Aimfair Home Page

November 15, 2014

Dawn at Nuevo Vallarta - Thanks Bob T

Come to the 5th Nuevo Vallarta

AIMFAIR GATHERING

When:  Tuesday, November 18

Where:   Tower One Bar

(Outside Veranda across from Epazote)

Time:  4:30 PM

No host cocktails

(2 for 1 between 4 PM and 5 PM)

Please tap here if you think you can attend so we can let the bartenders know.

October 27, 2014

The new season is upon us. October is the prelude and November 1 is the official "Opening Day" in all the resorts throughout Grupo Vidanta. Fresh paint is everywhere, new structures are either complete or soon to be completed. Employees of Grupo Vidanta are fresh and eager to help.

Here are some general comments we have heard to date:

• Acapulco: New construction near the Grand Mayan has been ever present throughout the summer. Projects are close to the Grand Mayan. Maybe the tower will open this year after lying dormant since before 2008.
  
  
• Nuevo Vallarta:
  • New building near the Pro Shop - conference center, Cantina and sports bar, who knows? Maybe we will later in November.
  • Pro Shop moving to the area near Tower 5?
  • Tower 5 A to open in November? Tower 5 B to open in March or April?
  • Building 4 B opening and full of people.
  • SPA Tower pools to open soon.
  • FreshCo restaurant to open at the SPA Pool area.
  • Ballroom and conference center area in La Plaza building under construction.....again.
  • New accommodations in the Mayan Palace building?
  
  
  
• Puerto Penasco: Glass going into the buildings now, again after years of dormancy. Will these buildings be finished by May?
  
  
• Riviera Maya:
  • The opening of Cirque du Soleil in November.
  • A newly constructed beach is waiting for swimmers.
  • The Luxxe concierge building - will it open in November?
  • Grand Bliss construction - continuing?
  • More elevated walkways throughout the property - open now?
  
  
• San Jose del Cabo: Hurricane Odile damage has delayed reopening the Grand Mayan. The official word is reservations are not available until the end of January, 2015. Chances are East Cape development is delayed too.

The sales department is likely to have new programs for us to consider.

The Grand Luxxe Residence Club facilities in Nuevo Vallarta have earned a Five Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association, and it is the first member organization to ever receive this honor.

All this activity is setting the stage for another interesting year. We are looking forward to it....how about you?

Let's all.....stay tuned....

October 12, 2014

Betty and Ray just arrived in Nuevo Vallarta and just sent us this beautiful sunset. It certainly gets us in the mood for Mexico. There is something about being on the shore for us. The vastness of the ocean.

See you there.

September 23, 2014

The first day of Autumn brings the start of changing colors, cooler weather, the prospect of snow flurries, shutting down summer cabins, winterizing pools, and all sorts of other things. For example, styles change in spite of the weather - wool is in and cotton is out.

It also brings the start of a new timeshare sales season in Mexico. New announcements, new buildings will open, new restaurants will be introduced, the properties will become spruced up to exceed guest's expectations and employees will show off their newly learned training.

The sales department will have new programs for us to consider. Many of us will be prepared to move forward with proposals, many of us will say "no thank you", and hopefully only a few of us will encounter uncomfortable circumstances. Let's all hope the uncomfortable situations are held to a minimum.

There will be much to talk about. Acapulco is finishing major construction projects. Nuevo Vallarta has two towers to complete, there will be Residences at the Grand Luxxe to consider, Lofts will fill in the empty spaces, the SPA Pools will open by the end of September, a French restaurant will open in La Plaza and the north side of Towers 3 and 4 will be filled in and quiet for the first time in years. Oh, don't forget the new golf course we all want to play - the new Greg Norman course is progressing. Will it open?

Riviera Maya has a number of changes taking place just in time for the new season. Headlining the changes is the new Cirque du Soliel facility and performances. Definitely something to look forward to. Also, the new beach is looking good. BeachWalkerBob has something to say about this. The new concierge building and restaurant is scheduled to open in November. New pool facilities are under construction and may be ready for us. Lot's to look forward to here.

