Cancun native on swimming naked in the Caribbean Sea and romance in NYC
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name’s Juan Albavera, everybody calls me Johnny and I am from Cancun, Mexico. I am a travel blogger (Johnny’s Shack) and co-owner of an LGBTI tourism magazine, Gay Traveler’s Guide, more information on which you can find on Facebook.
Where’s been your best trip and why?
First one, Rome. It’s an amazing city full of sounds, scents, colors and flavors. It’s mesmerizing. You can walk for hours finding beautiful monuments, sculptures, piazzas, fountains and ruins. The second, Argentina. It was one of my first trips by myself, I met amazing local people along the way, who showed me incredible places, delicious restaurants and invited me to party as a true Argentinian.
Third Tulum, in Mexico. I haven’t found, so far, a more magical place. It’s as if you’re living in a natural, spiritual and tropical village full of wooden restaurants, treehouses for adults and the immensity of the Caribbean Sea. It’s so peaceful and private. You can swim naked with no one around. Miles and miles of white sand beach surround you.
Where was your most romantic trip and why?
New York City. I traveled with my parter celebrating three special dates in the same trip. Walking across Central Park full of fresh snow is magical. There is always something to do and somewhere new to visit whether is during daylight or at night. Broadway shows are a must and offer a variety of performances to suit any taste.
Have you ever experienced homophobia or discrimination abroad?
Not so far. Even in countries like United Arab Emirates, people are very respectful of personal space and privacy. The world is changing fast, but you can’t fast forward change. So in the meantime, you have to adapt yourself to the ways of the people where you are traveling to. Doesn’t mean you have to hide in the closet and play ‘pretend’, but you should be able to see past yourself and comprehend other people’s opinions.
Would you avoid a certain country because of the laws there?
No, unless they could directly affect me in a physical way or I could face legal punishment just for my mere presence. But if it is because they forbid the public display of a certain behavior, preference or ideology, no. As I said before I can adapt to any circumstance and I will not limit myself from getting to know the world because of outdated points of view and ideologies.
Do you prefer to travel solo or with a partner?
I enjoy to travel either way. But even when I travel solo, I end up sharing special moments with friends that I get to know during the trip. So in 90% of my solo travels I am never really alone. Happiness is only real when shared.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ_TBRJAMs1/
What’s your favorite thing about where you’re from?
The beach, the sea, the touristic infrastructure, how peaceful life is here, the immense variety of activities you can do and the nature that surrounds you.
Do you ever hope to get married, and if so, would you consider a destination wedding?
Yes, I would love to get married and also to have kids both of my own and to adopt as well.
I think destination weddings are absolutely fabulous and I would consider one as long as the honeymoon counts as a separate matter and in a different place. But I live in Cancun, so mine wouldn’t be elsewhere. I couldn’t ask for a more ideal place: turquoise sea, white sand, tropical weather and amazing hotels and locations.
Where would you go on your honeymoon?
Bora Bora and stay at St. Regis Resort in a overwater bungalow. That has been my dream since a few years now and that is actually the only real condition for me to say ‘Yes’. Not kidding.
Where did you typically go on holiday as a kid?
I started traveling at a very young age. My first trip abroad was Disney World at 5. I started doing international trips once a year since I was 15 years old. I went to a summer camp in Canada for a month after finishing 6th grade. And I traveled nationwide a lot during holidays!
What’s your top tip for surviving a long haul flight?
I honestly can spend hours and hours watching all the movies from the perfectly updated selection most planes have. Having a comfortable pillow provides you a great sleep and also you can read a good book and play with your phone or tablet.
Where do you hope to visit this year and why?
Between this year and next, I should have visited Australia, New Zealand and Bali in one trip and Kenya and Tanzania in another!
For more information about Johnny, visit Facebook.
Read the latest issue of Gay Traveler’s Guide here.
