Condo rentals are a fantastic substitute for staying in hotels. They give vacationers the feel of having a home while on vacation. Instead of a room with a bathroom and maybe a desk, travelers have an area they can relax in, a kitchen in which they can cook and a bedroom that that is less impersonal than most hotel rooms. Rental condos lend more privacy than hotels room as well. The trick is to find the condo that is just right so indoor time during vacation feels comfortable and every need is met so vacationing is not work.

Size

The very first consideration for rental condos is the size of the rentals, both inside and out. One has to consider the number of people vacationing together, their ages, who can share a room with who and if the occasion calls for more space. For example, a Christmas vacation may require a larger living area so a tree and presents can be included in the trip.

Outdoor space is another potential consideration. If families plan on spending much of a summery vacation in their rental condos, they may want some space outside. This way, planning barbecues, playing games and just lounging in the sun is only a walk outside the door. This is also great for families with pets, though the owners will have to be notified if pets are coming along.

Location

The location is everything when it comes to renting a condo while traveling. Clearly, the rental has to be near or in the area renters are visiting. For example, a couple going skiing for the weekend will probably prefer a condo on the mountain at which they are skiing. The location in proximity to grocery stores, hospitals, activities and sightseeing should all be considered and weighed against the goals of the trip. A rental condo should have all of the conveniences necessary to a relaxing vacation.

Amenities

Some vacations are all about luxury. Other vacations are all about roughing it. Some are in-between. When shopping for condo rentals, consider the reason for vacation. If it is about relaxation, a lovely porch and/or a hot tub are conducive to comfort and luxury. A more rugged vacation may require a mud room for removal of shoes and muddy clothing. It may require a fireplace for warming up at the end of a day spent hiking. It may need air conditioning to cool down after a day at the beach. In some cases, size and location can trump amenities, but in areas where there are many choices, travelers should take the time to shop around for the amenities they desire.

What it all boils down to is finding something ideal that is in the right price range. Keeping all of the above in mind, as well as timing and price when shopping will ensure that vacationers get the best condo for their trip. Once the right condo is located, other considerations such as security deposits, cleaning, linen policy and more can be discussed with the condo owner.

For your family vacation, make sure to check out . We offer as well as other hotel accomodations for the duration of your stay.

The FARC, the feared rebel group from Colombia, has announced that it would be abandoning the practice of kidnapping for financial and political gain. In a statement, aside from the change of the policy, it said would be releasing government “prisoners of war” it has held captive for so many years.

The release would comprise ten police and military hostages that remain under their control. This report though has been refuted by the Colombian government, as according to its count, there are still twelve individuals under their control. Despite such release, the group has reiterated that it was not abandoning hostilities with the Colombian government.

The FARC was established in 1964 and remains to be Latin America’s last major rebel movement. It is known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC. It has used kidnapping as a policy to extract funds for its operations as well as use for political leverage for concessions and other benefits during talks.

The change in the FARC policy may be attributed to the recent slaying of Jorge Briceno, the No. 2 leader and acknowledged field marshal of the rebel group. This has been seen as a shock to an already weakening movement because of his clout and reputation within the organization and its followers. He was seen as cold blooded, ordering executions and kidnappings without any qualms, according to some quarters.

Colombia President, Juan Manuel Santos has confirmed the death of Briceno after heavy bombing on FARC encampments in the last two days. He has called it as “the most crushing blow against the FARC in its entire history.” According to Santos, “It is as if they told New Yorkers that Osama Bin Laden had fallen”.

In a remote broadcast from the United States, Santos directly addressed the remaining FARC loyalists, saying “We’re coming for you and you know we’ll succeed. Demobilize, return to society.”

According to officials, the strike that killed Briceno was made possible through a rebel turncoat, who pinpointed the rebel leader’s location after six months of intelligence work. With the support of the US military, incursions and attacks on FARC strongholds have become more effective and decisive. In the latest operation, at least twenty rebels were slain, many of them high ranking officials of FARC.

Briceno was found outside a concrete bunker with many escape routes. Also recovered from the raid were fourteen laptop computers and sixty USB drives holding sensitive and important documentation on the FARC’s operational plans and other information.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at Gringos, where he has published a number of articles about Colombia news for expats and many other topics.

According to many world travelers, the best way to fully experience a visited country and culture is through their cuisine. Belize is a South American country where the primary meal fare is red beans, rice and chicken. While this may seem to be staple, eating this in Belize is an altogether different experience for the individual.

The chicken is prepared and served on the bone. The rice and beans is a mixed dish, often cooked in coconut milk and spices. The rice is white cooked milled grain while the beans are often stewed pinto beans. Other inclusions to this Belizean staple are fresh fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, papayas, bananas and plantains. These fruits are included either as dessert or appetizers for a Belizean meal.

Another Belizean staple is hot sauce and not just any hot sauce but a specific one. Called Marie Sharp’s, this hot sauce is made from a local habanero pepper and comes in three flavors, such as mild, hot and extremely hot. Another common table fare is citrus marinated seafood or locally known as ceviche. The most popular preparations are fresh raw conch and vegetables but it also has fish, squid and other sea creatures. Many say that a good hangover cure is the run-off from the ceviche stews. One common street food is called a papusa. This is a maize pancake with different topping options sold on stalls and carts in Belize’s streets.

