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Are you looking for things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico? Well, this post has you covered. Over the past 10 years we’ve spent months in and around Playa del Carmen and its surrounding area, the Mayan Riviera. In fact, some of the first posts on this blog, way back in 2009, were about the first few months we spent hanging at the beach in Playa del Carmen and checking out the nearby towns. With quick access to Cancun, Cozumel, Akumal and Tulum there’s just so much to see and do around Playa del Carmen that we’ve even looked into buying a condo down there more than once. It also doesn’t hurt that we can get cheap flights from Canada and that the Cancun airport is truly an international airport with some amazing flight deals to be had. How good you say? We once flew direct from Cancun to Madrid, Spain for $112 USD per person! Over the years, we’ve written plenty of posts on Playa del Carmen, including things to do in Playa del Carmen with kids, free things to do in Playa del Carmen and the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Of course, we’ve found even more great places to see, so we’ve made this mega list of things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Things to do in Playa del Carmen MexicoWondering what to do in this part of the Yucatan? Since there are so many things to do in and around Playa del Carmen itself as well as the rest of the Rivera Maya, I’ve broken the post in two sections. One for things to do in Playa Del Carmen itself and the other for things to do in towns.
Best Beaches in Playa del CarmenWell, this one is pretty obvious, but with so many things to do around town some people can get sidetracked. With miles and miles of gorgeous white sand and clear turquoise water, the beaches in Playa del Carmen are gorgeous no matter where you happen to be.
As well as frolicking in the sea, you can rent everything from 2 man catamarans to stand up paddleboards, kayaks and bodyboards. You can also rent a lounge chair at most beach clubs that also include access to their swimming pool and facilities. Though all beaches are public in Mexico, some of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen are: Parque FundadoresThis is the main beach in town with it’s own park and playground. It’s the widest beach in Playa del Carmen and has volleyball nets and often impromptu soccer games on the sand. It’s close to both the bus depot and the pier as well as the little white church along 5th Avenue. It also has no beach clubs or hotels nearby so has a much more authentic feel however it can get a little busy some days with both locals and tourists together. Mamitas BeachOne of the most famous (and busy) stretches of beach in Playa del Carmen is Mamitas Beach. Between the two beach clubs that dominate the area, Kool and Mamitas, you’ll find bass loving techno music and tons of drinks always flowing. As the premiere see and be seen beach in Playa del Carmen, you’ll find throngs of energetic young people dancing in the sand and enjoying the half mile of lounge chairs that engulf the beach. Calle 10 BeachCompared to Mamitas, Calle 10 Beach offers a quieter beach in the middle of town and a lifeguard station. There’s a decent budget beach club, Lido and not many people on the beach itself so it makes a great place to cool off for a few hours after walking the ever popular 5th Avenue. Coco Reef BeachIf you’re willing to go a little farther for something much, much quieter than Mamitas, Coco Reef might be your ticket. Tucked away at the end of Calle 48 it’s not the easiest to get to but it’s about as secluded as any beach in Playa. With no beach clubs, restaurants or nearby bars it’s the perfect secluded getaway. It also has some of the best snorkeling directly in Playa del Carmen. Playacar beachPlayacar beach is at the far Southern end of Playa del Carmen proper. It starts at the south size of the ferry dock going to Cozumel. Playacar is a gated resort community that also houses an all inclusive resort. Since it’s such a long beach, some stretches are wide, while other stretches of beach are narrow. The beach in Playacar is is a little south of the protection from Cozumel island offshore, so they can get a bit rougher and higher waves than beaches to the North. All Mexican beaches are public, but stretches marked with beach chairs are considered reserved for resort guests, and you’ll likely be asked to move. Walk along Quinta Avenida in Playa del CarmenKnown locally (and lovingly) as Quinta Avenida, going to Playa del Carmen wouldn’t be complete without a long walk along 5th Avenue. Pretty much running from one side of Playa del Carmen to the other, oftentimes within a block of the beach, this pedestrian only street is full of restaurants, bars, shopping malls, ice cream parlors and plenty of souvenir stalls. Chances are that if you want or need something in Playa, you can find it along this cobblestone road. While Quinta Avenida runs for miles, the best section to wander is from the Cozumel ferry pier to Ave Constituentes. Things quiet down after that but there’s still some good finds for another few blocks north of here so it you’re enjoying the walk, keep going. Things to do along Quinta AvenidaCheck out Parque Fundadores with its children playground and often lively entertainment. There’s also some of the best street food running along the park. For those that want a take a beautiful photo, there’s also the iconic