San Jose del Cabo has taken five steps backward because of Hurricane Odile. The Grand Mayan resort is not open now, and it will be some time before it can open again. No estimate of the extent of the damage yet. Also, the East Cape project is likely slowed as well. Torrential rain has a way of changing plans and setting back schedules.

Yes, there will be much to enjoy in the coming year. We are looking forward to our return, how about you?

Happy First Day of Autumn Everyone! Let's all stay tuned....

August 21, 2014

Aimfair is but another series of 0's and 1's in the electronic fabric to which we have become accustomed and dependent upon. It really is amazing to think that all those seemingly random digits floating around in the air and through wires make any sense at all.

It really is cool, to use the vernacular of our day. Photos, videos, words and telephone messages converting to text are today's norm.

Little did we know in 2008 when we started Aimfair that we would be as entrenched in this electronic world as we are. Viruses are all around us. Hackers want access to everything electronic. Attacks of all kinds secretly try to bring down the weakest sites. AdWare programs want to watch our every move. Simply amazing!

Mary Ann and I are very fortunate for a number of reasons. We have a wonderful community of like minded friends and neighbors in Aimfair. Everyone contributes in their own way in a respectful manner. Viewers come and go. And equally important, we have a team of experts looking after the 1's and 0's to make sure our members and viewers can stay connected.

Today, we anticipated upgrading our operating system to a more up to date and protected system. The site was down while we worked through a few networking issues that stood in the way of a smooth upgrade. Many of you noticed that we were not online and a few were kind enough to be certain we knew the site was down.

Ours is a sophisticated platform with a strong foundation for future growth. We can't mention often enough how grateful we are to have Rodrigo as our administrator and the team behind TikiWiki that keeps us going.

Next week we will be performing the second phase of our upgrade process. Please be patient with us if you notice that the site is unavailable. It is all on purpose and we hope to have the upgrade proceed in a smooth manner.

But, when all those 1's and 0's move around as fast as they do, there is a chance something could prolong Aimfair's return to active duty. If so, please rest assured that it will be back in good order and stronger than ever.

Again, thank you all for you continuing support and confidence in Aimfair.com.

August 16, 2014

BeachWalkerBob is a regular contributor to Aimfair and has been since we started this website in 2008. His comments and photos are geared to keeping Aimfair members informed about the goings on in Riviera Maya.

His wife, Christina and he are wonderful supporters of Aimfair. "Let's get some hats or tee shirts or beach bags with the Aimfair logo..." they have suggested. Well, here is their newest idea:


Here is what he had to say:

Hi Bob,

We just returned from 2 weeks at the GL RM. Here is a photo of the two belly boards that we leave with the Concierge at the GL Pool in Riviera Maya nightly and when we depart the resort at the end of our stay. While there, we keep the boards on the beach at our Palapa Number 5, right in front of the main entrance to the beach from the GL pool. They can be seen by nearly everyone who walks down to the beach. This should increase the number of GL people that know about Aimfair. I told her that she can let other people use the belly boards until we return in October. That will let a lot of people see the Aimfair.com that I wrote on them with a felt pencil. When they are not being used, they are leaning against the back of the Concierge office by the main Grand Luxxe pool and the Burger Custom Made, advertising Aimfair to people who visit the Concierge desk. When GL Management sees the Aimfair on the boards, they may turn them around so the plain black bottom shows. It will be fun to see what happens for the next 3 months with this cheap advertising. Watch for an increase in hits from people looking at the RM location. The boards only cost us $6 each at a local dollar store, so it is a really inexpensive way to get Aimfair on the beach.

I took lots of photos this trip of the RM property showing the status of projects under construction. I will edit and post ASAP.

My wife thinks I am nuts.

Cheers!

BeachWalkerBob

Thank you BeachWalkerBob.....your advertising prowess is second to none. We will keep you updated with the success of your efforts.

Who said Aimfair Members don't have fun....!!

August 11, 2014

Westwinds3 alerted us on August 8, 2014 to the following news release published by PRNewswire, a UBM plc company on August 5, 2014: Grupo Vidanta Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta Resort Earns Prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award Designated for Top 0.25% of Global Hotel Properties - Vidanta is only membership-based resort in the world to receive top honor.

