PACIFIC COAST “MEXICAN RIVIERA”

BY CLAY LARROY

The purposes of traveling are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business. Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Pacific Coast

The Pacific coast contains some of Mexico's principal beach resorts as well as other lesser-known, beautiful spots and small coastal villages, backed by sweeping jungles that reach down to the clear blue waters of the Pacific. The central coast is known as the Mexican Riviera, and has international beach resorts like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, excellent seafood, and a large selection of adventure tourism attractions and activities. It's also one of the leading resort destinations in the country, with miles of palm trees, golden beaches and picturesque bays, excellent surf, an active nightlife, elegant dining and luxury accommodation. From Mazatlán in the north, the 'Pearl of the Pacific', to the exhilarating action of the famous cliff divers of Acapulco, bird watching near the small fishing village of San Blas, and the jade green waters of Puerto Escondido, the Pacific coastal region holds something for everyone.

There are frequent bus services along the Pacific coast, connecting the main towns and resorts. Local buses service the beaches in and around the main towns. Taxis are readily available in the resort areas. Acapulco, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta have ports with ferries and cruise ship dockings.

Airports in Pacific Coast

Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)

Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport

www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/en/puerto-vallarta-3.html

Location: Pacific Coast The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Puerto Vallarta.

Time: Local time is GMT -6 (GMT -5 from first Sunday in April to second last Saturday in October). Contacts: Tel: +52 (322)221 1298.

Getting to the city: Areomovil taxi transportation is the main source of transport from the airport, as well as combi bus (Colectivo minivan) which charge rates based on the zone of travel. The fare must be paid before departure at a small kiosk located just outside the terminal. Limos.com also provide a service for passengers from the airport. Taxis can be flagged down from the highway and travelers can expect to pay around US$10 to get to Puerto Vallarta. The local bus travels through to Puerto Vallarta at a cost of around 3 Pesos.

Car rental: There are several car rental agencies located in the terminal.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available just outside the terminal and rates are charged based on the zones of travel. Taxis can also be flagged down from and travelers can expect to pay around US$10 to get to Puerto Vallarta.

 Facilities: The airport features a bank, a bureaux de change, cash machines, several small shops on the ground level of the airport, duty-free shops, a café, restaurant and a bar.

Parking: There is short-term parking available

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

BAJA CALIFORNIA “POSIBLY MAÑANA”

 

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling is great personal interests because it will make a more open-minded person when it comes to inter acting with people. It also made it easier to understanding as to why people act the way they do in their own society and in a society as diverse as the U.S. It has long been said that travels “broadens the mind”. Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make you smarter, but more open-minded.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Tijuana

 Tijuana is the largest city on the Baja California Peninsula and an important metropolitan center in Mexico. A sprawling border town, Tijuana is not suited to everyone's holiday taste, with plenty of noise and frenetic activity. Its location on the American border and proximity to San Diego and other southern Californian cities ensures a steady stream of curious day-trippers and souvenir hunters from up north.

Tijuana's notorious 'sin city' image of prostitution and sex shows has now taken a back seat; the sleazy element, the drugs and violence that seems to be the lot of a border town, is still there but the focus has shifted in an effort to clean the town up a bit, and Tijuana has become something of a shopper's delight along with the intense nightlife and non-stop entertainment. This is the place to shop, drink and dance the night away; there are souvenir stalls, numerous duty-free shopping malls and markets selling goods from all over Mexico, as well as countless bars, restaurants and dance clubs. The center of the activity is the bustling Revolution Boulevard, crowded with shops, bars and restaurants and their pushy touts, who do their best to get you into their establishments. Female tourists should avoid entering bars alone, as safety can occasionally be an issue.

Tijuana has some more traditional Mexican diversions as well, including bullfighting and Jai Alai (a Spanish ball court game), but travelers to the city are generally not looking for an authentic Mexican experience so much as a playground south of the border. Tijuana does, however, make a fun starting point for a holiday aimed at exploring the Baja California peninsula, and the beaches and resorts to the south. While Tijuana has been a popular and safe place in the past, in recent years violence between law enforcement authorities and drug cartels has escalated, particularly along the US-Mexican border. Visitors who still wish to travel to Tijuana are advised to exercise extreme caution and check the safety situation with local authorities and those of their home country.

