After years of being accustomed to the healthcare costs in the US, a medical bill from a Mexican hospital is a refreshing glimpse at what it must be like to have something that is more affordable in a health-care cost setting.  

Americans today are facing high healthcare cost which are leading to large national deficits as a result of the increasing costs. When people learn about the difference in healthcare cost in Mexico compared to US, they can hardly believe it.  In most cases standard check ups, and common  treatment are almost free under their national healthcare system.  In contrast, in the US not only would one have to pay a co pay of at least $25 dollars at the time of visit but you would also receive numerous bills from the office, the lab, and various places depending on all the testing that you have done.  While one would not discourage to get check-ups, it just does not seem fair that standard and common visits should drain the bank account in the US, but it sometimes does.

A reasonable option, is just south of the border of the US.  While certainly there are hospitals and clinics of high and lower quality, one should still do research and look for treatment in the bigger cities, where hospitals in some cases look like resort hotels offering world class treatment.  

This has not always been the case in Mexico.  As a matter of fact it has taken Mexico many years to emulate the systems created in Europe that offer universal healthcare.  It was not until very recent that Mexico made it a universal right for everyone to have access to healthcare and for children to have free access to treatment in the case of cancer.  

Maybe this is a model that we can enjoy by visiting Mexico or a model that we can learn from, as the mortality rate is not much different and in some cases better than what we enjoy in developed countries.

From retirees to sports enthusiast to people searching for affordable beach property, the elegance of Mexico’s Pacific coastline has captivated Americans south of the border for years. However, primarily because of the country's laws and regulations preventing foreign property ownership along the coastline, having that beach-side haven has eluded numerous Americans.

A planned constitutional modification by Mexican Congress could make it simpler for foreigners to acquire a property on Mexico’s coastline – a move that continues to be cheered on by people who want the country's Pacific coastline to be the future retirement paradise. The proposed constitutional modification has divided people in Mexico among those who think these northern investors will bring a raise to the local economies and those people that believe it is a slander to the country's history and sacred land.

The planned change is to allow a portion of more substantial expansion of foreign pursuits into the nation’s previously - firmly regulated economy. The plans have angered many Mexican who see foreign purchase as a violation of the country’s national sovereignty.

Early this year, President Peña Nieto recommended opening up the nation's state-run oil firm, Pemex, to private and foreign investment, declaring that the company’s obsolete and inadequately managed equipment is hampering the nation's possibilities of dredging up gas in the deep rich waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

Corporations such as Petrobras and ExxonMobil, Brazil's oil giant that appear to be like an ideological and local match with Pemex.  They have indicated that they have a desire to explore Mexican waters. Carlos Slim a Telecommunications billionaire has also showed his interest in getting involved in his nation's oil industry.

Together with the national sovereignty concern, some experts stress that prevalent coastal progression by people from other countries would have a significant and adverse environment impact especially in the aftermath of last month's tropical storms.  The storms had taken a toll but the destruction was increased due to the fact that there has been an enormous volume of coastal progression that has reduced trees, damaged beachfront hills and exhausted essential wetlands.

If the changes happen and people from other countries are allowed to purchase properties in Mexico the increase in jobs would not necessarily help the Mexican economy.  Studies suggest that the jobs would actually go to foreigners.  Despite these things it is most likely that many retirees will still come from the South and the North to have a chance at that a lifestyle that many just dream about.  

Mexico's Wine Country

Across the Mexican border sits a tranquil Baja California valley, only a two-hour drive to the south of San Diego. The valley is filled with ripened grapes, delightful wines and exquisite cuisine created from the finest local ingredients. Take a glimpse at Mexico’s splendid Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley).

It is recommended that you stop by Guadalupe Valley, there are loads of reasons to explore the roads heading to the region’s vineyards, and you will discover many diferent wines to drink. Monte Xanic founded in 1987, provides famous wines. Also try Baron Balch’e, the producer of the best wines in Mexico. Comparatively glistening and new Hacienda La Lomita, built in 2005, utilizes a little bit more contemporary wine making technology, most likely allowing you a view into the potential of this wine region. In addition, few of the inns feature their very own wineries, such as Adobe Guadalupe.

