Save Alex Cora the window seat (and a pina colada)
Alex Cora is having a great first season as a manager, leading the Red Sox to the best record in baseball at the All-Star break. The Caguas, Puerto Rico, native said he enjoys going back to Puerto Rico in the off-season — and especially enjoys the Wyndham Rio Mar resort, which he calls “very quiet [and] peaceful.’’ Cora, 42, played in the major leagues for 14 years before retiring in 2011. He lives in Chestnut Hill with his girlfriend, Angelica, and their 10-month-old twins. He also has a 15-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. We caught up with the former infielder to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation destination? There’s a place in Puerto Rico called Wyndham Rio Mar in Rio Grande on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast. It’s beautiful there — very quiet, peaceful, the people take care of me there . . . it’s cool.
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? A pina colada with dark rum that I get at Rio Mar. It’s really good — and I get it for a good price.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? To Europe somewhere. I haven’t been. I’d like to go to Spain. I would love to see [soccer teams] Real Madrid and Barcelona play against each other.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? My phone. I use it for everything: business, personal, music, camera . . .
Aisle or window? Definitely window. I usually don’t need to use the restroom and I like to sleep, so I can stay in that corner and I don’t have anybody bothering me when they have to get up or anything.
Favorite childhood travel memory? Any tournaments I played in as a child. We went to Marion, Ohio; Crystal Lake, Illinois; Farmington, New Mexico. . . . That was the highlight of our summer, playing on travel teams. You spend so much time with your friends playing ball and get rewarded going to [championship games].
Guilty pleasure when traveling? Desserts. Carrot cake is my favorite.
Best travel tip? I tell people who go to Puerto Rico, “Don’t forget to stop at the duty-free shop and get some rum.’’ It’s a lot cheaper there.
JULIET PENNINGTON