Getting around in Tijuana

Mexico Local buses travel along routes across the city and offer a relatively cheap means of transport about Tijuana; the destination is usually written on the front of the bus. Taxis are a popular means of getting around Tijuana and can easily be hailed off the street. The most common taxis are yellow cabs, which are unmetered, and white cabs with orange stripes, known as 'Taxi Libre', which are metered and generally charge much less than the yellow cabs. It's best to negotiate a fare before getting in the vehicle or, if the cab has a meter, make sure the taxi driver has it switched on. Calling an Uber taxi has also become a popular option in Tijuana. A number of car hire companies are available in the city, and self-drive is a viable option; however, caution is advised due to safety concerns. Day visitors from California will find that most of the touristy parts of the city can easily be explored on foot, and it is unnecessary to bring a car over the border unless planning to go farther south into Mexico.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

BAJA CALIFORNIA “POSIBLY MAÑANA”

BY CLAY LARROY

People in general consider traveling as their personal interests.  Traveling can quickly become an interest simply because it is such an enjoyable experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of different cultures and people.   There are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Los Cabos Overview

Located at the southern-most tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez collide with the wild Pacific, Los Cabos is an area of striking beauty and one of Mexico's top holiday resort destinations. Surrounded by a vast cactus desert and ochre-colored mountains, the azure waters offer diving, sailing and swimming, and the area is a world-renowned Mecca for sport fishing and surfing.

Los Cabos is an area made up of the two resort towns of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, sitting at either end of an 18-mile (29km) stretch of exquisite beaches sprinkled with exclusive luxury holiday resorts and championship golf courses, known locally as the Resort Corridor. San José del Cabo is the older and more traditional of the two resorts with the unhurried pace of a colonial Mexican village. Cabo San Lucas started as a simple fishing village and is now one of the favorite beach holiday destinations of the elite, with high quality luxury services and an energetic nightlife. The majority of visitors base themselves in San Lucas or the Resort Corridor. Just offshore is the area's landmark and an impressive natural wonder, Los Arcos (The Arches), a beautiful, wave-sculpted rock formation.

Shopping in Los Cabos

There are shops galore in the two towns and along the Resort Corridor, and shoppers will not be disappointed in the variety of clothes and shoes, gifts and souvenirs, furniture, jewelry, leather goods and specialty stores. Cabo San Lucas has the largest selection of shops, and also has imported American goods, an artisan's market and dozens of boutiques to explore while on holiday.

Dining in Los Cabos

There are numerous restaurants in Los Cabos offering a wide range of fare from Italy, France and North America, as well as some excellent local Mexican cuisine. Seafood is understandably popular and is offered by almost every style of eatery. Diners can choose between fine dining, local restaurants with dancing and live music, bistros, and casual eateries. The tourist-orientated Resort Corridor has a vast variety of fine dining options, while simple Mexican cuisine is best found in either San José or San Lucas. One of the best places to sit elbow-to-elbow with locals is Marisquería Mazatlán, which serves simple and delicious seafood.

Activities in Los Cabos

 The after dark scene in Los Cabos is mainly located in Cabo San Lucas, which has a livelier atmosphere than the relatively laid-back San José and attracts a younger, more energetic crowd. The most popular nightclubs are El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo, Zoo Bar & Dance, and The Giggling Marlin, while many hotels have popular clubs and bars. For a quieter evening out, there are also numerous places to enjoy soft music and a romantic atmosphere.

Things to be aware of in Los Cabos

 Los Cabos can sometimes experience hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season runs from June to November and visitors to the region during this time should take care to check weather and storm forecasts.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Experience life travel with those you love!

BAJA CALIFORNIA “POSIBLY MAÑANA”

BY CLAY LARROY

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. Whenyou want to plan a vacation contact me!