white church at the corner of the Benito Juarez and 5th Ave, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. Eat some delicious authentic Mexican chocolate at Ah Cacao, on the corner of 5th Avenue and Constituyentes. This local store has done so well that there are now 2 other stores along 5th Ave and one in Cancun. Haggle with the hawkers near the pier. If you’re nice and good natured about it, the locals hawking their wares and/or services just before the pier are some of the friendliest in town and love nothing more than haggling. Do a little shopping. Not the most fun for the kids, but great if you need to get away from the sun or the heat for a while. Besides for the souvenir stalls, Fifth Avenue has 3 larger shopping areas worth perusing on a hot or rainy day. They include Paseo Del Carmen off Calle 3 Sur, Calle Corazon off 12th Street and Quinta Alegria just off Constituyentes Avenue. Watch the nightly buskers perform near the Paseo del Carmen Shopping mall at the end of Fifth Avenue just south of the pier. From dance troupes to jugglers and fire eaters it seems there’s always something going on here. At the entrance to the Playacar area, this open air mall is always busy and also makes a great place to get out of the sun for a while. Have some shaved ice or an ice cream. There’s everything from gelato stands to Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen-Dazs along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Feeling cheap? We often grab the kids a quick ice cream cone at McDonalds across from the ADO bus terminal as we’re walking by. Not especially authentic Mexican, but they have a little booth that just sells ice cream for under a dollar. Eat out in Playa del CarmenWith hundreds of restaurants in Playa del Carmen there’s something for every taste and budget. Some of the most expensive international eats can be had along 5th Avenue however if you’re willing to go a few streets further from the ocean, you can still find authentic Mexican dishes away from the crowds.
Some of our favorite authentic Mexican restaurants include the classic El Fogon and the La Patrona del Playa. You can check out our post about our favorite restaurants here. It’s a few years old but everything still applies. Go to a Adventure ParkWhether you’re heading to Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xplor or Xsenses, the results will be similar, a smile on your face and a good nights rest after a long day. All 4 local adventure parks belong to the same family and each is as unique as they are fun. One thing they all have in common is nature and adventure. XcaretThis park is the original all in one destination with everything from animals to beaches. They have 3 underground rivers you can float down, a huge collection of local animals and birds, a large aquarium complete with sea turtles, stingrays, dolphins and manatees and a tons of authentic Mexican culture complete with Mayan folklore and a huge nightly Mexican extravaganza show that employs hundreds of performers. This is a great place for the kids. Just be sure to wear good shoes because the place is huge. You can check our review on Xcaret here. Xel-HaThis park features lots and lots of water. From natural limestone cenotes to water slides, Xel-Ha is a water lovers paradise. With their own huge saltwater cove you can snorkel in calm clear water then get out and zipline across the park or take a bicycle and explore the many jungle pathways. One of the greatest features of Xel-Ha is that once you buy your ticket, everything in the park is included. XplorWhile Xcaret focuses on nature and culture and Xel-Ha focuses on water, the Xplor park focuses on adventure. Amphibious vehicles, ziplines, underground rafting and cave spelunking are just some of the adventures you can do at Xplor. Want to take it up a notch? Check out Xplor Fuego to bump up the adrenaline even more. XensesAs you can probably guess, Xenses caters to the senses. Across the road from Xcaret, this park will take you on a trip to explore your 5 senses. With some amazing visual manipulations you won’t know if you’re walking uphill or down. Without sight your hearing and touch will be turned up to 11. Want to really feel the earth move by? Try out the zippy water slide, the bird style zip line or swim through the mud course. Whatever you do, this place will have you guessing as to what’s coming next. Check out our review of Xenses here. As well as the big parks, there are also smaller parks in the area that can be fun including CrocoCun, Rio Secreto, Dolphinaris, Jungle Maya Park and the 3D Museum of Wonders. Go Swimming in a CenoteTired of the beach? Playa del Carmen and the whole Riviera Maya are covered with cenotes. As these limestone cavities form over the course of time they get filled up with amazingly clear water. There are numerous cenotes around Playa del Carmen where you can swim in the clear water year round and some that you can even snorkel and dive through underground caves. We enjoyed cenotes so much we even wrote a few posts about them. Check them out here and here. Go shopping in Playa del CarmenWho wants to go shopping while on holiday you ask? It turns out lots of people and Playa del Carmen has tons of shopping choices. Besides for the 3 malls off Quinta Avenida above, you can also check out the Plaza Las Americas Mall as well as Centro Maya Mall. Both feature movie theaters and food courts. For souvenir shopping, most can be had along 5th Avenue however the best