This is quite an honor, especially since Vidanta is the only membership-based resort in the world to receive this high honor. According to the author of the release, AAA reviewed 32,000 properties in its most recent update. Only 0.25 percent received an AAA Five Diamond designation.

Highlights of the Grand Luxxe offering as stated in the press release include "access to exclusive private beaches and pool areas, a Nicklaus-designed golf course with a Greg Norman championship course under construction, the luxury Spatium & Brio Fitness Center, nighttime entertainment at the Santuario, an array of fine-dining or casual restaurant options and a boutique shopping experience at the newly opened La Plaza market, restaurant and shops."

The Grand Luxxe Resort Nuevo Vallarta received the AAA Four Diamond designation in 2013. Other Vidanta resorts that have received Four Diamond designations are the Grand Bliss and Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta and the Grand Mayan Riviera Maya. Less than five percent of the 32,000 hotel or resort properties approved by AAA receive this Four Diamond award.

Other resorts in Mexico that have achieved the Five Diamond level include Capella Pedregal Resort and Spa (2013) in Cabo San Lucas, Las Ventanas al Paraiso (A Rosewood Resort) (2002) in San Jose del Cabo, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (2007) in Nuevo Vallarta, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico (2001), The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort (2009), and the following resorts in Playa del Carmen: Fairmont Mayakoba (2007), Grand Velas Riviera Maya (2010), Rosewood Mayakoba (2009) and Secrets Maroma Beach Riveria Cancun (2013). These are some very fine, well recognized names that have achieved the Five Diamond status.

Congratulations to all those hard working employees of Grupo Vidanta for helping to bring about this impressive award.

The award will be officially announced in November, 2014.

Seems we are all pretty lucky, don't you think?

June 9, 2014

A call came in. It was from something called MINNE Realty Services Inc. We checked it out and found suspicious circumstances. You can read about them by tapping this link.

OK. So we received a call. We did not answer the call because we did not recognize the telephone number. We checked it out and found the telephone number was not located at the address that appeared in the promotional website.

So what!...you may ask.

Well, interestingly enough, today, Aimfair was viewed 6 times by individuals from Monterrey and Leon, Mexico.

What does this mean? We have no idea.

What it could mean, however, is someone or some group could be watching Aimfair for content it posts about possible scams. We hope it is the good guys....

Remember - only YOU can write the check!

June 5, 2014

Just when we thought cold calling sales people reaching out to troll for interested sellers or renters of weeks at the Grupo Vidanta and other resorts had gone away, members, non-members and we ourselves have received more new calls.

In fact, the reason for this post is the fact that a caller from MINNE Realty Services Inc has just now called twice within five minutes. The number the caller used was 952 679 1253. MINNE Realty Services Inc is alleged company that owns this number. However, as is true in many suspicious cases, we can't confirm that the call came from the address listed on the website. Today's call is from Chaska, MN. Yesterday, the same number called from Wachonia, MN. Both are 15 to 20 miles from the address stated on www.minnerealty.com, which is supposedly the website for MINNE Realty Services Inc.

Just what am I talking about? MINNE Realty Services Inc is listed in the Minnesota Secretary of State's records as a company in good standing. The address for the company in good standing does not match the address listed on a website called www.minnerealty.com, which calls itself MINNE Realty Services Inc. The website contains information that leads the reader to believe the company is a real estate company with agents and brokers. Yet, the company is not listed in the Minnesota Department of Commerce Real Estate records. Confusing? You bet! Just how scam sales people like it!

These alleged companies do not waste any time. You can check out our post that describes MINN Realty Services Inc by following this link: MINNE Realty Services Inc

If any of you play bridge, you will know the word ALERT. It is a word that brings to other players' attention to be aware. It is a perfect word for us to use here too!

Remember, only YOU can write the check....be ALERT!!!

May 13, 2014

Aimfair is in a very unique position. Why? Because members and non members contact us with all sorts of feedback. Some about resort operations, some about sales operations, about changes to the properties and some about people who cold call with offers that are too good to be true.

Its the latter issue that has captured our imagination today.

