Retiring to Mexico: The Best Choice for You

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

When you’re thinking of your retirement, there are many things to consider. Amongst those, is the ease with which you will be able to move around. This means actually living in a city that is relaxing, close to everything, and where transportation is at hand. A place that requires you to drive everywhere most likely means traffic, and nobody wants to deal with such things during their retirement. It’s your turn to sit back, relax and enjoy. That is why retiring to Mexico has so many benefits. In fact, it is one of the top destinations in the country for Americans and Canadians to spend their golden years.

There are many benefits to retiring in places such as Playa del Carmen. Not only do the big expat communities help each other out constantly, but the quality of life is impressive. Walking everywhere is easy, everything is nearby, there are plenty of things to do, and there is also a great infrastructure.

Medical Assistance

One of the perks of retiring to the Riviera Maya is its top-notch medical industry. Many English-speaking professionals work here and cater to the well-being of American and Canadian expats. Retiring to Mexico means having the best possible medical care at hand with many private clinics and dentist’s offices available.

Money Goes A Long Way

The Mexican peso is constantly fluctuating and the dollar gains more and more strength against it. While that may be bad news for our Mexican friends, it is a great opportunity for Americans and Canadians. Dollars will go a long way here not only because of its value but because living in Mexico is very cheap in comparison to other countries. Not only when it comes to real estate but also with simple things such as a meal out in a restaurant, or grocery shopping and even transportation.

Retiring to Mexico Increases Quality of Life

The Riviera Maya is a friendly and welcoming place. It is home to a close-knit community that will help you find anything or recommend places to visit. Many people will also willingly volunteer to help you in translating documents, instructions, or anything else you may need. But because Mexicans are so friendly and open to foreigners, the quality of life is much better, too. Friends are found around every corner. Great food is served in every restaurant. Beers and cocktails flow by the beach nonstop. Activities to do include swimming, snorkeling, diving, yoga, fishing, and many others that keep everyone young at heart.

Moving Around in Mexico

If for some reason you decide to use a vehicle, there are many trusted rental cars that offer incredibly low prices in comparison the USA. Renting a car to pick friends up at the airport, or to get around is an easy and affordable process. However, the transit system (bus and colectivos) are very reliable, timely and good. There are a few terminals scattered around the Riviera Maya that will take you anywhere and bring you back.

Year-Round Warm Weather

The weather in the Riviera Maya is very consistent with the sun always shining and warm temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature is 28°C, while it can fluctuate anywhere between 22°C and 36°C. The weather makes it a great place to retire due to the amount of activities one can enjoy under the sun.

All in all, there is no reason to avoid retiring to Mexico. It is affordable, fun, friendly, beautiful, and offers a great deal of Americanized standards that you are used to. Shopping is easy and cheap and moving around either driving or in public transportation is no hard feat. Mexico is definitely the number one choice for you to retire.

Organic Markets in Playa del Carmen

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

Eating healthy and buying organic foods has become trendy in today’s society. It has become important for people to eat right, making sure they do not consume pesticides or harmful toxins. Luckily, Playa del Carmen is a great city to live in if you want to focus your habits on being healthy and leading a cleaner lifestyle. In this vibrant town you will find many restaurants offering organic options, a signature many people live by. Most places in North America offer cheap food options, but in turn, these are unhealthy. When you live in a place where healthy options are more affordable, it makes it easier to transition into this lifestyle. Here are some of the best organic markets in Playa del Carmen where you can find fresh food for good prices.

The Best Organic Markets in Playa del Carmen

DAC Market

DAC is located on 30^th Avenue, just north of Constituyentes Avenue. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 7 am to 2 pm. The market offers a wide arrange of fresh fruits and vegetables and an abundance of other delicious items such as fresh meat and seafood. This is a rather traditional market where you can find a variety of items that are also available in supermarkets.

El Pueblito Mayakoba Farmer’s Market

You will find El Pueblito Mayakoba within the eco-friendly, luxury resort of Mayakoba. However, anyone can visit the market. It is open every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, which makes for a great afternoon spent browsing through the many items on display. Find fresh and organic produce, home baked goods, art, and much more available here.

