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August 31, 2010

Tips for Packing as Light as Possible

He who would travel happily must travel light.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

How many of us have had the experience of packing everything we “believe” we will need in a trip and at the end we regret for the stress of carrying a heavy package during the whoooole trip, and even worse if we will travel by plane cause this means to be crossing our fingers to know if we will be charged or not for overweight.

Today we present some simple packing tips to prevent this:

-It is very important during packing for you to ask yourself:” Do I want to take it or will I really need it?” And if you really need it: “Am I willing to carry it during the whole trip?”

-It is advisable to travel with a backpack because it allows you to keep your hands completely free.

- Sarongs are the traveler’s best friends because you can use them as towel, skirt, makeshift bag, as a scarf, as a sheet, etc. Another advantage of sarongs is that if you wash them, they dry much faster than a towel.

-Take your bath items in containers much smaller than their original containers and put in Ziploc bags to prevent spillages over your stuff. -Keep your passport and your money always close to you and where you don’t lose sight of it.

-Photocopy all your important documents such as credit cards, passport, etc., and write down on the copies the emergency numbers in the case of credit cards if you need to cancel them. Another tip would be to scan your documents and to keep the files stored in your email, that way as long as you have Internet, you will have access to them anywhere in the world.

-Separate your valuables, don’t put them all together in the same place. You may separate them in different pockets. It is also recommended not to bring with you all your credit cards, leave some in the hotel safe or even in your home.

These are just some tips that we have collected, but do you have some else that you would like to share?

Source: http://zenhabits.net/

Tips for your Sprint Xel-Há Triathlon 2010

Xel-Há Natural Wonder of Mexico with the support of the Mexican Triathlon Federation, in coordination with the Youth and Sports Institution of the Municipality of Tulum and Cozumel, invite all triathletes, cyclists, swimmers and other great athletes to join the 2nd Sprint Xel-Há Triathlon.


We would like to share with you the some useful tips for your next Sprint Xel-Há Triathlon 2010.
  

1. Make a check-list and try visualizing everything you will wear.
2. Use a towel to place your personal belonging at the transition zone.

SWIMMING 

3. Use your goggles and cap, and if the water is cold they will allow you to use wetsuit.
4. Don’t forget to use Vaseline or Glide around your neck.
5. Use biodegradable waterproof sunblock. When you are out of the water put some more on. Been exposed to the sun so many hours can provoke serious burns. Remember not to place in on your forehead or else when you sweat it will drip into your eyes.

CYCLING

6. Take you bicycle for a check-up. Before the race, ask your mechanic to show you how to change a tire.
7. The helmet must be adjusted correctly so it doesn’t move.
8. You can place your shoes on the bicycle pedals.
9. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
10. In your tool bag always carry a pump, tire levels, spare tubes, CO2 systems and repair kits.

RUNNING 

11. Use elastic laces on your tennis shoes. These can save you time.

12. Don’t forget a hat for the sun and your race number so don’t get disqualified.

References: Lorena Salas, Triathlete sponsored by Saucony, 36th place winner of the Triathlon World Championship 2009, expert trainer and athlete. Balance Magazine/ July 2010.



Important Note: In order to participate in any official Triathlon event, it is a requirement to become an affiliate of the Mexican Triathlon Federation during the year of competition.

As a competitor of the next Xel-Há Sprint Triathlon 2010 you must pay an affiliate fee (not included in registration fee) before or on the same day of the competition, on the contrary you will not be able to participate in the event. Cost: $100 pesos (MXN) Per person on the day of the competition at Xel-Há Park.

You can also begin your process of affiliation to the Mexican Triathlon Federation for season 2010 and enjoy exclusive benefits.  

Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival in Tulum

Tulum has become the host of one of the concerts of the 8th annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, in a date prior to the already scheduled concerts in Playa del Carmen.

The First Festival of Latin Jazz and Salsa will be on September 4 in the incredible Tulum (Mayan Culture Museum Park), a magical destination in the Riviera Maya.

