The Beach
Posted on | March 3, 2010 | No Comments
That’s one of the big attractions to Cancun, right? It’s all about the beach, the hot sun, coconut oil tan, scuba diving and relaxation. Well, of course there’s spring break, crazy parties and the night life. Every one we talk to loves Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula. However, lately, we’ve been talking to many people that are pinching some pennies this year. They’re concerned about their economic situation and are looking for alternative vacation plans… in many cases I hear, “a place that’s within driving distance.”
Driving distance means many things to many people. Some mean a few hours, some will drive all night and some are talking about their golf game! It made me think of Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts. In the summer time, you get the hot sun, you can pick up all the coconut oil you need and it’s within driving distance for many Americans. Furthermore, if golf is your thing, there are a plethora of golf courses and I mean a ton of choices.
Myrtle Beach Resorts are great for family outings. The kids will love the beach. Mom will love the shopping and dining. Dad will love coming back frustrated from the golf course (despite the “frustration” with his game). Myrtle Beach has a little something for everyone which is what makes it a great family vacation.
It seems that people are searching Beach Resorts Myrtle Beach…. so it might be worth plugging that term into google, bing or yahoo and seeing what you find. Make sure you negotiate for the best room at the best price. It’s all about value and you have to negotiate to get your value out of any situation. Anyway, just wanted to offer an alternative to Cancun as we know it’s a tough year…. and that’s all the more reason to find a great outlet for relaxation.
Making your Yard an Oasis
Posted on | February 23, 2010 | No Comments
We can’t be in Cancun all of the time but it’s important that we keep to the spirit of living our lives every day. Living as much as we can and getting the most out of what we have. So, for most of us, that means making an oasis out of our homes. After all, it’s where we spend most of our time (even though it probably feels like work sometimes).
We thought it might be appropriate to start discussing since this would be the planning phase of your little oasis (assuming you’re going to do something bigger this year). Whether you’re looking for Dallas Outdoor Kitchens or an infinity edge pool in Las Vegas, it’ is certainly fun to plan that little paradise.
I say “little” paradise for many reasons. For most of us, we’re not planning the Hanging Gardens in our backyard… or, again, for most of us, if we were planning the Hanging Gardens, we usually stop when they give us the quote. But mainly, it’s because we only need a little oasis. It’s a place to unwind and relax. Most importantly, it’s OUR place to do it. It’s our place to unwind.
So this year, I’m on a budget and won’t be doing too much but I am looking into some Dallas Landscaping companies (because I live in Dallas). Landscaping goes a long way to accenting our homes and making them beautiful. Plants bring our stone work, our brick and our wood work to life. Good landscaping in a yard can really make a big difference and round off that backyard paradise!
Wherever you are
Posted on | February 7, 2010 | No Comments
You need security to protect your information and your computer. We’re on the road a lot so we work from our laptop all of the time. Yes, this is via Cancun and we love to focus on the fun things in life but I can promise you that having your computer crash because of Malware that you picked on a public network is not fun. It’s not fun to lose all of your Cancun pictures because you hopped onto a public network to mail all of your great pictures to your friends and your unprotected computer picks up a virus. NOT FUN!
So, we advocate taking the extra steps to protect your information. Security Software is critical to protecting your information. It’s only going to become more and more critical as the information age continues to develop. Everything is being put online and filed away electronically. The goal is to become paperless. It’s happening in medical offices, work spaces and there are even electronic libraries being developed. Allowing a virus or a worm to corrupt all of this information would be the equivalent of letting paper copies burn to the ground.
We don’t want your vacation pictures, music, movies or anything to “burn” (like the Library at Alexandria). That would be a tragedy. So, take a little time and do some preventative maintenance. That way you can spend more stress free time on the beach and scuba diving the Yucatan Peninsula. So stay “electronically” safe and secure whether your in Cancun or anywhere you are!
Time Goes By
Posted on | February 1, 2010 | No Comments
One of my favorite things to do when I visit tropical destinations is to run down the beach, take in the scenery and enjoy the ocean air. As I’ve gotten older, I don’t hold myself to the same land speed times that I did when I was younger but I do like to keep the time. I like to take a nice relaxing jog and run 30 minutes down the beach (into the wind is preferable so the return trip is easier).
When running on the beach, I need something more rugged. The casio pathfinder has several watch styles that work for the beach.
These watches have temperature indicators and battery power indicators. These watches run on any light source and are accurate to 15 seconds per month… so you may lose 3 minutes a year! Not that hard to update… since you update it twice a year with the time change!