El Arbol Playacar Market

The market El Arbol within the gated-community of Playacar is a tranquil place that offers more than just food. You can enjoy the beautiful environment, peaceful music, and a variety of organic products all in the same place. The market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm right on Tulum Avenue in Playacar’s Phase II. Throughout the week, you can find delicious bread and vegan food at the local, as well. This is one of the most complete organic markets out there.

El Jardin de Todas Market

Located on 80^th Avenue and 3^rd Street South, this quaint little market is open every Friday from 9 am to 12 pm. If you’re an eco-lover, you’re in for a treat. Here you can find many tasty organic products and handmade goods to help support the local communities. Make sure you get there early as it works on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is a great place to socialize and buy from local vendors. Everything is always fresh and their products will have you coming back every Friday for more.

If you’re ready to adopt that healthy lifestyle you’ve always been after, make sure to check out these amazing organic markets in Playa del Carmen. The truth is, the general environment in this beautiful coastal town is the perfect place to go fully organic. And if you want to go the extra step, you can also point your efforts towards recycling and leaving a clean life.

A Day Trip to Las Coloradas, the Pink Lagoon

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

The Pink Lagoon at Las Coloradas in the Yucatan Peninsula might feel like a fairy tale; but in fact, this is just a beautiful natural phenomenon. This magical place is located about three hours from Playa del Carmen by car, which is perfect for a weekend getaway to Merida or Valladolid. The place is an ideal birdwatching destination, being home to 350 different species of birds. It was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2004. The sights here are unreal.

Visiting Las Coloradas

Due to Las Coloradas being such a small fishing town, there are no hotels or restaurants in sight, so make sure you drive up from Merida or Valladolid to see the place. Likewise, bring enough to drink and eat during the day as you will probably spend about 3 hours there. The best time to see the bright pink color pop is at noon, so make sure you plan accordingly. As the sun beings to set, the colors are lost. The reason the lagoon is pink (and why the flamingos turn pink from feeding from it) is due to the many microorganisms that live there. This includes red shrimp and plankton.

On your way to Las Coloradas, you might want to make a quick stop at the salt production plant. It will also feel like a page out of a fairy tale with its mountains of salt laying around. Once you reach the pink lagoon you will be able to see that the water has a high concentration of salt. That is what makes it so easy to float in. However, locals and guards will not let you actually swim in the lagoon, so make sure you don’t try to go in to avoid getting into trouble.

spotting the flamingos

It is rather easy to find the flamingos, which is the bird most people want to see. They will flock away when too many people are around, so creep up carefully. Funnily enough, these tall birds tend to stray away from the pink waters when not feeding. So you will have better luck finding them in the other ponds. However, there are thousands of them and you will surely spot them in one place or another. Many locals will try offering you tours to see them. If you want to spare some pesos you can go with them and help out the local community. Otherwise, you’ll find the flamingos on your own.

The lagoons are an amazing day trip to take whether you’re living in Mexico or just visiting. Don’t expect too much to do there other than visiting the lagoon. Enjoy your weekend getaway to this amazing natural wonder.

5 Reasons to Retire to Mexico

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

5 Reasons to Retire to Mexico is a contribution by Crystal Tost from Re/Max.

When trying to decide on the right country for retirement, you will find that there are many options available. Many countries can dispute the pros of retiring there. However, there are several reasons why many Canadians and Americans choose to retire to Mexico. In fact, here are five great reasons to call Mexico home after retiring.

Proximity

For those who currently reside in Canada and the United States, Mexico is a great retirement destination due to proximity. As part of North America, Mexico can easily be reached by car from any country. Moreover, flight routes are available between major destinations between the United States and Canada and Mexico, such as Cancun. Not only does this help to make the move easier, but it also makes it easier to travel back and forth to your home country to visit relatives and friends.

Cost of Living

Everything from real estate to groceries is cheaper in Mexico when compared to Canada and the United States. This means you can afford to purchase more luxurious accommodations while also enjoying the lifestyle you seek. Or, if you simply want to maintain your current lifestyle while making your dollars stretch further, living in Mexico can help make it happen. In addition, due to the country’s strong tourist economy, you can easily rent out your retirement property if you decide to head back to your home country for an extended stay.

