Fun Stuff To See In Las Vegas And A Cool Place To Stay When You Visit

Las Vegas is a fantastic, fun, slightly crazy, non-stop and in your face entertainment experience that you really must do at least once in your life! When I went I stayed in the Luxor which is a huge black pyramid shaped hotel with over 4000 rooms and a fun friendly atmosphere. It also has the largest man made light source pointing out of it’s roof up into the sky which can even be seen from space! I thoroughly recommend staying at the Luxor as it has great big comfortable rooms which are reasonably priced and loads of cool facilities including a very large casino in the centre of it. It has a quality restaurant and if you are in a hurry or on a budget you can dine in the buffet restaurant which has a huge choice of food and is available day and night.

You will never get bored in Las Vegas as the place is open for business 24 hours a day, in fact there are no clocks anywhere to be seen!

But what else is there to do and see apart from gambling? Well, one of the coolest things you can see when you are there is the grand water fountain show which is put on outside the Bellagio hotel (where Ocean’s Eleven was filmed) each evening for free. This is a truly amazing spectacle set to music with the stunning Bellagio hotel as a backdrop, this is something you won’t forget and would be a very romantic moment to share with your girl if you are going as a couple on holiday.

Another great thing to do is to take a ride on a big rollercoaster built on top of one of the hotels, but make sure you do this at night, as the view of all the wonderful Las Vegas lights as you go up, down and loop the loop is something that you will always remember.

One of the best things I did when I was there was take a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, flying over it was absolutely awesome, a definate ‘must do’ thing when you are there. Before the pilot took us to the Grand Canyon, he flew us over the Las Vegas strip and that to was pretty cool too.

If you have time, I would also recommend taking a walk up and down the whole Las Vegas strip, although this might take you most of the day as the strip is 7 or 8 miles long, however it is well worth it as you can walk in and out of the hotels and casinos and take in all there is to see for free, unless of course you stop to take a flutter which you will no doubt do! One of the hotel’s even has its own free mini zoo with lions, tigers and other animals inside it. Whilst you walk along the strip you may encounter some things you can only find in Las Vegas, when I walked up and down it I encountered three Elvis Presley’s! I also saw some guys on a street corner handing out leaflets for lap dancing clubs standing right next to a minister of the church collecting for his ministry…only in Las Vegas!

Beautiful Aspen Colorado Lodging… And You!

Aspen Colorado lodging. When you’re considering where to take your next vacation, give a good long thought to Aspen. In this day and age when so many of us have flocked to the cities and suburbs to live and work, it seems like it becomes more and more necessary to make sure our holidays get us out into the open air again.
This fabulous vacation spot does exactly that without sacrificing anything at all and you won’t have to think long and hard to find all the types of unique activities just a stone’s throw away from any kind of lodging in this beautiful mountain town.
Set in the Rocky Mountains, this serene area gives you the opportunity to engage in almost any kind of winter sport on any given winter day. One of the main reasons people choose Aspen is because it puts skiing and snowboarding minutes away from your front door.
But what a lot of people don’t think about are the other possibilities… such as cross-country skiing or alpine touring. Don’t feel like hurtling downhill at breakneck speed? No problem. Then glde your way through a snowy mountain trail on rented cross-country skis or a pair of snowshoes with an experienced guide at your side! It makes sitting at a smelly bus stop or waiting in line for a dozen photocopies feel like a bad nightmare from another world!
If snow isn’t your thing, Aspen Colorado lodging is still a great option anytime of the year. In the summer you can golf in to your heart’s content with some of the most scenic fairways you’ll ever have the privilege to aim at. Also, there are many varieties of fishing that can be done off Aspen’s Colorado River tributary as well.
No matter what time of year you’ll have an outdoor adventure right at your fingertips.
Environment might make a big difference when you’re trying to decide where to travel. Why holiday in the same type of place that you work? Even if all you want from your time away is the opportunity to do some light shopping and see a few shows, here is a place to do all that, but still feel like you are getting away from it all! Time your stay right and you can browse all the gifts stores by day and check out the annual HBO Comedy Festival at night.
Some of the best holiday memories involve laughter. So, just think of the odds for laughter if you book a family vacation to the Colorado mountains? Picture yourself laughing over supper with your loved one as you reminisce about the foibles of negotiating the bunny hill for the first time.
Parlay that over into a night in the audience while comedians make light of themselves and everything else and you are bound to tuck yourself in at night with a smile on your face. And isn’t that what vacations are all about?
All in all, with the variety of hotels available here and the number of different experiences that they put at your disposal, you’d be remiss to neglect giving this travel destination a good second thought.
My mom always used to say that home should put a smile on your face. She was right, which is why I call Aspen Colorado lodging one of my homes away from home!

