For families in the US, often the closer a vacation destination, the better for several reasons—lower priced airline tickets, less time spent on traveling to and from, and less time spent recovering from jetlag! Plus, as anyone who has traveled south of the border knows, you need not go far to experience vibrant culture, delicious food, and exotic beaches! For families who really want to get away, travel to an island like Cancun. There, families can ride horses and visit Aztec ruins by day, while they watch shows or take breezy walks by the ocean at night.

One place that offers excellent family vacations to Cancun and other nearby locations is Occidental Hotels. This establishment offers vacations at various resorts that are both luxurious, entertaining, but also more affordable than the typical resort vacation. These hotels offer entertainment, luxury accommodations, and host small and large events including reunions and weddings—though many simply use them to book relaxing and memorable getaways.

Of particular interest to families are the Kids Club, which is a program for babies to tweens ages 4-12. The Kids Club entertains children with games and activities organized by loving and energetic staff members who are there specifically to provide childcare so parents can have a little time as a couple while children have a blast!

Occidental Hotels also offers the Fun Club program at their resorts. This allows families to select activities from options such as water sports, horseback riding, volleyball, tennis, snorkeling, and diving. At night, they select entertainment as well, which might include a trip to a sports bar, discos, or live show. To learn more about the all inclusive vacation deals, visit the site for Occidental Hotels & Resorts.

Travelers looking for an enchanting and affordable adventure might consider exploring the Northern European Baltic region. The Baltic States include three small countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Culturally rich and aesthetically beautiful, each country has its own charm. Though located in Northern Europe nestled right below Scandinavia, these countries are entirely unique—historically, culturally, and politically. Considering the abundance of natural beauty, colorful cityscapes, and bustling business areas, the region has experienced a dramatic growth in tourism over the past two decades. Fortunately for tourists, visiting the Baltics is still extremely affordable, despite the high standard of living inhabitants enjoy.

The natural beauty and turbulent history of these countries offers visitors fascinating tours, views, and stories from various eras in modern and ancient history. In 1991, the Baltics gained independence from the former Soviet Union—and have worked tirelessly to promote their own languages, cultures, and economies with great success. Each country has its own landmarks and must-see tourist destinations. Some of the highlights include the following:

• The colorful, medieval city center of Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a thriving business center. The views from the modern, high-rise hotels in the city are simply incredible.
• The Lithuanian city of Siauliai (pronounced shoe-lay) with hundreds of wooden and metal crosses placed into the ground in a tradition believed to have begun in the 14th century. Lithuania also hosts a modern capital city Vilnius within a short drive from magnificent, ancient pine and oak forests in the countryside.
• Latvia boasts the Latvian ethnographic museum that hosts over 121 ancient buildings and thousands of artifacts in the context of how they were used in everyday life by Latvian peoples at different locations and points in history.
• All of the Baltics are also known for their plentiful—and relatively inexpensive—amber, though be sure to ask for specifics on filling out customs declarations before you go (and more importantly, before leaving).

While Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania hold quaint villages and historic landmarks, their capitals (Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius) are unmistakably modern—and bustling! Each country has been a member of the European Union and NATO since 2004. Their economies have all experienced rapid growth over the past two decades. Estonia is the most expensive Baltic destination, reflecting its economic leadership with start-ups based in its capital of Tallinn, including the now world-famous Skype. If you haven’t ever considered visiting the Baltics, now is the time! The nations sit on the Gulf of Finland, meaning gorgeous summer views over the Baltic Sea. For more information, check out the Baltic tours at Jetvacations.com.

These days, not only actors but everyone can benefit from surgical enhancements—and in any region of the body. Cosmetic dentistry is responsible for the large number of sparkling, white smiles and perfectly straight teeth—or shall we say “veneers”–that seem so much more common now than they did 10 years ago. People can get minor procedures like a forehead lift to decrease wrinkles, but some cosmetic procedures also benefit patients’ feelings of physical comfort and well-being. Surprisingly, some of the most life-changing cosmetic procedures are also the most discreet.

Many surgical enhancements are visible to everyone; however, many are extremely private. Individuals who have their teeth whitened want the world to see their sparkling pearly whites. However, there are also people who want surgery in more private regions of the body for a number of reasons. First, women can experience physical effects of aging and childbirth that sometimes result not only in sagging skin, but even internal “sagging” called prolapse in which the pelvic muscles are damaged. When these muscles are weakened, organs sink—with this can come pain, urinary incontinence, and a host of other issues, some of which, though not fatal, can seriously impact the quality of a woman’s life if left uncorrected. There are surgical procedures that can mend conditions like these. Of course, there are also procedures that women can do to beautify their bust and nether regions as well!

The benefits of plastic surgery often include elimination of pain or discomfort, enhanced sense of well-being, increased self-confidence, and even improved sexual sensations from procedures, such as vaginal cosmetic surgery. Anyone considering plastic surgery should be sure to go with a reputable surgeon who has verifiable credentials and a long list of satisfied clients.