Ensenada Overview

 Just south of the border, on the Baja Peninsula, lies the flourishing, friendly port and holiday destination of Ensenada. It's a 90-minute drive south of San Diego and joined to Tijuana by the spectacular Trans-Peninsula Highway, with its breathtaking ocean views. The first visitor to this beautiful bay was Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who set ashore in 1602 and named the spot Ensenada de Todos los Santos, which means 'inlet of all the saints'. The saints have indeed been kind to Ensenada, which today has progressed from a Spanish mission station through fishing village status to become Mexico's second-most visited port of call for cruise liners and yachts, an extremely popular holiday destination for land-based tourists, and a leading convention center. The secret of Ensenada's success as a tourist magnet is simple: the resort town basically has it all. The weather is bright and sunny throughout the year, and the Pacific beaches are magnificent. These basic ingredients have been enhanced by some wonderful natural and man-made attractions, great restaurants serving up fresh seafood and local wines, and amiable local tour operators providing a huge array of outdoor recreational activities and excursions. Even the town's industry, which consists mainly of fishing, wine-making and canning, has become a lure for visitors, who can visit factories and wineries and liberally sample the delicious wares.

Shopping in Ensenada

 The eyes of avid bargain-hunting tourists glitter when they see Ensenada's broad shopping avenues, lined by shops literally bursting with a massive array of Mexican arts and crafts, from elegant Taxcosilver jewelry in the boutiques of the Avenida Lopez Mateos, to a selection of 'below $5' curios in the stores along First Street. Best buys to look out for in Ensenada are leather goods (bags, purses, jackets, belts etc.), hand-blown glassware, woodcarvings, and ceramics. Those who enjoy local color can browse through the bustling Los Globos flea market where occasional treasures can be found. Due to its popularity as a cruise port, Ensenada offers great shopping opportunities, but it can be very expensive.

Dining in Ensenada

No matter what your taste in food, from hamburgers to haute cuisine, you will find it while on holiday in Ensenada; however, because of its seaside location and local fishing industry, nearly all restaurants offer some sort of fresh seafood on the menu, and most include traditional Mexican fare. Highly recommended is a visit to the fish market (known as the 'Black Market') where delicious and cheap fish tacos are sold at several stands. Lunches are best enjoyed at one of the myriad sidewalk cafes: relax and watch the passing parade of people along a leafy boulevard while sipping a glass of wine. When it comes to dining, the choice is vast. LG Restaurant or out-of-the-way Manzanilla in the port area are great places to try local cuisine, and those hankering for formal dining can enjoy award-winning French cuisine at El Rey Sol on Avenue Lopez Mateos. For a taste of the traditional, fun comes along with the food at Bronco's Steakhouse, which serves a great Mexican buffet at weekends.

Activities in Ensenada

 Holidaymakers will enjoy the nightlife in Ensenada, which sizzles after dark, especially during weekends, with discos, karaoke bars and cantinas rollicking into the early hours. An unmissable night spot is Baja's oldest cantina, Hussongs, which was established in 1892 as a stage coach stop and is still partying today in traditional Mexican style. Tourists should spend at least a few hours at Hussongs, swigging margaritas as mariachis stroll the sawdust-strewn, rough wood floors.

Things to be aware of in Ensenada

 Being something of a tourist Mecca, Ensenada tends to be more expensive than other towns in Mexico.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Experience life by traveling with friends and family!

BAJA CALIFORNIA “POSIBLY MAÑANA”

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 La Paz

 Overview

The holiday retreat of La Paz is the laid-back capital of Baja California Sur, known for its stunning sunsets and beaches. The city is a perfect base from which to explore the magical surrounding landscape. Although it has excellent beaches, it is not known specifically as a beach resort, but is a tranquil Mexican port which has retained a charming colonial atmosphere. La Paz is a 'real' city where locals go about their daily business among the tourist shops, fancy restaurants and tour operators. The most romantic feature in the city is the waterfront promenade, or malecón, around which city life revolves, stretching for several kilometers along sandy beaches. Much of the dining and nightlife most popular with travelers is found along this walkway and it is the best place to catch one of the city's famously spectacular sunsets while on holiday.

La Paz is the eco-tourism capital of the country, surrounded by desert and situated in a large bay on the Sea of Cortez, with a variety of outdoor tour guides offering excellent trips. The region boasts astonishing plant and animal life, the varied and dramatic geology of the inland deserts, mountains and oases, and the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. Beautiful unspoilt offshore islands offer naturalist hiking, as well as amazing diving and snorkeling from pristine beaches with hammerhead sharks, dolphins, sea lions and gigantic whale sharks. The islands are the destination of kayakers, sailors and boat cruises, and the bay is a popular yachting stopover. La Paz is a fisherman's paradise and its international fishing competitions are world famous. To the north of the city, along the Pichilingue Peninsula, are some magnificent beaches, backed by mangroves and the cactus-studded mountains of the desert.

