What you may want to know about Belize - San Ignacio

1. San Ignacio is known as Cayo by the locals.

2. San Ignacio and Cayo are great fun for horses, stunning scenery, jungle treks (arrange a 3-day tour to Caracol on mule-back with Martz Farm), off-roading, kayaking on the Macal or Mopan, waterfalls (Big Rock or 1000ft), transit to Guatemala, practising your Spanish.

3. If you don't like the outdoors, aren?t headed to Guatemala and aren't interested in Mayan culture, then stick with the Cayes (Caulker is best value for backpackers, Tobacco is good for getting away from it).

4. The best place for 'travellers' who only ever do what the Lonely Planet suggests is definitely Eva's. For the rest, look out for the next edition spots and some local flavour: try "Cocopeles" 2 mins from Eva's (just ask for directions, the locals don't bite) for a great vibe, bar games, better prices and local/gringo mix. Food is supplied by local eateries such as.

5. The Firenza Cafe' in the small street opposite Belize Bank. It's great for pizzas, has an outdoor bar/patio & a very cheap/good breakfast. It's also clean and won't give you a bad stomach unlike some other places mentioned in the guides...

6. The San Ignacio hotel is bad value, even on someone elses credit card; Martha's & Venus are much better for in-town options.

7. Backpackers is a good option out-of-town and the Xuanantunich Inn, just opposite the ferry to the Mayan site, is a fair spot if you are in a group and you negotiate a discount.

8. My lux choice would be Cacao Creek (when it opens to the public in December or for budget, the cool Martz Farm with horses & tree-houses (speak to Joe or Miriam on 614 6462).

9. The cheap way to Tikal is to take the bus or Benque taxi to the border, then take a collectivo (mini-van from the gas station past the border bridge 3 minute walk) towards Flores, the closet town to Tikal. Ask to be dropped at the junction to Tikal and then flag a ride there from one of the many shuttles that do the trip from Flores. If you are in a group, negotiate a deal with the mini-vans at the border. The third price is usually the best.

10. Taxis in Cayo are cheaper by day, but few trips will cost over $10. Buses run regularly from the town and are good value. Look out for express routes to/from Belize City.

Hotels 

Hotel Central has a friendly English owner.The rooms are spacious and have common private bathroom. It has a balcony with hammock. It costs 22 B$ for a double, but it was full when we arrived around noon.   We went to Hotel Venus which is a large block full of rooms. Only rooms 10 and 16 have a window. The showers are somtimes broken, a double costs 35 Q. 

Restaurant 

The place to be for travellers is Eva's Restaurant. It provides plenty of travel info and organises relatively cheap tours to the jungle (at least compared to the tours lodges in the neighbourhood are offering). 

What to do 

The Xunantunich ruins are 30 minutes out of town. It's a bit difficult to get there, since you first have to take a bus to the ferry, and from there it's a walk up the hill. The ruins themselves are nothing special (especially after you've seen Tikal), the view over Guatemala is OK.  

A 1 day trip into the jungle is possible during the dry season and can be arranged at Eva's, but don't expect too much of it. There are mainly 3 things to see:  

• A nice and very high waterfall which you can see from a viewpoint (the Hidden Falls waterfall).  
• A smaller waterfall with pools, nice to have a swim (Rio On pools).  
• A cave which is OK (Rio Frio Cave).  

When I was there, it was extremely difficult to visit the Mayan ruins of Caracol in the middle of the jungle. In the mean time however, they continued the excavations, made a road and recently opened a visitor's center. Although the ruins are bigger then the ones in Tikal, most of it is not yet excavated. It is also much less touristic then Tikal. Entrance (including visitor's center) is now 5 US$ (5/99). You can visit the ruins on a day trip from San Ignacio usually also including the Rio On pools and the rio Frio Cace.  

If you're into eco-tourism (to be honest I'm not such a big fan myself), then San Ignacio might have what you're looking for. Although, a lot of the lodges charge pretty much and cater for Americans willing to spend some US$ (70% of visitors entering by airplane are Americans). Here are some options:  

- One of the largest cave systems in central America  

- 3 butterfly farms  

- Belize botanical gardens  

- Belize Zoo  

- You can do some kayaking, rafting, horsebacking etc...  

- I didn't do any of these so I can't comment on them.  

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Costa Rica Travel: A Natural Adventure 

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 Travel Costa Rica Safety Tips

Travel Costa Rica Safety Tips

If you plan to travel Costa Rica, there are a few things that you should know in order to make your visit to this fascinating Central American country not only more enjoyable but safer as well.

While is generally much calmer than some of its neighbors, it must be recognized that this beautiful and lush country is still far different than many other tourist hot spots across the world.