In this beautiful natural scenery, this festival has the participation of Costa Rican group Araya-Orta Jazz Latin Quarter, one of the most prominent in the genre, as well as that of Eddie Palmieri- winner of nine Grammy Awards, and the beautiful Puerto Rican India, better known as "The Princess of Salsa."

This event is a previous concert of the eighth Riviera Maya Jazz Festival to be held from 25 to November 28, 2010, in Playa del Carmen, with Hiram Gomez, Mike Stern, Ivan Lins, Al de Meola, The Manhattan Transfer, Yekina Pavón, Eugenia Leon and Armando Manzanero Big Band Jazz and Mexico, to name a few.

Do not miss any of these events and enjoy an extraordinary experience, under the influence of jazz.

August 30, 2010

Playa del Carmen September Events at Wicky’s

LABOR DAY BBQ -Monday, September 6, 2010

Lengendary Wicky’s Burger, BBQ Buffet, Games and Live Music!
190 MXP per adult & $95 MXP for child - Children under 5 are FREE
















NFL KICK-OFF WEEKEND -
Thursday – Monday, September 9 – 13, 2010


Games, Appetizers and Drink Specials!

MEXICO INDEPENDENCE PARTY
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 8pm-Midnight

WICKY’S FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY on SEPTEMBER 17th
WICKY’S BEACH PARTY
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Famous BBQ Buffet and Wicky Burgers, Games and Live Music!
190 MXP per adult & $95 MXP for child, children under 5 are FREE















If you need further information please call them at 984.873.3541, visit Wicky´s website or email them at Reservations@WickysPlayaDelCarmen.com

August 27, 2010

Tankah Beach House/Bungalow Auction, Riviera Maya, Mexico

On September 28th it will be held a Tankah House Auction. The commercial value of this property is $500,000 USD. The auction will be for $300,000 USD.

Casita Las Palmas is the perfect romantic getaway located in Paraiso Tankah, a residential development just north of Tankah Bay (Tankah Tres). Secluded & Private, it sits on a windswept stretch of shoreline between Tankah Tres and Soliman Bay
The beach at Las Palmas is a prime laying and hatching site for the endangered sea turtle and also features a beautiful pool on the back side of the house surrounded by palms and tropical plants and a charcoal barbecue grill.

Features:
•Ocean view casita
•Air conditioning
•Swimming pool
•Upper level apartment
•One master bedroom suite with king bed
•Full bath with shower and small tub
•Fully equipped kitchen with stove top and convection oven
•Sand beach, solid rock at waterline
•Satellite TV
•Wireless Internet
•Ceiling fans
•Parking
•Entry road is somewhat rough

A rare opportunity to invest in a second home in the Riviera Maya!.

Email us at info@rivieramayaweb.com If you would like to get further information, pictures and how can you be able to participate in the AUCTION.

August 23, 2010

Welcome to Tulum Real Estate

The Magical combination of the Tulum real estate market consists of the beaches, the mystical history, and the warm community that makes visitors want stay and call it home. Laidback atmosphere of young, open and easy going people make you feel welcome. No time to hurry, very good restaurants that range from authentic Mayan food, delicious taco stands to world recognized restaurants facing the Caribbean beaches. Each of these factors contribute to the high demand in the Tulum real estate properties over the past few years..

If you would like to walk on a perfect white sandy beach property for miles and miles without seeing another human, Tulum is the perfect spot for you. Jump on a float and let yourself be carried away by the current. Or just drive along the beach road deep into the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve and let the spider monkeys, the dolphins, the thousands of birds carry you deeper into our tropical paradise. This is Tulum.. The real estate prices in Tulum are effected by several factors that have been occurring over the past recent years. A new municipality, the promise of a new airport, the existing gorgeous beaches are all several items that have caused much demand in properties throughout our region. Buyers are coming from all parts of the world to our little village to enjoy their days sunbathing on the Tulum beaches, getting massages, enjoying the breath taking views of the Caribbean seas, staying at the boutique hotels or cabañas dotting the beachfront real estate.

