Barry Golson's "Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad --in Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Panama, and Other Sunny, Foreign Places”

Barry Golson’s praised book “Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad --in Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Panama, and Other Sunny, Foreign Places” documents all the essential information needed before deciding to retire abroad. He discusses real estate, immigration, taxes, finances, culture, etc…

International Movers Web Page

I've been thinking that one of the most challenging parts of the process of moving to Mexico is actually transporting your belongings to another country. For that reason, I've been doing some research on international movers that can put you in good hands and offer a wide range of services and shipping methods that can make moving easier. Keep checking back for new posts on this subject! (I can't wait to find out more about what's the right way to go about an international move).

Mérida as one of the top ten colonial cities in Mexico

Mérida, the capital city of the Yucatan peninsula, is a must-see colonial city in Mexico, especially because of its large offer of Mayan culture. From Mayan ruins, to traditional Mayan dishes, indigenous fashion and Yucatecan dances and rituals, Mérida offers a host of things to do and see that will be an exciting way to learn about Mayan culture. Mérida has notable Spanish influence and is full of architectural and cultural gems. For instance, take a day trip to see the ruins at Chichen Itza & Uxmal and try the “salibutes” when you are in town. Besides discovering the ruins, the town and local fare, Mérida hosts a generous amount of free cultural events on a regular basis throughout the city. There’s also tourist information in the office on the main square.

Campeche, Mexico: A Colonial Gem on the Sea

Here is a wonderful video, courtesy of International Living, with a detailed description of Campeche, for anyone interested in seeing what this beautiful city is like.

New Tubohotel in Mexico: Chic and Comfortable Camping

This unique hotel, called Tubohotel or "Tube Hotel" in English is an innovative hotel located in the middle of an orchard, in the village of Tepoztlán, Mexico. It's perfect for taking the family on a camping trip in style. With full amenities and a beautifully landscaped setting, it can make even the most skeptic ready to go camping.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe: Top Travel Destination

Did you know that Mexico is "a top travel destination for members of the Catholic faith?" It just so happens that the Basilica de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe is the number one religious tourism destination of the world for Catholics and believers, the number of visitors exceeding that of the Vatican, Fatima in Portugal and Lourdes in France.

It turns out that Mexico has also been chosen as the latest host of the VII World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Tourism. The Mexican Ambassador to the Holy See, Hector Frederick Ling Altamirano, said, regarding the VII World Congress, “It is no doubt an important event, which recognizes the importance of Mexico in this field, particularly in the so-called religious tourism.”

Go to Mexicotoday.org for the full details on this exciting event for Mexico and the catholic faith.

San Miguel de Allende: Mexico's Colonial Gem

Not only is this 16th century mountain town a treat for anyone going to visit (the city boasts old colonial charm while offering every modern convenience), this article by International Living, suggests that it's the place where you'll find it the easiest to transition into expat life - "hands down."

The article describes San Miguel de Allende very well: "Colonial buildings, lovingly restored, line the town’s main streets, and beautiful churches and squares are around every corner, [where you'll also find] excellent restaurants, superb arts and crafts, and a temperate climate that’s hard to beat." Not only that, but it's easy to get by speaking English in the town, due to the community of foreign retirees already settled there.

The town is, as one San Miguel retiree refers to it, "an intriguing blend of serious and fun.”

"Loving New Retired Life in Mexico"

An American expat retired in Mexico, tells her story of retirement abroad and how she found the perfect place that keeps her happy and healthy in her retirement years. Her name is Pat Cornwell, and at 74 she can proudly say that she has made an important leap to health and happiness in Mexico: "In 2005, Pat [...] bought an affordable three-story house in Coatepec, Mexico, a small coffee-growing town about an hour west of the Gulf of Mexico. There, she says, she’s able to enjoy a slower life with less distraction. “I have time for friends, reading, gardening and health, though not in that order.”

The Durango-Mazatlán Highway Expected to Open in 2012

Recently, Dionisio Pérez Jácome, Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Secretary, said that the new Durango-Mazatlán highway is “80% completed” and “on schedule to be opened in the second half of next year” (2012) (Milenio online, 15 July 2011).

A new 1.2 billion dollar highway between Durango and Mazatlán, with four-lanes stretching across 230 kilometers, will greatly reduce the travel time between the two cities. It's a missing piece that will make the current 5 hour-long journey, much faster, easier and efficient.

Retired in Mexico: How to Plant a Beautiful Mexican Garden

If you're retired in Mexico and thinking of starting a garden, here is a great link to a gallery of plants that will grow strong in the Mexican climate as well as be a beautiful addition to your home.

Travel and Leisure's World's Best Awards

Check out this amazing list of world's best awards 2011, courtesy of travel and leisure magazine, that will show you the best hotels, cities, cruises, islands, family hotels, and spas in the world. For the 16th year in a row, the magazine has successfully listed all the must-be places in the world!

