AARP The Magazine Travels the Globe to Reveal the Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad

/PRNewswire/ -- Experts in celebrating the next chapter in life, AARP The Magazine traveled the globe to discover the ultimate retirement destinations abroad. Factoring climate, expat community, cost of living, housing, health care, access to the U.S. and culture and leisure, AARP The Magazine reveals the top five locales in its September/October issue (www.aarp.org/magazine), available in homes and online today. See what regions in Mexico, France, Panama, Portugal and Italy have to offer--castles, palm trees, rain forests, grilled lobster--in their unique and unparalleled retirement experiences.

1. MEXICO--Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. With its rich Indian and Spanish culture, lavish beaches and affordable real-estate, Puerto Vallarta offers the low-cost, laid back lifestyle retirees seek to find in a community.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Winters--sunny, pleasantly warm; summers--rainy, humid hot
-- Expat Community: Estimated at 50,000 American retirees
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent

2. FRANCE--Languedoc-Roussillon

Once remote, the Languedoc-Roussillon region is now just three hours from the bright lights and bustling energy of Paris via high-speed train. The area is steeped in history and art. Languedoc-Roussillon is also a destination for the outdoor crowd with picturesque hills and beach along its Mediterranean seashore.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mediterranean--hot and dry summers; cool winters
-- Cost of Living: Not cheap, but a comfortably frugal life can be had
for $30,000 a year
-- Heath Care: Excellent. French health care has been named the best in
the world by the World Health Organization

3. PANAMA--Boquete

Panama is a smart choice for retirees who want it all. Not only does it feature attractive retiree destinations, Panama also offers an unbeatable package of retiree benefits and discounts. Boquete has a unique range of back-home amenities, from a golf course to high-end gated communities.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Expat Community: An estimated several thousand
-- Housing Costs: A small house goes for $175,000; in a gated community,
$250,000 and up. Rentals: about $600 a month for a two bedroom house
-- Culture and Leisure: Rainforest hiking, river rafting, bird watching
and coffee plantation tours keep Panama a bustling location for
leisure

4. PORTUGAL--Cascais

Many wonder why Portugal has long been overlooked by American retirees. A plentitude of golf, beaches, resorts and trendy cafe life makes Portugal one of Europe's most pleasant surprises for retirees.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Cost of Living: A comfortable life can be had on $25,000 a year
-- Health Care: Good. Nearby hospitals include the well-regarded
British Hospital in Lisbon
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent. Direct flights to-and-from the U.S.
fly out of Lisbon

5. ITALY--Le Marche

Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic, is beautiful region with vineyards, snow-capped mountains and beaches a plenty. It also prides itself on the best fish dishes in the country and is trendy enough to have snagged Dustin Hoffman as a tourism spokesperson!

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mostly sunny
-- Expat Community: Relatively few; an international mix
-- Culture and Leisure: An incomparable mix of open-air opera festivals,
Renaissance painting and architecture, wine tasting and nature
reserves


Plus: To avoid red tape, culture shock and language barriers, AARP The Magazine shares seven questions future retirees MUST ASK THEMSELVES before starting the exciting process of retiring abroad. And visit www.aarp.org/magazine to check out our five "additional" affordable, fun places to live the good life, plus FAQs and a resource guide.

For more information and an extended list of AARP The Magazine's "Best Places to Retire Abroad," visit www.aarp.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Time to Enjoy the Weird & Bizarre: Ripley’s Believe It or Not Opens 30th Attraction in Veracruz, Mexico

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shrunken heads, matchstick art and freak animals invade the city as Mexico’s third Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium opened on Sunday, Dec. 20, in the city’s Plaza Acuario.

“We are proud to have Attracciones Culturales De Mexico as long-time Ripley franchisees and I am sure their new Ripley’s in Veracruz, with the latest in interactive exhibits, will be as successful as their two other attractions”

The 10,000 square foot museum is the most interactive exhibit of the weird in the country and offers a one-of-a-kind rope course, amazing and weird artwork, unbelievable historical items and an 8-foot tall horse – made from chrome car bumpers! There are nearly 400 items featured in two floors of exhibits and activities.

Located next to the Acuario de Veracruz (aquarium) and the Museo De Cera (wax museum), the new museum is open year-round and joins other Ripley’s facilities in Mexico City and Guadalajara, all franchised from Ripley Entertainment Inc. by Attracciones Culturales De Mexico.

“We are proud to have Attracciones Culturales De Mexico as long-time Ripley franchisees and I am sure their new Ripley’s in Veracruz, with the latest in interactive exhibits, will be as successful as their two other attractions,” said Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment Inc.