Besides the eco-tourist activities on offer, La Paz boasts plentiful shopping, a varied nightlife, excellent fish and seafood, and comfortable accommodation, offering visitors everything they need for a relaxing and stimulating holiday.

Shopping in La Paz

From small, exclusive boutiques lining the Malecon, to the department stores of busy downtown La Paz, known as 'El Centro', the city offers plenty of options for lightening the pocket, with high fashion and upmarket branded goods aplenty. There are also numerous stores selling locally produced Mexican arts and crafts to delight souvenir hunters on holiday, and supermarkets on just about every street corner for self-caterers.

Dining in La Paz

There are delicious treats to suit all tastes available in the many restaurants of La Paz, from the highly rated street corner hotdog and chocolate clam stands, to mouth-watering lobsters from the Sea of Cortez served up in classy seafront restaurants. The cuisine of most nationalities is available, including Chinese, Italian, French and Korean, but traditional Mexican naturally remains the holiday favorite. For seafood with local flair visit Bismark II, while Buffalo BBQ is the local favorite for hamburgers and other carnivorous fare.

Activities in La Paz

La Paz has no shortage of lively nightspots, with the most popular located along the Malecon. This brightly lit promenade and adjacent pier is abuzz with strollers and party-animals after dark, entertained by groups of street musicians known as mariachis. Shops stay open late to cater for evening browsers. Like in most Mexican cities, the party action doesn't start heating up until late in the evening, from around 10pm, but continues until the early hours of the morning. Discos offer all kinds of music, from traditional Latino to American rock, and many of the bars and restaurants offer live music. La Caliente and Las Varitas are great night spots and live music venues. Culture vultures will probably find a play or concert to their taste at the Teatro de Ciuidad or Teatro Juarez, and there are several movie theatres showing American films with Spanish subtitles.

Things to be aware of in La Paz

La Paz can be expensive during peak season.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life with those you love!

BAJA CALIFORNIA “POSIBLY MAÑANA”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling is the kind of activity, which almost all the people love. For someone it is an opportunity to relax and abstract from everyday busy life. For others it is interesting to observe the way people of other cultures and mentality live. Some people consider it to be the best way to have fun and always try to visit as many clubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes as possible for their wallets and time limits. When you want to plan a vacation contactme!

Baja California is a long thin peninsula running parallel to the west coast of the Mexican mainland, separated by the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. It is divided into two states, Baja California Norte in the north and the southern region of Baja California Sur, and extends from Tijuana on the American border down to Cabo San Lucas at the peninsula's tip.

Baja is one of the least humid places on earth with an intensely dry climate. It is a diverse geographical area providing remarkable contrasts. This is a wildly beautiful place of unusual scenery and dramatic color changes, of exquisitely azure bays and miles of fine white beaches, rocky cliffs giving way to dry mountainous slopes covered in a stunning display of cactus plants. The interior is harsh and undeveloped, while the coast is dotted with attractive resorts and modern towns. The protected gulf is home to more endemic species than anywhere else in the world; the warm waters are rich in marine life, and the protected waters on the Pacific coast are an important breeding ground for whales. Most resort tour operators arrange whale watching trips from January to March.

A journey down the trans-peninsula highway conveys many surprises, from the bulging and frenetic activity of the modern city of Tijuana, with its tacky souvenir shops and thriving gambling scene, to the oasis town of San Ignacio, a beautiful respite from the hot Vizcaíno Desert on its fringes, with some extraordinary cave paintings nearby. From the peaceful laid-back village of Mulegé to the tranquil port of La Paz, with a colonial center and spectacular sunsets, and the charming traditional Mexican town of Todos Santos in the south, there are a great variety of places to explore and enjoy. The UNESCO-listed Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, in the mountains south of La Paz, is a wonderful playground for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. The Baja Peninsula also boasts the best seafood and wine in Mexico.

