I don’t know how “La Bipolar” got its name, but I have to admit that it’s clever and catchy to name a restaurant this.

Located in Kaly Malitzin in Coyaocan, Mexico City, the restaurant is a nicely decorated cantina that is also famous for the the fact that one of its owners is celebrated Mexican movie star Diego Luna (from the film “Y Tu Mama Tambien”).

Entering the site, you’ll be pleased to see a mix of minimalist decorations infused with a laid-back and country style. The walls are specked with crates where special pieces are put on display. There are scribbles on the walls, as well, which makes it even more interesting.

The tables of the restaurant are long and wooden and the chairs are the same, which actually brings its old school and traditional feel. The lights are decorated with tin buckets, which I think is clever and ingenous. This is just like being on the back of the kitchen of a palace or a colonial house. Although many of the elements in the design are actually current and modern. In fact, the restaurant has actually won an international design competition

As for the food, La Bipolar delivers classic Mexican food fare, but adds its own twist to it. Don’t forget to try the tofu burritos, which you don’t usually find at other Mexican restaurants. Or you can also have the Marlin Tostaditas, which is utterly mouthwatering and flavorful.

With an ambiance this cool, food choices that’s filling and satisfying, plus celebrity diners who frequent the place, La Bipolar is one of Mexico City’s latest place to be.

Looking for a date place in Mexico? Sitting in the heart of Polanco is Ivoire, this lovely French countryside inspired nook that offers a beautiful lounge with the view of the Parque del Reloj, as well as three terraces. Ivoire, is not only an ideal date place, tons of romantic, simple wedding and engagements have taken place here.

Take heed though, as this place is usually packed with diners and guests, including the rooftop, where most parties and other events are happening. The downstairs area is the actual dining place, well-decorated and is bigger than it actually is.

The restaurant has very accommodating waiters, dressed impeccably, which suits what this place is really about — classy, cozy, romantic and trendy.

Prepare to spend more than usual, however, since the place is for posh dining and celebrations. Do sample the Pavlova, which is perhaps one of its best-sellers. The Ivoire is also a fabulous breakfast place serving different kinds of croissants and cheeses. It’s so very French.

It stands out in a row of restaurants that usually serve traditional Mexican food and favorites, because it’s one of the very French plances in town. Ivoire is a fusion place, however. You can still feel a hint of Mexican in this restuarant, which is probably what makes it unique.

Located in Centro Historico, Al Andar is a cozy restaurant that is frequented by guests for its decent choices of beer and its intimate ambience. During a recent visit, the plae served an interesting selection, which included Morena beer, Guera beer, Green Card Barley Wine, some selections from Carlsberg and Tsing-tao, and Jack’s Chocolate Stout.

They also serve prime mezcal, which is a kind of alcoholic beverage derived from the Maguey plant that is native only to Mexico. The mezcal is not as favored as tequila, although it has similarities in taste and consistency, and it comes with such a strong flavor.

As a place for late night action and because the place is so small, this bar usually is filled throughout the streets, with people wanting to unwind and relax after a day’s work.

Aside from the beer, sample the place’s selection of snacks to go with the drinks, which includes Oaxacan cheese and a healthy serving of chapulines, otherwise known as grasshoppers. It’s really not bad to eat them, as they are crunchy and quite flavorful, and not to mention, also rich in nutrients. Guests don’t really have to go to Oaxaca to experience this, as there is chapulines in Al Andar.

The bar is very near the Zocalo mall, so it’s easy to get to and easy find rides for when you leave after the party. It belongs to a lively and friendly neighborhood, so guests will have a wonderful time here with the locals and other tourists.

Fonda El Refugio is a sixty year old restaurant located between Florencia and Amberes streets in Mexico City. This place has seen through a lot of growth and changes over history and in spite its age, or maybe because of it, the restaurant continues to be packed with diners every night, especially Saturdays.

What started as a family restuarant became a Mexican landmark. The inside of the restaurant feels a lot like Grandma’s kitchen, in that its cozy and very much comfortable to dine in. Even to this day, it has stil retained its wooden floor, colonial structure and furniture, with a touch of Frida Callo-inspired art pieces.

