For some people, a vacation lying in the sun and doing nothing is more frustrating than relaxing. These people prefer to be active on their vacations and welcome the opportunity to help others during their time off. Others take vacation time specifically to perform good deeds for others. If you want to spend some time helping others, a volunteer vacation in Mexico may just be the right choice for you.
In Mexico, more than 1,000,000 families live in substandard housing, according to official estimates. Habitat for Humanity Mexico estimates that this number may be even higher, because it doesn’t take into consideration multiple families living in crowded conditions under one roof. In fact, Habitat for Humanity estimates Mexico’s housing needs at double the official estimates.
Based on Christian principles, Habitat for Humanity promotes adequate housing as a fundamental right for all people. Working with people from all nations and walks of life, they develop housing for families and work to support community sustainability. More than 20 years ago, Habitat for Humanity began working in Mexico in the cities of Chihuahua and Hildago. Habitat for Humanity Mexico now works in all 17 states and has grown to become one Latin America's largest Habitat for Humanity Programs.
Depending on the amount of time you have to spend, you may choose from the Global Village Program, which is a two-week volunteer trip, or the International Volunteer Program, an opportunity that lasts several months. The cost of participating in the Global Village Program varies, but excluding air fare, the cost for a 9- to 14-day trip averages between $1,200 and $1,500. Fees include room and board including meals as well as transportation in Mexico. Air fare and baggage handling fees aren’t included. A small part of the participation fee also goes to support the local building program. If this sounds high, don’t worry – part or all of the participation fee may be tax deductible.
To participate in the Global Village volunteer program in Mexico, you must be at least 14 years old, in good health and, if you’re a minor, you may need to be accompanied by your parent or guardian. More information on this and the International Volunteer Program can be found on Habitat for Humanity’s website.
In addition to Habitat for Humanity, the Projects Abroad organization offers a number of volunteer vacation opportunities in many different countries. In Mexico, their efforts are based in Guadalajara.
In one program, high school age students can participate in turtle conservation work at the Campamento Tecoman Biological Station. In addition to learning the Spanish language during the day, students spend evenings working to help protect the rare Olive Ridley turtle by counting and collecting eggs, helping newborn turtles return to the sea and caring for injured turtles. Students also study local wildlife and help with crocodile conservation.
If animals interest you, you may also want to check out Projects Abroad's veterinary medicine and animal care projects. In Mexico, you can work with a variety of animals you may never see in your ordinary animal care or veterinary work, including large snakes, elephants and big cats. Other volunteer program opportunities through Projects Abroad include teaching English, working in orphanages and providing medical care to impoverished regions. Projects Abroad’s prices vary depending on the nature and length of your stay.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
If you are planning to visit Mexico and want to arrive during a time of festivities then there’s two holidays that will fit your criteria. Cinco de Mayo is a huge Mexican celebration on the 5th of May. A lot of Americans celebrate it. Most call it Mexican Independence Day but it’s far from that. Mexico claimed it’s independence from Spain on September 15, 1810. Cinco de Mayo actually symbolizes something completely different than an independence from Spain. A lot of Americans also celebrate this special day.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the battle of Puebla. The Mexicans lost the war so their victory wasn’t against the French but more about the victory with in the country as a whole. The fact that Mexico united and stood up for themselves against the French showed great patriotism and inspired many other Latin countries to be willing to defend themselves against intervention. The Mexicans did not win the war but the victory over in Puebla was inspiring for many.
Cinco de Mayo is not a Mexican holiday though. It is more of an American holiday where the Mexican-Americans get together and see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. There’s a fifty year difference between Battle de Puebla and Mexican Independence day from Spain.
September 16th is a perfect day to fit in your tour of Mexico. September 16th is the real Mexican Independence Day. You can visit the city of Zocalo and watch the locals re-enact the call of independence. Make sure you head over to the main plaza where all ages go to party! It is a day full of music, food, and dance. Hundreds of vendors set up serving food in every corner in the city. They make typical foods like guacamole and chips and beverages such as ponche (fruit punch), Men and women dress with typical Mexican fashion like what they wore back in 1810.
