Visitors Get Sand, Surf, Adventure and Culture in Nayarit

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay in Nayarit on vacation?

As this article puts it, "new activities, culinary offerings and attractions are on tap for visitors headed for the Riviera Nayarit this summer", the resort area on the Pacific coast, close to Puerto Vallarta.

Eco-tours are offered in the forests and jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains, 30 minutes northeast of the town of Nuevo Vallarta. Visitors scale a device called the Crazy Ladder, zoom on zip lines between suspended walkways and platforms high above the jungle floor and descend via rappels.

Beach lovers will find 192 miles of coastline and small towns from Nuevo Vallarta to Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Blas (will be posting a video in my next blog).

Riviera Nayarit offers a number of galleries, open-air markets and exhibits of traditional Huichol art. The Huichol, the native tribe of Nayarit and one of the few remaining tribes in Mexico that have retained much of their original culture, inhabits central western Mexico, mainly in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit.

If you're in Nayarit, or have been to Nayarit, what are a few activities or sights, you'd recommend to visitors there now?

I hope you'll share your experiences here!

New FDA Rules for Sunscreen

I have very light skin and am always careful to put lots of sunscreen on, especially when on vacation. Looking through the AARP website, I just found out that the FDA has passed new rules for SPF so consumers will be able to "see more realistic SPF ratings".

Now sunscreens that test SPF 15 or higher will be able to claim they help prevent sunburn and protect against skin damage, while those sunscreens with a SPF of 15 or below will only be able to claim that they help prevent sunburn.

The article also says that the FDA will ban sunscreen manufacturers from claiming their products are waterproof and sweatproof — because none of them really are. Also, they won't be able to call sunscreens “sunblocks” anymore, since it's an exaggeration of what sunscreen can do.

Get all the details on which sunscreens will be good for you, here.

What Will Air Travel Look Like in 2050?

In this article by the Guardian, you'll see Airbus' concept cabin for 2050. It's said in the article that this type of air travel will be exclusively for the rich. What do you think?
Read the brief article and take the poll.

7 Ways to Keep Retirement Exciting

Here is an interesting article on how the new set of baby boomers are enjoying their retirement. A few ideas are continuing your education and learning a new trade. Over a quarter (26 percent) of affluent baby boomers plan to go back to school in retirement. Many colleges provide discounted or even free tuition to residents above certain ages.

Click here for the full list of ideas that will keep your retirement exciting.

Do You Know What the IAMAT Is?

An essential resource for any retiree thinking of traveling more extensively or moving to a foreign country, the IAMAT website shares all the secrets for a healthy, happy travel experience.

The Real Deal on Retirement Abroad

Recently published on Smart Money.com, this article on Expat Daily News will give you wonderful insight into things to think about when planning to retire, especially if it's abroad. Find out more about what you need to know if you're looking to retire abroad to make your savings go farther.

Where to Find Vegetarian Food in Nayarit? Quetzalcoatl, Claro.

For a variety of vegetarian Mexican cuisine and at affordable prices, you can go to Quetzalcoatl, a local Nayarit restaurant. Pronounced Ket-Zal-Coa-Til, it's rumored this local vegetarian restaurant is where you'll have the best veggie burger in town.

Common Sense Tips for Traveling Abroad

Whenever traveling it's good to keep in mind that we are in an unfamiliar place and should take extra precautions. If you're thinking of checking out your future retirement spot with a vacation, here are are a few good measures, based on common sense. They will come especially in handy for foreign countries that require a little extra attention and care, but can also be applied to trips in the States.

-Avoid revealing large sums of cash in public places. This can be applied to any city in the world really.

-Don't wear clothing items that scream “tourist.” Also, looking upwards and side to side the entire time you're walking is also a instant give-away that you're just visiting.

-Use small bills whenever possible to pay for purchases, especially with vendors in the street. It's probable that they may not have enough change if you pay with a very large bill, which can create an uncomfortable situation.

-When in a crowd, pay attention to the people around you. No matter where you travel, the people that look distracted are the ones that pickpockets go for first.

-It's never a bad idea to leave important documents, unneeded credit cards, and cash in the hotel safe.

-Be watchful of your belongings and keep bags and especially any electronic devices close to you.

Now, Shorter Time Frame for Permanent Residence in Mexico

Check out this detailed and explicative post from the Expat Daily News blog that gives an update on what documents you need if you're planning a move to Mexico. Also, check out what changes for those of you already enjoying the good life in Mexico.

Banderas Bay: A Place to Explore

Banderas Bay is one of the prettiest bays in the world. At the mouth of Banderas Bay is a peninsula called Punta de Mita, located in the state of Nayarit. Its beach, Anclote, is a great place to have lunch while watching whales and the boats entering and leaving Banderas Bay. If you want to see these friendly giants up close you can enjoy them on Anclote or visit popular Marieta islands. The Marieta islands are surrounded by coral reefs, and are both a natural and government-protected sanctuary for birds and turtles and a great place to snorkel. Punta de Mita is also home to a modern 1,500-acre golf resort and residential development called Punta Mita, with some of the world’s best hotels, including the Four Seasons and La Solana Rosewood.

Dani Leigh Photography: Sayulita

Gorgeous photo of beach-goers and retirees relaxing at the edge of Sayulita, from Dani Leigh Photography.

Another amazing photo of an insider's look at the town from Dani Leigh Photography.