While living in town, and you feel like exploring the areas, in one hour drive you will be in Valladoloid where you can breath the history of the oldest town of Mexico, 2 hours driving distance you will find Merida the white city or travel further south to the wonderfull 7 colored lagoon of Bacalar. Tulum has it all and yet still not much, the Tulum real estate market is waiting for you to reserve your little corner of Mexican Caribbean paradise to live out your dream.

Wherever you are looking for lands, coast lands, beach houses, condos as well as large land holdings suitable for ecological or adventure business investment. Enjoy yourself of finding the best investment opportunity for you. Not just a "a deal", but the best deal.

We provide brokerage services and real estate development investments (real estate) on a large scale developed to measure. Contact us and let us know what are you looking for and how can we help you.

Courtesy: Top Mexico Real Estate

Meeting Angel Notion Suicide Prevention Program

Angel Notion is a non-profit organization located in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, dedicated to raising funds and donations to provide education, medical aid, and opportunities for people of lesser means and special needs. The Vision of Angel Notion is to provide the disabled children of Playa del Carmen with:
* Customized medical attention and rehabilitation to achieve physical and mental capacities of functioning that could not otherwise be reached Specialized treatment and surgery
* Seminars on Life Skills to promote independence in day-to-day living
* Seminars on Work Skills to enhance opportunity for job placement
* Love, support and guidance as they find their own way in the community and society at large.

The clinic is in need of donations to buy medicine, medical supplies, medical equipment, computers, maintenance supplies. You may also sponsor random patients who come to the clinic needing medical care who cannot afford it. Or sponsor a young pregnant woman who needs her first ultra sound for 150 pesos. You can donate money to buy Pediasure, a vitamin drink supplement, for the many malnourished children we are assisting During these days, Angel Notion is looking for volunteers to assist with the creation of a new project " Angel Notion Suicide Prevention Program".
If you are interested or you know someone that could be interested in being partfeel free to email Mr Roberto at robertheard@counselingonlinesite.com and he will kindly send you the information package. They need many Mexican people. Age is not important nor is experience as we will be training everyone. They need a lot of younger people as well as the suicide data for QR tells us that many young people are killing themselves.

If you have any questions feel free to reach him directly or visit
Angel Notion site.

Xíimbal, International Festival of Art, Playa del Carmen, 2010

We would like to invite you to be part of the first edition of “Xíimbal, International Festival of Art, Playa del Carmen, 2010”. From 7 to 10 October, 5th Avenue will be transformed into a grand scene where one will find acrobats, musicians, clowns, dancers and artists from different parts of the world, transporting us to a world of illusion and games. An event that will unite artists and spectators alike, 5th Avenue will become an area of creativity, socialization and the strengthening of human relationships.

20 companies, 30 daily and complementary shows, 6 countries represented, and artists from different states of Mexico, all united in 4 days of festivities dedicated to art and theater in the street.


5th Avenue will become stage that will allow all spectators to participate in these events that aim to add upon and solidify a social network dedicated to having fun without borders, choosing from dozens of shows representing a rich and varied world.
We invite everyone to join us for an amazing cultural experience with days and nights full of music, theater, shows, dance, artwork and much more.






If you are planning to visit our sunny destination during the Xiimbal Festival we offer you Discounted Rates in selected vacation rentals. Visit us online to choose your preferred villa or condo or email us to get further info and check availability.
Click here to visit Xiimbal, Internation Festival of Art site.

August 21, 2010

Working and the Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen

“How can I move to Paradise?” 

Are there jobs available for foreigners? What is the cost of living like? Is the educational system comparable to other parts of the world? are the most common questions.
If you are seriouslt considering moving to Mexico, specifically the Playa del Carmen area may you would like to read this article about the realities of moving to a foreign country.