Live Mariachi bands entertain hundreds of people in the city squares. A whole ceremony is dedicated to the forefathers and you can hear everyone yelling VIVA MEXICO! The streets are decorated by Mexican flags and lights. The national colors of white, green, and red which are the colors that flood the streets on this day. Both of these holidays are significant to the Mexican culture in one way or another but September 16th is the real Independence Day and shouldn’t be missed by anyone. It’s a day you don’t want to miss if you’re in Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the battle of Puebla. The Mexicans lost the war so their victory wasn’t against the French but more about the victory with in the country as a whole. The fact that Mexico united and stood up for themselves against the French showed great patriotism and inspired many other Latin countries to be willing to defend themselves against intervention. The Mexicans did not win the war but the victory over in Puebla was inspiring for many.
Cinco de Mayo is not a Mexican holiday though. It is more of an American holiday where the Mexican-Americans get together and see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. There’s a fifty year difference between Battle de Puebla and Mexican Independence day from Spain.
September 16th is a perfect day to fit in your tour of Mexico. September 16th is the real Mexican Independence Day. You can visit the city of Zocalo and watch the locals re-enact the call of independence. Make sure you head over to the main plaza where all ages go to party! It is a day full of music, food, and dance. Hundreds of vendors set up serving food in every corner in the city. They make typical foods like guacamole and chips and beverages such as ponche (fruit punch), Men and women dress with typical Mexican fashion like what they wore back in 1810.
Live Mariachi bands entertain hundreds of people in the city squares. A whole ceremony is dedicated to the forefathers and you can hear everyone yelling VIVA MEXICO! The streets are decorated by Mexican flags and lights. The national colors of white, green, and red which are the colors that flood the streets on this day. Both of these holidays are significant to the Mexican culture in one way or another but September 16th is the real Independence Day and shouldn’t be missed by anyone. It’s a day you don’t want to miss if you’re in Mexico.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Belize Tourism
Belize is a hot destination for over 850,000 tourists annually. If you are seeking offshore kayaking adventures, beautiful walks through national parks, or explorations through mysterious Mayan territory then Belize is the spot for you. Belize has perfect mild temperatures, glorious beaches, and a history as rich as its texture.
The vast expanse of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves reach across 40% of the country and it is all protected territory. This creates a vast haven for many species that would otherwise be subject to scarcity or even extinction. It is a blessed land for all to view, experience, and enjoy. Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuary is the most famous sanctuary in Belize. In this sanctuary a bird-watcher can find themselves enveloped in paradise.
It has been recently discovered that Mayan culture and civilization was centered in Belize. We all know that Belize is home to a hoard of Mayan treasures. Mayan templates, towns and cities, observatories and palaces, only a few of which have been uncovered. This is an amazing amount of Mesoamerican heritage packed into magnificent jungles and long-abandoned cities of the past.
The largest island in Belize is the Ambergris Caye, as well as being the hottest destination for tourists. This island is also the home to San Pedro, the infamous, singular town on this luxurious island.
There is so much to do in this rich land. The obvious treasures are the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and the Mayan mountains and heritage and history that abound. But some of the underlining spectacles are found in the tropical rainforests, limestone caves, surrounding waterfalls, ancient temples and ruins, zip lining in the forests, even snorkeling near the barrier reef.
What magnificence. What adventure. It is too much to try to describe, because words just do not hold a light to the true sights and spectacles that await. If there is a place that everyone needs to discover, at least once, this is it. It is Belize, and it awaits.
The vast expanse of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves reach across 40% of the country and it is all protected territory. This creates a vast haven for many species that would otherwise be subject to scarcity or even extinction. It is a blessed land for all to view, experience, and enjoy. Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuary is the most famous sanctuary in Belize. In this sanctuary a bird-watcher can find themselves enveloped in paradise.
It has been recently discovered that Mayan culture and civilization was centered in Belize. We all know that Belize is home to a hoard of Mayan treasures. Mayan templates, towns and cities, observatories and palaces, only a few of which have been uncovered. This is an amazing amount of Mesoamerican heritage packed into magnificent jungles and long-abandoned cities of the past.
The largest island in Belize is the Ambergris Caye, as well as being the hottest destination for tourists. This island is also the home to San Pedro, the infamous, singular town on this luxurious island.
There is so much to do in this rich land. The obvious treasures are the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and the Mayan mountains and heritage and history that abound. But some of the underlining spectacles are found in the tropical rainforests, limestone caves, surrounding waterfalls, ancient temples and ruins, zip lining in the forests, even snorkeling near the barrier reef.