Language and Culture

While Spanish and several native languages are the official languages of Mexico, many residents speak English, too. This is particularly true in the service industry and in those areas that are popular amongst tourist and expats such as Playa del Carmen. This can make the process of moving to the country, purchasing real estate and navigating through the country once becoming a resident a whole lot easier.

Of course, if you want to enjoy a wonderful cultural experience, you can also very easily choose a location that will allow you to submerge yourself entirely in the Mexican culture. The government system is similar to that in the United States and Canada, too. Couple that with the diversification of products and goods, the cultural experience is not too vastly different from what you are used to.

Healthcare

While the quality of healthcare provided will vary from one location to the next, healthcare standards are generally very high in Mexico. This is particularly true in the bigger towns and cities that are popular retirement locations. Here you can typically find doctors, dentists, hospitals and specialty medical providers. Not only do they offer high-quality services, they also do so at a fraction of the price you would pay back home. If that’s not enough to convince you, many of them also offer their services in English.

Lifestyle

With its wide range of topography and climates, you can very easily live whatever type of lifestyle you desire. Mexico is conductive to enjoying an active, outdoor lifestyle. But you can also enjoy living life at a leisurely pace. After all, the country has a laid-back vibe and warm and welcoming citizens. For those who want to retire in the Riviera Maya, they’re in for an amazing laidback lifestyle. Hit the beach every day and take a stroll amongst the lively coastal towns it offers.

Retire to Mexico Today

These are just five reasons to consider Mexico your retirement home. Spend those golden years in this wonderfully cultural country. Places such as the Riviera Maya are great expat retirement hubs. These are just a few of the many reasons almost 2 million Americans call Mexico home. If you want to spend your golden years sipping margaritas by the beach in a year-long warm climate, you should definitely retire to Mexico.

5 Apps for Expats in the Riviera Maya

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

In today’s technological world, living with apps is essential. Whether you’re at home, traveling or an expat abroad, there are some apps that are great for your day by day life. Especially for expats, some apps are great to get around a new city, overcome the language barrier or deciding where to go and what to do. Apps help us decide if we want to dine at a certain restaurant or not, or if we want to purchase a product or another. Here are some amazing apps that will help you and other expats feel more at ease in your new home.

DUOLINGO

This is the gift that keeps giving. This app is a great platform to practice and learn any language you want. If you’re living in Mexico and struggling to communicate on a daily basis, this app can teach you the basics of the Spanish language. Moreover, the app is completely free and you can choose as many languages to learn as you want. It teaches you vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, and hearing. Its sections and quizzes at the end of each lesson help you stay on track

TripAdvisor

You’ve probably heard of TripAdvisor, and it is exactly as its name states. The app lets you read other customer reviews on certain places and companies. Before you head out to try a new restaurant in Playa del Carmen, you can check it out on the app and see what other people are saying about it. It’s also a great way to find out what the tourists like and where the locals are actually going. Customers share photos of the place or the menu. You won’t be surprised when arriving at a place or restaurant you want to visit. It’s a great app for expats before they get a good handle on all the places in their new home.

TripIt

You’ve moved to a new country and are eager to explore every given corner. TripIt is the one place to see and stock all your travel planes. The app is easy to use and rather intelligent. It lets you create a leading itinerary and gives you the opportunity to forward your documents to any travel companions. You can also create a user profile that can be shared with whomever you want. It allows you to sync your calendar, as well, to keep track of upcoming trips and dates. If you’ve got a departure flight, you can check it straight in the app. Any stress of traveling is gone with TripIt. It is efficient and smart.

Skyscanner

There was no way to avoid an actual flight purchasing app. Any expat knows that constantly looking for flights to go back home is essential. With Skyscanner you can search for the cheapest and most convenient flights available to your destination. For expats who want to travel back home but don’t have a set date, the app allows you to choose the destination and see the cheapest times of the year to fly. Expats can also set alarms for dates and places they are interested in traveling to. It’s an essential tool when planning a trip.

Navigation Apps

Google Maps provides maps all around the world and offers the option to get directions from any point of the city. It allows you to choose your transportation means, as well. You can see the times and routes it takes from one point to another by walking, riding bike, taking the bus or driving. The great thing about Google Maps is that it’s constantly updating its maps to add and remove roads as cities change. You can use it even when you are not connected to the Internet. However, for that to work you need to have your route planned out first.