deals are often had a street or 2 over since rent on Quinta Avenida can be expensive. Some great local souvenirs to take home from the area include a bottle of Xtabentun liquor (tastes like anise and the only part of the world you can find that liquor), Mayan tapestry (like table runners and pillow covers), Mexican blown glass (you can often find blue rimmed glasses here) and Mexican chocolate (Ah Cacao, as I mentioned before, being a good place to check out). Of course, any local art or handicrafts can also be had in Playa del Carmen with the shops along Quinta Avenida housing the greatest variety. Visit nearby townsWith Playa del Carmen almost right in the middle of the Riviera Maya in Mexico, heading to most places on the peninsula is an easy day trip. Cancun is only 45 minutes away via bus or cab and Cozumel makes a fun day trip with a cheap 25 minute ferry. You can also head south to go swimming with sea turtles in Akumal or head down to see the ruins in Tulum. You could even jump on a local bus or take a collectivo (shared minivan taxi) and head up to Puerto Morelos for a tasty meal and a little view of the ocean. Want to find even more great activities in Playa del Carmen?Check out all of the Playa del Carmen things to do, see and eat that we’ve saved on Trover! We’ve embedded the list below to help plan your trip. Things to do in Playa del Carmen Mexico – a photo list by Micki & Charles @TheBarefootNomad If you’d like to contribute your locations, join us and upload them to our Trover List and tag your images #BarefootPDC from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/mexico/things-to-do-in-playa-del-carmen-mexico/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177388322903 Whale Watching in Dominican RepublicHumpbacks and whale watching in SamanaThe North Coast of Dominican Republic is one of the best places to view humpback whales in the world. Due to strict laws and guidelines to protect them, the Dominican government has been able to conserve one of the largest breeding sanctuaries for humpback whales in the world. In this post we’ll talk about these beautiful animals and why whale watching in Dominican Republic needs to be on your bucket list. Whale Watching in Samana, Dominican RepublicAn exciting experience for nature, animal, or ocean lovers, it’s safe to say that no matter who you are, when you see an 80 foot animal launching itself out of the water or playfully slapping the surface with it’s massive fin, you’ll be left in awe. It’s for this reason that viewing these creatures in their natural habitat has become more and more popular world wide and why you should go whale watching in Dominican Republic. Samana is located on the far east of north coast Dominican Republic. Every December-March Samana gets visitors looking to see humpback whales playing and courting in their breeding grounds. Due to this yearly influx of visitors trying to spot giant mammals, Samana has developed into quite the tourist town. Although we perfer Cabarete’s relaxed vibe and watersport scene, Samana is beautiful and worth the 5 hour trip from Cabarete. Here are some tips for planning your trip to Samana for whale watching in Dominican Republic
Mating Grounds for Humpback WhalesEvery year Humpback whales migrate for months at a time, traveling up to 16,000 miles each season. Samana, Dominican Republic is the site for breeding and birthing grounds for humpback whales who travel from cold waters where they feed. The coasts of Hawaii are other mating grounds for other humpback whales who as a species go from cold waters to feed, to warm waters to breed. Weighing up to 40 tons and measuring up to 80 feet, it unbelievable that the months long journey humpback whales make every year is while fasting. In feeding season they build up their whale blubber and fast in order to migrate, mate, and bare offspring. Humpback Whale CalvesThe reason humpback whales travel so far from high altitude polar waters where food is abundant, to warm water is to give birth or mate. Whale calves when born are able to swim and although might weigh about a ton and be 10-15 feet long, have very little fat and are unable to handle the cold waters. In the warm water the new born whales take in about 100 pounds of breast milk a day, slowly gaining the protective weight they need to follow momma whale back to the feeding grounds. Humpback whale females are pregnant for 10-12 months and get pregnant around every 3 years. They are known to return to the same place they mated to give birth which is why we see the whales around the same time every year. Something really cool about whale moms is that their nipples are inverted so that they can be more hydrodynamic in the water. When the calve is ready to feed, they nudge at the mammary gland and the nipple points out. Momma whale then starts to shoot out milk that the calve then drinks. If you were picturing the whale suckling at it’s mothers nipple, remember that whales don’t have lips! LOL Whale watching in Cabarete, Dominican RepublicEven from Cabarete you can see the whales make their way along the north coast of the country to their breeding grounds in Samana, Dominican Republic. We’ve seen water shooting from their blowholes, tail flapping, and breaching from the lineup while surfing at Playa Encuentro or from our own backyard on Bozo Beach. Cool facts about Humpbackwhales
For more information about whale watching in Dominican Republic, send us an email so we can help you book your visit.