First, the weather is significantly different than what you may be accustomed to so it’s a good idea to understand up front that there are really only two seasons in Costa Rica and these are wet and dry. If you travel from December to April, you will likely encounter the wet season. This means that you should plan to pack sturdy rain gear. During the remainder of the year, the weather tends to be dry. For the most part, this is the only seasonal weather difference that you will find when you travel throughout the country. The mountain rangers tend to experience temperatures that are cooler, while the coasts are hotter. Expect temperature ranges between 60 and 80 in the mountains and 70 to 85 along the coasts. In addition, the low lying areas can be quite humid.

You should also anticipate the fact that you may become exposes to certain local health conditions when you travel . With the lush beauty of this country, that is certainly no reason to delay your visit; but it is a good idea to be forewarned so that you can take appropriate pre-cautions.

One health condition that you should be on the lookout for is known as Dengue fever. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for this disease but by knowing how to spot the symptoms, you can take precautions to keep from contracting it and know how to treat it if you should come down with it. The disease is transmitted by a specific mosquito, which tends to be most active during the day. Some of the symptoms of this disease include a high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and joint/muscle pains. Individuals who have contracted dengue fever may also develop a small rash. If you believe that you have contracted Dengue fever, seek medical attention and avoid aspirin.

Cholera and Malaria are two other diseases that tend to be present in some countries, such as . Fortunately, you can take tablets to prevent developing Malaria, which is contracted from mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pains. The best course of action to prevent Malaria is to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, use mosquito repellants with DEET and avoid perfumes and colognes.

Cholera is transmitted from one person to the next by passing bacteria in direct contact. It can also be contracted by contact with contaminated food and water, especially seafood. Fortunately, there is a relatively low risk of developing cholera when you travel . It can be prevented by avoiding seafood and taking precautions with hygiene as well as ensuring that only drink distilled water. While there is a vaccine available, it is believed to not be highly effective. 

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Costa Rica Travel: A Natural Adventure  

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Latin America & Caribbean  

17 Tips for Flying with Kids  

Costa Rica Travel: A Natural Adventure

Costa Rica is often touted by the national tourism board as one of the few natural destinations in the world and with good reason. Costa Rica travel is well known for providing a surprising and interesting view in a Central American country replete with a lush tropical landscape and sincere native hospitality.

If you are planning Costa Rica travel at any time in the near future, you should be certain of the entry requirements when finalizing your travel arrangements. When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you should take into consideration how long you plan to visit the country. Citizens with valid passports from certain countries are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa, while citizens from other countries are only allowed to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa. Still yet, other prospective visitors must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy before traveling into the country; so it’s always best to check before making firm travel arrangements. Beyond the issue of your visa, you will need to present a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.

Inside the country itself, Costa Rica travel is quite easy. The country is bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. By air, the coasts of Costa Rica can be traversed in as little as 45 minutes and only 4 hours by car. Costa Rica is bordered on the North and South by Nicaragua and Panama.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica; so if possible it would be a good idea to pick up a few pertinent phrases while planning your Costa Rica travel. The citizens of Costa Rica are known as Ticos and enjoy a well known reputation as being a peace loving people; happy to provide warm hospitality to the millions of tourists that make their way to this tropical country each year.

Costa Rica tends to enjoy a pleasant climate year round; although it can be cooler near the coastal areas. The best way to describe the weather in Costa Rica is very similar to a spring type climate. When packing for your Costa Rica travel, it is advisable to keep in mind that the country experiences a rainy season from May to December each year so you might want to toss in an umbrella and raincoat. Also, don’t forget to pack a good quality sunscreen. If you plan to make a trip into the rainforest during your Costa Rica travel, it is advisable to also bring along a good pair of hiking boots and insect repellant.

Most modern amenities are available in Costa Rica. During your Costa Rica travel, you can enjoy cable television at most major hotels and keep up with world events through a wide availability of newspapers from around the globe.

The official currency of Costa Rica is known as the colon. US currency is also widely accepted throughout the country as well as major credit cards.

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17 Tips for Flying with Kids

It’s enough to make parents stay at home and play endless games of hide and seek in the house instead of venturing to a new city or country for a family holiday.
Flying with kids can be disastrous. We all know how much people who fly without kids complain about those who fly with children. The thought of their glaring eyes has you crumbling at the knees.
If something goes wrong, you are a long way from help. What if they get sick? What if they don’t stop screaming? What if there isn’t enough food? What happens if they won’t fall asleep? What if they just want to run up and down the aisles screaming?

Is it really worth the hassle?