Maps.me is another wonderful app because you can use the maps offline, working on the Open Street Map Data. You can also bookmark and share location using this app. It is compatible with all devices, making it easy to find and share certain location points with any friends or family in the area.

It’s rather easy to move to another country with today’s internet reach. Everyone has a smartphone today and access to wireless connection. Like these, there are many other apps that can be helpful in new places and when first trying to become familiar with your new city. We suggest you download as many as you can while you get a hang of moving around on your own.

Medical Tourism in Mexico: Why You Should Consider It

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

Medical tourism is becoming a preferred choice for North America, especially the United States. With the rising cost of medical expenses throughout the marketplace, healthcare in Mexico is becoming an industry that is rapidly gaining international attention. Many Americans cannot afford or do not qualify for health insurance back home. Likewise, many treatments are not covered for those who do qualify. This has pushed Americans to seek treatment in other areas. Mexico is an obvious choice do to its proximity, amazing destinations and incredibly low costs. In fact, it is reported that medical treatments in Mexico can cost about 80 percent less than in the US.

Medical Tourism on the Rise in Mexico

Last year, the Association of Medical Tourism announced a 10 percent increase in the medical tourism market. Surgeries such as knee and hip are the ones that have risen the most over the years. Patients are in search of other medical markets, such as dental care. Over 15,000 people seek medical treatment in Mexico yearly, and the number is quickly rising.

Medical advancements and quality treatments given in Mexico have steadily increased. Ongoing research and development is also credited with increasing the recent influx of people traveling for medical purposes. Doctors in Mexico are highly qualified and are often studying procedures and treatments that might be hard to find elsewhere. This is especially true in the Yucatan Peninsula, where many doctors target American and Canadian markets.

The Yucatan Peninsula

Merida, capital city of Yucatan, is the most populated metropolitan city in the region. It reaches approximately one million people. Although it is known for its colonial charm and historical roots, Merida holds another very important title. Merida is the undisputed healthcare capital of Southeastern Mexico, according to The Yucatan Times. Beyond its fine arts and cultural diversity, it has a high-level medical infrastructure that provides numerous public and private hospitals, clinics and various research institutions. Tourists also recognize Merida for constantly updating and modernizing its laboratories that attribute to its advanced studies and research.

The city also has the highest concentration of specialists in the geographical region. Most of the resident doctors studied in the United States and speak fluent English. Others know multiple languages. Merida’s doctors see patients coming from Central America, all of North America, and other parts of the world, as well. They provide services and a variety of medical procedures which allows them to offer specialized treatments that other countries offer at much higher costs.

High-Quality Services in the Riviera Maya

Medical tourism has grown plenty in the Riviera Maya region for the same reason. More and more highly qualified doctors move to the area to offer their services at prices that are less than half than you would find up north. The quality of hospitals and clinics has also increased dramatically, and Cancun is offering more specialized treatments.

Whether you’re seeking a simple procedure while on vacation, or actively traveling for treatment or surgery, the Yucatan Peninsula is definitely the go-to place. In fact, 85% of Americans that have received some sort of medical attention in the region have reported a higher level of personalized care. Experience teaches doctors in the Southeastern region to undestand medical tourism. They know how families react to different procedures in an unfamiliar environment.

Low Cost and Top-Notch Services in paradise

Healthcare in Mexico is a rapidly growing industry that generations billions of dollars annually. Statistically, most of Mexico’s medical tourism come from the United States and Canada. The main reason for this is the little to no delay in scheduling procedures. Moreover, patients value the unmatched cost and the short and inexpensive travel time by plane. Moreover, who would refuse to get better after surgery in the beautiful Riviera Maya?

The skyrocketing cost of healthcare and the overcrowding of public facilities and institutions in the USA are forcing people to look elsewhere. Economic indicators are pointing towards alternative solutions that will instinctively increase the demand worldwide. Establishing a health provider(s) abroad is no longer a farfetched idea. It’s a practicing concept that is gaining momentum by the day.

Weekend Getaway to Merida

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

Forbes magazine named Merida the American Capital of Culture in 2017 for the second year in a row. This makes it the only city to hold the title twice. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, this colonial city is just a three-hour drive from Playa del Carmen by car. Merida is one of the oldest cities in Mexico and has been occupied fully throughout the years. Because of this, it holds many traditions. You will notice the old stonework and architecture as you take a stroll through the city.

