Away on vacation - Travel free resources » Mexico Vacation

Why You Should Vacation In Puerto Vallarta

Maxx — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:08:55 +0000

Most of us have heard of Puerto Vallarta and it may bring images to our minds of tropical scenes and exotic travels. Maybe we remember that this was where the Love Boat made a stop once a week. But there may be a question as to what attractions and activities can be found in this coastal Mexican city.

Puerto Vallarta is located on the West Coast of Mexico, south of the Baja Peninsula. The weather all year round is beautiful and the cost of living is low, which may be why over 20,000 Americans own vacation homes there.

Puerto Vallarta may be best know as the location for the 1963 movie "Night of the Iguana" starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Actually, most of it was filmed a few minutes drive down the coast in Mismayola, but walking tours can point out buildings in town where Burton stayed and had his affair (or one of his marriages with Elizabeth Taylor. – Who can keep track?) The U.S. media gave a lot of attention to the couple and to all the infighting among director John Huston and the film's stars and the publicity put Puerto Vallarta on the map. Today, most bus and walking tours will make some mention of the film and point out applicable sights of interest.

While there are so many reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta, it is the beautiful beaches that lure most people to return again and again. Puerto Vallarta sits on 25 miles of beaches within Banderas Bay, Mexico's largest bay. Being located on the bay is what opens the possibility of so many different types of water sports and activities. The large marina is home to an abundant population of sports fishing boats. Most of the boats can be chartered to take you to any of the hottest fishing spots, where you can try your hand at wrestling one of the large fish the area is known for.

Another popular activity is to take a tour out to the island of Yelapa where you can seem to step back in time and see small village life as it still exists in Mexico. In addition to tours, there are many programs available for swimming with dolphins, a popular resort town activity that has increased tremendously in recent years. Whale watching has also become big business in Puerto Vallarta.

Most resorts are situated right on the water and provide all sorts of activities, such as windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Of course, you may just like to hunker down under a palm tree with your favorite adult beverage and shop from all the roving vendors that carry their wares up and down the beach.

But if lying on the beach all day drinking and shopping gets a bit mundane, you may feel the need to hit the links. There are several championship quality golf courses in the immediate Puerto Vallarta area. Clubs and shoes are available to rent, so don't worry if you didn't bring any of your own equipment with you.

For a tropical getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure filled trip, you can bet that you will find something fun to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Visiting Mexico While On A Cruise Ship

Maxx — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:53:55 +0000

Going on vacation on a cruise ship is still a very popular choice for many travelers. Quite a few cruise ships make embarkations in Mexico on both coasts. This type of vacation combines the luxury of a floating resort with excitement of exploring a different culture with day excursions. There are some great shore excursions available for cruise guests that range from swimming with dolphins to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. But, what considerations should be made when deciding on whether to take a cruise ship to Mexico?

To begin with, as of January 1, 2008 all United States citizens will need to have a valid passport for any travel to an international destination, including Mexico. You will need to present your passport to your cruise ship when checking in. Whenever you disembark for a shore excursion in Mexico you will need to show your passport as well.

Staying healthy on a cruise ship has never been more important with the rash of food poisonings and disease outbreaks aboard several ships in recent years. Make sure you are in good health before you travel and ask your physician if you might need any preventative medication, especially if you are older than 65, have had acute or chronic illnesses, or are pregnant. Good sanitary practices, such as frequent hand washing and the use of antibacterial soap, will also help reduce the risk of illness. If you begin to feel ill, inform the medical staff on board right away and avoid contact with the general population to lessen the risk of spreading a disease.

Packing light and leaving valuables at home are advised. Anything that you can't afford to lose would be best placed in an in-room safe. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or more than a couple of credit cards. On the ship, you can have most purchases charged to your room and once on shore, most purchases can be done with Pesos acquired from a currency exchange. Also avoid using a handbag, fanny pack, or outside pockets for your currency. If you need a larger amount of money consider using a money belt.

