.
Eventually, I came upon the ascent to the highest point in Connecticut, CT’s very own… Bear Mountain? Yeah, turns out for some reason, CT also has a Bear Mountain. The ascent was nice, but the descent was quite tricky. Another mini boot camp in preparation for the Whites. At the top, I enjoyed the sandwich I packed out, and drank in the views. Though, it was terribly warm again. My speed’s dipped, and I can finally with confidence say that the correlation is all with humidity. If there’s any, I just can’t perform well.
During my descent, I ran into Trash Panda and Velcro, maybe for the last time. Both are getting off trail for a few days, just to take a break. But at this point, I got one way to go. Forward. And into Massachusetts! My home state! I’ve actually never been on this side of the state really — I had a car camping trip planned last year that included a day hike of Mt. Greylock, but that got canned due to some pretty intense rain. As a musician, I’d also always wanted to make the trip over here for Tanglewood. But never did.
As much as I’d like to espouse how great Massachusetts is, it starts with the beautiful Sages Ravine. Except… Sages Ravine has one very major flaw. It’s basically a swamp. Not basically, it is a swamp. Which means my enemy’s back out… infinite bugs. Even though I’d DEETed up to start the day, and DEETed up at Bear Mountain, and sprayed my clothes with Permethrin, they were relentless, going for my uncovered hands and legs constantly. I quickly picked my way through and before I knew it I was on the intense climbs up Mt. Race and Mt. Everett.
In the heat and humidity, my heart rate was constantly spiking. So, I constantly had to take breaks just to let the heart calm back down. I was constantly breaking into upper Zone 2/lower Zone 3 heart rates on these hard days, and while Zone 2 is technically fine, I don’t want to break into it too much during longer days.
At the top of Mt. Race, there was some beautiful ridgeline hiking, even with the sun beating down. I expected more of the same on Mt. Everett, but that’s when the weather finally decided to turn. As the crackling sounds of thunder grew nearer and nearer, I started trying to get down as fast as I could. But with the rocks getting slicker, it was all I could do to not fall! And I did a few times. Luckily, always on my butt. But at some point, I just accepted my fate, and started butt scooching down the mountain instead. I quickly passed by the Hemlock Shelters, and saw a few hikers ducking out the rain, before continuing on my path.
The last four miles of my day should’ve been the easiest. It was nothing but flat fields, flat dirt, and flat woods. But, for some reason, my feet are still absolutely on fire. I don’t get it! I was trying the Superfeet Green setup that seemed to have worked before the Shenandoahs. Maybe I should’ve never changed out, my body seems to have to get used to this stuff again. Ouch ouch ouch ouch.
After a few miles of plodding along, I finally got to US Route 7, and stuck out my thumb in hopes of a hitch into town. And voila! Almost instantly a truck pulled over, and he drove me to the Travelodge where I had booked the night. Yes, another hotel, again. But I wanted to explore a bit of Great Barrington! It seems like such a lovely town. We’ll be back in nature tomorrow.
At the Travelodge, it was all I could do to not immediately crash out for the night. I went over to an East Asian fusion restaurant, where I ordered some… mediocre food. At least the sushi was good. I got an Oreo McFlurry from McDonalds, and then called my mom after showering. My parents are visiting soon, and it’s time to really get the logistics in tow! Which feels unreal. I originally thought I’d be further than this. I was a bit snappy, since it was late and I wanted to go to bed, but we got a plan together. So yay.
(title lyrics from: When You’re Home, Mmandy Gonzalez, Christopher Jackson)
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Amazon weighs further investment in Anthropic to deepen AI alliance
-
Brand Stories2 weeks ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 weeks ago
UK crime agency arrests 4 people over cyber attacks on retailers
-
Asia Travel Pulse2 weeks ago
Looking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago
‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
EU pushes ahead with AI code of practice
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 weeks ago
ChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
-
The Travel Revolution of Our Era1 month ago
CheQin.ai Redefines Hotel Booking with Zero-Commission Model
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Humans must remain at the heart of the AI story
You must be logged in to post a comment Login