Work
Many foreigners that live either part or full time in Playa del Carmen often are retired, or have an income that comes from their home country. This is an ideal situation. You can spend winter months here when the cold is permeating and frigid in the north, own a nice property that you can rent out when you are not here, and really enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle; beaches, cenotes, excellent food and drink, and a truly relaxing time. But for those of us that do not have this option we must actually find a job here; Yikes!! The primary jobs that are available to foreigners are sales, real estate, teaching English or opening up a private business. The restaurant and hotel industry are mainly staffed by Nationals unless you are one of those lucky few that speak 3 or more languages. So that leaves the above four. Oh, and let us not forget the challenges of working LEGALLY in a foreign country; immigration is the topic of many a conversation among locals….


Sales: The number one sales positions here are in time share. You work at one of the fractional ownership clubs and sell packages to visiting foreigners. Over the years that I have lived here I have had many friends do this. But it isn’t for everyone. It is highly competitive, stressful, and there is not much job security there. Don’t get me wrong; I have friends that have been doing it for years and are truly successful and love it, but it can be tough….especially if you have no sales background.


Real Estate: The Real Estate industry in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya was BOOMING up until about a year and a half ago. Sales slowed down, bad press scared people off, many real estate offices closed; even some of the big gun companies packed up and left. That being said, it kind of thinned the herd, which was sorely needed. The companies that did survive, and are still thriving, are companies that have been here for many years, have an excellent reputation, and deliver what they promise.


Teaching English: Teaching English in one of the local area private schools is actually a good option. Although more than likely you will need a second income (teachers make anywhere from $8,000.00-$12,000.00 Pesos per month) one of the benefits of working as a teacher is that you also receive either partial or full scholarships for your children. This would be a good option for a couple moving down together with children.
Private Businesses: The majority of my friends here, including me, have chosen to open up their own company and work for themselves. This takes an amazing amount of patience for foreign business law, hefty startup capital, and again it is a competitive market. If you have a lifelong dream of opening up a Caribbean beach bar remember that you are not alone. The one piece of advice I have here is do your homework! Take your time. Spend time here for at least 6 months without doing anything but market research. It would be a far better experience telling friends and family at home that you spent 6 months in the Caribbean rather than coming home broke and with a bad experience under your belt.

Immigration: Ahhh, yes the challenge of any immigrant living in a foreign country. Immigration is one of the most powerful government agencies in Mexico, and they can be easy or difficult depending on their mood. If you are being hired by a company it is often part of the package that they sponsor your FM3 to enable you to work legally here. If you are opening a private business you then hire a lawyer to handle your immigration requirements. You can certainly try to do it yourself, but I highly suggest hiring a professional. They know the laws, language, and lay of the land…..

Cost of Living
 
The cost of living here varies depending on what lifestyle you want to live. A sprawling beach front home or a nice apartment about 5 blocks from the beach can be very different in terms of cost. The below list is a general approximation based on my own experience.
Rent: For a 2 bedroom Condo in a nice neighborhood, shared pool, about 5 blocks from the beach: $10,000.00 pesos Water and Garbage: Garbage pick-up is free of charge and they usually have daily pick-ups in every neighborhood, and water runs about $100.00 pesos per month for a 2 person household with washer, sink, shower etc.
Electric: Electric varies pretty dramatically depending on if you have air-conditioning or not. It can run from $400.00 pesos per month for basic fans, computer etc to $10,000.00 pesos per month with multiple AC units.


Gas: The majority of dryers, stoves, and water heaters here are run on gas. A tank at our house for a stove and a water heater costs about $200.00 pesos per month.


Cable and internet: We choose to go through the local cable company versus the phone company and our basic cable and internet package (2MB) is $450.00 per month.


Telephones: The majority of people have cell phones that are pay as you go. You buy pre-paid phone cards and then plug the code into your phone and voila you are in business. For someone that uses their phone often it can run up to $500.00 pesos per month. If you choose to have a contract phone ( I-Phone of Blackberry) through your business the cost is roughly $1,000.00 pesos per month. You can also get a land line through the telephone company, but there are limited lines available and if your house or apartment does not come with one it can be spendy to set one up (sometimes upwards of $5,000.00 pesos).