I say yes. In all my years of flying and travelling, I do not ever recall being disturbed by another child.
I’ve been irritated by a few adults plenty of times though.
Kalyra and Savannah have been flying since they were only a few weeks old. We’ve only ever had one issue that lasted about 20 minutes.
Kalyra had just turned two. We were flying to Puerto Rico and caught a 6:30am flight from our home at the time Raleigh, North Carolina to Atlanta. There were plenty of men and women in suits preparing for their morning meeting or trying to get a few extra hours of shut eye before trying to broker big deals.
Kalyra had just hit independence age and when it was time to put on her seat belt for take off she was having none of it. The high pitched screeming started. Craig and I crumbled in terror, thinking only of the annoyed flyers around us (to be honest I don’t even think they were).
We had an arsenal of strategies we tried, none of them worked, yet through it we remained calm and composed so she knew it was alright. The crying eventually died down and soon enough she could take the belt off and she was back to being an angel frequent flyer.
Flying with children isn’t really that bad. You can easily put systems and strategies in place to help your child cope and to train them to be good flyers.

Respect and Patience

It comes down to teaching our children respect and good manners and for childless flyers to have a smidgen of patience and tolerance.
Flying is public so you have to expect children may be present and might lose the plot. You can’t ask them to leave, and while I understand that this can be frustrating, especially since you have paid for a ticket, the best way for you to get through the flight is to manage your self.
You usually cannot control what others are doing, you can however control how you react. I think the Dalia Lama says it best, whenever he is put through a challenging experience, he sees it as an opportunity for him to practice the art of patience and compassion.
Mediate and say, “Thank you for this opportunity for me to learn patience and compassion. “
Trust me. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll end up enjoying your flight regardless.

But Parents,

You have got to teach your children manners and respect. They have learn to consider those around them.
I know you’re pulling your hair out and you just want to give up because they haven’t listened after the 100th time, but you can’t. You can’t sit on your entrainment system and ipad while your kids are kicking the seat in front of them and screaming down the aisle. A stern word and a few consequences almost always work. Take them into the toilet for time out if you need to. That should shut anyone up!

17 Tips for Flying with Kids

There are three essential keys to helping your children have a good flight.

1. Preparation and Planning

99% of the time your child will be irritated, cranky or screaming because they are either:

1. Tired
2. Bored
3. Hungry

Pack enough food, enough toys and provide opportunity for them to rest on the plane.

2. Communication

You must talk to your child before, during and after the flight, so they know exactly what to expect.
Describe the experience of flying from checking in, to boarding, to seat space, meals, entertainment, sleeping arrangements, playing, and then disembarking. Depending on your child’s age you can also talk through potential problems and solutions. What do you think you can do if you start getting bored? What about if you are hungry?
Get them really excited about it, let them know it is a big adventure. Practice at home. Watch cartoons or movies if you can.
As you go through each procedure during the flight, talk to your child so they are prepared and comfortable:
“We’re just checking in now and the lady is going to take our bags. We have to line up here for boarding, we must be patient as we wait our turn. Oh yippee, look the hostess is coming with food!”
Check in with them throughout the flight as to how they are feeling and what they might need.

3. Training from an Early Age

The worst thing you can do is delay flying with kids because you are frightened of it. It will only be worse when it is time to take the plunge as they won’t know what to do. Train them as early as you can.
Our girls are such great flyers as they have been doing it from birth. They know the procedure, what to expect and how to manage themselves.
Just take a look at how Savannah, who was 17 months at the time of recording this, boards a plane. She gets it at an age when some children aren’t even walking yet.

 4. Distract Them from Their Fears

I have a fear of flying that I am learning to overcome. I hold Kalyra’s hand during take off. This helps take her mind off the fear and transfer that to having an important job of easing Mummy’s fears.

5. Book a Bassinet for Babies

This was so helpful flying to the States when Kalyra was only nine months old. She loved having her own bed and would sit up and give the royal wave to the passengers. Pre-book this when you book your plane ticket, as are limited numbers.

6. Get Organized

As soon as you board the plane, get organized and settled in with every thing you need. Have essentials stored in the pockets and under the chair. Now you don’t have to climb over everyone or wait until the seat belt sign is off to get what your unhappy child wants.

7. Have a Surprise Bag of Treats

Go to the $2 store and buy a bunch of toys, wrap them and every couple of hours allow your child to unwrap one and play with it on the plane. This is such a great way to turn a boring plane flight into a treasure trove of fun.

8. Go for Walks

Every hour take your child for a walk up and down the plane. Not only is it essential for your health and sanity to stretch your legs, but your child will love all the attention they get form the other passengers.

9. Have Quiet Activities to Occupy Your Children

You can’t go wrong with colouring books and pencils. Pack a couple of their favourite story books for quiet reading.

 10. Ask for Help

If you are struggling ask the air hostesses for help. They are usually wonderful at helping parents with their children and may even be able to give you a break.