Culture, History and Gastronomy

Visitors know the Yucatan Peninsual for its gastronomy. Merida has an abundance of small markets scattered throughout the city with all the gastronomical delicacies your palate can imagine. If you’re more hands-on, you can try one of the many cooking classes offered by Mayan chefs. It makes for an interesting day spent in the kitchen and a good switch up from walking and hanging on the beach.

Because it is a colonial city there are many museums around to tell the story of its past. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Merida is the best one. Here, you will find interesting information about the Yucatan’s history and its many fascinating artifacts. If you enjoy photography, you may also want to visit the Museum of Anthropology and History. It is found within a mansion on the large Paseo Montejo. The museum features stunning photography.

The Mayan connection with the underworld

Besides walking around the city and visiting the museums and markets, there are many fun activities for nature lovers. There are plenty of cenotes around the outskirts of Merida. The Mayans used the cenotes as consecrated wells to connect with the gods. They would perform offerings and mystical ceremonies. Many of the cenotes surrounding Merida can surprise you with hidden artifacts, or even skulls of the sacrifices they made.

You will find a lively city full of culture. The squares in Merida often feature musicians and food in the parks. They are great places to spend the day, having a picnic and enjoying the beautiful scenery that Merida provides. People from Mexico are very friendly and welcoming, and they will welcome you into the city with a warm smile and open arms. They love speaking with foreigners, opening up their shops and even their homes to share an afternoon. Don’t forget to visit the many historical churches in the city. They are worth visiting and make for great photo opportunities.

a sacrifice to please your stomach

If by the afternoon your stomach is claiming a sacrifice for itself, visit one of the many ice cream parlors. The Soberteria Colon is perhaps the most famous one, followed by Pola. Locals and tourists know these ice cream shops for their delicious desserts and cool ice creams for a hot day. Speaking of which, beware of the heat! Merida can reach high temperatures and given that it is half an hour from the coast, there is not much ocean breeze to cool off with. Stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid a heat stroke!

Merida is a great place to visit during the holidays due to its many fun parades, markets and festivals. Day of the Dead is an especially neat time to visit the city. Locals make quite a celebration of the life of those who have passed. It is a sight to be seen. In the end, it doesn’t matter when you visit, Merida will have something to offer. A weekend getaway may result in you wanting to spend more time there. Retirees living in Playa del Carmen can visit Merida easily. It makes for fun weekend trips throughout the year.

merida: the best getaway

Unlike the Riviera Maya, Merida is not lined with five-star resorts, which means accommodation is focused more towards small boutique hotels and apartments. This allows for a more intimate and authentic experience, far from the Americanized one you might be used to in Playa del Carmen. And if you are eager to keep coming back, you might want to consider purchasing a vacation home.

How to Reduce Plastic Waste

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

When you take the decision to retire to the gorgeous turquoise corner of Mexico, the Riviera Maya, you take on a commitment to live an eco-friendly life. There is little point to retiring to a heavenly paradise only to see it soon destroyed by the amount of waste produced. Plastic waste is a hazard to this beautiful coastal region. In fact, it’s a hazard to the world as a whole. That is why it is always important to pick up whatever waste you see lying around. Every bit helps and makes a difference to our environment. So, if you’re committed to keeping the Riviera Maya every bit as pristine as you first saw it, you can reduce plastic waste starting with yourself.

Avoid Plastic Straws

Plastic straws are creating more and more waste around the world. Imagine the amount of waste created by all the people that visit the Riviera Maya on a daily basis that are drinking their cocktails with fancy straws. These simple drinking tools take one thousand years to decompose. Fortunately, many bars, hotels and restaurants in the region have banned their use. And you should at home, as well. If you’re insistent on drinking with a straw, make a one-time investment into a metal straw that you can wash and reuse endlessly.

Say No to Plastic Bags

You will notice many supermarkets sell fabric, reusable bags at the check-out point. This is a strategy to get people to minimize the use of plastic bags. Whenever you go grocery shopping, take something with you to carry your items. Many people opt for taking backpacks, others take market baskets. Whatever suits you, avoid leaving the shop with a shopping cart full of plastic bags.