A number of restaurants stand out as Valle de Guadalupe’s culinary treasures. Among them is Laja, offering a heliport for coming customers, whose contemporary and refreshing fabulous cuisine concentrates on simplicity, utilizing a couple of ingredients to make it possible for individual flavours to emerge. Few of the ingredients are from the restaurant’s very own orchard and vineyard.

Also try the Corazon de Tierra just beside La Villa del Valle. Their menu changes on a daily basis depending on what’s readily available from the restaurant's vegetable garden and orchard. The restaurant also heavily focuses on local seafood. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset in the living room area of Finca Altozano. They also serve locally influenced consumes with mesquite.

The Encuentro Guadalupe by AntiResorts is some of the best lodging in Valle de Guadalupe. It is a sophisticated modern  hotel comprised of 20 individual cabins blending with the desert landscape. Upon arrival, guests are given a glass of house wine to enjoy in the luxurious-open lobby. They have infinity pool and a hot tub placed into the desert rubble offering a wonderful place to unwind.

If you’re the type of person who prefers something a little less daring but equally stylish and lavish, try Adobe Guadalupe’s petite, white adobe inn with just six rooms, adorned with a fusion of classic Persian and Mexican fixtures and crafts, plus the winery and cellar. Experience horseback riding adventures that will surely keep you entertained. Yet another six-room hotel with breath-taking panoramic views of the spectacular Mexican wine country is La Villa del Valle. The hotel features a vineyard, vegetable garden, orchard, labyrinth, olive grove, a pool and a bocce ball court.  There are many things to do and see while you take in the valley air.  

5 misconceptions about Mexico, that have a strong impression on American international policy, demolished.

Mexico is a poor country. 
While many Americans assume Mexico as a country of both rich and poor, by most reports Mexico is quickly becoming a middle-class country. A greater part of Mexican households now have disposable earnings. One-half of the people own a car, and one-third own a personal computer. Almost all people have a television and cellular phone.  These are luxury items that once were seen only for the rich.

Mexican immigrants will continue to surge the US. 
Due to a number of factors, net migration to the and from US is down to ZERO. Mexico has gone through a significant demographic change in the past era such as women in the past were likely to have an average of seven kids, today, that number is down to one or two. Other factors, include an increasing number of job opportunities and entrepreneurism starting to show signs from foreigners relocating to Mexico and a young generation wanting to help its country. 

Mexican production hurt US workers. 
The most significant issues in the US-Mexico partnership are economic. A research done by Harvard business and the University of Michigan associate found that for each 10 individuals hired offshore by American businesses, two new jobs were also created in the United States. Another study found that for every dollar invested in Mexico, 60 cents were returned to the US continuously, where for every dollar invested in China only 10 cents made its way back to the United States.

Mexico's freedom is deteriorating. 
Mexico's media and municipal society organizations more frequently taking a significant steward role, asking policies and uncovering bad practices.  Mexico has actually achieved a comparatively desirable space, positioning in the higher sections of almost all comparative international methods of democracy. Open and International monitoring has validated that Mexico's democracy is stronger than ever.

Mexico is becoming a failed state. 
The country's economy has steadily grown and continues to preserve a significant position in multilateral organizations and summits. The constant about Mexico is the genuine and profound steady economic, security, political, and personal ties between Mexico and the US. Mexico becoming a failed state is  joke and just another scare tactic.

MEXICO's past economic issues once sent millions of Mexicans north to the United States, is now significantly turning into an immigrant destination. This change is particularly big with Mexico’s northern neighbor, where Americans now account for close to one million. In the past couple of years, more US citizens are being added to the population of Mexico than Mexicans are being added to the population of United States, based on government data of both nations. Mexican migration to the US has achieved equilibrium, with approximately as many Mexicans relocating north from years 2005 to 2010 as those going back south to Mexico.

Mexico once closed off to most of the world is now considered one of the most open economies in the world and holds the title of having the most free trade agreements of any country in the world. Actually, Mexico is not just opening up economically, but there seems to be a broader change happening, including culturally, socially and economically within it's own borders.  Several economic experts, demographers and Mexican authorities see the increasing foreign existence as an indication that worldwide trends have changed.  

