How to Choose a Family Vacation Everyone Will Enjoy - May Be Mexico's Riviera Maya?

Planning the family vacation can be what a child looks forward to as much as they anticipate Christmas. It can also be the time of the year some kids dread; worries of being dragged on a family trip. Traveling as a family can be an experience kids will appreciate down the road; to understand how to travel with others. It can not only bring a family closer together if planned properly, but encourage everyone to travel just a little bit more.

Pick a budget friendly location: Face it; family vacations can be expensive, especially if the timing is during peak season. The time when everyone is off to take a vacation is usually in the summer when prices can skyrocket. Pricing the expenses of a family that might not only include children, but other family members and friends can be costly. No one likes to argue about expenses, so try to pick a budget friendly location that is fun and affordable. Consider a staycation at a hotel in a nearby town with family friendly activities rather than overspending on a trip that might be shorter.

Compromise everyone’s needs: Everyone has dreams of their perfect vacation; whether it is unwinding on a relaxing beach or enjoying a thrilling theme park. But, not every location has specific activities that will make everyone happy. Doing the best to accommodate everyone’s suggestions can be difficult, but not impossible. Perhaps decide on a location no one has been to as a way to discover a new place. Perhaps this year the family will go to Disney World because the youngest child has never been, and midway through the year, there will be a mini trip to a local theme park. Planning ahead and deciding as a family can thus avoid arguments over what should be a leisurely activity.

Consider all-inclusive deals: When concerned about rising summer prices, why not find an all-inclusive package that might save money and troubles? Resorts in Caribbean islands offer deals that include activities, meals and accommodation for a simple price so once you are there, you can focus more on having fun. You’ll be having a much needed drink by the pool while the children frolic around the children’s area. Also, one can find summer deals on all-inclusive theme park packages with all day passes that will make kids excited knowing they can go on their favorite roller coaster all weekend.

Travel locally before internationally: Traveling internationally can be a mind blowing experience for a family who may have never been exposed to new cultures. It can easily be a disaster for children who might get bored easily or find it hard to adapt to things that are not like home. Before bringing the family abroad, consider local trips before navigating foreign lands. Have the family understand the importance and differences in places abroad. For instance, have the children understand they will not be eating at McDonalds in Paris when they should try French food. Understanding how to travel abroad is significant to those who want to have a successful international experience which will enrich a child’s life.

Consider the trip a learning experience: Overall, the experience of traveling as a family is an acquired art. Not every family is fortunate enough to have the quality time or budget to travel together. It is more than just then enjoying yourself in the moment. It is about the memories created in these places; the time to understand your family in a relaxed environment. It is a hands-on opportunity to learn from each trip what works and what may not. As children get older, their taste changes; this year it was all about being a beach bum, but last year, all the kids wanted to do was go to exciting festivals.

Source: Cheap Air

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Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun - How to Volunteer?

From the sandy shores of the Mexican Caribbean, representing an entire nation and a beautiful culture, Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event will once again capture the global spotlight in a way that only the highest level of golf competition can. To be held February 22-26, 2012, the Mayakoba Golf Classic will be conducted in Playa del Carmen at El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba, just 40 minutes south of Cancun.


Volunteers are the backbone of every PGA TOUR event and it is their hard work that makes it all possible - and the Mayakoba Golf Classic will be no exception. While most of the United States rides out the dreary days of winter in late February, the PGA TOUR and Mayakoba will be soaking up the sun at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. February's average high temperature in Playa del Carmen is 81 degrees, while the average low is 68.
We invite you to join us as part of the volunteer corps for the PGA TOUR's Only Official Event outside of the United States and Canada. Combine a tropical vacation and a chance to witness golf history!
Volunteers are needed for all tasks; most notably marshals, shuttle drivers, walking scorers, media services and much more. Being a volunteer is the only way to get "inside the ropes" and have the best view of this historic event. In addition to being a part of golf history, volunteers will receive a number of other benefits, including:
•Uniform provided at no charge
•Continental Breakfast and Box Lunch provided each day to those working
•Volunteer credentials will grant access to tournament grounds on days not scheduled to work

Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun - How to Volunteer?

Desde las blancas costas del Caribe Mexicano que representan una naci€n entera y una bella cultura, el Unico Evento de la PGA TOUR en Mexico acapara nuevamente la atencion del mundo entero como solo un evento de golf lo puede hacer. Mayakoba Golf Classic se llevara acabo del 22 al 26 de febrero 2012 en el Campo de Golf El Camaleon en Playa del Carmen a solo 40 minutos al sur de Cancun.