When you go ashore you should ask questions of your ships tourist counselor about any unsafe areas of the port of call that you should avoid. They will have suggestions for what to avoid as well as where the more common tourist areas are located. Staying close to those confines will help to keep you safe.

There are so many choices of cruise ship companies, Mexican destinations, and shore excursions to choose from. Making that choice should be the hardest part of your vacation experience, while keeping these tips in mind will make the rest of it easier. Vacationing on a cruise ship combines a luxury hotel experience with ports of call that are hundreds of miles apart. Cruising can provide a safe and secure feeling of traveling in a guided fashion with the ability to range far a field and experience the culture and history of the country. Taking a cruise ship to Mexico can give you a very satisfying vacation experience.

What To Take On Your Vacation To Mexico

Maxx — Sun, 23 May 2010 11:00:55 +0000

When considering taking a vacation to Mexico, you should contemplate first on what necessary items you should take with you. There are some things that you just cannot travel without such as legal documents, necessary medications, and of course, currency. As well as items that will make life away from home much more pleasant, such as skin protection and proper attire.

First of all, the items you will have to take would be a United States passport. As of January 23, 2007, passports are required for all United States citizens who are traveling outside of the country by air regardless of their destination. And after January 1, 2008 that requirement will be extended to both land and sea travel. If you don't have a passport then you will have to apply in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. It is required to bring two photographs of yourself, proof of United State's citizenship, and a valid photo ID.

It is also advisable for you to take your driver's license with you into Mexico, especially if you plan on driving or renting a car. Many times a driver's license is required when chartering a boat or renting water sports equipment. A copy of your birth certificate should also be one of the important documents that travel with you. If any unfortunate circumstance comes up, these documents will be essential.

It is prudent to take mostly travelers checks and some cash on vacation. Cash is much easier to exchange and to use on a daily basis and in the event that both are stolen, the travelers' checks can be replaced. Bringing your ATM card can be another good way to access your funds while in Mexico. Another handy item to bring in case of an emergency is a pre-paid phone card or a pay-as-you-go cell phone.

Don't forget to take any medications that you may need while you are on vacation and if you have a prescribed medication, be sure that the prescription medication labels are legible and that they have your name on them. Sunscreen is also an essential item to pack because the sunshine down south in Mexico is more intense than in most places in the United States and you may sunburn easier than you think.

Other helpful items that you can take on your vacation to Mexico would be a small first aid kit, a pocket sized Spanish-English dictionary, (they even have small electronic dictionaries available) and a good pair of walking shoes. Mostly comfortable and casual attire should be packed although there usually is an occasion for dressing up for a posh dinner or a night on the town. Lastly, sunglasses and a hat will be indispensable for any prolonged exposure out of doors.

As you plan and make lists on what to pack for your trip, remember that it pays to be prepared. This way, when you begin to pack for your vacation to Mexico you will remember to pack the essentials first and then you can include your assortment of cabana wear, your rhinestone flip flops and those loud Hawaiian shirts.

How To Avoid Car Rental Nightmares On A Mexico Vacation

Maxx — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:39:55 +0000

If you have ever rented a car in Los Angeles or Chicago or anywhere for that matter in the United States, you will easily understand that headaches and hassles can be commonplace with such a transaction. The idea of renting a car in another country, such as Mexico, might appear to be too daunting to deal with. Nevertheless, avoiding car rental nightmares while vacationing in Mexico can be quite easy as long as you are aware of several things.

It is advisable to rent from an international car rental agency instead of relying on a local agency. This way works better from customer service and availability aspects. A local agency doesn't have much incentive to treat tourists well when they will probably never have the opportunity to use their service again and they may not have as much choice in car models. Also the large international agencies can set up your rental online or over the phone beforehand. Make sure to print a copy of the document that shows the name of the company, the make and model of the vehicle, and the price that you were quoted (in both dollars and pesos). If there is any discrepancy in price or type of vehicle this should settle any arguments.