Travel in the U.s

New York Vacation RentalsOne of the best places to go for vacation with the whole family is New York’s Niagara Falls area. Considered one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, Niagara Falls separates Ontario, Canada and New York. New York vacation rentals are plentiful in the area. Popular with vacationers, some of these cabins are located in campgrounds where chalets, RVs (recreational vehicles) and Park Models may also be rented. Ideal for families, these are the best choices for any type of vacation. These New York vacation rentals and camps offer amenities like pools, playgrounds, and game rooms. They also organize activities like visits to nearby Niagara Falls. So for families, especially those who are traveling in RVs, and those who plan to camp out in tents, head out to a campground can make the most out of New York vacation rentals and campsites.Colorado Cabin Rentals The cabins in Colorado, especially those near Estes Park, are some of the most popular summer destinations. It is also home for the Rocky Mountain National Park. Families can rent cabins and enjoy various summer activities together. These campgrounds welcome families with tents, Park Models or RVs. Campers can take part in various activities designed not only for children but for the whole family. These campgrounds have amenities like playgrounds, game rooms, and souvenir shops,. Some sites even have free Wi-Fi access. Families who rent cabins in Colorado afford themselves the opportunity to enjoy various special amenities like heated swimming pools and hiking trails as well as enjoy visits to the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park.Rocky Mountains’ splendid mountain views, wildlife, rock climbing routes, the Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake Road, and Fall River Road are huge tourist favorites. Those who rent cabins in Colorado will find these attractions adventurous and unforgettable.Dairy Land Family VacationsWisconsin vacation rentals abound in Sturgeon Bay. A more practical (and adventurous) choice would be to stay in a campground. Sturgeon Bay, known as the “friendliest small town in Wisconsin,” is home to several RV and tent campgrounds. Some of these campgrounds are in Door County, a favorite summer destination especially in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It has 5 of Wisconsin’s state parks, lighthouses dating back to the 1800’s, and a cherry orchard that’s over 2,000 acres wide. For those families who choose to park their RVs or pitch their tents in selected campgrounds, they will enjoy numerous indoor and outdoor activities. There are also campgrounds that rent out fully-furnished cabins for those who love camp life but do not have tents or RVs. Choose only the best when you stay in a cabin like these Wisconsin vacation rentals.Beautiful Vacations in the Buckeye StateOhio campgrounds located in Aurora are also attractive vacation choices. These campgrounds have game rooms, playgrounds, and pools. Campers can play baseball or practice their volleyball and basketball abilities in the campgrounds. When there are no activities, campers can either go fishing or relax in the cool afternoon breeze. These Ohio campgrounds give campers a glimpse of the Amish life as well. Ohio’s Amish Country is composed of 8 counties namely, Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Stark, Coshocton, Knox, Ashland and Richland. Each county boasts of its own activities and attractions. There are museums, historic districts, county fairs, and specialty shops that catch the fancy of any visitor. The Amish Country also offers guided tours. Any family who spends their vacation in these Ohio campgrounds is assured of a good time and memorable fun. Bring Your Family Closer Together this VacationTo sum it all up: make planning easier by relishing in the accommodation offered by vacation rentals around the country; especially since they are complete with all the modern amenities and features of home. If these vacation homes do not fit into your family’s budget, rest assured that tent camping and RV campgrounds offer some of the best facilities, activities, and locations available. Campgrounds offer more activities that will engage children while parents can rest and relax.

