Archive for Destinations

Aug
29

Panama Travel Guide

Posted by: sgbate01 | Comments (0)

I have been looking at some of the various travel websites related to Panama.  Here are a few that I have to be very helpful (in no order whatsoever).

Categories : Panama
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This a great article on the benefits of the QRP program in Belize

http://ambergrisdaily.com/belize-news/belize%E2%80%99s-little-known-%E2%80%9Cqualified-retired-persons%E2%80%9D-program-offers-big-incentives-to-foreign-residents/

Discover an untouched paradise on Roatan. Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras boasts tropical landscapes surrounded by crystal clear Caribbean waters. Roatan is often found to be as affordable, if not more affordable, than surrounding Central American countries. Come to Roatan to start loving where you live!

The Roatan real estate market has a lot to offer a foreigner desiring to buy property on the island. Whether you are looking to invest in a continually booming market, purchase a second home for vacationing or to share with others, or searching for the perfect location to re-locate or retire, Roatan is for you.

The weather on Roatan is great all year long. The water is always warm and the tropical climate makes for beautiful scenery and cool evenings alongside the beaches.

Some benefits of moving to Roatan include an appreciating real estate market, knowledgeable and friendly real estate agents who speak English, investor friendly laws to protect you and your investments, a great local community maintaining a relaxed island lifestyle and an upbeat place to live. Additionally Roatan offers white sand beaches that fade into calm, warm Caribbean waters: heaven for scuba divers and water enthusiasts alike. The cost of living is extremely affordable and can be as extravagant or simple as you prefer. Modern hospitals and healthcare facilities exist on the island, and for very serious issues more advanced hospitals are a short plane ride to the mainland of Honduras.

Roatan Island has an international airport, docks and marinas, banks, grocery stores, and schools. Accessing the island is very easy from anywhere in the world with direct flights being offered by many mainstream airlines. If re-locating to Roatan, some of the top vacation spots in the world are right around the corner. Roatan offers all the amenities you look for in a place to live or raise a family, but offers them at a much lower costs and in a more beautiful and culturally diverse environment.

Roatan has a market for every buyer. If you would like to buy a home as an investment, our real estate agents can help you rent it out and maintain the property while you are away. For the vacationer and free spirit, Roatan offers more affordable housing that will be available to you whenever you decide to visit. For the people who want to make Roatan their home, the options are limited only to the imagination: Lush green tropical hillsides, beachfront property, huge estates, jungle plateaus, or homes near the main cities are all available.

On Roatan people can easily choose between developing property from start to finish, renovating an existing location, or moving into a completed new home. Running hot water, electricity, television, and high-speed internet are all available. The resources on Roatan are available for the business you always wanted to try, or opportunities to take over running businesses. The tourism industry on the island is very active and lucrative as Roatan is a great place to dive and relax all year long.

Honduras is a democracy headed by a President and Legislature, both elected by the voting public. Obtaining residency is easy. Honduran government encourages foreigner investment and has privatized most businesses for that reason. The government will grant citizenship to retirees or people moving into the country and living off of investment incomes or foreign incomes without taxing personal items, vehicles, and appliances brought into the country. The government values stability and over the past 15 years has placed, and continues to place, high importance on foreigners, which is why Honduras laws protect foreign investors just as they would a native. Foreigners can own land and are not required to lease the land.

Your safety is not so much a concern as it is almost guaranteed. The island of Roatan was once under British rule and many island natives speak English. Unlike some other Latin American countries where safety is of high concern, the Honduran government has taken extra precautions in recent years to keep visitors and newcomers safe.

Unlike other Central American cities, Roatan is removed from most mainstream political conflicts. Roatan’s climate is temperate year-round: the average temperature is 81°F. The people are friendly and the prices of property are on a steady increase, but remain affordable. The people of Roatan are kind, the lifestyle is simple. If all of these traits interest you, then Roatan can be your paradise. Honduras is one of the most reasonable priced places to live in the world and Roatan is no different.

Ryan Bernal [http://ryansdaily.blogspot.com] is a freelance travel writer. RoatanLife.com is a premiere Real Estate company on Roatan. Please visit: http://www.roatanlife.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Milverton

Categories : Honduras
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Aug
11

