Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals

Things to know about Cancun: Hotels and Accommodation

Rachel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:58:37 +0000

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.

Things to know about Cancun: August

Rachel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:11:53 +0000

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.

Things to know about Cancun: November

Rachel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:35:05 +0000

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).

Things To Know About Puerto Vallarta: Location, Location, Location

Rachel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:58:44 +0000

Puerto Vallarta is a thriving expat community, which is most probably why a lot of tourists here feel right at home. There are plenty of Canadians, Americans and even Europeans who have settled here and have infused the life of the locals like their own.

Forget about the sterotype that you see in movies and television about Mexico being quite provincial and small, or even impoverished. The truth is Puerto Vallarta is actually an upscale area.

The Hotel Zone, for instance, is almost similar in ambiance and atmosphere as the ones you see in California. The center of the city, in fact, hardly shows any sign of danger or desolation. This isn’t like New Jersey, where slums are seen within a block from a posh hotel.

All around, the area is a pleasant, middle-class community with a lot of expats living here for many years, with their kids and family. That’s not saying there are no desolated areas in this part of Mexico, however. Because there are quite a few, yet well-managed environments.

If you’re in the market to not just visiting Puerto Vallarta on short trips, but to actually find a house you can come to for vacations, the city center has reasonable rates.

Things To Know About Puerto Vallarta: Nightlife

Rachel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:46:17 +0000

Puerto Vallarta has a vibrant nightlife with lots of parties, singing, drinking and dancing. There’s always something for everyone to enjoy. In fact, Puerta Vallarta has one of the best and most authentic nightlife spots here in Mexio.

At the Hotel Zone, visitors will find that there are numerous dance clubs and bars that, more often than not, is almost always filled with tourists. This is especially during the times between November and March, when visitors from everywhere arrive the most.

The city center is where the most active and bustling nightlife scenes are, where the clubs actually do well blending in what’s popular among the locals and nationals, with what is also a hit with tourists and guests. The city center also has a novelty gift shop, as well as a couple of tourist spots. If you don’t prefer going to clubs and bars during the night, then you can spend it shopping or looking for gifts to bring home to family and friends.

For the most part, nightlife is filled with Mexican or Spanish language music, which can be a new sound for tourists, or frustrating, if they cannot relate to it. But in plenty of cases, the tourists seem to blend in, get jiggy with the sound, and have a great time.

Prices at these clubs are offered at fairly reasonable rates, and the crowd is a mix of fashionable and trendy people, proving that in Puerto Vallarta, the fun never stops at the beach!

Things To Know About Puerto Vallarta: Beaches

Rachel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:33:56 +0000

Puerto Vallarta has a gorgeous beach coast and there are about forty beaches you can find in the area, all offering different pleasures. The beaches are perfect for doing all sorts of water activitis including snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing or wind surfing.

The most visited spots are the beaches found in Los Muertos, located in the Old Town and during weekends and holidays, this can be incredibly filled with people.

The northern part of Puerto Vallarta have more beaches that are suited for surfing and some of these are secluded and less populated.

One thing you should take note of when booking at a beach resort is that the downtown beaches are basicallys smaller. The Hotel Zone does offer a lot of wonderful beaches, but it’s best to check where you are booking your accommodation from. The downtown central area do not have beaches nearby at all, so if you have booked your stay here, be prepared to shell out extra for cab fares if you would like to go to the beach. Otherwise, if you only intend to get a tan working, your best bet is to stay in the hotel and enjoy the pool.

The water on the beach is actually cold, all year round, in spite the fact that this is a gorgeous tropical island, which is why you will find that most hotels also have pools with warm water even when the beach is a walking distance.

Things To Know About Puerto Vallarta: The Romantic Zone

Rachel — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:24:40 +0000

In Puerto Vallarta, there is such an area called the Romantic Zone. What really is this place? Is it really “romantic”?

The “Romantic Zone” or Zona Romantica is actually a strip of hotels in Puerto Vallarta, where couples and lovers spend a few days to rendezvous. This is just a small section of the center of the city, located at the River
Cuale and is part of the Old Town of the island. Unlike the northern area, buildings and sights here are not updated, but there’s actually a nostalgic feel to it.