Experts agree that this could be Mexico's moment, however Mexico will need to focus on things beyond establishing free trade agreements. Although a middle class seems to be forming very nicely, Mexico must continue to work hard to fight inequality which remains a big problem in the southern states of Mexico and continue to increase access to quality education in many parts of the country, and the continued course to reign in crime.  

Although, Mexico has been experiencing growth at a faster rate than its northern neighbor there are signs of some slowing so the nation will need to continue to open up its largest investment sectors including oil, telecommunications and continue to work on labor reforms, tax reform and loosen credit so that it does not lose its moment. 

Mexico has a better shot now than in the past as it works to take advantage of ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world, including freshly educated Mexicans (most of the Mexican population is between still in their early 20's).  Mexico has to take advantage of the tens of thousands of global companies searching for alternate options to China. Economic experts and authorities believe that Mexico could finally turn into a more equal associate for the United States and become a first-world nation that it's past Presidents have guaranteed for years but failed to delivered.

One of the advantages of being receptive to new immigrants, is that immigrants bring more immigrants.  Mexico is no different, where it is seeing it's newest immigrants from around the world settle in places where other immigrants from their ancestry are already living in Mexico. For example, American and Canadian retirees are appearing in new developments from San Miguel de Allende to other sun-drenched areas all over Puerto Vallarta and Cancún.  However, demographers which once thought it would only be the beaches that would see the greatest growth, surprisingly are finding that many of the newest immigrants are actually moving and finding residence in central Mexico as well. 

This phenomenon, has also created new businesses north of the border where a growing number of American consultants are assisting companies that want to switch production from China to Mexico. However, it's not just manufacturing that are finding much success, it is also technologist where Mexico's Silicon Valley (Guadalajara) are seeing masters like Andy Kieffer, the creator of Agave Lab, establishing smartphone apps and funding new start-ups.  Others' such as Germans are heading in and traveling with the locals, to newly minted Volkswagen manufacturing plants such as the one opened in Guanajuato.  Hospitality is also finding a great opportunity with major brands food and accommodation setting up.  It is now not unusual to find sushi and other international flavors in many hotels catering to international visitors. 

Awareness is what push migration throughout the world, and what is happening in Mexico today is eye opening opportunities from architects, artists and business owners. Immigrants see the opportunity to establish themselves to an economy ripe for growth, and if many of these structural changes take effect, it will attract even more immigrants to this new land of opportunity. As an example, Koreans residing in Mexico have grown 10 times between 2000 and 2010.

Mexicans has permitted double nationality for over a decade, and because of this there is an increasing group of people from other countries relocating. A globalized generation could live basically about everywhere, but they are significantly choosing Mexico.

My first trip to Mexico

I was filled with anticipation and excitement for my first visit to Mexico. We planned our trip and were going to Playa Del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula.  When I took my first step out of the airport in Cancun I immediately felt a sense of relaxation and happiness. 

We arrived in the early afternoon and went to check into our hotel.  We stayed in a small boutique hotel that was 2 blocks from the ocean and less then one block from the main road in town.  The hotel staff was very friendly and the grounds were beautiful.  We decided to walk down to the beach after we checked in.  I will never forget the first steps that I took on the sand. For as warm as the weather was the sand was cool to the touch. It was the most beautiful white sand that I have ever seen. The ocean was a turquoise blue and the water temperature was like a cool bath.  We finished off our first day with dinner at a small restaurant in town and watching fire dancers on the beach.  It really was the perfect first day. 

    On our second day in Playa Del Carmen we decided to take the ferry to Cozumel.  This is a small island that you can reach in about 20 minutes by boat.  When we got to the island we decided to rent a moped so that we could do some exploring.  We took a road that led us to the other side of the island and spent the rest of the day making our way around it.  We were able to see beaches that were empty and peaceful, when you drove down the road little crabs would cross in front of you.  It was such a fun day. When we arrived back in the town we sat outside at one of the restaurants and sat back and relaxed.  After a little bit of shopping we got back onto the ferry and went back to our hotel. That night we went tried a new restaurant in town and enjoyed a relaxing evening.   