Los voluntarios y su trabajo son parte integral de todos los eventos de la PGA TOUR y Mayakoba Golf Classic no es la excepci€n. En Febrero la gran parte de los Estados Unidos estara sufriendo del frio, mientras que la PGA TOUR y Mayakoba disfrutan de una semana de sol en el Mayakoba Golf Classic en Riviera Maya-Cancún. La temperatura promedio a finales de Febrero en Playa del Carmen es de 81 grados (durante el dia) y 68 grados (durante la noche).

Te invitamos a unirte al grupo de voluntarios del Unico Evento de la PGA TOUR fuera de los Estados Unidos y Canada. Combina una vacacion tropical con una experiencia unica de golf.

Se necesitan voluntarios para todo tipo de actividad; desde marshals, conductores de transporte en el campo de golf, anotadores de puntaje, servicios para medios de comunicacion y mucho mas. Ser un voluntario es la unica manera de estar "dentro de las cuerdas" y tener la mejor vista de este historico evento. Ademas de ser parte de la historia de golf, los voluntarios recibiran muchos mas beneficios incluyendo:
•Uniforme
•Desayuno Continental y un Box Lunch para cada dia de trabajo
•Credencial de voluntario que te dara acceso al torneo los dias que no estas trabajando

Mayakoba Golf Classic en Riviera Maya-Cancun - Como Colaboro?

The Impact of Expatriate Stress on Marriage

Last week, I met a Western expat who had moved from Beijing to Kuala Lumpur with his partner. He learned about my occupation as a marriage and family therapist and asked, “do you think moving to a different country with your partner can inject a healthy fresh-start to your relationship?” Like many of my answers, I responded, “it depends.”

It depends on how negative the relationship was in the first place. If the relationship was already in a vulnerable state, moving to a new country would not mean moving away from the problems—the psychological and relational baggage gets checked-in along with the physical baggage. And when the stresses of adjusting to a new country begin to grow, the vulnerabilities of the relationship crack under the pressure, and the problems spew like dirty laundry erupting out of an overly stuffed luggage.

Family scholars would describe the above as the stress-vulnerability model applied to marriage relationships. According to this model, despite the exciting opportunities of expat-living, moving abroad can contribute stress to one’s marriage. For instance, finding appropriate housing, children adjusting to new schools, new unfamiliar languages, learning new directions, missing home, and not having much social support, can easily add stress to a relationship.

If a marriage was already struggling with personal issues such as depression or addictions, or relational issues such as jealousy or poor communication, adding in the stress of expatriation can seriously jeopardize the continuity of the marriage.

According to psychologist Guy Bodenmann’s stress-divorce model, chronic everyday stresses negatively affect relationship quality by (a) decreasing the frequency of time couples spend together; (b) decreasing the quality of marital communication; (c) increasing the risk of physical or psychological problems such as sexual dysfunctions and moods disorders; (d) increasing the expression of problematic personality traits. These processes result in mutual alienation in the couples, leading eventually to divorce.

After explaining the vulnerability-stress model to the Western expat who asked me if moving to a new country could give a couple a fresh-start, I asked him back as to why he asked the question. “Because that’s what I did with my girlfriend,” he replied.

“So, what happened?” I continued to probe, to which he answered with a shrug, “we broke up.”

Moving to a new country can negatively affect family relationships. What can couples do to prevent the stresses of living abroad from destroying their marriages? Here are three suggestions.

First, recognize that healthy relationships do not just happen—they need to be cultivated. Couples would do well to hold “weekly couple meetings” where they discuss and work on relationship and family matters with just as much seriousness as they would their professional work. In addition to weekly couple meetings, set aside date nights at least once, if not twice a month. During date nights, do not try to problem solve, but focus on having fun and romancing each other to upkeep the reservoir of positive memories.

Second, learn to communicate effectively. Learn to hear what the other person is saying, and give feedback to help them know that they have been heard correctly by paraphrasing what they said. Take turns being the speaker and the listener. This is especially important when talking about sensitive issues or hot topics. Learn how to speak and listen sensitively and respectfully.

Third, develop a network of social support to avoid feeling isolated. Many companies have expat services, gatherings, and other resources that can be helpful to family members adjusting to a new place, language, and culture—make use of these. Remember that it takes time and effort to cultivate new relationships.

 

By special invitation, Dr. Johnben Loy contributed the following article for the December 2010/January 2011 issue of EXPATALK, a newsletter for Global Outpost Expatriate Support Network.

 

(Click on this link to read the original article.)