Why Home Insurance is Necessary for People in Canada

Remember the Hurricane Katrina? Or even the Tsunami in Asia? Apart from the loss of life, the property damage was stupendous. Thousands had been left stranded homeless, and penniless, without a proper home insurance coverage. This is why a home insurance cover is so necessary, even if its comparatively costlier than other insurance policies. Similar to other properties and tangible possessions, your home is also subject to an insurance cover. However, most homeowners in Canada are either not aware of the need of a home insurance policy or do not care enough! But have you ever imagined how a home insurance can provide an adequate buffer against problems that deplete a homeowner financially and mentally every other day? A home insurance cover, when customized and armed with appropriate riders and limitations, can lay a home owner’s issues to rest once and for all.Home insurance policy comes attached with a number of riders, exclusions and limitations. For an instance, a home insurance does not cover damage or losses from natural disasters. Therefore, in areas where flood or cyclones are frequent, it is advisable to have special insurance additions or riders incorporated into the original policy regarding the same. Earthquakes, or even hurricanes like Katrina can create serious difficulties for a homeowner. War is also an exclusion that is not covered a conventional home insurance policy. The addition of special coverage sections into the conventional policy might seem expensive to the client, but in actuality, it is safer to have them than lament about the damages incurred later on. Buying a home insurance policy is almost a compulsory act if you have taken a loan to buy or build the house. Mortgage loans embed a condition that the borrower has a home insurance policy to protect their home in case of any losses. Before buying a policy, it is always best to shop around a bit before settling on the best. Always remember that the cheapest or the most pricey insurance quote might not be the best; at least not for every individual homeowner! Once you have successfully identified the insurance policy you wish to purchase, scan through it carefully. Many insurance companies offer advantages or unconventional riders at specific times. Some companies offer greater coverage during Christmas or Thanksgiving season, which also coincides with the highest number of robberies, accidents and mishaps at home. Being aware of such special additions or coverages provided by insurance companies is a big boost for the potential individual. However, locating and managing the best home insurance deal is not a cakewalk. A huge number of private insurance companies have gained ground in the insurance industry in Canada today. Of these, a major portion are insurance portals such as insuremetoo.com, who offer professional advice as well as brokerage services to clients on a wide range of insurance services such as home insurance, car insurance, auto insurance, and even dental insurance. Professional help or even a consultation with an expert from the concerned field is necessary for sealing the final deal. So better be safe than sorry! Request a free quote for home insurance right NOW!