Fun Facts About Nicaragua

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

In the 1940s, baseball became the most popular sport in the country, thanks to such as Chino Melendez, Crisanto Adan Balmaceda Castrillo, Alfredo Garcia Mencia, Roberto Martinez, Alfredo Fonseca, Francisco Fletes Silva, Duncan Desmond Campbell Kaine, Timothy Mena Hodgson, and Jonathan Robinson Lee.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Nicaragua is a small country in Central America.It is a tropical paradise, squeezed in between two big oceans. Nicaragua is bigger than Portugal or Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Luis Enrique is from Nicaragua. The Latin America´s number 1 Nicaraguan singer in the 1980s and 1990s,with songs “Mi Mundo” (“My World”) and “Amigo” (“Friend”).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The Nicaragua baseball team won fourth place during the Olympics Games 1996 held in Atlanta,USA.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited Nicaragua.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The Ruins of Leon Viejo was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. It Is the oldest city in Central America.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The Nicaraguan people have many idols: Bianca Jagger (human rights activist), Barbara Carrera (actress), Alexis Arguello (sportsman), Ruben Dario (poet), Pedro Joaquin Chamorro (journalist), Nora Astorga (former ambassador to the United Nations), and Chino Melendez (sportsman).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Nicaragua is famous in history as the birthplace of Ruben Dario, one of the best poets in the 20th century. His real name was Felix Ruben Garcia Sarmiento, but he is better known by pen name Ruben Dario.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Violeta Barrios de Chamorro was president of Nicaragua from 1990 to 1997.She was Third World´s first elected woman president.She is the widow of Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, who was assassinated in the 1970s.In 1990 Violeta Barrios de Chamorro became the first democratic president in the history of Nicaragua.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Nicaragua hosted the 20th Baseball World Championship in 1972.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Lake Nicaragua is one of the biggest lakes in Latin America. It is one of the most important touristic attractions in Nicaragua.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Miss Nicaragua, Xiomara Blandino, qualified for the semi-final at the Miss Universe 2007.Miss Nicaragua 2007, once said,”I am a young woman with a lot of charisma, and one of my greatest virtues is my positive outlook on life.I want them to know that I have great potential as a woman and that I have the capability of giving myself completely to everything that I want to accomplish. I always enjoy every experience that life offers me.”

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Alejandro, best known as “Alex”, is a freelance writer. Different from other freelance writers, Alejandro is a versatile writer, who has written articles about biographies, culture, ecology, tourism, and international relations.

He admires Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA), Maria Felix (Mexican actress), Mario Vargas Llosa (writer from Peru), and Osmel Sousa (currently President of Miss Venezuela Organization).

His favorite writer is V.S.Naipaul. His hobbies and interests are writing essays, going to the gym, browsing the Internet, Foreign Politics, learning about cultures, reading , cooking Peruvian food, listening to American and British Music…

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alejandro_Guevara_Onofre

Categories : Nicaragua
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Jun
29

7 affordable places to retire abroad

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US News and World Report just published it’s list of seven places to retire abroad.  That’s our kind of thinking. Not only did USNWR analyze places to retire in the United States, but they also give us some insight (very limited) on other locations that would be great for your retirement.  I just wish that the author would have given us some of her reasoning for her picks, rather than the one liners that follow the country name.  I suppose that is a reason to buy her book, How to Retire Overseas: Everything You Need to Know to Live Well (for Less) Abroad through Amazon.com.

Here is the link to the article: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2010/06/28/the-worlds-most-affordable-retirement-haven

Here is the link to the 7 Affordable Places to Retire Abroad: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2010/6/2/7-affordable-places-to-retire-abroad.html

Categories : Destinations, Retirement
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After talking to several individuals over the years both inside U.S. and abroad, there seem being numerous misunderstandings when it comes time to travel Central America. Most men and women are familiar with Costa Rica and Panama, although a lot of will erroneously say South America when referring for the location on the map of these nations. The other nations which might be not so well identified for instance Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize all have their own wonderful mysteries and alluring destinations being discovered plus the wise traveler trying to find an adventure that’s affordable and off the beaten path will need to think about these nations.

You can find many critical points 1 must take note of just before they travel Central America. Persons in general will recognize previous to they travel that these nations are near the equator and so are hot year round, but until they really get off the air-conditioned plane do they recognize just how hot and humid these nations can get. Persons with extreme asthma or other medical issues will need to consult with their doctors very first ahead of they travel Central America.

If your travel takes you to a remote jungle or beach front location which are prevalent in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize and Panama then you will need for being mindful of insects and other nasty creatures for instance large spiders and specially scorpions. The native scorpion in the region is small and brownish red. This animal will hide in clothing and fall from ceilings and their sting is painful but not lethal. Some swelling might occur and partial paralysis or numbness for a temporary period of time. Tourists are warned to shake out their clothing and shoes ahead of putting them on since this is exactly where these critters like to hide. Pack some Benadryl and take an individual if bitten and also the effects on the sting will most most likely go away much quicker, unless a single is allergic towards the sting and then you will need to seek medical assist instantly.

You’ll find also snakes that you’ll need to become aware of, although they’re far more rare than one particular would think. In Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, residents would complain of deadly coral snakes coming into their homes for a bit of shade. In Costa Rica, several beach front resorts were plagued by one of the most aggressive serpents, the Ferre de Lance, or Terciopelos as the natives call them. One bite from one of these reptiles and it might be all over if medical support isn’t reached fairly quickly.

When bathing within the waters off the coast you’ll need for being mindful of riptides. There is an region in northern Nicaragua known as Poneloya exactly where the waves are so fierce along with the riptides so abundant that every Holy Week a number of hundred individuals get sucked in and are never seen again. If you’re drinking, old or really young, you may need to avoid these kinds of turbulent waters whenever you travel Central America.