Vow Renewals - A Guide to Renewing Your Wedding Vows

In this world where divorce seems to be the norm, a couple managing to stay together through thick and thin deserves some celebration! If you and your spouse have made it to a significant anniversary, or you just want to have a "do-over" wedding, consider a vow renewal.

Reasons You Might Want a Vow Renewal
•You want to celebrate your 5-year, 10-year, 25-year etc. wedding anniversary
•You only got married legally before, and now want to marry religiously
•You only got married religiously before, and now want to marry legally
•Your first wedding had some element of disaster, and you want a do-over
•You didn't have much money for your first wedding, and you want a more elaborate wedding
•You got married with only a few people present, and you'd like to say wedding vows in front of lots of family and friends
•You've had some rocky times in your relationship, and would now like to reaffirm your commitment to one another
•You think it would be romantic

A Bad Reason to Have a Vow Renewal Ceremony
•You miss wedding planning and want to throw another party. The focus of any wedding, but especially a vow renewal, should be the promises you are making to each other, and the sacred ritual of marriage, not the party.

How to renew your wedding vows
The good news is, there are far less rules and dos and don'ts about vow renewal than almost any other kind of ritual. It can be as simple as the two of you alone in a beautiful spot reciting vows you have written, or a fancy affair with hundreds of guests.

First Steps
Just as with any wedding planning, you should begin by figuring out what style of ceremony/reception you'd like, deciding a budget, picking a date and finding a venue. Some couples who are older will have much more money than when they wed the first time; others whose parents helped the first time will have far less. The good news is that vow renewals are generally cheaper than first weddings, and with less rules on what "should" be done, you can really concentrate on the elements that are important to you.

How Elaborate Should a Vow Renewal Be?
The answer to this question lies in your own reason for wanting a vow renewal ceremony. Many people chose to renew their vows because they were so caught up in the planning and the partying of their first wedding, they felt the focus of the day was taken off of the ceremony. Therefore, most vow renewals tend to be intimate celebrations, with only close family and friends present, and a lunch afterwards at a nice restaurant. Others who didn't have much money for their first wedding have very lavish ceremonies and parties afterwards.

Even if you want a big and expensive celebration, there are still a few things you should avoid:
•Don't have attendants. If you have children, you can give them a special role in the ceremony, but there is no need to designate them as bridesmaids or groomsmen. You may wish to invite your original bridal party and recognize them during the ceremony.

•Don't register for gifts. This is not the time to upgrade the china. Wedding gifts are to help a newly-married couple set up their household together.

•Don't throw bachelor or bachelorette parties. This is an obvious one – you aren't bachelors or bachelorettes!

Who Should Lead the Vow Renewal?
Since presumably you have already done the legal marriage, this ceremony will not be legally binding. Therefore, you can ask a judge or clergy member to officiate, but you can also ask a friend or an adult child to lead the ceremony. For a simple vow renewal, you don't necessarily need an officiant at all.

Vow Renewal Invitation Wording

If you are hosting it yourself:

The honor of your presence
is requested at
the reaffirmation of the wedding vows of
Sharon and Martin Jones
Saturday, March 25 etc.

Or

Please join us
as we renew our wedding vows and celebrate 25 years together
Sharon and Martin Jones
Saturday, March 25 etc.

If your children are hosting it:
The children of
Sharon and Martin Jones
Request the honor of your presence
at the vow renewal ceremony of their parents
etc.
 
Written By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide
 

Planning a wedding, honeymoon, renewal of vow, 2nd honeymoon or a romantic get-a-way for some alone time in the Riviera Maya? Visit us online and find the best family vacation rentals for you.

Chemicals Kill Mexico Coral Reefs

A new study links the contamination of a giant aquifer under Mexico's Riviera Maya to the loss of up to 50 percent of coral reefs in the Caribbean since 1990.

The Journal of Environmental Pollution released a study stating that pharmaceutical, pesticide, and other chemical run-off from highways have infiltrated the region's giant aquifer network, AFP reported.

Existing sinkholes -- depressed areas allowing the transfer of surface water to the underground passages -- have likely provided routes for the contaminated water to enter the sea.

“These findings clearly underline the need for monitoring systems to pin-point where these aquifer pollutants are coming from," said Chris Metcalfe of the United Nations University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health.

Researchers believe the sources of these pollutants are pit latrines, septic tanks and leaking sewer lines, stressing that just one-third of the state is served by municipal wastewater treatment systems.

Samples taken from an area close to a golf course on a seaside resort revealed the pesticide contamination of the area, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons run-off had likely entered the groundwater from highways, parking lots, airport tarmac, and other solid surfaces.

