what to do in los angeles
things to do in los angeles
fun things to do in los angeles
The post 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles (That Aren’t the Hollywood Sign) appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/acxyAZpsY
Sunday, January 30, 2022
10 Things to Do in Los Angeles (That Aren’t the Hollywood Sign)
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/acxyAZpsY
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
10 Places to Visit in New Orleans (That Aren’t Bourbon Street)
The post 10 Places to Visit in New Orleans (That Aren’t Bourbon Street) appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3IHdZEu
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Where To Stay In Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico
Heading to Cancun this year? Plan your trip with my tips on the best places to stay in Cancun, including neighborhoods suited to your budget and vacation goals!
Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula home to beautiful sandy beaches and Mayan Ruins. One of the most popular places to base yourself is the city of Cancun, known as a gateway to to the Riviera Maya.
Formerly known as Nizuc or ‘point of grass’ to its Mayan inhabitants, the city now called Cancun means ‘enchanted snake’ or ‘nest of snakes’.
But its far from a nest of snakes. Being the entry point to Mexico – Cancun is a vibrant city that is home to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and a thriving night scene.
The perfect base to explore the Mayan Riviera, Cancun is also well connected to Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen and more.
Your stay in Cancún will introduce you to Mexican delicacies, nightlife, and street food. It’ll also be the perfect chance to go scuba diving, snorkeling, explore nearby Mayan ruins, go shopping, and join some cultural experiences.
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Cancun to enjoy your stay, read this free guide to the best areas in Cancun and find the perfect accommodation for your budget!
Table Of Contents
- Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022
- Best Places To Stay In Cancun Guide
- Top Neighborhoods In Cancun
- Zona Hotelera – Where To Stay For First Time Visitors
- El Centro Neighborhood – Cancun On A Budget
- Puerto Juarez – Cancun’s Newest Area
- Costa Mujeres Area – Luxury Beach & Golf Area
- FAQ: Top Cancun Questions
Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022
Mexico is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.
Get Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. Safety Wing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!
Best Places To Stay In Cancun Guide
Top Neighborhoods In Cancun
Zona Hotelera
Zona Hotelera is Cancun’s main tourist district where you’ll find the higher-end resorts that cater to tourists. Stay here and you’ll find restaurants, shopping malls, and a happening night-life scene. Extending all the way from Puerto Cancun to Punta Nizuc. It’s also where some of the best beaches in Cancun are located.
El Centro (Downtown) Cancun
The place to be if you want to feel the heartbeat of the city. Watching busy locals go about their days, eating street food at stalls, or visiting affordable night clubs and restaurants. El Centro offers more affordable budget accommodation options than other parts of Cancun.
Costa Mujeres
At the far North end of the Zona Hotelera sits Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres) – a newer developed luxury resort area of Cancun. A bit closer to El Centro and Puerto Juarez, this area is not as crowded as Zona Hotelera. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on a holiday with the family, Playa Mujeres is a top choice.
Puerto Juarez
Situated about 2 km from the center of Cancun, Puerto Juarez is another good place to stay in Cancun if you’re on a budget. It’s quieter than the city center, but not as touristy as Zona Hotelera. It’s also the perfect place to stay if you plan to visit Isla Mujeres, since the Ultramar Ferry to the island leaves from here twice and hour.
Zona Hotelera – Where To Stay For First Time Visitors
Luxury Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($200+ USD)
- Ritz Carlton Cancun – The luxury AAA Five Diamond Award winner, the Ritz Carlton is within walking distance of popular beaches Playa Marlin and Playa Ballenas. Guests will enjoy the 2 swimming pools, Kayanta Spa, 7 onsite restaurants, kids club and a teens club. Elegantly decorated rooms with the best amenities, Ipod docking stations, Egyptian cotton sheets, private beach cabanas, what more can you ask for?
- Nizuc Resort & Spa – Situated on Boulevard Kukulcan in Zona Hotelera’s Punta Nizuc, the Nizuc Resort is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. Guests at this 29-acre beachfront resort can soak in the most luxurious environment catering to all their needs. Enjoy access to 6 international restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a top-grade fitness center, spa and wellness treatments, thermal experiences, free parking, free WiFi, and the best amenities.
Mid-Range Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($150 – $190 USD)
- Renaissance Cancun Resort – Located in the Puerto Cancun section of Zona Hotelera, the Renaissance Cancun is within walking distance of the Marina Town Center, restaurants and a shopping center. There’s a free shuttle to the beach, a sauna, infinity pool, beach club, and spacious rooms and suites with every amenity you need.
- Marriott Cancun Resort – Set on the beachfront of the Caribbean sea, the large spacious rooms at the Marriott are perfect for a luxurious stay at not-so-luxurious prices. Guests have access to 8 international restaurants including Japanese and Thai, free WiFi, fitness center, and the top amenities. Day care programs to take care of kids too.