When you rent a car in Mexico the rental agency will want you to have a credit card. They will need to run the card twice, once for the rental and once as a precautionary measure for any damages that may occur to the vehicle while it is in your possession. Once you return the car and an inspection shows it is in it's previous condition you should make sure to get the second blank charge slip returned or destroyed in your presence. If all you have is a debit card you will probably be charged a deposit, but there is a chance that such a transaction will limit your withdrawal capability on that card.

Do not accept a vehicle from a rental office unless it appears to be in optimum condition. It won't pay to take chances with a vehicle that may break down on a desolate piece of highway. In any case, rental agencies offer the same services in Mexico as they do in the U.S. such as roadside assistance and extra insurance for an additional fee. It is always advisable to take the extra insurance when renting in Mexico.

Renting a car and exploring Mexico at your own pace can be relaxing and liberating. It is relatively trouble-free and enjoyable as long as you know the best ways to avoid car rental nightmares. Rent from a known international company instead of a local company because a known brand will provide the best service and least hassles. Protect yourself by being aware of what you are charged and how payments for services are remitted. And make sure you take the time to inspect your prospective rental vehicle to assure yourself that it is in excellent condition and reasonably clean. These are just a few tips that will help you to avoid having a car rental nightmare while on your Mexico vacation.

What Tips Should Senior Citizens Know About A Mexico Vacation

Maxx — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:14:55 +0000

If you are a retired traveler and want to visit Mexico you have a great advantage over the average tourist. Not having the hassle of dealing with a work schedule lets you travel when and where you want and gives you the option of vacationing in the off season. You can save a substantial amount of money and avoid huge crowds by doing this.

The summer months are the slowest time of year for tourism in Mexico and the best time for great deals. If you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time at the beach then this time of year would be perfect for you. Although the temperatures are much higher in the summer most shops and tour-buses are air-conditioned, so the heat might not be as much of a concern. Also, with smaller crowds of tourists, as well as more visitors in your age bracket, it is much easier to get around and much quieter at night.

You will find that the infrastructure in Mexico lags behind that of the United States and, if you are handicapped, you may find it difficult to go to certain places. There are few wheelchair ramps or handicapped restrooms in Mexico and in some areas there aren't even handrails for most stairways. If this will be an issue you should speak to your travel agent about the area that you will be visiting. Try to stay with groups of people when walking through public areas and avoid traveling at night. Older travelers might be seen as easy targets for theft or assault. This is one reason that seniors usually prefer to travel with tour groups.

Staying safe and protecting your property while on vacation in Mexico is important for any traveler, but can be more challenging for a senior citizen. Older tourists may be targeted for theft or confidence scams because of the perception of being an easier mark. Common sense approaches, such as staying with groups and using a hotel safe to secure valuables, should be used, but the best approach is to avoid areas where crime is prevalent. Speaking with a travel agent or tour operator before you make travel arrangements can be the best way to get information on safer, more secure destinations.

There are many tour operators that put together group tours and provide organization to your trip that will supply all the necessities and take all the work of planning activities out of your hands. If you would rather vacation independently you are still able to access many senior discounts to lodging and restaurants. Always ask for any discounts when making the reservation for your room or ordering your meal, as many places will refuse to honor a discount once the order has been made.

Travel to Mexico provides a wonderful cultural experience and a whole lot of fun for people of all ages. There are unending choices of shopping, dining, and activities to choose from. There are thousands of years of history waiting to be rediscovered in museums and archeological sites. And great weather can be enjoyed year round in most areas of Mexico. Have a great time!

What To Expect Of Phone Service In Mexico

Maxx — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:44:55 +0000

While you are on your vacation to Mexico, you may need to communicate with friends and family back home. Or, you may have forgotten to relay some important information to a colleague at work. At the very least you may need to speak to a local restaurant over the phone to make reservations or call a golf course to set up a tee time. In any event, knowing what to expect of the phone service you will find in Mexico can be very helpful.