All About Air Canada Freight

Everyday around the world, people are constantly in need of a service provided that can transport their packages from one destination to the other. In answer to this need, air Canada freight is continuously upgrading their strategies and methods to cater to satisfy their customers’ need. In addition, this freight service is also expanding in different parts of the world. This is because it is important that even far off places have their own reliable air freight provider. What people are looking in an air freight provider? 1. Reliability. People want their packages to be handled and delivered properly. This is because they want their packages to arrive at its destination in the same condition that is sent. That is why people want their service provider to be reliable. Gaining the trust of customers is not that easy. They are always on the lookout for another which will is better than what they have already. But then, once they know that no other company can do what theirs are capable of, that is the time when they will be converted to loyal customers. Showing the customers how reliable you are will gain more repeat clients. In addition, they are likely to recommend you to other people who might be in need of the same service. 2. Competitive price. When people think of air freight services, the first thing that comes to mind is the price. Because of the nature of the business, it is a common misconception that it is expensive and that not everyone can afford them. With the many competing air freight services now available, there are already sudden changes in the price already. Before, customers need to pay for the customs fee or rates that are converted depending on the destination. Nowadays, you can easily choose one provider that offers the best service at the lowest price. 3. Speed of service. There are air freight services that do not conform to the promised time of delivery. This is what irritates customers the most. Before you know it, they will be looking for another provider that delivers what they say they will. The speed of service is one of the vital factors needed in an air freight service provider. That is the initial purpose of the packages after all. It can be noted that the speed of the delivery should not compromise the quality of the package. These two should go hand in hand. Without the other, it can never work. 4. Far reaching. Ever been in a situation wherein your provider did not accept your package because they do not cater to that certain destination? This can really irritate customers. Packages are sent not only on usual locations and famous places. There are also important materials or things that should be sent to locations that are just as important. The air freight service provider should know have a comprehensive knowledge about important places that are not the usual point of delivery. There should have one or two employees who should specialize in the familiarization of different localities. Air Canada freight is aware of what people want in their service provider. This is the reason why there are continuous updates on how best to improve the tools, machines and the personnel that they have. If this means that they will be on top of the list of air freight provider, then all the effort will definitely be worth it.

DO NOT GO THERE – Places not to travel to, due to pollution, dangers, crime

Do not go there!

Polution, crime and long lines. A new guide book made by Peter Greenberg guides you away from the worst travel destinations on the earth.

Places you very well can avoid is listed up by Mr. Greenberg, and also lists up the airports you should avoid and at what times it is wise to visit sights around the world. A handy little guide, with some other perspective than other travel guides available to you.

Go there in the winter: According to Greenberg the lines at the Eiffeil tower in Paris is worst in the summer (big surprise?). He recommends of course to visit the sights in Paris in November and December months.

The internet is full of travel tips sites and guides that tells you were to go and what to see. An example of a travel guide is TripAdvisor

However, now there is a guide book available to you that tell you where you should not travel and make sure travelers stay away from these places.

The author calls his guide book; «Don’t go there!» And is listing up places not to go to and should avoid and at times you should avoid some places.

Here you will find a good overview of travel destinations that at first glance looks exotic and exiting, but be aware that some of these places can have surprises you would like to stay away from.

The guide book lists up the worst airports in the world and common tourist traps in addition to cover topics like pollution, crime and the worst environmental sinners.

Stinking beaches and hazardous roads have also been covered by the investigative traveler.

Several cruise ships are mentioned as not having acceptable sanitary conditions, lack of food hygiene and falsification of discharge logs.

You will in addition to advices get anecdotes about places you should avoid visiting.

For example the increased pollution in Delhi in India is caused by the increasing care sales amongst the normal people since a Indian car like Nano is sold for around 2500 USD which more people can afford in today’s India. The paradox is that some of the new cars pollute more than the older models according to what is written in the book.

The air in Calcutta is so bad that the police has to carry oxygen tanks with them., so you would not like to go for a walk and sightseeing there, unless you are a heavy smoker and do not mind to get some extra chemicals down your throat.New York is a splendid city to visit, but be aware that statistically there will be a hurricane in the Big Apple soon. According to the guide book from Greenberg, the geography tells that the east coast of U.S.A is vulnerable to hurricanes and big storms, and big storms come on a regular basis to these areas through the last 100 years. The last big event was back in 1938, so watch out now.

In Pattaya polluted sanitary water is dumped into the ocean from large apartment complexes. The authorities made a law that complexes larger than 60 units should clean up their waste water before dumping it into the ocean. However, the entrepreneurs just found out to save costs they build complexes with 59 units in them and can therefore continue to dump sewage into the beach waters.

In the U.S.A you can visit the garlic capital called Gilroy in California, which is Americas arm pit. Battle Mountain in Nevada and the largest hand made well in Greensburg in Kansas, or maybe not.

First of all, this is a guide book for the normal tourist, which needs some guidance to avoid the tourist traps, and not avoid places were your health is at risk.