Since January 1, 2014, members and ourselves have been contacted by the following non-companies:

• January 10, 2014 - Link Marketing Solutions
• January 21, 2014 - 3PL Management
• February 2, 2014 - Business Events International
• February 14, 2014 - Principal Global Investors
• February 26, 2014 - ATC Brokers Inc.
• March 12, 2014 - Marketing Hatch
• March 21, 2014 - Lions Gate Estates LLC
• April 9, 2014 - Investors Management Co
• April 11, 2014 - Management Services LLC
• April 15, 2014 - World Equity Value

These are called non-companies because they don't exist. They either impersonate legitimate companies and individuals or they are simply false entities, meaning they are not registered with the offices of Secretaries of State in their stated home states.

The offers are all the same. First the cold callers phish for personal and confidential information. "We notice you own Grand Luxxe weeks and we have a buyer. Please send us your contract so we can prepare an offer for you." Or some other similar dialog. Don't give any information like that to anyone!

Second, we suspect the activity of calls come during the first half of the year. Why? That is we all take our vacations. When we return from our vacations in Mexico, it is almost impossible to keep from feeling that there is tangible value to our ownership.

Well, that speculation is right! There is real value. But the value is in the use of the weeks, not in the resale of the contracts.

Too often, we perceive after we return from our vacations there is a high probability of success at turning a profit by selling contracts. Certainly, that notion is reinforced by our sales representatives.

Thirdly, these cold calling experts swoop in for the sale and retreat to the dark world they come from. That is why they can't be found. It is really quite an efficient business plan, albeit unethical and maybe illegal.

We anticipate that the number of cold calls will go down from now until the beginning of the new vacation season in Mexico. Breathe a sigh of relief....no more calls for another six months.

Look for the cycle to start all over again in December. We will all be deluged by calls from people we don't know enticing us to accept offers that too good to be true. Don't fall for the bait. But do send us the source of solicitations so we can post them here.

Most importantly.....use and enjoy your weeks....!

March 25, 2014

It did not take long before an Aimfair member received a call from someone who said he was from PROFECO PROCURADURIA FEDERAL DEL CONSUMIDOR - http://www.profeco.gob.mx/Servicios/servicios.asp. This is the Mexican Federal Government consumer protection agency.

This is not the first time we have been alerted to a caller claiming to be employed by or actually being the commissioner of this agency.

Another Aimfair member said he received a call from Lions Gate Estates LLC. The company does not exist. But, a company similar to that name does. After a brief investigation, our member discovered the deal was a scam and notified us to alert others.

Calls like these are not real! They are from impersonators requesting tax payments for the Mexican Federal Government. The concept is easy to believe because we do not know the ins and outs of laws of Mexico.

Just keep these thoughts in mind. First, how did this person find out about you, one of hundreds of thousands of timeshare owners who have purchased contracts issued by Mexican companies. It is highly unlikely the Mexican government has the resources to staff a call center with people who cold call individuals because the own a timeshare contract.

Secondly, there is no reason for someone to call unless they want to get money from you. If that is the case, they will be very convincing and make you feel as though you need to follow their instructions. Remember, only scammers cold call timeshare owners. This is a safe rule of thumb.

If you do feel the need to pursue the conversation, make sure you tell the caller that you will set up the escrow account at a company that you designate. Tell the caller that all documents and funds should be deposited in this account, only after you draft proper escrow instructions. If the company is legitimate, then there likely will be no objections.

Finally, make sure that all documents are sent to a physical address through the mails. The physical address needs to be confirmed as the location of the recipient of documents you may wish to send.

Remember, only you can send money to someone you do not know

....don't become a victim...

March 11, 2014

The tricky Advance Fee Fraud is today's topic. Superb sales people present the promise of no up front fees, the buyer guarantees the payment, any fees required by seller will be deducted from the sale proceeds and the price offered is juicy! After all, we want to make as much as we can from our beautiful units, and many of us may have evolved into a new paradigm that changed our plans to use the units we were so excited about two and three years ago.

So the sales person has set the hook. Good sense evaporates when we want the deal on the table to be real.

