Nicaragua-not just for backpackers...families too!!!

...Top 15 "Must Dos" in Nicaragua...

When I first traveled to Nicaragua through United Military Travel I was surprised to see not only young travelers but also families.  Taking a family vacation seems to be getting harder and harder these days and so obviously third world countries are becoming more attractive.  Aside from the airfare, the cost of enjoying yourself is extremely less than going to 1st world country and staying in a resort.  The accommodations in Nica, to me and my family, offer more personality, are more genuine, and fun.  And when you pair all that with the assistants of travel loans for a travel now and pay later scheme...taking a vacation is more than doable!  

When someone mentions Nicaragua, what are the first thoughts that come to your head?  Mine would be, "Oh, I love it there!" or "when do you wanna go?"  Not only is Nica a fantastic place for surfers but also nature lovers and families.  It really is such a diverse country that you can find something for everyone!  Check out my family's top 15 recommendations on the "must dos" of Nica.  Also enjoy my friend, Candace, and her families photos of their most recent trip down there!

1. Stay on Ometepe Island
2. Volcano Board
3. Swim in a mineral spring
4. Watch as many sunsets as possible
5. Horse back ride
6. Take a boat tour around Laguna de apoyo
7. Find howler monkeys
8. Visit a sea turtle nesting beach
9. Use Salsa Verde on ALL of your food
10. Eat at the market for breakfast in San Juan Del Sur
11. Surf
12. Experience Granada during the day AND night
13. Stay either in Playa Santana or Playa Popoyo...its life changing
14. Take a 1/2 day fishing charter
15. Don't be afraid of new things

*Candace is a photographer for Brooke Mayo Photography, if you like her work check out their website!  

www.brookemayopblog.com 

Nicaragua - A Diamond in the Ruff

Nicaragua....Truths vs. Misconceptions....

"Far Better To Live Your Life Imperfectly, Than To Live Another's Perfectly"

Nicaragua is not perfect, you will not find perfectly paved roads, manicured hedges, or five star resorts lining the beaches but to me and my husband it is a place of serenity, peacefulness, and happiness.  What you will find is a country that still lives like decades has not passed, a country where working hard is the only way to work, a country that still lives by tradition not the outside world.  

*United Military Travel will only book your trip in safe accommodations that live up to UMT's standards.

Ometepe Island - Playa Santa Martha

Road to town - Playa Santana

If you are an adventurist - book this trip now!

First thing to do upon arriving: head straight to la playa (the beach).  In order to really experience Nica you have to get out of the city.  But first some tips:

• Already have a transfer service arranged for you from your hotel.  Makes life way easier.
• You could rent a car but how are you going to navigate the country roads with no street signs?
• At the airport many men will try to carry your bags to their cars making you use their service if you let them.  Refuse, unless that is what you want.    
• Kids...lots of sweet little kids...trying to sell you chicle (gum), handmade flowers, water, etc.  I usually give them a dollar and do not take their items.  You do not have to...but I am a sucker. 
• Prepare yourself for the car ride to be an adventure in itself.  You can buy yourself a 6 pack of Tona (great local beer), sit back and take in the sights as they wiz past you.  Literally, fly by you because driving down there is no joke.  If you have a weak stomach-sit in the front.  
• Traffic consists of cars, mopeds, cows, chickens, horses, donkeys, and dogs (lots of them).
• Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way - be careful.

Sunset - Playa Santana

Buena Onda Hotel - Playa Santana

You have many choices in accommodations and atmosphere:  beach, lake, island, or city. 

• Beach: Playa Santana, Playa Popoyo, Playa Iguana for surf and remoteness. 
• Accommodations:  Santana - Buena Onda or Rancho Santana.  Popoyo - Popoyo Beach Lodge.  Iguana - Hacienda Iguana.  
• Lake: Lake Nicaragua (Ometepe Island),  Laguna de apoyo
• Accommodations: Lake Nicaragua - Playa Santa Martha.  Laguna de apoyo - Hostel Pardiso.  Or rent your own home on your own island.
• City: Granada, San Juan Del Sur
• Accommodations: Granada - either rent your own home for a few nights at a wonderful rate with privacy and most homes are open air with indoor pools and terraces.  Or stay in Hotel Colon, they book fast so call ahead.  San Juan Del Sur - backpackers paradise.  Pelican Eyes Resort and Spa....hands down the best there!

Playa Maderas

Lake Nicaragua

Pelican Eyes - San Juan Del Sur

Playa Popoyo

Colonial Granada 

Colonial Granada - Rental Home

Ometepe Island

Laguna de apoyo - Rental Home                      

A Word To The Wise

Top 3 Things to  know before traveling to Ecuador

An informed traveler is a smart traveler!

...Know The Currency...

It is always a pain when you travel internationally and you have to convert your currency.  Are you getting a fare rate?  Are you getting ripped off?  Can you convert quickly in your head when out and about?  So many times travelers lose more money than the item they are buying is worth because they do not know the exchange rate.  That is the beauty of Ecuador - they use the American Dollar!  It is fantastic, I know!  Only one thing now that you have to remember - the smaller the bills the better.  Using a twenty dollar bill there is like trying to break a one hundred at a flee market here.  I suggest hitting your local bank before leaving and getting 1/2 (yes, literally 1/2) of your travel money in 1's, 5's, and 10's.  Also, bring a couple rolls of quarters with you as you can tip in change. 

...Big Tipping = Less Friends...

I know that sounds crazy, we are accustomed to leaving 20% of our bill to our server.  Not in Ecuador.  Your server will be offended and also it creates a domino effect - if one person tips "large" then the next, and the next after that it, will slowly become the way of the land.  I know this sounds horrible, and believe me it is not what I think is fair, but thats how it is.  It is the primary reason why Ecuador's income per household is still so low.  Great for traveler but poor for locals. 

                        ...Taxi’s vs. Buses vs. Hitch Hiking...

As American's we typically take taxi's if we need public transportation.  When in Ecuador the bus system is a fantastic way to get around and CHEAP!  Most bus rotations run every 20 minutes and are color coded for easy navigation - want to go North get on the blue (azul) bus etc.  A word to the wise, when you board the bus state where you are going to the driver and see if he says "si" or "no" to insure you are riding the correct bus.  This is where your change will come in handy; buses typically cost 50 cents to $1.50 each way and they do not like to give out a ton of change.

Taxi's are wonderful too, they are air conditioned, and fast but do not give you a cultural experience whatsoever and cost more.  Also, most of the time you will be getting into a car that is not owned by a taxi service but a guy saying he will give you a ride.  Kinda like hitch hiking but you think it is a taxi service

Hitch hiking a ride from locals is also a great way to get from point A to point B.  However, it is not free and most of the time you will be riding in the back of a truck with other locals, livestock, or other hitch hikers/backpackers.  From my experience, it was the most run but just make sure you do not get ripped off.  Know how much it would have cost for a bus pass and pay only that or less.  If the driver gets fussy - give him what he wants :)