The post Whale Watching in Dominican Republic appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/whale-watching-dominican-republic-22/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177322238123 Whale Watching in Dominican RepublicHumpbacks and whale watching in SamanaThe North Coast of Dominican Republic is one of the best places to view humpback whales in the world. Due to strict laws and guidelines to protect them, the Dominican government has been able to conserve one of the largest breeding sanctuaries for humpback whales in the world. In this post we’ll talk about these beautiful animals and why whale watching in Dominican Republic needs to be on your bucket list. Whale Watching in Samana, Dominican RepublicAn exciting experience for nature, animal, or ocean lovers, it’s safe to say that no matter who you are, when you see an 80 foot animal launching itself out of the water or playfully slapping the surface with it’s massive fin, you’ll be left in awe. It’s for this reason that viewing these creatures in their natural habitat has become more and more popular world wide and why you should go whale watching in Dominican Republic. Samana is located on the far east of north coast Dominican Republic. Every December-March Samana gets visitors looking to see humpback whales playing and courting in their breeding grounds. Due to this yearly influx of visitors trying to spot giant mammals, Samana has developed into quite the tourist town. Although we perfer Cabarete’s relaxed vibe and watersport scene, Samana is beautiful and worth the 5 hour trip from Cabarete. Here are some tips for planning your trip to Samana for whale watching in Dominican Republic
Mating Grounds for Humpback WhalesEvery year Humpback whales migrate for months at a time, traveling up to 16,000 miles each season. Samana, Dominican Republic is the site for breeding and birthing grounds for humpback whales who travel from cold waters where they feed. The coasts of Hawaii are other mating grounds for other humpback whales who as a species go from cold waters to feed, to warm waters to breed. Weighing up to 40 tons and measuring up to 80 feet, it unbelievable that the months long journey humpback whales make every year is while fasting. In feeding season they build up their whale blubber and fast in order to migrate, mate, and bare offspring. Humpback Whale CalvesThe reason humpback whales travel so far from high altitude polar waters where food is abundant, to warm water is to give birth or mate. Whale calves when born are able to swim and although might weigh about a ton and be 10-15 feet long, have very little fat and are unable to handle the cold waters. In the warm water the new born whales take in about 100 pounds of breast milk a day, slowly gaining the protective weight they need to follow momma whale back to the feeding grounds. Humpback whale females are pregnant for 10-12 months and get pregnant around every 3 years. They are known to return to the same place they mated to give birth which is why we see the whales around the same time every year. Something really cool about whale moms is that their nipples are inverted so that they can be more hydrodynamic in the water. When the calve is ready to feed, they nudge at the mammary gland and the nipple points out. Momma whale then starts to shoot out milk that the calve then drinks. If you were picturing the whale suckling at it’s mothers nipple, remember that whales don’t have lips! LOL Whale watching in Cabarete, Dominican RepublicEven from Cabarete you can see the whales make their way along the north coast of the country to their breeding grounds in Samana, Dominican Republic. We’ve seen water shooting from their blowholes, tail flapping, and breaching from the lineup while surfing at Playa Encuentro or from our own backyard on Bozo Beach. Cool facts about Humpbackwhales
For more information about whale watching in Dominican Republic, send us an email so we can help you book your visit.