The buyer is there. The sales person with all his good intentions will see to it we get our money. The escrow company that allegedly is holding the buyer's proceeds will release the proceeds to us when all terms of the escrow are satisfied.

What can go wrong? How does it work?

At the end of the process, we are told that the commission has to be paid outside of escrow. Just wire the funds to a bank in Mexico. All payments made by the seller will be reimbursed from the buyer's proceeds.

Or, we are told that there are taxes due, and they have to be paid to the Mexican government before the transaction will go through. Just wire the funds to a bank in Mexico. All payments made by the seller will be reimbursed the buyer's proceeds.

Or, we are told that the developer requires transfer payments to be paid. Just wire the funds to a bank in Mexico. All payments made by the seller will be reimbursed from the buyer's proceeds.

Well, this tale of the beginning of woe is real. Any money wired is lost. Sure, the sales person will be on your side and take the escrow company to collections. Then there is the collection process, which could also cost money.

In the end, a commission is paid for nothing. Transfer fees are paid for nothing. Taxes are paid into a Mexican bank for the benefit of the scammers.

This scenario is real! Don't become a victim! Any money you spend will be lost! Use your weeks or use a reputable company to represent you. Don't become a victim!

March 6, 2014

Will you be in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta between March 19 and March 29, 2014? If so, you will be treated to the beautiful sight of sails on the Bay.

We just learned from TheMexicoReport.com website that the participants in the Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit sponsored race from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta will cross the finish line during the week. The race starts at the San Diego Yacht Club on March 13, and the last boat to cross the finish line will do so before March 22. If you are in San Diego, love to sail and want to participate in the kick-off festivities, then follow this link for more information: http://sdyc.org/pv/

Fleet Week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico begins the day after the race from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta finishes on March 23 and lasts through March 29, 2014.

Organizers expect between 50 and 70 boats with over 500 competitors, viewers and visitors to participate in long and short races, depending on the schedule for the day. Boats will range in size from 34 to 80 feet.

After the race activities are concluded each day, everyone is welcome to enjoy cocktails and canapes at Marina Vallarta provided by the many sponsors of this enjoyable week.

Read more on the MEXorc website: http://mexorc.com.mx/?page_id=97

If you are there, don't be shy....participate and report back to us.

February 13, 2014

The year 2014 is an important year for Grupo Vidanta. It was 40 years ago in 1974 when Mr. Daniel Chavez Moran founded the company, which has become one of Mexico's premier resort developers and operators.

It also is the year during which the first resident Cirque du Soleil show operating outside Las Vegas or Orlando opens. The show will reside in a custom-designed theater now under construction on Grupo Vidanta's Riviera Maya property.

Yesterday, PRNewswire issued a press release that provides glimpses of architect's renderings of the new structure that is currently under construction and which will house future Cirque du Soleil dinner shows at Grupo Vidanta's Riviera Maya property. You can view the release by following this link: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1303887/cirque-du-soleil-and-grupo-vidanta-partner-to-introduce-an-unprecedented-intimate-dinner-and-spectacle-in-riviera-maya

There is much going on at Grupo Vidanta's Riviera Maya property as reported last week by Aimfair member Beach Walker Bob. Please subscribe to view this article.

November, 2014 will be quite a month. Not only is Cirque du Soleil scheduled to open, other featured buildings on the property are scheduled to open as well. We hear these could include a Beach Front Facility for members and a Grand Luxxe Residence Club Concierge Reception building.

Stay tuned....

February 5, 2014

The auction festivities will take place at 6:30 PM on February 12, 2014, when drinks are served and live music begins. Buy a paddle for $25 USD and be an attendee for $10 USD. Tickets are at Estudio Cafe. Here is more:

Tickets are at Estudio Cafe. Have fun!!!

January 21, 2014

For any number of reasons, owners of timeshare interests explore selling their contracts. This desire to sell has created a landscape filled with illegitimate offers. Result: For those who trust the cold calling solicitor, lost money; for those who do not trust the cold calling solicitor, confusion over the real value of timeshare contracts.