This watch also has some other great features. It has an altimeter which comes in hand if you’re hiking! I always love to know how much altitude I’m covering up and down. Another feature that’s great for hiking is the compass. I like to know where I’m going when I’m in the middle of the woods!
But back to the beach for now… these watches make great gifts for those athletic people in your lives that love the outdoors… whether the beach, the mountains or the local running trails!
Mexican Cowboys
Posted on | January 29, 2010 | No Comments
I was getting ready to give up on any vacation close to home. As you know, most of my vacations involve jumping in a plane and heading to Mexico. Commonly, I hit Cancun, but frankly anywhere warm will usually do just fine for me.
I attempted a stay-cation recently. And, instead of going to Cancun like my family usually does, we stayed local. Of course, we took time off work. But, it’s not really that simple. Of course, you also need to find an activity to do with your time off. Otherwise you end up wasting too much time in front of the tube wishing you were at a beach in Mexico!
This vacation, or perhaps stay-cation, we decided to check out the rodeo. We wanted something fun and something new and different. As you can guess, the Rodeo fit this need to a tee.
So, we went to the National Finals Rodeo. They had tons of events. They had tons of food. And, we had tons of fun! Believe it or not, we had as much fun as any Mexican beach vacation we have taken in the past.
I found a great website resource in case you are looking for Tickets to the NFR because you probably want to purchase them in advance. You’d be surprised, these events are very popular, and tickets can be hard to get your hands on.
So, the irony in the whole story about my stay-cation is that the winner of the final Rodeo was Mexican. So, the whole process of avoiding my family’s typical Mexican vacation ended up watching a Mexican cowboy riding up to the winners circle!
New Cars to Consider Renting in Cancun
Posted on | January 26, 2010 | No Comments
When going to Cancun, you may want to rent a car for your day trips… if you’re in the market for a new car, it’s always a good idea to try to rent what you’re thinking of buying… or at least take a test drive… let’s take a look at some models on the market:
“Obeys Traffic Rules. Breaks all Others.” This is the slogan for the new, reasonably priced Ford Flex. This looks like a fun option for those wanting some extra seating so your friends can join in the video gaming fun!! Haven’t been in one, but if I had to choose a game… I’d do this before the mini-van any day of the week! Check out some ford flex photos and make your own opinions!
“You’re more than one thing. So is Venza”. The slogan for the toyota venza sums up what kind of game this would be! Fun looking sedan but with an SUV look, it definitely has some personality! Probably makes for fun driving, and I’ve never met a Toyota I didn’t like, or one that didn’t have a long, successful life!!
Well, if you’re traveling to Cancun, you may want toThe nissan cube. “Personalize. Share. Connect.” Now this looks like one fun-loving car! Haven’t seen a game with a car like this one… nor have I seen any on the roads yet!!
“The 2010 Element, revamped. It’s still designed for those who navigate on their own terms, now with more fun, freedom and flexibility, from the inside out.” Well, Honda just about sums it up!! This is definitely a car worth taking for a test drive!! Click here for some honda element pics… I don’t think you will be dissapointed!
Good Luggage
Posted on | January 23, 2010 | No Comments
It’s always a must for traveling. We want to make sure you are prepared to become world travelers!!! Happy travel puts you in a much better mood when you reach your destination. It’s so frustrating to ball all of your stuff up into a bag where it gets wrinkled and then you have to “steam” your clothes in the shower, use the sub standard iron at the hotel or get your clothes pressed at the hotel for $6 an item (or more).
Well, having the right luggage these days brings on a whole list of considerations. For starters, I try to carry on everything I can so I don’t have to check anything. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way but it is not fun to pay extra money to check bags which stand a reasonable risk of getting lost or “misplaced” for the duration of your trip. That’s just frustrating!
So, you’ll need good carry on luggage which works with you getting through security and you’ll need good luggage for checking (preferably something where the zipper is not going to pop off and leave your belongings all over the tarmac. You’ll want something with compartments so that you can organize. You’ll want to be able to separate your underwear, bathing suits, toiletries, shoes and dress clothes. And, you’ll want something that is easy to manage through security and it is sized properly to meet the minimum carry on requirements. The airline you use for travel will have their regulations for carry on bags on their website. For example, American Airlines allows two items a personal item and a carry on item. The personal item is allowed a “total length” 36 inches and the carry on item is allowed a total length of 45 inches. Each bag cannot exceed 40 pounds either. To calculate “total length”, just add the length+width+height.
