I am looking to purchase an affordable vacation home, in a family friendly tropical environment. Any suggestions? I am thinking in the Caribbean. It would need to be a location easily accessible from Canada. 2 or 3 bedrooms, preferably a house, but condos are considered. By affordable, I mean no more than USD 200 000
Thank you
My little bit of advise.
Rent first. You can rent homes, extremely affordable, even large condos.
Ex: Puerto Rico
You want to know the area well before you buy.
You want to make sure there is little crime, be aware of how slow things move.
Also how expensive furniture is, since it has to be shipped.
Rent in about 5 areas (each vacation you take, stay somewhere different).
No need to buy.
And in actuallilty if you run the numbers sometimes it is much cheaper to rent than to buy.
(the same sized apartments or condos).
This will avoid that after you own the home for 4 or 5 years you won't hate the area and then sell.
This could be a financial disaster...
Here's a Video about caribbean vacation condos:
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation DreamWorks Experience
It is a widely accepted fact that we get busier as we approach 21st century. As we cope with the demands of a very busy, hectic, tied up 24 hour urban lifestyle, we reproduce the same daily routine narrowing down the room for personal space and further damaging our physical and mental health.
In a social research about the effects of stress and the 24 hour society, the study showed these startling figures: 63% of those who report stress expect the problem to stay unchanged or get worse; 53% of people have suffered from work-related stress in the past 12 months; 57% of those who have experienced stress says it has worsened in the past year; 72% of those who are stressed blame too much work; 52% of those under stress feel it is damaging their health and; 20% have sought medical or other professional help (Lynn Eaton, 2005).
Furthermore, if this would remain predominant in our lifestyle, we would be allowing pathologies to take place unexpectedly, be it physiological, psychological or social. As any psychoanalyst would suggest, it is always advisable to have a pause and find a release of tension in everything we do.
Thus, having a pause can mean so little yet so much of impact to the stress of everyday industrial life. It can be some sort of a healing session with a guidance adviser, an open and honest conversation with a friend, or a holiday get away. In addition, release of stress can be done through art, music therapy, meditation, or merely a walk in the park. There are in fact a lot of options.
With this in mind, we can surely take a break from the hassles and bustles of modern day lifestyle. If you are thinking of having some sort of a break away, something that can really be considered a real 'break', and something that would wither away the images, physical atmosphere and social climate of the routinary day to day struggle, then it would be best to settle in a villa.
This is certainly the place you are suited when you need more time to think and reflect on the things you do daily. Especially when getting a little bit burned out or exhausted, villas can provide the same, or even more, the comfort and privacy of your own home without having to face with the entire stimulus you are encountering in your everyday life.
Villas can be something in mind that is a kind of get away from the busyness and hassle of urban life. It can be some sort of music to the ears that can trigger nice memories of the past or imaginations of a future serene situation detached from the suburbs where all you feel are the caress of nature and the luxury of the services you are able to cover.
Historically, since the time of the Romans to the Renaissance era, to the present day, the evolution of the concept of villas has changed dramatically. From a merely upper class concept to a seemingly more and more grassroots idea, villas are now conventionally used to describe a modern parlance situated to an idyllic location where relaxation is mostly conducive.
Added to this, villas have been historically used for relaxation and reflection purposes by people faced with stress and exhaustion. It was not something though, that normal people can afford. However, with the advent of modern luxury villas, you are able to have a 24/7 access.
Studies also show that people who have released their bottled emotions function more productively. So give it a shot and try it out yourself and figure out what I am talking about.
Best non-tourist place to travel in Caribbean/Mexico?
My girlfriend and I, and possibly some other couples too, are looking to travel some where in the Caribbean for spring break.
We are looking for somewhere with the true Caribbean waters and feel around it.
We are also hoping for a place less known for tourists and partying, and more known for the great adventures to be had: snorkeling/scuba diving, beautiful hiking, maybe zip lining, etc.
We are also trying to do this on a budget-ish... essentially we are looking for the best value.
I've heard that renting out villas on beaches can be cheaper and more authentic, but I've also heard great things about inclusive hotels.. so I'm not sure which is the better route
A friend of mine recommended St. Johns Island off the coast of Mexico, but I would like some more input.
I'm an off the beaten path type of guy and am looking for a great vacation, can you help me?
I know of an awesome deal going on right now in Jamaica. If you bring two other couple's you room is FREE at the all-inclusive resort! It's a brand new resort on a private beach just down the road from Dunn's River Falls, a very famous water fall and park in Jamaica. There is ziplining and ATVing near by and snorkeling and diving are included in the all-inclusive resort price. There is SO much to do in Jamaica you'll run out of time before you run out of things to do!
Plus, you can also take a private tour of some famous spots in Jamaica that most tourists don't visit. I know an AWESOME guy who runs a tour company down there. I always use him when I go to Jamaica, and I always send my clients to him. His name is Dudley and he is from Big Ship Tours (http://http://www.bigshiptours.com/) His prices are very reasonable for groups.
Anyway, if you would like more information on the resort with the FREE room deal, let me know. They are running the special until for travel until July 2011 but it must be booked by Oct. 31st (this weekend) so let me know.
I'd be happy to help you find other options too. I am a travel agent and get great deals all the time for plenty of places. My services are FREE as long as you book with me.
-Kira
Owner of My Paradise Planner travel agency
Email: info@MyParadisePlanner.com
Website: http://www.MyParadisePlanner.com
Hello,
I am looking to rent a villa with a couple of other families in the caribbean somewhere. Do you have any recommendations of a good website or company to use in looking for one?
My wife and I have been renting timeshares for the past 7 years. We use the same company every year. The website is www.buyatimeshare.com. They have every resort in the Caribbean available for rent. We've worked with their rental specialist for years. Her name is Debbie Roy. Check out the website and give them a call. Good Luck!