The phone in your hotel room may be the most convenient to use, but it is probably best to avoid using it for making long distance telephone calls. Most resorts contract their long distance call service out to a second party long distance company who charges exorbitant prices. Even making local calls from your room or suite could incur a surcharge from the resort for every call. Your best bet is to use the special pay phones that are located in and around most hotels that will charge about $1 a minute. That may seem a little pricey as well, but it is much better than the alternative. Make sure that when you check in that you have the person behind the counter explain to you what the local and long distance rates are. That way, if you do decide to use the phone in your room or if you have to use it for an urgent matter, at least you won't be surprised when you get the bill at check out time.

Calling cards are a great way to call home from Mexico. Purchasing a prepaid card for the many LADA Tel or TelMex payphones that are located in many public places is easy and affordable. Prepaid phone calling cards can be purchased at small kiosks, in supermarkets, and gift shops all over Mexico. If you buy calling cards before you leave home, make sure to call the toll free customer service number located on the back of the card and they can give you the international access code for calling from Mexico to the United States. Always be mindful of what phone you use, as some may not work with a calling card or they may charge a fee (usually by taking extra minutes from your card) above and beyond what you paid for the card.

Your personal cell phone may work in Mexico and you can obtain that information by speaking to your service provider before you leave. You can also go to your service provider's website to see coverage maps of the areas in Mexico that you will get service and which areas will incur roaming charges. Of course, it all depends on your location and what kind of coverage is available, but your provider should have that information as well. If your cell phone doesn't provide that service, there are often cheap prepaid cell phones for sale once you arrive in Mexico. Good places to find those would be at the airport, your hotel's gift shop, or larger shopping areas at your destination.

Wherever you plan on going you should be able to easily and affordably keep in contact with the folks back home. The country of Mexico has kept up with the technology of communication as well as most developed nations and there won't be a major resort area that will fail to provide for you.

Where To Have A Great Mexico Beach Vacation

Maxx — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:55 +0000

There are so many great beach destinations in Mexico that you probably couldn't go wrong with any of them. But there are a few that stand out and should have extra cause for consideration due to their outstanding range of amenities and services. Some of them are for those who like a laid back, relaxing beach experience and the rest are for the jet set who like to take their partying seriously.

Puerto Vallarta has been a great beach vacation spot for many years primarily because of its location on Banderas Bay. It is the largest bay in Mexico and offers wide open soft white sand beaches as well as small rock surrounded coves. This area also can provide surfers good rides with the right kind of swells. Because of the protection and the climate provided by the bay, the beaches here are relatively wide and a perfect spot to partake in activities that range in energy levels. You can do things as quiet as sun bathing, kayaking, jet skiing or para-sailing to as busy as water-skiing, horseback riding or wind surfing. Puerto Vallarta is a well-developed tourist spot with many resorts and hotels to choose from, as well as a diverse nightlife and shopping areas.

Cancun, with miles of beaches and a nonstop party atmosphere, has been transformed from a sleepy backwater town to a luxurious vacation destination and one of Mexico's most popular tourist attractions. The beaches on the northern side lie on Mujeres Bay and have more shallow areas for play and less wave action. Those on the southern side border the Caribbean Sea and have breezier conditions and higher waves. There are fantastic resorts all along the peninsula known as the hotel zone and, depending on where you want to be, can deliver the activities you are looking for.

An exquisite little secret known as Maroma Beach is located only 30 miles south of Cancun. This resort hideaway preserves the ecology of the 500 acres of beach and rainforest it encompasses to create a miniature paradise only a short drive away from the world's most famous spring break location. You can immerse yourself into a world of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and tropical vegetation while luxuriating in world-class spa services, first rate hotel accommodations, and gourmet style seafood meals.