    On our third day we went on a tour of Chichen Itza the ancient Mayan ruins.  This was a guided tour and I think that this is the best way to do this on your first time.  We stopped at a small town on the way and were able to get out and walk around.  When we arrived we started our tour. The ruins are truly breathtaking.  I have never seen anything like it in my life.  The stories behind the ruins and the images that you see will stick with you for forever.  During the tour we were able to do some shopping.   People that live in the local area will come and sell beautiful pieces of art work.  There are dresses, jewelry, pottery, and so many more things.  While we were doing some shopping these two little girls came up to me with hand embroidered hankerchiefs, they were so cute that I couldn't help but buy two of them.  After touring the ruins we stopped on the way back to town at a cenote.  For those of you who are not familiar with what these are they are a deep natural pit or sinkhole.  When the collapse happens it exposes groundwater underneath.  It is unlike anything that I have ever seen. The best part is that you can go down and swim in these. The water is clear cool and refreshing.  We finished off our day with one of the best massages that I have had from a great place in town.  

    On our fourth day we went to Puerto Morales and tried snorkeling.  The second largest coral reef in the world is located here. The water is so shallow that you could stand up if it weren't for the reefs and the sea life.  I could have spent all day out in the water. I saw some of the most beautiful fish that had such vibrant colors.  This was our last full day of vacation so we spent the rest of it relaxing on the beach and enjoying our time.  

    We spent our last few hours on our last day walking around town and doing some shopping.  The shop owners were so friendly and you can find some really neat stuff in the stores to take home for souvenirs.  I was so sad that our trip had ended and it was time to go back to the airport.  I remember thinking as we drove away that this was a place that I could live everyday and always be happy. 

    The experiences that I had on my trip, the places that I was able to see were once in a lifetime things for me.  I never imagined that I would walk away with the feeling that I had.  I really felt that Mexico is a place that you can go to experience the best of what life has to offer.  You will come back feeling refreshed, relaxed and like you just experienced a little piece of heaven. 


Jenne G.

Packing for your trip to Mexico may seem fairly easy when you first start thinking about it.  I am sure like most people you automatically start thinking about what swim suits you need to bring and what sandals will work best with them.  After traveling to Mexico I have put together a list of what I think are essentials for your trip.  This list includes items that you need for days when you go to the beach as well as clothes that will work great for any excursion that you may decide to go on.  I am going to split this list into different categories just to make sure that we cover everything. 

Clothes

1.  At least 2 bathing suites. For women I would also recommend taking a one piece as well for any snorkeling or scuba diving that you might do.

2.  Casual clothing, this includes shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, for women I would also recommend sundresses and summer skirts.  I would also pack a pair of workout shorts or yoga pants for any hiking that you might do.

3.  Don’t forget something a little dressier to wear to dinner.  For women this could be a dressier sundress, capris, skirts and nice sandals or shoes.  For men this should be a nicer shirt with a collar, a pair of khaki shorts or some that are a little nicer, or a pair of long pants.

4.  I would recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater just in case it cools off, this is also something that you can wear on the airplane and don’t have to pack in your bag. 

5.  Shoes, flip flops, nicer sandals for dinner and comfortable walking shoes for any sightseeing that you might do.

6.  For the ladies I would recommend a swim suit cover up.  This is helpful for your walks to the pool or the beach, or if you decide to grab a bite to eat while you are on the beach. 

Accessories/Toiletries

1.  Sunglasses

2.  Hat

3.  Sunscreen.  I would recommend bringing a very high level of SPF.  Even if you don’t tend to burn in the sun where you live this is a different climate and you don’t want to risk being miserable with a sun burn during your trip. 

4.  A beach towel.  Some hotels provide these free of charge and others do not.  It is easy to fit this into your suitcase and it is one less thing that you have to worry about once you arrive. 

5.  Your usual toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shampoo, conditioner and soap.  I would also recommend that women bring an after sun moisturizer for your face.  Wearing a lot of makeup isn’t necessary and this will feel great after a nice day in the sun. 

Misc.

1.  Your camera, in addition to your regular camera I would also recommend an underwater camera.  The sea life is truly beautiful and you will want to capture what you are able to see.