When men and women swim from the ocean they may be lulled into a false sense of security, specially if they swim each and every day. They forget that the ocean is teeming with life and not all of it friendly. You will find sharks, of course, and other nasty fish like barracuda, but attacks from these animals are rare. Much more probably is obtaining stung by jellyfish which will invade particular areas at several times in the year. You’ll need to get great data from other swimmers just before venturing out into the ocean.

These are just a few tips to take into account whenever you travel Central America. Use your common sense and ask lots of questions just before embarking and you’ll be alright and have a wonderful time on your vacation.

Find out more about the author in:

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roman_Holland

 

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Costa Rica is home to highly trained doctors and surgeons that provide superior quality health care at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States. Every year loads of patients visit the country to receive medical, surgical, dental and cosmetic surgeries. With growing health care costs and reduced medical / insurance coverage, going to Costa Rica to have optimum medical care is a viable and an alluring option.

Costa Rica is one of the most amazingly diverse and beautiful countries. It boasts of mountains, forests, tropical beaches, and dormant volcanoes. Thus, combining, a vacation with a medical value trip is idyllic, and this has been one significant reason, that has made Medical Tourism flourish here.

Costa Rica’s brilliant reputation is attributed to its internationally trained surgeons and cost effective, inexpensive medical and surgical procedures.

The Hospital, Clinica Biblica, has been providing high quality health care services. State of the art facilities, modern and advanced equipments, and a variety of medical procedures and techniques, make the Hospital Clinica Biblica an ideal choice for health care needs for the overseas patients.

Costa Rica focuses on a host of wide-ranging medical and surgical treatments: cardio – vascular surgery, dental care, gynecology and obstetrics, cancer management, organ transplant surgery, to cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Some of the best dentists, dental surgeons, and oral surgeons in the world are placed in Costa Rica. Patients from all over the world, come to Costa Rica for its astonishingly low prices, vastly skilled dentists, and high-tech facilities. Dental work specializes in tooth extractions, implants, teeth whitening, smile designing, realignment of the facial bones, etc.

It is also noteworthy to mention that the Costa Rica Cosmetic Surgery is world renowned. In fact, cosmetic / plastic surgery is so reasonably priced, that the total cost of the medical trip to Costa Rica, inclusive of air fare, stay, and a few days of sight seeing, is far less than what the procedure would cost in the U.S. Plastic surgeries here cost a third of what they do in the U.S., without affecting the quality of health care.

How will you benefit by going to Costa Rica for a Medical Vacation?

• Hospitals (facilitated by the Medical Tourism Corporation medical packages) are world class, JCI accredited.

• Quality health care at affordable and inexpensive rates.

• Surgeons, physicians, and dentists are highly proficient in their fields of expertise.

• The equipments, apparatus, and surgical techniques used are contemporary and highly advanced.

• Medical Tourism guarantees up to 75 % off U.S. rates for dental care, and general surgery.

• Located at a convenient and short distance from the United States.

Modern hospitals (most of them JCI accredited) and health care centers have Board Certified surgeons, many of whom are professionally trained in North America or Europe. They present a variety of dental, cosmetic and general surgery procedures, using the newest technology, at reasonable rates. These characteristics have been greatly responsible for making this country, a much sought after country for medical vacations.

Author is a content writer and medical tourism management expert. For more details visit http://www.medical-trip.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Albert_Grant

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Feb
13

Brazil – background

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Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil peacefully gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America’s leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.
Categories : Brazil
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Belize City – The Largest City in Belize
By Michael F. Gibbons

Belize City is the largest city in the small country of Belize, an industrial port, and a mainstay on the cruise ship circuit. With a population of around 70,000, its considered more of a small-big city, more of a place where people go to relax than it is a place for a lot of excitement.

Belize City’s biggest attractions are its island beaches. It doesn’t take long to get to any of them, and its most popular beach is called San Pedro Town, which has also become a major tourist attraction of its own. Other beaches in the area include Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia Peninsula. One of the resorts right outside of Belize City, Seas Guesthouse, has its own quality beach, which is called Cucumber Beach.

There are a couple of museums in Belize City, the Museum of Belize, which is known for its extensive collection of Mayan artifacts within what used to be a colonial prison, and the Marine and Coastal Zone Museums. There a commercial district with lots of small shops and restaurants as well.

There are also a few attractions which visitors might find interesting. One of those things is the only manual swing bridge in the world, which spans the area between Haulover Creek and the Belize River, and is only activated twice a day, once at 5:30 PM, which is when tourists will gather to see how it operates. Another attraction is the Fore George Lighthouse, built on top of a French fort in the 18th century. Near the lighthouse you’ll still see cannons that were set up, but never had to be used.

Belize City is a comfortable place in a small country with outlets to many relaxing islands and it will offer some peace and tranquility whether you’re stopping by on a short visit via a cruise or looking to stay for a few days.

Belize has it all, especially if you’re looking for a great beach vacation destination. There are island beaches, museums, rivers, creeks and manual swing bridge, restaurants and so much more. If you’re looking for a sweet destination to relax and enjoy life, Belize is certainly an option.

To locate cheap hotels in Belize, including cheap vacation packages and discount beach hotels, visit the leader in travel, DiscountHotels.com.

Article Source:  Belize City – The Largest City in Belize

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