Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Mexico Vacation

Mexico Vacations
I cannot believe that this year is almost over!
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. I also want to wish you all peace, prosperity, and plenty of vacations.
I used to joke that “family vacation” was an oxymoron since no trip with my family qualified as vacation. Now, that I have matured at the ripe old age of forty- something, I treasure the times I spend with my family, especially vacations. While my family and holidays can still be stressful, when all is said and done, little else matters.

Mexico matters though. Let’s talk about Mexico, and why you should go there. For me, it is all about value and beaches. When I was 18 it was all about drinking and clubbing, but really Mexico offers so much more.
Let’s start with Cancun and the Mayan Riviera (Playa del Carmen, Tulum). Both have crystal clear blue water and white soft powder beaches. Cancun reminds me of South Beach (Florida). If you like familiarity (McDonalds, TGIF), shopping, nightclubs, and nice beaches, go to Cancun with confidence. There are enough options for hotels in Cancun that everyone should be happy. There are big hotels, small hotels, all-inclusive resorts, 5 star Ritz Carlton caliber resorts, and tourist class hotels for people on a budget or just need a place to sleep. We have them all, and we will find a perfect one for you. Just be careful in March, May, and June, when High School and College Spring Break students discover alcohol for the first time and decide to cram 4 people in a room. Some of the more upscale hotels do not accept Spring Break students, so ask, and we will let you know. There are also great family resorts in Cancun, and plenty to do and see for kids of all ages.
Mayan Riviera (just South of Cancun) is the Cancun of 20 years ago. It is quiet, though there is a town for those looking for shopping and nightlife, peaceful, and serene. Almost all the resorts are big, and almost all only offer all-inclusive, but I personally prefer this area. This is a great place to have a destination wedding or honeymoon, but is also great for those looking for something other than a beach. Mexico has so much history. Everyone who goes has to take that horrible ride to Chichen-Itza and see one of the great Wonders of The World. It is truly amazing. Also in the area are golf courses, great snorkeling and diving, as well as the Dolphin Swim encounter. If you do not like big resorts, make sure you check with us.
Acapulco is dated in my opinion, but it starting to come around again. It is still popular with college kids and honeymooners, but it is not my favorite part of Mexico.
I loved both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. The weather, the sunsets, the stars!. I went in December and there is was humidity, warm days and cool nights. I understand January and February can be cold, so once again ask about the weather. If you’ve never been, go now before it catches on with the Europeans (like Punta Cana and Jamaica) and it is no longer affordable.
Puerto Vallarta has a charming town that bustles at night, great all-inclusive resorts and some wonderful condo/hotels that are perfect for families.
Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding areas is my new favorite place. I hated the flights from the East Coast, but once I was there I felt like a celebrity myself. There are villas, time-shares (my one complaint, the timeshare people are overwhelming), little hotels, and big resorts. If you like the ocean, make sure the resort allows you to swim in the water (some places the water is too rough).

My advise- Try Mexico. Don’t drink the water, just drink Tequila!
Until next year………..Beth