Short 5 min video from our diving trip to the Blue Hole, Belize. (December 2009)

We dove to 143 feet and swam around the stalagmites and stalactites.. We encountered reef, hammerhead and black tip sharks.. Our diving time was just about 30 minutes.

If my logs are accurate, this was my 863rd dive. Amazingly this is one of the most spectacular dive site I have had the pleasure to explore…

We dove with Amigo Del Mar from San Pedro, Caye Ambergris, Belize (via our friends at Ecologic Divers)

Duration : 0:5:42

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Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits. Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation. Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

An deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park. You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river. Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals. There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world. Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs. This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children. If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare. Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions. Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/mexican-vacation-hot-spots-107414.html

When you’re shivering on a cool, rainy day, isn’t it great to daydream about white, sandy tropical beaches? Unfortunately, beach holidays may result in earaches and otitis externa – also known as ‘swimmer’s ear’ or ‘tropical ear’.

Using common sense before and during travel can make your vacation more enjoyable.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

When the human body is functioning at peak efficiency, the ears have a slightly acidic balance and they are able to combat bacterial infections. However, water is usually neutral to slightly alkaline. When you introduce water into your ears, you change their healthy acidic environment. Additionally, if the water is dirty or contaminated, your ears can become a rich breeding ground for infection.

Pre-Travel Preparation

If you have experienced swimmer’s ear in the past, consult your doctor before you travel. Request a duplicate prescription – one copy for your pharmacist and one to take with you (for presenting at border crossings or airport security.)

Pack a set of swimmer’s earplugs. These soft, silicone-based plugs should be gently placed into your ears before you swim or shower. DO NOT USE THEM while participating in any watersports that take you MORE THAN A COUPLE OF FEET BELOW THE WATER’S SURFACE – like scuba diving, cliff jumping, etc. Water pressure at depth will compress the air in your ears. The plugs can become securely lodged, requiring medical intervention for removal – and might even cause permanent damage. Make sure that you clean and dry the plugs meticulously every time you use them.

Pack a hairdryer. This can be used to dry your ears after swimming or showering. Be sure to use the lowest heat setting – and test it carefully on your wrist to verify the temperature before you attempt to ‘blow dry’ your ears.

Other useful articles to pack in your suitcase include: rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, a small bottle of white vinegar or distilled water, and an eyedropper. NEVER use cotton swabs to dry or clean your ears.

Folk Remedies

Drying your ears after water exposure will help to prevent swimmer’s ear. However, if you are a susceptible individual, consider one of the following treatments once your ears have been dried. The solutions can be dripped carefully into your ears (2-3 drops each) with an eyedropper or the tip of a clean tissue. Let the drops settle in the first ear for 5-10 minutes before you tilt your head to treat the second ear.

50% rubbing alcohol/50% white vinegar mixture

Undiluted white or apple cider vinegar

Vinegar mixed 50% with distilled water

Vinegar mixed 50% with boiled, cooled water

Lemon juice

All of the above solutions are slightly acidic. Rubbing alcohol also assists with drying as it evaporates. In a pinch, you can even use a wedge of lemon. Heat it slightly if possible, then squeeze and dribble a bit of juice into each ear.

Some people report that warm olive oil helps to protect ears from water, and actually reduces earaches.

Extra Precautions

If you have ever had any kind of ear surgery (including tube insertions) or a perforated ear drum, never put liquid into your ears unless approved by your doctor. Please take a copy of this article to your doctor or pharmacist for endorsement before you try any of the remedies mentioned. The information presented here was gathered for my own personal use before a scuba vacation.

I am not a physician. However, I have been stuck on a liveaboard sailboat where I used a 50% isopropyl alcohol/50% white vinegar solution successfully to relieve symptoms until I could get to a doctor. The physician complimented me on my self-treatment, and told me to continue with it (while staying out of the water).

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

Kathy Steinemann
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/folk-remedies-and-common-sense-treatments-for-swimmers-ear-112073.html