Does anybody know of a specific villa in the caribbean, mexico, puerto rico, or the pacific islands.
something pretty and on or near the beach?
any specific villas?
In one of your other questions, you asked about villas and I told you about the USVI. My husband and I stayed on St John and unfortunately none were directly on the beach. About a 15 minute drive to the beach.
We stayed at two that we enjoyed Windwardside and One Particular Harbor. Both are high in the mountains of St John on the Coral Bay side. The views are awesome. We prefer that side of the island. You need a 4 wheel jeep to reach the villa. You also drive on the left side of the road in St John. St John has wonderful beaches and it's an island to be explored.
It's not a inexpensive island. Everything is imported so it's kind of expensive.
I gave you the website of a reputable managing company
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com
check them out. they have a office in Maine and also one on St John. Very easy to work with.
Windwardside we rented directly from the owner that lives on St John. Make sure who ever you rent from has connections on that island, just in case you have a problem. You need a contact person on island.
Good luck)
Here's a Video about caribbean villas:
CARIBBEAN DREAM - MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAS IN WHOLE CARIBBEAN
Is it possible to buy an Apollo Bio-Filter Moisture System for use in rental regulators?
I am thinking of buying one for by BF's birthday, but he doesn't own his own regulator. I noticed that there are two different sizes (1/4" and 3/8") available, so if it is possible to use them on rental gear, which one is the most common size? We never cold water dive: mostly the Caribbean, Mexico, and Asian-Pacific.
Thanks for your help! )
You could buy the Apollo filter, and add a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter, so it would fit any regulator. Most scuba shops could get the adapter for you.
As far as installing, that would be up to each shop. I personally don't see a problem, as it's a 2 minute thing to install.
Do you dream of an escape from reality, combining your contemporary lifestyle with a beach holiday? Perhaps you desire a tropical vacation for just the two or you, or maybe a getaway surrounded by your children and grandchildren.
All your dreams can come true in the magical kingdom of Goa. It's a long stretch of land along the west coast of India. A state richly endowed with secluded bays and lovely sandy beaches, tickled by the warm waters of the Arabian sea.
You've devoured the travel brochures and travel sites on the internet, and made the big decision - it's Goa for me! Now you have to find the perfect accommodation. On this holiday of holidays, why settle for same old, same old? Same old five star hotel, same old amenities. Break out of your old tendencies and try something different.
Dig a little deeper into those brochures, click a few more times on those internet Goa travel sites. You will find truly amazing places to stay. There are unique holiday homes, traditional cottages, unique apartments, and villas galore, each with their own charm.
These homes are a cut above, selected and maintained specifically to offer the ultimate in comfort and care to visitors like you, to Goa. Nothing has been left to chance, and no effort has been spared in enveloping you in complete luxury. Your villa or apartment's decor will be relaxing, in muted contemporary colors, sparked with tropical accents, like turquoise and cobalt blue. Your bed will be supremely comfortable, with snowy white linens and fluffy pillows.
You will delight in the seductive way that the distinction between the outside and the inside will disappear. Gardens come inside and rooms go outside. You may discover that the tile and stone grotto in the courtyard, is in fact, your shower.
Curl up with a book on the terrace, overlooking your very own pool. Snooze away the hours while tropical breezes float through the towering trees. Don't worry about a thing. Some of the largest villas even come complete with wait staff and a car and driver.
You can summon your driver, explore a different beach each day, sample the local cuisine, or come home to a meal prepared by your very own cook. Or you can purchase freshly caught seafood and produce to make yourself.
Goa is fast becoming a paradise of wonderful things to do and equally wonderful places to stay. Bollywood stars, fashion designers and socialites are investing and building beautiful homes as retreats for themselves and as rental properties.
Your own private villa will afford you all the comforts of home, with a tropical paradise on your doorstep. They come completely outfitted with televisions, DVD/CD players, telephone, and internet service. A maid will tidy up six days of the week, and your bedding and towels will be changed twice a week.
There's a refrigerator, stove, microwave, washing machine, hair dryer, safe, ironing board, and emergency electric backup. Every single detail is taken care of. You won't have to do anything other than relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of your Goa vacation rental.
My husband & I are looking to go somewhere exotic next year. We are not sure whether we want to go to the Maldives or the Caribbean. We cannot decide which.
We would like to go somewhere where we can stay in a water villa. Plus somewhere where it will be stunning, lovely weather, friendly people & somewhere most people would pick out of all the choices.
Please someone help us!!
sri lanka is a nice place to travel. Because there are lots of thing and places to watch in a small island,if you gone a start from Colombo u can travel to any direction in around two,three hours by a vehicle.
Major tourist attractions are focused around the islands famous beaches located in the southern and eastern parts of the country. Ancient heritage sites located in the interior of the country and lush green resorts located in the mountainous regions of the country.
There are manyNational Parks you can visit in Sri Lanka. Yala is the largest national park.
Also Pinnawala Elhipant Opernage famous residents such as the three-legged elephant, Sama, who stood on a land mine, and a blind elephant, Raja. The orphanage population is constantly augmented by new arrival Born Free in captivity: about one elephant is born here every year. The successful captive breeding project had so far produced 22 second generation births.
http://www.angelpark.lk/pinnawala.html
If u want to shopping during you`r trip, You can buy cloths( like cloths for you`r winter season,also other cloths) very cheap in Colombo(House of fashion,odel,majick city,kandy…are few of good fashion houses in sri lanka.
If u want to buy leather works like bags, wallets,chairs… very cheap in pinnawala.
If u want to buy jems Rathnapura is the best place to buy them.
I hope u will enjoy you`r trip.
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