Where should I stay in Mexico? Part 2
(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't wa...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world?
Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!
From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura.
Wait, did you say you enjoy wine? They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know? Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more!
I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience.
I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up. If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.
The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!
After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.
If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia!
Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Whale Season
Mexico: The Pacific Side
Let's now explore the Pacific side of Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta:
From the golden sand beaches to the beautiful mountain backdrop, Puerto Vallarta should definitely be on your list to visit! Seafront Malecón Boardwalk was renovated back in 2011 to be more pedestrian friendly, making it a perfect place for a romantic stroll with access to lots of shopping, restaurants, bars plus some really trendy & glitzy nightclubs! The beaches at the resorts near town, will tend to be rockier so if beaches are important you'll want to consider staying further outside of town. From Puerto Vallarta there are a few areas such as Nuevo Vallarta, Marina Vallarta & Punta Mita.
Popular Puerto Vallarta Tours:
- Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach Adventure
- Marietas Islands Snorkel and Sail Day Trip
- Whale Watching (December to March - If lucky as early as Nov. to late May)
- Pirates of the Bay Dinner Cruise
- Ziplining (Best place in Mexico)
- Vamonos Nightlife Tour with Open Bar
Huatulco:
When you hear "Huatulco" most people wonder where it is. It's just not a place many have heard others talk on in their travels to Mexico. This is one of the many beauties of considering this to be your next vacation. It's the perfect mix of touristy meets authentic feeling of Mexico. With lots of places to hike by morning and lazily relax on the beach by the afternoon, this hidden gem should be on your list to visit.
Popular Huatulco Tours:
- Coffee Plantation Tour
- ATV Tour to the Waterfalls
- La Bocana Whitewater Rafting Experience
- Street Food Cooking Class
- Five Bay's Tour Emerald Falls Nature & Food Experience
Los Cabos:
Probably my 2nd favorite of Mexico, is Los Cabos. There is a reason that celebrities flock to this desert paradise. While there are many top-rated golf courses throughout Mexico, Los Cabos is definitely the premier golfing destination. If big-game sportfishing is your passion, this is where you want to be. It has some of the best fishing in Mexico, next to Zihuatanejo that is. From Los Cabos some of the more popular areas are Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, The Corridor and La Paz. Be sure to pick up a bottle of Damiana Tequila Liqueur. It's made with the Damiana herb, a natural aphrodisiac that grows in Baja, California.
Popular Los Cabos Tours:
- Off-Road Runners ATV Tour
- Sea of Cortez Catamaran and Snorkeling Adventure
- Sunset Cruise
- La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling
- Camel Safari Canyon Bungee Jump
- Wild Canyon Zip Lining Tour
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo:
Ixtapa being a fishing village, the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed feeling than other typical tourist spots of Mexico. Are you into sports and ecotourism, you can go surfing and golfing, ATVing, biking and bird-watching all in this sleepy fishing town! Top-notch fishing here as well.
Popular Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Tours:
- Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour
- Las Gatas Beach, Kayaking or Snorkeling Tour
- Horseback Riding on the Beach and Through a Coconut Plantation
Mazatlán:
I visited a few years back for a business trip. I admit, I always thought of Mazatlán as the place for college spring breakers, wanting to go to Mexico for cheap ... it was so much more than that, and I rather enjoyed it in fact! I loved cruising down the malecón in the local version of cabs, pulmonias, open-air golf cart-like vehicles with vibrant lights and tunes blaring! Visited some fun local bars as well. The El Cid resorts in particular really give you that "Mexican Feel" resort experience, while still comfortable with an All-Inclusive. With some other higher end choices, depending on your comfort level with accommodations. Looking for some unique liquors? Be sure to check out Onilikan where you can get the world's only Natural Mango liqueur.
Popular Mazatlán Tours:
- Ziplines and mezcal tasting
- Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping
- TimeStone Island Beach and Old Town Sightseeing Tour
Acapulco:
The #1 attraction is to watch the Clavadistas of the Quebrada, where young men risk their lives diving off the cliffs. Why not hike to the Top of the Roqueta Island? While there are many things people love about Acapulco for its vivid nightlife & sandy beaches, in recent years they've experienced some additional levels of crime. Resort areas and tourist destinations are not prone to violence and serious crime. If you decide to visit you may experience a heavier military and police presence in place for safety. We would look into its current recommendation for travels at that time.
Popular Acapulco Tours:
- Acapulco City Tour Cliff Divers Peace Chapel & Mural
- Kayaking Tour to Islet El Morro
- Mangrove Adventure Tour
- Lucha Libre Experience in Acapulco with Tacos Dinner and Beer
- Taxco Private Day Trip by Van from Acapulco
- Turtle Release Tours
No matter if you're looking for some Mexican Culture, sparkling waters, lazy island life, tasty tequilas, fresh caught seafood, to endless tour options ... consider a trip to Mexico for your next vacation! Together we can create the perfect Mexican adventure right for you!