The restaurant has a focal center, this large fireplace that is decored with copper pans and pots. It’s quite an informal setting, although, people who regularly dine here do not come from a rowdy crowd. In fact, the atmosphere is both refined, but really very welcoming.

The menu of Refugio boasts of authentic and truly classic Mexican favorites. There are special family secret recipes infused with traditional choices like the arroz con platanos and the highly recommended Huachinango a la Veracruzana, which comes with fresh tomatoes and olives. Those who enjoy spicy dishes should sample its Chiles Poblanos, which comes stuffed with high grade beef with cheese. Diners should also sample chicken breast, which comes with this minty and nutty jade colored sauce. The food not only tastes delicious, it also is wonderful to look at. Refugio’s tortilla alone is enough to keep coming back for more. The tortillas are handmade and always served fresh.

Fonda El Refugio has seen its worst times when its matriarch passed away. Fortunately, the family promised to uphold her legacy and continues to serve good food and great service to this day.

Snorkeling under the waters of the Caribbean Sea, you may find yourself surrounded with scuptured images the size of actual human beings. These statues are not part of a sunken ship, mind you. Nor are they remains of actual people. These stues are part of the Underwater Museum that Cancun is famous for and was set up as part of its tourism drive.

It isn’t enough that Cancun’s waters already has lots of beautiful creatures, much to the delight of divers everywhere. But they still chose to do this, and have commissioned architects, designers and artists for the project, going with the idea that there really is a need to have something enticing for the discriminating tourists that come to the island each year.

Opened in 2009, the museum, which is actually called Museo Subacuático de Arte or MUSA is found between the waters of Cancun, Punta Nizuc and Isla Mujares. The largest underwater museum in the world, there are about 400+ sculptures here, and other artistic pieces you never can imagine was possible to display this way.

Part of the idea for this museum is also to incorporate environmental science. The sculptures are actually made of materials that help with coral life and restore the natural balance underwater.

Every year, this site gets almost a million visitors, who are curious enough to dive down its waters and see the wonder. It has undergone several instalations, featuring themes like Hombre en Llamas ,La Jardinera de la Esperanza and Coleccionista de los Sueños. But the most popular one is The Silent Evolution with its life-sized figures.

This is actually an ongoing project, with the most recent installation just completed in 2011.

The municipality of Zacatecas has a city center that is considered a World Heritage site because of its beautiful Baroque structure. But what really is attractive to tourists are the rows of colorful houses by its residents.

These brightly colored houses are so ornamental that a lot of travel magazines and photographs online have captured it for posterity. Some say that these were colored in this manner, to keep the heat from coming into the house. But the real reason is probably due to aesthetics. It does look really pretty and colorful, especially when the sun is shining brightly.

Strlling to the streets of the city is pleasurable because of these pastel houses. And as you will notice, the balconies and the patterns of color are different and the facade comes with its own intricate designs.

Zacatecas is actually a historic city with little or no changes, apart from its street improvements. This is because the municipality is located in a narrow valley and any urban development limits it greatly so. Attempts have been made to develop it but study has proven that time and again, the place’s grid patterns just makes it not viable for urbanization.

It should be seen as a blessing though, because Zacatecas gets to keep what is authentic and true to its place. Much of its buildings and structures with its quaint ironwork still remain.

Only a few tourists have discovered this city’s charming atmostphere, because Zacatecas is located far north and can be quite isolated. But the truth is, this only takes an hour by plane from Mexico City, and about four hours by bus from Guadalajara.

Located in Manzanillo’s best beaches and swimming areas, the Hotel La Posada is a favorite among many guests of the island. It’s because of its very informal, but very comfortable atmosphere that many visitors keep coming back here.

The hotel is quaint pink structure offering about 25 rooms. It is small, but the hotel is well-managed, quiet and clean. And its rates are reasonable. Prices are higher during winter seasons, it’s because so many come to this place at that time and take advantage of the lovely tropical weather. But the rates already include the meal package for breakfast.

The rooms are hacienda style, which I think really helps with making the atmosphere feel cool and authentic. If you take the rooms after the ground floor, it has its own balcony overlooking the garden. You will truly enjoy being surrounded by the gift of nature.