That’s it for the most part. Now that you have an idea what you will need on your world travels (via cancun of course), you’ll want to start looking into some brands: Hartmann Luggage, Tumi Luggage and Delsey Luggage. Happy Shopping!
A Moment to Discuss Security
Posted on | January 23, 2010 | No Comments
We love to take a care free, travel the world and easy going approach towards life. It’s Via Cancun, right? We’re sad to say that life is not always a party. Even if you have unlimited funding and don’t have to work, you still have to consider security.
I’ve traveled all over the world including 3rd World nations, disaster zones, war zones, large cities and small towns. Wouldn’t you know that there is theft, corruption, greed, scams, and serious crime in all of those places. How do you protect yourself? There are many things you can do but I’ve found that paying attention is the best thing you can do to stay safe. Pay attention to people lurking in your shadows. When the time is right, make sure they see you starting at them. If that makes you feel uncomfortable, stay in a group. It’s important that they do not sense fear in you. Like all things in nature, they will take the path of least resistance (in many cases) so being aware of your surroundings and carrying yourself with confidence goes a long way.
However, there are cases where you are the mark. It doesn’t matter how much you’re paying attention because your prowlers remain hidden. Furthermore, being confident is no a factor either because they know you have something they want and they’re going to try to get it.
For me, I have a home security system and I have it monitored oby ADT. I use them because of the discount I get through USAA. They’ve always been responsive and courteous. I’ve used ADT in Florida. I’ve used ADT in California. Now I have a security system in Texas with ADT.
So, they’re nation wide (at least I know there’s ADT in CA, ADT in FL and ADT in TX). The biggest thing about having a security system is that it will wake you up in the middle of the night if there are intruders. Someone will alert the police for you. It will help you monitor your house while you are away and you can get a call to your cell phone. It’s like have a team with you at all times. It’s not 100% secure but it’s another added layer of protection that may very well help you sleep at night.
Move
Posted on | January 21, 2010 | No Comments
Well, as a travel blog, we love to find new places. One of the things we love is to travel so much that you become a world traveler. To do this, you pretty much have to be a local all over the world. It takes practice! One of the ways this happens is by living in various places for months at a time. When you live in a city for months at a time, you are forced to learn about the trivial details of every day life. Things like paying bills, buying groceries, experiencing sunny days, cloudy days, different weekend events, various sports events.
It’s a big difference to live some place for 3-4 months and just visiting for a week. So, if you want to become a world traveler, you’re going to have to start traveling. Honestly, the only thing that makes sense for living arrangements is to find great apartments for rent. It’s the best way to go for an intermediate stay. You aren’t going to have time to buy a place (unless you’re just better funded than most people) and you’re not going to want to stay in a hotel for 4 months (unless it’s really nice) so you will want to find a nice apartment.
But, there are other issues. Most of us have to work so we can just pick up and move every 3-4 months. I will say that the invention of the internet is making the office a lot more mobile. There are more and more jobs that can be completed remotely. So, if you have one of these jobs, you may consider being a world traveler.
The last thing though is that, for most of us, you’ll want a partner to share your adventures so you’ll want a world traveling roomate! It can be just an incredible amount of fun. If you are a world traveler, we’d love to hear from you!
Gift Ideas
Posted on | January 16, 2010 | No Comments
Can you believe that Valentines Day is right around the corner? Crazy, huh? Well, last year my wife and I went to Playa Del Carmen for Valentines day. Yeah, typically I write about Cancun. Mexico. But, who doesn’t love the quick jaunt over to Playa? I highly recommend it!
Anyway, this year we agreed to keep our budget a bit more in check. Economy isn’t great for any of us, and I think we’ll try to limit our trips to mexico – cancun, playa del carmen, or otherwise – as much as we can stand it so we can save up a bit more cash.
This year I decided to go a more traditional route and get her a gift that I could wrap. I looked at cancun travel books, I looked at clothes and I looked at jewelry. In the end, I realized she has been asking for a watch for some time now, so I thought I’d research watches and see what I could find.
I ended up getting her one of the cool Citizen Eco Drive Ladies Watches that I found online. They were practical, but also beautiful. So, in other words, kind of the perfect Valentines gift. Do you agree?
Okay, I have to admit that I prefer the gifts that we both get to enjoy like our trip last year to playa del carmen. But, if you are looking for something a bit more affordable this year, you may also end up wanting something like a good online retailer of watches. Look no farther!