There is an efficient bus system that covers the distance between Tijuana and Los Cabos in 24 hours on the Trans-peninsula highway, stopping at towns along the way. Car and passenger ferry services connect Baja to the Mexican mainland and there are airports at Tijuana and near Los Cabos. Car rental companies can be found in the larger cities and at airports, although the Trans-peninsula highway is narrow and routinely traveled by trucks. Within the towns there are plenty of taxis and collectives (shared taxi vans) for hire.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience memories that will last a lifetime!

MEXICO, “A DIVERSE DESTINATION”

BY CLAY LARROY

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Port of Call - Playa del Carmen (Calica)

The port of Calica in Playa del Carmen is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a beautiful destination where many cruise passengers stop to enjoy the lovely white stretch of coast. There are ancient Mayan ruins dating back to the 13th century, verdant jungle, and miles of sandy beaches. It's no surprise the port of Calica is so popular. Playa del Carmen offers enough shopping, dining and fun excursions and activities to satisfy just about any traveler. A day onshore can be spent lounging on the beach, enjoying various watersports or a scuba diving trip, or perusing the numerous shops and sampling traditional Mexican fare in the restaurants. Cruise ships dock at the small port of Calica which is located about five miles (8km) south of Playa del Carmen, with many passengers also choosing to be ferried across from the port of Cozumel.

Shopping in Playa del Carmen (Calica)

 Playa del Carmen is a shopping paradise, especially when it comes to silver jewelry! Haggling is common in most market places. Just outside the dock is the south end of 5th Avenue, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare where many of the town's shops and restaurants are located. The dock is next to Playa del Carmen's main square, where stalls selling cold drinks and slices of fresh tropical fruit can be found, as well as an outdoor center with shops and restaurants. Many of these are American chain stores though and tourist shops which all seem to stock the same clutter and souvenirs, such as Carlos 'n Charlie's and Senor Frog's.

Best Buy: Silver jewelry

Dining in Playa del Carmen (Calica)

Passion by Martin Berasategui - exceptional fine dining, offering tasting menus with Spanish flair. It's not cheap, but it's an incredible dining experience. El Fogon Restaurant - a cheap and delicious taste of local Mexican cuisine. Mayan Bistro - traditional Mayan style food, in a relaxed atmosphere. They serve breakfast too.

Best Dish: Massewal (Traditional chicken broth)

Port of Call - Puerto Costa Maya

Once a bustling trading post for the Mayan civilization, most of the commerce happening today in Puerto Costa Maya comes from the city's status as a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises in Mexico. Mexico's newest port, Puerto Costa Maya is the first port on Mexico's Caribbean Coast to have been built exclusively for cruise ships and cruise holiday visitors. Situated on the Yucatan Peninsula near the fishing village of Majahual, Puerto Costa Maya is the fastest growing cruise port in the Caribbean and consists of three grand pavilions in the style of ancient Maya. Known as a site for good beaches, lush subtropical jungles, and fascinating ancient ruins, Puerto Costa Maya is frequented by nearly a dozen popular cruise lines. The commercial, cultural and entertainment center offers dining, shopping and recreational facilities, a swimming pool and swim-up bar, local performances in the amphitheater, as well as art and craft galleries showcasing the region's local artists and their art - a lot to enjoy on holiday. The infrastructure has been carefully designed to meet the special needs of cruise ship passengers. Beyond the pavilions, Costa Maya provides access to undeveloped areas of coastline, colorful reefs and shipwrecks for diving and snorkeling, and the chance to explore ancient Mayan sites. Puerto Costa Maya tour operators offer dune buggy tours, trips to Mayan sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche, and kayak adventures along the coast. Free shuttles transport passengers regularly between the pier complex and their ships.

Shopping in Puerto Costa Maya

Passengers alighting from cruise ships in Puerto Costa Maya are carried by shuttle to the Mayan-inspired port complex, which boasts 70,000 square feet (6,503sq m) of shops and a bazaar. Shoppers should beware of apparently silver jewelry, as much of it is actually only silver-plated. Bargaining is expected, and prices listed with the $ symbol are in Mexican pesos, while US Dollar prices are listed as US$ or USD.

Best Buy: Tequila

Dining in Puerto Costa Maya

Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill - American- and Mexican-style food on the beachfront. Leaky Palapa - Good wine and high-quality cuisine.

Best Dish: Fresh seafood ceviche

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

When you live in Mexico, your houses all have names.