Other contributing factors to the large-scale destruction of coral reefs in the Caribbean -- which houses nearly one-third of the world's coral reef habitat -- include overfishing, coral diseases, and rising water temperatures.

“As well, prevention and mitigation measures are needed to ensure that expanding development does not damage the marine environment and human health and, in turn, the region's tourism-based economy," Metcalfe added.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is a popular tourist destination.

The 10-fold estimated increase in the population by 2030 will likely worsen the pollution problem, the study added.

Source: PressTV 

Coming To The Riviera Maya With Childrens?

Some useful Tips:

Do rent a car. Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes from the Cancun airport and many hotels and parks are further; you’ll want flexibility to explore the area.


Don’t miss getting away from the main drag. The cenotes, the Mayan villages, and eco parks are what make this region worth a special trip.

Take the fast ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The island boasts incredible beaches as well as snorkeling, fishing, and sailing expeditions.

Even if they tell you the water’s safe, stick with bottled water. Originally, our resort said that the water was fine, but they then recommended that we spit it out quickly when we brushed our teeth. That was enough for this mom. Drinking only bottled water, we had no tummy issues at all, making Zoe a much happier camper.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen from the U.S., and realize that some sites allow no sunscreen at all. Many of the ecological parks, including Xel-ha and X-caret, will confiscate your regular sunscreen because of its impact on their water sources. However, while they have samples of the biodegradable variety, they’re reluctant to part with them (they offered us one small ketchup-sized packet for the two of us). Zoe’s favorite part of our entire trip was swimming in the cenotes, but she had quite a sunburn to show for it afterwards.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Visiting the eco-parks involves a huge amount of walking over rough paths and rocks – but it’s worth it! The scenery and underground rivers are spectacular.

Bring a notarized letter from your child’s other parent if you’re traveling solo with your little one. According to the immigration authorities, “The U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service has begun cracking down on single adults departing the United States with children, at the request of international border officials trying to halt the transport of runaways and children involved in child-custody disputes.” While I wasn’t asked for my letter, Zoe volunteered it to the official.

Winter time is perfect; watch out for hurricanes in fall. Although winter is certainly the high season, it’s when the weather’s best. In April, when we traveled, it was hot and humid (average 88 degrees) but sunny. June, September, and October have the highest risk of rain and hurricanes.
 
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The Sacred Mayan Journey 2011 - The Religious Importance Of The Sea

The Maya, wonderful astronomers, skillful architects, sailors and tradesmen, talented artists and zealous caretakers of their gods, developed one of the most important cultures in Mesoamerica before the Spaniard conquerors arrived to this land.

Ports like Xamanhá, today´s Playa del Carmen, and mainly Ppolé, modern day Xcaret, served as the starting point for the pilgrimages that came from the most remote cities of the Mayan world on their way to the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel in the island of Cuzamil, today’s Cozumel.

On the 5th Anniversary of the Sacred Mayan Journey, we want to keep on reenacting this ritual of the ancient sailors with your participation. Dance, ceremonies, commerce and the physical effort of the oarsmen are key elements of the pilgrimage toward Cozumel in search of the message that stems from the oracle of Ixchel; goddess of the moon, the tides and floods, medicine, pregnancy, weaving and regeneration cycles. An appreciation for the rich culture left by the Maya as a legacy is what brings us together once again

To recreate the Sacred Mayan Crossing in such traditional sites as Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in order to re-establish an ancient practice. In the long run, it can form both a link to a cultural identity on many levels for the region’s inhabitants, as well as an attraction for local, national and international tourism.

In addition, we seek to:

Diversify the area’s cultural offering through a multi-disciplinary project—including anthropologists, musicians, dancers, rituals, ritual purification, business, physical exertion—that strengthens and teaches the area’s original culture, forgotten for many years, and to foster expansion of tourism in the area.

Strengthen communication and cooperation between public and private institutions in Cozumel, Xcaret and the Riviera Maya through a common effort to enrich the area’s cultural offerings.

Educate the public on ancient Mayan practices, especially related to veneration of the goddess Ixchel, considered the Mother goddess of the region’s ancient Mayan culture.

Engage the local community in strengthening the Mayan culture as the region’s original culture, currently at risk due to migratory processes of thousands of workers, professionals and tourists that have come to the area.

The Sacred Mayan Journey promotes active participation of:

• The community, from the youngest people to the elderly men and women.

• Men and women from 18 to 70 years of age in very good physical condition.

• Mayan dance performers (children, pregnant and elderly women).

Download The Sacred Mayan Journey 2011 Program 

Would like to get further information? Visit Travesia Sagrada Maya Website