With the opening of the Veracruz facility, there are now 30 Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums, in 12 countries in the world. The 31st location is set to open in late January in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Real Resorts - Introduces the Summer of Free Family Fun

/PRNewswire/ -- Real Resorts is offering the ultimate family vacation at a stress-buster price that may make it less expensive to enjoy a Cancun or Riviera Maya vacation then to stay at home. A family of four can book a Junior Suite at the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun or The Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen for as little as $268 per family, per night. The package includes a junior suite, all-inclusive accommodations for two adults and up to two children 12 and under; all meals; house cocktails for the adults; taxes and gratuities; and the largest variety of complimentary family activities and recreation available at any Caribbean Resort. And for larger families, up to three children can stay free when booking a Family Suite or Gran Master Suite. Teens 13-17 years old sharing a family suite receive a 40% discount. In addition, when families stay for a minimum of six nights in an oceanfront suite they will receive a complimentary 'swim with the dolphins' experience for one person, valued at $139. Additional family members can also enjoy the experience at a 50% discount.

For more information and reservations visit: www.RealResorts.com or contact a travel agent.

"We are a family run business for families," says Fernando Garcia, Director General Real Resorts. "We recognize that now more than ever people need and want an affordable summer getaway and it is our pleasure to welcome families with great pricing, activities, and superb personal service that is intended to make everyone feel special," added Garcia.

In addition both the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and the Gran Porto Real Playa del Cancun offer the "flu-free guarantee" which in the remote and very unlikely event a guest contracts the H1N1 flu virus within 14 days of visiting either resort that guest will receive a three year package of complimentary vacations.* All guests will be received with special VIP status that includes 50% savings on extra services such as treatments at the RealSPAs, private beach romantic dining, and premium liquors and wines.

*return free trips are valid one per year and will be identical to the original vacation package.- same dates, same length of stay and same accommodations. As there are many strains of H1N1, a guest who makes the claim must have it confirmed as Influenza (H1N1), and the guest must provide a positive blood result for (H1N1) by state certified laboratory dated within 14 days of checking out of resort in addition to certification by the doctor who performed the test to redeem the free 3 year return vacations with your companion. The "Flu Free Guarantee" applies to guests that travel May through October, 2009, and is for the original traveler making the claim and one additional guest. Additional details can be found on Real Resorts website at www.RealResorts.com .

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Deals Proliferate as Flu Travel Alert Lifted from Mexico

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the U.S. Department of State have now lifted their recommendations that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. This is good news for the travel industry, and it may be good news to consumers looking to stretch their vacation budget this summer.

Travel Experts report that recent events in Mexico have created a textbook example of a true “buyer’s market,” with hotel rates often 50% below what they were last summer. Hotels, resorts, airlines and other leaders within the travel industry are moving quickly to recapture lost revenue with extremely aggressive pricing to Mexico destinations.

Among the first to announce a major sale to Mexico is leading travel website BookIt.com who has released a “Half Price Flights to Mexico Sale.” The limited time sale combines low hotel rates with up to $600 in flight credits - delivering flights from most major airports at half price.

“Mexico is back in business for travelers – in a very big way,” said Jesse Henson, BookIt.com Vice President of Marketing. “With resorts and airlines competing for business, plus our new sale offering flight credits worth up to $600 – there are literally once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience an incredible Mexico vacation for a fraction of the cost.”

BookIt.com deals to Mexico include, but aren’t limited to:

* Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach All-Inclusive Resort in the Riviera Maya - $600 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Moon Palace Golf & Spa All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Melia Cabo Real All-Inclusive Resort in Los Cabos - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Vallarta Palace All-Inclusive Resort in Nuevo Vallarta - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking

Visit www.mexico.bookit.com for details on the “BookIt.com® Half Price Flights to Mexico Sale.”

According to the official U.S. Department of State website, “The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. As a result of the CDC's decision, the State Department's Travel Alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect.” See the full release online here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Carnival Cruise Lines to Resume Port Calls in Mexico

/PRNewswire / -- Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available at http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx.

"We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries to Mexico, one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations, and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience," said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Cahill added, "The health and well being of our guests and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where our ships visit."

Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.

"Mexico has so many wonderful sites and attractions and feedback from our customers suggests that the majority support a resumption of port calls in Mexico. We know that they and our port destination partners are very much looking forward to our return," he added.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

US Airways Temporarily Reduces Flights to Mexico

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE:LCC) today announced that it is temporarily reducing flights to the following cities in Mexico between May 10 and July 1:

Acapulco (ACA); Cabo/Los Cabos (SJD); Cancun (CUN); Cozumel (CZM); Guadalajara (GDL); Guaymas (GYM); Hermosillo (HMO); Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (ZIH); Manzanillo (ZLO); Mazatlan (MZT); Mexico City (MEX); and Puerto Vallarta (PVR).