The Romantic Zone has a few family friendly hotels though, so you can actually bring your kids to this district, if you’re comfortable. The Romantic Zone also has a few hotels that gay couples frequent.

There are also plenty of shops and bars, as well as restaurants in the area, so this is also a place for pairs to go on dates. Be prepared to see nothing extra ordinary about the establishments though, at least nothing that stands out compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico Wonder: Taxco de Alarcón

Rachel — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:20:30 +0000

Mexico is mostly influenced by Aztec and Mayan culture and this is so evident in many of its cities or towns, in its ruins, monuments and sights to see. One such town is the Taxco de Alarcón, or simply referred to as Taxco, which is located at Guererro.

Associated for its silver mining industry, Taxco is where tourists can find lots of silverware and jewelry. Apart from this, the city is also quite a majestic place to visit as most homes look as if these were built for story books.

Some of the best places to visit in Taxco include the Parish of Santa Prisca y San Sebastían or the Santa Prisca Church, which truly stands out for it is a massive structre with its Baroque architecture. Its also decked in pink stones and has two elaborate towers on each side. For such a small town, this site is something that one cannot miss.

The main plaza, called the Zocalo, is also a great place to check ou. This is where the Casa de Cultural or the Cultural Center is, and appeals to lovers of fine arts, languages or sports. Zocalo is also a shopping site where one can find bars and restaurants as well as plenty of shops selling silver and jewelry.

Mexico Wonder: San Miguel de Allende

Rachel — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:29:33 +0000

Mexico’s rich historical past, with its Mayan, Aztec and Spanish influences, can be seen in many of the towns in the country. Its colonial flavor is one of the reasons why tourists enjoy coming to the country because they both bring out classic, historical and luxurious charms worthy of visiting.

San Miguel de Allende is one town that has a distinct colonial flavor, it’s as if you’ve stepped in time when you’ve come to this place. Located in Guanajuato, this place has been established in 1542 and is called home by many of the Mexico’s rich, as well as American and Canadian retirees.

The summer months would be the best time to come to San Miguel De Allende as there are plenty of festivals that take place during the season including the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, Latin America’s annual and largest film showcase.

The town also has a beautiful mural at the Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes that is worth checking out. done by Eleneor Coen, an American artist, the mural depicts the simple Mexican way of life with women and children bathing and washing in the river.

If you want to do some shopping, there are planty of places for those who are looking for handicrafts, furniture and home decoration. They are a bit pricy but they look elaborate, fabulous and well-crafted, they’re actually investment pieces.

Museums in Mexico: Museo Nacional del Virreinato

Rachel — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:49:14 +0000

Located in Tepotzotlán on Plaza Hidalgo #99, the Museo Nacional del Virreinato is also known as the Colegio de San Fracisco Javier, owned by the Jesuits who arrived in this place in the year 1572.

The museum houses in impressive collection of art and historical pieces. Aside from that, it is also well-known because of its beautiful structure. The museum has plenty of interior courtyards with well-groomed gardens and wide passageways where sculptures are put on display, including the Salta de Agua fountain, which was done when the very first Chapultepec aqueduct was built here. The old school/museum houses a library and used to have dormitories, the refectory, school chapel and kitchen. In the early 60′s this was renovated to help maintain it, but much of its original look and aesthetics were kept in place.

Museo Nacional del Virreinato has a vast collection of Religious Art from the Mexico City Cathedral. These includes crosses, silver tabernacles or chalices, ivory or wood pieces, candlesticks, naviculas and many others. It also has the works of Cristóbal de Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera, Jose De Ibarra and the Rodriguez Juarez Brothers. These are all artists from Mexico’s colonial period who are revered today.

The museum also have non-art pieces like silverware, tools and textiles, chairs and other furniture used during the colonial period, including Asian pieces from Manila. Numerous feather art from Germany and France are also on display and its library has an extensive collection of books that come in different languages.