There is a clear fresh-water pool featured with a bridge you can walk across, and there’s also seating at the shallow end of the pool, so that you can soak while drinking your favorite refreshment. Enjoy your tan here or at a nearby beach, and truly have a vacation with the rest of your family.

Because the hotel is located in a populated downtown area, it is actually accessible to many restaurants. However, there’s also an in-house restaurant and a snack bar. So, you won’t have to worry about where to eat your meals.

Do make sure to bring a bug spray if you’re visiting during the peak season, as Manzanillo can be full of mosquitoes that could dampen your vacation.

But other than that, overall, a stay in this hotel is truly exceptional!

Honeymoons and romantic vacations are always the reasons why people come to Cancun. The island is such a conducive place for romance that plenty of wedding destinations and anniversary celebrations take place here.

The hotels even offer packages for such events, and you can pick from a variety of these in many of the hotels in the area. They range from the super luxurious to the most budget-friendly accomodations. There’s also golf resort hotels, nude and adult only hotels and family hotels that are kid and pet friendly.

While still largely a romantic destination, vacationing in Cancun with your kids is definitely still plausible as some hotels, like The Royal Sands, offer packages that include activities that children may also enjoy. There are supervised events offered only for the children and babysitting services are also available.

The Royal Sands is also a fantastic place, if you are a sports enthusiasts, because this hotel is a golf resort. Or you can check out the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort that comes with the breathtaking view of the Mayan Ruins, as well as a tennis court facility.

Hotels like these organize plenty of activities for their guests, including snorkeling, day trips, and diving trips.

If you’re into budget travels, be aware though that these hotels may be without facilities like a swimming pool or may have no in-house restaurants. Budget hotels are perfect if you’re really just looking for a place to sleep, as you tour the rest of the island in the day. Hotel Tankah and Hotel San Carlos Cancun are just some of the decent budget hotels in the area.

August is the off-season in Cancun, which means that a lot of resorts have deals and special offers you can save on. If you want to visit Mexico with a tight budget, then this would be the ideal month to do it.

You have to contend with rainfall, however, as this is the start of the rainy season. And it’s different here in Mexico as the temperatures are higher at this time of the year. The weather can also get very uncomfortable as it is quite. The rains usually come during the afternoon, which means that you should do your activities outdoor in the early mornings. If you plan on going on a daytour, you may have to have rain gear prepared.

Many visitors, however, seem to not mind the weather, as the beaches are still filled with sunworshippers and swimmers.

Cancun beaches have rows of interesting restaurants that range from the pricey to the super affordable. The beach atmosphere make dining even more enjoyable.

If you come around mid-August, it’s actually the La Fiesta de Playa celebration, featuring concerts and different fun competitions, as well as dance parties. There’s also a special festivity by the lighthouse as Isla Mujares celebrates its Founding Day every August 17th.

The beach can be really crowded with tourists from nearby United States during Labor Day Weekend, and while this is not the holiday Mexico celebrates, it sure feels like there’s a party here in Cancun during those times.

Hoards of tourist come to Cancun around November, as this is the best time to be in the island. The rainy season has let up and there are loads of festivals too look forward to like the Day of the Dead.

Although Cancun is a tourist destination all year round, in November, the weather is drier, but the temparature drops slightly with the evenings and mornings a lot more cooler.

The climate remains ideal for sunbathing and swimming, or do different kinds of water sports, or visit landmarks at Isla Mujares or the Chichen Itza. Daytours and walks are perfect for the cool but bright November weather, so make sure to have good, comfortable shoes with you.

November also marks Mexico’s All Saints Day and Day of The Dead celebrations. It’s like Halloween in Mexico, and houses, including people, are decked with colorful decorations to commemorate their deceased loved ones. This is also considered a National holiday, so expect many establishments to be closed as everyone is in the mood for fiesta celebrations.

In the middle of November, there’s the Cancun International Film Festival, which film lovers will appreciate.

Since this month is also the start of the tourist season, it’s best to avail of hotel accommodations early and book ahead. If you’re low on budget and wasn’t able to make advance reservations, though, there are still a few low budget hotels in downtown Cancun. Take note however, that you will have to contend with the lack of facilities (like having a common bathroom for all guests).