Studies show a link between obesity and lack of sleep. Now, I read just as many articles on losing weight as the next guy (or girl), and let’s face it—they tend to say the same things over and over. However, one article I read a few years ago was different. How? Well, for one it didn’t touch on the topics of calories or exercise. For another, it involved a holistic approach to health that actually can seriously impact an individual’s weight whether or not the person makes a concentrated effort to diet. It isn’t going to solve the epidemic of obesity—but it could make a difference that shows up on the scale.

Studies are showing a link between sleep and weight gain. People who don’t get enough sleep gain weight. People who do get enough sleep have an easier time regulating their caloric intake. There are physiological reasons behind this. There are two phases of sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) during which an individual dreams and maintains a lighter level of sleep. The next level is non-REM sleep, which has four phases, the last two of which are deeper phases of sleep when the body releases regulatory and restorative hormones. Leptin and Grehlin are hormones that help the body control appetite and weight gain and loss. Leptin suppresses appetite, while Grehlin increases appetite and may prevent a person from losing weight.

When lack of sleep becomes a chronic problem, levels of Grehlin increases, causing greater appetite, and levels of Leptin decrease. As more and more studies indicate a link between these hormones and obesity, it seems more and more certain to scientists that sleep deprivation causes weight gain, or at the very least, worsens it.

So, if you want to lose a few pounds, and you are only sleeping five or six hours a night—as a first step, try making sure you get at least eight hours of sleep a night. It may not turn you into an underweight Barbie overnight—but it may jumpstart your efforts and benefit you in surprising ways. For those who have more serious challenges, consider contacting a professional center for medical weightless where you can learn additional, practical, life-changing tips and habits.

High energy levels don’t just happen—for some people anyway. For many, a lack of sleep and exercise combined with poor eating habits result in underperformance and low energy levels. In addition, if these basic health habits are not adhered to, studies show that mental sharpness and memory seem to dwindle as well. Fortunately, the opposite is true as well—for people who are not getting enough sleep, never work out, and have no energy and bad memories, there is good news: taking on better habits can increase both your energy and mental performance!

I read this kind of information all the time. But over the last few months, I actually did a little experiment and was baffled by the results. For the first time in…oh, maybe 10 years…I forced myself to get to bed before 12:00am, get a full eight hours of sleep, and stop eating candy completely. I kid you not—I was a new gal. My energy levels shot through the roof; I was able to focus sharply; and, at night, I was able to sleep better.

Sometimes I fall back into my old self-indulgent ways and Internet surf into the wee hours of the night when humans should really be sleeping. For those times, I learned about a supplement that people can take that helps energy levels naturally. A friend recently recommended an NADH supplement to me that enhances mental alertness and energy levels. (NADH is a coenzyme that helps the body in the process of energy extraction.) She is completely sold on it. It is called Enada NADH. I’m going to try it—I researched it and it appears to be quite effective! I’ll let you know how it goes!

I used to think family vacations seemed really boring. Who’d want to go to an amusement park or a crowded beach when you could take your kiddies to Europe and show them capital cities with ruins, relics, and natural wonders of irreplaceable value to modern day world religions, art, history, and modern day politics? Well, a recent conversation clarified the answer to this question for me.

Last week, I was on the phone with a close friend from college. She has been married for several years, and she and her husband have two children. The children are ages three and two. Each time I speak on the phone to her, it sounds like complete chaos in the background. During this particular conversation, over the course of 10 minutes, her two-year-old broke a picture frame, ripped a page out of my friend’s favorite recipe book, and managed to shove a large part of the page into his left nostril. The conversation ended in panic, my friend feeling they may have to go to the emergency room to remove the recipe from the child’s nostril.

After we hung up, it finally dawned on me…This family needs a vacation—but the vacation needs to be a break. It needs to keep those kids having fun and occupied to avoid broken things, ripped up books, and objects in ears and nostrils! Yes, it’s all clear. This year, my friend is thrilled about their upcoming Orlando vacation. The kids will be way too busy with Mickey, Minnie, merry-go-rounds, and miniature golf. They will get to go to restaurants where everyone has children! My friend is especially excited that she (and her three-year-old) will get to pet a live dolphin and maybe even see live starfish. It sounds really fun. My friend and her family deserve it!

I just went to the most beautiful wedding! Weddings are one of those events that I always dread going to, but once there, it never fails to amaze me how reflective I get! As the dainty bride walked down the aisle with her father, I could clearly remember my father at my own wedding. Wedding ceremonies and festivities are so significant for parents—yet I never thought to ask my parents what that day meant to them…I must do that.
Anyway, as usual I ate far too many pieces of wedding cake, but that can’t be helped, as wedding cake is my favorite food! And there were a few additional caloric indulgences, but no need to mar my reflective mood by recounting those.

There was one more moment that struck me. It was when the bride and groom left in the wedding limousine. For some reason, I never stopped to think about why that moment is symbolic! I just always try to stand in a spot that helps me avoid getting pelted with rice being thrown at the newlyweds. Anyway, it hit me that these newlyweds are truly in for a journey! Like a drive to an exciting place, it will start with joy and a thrill of sorts. Then it will slow down, but intermittent laughter and tiffs will spice it up. If the journey is a long one, at some point each passenger will count the hours, maybe even the minutes depending on how they choose to fill the “empty” moments of the trip.