Here is a summary of destinations that Greenberg categorize as the worst candidates within their category.

Worst airports

• Sheremetevo in Moscow – corruption, lines, lousy service, dirty and depressive. Make sure you have dollars and toilet paper with you before you arrive here. There are no alternatives as the other 3 airports in Moscow are equally bad.

• Ninoy Aquino in Manila – taxi-mafia, corruption and general incompetence, but there is an alternative in Clark International which is newer.

• Leopold in Dakar –Do not spend to long time here, it’s dangerous as criminals rule the area in and around the airport and usually luggage gets lost here. There are no alternatives.

• Charles de Gaulle in Paris – smell, arrogance, and long lines combined with lack of logistics which is deemed to be the worst. Alternatives would be Paris-Orly or Paris-Beauvais• Congonhas in São Paulo – is one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to safety of flights due to short runway and the state of it. There are no real alternatives as Guarulhos is to busy.

Pollution

• Tianying, China – an industrial city with lots of lead and heavy metals in the food. • Chongqing, China – crowded coal and steel city with an invisible sky line.

• Cairo, Egypt – 2,1 percent of the deaths are caused by air pollution and the city is full of industry.

• Delhi, India –the second largest polluted city in the world due to lots of traffic and lots of cheap cars which pollutes lots.

• Calcutta, India – 70 percent of the people there has asthmatic problems or lounge problems in one way or another. And the police use oxygen tanks.

 Windsor, Canada – is called North Americas most polluted city due to wind carried polluted air from Detroit.

• Mexico City, Mexico – lies in a pot with lots of ozone and particles in the air. The city is encapsulated by smog at all time.

 Polluted waters

• Pattaya, Thailand – once it was a beautiful beach, but now the growing population pumps out pure sewage into the beach waters.

• Aral lake, Uzbekistan – dehydration causing death of fishes, salt and pure drinking water causes lots of diseases.

• King-river, Australia – dumping ground for copper mines, and all animal life is gone in parts of the river.

• Bangladesh – salt water destroys the drinking water and agriculture along the coast line pollutes a lot. There is a high content of arsenic in the water further inland.

• Jakarta, Indonesia – The large drinking water source is polluted due to large activity of chemical treatment of textiles in the area.

• Sarno-elva, Italy – Heavy metal pollution which pollutes rivers running into the Naples bay. Toxins and radio activity

• Bhopal, India – A big accident in 1984 which still brings heavy smell close to the old factory there.

• Tsjernobyl, Ukraine – A known history of tragedy which is now used for extreme tourism as guided tours are given there. Do not risk this, stay away from there. • Dzerzjinsk, Russia – Fabrication of chemical weapons during the cold war and lots of remnants can be found in the region still.

• Kabwe, Zambia – lead exploitation up till 1994 and we can still find dangerous metals in the earth and waters.

• La Oroya, Peru – This place is full of heavy metals due to the industry in this area. • Linfen, China – is amongst the worst places in China and that tells you the most you need to know. Bring oxygen and water before you enter this area of the world.

Smelling places

• Taean, South-Korea – oil spill in 2007 makes the place smell terrible even today. • Rotorua, New Zealand – Geothermal activity makes the whole city smell sulfur, so do not plan to dress up in your finest clothes or taste good food and wine here.

• Naples, Italy – Very bad handling of garbage makes the trip to Vesuvius and the ruins not worth the trip.

• Dharavi-slum, Mumbai, India –a rapid growing slum with open sewage and terrible sanitary conditions.

 Most tourist traffic

• New York – worst before Christmas and new years eve as well as during Thanksgiving.  Expensive hotels and crowded city makes it a nightmare for most of us. Its best going there between January and March or when the locals have long weekends in the summer and escape the city.

• Disney World, Florida – endless lines in school holidays, Christmas, easter, spring break and 4th of July. An advice is to go there on a Tuesday and first go to Magic Kingdom, then Epcot followed by Hollywood Studios and last Animal Kingdom.