Jesse Ventura

MEXICO, “A DIVERSE DESTINATION”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Port of Call - Cozumel

Cozumel still retains clear blue water, thick jungle and some of its character as an out of the way Mexican fishing island despite its recent reincarnation as a major cruise hub. The island's most well-known activities include some of the world's top dive sites on renowned coral reefs, and leisurely strolls in the island's one town, San Miguel. Cruise ships in Cozumel dock in one of three locations: the farthest from downtown is Puerta Maya, a bit farther south than TMM International Pier, both of which are about a seven-minute ride from San Miguel; and Punta Langosta Pier, which is within walking distance. When all the berths are full, anchored ships can tender passengers to the docks at Punta Langosta

Shopping in Cozumel

Shoppers have a large choice of boutique shops and souvenir stores clustered in the central square of San Miguel and near the waterfront. Goods are usually less expensive than just across the water in Cancun or other mainland cruise ports.

Best Buy: Detailed linens or carvings

Dining in Cozumel

Coconuts Bar and Grill - A remote feel with sea and jungle scenery and great views. Wet Wendy's - Cheerful and relaxed bar popular with locals and famous for margaritas. Especias Restaurant - fun and family-friendly Mexican fusion restaurant.

Best Dish: Margaritas

Port of Call - Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a working commercial port moonlighting as a tourist beach haven: it's often a one-day stop on Mexican Riviera cruises. Despite its port industry and status as a wildly popular beach resort, Mazatlan retains the ambiance of a colonial fishing town. Although mega-resorts specializing in all-inclusive package holidays line its long beaches, Mazatlan still has a historic colonial city center, most apparent in Plaza Machado at the heart of Old Town. An iconic waterfront walkway and the breathtaking spectacle of cliff divers plunging into the sea add to the charm but the miles of beaches are what lure most visitors. Cruises in Mazatlan dock at a primarily commercial port and connect to the cruise terminal by a free tram. The cruise terminal has a small shopping area and taxis for a ten-minute ride into the city center.

Shopping in Mazatlan

The Golden Zone is an aptly named golden opportunity for souvenir and knick knack shopping and is made for tourists. Old Mazatlan has slightly more authentic markets where crafts can be purchased. A shopping mall, La Gran Plaza, offers any modern necessities including a supermarket.

 Best Buy: Gemstones (only from licensed stores)

Dining in Mazatlan

Topolo - popular for fine dining and good seafood. Carlos & Lucia's - a casual diner with Mexican and Cuban flair. Pancho's - Mexican seafood restaurant right on the beach.

Best Dish: Shrimp cooked every which way

Port of Call - Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, on the Mexican Rivera, is book-ended by tall luxury resorts and a long line of white sand beach but in its center there are charming colonial buildings and the remnants of a sleepy fishing town. The most popular activities are watersports on any part of the Golden Zone, a resort stretch of sand. The Old Town is an attractive district for sightseeing and the perusal of some picturesque colonial architecture. A new Maritime Terminal, built in 2007, can berth up to three cruise liners although sometimes a fourth has to anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the terminal. The terminal is three miles north of the city and has a host of tourist facilities such as shops, restaurants, and information centers. Transportation can easily be found to the city center and the Old Town can be comfortably explored on foot.

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta

Several American-style shopping complexes can be found near the cruise terminal but better shopping is available in the city center. In the Old Town and just off the Melicon visitors will discover the best souvenir shopping in authentic Mexican style markets. A swarm of art galleries are available all over town, many of them offering crafts from all over the country.

 Best Buy: Beaded crafts.

Dining in Puerto Vallarta

Teatro Limon - fine dining in a friendly atmosphere. Casa Isabel - Mexican fusion with fantastic views. Tacos Panchos - cheap and cheerful taco joint open for dinner.

 Best Dish: Street-side tacos

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!

Mexico is a very mom-centered culture. You'll find stores open on Father's Day, but never on Mother's Day. For us, mothers are very important.