Then all of a sudden, they will arrive at their destination. It may or may not be what they expected—but at this point, the trip has only begun! Each new corner is a step that makes life interesting, if challenging (or even really annoying sometimes). Weddings always remind me of how exhilarating it is to take a leap of faith, embark upon something new, mysterious, and challenging—and how so few things in life are worth the risk, love being one of them. Honestly speaking, I did NOT feel like going to that wedding…But as usual, I am so glad I did!

Has anyone taken a vacation lately? My sister recently went to Ireland, and she won’t stop talking about it! She keeps repeating how inexpensive it is now—so I finally started listening. I might be planning a tour for myself soon! I did a little research, and it does appear that for some families, discounted airfares, hotel costs, and low-rate package tours are finally making vacations a reality.

It has always been notoriously expensive to fly and stay in Ireland, as well as in Northern Ireland. However, apparently hotel prices are down, meaning people who have always dreamed of seeing the lush green hills and sipping rich, dark, freshly brewed Guinness in an Irish pub can actually live their dreams and take a tour to all of the cities they’ve wanted to visit there.

To get the best prices, it has always been best to go with an agency—and this is still true. Agencies get discounted rates because they are able to buy in bulk. For the best prices and destinations, don’t go with a general tourist agency–go with one that specializes in Ireland Vacations. They will tell you all of the hotspots to visit in Dublin, Belfast, and cities and villages along the coast.
If you do decide to go, please send photos!

[Photo credit: Christopher Meneboeuf http://www.pixinn.net]

As we have all seen, housing sales are down in most states across the country. For some, there is a silver lining to this cloud. Young individuals and families who thought they would never be able to own a home back in 2005 now see that the possibility is a distinct reality. Falling home prices open up the market to millions of people who were simply unable to purchase homes at yesterday’s prices—particularly in expensive areas such as New York, New Jersey, and California.

Not everyone needs to own a home. Some people prefer renting for reasons that have nothing to do with home prices! Some individuals rent to avoid maintenance costs, the time and trouble involved with lawn care, doing repairs, and upgrading things like appliances, plumbing, and electricity.Those who are interested, though, should take a look around. If you haven’t looked at housing prices over the last year, you are bound to be surprised when you glance at them now.

Take New Jersey, for example. According to Newjerseyrates.com, prices there have declined by an average of 15 to 20 percent in every county over the past three-and-a-half years. At the beginning of 2009, real estate professionals noted that select sellers began slashing prices by 10 to 20 percent, some even 25 percent to get an edge over other sellers.

If you think you may want to own a home, there are some serious deals to be found on the market now. It doesn’t hurt that interest rates are as low as they will ever be either. In terms of interest, one point can raise the total price paid on a home by tens of thousands of dollars! If you are thinking of buying but just want to see what the cost of a home would mean in terms of a monthly mortgage payment, just contact a local loan agent or site like New Jersey Rates, which shows a variety of places and rates they charge.

If you have never had the pleasure of taking a romantic gondola ride around Venice, now might be the time. Italy has always been one of the more affordable destinations in Europe despite its incredible charm, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture. I have often heard it said—and agree—that Italy is one of those countries that people want to visit time and time again. Each city has a distinctly different flavor, so visiting Venice is an entirely different experience, for example, than touring Rome. Everything looks and feels unique from city to city –the architecture, natural surroundings, cuisine, music, and people. While Italy is known for its leisurely pace and a culture where enjoying a fine meal, strolling to the market, and chatting along the way, are not hurried—some cities like Rome are more prone to hustle and bustle of tourism and business than, say, the region of Tuscany, home to cultural centers like Florence, home of the Italian Renaissance.

Tourists visiting to Italy should keep the pace of life in mind—especially if you are planning to go during an Italian holiday. Italians love holidays, and nothing is more important than relaxing, celebrating, and being with family and friends. Tourists quickly learn that this means organizations cease to operate—this includes banks, galleries, and shops! Here is a list of Italian holidays visitors should note:

• January 1–Capodanno (New Year’s Day)
• January 5 and 6–Befana (Epiphany)
• Lune di Pasqua—date changes yearly–(Easter Monday)
• April 25–Fiesta della Liberazione (Liberation Day)
• May 1–Fiesta del Lavoro (Labor Day)
• August 15–Ferragosto (Assumption Day)
• November 1 and 2–Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day)
• December 8–L’Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception)
• December 25–Natale (Christmas Day)
• December 26–Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day)

Also note that when a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it often carries over to Monday or Friday! If you have local friends to spend time with, these days are some of the best for visiting Italy. If not, just remember that you may not be able to enter some of the landmarks on your list of must-sees (though many monuments are amazing to view from the outside alone). One more recommendation for visitors to Italy is to consider renting an Italian villa versus staying in a hotel. This will keep you in a real neighborhood where you can really get a taste of the local culture in each city you visit.