Buying in Bulk reduces plastic waste

This saves you both money and trips to the shop in the future. But it also helps reduce plastic waste. When you purchase items in bulk they most likely come in cardboard boxes, which can easily be recycled.

Make Other Small Adjustments

When you’re buying products for your home make sure you always pick the ones that will make the least impact on the environment. For example, when purchasing a razors, invest in a good one that will require only the blades to be changed, instead of a disposable razor. Other household goods can also help reduce plastic waste. Purchase reusable water bottles and other cups. Even if you insist on purchasing your morning coffee from the closest cafeteria, bring your own cup instead of using a disposable one.

Contribute Positively to the Community

Retirement allows you for more time to contribute positively to the community. Participate in beach clean ups and recycling marathons. Many groups and organizations are often posting about these events on social media. Make sure you keep updated and participate as much as you can.

You might think that one person cannot make a difference in reducing plastic waste. But that is all it takes. It is one less person harming the environment. Influence your peers around you to do the same. We will be reducing plastic waste faster than we can imagine. All it takes is for you to make the decision to keep the Riviera Maya waste-free. That way you, and many more generations to come after you, will be able to continue to enjoy the gorgeous turquoise waters, the delicate white sands, and the hundreds of wildlife that also call this place home.

If you’re ready to retire to the Riviera Maya and commit to a clean lifestyle, we recommend you check out some of our eco-friendly and sustainable properties in Tulum such as Nuuch, which has installed solar panels to reduce energy waste, as well.

What to Look for in a Retirement Home

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

Life can hardly get any better than sitting on the beach enjoying the cool ocean breeze. The palm trees above are gently swaying in time with the Caribbean Sea’s gentle waves, slapping against the white sand beach. You are just about to delight your palate with your favorite beverage. Then you suddenly wake up to the sounds of trucks and loud pipes outside. You look up at your bedroom’s plain white ceiling and think, “I’m dreaming again”. This gets you thinking about retirement more than ever. Where will you invest in a retirement home? Well, if your dreams are any indications. It should be in the Caribbean. But, that’s not all, the question truly is, what should you look for in a retirement home?

Whatever you decide, we’re sure it won’t include listening to loud vehicles in the morning or waking up to the same old routine. Instead, it will be more like living in a permanent dream vacation. You will be in a place that will allow you to live and do the things you truly want for the rest of your days. But first, you need to find a location that accommodates your needs. Let us help you with some useful suggestions in what to look for in a retirement home. These are intended to provide an interim itinerary that can jumpstart your search.

Find a Location That Meets Your Expectations

If you are looking to be close enough to Playa del Carmen, without the hustle and bustle of the city’s endless action, then think about looking just outside the city’s central district. There are many surrounding communities that have easy access to the heart of Playa del Carmen, such as El Cielo. It’s easy to catch a cab, drive or walk to all of Playa del Carmen’s most popular places. You are close to shopping centers, restaurants and other daily attractions.

If you want to be near or in the middle of the action, choose a location that can offer direct access to amenities. You can step out onto Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, or in Tulum’s hotel strip. This places you steps from the beach and turquoise waters. It is always suggested to briefly stay in the approximate area(s) you are thinking of purchasing in. That way you can offer more detailed information to your trusted real estate agent when discussing your ideal location and needed activities.

Set a Budget That You are Comfortable With

Determine an allotted dollar amount that won’t create pressure or a financial burden on your retirement budget. Avoid the need to constantly think that the cost doesn’t matter, because it’s your retirement. Many retirees lose focus on their planned itineraries when they first experience paradise. There are plenty of condos and homes that will meet, and even exceed, your wants and needs. If you can justify the extra expense or cost, then go for it. But remember, you can always upgrade further down the road, as well.

Is a Condo or a Free-Standing Home Better?

There are advantages to both a condo and a single dwelling. A stand-alone home offers more privacy and more room. And in most cases, it has yard space to do with as you wish. Having a single-family home usually has a garage and plenty of space to park more than one vehicle. But there are other factors to consider such as maintenance and upkeep, which is usually more than in one condo. When you are away for a period of time (if you are a retiree snowbird), you can’t just lock the door and leave. You have to make sure your home is secure, the yard is cared for, and the pool is take care of (where applicable).