Which are your favorites? Feel free to leave your comments below.

Whale Watching On Way Towards the Marieta Islands

Here is a fun video that will show you some of the sites to see (like whales) from the boats that go to Marieta Islands in Banderas Bay, Mexico.

Happy Vacationers in Mexico

Mexico is still as safe as ever, even though the drug war is affecting Mexico's delicate image in the media. Recently, at a travel industry fair in Las Vegas, Calderon tried to convince American tour operators that tourists were safe in Mexico.

'Tourism has been absolutely untouched by the clashes,' says Lee Kraft, German honorary consul in the Acapulco district of Guerrero. 'It is really sad - the negative headlines make people forget that the Mexicans are full of life, show great hospitality and are very likable. Nothing about this has changed.'

It's true. It has been said many times before that the tourist areas of Mexico are safe, and go unaffected by the violence at the border. There are plenty of tourists that still travel to Mexico and have the same experience they would in any other conditions. Click here to read the entire article and please leave me your comments below.

Rare Archaeological Collection Coming to Mexico City in 2012

Coming to Mexico City in 2012 is a new collection from the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico City which expects to be the host to approximately 300 pieces. "The pieces showcase Aztatlan culture from 200 to 1350 AD and feature ceramic objects, shell and greenstone beads, copper rattles and travertine zoomorphic urns." The artist, donating the pieces is located in Riviera Nayarit. According to archaeologist Mauricio Garduño Ambriz, from Nayarit INAH Center, “This information will allow completing the scheme about religious conceptions and ritual practices linked to the Aztatlan ceremonial complex of the Post Classic period."

Click here to view the full article.

Rosa Mexicano: Gold Standard of Mexican Cuisine

In the states and missing Mexico?

Here's event information for a Mexican-style clambake this week, starting as soon as July 13, in different locations across the U.S. As the web site suggests,"Dig into a selection of our fresh Clambake flavors, classic favorites and famous cocktails. Mingle with our chefs and experts and put your chile knowledge to the test. Reservations are required so make sure to go to their website for details. As they say in Spanish, ¡Que aproveche!

Mexico: A Traveler's Literary Companion

Here is a wonderful literary companion that will delight anyone interested in reading about what Mexico really offers its visitors.

Mexico has long been the top travel destination for Americans, due to its beautiful beaches, warm weather, friendly people, interesting cultural and historic sites, affordability and convenient geographic location. "Mexico: A Traveler's Literary Companion" is a wonderful book that gives a complete scope of stories written by 'some of Mexico's finest contemporary writers of fiction and literary prose.' It's the first time that stories have been translated to English , so check it out and get your hands on this new, must-have travel companion.

Tip: Why not wait to read it in Mexico? You'd get a much richer view of what the book talks about.

Interesting Article: "Why, Where and How North Americans Relocate"

I came across this article and thought it would be perfect to share with my followers. It's one of the best articles I've seen on the subject, going into full detail about towns in Mexico that are popular with North American tourists and why. During the cold winter months, up to 700,000 retirees will travel to Mexico to soak in the sun and the smiles (Mexico is a very friendly country). Although many travelers are snowbirds, a large population of retirees are permanent residents that enjoy the tropical climate and increased affordability all year around. See what is valuable information for anyone looking into creating a new retirement haven abroad.

U.S. Expats Unite to Promote Baja

U.S. expatriates living in Baja are giving their beautiful region a makeover. The Baja Image Committee has been created by local residents and plans to dispel the misconceptions of Mexican drug cartel violence in Baja and "set the record straight". Since the media has started to focus on violence and unrest on the U.S.-Mexico border, most of which doesn't affect the Baja area at all, businesses have closed and houses have gone on the market.

Read the rest of the article to see how the Baja Image Committee is changing perceptions.

Turtle Nesting Begins in Banderas Bay

Have you ever heard of the Olive Ridley turtle? This turtle, also known as the “Golfina” (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle is popular in the Puerto Vallarta area and especially on Banderas Bay where in July it comes out (or comes in) in order to nest its eggs.

Regardless of the fact that tourist season has ended, there is still a great risk that many of these turtles not make it- the life expectancy for these turtles is very low. Increased development added to more and more poaching activities, lead to great threats for this beautiful, tranquil, leather-backed reptile.

Read about how The Sociedad Ecologica de Occidente works to conserve the turtle nesting grounds.

Golf Resorts in Mexico: Playa del Carmen

In keeping with the theme golf today, as this article mentions, Playa del Carmen is the best place to go for rest, relaxation and golf, of course. Most visitors to Mexico have already heard of Playa del Carmen as the go-to place for golf. See why so many people continue flocking to what is considered Latin America's golf capital and how it's converting Playa del Carmen in a new hot spot for real estate and investment.