The post Whale Watching in Dominican Republic appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/whale-watching-dominican-republic-22/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177322167743 Find out about The Mariposa Foundation, what they do, their story and how you can help.Cabarete really is an incredible place packed with inspiring, like-minded and interesting people. Some of these lovely humans don’t just enjoy the beaches, weather, watersports and adventures. They also help those less fortunate to enjoy too by giving back to the community and The Mariposa Foundation is a group of selfless people who do just that. Founded in 2009 by a group of volunteers who shared the same mission, to educate and empower girls to create sustainable solutions to end generational poverty. With this missing in mind, the Mariposa Foundation has since then built a beautiful facility here in Cabarete where Haitian and Dominican girls can enjoy sports, receive academic tutoring, learn job and life skills, access libraries and computers and health and wellness care. The facility is a positive, energetic and safe place for these girls with glass artwork on the walls, quotes and portraits of significant historical women. There is pride, power and inspiration everywhere you look!
What Does The Mariposa Foundation do?The Mariposa Foundation work not only locally, but also globally to educate and empower women. Below we’ve outlined exactly what they do. Academic Enrichment
Experiential Learning
Health and Wellness
What Can You Do to Help?Aside from donating money to the foundation, there are a variety of things you can do to help. To keep it simple we’ve listed a few of them below.
It really is a wonderful place to stop by and visit whilst you are here in Cabarete. Oh and don’t forget to try one of their brownies too! You can find all the information on previous and current projects on their website. The post The Mariposa Foundation appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/the-mariposa-foundation/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177287332883 Find out about The Mariposa Foundation, what they do, their story and how you can help.Cabarete really is an incredible place packed with inspiring, like-minded and interesting people. Some of these lovely humans don’t just enjoy the beaches, weather, watersports and adventures. They also help those less fortunate to enjoy too by giving back to the community and The Mariposa Foundation is a group of selfless people who do just that. Founded in 2009 by a group of volunteers who shared the same mission, to educate and empower girls to create sustainable solutions to end generational poverty. With this missing in mind, the Mariposa Foundation has since then built a beautiful facility here in Cabarete where Haitian and Dominican girls can enjoy sports, receive academic tutoring, learn job and life skills, access libraries and computers and health and wellness care. The facility is a positive, energetic and safe place for these girls with glass artwork on the walls, quotes and portraits of significant historical women. There is pride, power and inspiration everywhere you look!
What Does The Mariposa Foundation do?The Mariposa Foundation work not only locally, but also globally to educate and empower women. Below we’ve outlined exactly what they do. Academic Enrichment
Experiential Learning
Health and Wellness
What Can You Do to Help?Aside from donating money to the foundation, there are a variety of things you can do to help. To keep it simple we’ve listed a few of them below.
It really is a wonderful place to stop by and visit whilst you are here in Cabarete. Oh and don’t forget to try one of their brownies too! You can find all the information on previous and current projects on their website. The post The Mariposa Foundation appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/the-mariposa-foundation/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177287240088 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sun Life Financial. All opinions are 100% mine. Over the last 15 years, we’ve traveled to six continents. In that time, we’ve found that travel can be many contradictory things at once: enlightening, inspiring, fun, relaxing and even invigorating. However, it can also be frustrating, tiring, challenging and sometimes, even energy draining. Unfortunately, early morning and late night sightseeing often means reduced sleep quality and travelers tend to consume more exotic (and decadent) foods than they do at home. Couple that with extended periods of low activity like extended plane rides and we can see that travel can be both exhausting and demanding, and even take a toll on both mental and physical health.