• Grand Canyon – worst to visit during the normal weekdays since excursions and tours makes up most of the traffic and are found to be on these days. Its best to go there in October or early in the spring.

• Eiffel tower, Paris – very bad in the period between May and September and longest lines in the summer months. Its best to go there in November and December as lines are better at that time. Try to go there in the weeks following Thanksgiving and New-year.

• Louvre, Paris –weekends are worst, especially in the summer and in vacations. It is best to go there in the middle of the week or late on Fridays, after 20:00 as its open till 22:00 in Fridays.

• Ayers Rock, Australia – Populated on the look out points at sun rise and sunset. Its best to go there in February, April or December.

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia – 1,8 million of visitors per year by boat, semi-subs or helicopters. Its best not to visit at all, rather try Lord Howe Island or Dunk Island which is more or less identical and much less people. • Pyramides in Giza, Egypt – most popular between October and April months and when its not hot. You should go there as early in the morning as possible at around 5:00 o clock and look at the pyramids in the sunrise. It makes the objects much more photogenic and less people around you as well. Rent a driver that collects you and ride into the sunrise in the morning.

• The Chinese Wall – Big crowds year around and the tourists comes around 09:00, come there before this, and you can be almost alone on the wall, and enjoy this architecture alone.

Crime and dangers

• Yemen – has a bad reputation with kidnapping of westerners, and do not ever drive a car there.

• Tijuana, Mexico – drug cartels dealing with kidnapping and shootouts; take care of your money.

• São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – violence and corruption combined with dangers of being robbed and shot at. • Johannesburg, South-Africa –not as bad as its reputation, but still lots of violence, robberies and rapes in the streets.

• Kingston, Jamaica – increasing crime in areas outside the tourist hotels.

• Port-au-Prince, Haiti – kidnapping and other types of crimes are common here. Foreign airliners personnel never leave the airport when they have to stay here.

Car Insurance is Not an Option For Drivers in Canada

No matter where you are driving in Canada, the law requires that every driver has car insurance. Automobile insurance is mandatory in all provinces and territories. Your vehicle must be covered under an insurance policy with a minimum set coverage, If you are caught driving without insurance you can be fined, have your driver’s license suspended, and even have your vehicle towed and impounded. Fines can range from $5000 to $50,000.
If you are in an accident while driving without insurance, you could face a number of consequences that include:
? If another person is injured or there is a loss of life and you are at fault, you could be liable for all vehicle damages, medical costs, and other losses
? You will not be entitled to receive compensation for your own injuries and damage to your vehicle, as well as other losses such as income.
? You may be prohibited from filing a claim against another driver if they are at fault.
If convicted of driving without insurance, your insurance company could label you as a “high risk” driver and increase your premiums. They could also cancel your policy.
There are a number of factors that determine the amount you will pay for insurance. They include:
New Driver: New drivers do not have a driving history so companies normally rate them as “high risk.” Insurance premiums will likely be expensive until you have established a good driving record.
Driving Record: Your driving record will affect your insurance premium. Insurance companies look at how long you have been driving and the number of convictions you have acquired. Convictions can include speeding tickets, car accidents, and traffic violations such as running a red light. If you have a clean driving record, your premiums should be low.
Type of Car: The type of car you drive will affect your premium. Vehicles are rated according to the make (truck, SUV, expensive sports car). Companies look at the risk of theft, vehicle collision history, and injuries associated with the type of car. The age of the car and mileage is also a factor when determining rates
Common insurance discounts include: age discount, multi-vehicle discount, multi-line discount (insuring your home and auto with the same insurer) anti-theft device discount, low mileage discount, and auto club membership discount.
There are a number of features that can be included in an insurance policy. The two most important forms of coverage are:
Collision Coverage: This coverage compensates for damage to your vehicle as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object.
Third-Party Liability: This insurance covers you if you are held legally liable when your vehicle injures someone or damages their property. Liability is mandatory in all provinces and territories in Canada.
In some provinces there are limitations on how much compensation you can receive. For instance, in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, the maximum amount one can claim for pain and suffering is $2,500. This capped amount is separate from what you receive in insurance benefits. Pain and suffering claims are separate from claims of property damage, medical expenses, or loss of employment income.
There are a number of places where you can purchase car insurance. You can buy it from an insurance broker, insurance agent, or direct writer. Insurance brokers sell policies for a variety of insurance companies. Insurance agents represent only one insurance company. Direct writers are insurance companies that sell their own insurance directly to the customer. The insurance company is responsible for providing the coverage that is noted on a driver’s Certificate of Automobile Insurance. You are only covered for what is listed on the certificate. Prices vary among companies so make sure you shop around.
Because car insurance is mandatory in Canada, you should always have insurance before you drive. The costs getting caught without it are much greater than the actual cost of acquiring insurance.