What magnificence. What adventure. It is too much to try to describe, because words just do not hold a light to the true sights and spectacles that await. If there is a place that everyone needs to discover, at least once, this is it. It is Belize, and it awaits.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Many Reasons To Visit Mexico
Mexico is more then tacos and chalupas from imposter fast food restaurants. Besides their amazing Mexican food, Mexico is known for the beautiful Mexican vacation destinations and it’s 800 year old Pyramids. Historical destinations, great food, paradise style beaches and an authentic Latin culture like no other.
The Aztec Indians are an important part of Mexican history. Before the Spaniards conquered the city, they were from a land in Northern Mexico called Aztlan which is where they derived the name of their tribe. After migration and after they were conquered the Spaniards called them by another name called the Mexicans. This is where Mexico City and the whole region of Mexico got its name. The Aztecs main deity is Huitzilopochtli, God of war and symbol of the sun. They were driven by war and based their ever-growing need of war and human sacrifices as a manifestation of their strength. These sacrifices were somewhat of a defense mechanism. If they weren’t as brutal as they were then surrounding enemy tribes probably wouldn’t have been as intimidated by them. Survival of the fittest seemed to be playing a huge role in this past time. Their sacrificial pyramids are evidence of it. It’s a destination worth visiting.
White-sugar sand beaches are another reason to vacation in this enchanting country. Xpu-ha is a beautiful beach where you can swim, stroll along the beach and wish upon a star. The bay is amazing while the ruins of Tulum are tempting to explore. There’s a beach right by the ruins so you can have the best of both worlds; A perfect example of nature and history. The beach stretches for miles so it’s perfect for a morning job or a romantic endless walk. Surfers may not enjoy this next beach as much but the scuba divers and snorkelers will be sure to fall in love. Maroma beach, Playa del Carmen, is a sugary white sanded beach with crystal clear calm waters. The water is filled with colorful reefs waiting to show off in front of the admirers. There’s a hotel at the beach so plan on taking some extra time off there. The Yucatan is also around the way for all of the hikers.
La Hacienda De Los Morales is just as historical yet delicious. Located in a historical mansion that appears to come straight out of the Spaniard colonial era. The hours are different from those of the states; they’re open from 1- 1am. They serve typical Mexican cuisine and are excellent with service being that most of there staff have worked there more than 2 decades. They feature specially prepared meats, seafood, soufflés, authentic Mexican salads and appetizers to die for. Sure beats taking a trip to go eat fast food burritos!
The Aztec Indians are an important part of Mexican history. Before the Spaniards conquered the city, they were from a land in Northern Mexico called Aztlan which is where they derived the name of their tribe. After migration and after they were conquered the Spaniards called them by another name called the Mexicans. This is where Mexico City and the whole region of Mexico got its name. The Aztecs main deity is Huitzilopochtli, God of war and symbol of the sun. They were driven by war and based their ever-growing need of war and human sacrifices as a manifestation of their strength. These sacrifices were somewhat of a defense mechanism. If they weren’t as brutal as they were then surrounding enemy tribes probably wouldn’t have been as intimidated by them. Survival of the fittest seemed to be playing a huge role in this past time. Their sacrificial pyramids are evidence of it. It’s a destination worth visiting.
White-sugar sand beaches are another reason to vacation in this enchanting country. Xpu-ha is a beautiful beach where you can swim, stroll along the beach and wish upon a star. The bay is amazing while the ruins of Tulum are tempting to explore. There’s a beach right by the ruins so you can have the best of both worlds; A perfect example of nature and history. The beach stretches for miles so it’s perfect for a morning job or a romantic endless walk. Surfers may not enjoy this next beach as much but the scuba divers and snorkelers will be sure to fall in love. Maroma beach, Playa del Carmen, is a sugary white sanded beach with crystal clear calm waters. The water is filled with colorful reefs waiting to show off in front of the admirers. There’s a hotel at the beach so plan on taking some extra time off there. The Yucatan is also around the way for all of the hikers.
