Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas.  Celebrate Central American Style.  Each Central American country has different nuances on their Christmas celebration.  The common theme is the celebration of the religious meaning of the holiday.  In some places, and at some time during the holiday things can get a bit rowdy.  Especially in the population centers, partying can go on for quite some time and there is likely to be quite a bit of adult beverage consumption.  As always be careful.  Enjoy the pictures below, and Merry Christmas to all.

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Belize

Honduras

Nicaragua

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

International Living Magazine

International Living Magazine caters to the average middle class person who might be thinking about or in the final stages of retirement planning.  Options abound for those with an adventurous personality and the desire to retire and live a very comfortable lifestyle.

IL Magazine gives readers insight into retirement and investment destinations worldwide.  Whether it be Europe, Central America, or South America, there is something for everyone.  If you are considering buying a retirement property or renting a flat in a modern city, the magazine has the experience and information to guide you to a mistake-free decision.

Subject matter typically includes information on: Real Estate, Travel, Taxes, Currencies, Investments, Retirement, Why Retire Overseas, Best Climate and Health Care Overseas.

For information on International Living Magazine and a discount subscription click the banner at the top of the page.

Travel Safe and Often.

Beachfront Rental in Belize

Ambergris Caye 

This rental is 1200 sq. ft. large, has two bedrooms and two baths with outside showers.

Features include a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances. 2 Queen Beds, Garage,

 Parking, Air Conditioning, High Speed DSL wireless Internet, Patio, private Beach, beach 

towels, Kayak, Porch, Deck, Linens Provided, View (Ocean), Dock/Boat Slip, Outdoor 

Shower, Waterfront, Full Kitchen, Appliances, Alarm Clock, Coffee Maker, Stove, Blender,

 Dishwasher, Toaster, Ceiling Fan, Microwave, 3 flat screen TV (Cable/Satellite), Charcoal 

Grill, Refrigerator (Full), Washer/Dryer, 2-seat kayak (paddle out to the reef for the most 

amazing snorkeling).

For more information click:

http://www.cyberrentals.com/rental/p292720#unitAmenities

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Choices: Hotel or Vacation Rental

Having tried a multitude of lodging options in many parts of the Caribbean and United States, I have formed an opinion that agrees with what most people will glean out of the following.  I have gone to check out of a hotel in Mexico, only to find a multitude of excessive charges I was unaware of.  Vacation rental homes I have taken advantage of have never had surprise charges, noisy neighbors, or lack of privacy.
Compare below:

Vacation Rental

Big savings on nightly rates
Average nightly rate**:
$219.28 for NYC
$150.45 for Miami Beach
$202.76 for Whistler, BC
$180.51 for Rome 
Average vacation rental is 1,850 square feet.
Since you've talked with the owner in advance, you know exactly what you're paying for before check-in.  Dine on your own time Most vacation rentals come with a fully equipped kitchen and private dining space which means you can save money dining in and plan meals around your family's schedule.  Who wants to eat breakfast according to the strict buffet dining hours? Why resort to eating out of vending machines or overpriced mini-bars when you're hungry for a midnight snack?
Privacy: Whether you're seeking rest and relaxation or a little romance, stay in a space of your very own with no interruptions.
Travel lighter knowing you don't have to haul along everything from home.

Hotel Room

Average nightly rate*:
$350.00 for NYC
$179.92 for Miami Beach
$293.70 for Whistler, BC
$222.64 for Rome
Average hotel room is 325 square feet.

• Maid walking in at the wrong moment.
• Thin walls mean hearing voices in the hall and from the room next door.
• Overcrowded public pool and hot tub.
• Amenities vary per hotel and some are associated with extra charges.

 Baggage holding fee
 Internet access fee
 Parking fee
 Using the room towel for the pool fee
  Bottled water fee
 Energy surcharge fee

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

Belize, Ocean, Mountains, and eco opportunnities.

Belize is on the northeast coast of Central America.  The official national language in Belize is English, HOWEVER, if you go there expecting to be able to easily communicate with anyone living there in your native English language, DON'T.  Although English is taught in the Belezian schools, most natives speak an English-based creole, especially around tourists.

The Belize Barrier Reef, over 450 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, various jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking, and bird watching as well as numerous Maya ruins support the thriving tourism and ecotourism industry.Belize also has the largest cave system in Central America.

As anywhere you might travel in the world, including your own back yard, there is crime.  Belize is no different significantly, except crime rates are down other than drug trafficking related crimes.  If you are not going to Belize to buy a steamer trunk load of illegal substances, and stay away from obvious areas where these activities might be taking place, you should be safe.  There are some specific warnings when you read about particular cays or areas of the country you might be thinking of traveling to.  Yes, more research.  Heed the warnings, and avoid neighborhoods or geographic areas that may be or may have recently been on the "avoid" list.

Probably the majority of tourism involves the extensive caye system in Belize.  The cayes each have their personality and nuances.  Diving, snorkeling and salt water sports abound, as do miles of pristine beaches.  Basically there are two ways to get to the cays, probably the most common is the water taxi, and the other being flying in a small airplane (for the larger cayes) from Belize City.  Your budget and time allotment may play a big part in your decision on getting to your caye.

If you happen to be staying at a resort on one of the cayes you will not need to worry so much about travel on the cay itself.  If you rent a private property bicycles and motorbikes are common ways to get around, although not the only options.  Yup, more research.

If you perceive that anything south of the US border is inexpensive, think again.  they only made so much beach front property, and it is costly almost anywhere you may go.  There are, however, exceptions to every rule.  If you are a mountain type person, you may find more bargain properties, but you will probably not find a mall or Wal-mart close by.  There is always some kind of trade-off for peace and quiet.