These locations are just a few of the beautiful beaches that Mexico has to offer. You will never be disappointed if you plan your vacation to one of these gorgeous locations. But, don't limit your thinking to only vacations. Any of these stunning beach locales can play host to your upcoming wedding, anniversary or recommitment ceremonies. The great thing about having a ceremony at one of these stunning beaches is that when you are finished with the ceremony, you won't have to go anywhere else for the honeymoon!

Whether you are looking for a quiet seaside resort town, a rock and roll party that never stops, or a journey into a world of solitude with nature, these beach vacations in Mexico will not disappoint.

Why Vacation In Mexico City

Maxx — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:36:55 +0000

There aren't many cities in the entire world that are larger than Mexico City, Mexico. Nicknamed, the City of Palaces and with a population of about 20 million, Mexico City is a huge, cosmopolitan city that sprawls over almost 3,700 square miles. It is located in a valley on top of a high plateau at about 7,350 feet above sea level. The place where the city rests was once Lake Texcoco. It seems to be a city of extremes and a dynamic place to visit.

Most vacationers to Mexico City will be fascinated with the history of the city itself and of the circumstances in which it came to be. The Aztecs founded Mexico City in the year 1325 on a small island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. In order for it to continue to grow, the small island had to be enlarged artificially. The city came under siege by the Spaniards 200 years later and was almost completely destroyed. The Spaniards then rebuilt the city according to their designs, which is mostly what you see today in the old section of the town.

There are many tours that can be taken in which the history, architecture, and culture of the city are highlighted. There are Aztec ruins to behold, Chapultapec Castle where the Halls of Montezuma of Marine Corps lore are located, and even an iconic landmark the Angel of Independence, which was modeled after the Champs-Elysees by Emperor Maxmilian of Mexico.

Another popular tourist activity to pursue in Mexico City is to visit several of the over 150 museums. They range in scope from anthropological to modern art and while they vary in price, they are all reasonably affordable. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and is one of the finest anthropological museums in the world. The Museo Nacional de Arte has exhibits that mostly feature Mexican artists. And the Museo Nacional de Historia recounts the history of Mexico and Mexico City inside the walls of the famed Chapultapec Castle.

There are also many different types of sporting events that can be attended in and around Mexico City. Football or soccer as it is called in the United States is the most popular sport with stadiums that can seat over 125,000 fans. Mexico City is home to 4 major pro teams and countless youth teams. The next most popular sport to attend in Mexico City is baseball. Their team is the Red Devils and you will find a very exuberant group of spectators at all of their games.

Perhaps by virtue of being the largest city in Mexico, Mexico City has the most active nightlife scene in all Mexican cities. There are almost endless choices of music and dance clubs available from Mariachi music and Flamenco to jazz and salsa clubs. Most venues don't begin the party until 10 PM or so and participants dance away until the wee hours of the morning.

Whether you are interested in the history and culture of Mexico or just want to kick up your heels all night long, Mexico City can provide the kind of dynamic vacation experience that no other city can. Twenty million people can't be wrong.

What To Do On Your Vacation To Cancun

Maxx — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:28:55 +0000

The name of Cancun, Mexico has become synonymous with Spring Break and over indulgent partying and drinking. But the successful growth of the area and proliferation of family hotels and resorts has created a vacation destination that isn't just a niche industry anymore. Vacationers of all tastes can find many fun and exciting activities to do in this tropical paradise.

Cancun is located on the western coast of Mexico and more specifically on the Yucatan peninsula. There are fourteen miles of white sand beaches that make up the beachfront of Cancun on the waters of the Caribbean Sea. As you would expect from any beach resort, all the usual activities from swimming to windsurfing to parasailing can be experienced there. If you are not the adventuresome type, you are perfectly welcome to just stretch out on a cabana chair and soak up the sun while you watch everyone else exert all sorts of energy.