Teaching English In Mexico: A Decent Living?

What’s more disappointing than a person who makes a promise he can’t keep? A person who makes a promise that is a lie. Many promises to make a “decent living” teaching English in Mexico are just that—a lie.
If you do a phrase search on Google, “teach English in Mexico,” you will get almost 900,000 hits. Some of these sites are filled with tantalizingly appealing phrases like,
“For only a few dollars a week you can have_____in Mexico”.
“First-class bus travel to such and such a place is only____”.
All are allurements trying to sell their how-to book, tapes, seminars, or placement service for teaching English abroad. They give the impression that you will be able to make enough money to live a life of luxury and ease with all that money you will make teaching English in Mexico.
We’ve met many young women who come to Guanajuato with the hope and dream of getting a teaching job making a bundle. The word “shock” is putting it mildly when they find out what their salaries will be in some of these private schools. A good pay scale would be less than $3.00 an hour. I know of some schools that pay even less than that amount.
Can you imagine how many hours you would have to work to make ends meet? Minimum wage is about $400.00 USD a month. Granted, many Mexicans live on that. But could you—an American? Could you downscale to living on so little?
Four types who come to Mexico to teach English are:
1) Someone who wants a new adventure—something different.
2) Someone who wants to build a resume, no matter the salary.
3) Someone who wants to earn a little traveling money.
4) Someone who thinks they can earn a decent living. Groups 1 through 3 don’t care what the dollar sign is in their salary. They have other sources of income like savings or parents who help support them while they are in Mexico. These are the most transient. Here today, promising their employers a year contract, and gone tomorrow. Some employers will not hire these “floaters.” Schools would love to hire those with ties to the community but they are rare.
Group 4, people who think they can make a living, do not accept the reality that you can rarely make a living at teaching English in Mexico. They are like those who go to Hollywood with the delusion of becoming an actor, “Oh, it’s a long shot, but maybe I can do it.”
In an informal e-mail survey I took of Mexican schools that offer ESL classes, the overwhelming majority agreed that it is rare for anyone to make a living at teaching English in Mexico. One called it “an unrealistic expectation” to believe otherwise.
“…the pay is very low and it is difficult to imagine how one could live on it.”
Another source told me that unless the teacher had signed a contract with a large established organization before departure to the country, it was unlikely that a good salary would be waiting for them. Countries like Japan or China offer a competitive salary with benefits.
Mexico does not.
Most of the available jobs are with small private schools that pay little.
Some told me that those who do not fulfill their teaching commitments no longer surprise them. They’ve grown accustomed to this unethical practice by North Americans.
Some have come to Mexico and made a living teaching ESL. But, that is all they can do—work until they drop. They usually have to sign on to teach with at least three schools to get enough hours to earn enough to pay for cost-of-living expenses. There is little time to anything else.
A life of luxury, excitement, and adventure? Hardly. But they keep coming, filled with the delusion that perhaps they can make it work.
Sad.