A condo is usually a part of a bigger complex. Its exterior and common areas are part of the association’s responsibility (which you pay for, of course). You can leave your home for an extended time and all you need to do is lock the door. There will be people around upkeeping the property and its amenities. On the other hand, there is less privacy beyond your front door. Parking can be troublesome if you have more than one vehicle, as well. Depending on the complex, there is rarely any covered parking, unless you pay extra for it. These are things to consider when looking at both a condo and a free-standing home.

You Need a Real Estate Agent to Find Your Retirement Home

Nothing really happens until you find a qualified and trustworthy real estate agent. Many inexperienced retirees don’t take the time to research and find a reliable agent to guide them through the process. Especially when they’re doing it in a foreign country. When you start looking for an agent to represent you, make sure they are skilled in working with American and Canadian buyers and that they know the ins and outs of purchasing a home abroad.

Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your golden years in paradise. Whether you’re looking for a laidback lifestyle in Tulum or an upbeat, activity-packed adventure in Playa del Carmen, it’s up to you to decide what you want from your retirement.

5 Summer Activities to Enjoy in the Riviera Maya

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Thomas Lloyd

It feels like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating the beginning of a new year. The truth is, the year has gone by really quickly, and summer is rolling around faster than we imagined. Although Playa del Carmen and the surrounding Riviera Maya offer summer-like weather year-long, there are a few summer activities that can only be enjoyed in, well…summer. Whether you’re a permanent retiree in the gorgeous Caribbean city or a once-in-a-while visitor, these are some things you definitely need to get around doing this season.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale shark season comes around once a year during the summer. These gigantic, but gentle, animals are a sight to be seen. The season kicks off at the end of May and ends at the end of August. But the best month to go see them is July. They come by as part of their migration route and you can see thousands of them swimming calmly together. Many tours take you to see them. Make sure you follow rules accordingly. Although these animals feed off plankton, they are as big as a school bus, so make sure to keep your distance.

Volunteer with Turtle Nesting

Sea turtles are an endangered species, which is why in the Riviera Maya we are strong believers in conserving them. Many conservation groups and organizations work hard to monitor the nesting season, making sure as many hatchlings as possible make it out to sea and giving them a greater chance of survival. You can always volunteer to help during the season, which starts in mid-June and runs until November. NGOs are always looking for extra hands to mark the nests, release the hatchlings, and help with other duties. It’s an experience that will transform your life for good.

Visit Heaven

We all know that the Riviera Maya is heaven on earth, but there is an actual place called heaven. Cozumel is a wonderful and beautiful place for nature lovers. El Cielo is just off the coast of the island and it is only accessible by boat. This means you can spend the day cruising through the clear blue waters gliding above the sea. Founders named it El Cielo due to the amount of starfish sitting on the ocena floor. Moreover, plenty of stingrays, fish and sea turtles love the calm waters of this heavenly place. Take a family tour and enjoy the unimaginable wonders of Cozumel.

Visit Holbox Island

This gorgeous island off the coast of Quintana Roo is definitely a must-see place. The best part is its laidback charm and slow-paced life. Even more so than Tulum! During the summer season, when the whale sharks are the word of mouth, there are other slightly less known tours that include the gentle giants, but don’t end there. While cruising to find the whale sharks you’ll be able to spot dolphins, turtles and flying fish. However, after swimming and eating delicious ceviche, you’ll be able to see hundreds of flamingos.

it’s summer, so Relax and Unwind

If all of the above seem like too much work, then you can always pick the obvious option: lounging at a beach club with a drink in hand. We get it, waking up at 5am to go on a tour to see giant sharks is not for everyone (although definitely worth it). So, if you’re not heading off on one of the abovementioned adventures, hit up your favorite beach club early in the morning, get a bucket of beer and kick off the day with a sun-kissed nap. There is something for everyone in this slice of heaven.

It might be time to consider retiring in paradise if these are activities you could enjoy. There are plenty of things to visit throughout Quintana Roo and the Riviera Maya, as well as the whole Yucatan Peninsula, so retiring here means not a day of boredom and always a day of awe. Start checking out the best retirement properties in Playa del Carmen, we’ve got you covered.