Over the past two weeks, we have heard from three fellow Aimfair members, one of whom is ourselves. The question raised was "do you know anything about xyz company?". The companies were 3PL Management, Dallas, TX; Link Marketing Solutions, Dallas, TX; and Business Events International, Minneapolis, MN. All three offered to buy contracts from owners of Presidential Villas or Grand Luxxe Villas. All three are suspect because their addresses could not be confirmed and their telephones are listed in different cities than those presented in their websites. In all cases, the offers were to purchase weeks at high prices.

What is the market price? Timeshare contracts are expiring contracts that grant the owner the right to use facilities for a period of time, both of which are outlined in the contract. From day one, contract rights begin to evaporate.

Use becomes the unit of value. High use, high value to the owner. Low use, low value to the owner. Low use prompts a desire to sell. Those owners who cannot use their weeks to the fullest want to recoup some or all of their out of pocket cost.

Sometimes, owners become enamored by the facilities and properties they can access through their contract rights. The great case in point is the Grand Luxxe Residence Club, whose facilities and properties are beautiful and luxurious. In the opinion of many, they are perfect alternatives to outright ownership. Low up front costs and no headaches.

The ultimate value of both timeshare and outright ownership is determined by use. A second home that is used infrequently is a possible financial winner only in times when assets appreciate. A timeshare interest that is used infrequently is not a possible financial winner because of lost opportunity costs. However, the cost of timeshare ownership over time is lower than the cost of an equivalent second home.

That said, the timeshare industry is a field of dreams. We love our experiences, and we feel others would too. Reality hits when the market says it will pay one amount and the owner feels it should be another. This opens the door to being a victim of Advance Fee Fraud.

Don't let that happen! Enjoy the access you have. If you are unable to use the weeks you own, then work with someone to rent them. If you have no desire to keep your contracts, understand the market value of your contract is 35% to 50% of your cost or less. Work with someone who is reputable to find someone to buy the contract from you.

The bottom line is to be realistic. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Would you pay what the buyer is offering? If not, then be very careful!

December 27, 2013

It has been a loaded Holiday Season for us, how about you? We think the lost week between Thanksgiving and Christmas had us moving fast and furious so we could be ready for the Holidays.

Time management seems to be the real key. Or, is it we are doing so much more today than we ever did in the past.

Regardless, the Aimfair Team wants you to know how much you are appreciated. That's right, you viewers. Your continued interest and support keeps us all going.

Of course, viewers would have nothing to see were it not those Aimfair members who continue to share what they see and hear with us. Their continued support is what makes Aimfair possible. Did you know that many have been following us and contributing since September, 2007, which is when we sent out our first post. Isn't that terrific! We are grateful so for that!

In the coming days, hopefully before New Years Day, we plan to post a new page to give recognition to those of you who have contributed comments and photos since 2010. Stay tuned....

It is fascinating to reflect upon the progress made both in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya. You will get a glimpse of the changes that have taken place since then.

In the meantime, we thank you all for making Aimfair possible. It has been wonderful meeting everyone during our trips. It has been wonderful seeing your comments. Hopefully, everyone will spend a small part of their vacations taking time out to say hello to other Aimfair members. You really are a wonderful group!!

Thank you and Feliz Año Nuevo!

December 12, 2013

One of our Aimfair members shared his experience with emergency care while in Nuevo Vallarta during his vacation. His wife and he were a long way from home.

Acute Pneumonia lead to a five day stay in the new hospital near Paradise Village. Excellent care was delivered. Health was restored. And although the most important thing in life we have is our health, sometimes it comes with a cost. In this case, the cost was about $10,000 USD. You can read more here: Are You Prepared?

As US citizens, some of us qualify for Medicare health expense reimbursement or payment. So what are the rules when you travel?

Here is what we found on Medicare Interactive http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor&page=script&slide_id=339:

Does Medicare cover my care when I travel?

Section IV.a. Medicare Coverage Overview
Question 4 of 5 (use "Last" or "Next" buttons to see more)
Return to referring page

Medicare’s coverage of care when you travel depends on where you travel and how you receive your Medicare benefits.