Not only is eating a good thing in Belize, but also drinking. The national beer is called Belikin and has four different varieties. These are Belikin Premium, Belikin Beer, Belikin Stout and Lighthouse Lager. Guiness Stout is also available but is marketed by the Belikin Brewing Company. All these beers are sold in glass bottles and a purist in the country drinks from the bottle, though this is not recommended to foreigners and tourists.

Another Belizean drink is the One Barrel Rum. This is distilled from molasses and the brewery is located just outside Belize City. There are many colors and sizes, the largest being a seventy (70) gallon cask. For other spirits, there is cashew wine, ginger wine, sorrel wine and blackberry wine.

There is a specific dining etiquette when eating in a Belizean home. Guests are served first and the host family would wait until you are done with the meal. Everything placed on the plate needs to be finished, so it is recommended that take only small portions, for your benefit. Once done, push the plate slightly away with the utensils by the side of the plate.

Specific meals also have specific dining rules. When eating tortillas, it is best to tear the tortilla into pieces as it is being eaten. Do await for the host to say “Buen Provecho!” before digging in. The knife is on the right hand while the fork is on the left. When eating with your hands, always have your hands above the table, with wrists resting and not the elbows on the table. When eating a salad, lettuce should not be cut but instead be folded to be picked up with the fork.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at Gringos, where he has published a number of articles about moving to Belize and many other topics.

The Australian Outback is a region Down Under that has been romanticized and glamorized through film and fiction. In reality, this is a dangerous place in the country, not just because of the wildlife, but because of the terrain and the weather conditions. Yet despite the danger, the area has become a favored tourist destination. The following are the facts to be remembered when going to this area in Australia:

1) Nearly four hundred tourists perish in Australia annually. This is a small percentage of the total number of foreign tourists that visit the country. Nearly all of these deaths could have been avoided, such as driving on the wrong side of the road.

2) Many die of exposure or exhaustion when traveling through the Outback. This occurs through motor breakdown or fuel loss when on the road. Much of the Outback remains uninhabited thus leaving many stranded and exposed to the elements without means of communication.

3) When traveling, always have maps of the area. GPS still is spotty in some areas. Another important supply essential is water as the Outback is a desert area. Better have a citizen’s band or CB radio available as many areas do not have mobile phone sites for connection.

4) Information is essential. Read up on where you are going and plan ahead. Inform others of your trip and communicate with them on certain periods to assure them of your safety. Have an emergency fail safe plan, such as not checking in after two days would signal that you would be in danger leading to a search party right away.

5) The major condition that affects tourists is heatstroke. Many tourists are not fully acclimatized to the Australian weather, especially during the summer season where temperatures can rise up to fifty degrees Celsius. This can be avoided with proper hydration, keeping cool in shaded areas and wearing light loose fitting clothes. Signs of the condition include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, cramps and dizziness.

6) The Australian sun also has been a major factor in the high incidence of skin cancer in the country. Because of the ultra-violet rays, which still affects the skin cells even during cloudy days, it would be best to wear a hat and slap on sunscreen lotion for safety.

7) It would be best to avoid jumping into an unknown body of water. There is danger of bodily harm if the water is too shallow or if there are sharp rocks under the water. Avoid camping out in dry creek beds as flashfloods can suddenly occur even with a drizzle in your area.

When driving in the Outback, do be on the lookout for the wildlife especially kangaroos or wombats as these can cause serious damage to the vehicle and even danger to your person.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at the Australia Forum, where he has published a number of articles about travel in Australia and many other topics.

Panama is not always all about the Canal. There are many other places in the country that are often overlooked. These include the Darien or Isla San Jose for the outdoorsy and adventurous tourists. For those that are just out to relax and take a load off, there are many other tourist destinations available for all to see and experience in Panama.

The Islands. There are many islands in Panama, the most popular is known as San Blas Islands. This is where the Kuna, amongst the world’s smallest people, live their way of life prior to the “discovery” of the Americas. The Kuna govern the region and have created policies that limit eco-tourism to live and fit with their indigenous way of life. The waters around the island are colored baby blue with many island rock formations. There white sand beaches and one can go island hopping, swimming from one island to another around the main island.

The Highlands. Called the Boquete Region, this is a little mountain area where the towns of Boquete and Volcan are located. The area is six hours by land from Panama City but can be reached via flight into David City. From David City, the region is just a 45 minute drive. Among the best in the area are fresh strawberries and nata. One of the most famous restaurants is called The Rock. There are many sights to see in the region, such as ancient petroglyphs, horse farms and national forests where a dormant 11,000 foot volcano is located. These are just some of the many experiences and memories to be had in the region.

The City. Panama City is still amongst the top attractions in Panama itself. One of the most beautiful areas is Casco Viejo with its historic architecture. The city is dotted with majestic plazas and one can be entertained in the National Theater. The most romantic area is Plaza Bolivar, as there are cafes and the famed Salon Bolivar. This is the area where Simon Bolivar tried to create a league of nations of South America to make a United Pan Americas. The beach is also a stone’s throw from the city, just twelve miles away.

As can be seen, Panama is so much more than the Canal. There are beaches, highlands and cityscapes for the itinerant traveler to the country. Visiting the country can be done and thus enrich one’s outlook and experience with Panama.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at Gringos, where he has published a number of articles about Panama news for expats and many other topics.