As frequent travelers, a big part of staying healthy for us is taking care of our health when we’re not traveling. That way, we’re starting from a healthy baseline, and the health challenges of traveling are a little less of a problem. If we hit the road rested, fairly fit, and in good mental health, we’re going to be able to deal with airport stress, skipped meals, sleep disruptions, and other travel challenges much better. Wondering how to stay healthy while traveling? Here are our top healthy travel tips to stay rested, focused and in top shape on the road. 15 Healthy Travel TipsMake exercise fun when you travelIf you love sight seeing, rent a bicycle instead of taking a taxi, or if you’re touring a waterfront city, float around on a kayak and see it from the water. The choices are endless. Whatever you do, try to make it fun, and you’ll be much more likely to stay fit on your travels. We love to walk when we travel. It’s a great way to get some exercise, plus it lets us discover things we would never have found from inside a car. You can opt to walk the entire breadth of that beach or walk through the miles of outdoor markets. Just remember to pack good walking shoes in your travel bag as well as your sense of adventure. Have your workouts readyHave a repertoire of simple, effective workouts that you can do anywhere. From age old push-ups and sit-ups to stair walking and light aerobics, find the workout that’s right for you. YouTube is fantastic, as you can find free workouts that you can do anywhere that you have an internet connection. There are also plenty of great workout apps that you can take on the road. Bring essential fitness equipmentFor me, essential fitness equipment includes running shoes, socks and comfy workout gear. When we road trip, I toss my yoga mat in the back of the car, and I can workout anywhere I have a space large enough to lay it down. I don’t bring the yoga mat when I fly, but I do try to book hotels with a workout room if I can. Don’t forget to stretchSo many of the fundamentals of travel are hard on our flexibility, including airplanes, increased walking, and travel stress. To counteract this, I take a minimum of five to ten minutes to stretch a few times every day. Your muscles will thank you! Plus, stretching is a great stress buster. Have a trusted health communityWhether we’re at home or on the road, it’s important to have a trusted source for health information. There are so many products, services, and even health and wellness apps that it can be completely overwhelming to find ones that I can trust. It helps a lot to have a community where my health options have been vetted by a company with high credibility. When Sunlife reached out to us to share some information on their new digital health community for Canadians, my first thought was that this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Sunlife’s new online digital health community is just launching to the Canadian public. It’s a place where we can find credible, timely, and informative articles on health, information on local health related events, and it lets us connect with other Canadians as well. I love the idea of having a single community that’s online and accessible for me no matter where I am in the world, 24 hours a day! What I find really helpful is the Sunlife Discovery Lab. It’s a marketplace with plenty of innovative health and wellness-related apps, products and services. Many of them even have valuable discounts and special offers, and it’s easy to filter and search for what we need. There’s a community feel here too, since users like us can find product ratings and reviews from other Canadians. The digital health community focuses on six health topics: fitness and lifestyle, mental health, family health, diet and nutrition, virtual and home health, and ageing and caregiving. Check out the Sunlife Digital Health Community here. Start the day rightWhenever I can, I start the day with fresh squeezed lemon in water. It’s a habit that gives me an extra boost of Vitamin C, and makes sure that I start the day off right by drinking plenty of water. If you’re keen, you can add a dash of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, or grated ginger for an extra boost. When I’m staying in an Airbnb or an apartment with a kitchen, this is a pretty easy habit to keep. When I’m in a hotel, I usually make do by starting the day with a big glass of water instead. Plan mealsEating healthy while traveling is one of the biggest challenges we face on the road. As a vegetarian, my food options are already limited, so choosing healthy meals is sometimes almost impossible when the only veggie option is mac and cheese. Whenever I can, I try to scout out restaurants and menus ahead of time, so I can make good food choices. We often stay in an apartment or hotel with a microwave and fridge so we can prepare healthier snacks and meals, at least part of the time. That way, when we have the opportunity to try something really decadent, we know we’re not going to suffer because of it. Pack snacks and a lunchWhen we stay at a hotel, we’ll often stop by a nearby grocery store or mini mart, and pick up a simple lunch or snack of fruit, nuts, hummus and crackers, or even premade sandwiches. We then try to find a quiet place to enjoy our impromptu picnic. It not only saves us money, it’s usually much healthier than restaurant options and gets us out seeing the sights faster. Track what you eatYou don’t need to track every morsel of food, but try to be aware of what you eat, and make compromises if you find you’re eating or drinking too much that’s unhealthy for you. If I eat a huge mac and cheese for dinner one night, I’ll go a little lighter on breakfast fare, and make sure to get some greens for lunch the next day. If you’re keen and so inclined, there are apps that can help you track what you’re eating like MyFitnessPal. Stay hydratedWhen we travel, we walk more than normal, so it’s easy to get dehydrated. To counteract this, I try to find an easy source of fresh drinking water, whether that’s finding the closest water fountain or stocking up on bottles of water and leaving the extras in the hotel room. You can stay hydrated by drinking lots of fresh fruit for breakfast, which was one of our favorite ways to stay hydrated in the Galapagos Islands. Airplanes are the worst for dehydration, as I often get off a plane and feel that the dry airplane air has sucked every ounce of moisture out of me. To counteract an airplane’s drying effect, I bring along a light moisturizer for my skin, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Find the joy!It’s so easy to get caught up in must do lists and lose all the fun we should be having on the road. I need to do a mental reset occasionally to remember to relax and have fun! Sometimes the best advice when you travel with kids is to let them be your fun barometer. If they’re enjoying themselves, chances are we are as well. Plan to get a good night’s sleepIt annoys me how little value our North American culture puts on sleep. Sleep deprivation is linked to many chronic health problems, and quality sleep is necessary for physical and mental health, quality of life and even safety. I know that without a good night’s sleep, I’m less productive, grouchier, and simply don’t enjoy life as much. Bringing a sleep mask, booking a room in a quiet hotel, pulling the blinds shut, and even bringing your own travel pillow can help you get a better night’s sleep. Don’t neglect your mental healthTravel can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’ve packed your schedule to the gills. I’ve definitely been guilty of pushing myself too hard, and found myself rushing from location to location instead of truly enjoying myself. When you’re away from home, try to be especially aware of when you’re feeling out of sorts. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a lot of folks struggle with sadness, loneliness or even depression when they travel. If that’s the case, the first step is to be mindful of how you’re feeling, and take whatever steps you need to start feeling better.