These reductions reflect an overall 38 percent of US Airways’ scheduled Mexico departures when compared to the airline’s original May and June 2009 schedules. These reductions also reflect a half (0.5) percent of US Airways’ systemwide departures between May 10 through July 1.

The reduction in flights will come out of US Airways’ schedule in two phases. The first phase will begin this weekend and reflect flights scheduled to operate May 10 through May 31. The second phase will occur May 8 for flights scheduled to operate between June 1 and July 1, which will be the schedule the airline will operate until July 1. US Airways plans to reevaluate its July and August schedule within the next few weeks for any additional changes as conditions warrant. US Airways hopes to resume its normal schedule of flights to Mexico on July 2.

This reduction in schedule will be accomplished by operating smaller aircraft and reduced frequency to certain destinations. None of US Airways’ destinations in Mexico will be left without service entirely.

Customers whose flights are suspended will be contacted and reaccommodated. Travelers should visit usairways.com for the most up-to-date travel advisory. Customers are strongly encouraged to check flight status at usairways.com, by calling 800-428-4322, or by texting their flight number to TEXTUS before arriving at the airport.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Facebook

Travellers to Mexico so far Undeterred by Swine Flu Outbreak

/PRNewswire/ -- Data from leading flight search company Skyscanner (http://www.Skyscanner.net) shows that travellers planning trips to Mexico have so far been undeterred by the outbreak of swine flu influenza announced by Mexico's Federal Health Ministry on the 22nd April.

"Dire predictions have already been made about the impact that this will have on tourism, but the number of Skyscanner users searching for flights to Mexico has remained stable in the days since news emerged of the outbreak," said Skyscanner director and co-founder Barry Smith.

"We would have expected to see some negative impact by now, but it may be that travellers are reassured by the fact that the outbreak is largely concentrated in Mexico City - a two hour flight from the coastal resorts - and by the fact that the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention have not yet made recommendations that people stay away. We'll get a clearer picture in the next few days as the news spreads and the implications for travellers are fully understood."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

ATF Special Agent in Charge Cautions Travelers Headed to Mexico

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- John A. Torres, special agent in charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Los Angeles Field Division, issued a statement today cautioning college students planning on traveling to Mexico for spring break. Torres is concerned about travelers' personal safety and is cautioning them to avoid the temptation to bring firearms across the border.

Torres is troubled about the recent violence plaguing Mexico and is concerned about the safety of U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, particularly college students making spring break trips to local border towns. "I know that spring break is a rite of passage for many college students, however I would discourage traveling to places like Tijuana and Rosarito due to drug cartel violence affecting those areas," said Torres. "If they do decide to go, they should be sure and follow the information provided by the State Department in a recent Travel Alert," added Torres. The cities of Tijuana and Rosarito are both popular destinations for San Diego area college students and have recently experienced violence perpetrated by drug cartels.

A recent State Department Travel Alert advises U.S. citizens going to Mexico to travel on main highways during daylight hours. Travelers are advised to stay in well known tourist areas of the cities and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing may occur. Travelers should also avoid displaying expensive-looking jewelry and large amounts of cash.

Torres wants the public to know that ATF is actively working in partnership with local firearms dealers through its "Don't Lie For The Other Guy" campaign to prevent the straw purchase of firearms. A straw purchase is where a legal purchaser fills out the required paperwork to obtain a firearm and then gives that firearm to somebody that is not legally able to posses it. This type of scheme has been used by drug trafficking organizations and they have paid straw buyers as young as their late teens and early 20s to accomplish the purchases.

"I want potential straw buyers to be put on notice that ATF is currently dedicating large resources to investigate this criminal activity and any evidence of wrongdoing uncovered will be turned over to the United States Attorney's Office for prosecution," said Torres. "I realize that in these tough economic times the promise of money by firearms traffickers may be tempting, but remember the old adage, 'crime doesn't pay,'" added Torres.

In San Diego, ATF has increased its enforcement activity involving firearms trafficked to Mexico. Through the Project Gunrunner initiative, ATF has a group of agents dedicated to solely combating this type of criminal activity. Firearms recovered by law enforcement in Mexico are routinely traced by ATF to determine their origin. The vast majority of the firearms recovered originate in the United States, with many coming from California.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page