Budget Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($50 – $100 USD)
- Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel – Previously known as Senor Frog, and right in the heart of Zona Hotelera, the Mayan Monkey Hostel is within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and bars. You can either choose from dorm rooms, double rooms, or a suite. Free WiFi, free private parking, barbecue facilities, a lounge, bar, and pool make this hostel perfect!
El Centro Neighborhood – Cancun On A Budget
Mid-Range Hotels In El Centro ($150 – $190 USD)
- Selina Cancun Downtown – Within walking distance of the Cancun Bus Station and Cristo Rey Church, this Selina Hotel offers a swimming pool, free WiFi and free onsite parking. Pets are allowed at a charge, and guests have access to a shared kitchen, breakfast at the onsite restaurant, as well as access to a co-working space. Whether you choose the dorms, apartments or rooms, you’ll enjoy your stay at this colorful hotel.
Budget Hotels In El Centro ($50 – $100 USD)
- Casa Blanca Boutique – You’ll love the bright and colorful rooms and furnishings at this El Centro bed & breakfast which allows pets on request. Guests have access to the onsite pool, continental breakfasts, rooms with balconies, and friendly advice from an accessible host. And in keeping with its organic mantra even the coffee here is organic!
- Nomads Hotel – Featuring a rooftop pool and huge bar, this hostel is set 3-minutes from the main bus stop in Downtown Cancun. Apart from free WiFi and parking, this adults-only hostel offers access to a shared kitchen, loungers, and is within walking distance of good nightlife.
Puerto Juarez – Cancun’s Newest Area
Luxury Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($200+ USD)
Budget Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($50 – $100 USD)
- Hotel Del Sol – Offering free continental breakfasts at their onsite restaurant, Hotel Del Sol is just 450 meters from Playa Blanca and a world of water activities. The affordable compact bedrooms include free WiFi and air conditioning, and has the best amenities for a budget hotel.
Costa Mujeres Area – Luxury Beach & Golf Area
Luxury Hotels In Costa Mujeres ($200+ USD)
- Secrets Playa Mujeres – An adults-only all-inclusive resort offering Junior Suites and ocean-front Master Suites. They have a private beach, luxuriously decorated rooms, 7 international restaurants, an elegant spa, top-notch fitness center, and everything you need for a fantastic holiday. It’s pet-friendly too!
FAQ: Top Cancun Questions
| Travel Planning Resources For Mexico |
|---|
| Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance. |
READ MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide on where to stay in Cancun! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
- Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen
- The Ultimate Travel Guide To Cancun
- How To Visit Chichen Itza Ruins
- The Best Mayan Ruins In Mexico
- Useful Tips For Visiting Tulum
- Best Cenotes For Swimming In Mexico
Do you have any questions about where to stay in Cancun? Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Expert Vagabond https://ift.tt/3IBjQLF
Monday, January 24, 2022
Tips for Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields
The post Tips for Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3nPqgPd
Sunday, January 23, 2022
10 Places to Go RV Camping in California
The post 10 Places to Go RV Camping in California appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3KDI4qD
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
How To Become A Professional Nanny (Au Pair)
Learn what it takes to become a professional nanny or au-pair for rich families living overseas, while making up to $100,000 a year. Where to find jobs, qualifications needed, and more.
Looking to change up your job this year? Maybe find one that lets you travel more? Do you enjoy working with children?
What if you could do all of the above, while making great money in the process. Welcome to the world of VIP Nannies & Au-Pairs.
In this guide I’ll explain the best way of finding and getting hired for VIP tutor, au-pair, or nanny jobs, and – in the process – why you might (or might not) want to work in this industry.
Nanny Job Guide For 2022
Childcare For Rich People: The High-End Au-Pair
If you’re not yet convinced that this whole thing is doable, get on Google and do a quick search for ‘VIP nanny agency’, or check out the salaries for nanny, governess and tutor jobs.
You’ll see that salaries of £1300 or £1400 (around $2000 USD) per week are fairly commonplace for full-time positions.
But if you want to reach the coveted 6-figure bracket of English teaching, tutoring and nannying jobs, you’ll need to do a little extra research into particular locations, and understand what exactly the work entails.
Nanny, Au Pair, Governess, Tutor
All of these terms are describing a similar role. Getting paid to take care of other people’s kids while also living (and traveling) with the family. These jobs are for both women & men.
The highest paying jobs are usually private, overseas positions tutoring or nannying kids for a wealthy VIP family. It’s a pretty simple concept.
Wealthy families understand that English is a valuable language for their children to learn.