Take a minute to meditateSure, meditation may be the last thing on your mind as you’re starting your week long vacation in Mexico. That said, meditation can be especially helpful at staying grounded and reduce stress, even if all you can manage is a five minute meditation before bed or first thing in the morning. Clearing your mind allows you to fully enjoy everything you’re about to experience and helps you start your day off right regardless of the activities you’re about to partake in. Build in down timeThere’s always so much to see and do when you’re traveling (and even at home), that it’s tempting to resist slowing down. Don’t make that mistake, because we all need a chance to rest and recharge. After over 15 years of traveling together, we’ve learned how important it is to take some time to recharge our batteries. Not only does having some breathing room help us cope with any unforeseen issues that arise but also allows us to digest everything we’ve just experienced. What health and wellness products or services do you use stay healthy at home or on the road? We’d love to hear your tips! from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-blogs/10-easy-helpful-healthy-travel-tips/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/177217408708 Learn about the health benefits and some tasty recipes to try at home with platanos.Just as Popeye loves his spinach, Dominicans love their platanos. Known in English as plantains, these little guys look very similar to bananas but certainly don’t taste the same. You won’t want to get them confused. Unlike bananas, whether they are ripened or unripened, plantains need to be cooked first. On the plus side, they are cheap, tasty, always in season and pack a healthy punch. So much so that when Dominican athletes do well in competition, they’ll refer to platano power. In this article, we’ll name some tasty ideas for you to try in our kitchens and a little more on the power of the platano. Health Benefits of Plantain
Tasty Plantain IdeasTechnically classed as a fruit, plantains are a great addition to any meal and make a tasty change to potatoes, but how do we eat them? We’ve outlined our favorite simple ways to eat plantain and popular Dominican dishes. Fried PlantainThis is certainly not the healthiest option but makes for a tasty treat from time to time. These are easy to make as you slice the plantain, fry in oil until golden brown and tender and enjoy with a chilli sauce dip. These are a local lunchtime and dinner favorite! Mangu (Mashed Plantains)Mangu is the traditional breakfast here in the Dominican Republic and is normally served with fried egg, fried cheese, red onion, boiled yucca and salami. Once again, this isn’t exactly a healthy combo but you can enjoy it on its own, with vegetables or one of our favorites, with scrambled egg and onion. The same as mashed potatoes, you boil up the plantains first, empty out the water, then mash them up! Mofongo (Fried Mashed Plantains with Pork Crackling)Take the tasty trio of garlic, fried plantains and pork crackling, mix and mash them all together and voila, Mofongo! This dish originated in Puerto Rico but is so delicious, it has now become a popular dish in the Dominican Republic. Caramelized Ripe PlantainThis may sound like a dessert but is, in fact, a side dish here in the DR. They take around 15 minutes to make and are easy peasy! Firstly, you need to make sure your ripe plantains are really ripe, we’re talking black peel and a little mushy when you squeeze. Start by peeling and cutting the plantains into halves and add cinnamon. Next up, fry the plantains over a medium heat until they’re golden brown. Then add the mix of water, rum, sugar and salt. Once the mix turns into a syrup consistency, serve up and enjoy! You can find all of the recipes in detail and more on the Dominican cooking website. Check out some more of our favorite Dominican recipes. Which is your favorite way to enjoy plantains? Let us know in the comments below. Learn about the health benefits and some tasty recipes to try at home with platanos. Just as Popeye loves his spinach, Dominicans love their platanos. Known in English as plantains,… Why and where you should take Spanish lessons in Cabarete Spanish is the 3rd most widely spoken language in the world and it’s what is spoken here in the Dominican… Enjoy our hacks for traveling with kids to make your vacation a breeze School is out and the summer holidays are in full swing for most families across the globe…. Family Beach Games