La Hacienda De Los Morales is just as historical yet delicious. Located in a historical mansion that appears to come straight out of the Spaniard colonial era. The hours are different from those of the states; they’re open from 1- 1am. They serve typical Mexican cuisine and are excellent with service being that most of there staff have worked there more than 2 decades. They feature specially prepared meats, seafood, soufflés, authentic Mexican salads and appetizers to die for. Sure beats taking a trip to go eat fast food burritos!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Costa Rica Travel
If you are on a search to find the ultimate vacation spot, ask anyone, and in their recommendations you are likely to hear the words “Costa Rica” from just about everyone you ask. This unprecedented travel destination is the land of marvels and beauty. You are likely to behold an invaluable refuge found nowhere else on Earth.
Costa Rica has an unmatched environmental preservation sensitivity. This small nation has made a name for itself as one of the Worlds most peaceful getaways. Only as big as the state of West Virginia, this tiny marvel measures a modest 19,563 square miles in size. Closely nestled to the Caribbean and bordered to the North by Nicaragua and to the South by Panama you are in a prime location to schedule lengthy travel plans.
Though it seems small in size, Costa Rica holds an astonishing five percent of the world’s diverse plant and animal-life, including 800 species of ferns, 1,000 orchids, 2,000 variations of trees, and 200 species of mammals. It is no wonder that Costa Rica is unmistakably one of the worlds most protected lands. It is a refuge for its plant and animal life. Costa Rica has set aside one quarter of its land as protected areas and national parks.
This land of lavish scenery and lush plant and animal life is a delight for any avid outdoors-men, hikers, explorers, and backpackers alike but don’t be fooled by the amount of foliage and forestry. In Costa Rica you will find an abundance of amazing beaches. With nearly two-thirds of Costa Rica’s borders running as coastline you will find a plethora of beaches to explore. Costa Rica is even home to one of the worlds most beautiful beaches, Manuel Antonio beach. There are many great tourist attractions in Costa Rica.
San Jose is the magnificent capital and it is located in the heart of the Costa Rica. It is set in a fertile valley in the Central American portion of the Andean Sierra Madre Mountain range. This is one of the most densely populated cities in Costa Rica as well. With its endless avenues of outdoor cafes, stall vendors, and quaint villa shoppes the average tourist has a wide selection of day-activities in this lovely city. While on foot you can visit the parks of San Jose, such as the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, one of several museums, or one of the old churches that make Costa Rica’s capital so heavenly.
With its rich culture and protected lands the grace and elegance of Costa Rica stems across the entire country and touches every area that can be visited. It is a place and spectacle of beauty with all of the magnificent sites to visit and cherish. Costa Rica is a land of family adventure. It is a place where memories are made and kept for a lifetime.
Dive, snorkel, kayak, surf, hike, and even zipline - the options are endless in this glorious destination. But with all there is to do in this beautiful place one of the most amazing things is the experience of pure relaxation on one of Costa Rica’s elegant and exciting white sand beaches. Take your family on an adventure they will cherish the rest of their lives in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has an unmatched environmental preservation sensitivity. This small nation has made a name for itself as one of the Worlds most peaceful getaways. Only as big as the state of West Virginia, this tiny marvel measures a modest 19,563 square miles in size. Closely nestled to the Caribbean and bordered to the North by Nicaragua and to the South by Panama you are in a prime location to schedule lengthy travel plans.
Though it seems small in size, Costa Rica holds an astonishing five percent of the world’s diverse plant and animal-life, including 800 species of ferns, 1,000 orchids, 2,000 variations of trees, and 200 species of mammals. It is no wonder that Costa Rica is unmistakably one of the worlds most protected lands. It is a refuge for its plant and animal life. Costa Rica has set aside one quarter of its land as protected areas and national parks.
This land of lavish scenery and lush plant and animal life is a delight for any avid outdoors-men, hikers, explorers, and backpackers alike but don’t be fooled by the amount of foliage and forestry. In Costa Rica you will find an abundance of amazing beaches. With nearly two-thirds of Costa Rica’s borders running as coastline you will find a plethora of beaches to explore. Costa Rica is even home to one of the worlds most beautiful beaches, Manuel Antonio beach. There are many great tourist attractions in Costa Rica.
San Jose is the magnificent capital and it is located in the heart of the Costa Rica. It is set in a fertile valley in the Central American portion of the Andean Sierra Madre Mountain range. This is one of the most densely populated cities in Costa Rica as well. With its endless avenues of outdoor cafes, stall vendors, and quaint villa shoppes the average tourist has a wide selection of day-activities in this lovely city. While on foot you can visit the parks of San Jose, such as the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, one of several museums, or one of the old churches that make Costa Rica’s capital so heavenly.