11. Take Snacks on Board

Every airline and flight is different now in regards to what food is supplied. Take plenty of food and water with you on the plane, just in case.

12. Have a Movie Marathon

Kalyra loves watching movies on the plane and she does for most of the flight. Flying to LA with her is a breeze. Allow your children to watch a lot of movies. It will get them excited about flying – it sure does for me! If you have an ipad, have a few movies ready for in-flight entertainment.

13. Play Entertainment Games with Them

Kalyra loves it when we sit and play the memory game and Pacman with her on the in-flight entertainment system. It’s quiet bonding time. You can also do this if you have an ipad.

14. Help Them Get Settled to Have a Sleep

Let them lie on your lap, put the pillow down for them, and snuggle them up in the blanket. Do whatever you can to help them sleep; trust me you will appreciate those couple hours of rest time yourself.
Keep to their regular bedtime routines as much as you can: dress them in their pyjamas and have their favourite bear with them for snuggles.

15. Have Them Sit in the Middle

Have you seen the movie Flight Plan? Then you’ll know why I am recommending this one. For safety keep them sitting between you and your partner in the middle seats. This way you know if they are trying to get out into the aisle without you!

16. Help Their Ears on Landing

Babies have not yet developed the ability to equalize their eardrums naturally. If you have ever felt this pressure on your ears before then you’ll know why so many babies scream during landing. Breastfeed/feed your baby or have them suck on a dummy.
For older children let them chow down on chewy food.

17. Comfort Them

A cuddle and a few calming words or hushed lullabies does wonders for comforting our children. Flying is such a new experience they might feel a little anxious. Help them to feel safe and secure. It’s the best way to settle them down.
 
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Curacao
This Island should be called Romance! With its rich history that combines the Caribbean vitality, hidden coves that reveal an emerald-blue sea, and a multicolored sunsets it will make you want to never leave. Staying in this island requires staying in a boutique hotel and scuba! Check out the Boutique Hotel Scuba Lodge & Suites which offers intimate hotel accommodations, private beach and if you get tired of the sand a beautiful pool with the view of the ocean. (Cost of hotel during low season is $129 a night.)

Cancun, Mexico
Even though this city is known for its spring break parties, it has some of the best beaches and hotels in Mexico! You can explore the beautiful underwater art museum, enjoy its gorgeous shoreline and stay at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort that offers something for the leisure traveler. (Palace Resorts all-inclusive accommodations start at $171 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.)

  

San Andres, Colombia
Your first glimpse of San Andres Island is the sea of seven colors, home to many-hued fish and coral, working their magic on the visitor. Fresh seafood, live ballenato, awesome diving excursions and beautiful sunsets are just some of the things you can experience in San Andres.

Costa Rica
For the adventure couples, head to Costa Rica where you can zipline through the rainforest, get pampered in sexy spas, and indulge in some of the most beautiful beaches in central America. One hotel to check out for your stay is the beautiful hilltop, Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. 

  

Buenos Aires, Argentina
This metropolitan city is the second largest in South America and has everything that encompasses love: sexy tango music, delicious food, and most importantly some of the best wines in the world. If you visit Buenos Aires also known as the South American Paris, stay at the posh Alvear Palace that is heavily influenced by the French style and décor and all the rooms have Jacuzzis where you can snuggle up with your honey! (Cost of hotel during low season is $420 a night.)

  

Cuzco/Machu Picchu, Peru
If you are a couple that loves to explore the world, then the Inca Imperial City is calling your name.  In one visit you will get to try Peru’s finest cuisine, be in the middle of mountains, check out the “City of the Incas” which is just a train away from Cusco and get reenergized by its beauty and history.

  

Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
If your plan is to be completely carefree then looking into an all-inclusive is your best bet. This sexy hotel in San Jose del Cabo offers the all-inclusive package you are looking for plus swim-up suites, couples massages in private cabanas on the beach and much more!

  

Archipelago De Bocas Del Toro, Panama
You don’t have to travel all the way to Bora Bora to experience staying at a hotel on top of the water. Just travel south to Panama and visit Bocas Del Toro and stay at Punta Caracol Hotel, which offers water standing cabins with beautiful views of the ocean. (Cost of hotel during low season is $372 a night.)

 

Casa Colonial, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
This boutique hotel is known for its stately Victorian houses, unaltered views of the Atlantic ocean, amazing spa, and gives an entirely new meaning to the five-star concept. (Cost of hotel during low season is $250 a night.)

  

Archipelago Los Roques, Venezuela
Looking to have your own private island for the day at only a ferry ride cost? Then Los Roques is the perfect spot for you! This national park has been maintained by its own locals, so expect to stay at quaint Bed and Breakfast spots and enjoy fresh lobster for as low as $10 per person. 


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