Private schools: This is a hidden cost for many families that choose to move down to Playa del Carmen with small children as the majority of families in the US and Canada have access to quality public education. Unfortunately that is not the case here. Public schools here are poorly run largely due to the fact of overcrowding. There can be upwards of 35 plus children per class, and there is a high teacher turnover rate due to the stress. 

Colegio Ingles

For that reason the majority of year round residents, whether foreign or National, choose to enroll their children in one of the areas private schools. Tuition can run between $3,500.00-$5,000.00 pesos per month per child and often there are enrollment, material, and uniform fees on top of that as well. That being said I strongly suggest doing your research on job opportunities, housing, and educational opportunities prior to bringing your brood south of the border.

This information is not meant to scare anyone off, or to discourage you in embarking on a life-long dream or adventure, but it is meant to give you a bit of insider’s information prior to making the plunge. So if you are up for the challenge we welcome you to the community.


If you are looking for information, have any question or specific need before vacationing or moving to Mexico feel free to contact us at any time or visit us online at http://www.rivieramayaweb.com/

Courtesy: Playa Maya News


August 9, 2010

Six things to ask, check and consider when booking a vacation rental

A great holiday should be one of life’s most enjoyable experiences, providing wonderful and lasting memories so keep in mind this 6 tips to consider when booking a vacation rental.

Casa Caracol / 4 BDRM ocean near vacation rental in Playa del Carmen
1. Weigh the pros and cons of booking options. Renting direct can be more personalized and less expensive, since owners aren't paying hefty commissions to real estate or property management companies. On the flip side, agencies pre-screen properties and promise 24-hour, on-site support if something goes wrong. A third alternative: "peer to peer" sites such as Airbandb.com and IStopOver.com that connect guests and owners (and take their own cut of the rental fee), but offer some protection against fraud.

2. Be diligent. "Because, by their very nature, rental homes don't get the same kind of traffic that hotels do, you need to become a detective, carefully studying photographs, asking questions and getting references from past renters," says author Pauline Frommer.

Casa del Mar / 3 BDRM ocean front
Another suggestion from BudgetTravel.com: "Plug the address into the satellite view on Google Maps or Google Earth. Scope the area for nearby attractions both bad (factory complex) and good (local park). The property might be three blocks from the beach as stated, but there could be a four-lane highway in between." You also can check local property records, and do a search for the specific vacation rental or owner's name.

3. Have a phone conversation. Initial contact can be by e-mail (and if you don't hear back promptly, consider it a red flag). But particularly if you're renting from a private owner, phone conversations can give you a better sense of whether the property is a good match — and above board. "It's fair to ask questions like 'Is this rental legal?' and 'Do you collect sales-and-use tax?' " says Carl Shepherd of HomeAway.com.

4. Get it in writing. A detailed rental agreement should spell out payment and the responsibilities of both renter and owner, whether an individual or management company, on everything from security deposit refunds to cleaning fees.

Villa Katarina / 3 BDRM ocean near by vacation rental in Playa del Carmen

5. Weigh payment options carefully. Never wire money, and use a credit card (many U.S. owners now accept them through PayPal) if possible. To minimize your chances of booking a foreclosed property, or one that has been targeted in violation of local ordinances, try to arrange your rental as close to your vacation dates as possible, suggests John Romano of VRWD.com.
6. Consider trip cancellation insurance. Vacation rentals generally won't give refunds within 30 to 60 days of arrival.
Casa Grande / 4 BDRM with spectacular ocean view

If you are considering vacationing in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya visit us online or email us TODAY to start planning your upcoming selfcatering vacation in our sunny
destination.

We are always available at your service to assist you and arranging all the details for you

6 Tips Courtesy by
USA TODAY TRAVEL