They know their children will have better opportunities to study or work abroad, or simply be more comfortable traveling if they speak English well.
For families that don’t have English as their first language but DO have the financial resources to pay for top-notch education, hiring a private tutor or nanny from the United States or United Kingdom is often the answer.
A native-level English nanny or tutor working with their kids on a 40-50 hour per week basis can give these VIP children the kind of immersive experience that gets them fluent fast, and ultimately they are brought up speaking English with a clean accent, like a native.
For many wealthy families overseas, this is quite a prestigious matter.
The Life Of A Professional Nanny
The day-to-day experience for a nanny will include getting the charge (or charges) up in the morning, washed, dressed, fed breakfast and off to kindergarten or nursery, then probably a break.
In the afternoon perhaps walks, games, small trips and then the evening routine of getting the child ready for bed.
A tutor (or ‘governor’) might focus more on after-school sports, games, homework support and reading, whilst speaking English all the while. And, of course, tagging along on all the family’s vacations.
The pros of this type of work include the obvious great salaries (full-time work usually starts at a minimum of £1000 or $1400 per week), worldwide travel to luxury resorts (the Maldives, South of France and Dubai are popular choices for these types of wealthy families) and even occasional bonuses. Sounds pretty good, right?
Where Do Wealthy Families Live?
This is actually a pretty easy one to answer. The highest paying locations for tutors and nannies working for VIP international families are usually:
- Russia (mostly Moscow and St Petersburg)
- The UAE (tends to be Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- The South of France (Monaco and surrounding areas).
Naturally, this list isn’t exhaustive. Whilst the areas listed above are the most common, more niche locations will include places like London or New York (international families that have moved there but haven’t achieved native-level English yet), Paris, Lagos, and plenty more.
Most large international cities will have some sort of market for VIP nannying or tutoring, it’s just a question of looking in the right place.
The bottom line is; almost all of these types of positions involve travel and relocation. If you want a job like this make sure you really are ready to commit to an overseas contract and prepare yourself accordingly.
OK, so you love travel and adventure and you’re cool with working with kids. What’s the next step?
Qualifications & Relevant Experience
It’s important to be realistic here – it’s very unlikely that you’ll find a wealthy VIP employer ready to pay you $100,000 per year to work with their family if you have zero experience or qualifications.
Time to go and get some! The qualifications to obtain will vary for a nanny or a tutor. A nanny applicant would ideally have a degree in Early Years, Childhood Education or similar to get to a top-level salary.
However it is possible to do shorter nannying courses and certifications. A CACHE certificate would be a good start for nannies based in the UK, but there are a huge variety of options – get on Google to find nanny courses near you.
You would also ideally have some sort of background check done (many agencies will ask for this) and First Aid certification would be helpful too.
For tutors, a couple of years’ tutoring English to your target age group, as well as a TEFL, TOEFL or CELTA certificate is generally enough. You can do these courses either in a school or online. A degree in education, languages or childhood education would be even better.
Full teaching qualifications would allow you to max out your salary potential.
You’ll also need to show at least a couple of years of work experience. The longer-term the better; a year or more in one stable position demonstrates to families or employers that you are reliable and committed and suitable for their family.
Families don’t want a nanny or tutor who leaves after a month or two, unless they are specializing in summer placements.
You’ll need references from previous employers (not necessarily VIP), so check that you have someone ready to speak to the agency or to a potential new boss.
As a general rule of thumb, the better your qualifications and experience, the better chance you have of finding a VIP nanny or tutor position.
Craft An Exceptional Resume/CV
The first thing to put on your CV is your qualifications and experience (as above). Family employers will also usually like a photo to ‘visualize’ how you might fit into their lives, so smile in your CV photo and wear something smart and sensible, clean and professional.
Your CV needs to include some personal information about you (but keep it professional, this isn’t the place for sentimental childhood memories) and information on any extra-curricular skills you possess.
The nannies and tutors getting paid the highest salaries usually have musical or sporting ability, or the ability to speak a second or third language on top of English. Anything you can think of here (piano, yoga, chess, Spanish) that you could theoretically teach to a child is a bonus.
When it’s all been put together, your CV should be a maximum of 2 pages (no longer, cut out information that isn’t relevant). Write a cover letter email introducing yourself, add some photos of you working with (or just spending time with) children, attach your CV, copies of your qualification certificates and your references and your application ‘package’ is good to go.
Where To Find Great Nanny Jobs
Now that you’ve got your application package prepped you need to start shopping for suitable positions.
One of the best places to get started is, as per usual, the internet. Both job sites and agencies can be your friends here. Job sites like Jobs in Childcare have a variety of positions from VIP agencies.
