Interview With Carlos Melia (CM Travel - Buenos Aires, Argentina)

For 17 years and counting, Carlos Melia has worked in the travel business, a career that has stretched across numerous continents and aspects of the industry - everything from airlines to hotels and more.

Now running his own travel agency tailored to the gay market, he is an active blogger, non stop traveler and with the recent passing of gay marriage in Argentina, is bound to be very busy, as visitors to that beautiful South American country will surely grow. With services that cater for FIT's, groups, and more, Carlos Melia is the premier expert on the fantastic destination that is Argentina, along with Chile, Peru, Uruguay and New York City. 

Below is an interview with Carlos recently conducted by Dave Lowe in Buenos Aires: 

1). Carlos, can you explain a bit more about your concept 'BEEN THERE DONE THAT'? and what are the qualities that makes a Gay Travel Expert?

( CM by Carlos Melia ) • Sure.... BEEN THERE DONE THAT is the main commitment from me - Carlos Melia - to my clients, and also what differentiates travel agents like you or me.... from simple ticketing or booking agents. All travel services, products, destinations I showcase and offer to my clients have previously been reviewed, tested and screened personally by me. This is the added value that together with updated information makes my offer unique.

(2). Why should a visitor to BA make time to visit the rest of Argentina, like Patagonia?

( CM by Carlos Melia ) • Because Buenos Aires is only the main gate to Argentina. Like every big city in the world, has over the years become more and more cosmopolitan, missing a bit of the true soul of what truly defines Argentina. We are a country of immigrants, and everywhere you look around you will find that... the south, the north, the central region has its own heritage and set themselves apart from other regions in the country.... not only because of the tourist attractions, natural wonders... but also by the culture, the traditions, the flavors, the cuisine among many others. Patagonia is a trademark shared together with Chile, and is one of the many prides of our glorious country.

(3). What are the top 5 Must DO and SEE things for your visit to Buenos Aires?

( CM by Carlos Melia ) • OH GOD this is very personal... but to me would be.... (1). San Telmo Antiques Market, (2). A day in San Antonio de Areco, (3). El Tigre and the Suburbs.... one of the last Deltas still growing in the world, (4). The cemetery of La Recoleta and (5). Puerto Madero.

(4). What kinds of services can you offer to first time visitors to Buenos Aires?

( CM by Carlos Melia ) • I enjoy showing first time visitors, the city through the eyes of a local person. To explore Buenos Aires by the hand of a true porteño, not focusing into details, dates or history, staying away from the tourist cliches, learning on how the city has developed through the years and how a local flows through it. Sharing those hidden gems that only a local expert can help you find. 

(5.) What is the current situation in the boutique hotel scene in BA? the rest of Argentina?

( CM by Carlos Melia ) • It is quite an exciting moment, more over for those like you and me... have a fetich for Boutique and Small Hotels. Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina, have had over the last 5 years an exponential growth on this type of properties, some by locals inspired on their own travel experiences worldwide, some by foreigners that have fallen in love with our country and have decided to move here and start their own businesses. I would risk to say that Argentina. same as Uruguay, nowadays has some of the most interesting Boutique Hotel scenes in the world. Just to mention a few I would strongly recommend Palermitano Hotel ( Palermo SOHO, Buenos Aires ), Rio Hermoso Mountain Hotel ( San Martin de los Andes ), Estancia Las Carreras ( Tafi del Valle, Tucuman ), El Cortijo ( Cachi, Salta ), La Casa de los Limoneros and/or Casa los Jazmines ( Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay ) among many many others that I would be more that eager to share with your readers upon request.

To make a booking with Carlos, visit his website: www.carlosmelia.com

To follow Carlos on Twitter, click here: www.twitter.com/carlosmelia

Carlos' blog includes hotel reviews and more: www.carlosmeliablog.com