Araceli Ramirez
HER PASSION IS TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
by Pat Tyson
The intensity in the way she expresses her feelings is evidence of how Araceli Ramírez, owner of Viajes Turibaja – Tours and Travel, approaches her job. She knows that, for many people, this is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
“These special trips make me feel really passionate,” she says. “I enjoy listening to people when they come to us, hearing their tone of voice, seeing the look in their eyes, the smile that brightens their face, as soon as they start planning that dreamed- trip.”
Ramírez’ job starts with her finding out her clients’ needs, planning an itinerary, joining trustworthy service providers and making plans for the trip that will fit their budget. She considers every single detail so, when they return, she will hear statements such as “Thank you, this is exactly what I wanted,” and “I never thought we were going to make it,” or “We truly loved it!” She has received such delighted comments over and over again when her clients come back.
“My philosophy is to make people fall in love with traveling and let them find that we all are able to do it,” she explains. “People have to move, to find new places, to get acquainted with far or near; to taste salty, sour or sweet, to try, to smell; to breathe fresh air, to step on new grounds, soils, sands; to be embraced, to be amazed, to learn from each destination and every person who crosses their path.”
There, they find an interesting culture, exceptional gastronomy; beautiful landscapes such as beaches, seas, forests and deserts. Furthermore, how can anyone resist the excitement of its stimulating music and, for history buffs, the absorbing pre – Hispanic sites right there to attract any foreign visitor.
Ramírez feels that travel should be a priority for everyone; it is the only expense that enriches life. Some of the most popular destinations, she finds, include Ensenada, the Wine Route of Guadalupe in Baja California and, of course, Los Cabos. At a national level some of the favorites are Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, Chiapas, Puerto Vallarta, Huasteca Potosina and Oaxaca. She also particularly likes the Pyramids in Teotihuacan and Monte Alban Oaxaca; San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato; the City of Puebla, and the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, to name only a few. Top internationally preferred destinations are Europe, Cuba and South America.
Although born in Mexico City she feels that, as a child, she was fortunate enough to live in different cities of her country. Thus she had the opportunity to experience various ways of living and traditions. From the time she was eleven years old, she knew she wanted to study tourism and pictured herself in this type of occupation. Majoring in Tourism, later, she worked for hotel-service corporations, aviation and, finally, began her project as a travel agency manager. Throughout her life she was influenced by different people.
“Many of my greatest teachers inspired me to keep going,” she relates. “My parents showed me the path to walk with honesty and taught me to ‘never say never.’ From my grandma, Carmen Armas, I learned things I take into my everyday life. The one who has fostered my personal and professional life is my husband, Carlos, whom I admire and who has been my best teacher, colleague and partner. Of course, my daughters are my inspiration to the best version of myself!” In addition, Ramírez lists many of her favorite things in life.
Some of her preferred Mexican foods include enchiladas verdes, roasted steak tacos, chilaquiles, barbacoa, guacamole and pozole. Musically speaking, she’s fond of such Mexican composers as José Alfredo Jimenez, Agustin Lara and Alvaro Carillo. For her reading pleasure she enjoys books by Carlos Fuentes, Laura Esquivel, Denisse Dresser and Martha Alicia Chavez. And what pleases her most about her profession?
“First, I love making many of my clients’ dreams come true, developing travel plans so that their experience becomes unique,” she replies. “I must know new sites and destinations, visit and know our suppliers and partners by participating in joint efforts to prepare a travel experience and test service quality. Traveling is part of my professional preparation. I am blessed to be “obliged” to do what I like the most, thus feeling more passionate about it every time!” And that passion includes her feeling for her country.
“Mexico is a wonderful country!” she exclaims. “Social problems exist, as with any other country in the world, but the loving kindness of its people and attractive sights go beyond such problems. To enjoy the wonders of my country let yourself be guided by experts who will always be on the lookout for the perfect trip. Do not dream your life – live your dream!”