Juan Gabriel
 

MEXICO, “A DIVERSE DESTINATION”

BY CLAY LARROY

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Port of Call - Acapulco

Acapulco is a popular cruise port for ships sailing anywhere on the Pacific coast between Panama and San Francisco. The town itself sits on a beautiful stretch of beach in a semi-circular bay that has offered deep-water berths for ships since the 16th century. Today Acapulco's port function has been overtaken by its popularity as a sun-and-sand holiday destination, appealing to Mexican and overseas visitors in equal measure. Apart from the usual resort pastimes, like dancing and tanning, Acapulco offers the world-famous La Perla cliff divers and an attractive old town that's well worth exploring. Cruise ships in Acapulco berth at the rather unattractive Acapulco terminal in the north of the bay, near Costera Miguel Aleman. There are good facilities here, including tourist information, internet access, shopping and taxis, and the old town is only 15 minutes' walk away.

Shopping in Acapulco

 Head to the open-air market near the Plaza Bahia for handicrafts such as jewelry and leather gear. The Mercado Parazal is also good for souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and necessary! The streets of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) are lined with designer boutiques; for Acapulco's biggest mall make a beeline to Le Gran Plaza on the edge of town.

Best Buy: Silver jewelry

Dining in Acapulco

La Casa de la Pasta - the best Italian food in Acapulco. Zibu - a blend of Mexican and Thai food with great views of Puerto Marques. Su Casa - a friendly restaurant with city views that serves Mexican cuisine and good seafood.

 Best Dish: Grilled red snapper

Port of Call - Cabo San Lucas

Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a well-developed beach resort and port of call that boasts many attractions for cruise passengers. The picturesque sandy beaches and idyllic weather make the resort a paradise for watersports and other outdoor pursuits. Cabo San Lucas is a wildly popular holiday destination, and has developed a bit of a reputation for being 'Americanized', as dollars are widely accepted and nearly everyone speaks English. The resort also attracts a young and lively college crowd that ensures all the local restaurants and cantinas are always buzzing. Although it may not be the best place to get a taste of authentic Mexican culture, it's a glorious resort with many fun beach activities and great restaurants and night spots. For those who prefer something a little more traditional, San Jose del Cabo, the resort town right next door, is more quaint and laid-back. Cruise ships in Cabo San Lucas drop anchor just offshore and ferry passengers to the Tender Pier, conveniently located in downtown Cabo.

Shopping in Cabo San Lucas

 There's plenty of shopping to be done in Cabo San Lucas; most of it is of the tacky t-shirt variety, but determined shoppers will unearth some unique souvenirs from Cabo. Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas have many shops and a festive atmosphere, while the high-end boutiques in Shoppes At Palmilla offer beautiful (if expensive) art, jewelry and handcrafts.

Best Buy: Hand-blown glass from The Cabo San Lucas Glass Factory

Dining in Cabo San Lucas

Los Tres Gallos - authentic Mexican food with a gourmet touch. La Dolce - Italian restaurant with Mexican charm. Cabo Blue - American-style bar and grill with burgers and chicken wings for reasonable prices.

Best Dish: Carnitas (slow cooked, spiced, then shredded pork shoulder) with tacos.

Port of Call – Cancun

 Cancun, the premiere tourist city in Mexico, is a combination of two areas: the city center inland, and the resort center which sports a line of towering hotels flanked by aqua water and white sand beaches. Cancun is full of resort-style fun, the best of which includes visits to the many picturesque beaches and golf courses which are all similarly idyllic. Cancun cruises usually don't actually stop at Cancun but instead farther south at Calica, also called Playa Del Carmen, which is about an hour's drive, located 41 miles (66 kilometers) from the city. Calica can berth two cruise liners and cruises that stop at the city of Cancun anchor far offshore with long tender rides to a small pier. Cruise excursions also arrive from Cozumel.

Shopping in Cancun

With six huge and modern shopping complexes and hundreds of stores shopping can be overwhelming. A popular place for local souvenirs instead of designer fashion is one of three markets, the largest being Market 28 also called mercado veintiocho.

Best Buy: Fashionable bathing suit

Dining in Cancun

Peter's Restaurant - good Mexican food at reasonable prices Fantino - Fine dining at the Ritz Carlton Captain's Cove - Laid back deck seating with great views

Best Dish: Fish Taco

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life!

I felt completely at home in Mexico - speaking Spanish to my cousins, running around Acapulco and stuffing my face with mole and homemade tortillas. Mexico opened my heart.

Aimee Garcia