2.  A small bag to bring your goodies that buy while on your trip home. If you are planning on packing stuff that you buy in your suitcase and you might possibly buy breakable items I would suggest bringing a small amount of bubble wrap if possible to wrap this in for the trip home in your bag.

4.  Of course you will want to bring your passport and photo ID. I would also recommend calling your bank to tell them that you are traveling if you plan to use your visa/debit card. This allows the bank to put this update on your account and avoids a possible hold being placed for transactions that are being made outside of your normal area.

That’s it, once you have everything packed and ready to go sit back and relax and get ready to enjoy a vacation that is truly magical and that you will never forget!

There is no doubt that flying to a destination is fast, and sometimes so affordable that you would not think of going somewhere by car or bus. However, have you ever thought about how much you are missing?  Think of all the site seeing or not that you have missed out on all your travel. I for one have seen a few cities around the world, and well of course I would not be able to get there without a plane, but once I am there, even if it takes half a day of travel on land, I will do it!  There is so much to see!!

Mexico is no different. There is a lot that is missed out when you travel to destination and then circle around the village or city.  Maybe jumping on a  bus and checking out the next small city or village is just the right thing to do. Now I would not recommend to just go to places randomly, do your research before going and ask your hotel for recommendations.  

However, unlike other less developed countries, Mexico has an excellent bus system and buses!  Depending on which ones you travel you have several first class options for bus lines.  They are equipped with air conditioning and tv's for those that want to veg out, but of course you would miss out on some site seeing.  In general seats are very comfy and have enough leg room, and typically recline more than airline seats.

Most of the big cities have central bus hubs that offer clean cafeterias, bathrooms, and selections to get from one city to the other.  So before you travel next to the destination in Mexico, take a map and see what other destinations you can squeeze into your travel by bus!

Yes, those are the first words learned by any astute traveler to Mexico.  Why, because Mexican beer is a survival and must have beverage, but not just when you are in Mexico, but around the world.

Did you know that in 2010 Mexico became the top exporter of beer in the world?  Yes, it did, just beating out Holland. 

It is so popular that Corona (from Mexico) is the equivalent of drinking a bud light in the United States, but with a little more sophistication adding a little lime and possible salt, as many of their other beers.

Other beer companies like Anheuser Busch have followed suit but with much less results, creating their own versions of salt or limed flavored beers (Bud Light Lime) or even Millers Chill.  

So what are some of the most popular Mexican beers?  Let's take a look at 7 of them below (Of course some of these also come in Light versions):

So now, there are others we could add to this list, but that is for our readers to choose.  Do you have a favorite?

These days business news loves to cover things like the latest smartphone, flat screen TV or even the latest hybrid car. There is no doubt that we are experiencing a rapidly changing world due to fast technological innovation.

However, what we do not hear about so much is how these companies are able to produce products so quickly and get them into the largest economy in the world, even before their competition. So let's talk about that briefly. Companies are still using Just-in-Time manufacturing, but just- in-time is not only a carefully connected process to future orders and parts manufacturers, it also involves the proximity of the manufacturer.

Although there is air transportation like FedEx, increasingly Manufacturers are turning south of the border to shorten the time to manufacturer products that otherwise would come and be manufactured in China. The biggest reason, partnering or manufacturing in Mexico creates a lot more flexibility.  

In a recent article, by Marty Lariviere a professor of Managerial Economics & Decision Sciences with the Kellogg School of Management wrote that speed trumps cheaper labor. Although labor is still cheaper in China, Mexico, because of its proximity to the United States makes it a much more effective and efficient location to do business for US companies, especially smaller to medium size needing to manufacture products quickly and cost efficiently.  

Other positive reasons were freeing up more cash flow as the smaller order sizes did not not tie up so much of cash. In China your purchase orders need to be very big, while in Mexico they can be smaller. Another benefit is that if something goes wrong with design, you can get it fixed quicker because of the smaller size of orders.

If Marty is correct, then as the American economy and innovation continues to improve and grow we will see more and more companies adopt manufacturing from Mexico as a quicker and cheaper solution than China in net terms