In July of 2007, my family and I headed off to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a fun-filled family vacation. Given that my Dad's family is from Mexico, my family and I had already traveled to parts of Mexico such as Monterray de nueve Leon and Mexico City where my Dad was raised. Here we stayed on cattle ranches. So, needless to say, my family and I were ready for a trip to Mexico that was more relaxing and that offered more exciting things to do without being too Americanized and losing the Mexican ethnic roots. This is when we all decided on traveling to Puerto Vallarata.

First off, let me start by saying that Puerto Vallarta is primarily broken down into two main territories: Nuevo Vallarta and Old-town Puerto Vallarta. Nuevo Vallarta is mainly what I speak up in this travel review. Within the past ten years, Puerto Vallarta has been working hard to add better technology and build their city up to attract more people. Let me just say, it is definitely working. Also, even though I went to Puerto Vallarta with my family, this city is perfect for any person at any age... whether are going to visit for a relaxing trip, for a honeymoon, with family, or with friends. All people and ages will like this city.

The trip as a whole is pretty stress free... do not worry if you cannot speak Spanish. Once arriving into the airport, there are signs and English-speaking tour guides that help you flag down a cab. The cab ride intot the Hotel Zone is only 10 minutes and very convientent. When I say the Hotel Zone, I am referring to Nuevo Vallarta where all the hotels, resorts, and time shares are that tourists and the wealthy people of Mexico stay. This is one of the safest parts of Puerto Vallarta.

My family and I stayed at Villas Vallartas Hotel and Resort, which is in the the Hotel Zone and central to just about anything that you want to do. I highly recommend staying at this hotel as it offers a deal called "All Inclusive." This means that you pay a flat rate upfront and then the hotel offers all the accommodations after that. You will receive a wrist-band that you wear for the duration of the trip that allows you to have all the food, drinks, entertainment, tour guides, spa treatments, etc that you want while you are staying in the hotel. It was amazing and made the whole trip just that much easier. Many of the hotels in the Hotel Zone will offer this deal as it is a prime way to attract tourists and allows for people not to have to worry about carrying money around. In terms of pricing, to do all-inclusive trips in Puerto Vallarta, it is about $100/night per person. Remember, this includes your room too, so all-in-all, this is a great deal. I highly recommend finding a hotel with "All Inclusive." Believe me, you will be glad you did so.

Now for the things to do in Puerto Vallarta... There is so much! Aside from simply relaxing by the pool or on the beach, going to the movies, going bowling, going shopping, going clubbing (Senior FROG'S!!!), going boating, going fishing etc, there are several tours that you will be able to go on that offer fun day-adventures to entertain you. The following are just a few to capture your interest:
My family and I went ATV-ing one day. It is $60/person, but it offers a full day of 4-wheeling through Puerto Vallarta's mountains, rivers, and plantations. Included in this tour is transportation, food, drinks, goggles, a helmet, and tequila tour. This was an exciting adventure, but I am warning you now, you CANNOT be afraid to get dirty.

The four of us also went on a snorkeling tour and horseback riding along the beach. We snorkeled at a place called Marietas. Snorkeling the Marieta Islands, not only will you see a wide variety of fish, you will see sea turtles, dolphins, giant mantas and coral reefs. It is absolutely beautiful.  
 

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