Alternatively, get on Google and use search terms like ‘VIP nanny jobs’ or ‘VIP tutoring’ to access individual agencies. Your best bet is to upload your CV and documents to job sites or to email them as a package to individual agencies.
Have a browse around the job sites and agencies themselves, scoping out what kind of terms are on offer. Look at schedules, responsibilities and pay careful attention to the charge’s ages and the working requirements, and see if you can find any positions that particularly peak your interest.
What Are The Downsides?
We talked about the ‘pros’ above’; this is probably a good moment to mention the dreaded ‘cons’. Working with a family can go either way. You might have a fantastic employer, or a terrible one.
Make sure that:
a) You are comfortable and confident that this is a real job (99% chance it will be, but just in case). Speak to real humans during the process, and do as much background research into the agency/ position as you can.
b) You are ready for what might be a different culture, homesickness, the possibility that people don’t speak good English where you are headed.
c) You are aware of the possibility that the children you nanny or tutor may be badly behaved, badly brought up or just generally unpleasant.
Whilst these are possibilities that you need to be aware of, that’s not to say that working for a family is a bad idea. On the contrary, a good employer with well-brought up children can bring a blissful working life that pays you a fantastic salary, and I personally know lots of people in this situation.
It’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls, to approach this kind of work with an open mind and to be ready to backtrack if the position isn’t quite what you expected. If your interview goes well, try and lock in a fixed trial to give you time to understand if the position is right for you.
The Interview Process
A professional interview is the next step if the agency or employer likes your profile. Your job interview will either be in person (if local) or (much more likely post-COVID) on Skype, Zoom or a similar video-conferencing platform.
Make sure you are on time! It is massively unprofessional to be late for your interview, so don’t make this basic mistake.
You also need to be well dressed and suitably prepared. Make sure your WiFi connection is good and make sure nobody will interrupt you, either on the phone or in person. Have sensible lighting and keep a pen and paper nearby to make notes.
If your interview is for a specific position (rather than a general ‘welcome to our agency’ interview), think of questions you might want to ask to demonstrate a little genuine interest in the role).Oh, and remember to smile!
Nanny Trial Period
So if you have put together a good CV and interviewed successfully, then it’s time for the final step – a trial period.
If you are local then you will typically make your own way there. If it’s a long way (or overseas) a good employer will generally arrange this and pay for it for you, along with any visas you need.
Trial periods should always be paid; discuss this with the agency you work with.Key tips for your trial would include:
a) Do not be late under any circumstances! Better to be there 15 minutes early and take a book.
b) Be prepared – take suitable books and games for your charge or student’s level, as well as outdoor clothes for yourself in case you find yourself outside
c) Dress appropriately, be clean, don’t wear too much perfume or aftershave, and – again – smile!
At the end of your first day, ask your employer for feedback if you get the opportunity. Remember that the trial is as much for you to see if you are comfortable as it is for the employer. So if you don’t like the position, don’t sign up for it – there will be others!
And if you are offered a job, make sure that the agency you work with provides you with a contract and that the terms are clear and concise, particularly with regards to salary, schedule, working hours and holiday conditions.
Good luck!
READ MORE DIGITAL NOMAD ARTICLES
I hope you enjoyed my guide on how to become a Nanny or Au Pari! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
- How To Find Online Translation Jobs
- Working On Sailing Yachts
- How I Make Money While Traveling
- Side Income Ideas: Earning Money From Home
- Best Jobs For Travel Lovers
Have any questions about working as a nanny or au pair abroad? What about other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Expert Vagabond https://ift.tt/357fPjN
The Best Beaches on Naxos, Greece
The post The Best Beaches on Naxos, Greece appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3rDt03E
Monday, January 17, 2022
Top Christmas Events and Activities in San Diego
The post Top Christmas Events and Activities in San Diego appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3qC96GW
Sunday, January 16, 2022
10 Places to Visit in Maui (That Aren’t Lahaina)
The post 10 Places to Visit in Maui (That Aren’t Lahaina) appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3KkiR4q
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
The Ultimate Guide to Naxos, Greece
The post The Ultimate Guide to Naxos, Greece appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3zQHSiA
Monday, January 10, 2022
The Ultimate Guide to Taking Greek Ferries
The post The Ultimate Guide to Taking Greek Ferries appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3r3Imhx
Sunday, January 9, 2022
The Ultimate Guide to Long Beach, California
The post The Ultimate Guide to Long Beach, California appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/335fSM9
Thursday, January 6, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at on the Amalfi Coast
The post The Best Hotels to Stay at on the Amalfi Coast appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3eWkVRl
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Travel Bucket List for 2022
The post Travel Bucket List for 2022 appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3qLkq2a
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in 2022
The post Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in 2022 appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
from The Blonde Abroad https://ift.tt/3eOpFIP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)