Travel within the US

If you have Original Medicare, you can travel anywhere in the U.S. and its territories and get the medical care you need from almost any doctor or hospital. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Medicare, in most cases, does not cover medical care you get outside the country.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare private health plan), your plan may not cover your care while you travel in the United States unless you need emergency or urgent care. If your plan does allow you to see providers that are outside of your network or area, you will usually need to pay more for the care (except for emergency care). You may also need to follow other plan rules like obtaining prior authorization (except for emergency and urgent care). Contact your plan to see what rules and costs apply when you travel within the United States.

Travel to a Foreign Country

If you will be traveling to a foreign country, Medicare will not usually cover your medical care.

However, Original Medicare and Medicare private health plans must cover your medical care you get outside of the U.S. in the following limited cases:

• Medicare will pay for emergency services in Canada if you are traveling a direct route, without unreasonable delay, between Alaska and another state and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada.
• Medicare will pay for medical care you get on a cruise ship if you get the care while the ship is in U.S. territorial waters. This means the ship is in a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival at or departure from a U.S. port.
• Medicare may pay for non-emergency in-patient services in a foreign hospital (and connected physician and ambulance costs). It is covered if it is closer to your residence than the nearest U.S. hospital that is available and equipped to treat you medical condition. This may happen if, for example, you live near the border of Mexico or Canada.
• Some supplemental insurance, such as Medigap plans, provide coverage for foreign travel. Medigap plans C through G and M and N cover 80 percent of the cost of emergency care abroad during the first two months of a trip with a $250 deductible and up to $50,000 in a lifetime.

Some Medicare private health plans also cover emergency care when you travel outside the United States. Check with your plan to see what costs and rules apply when you travel outside of the United States.

Learn more by following this link: http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor&page=script&slide_id=339

We will look into other discussions about heath cost coverage in the coming months.

In the meantime, let's all stay healthy....

November 28, 2013

Betty and Ray spent their Thanksgiving in Nuevo Vallarta, along with many others. They took the time to send us all a Thanksgiving Cheer prior to setting out for their meal in the form of a beautiful view of the Bahia de Banderas before the sun fell below the horizon.


Thank you Betty and Ray. What a great reminder that we do have a lot to be thankful for.

We hope everyone had a great day, regardless of where you are! Make today the longest day of your lives...

November 27, 2013

Leaving a place that has been home for two weeks can generate mixed emotions. Packing and reorganizing suitcases are never pleasant activities. We need to check two and three times to be sure we leave nothing behind.

Face it. The last day for us is work. Moving luggage from one place to another, checking out, creating a schedule, making sure all the people who helped us during our two weeks are recognized, seeing all the friends who are arriving, taking the last of the many photos and relaxing. Yes, you can get a glimpse of what Mary Ann has to deal with.

Interestingly, our experiences this year are much different from prior years. The check out process was easy. There were minimal adjustments to our bill. Our luggage was well tended to after it disappeared from our room and reappeared when we hailed a cab to leave. Nothing to it!!

The shuttles are frequent and flexible. As crowds increase, the number of shuttle carts increases. Sure, some of the shuttles are full during the most popular times of the day, but communication systems between the shuttle drivers and bellmen seems to keep people moving. We did not have to spend more than four minutes waiting.

Our lunch at the Si Snack, which is next to the Custom Made Burger Restaurant, was terrific! A shrimp cocktail in a delicious sauce was just right for Mary Ann, while I had the Spinach and roasted Pineapple salad. Both had generous proportions of Avocado, and chips were there to soak up the rest of the sauce.

When we finished our meal, we sauntered to the main lobby of Tower I to catch the shuttle. Yes, you guessed it. The first one to pass by was full. But, as the full shuttle left, another one drove up. No wait. No anxiety. Off to the Sanutario we went, where we presented the bellman with our check-out confirmation. In a matter of minutes, our luggage cart was in front of us and the cab rolled up too. Nothing to it!

This year marks the first time we felt relaxed as we left. There was plenty of time to get to the airport, the taxi was air conditioned and our luggage was stowed.

No, this year’s emotions were about the friends we met, the good times we had with our family and the fact that we were unable to meet in Harry, Mark and others in person. This year truly set the stage for years to come.