For those of you who want to spend all of your time off of the beach and out on the water, you can charter any type of boat from small motorized crafts, power boats to large fishing yachts that will take you sport fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The marine life near Cancun is quite diverse among the coral reefs that are just offshore and they can offer countless adventures viewing vividly colored fish and the corals themselves. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular water sports to indulge in while you are in Cancun. The sparkling Caribbean waters offer some of the most beautiful underwater views. The network of lagoons in the area also offers a biodiversity of creatures, some of which you may have never heard of before.

Not far away are a plethora of archeological sites of Mayan culture that have become famous the world over. Places like Chichen Itza and Tulum provide the echoes of this ancient civilization that thrived hundreds of years before the Conquistadors arrived in the New World. While experiencing the crazy, party all night atmosphere of Cancun's clubs it may be hard to believe that these sights exist so close. But, there are many diverse tours that can escort you to visit these wonders and treat you to an experience that will certainly leave you impressed with the innovations developed by the Mayan people.

If you crave a challenge, you might like to take on one of the nine challenging golf courses in the Cancun area. All of them have famous pedigrees by being designed by some of the world's most famous names in course design, such as Nicklaus, Jones, Norman, and Dye. Especially thrilling are some of the courses built around some of the Mayan ruins, but whichever one you choose to tee off on, all of them have the most modern conveniences and features that one would expect from any private club in the United States.

Whether you are looking for a party, craving fun in the sun, or just looking for adventure, chances are you can find it in Cancun, Mexico. And it isn't mandatory that you have to experience it only during Spring Break.

What To Be Aware Of If You Drive While Vacationing In Mexico

Maxx — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:20:55 +0000

Driving your own vehicle through Mexico or renting one to drive while on vacation can provide a wonderful, go-at-your-own-pace type of experience. That being said there are several things you should be aware off if you drive while on vacation in Mexico.

Getting insurance for driving in Mexico is a must, whether it is for your own car or a rental. An accident, even if you are not at fault, will not be just an inconvenience, but could affect the rest of your vacation. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country and a policy supplied by your insurance company may not be valid in Mexico. There are insurance vendors on both sides of the border, but it is wise to obtain it before you enter, as it will be quite cheaper.

If you drive your own vehicle across the border you will need to be aware of regulations regarding bringing more than $50 of merchandise into the country. What the border guards are looking for are items that are being brought in that could be sold. You can avoid most trouble if you take the tags off of new clothing, anything in a box should be opened and taken out and the packaging discarded, and don't have any new supplies in shopping bags. Distribute anything new among your baggage and you should be fine.

Driving on the highway systems will probably remind you of many roads back home as they are, for the most part, modern and well signed. Most of the roads are toll roads, because, in Mexico, tolls pay to keep the roads maintained instead of taxes. It is prudent to have a hefty handful of small bills for this "pay as you go" system. But the cost of tolls is definitely worth it because the highway roads are much better than the pothole ridden two lane roads you would have otherwise used.

It is advisable to avoid driving at night in Mexico. Many of the smaller two-lane roads will have livestock issues that could be dangerous and most assaults that would happen on the roads would certainly happen at night. Be aware that most tourist deaths that happen in Mexico involve automobile accidents.

Above all, practice defensive driving while in Mexico. Mexican drivers, especially truck drivers and bus drivers, are very polite and will let you pull out or pass them. But other drivers, especially in the cities can be aggressive. You don't want to get into an accident if you can avoid it because, if an accident causes an injury, all cars will be impounded until the situation can have a complete accounting. This could turn into quite an ordeal, even if you are innocent in the matter.

Make sure that you obtain insurance that will protect you while driving in Mexico. Try to stay on the main toll roads and avoid rural areas where livestock might be a dangerous hindrance. Avoid driving at night whenever possible for safe driving and for security from possible assaults. And practicing defensive driving at all times. All these tips will help make your vacation safer and easier while on vacation in Mexico.