With its rich culture and protected lands the grace and elegance of Costa Rica stems across the entire country and touches every area that can be visited. It is a place and spectacle of beauty with all of the magnificent sites to visit and cherish. Costa Rica is a land of family adventure. It is a place where memories are made and kept for a lifetime.
Dive, snorkel, kayak, surf, hike, and even zipline - the options are endless in this glorious destination. But with all there is to do in this beautiful place one of the most amazing things is the experience of pure relaxation on one of Costa Rica’s elegant and exciting white sand beaches. Take your family on an adventure they will cherish the rest of their lives in Costa Rica.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Why Visit Chile?
Chile is not only the world’s longest country but it is also home to the finest park in the whole of the Americas . From Torres del Paine, considered by many to be the finest destination in South America, to the volcanic peaks of the Andes, Chile has a touch of adventure for everyone. Visiting Chile is a great trip for almost anyone of any age!
The expanse of Chile covers over 2,700 miles of the Southwestern South American coastline. While at the same time its width never exceeds 150 miles at any given point. But spread throughout the slender borders of this startlingly beautiful country lies a plethora of attraction and tourist getaways.
The Andes is a fascinating part of Chile. With over 50 active volcanic peaks the Andes cover a large range of Chile but it is by no means over taken by the western slope of the Andes peaks.
Chile is an adventurous land which marks a narrow depression between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Follow to the North and you will find the Atacama dessert, but follow to the south and find yourself engulfed in a maze of landscape which leads to the Chilean Patagonia.
The central area of Chile is occupied by an expansive river valley. A 500 mile corridor occupied on both the North and South ends by sizable farms, forests, and lakes of incredible beauty. The northern, prosperous section of this valley is where the capitol of Santiago presides. Santiago offers tourists many different sight-seeing tours, accommodations and lush landscaping.
The Juan Fernandez Islands and the infamous Easter islands are also a part of Chile's expanse. These volcanic creations were once lush communities full of life and society. But now they are both administered as National parks and biosphere reserves. Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center making it one of the most isolated places on earth. It carries an embraced mystery to it and is best known for the curiously placed stone monoliths, called Moai, that are found dotting the coastline.
These wondrous lands of unforgettable paradise are a dream come true for the avid traveler. The unending choices that are available to vacationers will leave no room for boredom. Find adventure at every turn in this land of extremes. Hike, bike, ski, surf, swim, and even paraglide through desert and into ice fields. With such a vast array of climates, conditions, obstacles, adventures, and diversity there is no better land for adventure than the beautiful getaways in Chile.
The expanse of Chile covers over 2,700 miles of the Southwestern South American coastline. While at the same time its width never exceeds 150 miles at any given point. But spread throughout the slender borders of this startlingly beautiful country lies a plethora of attraction and tourist getaways.
The Andes is a fascinating part of Chile. With over 50 active volcanic peaks the Andes cover a large range of Chile but it is by no means over taken by the western slope of the Andes peaks.
Chile is an adventurous land which marks a narrow depression between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Follow to the North and you will find the Atacama dessert, but follow to the south and find yourself engulfed in a maze of landscape which leads to the Chilean Patagonia.
The central area of Chile is occupied by an expansive river valley. A 500 mile corridor occupied on both the North and South ends by sizable farms, forests, and lakes of incredible beauty. The northern, prosperous section of this valley is where the capitol of Santiago presides. Santiago offers tourists many different sight-seeing tours, accommodations and lush landscaping.
The Juan Fernandez Islands and the infamous Easter islands are also a part of Chile's expanse. These volcanic creations were once lush communities full of life and society. But now they are both administered as National parks and biosphere reserves. Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center making it one of the most isolated places on earth. It carries an embraced mystery to it and is best known for the curiously placed stone monoliths, called Moai, that are found dotting the coastline.
These wondrous lands of unforgettable paradise are a dream come true for the avid traveler. The unending choices that are available to vacationers will leave no room for boredom. Find adventure at every turn in this land of extremes. Hike, bike, ski, surf, swim, and even paraglide through desert and into ice fields. With such a vast array of climates, conditions, obstacles, adventures, and diversity there is no better land for adventure than the beautiful getaways in Chile.
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