in CabareteStaff | Activites For Kids in Cabarete, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsFamily Beach Games in Cabarete Time for some fun in the sun with the whole family this summer with our top beach activities. Whether the kids are still little tots… The post The Power of The Platano appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/the-power-of-the-platano/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/176772298478 Learn about the health benefits and some tasty recipes to try at home with platanos.Just as Popeye loves his spinach, Dominicans love their platanos. Known in English as plantains, these little guys look very similar to bananas but certainly don’t taste the same. You won’t want to get them confused. Unlike bananas, whether they are ripened or unripened, plantains need to be cooked first. On the plus side, they are cheap, tasty, always in season and pack a healthy punch. So much so that when Dominican athletes do well in competition, they’ll refer to platano power. In this article, we’ll name some tasty ideas for you to try in our kitchens and a little more on the power of the platano. Health Benefits of Plantain
Tasty Plantain IdeasTechnically classed as a fruit, plantains are a great addition to any meal and make a tasty change to potatoes, but how do we eat them? We’ve outlined our favorite simple ways to eat plantain and popular Dominican dishes. Fried PlantainThis is certainly not the healthiest option but makes for a tasty treat from time to time. These are easy to make as you slice the plantain, fry in oil until golden brown and tender and enjoy with a chilli sauce dip. These are a local lunchtime and dinner favorite! Mangu (Mashed Plantains)Mangu is the traditional breakfast here in the Dominican Republic and is normally served with fried egg, fried cheese, red onion, boiled yucca and salami. Once again, this isn’t exactly a healthy combo but you can enjoy it on its own, with vegetables or one of our favorites, with scrambled egg and onion. The same as mashed potatoes, you boil up the plantains first, empty out the water, then mash them up! Mofongo (Fried Mashed Plantains with Pork Crackling)Take the tasty trio of garlic, fried plantains and pork crackling, mix and mash them all together and voila, Mofongo! This dish originated in Puerto Rico but is so delicious, it has now become a popular dish in the Dominican Republic. Caramelized Ripe PlantainThis may sound like a dessert but is, in fact, a side dish here in the DR. They take around 15 minutes to make and are easy peasy! Firstly, you need to make sure your ripe plantains are really ripe, we’re talking black peel and a little mushy when you squeeze. Start by peeling and cutting the plantains into halves and add cinnamon. Next up, fry the plantains over a medium heat until they’re golden brown. Then add the mix of water, rum, sugar and salt. Once the mix turns into a syrup consistency, serve up and enjoy! You can find all of the recipes in detail and more on the Dominican cooking website. Check out some more of our favorite Dominican recipes. Which is your favorite way to enjoy plantains? Let us know in the comments below. Learn about the health benefits and some tasty recipes to try at home with platanos. Just as Popeye loves his spinach, Dominicans love their platanos. Known in English as plantains,… Why and where you should take Spanish lessons in Cabarete Spanish is the 3rd most widely spoken language in the world and it’s what is spoken here in the Dominican… Enjoy our hacks for traveling with kids to make your vacation a breeze School is out and the summer holidays are in full swing for most families across the globe…. Family Beach Games in CabareteStaff | Activites For Kids in Cabarete, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsFamily Beach Games in Cabarete Time for some fun in the sun with the whole family this summer with our top beach activities. Whether the kids are still little tots… The post The Power of The Platano appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/the-power-of-the-platano/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/176771035413 from Extreme Hotels Cabarete https://extremehotels.com/laguna-dudu/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/176599240123 |
AuthorLearn about traveling and living in the Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Good places to visits and fun things to do in Dominican Republic. Archives
October 2018
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